Lillie Jones
Connoisseur.
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2020
- Messages
- 10,310
- Likes received
- 23,391
thanks for the chapter
-
An addendum to Rule 3 regarding fan-translated works of things such as Web Novels has been made. Please see here for details.
-
We've issued a clarification on our policy on AI-generated work.
-
Our mod selection process has completed. Please welcome our new moderators.
-
Due to issues with external spam filters, QQ is currently unable to send any mail to Microsoft E-mail addresses. This includes any account at live.com, hotmail.com or msn.com. Signing up to the forum with one of these addresses will result in your verification E-mail never arriving. For best results, please use a different E-mail provider for your QQ address.
-
The rules regarding NSFW links have been updated. See here for details.
Transformers Galvatron Self-Insert (TFP)
- Thread starter Devastator21
- Start date
INTERCEPTED LOG GALACTIC COUNCIL
New
Devastator21
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Joined
- May 2, 2024
- Messages
- 1,133
- Likes received
- 5,538
Location: Galactic Council Central Command – High Council Chambers
POV: Councilor Varn
The High Council chambers, once a symbol of order and unity, now echoed with the sounds of heated debate. Holographic projections of conquered worlds floated above the central table, their crimson glow casting eerie shadows across the room. Each image told the same story: Decepticon conquest.
Councilor Varn stood at the table's edge, his taloned hands gripping the polished surface. His normally calm demeanor had cracked under the strain, his voice rising above the din.
"This is unsustainable!" he roared, slamming a fist down. "We've lost seven sectors in less than a stellar cycle! If we continue at this rate, there won't be a Council left to govern!"
Another councilor, a towering amphibious being named Rylok, retorted sharply. "You think I don't see that? But what do you propose? Surrender? Appeasement? Galvatron isn't some warlord we can bribe with territories. He wants it all!"
The room descended into chaos, voices overlapping in an indecipherable cacophony. Varn closed his eyes, trying to block out the noise. His mind raced, replaying reports of fleets obliterated, planets scorched, and citizens reduced to ash.
Finally, Councilor Arteaus, the eldest member of the Council, raised his hand. The room fell silent. Arteaus's voice, though aged, carried the weight of authority.
"We must consider... unconventional alliances," he said gravely.
Varn's eyes snapped open. "You mean the Autobots."
Arteaus nodded. "And others, if necessary."
---
Location: Galactic Council Central Command – Strategy Room
POV: Admiral Krennar
In the adjacent strategy room, Admiral Krennar poured over tactical displays with his aides. Each screen showed grim statistics: fleet strength dwindling, supply lines severed, reinforcements delayed or destroyed.
"This isn't war," Krennar muttered, his voice laced with bitterness. "It's extermination."
An aide hesitated before speaking. "Admiral, the Council is debating the inclusion of... nontraditional allies."
Krennar turned sharply, his eyes narrowing. "The Autobots?"
"And others," the aide confirmed.
Krennar's fists clenched. "I won't argue against necessity, but let's be clear: relying on Cybertronians to stop other Cybertronians is a gamble. One that could cost us what little we have left."
He turned back to the displays, his gaze hardening. "But if it's the only card we have, we'll play it."
---
Location: Verdant Prime – Autobot Settlement POV: Kup
The settlement of Verdant Prime was quiet in the way that only deep space could offer. The lush greenery swayed under soft winds, and the hum of energon processors provided a calming background melody. Kup stood on the outskirts, gazing over the tranquil scene.
He exhaled, servos clicking softly. "Peace," he muttered, his voice rasping. "Funny how it never feels like it lasts, even when you've got it."
In the distance, he could see the younger Autobots at work. Hound barked instructions to a group of scouts, his voice steady and authoritative. Moonracer oversaw the energon processing, her optimism as unyielding as ever. Guzzle, ever gruff, carried heavy equipment, muttering complaints about every unnecessary step.
Kup's optics dimmed slightly as he turned back to the settlement. "Too quiet," he muttered under his breath. "Always is before something big."
---
Location: Verdant Prime – Outer Perimeter
POV: Scout
The dense foliage of Verdant Prime's perimeter offered cover, but to the scout running at full speed, it felt like an endless gauntlet. His armor was scorched, and his systems crackled with strain.
He stumbled as he reached the settlement boundary, collapsing to his knees. "Help..." he rasped, his voice barely audible.
Kup appeared first, his movements surprisingly quick for his age. He knelt beside the scout, gripping his shoulder. "Easy, son," Kup said, steadying him. "What's got you running like a turbofox out of Kaon?"
The scout's optics flickered weakly. "Decepticons..."
The word hung in the air, louder than any scream.
Kup's optics narrowed. "You sure about that, kid? You'd better not be fraggin' with me."
"Whole fleets," the scout stammered. Worlds burning. The Galactic Council... they can't stop them. They're everywhere."
Kup's grip tightened, but he didn't let the growing pit in his spark show. "Moonracer!" he barked over his comms. "Get this bot patched up!"
---
Location: Verdant Prime – Autobot Meeting Hall POV: Kup
The meeting hall was dim, its interior filled with the quiet hum of data terminals. Kup leaned heavily on the central table, his optics fixed on the scout's report projected above. The details were sparse, but the weight of them was undeniable.
"They're back," Kup muttered. "Decepticons."
The room's silence was broken by Hound, who crossed his arms tightly. "How? The remaining 'Cons scattered after the Megatron and Optimus vanished along with the Ark and the Nemesis through that wormhole."
"This ain't Megatron," Kup replied sharply. "Whatever's out there now... it's worse. Kid says they've got fleets burning worlds. Galactic Council's running scared. You think some splinter faction can pull that off?"
Guzzle slammed a fist into the table. "I knew it! I knew this peace wouldn't last! Should've fortified this planet the moment we landed!"
Moonracer's voice was softer, trembling slightly. "But why now? Why come back after all this time?"
Kup looked up, his optics burning with a mix of anger and exhaustion. "Because we left," he said simply. "They've got no one to stop them."
---
Location: Verdant Prime – Autobot Square
POV: Moonracer
The sound of engines overhead drew the entire settlement's attention. The Autobots gathered as a sleek Galactic Council envoy ship descended, its polished hull glinting in the sunlight. Its presence alone was enough to send unease rippling through the crowd.
The ship's ramp extended, and a humanoid envoy stepped forward, flanked by armed guards. They paused, surveying the gathered Autobots.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Moonracer's hand tightened around her energon rifle, her optics darting to Kup, who stood motionless.
The envoy continued. "We need you're help entire fleets have been destroyed. Whole sectors lie in ruin. The Council's defenses are crumbling."
Hound stepped forward, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You're serious? The Decepticons? After everything we fought through—after Cybertron?"
"This is not the Decepticons you remember," the envoy replied. "They are stronger. Unified under a new leader: Lord Galvatron the leader of the New Decepticon Empire."
The name struck like a thunderbolt. Kup's optics darkened, his fists clenching at his sides.
---
Location: Verdant Prime – Autobot Meeting Hall POV: Kup
Back in the meeting hall, the tension was palpable. The Autobot leaders sat in silence, the weight of the envoy's words pressing down on them like a crushing tide.
Kup broke the silence, his voice low and bitter. "The Galactic Council. The same ones that turned their backs on Cybertron. And now they're crawling to us, asking for help?"
"We have no choice," the envoy said evenly. "Neither do you. If the Decepticons continue on their current trajectory they'll bulldoze through this planet into our Core, they will come for you next."
Moonracer looked to Kup, her voice trembling. "Kup... if they're really that strong..."
"They are," Kup cut her off. "The kid's report was clear. We're looking at a whole new war."
Guzzle slammed his fist into the table again. "Then what're we waiting for? Let's take the fight to them!"
Kup shook his head. "We're not ready for this. Not yet." He turned to the envoy, his optics narrowing. "But I'll tell you this: we'll fight. Not for you, and not for your Council. For them." He gestured toward the settlement outside.
Kup's weathered face as he responded added, "They're back. And this time... I don't know if we'll survive."
---
Location: Galactic Fringe – Derelict Outpost
POV: Lockdown
The outpost hung in the void like a carcass stripped of its flesh. It had been abandoned for years, its once-imposing defenses now little more than rusted relics. Debris drifted lazily around it, the remnants of long-forgotten battles.
To Lockdown, it was perfect.
His ship, the Nightmare's Prize, dwarfed the ruined station. Its sleek black hull shimmered faintly under the starlight, bristling with weapons and sensors. Inside, Lockdown stood on the bridge, his imposing frame backlit by the faint glow of his control panels. His scarred face was calm, but his optics burned with calculated intent.
"Report," he growled, his voice gravelly but measured.
A hunter drone hovered at his side, its single optic blinking. "Council convoy intercepted in Sector Delta. Cargo includes weapons, rations, and high-priority personnel."
Lockdown tilted his head, his mouth curling into a thin smirk. "Priority personnel? Interesting. Send the coordinates to the Prize's targeting systems. We'll intercept."
The drone hesitated. "And... the cargo, sir?"
Lockdown turned, his optics narrowing. "Cargo's expendable."
"Sir, there requesting to board," the officer said. "They claim to have a proposal."
Lockdown leaned back in his chair, his frame imposing even in stillness. "A proposal? That's bold for them. Let them aboard. Let's see how desperate they really are."
Moments later, the Galactic Council envoy entered the bridge. The envoy, dressed in pristine robes that contrasted starkly with the grimy, war-torn vessel, carried themselves with practiced authority. Their face betrayed no fear, but their eyes revealed the strain of their mission.
"Lockdown," the envoy began, their voice measured and commanding. "You know why I'm here."
Lockdown rose from his seat, towering over the envoy. "I might," he said, his tone dripping with mockery. "But why don't you enlighten me? I do love a good story."
The envoy stepped forward, undeterred by the hulking mercenary. "The Galactic Council is in need of your... expertise. We are prepared to offer you substantial compensation in exchange for your services."
Lockdown chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "Substantial, huh? You'd better be more specific. I don't work for scraps."
The envoy's expression hardened. "Galvatron's forces are tearing through our fleets. If we don't act now, the Council's authority will crumble. You have the skills, the firepower, and the ruthlessness we require. Name your price."
Lockdown circled the envoy slowly, his optics glinting. "You come to me, begging for help, because you're too weak to handle him yourselves. Tell me, envoy, what makes you think I won't just take what I want and leave you to burn?"
The envoy's gaze didn't falter. "Because you're smarter than that. Galvatron isn't someone you can outgun or outmaneuver. He's not a Decepticon warlord looking to carve out a territory—he's aiming for total domination. And once he's done with the Council, he'll come for you."
Lockdown stopped, his optics narrowing. The envoy pressed on.
"You could side with Galvatron," they said. "But you know he doesn't tolerate competition. Eventually, he'll turn on you. Work with us, and you'll have the freedom to operate as you please. No oversight. No interference."
Lockdown's smirk returned. "Freedom, huh? That's a nice way of saying I'd be cleaning up your mess."
The envoy met his gaze evenly. "Freedom... and wealth. More than you've ever seen."
For a moment, the room was silent, the tension palpable. Then Lockdown laughed, a sharp, cruel sound that echoed through the bridge.
"I like you, envoy," he said. "You've got guts. But I don't trust you. So here's what's going to happen: I'll think about your offer. But if I catch a whiff of betrayal..."
He leaned in close, his voice dropping to a menacing growl. "...I'll decorate this ship with your bones."
The envoy nodded, their composure intact. "I look forward to your answer, Lockdown."
As the envoy was escorted back to their ship, Lockdown turned to his crew, his smirk fading into a cold, calculating expression.
"Send a message to Galvatron's fleet," he said. "Tell them Lockdown's open for business. Let's see who offers more."
Meanwhile, Lockdown stood aboard the bridge of his ship, his optics fixed on a holographic display of the Galactic Council's transmission. His second-in-command waited nervously as Lockdown mulled over the envoy's offer.
"They're desperate," Lockdown said finally, his voice dripping with amusement. "Offering me freedom and wealth like I'm some two-credit mercenary. Still... they're right about one thing."
He turned, his smirk fading into a cold, calculating expression. "Galvatron doesn't tolerate competition. If I side with the Council, I'll bleed them dry for every credit they've got. And if I side with Galvatron... well, we'll see how much he's willing to pay to keep me out of his way."
The lieutenant hesitated. "And if neither side pays enough?"
Lockdown's smirk returned. "Then we'll take what we want."
---
Location: Galactic Council Central Command – High Council Chambers
POV: Councilor Varn
Back in the Council chambers, the debate raged on. Arteaus addressed the room, his voice unwavering despite his frail frame.
"The Autobots will not come easily but they do owe the Council for their planet they occupy," he said. "But if we do nothing, Galvatron will carve through our core worlds like a blade through flesh."
Varn leaned forward, his talons clicking against the table. "And what of Lockdown? He's already proven himself willing to play both sides. Bringing him into this war could be as dangerous as leaving him out of it."
Arteaus met Varn's gaze. "We don't have the luxury of choice anymore."
The room fell silent as Arteaus's words sank in. Finally, Varn nodded. "Then we proceed. Autobots, mercenaries, whoever we can get. If the Council is to survive, we'll need every weapon at our disposal this Council has stood for a millennia since the first war against Nova Prime this Council has withstood the full might of Cybertron before WE WILL NOT LOSE!"
"WE WILL NOT LOSE" Chanted throughout the chamber.
POV: Councilor Varn
The High Council chambers, once a symbol of order and unity, now echoed with the sounds of heated debate. Holographic projections of conquered worlds floated above the central table, their crimson glow casting eerie shadows across the room. Each image told the same story: Decepticon conquest.
Councilor Varn stood at the table's edge, his taloned hands gripping the polished surface. His normally calm demeanor had cracked under the strain, his voice rising above the din.
"This is unsustainable!" he roared, slamming a fist down. "We've lost seven sectors in less than a stellar cycle! If we continue at this rate, there won't be a Council left to govern!"
Another councilor, a towering amphibious being named Rylok, retorted sharply. "You think I don't see that? But what do you propose? Surrender? Appeasement? Galvatron isn't some warlord we can bribe with territories. He wants it all!"
The room descended into chaos, voices overlapping in an indecipherable cacophony. Varn closed his eyes, trying to block out the noise. His mind raced, replaying reports of fleets obliterated, planets scorched, and citizens reduced to ash.
Finally, Councilor Arteaus, the eldest member of the Council, raised his hand. The room fell silent. Arteaus's voice, though aged, carried the weight of authority.
"We must consider... unconventional alliances," he said gravely.
Varn's eyes snapped open. "You mean the Autobots."
Arteaus nodded. "And others, if necessary."
---
Location: Galactic Council Central Command – Strategy Room
POV: Admiral Krennar
In the adjacent strategy room, Admiral Krennar poured over tactical displays with his aides. Each screen showed grim statistics: fleet strength dwindling, supply lines severed, reinforcements delayed or destroyed.
"This isn't war," Krennar muttered, his voice laced with bitterness. "It's extermination."
An aide hesitated before speaking. "Admiral, the Council is debating the inclusion of... nontraditional allies."
Krennar turned sharply, his eyes narrowing. "The Autobots?"
"And others," the aide confirmed.
Krennar's fists clenched. "I won't argue against necessity, but let's be clear: relying on Cybertronians to stop other Cybertronians is a gamble. One that could cost us what little we have left."
He turned back to the displays, his gaze hardening. "But if it's the only card we have, we'll play it."
---
Location: Verdant Prime – Autobot Settlement POV: Kup
The settlement of Verdant Prime was quiet in the way that only deep space could offer. The lush greenery swayed under soft winds, and the hum of energon processors provided a calming background melody. Kup stood on the outskirts, gazing over the tranquil scene.
He exhaled, servos clicking softly. "Peace," he muttered, his voice rasping. "Funny how it never feels like it lasts, even when you've got it."
In the distance, he could see the younger Autobots at work. Hound barked instructions to a group of scouts, his voice steady and authoritative. Moonracer oversaw the energon processing, her optimism as unyielding as ever. Guzzle, ever gruff, carried heavy equipment, muttering complaints about every unnecessary step.
Kup's optics dimmed slightly as he turned back to the settlement. "Too quiet," he muttered under his breath. "Always is before something big."
---
Location: Verdant Prime – Outer Perimeter
POV: Scout
The dense foliage of Verdant Prime's perimeter offered cover, but to the scout running at full speed, it felt like an endless gauntlet. His armor was scorched, and his systems crackled with strain.
He stumbled as he reached the settlement boundary, collapsing to his knees. "Help..." he rasped, his voice barely audible.
Kup appeared first, his movements surprisingly quick for his age. He knelt beside the scout, gripping his shoulder. "Easy, son," Kup said, steadying him. "What's got you running like a turbofox out of Kaon?"
The scout's optics flickered weakly. "Decepticons..."
The word hung in the air, louder than any scream.
Kup's optics narrowed. "You sure about that, kid? You'd better not be fraggin' with me."
"Whole fleets," the scout stammered. Worlds burning. The Galactic Council... they can't stop them. They're everywhere."
Kup's grip tightened, but he didn't let the growing pit in his spark show. "Moonracer!" he barked over his comms. "Get this bot patched up!"
---
Location: Verdant Prime – Autobot Meeting Hall POV: Kup
The meeting hall was dim, its interior filled with the quiet hum of data terminals. Kup leaned heavily on the central table, his optics fixed on the scout's report projected above. The details were sparse, but the weight of them was undeniable.
"They're back," Kup muttered. "Decepticons."
The room's silence was broken by Hound, who crossed his arms tightly. "How? The remaining 'Cons scattered after the Megatron and Optimus vanished along with the Ark and the Nemesis through that wormhole."
"This ain't Megatron," Kup replied sharply. "Whatever's out there now... it's worse. Kid says they've got fleets burning worlds. Galactic Council's running scared. You think some splinter faction can pull that off?"
Guzzle slammed a fist into the table. "I knew it! I knew this peace wouldn't last! Should've fortified this planet the moment we landed!"
Moonracer's voice was softer, trembling slightly. "But why now? Why come back after all this time?"
Kup looked up, his optics burning with a mix of anger and exhaustion. "Because we left," he said simply. "They've got no one to stop them."
---
Location: Verdant Prime – Autobot Square
POV: Moonracer
The sound of engines overhead drew the entire settlement's attention. The Autobots gathered as a sleek Galactic Council envoy ship descended, its polished hull glinting in the sunlight. Its presence alone was enough to send unease rippling through the crowd.
The ship's ramp extended, and a humanoid envoy stepped forward, flanked by armed guards. They paused, surveying the gathered Autobots.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Moonracer's hand tightened around her energon rifle, her optics darting to Kup, who stood motionless.
The envoy continued. "We need you're help entire fleets have been destroyed. Whole sectors lie in ruin. The Council's defenses are crumbling."
Hound stepped forward, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You're serious? The Decepticons? After everything we fought through—after Cybertron?"
"This is not the Decepticons you remember," the envoy replied. "They are stronger. Unified under a new leader: Lord Galvatron the leader of the New Decepticon Empire."
The name struck like a thunderbolt. Kup's optics darkened, his fists clenching at his sides.
---
Location: Verdant Prime – Autobot Meeting Hall POV: Kup
Back in the meeting hall, the tension was palpable. The Autobot leaders sat in silence, the weight of the envoy's words pressing down on them like a crushing tide.
Kup broke the silence, his voice low and bitter. "The Galactic Council. The same ones that turned their backs on Cybertron. And now they're crawling to us, asking for help?"
"We have no choice," the envoy said evenly. "Neither do you. If the Decepticons continue on their current trajectory they'll bulldoze through this planet into our Core, they will come for you next."
Moonracer looked to Kup, her voice trembling. "Kup... if they're really that strong..."
"They are," Kup cut her off. "The kid's report was clear. We're looking at a whole new war."
Guzzle slammed his fist into the table again. "Then what're we waiting for? Let's take the fight to them!"
Kup shook his head. "We're not ready for this. Not yet." He turned to the envoy, his optics narrowing. "But I'll tell you this: we'll fight. Not for you, and not for your Council. For them." He gestured toward the settlement outside.
Kup's weathered face as he responded added, "They're back. And this time... I don't know if we'll survive."
---
Location: Galactic Fringe – Derelict Outpost
POV: Lockdown
The outpost hung in the void like a carcass stripped of its flesh. It had been abandoned for years, its once-imposing defenses now little more than rusted relics. Debris drifted lazily around it, the remnants of long-forgotten battles.
To Lockdown, it was perfect.
His ship, the Nightmare's Prize, dwarfed the ruined station. Its sleek black hull shimmered faintly under the starlight, bristling with weapons and sensors. Inside, Lockdown stood on the bridge, his imposing frame backlit by the faint glow of his control panels. His scarred face was calm, but his optics burned with calculated intent.
"Report," he growled, his voice gravelly but measured.
A hunter drone hovered at his side, its single optic blinking. "Council convoy intercepted in Sector Delta. Cargo includes weapons, rations, and high-priority personnel."
Lockdown tilted his head, his mouth curling into a thin smirk. "Priority personnel? Interesting. Send the coordinates to the Prize's targeting systems. We'll intercept."
The drone hesitated. "And... the cargo, sir?"
Lockdown turned, his optics narrowing. "Cargo's expendable."
"Sir, there requesting to board," the officer said. "They claim to have a proposal."
Lockdown leaned back in his chair, his frame imposing even in stillness. "A proposal? That's bold for them. Let them aboard. Let's see how desperate they really are."
Moments later, the Galactic Council envoy entered the bridge. The envoy, dressed in pristine robes that contrasted starkly with the grimy, war-torn vessel, carried themselves with practiced authority. Their face betrayed no fear, but their eyes revealed the strain of their mission.
"Lockdown," the envoy began, their voice measured and commanding. "You know why I'm here."
Lockdown rose from his seat, towering over the envoy. "I might," he said, his tone dripping with mockery. "But why don't you enlighten me? I do love a good story."
The envoy stepped forward, undeterred by the hulking mercenary. "The Galactic Council is in need of your... expertise. We are prepared to offer you substantial compensation in exchange for your services."
Lockdown chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "Substantial, huh? You'd better be more specific. I don't work for scraps."
The envoy's expression hardened. "Galvatron's forces are tearing through our fleets. If we don't act now, the Council's authority will crumble. You have the skills, the firepower, and the ruthlessness we require. Name your price."
Lockdown circled the envoy slowly, his optics glinting. "You come to me, begging for help, because you're too weak to handle him yourselves. Tell me, envoy, what makes you think I won't just take what I want and leave you to burn?"
The envoy's gaze didn't falter. "Because you're smarter than that. Galvatron isn't someone you can outgun or outmaneuver. He's not a Decepticon warlord looking to carve out a territory—he's aiming for total domination. And once he's done with the Council, he'll come for you."
Lockdown stopped, his optics narrowing. The envoy pressed on.
"You could side with Galvatron," they said. "But you know he doesn't tolerate competition. Eventually, he'll turn on you. Work with us, and you'll have the freedom to operate as you please. No oversight. No interference."
Lockdown's smirk returned. "Freedom, huh? That's a nice way of saying I'd be cleaning up your mess."
The envoy met his gaze evenly. "Freedom... and wealth. More than you've ever seen."
For a moment, the room was silent, the tension palpable. Then Lockdown laughed, a sharp, cruel sound that echoed through the bridge.
"I like you, envoy," he said. "You've got guts. But I don't trust you. So here's what's going to happen: I'll think about your offer. But if I catch a whiff of betrayal..."
He leaned in close, his voice dropping to a menacing growl. "...I'll decorate this ship with your bones."
The envoy nodded, their composure intact. "I look forward to your answer, Lockdown."
As the envoy was escorted back to their ship, Lockdown turned to his crew, his smirk fading into a cold, calculating expression.
"Send a message to Galvatron's fleet," he said. "Tell them Lockdown's open for business. Let's see who offers more."
Meanwhile, Lockdown stood aboard the bridge of his ship, his optics fixed on a holographic display of the Galactic Council's transmission. His second-in-command waited nervously as Lockdown mulled over the envoy's offer.
"They're desperate," Lockdown said finally, his voice dripping with amusement. "Offering me freedom and wealth like I'm some two-credit mercenary. Still... they're right about one thing."
He turned, his smirk fading into a cold, calculating expression. "Galvatron doesn't tolerate competition. If I side with the Council, I'll bleed them dry for every credit they've got. And if I side with Galvatron... well, we'll see how much he's willing to pay to keep me out of his way."
The lieutenant hesitated. "And if neither side pays enough?"
Lockdown's smirk returned. "Then we'll take what we want."
---
Location: Galactic Council Central Command – High Council Chambers
POV: Councilor Varn
Back in the Council chambers, the debate raged on. Arteaus addressed the room, his voice unwavering despite his frail frame.
"The Autobots will not come easily but they do owe the Council for their planet they occupy," he said. "But if we do nothing, Galvatron will carve through our core worlds like a blade through flesh."
Varn leaned forward, his talons clicking against the table. "And what of Lockdown? He's already proven himself willing to play both sides. Bringing him into this war could be as dangerous as leaving him out of it."
Arteaus met Varn's gaze. "We don't have the luxury of choice anymore."
The room fell silent as Arteaus's words sank in. Finally, Varn nodded. "Then we proceed. Autobots, mercenaries, whoever we can get. If the Council is to survive, we'll need every weapon at our disposal this Council has stood for a millennia since the first war against Nova Prime this Council has withstood the full might of Cybertron before WE WILL NOT LOSE!"
"WE WILL NOT LOSE" Chanted throughout the chamber.
Lillie Jones
Connoisseur.
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2020
- Messages
- 10,310
- Likes received
- 23,391
thanks for the chapter
Continue on
Cheers!
Continue on
Cheers!
LOG-14
New
Devastator21
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Joined
- May 2, 2024
- Messages
- 1,133
- Likes received
- 5,538
Location: Verdant Prime – Autobot Settlement POV: Kup
Verdant Prime was a sanctuary. Its emerald forests stretched endlessly, their vibrant hues glowing under twin suns that bathed the landscape in golden light. The Autobots had carved out a quiet existence here, building their settlement among the towering trees and crystal-clear rivers. For decades, the planet had been their refuge—a place to heal, to reflect, and to dream of a life free from the horrors of war.
But today, Verdant Prime felt different. The air was heavy with tension, the usual hum of energon processors and laughter replaced by the metallic clatter of weapons being readied. Kup stood at the settlement's edge, his battle-worn frame blending into the rocky outcrop that overlooked the valley.
He scanned the horizon, his optics taking in the rows of ships parked in the clearing below. Younger Autobots bustled around the vessels, hauling supplies and running pre-flight checks. Kup's grip on his rifle tightened.
"They're eager," Hound said, stepping up beside him. His green frame cast a shadow over the rocky ground, his usually relaxed demeanor replaced by a quiet intensity.
"Too eager," Kup muttered, his voice gruff. "Look at 'em. Scramblin' like a bunch of turbofoxes caught in a storm. Eagerness won't stop a Decepticon cannon blast."
Hound followed Kup's gaze, his optics narrowing as he watched Moonracer direct a group of scouts. "Can you blame 'em? Most of these bots haven't even seen a real fight. They grew up hearin' stories of the Great War—stories we told to make 'em proud. We didn't tell 'em about the energon stains, or the friends we buried."
Kup's jaw tightened. "No, we didn't. Maybe we should've." He turned, his optics locking onto Hound's. "You think we're ready for this? Really ready?"
Hound hesitated, his optics flickering. "We don't have a choice, Kup. The Council's right about one thing: Galvatron's not like the Decepticons we knew. He's somethin' else. Somethin' worse."
Kup snorted, turning back to the valley. "I've seen worse. Thought I'd buried worse. Now it feels like we're diggin' it back up." He paused, watching as Moonracer's group finished loading a crate onto a transport. "Keep an optic on 'em, Hound. They'll need someone to steer 'em right when things go sideways."
---
Location: Autobot Training Grounds
POV: Moonracer
The training grounds were makeshift—a patch of flattened dirt surrounded by dense forest, with target dummies crafted from salvaged parts. Moonracer stood in the center, her vibrant teal armor glinting in the sunlight as she adjusted her grip on her rifle.
A group of younger Autobots gathered around her, their optics wide with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Most of them were barely out of their first upgrades, their frames gleaming with fresh plating that had never seen combat.
"Alright, listen up," Moonracer said, forcing a smile as she raised her rifle. "This is your standard-issue energon blaster. Reliable, accurate, and easy to handle. Aim, fire, and repeat." She demonstrated, firing a perfect shot that disintegrated the target dummy's head. "Easy, right?"
One of the younger bots raised a shaky servo. "What if the Decepticons shoot back?"
Moonracer's smile faltered. Her optics flicked to the treeline, as if searching for an answer among the shadows. "Then... you shoot faster," she said, her voice softer.
The group exchanged uneasy glances, their excitement dimming. Moonracer sighed, lowering her rifle. "Look, I know it's scary. But you're Autobots. That means somethin'. We've faced worse than Galvatron before, and we've always come out stronger. Just trust your instincts and stick together."
The sound of heavy footsteps made her turn. Hound approached, his imposing frame a stark contrast to her slender build. "Mind if I step in?" he asked gruffly.
Moonracer nodded, stepping aside as Hound addressed the group. "Alright, rookies. Here's the deal. This ain't a game. Out there, you'll see things that'll make your servos shake and your energon run cold. But you don't run. You don't freeze. You look out for the bot next to you, and you keep movin'. Got it?"
The younger bots nodded, their fear giving way to determination.
As the group dispersed, Moonracer turned to Hound. "Thanks," she said quietly. "They needed to hear that."
Hound shrugged. "They'll need a lot more than words to survive what's comin'."
---
Location: Galactic Sector Delta – Void
POV: Lockdown
The Nightmare's Prize was a vessel of contradictions. Its exterior was a fearsome display of jagged armor and concealed weaponry, a warship designed to strike fear into even the bravest opponent. But its interior was something else entirely—a chaotic amalgamation of trophies, weapon caches, and bizarre curiosities from Lockdown's countless exploits.
Lockdown prowled the bridge, his claws clicking against the deck as his optics swept over the displays. The Galactic Council convoy blinked in red, their sluggish formation almost laughable against the Prize's predatory precision.
Behind him, the bridge crew worked with a quiet efficiency that bordered on unnerving. Each member of his crew had been handpicked—mercenaries, bounty hunters, and deserters from factions across the galaxy. They weren't loyal in the traditional sense, but they respected Lockdown's power and shared his ruthlessness.
Near the tactical console, a heavily-armored mech named Forge monitored weapon systems. His hulking frame was covered in mismatched plating, a patchwork of salvaged armor that made him look more like a walking scrapheap than a soldier. Despite his brutish appearance, Forge's hands moved with surprising precision as he calibrated the plasma cannons.
To his right, an agile femme named Shade perched on the edge of her station, her sharp optics darting between screens. Shade was an infiltration specialist, her lithe frame designed for stealth and sabotage. She had a habit of spinning one of her many knives in her servo when she was bored—a habit that Forge found irritating.
"Do you have to do that all the time?" Forge grumbled, his deep voice rumbling through the bridge.
Shade smirked, her optics never leaving her screens. "What's the matter, big guy? Afraid I'll slip and nick your shiny plating?"
"Shut it, both of you," Lockdown growled without looking back. His voice was enough to silence the exchange, the crew returning to their work with renewed focus.
The bridge was just one part of the chaotic labyrinth that was the Nightmare's Prize. The ship's corridors were lined with display cases and storage compartments, each filled with trophies and artifacts from Lockdown's hunts. There were shattered Decepticon insignias, cracked Autobot badges, and even fragments of alien technology whose purpose was long forgotten.
In the main hold, a massive stasis pod stood at the center, its surface etched with alien runes. No one aboard the Prize knew what was inside—not even Lockdown—but its presence cast an eerie shadow over the room. Surrounding the pod were racks of weapons, from standard-issue blasters to experimental prototypes stolen from Council labs.
The crew quarters were equally eclectic. Shade's room was a cluttered mess of scavenged trinkets and surveillance equipment, while Forge's was meticulously organized, each weapon and tool stored with military precision. Other crew members added their own flair to the ship's patchwork aesthetic—a medbay filled with experimental energon vials, a cargo bay converted into a training ground, and even a makeshift cantina where the crew occasionally gathered to share tales of their exploits.
Back on the bridge, Lockdown watched as the convoy drifted into range. The Council frigates moved sluggishly, their shields flickering with intermittent power surges.
"Power up the main cannons," Lockdown commanded, his voice cutting through the quiet hum of the ship. The crew sprang into action, each mech moving with practiced efficiency.
Forge's hands flew over his console, the plasma cannons charging with a low, menacing hum. "Cannons primed. Target locked."
Shade leaned back in her seat, spinning her knife idly. "This is almost too easy. You sure this isn't a trap, boss?"
Lockdown smirked, his optics narrowing as he stared at the tactical display. "If it is, they're even dumber than I thought. Fire."
The first volley struck with pinpoint accuracy, plasma bolts ripping through the lead frigate's engines. The ship bucked violently, its hull splitting apart as secondary explosions erupted along its length.
The second frigate returned fire, its lasers scoring a glancing blow against the Prize's shields. Forge muttered a curse under his breath, his servos flying across the console.
"Shields holding at 92%," he reported. "Permission to obliterate them, Captain?"
"Granted," Lockdown said, his tone dripping with amusement.
The Prize's cannons roared again, a concentrated blast striking the second frigate's bridge. The explosion sent debris scattering, the ship's lights flickering before it went dark.
The remaining cargo ships attempted to scatter, their engines flaring as they veered off in different directions. Shade leaned forward, her optics gleaming. "Want me to disable their engines, boss? I can make it messy."
"Save your tricks," Lockdown replied. "Let them run. They'll lead us straight to their outpost if they're stupid enough to send a distress signal."
Shade pouted, spinning her knife one last time before holstering it. "You're no fun."
Forge chuckled, his deep voice rumbling through the bridge. "I like this plan. Let's see how far they get before they realize they're already dead."
As the convoy's wreckage drifted into the void, the Nightmare's Prize moved in to scavenge. Boarding pods latched onto the cargo ships, disgorging Lockdown's crew into their holds. Each member moved with practiced efficiency, their loyalty not to each other but to the promise of a cut from the spoils.
In the cargo bay of one transport, a younger crew member named Wrench inspected a crate of energon cells. "These Council types don't skimp, do they?"
"Load it up and move on," Forge barked, his massive frame blocking the doorway. "Captain doesn't like delays."
In another ship, Shade sifted through a pile of weapons, her optics gleaming as she picked up a sleek prototype blaster. "Think he'll let me keep this one?" she mused aloud.
"Not if you don't get back to the Prize in the next thirty seconds," Lockdown's voice growled over the comms.
Shade sighed, tossing the blaster into a crate. "Spoilsport."
Lockdown's quarters were a shrine to his conquests, the walls lined with trophies from his countless hunts. Blades, broken armor plates, and even the shattered optics of former prey adorned the room. He poured himself a measure of dark energon, the glowing liquid swirling faintly as he leaned back in his chair.
With a flick of his claws, he activated the comm system. A hologram of Drachen appeared, the crimson optics of Galvatron's lieutenant glaring out from the display.
"What do you want, mercenary?" Drachen growled.
Lockdown swirled his drink lazily. "Information. The Council's next move, to be precise. I'll trade you the convoy's location—for a price."
Drachen's optics narrowed. "Lord Galvatron doesn't negotiate with scavengers."
Lockdown chuckled, leaning forward. "Then consider it a gift. A show of good faith. But remember, Drachen—good faith only lasts as long as I get what I want."
The comm cut off, leaving Lockdown alone with his thoughts. He stared into his glass, his smirk fading into a contemplative scowl.
"Two sides, one war," he muttered. "Let's see who pays better."
---
Location: Galactic Sector Epsilon – Planetary Assault POV: Galvatron
The command deck of the Decimator was alive with precision activity. Operators moved seamlessly between consoles, relaying orders and analyzing battlefield data as the massive holographic display cast an eerie glow across the chamber. Galvatron stood at its center, his crimson optics locked on the image of the Galactic Council stronghold below.
The enemy planet was a fortress, its skies teeming with defensive platforms, drone clusters, and interceptors. On the surface, vast fortifications bristled with anti-air cannons and shielded bunkers. But Galvatron saw only opportunities.
"Report," Galvatron commanded, his voice cold and measured.
Drachen's hologram flickered to life, his crimson optics gleaming with determination. "Creator," Drachen began, his tone reverent yet precise, "their orbital defenses are scattered, but they've fortified key installations. Anti-air platforms will complicate the deployment of ground forces."
Galvatron's optics narrowed as he processed the data. "What of their ground forces?"
"They've amassed a significant defensive line near the central city," Drachen replied. "Heavy armor, shielded infantry, and entrenched artillery. They're preparing to make a stand."
"Good," Galvatron said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "A stand means they believe they have something to protect. It will make their collapse all the sweeter."
Thunderblast's hologram appeared, her grin as sharp as her cannons. "Their skies are a mess, my Lord. Drones, interceptors, missile platforms—nothing organized. Shall we sweep them clean?"
Galvatron turned to her, his optics burning with command. "Take the Seekers. Clear the skies and drive their ships into our guns."
Thunderblast saluted with theatrical flair. "Consider it done."
He shifted his gaze to Drachen. "Deploy the ground forces. Cut through their lines and dismantle their defenses. This planet belongs to Cybertron."
"It will be done, my Lord," Drachen said, his voice resolute.
Galvatron turned back to the holographic display, his clawed hand resting on its edge. The battle would be won in stages, each victory feeding into the next until the Council's resistance crumbled entirely.
---
POV: Thunderblast
The skies above the Council world erupted into chaos. Thunderblast led her Seekers into the fray, their sleek forms weaving through the enemy's defensive grid. The first volley of laser fire tore through a formation of interceptors, sending them spiraling into fiery oblivion.
"Stick to the plan!" Thunderblast barked over the comms. "Push them toward the Decimator!"
Her Seekers moved with flawless precision, their maneuvers forcing the Council ships into tighter and tighter clusters. The Decimator's forward cannons roared, obliterating the trapped vessels with devastating accuracy.
A missile lock warning blared in Thunderblast's cockpit. She rolled sharply, the missile streaking past her and detonating against an enemy drone.
"Amateurs," she muttered, looping back around to target a fleeing interceptor. Her cannons fired in quick succession, shredding the ship's engines.
Above her, the Council's orbital platforms struggled to maintain their bombardment. The Decimator's smaller support ships swarmed them like predators, tearing through their shields with coordinated strikes.
---
Location: Planetary Surface – Central Battlefield POV: Drachen
The ground quaked as Decepticon drop ships slammed into the surface. Their ramps lowered, unleashing waves of PBMs and Vehicon infantry. Drachen led the charge, his energon blade glowing with crackling energy as he carved through enemy lines.
"Advance!" Drachen roared, his voice amplified over the comms. "Leave nothing standing!"
The Council's forces responded with desperate ferocity. Artillery fire rained down on the advancing Decepticons, and shielded infantry dug in, firing volleys of plasma rounds. But Drachen was undeterred. He cut through enemy ranks with precision, his movements a blur of deadly efficiency.
Behind him, the Combaticons unleashed devastating firepower, their combined form of Bruticus towering over the battlefield. The massive warrior smashed through tanks and bunkers, his cannons raining destruction upon the enemy.
"Resistance is crumbling," Drachen reported over the comms.
"Good," Galvatron's voice replied. "But remain vigilant. They may yet have a surprise to spring."
As if on cue, a deafening rumble shook the battlefield. The ground split apart as a colossal war machine emerged—a towering construct of metal and fire, bristling with weaponry and encased in shimmering energy shields.
"All forces, hold position!" Drachen ordered, his optics narrowing.
---
Location: Battlefield Core
POV: Drachen
Drachen watched from the front lines as the war machine advanced, its cannons firing salvos that decimated entire squads of Vehicons. The Decepticons held their ground, their firepower concentrated on the machine's shields, but it showed no signs of faltering.
Galvatron's voice crackled over the comms. "Hold the line."
Drachen turned his optics skyward as a streak of silver shot from the Decimator. Galvatron descended like a meteor, transforming mid-flight and slamming onto the machine's torso with a thunderous impact.
The battlefield seemed to pause as the two titans clashed. Galvatron's servos tore into the machine's armor, sparks flying as he ripped through its plating. The machine swung a massive blade, but Galvatron caught it, his servos straining briefly before he twisted the weapon free and drove it into the machine's core.
Drachen couldn't help but marvel at the spectacle. "The Creator makes it look like sport," he muttered.
The machine retaliated, firing a barrage of missiles at point-blank range. Galvatron roared as the explosions engulfed him, but he emerged unscathed, his optics burning with fury.
With a snarl, he tore the machine's head free and hurled it into the distance. The construct collapsed in a heap of smoldering wreckage, its final groan echoing across the battlefield.
Galvatron stood atop the remains, his frame crackling with energy. "Decepticons!" he bellowed. "Transform and Rise Up!"
---
Location: Decimator – Private Chamber
POV: Galvatron
The battle was over, the Council's forces annihilated. The Decimator drifted in orbit above the conquered world, its hull aglow with the faint energy of victory.
Galvatron sat alone in his private chamber, the holographic display of the tactical map flickering before him. His optics burned with quiet intensity as he reviewed the campaign.
The victories had come easily—too easily. Even the war machine, for all its spectacle, had failed to challenge him.
"What is the point of conquest," Galvatron murmured to himself, "if no one is worthy to stand against me?"
His claws tapped rhythmically against the armrest of his throne. The galaxy was vast, its powers fractured and weak. And yet, in their weakness, they only highlighted his strength.
Verdant Prime was a sanctuary. Its emerald forests stretched endlessly, their vibrant hues glowing under twin suns that bathed the landscape in golden light. The Autobots had carved out a quiet existence here, building their settlement among the towering trees and crystal-clear rivers. For decades, the planet had been their refuge—a place to heal, to reflect, and to dream of a life free from the horrors of war.
But today, Verdant Prime felt different. The air was heavy with tension, the usual hum of energon processors and laughter replaced by the metallic clatter of weapons being readied. Kup stood at the settlement's edge, his battle-worn frame blending into the rocky outcrop that overlooked the valley.
He scanned the horizon, his optics taking in the rows of ships parked in the clearing below. Younger Autobots bustled around the vessels, hauling supplies and running pre-flight checks. Kup's grip on his rifle tightened.
"They're eager," Hound said, stepping up beside him. His green frame cast a shadow over the rocky ground, his usually relaxed demeanor replaced by a quiet intensity.
"Too eager," Kup muttered, his voice gruff. "Look at 'em. Scramblin' like a bunch of turbofoxes caught in a storm. Eagerness won't stop a Decepticon cannon blast."
Hound followed Kup's gaze, his optics narrowing as he watched Moonracer direct a group of scouts. "Can you blame 'em? Most of these bots haven't even seen a real fight. They grew up hearin' stories of the Great War—stories we told to make 'em proud. We didn't tell 'em about the energon stains, or the friends we buried."
Kup's jaw tightened. "No, we didn't. Maybe we should've." He turned, his optics locking onto Hound's. "You think we're ready for this? Really ready?"
Hound hesitated, his optics flickering. "We don't have a choice, Kup. The Council's right about one thing: Galvatron's not like the Decepticons we knew. He's somethin' else. Somethin' worse."
Kup snorted, turning back to the valley. "I've seen worse. Thought I'd buried worse. Now it feels like we're diggin' it back up." He paused, watching as Moonracer's group finished loading a crate onto a transport. "Keep an optic on 'em, Hound. They'll need someone to steer 'em right when things go sideways."
---
Location: Autobot Training Grounds
POV: Moonracer
The training grounds were makeshift—a patch of flattened dirt surrounded by dense forest, with target dummies crafted from salvaged parts. Moonracer stood in the center, her vibrant teal armor glinting in the sunlight as she adjusted her grip on her rifle.
A group of younger Autobots gathered around her, their optics wide with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Most of them were barely out of their first upgrades, their frames gleaming with fresh plating that had never seen combat.
"Alright, listen up," Moonracer said, forcing a smile as she raised her rifle. "This is your standard-issue energon blaster. Reliable, accurate, and easy to handle. Aim, fire, and repeat." She demonstrated, firing a perfect shot that disintegrated the target dummy's head. "Easy, right?"
One of the younger bots raised a shaky servo. "What if the Decepticons shoot back?"
Moonracer's smile faltered. Her optics flicked to the treeline, as if searching for an answer among the shadows. "Then... you shoot faster," she said, her voice softer.
The group exchanged uneasy glances, their excitement dimming. Moonracer sighed, lowering her rifle. "Look, I know it's scary. But you're Autobots. That means somethin'. We've faced worse than Galvatron before, and we've always come out stronger. Just trust your instincts and stick together."
The sound of heavy footsteps made her turn. Hound approached, his imposing frame a stark contrast to her slender build. "Mind if I step in?" he asked gruffly.
Moonracer nodded, stepping aside as Hound addressed the group. "Alright, rookies. Here's the deal. This ain't a game. Out there, you'll see things that'll make your servos shake and your energon run cold. But you don't run. You don't freeze. You look out for the bot next to you, and you keep movin'. Got it?"
The younger bots nodded, their fear giving way to determination.
As the group dispersed, Moonracer turned to Hound. "Thanks," she said quietly. "They needed to hear that."
Hound shrugged. "They'll need a lot more than words to survive what's comin'."
---
Location: Galactic Sector Delta – Void
POV: Lockdown
The Nightmare's Prize was a vessel of contradictions. Its exterior was a fearsome display of jagged armor and concealed weaponry, a warship designed to strike fear into even the bravest opponent. But its interior was something else entirely—a chaotic amalgamation of trophies, weapon caches, and bizarre curiosities from Lockdown's countless exploits.
Lockdown prowled the bridge, his claws clicking against the deck as his optics swept over the displays. The Galactic Council convoy blinked in red, their sluggish formation almost laughable against the Prize's predatory precision.
Behind him, the bridge crew worked with a quiet efficiency that bordered on unnerving. Each member of his crew had been handpicked—mercenaries, bounty hunters, and deserters from factions across the galaxy. They weren't loyal in the traditional sense, but they respected Lockdown's power and shared his ruthlessness.
Near the tactical console, a heavily-armored mech named Forge monitored weapon systems. His hulking frame was covered in mismatched plating, a patchwork of salvaged armor that made him look more like a walking scrapheap than a soldier. Despite his brutish appearance, Forge's hands moved with surprising precision as he calibrated the plasma cannons.
To his right, an agile femme named Shade perched on the edge of her station, her sharp optics darting between screens. Shade was an infiltration specialist, her lithe frame designed for stealth and sabotage. She had a habit of spinning one of her many knives in her servo when she was bored—a habit that Forge found irritating.
"Do you have to do that all the time?" Forge grumbled, his deep voice rumbling through the bridge.
Shade smirked, her optics never leaving her screens. "What's the matter, big guy? Afraid I'll slip and nick your shiny plating?"
"Shut it, both of you," Lockdown growled without looking back. His voice was enough to silence the exchange, the crew returning to their work with renewed focus.
The bridge was just one part of the chaotic labyrinth that was the Nightmare's Prize. The ship's corridors were lined with display cases and storage compartments, each filled with trophies and artifacts from Lockdown's hunts. There were shattered Decepticon insignias, cracked Autobot badges, and even fragments of alien technology whose purpose was long forgotten.
In the main hold, a massive stasis pod stood at the center, its surface etched with alien runes. No one aboard the Prize knew what was inside—not even Lockdown—but its presence cast an eerie shadow over the room. Surrounding the pod were racks of weapons, from standard-issue blasters to experimental prototypes stolen from Council labs.
The crew quarters were equally eclectic. Shade's room was a cluttered mess of scavenged trinkets and surveillance equipment, while Forge's was meticulously organized, each weapon and tool stored with military precision. Other crew members added their own flair to the ship's patchwork aesthetic—a medbay filled with experimental energon vials, a cargo bay converted into a training ground, and even a makeshift cantina where the crew occasionally gathered to share tales of their exploits.
Back on the bridge, Lockdown watched as the convoy drifted into range. The Council frigates moved sluggishly, their shields flickering with intermittent power surges.
"Power up the main cannons," Lockdown commanded, his voice cutting through the quiet hum of the ship. The crew sprang into action, each mech moving with practiced efficiency.
Forge's hands flew over his console, the plasma cannons charging with a low, menacing hum. "Cannons primed. Target locked."
Shade leaned back in her seat, spinning her knife idly. "This is almost too easy. You sure this isn't a trap, boss?"
Lockdown smirked, his optics narrowing as he stared at the tactical display. "If it is, they're even dumber than I thought. Fire."
The first volley struck with pinpoint accuracy, plasma bolts ripping through the lead frigate's engines. The ship bucked violently, its hull splitting apart as secondary explosions erupted along its length.
The second frigate returned fire, its lasers scoring a glancing blow against the Prize's shields. Forge muttered a curse under his breath, his servos flying across the console.
"Shields holding at 92%," he reported. "Permission to obliterate them, Captain?"
"Granted," Lockdown said, his tone dripping with amusement.
The Prize's cannons roared again, a concentrated blast striking the second frigate's bridge. The explosion sent debris scattering, the ship's lights flickering before it went dark.
The remaining cargo ships attempted to scatter, their engines flaring as they veered off in different directions. Shade leaned forward, her optics gleaming. "Want me to disable their engines, boss? I can make it messy."
"Save your tricks," Lockdown replied. "Let them run. They'll lead us straight to their outpost if they're stupid enough to send a distress signal."
Shade pouted, spinning her knife one last time before holstering it. "You're no fun."
Forge chuckled, his deep voice rumbling through the bridge. "I like this plan. Let's see how far they get before they realize they're already dead."
As the convoy's wreckage drifted into the void, the Nightmare's Prize moved in to scavenge. Boarding pods latched onto the cargo ships, disgorging Lockdown's crew into their holds. Each member moved with practiced efficiency, their loyalty not to each other but to the promise of a cut from the spoils.
In the cargo bay of one transport, a younger crew member named Wrench inspected a crate of energon cells. "These Council types don't skimp, do they?"
"Load it up and move on," Forge barked, his massive frame blocking the doorway. "Captain doesn't like delays."
In another ship, Shade sifted through a pile of weapons, her optics gleaming as she picked up a sleek prototype blaster. "Think he'll let me keep this one?" she mused aloud.
"Not if you don't get back to the Prize in the next thirty seconds," Lockdown's voice growled over the comms.
Shade sighed, tossing the blaster into a crate. "Spoilsport."
Lockdown's quarters were a shrine to his conquests, the walls lined with trophies from his countless hunts. Blades, broken armor plates, and even the shattered optics of former prey adorned the room. He poured himself a measure of dark energon, the glowing liquid swirling faintly as he leaned back in his chair.
With a flick of his claws, he activated the comm system. A hologram of Drachen appeared, the crimson optics of Galvatron's lieutenant glaring out from the display.
"What do you want, mercenary?" Drachen growled.
Lockdown swirled his drink lazily. "Information. The Council's next move, to be precise. I'll trade you the convoy's location—for a price."
Drachen's optics narrowed. "Lord Galvatron doesn't negotiate with scavengers."
Lockdown chuckled, leaning forward. "Then consider it a gift. A show of good faith. But remember, Drachen—good faith only lasts as long as I get what I want."
The comm cut off, leaving Lockdown alone with his thoughts. He stared into his glass, his smirk fading into a contemplative scowl.
"Two sides, one war," he muttered. "Let's see who pays better."
---
Location: Galactic Sector Epsilon – Planetary Assault POV: Galvatron
The command deck of the Decimator was alive with precision activity. Operators moved seamlessly between consoles, relaying orders and analyzing battlefield data as the massive holographic display cast an eerie glow across the chamber. Galvatron stood at its center, his crimson optics locked on the image of the Galactic Council stronghold below.
The enemy planet was a fortress, its skies teeming with defensive platforms, drone clusters, and interceptors. On the surface, vast fortifications bristled with anti-air cannons and shielded bunkers. But Galvatron saw only opportunities.
"Report," Galvatron commanded, his voice cold and measured.
Drachen's hologram flickered to life, his crimson optics gleaming with determination. "Creator," Drachen began, his tone reverent yet precise, "their orbital defenses are scattered, but they've fortified key installations. Anti-air platforms will complicate the deployment of ground forces."
Galvatron's optics narrowed as he processed the data. "What of their ground forces?"
"They've amassed a significant defensive line near the central city," Drachen replied. "Heavy armor, shielded infantry, and entrenched artillery. They're preparing to make a stand."
"Good," Galvatron said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "A stand means they believe they have something to protect. It will make their collapse all the sweeter."
Thunderblast's hologram appeared, her grin as sharp as her cannons. "Their skies are a mess, my Lord. Drones, interceptors, missile platforms—nothing organized. Shall we sweep them clean?"
Galvatron turned to her, his optics burning with command. "Take the Seekers. Clear the skies and drive their ships into our guns."
Thunderblast saluted with theatrical flair. "Consider it done."
He shifted his gaze to Drachen. "Deploy the ground forces. Cut through their lines and dismantle their defenses. This planet belongs to Cybertron."
"It will be done, my Lord," Drachen said, his voice resolute.
Galvatron turned back to the holographic display, his clawed hand resting on its edge. The battle would be won in stages, each victory feeding into the next until the Council's resistance crumbled entirely.
---
POV: Thunderblast
The skies above the Council world erupted into chaos. Thunderblast led her Seekers into the fray, their sleek forms weaving through the enemy's defensive grid. The first volley of laser fire tore through a formation of interceptors, sending them spiraling into fiery oblivion.
"Stick to the plan!" Thunderblast barked over the comms. "Push them toward the Decimator!"
Her Seekers moved with flawless precision, their maneuvers forcing the Council ships into tighter and tighter clusters. The Decimator's forward cannons roared, obliterating the trapped vessels with devastating accuracy.
A missile lock warning blared in Thunderblast's cockpit. She rolled sharply, the missile streaking past her and detonating against an enemy drone.
"Amateurs," she muttered, looping back around to target a fleeing interceptor. Her cannons fired in quick succession, shredding the ship's engines.
Above her, the Council's orbital platforms struggled to maintain their bombardment. The Decimator's smaller support ships swarmed them like predators, tearing through their shields with coordinated strikes.
---
Location: Planetary Surface – Central Battlefield POV: Drachen
The ground quaked as Decepticon drop ships slammed into the surface. Their ramps lowered, unleashing waves of PBMs and Vehicon infantry. Drachen led the charge, his energon blade glowing with crackling energy as he carved through enemy lines.
"Advance!" Drachen roared, his voice amplified over the comms. "Leave nothing standing!"
The Council's forces responded with desperate ferocity. Artillery fire rained down on the advancing Decepticons, and shielded infantry dug in, firing volleys of plasma rounds. But Drachen was undeterred. He cut through enemy ranks with precision, his movements a blur of deadly efficiency.
Behind him, the Combaticons unleashed devastating firepower, their combined form of Bruticus towering over the battlefield. The massive warrior smashed through tanks and bunkers, his cannons raining destruction upon the enemy.
"Resistance is crumbling," Drachen reported over the comms.
"Good," Galvatron's voice replied. "But remain vigilant. They may yet have a surprise to spring."
As if on cue, a deafening rumble shook the battlefield. The ground split apart as a colossal war machine emerged—a towering construct of metal and fire, bristling with weaponry and encased in shimmering energy shields.
"All forces, hold position!" Drachen ordered, his optics narrowing.
---
Location: Battlefield Core
POV: Drachen
Drachen watched from the front lines as the war machine advanced, its cannons firing salvos that decimated entire squads of Vehicons. The Decepticons held their ground, their firepower concentrated on the machine's shields, but it showed no signs of faltering.
Galvatron's voice crackled over the comms. "Hold the line."
Drachen turned his optics skyward as a streak of silver shot from the Decimator. Galvatron descended like a meteor, transforming mid-flight and slamming onto the machine's torso with a thunderous impact.
The battlefield seemed to pause as the two titans clashed. Galvatron's servos tore into the machine's armor, sparks flying as he ripped through its plating. The machine swung a massive blade, but Galvatron caught it, his servos straining briefly before he twisted the weapon free and drove it into the machine's core.
Drachen couldn't help but marvel at the spectacle. "The Creator makes it look like sport," he muttered.
The machine retaliated, firing a barrage of missiles at point-blank range. Galvatron roared as the explosions engulfed him, but he emerged unscathed, his optics burning with fury.
With a snarl, he tore the machine's head free and hurled it into the distance. The construct collapsed in a heap of smoldering wreckage, its final groan echoing across the battlefield.
Galvatron stood atop the remains, his frame crackling with energy. "Decepticons!" he bellowed. "Transform and Rise Up!"
---
Location: Decimator – Private Chamber
POV: Galvatron
The battle was over, the Council's forces annihilated. The Decimator drifted in orbit above the conquered world, its hull aglow with the faint energy of victory.
Galvatron sat alone in his private chamber, the holographic display of the tactical map flickering before him. His optics burned with quiet intensity as he reviewed the campaign.
The victories had come easily—too easily. Even the war machine, for all its spectacle, had failed to challenge him.
"What is the point of conquest," Galvatron murmured to himself, "if no one is worthy to stand against me?"
His claws tapped rhythmically against the armrest of his throne. The galaxy was vast, its powers fractured and weak. And yet, in their weakness, they only highlighted his strength.
Lillie Jones
Connoisseur.
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2020
- Messages
- 10,310
- Likes received
- 23,391
thanks for the chapter
SHOCKWAVE INTERLUDE
New
Devastator21
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Joined
- May 2, 2024
- Messages
- 1,133
- Likes received
- 5,538
Location: Cybertron – Stratos Tyrannis
POV: Shockwave
The city of Stratos Tyrannis buzzed with activity, its spires piercing the metallic sky like jagged blades. Rivers of energon coursed through transparent conduits, powering factories, laboratories, and military hubs. Overhead, drones flitted between skyscrapers, their optics scanning the streets below for any signs of inefficiency.
From the observation deck of his laboratory tower, Shockwave watched the city thrive. His singular optic glowed faintly, a silent acknowledgment of the empire's efficiency. The Decepticon Empire was no longer a dream—it was reality.
He turned away from the window, striding into his lab. Twenty-seven monitors lined the walls, each displaying streams of data: production quotas, territorial updates, project statistics, and exploratory reports from distant sectors.
"Shockwave's log, entry 018," he began, his voice devoid of emotion. "The reconstruction of Cybertron and its expansion into Galactic Council territories continues to progress within acceptable parameters. Resource production has increased by 46.7%, with new energon deposits secured in the conquered territories of Sector 12. Resistance remains minimal."
He gestured to one monitor, which displayed a map of the Decepticon Empire. Red markers indicated fully controlled sectors, while yellow denoted areas of unrest.
"Sector 17 remains the only significant outlier," Shockwave continued. "Rebel forces persist despite multiple suppression campaigns. Additional PBMs have been dispatched to pacify the population. Their compliance is inevitable."
---
Project Updates
Shockwave moved to another console, summoning holographic projections of his various experiments.
Prime Project:
The first display showed fragments of ancient Mythical Primes, their remains pulsing with latent energy. Hovering above them was a simulation of Lord Galvatron's spark, encased in an energy field.
"The Prime Project nears completion," Shockwave stated. "Integration of Prime energy into the Creator's spark has achieved a 92.3% stability rate. Due to our creator Primus enhancing Lord Galvatron the integration of additional upgrades especially with his hybrid Point One Precentor spark and a Outlier mixed into one perfect evolution with the upgrades of both Primus and Unicron Lord Galvatron is a scientific marvel.
Once complete, Lord Galvatron will possess unparalleled power, ensuring Cybertron's supremacy for millennia."
He turned to a stasis pod containing a partially constructed Cybertronian prototype. The figure inside pulsed faintly with energon, its skeletal frame adorned with Prime-like armor scavenged and refitted from the abundance of Prime frames.
"This prototype serves as proof of concept," Shockwave said. "Should Lord Galvatron deem it necessary, additional iterations will be developed for the Decepticon elites."
---
Multiverse Project:
The next display showcased the massive multiverse gateway dominating one of Shockwave's lower labs. The portal shimmered faintly, its surface rippling like liquid metal.
"The Multiverse Project has surpassed expectations," Shockwave noted. "The influx of resources from Galactic Council territories has accelerated its progress. Initial tests reveal glimpses of alternate Cybertronian civilizations—some thriving, others annihilated by unknown forces."
He gestured to a new data stream showing flickering images of alien landscapes and alternate versions of Cybertron.
"The possibilities are infinite," Shockwave mused. "Exploitation of these dimensions could yield unprecedented advancements. However, the risks remain significant. Entities capable of traversing dimensions must be considered potential threats to the Empire's stability."
---
The Activation of S.2
Shockwave approached a heavily reinforced chamber at the heart of his laboratory. The air hummed with power as he entered, the walls lined with conduits pulsating with energy.
At the center of the room stood S.2, a towering replica of Shockwave himself. Its frame gleamed with polished alloy, its optic glowing faintly as it awaited activation. Unlike Shockwave, S.2 was built for more than intellect—it was a weapon, designed to lead and conquer.
"Designation: S.2," Shockwave announced, his voice calm but charged with purpose. "Secondary iteration of Shockwave. Enhanced with hive-mind capabilities, ensuring perfect synchronization with its creator."
He stepped forward, placing a clawed hand on the activation panel. The chamber filled with a low hum as energy coursed through S.2's frame. Its optic flared to life, its head turning to face Shockwave.
"Directive?" S.2 asked, its voice a perfect echo of Shockwave's.
"You will embark on an exploratory mission," Shockwave replied. "Your objective: locate and assess lost Cybertronian colonies. Determine their viability for reintegration into the Empire."
S.2 inclined its head. "Understood. Preparations are underway."
A monitor displayed a star map, highlighting lost colonies scattered across the galaxy. Each system was marked with the Decepticon insignia, signifying them as targets for reclamation.
Shockwave gestured to one marker in particular: Velocitron, the fabled Speed Planet.
"Velocitron will be the first colony targeted," Shockwave said. "Its infrastructure and resources will provide significant support for Lord Galvatron's campaign. Subsequent colonies, including Caminus and Gigantion, will follow."
The monitor shifted to display the Inquisition, a sleek warship designed specifically for long-range expeditions. Its hull bristled with experimental weaponry and advanced shielding, ensuring its survival in hostile territories.
"S.2 will command the Inquisition," Shockwave stated. "Its mission is critical to the Empire's expansion. Failure is not an option."
---
Managing the Empire
Shockwave returned to the central console, reviewing updates on the Decepticon territories. Reports from newly conquered Galactic Council sectors detailed the systematic integration of their populations and resources.
"Compliance rates have increased to 78%," Shockwave noted. "Military garrisons and resource extraction facilities are fully operational in Sectors 12, 15, and 18. Sector 17 remains problematic."
He summoned a hologram of the sector, which showed a cluster of cities marked by insurgent activity.
"Deploy additional suppression units," Shockwave ordered. "Their resistance is illogical and will not be tolerated."
---
Final Thoughts
Shockwave deactivated the monitors and turned to the viewport. Beyond the laboratory, Cybertron's gleaming cities stood as a testament to the Decepticon Empire's might. The stars beyond, however, promised untold challenges and opportunities.
"Cybertron rises," Shockwave murmured, his optic glowing with faint intensity. "Its dominion will encompass not only this galaxy but all that lies beyond. This is logical."
As he spoke, S.2 stepped onto the Inquisition, the warship's engines flaring to life. It ascended into the void, its mission to reunite the scattered remnants of Cybertronian civilization and expand the Creator's empire.
Shockwave turned away from the viewport, already calculating the next phase of his experiments.
POV: Shockwave
The city of Stratos Tyrannis buzzed with activity, its spires piercing the metallic sky like jagged blades. Rivers of energon coursed through transparent conduits, powering factories, laboratories, and military hubs. Overhead, drones flitted between skyscrapers, their optics scanning the streets below for any signs of inefficiency.
From the observation deck of his laboratory tower, Shockwave watched the city thrive. His singular optic glowed faintly, a silent acknowledgment of the empire's efficiency. The Decepticon Empire was no longer a dream—it was reality.
He turned away from the window, striding into his lab. Twenty-seven monitors lined the walls, each displaying streams of data: production quotas, territorial updates, project statistics, and exploratory reports from distant sectors.
"Shockwave's log, entry 018," he began, his voice devoid of emotion. "The reconstruction of Cybertron and its expansion into Galactic Council territories continues to progress within acceptable parameters. Resource production has increased by 46.7%, with new energon deposits secured in the conquered territories of Sector 12. Resistance remains minimal."
He gestured to one monitor, which displayed a map of the Decepticon Empire. Red markers indicated fully controlled sectors, while yellow denoted areas of unrest.
"Sector 17 remains the only significant outlier," Shockwave continued. "Rebel forces persist despite multiple suppression campaigns. Additional PBMs have been dispatched to pacify the population. Their compliance is inevitable."
---
Project Updates
Shockwave moved to another console, summoning holographic projections of his various experiments.
Prime Project:
The first display showed fragments of ancient Mythical Primes, their remains pulsing with latent energy. Hovering above them was a simulation of Lord Galvatron's spark, encased in an energy field.
"The Prime Project nears completion," Shockwave stated. "Integration of Prime energy into the Creator's spark has achieved a 92.3% stability rate. Due to our creator Primus enhancing Lord Galvatron the integration of additional upgrades especially with his hybrid Point One Precentor spark and a Outlier mixed into one perfect evolution with the upgrades of both Primus and Unicron Lord Galvatron is a scientific marvel.
Once complete, Lord Galvatron will possess unparalleled power, ensuring Cybertron's supremacy for millennia."
He turned to a stasis pod containing a partially constructed Cybertronian prototype. The figure inside pulsed faintly with energon, its skeletal frame adorned with Prime-like armor scavenged and refitted from the abundance of Prime frames.
"This prototype serves as proof of concept," Shockwave said. "Should Lord Galvatron deem it necessary, additional iterations will be developed for the Decepticon elites."
---
Multiverse Project:
The next display showcased the massive multiverse gateway dominating one of Shockwave's lower labs. The portal shimmered faintly, its surface rippling like liquid metal.
"The Multiverse Project has surpassed expectations," Shockwave noted. "The influx of resources from Galactic Council territories has accelerated its progress. Initial tests reveal glimpses of alternate Cybertronian civilizations—some thriving, others annihilated by unknown forces."
He gestured to a new data stream showing flickering images of alien landscapes and alternate versions of Cybertron.
"The possibilities are infinite," Shockwave mused. "Exploitation of these dimensions could yield unprecedented advancements. However, the risks remain significant. Entities capable of traversing dimensions must be considered potential threats to the Empire's stability."
---
The Activation of S.2
Shockwave approached a heavily reinforced chamber at the heart of his laboratory. The air hummed with power as he entered, the walls lined with conduits pulsating with energy.
At the center of the room stood S.2, a towering replica of Shockwave himself. Its frame gleamed with polished alloy, its optic glowing faintly as it awaited activation. Unlike Shockwave, S.2 was built for more than intellect—it was a weapon, designed to lead and conquer.
"Designation: S.2," Shockwave announced, his voice calm but charged with purpose. "Secondary iteration of Shockwave. Enhanced with hive-mind capabilities, ensuring perfect synchronization with its creator."
He stepped forward, placing a clawed hand on the activation panel. The chamber filled with a low hum as energy coursed through S.2's frame. Its optic flared to life, its head turning to face Shockwave.
"Directive?" S.2 asked, its voice a perfect echo of Shockwave's.
"You will embark on an exploratory mission," Shockwave replied. "Your objective: locate and assess lost Cybertronian colonies. Determine their viability for reintegration into the Empire."
S.2 inclined its head. "Understood. Preparations are underway."
A monitor displayed a star map, highlighting lost colonies scattered across the galaxy. Each system was marked with the Decepticon insignia, signifying them as targets for reclamation.
Shockwave gestured to one marker in particular: Velocitron, the fabled Speed Planet.
"Velocitron will be the first colony targeted," Shockwave said. "Its infrastructure and resources will provide significant support for Lord Galvatron's campaign. Subsequent colonies, including Caminus and Gigantion, will follow."
The monitor shifted to display the Inquisition, a sleek warship designed specifically for long-range expeditions. Its hull bristled with experimental weaponry and advanced shielding, ensuring its survival in hostile territories.
"S.2 will command the Inquisition," Shockwave stated. "Its mission is critical to the Empire's expansion. Failure is not an option."
---
Managing the Empire
Shockwave returned to the central console, reviewing updates on the Decepticon territories. Reports from newly conquered Galactic Council sectors detailed the systematic integration of their populations and resources.
"Compliance rates have increased to 78%," Shockwave noted. "Military garrisons and resource extraction facilities are fully operational in Sectors 12, 15, and 18. Sector 17 remains problematic."
He summoned a hologram of the sector, which showed a cluster of cities marked by insurgent activity.
"Deploy additional suppression units," Shockwave ordered. "Their resistance is illogical and will not be tolerated."
---
Final Thoughts
Shockwave deactivated the monitors and turned to the viewport. Beyond the laboratory, Cybertron's gleaming cities stood as a testament to the Decepticon Empire's might. The stars beyond, however, promised untold challenges and opportunities.
"Cybertron rises," Shockwave murmured, his optic glowing with faint intensity. "Its dominion will encompass not only this galaxy but all that lies beyond. This is logical."
As he spoke, S.2 stepped onto the Inquisition, the warship's engines flaring to life. It ascended into the void, its mission to reunite the scattered remnants of Cybertronian civilization and expand the Creator's empire.
Shockwave turned away from the viewport, already calculating the next phase of his experiments.
Lillie Jones
Connoisseur.
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2020
- Messages
- 10,310
- Likes received
- 23,391
thanks for the chapter
S.2 INTERLUDE
New
Devastator21
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Joined
- May 2, 2024
- Messages
- 1,133
- Likes received
- 5,538
Location: Cybertron – Inquisition Hangar Bay
POV: S.2
The hum of the Inquisition's engines reverberated through the hangar bay as S.2 stepped onto the boarding ramp. The warship loomed above, its sleek design a testament to Shockwave's engineering mastery. Rows of drones and PBMs (Prime Battle Machines) lined the hangar, their optics glowing faintly as they awaited activation.
S.2's optic flickered, scanning its surroundings with mechanical precision. Every component of the Inquisition had been optimized for its mission—long-range sensors, experimental weapons, and a reinforced hull capable of withstanding the hazards of uncharted space.
"Final checks complete," the ship's AI intoned, its voice calm and neutral. "All systems operational. Ready for departure."
S.2 turned its gaze to the viewing platform above the hangar, where Shockwave observed the proceedings. "The mission parameters are understood," S.2 said, its voice an echo of Shockwave's own. "I will not fail."
"Failure is illogical," Shockwave replied, his optic glowing faintly. "Proceed."
S.2 boarded the Inquisition, the ramp retracting behind it. Moments later, the warship ascended into the void, leaving Cybertron behind. Its course was set for Velocitron, the first colony on its list.
---
Location: Velocitron – Orbit
POV: S.2
Velocitron unfolded before the Inquisition's viewport, a planet of endless speedways and shimmering metal landscapes. Its atmosphere glowed faintly, a testament to its high-energy environment.
"Planetary scans indicate minimal deviations from historical records," the ship's AI reported. "Velocitronian settlements detected. Energy signatures consistent with active industrial hubs."
S.2 observed the readings in silence, its optic narrowing as it analyzed the data. "Initiate contact protocol," it ordered.
The Inquisition broadcast a standard Cybertronian identification signal, its pulse echoing across Velocitron's surface. Seconds stretched into minutes with no response.
"Unusual," S.2 murmured. "Prepare for descent."
---
Location: Velocitron – Surface
POV: S.2
The Inquisition landed on a sprawling speedway, its engines kicking up clouds of dust. S.2 emerged, flanked by a squadron of drones and PBMs. The atmosphere hummed with energy, but the surrounding structures were eerily silent.
"Scans indicate recent activity," the AI reported. "No lifeforms detected within immediate vicinity."
S.2 advanced cautiously, its clawed servos clicking against the metallic ground. The speedway stretched endlessly in both directions, flanked by towering structures that bore the scars of age and conflict.
"Velocitronians prioritize speed and efficiency," S.2 mused. "Their absence suggests interference."
As it neared a central hub, the ground trembled. A roar of engines filled the air as a group of Velocitronians emerged from the horizon, their sleek frames glinting in the faint light. They transformed mid-motion, their leader—a towering figure with a crimson visor—stepping forward.
"You dare trespass on Velocitron?" the leader growled, their voice laced with defiance. "We answer to no one, least of all Cybertron."
S.2 regarded them with cold detachment. "Velocitron is a Cybertronian colony. Your isolation is illogical. Reunification is inevitable."
The Velocitronian leader's optics flared. "We've survived without Cybertron for eons. Leave now, or we'll ensure you don't leave at all."
S.2's optic narrowed. "Resistance will only delay the inevitable."
---
Battle on Velocitron
POV: S.2
The Velocitronians attacked without warning, their movements a blur of speed and precision. S.2 calculated their trajectories in milliseconds, its drones opening fire with pinpoint accuracy. Explosions lit up the speedway as the PBMs engaged, their heavy weaponry tearing through the attackers' ranks.
The Velocitronian leader charged at S.2, transforming mid-stride and slamming into it with the force of a freight train. S.2 staggered but retaliated with a crushing blow, its claws sparking against the leader's armor.
"You are inferior," S.2 said, its voice calm despite the chaos. "Submit."
The leader snarled, drawing a blade from their frame and slashing at S.2. The blow glanced off its reinforced plating, leaving only a faint scorch mark. S.2 responded by seizing the leader's arm and wrenching it free with a sickening crunch.
The remaining Velocitronians faltered, their confidence wavering as their leader fell to their knees.
"Yield," S.2 commanded, its optic glowing with cold intensity.
The leader glared at S.2, their defiance flickering before finally fading. "Velocitron will... comply."
---
The Arrival of Galvatron's Influence
POV: S.2
Weeks later, Velocitron had transformed. The central hubs now bore the Decepticon insignia, glowing crimson against the metallic sky. Energon conduits connected Velocitron's speedways to Cybertron's growing empire, ensuring a steady flow of resources.
S.2 observed from a raised platform as a transport ship descended, its engines humming with power. The vessel's ramp lowered, revealing rows of Cybertronian reinforcements—loyal to Galvatron and brimming with purpose.
The new arrivals marched through Velocitron's streets, their presence a stark reminder of the planet's integration into the Empire. S.2's optic flickered as it surveyed the scene.
"Compliance has reached optimal levels," the AI reported. "Velocitronian productivity has increased by 31%. No significant resistance detected."
S.2 nodded. "The Creator's vision is realized here. Velocitron will serve Cybertron without hesitation."
In the city's central square, massive screens displayed Galvatron's speeches on an endless loop. His voice echoed through the air, a blend of command and inspiration. Velocitronians gathered to watch, their initial reluctance giving way to awe and loyalty.
"Transform and Rise Up!" Galvatron's voice thundered from the screens.
The crowd erupted into cheers, their cries of "All Hail Galvatron!" reverberating through the city.
S.2 observed in silence. The transition was complete. Velocitron's loyalty was no longer a question—it was a fact.
---
Final Thoughts
POV: S.2
Standing at the edge of the Inquisition's platform, S.2 gazed at Velocitron's revitalized cities. The mission's success was undeniable, yet the journey was far from over.
"Velocitron is secured," S.2 logged. "The Creator's influence spreads. The next target awaits."
The Inquisition's engines roared to life, lifting off from the speedway. S.2's optic glowed faintly as it turned its gaze to the stars, its next objective already calculated.
The Cybertronian Decepticon Empire would grow—one colony at a time.
POV: S.2
The hum of the Inquisition's engines reverberated through the hangar bay as S.2 stepped onto the boarding ramp. The warship loomed above, its sleek design a testament to Shockwave's engineering mastery. Rows of drones and PBMs (Prime Battle Machines) lined the hangar, their optics glowing faintly as they awaited activation.
S.2's optic flickered, scanning its surroundings with mechanical precision. Every component of the Inquisition had been optimized for its mission—long-range sensors, experimental weapons, and a reinforced hull capable of withstanding the hazards of uncharted space.
"Final checks complete," the ship's AI intoned, its voice calm and neutral. "All systems operational. Ready for departure."
S.2 turned its gaze to the viewing platform above the hangar, where Shockwave observed the proceedings. "The mission parameters are understood," S.2 said, its voice an echo of Shockwave's own. "I will not fail."
"Failure is illogical," Shockwave replied, his optic glowing faintly. "Proceed."
S.2 boarded the Inquisition, the ramp retracting behind it. Moments later, the warship ascended into the void, leaving Cybertron behind. Its course was set for Velocitron, the first colony on its list.
---
Location: Velocitron – Orbit
POV: S.2
Velocitron unfolded before the Inquisition's viewport, a planet of endless speedways and shimmering metal landscapes. Its atmosphere glowed faintly, a testament to its high-energy environment.
"Planetary scans indicate minimal deviations from historical records," the ship's AI reported. "Velocitronian settlements detected. Energy signatures consistent with active industrial hubs."
S.2 observed the readings in silence, its optic narrowing as it analyzed the data. "Initiate contact protocol," it ordered.
The Inquisition broadcast a standard Cybertronian identification signal, its pulse echoing across Velocitron's surface. Seconds stretched into minutes with no response.
"Unusual," S.2 murmured. "Prepare for descent."
---
Location: Velocitron – Surface
POV: S.2
The Inquisition landed on a sprawling speedway, its engines kicking up clouds of dust. S.2 emerged, flanked by a squadron of drones and PBMs. The atmosphere hummed with energy, but the surrounding structures were eerily silent.
"Scans indicate recent activity," the AI reported. "No lifeforms detected within immediate vicinity."
S.2 advanced cautiously, its clawed servos clicking against the metallic ground. The speedway stretched endlessly in both directions, flanked by towering structures that bore the scars of age and conflict.
"Velocitronians prioritize speed and efficiency," S.2 mused. "Their absence suggests interference."
As it neared a central hub, the ground trembled. A roar of engines filled the air as a group of Velocitronians emerged from the horizon, their sleek frames glinting in the faint light. They transformed mid-motion, their leader—a towering figure with a crimson visor—stepping forward.
"You dare trespass on Velocitron?" the leader growled, their voice laced with defiance. "We answer to no one, least of all Cybertron."
S.2 regarded them with cold detachment. "Velocitron is a Cybertronian colony. Your isolation is illogical. Reunification is inevitable."
The Velocitronian leader's optics flared. "We've survived without Cybertron for eons. Leave now, or we'll ensure you don't leave at all."
S.2's optic narrowed. "Resistance will only delay the inevitable."
---
Battle on Velocitron
POV: S.2
The Velocitronians attacked without warning, their movements a blur of speed and precision. S.2 calculated their trajectories in milliseconds, its drones opening fire with pinpoint accuracy. Explosions lit up the speedway as the PBMs engaged, their heavy weaponry tearing through the attackers' ranks.
The Velocitronian leader charged at S.2, transforming mid-stride and slamming into it with the force of a freight train. S.2 staggered but retaliated with a crushing blow, its claws sparking against the leader's armor.
"You are inferior," S.2 said, its voice calm despite the chaos. "Submit."
The leader snarled, drawing a blade from their frame and slashing at S.2. The blow glanced off its reinforced plating, leaving only a faint scorch mark. S.2 responded by seizing the leader's arm and wrenching it free with a sickening crunch.
The remaining Velocitronians faltered, their confidence wavering as their leader fell to their knees.
"Yield," S.2 commanded, its optic glowing with cold intensity.
The leader glared at S.2, their defiance flickering before finally fading. "Velocitron will... comply."
---
The Arrival of Galvatron's Influence
POV: S.2
Weeks later, Velocitron had transformed. The central hubs now bore the Decepticon insignia, glowing crimson against the metallic sky. Energon conduits connected Velocitron's speedways to Cybertron's growing empire, ensuring a steady flow of resources.
S.2 observed from a raised platform as a transport ship descended, its engines humming with power. The vessel's ramp lowered, revealing rows of Cybertronian reinforcements—loyal to Galvatron and brimming with purpose.
The new arrivals marched through Velocitron's streets, their presence a stark reminder of the planet's integration into the Empire. S.2's optic flickered as it surveyed the scene.
"Compliance has reached optimal levels," the AI reported. "Velocitronian productivity has increased by 31%. No significant resistance detected."
S.2 nodded. "The Creator's vision is realized here. Velocitron will serve Cybertron without hesitation."
In the city's central square, massive screens displayed Galvatron's speeches on an endless loop. His voice echoed through the air, a blend of command and inspiration. Velocitronians gathered to watch, their initial reluctance giving way to awe and loyalty.
"Transform and Rise Up!" Galvatron's voice thundered from the screens.
The crowd erupted into cheers, their cries of "All Hail Galvatron!" reverberating through the city.
S.2 observed in silence. The transition was complete. Velocitron's loyalty was no longer a question—it was a fact.
---
Final Thoughts
POV: S.2
Standing at the edge of the Inquisition's platform, S.2 gazed at Velocitron's revitalized cities. The mission's success was undeniable, yet the journey was far from over.
"Velocitron is secured," S.2 logged. "The Creator's influence spreads. The next target awaits."
The Inquisition's engines roared to life, lifting off from the speedway. S.2's optic glowed faintly as it turned its gaze to the stars, its next objective already calculated.
The Cybertronian Decepticon Empire would grow—one colony at a time.
Lillie Jones
Connoisseur.
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2020
- Messages
- 10,310
- Likes received
- 23,391
thanks for the chapter
LOG-15
New
Devastator21
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Joined
- May 2, 2024
- Messages
- 1,133
- Likes received
- 5,538
Location: Galactic Fortress World - Ardent Nexus POV: Galvatron
The Decimator prowled through the stars like an apex predator patrolling it's territory, it casting a shadow over the dying Galactic Council fleets. Wreckage floated in orbit, the silent testament of the resurgent Decepticon Empire. Ahead lay Ardent Nexus, a fortress world believed to be an impenetrable bulwark against anything it held the armies of a united Cybertron eons ago.
Its planetary shields shimmered with, protecting its cities, research sites, and vast military infrastructure. Yet the defense was futile. The Decepticon war machine had torn through countless worlds, and Ardent Nexus would be no different.
The tactical display flickered, illuminating the Decimator's bridge. From my throne, I observed the battle unfold. My lieutenants executed their roles with precision: Drachen led the ground assault, overwhelming the enemy's fortifications with relentless efficiency; Thunderblast and her Seekers ruled the skies, dismantling orbital platforms and intercepting enemy bombers; Nightburn, operating in the shadows, sabotaged key facilities, crippling power grids and communications.
Yet as I watched, there was a faint sense of unease. Reports from Drachen spoke of Autobot activity. This had been expected, but this was coordinated and concentrated effort.
"Report," I commanded, my optics narrowing.
"Creator," Drachen's voice came through, steady and resolute. "Ground forces are encountering significant resistance. Autobot forces are disrupting supply lines and providing cover for a major excavation site."
Excavation? They thought they could escape but ahh of course they have allied with them oh well.
"Continue the assault," I ordered. "Destroy them."
---
Location: Surface of Ardent Nexus
POV: Autobot Commander Kup
Ardent Nexus was a hellscape, its once-thriving cities reduced to craters and rubble. The Decepticons were relentless, their forces swarming over the planet like a mechanical plague. Every explosion felt like the end of another spark, another fragment of hope lost.
But we weren't here to win.
"Keep moving!" I barked, leading my squad through the charred remains of a city block. My team—veterans of countless battles—moved with purpose, covering one another as we advanced toward the excavation site.
The Council had uncovered something deep beneath Ardent Nexus. Something ancient and powerful. They didn't understand it, but we did.
"This artifact might be the key to stopping them," I said, my voice tight with urgency.
My second-in-command, Swiftsteel, glanced at me, her optics flickering with doubt. "And if it's not?"
"Then we'll make this as painful for them as possible," I replied grimly.
Explosions thundered in the distance, the ground shaking beneath our feet. Decepticon ground forces were closing in, their relentless advance leaving little time. We had to secure the artifact and get out.
But as we reached the excavation site, my spark sank. The artifact—a massive Cybertronian relic—was too large to move.
"Options?" Swiftsteel asked, her tone clipped.
I hesitated. "If we can't take it, we'll destroy it. We can't let them have it."
Before we could act, a shadow loomed over us. Tarn. His massive frame landed with a thunderous crash, his blade gleaming with energy.
"Autobots," he said, his voice a low growl. "So predictable." As Drachen lunges at them
---
Location: Orbit of Ardent Nexus
POV: Thunderblast
The skies above Ardent Nexus was a battlefield of chaos and destruction. My Seekers darted through the air, their weapons cutting down Council bombers and interceptors. The orbital platforms crumbled one by one, their fiery deaths painting the void in hues of red and orange.
Yet amidst the chaos, an unwelcome presence emerged: Lockdown's fleet.
His ships, a mismatched collection of stolen technology, moved with predatory intent. They targeted my Seekers, drawing them away from their objectives and into a pitched battle.
"Lockdown," I hissed as I dodged and slammed into a wall in the a nearly destroyed Orbital Platform my claws scrape against the console. "Always the opportunist."
His voice crackled over the comms, dripping with mockery. "Thunderblast. How's your leash today? Must be a nice new shiny leash for your new Master."
I growled, my claws flexing. "I'll tear you apart, you scavenging parasite!"
Lockdown's flagship loomed in the distance, bristling with weaponry. My Seekers swarmed it, their firepower denting its armor but failing to break through.
The distraction was deliberate, I realized. He wasn't here to win—he was here to stall me.
"Lockdown," I snarled. "You'll pay for this."
---
POV: Galvatron
The battle unfolded perfectly, each step of the strategy was followed. Yet amidst the chaos of battle, a subtle disturbance rippled through my spark. It was faint at first, but it grew—a steady, insistent pulse.
The lights on the Decimator's bridge dimmed, replaced by a flickering crimson hue. The hum of the ship's systems faded, and an oppressive silence descended.
Then came the voice.
"Galvatron."
Deep, resonant, and filled with malice. Unicron Master NO.
"You thought you could escape me?" his voice hissed, slithering into my consciousness. "You thought you could defy the one that birthed you?"
"I am no one's puppet and you did not birth me you reformatted Megatron and used it," I said, my tone cold and unyielding.
Unicron's laughter echoed, mocking and relentless. "You cling to Cybertron as if it is your salvation. But it is nothing. A speck in the infinite cosmos. Imagine, Galvatron. Entire realities bowing before us we will rule all off existence."
He offered visions of galaxies consumed by darkness, stars extinguished in his wake.
"I offer you the multiverse," he whispered. "Power beyond comprehension."
"I have no need of you," I said, my optics blazing as my eye's burn a purple and attempted to do something.
Unicron's laughter turned to fury, and a searing pain erupted through my spark. I staggered, falling to one knee.
"You will return to me pet," he growled, his form dissolving into shadow. "Or you will be destroyed."
With sheer will, I rose to my feet. "I AM GALVATRON!," I snarled. "And.... I BOW TO no BODY."
The vision shattered, and the bridge returned to normal.
The vision shattered like glass, the crimson glow dissipating as the bridge of the Decimator came back into focus. The hum of the ship's systems returned, the familiar sounds of warships and communication filling the air.
"Creator?" Drachen's voice cut through the haze. He stood nearby, his optics flickering with concern. "You.... Is everything—?"
"Unicron," I said, my voice colder than before.
Drachen stiffened, his claws flexing slightly. "The Chaos Bringer?"
I turned to him, my optics burning with renewed resolve. "He believes I am his. And believes I will falter."
Drachen nodded, though his frame remained tense. "What would you have me do, my lord?"
I glanced at the tactical hologram, my smirk returning. "Prepare the fleet. Unicron will be a threat no doubt about that, but the Galactic Council is our immediate concern."
Drachen saluted, moving to carry out my orders. As I stared at the map of the galaxy, the faint echo of Unicron's voice lingered in my mind.
"Let him watch," I murmured. "Let him rage. I will not be swayed, never again will I serve anyone."
---
Location: Cybertron – Shockwave's Laboratory POV: Shockwave
Lord Galvatron's transmission arrived as I analyzed the assimilation of Ardent Nexus into the empire. His image flickered on the monitor, his optics burning with intensity.
"Unicron has reached out to me," he said.
I turned, processing the statement. "The Chaos Bringer?"
"He attempted to reclaim me," Galvatron said, his tone sharp. "He failed. But his presence grows quicker than the original timeline it's most definitely due to me but he will not awaken fully yet but in a few Orbital-Cycles maybe how goes the research on the All-Spark container."
"Understood this is concerning but everything is on schedule and the experimentation of the container has proven enlightening we will be ready for Unicron when he awakens" I said, my optic narrowing. "Though it may be wise to keep this to only a select few as the Decepticons perceive you as divine."
Galvatron's optics flared. "Fine but we need to make it clear I am not divine nor a God I have no wish to be, give me a status update on everything."
I displayed the data. "Ardent Nexus will be fully integrated within a cycle. The fleet continues its advance. All projects remain on schedule. S.2 has begun its mission to locate the lost Cybertronian colonies. Initial reports show S.2 has absorbed Velocitron into the Decepticon Empire it is promising but there have been no reports of any Decepticon or Autobot activity on this side of the galaxy."
"Good," Galvatron said. "Continue your work, Shockwave. And prepare for the possibility of interference of divine powers I will not allow them to disrupt my empire."
"As you command," I replied, watching as the transmission ended.
The Decimator prowled through the stars like an apex predator patrolling it's territory, it casting a shadow over the dying Galactic Council fleets. Wreckage floated in orbit, the silent testament of the resurgent Decepticon Empire. Ahead lay Ardent Nexus, a fortress world believed to be an impenetrable bulwark against anything it held the armies of a united Cybertron eons ago.
Its planetary shields shimmered with, protecting its cities, research sites, and vast military infrastructure. Yet the defense was futile. The Decepticon war machine had torn through countless worlds, and Ardent Nexus would be no different.
The tactical display flickered, illuminating the Decimator's bridge. From my throne, I observed the battle unfold. My lieutenants executed their roles with precision: Drachen led the ground assault, overwhelming the enemy's fortifications with relentless efficiency; Thunderblast and her Seekers ruled the skies, dismantling orbital platforms and intercepting enemy bombers; Nightburn, operating in the shadows, sabotaged key facilities, crippling power grids and communications.
Yet as I watched, there was a faint sense of unease. Reports from Drachen spoke of Autobot activity. This had been expected, but this was coordinated and concentrated effort.
"Report," I commanded, my optics narrowing.
"Creator," Drachen's voice came through, steady and resolute. "Ground forces are encountering significant resistance. Autobot forces are disrupting supply lines and providing cover for a major excavation site."
Excavation? They thought they could escape but ahh of course they have allied with them oh well.
"Continue the assault," I ordered. "Destroy them."
---
Location: Surface of Ardent Nexus
POV: Autobot Commander Kup
Ardent Nexus was a hellscape, its once-thriving cities reduced to craters and rubble. The Decepticons were relentless, their forces swarming over the planet like a mechanical plague. Every explosion felt like the end of another spark, another fragment of hope lost.
But we weren't here to win.
"Keep moving!" I barked, leading my squad through the charred remains of a city block. My team—veterans of countless battles—moved with purpose, covering one another as we advanced toward the excavation site.
The Council had uncovered something deep beneath Ardent Nexus. Something ancient and powerful. They didn't understand it, but we did.
"This artifact might be the key to stopping them," I said, my voice tight with urgency.
My second-in-command, Swiftsteel, glanced at me, her optics flickering with doubt. "And if it's not?"
"Then we'll make this as painful for them as possible," I replied grimly.
Explosions thundered in the distance, the ground shaking beneath our feet. Decepticon ground forces were closing in, their relentless advance leaving little time. We had to secure the artifact and get out.
But as we reached the excavation site, my spark sank. The artifact—a massive Cybertronian relic—was too large to move.
"Options?" Swiftsteel asked, her tone clipped.
I hesitated. "If we can't take it, we'll destroy it. We can't let them have it."
Before we could act, a shadow loomed over us. Tarn. His massive frame landed with a thunderous crash, his blade gleaming with energy.
"Autobots," he said, his voice a low growl. "So predictable." As Drachen lunges at them
---
Location: Orbit of Ardent Nexus
POV: Thunderblast
The skies above Ardent Nexus was a battlefield of chaos and destruction. My Seekers darted through the air, their weapons cutting down Council bombers and interceptors. The orbital platforms crumbled one by one, their fiery deaths painting the void in hues of red and orange.
Yet amidst the chaos, an unwelcome presence emerged: Lockdown's fleet.
His ships, a mismatched collection of stolen technology, moved with predatory intent. They targeted my Seekers, drawing them away from their objectives and into a pitched battle.
"Lockdown," I hissed as I dodged and slammed into a wall in the a nearly destroyed Orbital Platform my claws scrape against the console. "Always the opportunist."
His voice crackled over the comms, dripping with mockery. "Thunderblast. How's your leash today? Must be a nice new shiny leash for your new Master."
I growled, my claws flexing. "I'll tear you apart, you scavenging parasite!"
Lockdown's flagship loomed in the distance, bristling with weaponry. My Seekers swarmed it, their firepower denting its armor but failing to break through.
The distraction was deliberate, I realized. He wasn't here to win—he was here to stall me.
"Lockdown," I snarled. "You'll pay for this."
---
POV: Galvatron
The battle unfolded perfectly, each step of the strategy was followed. Yet amidst the chaos of battle, a subtle disturbance rippled through my spark. It was faint at first, but it grew—a steady, insistent pulse.
The lights on the Decimator's bridge dimmed, replaced by a flickering crimson hue. The hum of the ship's systems faded, and an oppressive silence descended.
Then came the voice.
"Galvatron."
Deep, resonant, and filled with malice. Unicron Master NO.
"You thought you could escape me?" his voice hissed, slithering into my consciousness. "You thought you could defy the one that birthed you?"
"I am no one's puppet and you did not birth me you reformatted Megatron and used it," I said, my tone cold and unyielding.
Unicron's laughter echoed, mocking and relentless. "You cling to Cybertron as if it is your salvation. But it is nothing. A speck in the infinite cosmos. Imagine, Galvatron. Entire realities bowing before us we will rule all off existence."
He offered visions of galaxies consumed by darkness, stars extinguished in his wake.
"I offer you the multiverse," he whispered. "Power beyond comprehension."
"I have no need of you," I said, my optics blazing as my eye's burn a purple and attempted to do something.
Unicron's laughter turned to fury, and a searing pain erupted through my spark. I staggered, falling to one knee.
"You will return to me pet," he growled, his form dissolving into shadow. "Or you will be destroyed."
With sheer will, I rose to my feet. "I AM GALVATRON!," I snarled. "And.... I BOW TO no BODY."
The vision shattered, and the bridge returned to normal.
The vision shattered like glass, the crimson glow dissipating as the bridge of the Decimator came back into focus. The hum of the ship's systems returned, the familiar sounds of warships and communication filling the air.
"Creator?" Drachen's voice cut through the haze. He stood nearby, his optics flickering with concern. "You.... Is everything—?"
"Unicron," I said, my voice colder than before.
Drachen stiffened, his claws flexing slightly. "The Chaos Bringer?"
I turned to him, my optics burning with renewed resolve. "He believes I am his. And believes I will falter."
Drachen nodded, though his frame remained tense. "What would you have me do, my lord?"
I glanced at the tactical hologram, my smirk returning. "Prepare the fleet. Unicron will be a threat no doubt about that, but the Galactic Council is our immediate concern."
Drachen saluted, moving to carry out my orders. As I stared at the map of the galaxy, the faint echo of Unicron's voice lingered in my mind.
"Let him watch," I murmured. "Let him rage. I will not be swayed, never again will I serve anyone."
---
Location: Cybertron – Shockwave's Laboratory POV: Shockwave
Lord Galvatron's transmission arrived as I analyzed the assimilation of Ardent Nexus into the empire. His image flickered on the monitor, his optics burning with intensity.
"Unicron has reached out to me," he said.
I turned, processing the statement. "The Chaos Bringer?"
"He attempted to reclaim me," Galvatron said, his tone sharp. "He failed. But his presence grows quicker than the original timeline it's most definitely due to me but he will not awaken fully yet but in a few Orbital-Cycles maybe how goes the research on the All-Spark container."
"Understood this is concerning but everything is on schedule and the experimentation of the container has proven enlightening we will be ready for Unicron when he awakens" I said, my optic narrowing. "Though it may be wise to keep this to only a select few as the Decepticons perceive you as divine."
Galvatron's optics flared. "Fine but we need to make it clear I am not divine nor a God I have no wish to be, give me a status update on everything."
I displayed the data. "Ardent Nexus will be fully integrated within a cycle. The fleet continues its advance. All projects remain on schedule. S.2 has begun its mission to locate the lost Cybertronian colonies. Initial reports show S.2 has absorbed Velocitron into the Decepticon Empire it is promising but there have been no reports of any Decepticon or Autobot activity on this side of the galaxy."
"Good," Galvatron said. "Continue your work, Shockwave. And prepare for the possibility of interference of divine powers I will not allow them to disrupt my empire."
"As you command," I replied, watching as the transmission ended.
LOG-16
New
Devastator21
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Joined
- May 2, 2024
- Messages
- 1,133
- Likes received
- 5,538
Location: Core of the Sector – Galactic Council Fortress World Aegis POV: Sector Commander Veltren
The war room on Aegis, the heart of the sector, was a cacophony of alarms, hurried voices, and the faint hum of holographic displays. Sector Commander Veltren stood at the center, his rigid posture betraying none of the turmoil clawing at his mind. He stared at the holographic map of the sector, his piercing gaze fixed on the crimson tide inching closer to the system's core.
"Report!" Veltren barked, his voice cutting through the din like a blade.
A younger officer, her face pale and glistening with sweat, stepped forward. "Sir, the Decepticon fleet has breached the outer perimeter. Stronghold Zeta fell within the hour. The Decimator was spotted leading the charge."
Veltren's jaw tightened. The name alone—the Decimator—seemed to carry the weight of doom. He turned to his advisors, each ashen-faced. "And the civilians?"
"Evacuations are underway," another officer stammered. "But the Decepticons' speed... they're overwhelming every defense."
Veltren's fingers clenched the edge of the holotable, the metal creaking under the pressure. He knew what was at stake. Aegis wasn't just the military hub of the sector; it was its cultural heart. Billions of lives were scattered across the worlds under his command—farmers, scientists, diplomats—all depending on him to protect them.
"Activate the planetary shields," he ordered. "And prepare the anti-orbital batteries. If they want Aegis, they'll have to bleed for it."
Veltren's gaze shifted to the glowing schematic of Aegis' planetary defenses.
Planetary Shields: Aegis was encased in a near-impenetrable barrier powered by the system's central star, its energy funneled through colossal conduits beneath the surface.
AI-Controlled Defense Grid: Massive turrets bristled across the surface, programmed to adapt to enemy movements with inhuman precision.
The Colossi: Four towering war mechs, remnants of an ancient war, each capable of leveling cities on its own. They were Aegis' final line of defense.
These defenses had repelled countless threats in the past. But Veltren knew this wasn't an ordinary invasion. This was the Decepticon Empire, led by Galvatron himself—a being who had turned entire civilizations into ash.
In the corner of the room, a heated argument broke out among the Council's advisors.
"The Rust Plague is untested! And you want to mix another Bio-Weapon in it we can't trust this you fool! Conveniently this falls into our laps" a scientist protested, slamming his fist on the table. "We've barely managed to control it in lab conditions one of them. Releasing bothit could backfire—it could spread beyond the sector! We all remember the holo tapes of the Rust Plague and you want to release it here with another mixed into it"
"Do you have a better idea?" snapped General Kaelor, his military uniform immaculate even under the grim circumstances. "Those monsters will burn this entire sector to the ground if we don't stop them. The plague is our only chance!"
Veltren raised a hand, silencing them. "Enough," he said. "This isn't a debate. If we deploy the plague, it will be as a last resort. Until then, we fight. Every soldier, every weapon, every resource—throw it at the Decepticons."
His gaze lingered on the map, where red icons representing Decepticon forces continued to multiply. He allowed himself a brief moment of doubt.
"May the stars help us," he muttered.
Far from the war room, the streets of Aegis were a maelstrom of chaos. Families clutched one another as they boarded evacuation transports, their faces etched with fear. Children cried, their voices drowned out by the roar of ships lifting off.
Among the crowd was Riena, a young engineer who had spent her life maintaining Aegis' energy conduits. She looked up at the skies, now darkened by the shadow of Decepticon warships. Her hands trembled as she adjusted her evac pack.
"They'll destroy everything, won't they?" she asked an older colleague.
He didn't answer. He didn't need to. The despair in his eyes said enough.
Back in the war room, Veltren issued his final orders.
"General Kaelor," he said, turning to the stern-faced officer. "Deploy the Colossi to the frontlines. We'll need their firepower to delay the Decepticons."
Kaelor saluted sharply. "Consider it done."
"And the plague?" another advisor asked hesitantly.
Veltren hesitated, his voice lowering. "Prepare it. But do not release it without my command. If we use it, we damn ourselves alongside them."
As his officers scattered to carry out his orders, Veltren allowed himself a rare moment of vulnerability. His gaze fell on the holographic map, now dominated by the red tide. He closed his eyes, whispering a silent prayer.
"Let them see we fought. Let them remember we didn't go quietly."
---
Location: Decimator Command Deck POV: Galvatron
The command deck of the Decimator was a symphony of disciplined chaos. Tactical displays flickered with information, Decepticon officers relayed orders with precision, and the low hum of the ship's engines reverberated through the massive warship. At its center stood Galvatron, the master of this ironclad juggernaut, gazing at a holographic map of the sector.
Every planet, every defense system, every key resource was laid out before him like a puzzle waiting to be solved. His crimson optics gleamed as he processed the data.
"Status report," Galvatron commanded, his voice calm yet brimming with authority.
Nightburn, emerging from the shadows as if he were part of them, stepped forward. "Our fleet is in position, my Lord. Drachen has already begun organizing the assault teams. Thunderblast's air squadrons are awaiting deployment."
Galvatron nodded, his clawed hand gripping the edge of the display table. "Good. Aegis is their heart. If we crush it, the rest of the sector will crumble."
The holographic map zoomed in on Aegis, highlighting its layered defenses. The planetary shield glowed faintly, a testament to its formidable power. Beneath it, the defense grid bristled with anti-aircraft turrets and artillery placements.
"Drachen," Galvatron said, turning to his loyal general.
Drachen stepped forward, his crimson optics glowing with readiness. "My Lord."
"You will command the fleet," Galvatron instructed. "Break their lines. I want their orbital defenses in ruins before we land."
Drachen inclined his head. "It will be done."
"Thunderblast," Galvatron continued, his gaze shifting to the air commander.
Thunderblast saluted sharply, her claws clinking against her chest plate. "Yes, my Lord?"
"Your Seekers will dominate the skies," Galvatron said. "Destroy their anti-aircraft batteries and ensure our ground forces have unimpeded access to the surface and don't get cocky."
Thunderblast smirked, her confidence radiating. "Consider it done."
Finally, Galvatron's optics settled on Nightburn. "I expect you to handle... contingencies. Ensure no surprises jeopardize this assault."
Nightburn's voice was cold and measured. "Understood, my Lord."
As his lieutenants departed to carry out their assignments, Galvatron remained at the holographic map, studying every detail. He knew the cost of war, but for Cybertron to rise, sacrifices were necessary.
A young Decepticon officer approached, hesitating slightly. "My Lord, the orbital scans show significant civilian populations on Aegis. What are your orders regarding them?"
Galvatron turned slowly, his gaze piercing. "Do you believe civilians exempt from war, officer?"
The officer faltered, his optics darting nervously. "N-no, my Lord."
"Good," Galvatron said, his tone soft but dangerous. "They are a necessary sacrifice. Nothing more. Ensure their sacrifice is maximized."
As the officer hurried away, Galvatron's optics dimmed slightly, his thoughts turning inward.
"This galaxy is soft," he muttered to himself. "They cling to their comforts, their illusions of peace. They do not understand what it takes to survive."
He straightened, his resolve unshakable. "But they will learn. I will teach them."
Galvatron moved to a viewport overlooking the vast expanse of the Decimator's main hangar. Rows of Vehicons and PBMs (Prime Battle Machines) stood at attention, their frames gleaming under the hangar's harsh lights.
In the distance, massive siege engines were being loaded onto dropships, their weapons capable of leveling entire cities.
"Impressive, is it not?" Shockwave's voice crackled through a nearby terminal.
Galvatron glanced at the holographic display of his most loyal and trusted friend. "Everything is proceeding as planned, I trust?"
"Indeed," Shockwave replied. "The PBMs have been optimized for ground combat. They will be deployed alongside your main force. Additionally, the Decimator's primary weapon systems are fully operational. Orbital bombardment can commence on your command."
Galvatron's lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. Their defenses will crumble before they realize what's happening."
Before Galvatron could issue further orders, a faint flicker appeared on the holographic map—an anomaly near the surface of Aegis.
"What is that?" Galvatron asked, his tone sharp.
Nightburn stepped forward, his visor glowing faintly. "Unknown, my Lord. Scans indicate a facility emitting unusual energy signatures. It could be a hidden weapon."
Galvatron's optics narrowed. "Ensure our forces are prepared for anything. I will not have this campaign jeopardized by complacency."
Nightburn saluted and disappeared into the shadows.
As the final preparations were made, Galvatron stood on a raised platform within the Decimator's command deck, his imposing frame silhouetted against the glowing tactical display.
His voice echoed through the ship's intercom, reaching every Decepticon aboard.
"Warriors of Cybertron," he began, his tone steady but powerful. "Today, we take another step toward our destiny. The Galactic Council cowers behind their fortifications, believing their shields and weapons will protect them. But they underestimate us. They underestimate you."
His optics burned brighter. "You are the might of Cybertron. The galaxy trembles at your approach. And today, we will show them why. No shield, no wall, no weapon can stop us. For we are Decepticons!"
A roar erupted from the troops in the hangar below, their unified chant echoing through the Decimator: "All hail Galvatron! All hail Cybertron!"
Galvatron raised his fist, his voice rising to a crescendo. "Prepare yourselves. Victory awaits."
---
Location: High Orbit Above Aegis POV: Drachen
The Decimator emerged from hyperspace like a phantom, its jagged silhouette cutting through the void. The Galactic Council's fleet lay ahead, a patchwork of warships hastily assembled to defend the sector's heart. Drachen stood on the Decimator's bridge, his optics locked onto the tactical display.
"Enemy fleet detected," a Decepticon officer reported. "Composition: seventy-two vessels, primarily destroyer and frigate class. Three heavy cruisers detected. No dreadnoughts."
Drachen's optics narrowed. The Council's forces were numerous, but they lacked cohesion. It was a desperate defense, a last-ditch effort to hold the line.
"Pathetic," Drachen muttered. He turned to the comm officer. "Order the fleet to advance. Formation Delta-7. Target their flanks and force them toward the Decimator."
---
Thunderblast Pov:
The Decepticon warships surged forward, their engines blazing as they formed a spearhead. Plasma cannons and railguns lit up the void, sending volleys of destructive energy toward the Council's fleet.
On the tactical display, Drachen watched as the Council's flanks began to collapse under the relentless assault.
"Thunderblast," he said, opening a comm channel.
Her voice crackled through the speakers, tinged with amusement. "Ready to dazzle, Drachen?"
Drachen ignored her tone. "Their formation is breaking. Deploy your Seekers and eliminate their support ships."
"With pleasure," Thunderblast replied.
Thunderblast's squadrons screamed through the chaos, their sleek frames weaving between enemy fire. She led the charge, her fighter's engines roaring as she locked onto an enemy frigate.
"Targets acquired," she said, her claws dancing across the controls.
A salvo of missiles erupted from her fighter, striking the frigate's engines. The ship shuddered before erupting in a fiery explosion.
"Nice shot, boss!" one of her wingmates called out.
"Focus, Skyfire," Thunderblast snapped, though her tone was playful. "We're not done yet."
The Council's ships were faltering, their anti-aircraft batteries unable to keep up with the Seekers' speed and agility. Thunderblast grinned as she watched another frigate go up in flames.
Suddenly, a new blip appeared on the tactical display—a cluster of ships emerging from hyperspace. Thunderblast's optics narrowed as she scanned the incoming vessels.
"Drachen, we've got company," she said, her voice losing its playful edge. "Looks like Lockdown's fleet."
Drachen's voice was calm but cold. "Mercenary."
The mercenary fleet wasted no time, opening fire on both Decepticon and Council forces. The battlefield erupted into chaos as Lockdown's ships weaved through the fray, targeting weak points in both fleets.
"Engage Lockdown's forces," Drachen ordered. "Do not let them interfere with the mission."
Thunderblast growled. "On it."
Amid the chaos, the Decimator loomed like a vengeful god. Its primary weapon systems activated, and a massive energy beam lanced through the void, slicing through two Council cruisers in a single shot.
"Status on the enemy flagship?" Drachen asked.
"Shields failing, my Lord," a Decepticon officer replied. "One more salvo will finish it."
Drachen's optics gleamed. "Then fire."
The Decimator's secondary batteries roared to life, their concentrated fire reducing the enemy flagship to a burning husk.
With the Council's fleet in disarray and Lockdown's forces retreating under heavy fire, Drachen seized the opportunity.
"All ships, advance," he commanded. "Finish them."
The Decepticon fleet surged forward, cutting down the remnants of the Council's forces. Thunderblast's squadrons cleared the skies, and the Decimator delivered the final blow, obliterating the last Council cruiser.
As the battlefield fell silent, Drachen stood on the Decimator's bridge, his gaze cold and calculating.
"Send word to Lord Galvatron," he said. "The orbital defenses are ours. The ground invasion can begin."
Thunderblast's voice crackled through the comm. "That was fun. Hopefully my lord is proud of me."
Drachen ignored her, his focus already shifting to the next phase of the campaign.
---
Location: Aegis – Fortress City Perimeter POV: Kup
The battlefield was a war zone in every sense of the word. Massive plumes of smoke rose amd debris litter the sky from what was once Aegis' defenses platform's, now reduced to smoldering ruins. Explosions rocked the ground, sending tremors through the air that made even seasoned soldiers flinch. Fires raged unchecked across the cityscape, consuming steel and concrete alike.
Kup crouched behind a makeshift barricade, his optics scanning the chaos. The city's defenses were crumbling under the relentless assault of the Decepticons. From the skies, Seekers rained death in precise strafing runs. On the ground, waves of Vehicons and Decepticon warriors pushed forward, their movements coordinated and deadly. Heavy tanks rumbled through the streets, their massive cannons tearing through whatever fortifications still stood.
"Commander Kup!" a young Autobot soldier yelled, his voice barely audible over the cacophony. He stumbled toward Kup, sparks flying from a gash in his side collapsing on the ground. "They're breaking through the main line! What do we do?"
Kup didn't answer immediately. His optics were locked on the horizon, where a figure loomed larger than all "Megatron..... no Galvatron."
---
POV: Galvatron
From his vantage point atop a ruined structure, Galvatron surveyed the battlefield with cold precision. His crimson optics flickered as he analyzed the enemy's remaining defenses, searching for the weakest points. His fusion cannon hummed ominously, ready to unleash destruction at a moment's notice.
"To me, Decepticons!" Galvatron roared, his voice booming across the battlefield.
The army responded with terrifying efficiency. Vehicons charged forward, their blasters cutting down the retreating defenders. PBMs, towering over their smaller counterparts, leveled buildings and barricades with their heavy weaponry.
Galvatron's optics narrowed as he spotted a cluster of enemy tanks trying to regroup. With a calculated aim, he fired his fusion cannon, the resulting explosion obliterating half the formation and scattering the survivors.
"Press forward!" he commanded. "Show no mercy!"
A low rumble shook the battlefield, distinct from the thunder of cannon fire. Kup turned, his optics widening as a massive Decepticon dropship descended from the sky, its engines kicking up clouds of debris.
The dropship's doors slid open, and five figures leapt out, each one exuding power and purpose. The Combaticons.
Onslaught landed first, his massive frame casting a long shadow. "Combaticons, advance! Sweep the area!"
Brawl charged forward, his cannons roaring as he obliterated a line of entrenched defenders. Swindle provided suppressing fire, his shots precise and calculated. Vortex hovered above the chaos, his rotors slicing through anything foolish enough to get close. Blast Off delivered devastating strikes from above, targeting key enemy emplacements with pinpoint accuracy.
Kup gritted his teeth, his spark sinking as he realized what was coming.
"Combaticons to me combine and form Bruticus!" Onslaught bellowed.
The battlefield seemed to freeze for a moment as the Combaticons began their transformation. Their forms shifted and interlocked, each movement accompanied by the grinding of metal and the hiss of hydraulic systems. When the process was complete, a giant now loomed over the battlefield: Bruticus.
---
POV: Bruticus
From his elevated perspective, Bruticus surveyed the battlefield. His optics glowed with a menacing intensity as he processed data from each of his components. Targets were locked in, prioritized, and eliminated in rapid succession.
With a deafening roar, Bruticus raised his massive leg and brought it down on a line of Council tanks. The ground shook as the vehicles were reduced to scrap, their crews crushed beneath the impact.
His shoulder-mounted cannons swiveled, unleashing a barrage of plasma fire that annihilated an entire squadron. Those who weren't vaporized fled in terror, their morale shattered.
"Bruticus destroys all," the combiner growled, his voice a rumbling amalgamation of his components.
---
POV: Kup
Kup stared in horror as Bruticus rampaged across the battlefield. Every swing of the combiner's massive arms sent shockwaves through the air, scattering defenders like debris. Entire squads were obliterated before they could even mount a counterattack.
"This isn't a battle," Kup muttered. "It's a massacre."
He fired his rifle at an advancing wave of Vehicons, his shots precise but ultimately futile. Around him, his troops were falling one by one, their efforts no match for the overwhelming Decepticon assault.
"We can't hold this!" a Council officer shouted, his voice tinged with panic.
Kup grit his teeth. "Fall back to the evac ships! Move it!"
The retreat was chaotic. Soldiers scrambled over debris, their movements frantic as the Decepticons pressed the attack. Kup stayed behind, firing off suppressing shots to buy time for his troops.
---
POV: Thunderblast
From the sky, Thunderblast watched the chaos below with a mix of amusement and pride. "Oh, they're really starting to panic now," she muttered to herself.
Her squadrons weaved through the skies with practiced precision, dodging anti-aircraft fire and delivering devastating strafing runs. Thunderblast herself targeted a cluster of Council artillery, unleashing a barrage of missiles that sent the emplacements up in flames.
"Scratch one artillery position," she reported over the comm. "You're clear to move in, Bruticus."
---
POV: Kup
Kup stumbled toward the evacuation zone, his frame battered and his energon reserves dangerously low. Around him, the surviving Autobots and Council troops were in full retreat, their ranks thinned and demoralized.
As he reached the last transport, Kup turned back one final time. In the distance, Galvatron stood atop a mound of rubble, his blade raised high, his crimson optics blazing with a terrifying intensity.
Beside him, Bruticus loomed like a monument to Decepticon dominance, his cannons still glowing with residual heat.
Kup clenched his fists, his spark heavy with despair. "We'll stop you," he muttered. "Somehow, we'll stop you."
The transport's engines roared to life, lifting off just as the Decepticons overran the battlefield.
---
POV: Galvatron
The battlefield was silent now, save for the crackle of flames and the groans of the dying. Galvatron stood at the heart of the devastation, his frame coated in soot and energon. Around him, his warriors chanted his name, their voices a symphony of victory.
"All hail Galvatron!"
Galvatron raised his blade, his voice cutting through the fervor. "Onward, my warriors! The heart of this sector lies before us! Claim it for the Decepticon Empire and for Cybertron!"
The war room on Aegis, the heart of the sector, was a cacophony of alarms, hurried voices, and the faint hum of holographic displays. Sector Commander Veltren stood at the center, his rigid posture betraying none of the turmoil clawing at his mind. He stared at the holographic map of the sector, his piercing gaze fixed on the crimson tide inching closer to the system's core.
"Report!" Veltren barked, his voice cutting through the din like a blade.
A younger officer, her face pale and glistening with sweat, stepped forward. "Sir, the Decepticon fleet has breached the outer perimeter. Stronghold Zeta fell within the hour. The Decimator was spotted leading the charge."
Veltren's jaw tightened. The name alone—the Decimator—seemed to carry the weight of doom. He turned to his advisors, each ashen-faced. "And the civilians?"
"Evacuations are underway," another officer stammered. "But the Decepticons' speed... they're overwhelming every defense."
Veltren's fingers clenched the edge of the holotable, the metal creaking under the pressure. He knew what was at stake. Aegis wasn't just the military hub of the sector; it was its cultural heart. Billions of lives were scattered across the worlds under his command—farmers, scientists, diplomats—all depending on him to protect them.
"Activate the planetary shields," he ordered. "And prepare the anti-orbital batteries. If they want Aegis, they'll have to bleed for it."
Veltren's gaze shifted to the glowing schematic of Aegis' planetary defenses.
Planetary Shields: Aegis was encased in a near-impenetrable barrier powered by the system's central star, its energy funneled through colossal conduits beneath the surface.
AI-Controlled Defense Grid: Massive turrets bristled across the surface, programmed to adapt to enemy movements with inhuman precision.
The Colossi: Four towering war mechs, remnants of an ancient war, each capable of leveling cities on its own. They were Aegis' final line of defense.
These defenses had repelled countless threats in the past. But Veltren knew this wasn't an ordinary invasion. This was the Decepticon Empire, led by Galvatron himself—a being who had turned entire civilizations into ash.
In the corner of the room, a heated argument broke out among the Council's advisors.
"The Rust Plague is untested! And you want to mix another Bio-Weapon in it we can't trust this you fool! Conveniently this falls into our laps" a scientist protested, slamming his fist on the table. "We've barely managed to control it in lab conditions one of them. Releasing bothit could backfire—it could spread beyond the sector! We all remember the holo tapes of the Rust Plague and you want to release it here with another mixed into it"
"Do you have a better idea?" snapped General Kaelor, his military uniform immaculate even under the grim circumstances. "Those monsters will burn this entire sector to the ground if we don't stop them. The plague is our only chance!"
Veltren raised a hand, silencing them. "Enough," he said. "This isn't a debate. If we deploy the plague, it will be as a last resort. Until then, we fight. Every soldier, every weapon, every resource—throw it at the Decepticons."
His gaze lingered on the map, where red icons representing Decepticon forces continued to multiply. He allowed himself a brief moment of doubt.
"May the stars help us," he muttered.
Far from the war room, the streets of Aegis were a maelstrom of chaos. Families clutched one another as they boarded evacuation transports, their faces etched with fear. Children cried, their voices drowned out by the roar of ships lifting off.
Among the crowd was Riena, a young engineer who had spent her life maintaining Aegis' energy conduits. She looked up at the skies, now darkened by the shadow of Decepticon warships. Her hands trembled as she adjusted her evac pack.
"They'll destroy everything, won't they?" she asked an older colleague.
He didn't answer. He didn't need to. The despair in his eyes said enough.
Back in the war room, Veltren issued his final orders.
"General Kaelor," he said, turning to the stern-faced officer. "Deploy the Colossi to the frontlines. We'll need their firepower to delay the Decepticons."
Kaelor saluted sharply. "Consider it done."
"And the plague?" another advisor asked hesitantly.
Veltren hesitated, his voice lowering. "Prepare it. But do not release it without my command. If we use it, we damn ourselves alongside them."
As his officers scattered to carry out his orders, Veltren allowed himself a rare moment of vulnerability. His gaze fell on the holographic map, now dominated by the red tide. He closed his eyes, whispering a silent prayer.
"Let them see we fought. Let them remember we didn't go quietly."
---
Location: Decimator Command Deck POV: Galvatron
The command deck of the Decimator was a symphony of disciplined chaos. Tactical displays flickered with information, Decepticon officers relayed orders with precision, and the low hum of the ship's engines reverberated through the massive warship. At its center stood Galvatron, the master of this ironclad juggernaut, gazing at a holographic map of the sector.
Every planet, every defense system, every key resource was laid out before him like a puzzle waiting to be solved. His crimson optics gleamed as he processed the data.
"Status report," Galvatron commanded, his voice calm yet brimming with authority.
Nightburn, emerging from the shadows as if he were part of them, stepped forward. "Our fleet is in position, my Lord. Drachen has already begun organizing the assault teams. Thunderblast's air squadrons are awaiting deployment."
Galvatron nodded, his clawed hand gripping the edge of the display table. "Good. Aegis is their heart. If we crush it, the rest of the sector will crumble."
The holographic map zoomed in on Aegis, highlighting its layered defenses. The planetary shield glowed faintly, a testament to its formidable power. Beneath it, the defense grid bristled with anti-aircraft turrets and artillery placements.
"Drachen," Galvatron said, turning to his loyal general.
Drachen stepped forward, his crimson optics glowing with readiness. "My Lord."
"You will command the fleet," Galvatron instructed. "Break their lines. I want their orbital defenses in ruins before we land."
Drachen inclined his head. "It will be done."
"Thunderblast," Galvatron continued, his gaze shifting to the air commander.
Thunderblast saluted sharply, her claws clinking against her chest plate. "Yes, my Lord?"
"Your Seekers will dominate the skies," Galvatron said. "Destroy their anti-aircraft batteries and ensure our ground forces have unimpeded access to the surface and don't get cocky."
Thunderblast smirked, her confidence radiating. "Consider it done."
Finally, Galvatron's optics settled on Nightburn. "I expect you to handle... contingencies. Ensure no surprises jeopardize this assault."
Nightburn's voice was cold and measured. "Understood, my Lord."
As his lieutenants departed to carry out their assignments, Galvatron remained at the holographic map, studying every detail. He knew the cost of war, but for Cybertron to rise, sacrifices were necessary.
A young Decepticon officer approached, hesitating slightly. "My Lord, the orbital scans show significant civilian populations on Aegis. What are your orders regarding them?"
Galvatron turned slowly, his gaze piercing. "Do you believe civilians exempt from war, officer?"
The officer faltered, his optics darting nervously. "N-no, my Lord."
"Good," Galvatron said, his tone soft but dangerous. "They are a necessary sacrifice. Nothing more. Ensure their sacrifice is maximized."
As the officer hurried away, Galvatron's optics dimmed slightly, his thoughts turning inward.
"This galaxy is soft," he muttered to himself. "They cling to their comforts, their illusions of peace. They do not understand what it takes to survive."
He straightened, his resolve unshakable. "But they will learn. I will teach them."
Galvatron moved to a viewport overlooking the vast expanse of the Decimator's main hangar. Rows of Vehicons and PBMs (Prime Battle Machines) stood at attention, their frames gleaming under the hangar's harsh lights.
In the distance, massive siege engines were being loaded onto dropships, their weapons capable of leveling entire cities.
"Impressive, is it not?" Shockwave's voice crackled through a nearby terminal.
Galvatron glanced at the holographic display of his most loyal and trusted friend. "Everything is proceeding as planned, I trust?"
"Indeed," Shockwave replied. "The PBMs have been optimized for ground combat. They will be deployed alongside your main force. Additionally, the Decimator's primary weapon systems are fully operational. Orbital bombardment can commence on your command."
Galvatron's lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. Their defenses will crumble before they realize what's happening."
Before Galvatron could issue further orders, a faint flicker appeared on the holographic map—an anomaly near the surface of Aegis.
"What is that?" Galvatron asked, his tone sharp.
Nightburn stepped forward, his visor glowing faintly. "Unknown, my Lord. Scans indicate a facility emitting unusual energy signatures. It could be a hidden weapon."
Galvatron's optics narrowed. "Ensure our forces are prepared for anything. I will not have this campaign jeopardized by complacency."
Nightburn saluted and disappeared into the shadows.
As the final preparations were made, Galvatron stood on a raised platform within the Decimator's command deck, his imposing frame silhouetted against the glowing tactical display.
His voice echoed through the ship's intercom, reaching every Decepticon aboard.
"Warriors of Cybertron," he began, his tone steady but powerful. "Today, we take another step toward our destiny. The Galactic Council cowers behind their fortifications, believing their shields and weapons will protect them. But they underestimate us. They underestimate you."
His optics burned brighter. "You are the might of Cybertron. The galaxy trembles at your approach. And today, we will show them why. No shield, no wall, no weapon can stop us. For we are Decepticons!"
A roar erupted from the troops in the hangar below, their unified chant echoing through the Decimator: "All hail Galvatron! All hail Cybertron!"
Galvatron raised his fist, his voice rising to a crescendo. "Prepare yourselves. Victory awaits."
---
Location: High Orbit Above Aegis POV: Drachen
The Decimator emerged from hyperspace like a phantom, its jagged silhouette cutting through the void. The Galactic Council's fleet lay ahead, a patchwork of warships hastily assembled to defend the sector's heart. Drachen stood on the Decimator's bridge, his optics locked onto the tactical display.
"Enemy fleet detected," a Decepticon officer reported. "Composition: seventy-two vessels, primarily destroyer and frigate class. Three heavy cruisers detected. No dreadnoughts."
Drachen's optics narrowed. The Council's forces were numerous, but they lacked cohesion. It was a desperate defense, a last-ditch effort to hold the line.
"Pathetic," Drachen muttered. He turned to the comm officer. "Order the fleet to advance. Formation Delta-7. Target their flanks and force them toward the Decimator."
---
Thunderblast Pov:
The Decepticon warships surged forward, their engines blazing as they formed a spearhead. Plasma cannons and railguns lit up the void, sending volleys of destructive energy toward the Council's fleet.
On the tactical display, Drachen watched as the Council's flanks began to collapse under the relentless assault.
"Thunderblast," he said, opening a comm channel.
Her voice crackled through the speakers, tinged with amusement. "Ready to dazzle, Drachen?"
Drachen ignored her tone. "Their formation is breaking. Deploy your Seekers and eliminate their support ships."
"With pleasure," Thunderblast replied.
Thunderblast's squadrons screamed through the chaos, their sleek frames weaving between enemy fire. She led the charge, her fighter's engines roaring as she locked onto an enemy frigate.
"Targets acquired," she said, her claws dancing across the controls.
A salvo of missiles erupted from her fighter, striking the frigate's engines. The ship shuddered before erupting in a fiery explosion.
"Nice shot, boss!" one of her wingmates called out.
"Focus, Skyfire," Thunderblast snapped, though her tone was playful. "We're not done yet."
The Council's ships were faltering, their anti-aircraft batteries unable to keep up with the Seekers' speed and agility. Thunderblast grinned as she watched another frigate go up in flames.
Suddenly, a new blip appeared on the tactical display—a cluster of ships emerging from hyperspace. Thunderblast's optics narrowed as she scanned the incoming vessels.
"Drachen, we've got company," she said, her voice losing its playful edge. "Looks like Lockdown's fleet."
Drachen's voice was calm but cold. "Mercenary."
The mercenary fleet wasted no time, opening fire on both Decepticon and Council forces. The battlefield erupted into chaos as Lockdown's ships weaved through the fray, targeting weak points in both fleets.
"Engage Lockdown's forces," Drachen ordered. "Do not let them interfere with the mission."
Thunderblast growled. "On it."
Amid the chaos, the Decimator loomed like a vengeful god. Its primary weapon systems activated, and a massive energy beam lanced through the void, slicing through two Council cruisers in a single shot.
"Status on the enemy flagship?" Drachen asked.
"Shields failing, my Lord," a Decepticon officer replied. "One more salvo will finish it."
Drachen's optics gleamed. "Then fire."
The Decimator's secondary batteries roared to life, their concentrated fire reducing the enemy flagship to a burning husk.
With the Council's fleet in disarray and Lockdown's forces retreating under heavy fire, Drachen seized the opportunity.
"All ships, advance," he commanded. "Finish them."
The Decepticon fleet surged forward, cutting down the remnants of the Council's forces. Thunderblast's squadrons cleared the skies, and the Decimator delivered the final blow, obliterating the last Council cruiser.
As the battlefield fell silent, Drachen stood on the Decimator's bridge, his gaze cold and calculating.
"Send word to Lord Galvatron," he said. "The orbital defenses are ours. The ground invasion can begin."
Thunderblast's voice crackled through the comm. "That was fun. Hopefully my lord is proud of me."
Drachen ignored her, his focus already shifting to the next phase of the campaign.
---
Location: Aegis – Fortress City Perimeter POV: Kup
The battlefield was a war zone in every sense of the word. Massive plumes of smoke rose amd debris litter the sky from what was once Aegis' defenses platform's, now reduced to smoldering ruins. Explosions rocked the ground, sending tremors through the air that made even seasoned soldiers flinch. Fires raged unchecked across the cityscape, consuming steel and concrete alike.
Kup crouched behind a makeshift barricade, his optics scanning the chaos. The city's defenses were crumbling under the relentless assault of the Decepticons. From the skies, Seekers rained death in precise strafing runs. On the ground, waves of Vehicons and Decepticon warriors pushed forward, their movements coordinated and deadly. Heavy tanks rumbled through the streets, their massive cannons tearing through whatever fortifications still stood.
"Commander Kup!" a young Autobot soldier yelled, his voice barely audible over the cacophony. He stumbled toward Kup, sparks flying from a gash in his side collapsing on the ground. "They're breaking through the main line! What do we do?"
Kup didn't answer immediately. His optics were locked on the horizon, where a figure loomed larger than all "Megatron..... no Galvatron."
---
POV: Galvatron
From his vantage point atop a ruined structure, Galvatron surveyed the battlefield with cold precision. His crimson optics flickered as he analyzed the enemy's remaining defenses, searching for the weakest points. His fusion cannon hummed ominously, ready to unleash destruction at a moment's notice.
"To me, Decepticons!" Galvatron roared, his voice booming across the battlefield.
The army responded with terrifying efficiency. Vehicons charged forward, their blasters cutting down the retreating defenders. PBMs, towering over their smaller counterparts, leveled buildings and barricades with their heavy weaponry.
Galvatron's optics narrowed as he spotted a cluster of enemy tanks trying to regroup. With a calculated aim, he fired his fusion cannon, the resulting explosion obliterating half the formation and scattering the survivors.
"Press forward!" he commanded. "Show no mercy!"
A low rumble shook the battlefield, distinct from the thunder of cannon fire. Kup turned, his optics widening as a massive Decepticon dropship descended from the sky, its engines kicking up clouds of debris.
The dropship's doors slid open, and five figures leapt out, each one exuding power and purpose. The Combaticons.
Onslaught landed first, his massive frame casting a long shadow. "Combaticons, advance! Sweep the area!"
Brawl charged forward, his cannons roaring as he obliterated a line of entrenched defenders. Swindle provided suppressing fire, his shots precise and calculated. Vortex hovered above the chaos, his rotors slicing through anything foolish enough to get close. Blast Off delivered devastating strikes from above, targeting key enemy emplacements with pinpoint accuracy.
Kup gritted his teeth, his spark sinking as he realized what was coming.
"Combaticons to me combine and form Bruticus!" Onslaught bellowed.
The battlefield seemed to freeze for a moment as the Combaticons began their transformation. Their forms shifted and interlocked, each movement accompanied by the grinding of metal and the hiss of hydraulic systems. When the process was complete, a giant now loomed over the battlefield: Bruticus.
---
POV: Bruticus
From his elevated perspective, Bruticus surveyed the battlefield. His optics glowed with a menacing intensity as he processed data from each of his components. Targets were locked in, prioritized, and eliminated in rapid succession.
With a deafening roar, Bruticus raised his massive leg and brought it down on a line of Council tanks. The ground shook as the vehicles were reduced to scrap, their crews crushed beneath the impact.
His shoulder-mounted cannons swiveled, unleashing a barrage of plasma fire that annihilated an entire squadron. Those who weren't vaporized fled in terror, their morale shattered.
"Bruticus destroys all," the combiner growled, his voice a rumbling amalgamation of his components.
---
POV: Kup
Kup stared in horror as Bruticus rampaged across the battlefield. Every swing of the combiner's massive arms sent shockwaves through the air, scattering defenders like debris. Entire squads were obliterated before they could even mount a counterattack.
"This isn't a battle," Kup muttered. "It's a massacre."
He fired his rifle at an advancing wave of Vehicons, his shots precise but ultimately futile. Around him, his troops were falling one by one, their efforts no match for the overwhelming Decepticon assault.
"We can't hold this!" a Council officer shouted, his voice tinged with panic.
Kup grit his teeth. "Fall back to the evac ships! Move it!"
The retreat was chaotic. Soldiers scrambled over debris, their movements frantic as the Decepticons pressed the attack. Kup stayed behind, firing off suppressing shots to buy time for his troops.
---
POV: Thunderblast
From the sky, Thunderblast watched the chaos below with a mix of amusement and pride. "Oh, they're really starting to panic now," she muttered to herself.
Her squadrons weaved through the skies with practiced precision, dodging anti-aircraft fire and delivering devastating strafing runs. Thunderblast herself targeted a cluster of Council artillery, unleashing a barrage of missiles that sent the emplacements up in flames.
"Scratch one artillery position," she reported over the comm. "You're clear to move in, Bruticus."
---
POV: Kup
Kup stumbled toward the evacuation zone, his frame battered and his energon reserves dangerously low. Around him, the surviving Autobots and Council troops were in full retreat, their ranks thinned and demoralized.
As he reached the last transport, Kup turned back one final time. In the distance, Galvatron stood atop a mound of rubble, his blade raised high, his crimson optics blazing with a terrifying intensity.
Beside him, Bruticus loomed like a monument to Decepticon dominance, his cannons still glowing with residual heat.
Kup clenched his fists, his spark heavy with despair. "We'll stop you," he muttered. "Somehow, we'll stop you."
The transport's engines roared to life, lifting off just as the Decepticons overran the battlefield.
---
POV: Galvatron
The battlefield was silent now, save for the crackle of flames and the groans of the dying. Galvatron stood at the heart of the devastation, his frame coated in soot and energon. Around him, his warriors chanted his name, their voices a symphony of victory.
"All hail Galvatron!"
Galvatron raised his blade, his voice cutting through the fervor. "Onward, my warriors! The heart of this sector lies before us! Claim it for the Decepticon Empire and for Cybertron!"
S.2 INTERLUDE: THE HUNGER
New
Devastator21
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Joined
- May 2, 2024
- Messages
- 1,133
- Likes received
- 5,538
Location: Cybertronian Deep Space – S.2's Flagship, Unyielding Logic
POV: S.2
The void stretched endlessly before me, illuminated only by distant stars and the soft glow of my ship's energon conduits.
My mission is clear: seek out Cybertronian colonies, assess their value, and integrate them into the Decepticon Empire.
"Log update," I began, my voice steady and devoid of inflexion. "The reclamation of Velocitron and Caminus has introduced significant variables to the Decepticon Empire's expansion. Current heading: uncharted space, following an unidentified Cybertronian signal."
My processors reviewed recent events. Velocitron had proven its worth with its industrious infrastructure and technical expertise. Caminus, while less cooperative, had reluctantly contributed its forges. Both now served the singular purpose of Cybertron's continued prosperity under Lord Galvatron. Still, variables of resistance persisted, and my mission demanded precision in neutralizing such inefficiencies.
---
Location: Velocitron – Primary City Circuit-Track
Velocitron was a world of speed. Endless highways intertwined across its surface, bustling with Cybertronians designed for racing of any kind Its neon-lit cities with Decepticon iconography stood as monuments to the Decepticon cause, thriving but tinged with a growing undercurrent of dissent.
The planetary governor, Ransack, awaited my arrival at the central track. His frame gleamed with ceremonial enhancements, though his posture betrayed unease.
"Welcome, Lord Shockwave of Cybertron," he said, his tone carefully measured. "I am honoured by your recommendation to be the planetary governor of Velocitron and I assure you we are loyal to the Decepticon Empire"
"Loyalty must be demonstrated through measurable actions," I replied, scanning the crowd of onlookers. "You are now under the direct authority of the Decepticon Empire. Deviation will not be tolerated."
Velocitron's value lies in its advanced vehicular technologies and industrial infrastructure. My preliminary assessments revealed vital resources that could be redirected to the Decepticon war effort. However, my sensors detected encrypted transmissions—evidence of an insurgency brewing within Velocitron's shadows.
Resistance on Velocitron, a faction of dissenters led by a rogue mech named Wrench, had rejected Cybertron's dominance.
They viewed Lord Galvatron as a tyrant and sought to protect Velocitron's autonomy. Their sabotage efforts disrupted production lines and destabilized key communication hubs.
Their rebellion was illogical. "Insurgencies," I recorded, "are inefficient and detrimental to Cybertron's greater purpose."
Using precision strikes and data infiltration, I located their base of operations within the Glowlight Crater. My drones descended swiftly, neutralizing their defences with calculated precision. Wrench attempted to flee but was intercepted.
"Velocitron was meant to be free," he said as my restraint systems locked him in place. "You'll turn us into tools for your endless war."
"Freedom is an illusion," I replied. "Lord Galvatron offers purpose. Your refusal to comply is a deviation that will not be tolerated." I charge a blast from my arm cannon and shoot the mech dead.
With the Wrenches faction dismantled, Ransack reaffirmed his allegiance to Cybertron. I established Velocitron as a hub for advanced production, its highways repurposed for efficient transport of war materials while under the orders of Lord Galvatron, I am to keep as much of the individuality of the Colonies so the races are still operational but with Decepticon propaganda and Lord Galvatron's voice announcing it.
The dissenters' remnants would serve as a warning to others who might resist, and increased propaganda would ensure no resistance would ever rise again.
---
Location: Caminus – Forge of Solus Prime (Not related to the real Forge of Solus Prime my disappointment was immeasurable.)
Caminus stood as a beacon of artistry and reverence, its cities a harmonious blend of function and beauty. At its heart lay the legendary Forge of Solus Prime a part of it at least as the real artifact is on the planet Earth Designation Chaos Bringer, it is a artifact of immense historical and technological significance to Caminus.
I arrived at a reception of wary optics. The City speaker, Windblade, addressed me directly, her stance radiating a mix of defiance and caution.
"Why has Cybertron sent an emissary?" she asked. "Caminus has long maintained its independence."
"inefficiency Independence has no use to Cybertron," I replied. "Your resources and expertise will serve the greater purpose of unifying all Cybertronian-kind under Lord Galvatron."
Windblade's optics narrowed. "We revere Solus Prime's teachings. Conquest is not among them. Caminus thrives because of peace, not war."
Her resistance was noted. Caminus' adherence to pacifism conflicted with Cybertron's militaristic priorities. However, the forges of Caminus represented an unparalleled technological advantage. Its output—advanced alloys and weaponry—could strengthen the empire immeasurably.
To persuade Caminus' leadership, I presented simulations of the Galactic Council's forces targeting the colony. The projected outcomes depicted total devastation.
"Your ideals will not protect you," I said. "Without Cybertron and Lord Galvatron, Caminus will fall Lord Galvatron has been blessed by Primus logic dictates reintegration into Cybertron and the Decepticon Empire"
The simulation fractured their unity and the evidence of Lord Galvatron being a 'Prime'. While Windblade remained hesitant, others saw reason. Reluctantly, Caminus capitulated, agreeing to supply its forges for Cybertron's expansion.
As integration began, Windblade's unease lingered. Her continued influence among the Cityspeakers posed a variable I would monitor closely but the quick construction and uplink to Cybertron has allowed Caminus to worship Lord Galvatron and the Decepticon Empire.
---
Post-Integration Assessments
With Velocitron and Caminus secured, I consolidated my findings.
Velocitron: Fully integrated. Production efficiency increased by 22%. All resistance neutralized.
Caminus: Partial compliance. Technological outputs are optimized, though sociopolitical stability requires ongoing observation.
"Integration success rate: 89%," I recorded. "Further measures may be necessary to ensure long-term loyalty."
As the Unyielding Logic left Caminus' orbit, a signal reached my sensors—weak, yet unmistakably Cybertronian.
"Analysis: origin point matches pre-Exodus patterns," I noted. "Designation: uncharted colony."
The signal carried faint data bursts encoded in ancient Cybertronian dialects, a language spoken only before the Great Exodus. Its implications were vast—another lost colony, untouched by Cybertron's resurgence.
Adjusting the ship's course, I prepared for the unknown.
"End log," I said as the stars shifted around the Unyielding Logic. "Mission parameters remain: reunification and integration."
---
Location: Uncharted Space – Near the Source of the Signal POV: S.2
The void stretched endlessly, unbroken save for the distant light of dying stars. My sensors, calibrated to detect the faintest traces of Cybertronian technology, locked onto the signal's origin—a desolate system on the edge of known space.
"Log update," I began, my voice cold and methodical. "Pursuing unknown Cybertronian signal. Signal degradation suggests significant temporal decay. Hypothesis: distress beacon activated pre-Exodus."
The Unyielding Logic cut through the dark like a scalpel, its systems humming in perfect unison. This ship, an extension of my precision, was designed for missions such as this—unpredictable, uncharted, and of strategic importance to Cybertron.
As the signal grew stronger, anomalies began to appear. Derelict vessels floated aimlessly, their hulls scarred by claw marks and acid burns. Planets devoid of atmosphere showed signs of organic matter unknown to anything within my databases.
"Analyzing environmental data," I noted. "Bio-organic structures present. Unknown origin. Scanning for potential threats."
The results were immediate. The organic material was unlike anything recorded in Cybertronian databases. It was alive, predatory, and it is awakening.
The source of the signal was an ancient Cybertronian colony. Its once-grand cities were now choked with tendrils of alien growth, the spires consumed by chitinous structures that pulsated like arteries. The signal emanated from deep within the largest ruin—a last cry for help that had gone unanswered for millennia.
"Deploying reconnaissance drones," I said, releasing a fleet of small, agile machines into the atmosphere. Their feeds displayed the colony's grim state: buildings overrun, energon reserves corrupted, and skeletal remains of Cybertronians fused with alien biomass.
My calculations were interrupted as the first drone's feed cut to static, then another, and another. The final image was of a seething mass of alien creatures, their eyeless forms converging on the drones with terrifying speed.
"Hostile entities identified," I stated. "Classification: unknown. Probability of planetary-level infestation: 97%."
The creatures swarmed into view, their numbers dwarfing anything my calculations had predicted. Their forms were diverse yet unified—smaller, gaunt-like figures surged forward while towering warriors wielded blade-like appendages. Behind them, organic artillery structures pulsed, spitting corrosive projectiles into the sky.
"Engaging defensive protocols," I announced.
They overwhelmed the drones in moments, forcing me to recalibrate my approach. The Unyielding Logic deployed an array of precision orbital strikes, targeting clusters of biomass and cutting swaths through the horde.
Despite the bombardment, the creatures adapted. Spore mines launched from the surface latched onto the ship's shields, attempting to drain its energy. Bio-ships emerged from the atmosphere, grotesque vessels armed with acidic weaponry and parasitic boarding organisms.
"Analyzing attack patterns," I said, directing the ship's AI to prioritize evasive manoeuvres while returning fire. "Identified weakness: hive-mind coordination. Hypothesis: the destruction of synaptic nodes will destabilize the swarm."
Deploying specialized munitions, I targeted the largest bio-forms directing the swarm. Explosions lit the surface as the command units were obliterated, temporarily halting their advance.
Victory seemed within reach until sensors detected a massive presence approaching from the system's edge. A Hive Ship emerged, its organic hull dwarfing the Unyielding Logic. The ship pulsed with life, releasing waves of smaller bio-ships that swarmed toward me like locusts.
"Threat assessment: catastrophic," I noted. "Probability of survival without tactical adaptation: 18%."
The Hive Ship launched tendrils of bio-plasma, their impacts rocking the Unyielding Logic. I activated experimental weaponry—a concentrated energy lance that tore through the bio-ships in a single sweep. Despite the counterattack, the Hive Ship advanced, its maw-like structures preparing to engulf the Unyielding Logic.
"Engaging primary cannon," I stated, directing all available energy into a focused beam. The weapon struck the Hive Ship's central mass, tearing through its organic armour. The ship writhed in response, releasing waves of smaller organics to shield itself.
I calculated the Hive Ship's synaptic centre and redirected fire to its neural cluster. A final blast from the energy lance struck true, obliterating the Hive Ship in a fiery explosion. The remaining Organics fell into disarray, their hive-mind severed.
The battle left the colony in ruins, but the infestation was halted. My drones resumed their search, uncovering a small group of dead but intact Cybertronians. Their memory banks will be of great use, and Golden Age technology, including frames, is of great scientific material.
"The infestation has been halted" I spoke to my record drone. "Full purging of this sector is necessary."
As the bodies were brought aboard, I collected samples for analysis and set an experimental weapon on the Star to detonate as I left.
Returning to the ship's command chamber, I activated a holographic link to Cybertron. Shockwave's optic glowed brightly as he appeared, his laboratory visible in the background.
"Report," Shockwave demanded.
I detailed the events, providing visual records of the infestation, the Hive Ship, and the survivors' testimony. Shockwave studied the data in silence before speaking.
"The entities, designated 'Tyranids,' represent an extraneous threat Lord Galvatron has informed me of the possibility of creatures breaching into our Universe," Shockwave stated.
"This force was a fragment, yet its capabilities were formidable. Probability of larger incursions: 87% if nothing is done threat level Omega." I replied
Shockwave's optic narrowed. "Their biology defies known principles. Their adaptability mirrors organic evolution but on a grander scale, faster than conventional organic species, yet they lack logical probability of the Hive-mind not being connected to this fleet. This warrants further study."
"Recommended action: acceleration of capital ship production," I added. "Current fleet capacity is insufficient for prolonged engagement."
Shockwave nodded. "Agreed. Additional vessels modelled on the Decimator and my flagship will be prioritized. Lord Galvatron will be informed."
---
Location: New Territories – Decimator POV: Galvatron
The vast throne room of the Decimator was illuminated by the cold light. The command chamber buzzed with activity as reports from the frontlines flowed in, detailing the Decepticon Empire's expansion and the integration of new colonies.
I sat on my throne, reviewing the latest data when Shockwave's holographic form appeared before me.
"My lord," Shockwave said, his tone as calm as ever. "S.2 has encountered a threat of considerable magnitude. A fragment of an entity referred to as 'Tyranids.'"
My Optics open wide as I Ieaned forward, my crimson optics narrowing. "Explain."
Shockwave relayed the details of the encounter: the bio-organic infestation, the Hive Ship, and the survivors' accounts. I watched the holograms intently, the images of the Tyranids' relentless assault stirring a flicker of intrigue.
"This was to be expected Primus's warning and my entrance here," I said, rising to my feet. "I never thought I'd see this. It's too early for a Tyranid incursion. The implications alone are terrifying. I was expecting alternate versions of ourselves, but this proves I'm right. I've explained to you about the Warhammer Universe."
"Yes, my Lord, but with the Galactic Council following the projected outlines, we should be fine. We were lucky this fragment was destroyed," Shockwave continued, "but my calculations indicate a high probability of more being sent in the future. Their adaptability and hunger for consumption pose a threat to Cybertron contrary to previous assumptions they seem to enjoy Cybertronian's."
"They are a threat" I repeated, my tone sharp. "But they are an opportunity to be exploited."
Shockwave tilted his head slightly, his optic glowing brighter. "Elaborate, my lord."
"If we could introduce S. 2's report and video files into a propaganda film, we could never run out of foes for the Decepticon Empire. We will adapt. We always do," I said. "We later down the road adapt and take how they evolve and adapt for us for Cybertron and add it to our arsenal but for now for the possible incursions of any threat we need to ramp up production of our supercapital ships and start production on the War worlds with the addition of a Death star laser."
Shockwave nodded. "Production of additional capital ships will commence immediately and the war world's. Resources from Velocitron, Caminus, and the new territories are sufficient to begin construction on mass."
"Make it so I want enough to ensure we can survive any incursion," I commanded. "And ensure that all relevant data from S.2's encounter is disseminated among our fleets. Every Decepticon must be prepared for this new foe and start production of biological weapons to go through the archives and start production immediately."
"As you command," Shockwave replied.
After the hologram faded, I turned toward the viewing port overlooking a Nebula. The glow and the otherworldly majesty I can see so far into the Nebula it is beautiful.
"The Tyranids..." I murmured. "Another obstacle. Another test, of course. It couldn't be easy, could it? What's next, the Men of Iron, the Scarabs from DC Bloody Ultron, the Forerunners."
I clenched my fists, the sound of metal grinding filling the room.
"I will engrave the fear of Cybertron into the Tyranid Hive-mind I will make them fear ME"
My optics burned brighter as I gazed into the void, already calculating the next battle for until the day I sat back on the grateful universe my work is never done.
"Let them come," I said, my voice echoing through the chamber. "I will show them the true meaning of hunger."
POV: S.2
The void stretched endlessly before me, illuminated only by distant stars and the soft glow of my ship's energon conduits.
My mission is clear: seek out Cybertronian colonies, assess their value, and integrate them into the Decepticon Empire.
"Log update," I began, my voice steady and devoid of inflexion. "The reclamation of Velocitron and Caminus has introduced significant variables to the Decepticon Empire's expansion. Current heading: uncharted space, following an unidentified Cybertronian signal."
My processors reviewed recent events. Velocitron had proven its worth with its industrious infrastructure and technical expertise. Caminus, while less cooperative, had reluctantly contributed its forges. Both now served the singular purpose of Cybertron's continued prosperity under Lord Galvatron. Still, variables of resistance persisted, and my mission demanded precision in neutralizing such inefficiencies.
---
Location: Velocitron – Primary City Circuit-Track
Velocitron was a world of speed. Endless highways intertwined across its surface, bustling with Cybertronians designed for racing of any kind Its neon-lit cities with Decepticon iconography stood as monuments to the Decepticon cause, thriving but tinged with a growing undercurrent of dissent.
The planetary governor, Ransack, awaited my arrival at the central track. His frame gleamed with ceremonial enhancements, though his posture betrayed unease.
"Welcome, Lord Shockwave of Cybertron," he said, his tone carefully measured. "I am honoured by your recommendation to be the planetary governor of Velocitron and I assure you we are loyal to the Decepticon Empire"
"Loyalty must be demonstrated through measurable actions," I replied, scanning the crowd of onlookers. "You are now under the direct authority of the Decepticon Empire. Deviation will not be tolerated."
Velocitron's value lies in its advanced vehicular technologies and industrial infrastructure. My preliminary assessments revealed vital resources that could be redirected to the Decepticon war effort. However, my sensors detected encrypted transmissions—evidence of an insurgency brewing within Velocitron's shadows.
Resistance on Velocitron, a faction of dissenters led by a rogue mech named Wrench, had rejected Cybertron's dominance.
They viewed Lord Galvatron as a tyrant and sought to protect Velocitron's autonomy. Their sabotage efforts disrupted production lines and destabilized key communication hubs.
Their rebellion was illogical. "Insurgencies," I recorded, "are inefficient and detrimental to Cybertron's greater purpose."
Using precision strikes and data infiltration, I located their base of operations within the Glowlight Crater. My drones descended swiftly, neutralizing their defences with calculated precision. Wrench attempted to flee but was intercepted.
"Velocitron was meant to be free," he said as my restraint systems locked him in place. "You'll turn us into tools for your endless war."
"Freedom is an illusion," I replied. "Lord Galvatron offers purpose. Your refusal to comply is a deviation that will not be tolerated." I charge a blast from my arm cannon and shoot the mech dead.
With the Wrenches faction dismantled, Ransack reaffirmed his allegiance to Cybertron. I established Velocitron as a hub for advanced production, its highways repurposed for efficient transport of war materials while under the orders of Lord Galvatron, I am to keep as much of the individuality of the Colonies so the races are still operational but with Decepticon propaganda and Lord Galvatron's voice announcing it.
The dissenters' remnants would serve as a warning to others who might resist, and increased propaganda would ensure no resistance would ever rise again.
---
Location: Caminus – Forge of Solus Prime (Not related to the real Forge of Solus Prime my disappointment was immeasurable.)
Caminus stood as a beacon of artistry and reverence, its cities a harmonious blend of function and beauty. At its heart lay the legendary Forge of Solus Prime a part of it at least as the real artifact is on the planet Earth Designation Chaos Bringer, it is a artifact of immense historical and technological significance to Caminus.
I arrived at a reception of wary optics. The City speaker, Windblade, addressed me directly, her stance radiating a mix of defiance and caution.
"Why has Cybertron sent an emissary?" she asked. "Caminus has long maintained its independence."
"inefficiency Independence has no use to Cybertron," I replied. "Your resources and expertise will serve the greater purpose of unifying all Cybertronian-kind under Lord Galvatron."
Windblade's optics narrowed. "We revere Solus Prime's teachings. Conquest is not among them. Caminus thrives because of peace, not war."
Her resistance was noted. Caminus' adherence to pacifism conflicted with Cybertron's militaristic priorities. However, the forges of Caminus represented an unparalleled technological advantage. Its output—advanced alloys and weaponry—could strengthen the empire immeasurably.
To persuade Caminus' leadership, I presented simulations of the Galactic Council's forces targeting the colony. The projected outcomes depicted total devastation.
"Your ideals will not protect you," I said. "Without Cybertron and Lord Galvatron, Caminus will fall Lord Galvatron has been blessed by Primus logic dictates reintegration into Cybertron and the Decepticon Empire"
The simulation fractured their unity and the evidence of Lord Galvatron being a 'Prime'. While Windblade remained hesitant, others saw reason. Reluctantly, Caminus capitulated, agreeing to supply its forges for Cybertron's expansion.
As integration began, Windblade's unease lingered. Her continued influence among the Cityspeakers posed a variable I would monitor closely but the quick construction and uplink to Cybertron has allowed Caminus to worship Lord Galvatron and the Decepticon Empire.
---
Post-Integration Assessments
With Velocitron and Caminus secured, I consolidated my findings.
Velocitron: Fully integrated. Production efficiency increased by 22%. All resistance neutralized.
Caminus: Partial compliance. Technological outputs are optimized, though sociopolitical stability requires ongoing observation.
"Integration success rate: 89%," I recorded. "Further measures may be necessary to ensure long-term loyalty."
As the Unyielding Logic left Caminus' orbit, a signal reached my sensors—weak, yet unmistakably Cybertronian.
"Analysis: origin point matches pre-Exodus patterns," I noted. "Designation: uncharted colony."
The signal carried faint data bursts encoded in ancient Cybertronian dialects, a language spoken only before the Great Exodus. Its implications were vast—another lost colony, untouched by Cybertron's resurgence.
Adjusting the ship's course, I prepared for the unknown.
"End log," I said as the stars shifted around the Unyielding Logic. "Mission parameters remain: reunification and integration."
---
Location: Uncharted Space – Near the Source of the Signal POV: S.2
The void stretched endlessly, unbroken save for the distant light of dying stars. My sensors, calibrated to detect the faintest traces of Cybertronian technology, locked onto the signal's origin—a desolate system on the edge of known space.
"Log update," I began, my voice cold and methodical. "Pursuing unknown Cybertronian signal. Signal degradation suggests significant temporal decay. Hypothesis: distress beacon activated pre-Exodus."
The Unyielding Logic cut through the dark like a scalpel, its systems humming in perfect unison. This ship, an extension of my precision, was designed for missions such as this—unpredictable, uncharted, and of strategic importance to Cybertron.
As the signal grew stronger, anomalies began to appear. Derelict vessels floated aimlessly, their hulls scarred by claw marks and acid burns. Planets devoid of atmosphere showed signs of organic matter unknown to anything within my databases.
"Analyzing environmental data," I noted. "Bio-organic structures present. Unknown origin. Scanning for potential threats."
The results were immediate. The organic material was unlike anything recorded in Cybertronian databases. It was alive, predatory, and it is awakening.
The source of the signal was an ancient Cybertronian colony. Its once-grand cities were now choked with tendrils of alien growth, the spires consumed by chitinous structures that pulsated like arteries. The signal emanated from deep within the largest ruin—a last cry for help that had gone unanswered for millennia.
"Deploying reconnaissance drones," I said, releasing a fleet of small, agile machines into the atmosphere. Their feeds displayed the colony's grim state: buildings overrun, energon reserves corrupted, and skeletal remains of Cybertronians fused with alien biomass.
My calculations were interrupted as the first drone's feed cut to static, then another, and another. The final image was of a seething mass of alien creatures, their eyeless forms converging on the drones with terrifying speed.
"Hostile entities identified," I stated. "Classification: unknown. Probability of planetary-level infestation: 97%."
The creatures swarmed into view, their numbers dwarfing anything my calculations had predicted. Their forms were diverse yet unified—smaller, gaunt-like figures surged forward while towering warriors wielded blade-like appendages. Behind them, organic artillery structures pulsed, spitting corrosive projectiles into the sky.
"Engaging defensive protocols," I announced.
They overwhelmed the drones in moments, forcing me to recalibrate my approach. The Unyielding Logic deployed an array of precision orbital strikes, targeting clusters of biomass and cutting swaths through the horde.
Despite the bombardment, the creatures adapted. Spore mines launched from the surface latched onto the ship's shields, attempting to drain its energy. Bio-ships emerged from the atmosphere, grotesque vessels armed with acidic weaponry and parasitic boarding organisms.
"Analyzing attack patterns," I said, directing the ship's AI to prioritize evasive manoeuvres while returning fire. "Identified weakness: hive-mind coordination. Hypothesis: the destruction of synaptic nodes will destabilize the swarm."
Deploying specialized munitions, I targeted the largest bio-forms directing the swarm. Explosions lit the surface as the command units were obliterated, temporarily halting their advance.
Victory seemed within reach until sensors detected a massive presence approaching from the system's edge. A Hive Ship emerged, its organic hull dwarfing the Unyielding Logic. The ship pulsed with life, releasing waves of smaller bio-ships that swarmed toward me like locusts.
"Threat assessment: catastrophic," I noted. "Probability of survival without tactical adaptation: 18%."
The Hive Ship launched tendrils of bio-plasma, their impacts rocking the Unyielding Logic. I activated experimental weaponry—a concentrated energy lance that tore through the bio-ships in a single sweep. Despite the counterattack, the Hive Ship advanced, its maw-like structures preparing to engulf the Unyielding Logic.
"Engaging primary cannon," I stated, directing all available energy into a focused beam. The weapon struck the Hive Ship's central mass, tearing through its organic armour. The ship writhed in response, releasing waves of smaller organics to shield itself.
I calculated the Hive Ship's synaptic centre and redirected fire to its neural cluster. A final blast from the energy lance struck true, obliterating the Hive Ship in a fiery explosion. The remaining Organics fell into disarray, their hive-mind severed.
The battle left the colony in ruins, but the infestation was halted. My drones resumed their search, uncovering a small group of dead but intact Cybertronians. Their memory banks will be of great use, and Golden Age technology, including frames, is of great scientific material.
"The infestation has been halted" I spoke to my record drone. "Full purging of this sector is necessary."
As the bodies were brought aboard, I collected samples for analysis and set an experimental weapon on the Star to detonate as I left.
Returning to the ship's command chamber, I activated a holographic link to Cybertron. Shockwave's optic glowed brightly as he appeared, his laboratory visible in the background.
"Report," Shockwave demanded.
I detailed the events, providing visual records of the infestation, the Hive Ship, and the survivors' testimony. Shockwave studied the data in silence before speaking.
"The entities, designated 'Tyranids,' represent an extraneous threat Lord Galvatron has informed me of the possibility of creatures breaching into our Universe," Shockwave stated.
"This force was a fragment, yet its capabilities were formidable. Probability of larger incursions: 87% if nothing is done threat level Omega." I replied
Shockwave's optic narrowed. "Their biology defies known principles. Their adaptability mirrors organic evolution but on a grander scale, faster than conventional organic species, yet they lack logical probability of the Hive-mind not being connected to this fleet. This warrants further study."
"Recommended action: acceleration of capital ship production," I added. "Current fleet capacity is insufficient for prolonged engagement."
Shockwave nodded. "Agreed. Additional vessels modelled on the Decimator and my flagship will be prioritized. Lord Galvatron will be informed."
---
Location: New Territories – Decimator POV: Galvatron
The vast throne room of the Decimator was illuminated by the cold light. The command chamber buzzed with activity as reports from the frontlines flowed in, detailing the Decepticon Empire's expansion and the integration of new colonies.
I sat on my throne, reviewing the latest data when Shockwave's holographic form appeared before me.
"My lord," Shockwave said, his tone as calm as ever. "S.2 has encountered a threat of considerable magnitude. A fragment of an entity referred to as 'Tyranids.'"
My Optics open wide as I Ieaned forward, my crimson optics narrowing. "Explain."
Shockwave relayed the details of the encounter: the bio-organic infestation, the Hive Ship, and the survivors' accounts. I watched the holograms intently, the images of the Tyranids' relentless assault stirring a flicker of intrigue.
"This was to be expected Primus's warning and my entrance here," I said, rising to my feet. "I never thought I'd see this. It's too early for a Tyranid incursion. The implications alone are terrifying. I was expecting alternate versions of ourselves, but this proves I'm right. I've explained to you about the Warhammer Universe."
"Yes, my Lord, but with the Galactic Council following the projected outlines, we should be fine. We were lucky this fragment was destroyed," Shockwave continued, "but my calculations indicate a high probability of more being sent in the future. Their adaptability and hunger for consumption pose a threat to Cybertron contrary to previous assumptions they seem to enjoy Cybertronian's."
"They are a threat" I repeated, my tone sharp. "But they are an opportunity to be exploited."
Shockwave tilted his head slightly, his optic glowing brighter. "Elaborate, my lord."
"If we could introduce S. 2's report and video files into a propaganda film, we could never run out of foes for the Decepticon Empire. We will adapt. We always do," I said. "We later down the road adapt and take how they evolve and adapt for us for Cybertron and add it to our arsenal but for now for the possible incursions of any threat we need to ramp up production of our supercapital ships and start production on the War worlds with the addition of a Death star laser."
Shockwave nodded. "Production of additional capital ships will commence immediately and the war world's. Resources from Velocitron, Caminus, and the new territories are sufficient to begin construction on mass."
"Make it so I want enough to ensure we can survive any incursion," I commanded. "And ensure that all relevant data from S.2's encounter is disseminated among our fleets. Every Decepticon must be prepared for this new foe and start production of biological weapons to go through the archives and start production immediately."
"As you command," Shockwave replied.
After the hologram faded, I turned toward the viewing port overlooking a Nebula. The glow and the otherworldly majesty I can see so far into the Nebula it is beautiful.
"The Tyranids..." I murmured. "Another obstacle. Another test, of course. It couldn't be easy, could it? What's next, the Men of Iron, the Scarabs from DC Bloody Ultron, the Forerunners."
I clenched my fists, the sound of metal grinding filling the room.
"I will engrave the fear of Cybertron into the Tyranid Hive-mind I will make them fear ME"
My optics burned brighter as I gazed into the void, already calculating the next battle for until the day I sat back on the grateful universe my work is never done.
"Let them come," I said, my voice echoing through the chamber. "I will show them the true meaning of hunger."
Lillie Jones
Connoisseur.
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2020
- Messages
- 10,310
- Likes received
- 23,391
thanks for the chapter
LOG-17 THE PLAGUE
New
Devastator21
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Joined
- May 2, 2024
- Messages
- 1,133
- Likes received
- 5,538
Location: Aegis – Decepticon Quarantine Zone POV: Drachen
The air felt wrong.
Drachen had been through countless battlefields, witnessed the aftermath of entire worlds burning, but this—this was something else.
The plague was alive. It clung to the very fabric of Aegis, crawling through metal, corrupting sparks, reducing once-loyal warriors to mindless beasts. Even the air itself carried an unnatural, infectious weight, pressing down on all who dared step too close.
Aegis should have been theirs, a symbol of Creator's 's will made manifest, the heart of a newly conquered sector the first step into the Council's Core Worlds the staging ground for the conquest.
Instead, it had become a tomb.
Around him, towering barricades shimmered with containment fields, marking the borders of the quarantine zone. Inside, thousands of infected Cybertronians twitched and spasmed, their plating rusting, their optics glowing an unholy red.
Some screamed, others growled, and some… some wept, their fading sparks flickering, caught between the plague's rage and their own crumbling memories.
Among them are the veterans the elite and Those who had shown great potential from the Well of All Sparks, children of Primus, raised under Creator's reign, who saw him as their God a being equal to Primus and the Chaos Bringer.
And those who had been abandoned—left behind when the Deceiver ran, forgotten, discarded, until the Creator gave them purpose, power, and a future.
And now, they stood before their self proclaimed God, suffering a fate worse than death.
Drachen's servos clenched into fists as he turned toward the holo-display. Shockwave's cold, analytical face flickered into view.
"Tell me you have a solution," Drachen growled.
Shockwave's voice was clinical, as ever. "There is no cure. Not within a timeframe that is acceptable. The Rust Plague and the Hate Plague have fused into a unique strain. Its mutagenic properties evolve at an accelerated rate. Attempting to synthesize an antidote could take decades."
Drachen's optics darkened. "And if we do nothing?"
Shockwave's response was instant. "The infected will break containment within the next 3.2 cycles. If that occurs, the plague could spread beyond Aegis. A planetary purge is the only logical course of action."
Drachen exhaled through his vents, his gaze shifting toward the command tower. The shadowed figure of Galvatron loomed above the former battlefield turned quarantine zone.
He had not moved since the purge was suggested.
Finally, his voice cut through the comms like a blade.
"I'll do it" Galvatron said. "I'll wipe them out they deserve it for it is my fault."
---
Location: Aegis – Quarantine Zone Interior
POV: Infected Decepticon – Designation: Storm-224
Pain.
Storm-224 had once been a proud warrior, one of the first Decepticons born under Lord Galvatron's rule. He had fought at, marched alongside his God, watched the stars tremble at his will.
Now, he was dying.
His servos were cracking apart, rust eating through the seams, but the Hate Plague burned hotter than any corruption. He could feel it tearing into his processor, forcing his limbs to lunge, attack, destroy.
He didn't want to fight.
He wanted to kneel.
But when he looked up, he did not see a battlefield.
He saw a throne.
The red haze of his optics cleared for a single, fleeting moment, and there—standing above the purge—was Galvatron.
The one who had saved them all.
Storm-224 tried to speak. Tried to call out to his god. To beg forgiveness for the madness that overtook him.
But a single shot silenced him.
As he began to fall over and his spark began to flicker out it left him he began to beg with his dying breaths for forgiveness but his Lord grabbed him and held him against his spark his eye's were a soft red I tried to speak again "My.....a ... Lord ... for.. give me." He looked at me his optics so compassionate "You are forgiven my son I will always remember you Storm-224 now rest my son you deserve it." I let out one last breath..
---
Location: Aegis – The Pain
POV: Galvatron
My fusion cannon smoked.
I had known that soldier.
Storm-224. Newly forged, a child of Cybertron's rebirth. One of mine.
Now, he was dead by Galvatron's hand By my Hands.
Not the first. Not the last.
I had held him in his arms and he'd asked for forgiveness the least I could do was make sure he passed with no regrets.
One after another, I killed them.
The ones who had called me their God I am no God I couldn't even save them.
The ones who had followed me with devotion.
And what broke my Spark was a barley functioning Decepticon Steelhide-09 got up and saluted me "We live and die by your orders Lord Galvatron until I join the All-Spark.
It pained me to kill him and as I held him he looked happy and peaceful.
And now, he was the one who extinguished them my son's my soldiers there's a reason I introduced art and music into my Cybertron was so my Decepticons had a choice on what they wanted to do.
But now I'm killing them those I swore to protect.
Yet I did not falter.
I could not.
My optics never dimmed, My aim never wavered.
One by one, I put them down and each time I held them comforting them.
---
POV: Drachen
Drachen had always known the Creator was a being without equal.
But now, he saw something different.
This was not a conquest.
This was a burden.
A burden only a King could bear.
Galvatron moved like a force of nature, yet there was no hatred in his strikes. No mindless rage.
Only duty.
And as he watched his lord cut down his own loyalists, he understood.
This is what it means to be the Creator.
This is what it means to be a God.
---
POV: Infected Soldier – Designation: Vail-99
She had once stood on the steps of Galvatron's citadel, watching him deliver a speech that reshaped the Cybertronian Empire.
She had sworn to, "Never fail you, my Lord."
Now, she stumbled forward, her plating falling apart, her spark consumed by rage and rust.
She saw him.
Lord Galvatron.
She tried to stop herself, tried to kneel, but her limbs would not obey.
Her mind screamed, fighting the plague's control.
And then—
A blade through the spark.
A final moment of clarity.
She looked up, and for the first time, she saw her Lord.
Galvatron knelt before her.
His optics, burning.
But beneath them…
Beneath them was something deeper.
Pain.
Regret.
She tried to speak.
Tried to thank him.
But there were no words left.
Just rust.
---
When it was done, Galvatron stood alone.
The fields were silent. The last of the rusted dead lay still.
His blade dripped with the essence of warriors he had once called his own.
Drachen stood nearby. He did not speak.
No one did.
And then, Galvatron turned.
His voice cut through the silence, a declaration not of victory, but of retribution.
"They thought this would stop us."
He gazed at the ruined battlefield, his optics glowing with an ancient fire.
"They thought we would break."
He stepped forward, his shadow falling over the remains of the dead.
"But we are Decepticons."
His voice rose.
"We do not break."
"We do not fall."
"We do not surrender to fear, or weakness, or even death."
"For the fallen shall rise in each and every one of you now carry them."
His fist clenched.
"They were ours. They fought for Cybertron. They fought for our future. And they were taken from us by them."
His optics blazed.
"This was meant to cripple us. But all it has done is justify what is to come."
His voice thundered across the battlefield.
"We'll wipe them out."
A pause.
"From root to stem no survivors no mercy, they will learn to fear their new Master's."
And the Decepticons roared in unison.
"For Cybertron."
"For Lord Galvatron."
"All Hail Lord Galvatron."
"For the Decepticon Cause."
"For the fallen."
---
POV: Shockwave
The comms flickered to life.
Galvatron's voice, calm yet firm, echoed through the channel.
"Aegis is cleansed. The Council has made their choice I told you this would happen but you wanted to try slave labour why not keep some in a Zoo I've just had to put down a few thousand of my Decepticons."
Shockwave nodded. "My Lord are you sure you are alright there was no other way to stop the plague without impacting everything you have worked for."
Galvatron's optics dimmed.
"Begin preparations."
Shockwave tilted his head. "For what?"
Galvatron's answer was absolute.
"Ready our armadas and armies storm them conquer them and raze there planets to the ground this should never of happened Shockwave the Decimator and it's fleet is making a push straight to the capital world of the Council."
Shockwave paused for a brief moment before giving a curt nod, "As you wish my Lord."
The transmission fizzles out, leaving Shockwave time to contemplate this new development Lord Galvatron wishes for the war to end it makes sense logically for the New Decepticon Empire has now proven itself and has a experienced army and fleet and has no need for the war to continue.
Shockwave flicks a switch and quickly sends of streams of data to the surrounding fleets and to all frontlines to push even harder.
Waiting but a moment a torrent a beeps confirming orders.
Shockwave gets back to a interesting side project by dissecting a Tyranid form.
The air felt wrong.
Drachen had been through countless battlefields, witnessed the aftermath of entire worlds burning, but this—this was something else.
The plague was alive. It clung to the very fabric of Aegis, crawling through metal, corrupting sparks, reducing once-loyal warriors to mindless beasts. Even the air itself carried an unnatural, infectious weight, pressing down on all who dared step too close.
Aegis should have been theirs, a symbol of Creator's 's will made manifest, the heart of a newly conquered sector the first step into the Council's Core Worlds the staging ground for the conquest.
Instead, it had become a tomb.
Around him, towering barricades shimmered with containment fields, marking the borders of the quarantine zone. Inside, thousands of infected Cybertronians twitched and spasmed, their plating rusting, their optics glowing an unholy red.
Some screamed, others growled, and some… some wept, their fading sparks flickering, caught between the plague's rage and their own crumbling memories.
Among them are the veterans the elite and Those who had shown great potential from the Well of All Sparks, children of Primus, raised under Creator's reign, who saw him as their God a being equal to Primus and the Chaos Bringer.
And those who had been abandoned—left behind when the Deceiver ran, forgotten, discarded, until the Creator gave them purpose, power, and a future.
And now, they stood before their self proclaimed God, suffering a fate worse than death.
Drachen's servos clenched into fists as he turned toward the holo-display. Shockwave's cold, analytical face flickered into view.
"Tell me you have a solution," Drachen growled.
Shockwave's voice was clinical, as ever. "There is no cure. Not within a timeframe that is acceptable. The Rust Plague and the Hate Plague have fused into a unique strain. Its mutagenic properties evolve at an accelerated rate. Attempting to synthesize an antidote could take decades."
Drachen's optics darkened. "And if we do nothing?"
Shockwave's response was instant. "The infected will break containment within the next 3.2 cycles. If that occurs, the plague could spread beyond Aegis. A planetary purge is the only logical course of action."
Drachen exhaled through his vents, his gaze shifting toward the command tower. The shadowed figure of Galvatron loomed above the former battlefield turned quarantine zone.
He had not moved since the purge was suggested.
Finally, his voice cut through the comms like a blade.
"I'll do it" Galvatron said. "I'll wipe them out they deserve it for it is my fault."
---
Location: Aegis – Quarantine Zone Interior
POV: Infected Decepticon – Designation: Storm-224
Pain.
Storm-224 had once been a proud warrior, one of the first Decepticons born under Lord Galvatron's rule. He had fought at, marched alongside his God, watched the stars tremble at his will.
Now, he was dying.
His servos were cracking apart, rust eating through the seams, but the Hate Plague burned hotter than any corruption. He could feel it tearing into his processor, forcing his limbs to lunge, attack, destroy.
He didn't want to fight.
He wanted to kneel.
But when he looked up, he did not see a battlefield.
He saw a throne.
The red haze of his optics cleared for a single, fleeting moment, and there—standing above the purge—was Galvatron.
The one who had saved them all.
Storm-224 tried to speak. Tried to call out to his god. To beg forgiveness for the madness that overtook him.
But a single shot silenced him.
As he began to fall over and his spark began to flicker out it left him he began to beg with his dying breaths for forgiveness but his Lord grabbed him and held him against his spark his eye's were a soft red I tried to speak again "My.....a ... Lord ... for.. give me." He looked at me his optics so compassionate "You are forgiven my son I will always remember you Storm-224 now rest my son you deserve it." I let out one last breath..
---
Location: Aegis – The Pain
POV: Galvatron
My fusion cannon smoked.
I had known that soldier.
Storm-224. Newly forged, a child of Cybertron's rebirth. One of mine.
Now, he was dead by Galvatron's hand By my Hands.
Not the first. Not the last.
I had held him in his arms and he'd asked for forgiveness the least I could do was make sure he passed with no regrets.
One after another, I killed them.
The ones who had called me their God I am no God I couldn't even save them.
The ones who had followed me with devotion.
And what broke my Spark was a barley functioning Decepticon Steelhide-09 got up and saluted me "We live and die by your orders Lord Galvatron until I join the All-Spark.
It pained me to kill him and as I held him he looked happy and peaceful.
And now, he was the one who extinguished them my son's my soldiers there's a reason I introduced art and music into my Cybertron was so my Decepticons had a choice on what they wanted to do.
But now I'm killing them those I swore to protect.
Yet I did not falter.
I could not.
My optics never dimmed, My aim never wavered.
One by one, I put them down and each time I held them comforting them.
---
POV: Drachen
Drachen had always known the Creator was a being without equal.
But now, he saw something different.
This was not a conquest.
This was a burden.
A burden only a King could bear.
Galvatron moved like a force of nature, yet there was no hatred in his strikes. No mindless rage.
Only duty.
And as he watched his lord cut down his own loyalists, he understood.
This is what it means to be the Creator.
This is what it means to be a God.
---
POV: Infected Soldier – Designation: Vail-99
She had once stood on the steps of Galvatron's citadel, watching him deliver a speech that reshaped the Cybertronian Empire.
She had sworn to, "Never fail you, my Lord."
Now, she stumbled forward, her plating falling apart, her spark consumed by rage and rust.
She saw him.
Lord Galvatron.
She tried to stop herself, tried to kneel, but her limbs would not obey.
Her mind screamed, fighting the plague's control.
And then—
A blade through the spark.
A final moment of clarity.
She looked up, and for the first time, she saw her Lord.
Galvatron knelt before her.
His optics, burning.
But beneath them…
Beneath them was something deeper.
Pain.
Regret.
She tried to speak.
Tried to thank him.
But there were no words left.
Just rust.
---
When it was done, Galvatron stood alone.
The fields were silent. The last of the rusted dead lay still.
His blade dripped with the essence of warriors he had once called his own.
Drachen stood nearby. He did not speak.
No one did.
And then, Galvatron turned.
His voice cut through the silence, a declaration not of victory, but of retribution.
"They thought this would stop us."
He gazed at the ruined battlefield, his optics glowing with an ancient fire.
"They thought we would break."
He stepped forward, his shadow falling over the remains of the dead.
"But we are Decepticons."
His voice rose.
"We do not break."
"We do not fall."
"We do not surrender to fear, or weakness, or even death."
"For the fallen shall rise in each and every one of you now carry them."
His fist clenched.
"They were ours. They fought for Cybertron. They fought for our future. And they were taken from us by them."
His optics blazed.
"This was meant to cripple us. But all it has done is justify what is to come."
His voice thundered across the battlefield.
"We'll wipe them out."
A pause.
"From root to stem no survivors no mercy, they will learn to fear their new Master's."
And the Decepticons roared in unison.
"For Cybertron."
"For Lord Galvatron."
"All Hail Lord Galvatron."
"For the Decepticon Cause."
"For the fallen."
---
POV: Shockwave
The comms flickered to life.
Galvatron's voice, calm yet firm, echoed through the channel.
"Aegis is cleansed. The Council has made their choice I told you this would happen but you wanted to try slave labour why not keep some in a Zoo I've just had to put down a few thousand of my Decepticons."
Shockwave nodded. "My Lord are you sure you are alright there was no other way to stop the plague without impacting everything you have worked for."
Galvatron's optics dimmed.
"Begin preparations."
Shockwave tilted his head. "For what?"
Galvatron's answer was absolute.
"Ready our armadas and armies storm them conquer them and raze there planets to the ground this should never of happened Shockwave the Decimator and it's fleet is making a push straight to the capital world of the Council."
Shockwave paused for a brief moment before giving a curt nod, "As you wish my Lord."
The transmission fizzles out, leaving Shockwave time to contemplate this new development Lord Galvatron wishes for the war to end it makes sense logically for the New Decepticon Empire has now proven itself and has a experienced army and fleet and has no need for the war to continue.
Shockwave flicks a switch and quickly sends of streams of data to the surrounding fleets and to all frontlines to push even harder.
Waiting but a moment a torrent a beeps confirming orders.
Shockwave gets back to a interesting side project by dissecting a Tyranid form.
INTERLUDE: THE LAST CONTRACT
New
Devastator21
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Joined
- May 2, 2024
- Messages
- 1,133
- Likes received
- 5,538
POV: Lockdown
Everything is falling apart.
And not in the usual way — not like some backwater client refusing to pay up, or a bounty with too many eyes on it.
This? This is surgical. Precise. Intentional.
I stand alone on the bridge of the Nightmare's Prize, silent save for the low pulse of proximity alarms and the distant hum of subspace interference. Below, Orion's Gate — a Council orbital station — is reduced to drifting slag, its structure peeled open like a crushed pod.
Red-hot wreckage drifts past the viewport like embers in a funeral pyre.
We weren't even assigned to it. Just passing through. That was the trick — there was no pattern.
Scylla Team — off comms mid-transmission. Gone.
Revenant Squad — wiped out in orbit. No survivors.
Tyros, my most reliable field mech, disappeared without even triggering a fallback beacon.
None of this is by chance.
---
Location: Nightshade Pass, Outpost Perimeter
POV: Scylla-5
Thermals were wrong.
Movement in the treeline. Not atmospheric pressure. Not local fauna.
"Something's here," I murmured, raising my null-ray rifle. "Possible cloak flicker. Nine struts to the left."
Scylla-3 adjusted his visors, checking the feed from his sensor cluster.
And then he fell.
No comm ping. No warning. Just a blur — metal on metal — and the sound of servos meeting plating.
A black figure moved through the haze like it was born from it.
Nightburn.
He didn't pause.
One more strike — and Scylla-4 collapsed, his back strut shattered clean through.
The squad scattered. No commands. Just pure, hard-coded survival protocols.
---
Location: Ridge Overwatch, Five Kliks Later
POV: Scylla-6
My chassis aches. Vent systems are cycling irregularly.
No comm-link. Just static bleed.
I trigger the emergency burst on an open band, voice distorted from a cracked vocoder.
"We've been compromised. It's Nightburn. I repeat, it's—"
A whisper threads through the signal line:
"Too slow."
Something pierces the back of my neck strut.
And then—
Nothing.
---
Location: Nightmare's Prize, Outer Rim Warzone
POV: Lockdown
Scylla Team. Revenant. Tyros.
All wiped in ten kliks or less.
No warning shots. No distress calls. No bodies.
That's not a battle. This is pest control.
---
Location: High Orbit over Threxis Minor
POV: Revenant-Lead
"Squad sweep pattern — you know the drill."
Something shifts above us.
A shimmer. A spatial distortion. Then the stars fold inward, and the void itself fractures.
The Decimator breaches the dark, silent, colossal, moving like it commands the stars themselves.
We're not prepared.
Revenant-4's hull plating ruptures beside me — one blink, and he's atomised.
I slam the comm trigger. "Scatter! It's the Decim—"
The beam strikes.
Light consumes everything. Heat surges through my chassis, optics flare—
And somehow, through the chaos, a voice slices into the open frequency:
"Tell Lockdown: next time, I won't miss the bridge."
---
Location: Nightmare's Prize, Outer Rim Warzone
POV: Lockdown
I've tangled with Thunderblast once before.
That voice? Hers. Cold. Efficient. Precise.
She commands the Seekers, and the Decimator was there — Galvatron's shadow watching from orbit.
I didn't survive because she let me.
I hit them when they were distracted — ran them in circles, sensor ghosts, pulse mines, dust storms.
Learned it from a Charr raider — the kind that vanishes between stars and leaves corpses in their wake. They don't fight to win. They fight to survive."
Hit, vanish, bleed them dry. It's not elegant, but it works.
---
Location: Nightshade Ravine
POV: Tyros
I've torn through Wreckers with slag-caked servos. What's one more canyon drop?
Scans show faint distortion near the ravine wall — no thermal trails. No energy signatures.
I take another step—
And the ledge gives way.
He drops like thunder.
Drachen.
Before my targeting systems even lock, my right arm is severed at the shoulder strut.
Then they left.
Sparks erupt. Stabilizers fail.
He towers over me — not with rage, but with calculation. Cold. Clean.
His optics narrow.
No malice. Just... assessment.
"You're inefficient."
He drives his servo forward — piercing straight through my chassis, into my spark casing.
And then—
Darkness.
---
Location: Nightmare's Prize – Outer Orbit Combat Feed
POV: Lockdown
It began in silence.
No orbital warnings. No grand declaration. Just a flicker in the dark above Threxis Minor.
And then… death.
Shardfang vanished from the tactical grid — not disabled. Erased. One moment she held formation. The next, scattered debris.
Then Breaker's Crown — breached through her engine block mid-broadcast. Her captain's signal cut off mid-curse, swallowed by fire and static.
I issued orders.
"Reinforce the outer flank. Prowler units to inter-ship defense corridors. Shift shield lattice to accommodate—"
The stars screamed.
They fell like razors.
Red-winged Seekers tore through the defensive ring in diamond-formation, vaporizing automated flak and peeling hull layers like chitin.
No strafing. No errant fire.
Precision.
I knew that flight pattern.
Thunderblast.
She didn't have to announce herself. The elegance of the assault did it for her.
Deadspire's autocannons spun up, trying to return fire.
They never got the chance.
A pulse echoed across the comm grid — deep, harmonic, almost felt more than heard.
From the void, the Decimator emerged.
No propulsion trail. No flare. Just presence.
Its main cannon fired once.
Deadspire collapsed inward — not exploding, but imploding, like space itself rejected her.
Only two ships remained.
Carrion Blade. And mine.
Then came the next signature.
Drachen.
His Prowlers and Disruptors breached Carrion Blade's hull at four points simultaneously. Internal sensors flickered with alarm beacons — one by one, her corridors went dark.
They were methodical.
Sweep. Clear. Silence.
By the time I flipped to her bridge feed, it was static.
And then there was one.
My optics narrowed.
Let them come.
But they already had.
"Multiple impact signatures inbound! They're triangulating on the bridge!"
Too late.
A flash outside the viewport — red contrails diving in formation.
The Seekers again. This time, faster. Closer. Focused on me.
I lunged for the command rail—
The blast hit. Direct.
The bridge erupted. Console sparks. Ceiling struts gave way.
Smoke flooded the chamber. The tactical grid burned out. Warning glyphs flared red.
The Nightmare's Prize screamed.
I slammed into the starboard bulkhead — shoulder servos grinding, optics flickering from overload.
I rose through the sparks and the smoke.
Alone.
Let them come.
---
Location: Nightmare's Prize, Main Bridge
POV: Lockdown
The hull groans like a wounded beast.
Plating tears. Systems scream. The fusion core pulses erratically beneath my pedes — a slow, ticking heart ready to burst.
This ship was my spine, my fortress, my name.
Now it's a grave.
"Tarnac," I rasp into the comms.
He appears through the smoke, dragging two wounded behind him. A dying Prowler. A Disruptor missing half its faceplate.
"We've found a secondary launch tube. I can get six, maybe seven through—"
"Then go."
He falters. "My lord—"
"Don't waste it."
I eject a memory shard. "Transmit this to the Council. If you're caught, burn it."
Tarnac salutes — then vanishes into the dark.
Footsteps.
Rhythmic. Pacing.
Drachen.
He doesn't speak right away. Doesn't gloat. Just watches.
I activate my blade.
Burnt. Cracked. But still mine.
"Galvatron's sending his pet now?" I ask.
Drachen tilts his helm.
"No. My creator requires no words."
We clash.
Blade to claw. Fist to steel. Sparks fly. Fire roars down the hallway. The ship moans.
I outthink him. Cut him once. Harpoon to the chest. He bleeds.
I grin.
He responds.
Faster. Smarter.
Stronger.
Final strike.
I lunge for the spark.
He counters.
Grips my arm.
Drives his talon into my chest.
Straight through the spark casing.
No hesitation.
"You fought well," he says.
I grin through the energon.
"You'll remember me."
"I already do."
---
Location: Wreckage Site – Orbit over Threxis Minor
POV: Drachen
Smoke curls from Lockdown's broken frame.
His blade lies beside him, scorched, notched from combat.
Drachen kneels and retrieves it.
Behind him, Seekers sweep the wreckage.
Thunderblast surveys the chaos, visor flickering.
"A waste of good plating," she mutters.
Drachen transmits the order:
{Trophy Protocol – Execution Confirmed. Artifact Alpha secured.}
---
Location: The Decimator – Trophy Vault
POV: [Internal Camera Feed]
A suspension rig lowers the blade into its display mount beside other relics — weapons, helms, symbols of conquest.
His optics narrow by a fraction. Enough to log the moment. Enough to remember it.
He does not speak.
He does not smile.
He simply turns.
And disappears into the dark.
The feed lingers.
On the blade.
On the stillness.
One by one, the vault lights dim until only the weapon remains illuminated.
Then darkness.
A/N
The war is going to end soon just tying up loose ends
Everything is falling apart.
And not in the usual way — not like some backwater client refusing to pay up, or a bounty with too many eyes on it.
This? This is surgical. Precise. Intentional.
I stand alone on the bridge of the Nightmare's Prize, silent save for the low pulse of proximity alarms and the distant hum of subspace interference. Below, Orion's Gate — a Council orbital station — is reduced to drifting slag, its structure peeled open like a crushed pod.
Red-hot wreckage drifts past the viewport like embers in a funeral pyre.
We weren't even assigned to it. Just passing through. That was the trick — there was no pattern.
Scylla Team — off comms mid-transmission. Gone.
Revenant Squad — wiped out in orbit. No survivors.
Tyros, my most reliable field mech, disappeared without even triggering a fallback beacon.
None of this is by chance.
---
Location: Nightshade Pass, Outpost Perimeter
POV: Scylla-5
Thermals were wrong.
Movement in the treeline. Not atmospheric pressure. Not local fauna.
"Something's here," I murmured, raising my null-ray rifle. "Possible cloak flicker. Nine struts to the left."
Scylla-3 adjusted his visors, checking the feed from his sensor cluster.
And then he fell.
No comm ping. No warning. Just a blur — metal on metal — and the sound of servos meeting plating.
A black figure moved through the haze like it was born from it.
Nightburn.
He didn't pause.
One more strike — and Scylla-4 collapsed, his back strut shattered clean through.
The squad scattered. No commands. Just pure, hard-coded survival protocols.
---
Location: Ridge Overwatch, Five Kliks Later
POV: Scylla-6
My chassis aches. Vent systems are cycling irregularly.
No comm-link. Just static bleed.
I trigger the emergency burst on an open band, voice distorted from a cracked vocoder.
"We've been compromised. It's Nightburn. I repeat, it's—"
A whisper threads through the signal line:
"Too slow."
Something pierces the back of my neck strut.
And then—
Nothing.
---
Location: Nightmare's Prize, Outer Rim Warzone
POV: Lockdown
Scylla Team. Revenant. Tyros.
All wiped in ten kliks or less.
No warning shots. No distress calls. No bodies.
That's not a battle. This is pest control.
---
Location: High Orbit over Threxis Minor
POV: Revenant-Lead
"Squad sweep pattern — you know the drill."
Something shifts above us.
A shimmer. A spatial distortion. Then the stars fold inward, and the void itself fractures.
The Decimator breaches the dark, silent, colossal, moving like it commands the stars themselves.
We're not prepared.
Revenant-4's hull plating ruptures beside me — one blink, and he's atomised.
I slam the comm trigger. "Scatter! It's the Decim—"
The beam strikes.
Light consumes everything. Heat surges through my chassis, optics flare—
And somehow, through the chaos, a voice slices into the open frequency:
"Tell Lockdown: next time, I won't miss the bridge."
---
Location: Nightmare's Prize, Outer Rim Warzone
POV: Lockdown
I've tangled with Thunderblast once before.
That voice? Hers. Cold. Efficient. Precise.
She commands the Seekers, and the Decimator was there — Galvatron's shadow watching from orbit.
I didn't survive because she let me.
I hit them when they were distracted — ran them in circles, sensor ghosts, pulse mines, dust storms.
Learned it from a Charr raider — the kind that vanishes between stars and leaves corpses in their wake. They don't fight to win. They fight to survive."
Hit, vanish, bleed them dry. It's not elegant, but it works.
---
Location: Nightshade Ravine
POV: Tyros
I've torn through Wreckers with slag-caked servos. What's one more canyon drop?
Scans show faint distortion near the ravine wall — no thermal trails. No energy signatures.
I take another step—
And the ledge gives way.
He drops like thunder.
Drachen.
Before my targeting systems even lock, my right arm is severed at the shoulder strut.
Then they left.
Sparks erupt. Stabilizers fail.
He towers over me — not with rage, but with calculation. Cold. Clean.
His optics narrow.
No malice. Just... assessment.
"You're inefficient."
He drives his servo forward — piercing straight through my chassis, into my spark casing.
And then—
Darkness.
---
Location: Nightmare's Prize – Outer Orbit Combat Feed
POV: Lockdown
It began in silence.
No orbital warnings. No grand declaration. Just a flicker in the dark above Threxis Minor.
And then… death.
Shardfang vanished from the tactical grid — not disabled. Erased. One moment she held formation. The next, scattered debris.
Then Breaker's Crown — breached through her engine block mid-broadcast. Her captain's signal cut off mid-curse, swallowed by fire and static.
I issued orders.
"Reinforce the outer flank. Prowler units to inter-ship defense corridors. Shift shield lattice to accommodate—"
The stars screamed.
They fell like razors.
Red-winged Seekers tore through the defensive ring in diamond-formation, vaporizing automated flak and peeling hull layers like chitin.
No strafing. No errant fire.
Precision.
I knew that flight pattern.
Thunderblast.
She didn't have to announce herself. The elegance of the assault did it for her.
Deadspire's autocannons spun up, trying to return fire.
They never got the chance.
A pulse echoed across the comm grid — deep, harmonic, almost felt more than heard.
From the void, the Decimator emerged.
No propulsion trail. No flare. Just presence.
Its main cannon fired once.
Deadspire collapsed inward — not exploding, but imploding, like space itself rejected her.
Only two ships remained.
Carrion Blade. And mine.
Then came the next signature.
Drachen.
His Prowlers and Disruptors breached Carrion Blade's hull at four points simultaneously. Internal sensors flickered with alarm beacons — one by one, her corridors went dark.
They were methodical.
Sweep. Clear. Silence.
By the time I flipped to her bridge feed, it was static.
And then there was one.
My optics narrowed.
Let them come.
But they already had.
"Multiple impact signatures inbound! They're triangulating on the bridge!"
Too late.
A flash outside the viewport — red contrails diving in formation.
The Seekers again. This time, faster. Closer. Focused on me.
I lunged for the command rail—
The blast hit. Direct.
The bridge erupted. Console sparks. Ceiling struts gave way.
Smoke flooded the chamber. The tactical grid burned out. Warning glyphs flared red.
The Nightmare's Prize screamed.
I slammed into the starboard bulkhead — shoulder servos grinding, optics flickering from overload.
I rose through the sparks and the smoke.
Alone.
Let them come.
---
Location: Nightmare's Prize, Main Bridge
POV: Lockdown
The hull groans like a wounded beast.
Plating tears. Systems scream. The fusion core pulses erratically beneath my pedes — a slow, ticking heart ready to burst.
This ship was my spine, my fortress, my name.
Now it's a grave.
"Tarnac," I rasp into the comms.
He appears through the smoke, dragging two wounded behind him. A dying Prowler. A Disruptor missing half its faceplate.
"We've found a secondary launch tube. I can get six, maybe seven through—"
"Then go."
He falters. "My lord—"
"Don't waste it."
I eject a memory shard. "Transmit this to the Council. If you're caught, burn it."
Tarnac salutes — then vanishes into the dark.
Footsteps.
Rhythmic. Pacing.
Drachen.
He doesn't speak right away. Doesn't gloat. Just watches.
I activate my blade.
Burnt. Cracked. But still mine.
"Galvatron's sending his pet now?" I ask.
Drachen tilts his helm.
"No. My creator requires no words."
We clash.
Blade to claw. Fist to steel. Sparks fly. Fire roars down the hallway. The ship moans.
I outthink him. Cut him once. Harpoon to the chest. He bleeds.
I grin.
He responds.
Faster. Smarter.
Stronger.
Final strike.
I lunge for the spark.
He counters.
Grips my arm.
Drives his talon into my chest.
Straight through the spark casing.
No hesitation.
"You fought well," he says.
I grin through the energon.
"You'll remember me."
"I already do."
---
Location: Wreckage Site – Orbit over Threxis Minor
POV: Drachen
Smoke curls from Lockdown's broken frame.
His blade lies beside him, scorched, notched from combat.
Drachen kneels and retrieves it.
Behind him, Seekers sweep the wreckage.
Thunderblast surveys the chaos, visor flickering.
"A waste of good plating," she mutters.
Drachen transmits the order:
{Trophy Protocol – Execution Confirmed. Artifact Alpha secured.}
---
Location: The Decimator – Trophy Vault
POV: [Internal Camera Feed]
A suspension rig lowers the blade into its display mount beside other relics — weapons, helms, symbols of conquest.
His optics narrow by a fraction. Enough to log the moment. Enough to remember it.
He does not speak.
He does not smile.
He simply turns.
And disappears into the dark.
The feed lingers.
On the blade.
On the stillness.
One by one, the vault lights dim until only the weapon remains illuminated.
Then darkness.
A/N
The war is going to end soon just tying up loose ends
Lillie Jones
Connoisseur.
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2020
- Messages
- 10,310
- Likes received
- 23,391
thanks for the chapter
INTERLUDE: THE END OF THE LINE
New
Devastator21
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Joined
- May 2, 2024
- Messages
- 1,133
- Likes received
- 5,538
[AUTOBOT LOG – VERDANT PRIME]
LOCATION: Southern Ridge Training Zone, Verdant Prime
TIME SINCE THE FALL OF ARDENT NEXUS: 0.4 Solar Cycles
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–03:18:49]
POV: Hound
Twin suns hung low above Verdant Prime, casting pale light across the hardened soil. The morning wind cut through the camp, stirring dust around faded Autobot banners nailed to repurposed walls. In the distance, the broken shell of a downed Council freighter served as a makeshift command post, its hull groaning softly as it settled into the crust.
Hound spat out a thick breath as he adjusted the shoulder strap of his pulse cannon. The air was too dry, the energon was low-grade slag, and the recruits moved like they were on a scenic tour, not prepping for war.
"Form up, spread out, and move like your Spark depends on it," he barked. "Because it does."
A few of the younger bots grumbled — tired optics, jittery joints. Some of them had only seen a battle from the rear-line monitors. One, Relay, muttered as he trotted into position, "This again? Galvatron's halfway across the stars…"
Hound turned.
"You think the Decepticons are gonna send you a schedule before they burn your home to the ground?"
Silence.
Another bot, Pinion, chuckled from the back, "Heard the Council's too scared to let 'em near here."
Hound's optics narrowed. "That's what they said about Ardent Nexus. You wanna guess how that ended?"
He stepped forward, voice dropping low.
"They came through the walls like ghosts. Hit our flanks with plasma storms. You think this is just drills, fine. You'll be the first one leaking from your vents when they come screaming from orbit."
No one laughed after that.
They ran the drills again. Movement patterns. Cover fire rotations. Perimeter response. It was all muscle memory by now, but Hound made them repeat it until their hydraulics hissed with strain.
In the corner of the training yard, a rusting energon rig sputtered weakly, pumping pale pink fluid into half-shattered canisters. It smelled burnt. Sour.
Relay staggered over between rotations, taking a gulp. He spat it out immediately.
"This ain't energon…"
Hound growled, grabbing a canister himself.
"This is recycled boot oil with a sparkle filter. But it's all we got. So drink it and pretend it ain't killing you slower than a Seeker's cannon."
Some bots sat on cracked benches between drills, oil leaking down their plating, eyes dulled from the strain. One of them pulled out a small datapad, flipping through a crude recording of Cybertron's sky — the old sky, clean and metal-bright.
Hound saw it. Didn't stop him.
Let 'em remember. Let 'em feel what they'd lost.
Then he barked the next round.
"Alright! One more sweep pattern before downtime. And if any of you trip again during a breach sim, I'll throw you at Galvatron myself."
The field moved again.
Dust rose.
The war wasn't here yet — but its shadow was.
---
[AUTOBOT LOG – VERDANT PRIME]
LOCATION: Southern Ridge Outpost, Verdant Prime (Perimeter Walk, Adjacent to Training Zone)
TIME SINCE THE FALL OF ARDENT NEXUS: 0.4 Solar Cycles
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–03:03:21]
POV: Hound
The drills had wound down.
Hound moved slowly now, his frame groaning under old wounds and older regrets. The ridgeline above the camp gave him a clear view of the whole field — the recruits dispersing to whatever downtime passed for rest, the smoking energon rig churning out its flavored filth, and the long lines of rusted containers repurposed into barracks.
He grunted, pulling a flask from his hip compartment and taking a swig. Sludge, still warm. Tasted like a turbofox had pissed into a coolant tank.
"Could use a real energon cube… or a miracle."
He didn't expect either.
As he paced the ridge, his optics scanned the land beyond the fences — dry gullies, sharp rock, and the white-tiled bones of a half-built Council facility abandoned mid-construction. Wind caught the torn remnants of a red Decepticon banner someone had mounted on a spear-pole. Trophy or warning, he didn't care.
But then he saw it — just beyond the drill field.
The statue.
Optimus Prime and Zeta Prime stood tall in council stone, weathered by storms and time. Zeta's stern expression was fractured by a lightning scar down his jawline. Optimus's hand — the one reaching skyward — was broken at the wrist, severed clean.
And still… Hound stopped. And looked.
He remembered.
---
FLASHBACK – WAR FOR CYBERTRON
LOCATION: Outskirts, of Iacon Evacuation Zone Gamma
TIMEFRAME: Cycle 4131.89 / Phase of the War: Chaos
The sky was on fire.
Decepticon artillery thundered across the shattered skyline, turning towers to slag and roads to smoldering ruin. The last battalions of Autobots — bruised, leaking, and running on fumes — clawed their way toward the Ark under a storm of steel and plasma.
And in the heart of it all, bathed in smoke and wrath, stood Optimus Prime.
His ion blaster roared in his right hand, laying down calculated bursts with surgical precision. From his left arm, a glowing Energon axe crackled to life — every arc of its blade cleaving through the darkness, carving a path through the chaos.
Flames kissed his chestplate. Shrapnel tore down his flank.
Still, he moved.
Optimus gripped a wounded red-plated Autobot trooper and hoisted him from a collapsed trench wall, dragging him behind cover without hesitation. As another two troopers stumbled nearby, Prime stepped between them and a strafing Seeker's barrage, taking the full blast across his plating without flinching. "Stand fast, trooper!" Prime bellowed, his voice cutting through the explosions like a war-horn.
"We will hold — no matter the cost. And I promise you…"
"…I will see it through with you all."
A fresh quake cracked the street as another defense pylon crumbled behind them, the ground splintering into void.
And yet — he rose again. "We hold this point so others may reach the Ark!"
"I will never forget you — any of you!"
"Autobots… transform and roll out!"
He didn't sound afraid. He didn't sound tired.
He sounded inevitable.
Then came the counter attack.
Optimus turned down the next avenue, where a Decepticon heavy with a thermal cannon led two more through the wreckage. He didn't pause.
The axe came down — clean through the first mech's chest.
The ion blaster followed — two shots to the second's neck.
The third turned to run.
He didn't make it far.
With the enemy scattered, Prime began checking the wounded. He knelt beside a flickering scout and manually restarted their spark regulator. He dragged a Wrecker missing a leg into a med transport. He moved from bot to bot — silent, present, unyielding.
Then he found Hound.
The old soldier was leaning against a broken barricade, chest rising with effort, one arm limp and sparking from the elbow down. Scorch marks ran across his plating. His eyes tracked Prime with wordless relief.
Optimus knelt beside him, scanning quickly. "Damage?"
"Just cosmetic," Hound muttered, spitting out a dry breath.
"You've got a cracked shoulder rotator and a fused servo line," Prime said, tone even. Then, quieter—
"But you're still here. That's what matters."
Hound let out a rough chuckle, optics dimming as the pain caught up with him. "If it weren't for you Prime….we'd already be dead. I'll remember this — for the rest of my life."
Optimus stood slowly, surveying the battlefield.
Smoke. Fire. Fallen Autobots. Stillness. "So will I."
Even now, on a distant world under twin suns, Hound could feel the weight of that moment echoing through time — burned into his spark like the first heat of battle.
That day… never left him.
Now there was no Prime. No voice.
Just drills.
Just waiting.
Just rot.
Hound's optics dimmed as he stared at the broken statue. He didn't speak at first. Then, softly — a whisper meant only for the wind: "Miss that red and blue bastard more than I care to admit."
He sat down against the base of the ridge, feeling the weight of his plating pressing into the dirt — a reminder that this wasn't Cybertron. The ground gave way beneath him. Soft. Alien. He hated how it didn't fight back.
His servos tightened around the flask. "Wonder what you'd say now, Prime. 'Keep the faith'? 'Hold the line'? Easier when you're not the one counting corpses every damn cycle." "No… I'm sorry, Prime. I didn't mean that.
By Primus, I wish you were here with us.
I wish we didn't lose you during the battle for the Ark.
You'd know what to do.
Kup—he's okay, but he's not you, Prime."
He leaned his helm back against the stone. For a moment, there was peace. Only the whisper of wind. The clatter of boots in the distance. The hum of the dying energon rig.
And overhead, the sky stayed clear.
Hound's optics narrowed.
They were coming.
---
LOCATION: Orbit — Stealth Frigate Null Warden, En Route to Verdant Prime Airspace
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL ASSAULT: [–03:45:00]
POV: Nightburn
Silence suited him.
From the command alcove of the Null Warden — first of her class — Nightburn stood motionless. The vessel was born in the depths of the Echelon Scientific Citadel, forged by Shockwave's chosen minds for one purpose: precision infiltration and null warfare.
Lord Galvatron had seen fit to elevate him… but not above.
Nightburn still served as Commander Drachen's hand — sharp, silent, and unquestioning.
But through Drachen, he now executed the will of something greater.
Verdant Prime drifted below, serene and veiled in golden haze.
Lush. Civil. Unscarred.
It disgusted him. "There is nothing pure in this false peace."
He didn't say it aloud. He didn't need to.
The seven warriors behind him had already heard it — not through words, but through agony, silence, and forged obedience. This was their first operation. Their trial.
Our Lord has seen fit to test them.
A signal pulse clicked into his helm.
Brother-Captain stepped from the shadows.
He stood a head taller than the others, with a slightly flared helm, shoulder-guarded like a knight-champion, and a single vertical slit across his maskplate — a ceremonial execution visor. A quiet fury burned behind the glow of his optics. The glaive across his shoulder gleamed with purpose. "Trajectory confirmed. The Autobot orbital defense net is blind on all angles. Verdant Prime is exposed."
Nightburn's optics narrowed. "Good."
He turned to face the assembled team — tall, obsidian-armored killers trimmed in gold and violet, their forms sleek, predatory, and utterly still.
They didn't move.
They didn't speak.
They waited.
"This is not a simulation," Nightburn said.
"This is your trial by fire. Prove to him why you deserve to stand with him."
He gestured to the holographic relay — a Council refueling outpost, deep in the neutral zone. Cold. Remote. Forgotten. "He will not waste a warship breaching this world… not until the gate is opened."
"That burden falls to us. To you. This is what you were trained for."
A low hum passed through the deck as the drop pods armed their null-field dampeners.
One by one, each warrior stepped forward.
Brother-Ward.
Brother-Silent.
Brother-Rite.
And last — Brother-Captain.
He paused, then turned to Nightburn — voice low, unwavering. "We live to serve him… and only him."
The pods launched.
No lights.
No trail.
Just perfect descent — knives falling through a still sky.
---
LOCATION: Surface — Refueling Outpost Theta-9, Eastern Sector
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–03:20:00]
POV: Omniscient (Strike Team)
The outpost was quiet.
Autobot sentries paced the narrow gantries of Refueling Station Theta-9. It was a remote installation — fuel lines, energon tanks, long-range beacons. Unimportant. Barely maintained.
Which made it perfect.
A shimmer passed over the central spine tower — not quite light, not quite motion. A glitch in perception.
Then the first sentry died.
No gunfire. No sound.
A violet blade bloomed through his chest. Energon spilled in a slow arc. His mouth opened. Then closed.
Brother-Ward caught the body before it fell. Gently. He lowered it beside the access ramp like it might still dream.
Inside the primary relay hall, a team of Autobot technicians reviewed diagnostics. One leaned back.
"Anyone hear that?"
A faint click.
A shimmer.
Then silence.
Brother-Silent stepped through a soft veil of distortion and past three cooling corpses. His data-spine extended as he moved to the uplink, fingers slicing through encryption threads like silk.
No alarms were raised.
No alerts tripped.
Theta-9 was already dead. It just hadn't realized it yet.
On the outer rim, a tower guard turned toward motion that wasn't there.
Brother-Captain was already moving.
He didn't run. He walked. Each step was measured. Purpose-bound.
The sentry raised his rifle. Too late.
The glaive cracked through his chestplate in a single clean arc — not with rage, but with precision.
The body dropped. Brother-Captain stood still, optics dimming for a moment.
And remembered.
---
FLASHBACK –LOCATION: Undisclosed training floor beneath Galvatron's Citadel
TIMEFRAME: ~0.7 Solar Cycles Prior
The floor was still.
Brother-Captain knelt, energon flickering down his left arm. Across from him, Galvatron stood silent, blade idle in hand. His optics, calm and cold, did not judge. They waited.
"You hesitated," Galvatron said, not disappointed. Simply aware.
"Yes, my Lord," Brother-Captain answered, helm lowered. "I misread your stance. I thought you would press, not feint. I failed."
He waited for pain. For silence. For dismissal.
None came.
Galvatron sheathed his blade and turned to a board — not quite chess, not quite war-table. Its pieces shimmered in symbolic geometries.
"You failed," he said, placing a piece.
"And then understood why. That is not weakness. That is strength"
He turned his helm slightly.
"You would not understand how many fail to realise this."
Brother-Captain said nothing. He remembered.
"He trains each of us differently," he would later recall. "With Brother-Rite, it's prophecy and poetry With Brother-Silent — unfinished mathematical equations. With me… it is movement. Correction. Restraint, Mentorship."
"Sometimes he watches us paint. Sometimes he shows us sculpture. He calls it art it was beautiful."
"Says it leaves a bigger impact than a weapon I do not fully understand."
RETURN TO PRESENT
The outpost was already crumbling.
Brother-Ward moved through the reactor housing. His claws punctured the fusion conduit and twisted — overriding the stabilizers. The core began to hum out of sync, failing inward with grace.
Brother-Rite stood at the central relay, etching a circular sigil into the console face with one blade, while injecting the kill-code with his other. A slow ripple passed through the data streams — the outpost's systems stuttered, dimmed, and quietly failed.
Brother-Silent knelt before the long-range transmitter. From his forearm, a null emitter shaped like a closed optic slid into place. With a pulse, the node activated.
And across the outpost…
…the beacon died.
No transmission.
No fallback.
No trace.
Theta-9 ceased to exist on the grid.
A final camera flickered once — capturing seven warriors in black and gold. One at the front, glaive resting against his shoulder.
Then darkness.
---
LOCATION: Orbit – Null Warden, Command Alcove
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–03:18:13]
POV: Nightburn
The signal vanished.
No spike. No anomaly.
Just absence.
Nightburn stood alone in the alcove as the relay holo blinked out. One more thread cut. One more incision left to fester.
Behind him, the bridge crew didn't stir. They didn't need to.
This wasn't victory. Not yet.
It was confirmation though that they were worth the time and resources.
A soft tone pulsed across the command display — data lock confirmed. No signals outbound. No trace left.
Theta-9 was gone.
Verdant Prime had been opened.
He deactivated the projection and stepped away.
Our Lord had given no speech.
Only a sentence, spoken without weight:
"As expected of my new warriors this world will fall."
And Nightburn had bowed.
---
LOCATION: Southern Defense Perimeter, Autobot Sector HQ
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–02:47:00]
POV: Kup
The air was too still.
Kup's pedes ground against packed earth as he walked the upper platform overlooking the perimeter grid. The path wound between reinforced gun placements and Council prefab towers that had long since stopped pretending they were functional.
Above them, the sun hung like a weight — dull and orange behind gathering clouds. Heat radiated from the metal plates welded over old battlefield scars.
To his right, the primary energon rig sputtered again — a cough of steam, like it was choking on the last cycle of its intake.
Kup didn't look back. He didn't need to. He knew Thalor was still walking behind him — hands behind his back, steps lighter than a scout's, probably already composing his next report to the Council with every breath Kup took.
Kup tapped his datapad, pulled up diagnostics. His voice was hoarse. "Gate Ten's still out. Turret rows four and six haven't come back online in four days. Patrol rotation's down to fifty-two percent. We asked for support cycles ago."
Thalor's voice came crisp, unbothered — like an evaluation being read aloud. "The Council has reviewed your performance."
Kup stopped. One step. Turned slowly. "Performance?"
"You were given a single task at Ardent Nexus: hold the gate. Delay the advance. Secure time for fallback maneuver Delta-Six."
"You failed."
Kup's mouth opened. Closed. He stared, jaw tight. "We were outnumbered five to one. You gave us second-rate artillery and a shield wall half the size we needed."
Thalor didn't blink. "And the Decepticons shattered it in less than a cycle. That data has been filed."
He started walking again. Kup followed, slower this time.
"You're not here because you earned this outpost," Thalor continued. "You're here because the Council determined removing you would draw attention. Verdant Prime's worth lies in its perception. Your presence maintains that illusion."
"A symbolic command post," Kup muttered.
"A politically viable one," Thalor corrected.
They walked in silence for a few more steps.
The ridge gave way to a downward slope of rust-colored dust. Council markers marked a boundary fence long since half-buried by the wind.
Kup shifted his weight as he walked — and felt the ground sink just slightly beneath his pede.
Not much. Just enough to notice.
He looked down.
A thick, pale vine had coiled beneath the dirt and cracked under his step — its surface crystalline, like translucent glass. It oozed silver. Still twitching.
Kup crouched slightly. Watched it.
It wasn't the twitch that got him.
It was the silence.
"Cybertron never gave underfoot."
"That's how I knew this wasn't home."
He straightened. And walked.
Ahead, the outpost perimeter command node blinked softly — diagnostics cycling. Kup checked it.
Theta-9.
No update.
Last signal: 27 minutes prior. No disconnect notice. Just... nothing.
Kup frowned. Tapped the feed. Refresh cycle completed. Still nothing.
"Theta-9's late."
"A relay delay or rotation fault," Thalor said without looking.
"You're projecting. Again."
Kup didn't respond. He just stared at the screen.
Then, softly: "Every battle I've ever survived started like this, the quiet."
---
LOCATION: Mess Hall → Personal Quarters
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–02:33:00]
POV: Kup
The mess hall was nearly empty.
A single overhead strip flickered near the back wall. The ventilation system ticked softly — always off-cycle, always just a little too loud.
Kup sat at a dented steel table near the window slit. The energon in his flask tasted like old coolant and regret.
He didn't drink it for taste.
He sipped, slowly, letting the burn coil down into his chest — not to calm him, but to remind him he could still feel something.
Behind him, voices.
Quiet. Unaware. Or maybe they didn't care.
"Kup's losing it."
"You ask me, he was always just a stopgap. Council needed a name. Not a leader."
"He used to be sharper. Back when he wore the Wrecker badge."
"Optimus would've seen this coming."
Kup didn't move.
Didn't blink.
Just stared out the slit-window as dust blew across the landing pads.
He didn't turn around. Didn't speak. Just finished the last of the flask.
Then he stood.
And left.
---
LOCATION: Personal Quarters
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–02:28:00]
POV: Kup
His door hissed shut behind him.
Kup stood in the middle of the room, blinking like he wasn't sure why he'd come here.
The air was still.
Stale.
The cracked Wrecker badge caught his optics first — still sitting on that rusted little shelf near the power coupler. He'd meant to get it mounted properly. Six cycles ago.
He stepped toward it. Slower than he wanted. One leg scraped with every step now, the servos too old to calibrate right. Too many battles. Too little time for repairs.
His finger hovered over the badge.
Then pulled back.
Instead, he turned to the holo projector.
It flickered once — then activated.
Optimus.
Standing in a field of smoke and ash. Calm. Strong.
Speaking to a group of young bots not yet forged when the war began.
Kup watched.
Didn't blink.
"…we may be surrounded. Outnumbered. We may fall here…"
"…but we do not fall alone."
He clenched his jaw.
His optics burned.
He didn't cry. He couldn't. Not anymore.
He turned away — and then snapped.
Kup grabbed the projector and ripped it off the table, flinging it against the far wall. It sparked, sputtered, then powered off.
"You were the spark, Optimus! The fire!"
"You could rally bots with just a fragging word. You had belief!"
"And what did I get?"
He grabbed the badge. Looked at it — then threw it. It bounced off the ceiling, landed under the cot.
"I got silence!"
"I got a council that counts corpses and calls it strategy."
"I got a dirt world that doesn't push back!"
He paced — limping, seething — knocking over a crate, his shoulder smashing into the wall.
He stopped.
Looked down.
One servo clutching the cot frame, the other clenched into a trembling fist.
Then, softly. Barely a whisper:
"...I just want to go home."
He sank onto the edge of the berth. Not because he wanted to sit, but because he couldn't stand anymore.
The room was quiet.
No recordings.
No voices.
Just one old soldier.
His shoulder locked as he sat. His whole frame creaked with the weight of centuries.
The silence pressed in. No voices. No alerts. Just the ticking of his own failing systems.
And the sound of his own systems ticking.
Down.
He could feel it in his frame — a low rattle in his spine, a soft buzz around his spark chamber. Not just stress. Not wear and tear.
Decline.
He was going to die.
Not in glory. Not in command.
Maybe not even today.
But soon.
Today.
Tomorrow.
Or the next cycle.
Kup sat in that silence.
And waited for the inevitable.
---
LOCATION: Southern Ridge, Platform Six
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–01:53:00]
POV: Hound
Hound hated it when Kup got quiet.
Not the usual grumbling, ground-down old-timer stuff. That was just Kup. But when the old bot started calling defense codes without warning, shifting to yellow alert without blinking
That meant something was wrong.
Something big.
The wind stung harder now. Dust kicked across the ridge as Hound stood beside the cannon nest, optics fixed on the trail in the sky.
The ship was getting closer.
Burned plating. Stabilizer damage. But no drift. No distress signal.
Just controlled descent.
"Looks like a funeral barge," someone muttered behind him.
Hound clicked his comm.
"Unit Nine, sweep pattern Delta. Confirm trajectory match, confirm visual. Approach low. Non-lethal unless they pull hot."
"Copy that, Commander. Engaging sweep."
Three Autobot troopers broke from the line — light scouts, wings folded, boosters flaring as they lifted off from the ridge, tracing an arc toward the descending ship.
The storm clouds overhead shifted as it came lower — just above the final pass.
"I'm not seeing movement yet."
"Looks like the hull's been patched—wait. Something on the flank panel—"
Silence.
"Unit Nine, repeat last—"
Nothing.
"Signal lost."
Hound's spark tensed. The wind around him stopped.
He looked at the horizon, where the clouds were starting to part.
The ship hit the landing zone like a broken fang. Metal slammed into stone. The impact shook the valley floor.
And for a moment, everything held still.
Then the front hatch opened.
Smoke poured out.
Hound didn't see a silhouette.
He didn't hear a roar. Or a speech. Or a battle cry.
He just felt the ground pulse beneath his feet.
And something inside him cracked.
He whispered.
"Well, frag me sideways…"
"Kup was right."
A shadow moved through the smoke.
---
LOCATION: Autobot Command Deck
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–01:48:00]
POV: Kup
The hatch opened.
Smoke curled out, thick and slow, like the world was exhaling ash.
No signal.
No warning.
Just a figure in black and gold armor stepping through first — glaive slung across its shoulder. Behind it, more followed. Too tall. Too calm. Their eyes glowed faintly.
Kup's servo tightened around the rail.
He opened a channel. His voice barely more than gravel:
"This is Commander Kup. Defense protocol Sigma-Twelve. Full combat posture. All towers engage. All squads deploy. Lock the gates."
He looked back toward the ridge — and saw it.
Hound's body, slumped over a plasma cannon, smoke rising from a hole clean through his chestplate.
Still.
Cooling.
Kup's breath caught.
His optics locked on the ridge above — where something massive moved behind the smoke.
A hum — low and rising. Charged.
Then a flash of purple light.
BOOM.
The platform shook.
The sky turned red.
Kup barely whispered:
"Ah, frag."
And in orbit...
The Decimator began to descend.
[END TRANSMISSION]
LOCATION: Southern Ridge Training Zone, Verdant Prime
TIME SINCE THE FALL OF ARDENT NEXUS: 0.4 Solar Cycles
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–03:18:49]
POV: Hound
Twin suns hung low above Verdant Prime, casting pale light across the hardened soil. The morning wind cut through the camp, stirring dust around faded Autobot banners nailed to repurposed walls. In the distance, the broken shell of a downed Council freighter served as a makeshift command post, its hull groaning softly as it settled into the crust.
Hound spat out a thick breath as he adjusted the shoulder strap of his pulse cannon. The air was too dry, the energon was low-grade slag, and the recruits moved like they were on a scenic tour, not prepping for war.
"Form up, spread out, and move like your Spark depends on it," he barked. "Because it does."
A few of the younger bots grumbled — tired optics, jittery joints. Some of them had only seen a battle from the rear-line monitors. One, Relay, muttered as he trotted into position, "This again? Galvatron's halfway across the stars…"
Hound turned.
"You think the Decepticons are gonna send you a schedule before they burn your home to the ground?"
Silence.
Another bot, Pinion, chuckled from the back, "Heard the Council's too scared to let 'em near here."
Hound's optics narrowed. "That's what they said about Ardent Nexus. You wanna guess how that ended?"
He stepped forward, voice dropping low.
"They came through the walls like ghosts. Hit our flanks with plasma storms. You think this is just drills, fine. You'll be the first one leaking from your vents when they come screaming from orbit."
No one laughed after that.
They ran the drills again. Movement patterns. Cover fire rotations. Perimeter response. It was all muscle memory by now, but Hound made them repeat it until their hydraulics hissed with strain.
In the corner of the training yard, a rusting energon rig sputtered weakly, pumping pale pink fluid into half-shattered canisters. It smelled burnt. Sour.
Relay staggered over between rotations, taking a gulp. He spat it out immediately.
"This ain't energon…"
Hound growled, grabbing a canister himself.
"This is recycled boot oil with a sparkle filter. But it's all we got. So drink it and pretend it ain't killing you slower than a Seeker's cannon."
Some bots sat on cracked benches between drills, oil leaking down their plating, eyes dulled from the strain. One of them pulled out a small datapad, flipping through a crude recording of Cybertron's sky — the old sky, clean and metal-bright.
Hound saw it. Didn't stop him.
Let 'em remember. Let 'em feel what they'd lost.
Then he barked the next round.
"Alright! One more sweep pattern before downtime. And if any of you trip again during a breach sim, I'll throw you at Galvatron myself."
The field moved again.
Dust rose.
The war wasn't here yet — but its shadow was.
---
[AUTOBOT LOG – VERDANT PRIME]
LOCATION: Southern Ridge Outpost, Verdant Prime (Perimeter Walk, Adjacent to Training Zone)
TIME SINCE THE FALL OF ARDENT NEXUS: 0.4 Solar Cycles
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–03:03:21]
POV: Hound
The drills had wound down.
Hound moved slowly now, his frame groaning under old wounds and older regrets. The ridgeline above the camp gave him a clear view of the whole field — the recruits dispersing to whatever downtime passed for rest, the smoking energon rig churning out its flavored filth, and the long lines of rusted containers repurposed into barracks.
He grunted, pulling a flask from his hip compartment and taking a swig. Sludge, still warm. Tasted like a turbofox had pissed into a coolant tank.
"Could use a real energon cube… or a miracle."
He didn't expect either.
As he paced the ridge, his optics scanned the land beyond the fences — dry gullies, sharp rock, and the white-tiled bones of a half-built Council facility abandoned mid-construction. Wind caught the torn remnants of a red Decepticon banner someone had mounted on a spear-pole. Trophy or warning, he didn't care.
But then he saw it — just beyond the drill field.
The statue.
Optimus Prime and Zeta Prime stood tall in council stone, weathered by storms and time. Zeta's stern expression was fractured by a lightning scar down his jawline. Optimus's hand — the one reaching skyward — was broken at the wrist, severed clean.
And still… Hound stopped. And looked.
He remembered.
---
FLASHBACK – WAR FOR CYBERTRON
LOCATION: Outskirts, of Iacon Evacuation Zone Gamma
TIMEFRAME: Cycle 4131.89 / Phase of the War: Chaos
The sky was on fire.
Decepticon artillery thundered across the shattered skyline, turning towers to slag and roads to smoldering ruin. The last battalions of Autobots — bruised, leaking, and running on fumes — clawed their way toward the Ark under a storm of steel and plasma.
And in the heart of it all, bathed in smoke and wrath, stood Optimus Prime.
His ion blaster roared in his right hand, laying down calculated bursts with surgical precision. From his left arm, a glowing Energon axe crackled to life — every arc of its blade cleaving through the darkness, carving a path through the chaos.
Flames kissed his chestplate. Shrapnel tore down his flank.
Still, he moved.
Optimus gripped a wounded red-plated Autobot trooper and hoisted him from a collapsed trench wall, dragging him behind cover without hesitation. As another two troopers stumbled nearby, Prime stepped between them and a strafing Seeker's barrage, taking the full blast across his plating without flinching. "Stand fast, trooper!" Prime bellowed, his voice cutting through the explosions like a war-horn.
"We will hold — no matter the cost. And I promise you…"
"…I will see it through with you all."
A fresh quake cracked the street as another defense pylon crumbled behind them, the ground splintering into void.
And yet — he rose again. "We hold this point so others may reach the Ark!"
"I will never forget you — any of you!"
"Autobots… transform and roll out!"
He didn't sound afraid. He didn't sound tired.
He sounded inevitable.
Then came the counter attack.
Optimus turned down the next avenue, where a Decepticon heavy with a thermal cannon led two more through the wreckage. He didn't pause.
The axe came down — clean through the first mech's chest.
The ion blaster followed — two shots to the second's neck.
The third turned to run.
He didn't make it far.
With the enemy scattered, Prime began checking the wounded. He knelt beside a flickering scout and manually restarted their spark regulator. He dragged a Wrecker missing a leg into a med transport. He moved from bot to bot — silent, present, unyielding.
Then he found Hound.
The old soldier was leaning against a broken barricade, chest rising with effort, one arm limp and sparking from the elbow down. Scorch marks ran across his plating. His eyes tracked Prime with wordless relief.
Optimus knelt beside him, scanning quickly. "Damage?"
"Just cosmetic," Hound muttered, spitting out a dry breath.
"You've got a cracked shoulder rotator and a fused servo line," Prime said, tone even. Then, quieter—
"But you're still here. That's what matters."
Hound let out a rough chuckle, optics dimming as the pain caught up with him. "If it weren't for you Prime….we'd already be dead. I'll remember this — for the rest of my life."
Optimus stood slowly, surveying the battlefield.
Smoke. Fire. Fallen Autobots. Stillness. "So will I."
Even now, on a distant world under twin suns, Hound could feel the weight of that moment echoing through time — burned into his spark like the first heat of battle.
That day… never left him.
Now there was no Prime. No voice.
Just drills.
Just waiting.
Just rot.
Hound's optics dimmed as he stared at the broken statue. He didn't speak at first. Then, softly — a whisper meant only for the wind: "Miss that red and blue bastard more than I care to admit."
He sat down against the base of the ridge, feeling the weight of his plating pressing into the dirt — a reminder that this wasn't Cybertron. The ground gave way beneath him. Soft. Alien. He hated how it didn't fight back.
His servos tightened around the flask. "Wonder what you'd say now, Prime. 'Keep the faith'? 'Hold the line'? Easier when you're not the one counting corpses every damn cycle." "No… I'm sorry, Prime. I didn't mean that.
By Primus, I wish you were here with us.
I wish we didn't lose you during the battle for the Ark.
You'd know what to do.
Kup—he's okay, but he's not you, Prime."
He leaned his helm back against the stone. For a moment, there was peace. Only the whisper of wind. The clatter of boots in the distance. The hum of the dying energon rig.
And overhead, the sky stayed clear.
Hound's optics narrowed.
They were coming.
---
LOCATION: Orbit — Stealth Frigate Null Warden, En Route to Verdant Prime Airspace
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL ASSAULT: [–03:45:00]
POV: Nightburn
Silence suited him.
From the command alcove of the Null Warden — first of her class — Nightburn stood motionless. The vessel was born in the depths of the Echelon Scientific Citadel, forged by Shockwave's chosen minds for one purpose: precision infiltration and null warfare.
Lord Galvatron had seen fit to elevate him… but not above.
Nightburn still served as Commander Drachen's hand — sharp, silent, and unquestioning.
But through Drachen, he now executed the will of something greater.
Verdant Prime drifted below, serene and veiled in golden haze.
Lush. Civil. Unscarred.
It disgusted him. "There is nothing pure in this false peace."
He didn't say it aloud. He didn't need to.
The seven warriors behind him had already heard it — not through words, but through agony, silence, and forged obedience. This was their first operation. Their trial.
Our Lord has seen fit to test them.
A signal pulse clicked into his helm.
Brother-Captain stepped from the shadows.
He stood a head taller than the others, with a slightly flared helm, shoulder-guarded like a knight-champion, and a single vertical slit across his maskplate — a ceremonial execution visor. A quiet fury burned behind the glow of his optics. The glaive across his shoulder gleamed with purpose. "Trajectory confirmed. The Autobot orbital defense net is blind on all angles. Verdant Prime is exposed."
Nightburn's optics narrowed. "Good."
He turned to face the assembled team — tall, obsidian-armored killers trimmed in gold and violet, their forms sleek, predatory, and utterly still.
They didn't move.
They didn't speak.
They waited.
"This is not a simulation," Nightburn said.
"This is your trial by fire. Prove to him why you deserve to stand with him."
He gestured to the holographic relay — a Council refueling outpost, deep in the neutral zone. Cold. Remote. Forgotten. "He will not waste a warship breaching this world… not until the gate is opened."
"That burden falls to us. To you. This is what you were trained for."
A low hum passed through the deck as the drop pods armed their null-field dampeners.
One by one, each warrior stepped forward.
Brother-Ward.
Brother-Silent.
Brother-Rite.
And last — Brother-Captain.
He paused, then turned to Nightburn — voice low, unwavering. "We live to serve him… and only him."
The pods launched.
No lights.
No trail.
Just perfect descent — knives falling through a still sky.
---
LOCATION: Surface — Refueling Outpost Theta-9, Eastern Sector
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–03:20:00]
POV: Omniscient (Strike Team)
The outpost was quiet.
Autobot sentries paced the narrow gantries of Refueling Station Theta-9. It was a remote installation — fuel lines, energon tanks, long-range beacons. Unimportant. Barely maintained.
Which made it perfect.
A shimmer passed over the central spine tower — not quite light, not quite motion. A glitch in perception.
Then the first sentry died.
No gunfire. No sound.
A violet blade bloomed through his chest. Energon spilled in a slow arc. His mouth opened. Then closed.
Brother-Ward caught the body before it fell. Gently. He lowered it beside the access ramp like it might still dream.
Inside the primary relay hall, a team of Autobot technicians reviewed diagnostics. One leaned back.
"Anyone hear that?"
A faint click.
A shimmer.
Then silence.
Brother-Silent stepped through a soft veil of distortion and past three cooling corpses. His data-spine extended as he moved to the uplink, fingers slicing through encryption threads like silk.
No alarms were raised.
No alerts tripped.
Theta-9 was already dead. It just hadn't realized it yet.
On the outer rim, a tower guard turned toward motion that wasn't there.
Brother-Captain was already moving.
He didn't run. He walked. Each step was measured. Purpose-bound.
The sentry raised his rifle. Too late.
The glaive cracked through his chestplate in a single clean arc — not with rage, but with precision.
The body dropped. Brother-Captain stood still, optics dimming for a moment.
And remembered.
---
FLASHBACK –LOCATION: Undisclosed training floor beneath Galvatron's Citadel
TIMEFRAME: ~0.7 Solar Cycles Prior
The floor was still.
Brother-Captain knelt, energon flickering down his left arm. Across from him, Galvatron stood silent, blade idle in hand. His optics, calm and cold, did not judge. They waited.
"You hesitated," Galvatron said, not disappointed. Simply aware.
"Yes, my Lord," Brother-Captain answered, helm lowered. "I misread your stance. I thought you would press, not feint. I failed."
He waited for pain. For silence. For dismissal.
None came.
Galvatron sheathed his blade and turned to a board — not quite chess, not quite war-table. Its pieces shimmered in symbolic geometries.
"You failed," he said, placing a piece.
"And then understood why. That is not weakness. That is strength"
He turned his helm slightly.
"You would not understand how many fail to realise this."
Brother-Captain said nothing. He remembered.
"He trains each of us differently," he would later recall. "With Brother-Rite, it's prophecy and poetry With Brother-Silent — unfinished mathematical equations. With me… it is movement. Correction. Restraint, Mentorship."
"Sometimes he watches us paint. Sometimes he shows us sculpture. He calls it art it was beautiful."
"Says it leaves a bigger impact than a weapon I do not fully understand."
RETURN TO PRESENT
The outpost was already crumbling.
Brother-Ward moved through the reactor housing. His claws punctured the fusion conduit and twisted — overriding the stabilizers. The core began to hum out of sync, failing inward with grace.
Brother-Rite stood at the central relay, etching a circular sigil into the console face with one blade, while injecting the kill-code with his other. A slow ripple passed through the data streams — the outpost's systems stuttered, dimmed, and quietly failed.
Brother-Silent knelt before the long-range transmitter. From his forearm, a null emitter shaped like a closed optic slid into place. With a pulse, the node activated.
And across the outpost…
…the beacon died.
No transmission.
No fallback.
No trace.
Theta-9 ceased to exist on the grid.
A final camera flickered once — capturing seven warriors in black and gold. One at the front, glaive resting against his shoulder.
Then darkness.
---
LOCATION: Orbit – Null Warden, Command Alcove
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–03:18:13]
POV: Nightburn
The signal vanished.
No spike. No anomaly.
Just absence.
Nightburn stood alone in the alcove as the relay holo blinked out. One more thread cut. One more incision left to fester.
Behind him, the bridge crew didn't stir. They didn't need to.
This wasn't victory. Not yet.
It was confirmation though that they were worth the time and resources.
A soft tone pulsed across the command display — data lock confirmed. No signals outbound. No trace left.
Theta-9 was gone.
Verdant Prime had been opened.
He deactivated the projection and stepped away.
Our Lord had given no speech.
Only a sentence, spoken without weight:
"As expected of my new warriors this world will fall."
And Nightburn had bowed.
---
LOCATION: Southern Defense Perimeter, Autobot Sector HQ
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–02:47:00]
POV: Kup
The air was too still.
Kup's pedes ground against packed earth as he walked the upper platform overlooking the perimeter grid. The path wound between reinforced gun placements and Council prefab towers that had long since stopped pretending they were functional.
Above them, the sun hung like a weight — dull and orange behind gathering clouds. Heat radiated from the metal plates welded over old battlefield scars.
To his right, the primary energon rig sputtered again — a cough of steam, like it was choking on the last cycle of its intake.
Kup didn't look back. He didn't need to. He knew Thalor was still walking behind him — hands behind his back, steps lighter than a scout's, probably already composing his next report to the Council with every breath Kup took.
Kup tapped his datapad, pulled up diagnostics. His voice was hoarse. "Gate Ten's still out. Turret rows four and six haven't come back online in four days. Patrol rotation's down to fifty-two percent. We asked for support cycles ago."
Thalor's voice came crisp, unbothered — like an evaluation being read aloud. "The Council has reviewed your performance."
Kup stopped. One step. Turned slowly. "Performance?"
"You were given a single task at Ardent Nexus: hold the gate. Delay the advance. Secure time for fallback maneuver Delta-Six."
"You failed."
Kup's mouth opened. Closed. He stared, jaw tight. "We were outnumbered five to one. You gave us second-rate artillery and a shield wall half the size we needed."
Thalor didn't blink. "And the Decepticons shattered it in less than a cycle. That data has been filed."
He started walking again. Kup followed, slower this time.
"You're not here because you earned this outpost," Thalor continued. "You're here because the Council determined removing you would draw attention. Verdant Prime's worth lies in its perception. Your presence maintains that illusion."
"A symbolic command post," Kup muttered.
"A politically viable one," Thalor corrected.
They walked in silence for a few more steps.
The ridge gave way to a downward slope of rust-colored dust. Council markers marked a boundary fence long since half-buried by the wind.
Kup shifted his weight as he walked — and felt the ground sink just slightly beneath his pede.
Not much. Just enough to notice.
He looked down.
A thick, pale vine had coiled beneath the dirt and cracked under his step — its surface crystalline, like translucent glass. It oozed silver. Still twitching.
Kup crouched slightly. Watched it.
It wasn't the twitch that got him.
It was the silence.
"Cybertron never gave underfoot."
"That's how I knew this wasn't home."
He straightened. And walked.
Ahead, the outpost perimeter command node blinked softly — diagnostics cycling. Kup checked it.
Theta-9.
No update.
Last signal: 27 minutes prior. No disconnect notice. Just... nothing.
Kup frowned. Tapped the feed. Refresh cycle completed. Still nothing.
"Theta-9's late."
"A relay delay or rotation fault," Thalor said without looking.
"You're projecting. Again."
Kup didn't respond. He just stared at the screen.
Then, softly: "Every battle I've ever survived started like this, the quiet."
---
LOCATION: Mess Hall → Personal Quarters
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–02:33:00]
POV: Kup
The mess hall was nearly empty.
A single overhead strip flickered near the back wall. The ventilation system ticked softly — always off-cycle, always just a little too loud.
Kup sat at a dented steel table near the window slit. The energon in his flask tasted like old coolant and regret.
He didn't drink it for taste.
He sipped, slowly, letting the burn coil down into his chest — not to calm him, but to remind him he could still feel something.
Behind him, voices.
Quiet. Unaware. Or maybe they didn't care.
"Kup's losing it."
"You ask me, he was always just a stopgap. Council needed a name. Not a leader."
"He used to be sharper. Back when he wore the Wrecker badge."
"Optimus would've seen this coming."
Kup didn't move.
Didn't blink.
Just stared out the slit-window as dust blew across the landing pads.
He didn't turn around. Didn't speak. Just finished the last of the flask.
Then he stood.
And left.
---
LOCATION: Personal Quarters
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–02:28:00]
POV: Kup
His door hissed shut behind him.
Kup stood in the middle of the room, blinking like he wasn't sure why he'd come here.
The air was still.
Stale.
The cracked Wrecker badge caught his optics first — still sitting on that rusted little shelf near the power coupler. He'd meant to get it mounted properly. Six cycles ago.
He stepped toward it. Slower than he wanted. One leg scraped with every step now, the servos too old to calibrate right. Too many battles. Too little time for repairs.
His finger hovered over the badge.
Then pulled back.
Instead, he turned to the holo projector.
It flickered once — then activated.
Optimus.
Standing in a field of smoke and ash. Calm. Strong.
Speaking to a group of young bots not yet forged when the war began.
Kup watched.
Didn't blink.
"…we may be surrounded. Outnumbered. We may fall here…"
"…but we do not fall alone."
He clenched his jaw.
His optics burned.
He didn't cry. He couldn't. Not anymore.
He turned away — and then snapped.
Kup grabbed the projector and ripped it off the table, flinging it against the far wall. It sparked, sputtered, then powered off.
"You were the spark, Optimus! The fire!"
"You could rally bots with just a fragging word. You had belief!"
"And what did I get?"
He grabbed the badge. Looked at it — then threw it. It bounced off the ceiling, landed under the cot.
"I got silence!"
"I got a council that counts corpses and calls it strategy."
"I got a dirt world that doesn't push back!"
He paced — limping, seething — knocking over a crate, his shoulder smashing into the wall.
He stopped.
Looked down.
One servo clutching the cot frame, the other clenched into a trembling fist.
Then, softly. Barely a whisper:
"...I just want to go home."
He sank onto the edge of the berth. Not because he wanted to sit, but because he couldn't stand anymore.
The room was quiet.
No recordings.
No voices.
Just one old soldier.
His shoulder locked as he sat. His whole frame creaked with the weight of centuries.
The silence pressed in. No voices. No alerts. Just the ticking of his own failing systems.
And the sound of his own systems ticking.
Down.
He could feel it in his frame — a low rattle in his spine, a soft buzz around his spark chamber. Not just stress. Not wear and tear.
Decline.
He was going to die.
Not in glory. Not in command.
Maybe not even today.
But soon.
Today.
Tomorrow.
Or the next cycle.
Kup sat in that silence.
And waited for the inevitable.
---
LOCATION: Southern Ridge, Platform Six
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–01:53:00]
POV: Hound
Hound hated it when Kup got quiet.
Not the usual grumbling, ground-down old-timer stuff. That was just Kup. But when the old bot started calling defense codes without warning, shifting to yellow alert without blinking
That meant something was wrong.
Something big.
The wind stung harder now. Dust kicked across the ridge as Hound stood beside the cannon nest, optics fixed on the trail in the sky.
The ship was getting closer.
Burned plating. Stabilizer damage. But no drift. No distress signal.
Just controlled descent.
"Looks like a funeral barge," someone muttered behind him.
Hound clicked his comm.
"Unit Nine, sweep pattern Delta. Confirm trajectory match, confirm visual. Approach low. Non-lethal unless they pull hot."
"Copy that, Commander. Engaging sweep."
Three Autobot troopers broke from the line — light scouts, wings folded, boosters flaring as they lifted off from the ridge, tracing an arc toward the descending ship.
The storm clouds overhead shifted as it came lower — just above the final pass.
"I'm not seeing movement yet."
"Looks like the hull's been patched—wait. Something on the flank panel—"
Silence.
"Unit Nine, repeat last—"
Nothing.
"Signal lost."
Hound's spark tensed. The wind around him stopped.
He looked at the horizon, where the clouds were starting to part.
The ship hit the landing zone like a broken fang. Metal slammed into stone. The impact shook the valley floor.
And for a moment, everything held still.
Then the front hatch opened.
Smoke poured out.
Hound didn't see a silhouette.
He didn't hear a roar. Or a speech. Or a battle cry.
He just felt the ground pulse beneath his feet.
And something inside him cracked.
He whispered.
"Well, frag me sideways…"
"Kup was right."
A shadow moved through the smoke.
---
LOCATION: Autobot Command Deck
TIME TO SURFACE-LEVEL DECEPTICON CONTACT: [–01:48:00]
POV: Kup
The hatch opened.
Smoke curled out, thick and slow, like the world was exhaling ash.
No signal.
No warning.
Just a figure in black and gold armor stepping through first — glaive slung across its shoulder. Behind it, more followed. Too tall. Too calm. Their eyes glowed faintly.
Kup's servo tightened around the rail.
He opened a channel. His voice barely more than gravel:
"This is Commander Kup. Defense protocol Sigma-Twelve. Full combat posture. All towers engage. All squads deploy. Lock the gates."
He looked back toward the ridge — and saw it.
Hound's body, slumped over a plasma cannon, smoke rising from a hole clean through his chestplate.
Still.
Cooling.
Kup's breath caught.
His optics locked on the ridge above — where something massive moved behind the smoke.
A hum — low and rising. Charged.
Then a flash of purple light.
BOOM.
The platform shook.
The sky turned red.
Kup barely whispered:
"Ah, frag."
And in orbit...
The Decimator began to descend.
[END TRANSMISSION]
Lillie Jones
Connoisseur.
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2020
- Messages
- 10,310
- Likes received
- 23,391
thanks for the chapter
GALACTIC COUNCIL INTERLUDE: THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM
New
Devastator21
"I find your lack of faith disturbing."
- Joined
- May 2, 2024
- Messages
- 1,133
- Likes received
- 5,538
Location – Galactic Council War Room, Teraxis Prime
POV – Third Person / Omniscient Council View
The Galactic Council War Room, once the centre of unity, nestled in the crystalline spires of Teraxis Prime, was now a sealed chamber of panic, fire, and fraying command.
The delegate's feeds sputtered. Some cut out mid-sentence. Others froze on their final frames: collapsing towers, flaming skies, drifting stars gone cold. The galactic projection map shuddered under the flood of alerts. Red glyphs pulsed like wounds across Council-held sectors.
Velkor IV: planetary bombardment. Biological vaults and warbeast creches — incinerated.
Hive Axis-3: signal lost mid-scream.
Aegis: offline. AI grid is unresponsive.
Venari Echo, Gladius Vortex, Neral's Divide: UNDER SIEGE.
"Our outer listening posts are gone!" shrieked a Vrix'thar delegate. "We can't see beyond our own stars!"
"The Ossan Corridor is gone," cried Mairev Vos, her diplomatic mask cracked. "Tens of thousands stranded between collapsed gates!"
"Velkor's shipyards — gone. Torn apart. Decades of biomechanical reserves — erased," General Draakon growled.
"Where is Lockdown?!" roared Crav Vox. "He was the Rift anchor! Without him—"
"Unknown," came a flat voice. "All communications are offline."
"Logic Spire-7 is active. The Omega Protocol AI is rejecting Council command. It's broadcasting one word: compliance."
"Colonies in Sector Vaelis are repeating Cybertronian. Their status is unknown, but it's presumed they're gone."
"Skaar Dominion's Second Armada engaged a Decepticon fleet. No contact since."
"My hives—" Hive Sovereign X'Kaleth wheezed, her image twitching—"the psychic lattice is unravelling. The Vrix'thar are falling into stasis."
"The Teraxis central archives have been sabotaged. Treaty records — gone."
The central display snapped into override. A cold symbol spiralled into view — the seal of the Galactic Fiscal Reserve. Then: Minister Kelron Dase, pale, blinking too fast, lips trembling.
"This is an emergency transmission from the Galactic Fiscal Reserve," he said. "All interstellar credit flows have been suspended. Primary node failures are cascading. The Eastern Consolidated Exchange is offline. The Vaelis Mercantile Chain is unstable. The Neral Trade Axis is… believed lost."
A long pause. Then:
"Strategic reserves stand at eighty-four percent depletion."
"Civilian trade routes have collapsed. Military input chains — cut off. TerraForge Prime is not responding."
"The Galactic Market… no longer functions."
His feed cut out before anyone could speak. No warning. No follow-up.
Only one glyph remained:
[TRANSMISSION TERMINATED – INTERNAL OVERRIDE]
The galactic map convulsed. Dozens of sectors flipped from REINFORCED to NO CONTACT. Borders redrew themselves in real time.
The Council's reach was shrinking by the second.
"We should never have provoked them!" someone shouted.
Another voice snapped through the noise:
"It was Asmodeus. He struck first. Cybertron. Unprovoked. No sanction."
Silence.
"He said he'd burn their homeworld to ash."
"He ignored orders. Sent the fleet anyway."
"This isn't war. It's retribution."
"We started this," a voice whispered — thin, cracked, true.
Then: collapse. Screams. Accusations. Everyone shouting at once.
"You backed Helios!"
"You funded him!"
"We could have stopped it!"
Amid the storm stood High Arbiter Delan. Unmoving. Silent.
He hadn't wanted a war, not with the Cybertronians.
But he hadn't stopped it either.
In his mind, one phrase echoed — the final entry in the Helios Arc's log:
"We set course for Cybertron. We will burn their homeworld to ash."
And now, Cybertron was burning everything else.
A flickering alert blinked on a forgotten side console in the lower east ring of the Council chamber, tucked among hundreds of other feeds. A technician glanced at it, his eyes sunken from triple-shift rotations, barely registering the alert:
[AUTOBOT COMMAND SIGNAL – VERDANT PRIME | CHANNEL: EMERGENCY 3-RED]
He tapped it once. The window expanded briefly. Smoke. Fire. A soldier slumped behind a burning barricade. The nameplate registered automatically: KUP.
The technician hesitated, then closed the window.
"We've got bigger things," he muttered, dismissing the alert into the secondary archive queue.
He never saw the full feed.
If he had, this is what he would've seen:
Kup, battered and defiant, leaned toward a sparking console. His shoulder was torn open, and the sky behind him glowed with orbital fire.
"This is Kup... command unit Delta-Seven."
His voice was hoarse, but steady.
"Verdant Prime's done. They've won all our defenses gone in a matter of. No fallback."
He coughed — energon streaking down his plating.
"If you're getting this…"
He paused — optics locking with the lens.
"Don't bother sending help."
Then, lower:
"Tell Optimus... I'm sorry for never being half the bot you were, and to all the young bots who followed me, I'm sorry."
Kup turned, rifle raised, and charged toward the flames.
A blaster flare. A scream. Then:
[TRANSMISSION INTERRUPTED – PRIORITY SYSTEM OVERWRITE ACTIVE]
And then came the next feed that hijacked the display viewing for the Council Session:
[TARNAC – NIGHTMARE'S PRIZE ESCAPE POD – PRIORITY BLACK]
Location – Great Council Spire, Teraxis Prime
POV – Tarnac / Third Person Omniscient (Council Broadcast)
[EMERGENCY BROADCAST – PRIORITY BLACK]
[LIVE COUNCIL SESSION – GALACTIC BROADCAST: FULL SECTOR COVERAGE]
A harsh signal burst across every feed in the Council Chamber. Delegates froze mid-sentence as the projection field twisted into a jagged glyph — NIGHTMARE'S PRIZE EMERGENCY RELAY.
Static gave way to a cracked viewport. Smoke billowed across the lens. Inside, lit by flickering fire and failing lights, knelt a shattered mech — half his armour scorched, one optic blown out, clutching a pulsing memory shard.
"This is Commander Tarnac," he rasped. "Second-in-command to Lockdown."
The Council went still.
"Lockdown is dead."
The silence deepened, punctuated only by shocked exhalations across the chamber.
"They hit us in orbit over Threxis Minor. No warning. No fleet movement. No standard formation. Just... annihilation."
"They didn't give us any chance."
"Thunderblast. Her Seekers. Drachen. The Decimator."
"It wasn't war. It was art and we were the canvas."
"We lost three heavy cruisers in two kliks. Deadspire imploded under one shot from the Decimator. Lockdown held the bridge until the last second — gave the order himself."
Tarnac held up the memory shard, scorched and sparking.
"This contains his final words. Battle telemetry. Command code signatures. Everything."
His voice cracked. "There were over two thousand aboard the Nightmare's Prize. Seven escaped."
"I'm six hours from Teraxis Prime. I need medical, relay access, and clearance. Help me—help them — and I'll deliver this."
"But don't think this is a strategy anymore. This is punishment."
"They want the galaxy to see us burn."
Sparks exploded behind him. Alarms screamed.
"We lost shield sync when they came up under the plane — I think they were tracking our jump wake or—"
Static surged.
"—repeat: seven survivors. We're—"
[SIGNAL LOST – TRANSMISSION CORRUPTED]
Location – Great Council Spire, Teraxis Prime
POV – Third Person Omniscient (Public Broadcast Session)
[GALACTIC PRIORITY BROADCAST – LEVEL OMEGA]
[LIVE TRANSMISSION – FULL SESSION – COUNCIL SPHERE: TERAXIS PRIME]
For a moment, the Council chamber was silent.
Then it detonated into sound.
"Seven?! That's all that remains?!"
"He said Thunderblast. The Decimator. And Drachen. That's a Named Kill Group!"
"How did they coordinate that fast?! How did they know?!"
"Why was Lockdown even in that sector?!"
"Why weren't we warned?!"
Voices shouted over translator fields. Dozens of dialects clashed in real-time. The roar echoed not only within the chamber but across a galaxy — billions tuned in, watching the Council fracture live. The Council forgot they were still live on air.
"ORDER!" Delan barked — his voice raw — but no one obeyed.
"Where is the defense fleet?" snapped High Marshal Kaelor, rising from his dais.
"Where is the reinforcement armada the Dralexians paid for? The one the Galactic Fiscal Reserve approved cycles ago?"
The question struck like a railgun.
A logistics officer stammered from a lower tier.
"The Venari Core Armada is still… en route. Its mass frame is too large for a standard jump. It requires a sub-light relay tether. It will enter this sector—"
He tapped a glyph.
"—within the week."
The silence that followed was worse than shouting.
"You built a fleet of golden coffins," said Vos.
"You knew it couldn't deploy. But it looks good on a status report."
A scoff cut across the chamber.
"I've toured the lead ship," said Councillor Vyrem, smugly folding his claws. "Stunning architecture. I'm retrofitting one into a private family command yacht. Twelve decks. Built on a dreadnought spine. Elegant drive coils. No recoil."
"Your yacht?" someone whispered.
"The stars are still our heritage, after all."
On screen, the glyph pulsed again:
[PODS ARRIVING – ATMOSPHERIC ENTRY CONFIRMED]
Followed by—
[COUNCIL ARMADA – LONG-RANGE SIGNATURE LOCKED]
Cheers rose from some platforms. Others went still.
Then—
[UNIDENTIFIED ENERGY SIGNATURE DETECTED – MATCH: DECEPTICON ARMADA]
The galactic map zoomed out.
Two fleets.
One battered, late, and incomplete.
The other fast. Whole. Relentless.
High Arbiter Delan slowly sat back in his chair.
The light above his platform dimmed.
His shoulders slumped.
And the galaxy watched the Council give up.
The Battle of Teraxis Prime had begun.
A/N
One more chapter and that's the end of the war and then your caught up to the main story besides a lot of information posts and character images
POV – Third Person / Omniscient Council View
The Galactic Council War Room, once the centre of unity, nestled in the crystalline spires of Teraxis Prime, was now a sealed chamber of panic, fire, and fraying command.
The delegate's feeds sputtered. Some cut out mid-sentence. Others froze on their final frames: collapsing towers, flaming skies, drifting stars gone cold. The galactic projection map shuddered under the flood of alerts. Red glyphs pulsed like wounds across Council-held sectors.
Velkor IV: planetary bombardment. Biological vaults and warbeast creches — incinerated.
Hive Axis-3: signal lost mid-scream.
Aegis: offline. AI grid is unresponsive.
Venari Echo, Gladius Vortex, Neral's Divide: UNDER SIEGE.
"Our outer listening posts are gone!" shrieked a Vrix'thar delegate. "We can't see beyond our own stars!"
"The Ossan Corridor is gone," cried Mairev Vos, her diplomatic mask cracked. "Tens of thousands stranded between collapsed gates!"
"Velkor's shipyards — gone. Torn apart. Decades of biomechanical reserves — erased," General Draakon growled.
"Where is Lockdown?!" roared Crav Vox. "He was the Rift anchor! Without him—"
"Unknown," came a flat voice. "All communications are offline."
"Logic Spire-7 is active. The Omega Protocol AI is rejecting Council command. It's broadcasting one word: compliance."
"Colonies in Sector Vaelis are repeating Cybertronian. Their status is unknown, but it's presumed they're gone."
"Skaar Dominion's Second Armada engaged a Decepticon fleet. No contact since."
"My hives—" Hive Sovereign X'Kaleth wheezed, her image twitching—"the psychic lattice is unravelling. The Vrix'thar are falling into stasis."
"The Teraxis central archives have been sabotaged. Treaty records — gone."
The central display snapped into override. A cold symbol spiralled into view — the seal of the Galactic Fiscal Reserve. Then: Minister Kelron Dase, pale, blinking too fast, lips trembling.
"This is an emergency transmission from the Galactic Fiscal Reserve," he said. "All interstellar credit flows have been suspended. Primary node failures are cascading. The Eastern Consolidated Exchange is offline. The Vaelis Mercantile Chain is unstable. The Neral Trade Axis is… believed lost."
A long pause. Then:
"Strategic reserves stand at eighty-four percent depletion."
"Civilian trade routes have collapsed. Military input chains — cut off. TerraForge Prime is not responding."
"The Galactic Market… no longer functions."
His feed cut out before anyone could speak. No warning. No follow-up.
Only one glyph remained:
[TRANSMISSION TERMINATED – INTERNAL OVERRIDE]
The galactic map convulsed. Dozens of sectors flipped from REINFORCED to NO CONTACT. Borders redrew themselves in real time.
The Council's reach was shrinking by the second.
"We should never have provoked them!" someone shouted.
Another voice snapped through the noise:
"It was Asmodeus. He struck first. Cybertron. Unprovoked. No sanction."
Silence.
"He said he'd burn their homeworld to ash."
"He ignored orders. Sent the fleet anyway."
"This isn't war. It's retribution."
"We started this," a voice whispered — thin, cracked, true.
Then: collapse. Screams. Accusations. Everyone shouting at once.
"You backed Helios!"
"You funded him!"
"We could have stopped it!"
Amid the storm stood High Arbiter Delan. Unmoving. Silent.
He hadn't wanted a war, not with the Cybertronians.
But he hadn't stopped it either.
In his mind, one phrase echoed — the final entry in the Helios Arc's log:
"We set course for Cybertron. We will burn their homeworld to ash."
And now, Cybertron was burning everything else.
A flickering alert blinked on a forgotten side console in the lower east ring of the Council chamber, tucked among hundreds of other feeds. A technician glanced at it, his eyes sunken from triple-shift rotations, barely registering the alert:
[AUTOBOT COMMAND SIGNAL – VERDANT PRIME | CHANNEL: EMERGENCY 3-RED]
He tapped it once. The window expanded briefly. Smoke. Fire. A soldier slumped behind a burning barricade. The nameplate registered automatically: KUP.
The technician hesitated, then closed the window.
"We've got bigger things," he muttered, dismissing the alert into the secondary archive queue.
He never saw the full feed.
If he had, this is what he would've seen:
Kup, battered and defiant, leaned toward a sparking console. His shoulder was torn open, and the sky behind him glowed with orbital fire.
"This is Kup... command unit Delta-Seven."
His voice was hoarse, but steady.
"Verdant Prime's done. They've won all our defenses gone in a matter of. No fallback."
He coughed — energon streaking down his plating.
"If you're getting this…"
He paused — optics locking with the lens.
"Don't bother sending help."
Then, lower:
"Tell Optimus... I'm sorry for never being half the bot you were, and to all the young bots who followed me, I'm sorry."
Kup turned, rifle raised, and charged toward the flames.
A blaster flare. A scream. Then:
[TRANSMISSION INTERRUPTED – PRIORITY SYSTEM OVERWRITE ACTIVE]
And then came the next feed that hijacked the display viewing for the Council Session:
[TARNAC – NIGHTMARE'S PRIZE ESCAPE POD – PRIORITY BLACK]
Location – Great Council Spire, Teraxis Prime
POV – Tarnac / Third Person Omniscient (Council Broadcast)
[EMERGENCY BROADCAST – PRIORITY BLACK]
[LIVE COUNCIL SESSION – GALACTIC BROADCAST: FULL SECTOR COVERAGE]
A harsh signal burst across every feed in the Council Chamber. Delegates froze mid-sentence as the projection field twisted into a jagged glyph — NIGHTMARE'S PRIZE EMERGENCY RELAY.
Static gave way to a cracked viewport. Smoke billowed across the lens. Inside, lit by flickering fire and failing lights, knelt a shattered mech — half his armour scorched, one optic blown out, clutching a pulsing memory shard.
"This is Commander Tarnac," he rasped. "Second-in-command to Lockdown."
The Council went still.
"Lockdown is dead."
The silence deepened, punctuated only by shocked exhalations across the chamber.
"They hit us in orbit over Threxis Minor. No warning. No fleet movement. No standard formation. Just... annihilation."
"They didn't give us any chance."
"Thunderblast. Her Seekers. Drachen. The Decimator."
"It wasn't war. It was art and we were the canvas."
"We lost three heavy cruisers in two kliks. Deadspire imploded under one shot from the Decimator. Lockdown held the bridge until the last second — gave the order himself."
Tarnac held up the memory shard, scorched and sparking.
"This contains his final words. Battle telemetry. Command code signatures. Everything."
His voice cracked. "There were over two thousand aboard the Nightmare's Prize. Seven escaped."
"I'm six hours from Teraxis Prime. I need medical, relay access, and clearance. Help me—help them — and I'll deliver this."
"But don't think this is a strategy anymore. This is punishment."
"They want the galaxy to see us burn."
Sparks exploded behind him. Alarms screamed.
"We lost shield sync when they came up under the plane — I think they were tracking our jump wake or—"
Static surged.
"—repeat: seven survivors. We're—"
[SIGNAL LOST – TRANSMISSION CORRUPTED]
Location – Great Council Spire, Teraxis Prime
POV – Third Person Omniscient (Public Broadcast Session)
[GALACTIC PRIORITY BROADCAST – LEVEL OMEGA]
[LIVE TRANSMISSION – FULL SESSION – COUNCIL SPHERE: TERAXIS PRIME]
For a moment, the Council chamber was silent.
Then it detonated into sound.
"Seven?! That's all that remains?!"
"He said Thunderblast. The Decimator. And Drachen. That's a Named Kill Group!"
"How did they coordinate that fast?! How did they know?!"
"Why was Lockdown even in that sector?!"
"Why weren't we warned?!"
Voices shouted over translator fields. Dozens of dialects clashed in real-time. The roar echoed not only within the chamber but across a galaxy — billions tuned in, watching the Council fracture live. The Council forgot they were still live on air.
"ORDER!" Delan barked — his voice raw — but no one obeyed.
"Where is the defense fleet?" snapped High Marshal Kaelor, rising from his dais.
"Where is the reinforcement armada the Dralexians paid for? The one the Galactic Fiscal Reserve approved cycles ago?"
The question struck like a railgun.
A logistics officer stammered from a lower tier.
"The Venari Core Armada is still… en route. Its mass frame is too large for a standard jump. It requires a sub-light relay tether. It will enter this sector—"
He tapped a glyph.
"—within the week."
The silence that followed was worse than shouting.
"You built a fleet of golden coffins," said Vos.
"You knew it couldn't deploy. But it looks good on a status report."
A scoff cut across the chamber.
"I've toured the lead ship," said Councillor Vyrem, smugly folding his claws. "Stunning architecture. I'm retrofitting one into a private family command yacht. Twelve decks. Built on a dreadnought spine. Elegant drive coils. No recoil."
"Your yacht?" someone whispered.
"The stars are still our heritage, after all."
On screen, the glyph pulsed again:
[PODS ARRIVING – ATMOSPHERIC ENTRY CONFIRMED]
Followed by—
[COUNCIL ARMADA – LONG-RANGE SIGNATURE LOCKED]
Cheers rose from some platforms. Others went still.
Then—
[UNIDENTIFIED ENERGY SIGNATURE DETECTED – MATCH: DECEPTICON ARMADA]
The galactic map zoomed out.
Two fleets.
One battered, late, and incomplete.
The other fast. Whole. Relentless.
High Arbiter Delan slowly sat back in his chair.
The light above his platform dimmed.
His shoulders slumped.
And the galaxy watched the Council give up.
The Battle of Teraxis Prime had begun.
A/N
One more chapter and that's the end of the war and then your caught up to the main story besides a lot of information posts and character images
Lillie Jones
Connoisseur.
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2020
- Messages
- 10,310
- Likes received
- 23,391
thanks for the chapter