ST: Independence 10 - "Machines of War"
- Thread starter Dnoth
- Start date
CHAPTER 4
Supplemental
USS Independence, MainBridge
In Orbit of an Unnamed Planet
Bin Nadal heard the profanity over the line. “Captain, what it it?”
Sintina ignored the question. She had other priorities. Her voice could still be heard, however. “Virak, get Tang out of here! D’nas, cover them.”
“What about you, Captain?”
“Don’t worry about me. Get the hell outta here!”
Karim jumped in, “Captain, don’t anything stupid.” He grimaced once he realized how that came out.
“Too late,” was the response.
He felt so useless. The Persian attempted raise his captain’s hopes. “The recovery team should be there in a few minutes and the Indy should have line of sight to you momentarily.”
*****
The tank rolled closer. It would surely have heavier armor than that cat-thing. Sintina took cover behind some rubble and ramped up her type-two phaser to level sixteen, maximum. The rumble became more intense.
The captain saw her three crewmembers find a good position about a hundred meters away, out of sight of the tank. The concealment wouldn’t last…not for her…not for the others. She had a choice to make. These defense system robots probably wouldn’t react to diplomacy. The only way to delay this thing would be to engage it; distract it. The tank wasn’t far now. Sintina closed her eyes and took one deep breath as she grasped her phaser. Then, she rose up and shot the machine.
The beam of phased energy took a satisfying chunk out of the vehicle’s hull. A gooey blue substance leaked out of the wound.
The tank almost immediately returned fire with its main gun, which expelled a plasma burst. The plasma struck the pile of scrap Sintina hid behind. She, and the rest of the debris, hurtled away from the explosion. Luckily, none of the fragments compromised her suit.
Virak witnessed Captain Aurelia land with a dull thud on the metal deck. The Vulcan debated whether to leave D’nas and Tang, or to aid her.
If it hadn’t been for the helmet, Sintina was sure she would’ve been dead. With a cough, she pushed herself up. She looked directly at the tank now. It seemed to look at her. She realized she was at the mercy of this thing. She had no cover and no doubt had a cracked bone or two. God only knew where her phaser had flown to.
With a jolt, the tank rushed forward. It was heading directly for Aurelia.
“It’s not going to bother shooting me,” Sintina grimly thought. She struggled to fight the pain, but with her injured body, she wouldn’t be able to move fast enough.
When the vehicle was mere meters away, pieces of it began to shift. It turned into a mass of moving parts. It happened so quickly, Sintina found herself staring intently to catch some of the details of what was happening to it. It was a blur of clanking metal. A new form took shape; a humanoid form.
The captain didn’t even fully register what just occurred when she found herself in the grip of this…huge thing. It lifted her up to its ‘face,’ which consisted of a single red beacon.
The UT wasn’t used, somehow the creature spoke Federation standard. Its voice seemed almost…regal, “I am Shockwave, guardian of Cybertron. Explain you purpose here, flesh creature!”
Sintina was still in shock. Her mind raced to catch up to current events. She uttered, “United Fed…Explorers…”
“Insufficient!” it barked.
A phaser blast shredded into Shockwave’s left shoulder, causing the nearly ten meter tall machine to step back to regain his balance. He quickly found the hostile target, another bio-intruder. He brought around his right arm, which lacked a ‘hand,’ but instead boasted the same plasma cannon that shot at Aurelia earlier.
For a fleeting moment, Virak was pleased with herself. The colossal machine seemed damaged. It didn’t take long, however, for her to conclude she took the wrong course of action. It recovered quickly…too quickly. “Dakh'uh pthak,” she had time to say. It was one of Surak’s teachings. It meant: cast out fear. The last thing she saw was a bright light.
Aurelia watched as the body of her chief tactical officer scattered into various chunks of tissue. “God damn you!” she cursed.
The giant robot’s feet clanked as he stepped. He took a look at Virak’s remains, “Disgusting.” He returned his focus to Aurelia, “There were two others. Where are they?”
“Kiss my ass!” responded an infuriated Sintina.
Shockwave’s ‘hand’ was more of a four taloned claw. It squeezed Sintina. She cried out as the vice began to crush her already battered body.
“Flesh creatures,” the giant began, “It’s difficult to believe we were once subservient to pathetic organisms such as yourself.” He eased his grip. <Cyclonus, I’ve found biological beings trespassing on Cybertron. Orbit the planet. They might be part of a larger force.>
<Very well, I’ll take some Seekers and patrol.>
*****
“Sir, we have a visual on the away team’s position,” reported Petty Officer Dorian from operations.
Karim jumped up, “On screen!”
The screen revealed more of the same, as far as this planet was concerned: ruins. Then, he saw movement…something…walking.
“Zoom in,” he commanded. Bin Nadal’s eyes grew as the realization of what he was seeing sank in. “My god.” He looked aft, “Can the computer visually identify where our people are?”
Chief of the Boat, Hatora of J’bel, manned tactical. “Yes sir. I’ll highlight their positions.”
Three yellow circles appeared on the main viewer: one in direct contact with the large automaton and two next to each other several meters away.
Kimula voiced the question first, “Where’s the fourth member of the team?”
The Illyrian NCO answered the question with a reverent shake of the head.
The first officer began brainstorming, “Can we take that thing out without harming our own people?”
The chief consulted the computer for a moment, “We’d have to narrow the beams, adjust the power settings, and we’d have to be spot on the mark. …It’d take a few minutes to set up, sir.”
“Do it,” ordered Karim. He then looked at Dorian, “How long until the extraction team is on the ground?”
“Two more minutes, sir.”
The Persian returned to the image before him. The mechanical creature turned the corner. It was walking closer to the two other crew members. “Not fast enough,” he mumbled to himself.
END OF CHAPTER 4
Supplemental
USS Independence, MainBridge
In Orbit of an Unnamed Planet
Bin Nadal heard the profanity over the line. “Captain, what it it?”
Sintina ignored the question. She had other priorities. Her voice could still be heard, however. “Virak, get Tang out of here! D’nas, cover them.”
“What about you, Captain?”
“Don’t worry about me. Get the hell outta here!”
Karim jumped in, “Captain, don’t anything stupid.” He grimaced once he realized how that came out.
“Too late,” was the response.
He felt so useless. The Persian attempted raise his captain’s hopes. “The recovery team should be there in a few minutes and the Indy should have line of sight to you momentarily.”
*****
The tank rolled closer. It would surely have heavier armor than that cat-thing. Sintina took cover behind some rubble and ramped up her type-two phaser to level sixteen, maximum. The rumble became more intense.
The captain saw her three crewmembers find a good position about a hundred meters away, out of sight of the tank. The concealment wouldn’t last…not for her…not for the others. She had a choice to make. These defense system robots probably wouldn’t react to diplomacy. The only way to delay this thing would be to engage it; distract it. The tank wasn’t far now. Sintina closed her eyes and took one deep breath as she grasped her phaser. Then, she rose up and shot the machine.
The beam of phased energy took a satisfying chunk out of the vehicle’s hull. A gooey blue substance leaked out of the wound.
The tank almost immediately returned fire with its main gun, which expelled a plasma burst. The plasma struck the pile of scrap Sintina hid behind. She, and the rest of the debris, hurtled away from the explosion. Luckily, none of the fragments compromised her suit.
Virak witnessed Captain Aurelia land with a dull thud on the metal deck. The Vulcan debated whether to leave D’nas and Tang, or to aid her.
If it hadn’t been for the helmet, Sintina was sure she would’ve been dead. With a cough, she pushed herself up. She looked directly at the tank now. It seemed to look at her. She realized she was at the mercy of this thing. She had no cover and no doubt had a cracked bone or two. God only knew where her phaser had flown to.
With a jolt, the tank rushed forward. It was heading directly for Aurelia.
“It’s not going to bother shooting me,” Sintina grimly thought. She struggled to fight the pain, but with her injured body, she wouldn’t be able to move fast enough.
When the vehicle was mere meters away, pieces of it began to shift. It turned into a mass of moving parts. It happened so quickly, Sintina found herself staring intently to catch some of the details of what was happening to it. It was a blur of clanking metal. A new form took shape; a humanoid form.
The captain didn’t even fully register what just occurred when she found herself in the grip of this…huge thing. It lifted her up to its ‘face,’ which consisted of a single red beacon.
The UT wasn’t used, somehow the creature spoke Federation standard. Its voice seemed almost…regal, “I am Shockwave, guardian of Cybertron. Explain you purpose here, flesh creature!”
Sintina was still in shock. Her mind raced to catch up to current events. She uttered, “United Fed…Explorers…”
“Insufficient!” it barked.
A phaser blast shredded into Shockwave’s left shoulder, causing the nearly ten meter tall machine to step back to regain his balance. He quickly found the hostile target, another bio-intruder. He brought around his right arm, which lacked a ‘hand,’ but instead boasted the same plasma cannon that shot at Aurelia earlier.
For a fleeting moment, Virak was pleased with herself. The colossal machine seemed damaged. It didn’t take long, however, for her to conclude she took the wrong course of action. It recovered quickly…too quickly. “Dakh'uh pthak,” she had time to say. It was one of Surak’s teachings. It meant: cast out fear. The last thing she saw was a bright light.
Aurelia watched as the body of her chief tactical officer scattered into various chunks of tissue. “God damn you!” she cursed.
The giant robot’s feet clanked as he stepped. He took a look at Virak’s remains, “Disgusting.” He returned his focus to Aurelia, “There were two others. Where are they?”
“Kiss my ass!” responded an infuriated Sintina.
Shockwave’s ‘hand’ was more of a four taloned claw. It squeezed Sintina. She cried out as the vice began to crush her already battered body.
“Flesh creatures,” the giant began, “It’s difficult to believe we were once subservient to pathetic organisms such as yourself.” He eased his grip. <Cyclonus, I’ve found biological beings trespassing on Cybertron. Orbit the planet. They might be part of a larger force.>
<Very well, I’ll take some Seekers and patrol.>
*****
“Sir, we have a visual on the away team’s position,” reported Petty Officer Dorian from operations.
Karim jumped up, “On screen!”
The screen revealed more of the same, as far as this planet was concerned: ruins. Then, he saw movement…something…walking.
“Zoom in,” he commanded. Bin Nadal’s eyes grew as the realization of what he was seeing sank in. “My god.” He looked aft, “Can the computer visually identify where our people are?”
Chief of the Boat, Hatora of J’bel, manned tactical. “Yes sir. I’ll highlight their positions.”
Three yellow circles appeared on the main viewer: one in direct contact with the large automaton and two next to each other several meters away.
Kimula voiced the question first, “Where’s the fourth member of the team?”
The Illyrian NCO answered the question with a reverent shake of the head.
The first officer began brainstorming, “Can we take that thing out without harming our own people?”
The chief consulted the computer for a moment, “We’d have to narrow the beams, adjust the power settings, and we’d have to be spot on the mark. …It’d take a few minutes to set up, sir.”
“Do it,” ordered Karim. He then looked at Dorian, “How long until the extraction team is on the ground?”
“Two more minutes, sir.”
The Persian returned to the image before him. The mechanical creature turned the corner. It was walking closer to the two other crew members. “Not fast enough,” he mumbled to himself.
END OF CHAPTER 4
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So far, this has the marks of an excellent ST v. Alien Hostile Enemy story. The crossover truly is seamless. I'm enjoying it.
'Course if you really wanted to jump the shark, the Borg could show up.
Wonder how the Collective and the Transformers would get along?
Oh, and don't leave Captain Aurelia hanging too long - I don't think Shockwave is in a good mood!
'Course if you really wanted to jump the shark, the Borg could show up.
Wonder how the Collective and the Transformers would get along?Oh, and don't leave Captain Aurelia hanging too long - I don't think Shockwave is in a good mood!
FYI Dnoth: I've probably been a Transformers fan as long as you have. The only reason I used the movie version Transformers was I think that universe fits the TNG-era Trek universe better and I could do a story with them short enough for the challenge. If I had my druthers, however, I would have totally geeked out and re-done the original miniseries with the Ark, Teletran one and everything!
But you're doing this story now, and it's good, so I'm happy. (Of course, I would be happier if you included Soundwave to go with Ravage, hint hint, nudge nudge...)
But you're doing this story now, and it's good, so I'm happy. (Of course, I would be happier if you included Soundwave to go with Ravage, hint hint, nudge nudge...)
Don't get me wrong, I cited your story out of respect for it. Your story helped convince me to post this.
...and I would've read it! :thumbsup:
:sighs: I know...it's the great dilemma. How do you 'realistically' do Soundwave? As much as I love the character, I wasn't planning to write him in. That might change, I don't know.
While we're on the subject, if you are waiting for Optimus Prime or Megatron to show up; I'm sorry. I decided not to have the characters from the 2007 movie to be on Cybertron. Why? Well for one, there are plenty of characters from Transformers to use and develop. Two, it would follow 'canon' that some characters (obviously not the same ones that where on the Ark in G1) left Cybertron long ago in search of energy. And three, well...I always liked Shockwave better than Megatron.
CHAPTER 5
Supplemental
Near the Fortress of Kolkular
State of Kaon, Cybertron
D’nas hid just inside a damaged structure. Tang was starting to become conscious. He saw what happened to Virak. The Tamarian still had his phaser, but doubted it would to anything other than give away their location. The machine walked closer. It held the captain in its one hand. The situation seemed hopeless. He ran through his options: do nothing and hope the robot passes them by…or…use the phaser. Not to attack the giant, but to put the captain out of her misery; followed by Tang and himself. The latter was perfectly noble in Tamarian civilization.
The vibration of the footfalls became louder. The exchange officer heard movement…not from outside, but from inside the abandoned building. He swung his phaser around in the direction of the clatter. ‘Was the cat-thing back?’ D’nas desperately tried to calm his breathing.
Shockwave scanned very carefully as he moved. The thought of these vile little creatures polluting his beloved Cybertron sickened him. It wasn’t the first time biologics trespassed. Most, like this one, claimed to be exploring. ‘Exploring,’ in his mind, was simply another word for prospecting. Some foolish flesh creatures even attempted to openly conquer his home. Only to be driven out by his forces. The rebels, on the other hand, never defended Cybertron from these intruders. More often than not, the biologics were working with the insurrectionists.
Sintina began to rein in her emotions. She felt totally impotent against the machine. Her mind raced to think of someway…anyway to regain some measure of control over the situation. In a desperate bid to save her crew, she offered, “They’re already gone. We have the technology to transport matter through an energy conversion process.”
“A clever ploy, fleshling,” Shockwave responded, “that technology is not unique. It is not by chance that Cybertron is rich in magnesite.”
“Damn it.” The cold, metal claw clinched around her suit as punishment. She blurted, “Why not just kill me!?”
He didn’t like suffering the noises the insect made. The response came, none the less. “You may have information about the commercial brand. If you volunteer it to me, I might let you leave.”
Aurelia hesitated, not knowing how best to play her cards…or lack thereof. Shockwave’s attention, however, seemed to have focused on a meter tall hole in the side of the building next to them. The massive machine took a knee and probed the hole with his cannon. After a moment, he withdrew it, stood, aimed the plasma weapon at the breach. He said, “I heard you in there. Come out or I will destroy you.”
D’nas was forced to drag Tang away from the opening as the barrel of the cannon came through the hole. In the process, he tripped over some debris and caused a small commotion. Now, he held the phaser and debated. He wasn’t sure if he could bring himself to kill his captain and friend. A new option came to him. If he set his phaser to overload, the explosion might be enough to disable the creature. He knew of only one way to get it close enough to cause maximum damage. Tang rustled, but wasn’t quite awake yet.
D’nas set the phaser. It would take about 15 seconds for it to build up enough power to explode. Through his sacrifice, perhaps his Federation allies could escape. Then, he put the weapon back into its holster and began to move to the breach.
Several bright lights turned on from the shadows inside the building. Some type of engine could be heard and the lights headed for the hole. It was some type of heavy utility vehicle. It gained speed quickly and rammed right through the already damaged wall. The black ‘truck’ didn’t stop. Instead it collided directly with Shockwaves left foot, causing him to topple.
Only then did the truck shift in shape, revealing another humanoid robot. It sported much smaller plasma cannons on each forearm. It leveled both arms at the fallen Shockwave. “Why don’t you pick on someone half your size!” it boasted.
“Trailbreaker,” Shockwave rejoined, “you’ve always talked too much.” He brought his arm cannon to bear and fired. The plasma burst slammed into Trailbreaker’s right arm, causing him to spin to the hard, metal ground.
D’nas observed the may lay. He nearly forgot about his phaser. Quickly, he stopped the energy build up and took aim.
Shockwave’s joints whined in protest, but he managed to sit up. He was assaulted again, this time by another fleshling. The weapon burned through his left forearm and he lost control over one of this fingers. The insect in his hand might escape. ‘Enough of these games,’ he thought. He aimed his cannon directly at the biologic.
Sintina, fighting off the vertigo she received from the robot’s fall, still found herself in the grip of the metal monster. Hope came to her, however, as the pressure from one of the talons eased. She desperately tried to force the claw open.
The Tamarian saw how this would play out. He would be dead soon. ‘At least, I can prevent the captain from being tortured.’ He pointed at Sintina.
A missile struck Shockwave dead center in his torso. Only Aurelia’s suit protected her from the heat of the blast.
A red hovercar jumped off a nearby rooftop. While in free fall, it converted into humanoid form and landed on its feet with a heavy thud. It aimed its…what D’nas considered to be an oversized…plasma rifle at Shockwave. “This is for Sun Streaker, you Decepticon slag!”
Trailbreaker got back up, a glowing, blue gelatin flowing from his damage. He looked up to see two craft in the sky. He didn’t have to ask what they were. “We can’t stay here, Sideswipe. Dirge and Skywarp are almost in range. Evacuate those two biologics.” He indicated D’nas and Tang. “I’ll take care of Shockwave.”
“But…” protested the red automaton.
“Now, before we both get blown to bits!” ordered the taller robot.
Reluctantly, Sideswipe backed down. He moved closer to D’nas. “Get in,” he said evenly, “and bring that other one with you.” Without another word, the machine reverted back to its hovercar mode and opened its hatch.
The young Tamarian stood in shock for several moments. Again, the ‘car’ prodded him to enter. Seeing no other alternatives, he did as he was instructed. D’nas collected up Tang with relative ease and maneuvered his friend into the vehicle.
Trailbreaker walked toward the damaged Shockwave. The Decepticon seemed to be in status-lock, an emergency repair mode. It was the closest thing to a coma that Cybertronians could experience. The black machine trained the weapons on his good arm on the larger robot. The biological being in Shockwave’s hand stopped struggling. No doubt the creature was trying to figure out his intentions. He had already scanned their small ‘tricorder’ devices and downloaded its language. “It’s alright,” Trailbreaker offered, “we’re not going to hurt you.”
Sintina, not yet out of Shockwaves clutches, simply nodded. It was then, the two fightercraft, the black one referred to as ‘Dirge’ and ‘Skywarp,’ opened fire. Plasma bursts fell all around them. She looked over at where D’nas and Tang where. The red hovercar was already on the move.
The ‘friendly,’ black one leaned over Shockwave to get Sintina. When he did, the former tank, stuck his cannon into Trailbreaker’s frame. Shockwave’s head went up, “Do you not understand the concept of deception, Autobot?” The Decepticon fired. The force of the blast pushed Trailbreaker several meters into the air. The lifeless machine landed back on Shockwave. The purple robot pushed the Autobot hulk off him as he stood. He regarded his captive, “Now why would they care about you so much?”
The hope had ended as quickly as it came. Sintina could only look up. She imagined in her minds eye, photon torpedoes raining down on her location. It was a scenario prayed for. Death would be preferable than being totally helpless. Her dream never came.
The fighters strafed overhead. Shockwave communicated, <Dirge, track Sideswipe. Skywarp, intercept the incoming alien small craft. Cyclonus, report.>
<I’ve found their mothership. I’m waiting for more Seekers before we attack.>
<Acknowledged. I’m returning to Kolkular for repairs with one of the flesh creatures.>
The Cybertronian guardian moved slowly to his destination. One of his feet dragged slightly.
END OF CHAPTER 5
Supplemental
Near the Fortress of Kolkular
State of Kaon, Cybertron
D’nas hid just inside a damaged structure. Tang was starting to become conscious. He saw what happened to Virak. The Tamarian still had his phaser, but doubted it would to anything other than give away their location. The machine walked closer. It held the captain in its one hand. The situation seemed hopeless. He ran through his options: do nothing and hope the robot passes them by…or…use the phaser. Not to attack the giant, but to put the captain out of her misery; followed by Tang and himself. The latter was perfectly noble in Tamarian civilization.
The vibration of the footfalls became louder. The exchange officer heard movement…not from outside, but from inside the abandoned building. He swung his phaser around in the direction of the clatter. ‘Was the cat-thing back?’ D’nas desperately tried to calm his breathing.
Shockwave scanned very carefully as he moved. The thought of these vile little creatures polluting his beloved Cybertron sickened him. It wasn’t the first time biologics trespassed. Most, like this one, claimed to be exploring. ‘Exploring,’ in his mind, was simply another word for prospecting. Some foolish flesh creatures even attempted to openly conquer his home. Only to be driven out by his forces. The rebels, on the other hand, never defended Cybertron from these intruders. More often than not, the biologics were working with the insurrectionists.
Sintina began to rein in her emotions. She felt totally impotent against the machine. Her mind raced to think of someway…anyway to regain some measure of control over the situation. In a desperate bid to save her crew, she offered, “They’re already gone. We have the technology to transport matter through an energy conversion process.”
“A clever ploy, fleshling,” Shockwave responded, “that technology is not unique. It is not by chance that Cybertron is rich in magnesite.”
“Damn it.” The cold, metal claw clinched around her suit as punishment. She blurted, “Why not just kill me!?”
He didn’t like suffering the noises the insect made. The response came, none the less. “You may have information about the commercial brand. If you volunteer it to me, I might let you leave.”
Aurelia hesitated, not knowing how best to play her cards…or lack thereof. Shockwave’s attention, however, seemed to have focused on a meter tall hole in the side of the building next to them. The massive machine took a knee and probed the hole with his cannon. After a moment, he withdrew it, stood, aimed the plasma weapon at the breach. He said, “I heard you in there. Come out or I will destroy you.”
D’nas was forced to drag Tang away from the opening as the barrel of the cannon came through the hole. In the process, he tripped over some debris and caused a small commotion. Now, he held the phaser and debated. He wasn’t sure if he could bring himself to kill his captain and friend. A new option came to him. If he set his phaser to overload, the explosion might be enough to disable the creature. He knew of only one way to get it close enough to cause maximum damage. Tang rustled, but wasn’t quite awake yet.
D’nas set the phaser. It would take about 15 seconds for it to build up enough power to explode. Through his sacrifice, perhaps his Federation allies could escape. Then, he put the weapon back into its holster and began to move to the breach.
Several bright lights turned on from the shadows inside the building. Some type of engine could be heard and the lights headed for the hole. It was some type of heavy utility vehicle. It gained speed quickly and rammed right through the already damaged wall. The black ‘truck’ didn’t stop. Instead it collided directly with Shockwaves left foot, causing him to topple.
Only then did the truck shift in shape, revealing another humanoid robot. It sported much smaller plasma cannons on each forearm. It leveled both arms at the fallen Shockwave. “Why don’t you pick on someone half your size!” it boasted.
“Trailbreaker,” Shockwave rejoined, “you’ve always talked too much.” He brought his arm cannon to bear and fired. The plasma burst slammed into Trailbreaker’s right arm, causing him to spin to the hard, metal ground.
D’nas observed the may lay. He nearly forgot about his phaser. Quickly, he stopped the energy build up and took aim.
Shockwave’s joints whined in protest, but he managed to sit up. He was assaulted again, this time by another fleshling. The weapon burned through his left forearm and he lost control over one of this fingers. The insect in his hand might escape. ‘Enough of these games,’ he thought. He aimed his cannon directly at the biologic.
Sintina, fighting off the vertigo she received from the robot’s fall, still found herself in the grip of the metal monster. Hope came to her, however, as the pressure from one of the talons eased. She desperately tried to force the claw open.
The Tamarian saw how this would play out. He would be dead soon. ‘At least, I can prevent the captain from being tortured.’ He pointed at Sintina.
A missile struck Shockwave dead center in his torso. Only Aurelia’s suit protected her from the heat of the blast.
A red hovercar jumped off a nearby rooftop. While in free fall, it converted into humanoid form and landed on its feet with a heavy thud. It aimed its…what D’nas considered to be an oversized…plasma rifle at Shockwave. “This is for Sun Streaker, you Decepticon slag!”
Trailbreaker got back up, a glowing, blue gelatin flowing from his damage. He looked up to see two craft in the sky. He didn’t have to ask what they were. “We can’t stay here, Sideswipe. Dirge and Skywarp are almost in range. Evacuate those two biologics.” He indicated D’nas and Tang. “I’ll take care of Shockwave.”
“But…” protested the red automaton.
“Now, before we both get blown to bits!” ordered the taller robot.
Reluctantly, Sideswipe backed down. He moved closer to D’nas. “Get in,” he said evenly, “and bring that other one with you.” Without another word, the machine reverted back to its hovercar mode and opened its hatch.
The young Tamarian stood in shock for several moments. Again, the ‘car’ prodded him to enter. Seeing no other alternatives, he did as he was instructed. D’nas collected up Tang with relative ease and maneuvered his friend into the vehicle.
Trailbreaker walked toward the damaged Shockwave. The Decepticon seemed to be in status-lock, an emergency repair mode. It was the closest thing to a coma that Cybertronians could experience. The black machine trained the weapons on his good arm on the larger robot. The biological being in Shockwave’s hand stopped struggling. No doubt the creature was trying to figure out his intentions. He had already scanned their small ‘tricorder’ devices and downloaded its language. “It’s alright,” Trailbreaker offered, “we’re not going to hurt you.”
Sintina, not yet out of Shockwaves clutches, simply nodded. It was then, the two fightercraft, the black one referred to as ‘Dirge’ and ‘Skywarp,’ opened fire. Plasma bursts fell all around them. She looked over at where D’nas and Tang where. The red hovercar was already on the move.
The ‘friendly,’ black one leaned over Shockwave to get Sintina. When he did, the former tank, stuck his cannon into Trailbreaker’s frame. Shockwave’s head went up, “Do you not understand the concept of deception, Autobot?” The Decepticon fired. The force of the blast pushed Trailbreaker several meters into the air. The lifeless machine landed back on Shockwave. The purple robot pushed the Autobot hulk off him as he stood. He regarded his captive, “Now why would they care about you so much?”
The hope had ended as quickly as it came. Sintina could only look up. She imagined in her minds eye, photon torpedoes raining down on her location. It was a scenario prayed for. Death would be preferable than being totally helpless. Her dream never came.
The fighters strafed overhead. Shockwave communicated, <Dirge, track Sideswipe. Skywarp, intercept the incoming alien small craft. Cyclonus, report.>
<I’ve found their mothership. I’m waiting for more Seekers before we attack.>
<Acknowledged. I’m returning to Kolkular for repairs with one of the flesh creatures.>
The Cybertronian guardian moved slowly to his destination. One of his feet dragged slightly.
END OF CHAPTER 5
Ok, this isn't technically Trailbreaker, but it could pass for him.
Source: http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Dropkick
Source: http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Dropkick
Simple. You make him a subspace communications relay station in his disguise mode and you make Ravage, Rumble, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Frenzy his off-board transceiver probes.
Originally posted by Dnoth
While we're on the subject, if you are waiting for Optimus Prime or Megatron to show up; I'm sorry. I decided not to have the characters from the 2007 movie to be on Cybertron. Why? Well for one, there are plenty of characters from Transformers to use and develop. Two, it would follow 'canon' that some characters (obviously not the same ones that where on the Ark in G1) left Cybertron long ago in search of energy. And three, well...I always liked Shockwave better than Megatron.
That's just sacrilege. It's Megatron!
Still cool. I might point out that a few of us are old enough to have missed Transformers completely. While this is familiar ground to you - I'm kinda lost amidst all of the names being dropped and characters being used. Purely FYI. I'm still enjoying the story-I just don't know what any of these interactions mean.
Good stuff. I'm not overly familiar with the characters, but I understand the basic premise of the Transformers. (Autobots v. Decepticons, etc.).
Looks like Aurelia may get a short reprieve but her situation is still dire. And trouble is heading towards the Indie! More, please!
Looks like Aurelia may get a short reprieve but her situation is still dire. And trouble is heading towards the Indie! More, please!
Aurelia is paying for her impetuousness here. I was never a big Transformers fan either--they were a little after my time--but this is good.
I will try to me more aware about non-Transformers savvy readers.
A little TF 101:
-Dirge, Ramjet, Thundercracker, Thrust, & Skywarp (& Scourge -kinda) = 'Seekers,' ...basicly the grunts. They are all small fightercraft.
-Cyclonus = the leader of the Seekers...at least in my story, he is.
I will explain more in the story and do my best to make sure I don't leave any readers (regardless of their TV viewing habits of the 80's) behind.
A little TF 101:
-Dirge, Ramjet, Thundercracker, Thrust, & Skywarp (& Scourge -kinda) = 'Seekers,' ...basicly the grunts. They are all small fightercraft.
-Cyclonus = the leader of the Seekers...at least in my story, he is.
I will explain more in the story and do my best to make sure I don't leave any readers (regardless of their TV viewing habits of the 80's) behind.
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CHAPTER 6
Supplemental
USS Independence, Main Bridge
In Orbit of Cybertron
Everyone on the bridge was transfixed to the events unfolding on the viewer. After only a slight pause, Karim went into action. “I want that…hovercar and the purple one tracked visually.”
“Aye sir,” confirmed Hatora.
Kimula reported from communications, “Karim, the rescue shuttle says they’re under attack.”
“Patch me through to ‘em.” An indicator tone sounded, “Independence to recovery team, what’s your status?”
“Our shields are holding against the plasma weapons, but if we lower them to make the extraction, no one will make it back.”
The first officer considered. “Understood, the situation has changed. Come back home. We have to regroup and figure out what’s happening down there.”
“Aye sir, returning to ship.”
“Sir,” started the chief, “the purple tank-thing has gone into a heavily armored complex. I’ve lost contact.”
“Damn…what about D’nas and Tang?”
Hatora checked, “The vehicle they’re in is traveling out of the area in a north-north westerly direction at nearly 200 kilometers per hour.”
Bin Nadal nodded, “Keep an eye on that complex and try to get some decent scans.”
“Yes sir.”
Karim then addressed Kimula, “Do we still have an open line to the captain?”
“No sir, the structure is now blocking the transmission.”
He puffed and ordered, “Try to hail Tang and D’nas.”
*****
Tang slowly became aware that he was moving…more like gliding. He looked up out of the overhead window. Several damaged bridges and structures passed his field of vision. They were moving pretty fast. He looked over to see D’nas, in a damaged EVA suit, sitting in a chair next to him. D’nas looked at him somberly, “You’re not going to believe this,” he said.
*****
<Scourge, take point,> commanded the purple and silver fighter, Cyclonus.
<Why me?> responded bulkier, light blue craft.
<Because I said so, coward! You aren’t intimidated by the fleshling’s ship, are you?>
<No! It’s just…shouldn’t you be leading from the front? You are second in command of our forces…> started Scourge.
Cyclonus corrected with reverence, <No, I’m third in command after Megatron and Shockwave.>
Thundercracker, another blue interceptor, broke in, <Megatron hasn’t been around in four million years. He probably abandoned us for some energy rich world.>
<You will not speak of such things again, Thundercracker!> blared the group’s leader, <Megatron will return with enough energy to bring Cybertron back into a golden age!>
Ramjet, a white and red fighter, ended the tangent with, <Don’t we have bigger things to worry about?>
<Indeed,> concurred Cyclonus, <Accelerate to attack speed!>
Despite his objections, Scourge still found himself taking point.
*****
The tactical station lit up with contacts. Hatora reported, “Sir, we have a new problem.”
Karim looked back and gave a ‘you’ve got to be kidding me’ look.
The Chief of the Boat continued, “Seven fightercraft heading our way.”
“Is the recovery shuttle back yet?”
Hatora nodded, “It just docked.”
Bin Nadal gave a sigh of relief and requested, “Tactical assessment.”
The Illyrian cracked a smirk, “If they come at us with the same weaponry they attacked the shuttle with…” He shook his head, “They won’t have a chance. They don’t have any shields to speak of and their plasma cannons are about as powerful as what Earth’s Starfleet had in the early 22nd century.”
The news prompted an evil grin from the first officer, “Time for a little pay back. Target the lead fighter.”
*****
Scourge knew the most dangerous phase of the attack was about to begin: the rush to the intruder. If he could only get close, the huge vessel probably wouldn’t be able to target him. If need be, he could transform, land on the hull, and rip the ship apart with his bare hands.
The alien vessel held station. Six thousand kilovuns…two thousand…in firing range. He opened up. A dotted trail of plasma pulses hurtled toward the flesh creatures’ ship. Just when they were about to make contact…they seemed to impact on some type of energy shield. Cyclonus’ decision to have him take the lead now made sense.
Then, Scourge noticed something else from the ventral side of the ship. A long strip along its hull began to glow red from its ends. Two lights met in the middle of the strip.
Some distance behind Scourge, Cyclonus witnessed the beam of phased energy nearly vaporize his subordinate.
<Their hull is protected by an energy barrier!> reported Thundercracker.
<That’s what I was afraid of,> was the reply from his leader.
Blitzwing, a member of their attack squadron, was the second to be annihilated by the organic’s vessel.
Ramjet and Thundercracker managed to strafe the huge ship, but it made little difference. Their attacks were easily absorbed by the forcefield.
Thundercracker, the blue fighter, pleaded, <Cyclonus, we have to retreat!>
The task force leader observed a third Seeker turn into a brief fireball. He reluctantly signaled the withdraw order. He was able to scan the vessel, however. The mission hadn’t been a total failure.
*****
“They’re backing off…they’re returning to the planet,” triumphantly reported the chief.
Karim felt rather proud as well, “Damage report.”
“Shields holding at 92 percent,” was the response.
The first officer watched as the remaining four fighters flew away. “Come back anytime.”
END OF CHAPTER 6
Supplemental
USS Independence, Main Bridge
In Orbit of Cybertron
Everyone on the bridge was transfixed to the events unfolding on the viewer. After only a slight pause, Karim went into action. “I want that…hovercar and the purple one tracked visually.”
“Aye sir,” confirmed Hatora.
Kimula reported from communications, “Karim, the rescue shuttle says they’re under attack.”
“Patch me through to ‘em.” An indicator tone sounded, “Independence to recovery team, what’s your status?”
“Our shields are holding against the plasma weapons, but if we lower them to make the extraction, no one will make it back.”
The first officer considered. “Understood, the situation has changed. Come back home. We have to regroup and figure out what’s happening down there.”
“Aye sir, returning to ship.”
“Sir,” started the chief, “the purple tank-thing has gone into a heavily armored complex. I’ve lost contact.”
“Damn…what about D’nas and Tang?”
Hatora checked, “The vehicle they’re in is traveling out of the area in a north-north westerly direction at nearly 200 kilometers per hour.”
Bin Nadal nodded, “Keep an eye on that complex and try to get some decent scans.”
“Yes sir.”
Karim then addressed Kimula, “Do we still have an open line to the captain?”
“No sir, the structure is now blocking the transmission.”
He puffed and ordered, “Try to hail Tang and D’nas.”
*****
Tang slowly became aware that he was moving…more like gliding. He looked up out of the overhead window. Several damaged bridges and structures passed his field of vision. They were moving pretty fast. He looked over to see D’nas, in a damaged EVA suit, sitting in a chair next to him. D’nas looked at him somberly, “You’re not going to believe this,” he said.
*****
<Scourge, take point,> commanded the purple and silver fighter, Cyclonus.
<Why me?> responded bulkier, light blue craft.
<Because I said so, coward! You aren’t intimidated by the fleshling’s ship, are you?>
<No! It’s just…shouldn’t you be leading from the front? You are second in command of our forces…> started Scourge.
Cyclonus corrected with reverence, <No, I’m third in command after Megatron and Shockwave.>
Thundercracker, another blue interceptor, broke in, <Megatron hasn’t been around in four million years. He probably abandoned us for some energy rich world.>
<You will not speak of such things again, Thundercracker!> blared the group’s leader, <Megatron will return with enough energy to bring Cybertron back into a golden age!>
Ramjet, a white and red fighter, ended the tangent with, <Don’t we have bigger things to worry about?>
<Indeed,> concurred Cyclonus, <Accelerate to attack speed!>
Despite his objections, Scourge still found himself taking point.
*****
The tactical station lit up with contacts. Hatora reported, “Sir, we have a new problem.”
Karim looked back and gave a ‘you’ve got to be kidding me’ look.
The Chief of the Boat continued, “Seven fightercraft heading our way.”
“Is the recovery shuttle back yet?”
Hatora nodded, “It just docked.”
Bin Nadal gave a sigh of relief and requested, “Tactical assessment.”
The Illyrian cracked a smirk, “If they come at us with the same weaponry they attacked the shuttle with…” He shook his head, “They won’t have a chance. They don’t have any shields to speak of and their plasma cannons are about as powerful as what Earth’s Starfleet had in the early 22nd century.”
The news prompted an evil grin from the first officer, “Time for a little pay back. Target the lead fighter.”
*****
Scourge knew the most dangerous phase of the attack was about to begin: the rush to the intruder. If he could only get close, the huge vessel probably wouldn’t be able to target him. If need be, he could transform, land on the hull, and rip the ship apart with his bare hands.
The alien vessel held station. Six thousand kilovuns…two thousand…in firing range. He opened up. A dotted trail of plasma pulses hurtled toward the flesh creatures’ ship. Just when they were about to make contact…they seemed to impact on some type of energy shield. Cyclonus’ decision to have him take the lead now made sense.
Then, Scourge noticed something else from the ventral side of the ship. A long strip along its hull began to glow red from its ends. Two lights met in the middle of the strip.
Some distance behind Scourge, Cyclonus witnessed the beam of phased energy nearly vaporize his subordinate.
<Their hull is protected by an energy barrier!> reported Thundercracker.
<That’s what I was afraid of,> was the reply from his leader.
Blitzwing, a member of their attack squadron, was the second to be annihilated by the organic’s vessel.
Ramjet and Thundercracker managed to strafe the huge ship, but it made little difference. Their attacks were easily absorbed by the forcefield.
Thundercracker, the blue fighter, pleaded, <Cyclonus, we have to retreat!>
The task force leader observed a third Seeker turn into a brief fireball. He reluctantly signaled the withdraw order. He was able to scan the vessel, however. The mission hadn’t been a total failure.
*****
“They’re backing off…they’re returning to the planet,” triumphantly reported the chief.
Karim felt rather proud as well, “Damage report.”
“Shields holding at 92 percent,” was the response.
The first officer watched as the remaining four fighters flew away. “Come back anytime.”
END OF CHAPTER 6
From top to bottom: Cyclonus, Scourge, Various Seekers (left to right: Skywarp, Starscream -doesn't appear in the story, and Thundercracker).
Seekers are not from the original cartoon, but from the War Within Comics.
Source: http://10fingersdesigns.com/3d/index.htm
Seekers are not from the original cartoon, but from the War Within Comics.
Source: http://10fingersdesigns.com/3d/index.htm
