The Life of a Commander (TFP)

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Once on the flight deck, I transformed and flew through the large, green vortex. I immediately saw Cybertron when I got on the other side. The problem? Our home planet wasn't as dead as everyone thought.

It was obvious that Cybertron was humming with life. Even from here, I could see the blue glow of energon.

Shots fired. I was barely able to dodge, and they kept coming. I tightened up my flying as I headed for the Decepticon sector of the planet. Why would someone be using Cybertron's air defense? The answer was obvious. Autobots. but why were they here? Better yet, how is our planet filled with life?

I landed smoothly in Kaon and transformed. Looking around, I saw the city was void of any life forms. I shook my head in confusion as I walked into Shockwave's lab.

He was at his computer entering data.

"Shockwave," I called.

He turned around, his one optic staring at me. It was an eerie feeling.

"Nightstrike, Knockout's assistant. It was illogical for you to come to Cybertron alone."

"I'm Commander Nightstrike now. Megatron sent me to retrieve you. Why have you not yet left Cybertron?"

"When Lord Megatron contacted me, I was finishing up a project that could restore Cybertron. It succeeded. Autobots arrive when they saw the planet was alive once again. They eventually went through Kaon. They destroyed everything, leaving me unable to contact the Nemesis for a space bridge. I was reprogramming the computer when you entered."

"The Autobots. They were the ones who nearly shot me out of the sky. Why would they need A.A. guns?"

"It is logical to assume that they will use them if Megatron returned with the Nemesis. It is also logical to assume that since they know of your presence, they will send a hunting party to take you into Autobot custody."

"We better get moving then. Please tell me you're a flier."

"I regret to inform you that I am not."

"Slag!" I exclaimed. "We don't have time for this!"

I heard voices shouting and the pounding of footsteps. When I looked back at Shockwave, I knew that he had heard it, too. He was holding open a hidden door.

"Quickly! In here!"

I ran inside. He followed and let the door slam behind him.

He led us down the short hallway to another room. I closed the door and made sure it was secure before turning back around to face the scientist.

The room was barren with the exception of a few energon cubes stacked in the corner. The plain gray metal walls gave the room a dreary feeling.

"This is my safe room. the Autobots sometimes come by to be sure there is no presence of Decepticons."

"I see."

Shouts, footsteps, and clanging metal could be heard from the laboratory.

"Tell me, Shockwave. what do you know of these Autobots? Surely they aren't very efficient with their leader being stuck on Earth."

"From the scouting I've been able to do, I've seen that they've appointed a leader. His name is Ultra Magnus."

"That doesn't surprise me. He's one of the Autobots' finest."

It grew quiet as I listened for signs of the Autobots still being here. I heard nothing.

"Think they're gone?"

"Affirmative. They are no doubt still looking for you in Kaon, though. What do you propose we do about our current situation?"

I mumbled to myself as I thought it over. "Only one thing comes to mind, but neither of us are going to like it."

"Tell me."

"Do you have a good grip?"