Nothing could be seen through the pitch black, and next to nothing could be heard over the torrential rain beating down upon the ground and the quickly growing ponds that it had spawned. That was until another bolt of lightning seared the night sky and the booming thunder that immediately followed it rendered all other noise virtually non-existent. Despite the fact that being a thirty-foot robot made him an excellent lightning rod, Razorclaw stood unflinching through the storm, and seemed completely unconcerned about the rising water level in the formerly dried riverbed that he was currently standing in. He remained motionless, patiently watching the space bridge.

The blackness of the night was once again breached, this time by the dim glow emanating from the space bridge. One by one, ten figures made their way through it from Cybertron and took their first muddy steps on the planet Earth. The robot taking the lead, Shockwave, glanced skyward into the oncoming barrage of raindrops. "I had forgotten how much I detested organic worlds. At least the rain in the Bio Pod could be kept to a schedule."

Razorclaw walked forward to greet his creator. "I apologize for the weather, but it is good to see you again."

Shockwave acknowledged the Predacon leader, but saw no use for pleasantries. "Please direct us to our base of operations on the planet." With that, one of the robots behind Shockwave leapt out of the riverbed and transformed, increasing in size as he did so. In a matter of a second, a full sized space shuttle was parked on the bank, and six of the other new arrivals climbed out of the riverbed and into it. Shockwave watched them board, and then turned back to Razorclaw. "You are to board Astrotrain as well. Neither Blitzwing or Octane are large enough to accommodate you." Razorclaw nodded and leapt to Astrotrain's side. In moments, two jets, a space shuttle, and a Cybertronian assault cannon were flying through the storm.

The weather began clearing up as the four flying Decepticons neared the coastline. Razorclaw looked over the six other passengers on board Astrotrain. "So why did Shockwave bring you here?"

A large, darkly colored robot responded. "From the little he told us, he's worried about Megatron building new Decepticons and bringing new empty fuel tanks into existence. Even with the energon shipments that are sent from Earth, Cybertron is still critically low on energon. He's offering us as substitutes to whatever warriors Megatron is set on building."

Razorclaw nodded. He too had felt that Megatron's desire to create new soldiers was a mistake. There were hundreds of Decepticons on Cybertron that could be stationed on Earth, and thousands more that were currently in stasis. The energon sent from Earth was certainly helpful, but not nearly enough to be bringing new life into the energy-starved empire. "So Shockwave modified you to mimic Earth vehicles already?"

The large robot nodded. "Yeah, all but Counter-Punch over there." He pointed to the blue, mid-sized robot sitting down several seats to the left of him. Counter-Punch nodded to Razorclaw as the speaker continued. "Mister boot-licker decided to impress Shockwave by taking the initiative to rebuild himself."

Counter-Punch huffed. "I don't like others touching me. I'll do my own modifications."

Razorclaw had grown weary of the discussion. "That's enough talking for now. We should be arriving at the Nemesis within the half-hour." With that Razorclaw stretched himself out and switched off to his dormant state.

Twenty minutes of traveling over the dark ocean passed before they finally reached their destination. An enormous metal tube exploded through the surface of the water, the same one that had originally been used to board the Autobot's ship four million years before. The four flying Decepticons flew into an opening near the top and landed inside. Shockwave, Blitzwing and Octane transformed the moment after landing, Astrotrain allowed his passengers to disembark before following suit.

The eleven Decepticons patiently waited as the tube descended back into the depths of the Pacific and finally came to a stop within the hull of the Nemesis. The doors opened, and Shockwave led the group through the empty metal hallway, and into the lab of the Constructicons. Upon entering the large room Shockwave saw Hook, Scrapper and Mixmaster working on six human vehicles that were on the floor. Scrapper saw the group enter and immediately sprang to attention. "Shockwave, sir-we did not receive word that you were actually going to come to Earth."

Annoyed, Shockwave casually walked through the room and looked over the vehicles that were spread out around the floor. "I forwarded my intention to come."

"Yes, but Megatron told everyone that he would talk you out of it. He said that he knew what you were going to say, and that he would explain that his mind was made up and that your trip would be pointless...Sir."

Shockwave nodded as he inspected the smaller of the two semi trucks on the floor, the one that was not connected to a trailer. "He did speak with me and inform me of his intentions. And he did explain that nothing could change his mind. But I feel that the negotiations are not yet complete. I have brought more to the table this time."

"And what more, pray tell, have you brought to the table?" Megatron's booming voice echoed through the room.

Shockwave turned to face his commander, who had just entered the lab. "Lord Megatron, I offer you six existing Decepticon ground warriors to replace the ones that you are building, already modified to blend in with other human vehicles."

Megatron looked over the six Decepticons that Shockwave was offering. "Is that all?"

"No, Megatron, I have also brought the triple-changers to bolster your Earth forces further. Please accept these existing nine warriors instead of creating six new ones."

Megatron took on an evil grin before replying. "So what you are offering me, Shockwave, is that which is already mine, is that correct?" Shockwave took a moment to think before replying, but Megatron continued speaking before the purple Decepticon could get that reply out. "I will accept the triple-changers, but when we return to Cybertron to bring these new warriors to life, these six offerings will remain there with you." Megatron leaned forward, an attempt to add insult to injury. "Is there anything else that you would like to bring to the table?"

Shockwave nodded. "One last compromise." With that Shockwave aimed his left-arm laser at the small semi-truck that he had been inspecting earlier. To the disbelief of all that were present, Shockwave fired a steady pulse of yellow energy, which melted through the roof of the vehicle. The energy pulse was quickly followed by a blue charge that blasted the vehicle to pieces.

Megatron's grin remained in place. "Immortality must have become more than you can bear, for you to so recklessly throw your life away."

Shockwave held his hand to keep Megatron from firing on him. "No lord Megatron, I have every intention of keeping my life. I merely disposed of what was unnecessary."

Hook jumped toward the destroyed frame. "Unnecessary? We needed this Decepticon to achieve our end goal!"

Shockwave turned his head toward the Constructicon. "Silence you idiot! Only your corrupted version of my technology requires a sixth."

Megatron lost his smile and set a fixed stare upon his second in command. "Explain yourself Shockwave, and do it quickly!"

Shockwave turned his gaze back to Megatron, but proceeded to walk over to the lab's main computer terminal. He positioned his laser arm so that it jacked into the terminal. "The level of power that you wish to achieve with six, I can achieve with five."

Megatron's glare intensified. "How?"

"I am downloading all of the details now, it will take me quite some time for me to verbally explain the process to you."

"Summarize it for me!"

Shockwave withdrew his cannon from the terminal and walked toward his commander. "You are aware that the true power of my gestalt technology is the creation of the combined multi-spark from the spark energy of the individual members."

"Yes."

"And you know that there are a total of five connection points linking the six Constructicons when they form Devastator."

"Of course."

"And you know that all but two of these connection points are artificial attachments that are not part of the body of the Constructicon that they originate from."

"So?"

Shockwave walked over and looked down on the five remaining vehicles that the Constructicons had put together. "The artificial constructs that are used to connect the Constructicons dampen the spark energy that passes through them. The hip connector filters much of Scrapper and Mixmaster's spark energy out before reaching Long Haul, and the connection linking Long Haul and Hook filters even more out. Devastator's design keeps him from utilizing a great deal of spark energy."

Megatron snarled at his arrogant second. "Even if this is true, wouldn't it still be more beneficial to have six as opposed to five?"

Shockwave nodded. "Perhaps, but while the level of power and durability increases with the number of components, the level of intelligence, agility, speed and fighting skill are hindered. It's a trade-off, but I feel the maximum benefit can be gained from a quintro-combination." Shockwave noted that Megatron was still agitated. "We still have a great many Decepticons, and plenty of time to experiment with this combiner technology. If you are unsatisfied with the changes I have made-" Shockwave used his hand to wave over the three Constructicons present in the room. "Then we can always return to the previous, more archaic method."

No longer wishing to inflict damage on Shockwave, but unwilling to concede the debate, Megatron turned and stormed out of the room, issuing one last command as he did so. "As it will take too long to rebuild the frame that you thoughtlessly destroyed, we may as well proceed with your plan. Just see that it's done right!"

***

"Why Ratchet operating on Jetfire if Jetfire not injured by Predacons?"

Ratchet twisted his head and looked to First Aid. "I'm sitting right here, why doesn't he just ask me directly?"

Without taking his optics off of the Sludge's exposed circuitry, First Aid responded. "I'm pretty sure he is asking you directly."

Ratchet looked up at Sludge and noted that the Dinobot was looking straight at him. "Oh. Well, Sludge, I'm using Jetfire's cerebral cir...err, brain, I'm using his brain as a type of roadmap to help in repairing Optimus Prime's brain."

"Why?"

"Well, Optimus Prime has a brain that is very different from most Transformers, and Jetfire's brain is the only one that I've encountered that's laid out anything like it. So by inspecting Jetfire's brain, I get a better idea of how to repair Optimus Prime's brain."

"And stuff you take out of Jetfire's head?"

Ratchet nodded. "Well, Sludge, some of the components in Jetfire's head can be used in Prime's head as well. Jetfire is very healthy, and his repair systems will have no problem rebuilding anything that I remove. Prime on the other hand is severely injured, and his systems are so damaged and overwhelmed that he needs these transplants. It's something that Jetfire agreed to have done." With that the Autobot physician removed a small circuit from Jetfire's exposed cranium and brought it to another table, one that had Prime's unconscious form on it. Ratchet then proceeded to plant the circuit into Prime's scorched and damaged head. Ratchet had never seen anyone survive after sustaining even half the damage that Prime had sustained, but if anyone could survive this, it would be Prime. The fact that he was still alive was a testament to the power of his spark.

From down the hall Ratchet could hear the discussion between Wheeljack and Grimlock getting more heated.

*

"Look, I'm working as fast as I can!" Wheeljack never appreciated the level of autonomy that Prime had given him until it, and Prime, were gone. He could understand Grimlock's desire to get these five fliers operational, but the self-proclaimed Autobot Commander needed to realize that certain things could not be rushed. "Even with First Aid doing the neural-circuitry, this is going to take time."

"Me Grimlock no see anything that should be taking this much time!" The Dinobot waved his hand over the five inert jets. "Fliers impressive, but me Grimlock think you can do better."

"Grimlock, I would love nothing more than to build a squadron of Jetfires, but unfortunately the designs were destroyed and the Autobot who did ninety percent of the design work has gone AWOL. These are the best I can do, and they should be as effective as the Seekers."

The hulking Autobot started out of the cargo bay. "Just make sure they done quickly! Me Grimlock short on effective warriors."

Snarl popped his head into the cargo bay before Grimlock made it to the doorway. "Grimlock, Omega Supreme is returning."

Grimlock glared at Snarl. "Returning? Me Grimlock not aware he go anywhere!" Snarl just shrugged and walked back outside. Grimlock quickly followed, seemingly to have completely forgotten his discussion with Wheeljack.

The gray rocket was just setting down as Grimlock exited the Ark. Prowl and Jazz were standing just outside Omega Supreme's tracks, awaiting the landing. Grimlock suddenly knew that whatever trip Omega Supreme had made, had been per their instruction. Grimlock would not tolerate such insubordination. "Prowl! Jazz! Explain what going on!"

Prowl turned toward the quickly advancing Dinobot. "There are other matters that demand your attention, Grimlock." Prowl nodded his head toward the top of an outcropping of rock several hundred feet away, where Swoop, in Pterodactyl mode, was devouring a cow. "We've already received a half dozen complaints from local ranchers concerning this, and you've only been here a few days. You need to keep your troops in line."

Grimlock's optic narrowed. "Prowl right! Me, Grimlock need to keep troops in line. But me, Grimlock not have problem with Swoop taking livestock from insignificant humans. Me, Grimlock have problem with subordinates sending Guardian robot on mission without me, Grimlock's permission."

Jazz lashed out. "You're not our leader! Jetfire's the only Autobot that Prime has ever trusted to bear the Matrix, and while he's under the laser-scalpel, Prowl's in charge. That is until Magnus appoints someone else, and to the best of my knowledge, he hasn't appointed you!"

Grimlock ominously stepped up to the smaller Autobot, his fury barely contained. In a growl, he addressed Jazz. "There open invitation to anyone willing to forcibly take power from me, Grimlock. Until that happens, Jazz..." Grimlock turned to look at Prowl. "Prowl, and all Autobots do as me, Grimlock say."

"I'll take you up on that invitation!" The orange and yellow robot exiting Omega Supreme was instantly greeted by a deadly glare from Grimlock. The newcomer was as tall as Grimlock, and though not as powerfully built, was still extremely intimidating. He met the Dinobot's gaze unflinchingly, and confidently walked down the gangplank and onto the ground, never breaking optic lock with Grimlock.

"Good to see you again Blaster." Prowl walked over and greeted the large Autobot.

Blaster lowered his optics and took in the military strategist. "It's been a long time Prowl. I can't tell you how the return of you guys has reinvigorated the cause." Blaster looked past Prowl and smiled at the Autobot just behind him. "What's up, Jazz? I really appreciate the human music that you've sent to me over the past couple of weeks. Righteous stuff. So when are we going to be hitting some concerts?"

"Only thing you be hitting is ground." Grimlock approached the newcomer. Blaster stood his ground, ready for action should the Dinobot try anything. "You want take leadership from me, Grimlock, then do it!"

Blaster displayed a crooked smile. "Alright fool, let's do this."

"No!" Prowl stepped between the two large robots. "We will discuss the leadership arrangement once Blaster has had a chance to get fitted with an indigenous alternative mode. Until then, we cannot afford any in-fighting." He looked up at the two warriors who were sending each other hate filled stares.

Blaster looked down and grinned at Prowl. "O.K., we'll make nice for now." He looked back up at Grimlock and lost his grin. "But we will discuss this later."

Grimlock started toward him, but Prowl put his hands on the Dinobot's chest in an attempt to stop him. "Hold up, Grimlock. Let him get checked out by First Aid. If you attack him now and win, some of us may wonder if Blaster was at his best or not. You don't want anyone to question your victory, do you?"

Grimlock stopped and looked down at Prowl. Several seconds passed before words came through the Dinobot's faceplate. "Prowl right. Me Grimlock want there to be no question as to me, Grimlock's superiority."

Prowl nodded, relieved. "Riiiigggghhhhhtttttt."

***

"The four smaller vehicles had little to modify, and are all nearly completed. It's the tractor trailer that requires most of the modifications." Scrapper glanced at each of the menacing Decepticons looking over the progress of he, Hook and Mixmaster. "But rest assured, they will be implemented by day's end."

Despite the setback caused by Shockwave's destruction of one of the frames, Megatron was fairly pleased. Shockwave had convincingly presented his case on how a gestalt created from five Decepticons could be as effective, and in many regards, more effective than one created from six Decepticons. And the changes that would need to be made to the existing frames were not that elaborate or time consuming.

Megatron looked at the other two Constructicons, busily working on the black semi and gray trailer that required the bulk of their work. Behind them, examining their work, was one of the Decepticons that Shockwave had brought to Earth with him, the blue one named Counter-Punch. Megatron made a note of this one's eagerness to further his familiarity with Decepticon weapons and science. Such ambition was highly regarded in the Decpticon ranks, and the Decepticon Commander saw leadership roles in Counter-Punch's future. He even contemplated keeping the blue warrior with him on Earth, but decided against it. Once the Autobots were annihilated, there really would not be much call for many Decepticons to be on this miserable planet. The handful that was already here would have no difficulty in enslaving this planet of flesh-bags.

The hulking Decepticon leader turned to his chief lieutenants, Shockwave, Starscream and Soundwave. "Make the preparations to transport these frames to Cybertron upon their completion. I want these warriors alive and ready for the final strike against the Earth-bound Autobots before Grimlock has had a chance to get comfortable in Prime's throne." The three Lieutenants nodded their agreement, and the four most powerful Decepticons left the room.

Scrapper returned to his comrades and continued the modifications that he had been working on prior to Megatron's visit. "So Counter-Punch, I don't think I ever ran into you on Cybertron."

The blue Decepticon raised his long, silver optic to look at the Constructicon leader. "You didn't. I was a low ranking nobody until shortly after you disappeared. I finally decided to apply myself, pulled off a few missions that caught Shockwave's attention, and well, when he needed some ground warriors to pull out of stasis to try and bribe Megatron with, he thought of me."

Scrapper, working on the large frame and only paying the slightest shred of attention to Counter-Punch's story, replied. "Yeah, fascinating stuff there CP. Tell me, can you hand me the laser scalpel that's on the diagnostic terminal?"

Counter-Punch turned around toward the terminal that he believed that Scrapper was referring to. "This terminal here?"

"YEAH, that one!" The impatient Scrapper was furiously fidgeting with some machinery in the front of the trailer section of the new frame.

Counter-Punch walked over to the terminal, the same terminal housing the blueprints and schematics for Shockwave's revised gestalt technology. As Counter-Punch reached for the laser scalpel sitting atop the waist-high machine, a thin cord shot out from his wrist and jacked into the terminal. He gripped the scalpel and held it for a few seconds, before the cord disengaged from the terminal and slid back into his wrist. He turned and walked over to Scrapper, finally handing the scalpel to the impatient Constructicon. "So tell me, is Prime really dead?"

The three Constructicons snickered.

***

"I can really rock the house in this form, baby!" The three-disc portable radio and CD player would have been much more convincing had it not been predominantly orange and yellow. But the odd coloration didn't seem to be bothering Spike as he walked over to the shrunken Blaster and started tuning in different radio stations. Blaster chuckled over the rapidly changing sounds of different songs and spoke to Spike. "Hey kid, how about we get this party started later? I've got some business to attend to with the king of the Dinobots."

"Sure thing Blaster." Spike nodded and backed away, giving Blaster plenty of room to enlarge and transform. The large, orange Autobot gave the human adolescent a smile and a thumbs-up before walking out of the infirmary. Spike looked to First Aid, worry etched on his face. "Hey First Aid, does Blaster have a chance?"

The medic peered down at the child and shook his head. "I just hope for Blaster's sake, they can resolve this matter peacefully."

Blaster made his way to the control room and walked over to Prowl. "Where's Grimlock?"

Prowl turned to the slightly altered newcomer and responded. "Not here, which is good. Look Blaster, I know how tough you are, and that you can hold your own against just about anyone. But not against this guy."

"Man, you're letting the legends get to your head!"

"Blaster, I've seen him in action, and trust me, I'd even advise Prime not to take him on." Prowl's tone indicated that he was dead serious. "I know Magnus sent you here as extra muscle to reign Grimlock in, but let's just try and resolve the leadership through negotiations, alright?"

"Hey, I'm game, but do you think that Grimlock will be willing to sit down and discuss the situation in a civilized manner?"

Prowl looked down, knowing that he wouldn't.

Bluestreak let out an annoyed sigh at the terminal to the left of Prowl and Blaster. "I know where the Dinobots are."

Prowl's optics darted over to Bluestreak. "Not another one."

"Yup. And this time it gets better. The rancher had his mother living with him, and the old lady had a mild heart attack when she saw a T-Rex ravaging her son's livestock."

Prowl shook his head. "And the others?"

"They're there too."

Bumblebee, who was stationed at another terminal, chimed in. "Don't Slag, Snarl and Sludge know that they're supposed to be herbivores?"

Prowl's head continued shaking. "They say they like the taste of meat."

Bluestreak chuckled. "I suppose it could be worse. The Predacons have a habit of hunting humans."

Prowl waved his hand to stop the conversation. "Enough. Bluestreak, patch me through to Grimlock." The white and black Autobot waited as Bluestreak made the connection. Bluestreak nodded to Prowl once Grimlock picked up. "Grimlock, return to base. There are some matters that we need to discuss."

Grimlock's muffled voice responded. "Me Grimlock do summoning, not get summoned!" A loud crunch could be heard as the biomechanical T-Rex bit into the side of a fattened bovine.

"Grimlock, PLEASE return to base. These are important matters that need to be discussed. Matters that demand the attention of all Autobots that are in a command position." Prowl was at wits end with the self-imposed Autobot dictator.

"O.K., me, Grimlock on way back now."

Prowl reached over in front of Bluestreak and switched off the radio signal. "I'm tempted to just ask Omega Supreme beat him back into stasis."

Blaster displayed a broad smile. "Listen dude, I can do this. I'm sure that this Grimlock cat is one bad mamajama, but I'm the baddest of the bad."

Prowl shook his head again. "Look, just give negotiations a chance, huh?"

*

"Grimlock, you have to understand, even the Decepticons rarely use combat as a way to determine who commands." Prowl's not entirely accurate plea was most definitely not having the desired effect.

"Then Decepticons have gotten soft too. Now perfect time for strong leader to command Autobots to victory. That strong leader is me, Grimlock!"

Blaster slammed his fist against the table. "This is pointless. There's nothing to gain from discussions with this primitive."

"BLASTER, that's enough!" Prowl watched as the already tenuous negotiations broke down completely.

"PRIMITIVE!?! Me Grimlock the most awesome war machine yet built! Me Grimlock rightful ruler of Autobots! Me Grimlock will lead Autobots to crushing victory over Decepticons, even if me Grimlock must drag them kicking and screaming to do so! And me Grimlock think it time to deal with voices of dissent-" Grimlock's optic, which was already fixed upon Blaster, narrowed to a thin, red band. "Starting with Blaster."

Blaster smiled malevolently. "Let's do this."

***

Megatron approached his awaiting troops, all of who had arrived at the space bridge over an hour earlier. He noted that Shockwave and Astrotrain, in locomotive mode, were standing by the entrance to the space bridge with the ground troops that Shockwave had brought in hopes of making Megatron rethink his decision to create new soldiers. The new soldiers that Megatron had created despite Shockwave's desires were being stored in Astrotrain.

Megatron had remained behind on the Nemesis to work out some last minute arrangements with the Decepticon officer who would be acting commander while he was on Cybertron, Starscream. He had also made some arrangements with Soundwave, just in case the treacherous Starscream should attempt to make the position a permanent one.

As he set down upon the ground he noticed a blue sports car approaching in the distance. Instantly recognizing it as one of his own soldiers, Megatron wondered why he had not noticed Counter-Punch's absence when he had first looked over the gathering at the bridge.

In seconds the car arrived at the bridge and transformed. "I apologize for my tardiness. I wished to get a look at these humans that the Autobots have allied themselves with."

Megatron snapped at the blue Decepticon. "For what purpose!?!"

Without missing a beat, Counter-Punch responded. "I realize that I may never return to this planet, but should the need someday arise I believed that it would be good for me to have a slight understanding of these potential enemies."

Megatron was impressed once again with the soldier's initiative. "And what understanding have you gained?"

Counter-Punch chuckled. "Nothing that was worth the energon used on my trip. Why do the Autobot's bother with these creatures?"

Megatron laughed. "One of their many flaws." Megatron then turned to the space bridge, and led his Decepticons through to Cybertron.

***

Bumblebee watched as Grimlock and Blaster marched outside the Ark, immediately followed by Prowl, Ironhide and Jazz, whose pleas for them to stop and return to the discussion table were completely ignored. Talk of a possible fight between Blaster and Grimlock had been running rampant through the Ark all day, and with the sight of these two marching to the clearing in front of the Ark, there was little doubt that the brawl would soon become a reality.

Realizing the futility of their efforts, Prowl, Ironhide and Jazz backed away from the soon-to-be combatants and joined the other Autobots who had gathered around to watch. Even Spike had come out to enjoy the show, thinking this to be just like one of the after school brawls that were fairly common with boys his age.

"Last chance to back down, Grandpa." Blaster walked to the far end of the clearing and whirled to face Grimlock. "I mean, you were pretty tough way back when, but we've got a whole new set of moves nowadays."

Grimlock clenched his fists. "Shut up and fight."

Blaster smiled, and then quickly transformed. Unseen by the observers, wave after wave of high-frequency pulses pounded against Grimlock, knocking him to the ground. Grimlock climbed back to his feet, transformed and began marching toward the sound system.

The T-Rex maintained its march, wincing with each impact of silent noise. Blaster's attacks also began tearing through the artificial flesh and blood. As the skin tore and the blood was pushed away, gray metal began poking through. Patches of metal quickly appeared, and soon the entire T-Rex head was cleared of any organic material, displaying a giant metal head and giant metal teeth. But despite the damage being caused to him, Grimlock continued his progress toward Blaster, and finally lashed out himself. The monstrous mouth of the metal dinosaur opened, and a powerful jet of intense flame shot out at the sound system.

Just as the flame was about to hit the giant portable stereo system, it sprung into the air and transformed into Blaster. The moment his feet touched the ground Blaster threw a powerful, right thrust-kick that caught Grimlock hard across his metallic head. Blaster immediately followed the kick with a straight left punch, which also connected hard. Blaster followed with a right roundhouse, but had his fist and entire lower forearm ensnared by enormous, clamping metal jaws.

Grimlock bit down hard, severing Blaster's right arm just below the elbow. Blaster jerked away, instantly realizing that Prowl may have been right about Grimlock. But despite his injury, Blaster kept up his attack. In an attempt to regain the offensive, Blaster shot out a backhand to buy him a little space from the prehistoric beast, immediately followed by three razor sharp energized discs launching out from his chest.

The backhand missed as the T-Rex head and neck flipped back, and the discs tore into the shifting pieces of Grimlock's transforming body and exploded, but failed to cause significant injury to the mighty warrior. Grimlock completed his transformation, and was now standing before his wounded opponent. The Dinobot burst into motion, a blur of gray and yellow charging against the tall orange Autobot. Grimlock's large, black right fist slammed hard against the left side of Blasters head, a blow which would have sent the Communications Officer to the ground had Grimlock's knee to his mid-section a fraction of a second later not changed the momentum of his body. Blaster, his feet off the ground and his upper body now lurching forward, suddenly felt Grimlock's right elbow bash the back of his head, sending him face first into the rocky ground at Grimlock's feet.

Instinct directing his actions, Blaster rolled away from his adversary and quickly scrambled to his knees. But before he could get to his feet, a snap-kick from Grimlock impacted against his face and he was on his back. Blaster craned his neck to looked up, and saw the powerful Dinobot standing triumphantly over him, the organic material that had been blasted off of him earlier now regenerating and spreading over the appropriate parts of his body. Blaster knew that he had only one chance, and let his head drop back to the ground, as if he had been beaten.

Grimlock walked toward the head of his defeated foe, trying to determine which killing blow would be best. Suddenly his legs were no longer beneath him, and he felt himself crashing to the ground. Immediately after sweeping the legs of Grimlock, Blaster was leaping back to his feet, and a moment later delivering kick after kick to the Dinobot's head. The Autobots were cheering, encouraging him to keep up the pressure.

Unfortunately, Grimlock was not so easily dispatched. Blaster watched as one of his kicks was interrupted by Grimlock's left hand as it darted up and snatched Blaster's right foot. Grimlock pushed hard against the foot and leg, sending Blaster stumbling back and to the ground. Grimlock slowly and arrogantly got to his feet and dusted himself off. "Devious and effective. Me Grimlock impressed with Blaster's street fighting tactics." Grimlock slowly started making his way toward the now-standing Blaster. "But street fighters rarely stand chance against true warrior. And me Grimlock greatest warrior of all."

From the speakers in his legs, Blaster let loose with another barrage of sonic waves, knocking Grimlock's legs out from under him. Blaster immediately pulled out his rifle and pointed it at Grimlock's head, but the Dinobot's right hand shot upward and gripped the barrel of the rifle, making sure it would not be pointed at any part of Grimlock's massive frame. Blaster continued to struggle to point his weapon at Grimlock, but it quickly became apparent that he would not be able to overpower the Dinobot. The struggle instantly became pointless as Grimlock bent the barrel, thereby destroying the rifle.

Blaster intensified the sonic waves, which were bouncing off of the chest of the now-kneeling Grimlock. But despite his obvious discomfort, Grimlock was not showing any sign of slowing down. Grimlock fought through the intense pounding he was taking and stood up, and in a blur of motion sent a devastating left uppercut into Blaster's jaw. The large orange Autobot was sent into the air and landing hard several feet away. Blaster shook his head in an attempt to clear away his dizziness, but his attempts at recovery were interrupted as his feet were being gripped and his body was being lifted into the air.

Grimlock swung Blaster's body high above his head, and then slammed him with incredible force right back into the rock-strewn ground that he had just been occupying. Then again, and again, and again until there was little chance that Blaster would still be conscious. Grimlock released the now motionless legs, and they dropped heavily to the ground. Grimlock walked over toward the top of Blaster, confident that this time his legs would not be swept out from under him.

Blaster's optics flickered, but he was still on-line. With a great deal of effort, he addressed Grimlock. "That all you got?"

Grimlock laughed. "Me Grimlock starting to like you. Too bad me Grimlock have to kill you now." Grimlock lifted his right foot high over Blaster's head, preparing to crush the cranium of his opponent. Defying the belief of everyone present, Blaster lurched up and pushed against Grimlock's raised foot, slightly knocking him off balance and forcing him to back up. Grimlock righted himself, but stopped and watched as Blaster struggled to get to his feet. Grimlock looked down at the ground, his hatred of the orange Autobot significantly waning. "You, Blaster, honorable warrior, worthy of honorable death." Grimlock pulled out his sword handle and ignited the plasma blade. Blaster just stood in a fighter's crouch and stared at his would-be executioner, unwilling to make any aspect of what Grimlock planned on doing easy for the Dinobot.

Suddenly the ground between the two combatants burst as successive explosions sent a wall of dirt into the air. When the dirt settled all Autobots assembled turned to where the fire had originated and saw Jetfire standing at the top of the entrance ramp. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?!"

"YOU DARE INTERUPT HONOR BOUT!" Grimlock was enraged by the air warrior's interference.

Jetfire stared at the Dinobot, but quickly directed his glance to Prowl. "Prowl, what's going on here?"

Prowl smiled and was greatly relieved by Jetfire's appearance. Not only was Jetfire Prime's most likely successor, but he also stood a better chance than nearly any other Autobot of defeating Grimlock. "We were attempting to determine our leader in Prime's absence, and diplomacy seemed to fail. Grimlock insisted that he was most fit to lead and challenged anyone who felt otherwise to combat. Blaster took him up on his challenge."

Jetfire nodded. He started walking down toward the others, trying to determine the best course of action the entire way there. As he got to the combatants he stood before Grimlock. "Grimlock, you are an Autobot legend and hero, and you may very well become Autobot leader. But it won't be because you proclaim yourself to be it. It will be because the rest of us choose you. I realize you may have a more cut-and-dried approach to leadership than what we're accustomed too, but even you must realize that you lead much more effectively if your troops follow you out of respect, and not fear."

Grimlock's rage slowly subsided, and despite his best efforts to ignore Jetfire's words, the point was sinking in. "But Autobots need strong leader, stronger than what have been leading them so far."

Jetfire folded his arms. "Perhaps you are right, or perhaps you have not taken the time to properly evaluate the strength of the current Autobot leadership. Whatever the case, I think we can agree that there is much we need to discuss before making any sweeping decisions. And if you do become Autobot leader, then you need to become familiar with a great many details, on both Earth and on Cybertron. Right?"

Grimlock disengaged his plasma blade and nodded.

Jetfire looked to Blaster and then back to Grimlock. "Is this battle over?"

Grimlock looked past Jetfire and into the optics of his previous foe. The two glared at each other, knowing that while they would never be friends, they could most definitely become respected comrades. "This over."

Jetfire looked up to First Aid, who was standing on the entrance ramp. Jetfire nodded to him, and First Aid made his way to the injured Blaster. Pride forcing him to initially reject First Aid's assistance, Blaster eventually gave in and let the medic help him walk to the infirmary.

Grimlock watched them make their way up toward the Ark, and then turned to Jetfire. "We wait until Blaster is fit to join us, then we discuss leadership situation." Jetfire nodded.

First Aid assisted Blaster up the entrance ramp, trying to assess the extent of his massive injuries as he made his way into the Ark. Gears trotted past him and addressed Prowl, who was not far behind them. "Prowl, a file was sent to Teletran One, and whoever sent it did not identify himself, at least not in any way that I can figure out. I'm not sure if we should open the file."

Prowl was intrigued. "Explain what you mean by the sender not identifying himself in any way that you can figure out."

"Well, there was a symbol in the text section. It looked kind of like a fist."

Blaster halted, nearly causing First Aid to lose his balance. The weary combatant turned toward Gears. "A fist? With the knuckles coming at you?"

Gears turned toward Blaster, both excited and confused. "Yes, exactly!"

Blaster forced himself fully upright, no longer leaning on First Aid, and smiled. "He's back!"