Breakout

Cybertron's present. The Prime Council of Elders met again. For them, it was a week since launching the probe to follow the Amalgam and Wayfinder's transwarp trail. With each "bot in their respective seats, Rumble started the conference.

"No word on the probe yet," he asked. Titanius shook his head in disappointment. "Unfortunate, but let's not be pessimistic. The investigation of Lightbreaker's cellar?"

"We haven't learned anything quite new," said Reload. "We discovered he'd been doing some major machine work. We don't know what he was building, but he was keeping quite busy."

"If he was doing so much work," Tekkana asked, "where's he hiding it?"

"Investigators haven't found any special passage ways or other means of concealing his "project'. They're still working on it, though."

"Good," Rumble complimented. "And Fall-Out?"

"He was a lot more cooperative after the truth-virus," Glider stated. "It took a while, but we got some very unsettling information from him."

"Such as?"

"He talked about Terr--I mean Galvatron," Red Blade corrected himself. "He became something of an overnight sensation for the disgruntled. From a tekergon addict to a self-proclaimed savior. Arrested a few times for disturbing the peace, ranting about a "prophetic dream' he had that woke him to his "destiny'. Never got into great detail aside from stealing the Golden Disc, though."

"Galvatron chose select Predacons for the mission to steal the Golden Disk," Glider inserted. "The other followers were instructed to prepare for the end of "the suffering'."

"Suffering," asked Rumble.

"It's what his dream was about, or rather what it told him to end. Apparently, Galvatron never said to blow up buildings and "bots along with them, but that's how his followers have preferred to go about it."

"Did he know Lightbreaker," Retract asked.

"He'd encountered him, but Lightbreaker was very private. He supported the terrorism, but was too busy with what he'd call "private matters'."

"His secret project," Rumble mused.

"Undoubtedly," Reload said.

"Do you have an idea, Rumble," Red Blade asked. The Decepticon gave a sigh.

"Not really," he responded. "I've a bad feeling about it, is all. Call it-intuition."

On the ravaged futuristic Earth, the young Maximal Sonar overlooked footage from the numerous attacks from enemy Predacons. He wasn't a detective, but the journey to the habitat made him uneasy, as if he wasn't doing enough just fighting, scouting or doing tech work. Jawbreaker offered his assistance, but this was something the bat wanted to do alone.

"Let's see," he spoke aloud. He'd noticed Buzz Saw, Insecticon, and Snapper the first few times. Then Snapper, Spittor and Galvatron. Then Galvatron, Saw and Spittor. Then Spittor, Insecticon and Saw. Then-"Hold it." He reviewed the last of the footage. "Oh, scrap! I've gotta--" Before he could rise from his seat, a blunt force struck him unconscious.

"I still don't get it," Jawbreaker said as he analyzed the Amalgam's weapons systems on the bridge. "Dependency aside, why wouldn't Earthers just call for help? Someone was planning to wipe them out!"

"To play off one of their phrases," Magnus said, overlooking his work. "They didn't want anyone fishing for them. They were determined to teach themselves."

"Even in light of a planetary massacre," asked Iguanus. "That's insane."

"No offense, "bots, but neither of you have been around humans." Jawbreaker raised his index digit in objection, but before he could speak, Magnus continued. "Studying their TV programs at planet Junk Academy doesn't count."

"Say that to my diploma," the hyena snorted.

"My point is that, in my experience, humans can be very stubborn."

"How do you think the Earth leaders explained it to their people," Iguanus pondered. "We at least had the time it took for the Great Upgrade to run its course."

"It hardly matters. It's just another reason to get back to our own time."

"Slag," Iguanus cursed as he looked at the clock. "I almost forgot about my shift guarding Lurx." He wrapped up his work and walked out. He headed to Lurx' cell, trying not to be distracted from the heated conversation. Another turn, and in the distance Iguanus saw Jetstorm in the distance, laid on the floor and the last whips of smoke rising from his chassis. "JETSTORM!" He ran to his comrade's side, then looked to Lurx' room. While instinctively reaching for his gun in his back compartment, Lurx and Snapper bolted out of the prison, running over their foe. Iguanus composed and opened fire on the escapees. His first shot intentionally missed, hitting a wall and setting off the alarm system. "Iguanus to Wolva," he yelled as he pursued the Predacons.

"What's going on," asked the doctor. "Why is the alarm wailing?"

"Lurx has escaped, and he's got Snapper with him. Get to Lurx' cell, Jetstorm is down and needs your help. Iguanus out. Androia!"

"What's up," responded the Pred femme. "Is that the alarm I hear?"

"Snapper freed Lurx and they'll be looking for a way out. Ready yourselves out there."

Snapper led Lurx to a waste disposal hatch, believing they had lost their hunter. The panther-clad machine made sure Snapper retrieved all of his guns.

"Did you take out Jawbreaker," Lurx said as he opened the hatch door.

"Actually," Snapper corrected, "Sonar figured out how I snuck aboard. He's out of commission." The sniper helped his shorter comrade into the tube, pressed the release button, and leapt in afterwards. They both gracefully landed below the Amalgam and dashed ahead.

Unfortunately, they hadn't paid as close attention to their surroundings as they should have. Lurx would scold himself later. They saw Androia and Megatron ready for battle, and then noticed a shadow on the ground growing larger. Ultra Magnus thundered to the ground between his soldiers, his gun in his left hand trained on the two and a shotel in his other hand, the dull side resting against his straightened arm and ready to slash. Combined with the way his right leg extended behind him and the other bent in front, it was a very dramatic and impressive entrance. Jawbreaker came from above, brandishing his firearm and hanging from the dull side of Magnus' blade.

"Going somewhere," the Autobot asked as his Maximal "hanger-on" dropped to the ground. Lurx and Snapper looked behind them to find Blast Charge and Iguanus covering any rear escape.

"An easy capture," Lurx sneered. At no better time, a powerful beam struck the ground near Magnus, Androia, Jawbreaker and Megatron, hurling them away. At the same time, Lurx swiftly shot "Charge and Iguanus respectively in the right shoulder and left thigh with one of his more concealed side arms and the two ran past their fallen opponents. "Charge fired with his side guns to no avail, but it did make him feel a little better. In the distance, Galvatron, his torso cannon smoking, waved his arm, signaling his soldiers to follow him as he headed off toward their base.

"That could've gone better," Megatron said as he and the rest of the crew rose to their feet. "Where're they hiding a huge blaster like that?"

"That, son, was Galvatron," Magnus informed.

"I can take'em." Magnus moaned heavily as he picked his trooper up by his head, preventing him from pursuing the fleeing Predacons. He walked back to the ship with the rest of crew. He looked back to see Androia tossing her eyes around frantically.

"Has anyone seen Sonar," she asked.

Androia's epiphany led her and Jawbreaker to Sonar's quarters to find their fellow soldier on the floor, his faceplate dented and a vent cover on the floor beside him. They carried him to the infirmary, where Jetstorm was nearly complete in his CR Chamber. Wolva instructed them to place him on a nearby table.

"Doesn't look too bad," the doctor said after a moment's examination. "The "Chamber would be a waste of resources. The dent should pop back into place easily enough. Other than that, he'll need rest."

"Good to hear," Jawbreaker said. "No doubt Magnus will want to know just how Snapper managed this little escape. Let's go, Androia."

"I'd like to stay," she spoke, "Until Sonar wakes up."

"No problem." He saw Jetstorm stepping out of the "R Chamber. "C'mon "Storm. Debriefing time."

"How did this happen," Magnus demanded as "Breaker entered the bridge with Jetstorm. The femmebots and Sonar were the only Transformers not present. "How does a Pred---enemy combatant-infiltrate the Amalgam, circumvent our security, and release one of Cybertron's most notorious killers?"

"Snapper did help build the Amalgam," Blast Charge pointed out. "His size also makes him good for such access."

"Good point, lieutenant. Iguanus, as soon as Sonar is back online, I want the two of you to make sure something like this doesn't happen again."

"Aye, sir," Iguanus acknowledge.

"Jawbreaker, you help them with any security applications." The hyena nodded. "Where's Androia?"

"Waiting for our bat-boy to reboot," Jawbreaker said.

"I see. Well, I'll need her to do a run-through after you three are finished, make sure Snapper didn't do any damage we haven't uncovered yet."

"Anything you want me to do, boss "bot," asked Megatron.

"Cool your jets, soldier. Planning and patience is just as important in war as combat."

"You seem to be taking this all rather well," Blast Charge said to Jawbreaker. "After all, we lost your quarry."

"'Charge," cautioned Magnus.

"You just don't know when to quit, do you, chimp-face," sneered Jawbreaker. He hadn't forgotten the grilling the lieutenant attempted from the past month. Or two. In that it happened was more important than when.

"Surprised you didn't try blowing him up when he was underneath the ship," the mandrill scoffed. The two arguing Transformers simultaneously drew their weaponry on each other. It was unsure to their watching crewmates if it was coincidence or if one of them noticed the subtly movement of the others' digits reaching for his weapon and followed suit. The standoff was intense, in any case.

"Maybe something else will go boom, primate!"

"ENOUGH!" With his thunderous order, Magnus grabbed each of the gun barrels. "What is the matter with you two? We will NOT fight amongst ourselves, understand?" The two reprimanded officers nodded in concession. Magnus then let go of their artillery, revealing the barrels dented and bent. "I don't care who's suspicious of whose past or which one of you agitates the other. You want to fight over it, it waits until we get back to Cybertron, when you're off duty, and you can settle it in a greasy back-alley. Is that clear?" The two nodded again. "I don't want to repeat myself, soldiers."

"Yes, sir," "Breaker and "Charge said in unison.

"You're both dismissed to your quarters until further notice. Jetstorm will escort you, with permission to put either of you through the wall if you don't comply peaceably." The argumentative pair was followed closely by their Predacon brother-in-arms. The room was silent as Magnus took a moment to struggle his fingers from the shape of an angrily shaking fist. Iguanus and Megatron looked at each other, neither of them knowing what to say or do. "This is what, the third time I've sent that hyena to his damn room?"

"I'm going to check the engine room," Iguanus noted as he headed to the door.

"Me, too," Megatron said as he did the same.

"You an engineer?"

"Who cares, it's gotta be safer than here!"

Androia watched the still form of Sonar rest on the cold metal table. She wasn't paying much attention to whatever it was Wolva was doing behind her. The Pred-femme trusted the physician's decision about not using the CR Chamber, yet still she was concerned.

"He'll be fine," Wolva said while recording Sonar's injuries on her medical log. "That is, unless, your stare burns a hole through his shell."

"Just worried," Androia responded.

"I'm sensing a bit more than worry."

"Is that the psychiatrist talking, or the femme?"

"A little of both."

"Can we change the subject for now?"

"What to?"

"Those tests-to find my parents? How's that going?"

"Well, I have had to pause the searching for emergencies like Sonar, here. I should have at least one parent pinpointed soon. I'm being very careful not to make any mistakes."

"I appreciate it."

"Think nothing of it."

"Anyone get the serial code of that galaxy cruiser that hit me," asked Sonar returning to consciousness. "I think I may want to lodge a complaint." Wolva approached with a scanning tool.

"Send it to Snapper," Androia responded.

"We just don't know why," Ultra Magnus noted as he entered the infirmary. Sonar tried to get up, but Wolva eased him back down. "Do as the doctor says, Sonar. Don't want you straining yourself."

"Snapper," Sonar began. "Oh, slag. Is Lurx-"

"Easy, soldier. Take it slow and tell us what you found out."

"Okay. I was watching the security recordings of the Galvatron's forces attacking. I noticed that in some of the initial attacks, Snapper was there, but he was missing in the others. Then there was one strike when he arrived, but didn't leave." Wolva allowed him to sit up. "I was about to tell someone when I guess he jumped me. Just tell me we've got another occupied brig."

"Nope. He and Lurx got away."

"Sorry, sir."

"No time for self pity or apologies, Sonar. Beat them up, not yourself; it'll do a lot more good. Is he well enough for maintenance duty, doctor?" Wolva nodded. "Iguanus is in the engine room, he'll brief you on your duties. Tell Megatron to meet me outside. Androia?"

"Yes, sir," she said.

"Find Jetstorm and tell him he's filling Jawbreaker's spot. He'll know what I mean and fill you in on the rest. Dismissed."

Androia helped Sonar down from the table. He stumbled a little, caught by the young femme, and regained his footing. The pair left the room to attend to their responsibilities, leaving Magnus alone with a visibly displeased doctor.

"Aren't you pushing him a little hard," Wolva asked.

"Sonar is stronger than he knows. He'll pull through, like any good warrior."

"Is that all they are to you, commander? Soldiers to fight and fight in senseless combat?"

"Wolva," Magnus walked over to her, towering over her as he would anyone else. "I respect your choice of pacifism and I won't force you to enter a battle you clearly refuse to understand." He bent down, his faceplate parallel to the doctor's. "But don't question how important my crew is to me or my willingness to sacrifice myself for any one of them." Wolva didn't seem fazed, at least on the outside. She noticed Magnus' optics drift behind her and he stood upright again.

"What?"

"What's that flashing on the screen there?"

"That's private, commander." She stepped in front of the screen, blocking Magnus' view.

"Sorry," he turned to leave. "Thought I recognized a name. "Course as old as I am, that could be anyone." Wolva turned and inspected the screen closer, examining the flashing name that, as the program was intended, was likely one of Androia's parents.

"I'm glad to have you back," Galvatron told Lurx as they and the rest of the crew gathered on the Wayfinder's bridge. "I hope they didn't treat you too harshly."

"They were surprisingly hospitable," the sniper replied. "Particularly their pacifist femme doctor. The wolverine."

"Pacifist," asked Buzz Saw, sitting on a computer panel, legs crossed. "A little out of her element, isn't she?"

"In any event, it seems I have you and Snapper to thank for my liberation." Everyone ignored the imminent groan of revulsion Spittor noised.

"It turned out more fortuitous than we planned," Snapper noted.

"Did it, now," Saw queried with interest.

"Uh, yeah. I-I had a lot of time to hack through the Amalgam's security." He pulled out a thin, chrome computer card. "And I happened upon something very interesting." He walked to the panel Saw occupied. She instinctively leapt from the board, allowing Snapper access to a small slot in which he placed the card. Striking a few keys, he accessed the data and brought it up on the screen.

"By the Pit, Pit," Insecticon shockingly announced. "This is unbelievable, unbelievable."

"And yet," Snapper said confidently, "very real. I don't know how, but it's there."

"What is this," Galvatron asked.

"With the right, right implementation," Insecticon explained, "this, this may be all we, we need to win, win the Beast Wars."

"Already working on it," Snapper smiled.

The perimeter of Amalgam was eerily silent as Megatron approached his mammoth-formed commander. Magnus looked to the horizon. The ladybug crawled to the Autobot's side, not knowing why he'd been summoned, but still putting on the "cool front" he'd been so comfortable flaunting.

"You wanted to see me, cap?"

"Ultra Magnus, transform!" Rising to battle mode, he pulled his shotels from behind him. "Time for a crash course in combat, "Megatron'."

"What?"

"Don't just stand around like a drone without its nav-processor." Magnus quickly brought one of his blades down, narrowly giving his charge time enough to escape the attack that broke the ground he once occupied.

"Megatron, Maximize!" Prepped to counter-attack with his rifle, he leapt again to avoid another attack. "What's the deal?"

"If you have to ask after I told you, you've got a lot to learn!" Magnus swiped at Megatron's legs, at which the Maximal jumped into the air, trying to twirl horizontally. He managed a full circle before crashing to the ground on his back. He saw Magnus' blade incoming and braced for impact. The shotel suddenly stopped, the lower curve hovering over his face. Magnus pulled his weapon back and gave the smaller "bot time to regain his footing.

"What in the Matrix-?"

"One." Megatron didn't bother to ponder the meaning behind the number and opened fire. Magnus shielded himself with his accoutrements, remaining unscathed. He saw why, as with each shot, Megatron was doing some different pose or move. Dodging each blast with ease, he closed in and brought the razor edge to Megatron's throat joint. "Two."

An hour of the bouts passed, time outs taken to avoid stasis lock, with Megatron no closer to gaining any kind of upper hand on his commanding officer. Finally, Magnus knocked Megatron's gun out from his grasp and put the barrel of his own in the Maximal's face.

"Eep."

"Eighteen." Magnus holstered his firearm and sat down against the ship. "Eighteen times I could've killed you or left you to succumb to stasis lock."

"But your, like, a million times bigger than me!" The fatigued insect collapsed on his rear plating in front of Magnus, holding and rotating his ailing right shoulder joint.

"That's a sorry excuse you're using to ignore your own faults. Showing off and that ego are your biggest weaknesses. They're all too easy to exploit. What makes you think you'll do any good in solo combat?" Megatron couldn't respond. "You need to take this training more seriously or you'll never make it out of these battles alive. Galvatron's forces won't hold back, you know." Magnus got on his feet. "After I've sorted a few things out, you'll be trained by Jawbreaker, Blast Charge, and myself until we're convinced you're a competent soldier." Magnus made his way back to the ship's entrance.

"Gobot." Magnus paused and looked back at Megatron. "My parents named me Gobot. I was assigned to the Amalgam as a scout because my "discernable talents' were "limited'."

"That may explain your behavior. It doesn't excuse it."

Far in the distance, Insecticon observed the verbal exchange with a pair of cyber-binoculars, joined by Galvatron and Snapper.

"Magnus and their new, new, soldier bug are outside, outside the ship," he said.

"The one Spittor said called himself "Megatron'," Galvatron noted. "But that's hardly important." He turned to Snapper and nodded. The tortoise held up a data pad with the computer card inserted. A few buttons later, he pressed what was essentially a "send" key.

"Magnus to Jawbreaker and Blast Charge, you're both free, but keep in mi--" His words were disrupted by static over the communication waves. The ship rocked slightly, a few noises could be heard within and some lights flickered.

"What's going on," asked his young charge.

"Wish I knew." Magnus could only guess what was going on with the crew inside. Unfortunately he wouldn't find out, as the entrance automatically closed. Magnus tried to call anyone within the ship, but he only got more static.

"What-happen," asked a deep, booming voice. Magnus' mouth was left agape as he listened to it. "Where-am-me?"

"No. Primus, please, no!"

"What's wrong," panicked Megatron.

"That voice-"

"What-going on," the voice asked. "Someone-TELL ME! WHAT-HAPPEN!"

"It's-" Ultra Magnus took a few steps back, unable to comprehend what was before him. "I don't know how but-it's Astrotrain!"