Chapter 5: AUTOBOT INTERLUDE
In the dimly lit chamber of Autobot headquarters, an aura of tension hung heavy in the air. Desperation enveloped us like a shroud, stifling even the most steadfast of sparks among us.
I remembered a time when Cybertron was vastly different.
Autobots once ruled with the Council's blessing, and functionalism thrived, weaving a regimented brilliance across our world.
Yet, that time felt distant now, as memories were eclipsed by the shadows of war and strife.
Long ago, the seeds of turmoil took root when the lower echelons of society rebelled against the Council and the functionalist regime led by Megatron hah you don't get a name unless your in the upper classes stupid, discount miner.
It was this uprising that kindled the flames of the war that now engulfed Cybertron.
This conflict had carved deep chasms, dividing us into factions driven by divergent ideologies, creating a rift that seemed unbridgeable which is a good a thing it showed who was truly an Autobot and besides they didn't last long against the Decepticons.
The war's origins had become tales, whispered in the quiet corners of our base, stories handed down through the old bots to the young bots.
Those who had borne witness to the initial clashes could still recall the fervour with which the first sparks ignited, setting the stage for a conflict that would span generations of protoforms yeah i enjoyed that so much but it's probably being as i was a soilder class.
From the chaotic birth of insurgency emerged the inevitable destruction and devastation that echoed like a mournful symphony across our world.
As the war raged on, the Autobots faced an unimaginable decision.
The last remaining ship, the Ark was slated to depart Cybertron because of the war Cybertron started shutting down so Optimus Prime put all his hopes in going through a space bridge that was closing in on it self for a rich resource planet, in a bid to escape a dead world but the Decepticons where following them and both ships went tumbling through the portal.
Yet, the weight of our grim reality bore down upon us the Ark departed before we could reach it.
In the final moments, the Ark and the Nemesis vanished into the distant void, their lights swallowed by the cosmos.
We were left behind, a haunting reminder of being abandoned on a dead world by your leader i know were meant to never question a Prime but why not make two ships.
Our cries, our pleas for reprieve, remained unanswered, the stars above unmoved by our plight.
I stood there, Skyblaze, a young Autobot, beside the weathered frame of Voltstrike, an elder warrior who had borne witness to the rise and fall of our world.
His optics bore the weight of experience, his voice like a balm against the sting of abandonment. "It's in these moments, Skyblaze, that we forge our legacy. Our fight may be desperate, but it's not without purpose."
The chamber's dim light cast shadows upon us, but Voltstrike's words illuminated something within me. Our world had been marred by conflict, and we were left to navigate the aftermath.
As we faced the grim reality of being forsaken, I knew that our story wasn't over.
Even as the last vestiges of the ships' lights faded from view, hope glimmered in the form of resilience that, even now, Voltstrike embodied and passed on to me.
The battle for our world had become an echo in the winds of time, but our spirit, our refusal to surrender, echoed even louder. With the memory of those forsaken ships and the legacy of warriors like Voltstrike as my guide, I vowed to continue the struggle—to ensure that even in the darkest hours, the light of the Autobot cause would never be extinguished.
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Ultra Magnus Pov:
When my ship crashed on Cybertron after the great exodus, i didn't expect the remnants of the Autobots that didn't make it in time to the Ark to still function.
The situation is bad our energon supplies are running low, the remaining Autobots are heavily injured and dying, and atop of all that, the activity near Decepticon territory has increased reminiscent of that during the great war.
If the remaining Decepticons reunited and are an organised army again, then all hope is lost. One of us needs to make the ultimate sacrifice and go to the Decepticon base and investigate what they are up to
Now i need to address the troops and find a volunteer.
As i walk into the heart of the base i stand before the Autobot troops in a dimly lit room, their weariness on there faces reflects the countless battles they've faced and survived.
Ultra Magnus: "Autobots, I stand before you with a heavy spark. Our crusade against the Decepticons has taken its toll, and many of you bear the scars of our ongoing struggle. But let me make one thing clear: our resolve remains unbreakable."
He pauses, allowing his words to sink in.
Ultra Magnus: "The Decepticons have grown bolder, something has changed 6 Stellar-Cycles ago they were shutting down like us and now their activities have intensified. and we require to know what is exactly happening there has Megatron returned, or has someone taken control over the Decepticons on Cybertron we must know for the sake of the Autobots and Cybertron."
The room ripples with a mix of determination and concern.
Ultra Magnus: "But here's the challenge we face: we're two few in number, both in resources and personnel. We need to uncover more about their plans and assess their strength before we can mount a full scale offensive."
I scan the room, my optics locking onto each and every Autobot in attendance.
Ultra Magnus: "That's where you come in. I'm here to ask for volunteers. We need a small team of skilled operatives to infiltrate the Decepticon base, gather information, and report back to us. It's a dangerous mission one that requires courage, stealth, and dedication to the Autobot cause."
My voice resonates with authority and a touch of urgency.
I hope I sounded like you Prime.
Ultra Magnus: "Who among you is willing to step up? Who will put their sparks on the line to ensure the safety of Cybertron and are home?"
The room falls into a moment of contemplative silence as the Autobots exchange glances, evaluating the risks and the importance of the task at hand.
*As the silence lingers in the room, a few Autobots exchange determined glances with one another. Among them, a young and eager bot named Skyblaze steps forward, his optics gleaming with resolve.*
Skyblaze: "Ultra Magnus sir, I'm in. I've been itching for some action, and if it means getting the jump on those Decepti-creeps, count me in."
*Ultra Magnus nods approvingly at Skyblaze's enthusiasm.*
Ultra Magnus: "Thank you, Skyblaze. Your bravery is commendable."
*Another Autobot, a seasoned warrior named Voltstrike, stands up and joins Skyblaze at the front of the room.*
Voltsrike: "Can't let the young ones have all the fun, can I? I'm in too sir."
*His gruff voice carries a mixture of determination and a hint of a smirk. Ultra Magnus gives Voltstrike an appreciative nod.*
Ultra Magnus: "Your experience will be invaluable, Voltstrike."
*Suddenly, an Autobot with a more analytical demeanor steps forward. It's Lumitron, the scientist.*
Lumitron: "While I'm not known for my combat prowess, I can provide a unique perspective on their technology and tactics. I volunteer as well."
*Ultra Magnus offers a nod to Lumitron, acknowledging the importance of a balanced team.*
Ultra Magnus: "Your insights will be crucial, Lumitron."
*As these three volunteers step forward, a ripple of energy courses through the room. More Autobots start to stand, each one compelled by the call to action.*
Autobot 1: "I'm with them!"
Autobot 2: "Count me in!"
*The room transforms into a scene of unity, where Autobot after Autobot steps forward, offering their willingness to embark on this dangerous mission.*
Ultra Magnus: "I am truly inspired by your dedication. but this team must be a small taskforce they will be tasked with infiltrating the Decepticon base, gathering intelligence, and ensuring us intelligence for are assault on the Decepticon base."
Ultra Magnus: "Thank you all for your bravery. Together, we will strike a blow against the Decepticons and defend our home."
*As the Autobots that volunteered after the first 3 sat back down and looked sad but they understood that a larger team would be easily spotted*
*The room is now filled with a sense of purpose and anticipation, as the volunteers prepare to embark on a mission that could shape the course of the war for Cybertron. Their determination shines brightly, fueled by their unwavering commitment to the Autobot cause.*
I hope they survive, i hope we all survive, Prime I wish you were here you are more of a leader than i am.
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Skyblaze's POV:
The anticipation gnawed at my core as I stood among the chosen few, each one of us eager yet cautious.
The mission was clear: infiltrate the Decepticon territory, gather intelligence, and slip back out undetected. It sounded straightforward, but the air crackled with unease, as if the very walls of our base were warning us of the dangers ahead.
As we geared up and received our assignments, I couldn't help but steal glances at my fellow operatives. Voltstrike, his battle-worn frame a testament to his resilience, radiated a sense of calm determination. Lumitron, the analytical mind among us, meticulously checked his equipment, his optics bright with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
Our objective was clear to gather information about the Decepticons' activities, assess their defences, and uncover any potential weaknesses. But as I strapped on my stealth gear and glanced at my reflection in the polished metal, doubt crept in. Were we truly prepared for what lay ahead? Could our small team infiltrate their stronghold and emerge unscathed?
The journey to Decepticon territory was fraught with tension. We moved in calculated silence, each step a reminder of the stakes we faced.
The landscape around us was a desolate wasteland, a mirror of the war-torn world we called home.
The once-vibrant Cybertron had been reduced to this a scarred battleground where hope clung stubbornly to life.
As we approached the outskirts of the Decepticon base, my spark pounded with a mix of anticipation and fear. The towering fortifications loomed before us, an imposing testament to the Decepticons' dominance. Voltstrike's voice, a low rumble, broke the silence. "Stay sharp and stay close. We're here to gather information, not to engage in a full-scale battle."
The shadows of the night provided us with some cover as we slipped past the sentries, our optics scanning every corner for signs of movement. We moved as a unit, a synchrony of purpose driving us forward. Lumitron's sensors worked overtime, collecting data on energy readings, fortifications, and troop movement.
As we ventured deeper into the heart of the Decepticon stronghold, the tension grew thicker, like a tightening vice around my spark. Every clang of metal, every echoing footstep, felt like a drumbeat of impending danger. We snapped photos discreetly, capturing images of Decepticon soldiers patrolling, fortified structures, and the formidable defenses that surrounded us.
Lumitron's voice crackled through our communication channel. "I've identified a structural weakness in the eastern section of the fortress. There seems to be a vulnerability in the outer shielding. If we can exploit it, we might have a chance."
A glimmer of hope ignited within me, overshadowing the unease that had been gnawing at my core. This could be the opening we needed, a chink in the Decepticon armor that might turn the tide in our favor. But even as optimism blossomed, caution remained my constant companion.
Lumitron's POV:
The tension was palpable as we moved deeper into the Decepticon territory, our movements careful and deliberate. My analytical mind was in overdrive, processing every piece of data I collected, analyzing the energy signatures, and mapping the layout of the fortress in my memory banks.
The structural weakness I had discovered could be a game-changer. The outer shielding seemed to have a flaw, a potential entry point that could provide us with a way inside. As we stealthily made our way towards that vulnerable spot, I couldn't shake off the gnawing feeling that this was too convenient.
We reached the designated area, and my optics focused on the weakness in the shielding. It was a hairline fracture, barely visible to the naked eye. Skyblaze, Voltstrike, and I exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between us. This could be our chance to gather more information from the inside, but the risks were astronomical.
As Skyblaze carefully documented the vulnerability with his optics, Voltstrike's voice rumbled through our communication link. "Keep in mind that this could be a trap. The Decepticons are cunning, and this could be a deliberate opening to lure us in."
His caution was well-founded, and a sense of unease settled in my circuits. This wasn't just about gathering information; it was about survival. We were deep within enemy territory, and any misstep could be our last.
Voltstrike's POV:
We lingered near the structural weakness, a mixture of hope and trepidation coloring the air. Skyblaze's optics flitted between the vulnerability in the shielding and the surroundings, his youth and enthusiasm shining through even in this dire situation. Lumitron's analytical mind was our guiding light, his insights crucial to making an informed decision.
As we deliberated our next move, a shadow shifted in the distance. My optics narrowed, and I signaled for the others to hold their positions. Stealth was our greatest ally, and I needed to ensure that whatever approached us was not a Decepticon patrol or an ambush waiting to be sprung.
As the figure drew closer, my spark clenched with recognition and a sense of foreboding. It was Shockwave, his single optic piercing through the darkness like a laser. Beside him stood a massive bot, his Decepticon emblem emblazoned across his face, an ominous symbol of his allegiance.
Lumitron's voice was a hushed whisper over our communication link. "That must be the new leader they've been talking about. Shockwave and his enforcer, perhaps."
Skyblaze's fingers flexed, and I could almost feel his tension radiating from his frame. We were concealed in the shadows, but the threat before us was undeniable. This was a crossroads—one where a single misstep could lead to disaster.
The enforcer, (Drachen) exuded an air of brute strength and power. He stood as a sentinel, a living embodiment of the Decepticons' might. My thoughts raced, assessing our options, weighing the risks against the potential rewards.
Lumitron's analytical voice broke through my contemplation. "We've gathered valuable data, but it's time to withdraw. The risk of discovery is too great."
With a reluctant nod, I agreed. This mission was about gathering intelligence, not engaging in a direct confrontation. We needed to relay our findings back to Autobot Command and prepare for what lay ahead.
Skyblaze's POV:
As Shockwave and the enforcer conversed, their voices carried a cold and calculated edge. It was as if the very air around them froze in their presence. I strained to catch snippets of their conversation, my audio receptors picking up fragments of Decepticon plans and strategies.
Fear mingled with determination inside me. We were too close to the enemy, too close to the heart of their operations. Lumitron's words reverberated in my mind, a reminder that our primary objective was to gather information and report back. A direct confrontation was not part of the plan.
With Voltstrike's signal, we began to retreat, my spark still pounding from the intensity of the encounter. Our steps were measured, each one carrying the weight of our mission's success. As we distanced ourselves from the fortress, I couldn't help but cast one last glance over my shoulder, the enforcer's imposing figure etched into my memory.
Lumitron's POV:
Our withdrawal was careful and deliberate, every sensor on high alert for any sign of pursuit. The darkness was our ally once more, masking our movements as we navigated through the treacherous terrain of Cybertron.
Back in the safety of our base, I connected to the communication system and initiated a secure transmission to Autobot Command. The holographic interface flickered to life, and Ultra Magnus's stern visage materialized before us.
Ultra Magnus's voice held a mixture of concern and urgency. "Report, soldiers. What have you discovered?"
I spoke, my voice calm and composed despite the turbulence within me. "Ultra Magnus sir, this is Lumitron. We managed to infiltrate the Decepticon territory and gather significant intelligence. Our analysis reveals a structural weakness in their eastern defenses. However, we encountered Shockwave and a new enforcer, we likely suspect Shockwave to have taken the leadership role within the Decepticons on Cybertron."
Ultra Magnus's optics flared with a mix of apprehension and determination. "Your findings are crucial. Transmit all collected data immediately."
With a few swift commands, I uploaded the data we had gathered—images of fortifications, troop movements, energy readings, and the identified structural weakness. Our mission had been risky, but the potential rewards were immeasurable.
Ultra Magnus's POV:
As the data streamed in, my optics scanned the information, absorbing every detail. The structural weakness was promising, a potential opportunity to strike at the Decepticons and undermine their stronghold. But the presence of Shockwave and the enforcer added an unforeseen layer of complexity to our plans.
I addressed the team, my voice resolute.
Ultra Magnus: "Your actions have provided us with valuable insights, and your bravery is commendable. The information you've gathered will play a crucial role in our strategy moving forward."
Ultra Magnus: "However, we cannot ignore the risks you've encountered. The situation has escalated, and we must prepare for a potential confrontation with Shockwave and his enforcer."
Lumitron nodded, his analytical mind already processing the implications of our next move. "Understood, Ultra Magnus sir. Our priority was to gather information, and we've succeeded in that regard."
Ultra Magnus: "Well done. Assemble at the base immediately. We'll devise a plan based on the data you've collected. The time has come to take the fight to the Decepticons."
The transmission ended, and I was left with a heavy spark. Our path was set a final battle was inevitable, and the fate of Cybertron hung in the balance. I began to coordinate the preparations for the impending assault, knowing that every decision from this point on could shape the course of our world's destiny.
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Shockwave's POV:
In the depths of the Decepticon base, a holographic communications device materialized before me. I stepped forward, my single optic focused and unwavering. With a calculated gesture, I activated the device, and a flickering holographic image of the Unknown Decepticon Leader's form materialized.
The Unknown Decepticon Leader's voice resonated with a powerful aura. "Report, Shockwave. What have you observed?"
My voice, devoid of emotion, conveyed the details of our encounter. "My lord, the Autobots have fallen into the trap. Our intel was accurate, and they've ventured into our territory, as expected."
The Unknown Decepticon Leader's optics bore into mine, his presence commanding respect and attention.
**Unknown Decepticon Leader:** "And what of their response? Have they uncovered our intentions?"
I provided a concise analysis of the situation. "We have gained significant data regarding their movements, defenses, and potential weaknesses. Their incursion into our territory has provided us with an opportunity to assess their strength and intentions."
The Unknown Decepticon Leader's response was a measured affirmation. "Good, Shockwave. This information will prove valuable in our future endeavors."
A surge of determination coursed through my circuits. "The Autobots will soon be wiped from Cybertron, and Cybertron shall be ours."
The Unknown Decepticon Leader's voice held a sense of calculated power. "Continue to gather intelligence, Shockwave. Our victory approaches."
With that, the holographic transmission ended, leaving me to contemplate the imminent triumph that lay ahead. The Autobots had unknowingly walked into the snare we meticulously set. The countdown to their destruction had begun, and I was entrusted with overseeing the meticulous execution of our plans.
As my single optic gleamed with intensity, I turned to ensure that every piece of the puzzle was falling into place. The Autobots' fate was sealed, and I was poised to guide the Decepticons towards victory on Cybertron.
A/N
(I hope this interlude was okay to let you know when this interlude is set in regards to the story, it's during and before LOG-03)