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The two-story building, judging by architectural artistry, looked nothing special. Distinguishing features were totally lacking – not a tall stem-like stalk topped with a disc and a thin antenna, like Seattle’s Space Needle; not a geodesic dome of countless polygons forming a sphere, like EPCOT in Disney World; not an orderly arrangement of towering columns, like those of the ancient Acropolis of Athens. Indeed, it was merely a simple off-white block of granite, concrete, and steel, with ordinary squared windows embedded in its walls; so generic that the least imaginative minds would find it boring.And it would be just that… if not for its location in a valley between a low mountain ridge on one side and patches of forest on the opposite side, with dimming sunset rays peering over the treetops. The structure did have some help in looking a little more exciting - like rows of small, self-guided auto-guns running along the edges of the roof like ornamental gargoyles. Its immediate outer perimeter also contributed to jazzing up the look of the place – with a squad of three black drone tanks, all armed with double-barrelled cannons, parked outside each of its four walls. Yet besides these defenses, simply existing in this area would have been the one thing making this otherwise nondescript building stand out in any way – an artificial monolith stark against its natural surroundings, like a small black spot standing out on plain white paper.All too easy a target to be acquired.“That the place we lookin’ for, Rumble?”“S’gotta be. Ya can’t miss it.”The ridge was just the right distance from the guarded building – far enough to avoid detection by the defenses, close enough for a clear view in safety – to provide an ideal cover for four small robotic beings observing their quarry. Rumble and Frenzy – identical in humanoid shape with only their blue and red color schemes distinguishing them – were both peeking at their target from behind the rocky formation. Sitting on the ground close to them was mech-condor Laserbeak, while panther-like Ravage stayed in the shadows provided by their cover, cautiously poking his head out for a surreptitious look of his own. Uttering a barely-audible growl, the feline Decepticon was thankful this mission was taking place at dusk, when the sun sinking behind the forest wouldn’t bother his light sensitivity as much. As for Laserbeak, he couldn’t wait for the job to be over; he knew it was important, but had no desire to stare down the guns on those tanks. He did his best to hide his fear during most missions – he was even better at hiding from the enemy when on reconnaissance duty – but facing opposition head-on was a whole other matter.

Rumble slipped completely behind the rock while pulling Frenzy with him, and beckoned to his beast-mode colleagues for a huddle. “Okay, guys. Soundwave picked us for this gig, so we better do it right. Laserbeak, got the map?”A small tubular camera rose slightly from the flat top facet of Laserbeak’s condor-like head as he turned his gaze toward a flat surface on the wall-like rock. As the camera’s front-facing lens lit up, the camera projected some wireframe schematic designs of a two-floored construction – the proportions of which matched the structure the Decepticons had been watching. The X-ray-like interior views revealed staircases, individual rooms on both floors, and a blinking red dot inside one room on the upper floor, which Rumble pointed at with his index finger.“2-1-3. That’s the room number we gotta find. All o’ ya better scan this now.”Rumble, Frenzy, and Ravage looked at the image on the rock, recorded the visual input with their optic sensors, and stored it in their memories, before Laserbeak shut off the projection and retracted the camera back inside his head with a raspy metal-edged squawk.“All right, so what the boss says we gotta do,” Rumble began, “is break into the place, nab a secret file stored in the main computer, and bust outta there.”“Heh, this ain’t no challenge,” scoffed Frenzy as he pulled his two winged laser guns off his back mounts. “Just a good ol’ hack-’n’-slash job!”“No, don’t – Get back –! Gaahhh…!”It was safe to assume Frenzy did not hear Rumble’s protests, or the animalistic sounds of disapproval from Laserbeak or Ravage, as he sprinted toward the building, blasters in both clenched hands. No problem; take out the tanks, blast my way in, get up top, and there it is. He didn’t feel the least bit of intimidation when the tank trio at the front wall swiveled their turrets and aimed their dual cannons right at him. He responded to their threat by firing a barrage of lasers from both his guns –– which ricocheted harmlessly off the drone tanks’ angled armor. The sight of this failed attack alone was unnerving on its own, but driving that point home were the squads at the other walls rolling in to join the tanks at the front. Skidding awkwardly into a bad baseball slide to the ground and finding himself outnumbered twelve to one, Frenzy regained his wits with the barest amount of time to retreat, before the tanks’ first shells punched the ground mere inches away from him. More cannon fire plunged into the terrain, setting off a trail of explosions like small geysers of gravel, all following him as he ran back to the ridge. There, Frenzy was safe again… until a pair of metal hands grabbed his shoulders and slammed him back against the rock.“Hey, what gives, Rumble?!”“You did, you frag-wit! You just gave us away!”“Well, how'd ya expect to take those tanks out?!”“ ~ Skraawk! Skrawk-raww-raaawk! ~ ”“Don't you start, 'Beak!”Though he really felt Frenzy deserved a hard fist to the head for his senseless tactic, Rumble thought about the needs of the mission and nevertheless let him go, still seething. “Great. They know we're here, and now they're waitin' for us. This is gonna set us back big time.”“Can't we wait it out overnight?”“No way; the boss wants this job done fast. You wanna explain to him why we took so long?”“ ~ Grrrauurr-ruuurr-raauuaaarr… ~ ”The gravelly low-pitched snarls made Rumble divert his attention downward to the source of those noises. “Whad’ya say, Ravage?”“ ~ Grruuaauurr-uurraaurr-raarr-rarr-raaauurr. ~ ”“A plan, huh? A’right, let's hear it.”When Rumble and Frenzy crouched down to within arm's reach of the two mech-beasts, Ravage began to “speak” – in a series of low, metallic growls – to each of his comrades at different turns. After the feline saboteur had finished, Frenzy couldn't help scratching his head. “Huh. That just might work.”“Yeah, if you don't mess up this time.”“Aw, get off my case, Rumble. Anyway, I get to be the first one out there, right?”“Yeah, but not ’til Laserbeak and I take off. Hey, Ravage, you didn’t say what you’re gonna do – Ravage…?” Rumble stood up in confusion while staying behind cover, and darted his optics around the nearby area, but found no sign of the robotic jaguar. “Ravage?”Frenzy also got up and looked around, with no better luck spotting their missing teammate. “What in the slaggin’–? Laserbeak, d’you see where Ravage took off to?”“ ~ Skraww-kaww-raawww. ~ ”“How’d’ya like that? He tells us what to do, then runs off and hides.”“I dunno ’bout that,” Rumble mused. “I think he’s got his own plan, and he’s the only one better than Laserbeak at stayin’ outta sight.”“But why didn’t he say nothin' before he took off? We could be doin’ all the dirty work while he sits back on his haunches!”“Doubt it, Frenzy. I’d say he’s waitin’ for us to get movin’. Laserbeak, ya ready?”“ ~ Skraww! ~ ”“Okay. Let's hit ’em.”
(Soundtrack link: "Run Rabbit Junk" , music by Yoko Kanno, lyrics by Tim Jensen - from the soundtrack to the anime series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.)
Rumble sprang up and transformed, shrinking down to his smaller cassette mode in mid-jump, while Laserbeak rose from the ground and caught Rumble in his beak, right before rocketing upward and disappearing far up in the darkening sky. On that cue, Frenzy pulled a blaster from his right back mount, and rushed out from behind the cover of the mountain ridge. The reckless warrior screamed headlong toward the building, not noticing the last gasp of deep-orange rays glowing from the sliver of sun hiding behind the distant forest. As Frenzy expected, he found the dozen drone tanks still in exactly the same spots where they were at the end of his failed solo attack. But as he saw the tanks rolling on their treads toward him, the tracking systems of their cannons scoping for the intruder, he knew there was a big difference in this second chance – he was actually ready for them.“Hey, d’ya miss me? Should'na done that the first time!”His charge came to a sudden stop mere meters away from the tank formations, their cannons now locked on target. Frenzy would be a sitting dynametal duck – until he sharply thrust back his elbows and rolled the sound generators inside his torso. Tapping into this internal device, Frenzy released wave after wave of unbearably loud, piercing, sonic vibrations from inside his chest, aimed straight at the lead tank in front of him. The screeching sonic bursts slammed hard against the tank, penetrated the armored hull, and washed through its internal mechanisms. The electronic signals running through the wiring and circuit board paths inside the tank were violently scrambled, and began firing off false signals throughout all its components guiding its actions and capabilities.With its CPU completely confused by the erratic commands surging through it, the tank’s autonomous attempts to follow those signals led to its first disastrous result. Its guidance system ordered the tank to take a sharp left turn, causing it to crash into a neighboring tank in its own trio formation. More chaotic signals in its circuitry ordered the tank’s weaponry console to rotate its turret and fire its ammunition – at the same time. The tank had become an interpretation of a lawn sprinkler, shooting artillery instead of water, some of which became friendly fire against the other drone tanks.Feeling this was just the start of his fun, Frenzy grinned maniacally as he aimed his chest toward the other tanks, washing them over with more of his screeching sonic attack and spiraling the land-based forces into complete disarray. One tank T-boned another one in a collision that flipped the impacted vehicle upside down. Another tank fired its cannons full force and blasted the turret clean off yet another one. A cluster of three other tanks in a triangle formation was driving toward Frenzy; once his ultra-high-frequency bursts reached them, they swerved wildly apart with their turrets spinning out of control, until they collided with others in their force, blasting away aimlessly in the midst of the military demolition derby.The defense auto-guns sat helplessly and uselessly along the edges of the building’s roof. If Frenzy's attack wasn’t just out of range of the auto-guns’ detection scanners, they could have assisted the malfunctioning tanks. Indeed, if their programming bore anything resembling sentience, they would never know of the airborne avian assassin sniping them out of existence from staggering altitude – and with expert precision – with his own independently-targetable laser cannons attached to the jet-propelled flight modules on his back.With the two lines of defense summarily dispatched, Laserbeak dove toward the building like a falcon pursuing its prey, perfectly timing his deceleration to land effortlessly on the edge of the roof. He opened his beak and dropped Rumble from the edge. The mini-cassette quickly transformed to his normal-sized robot mode and landed on the ground right by the front wall, paying little mind to Frenzy's handiwork on the disoriented tanks behind him."No tanks, no guns. Now… we tear down the wall!"A stream of mental impulses in Rumble’s brain reached his arms, both of which changed shape to vertical cylindrical columns with piston-like piledrivers at the bottom ends. The Decepticon hammered the ground repeatedly and relentlessly with the piledrivers, sending heavy ground waves toward the building. Knowing what was about to come next, Laserbeak left his perch on the roof and swooped down to hover close to Rumble, awaiting the inevitable. As the tremors built up to an earthquake, the wall shook from the heavy disturbance until its bottom half crumbled to the tarmac, tearing open a crude doorway into the lower floor.“Now that’s a beauty.”With just a few seconds to admire his demolition work, Rumble transformed his arms back to normal, then like Frenzy before him, removed the blaster rifle from the right side of his back as he stormed through his newly-made entrance, clambering over the bank of rubble that lay on the ground in front of it like a giant doormat. “Come on in, boys! Let’s bring some doom!”Having left the tanks in a tangled heap of crashed, sparking wrecks, Frenzy hurried to the building with Laserbeak joining him through the newly-made door. As the trio of Decepticons had gathered inside, they found its interior to be nothing like its dull outward appearance – a spacious low-lit lobby with military-grade metal walls, solid and mesh, and an industrial-strength floor. Frenzy looked around the lobby, noticing the three walls – one in front of them, and another at either side of them – each had a doorway leading to a corridor. “Which way’s the closest elevator? That oughta be our fastest way to the top.”Rumble nodded. “Check yer maps.”Tapping into their digital memories, Rumble, Frenzy, and Laserbeak pulled up a window-like inset image in the visual fields within their optical lenses. The schematic diagrams they had viewed before their raid appeared in the inset, with a dotted line leading from their current position, through a maze of pathways along the bottom floor, and pointing to the side of a wall. Another dotted line ran upward through a vertical shaft into the upper floor, followed by a third line which headed straight to the room with the blinking red dot inside it. With a short squawk, Laserbeak flew through the doorway of the middle wall.“Looks like we’re takin’ door number two,” said Rumble. “Let’s go!”But just as he and Frenzy barely reached the door, they had to dodge an unexpected sight – Laserbeak bolting back in through the door and into the lobby. “What’sa matter, Laserbeak; ain’t that the right way?”“ ~ Skraaaakk! Skraaak-raah-krah-raaaak! ~ ”“Pfft, defenses?” Frenzy scoffed. “What kinda defenses got you runnin’ so scared? C’mon, we’ll take ’em easy!”“Yeah, if you’re that worried, just stick behind us!”Still brandishing their guns while sweeping their optics all along their immediate surroundings, Rumble and Frenzy cautiously snuck their way through the middle corridor, with Laserbeak floating low behind their backs. The path led into another metal chamber of similar construction to the lobby, also under dim light, with small signs of “DANGER”, “CAUTION”, and other warnings, as well as borders of yellow-and-black safety strips along designated areas. In this darkness, though, the Decepticons could spot some movement from around a corner down at the far end of the chamber… where something stepped into view.It appeared to be a basic type of robot walker, gunmetal grey and slightly taller than a human – about the same size as Rumble and Frenzy – with a slender pair of mechanical bird-walker legs taking up about three-quarters of its height. Sitting atop the backward-kneed leg assembly was a simple canister-shaped object that acted as a head, torso, and turret all at once. Attached behind this “head” was a small concave rectangular screen with a short antenna in the center. On either side of the same “head” was a pair of mis-matched guns: its right gun resembled the heavy bore of a cannon, while the smaller weapon on its left appeared to be a chain gun. Just the sight of this walker drone, without even firing a single shot, would be enough to frighten off any human foolish enough to break into this facility.But not a Decepticon. Most Decepticons, anyway.Equal parts amused and annoyed, Rumble shot a look at their bird-like partner hiding behind him and pointed at the drone. “Is that it? That’s what got you leakin’ all yer fluids? Geez, Laserbeak; d’ya forget about your own guns?!”Looking back down the chamber, Rumble locked the walker drone in his sights. With one blast of his gun, the drone exploded in a burst of shattered parts before the Decepticon glared back at Laserbeak. “That better now?”“ ~ Skraawwk…. ~ ”Laserbeak subtly pointed back to the other end of the chamber, as best as he could gesture with his condor-like head. Confused by why his squawk was so quiet, Rumble and Frenzy turned their heads toward Laserbeak’s gaze, and watched another drone walker stride out.And another one.And another.And another.And another. And another.And another and another and another.And yet many others, until the number of drones equaled a small platoon.This sight was enough to make Rumble and Frenzy exchange a concerned glance… but not scare them away. They snapped their optics back at the mass of drones and fired their guns, successfully taking down a few of them.The remaining drones’ counterattack with multiple cannons and rapid-fire chain guns blazing away was finally enough to repel the three Decepticons, sending them scurrying back into the safety of the corridor between the lobby and the chamber.“ ~ Ska-skraaa-krawk! ~ ”Rumble had to stop himself from instinctively backhanding the mecha-condor. “Don’t give me that ‘I told you so’ scrap! So the place’s got protection on the inside. Not a problem; just means this mission only got a little harder.”“You call that ‘only a little’?” snapped Frenzy, pointing his left thumb toward the chamber filling up with more walker drones. “You do know, if there’s a bunch of those things right here, then this place’ll be totally crawling with more of those things in every path we take!”“Yeah, but they ain’t no bigger than us. Think you can take ’em out the same way you wasted those tanks?”Frenzy tapped his chin component in a short moment of thought. “Yeah, I can do it. Hey, I’m sure we all know the way to get to the elevator, but you guys mind if I take the lead?”His right hand already armed, Rumble reached behind the left side of his back, snapped off his other gun, and clanked both blasters together like a two-fisted gunslinger. “Right behind ya, pal. Laserbeak, ya still with us, or you gonna sit this one out?”With a terrified shriek, the condor folded up and shrank to his mini-cassette mode, dropping to the floor with a faint clatter. Rumble simply grimaced at the display of cowardice in disgust. “I wish he’d get it through his processor. Not every mission we do can be just hidin’ and snoopin’!”Shaking his head, Frenzy reached down and picked up cassette-mode Laserbeak with his free left hand. “It’s a’right; I got him. Let’s take ‘em!”
(Soundtrack link: “Firestarter” by The Prodigy.)
Weapons at the ready, the Decepticon duo sprinted from the corridor into the chamber, where twenty walker drones had assembled in rows of seven, six, and seven. But before the drones could open fire, Rumble and Frenzy both took a stance and quick-drew their attacks. Frenzy put his internal generator to work, washing over the heart of the drones’ rank-and-file formation with salvos of his malfunction-inducing waves, knocking them out. The few that survived Frenzy’s attack were picked off by Rumble’s two blasters. With the first obstacle cleared, the pair ran to the end of the chamber and turned the corner, finding more walker drones marching toward them… and meeting the same fate as the first wave, no match for the two Decepticons.

As Rumble and Frenzy followed the digital maps from their memories, each corner they turned, each corridor they barreled through, were left littered with metal scraps of every wave of walker drones that tried and failed to stop them, all victims of the Decepticons’ combined teamwork with sonic power and firepower. A few more turns later, they reached another long corridor where they scanned their optic sensors along the left-side wall, as their maps indicated this was the end of the first stage of their search. Soon, they found a square frame in the wall housing a heavy metallic sliding door, with a small push-button control panel at the right side of the frame. If Rumble’s hands weren’t full with his blasters, he’d be rubbing them in elation. “All right; we’re about to literally level up! Frenzy, get the door!”While still holding cassette-mode Laserbeak in his left fist, Frenzy carefully uncurled his index finger and pressed the “up” button.No reaction.“What the…?” Frenzy pressed the button a second time, again with no response.“Come on, you frackin’...!”One more press of the button still yielded no results, except for Frenzy spewing a tirade. “It ain’t workin’! They must’ve shut it down to keep us down on this floor! Whadda we do now?!”Rumble simply looked back at his wound-up partner. “Whaddya think, dummy? We got a map. Just look for the stairs!”Back on the move, the map in their memories tracked an alternate route through the halls, with more walker drones becoming cannon fodder along the way. Finding the stairwell leading to the upper floor proved little to no challenge; once they reached the top, they burst through the door, taking down more drones until the corridor appeared devoid of activity.“Easy as palladium pie,” grinned Rumble while blowing a puff of smoke off the barrel end of one of his blasters. “Almost there, I think?”Frenzy checked the map in the inset window within his visual field, and found the blinking little red dot in the schematic. “Yeah, nailed it. Room 213 is just a few steps dead ahead!”Just then, Frenzy felt the mini-cassette wriggling in his left fist for a fraction of a second. As though hatching out of an eggshell at high speed, Laserbeak quickly transformed and flew out of Frenzy’s hand, returning to his full-sized condor mode and flying straight toward the door labeled with the three-digit numeral they sought. “Oh, sure, now you wanna fly ahead,” Frenzy muttered as he and Rumble followed as closely as they could.Despite Laserbeak’s opportunism and without further quarrel, the pair met him at Room 213’s door, which had a small electronic keypad embedded next to it in the wall. Rumble could barely suppress his excitement, feeling so close to completing the mission. “Here’s the final round, boys. Anyone got a code to unlock this door?”Mention of a code for the door made Frenzy double-take at his twin partner. “Code? Who needs a code? Can’t we just blast our way in?”“Nuh-uh. If we blow up the door, the debris could smash the computer we’re lookin’ for, and that’ll end our mission real bad.”“Well, how ’bout we bash it down? Can’t be too hard to do that.”“ ~ Skrawk-skrawk-raaak. ~ ”The squawk pulled Rumble’s attention from his debate. “What, ya see somethin’?”Aiming the pointed tip of his beak toward the door was the cassette condor’s best non-verbal cue to tell the others, Just look over there. Doing just that, they noticed something – a single thin line of empty space bordering the vertical edge of the door. That sight put Rumble into a surprised double-take of his own, toward the door.. “What the – why’s the door open?!”Frenzy was puzzled as well. “That don’t make any sense. We’re supposed to find what we’re lookin’ for in here, right? So why ain’t it locked up? There’s gotta be a trap inside!”“ ~ Skraw-rawk skaww-skrawk-raww-raaawk. ~ ”“Yeah, you’re right,” Rumble thought. “Even if the door was shut, there’d still be some kind of protection in the room anyway. Think you’re ready?”Frenzy gave a confident pat on the side of his blaster gun. “Oh, yeah.”In contrast to the first part of their infiltration into the facility, Frenzy pushed open the door with his free hand very slowly, allowing the trio to cautiously creep into the room as quietly as they possibly could – normally uncharacteristic of Rumble and Frenzy, but perfectly normal for the hovering Laserbeak. As they looked around, the inside of the room filled their optics with all manner of computerized technology – wall to wall, floor to ceiling, with multi-colored rows of lights, video monitor screens of various sizes, and panels bearing all sorts of controls from keyboards to data drive slots.“Get a load of all this action,” Frenzy whispered, unable to conceal his awe. “How many mainframes d’ya think are in this room?”“I ain’t worried about how many are in here,” said Rumble, “I just wanna find the right one, grab what we want, and get outta here.”Gun in hand, Frenzy swept his optics around the room, still marveling at the sheer bounty of computer tech filling it up, until the sight of the largest vid-screen in the place snapped his mind back to the mission. “How ’bout that big one?”Rumble shrugged as he re-attached both his blaster guns to the mounting points on his back. “Guess we gotta start somewhere. You and Laserbeak watch the door and cover me while I hack this thing. I’m pretty sure I know how to do this….”Once Laserbeak and Frenzy took their spots facing the doorway while staying in the room, Rumble rubbed his hands and flexed his fingers to psyche himself up before going to work on the computer - being only somewhat larger than the average human, he was just the right size to comfortably operate it. As he worked with the keyboards and switches on the main control panel, text commands, replies, and queries appeared on the main screen – “Open Main Menu”, “Access Memory”, “Search Files”, and the like – in response to his input. Text menus and other images flashed on the screen and vanished as Rumble worked feverishly on the computer, until a small list of file names stayed steady on the digital display.“S’gotta be one of these. What was that decryption code again…?”After a snap of his fingers, Rumble clattered them along the keyboard again, expecting his progress to lead to his desired result. According to the screen display, it was not to be.“What the slaggin’...?”“Wassup, Rumble?”“It ain’t in here!”Frenzy turned toward Rumble and the computer, somehow failing to notice the words “File Not Found” on the computer screen. “Whaddya mean, it ain’t there?”“Exactly what I just said; I scanned every file in this thing and it ain’t got it!”“Maybe you punched in the wrong codes?”“No way, man; I did everything like the boss told us! Just look at the shockin’ screen!”When Frenzy saw the words on the computer screen, he went over to join Rumble and take a closer look at the text, wondering if maybe staring at it longer would magically change them into something they actually wanted to see. “I don’t get it. We did everything they said, and this thing ain’t got what we’re lookin’ for? What the Pit are we supposed to do this time?”Unable to devise any alternate scenarios, Rumble drew his right back-mounted gun again. “I dunno ’bout you, but if this is some sneaky decoy move to trap us all, then I ain’t going down without some big fight. Forget the file; we gotta – ”Click. Beep.“ ~ Skraaawk! ~ ”Laserbeak’s startled squawk prompted Rumble and Frenzy to point their guns in the direction of the electronic sounds they just heard – a second computer on a wall adjacent to the one Rumble was hacking. The trio’s trepidation turned into confusion, when they saw the graphic display on the other computer’s screen showing a horizontal bar scale filled to the “100%” indicator at its right end… and that same image underlining the blinking words “Download: Complete.” Once the reply had steadied on the screen, popping out of an interface slot on the computer’s dash with a quiet, airy “whoosh” was a black-and-silver data cartridge – with a suspicious likeness to a mini-cassette. The device grew and unfolded into a robotic panther-like shape, and landed on all fours in front of the other Decepticons.“Ravage?!” a shocked Rumble cried. “How the slag did you get here before we did?”Without acknowledging the others with so little as a sotto purr of a growl, Ravage padded silently over to the auxiliary computer and stood there with his left hip right next to it. A small warhead disconnected from the missile launcher on his hip, and attached itself like a magnet to the computer dash. On the warhead was a tiny digital readout of some numbers… which were incrementally counting in descending order.Rumble knew the countdown meant hesitation was not an option in anyone’s drop-down menu now. “Bomb’s planted, boys! Time we weren't here!”Never one to hesitate when running for safety, Laserbeak seized the opportunity to blast a hole through the ceiling and zip out through the improvised escape route. Ravage pounced off the floor and transformed to his smaller cassette mode, allowing Rumble to snatch him in his hand before he and Frenzy followed Laserbeak and hit the skies. While flying back to their strategic position at the mountain ridge, Rumble glanced down below, taking in a bird’s-eye view of the carnage that he and the other Decepticons had inflicted during the mission – the drone tanks had been so brutalized, that their remains made a freeway traffic accident look little more than plastic cars in a child’s toy box. He then glanced at the black-and-silver cassette in his hand, smirking at it. I dunno how ya do it, Ravage, he thought, but I’m bettin’ we’re all gonna score big.The Decepticons landed behind the geological landmark where they first began their mission, and Rumble tossed Ravage from his hand, allowing the cat-like Decepticon to transform back to his beast mode. Remaining behind the safety of the giant rock, the quartet peered out from the side, with Laserbeak levitating over the heads of the others. “How much time left?” said Frenzy excitedly. “I wanna see that thing go boom!”“ ~ Grrrauurr-uurraaurr-rauurr. ~ ”“Five more astroseconds, huh?” Rumble followed. “Four… three… two…”He covered his audio receptors with his hands, with Frenzy doing likewise. Laserbeak darted behind the rock, while Ravage simply watched impassively.“... one.”The explosion came when expected… but not how. The whole perimeter of the building’s foundation detonated in a burst of fire, followed by all four walls dropping straight down like violent waterfalls. In a matter of seconds, all that remained in the destructive wake was an enormous pile of buried-out rubble veiled in smoke and dust. While Ravage kept watching the end result with no change of expression, his other comrades stepped out – or in Laserbeak’s case, levitated – from behind their rocky rendezvous point, all gaping at the demolished site.“Holy scrag,” Frenzy gasped. “How’d ya do that with just one bomb?“ ~ Grarr-raaurr-grrraa-urraar-grrraaar. ~ ”“No wonder you took off on us,” said Rumble with an amused yet approving smirk. “Already sneakin’ around in the dark and plantin’ bombs before we even made our first move.”“But that still don’t explain how you got in there without us seein’ ya. How’d ya pull that off?”Ravage looked at Frenzy for a few moments… and looked back at the wreckage without an answer. Laserbeak simply took in everything, both within his circle and the bigger picture. Though he could use his precision lasers to persuade Ravage to “talk”, he had no interest in interrogating a fellow Decepticon.Frenzy shook his head at Ravage’s silence, but knew there wasn’t a need to pursue that last detail. “All right, keep your damn secrets. Gotta hand it to ya; for someone who don’t say much, you sure make it up with big results.”“Speakin’ of results, I gotta get on the horn with the boss.” Rumble raised his left wrist into view, and a small flip-up communicator swung up from the edge of his forearm. “Hey, Soundwave.. Got the prize and tore the house down. Ya read me, big guy?”A synthesized, harmonically-filtered, monotone voice reverberated from the skies, filling the atmosphere like a god-like presence. “Objective accomplished. Deactivating simulation.”Once the voice faded into silence, the full expanse of the territory – the sunset, the forest, the ridge, the terrain, the demolished structure, and the sky itself – saw its all colors similarly vanish, leaving behind a void with monochrome wireframes as “skeleton” images of the area’s features. The ground that the four Decepticons were standing on was now a plain grid of thin, perpendicular-crossing lines. The polygonal “skeleton” remains of the scenery also began to flatten out and disappear until they became simple grid walls just like the floor, morphing into a squared arena with no ceiling.

Frenzy was still awash from the rush as though he had just finished a real-life mission. “Man, that was fun! I wanna see my score! How’d I do?”A mist of tiny, white, glowing, cube-shaped particles began to materialize in the empty space not too high above the Decepticons’ heads. The cloud of particles began to shift and spread into a wide rectangular shape, its four sides solidifying into a floating hollow frame. Tiny lights began to twinkle on and off inside the frame, before coalescing into alphanumeric characters. Four words formed on the left end inside the frame, with a numerical value after each word:
RAVAGE - 80 points
RUMBLE - 50 points
LASERBEAK - 45 points
FRENZY - 25 points
“What?! Last place again?! What’d I do this time?!”The electronic voice spoke again, with each name on the scoreboard glowing one at a time in order of the participants being discussed.“Ravage: performance evaluation.
Credits… Creation of mission strategy: 15 points.
Use of stealth to infiltrate target undetected: 20 points.
Efficiency in placing explosives: 20 points.
Successful extraction of file: 25 points.
Bonus earned for attaining primary goal: 10 points.
Demerits… Insistence on acting independently, hindering teamwork: negative 10 points.”“Rumble: performance evaluation.
Credits… High initiative in coordination of mission: 25 points.
Successful breach of target, preparing for infiltration: 20 points.
Effective support in eliminating interior security: 15 points.
Demerits… Neglect to investigate an alternate computer after fist investigation failed: negative 10 points.”“Laserbeak: performance evaluation.
Credits… Expert marksmanship in eliminating exterior defenses: 20 points.
Effective cooperation in deployment of teammate Rumble: 15 points.
Detection of unplanned detail before final stage of infiltration: 10 points
Improvised method of escape:15 points.
Demerits… Blatant inability to overcome fear during mission: negative 15 points.”“Frenzy: performance evaluation.
Credits… Effective elimination of exterior defenses: 20 points.
Assistance to teammate Laserbeak: 10 points
Successful elimination of interior security: 15 points.
Demerits… Failed attempt at initial direct attack: negative 15 points.
Lack of self-discipline: negative 5 points.”The indignant Frenzy looked down at Ravage who had curled up comfortably on the floor grid, savoring his victory like a lion relaxing after feeding on a fresh kill. “Look at you all smug,” he spat. “You would’na won if this game took place in daylight. Some team player you are, stealing the glory for yourself. Bad enough I never get to use my sonic attack in a real-life fight.”“Hey, lay off him,” Rumble cut in. “We all know he works best alone, and we can’t deny he gets the job done. Anyway, that’s your best score so far, but you’d’ve got more if you didn’t go after those tanks all crazy-like. Just gotta watch that next time, is all.”“Yeah, and next time I’ll finally beat you and Laserbeak.”“Only if you plug into a cyber-dreamscape, pal. Ask Soundwave to code one up for ya.”“Attention,” rang out Soundwave’s voice again. “Virtual session terminating. Must return to physical world immediately.”“Back to the real world already?” said Rumble. “Buzzsaw must be on his way back.”“Maybe he’s finally got somethin’ on the Autobots,” said Frenzy. “Too bad he didn’t get to play this round with us. Wonder how he’d do?”“Heh, never thought to ask, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he got good like Ravage. You’d think he’d be trainin’ here all the time.”

(To be continued… in the “real world” of 1998....)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

( Intro sequence )

– June 1998, in the “real” world

{Day 1}

A row of five minuscule lights embedded in the trapezoid panel – one of several facets on a small black six-sided metal box, resembling a finely cut jewel – flickered in multiple colors like Christmas lights before all settling on red, matching an illuminated larger circular lens set in the same facet. A low, electronic hum droned from the gem-shaped object, linked by a short cable to a widescreen computer while sitting atop its dash-like desktop. After the red-lit lens and tiny lights sat steady for a few moments before changing to a light blue, the hum went silent before an electronically filtered voice spoke briefly before the lights also switched off.
~ Aggregate of core consciousness returned to physical body. Safe to disconnect. ~
Perched on the same computer dash beside the black jewel-like box, a dark-blue cuboid cassette player of similar size unplugged an electronic probe from the device’s interface socket. Once disconnected, the player rose from the desktop as its parts shifted and unfolded, growing into Soundwave’s full-sized robot mode as he landed standing on the purple metal floor of his personal quarters, the decor of which shared the same hue. Thus logged another successful virtual training session in the digital records, with the aim of honing and improving his minions’ skills. But as he left his quarters and made his way down the main corridor, he knew a matter in the physical world required his immediate attention. Though no sense of emotion could be read behind his crimson optical visor and his angled mask-like mouthplate, he had anticipated the return of the one member of his spy cassette cadre who was absent from the training session. As far as the Decepticons’ plans were concerned, the outcome of this arrival would be crucial.Soundwave was never off-duty, even when the Decepticons went through rare periods of downtime; neither his job – coordinating his spy squad, recording and archiving information, monitoring and intercepting signals - nor his patience seemed to ever end. While scanning Earth’s transmissions in his personal quarters – which doubled as an auxiliary communications center for the Decepticons’ undersea base – he had become fascinated by Earth’s growing cyberspace network called the World Wide Web. Outgrowing its origins in the restricted confines of government facilities and research laboratories, the Web had become staggeringly elaborate, not to mention extremely popular. Ordinary citizens could link their home computers and create personal cyberspace nodes on the ever-growing network, just as easily as large businesses, media conglomerates, and other institutions on this planet could do. These stops on this “information superhighway” – or “websites”, as the humans called them – were multiplying exponentially with no end in sight. Soundwave conceded that this achievement was rather impressive, for a species whose technology his comrades felt was laughably weak and primitive by their standards; more so that the growth of this human-built entity was limitless.When initial studies of the Internet yielded mediocre results – and more insight into human behavior than the Decepticons cared to know – Megatron dismissed this human creation as too trivial to be worth pursuing. But Soundwave chose to conduct more research privately, ignoring any content he deemed unnecessary (of which there was a lot), leading to findings that he felt the Decepticons could apply to improve their resources and operations. Understanding the potential this resource could offer, Megatron placed the Communications Officer in charge of Internet-based research, granting free reign to his most loyal lieutenant for his work. This carte blanche led to Soundwave going so far as to create his own virtual “grid”, a cyberspace environment separate from the rest of the Web, for his experimental work.But now, the Decepticons’ ongoing work in the so-called "real" world needed both his attention and his presence in the command centre of their undersea headquarters. Though progress in collecting resources for energon, weaponry, and other hardware remained steady, Soundwave deduced that a discussion about their Autobot enemies wasn't going as well as they hoped… which he could tell from Megatron's rasp-edged baritone barking from the command centre before he even reached the entrance. Though gifted with uniquely finely-tuned sensors that allowed him to hear sounds and detect signals at frequencies that most Transformers couldn’t, Soundwave didn’t need to adjust them to gauge how well that discussion was going.

“They GOT AWAY?!”Soundwave found a furious Megatron and a nervous Starscream in front of the main computer’s giant screen, which displayed Shockwave’s image transmitted across the vast distance through space from Cybertron. Though the “face” of the Decepticons’ appointed Guardian of Cybertron - a hexagonal-prism head with a single yellow light in the centre - was even less emotionally readable than Soundwave’s mysterious visage, Soundwave sensed hesitation in Shockwave’s more even-toned voice. “Unfortunately… it is true, Megatron. It appears the Autobots were already prepared for our ambush.”“Do you expect me to believe that, with all the troops on Cybertron under your command, they failed to stop Omega Supreme from leaving the planet?!”“I don’t want to bring up a bad reminder, Megatron,” Starscream cut in, knowing his interruption was unwise on several levels, “but we Decepticons on Earth have also had little success against Omega Supreme in battle.”“Silence, Starscream!”While Shockwave knew further reporting on his forces’ failed assignment would do little to mitigate Megatron’s displeasure, he had to try to steer the discussion back on track. “I must add that, while Omega Supreme is already formidable as an adversary, the Autobots had also deployed some unexpected special forces units to push back our intercept squads.”“Nevertheless,” Megatron snarled, “the fact remains that the Autobots got what they wanted from Cybertron. And whatever purpose it has to do with Earth, we still know nothing about it!”A button on one of the main computer’s keyboards began to blink with a repeating low-pitched beep. Soundwave struck the control key, knowing its significance. “Docking tower has landed,” he said. “Buzzsaw returns from reconnaissance.”“Good,” Megatron grumbled. “Perhaps he will deliver some good news.”Coasting through the command centre’s entrance was a small robotic condor, like Laserbeak but in black-and-gold, heading straight for Soundwave and folding up into his cassette mode. As the Communications Officer pressed the eject button on his left shoulder, flipping down his cassette-deck chest panel, he felt something was wrong – the spy bird didn’t even acknowledge Megatron before sliding home inside Soundwave’s internal compartment, before the panel closed to secure him in his master’s chest. A quick internal scan of Buzzsaw’s memory bank revealed to Soundwave that he probably didn’t want to see Megatron’s reaction firsthand.“Correction,” Soundwave spoke. “Buzzsaw reports security at Autobot Headquarters have greatly upgraded. Current status indicates it is nearly impenetrable to infiltration.”“Impenetrable?! How is that possible?”Soundwave stepped up to the main computer and pressed his eject button again. Once his chest panel reopened, he reached inside his cassette compartment, pulled out Buzzsaw – who wisely remained in cassette mode – and inserted him into a media slot in the computer. The giant screen split in half; with Shockwave’s image shifted to the left side, the right half displayed an image gallery showing multiple angles of a volcano with a vast orange-gold spacecraft embedded in its base, the rear engines of which were openly visible. “A reinforced barrier shields the Autobot base’s main entrance through the Ark’s hangar bay. Similar protective measures have been installed in the vent of the volcano summit, with retracting auto-guns in its side. Other defenses may also be present inside the base, which cannot be determined.”Starscream crossed his arms in disgust as he glared at the readouts on the screen. “So what you’re saying is Autobot Headquarters has become impossible for our spies to infiltrate. And Omega’s about to return to their base any time now. Wonderful.”“With their security heightened to such unprecedented levels, and their counterattack against us on Cybertron,” Shockwave offered, his image still on the left half of the computer’s giant screen, “one must assume they must be planning something of extreme importance, which could affect matters primarily on Earth, and also Cybertron afterward. We must take action if we expect to learn their plans, but the only way to do this is by infiltrating their base.”“Then why not send Skywarp with a micro-transmitter? He can teleport past their outer defenses and plant the bug inside – ”“Negative, Starscream,” Megatron interrupted. “If he teleports into enemy territory and appears in front of an Autobot, he’d suffer worse than just blowing his cover. And as effective as he is in battle, I doubt I can rely on him to pull off that kind of stealth mission by himself.”“Well, an Autobot is sure to leave the base for some reason and go back later. How about Soundwave send out one of his minions again, have him wait outside their base until the Autobot returns, and transform to cassette mode and hitch a ride on that Autobot to get in?”Shockwave’s nigh-instantaneous logical analysis was quick to shoot down Starscream’s other idea. “That is not likely to work, either. Given the extreme level of their external security, we must presume that they will have more precautions inside their base to screen for anything that could leak out their secrets, such as scanners and monitored checkpoints. Even if any of our cassette spies could infiltrate their base the way you suggest, they would be at high risk of being taken prisoner by the Autobots.”Starscream’s hopes for a silver lining quickly rusted away. “Then it’s all hopeless. There’s no way of getting the faintest idea of what the Autobots are planning. Our efforts to claim all of Cybertron could be unraveled by whatever they have, all because we’re completely locked out!”Being the sole calm presence in the command centre contrasted Soundwave against his two superior officers, his unreadable expression enhancing his deceptive resemblance to a lifeless statue. In truth, his silence was merely an unintentional front concealing the myriad thoughts coursing through his cerebral circuitry, before choosing the right moment - and words - to speak.“Perhaps not.”Megatron looked to his Communications Officer after the vague comment. “What do you mean?”“Their security prevents physical bodies from entering or exiting their headquarters unless they permit. However, electronic signals essential for contact to the outside can still be transmitted and received.”“You mean the only way to get in their base is by hacking into their computer Teletraan I?” snapped an unimpressed Starscream. “If all this talk about their security is to be believed, they’ll have also safeguarded their systems to prevent any kind of intrusion from getting through.”Unfazed by the Air Commander’s attitude, Soundwave continued. “I have conducted research in cyberspace and Earth’s Web network, involving the bio-electrical impulses of a living mind. This research also recalled a past battle at an aircraft factory: a damaged Autobot had linked to a remote human’s online computer for assistance.” He subtly shot Starscream a glance, the harmonized tones of his voice briefly taking on a sinister feel. “You were there.”As Starscream tried not to openly wither from Soundwave’s moment of passive-aggression, Megatron felt he had an idea of what Soundwave was about to propose. “Are you suggesting that we transmit the mental impulses of a Decepticon directly into the Web, as an electronic signal to bypass the Autobots’ security?” Looking at the main computer screen, he spoke again to the image from Cybertron. “Shockwave, how credible is this theory?”All Shockwave needed to run the idea through his circuitry’s logic centres was a sliver of an astrosecond. “Uploading a Decepticon’s mind into a digital system is, in fact, possible. But it would only be equivalent to transplanting the mind into a different body, or at the most basic level, loading computer code into memory storage.”“Scrap the idea, then,” Starscream muttered. “Even if we could persuade a Decepticon to have his mind projected into Teletraan I now, he’s sure to be erased from existence.”While Starscream’s remarks may be considered detrimental to the discussion, Soundwave showed no sign of annoyance, though one couldn’t tell by observing his emotionless visor and mouthplate. “Theory is not yet fully presented. Permission to continue.”Megatron nodded. “Go on.”“Directly uploading a subject’s mental impulses into digital systems is unsafe for several reasons – bioelectrical impulses are defenseless against erasure, or possible code degradation due to lack of cohesion. For safe upload into digital systems, mental impulses must be contained and adapted into a discrete entity in order to be uploaded as a whole.”Listening intently from his base on Cybertron, Shockwave anticipated the next step in the theory. “That would mean, instead of simply transmitting mental impulses, we would prepare the subject’s core consciousness for uploading.”“But isn’t the core consciousness just the personality program and memories?” Starscream asked. “Even in the contained state you’re talking about, how can a mind extracted from its body survive and function independently inside a computer?”Soundwave resumed his theory, anticipating the mitigating factor. “Research indicates a subject’s core consciousness requires an energy field from his own spark for protection, as a life force for the core consciousness to retain both sentience and sapience when in cyberspace. Interaction between core consciousness and spark’s life force creates cohesion for bio-electrical impulses to remain in stable, unified form – derived from the subject’s self-image and matching his standard physical appearance. Stabilized entity can travel in digital systems and all of cyberspace as virtual environments, as a physical body interacts with the ‘real’ world. This entity is referred to as an ‘avatar’, found from Earth vocabulary during research.”“Avatar? Self-image?” The jargon in Soundwave’s explanations became more bizarre than Starscream could comfortably accept. “I’m starting to think that while you’ve been monitoring Earth’s communications, you’ve also been viewing too many animated programs from the land the humans call Japan. Look, as fascinating as this cyber-domain frontier is, I still say it’s too dangerous to project anyone’s mind into what the humans call ‘the Net.’”“But perhaps we wouldn’t be sending just anyone’s mind into the system,” Megatron pondered aloud, fascinated by Soundwave’s theory. “And knowing you, along with your research that you’ve alluded to, you would not be presenting such a high-risk experimental idea, if you hadn’t already considered that aspect as well.”“Correct,” came Soundwave’s confirmation. “My unique functions for monitoring communications and interpreting electronic signals - including living brain signals - help establish this concept of transmitting bio-electrical impulses into digital systems. Current experimental progress indicates this concept is viable.”It took much quicker for Shockwave to process the facts through his processor, than to engage his vocal circuitry to give the most logical next step. “Given the extent of the research that Soundwave has conducted on Earth’s World Wide Web, and the elaborate detail in which he has discussed his concept of cybernetic mind uploading, my conclusion is that he feels he can accomplish this task. More precisely… Soundwave is the only one who can do it.”“I can not believe I’m listening to all this talk of mind impulses and transmissions in the same subject matter,” Starscream groaned. “Fine, Soundwave. So these experiments in this digital sandbox you've been playing in have shown that a mind can ‘live’ and operate in cyberspace. But how would you even send your mind out into the vastness of the humans’ Web system?”Already prepared to shoot down a seemingly challenging question, Soundwave stepped close to the computer, and with a short jump, he transformed and shrunk down to his cassette recorder mode, landing gently on the main computer’s control dash. A small electronic probe extended from his side and plugged into a slot on the dashboard. While Shockwave’s likeness remained on the left half of the main screen, the images of the Autobot volcano headquarters were promptly replaced by blueprint-style diagrams of a jewel-shaped, six-sided, box-like device – the same one in his own personal quarters – with labels indicating the functions of each component.Megatron viewed the images with great intent and interest. “So, you have found a way to do it.”“Affirmative,” Soundwave spoke from his alt-mode. “Schematics represent an adaptive mind upload interface. Connection to this device grants access to core consciousness and spark chamber. This interface reconstitutes mental impulses into coherent form and draws energy from the spark, forming the ‘avatar’ to upload into the Web via satellite.”Starscream couldn’t do much more than shake his head in simmering incredulousness. “You and your endless research. I suppose that’s how you have an answer to everything. And I bet you also want to make that new satellite for this ploy of yours.”“That will be all,” Megatron interrupted with a nod of approval, after which Soundwave switched back to robot mode and landed on the floor. “This is more than enough proof that your plan can work, Soundwave. You may proceed with creating the Web satellite you need. I will authorize Shockwave to advise on its development, and Hook can assist in fine-tuning its design and function. We will need every advantage possible to enact this strategy to its greatest effect.”“As you command, Megatron,” Soundwave droned while saluting with his right forearm across his chest, before striding to the exit. As usual, never off-duty – to his leader or the cause.“This could be the missing wildcard we’ve needed,” said Megatron, with anticipation evident in his voice. “With Soundwave personally entering the World Wide Web itself, not a single secret on this planet can hide from us, no matter how many times they’re encrypted.”“It’s one thing to show and tell, Megatron,” Starscream rebutted while watching Soundwave leave the command center. “It’s another thing yet to actually do it.”* * * * * * *

* * * * * * *One look at the thick reinforced barrier closing off the Ark’s main entrance/exit bay told Red Alert that protecting their base and everything inside it had never been prioritized as highly as now. But as he waited inside the heavily-shielded entrance – joined by Autobot Leader Optimus Prime, special agent Jazz, and long-time human friend Spike Witwicky wearing a navy blue suit – he thought about the importance of their plans, even though they were only at an early stage. The Autobots knew they could not afford to take any chances – hours ago, their enhanced security grid detected a Decepticon spy attempting to survey their location, just barely skirting the outer limits of the range of their scanners. That narrowly-avoided incident exemplified the need for all protection being so stringent – sealing the base’s main entrance, preparing automatic defenses, and maintaining radio silence until Omega Supreme landed. This last directive was not to conceal the landing of the giant rocket – nothing that large could be hidden easily – but to ensure no communications between the Ark and the Autobots aboard the rocket would be covertly monitored or intercepted. Once their supercomputer Teletraan I confirmed Omega’s return to Earth’s airspace, everyone knew that this was – in the simplest of terms – “it.”"According to Wheeljack's calculations and Teletraan I's feed from the Sky Spy," said Optimus Prime, "Omega Supreme has re-entered Earth's atmosphere and is on a clear flight path to headquarters. ETA: six Earth minutes."“We’ve been lucky so far, but I can’t wait until they’re finally here,” said Red Alert with an edge of nervous concern, while clutching the handle of a flat gray case in his right hand. “Too many risks from beginning to end. I know why we had to avoid radio contact during his flight, but anything could have gone wrong while they were away. Enemy troops on Cybertron could have launched an ambush, and we might have lost some of our greatest assets before we could do anything about it. All our other plans depending on this transport mission would be for nothing.”“I’m fully aware of all the risks we’ve been taking,” Optimus countered, “but I have great faith in our Autobots carrying out this mission. We’re transferring not only an old colleague of mine, but one of Cybertron’s all-time greatest warriors, and I know he would be ready for anything.”“Don’t forget,” Jazz added, “Omega packs more than enough punch to wallop ten ’Con squads all by himself, so I know we’re all good.”“I… I suppose you’re both right. No sense worrying about what could have happened when we’re already past that point. Now it falls on me to locate his proximity to our base.”Spike lightly tapped his knuckles against the barrier a couple times. “You’ll have no trouble hearing him land, Red, even through this thing. I’ve been told you can hear a pin drop more than a mile away, so a rocket engine’ll be a cinch. But what’s with the big Samsonite?”Red Alert may not have been aware of his grip tightening on the handle of his case when Spike pointed it out. “More preparations for when they arrive. Anyway, let me have a look….”Though not fully reassured of the mission’s result until the very moment it would be completed, Red Alert stepped up to the armored door, turned his head to his right, and focused his attention through his left audio receptor, listening for any presences, near or far, on the other side. The security director’s uncanny sensory perception was always vital when scoping for and sniffing out the slightest signs of trouble. And while other Autobots could certainly attest to his often overzealous warnings of such small hints – which sometimes led to false alarms – this was a time when his acute sensors were needed to find their quarry.“No intruders outside the base; just sounds of a few small Earth forest creatures. At least this means the perimeter scanners are still working… And I’m picking up something… Yes, this must be Omega Supreme. Judging by the Doppler shift of his engine’s thrust, he’s less than two kilometers above us, and should land within a few astroseconds of the ETA.”Jazz stepped to the wall-mounted electronic keypad at the right side of the barrier. “Sounds to me that everything’s gonna be all right. Just gimme the cue, and I’ll raise the drawbridge.”“To be safe, wait until within one hundred astroseconds of the landing,” Optimus advised. “Once we go outside to meet the others, we must still watch what we say. Do not mention anything about the master plan until we’re back inside the base and the barrier is sealed. Red Alert, how much longer until Omega's within range?”Red Alert still had his audio receptors still focused on the other side of the barrier. “We’re still clear of interlopers… and Omega's very close now… Jazz, on my mark…”Jazz reached for the keypad, his hand hovering over the buttons while he waited for the cue…“... Mark.”… and punched in the code, raising the barrier like a motorized garage door. Optimus, Jazz, Red Alert, and Spike walked a few paces out of the Ark’s hangar bay to the wide exterior rocky path – carved by eons-old natural forces into the sweeping view of rugged mountains and sprawling forests, surrounding the volcano housing the space-faring shipwreck that crashed into its base four millions years ago. The beginning of summer was several days away, but the longer daylight hours gave the illusion of midday in this early evening's cloudless sky.“Not to downplay why we have to keep Autobot Headquarters so tight,” said Spike, “but it is nice to get some sunshine and a breath of literal fresh air once in a while.”A scorching sound from above prompted the waiting party to look way up, where they saw the source of the sound: a hot burning light piercing the sky at high altitude, bringing a grin to Jazz’s lip components. “And our forecast is gonna get real bright, if you get my drift.”

Spike and the Autobots stepped back as a towering gray rocket came into view, boosting its exhaust to slow its descent to the open space of terrain near the Ark. The rocket’s retro-thrust stirred up an enormous billowing cloud of dust that forced Spike to shield his face with his hands and avoid inhaling the particles, before the craft landed with a brief shuddering tremble along the ground. As the cloud of dust and exhaust smoke began to settle, appearing in its wake was a giant defense tank on an oval track large enough to surround a basketball court. The rocket stood tall in the middle of this track like a skyscraper, supported by a gantry tower that also mysteriously appeared through the vanishing smoke and dust.“I never know how in the world he does that,” Spike muttered.“I tried to ask him once,” Jazz answered. “Omega’s never been one to say much, and he stayed tight-lipped about that, too. Trade secret from his old Guardian Robot days, I guess.”Once the dust cloud cleared away, a booming, echoing, sub-bass voice thundered from the rocket, while the tank began to drive independently around the track.
“Preparing to disembark passengers. Resuming defense duties immediately.”
At the bottom end of the rocket body just above its claw-like landing tripod, a long rectangular door swiveled down like a truck’s tailgate, and touched the ground to form a ramp. Three Autobots emerged one by one from the opening in the rocket, stepping onto the ramp which carried them to the terrain like a downward escalator. Up front was Prowl, white and black with police-badge icons emblazoned on the car-door wings on his upper back. At the back of this short lineup was Ironhide, the big red machine taking the rear guard position.(Soundtrack link: “Fanfare for the Common Man”, composed by Aaron Copland.)The third Autobot between the two escorts bore what American citizens would consider a highly patriotic color scheme, and stood taller than his bodyguards and the other Autobots waiting at the Ark. Upright with a brawny blue-and-red torso, wide shoulders, and solid blue-and-white legs, his powerful look was reinforced with short white vertical columns and small missile launchers on his shoulders, with narrow silver antennas accenting the sides of his blue head.As the three Autobots stepped off the escalator ramp from Omega Supreme’s rocket module, Optimus Prime was the first of the Earth-bound welcoming committee to meet the new arrival, offering a handshake while the rocket’s ramp swiveled back up again and locked shut.“Deputy Commander Ultra Magnus. Welcome to Earth, old friend.”“Pleased to finally arrive, Prime,” said Ultra Magnus, accepting Optimus’ gesture. “I’m thankful that everything went according to plan. Four million years without you on Cybertron is too long.”Jazz was the next one to greet the newcomer with a handshake of his own. “Hey, four million years away from Cybertron is too long. But everything’s all cool now that you’ve made it.”Ultra Magnus looked down as he noticed a comparatively small organic figure in dark blue garments – made of materials not common on his metallic homeworld – and crouched to one knee for a closer view. “You must be the human named Spike Witwicky,” he said cordially. “I’ve been told you have become well acquainted with my fellow Autobots for several years.”“Yes, that’s correct. Optimus Prime and the other Autobots have been our friends for fourteen years. I would like to say more, but I should wait until we’re inside the base.”Ultra Magnus nodded. “I have never dealt or communicated with an organic being before. But as you are a friend of Optimus Prime, I feel honored meeting you as a native of this world.”“Now, if we may,” Prowl interjected, “we’ll bring you inside for a tour of our base. With Omega Supreme bolstering external security, we’re guaranteed safety against Decepticon espionage.”“Affirmative,” said Ultra Magnus as he stood back up. “Lead the way.”“Not so fast,” Red Alert cut in. “With due respect, Ultra Magnus, I really must conduct several tests to confirm your identity before admitting you entry into our base.”“What’re you gabbin’ about?” Ironhide snapped. “After all the trouble we went through to get him here, you really think there’s any chance he ain’t the real deal?! Prowl and I can vouch for him!”“I’m sorry, but I must do this. Once I’m finished, I’ll resume my post inside the entrance once we close the barrier.”“It’s all right, Ironhide,” Magnus said with an understated wave of his hand. “I will submit myself to his verifications to ensure that everything is legitimate, all for the sake of why I’m here.”Without hesitation, Red Alert set the case flat on the ground and opened it up, revealing its contents as an array of bizarre, alien-looking devices never seen by most humans, and imagined by few Autobots: a needle-tipped probe with a triggered handle and a glass-like vial attached to its top; a short cylinder with twin prongs at one end; a flat, hinged object resembling a cellular flip phone… and several others that defied mere verbal description.“Now, in order to confirm your identity, I will need a small sample of energon from your fuel lines, which will be analyzed with a genetic identity test. While that test is in progress, I will proceed with a scan of your optical sensors, followed by a sonic frequency breakdown of your vocal synthesizer. Then, while I scan your spark’s energy signature…”This began a second meeting outside the Ark, between Ironhide’s faceplate and the palm of his own hand, which barely concealed his annoyance. “Aw, gimme a break, Red…!”Red Alert appeared oblivious to the other Autobots’ uneasy reactions as he unloaded his procedures onto their guest, though Optimus’ own concern was visibly concealed by both his mouthplate and his stoic demeanor. “I don’t believe subjecting Ultra Magnus to this treatment was discussed in our preparations,” the Autobot Leader whispered.“You’re not kidding,” replied Spike, “I sure hope airline security on Earth never gets this bad.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Ever the consummate professional after centuries of military experience, Ultra Magnus concealed his relief over leaving behind the resealed security barrier – and Red Alert in particular – as Optimus Prime, Jazz, Prowl, Ironhide, and Spike guided him through the Ark’s entrance corridor. “Sorry about ol’ Red givin’ you the once-twice-and-three-times-over,” Jazz chimed apologetically, “but hope you had a safe flight aboard Omega Supreme Spacelines.”“Well, his tests may have been… beyond standard procedure, but it is for the all-around security of our situation. Spike, I’ve been informed that you will be Earth’s ambassador to Cybertron.”“Yes, that’s true. We also hope to gain support from other organizations on my planet for this new long-term plan, with the aim of forming an interplanetary alliance with the Autobots.”“Tell me, Ultra Magnus,” asked Optimus Prime, “what is our situation on Cybertron now?”“I wish I had better news. Decepticon shock troops tried to ambush us as soon as Omega Supreme landed at the rendez-vous point. We were lucky Roadbuster’s squad was already in position to repel them, but it doesn’t look good in general. Roadbuster, Elita-1, and other unit commanders are holding out as well as they can against the Decepticons. But the enemy is still expanding their reach across Cybertronian territory, and many Autobots fear we’re fighting a losing battle. We need as much help as we can muster, and I wonder if my transfer to Earth may be detrimental to our efforts at home.”“We’ve considered that possibility,” said Prowl, “as well as other factors before going with this contingency plan. I’m normally not one to gamble, but I believe this long-term risk will pay off in the longer run for us on both worlds. We’re taking your transfer here very seriously.”“Agreed,” Optimus Prime added. “We’ll have an opportunity to discuss our plan in greater detail, once we begin our meetings. And I’m glad that some of our best warriors back home still survive. How is Elita, if I may ask?”“I only had a few cycles to speak with her before I ran for your escape rocket. She wanted me to pass a word to you, Prime. She says she’s helping keep up the spirits of the others as the fight goes on, and hopes to see you again before it’s all over. I suspect that she wanted to come along without saying so, but she accepts that her duty as an officer to our cause comes first.”Mildly surprised, Spike looked up at Optimus as he and the Autobots continued walking down the corridor. “You never told me you had a lady back home, Prime.”“Yes, it’s true,” the Autobot leader replied. “With our primary concern on Earth being the war against Megatron, I’ve had little opportunity to discuss many specifics about the other Autobots we left behind those millions of years ago.”“Hey, if Elita’s alive,” Ironhide thought, “maybe Chromia and the rest of the crew are still kickin’.”“Oh, yes, Chromia wanted to send you a message,” said Ultra Magnus. “And she insisted I quote her directly when she said, ‘Give my love to that old rustbucket down there, will you?’”Ironhide shook his head with a smirk. “Same ol’ Chromia.”The chatter about the Autobots’ personal matters gave a nice break of levity, but Ultra Magnus wanted to steer back to business. “Incidentally, Prime, there’s a question I’ve wanted to ask once this plan got put into action. I know the consensus is that I would be in charge of the end result of this project. Not that I’d refuse the honor of such a duty, but I have always felt more soldier than commander, so I have concerns about being nominated for this impending role.”“I am aware of your feelings on the matter, old friend. But Autobot correspondence has clearly reported that you have admirably led the Autobots on Cybertron in my stead, describing your approach as ‘fair’ and ‘resolute’ along with your tactical combat skills. Your service as Deputy Commander has proven you more than worthy of your new role, when the project is completed.”Ultra Magnus hesitated in responding to this assessment, only muttering an uncertain “I see.”“Hey, you’re gonna be great, big guy,” Jazz said, trying to reassure the newcomer with a light pat on the back of his wide shoulder. “I’d even say beyond great. Gotta be a good sign if everyone believes in you, right?”Up ahead came the end of the corridor, leading Spike and the Autobots into the heart of their spacecraft-turned-headquarters. The central command centre had a spacious, golden-orange interior matching the corridor and the entrance/exit bay. The first sight that seized Ultra Magnus’ attention was the main computer – no mere computer even by Cybertronian standards, with an utterly enormous primary screen between a smaller monitor on either side, all occupying a vast section of the wall by itself. Just under the giant screen’s frame was the supercomputer’s control deck, overflowing with all manner of sophisticated controls.This technological marvel was the next stop of the base tour which Optimus presented. “This is our onboard computer Teletraan I, which serves in all capacities from communications and surveillance, to logic and analytics. And it’s the main reason we Autobots can function in this world's environments.”"Once we finish your tour of our base, Hoist will run you through a complete maintenance check," said Prowl. "Then we'll bring you back here for Ratchet to give you a full cycle in the recharging chamber, while Teletraan will scan your new alternate mode."“Just an astrominute, Prime,” said Ultra Magnus. “I don’t know if such a scan is truly necessary, when I feel I can best perform my tasks in my current body form. What if a new alternate mode imposes limits on using my abilities to their full potential?”“We also had that concern after we had been reactivated here," Optimus answered. "But it was a necessary first step we had to take in adapting to Earth as our new home.”“Yeah,” said Ironhide. “We’ve all had to go through a lot o’ changes, and I'm talkin' more than just transforming from one mode to another. Even this ol' durabyllium dog had to learn some new tricks an’ take 'em all in stride.”“You're gonna find Earth’s a different world from where we come from,” Jazz followed. “But I’m always on top of keepin’ on the pulse of whatever’s trending on this big blue marble. Somethin’ stumps ya? Just ask me. Now where we goin’ next?”Prowl looked toward the side of the vast command centre; down that direction was a doorway leading to another corridor. “The strategy office is most relevant to our plan; let’s go there.”Just as Prowl was about to lead Spike and the other Autobots to the corridor, a sliding door elsewhere in the command centre shifted open, where two vastly-different figures entered the foyer and caught sight of the Autobot officers. One was the Autobot inventor and engineer Wheeljack – distinguished by the trapezoid lights on either side of his head – with a steel-blue block-shaped device tucked under his left arm. The other one was a human – a somewhat older man with short, brown-and-grey hair, wearing a tan shirt, blue jeans, and yellow work boots – wheeling a dolly cart with a large metal crate on its platform.“Hello, Spike,” said the human with a grin. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to our new guest?”The Autobots had stopped when the two new arrivals intercepted them, prompting a chuckle from Spike. “Well, I didn’t know you and Wheeljack would show up like this. Ultra Magnus, this is my father, Sparkplug, who I told you about before.”“Glad to meet you, Ultra Magnus,” said Sparkplug, craning his neck up to the Autobot towering way over him. “Hope my son hasn’t been telling you anything bad about me.”“Not at all, Sparkplug. Spike has told me that you and your family have been invaluable help to the Autobots on Earth.”“More than you know,” said Wheeljack, the lights on his head blinking on and off as he spoke. “He’s been a big help with everything. Repairing Autobots, field-testing new equipment, planting explosives; you name it.”Sparkplug scratched the back of his head. “Yeah, and after fourteen years hanging around the Autobots, I’m still learning new things I haven’t figured out yet.”

Wheeljack strode over the Autobot officers, offering Ultra Magnus a handshake. “It’s been way too long, Magnus, but I’m glad you got here safe. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to build you a welcoming gift.”“That’s perfectly fine,” Ultra Magnus replied with a firm handshake before releasing it. “Gifts aren’t a priority for my stay here. Prime and the others are guiding me through the Ark, and they’re about to show me your strategy office.”“The war room, huh? Sparkplug and I are heading by that way; we’ve got some equipment for the recreation centre just nearby. How about we come with you and catch up along the way?”Ultra Magnus brushed his chin with a pause in thought. “I don’t think I’ll spend much time there, but sure, as long as it doesn’t detract from our business.”“I’m sure a few minutes won’t hold you back,” said Spike. “The rest of my family’s in there, and my little son Daniel’s been dying to see you.”“Yeah, he really wanted to see the rocket landing, too,” Jazz said. “He was kinda sad he wasn’t allowed, but we did promise he’d get to meet you sometime.”Prowl gestured to the doorway, wanting to keep the tour going. “Okay, recreation centre for a little while, then the strategy office. Shall we…?”Wheeljack and Sparkplug joined the other Autobots as they entered the doorway leading into another corridor, with Spike beside his father wheeling his cart. “I’ve heard things on Cybertron aren’t going great for us, Ultra Magnus,” Wheeljack inquired. “Makes me wonder if transferring you might make things worse for our guys up there.”“I must say, our home forces also feel your absence; especially Roadbuster, Whirl, and the rest of their squad. No doubt they miss your ingenuity in weapons innovation.”“Oh, yeah. I came up with my more exotic weapons for that crew. Wish I could’ve stayed a little longer; I had some new ideas they’d love to pack on the battlefield.”“Well, they’ve always been grateful for the armaments you’d developed for them. Topspin asked me to give his regards to the one they call ‘Iacon’s most dangerous Autobot’. And Twin Twist said he hoped Prime and the others here aren’t – and I quote – ‘hogging all of ’Jack’s best boomers for themselves.’”“Speaking of boomers, am I imagining things,” Sparkplug interrupted, “or does anyone else hear that sound? If that’s where I think it’s coming from…”As Spike, Sparkplug, and the Autobots continued their way down the corridor, there seemed to be a faint pulsating sound coming from the far end. With each step further along, the sound became more defined – a fast, steady percussive beat, accompanied by a repeating sequence of rapidly-descending bass tones. Ironhide aimed his right wrist down the hall and switched on his sonodar sensors. A jagged readout line crackled across this windowpane chest panel.“It’s the rec centre, all right. An’ I guarantee, your family’s not the only ones in there.”“Let’s not concern ourselves with distractions,” said Optimus Prime. “We’ll just stay long enough to introduce Ultra Magnus, then move on.”The Autobots and the Witwickys reached the recreation centre, from where the melodic sound buzzed more clearly through its partially-open sliding door. The percussion remained the same, but the bass notes had shifted to a syncopated rhythm of three steady notes, followed by three quick climbing tones, then another three steady ones, another quick-rising trio of tones, then falling into a descending riff again before repeating that full musical motif – to which Jazz couldn’t help bobbing his head.Spike jogged ahead of the others, stole a peek through the sliding door, and looked up to Ultra Magnus with uncertainty. “Are you sure you want to go in there now? I mean, if you’d rather focus on your main purpose here – ”“That will be okay, Spike. I agreed to meet your son while we’re here; it won’t be a problem.”Wheeljack and Sparkplug reached the recreation centre’s entrance next, where the Autobot struck a button on the small keypad by the door frame. The door slid fully open… which amplified the music from inside the room.
♪♫ Arou-ound the wooorld, aaa-rooound the-e-e wooo-orld / Arou-ound the wooorld, aaa-rooound the-e-e wooo-orld… ♫♪
Sparkplug shook his head while gripping the handle of his dolly cart. “Of course it’s him.”Spike, Sparkplug, and the Autobots entered the recreation centre, its interior also in the same orange-gold hue as the rest of the base, and witnessed a spectacle not on the day’s schedule. A giant video screen embedded in the wall opposite from the entrance – only slightly smaller than Teletraan’s main screen – showed a split-screen image of the Mario Kart 64 video game, depicting Mario driving his cart in the upper Player 1 half of the screen, and Yoshi piloting his vehicle in the bottom half. Right below this broad screen was a rectangular gaming computer resembling a wide block attached to the wall, with keyboard controls, signal lights, and media slots on its top panel. Metal storage shelves were set against the wall on either side of the gaming computer, and solid, block-shaped furniture like tables and seats were spaced apart along the floor, except for two seats at a short distance in front of the game screen. On top of a small table beside the gaming system sat a flat rectangular case for the Mario Kart game… and a red-grey-and-yellow boombox that was responsible for the music.

The players were hard to miss, both wildly mashing buttons on wireless hand-held controllers while in the two seats. One seat was occupied by the small yellow Autobot Bumblebee. The other seat was shared by two humans with plenty of space – the Autobot-scaled seat was so large, they looked like a pair of housepets in a living room armchair. One of the humans, playing with the other game controller, was a young human boy with short brown hair, wearing a white T-shirt with a small Autobot symbol on the chest, grey shorts with red lines along the leg seams, and white sneakers. Sharing the seat with the child was an adult woman with shoulder-length blond hair, in a green tank top, charcoal gray sweatpants, and black-and-white sneakers.“Look out, Daniel; Yoshi’s gaining on you!” Bumblebee playfully taunted. “Watch your fenders!”Daniel giggled while keeping his lead in the race. “No way! Can’t beat Mario!”The befuddled Ultra Magnus couldn’t make headlights or taillights of the scene before him. “What in the universe is this?”Spike gave Magnus a polite Excuse me, raise of his hand, then went to the seats and waved his arms to draw the attention of their occupants. “Carly? Bumblebee? They’re here!”Carly spotted her husband’s waving from the corner of her eye, prompting her to look his way. Once she heard him, Carly reached for Daniel’s game controller and pressed a button, freezing the action on the screen and getting bothered looks from Bumblebee and the little boy.“Mom?! Why’d you stop the game? I was winning!”“Sorry, but the new Autobot from Cybertron is here. You wanted to meet him, remember?”Bumblebee looked to the entrance and stumbled out a fast “Whoa! Sorry, Prime; give us a kilk,” when he realized that part of the room was no longer empty. Hastily setting aside his game controller, he got out of his seat, helped Carly and Daniel out of theirs, and set them on the floor. As they joined Spike to meet Optimus and the others, some among the group looked back to the table by the gaming computer, where the musical distraction was still playing.Optimus didn’t believe Blaster intended any disrespect, but diversions had to set aside for decorum. “Blaster, deactivate your music, please.”The electronic music track kept on pulsating from the Autobot radio’s amplified speakers. Perhaps he needed to be persuaded to curb his volume with even more volume.“Blaster! Shut it off!”The music abruptly stopped silent right before the boombox transformed and grew to his full-sized robot mode, standing almost as tall as the Autobot Leader. “Yo, Prime; ya didn’t have to shout! Me and ’Bee were just havin’ some fun with the Witwickys! A few games and some good tunes can’t hurt with all this security cranked way up, right?”“It does when you also have that noise cranked up,” complained Ultra Magnus, suppressing the annoyance in his voice. “And I also question the need for recreation at a time like this.”Blaster took a quick glance at Magnus, looked at Optimus again and casually jerked the point of his thumb toward the newcomer. “Who’s the old stiff?”The others’ reactions to Blaster’s thoughtless question ranged from uncomfortable wincing to more facepalms – the latter by Ironhide again – which Optimus Prime hoped to negate. “This… is Ultra Magnus, our Deputy Commander whom we transferred from Cybertron.”“Ultra Magnus? Wait, was that today?”“Yes,” Prowl said sternly. “And if you had paid more attention to the preliminary briefings leading to today, you’ll remember our plans are why he’s here.”Blaster’s emotion protocols were slammed by a triple-wave of embarrassment, caused by his “old stiff” remark, his inadvertent admission to forgetting Magnus’ landing day, and the curt dressing-down by Prowl in front of the others. Luckily, he was smart enough to know trying to backpedal would just spin a bucket-wheel excavator to further deepen his own grave.“Um, yeah, sorry about that, chief. Name’s Blaster, the Communications Officer here. No hard feelings, I hope?”“No, no hard feelings, Blaster,” said Ultra Magnus, “although I’d expect someone in an officer’s position to have better self-discipline during a state of war.”Spike needed to seize a moment to defuse the tension. “Oh, and here,” he said, gesturing to his family, “is my wife Carly, an electronics expert. And this is our five-year-old son Daniel.”Daniel looked way, way up at the new Autobot he was seeing for the first time. “Wow! You’re bigger than Prime! You stronger than Prime, too?”Like he did when meeting Spike outside the Ark, Ultra Magnus crouched down to one knee allowing better proximity to communicate with the other humans. “I wouldn’t quite say I’m stronger than Prime. But as long-time friends, we both have our strengths. Some are the same, others a little different. Nice to meet you, young Daniel. And you as well, Carly.”“It’s a real honor to meet you, Ultra Magnus,” said Carly, lifting up her little son in her arms to give him a closer look at their guest. “Hope your first day on Earth hasn’t been all that bad.”“Well, it hasn’t been as smooth as zero-friction fluid, but at least it’s better than a Decepticon ambush. But now, I’d like to see the strategy office, so I can be ready for the meetings.”“You guys go ahead,” said Spike. “I need to catch up with my family, but I’ll be there tomorrow.”Optimus Prime nodded. “Certainly, Spike. Wheeljack, we look forward to you attending as well.”Wheeljack gave a thumbs-up. “Wouldn’t miss it, Prime. See you there.”While cradled in his mother’s arm, Daniel excitedly waved at the other Autobots as they left the recreation centre. “Bye, Prime! Bye, Magnus! Bye, guys!”The other Autobots waved back as they left the recreation centre for the next stop on Magnus’ tour of the base… and failed to notice an unimpressed Blaster crossing his arms. “Calls himself ‘Ultra Magnus’, huh? Must think he’s a big shot with a fancy name like that.”“Hey, Mom, how ’bout you play Bumblebee now?” Daniel chirped.Carly gave a sly look toward the yellow Autobot while setting Daniel back down on the floor. “I don’t know, son. I think he’s still sore after I beat him in our last game.”“You banana-peeled me that time!” Bumblebee shot back. “Never thought you’d play dirty.”“Maybe you two can have your rematch later,” said Spike, “once Dad and Wheeljack show us this new hardware they just made for the rec centre.”Sparkplug grinned as he and Wheeljack made their way in front of the gaming computer, along with his cart. “Well, you know Wheeljack made this universal gaming system that could play any game you want, any format, old or new. So we wondered what could take it a step further.”Wheejack untucked the device from under his left arm and held it up to show to his audience. “This is a game enhancement kit which analyzes the code in any game you load into the system, and determines which codes affect which aspects of the game. From there, you can open up extra options just by modifying the right lines of code. You can customize the game’s appearance with skins, or change the look of the characters in the game, including the one you’re playing as yourself.”Sparkplug casually leaned on his cart’s steering bar as he took his turn to speak. “There’s other tricks you can do with this baby. Want more lives in a game? Just change the number you got, even to infinity. Got a two-player game, but a bunch more of your friends all want to play it together? It can let you do that on some games, too. And it can also convert some games to virtual reality. I’m tellin’ ya; it can do way more than anything GameShark could ever do.”Carly raised an eyebrow at her father-in-law with a hint of suspicion. “You guys built a video game hacker? Isn’t that kind of legally suspect? Better hope Nintendo doesn't hear about this.”“Well, it is just for us and the Autobots, not for sale anywhere. This kit’s experimental equipment, so we’re okay. And it’s a game enhancement kit, not a game ‘hacker.’”“Hey, Dad,” Spike cut in, “we appreciate the work you two put into this, but I think you’re a few years behind on trends in consumer electronics. Everyone thought VR would be the next big thing five years ago, but no one’s given it much of a thought lately.”“That may be true for the average person,” said Carly, “but some tech firms and the military still see potential in it. Maybe VR could catch on a second time around, if it can be better refined.”“Thanks for your vote of confidence,” said Wheeljack. “Now who’d like a demonstration?”“Would playing Pac-Man in virtual mode feel like you’re inside the maze?” Carly speculated, “I wonder if there’s a way to know if the ghosts are around the corner.”Bumblebee quickly had an idea. “Hey, we just got the new Gran Turismo game! How about we try the VR conversion on that?”“Sounds good to me. Spike, load in the game while I hook up the kit.”Wheeljack crouched down at the side of the gaming system, and found a small hinged panel at the bottom. As the Autobot swung the panel down to the floor and went to work, Spike pulled out the PlayStation case marked Gran Turismo from the physical-media library shelf. He then brought the new game to the system, ejected the Mario Kart one from a media slot, replaced it with the new disk, and shelved the previous game before rejoining his family. Once Wheeljack had finished implanting the kit inside the system, he adjusted a few controls on both pieces of equipment before stepping away from it. The “Sony Computer Entertainment” and “PlayStation” logos took turns appearing on the gaming screen… then the Witwickys and the three Autobots had their collective attention seized by a montage of startlingly realistic, computer-generated video clips, accompanied by a low, tense, simmering techno-like music soundtrack.
(Soundtrack link: “Everything Must Go (The Chemical Brothers Remix)”, by Manic Street Preachers.)
Silhouettes of trees against a partly cloudy night sky.A close-up of a loose maple leaf fluttering down the white line painted along a paved road.A tiny bird perching on a cluster of dark traffic lights, then flying off as their luminous signal colors blinked on.An angled view of rows of seats in an open-air stadium.A trailer’s tailgate slowly swinging down.Race tracks, garages, checkered flags… and a white race car driving into position on a track.Spike could not pull his eyes away from the screen. “Man, these are the most realistic graphics I’ve ever seen in a game.”Carly’s gaze and Daniel’s were likewise fixed on the visuals in astonishment. “And the sound, too. Makes Pole Position feel so primitive!”The montage continued as the music intensified, and a flurry of screen titles reading out a bunch of strange names in different fonts flashed on and off the screen. The visuals seemed to finally settle on the Gran Turismo logo with the subtitle “THE REAL DRIVING SIMULATOR” in much smaller letters…… before it shattered into yet another highlight reel bolstered by screeching tires, rock percussion, and sparse vocals to the soundtrack – depicting cars racing each other on closed tracks, dark streets at night, paths along countrysides, and urban tunnels, until it ended at a finish line at daylight in front of a cheering audience in a stadium. The camera’s view on the screen rose into the pale blue sky, which turned white as the music and cheering died down – then black again as the first game selection menu showed up. Several seconds passed by for everyone to get over their shock from the game’s intro sequence, before someone finally spoke.“Yo, you said that thing can make any game into VR,” said Blaster. “So that’s gotta mean you got some slick add-ons, right?”Sparkplug patted the side of the crate on his cart. “It’s all here. Wheeljack, if you please?”Wheeljack pulled open the crate’s hinged lid, and pulled out a pair of thin, curved metal bars that resembled the front half of a headband, showing them to Blaster and Bumblebee. On the right-side end of each bar was a small round component with a short inward-pointing prong, a short antenna pointing upward, and tiny colored buttons embedded on its outward face.“These VR headsets are made for Autobots to get the full virtual experience. You insert the interface jack into the side of your head, and the hardware will drop a little viewscreen right in front of your optic lenses. It’ll also link with your sensory and motor control circuits, so you’ll feel like you’re in the game as you play it.”“You mean, when we put that thing on, our bodies become the game controllers?” Blaster asked as he took the other headset.“Bingo,” Sparkplug added. “The best part is they’re all wireless, so you can link them up to the kit without any cords!”“Too sweet! I can’t wait to feel the rush from this gizmo!”“Not if I leave you in the dust,” Bumblebee snickered as he began to put on his headset… and hesitated. “Say, Wheeljack, you said the gear would connect to our circuitry. You sure this is – ”“Yes,” Wheeljack hissed. “They’ve been safety-tested. Many. Times. Over.”“I should know; I logged a few dozen tests to make sure we could clear them,” said Sparkplug, earning himself a withering glare from Wheeljack that wordlessly said, Don’t you start.Assured that the gear was safe to use, with a hidden hint of caution, Blaster and Bumblebee raised the short headbands to their foreheads, and plugged the connector jack on the bands’ right end into the tiny socket on the sides of their heads. Right when Bumblebee attached his headset, a small viewscreen resembling wraparound sunglass lenses dropped from the bottom edge of his VR headband, covering his optic sensors. The other VR headset did likewise for Blaster, deploying his visor shaped like a wide, thin, upside-down triangle with a short vertical border dividing it in half.“Shades!” Daniel giggled. “You look cool!”“I’m gonna have to take your word for it, Daniel,” Bumblebee chuckled. “All I see is a big blank.”“If you touch the core control module on the right end of your headset,” Wheeljack instructed, “you’ll feel a little raised button. Press and hold it down for about three astroseconds. IIt’ll wirelessly link your headset to the enhancement kit, and connect both itself and the kit to your circuits. The visual display on the game system’s screen will show up in your viewscreen.”Though still feeling a touch uneasy about Wheeljack’s new creations connecting to their heads on their first moment of activation, Blaster and Bumblebee both concealed their concerns as they traced their right index fingertip along the disc-shaped component. Once they felt the tiny raised button as Wheeljack described, the two Autobots pressed it down for a short spell. The starting menu on the gaming screen, still waiting for someone to input a selection, completely filled their entire fields of vision in their wraparound visors, while simultaneously feeling a gentle surge starting at the point of the headsets’ connection jacks, and a low tingling sensation spreading through the inner workings of their bodies.Blaster muttered a “Whoa” while sharply shaking his head from the stimulus, as though he was lightly stunned by a burst of static. He raised his hands into view; though his optic sensors were shielded by the VR headset’s visor, a pair of silver glove-like icons showed up in his visual display. When he flexed his fingers and twisted his hands around, he saw the hand-shaped icons were synchronized with his real-world motions.“Hey, we’re jacked in! Like, we’re really ‘in’ the game!”Bumblebee likewise shook out his own electrostatic cobwebs, and raised his hands in front of his faceplate, seeing a gold version of the same hand-shaped icons materializing in his visual display, also reacting with his movements. “No kidding! All right, let’s get started!”Using his hands to control the virtual hands in his VR visor, Bumblebee “touched” the words “Arcade Mode” on the menu. A second menu popped up with a vertical list of choices; Blaster selected “Two Player Battle”, and the screen became divided in two – upper half for Blaster as Player 1, lower half for Bumblebee as Player 2 – while opening another menu. In both halves, a list of car brands scrolled with the Autobots’ virtual “hands” flipping through the options – Honda, Chevrolet, Aston Martin, among many others – and showing rotating 3D-graphic models of the car choices for the game.As the Autobots’ “virtual” actions changed the game’s views in their headsets, the visuals they saw appeared the same on the main gaming screen on the rec centre’s wall, surprising little Daniel. “Game change without hand thingies? How they do that?”“Just think of it as some Autobot electronic magic,” said Sparkplug with a smile to his grandson.“Maybe you could show me a little more of that magic,” said Bumblebee while sorting through the car brand menu. “You said your kit can let us change how things in the game look. I want the Camaro, but there’s no yellow in the color choices. What do I do now?”“The headset link-up not only connects to your motor controls, but your mental circuits as well,” said Wheeljack. “To have the kit change the code of what you want, you simply concentrate on an option you want to input; just like running your transform circuits.”Blaster raised an optic brow ridge in moderate surprise, though it was masked by his VR visor. “You mean we can cheat-code the game just by thinkin’ ’bout it?”“Exactly. Remember how we said it’s better than GameShark? Who needs to navigate through a bunch of menus, when you can just think about what you want?”Hearing this made Bumblebee believe he was about to enjoy this game more than he first thought. “This I gotta see.”Pulsing within the circuitry inside Bumblebee’s brain, digital code formed into an electrical mental impulse, which carried its message through the neural pathways toward the connection point between the Autobot’s head and the gaming headgear. At lightspeed, once the mental command reached the headgear’s control module, the wireless linkup instantly transmitted the signal straight to the game enhancement kit. Inside the components of the mental signal’s final destination, processors and subroutines broke down and interpreted the code in the signal, translating the digital bits into a message to be run through the kit’s internal systems:
Yellow paint job. Black racing stripes.
The image in his VR visor showed the color of the rotating Camaro Z28 instantly snap to a full yellow chassis, with a pair of black stripes running from its front bumper along its hood and roof.“What’d you know; it worked!”This gave Blaster a little extra motivation for his choice, for gameplay and aesthetics. Using his hands to flip through the menus, he chose “Nissan” and swiped through the models for the Japanese brand, until he found one – the Fairlady Z TwinTurbo – that he thought could compete with an American classic. Already a master at transmitting and receiving signals, Blaster sent a mental command from his brain and fired it through his headgear to the enhancement kit, customizing his car in deep red with a yellow roof - matching his own colors. With their choices finalized, the two Autobots proceeded to the next menu titled “Course”.“Where’d ya wanna race first?” Blaster asked. “Clubman Stage? Deepforest? Trial Mountain?”Bumblebee swiped through the options in the menu. “Let’s start simple. High Speed Ring.”On the gaming system’s main screen, a few seconds of a “Loading…” screen yielded to another split-screen view, and both halves showed a race track at daylight with crowds of spectators in rows of bleacher seats – Blaster’s red Fairlady Z in the top Player 1 half, and Bumblebee’s yellow Camaro in the Player 2 half. With a few mental commands through the two Autobots’ headsets saying “first-person point-of-view”, their respective VR visors completely enveloped their fields of vision with only their own view of the track through their cars’ front windshields. Setting their fists in front of them, Blaster and Bumblebee tapped their mental powers into their respective cars, virtually “revving” their engines in anticipation of the proverbial green flag.“Ready to eat my dust, ’Bee?”“You… wish.”The screen title of a “3… 2… 1…” countdown led to the word “START” briefly strobing before disappearing, and both Autobot players immediately floored it. They hung neck and neck with each other for several seconds … until Bumblebee slightly pulled ahead at the first curve on the track. Blaster pushed himself to catch up, but ended up spinning out at that same curve.“Dad gone it, this’d be so much easier with the hand-held controller!”“What’sa matter, Blaster; first time being a car?”“Hey, watch your tweeters, little bug! I’ll zip right past ya in no time!”“Good luck on that; I’m already halfway through the first lap!”As Wheeljack and the Witwickys watched the action on the large screen, Daniel couldn’t help giggling at Blaster’s red car spiraling out of control on the top half, while Bumblebee’s yellow racer coasted along the track and through a tunnel in a matter of seconds.“Holy hexadecimals, this VR’s incredible, Wheeljack! Feels like I really am the Camaro in the game! I could outrace a Stunticon if I were like this in the ‘real’ world!”Blaster finally regained control of his Fairlady, spinning it back into the proper direction of the race track, and focused his mind to accelerate his car. Unfortunately, he lost control again, swerved off the paved path, and sideswiped a retaining wall on the right side… which also sent a sharp jolt slamming along the right side of Blaster's body. The surprising sensation of impact shocked him, toppling him to his left before he scrambled to regain his balance.“Dude, is this a game, or is it real?!”If Wheeljack’s faceplate had a humanoid mouth, it would be smiling audio-to-audio from seeing his new invention was working so perfectly. “To your sensors, what’s the difference?”Blaster steeled himself again to regain control of his car and steered himself back on track, even though Bumblebee had already begun his second lap. Wheeljack and Sparkplug left the players to their game, and joined the other Witwickys watching the split-screen action on the main screen. “Watching them play kind of makes me want to give that game a try,” said Wheeljack. “But our new kit would give me a big advantage; I’m already a race car in the real world!”“Looks like the VR conversion works great for them,” said Spike. “Have you made the same kind of headsets for humans, so we can also hack and play games with our thoughts?”“Not yet. It’s pretty easy to link an Autobot’s mind to a digital system, but directly interfacing an organic brain is a whole different matter. Obviously, you can’t plug VR goggles into a human’s head without causing serious injury, to say the least.”“That’s a big understatement,” said Sparkplug. “So many things can go wrong trying to connect human minds into machinery. I still remember that time with Autobot X, and… sorry, Spike; you probably don’t want to be reminded of – ”“Dad, that was years ago. And I’m still okay now.”“Anyway, we’ve talked about new kinds of wireless controllers to give humans a bunch of different gameplay choices. Besides VR goggles, we’ve thought about bracelet controllers around the wrists and ankles for fighting games, wands with triggers for shooters… all things to make you feel like you’re in the game, just like with the Autobots’ headsets.”Wheeljack briskly snapped his fingers. “Hey, maybe we could try adding microphones to the headsets, so humans could hack into the games with a voice command!”But Carly brought up a serious matter before there could be a torrential brainstorm on add-ons for the new upgrade. “Hold on, guys. I enjoy video games as much as anyone, and I like these innovative ideas for gaming tech. But Ultra Magnus did have a point. The Autobots are in a do-or-die situation right now, so is this a good time to expand on home base’s entertainment?”“Well, truth be known,” said Wheeljack, “the game kit wasn’t really the main goal of my latest project in my workshop. I’ve been coming up with some new experimental concepts for mind-link interfaces, and the game enhancement kit just became a side project in my work. But seeing that it works, maybe we could apply that concept to other uses.”Sparkplug agreed. “Trust me, we’ve been putting our heads together while keeping our current situation firmly in mind. If the Autobots can get their alliance with Earth’s top organizations off the ground, then we think we could offer this new tech for anything like civilian or defense. And maybe someday, we really will find a way to link a human brain to a digital system without a glitch. But we thought there’s no problem with making something fun in these tense times.”“I guess that makes sense,” Carly smirked. “After all, a NASA engineer did invent the Super Soaker. Nice to hear your ideas are going beyond cheating to win a game.”“Yeah! Cheating’s bad!” Daniel shouted. “Mommy’ll ground you!”The adult Witwickys laughed at Daniel’s little burst, which Sparkplug rewarded with a ruffle of the kid’s hair. “I know we’ve got some serious work ahead of us in the near future. But we can’t always be ‘all work’ without even a little play.” He then pointed his thumb at Wheeljack. “And this ’Jack’s no dull ’bot.”Suddenly, there came the sound of a cheering crowd and fast-paced music from the gaming system. A quick look at the screen showed Bumblebee took first place.“Ha-haaa! What took you so long, Blaster?”“Get your laughs in now, sucka. Unless you’re too scared for a rematch?”“You’re on!”Blaster and Bumblebee wasted no time in swiping through the menus again, their seemingly aimless gesticulations in empty space being perfectly synched with the animated images on the main screen. In only a few seconds, they were racing their cars again on a new track.Sparkplug shook his head at the intensity of the two gamers. “Though some of us work too hard at playing hard.”“Sure looks like the upgrade’s a big hit, all right,” said Spike, while wrapping his arm around the small of Carly’s back as she held Daniel’s hand. “You know, it’s funny how things come full circle. First time Carly and I met happened to be at an arcade.”Carly slipped her free arm behind Spike’s back. “Yeah. Now we got our own arcade right here.”* * * * * * *
Maintenance examination: completed (by Hoist)
Energization in recharging chamber: in progress
Search of template for alternate mode: in progress
The text on Ratchet’s portable data tablet was less of a priority to him at the moment. Close to Teletraan I, a short, column-like lift from under the floor had raised a horizontal rectangular pod to the medical officer’s waist height. Lying inside the pod was the dormant body of Ultra Magnus, bathed in a red, fire-like glow under its transparent lid. An uninitiated observer could misjudge the shape of the pod for being a glass-topped coffin. On the contrary, Ratchet was carefully observing Magnus’s rest cycle in the recharging chamber, ensuring no complications would arise as the body absorbed its life-sustaining energy.Ratchet was grateful that Ultra Magnus was undamaged while escaping Cybertron, and he knew the Deputy Commander had to be in optimum condition for tomorrow. This ran from a complete physical examination – from outer armor to articulated servo-mechanisms – to a thorough scan of his cerebral circuitry. Although battle was not in the Autobots’ short-term plans, Magnus had insisted that these check-ups would eliminate even the slightest hint of fatigue for tomorrow’s secret meetings.As Ratchet monitored Maguns’ vital signs during the recharge cycle, Teletraan controlled its Sky Spy satellite to remotely explore the surface of Earth. Selecting an Autobot’s new alternate mode wasn’t as simple as scanning anything that merely looked like it “could” fit the subject. A new form based on matching basic attributes – physical strength, speed, offensive power, et al – between the Autobot and the template was also insufficient. Someone unfamiliar with Cybertronic life would easily mistake these robotic organisms as simply “highly advanced machines”, being more accustomed to robotics as technology rather than biology; one would assume that replacing a damaged “robot” part would be less precarious – and messy – than transplanting a human organ. Indeed, a new alternate mode would need to suit the subject on a cyber-genetic level; a genetic pattern of sorts rooted in transfinite permutations of electronic digital code, instead of the chains of nucleotides forming the basis of organic life. Reconfiguring an Autobot’s body would need to go beyond function and practical purpose; it would also need to align with the Autobot’s personality traits encoded and radiating within its spark – which humans would recognize as a “soul.”The Sky Spy’s visual sensors swept over the Terran surface, seeking anything it could find as suitable candidates, from vehicles to non-automotive machinery. The recorded images of these scanned specimens were immediately transmitted to Teletraan I. Upon receiving the satellite’s captured data into its memory, the supercomputer had the task of processing this raw data and analyzing their compatibility with Ultra Magnus. The intelligent computer ran the images through every algorithm and protocol in its own systems, breaking down each candidate one by one, before deciding if it would apply that form to the Autobot in the recharging chamber.Selection 1: A box truck at an industrial shipping port. A good form for an Autobot possessing great physical strength, but lacking in inherent characteristics to go with his personality.Selection 2: A tractor on a vast agricultural property. Certainly representative of his strong work ethic, but not the least bit practical for battle.Selection 3: An armored personnel carrier at an army base. An excellent fit for a career soldier, but heavy on the military aspect for an Autobot who still wishes for peace after war.Teletraan repeated this pattern for the other images in the menu – a half-track snowcat, a wheeled missile platform, a military tactical truck, among others – each submitted suggestion evaluated on all possible angles and reaching various levels of approval, until it came to the scans of one particular vehicle – a tractor trailer, somewhat evocative of Optimus Prime’s own vehicle mode, but with a distinct difference. This candidate included a cab-over semi-truck like Optimus, but distinguishing it from the Autobot Leader was its double-deck car-carrier style of trailer. Teletraan decided that this specimen required closer examination.
Strength – transports heavy loads with little strain on body structure

Endurance – travels great distances before refueling is required

Durability – construction withstands long-term punishment during travels

Versatility – adaptable for troop transport and weaponry attachments; presence in civilian areas will not appear hostile to human populace
After running through its analysis protocols for the vehicle form’s bio-compatibility, Teletraan I spoke in a mechanically-inflected voice and projected wireframe images of the car-carrier truck from side, top, bottom, front, and rear views. “Attention, Ratchet. Alternate-mode template for subject Ultra Magnus selected.”The medic studied the schematic designs on the blue screen with his own approving look. “An excellent choice, Teletraan. Magnus should be done recharging in about ten astrominutes. Let’s get the reformatting equipment ready for when he’s done.”

* * * * * * *

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

{Day 2}

Except for nocturnal creatures – from bats and owls, to nightclubbers and delivery drivers – for most, nighttime was for quiet and rest. After long hours of work in the daytime, most human beings would look forward to a satisfying meal, perhaps some recreation, and finally a period of dormancy. Whether by the nature of their biology or the expectations of their society, they’d have to repeat the cycle again at the next sunrise. For biomechanical life, on the other hand, the day/night cycle bore no hindrance to an activity’s progress, whether work or play. So long as they underwent proper refueling and routine maintenance to ensure peak functionality, such life forms could theoretically live indefinitely – indeed, they could run for much longer stretches without sleep than organic life ever could.On the ocean floor, the latter was certainly the case in a laboratory at Decepticon Headquarters while the Sun had been radiating the opposite hemisphere of the Earth. Blueprint-style designs of every angle of a satellite, including cutaway views of its internal workings, filled every screen on the walls, while Soundwave tirelessly put his knowledge to work with meticulous assistance from Hook, the Constructicons’ surgical engineer. Scanning microscopes brought the finest details of circuit paths into clear focus. Elaborate program codes were written and permanently saved into protocol patterns inside memory micro-banks. Measurements for every point, line, curve, angle, edge, and surface were scrutinized down to the tiniest margin of error. Sparks blazed from welding tools linking together the structural panels of the satellite’s outer hull. All the while, Shockwave offered his own advice from Cybertron to their Earth-bound base, elaborating on Soundwave’s theoretical knowledge to perfect the practical execution of the small spacecraft. Even the most minuscule details had to be flawless – a mindset that suited Hook just fine – as this satellite would be relaying not just any ordinary communications signal into the atmosphere.The most crucial aspect of this project was to ensure that the technical specifications of this new web satellite were completely compatible with Soundwave’s own specifications, down to his cerebral patterns, his cyber-genetic code, and the unique aura of his spark. Somewhere in the mingling of these three elements of his very self arose a rare affinity for not only detecting and recording electronic transmissions, but also scanning the similarly analogous signals inside computerized memories and living brains – digital and organic alike. This mastery over his unusual powers earned him his high-ranking position as the Decepticons’ Communications Officer, as well as his guardianship over his cassette-based intel division.Now, Soundwave’s years of researching the World Wide Web and the realm of “virtual reality” inspired his novel concept to which he would derivatively apply his powers, however high the risk could be to his own life. Experiments proved successful when using his mind upload interface device for the virtual simulation training sessions with his cassette troops. Channeling cerebral impulses while drawing from the life force of one’s spark was the first main goal of these experiments, and extrapolating on his own “mind-reading” ability, so to speak, was the key to unlocking the secret of becoming an avatar in the virtual realm. But Soundwave also learned that not only could an avatar travel in cyberspace as easily as one’s “real” self could interact with the physical world – with further training and discipline, certain rules of science that were taken for granted in the “real” world could sometimes be bent, or even broken, in the virtual world… which could open up a multitude of unknown possibilities.By the time morning had broken a few hours ago in this time zone – though one couldn’t tell while inside the base, under the crushing depths of the oceanic basin – Soundwave radioed Megatron informing him that work on the device was completed. With a meeting in the command centre ordered, Hook followed Soundwave while cradling the satellite in his arms as though it were a lattice sculpture made with fragile crystal rods. As they entered the chamber, they found Megatron, Starscream, and transport specialist Astrotrain waiting for them, with Shockwave’s image on the main screen.

“I suppose we’re about to be enthralled by this new techno-marvel that took all night to make,” Starscream sneered as he saw the satellite the Constructicon was holding, “Which is a miracle knowing you, Hook. I’d have thought you wouldn’t be done until another Earth week.”“Approaching this project required absolute attention to perfection in every way,” replied the surgeon in oily-smooth calmness. “With a reputation for impatience such as yours, I wouldn’t expect you to understand that notion.”The air commander’s fists balled up at Hook’s retort. “You silicon-breath snob, I should – ”“Stand down! Immediately!” Megatron interjected, blocking Starscream off with his arm before turning his head to face Soundwave. “As I understand, you have already created a device that will put your new satellite to its intended use, correct?”“Affirmative. The mind upload interface will adapt the core consciousness into a signal pattern for transmission, while energy from the spark will retain the pattern’s stability into an avatar form. When connected to the main computer through the interface, I will be transmitted to this satellite to enter the World Wide Web.”“If you’ve invested so much into this satellite,” questioned Starscream, “then why don’t we build some weapon satellites, and have them destroy Autobot and human satellites while we’re at it?”“Short-sighted as usual, Starscream,” Megatron growled as he carefully took the web satellite. “Our main priority at this time is to learn the Autobots’ current secrets, and our only chance is this unconventional method of hacking into their base’s computer… if this method will work.”“All right then. So we need this new toy to break into their system. How, then, do we get it into orbit without the Autobots noticing? If security at their base is as impenetrable as it seems, then surely they’ll have surveillance looking for us all over this mudball of a planet.”“I have already accounted for that,” said Megatron while handing the satellite to Astrotrain. “We will stage attacks on two American military bases. The Autobots’ surveillance will be sure to alert our enemies and draw them out. While our attacks have their attention, that will be our opportunity for Astrotrain to fly into Earth orbit undetected, and deploy the satellite.”“The Autobots will also be sure to suspect a diversion if we abruptly withdraw from the battle. They will think we’re up to something.”“But their suspicions will be far from our true motives,” said Shockwave from the giant computer screen. “I estimate a sixty-eight-point-seven-one percent chance that the Autobots will believe the purpose of our diversions will be to leave their own base vulnerable to another attack – or at least an infiltration attempt if their defenses are reduced.”Megatron nodded while passing the web satellite to Astrotrain. “Exactly. They’ve put in so much effort in keeping us away from their base, that they’ll think we’ll make a direct attempt at it.”“Heh, it’s almost too bad I gotta deliver this package way above everybody,” snickered Astrotrain in his echoing voice, as he took the satellite. “Sure wish I could see the confused looks on the Autobots’ faceplates when you guys break off the attacks.”“Careful, Astrotrain!” Hook cautioned. “That satellite’s made with highly sophisticated hardware and extreme-precision circuitry. One single flaw could have an adverse effect when Soundwave uploads his mind!”“Not to worry. I’m used to carrying cargo and troops. I’ll take this up there without a scratch.”“Excellent,” said Megatron. “Now for our diversionary attacks on the two locations. There is an army installation near the southeastern coast, where I will send the Combaticons.”“Yes, they will be perfect,” Starscream agreed. “Of course, who knows of their capabilities better than I? Only an exceptionally brilliant mind could have created such an elite brigade.”Megatron looked squarely at his lieutenant. “Oh, I am perfectly aware of that. Which brings us to an air force base in California. And I don’t suppose your exceptionally brilliant mind can figure out who will lead that strike, hmm?”The air commander sighed as he saw a sinister smirk accenting Megatron’s impassive glare.“Me and my big vocalizer.”* * * * * * *

At the Ark’s command centre, the readouts on Teletraan-1’s screens were giving positive feedback, while the red glow inside the recharging chamber faded away and the glass-like canopy of the chamber’s pod swiveled upward. With all check-ups completed, Ultra Magnus sat up in the open pod, where he found Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Hoist, and Spike waiting for him.Ratchet glanced at some more data from his hand-held datapad, before setting it on Teletraan’s control dash. “Diagnostics indicate everything’s one hundred percent. How are you feeling?”Ultra Magnus swung his legs to one side of the chamber, stepped onto the floor, and stood up while flexing his joints and servos. “Better than when I first rolled off the assembly line. Thanks to you and Hoist.”“Well, we do pride ourselves on being the best in our fields,” said Hoist cheerfully. “We aim for no less than peak functionality as the end goal for our treatments.”Though Optimus always had full confidence in the skills of his crew, he also understood that personal courtesy was important. “The other Autobots participating in this meeting will be in the strategy office by the time we arrive. Ultra Magnus, do you need anything else before we go?”“No, that won’t be necessary. This is a priority, so the sooner we get started, the better.”“Certainly won’t argue with your dedication,” said Spike with a respectful grin. “Shall we?”Ratchet struck a few keys on Teletraan, and the recharging chamber retracted inside the command centre’s floor. Once the medic reclaimed his datapad, he joined the others as they started their way down the hallway to the strategy office.“I do feel privileged to be part of this project,” said Hoist. “Grapple’s been looking forward to making this presentation for six Earth months. This is a rather big deal for him.”Ratchet suppressed an urge to shake his head. “Every project is a big deal to him. I really hope Mr. Sensitive Artist doesn’t get all moody when the inevitable critiquing starts.”“Perhaps,” said Optimus, “but this may be our most significant one since the creation of our ship that brought us to Earth. It will likely be most vital to our very survival.”At that instant, Ultra Magnus felt the magnitude of his responsibility weigh upon his shoulders even more heavily. Yet, having an inner resolve matched by his impressive physical strength prevented him from betraying his uncertainty over what he was about to take on. “Well, if this project goes through, which I’m certain it will, then I will do what I must in order to – ”“Sho-RYYYY-YUKEN!”“What… is that noise?!”The way to the strategy office would inevitably lead Optimus, Magnus, and the others past the recreation centre, where loud sounds of what seemed like a fighting game came punching out the open door.“Spike, we’ll have to ask your family to put their game on hold,” said Magnus. “That noise will distract us from our meeting.”Spike scratched his head in confusion. “But they can’t be in there now. Bumblebee took them all to an amusement park this morning. I just hope Red Alert won’t give them a hassle when they come back here….”With no other way to reach the war room, the small group had no choice but to pass the rec centre’s open door, and instinctively take a small peek inside.“Ha-DOOOUU-Ken!”On the gaming screen was a scene of a Japanese bath house, where a karate fighter wearing a white sleeveless keikogi and a black belt hurled a bright blue fireball at a hulking sumo wrestler. The rotund warrior shrugged off the blast’s effects, and poised himself for an attack of his own.Ultra Magnus’ exclamation of “What in the name of the Seven-Spiralled Galaxy…?!” was utterly saturated in distaste, and completely unheard by the player inside the room.

Blaster – wearing a VR headset and with silver bands strapped to his wrists and ankles – got into a fighter’s stance, matched by the martial artist in the game. The Autobot leapt forward, trying to have his character deliver a roundhouse kick to the sumo wrestler’s head, but the giant combatant blocked the kick and counterattacked with a sustained assault of rapid-fire palm strikes – so fast, that each hand movement left a blurred image behind it – which knocked down the karate fighter on the screen, and made Blaster recoil from the imaginary impacts. Optimus Prime wordlessly shut the door to the recreation centre, and gestured for Magnus, Spike and the others to follow him down the corridor.Ultra Magnus maintained his professionalism despite feeling annoyed. “Prime, I’m concerned about the behavior of your communications officer. We’re in a situation where our survival is at stake, and he’s wasting his time playing music and games. Someone in a position among the chain of command should be taking their job much more seriously than this.”“I’ll make certain to address that to Blaster after the meeting. For now, it’s time for us to deal with our main business. And I know you’ll be ready for it.”Optimus led the group into the strategy office, its interior also bearing the same golden-orange deco as the rest of the Ark. Visual screens of all sizes were embedded along the war room’s walls, as well as several computerized control panels at various spots. Already in the office talking among themselves were Wheeljack and two other Autobots – the taller one in orange with a truck-like cab for his chest and as a pointed gun-like nozzle in the place of his left hand; and the shorter one in orange and blue with a block-shaped hood over his head, and his silver pipe-like arms crossed in complete indifference.“Wheeljack. Grapple. Huffer,” said Optimus. “We’re ready to begin whenever you are.”Grapple, the taller one, was overjoyed upon greeting the new arrivals. “Optimus! Ultra Magnus! What a joy it is to see you here! I cannot wait to show you my latest idea!”Huffer barely acknowledged the other members of the circle. His only effort to greet them was grunting a not-so-audible “Hn.”“And I look forward to your presentation, Grapple,” said Ultra Magnus. “However, before we begin – ” then, shooting a look at Wheeljack – “I must object to your upgrades to your so-called ‘recreation centre’. I feel it’s unprofessional for anyone, much less a divisional officer, to devote so much time and activity to games.”“Well, at first glance, it may look like Blaster’s playing a game,” Wheeljack replied. “But in reality – or should I say, ‘virtual’ reality – he’s running some tests for me.”“What do you mean, ‘tests’?”“I’ve just completed a prototype for some body-motion controllers, and I asked Blaster to try them on a fighting game. In the process, he’s also honing his hand-to-hand combat techniques.”Ultra Magnus did his best to keep his incredulity from overriding his stoicism. “You mean to say you know about this?”“Of course. You see, with the right kind of game, the console’s VR mode can act like virtual training equipment. So in reality, Blaster’s using the game for combat training.”Magnus felt this was a most irregular notion to defend what he saw as unprincipled behavior. But begrudgingly, he felt he couldn’t completely argue against it. “I suppose I see your point. Still, can’t he play a nice quiet game of fullstasis instead?”Spike curiously raised an eyebrow. “Fullstasis?”Hoist looked down to their human agent. “It’s like chess.”

With this concern momentarily alleviated, Optimus Prime felt now was as good a time to get down to business. “If I may, Autobots, our primary order of business is why we arranged Ultra Magnus’ transfer to Earth. Wheeljack, you have the floor.”“Thanks, Prime. Well, as you know, the situation on Cybertron hasn’t been looking good for us, with the Decepticons – ”“We already know the rosy forecast on Cybertron,” Huffer snapped, “can we get on with it?”“Um, yeah. Anyway, we don’t want to lose our home to the Decepticons, but we thought we should have a two-part contingency plan to fall back on. One part is setting up secret bases of operations on Cybertron’s moons, so we can still be close enough to home if we have to leave our planet.”“Oh, great. Instead of getting slaughtered while the Decepticons storm all over Cybertron, we get to watch them storm all over Cybertron.”Wheeljack wondered if anyone else was also feeling their willpower being tested. “Ahem…. So because our own supplies of raw materials are so scarce, our best – and maybe only choice – is to get what we need from Earth. But getting the quantities we need would be a long-term effort, meaning we’d have to establish a whole new facility here. This leads us to the main topic of our meetings, so I’ll hand it over to our architect Grapple, who’ll present the other part of our plan.”“So we gotta stay on this muddy old rock, just to scrape up a comet’s chance in the Inferno to get back home? It can’t get any worse than this….”“That’s enough, Huffer,” Optimus Prime demanded. “We’ve discussed this beforehand, so you’ve already known about it. Grapple, proceed.”“Thank you, Optimus,” said the architect as he took his position at the main wall monitor. “As it appears that many of our fellow Autobots will have to take refuge on Earth, I felt that we may as well make the best of it. So I have drafted a proposal for ‘Project Scramble’... our code name for the future Autobot City.”Grapple pressed a button on a small control panel on the wall next to the monitor. Appearing on the screen was an arrangement of images depicting concept art designs, data readouts and charts, and point-form summaries. While Huffer still looked outwardly disinterested, Spike and the other Autobots gave a few nods and subdued reactions of approval. Grapple then adjusted a setting on the gunbarrel-esque nozzle on his left wrist socket, and used it as a laser pointer while resuming his presentation.“I have conceived this proposal with a three-fold purpose. In order to gather the resources we need to build our future moon bases, the city will serve as a station for energy production and manufacture of materials. We’ve thought of hydroelectric dams, petroleum refineries, solar collectors, even wind farms. Also, befitting a city, we’d like to make it liveable for Autobot civilians, so we’re planning to have residential zones, research laboratories, aviation ports, and recreational sectors.”Huffer couldn’t help finding yet another opportunity to grumble. “Recreational stuff, huh? I bet you also wanna lay out a roboto-zoo so we can all go see the Anibots.” He didn’t even notice Spike rolling his eyes, or Ratchet covering his faceplate with the palm of his hand.Ultra Magnus, however, exhibited great patience throughout the meeting, before taking his turn to speak. “I understand, Grapple, that I will be in charge of this ‘Project Scramble’ city once it’s completed. But have you considered any preparations if it’s attacked by the Decepticons?”“That will be the third purpose. The city can be reconfigured into a defensive superfortress, with reinforced armored walls impervious to enemy firepower. This battle station mode will be fully equipped with all sorts of radiation and artillery armaments, some of which are in concept stages in Wheeljack’s workshop.”Grapple then tapped the screen, changing its display to a different image divided into quarters. The left half showed two configurations of a base station, with faceted jewel-like buildings of all shapes and sizes on a circular layout, all surrounded by eight thick inwardly curved towers spaced out evenly around the city’s outer perimeter. In the middle of this arrangement was a tall narrow antenna set like a needle on a spherical dome. The alternate configuration showed the perimeter towers closing in toward the middle of the city, like giant fingers into a fist.“I call this first concept design ‘The Steel Flower of Gaea’. The residential areas, production facilities, communications, laboratories; everything will all be built on a circular foundation, with a lookout tower in the centre. For battle station mode, these eight perimeter towers will close around the heart of the city, encasing it in an impenetrable protective shell. I personally consider this design to be more elegant, even with its self-contained defense.”The right half of the screen’s display showed a more standard appearance of a city – about half a dozen angular and ornate skyscrapers of varying heights on thick foundations, all clustered around a central dome bearing the same style of lookout tower as the first design. Several ramps were shown as driving paths into the city grounds; the central ramp was connected to a drawbridge entrance into a long above-ground tunnel leading into the dome. The basic shape of its alternate mode didn’t look much different from its standard appearance, aside from the ramps separated from the city’s foundation, and scores of cannons bristling from the towers.“And the working name for this one is ‘The Metropolitan Cyberplex’. While it is not as compact – or dare I say, as beautiful – as the ‘Steel Flower’, I concede that its modular design would be more practical if upgrades are needed in the future. I must confess, I had more design elements in mind that would have made this concept far more… aesthetically pleasing. But I understand compromises have to be made, given the state of where we are. Now are there any questions?”“Oh, I got a load of questions, all right.”Grapple stifled a sigh of annoyance and dread. “Yes, Huffer?”“Wheeljack just said we only have a small amount of resources, but we got to build this so-called ‘Scramble’ city idea to make more of what we need. So just how necessary and plausible is it to bother building this idea of yours?”It was bad enough that Huffer had been so disruptive as soon as the meeting began, but Grapple appeared to feel hurt by this remark, which had the additional sting of a reality check. Luckily, other attendees in the meeting came to the architect’s emotional rescue.“Well, look at it like investing,” said Spike. “There’s an expression here on Earth which is, ‘You need to spend money to make money.’ This would be like placing an amount of seed money in a strong investment, and its benefits will keep on growing.”“Yes, I see,” agreed Hoist. “We only need to set aside enough resources to start the ball bearing rolling. Once the first batch is ready to use, we can put a small cut of it back into the project.”“So if everything goes right,” Optimus surmised, “we could have an indefinite feedback loop of ever-growing benefits from our own resources. ‘Project Scramble’ would in essence ‘pay for itself’ within a short time, while generating the materials for both itself and the moon bases.”Grapple’s mood was quickly relieved. “Yes, that is one of many things that I hope to accomplish with this city, should it be approved.”Though the pessimistic construction engineer could concede that point, he wasn’t done poking holes yet. “Okay, fine. So let’s say we go ahead and start building this thing. How do we do that without the Decepticons knowing about it? How’d we expect to hide something that big?”“I have some ideas,” Spike answered. “Diplomatic relations between Earth and the Autobots have been rock-solid after you’ve saved our world from the Decepticons for over a decade. With the right approach, we could convince some nations and organizations to help us find ways to keep the project secret, once they know both Earth and the Autobots would benefit. I know of a particular special-missions force in the U.S. who might be glad to help. Thinking long-term, a cooperative agreement with them could also expand to a planet-wide defense force for Earth.”Optimus Prime nodded. “Yes, there’s been some discussion about forming an Earth-based defense command. But we’ll need another meeting in the future to elaborate on that.”“Scrag it,” moaned Huffer. “Now we gotta think about a defense plan for this mudball? Maybe before we get way ahead of ourselves, what about this city first? How many Autobots are we going to need to run both it and Autobot Headquarters? Do we even have enough for all that?”Ratchet was a wire’s breadth away from swatting Huffer with his datapad. “If you’d quit griping and pay attention to what we’re saying, you’d see the answer right in front of you! Look, if the Decepticons take over Cybertron, then the Autobots there will need a new place to live anyway. It’ll take time to start on the moon bases, but if the Autobot refugees come to Earth, they can both live in the city and help with running it.”“We should consider which Autobots we can assign to certain functions for this city,” said Ultra Magnus, “like a patrol guard for perimeter security. Or for battle station mode, we should have someone with expertise in large-scale weaponry.”“Gee, why don’t you throw in a tank drone while you’re at it?” Huffer scoffed.Wheeljack tilted his head with interest. “Hey, that’s not a bad idea.”Just then, a tiny triangular light near the edge of Optimus’ left forearm blinked on and off, and a voice buzzed from his wrist communicator.“Prowl calling Optimus! We need you in the command centre! Decepticons are on the move!”Grapple’s hand covering his faceplate could barely muffle his sigh of frustration. “Why does it have to be now, of all times…?”“I don’t like it, either, but we have to investigate it,” said Optimus. “Ultra Magnus, you’re with me. The rest of you, this will be a brief recess, but feel free to discuss the project while we’re away.”Optimus and Magnus both hurried out of the war room and down the corridor to the command centre, where they found Prowl, Jazz, and Ironhide joined by Smokescreen, a red-and-blue Autobot of similar body type to Prowl. “Teletraan-1’s just spotted the Decepticons in action,” Smokescreen reported. “We’re sure they’re trying to draw our attention from our work.”“Teletraan, report!” Optimus ordered.Appearing on the supercomputer’s screen was a map of the United States, with a small flashing point of light near the southern areas of the country’s west and east coasts. “Sky-Spy has detected simultaneous Decepticon attacks at two U.S. military installations,” said Teletraan-1. “Starscream has been spotted leading an airstrike on an air force base in southern California. The Combaticons are assaulting an army installation in North Carolina.”“Damn it,” muttered Ultra Magnus. “I’m unfamiliar with Earth, but I know I should help defend the humans on this world. However, I can’t ignore our priority on ‘Project Scramble’, either. Would it be better for our long-term plans if I stayed here?”Optimus shook his head. “Negative. Even with ‘Project Scramble’ on the table, these assaults could mean loss of human life at both bases. And we’ll need your help to stop them.”Ironhide gave a thumbs-up. “And hey, this is a good chance to test out your new alt-mode.”Ultra Magnus nodded in agreement. “Fine with me. I can provide troop transport.”Before leaving the base, Optimus knew he had to make some fast pre-mission preparations. First, he activated his wrist communicator –“Red Alert, we’re about to mobilize two squads against Decepticon attacks. You and Omega Supreme maintain perimeter security of the base.”– after which, he struck a few communications controls on Teletraan’s keyboard –“Skyfire, Aerialbots; Decepticons are attacking an air force base in California. Sending coordinates; mobilize immediately!”– then, faced the other Autobots with him in the command centre, issuing an order –“The rest of you are with me. Autobots, transform!”– before transforming to his tractor trailer mode; his box trailer appeared from his subspace pocket in a flash of energy, and connected to the hitch on his rear-wheel assembly. Ultra Magnus followed next in changing form: his first time in his Earth-based car carrier mode, with his two missile launchers mounted to the front of his double-decker trailer. He swung down his tailgate to form a short ramp to his trailer’s lower deck.“Sweet ride!” shouted Jazz with a single approving clap of his hands. “Dibs on the top bunk!”To Magnus’ surprise, Jazz grabbed hold of the top rail along the side of his trailer, and vaulted himself upward like a gymnast into a forward somersaulting flip. He switched to his race car mode in mid-leap, and effortlessly made a soft four-point landing on his tires at the front end of Magnus’ top carrier rack. As Smokescreen and Ironhide transformed to their vehicle modes and rolled aboard the trailer, Ultra Magnus quietly realized that it really would take a long time to get used to Earth.
Bunk…?
* * * * * * *

“Level everything in sight! Leave no target unscathed!”The orders from Onslaught’s commanding voice could barely be heard over the din of cannon bursts and laser fire spreading all over the base. Tank-mode Brawl gunned down an aircraft hangar with explosive shells from his turret cannon. Vortex, the helicopter, hovered low over a runway, all barrels blazing at the armored trucks and anti-aircraft gun emplacements on the tarmac. Higher up and out of range from the army’s defense guns, shuttle-mode Blast Off picked off targets at his leisure like a nonchalant sniper. Onslaught himself plowed gaping holes into a bunker with his sonic stun rifle, sending human soldiers scurrying from the building.A mustard-yellow jeep drove along a less active driveway, aimed its turret gun at an armory, and fired a scatter-shot burst of explosive pellets which tore a wide gash through the wall. The jeep transformed to robot mode with the turret gun linking to his right arm, and reached inside for a few handfuls of the armory’s contents.“Swindle!” Onslaught’s voice bellowed from the Combaticon’s wrist-mounted communicator, almost muffled by the combat noises. “What do you think you’re doing?!”“Grabbing us a little inventory!” Swindle snickered into his radio. “Nothing wrong with taking advantage of a free giveaway! Or should I say, takeaway? Hahahaha – ”“Just keep firing, you exhaust port!”

The destruction being laid all over the military installation, with the small brown shuttle and grey helicopter overhead, became like a homing beacon for the vehicle-mode Autobots to track – Prowl as a white-and-black police cruiser, escorting Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus, the latter carrying Jazz and Smokscreen on the upper deck of his trailer, and van-mode Ironhide nestled in the space of its lower platform. The Autobots slowed to a stop on the path at a safe distance from the base, with the aerospace vehicles in clear view.“Ironhide, activate your radar,” Optimus Prime ordered. “How is it out there?”From inside Ultra Magnus’ carrier trailer, the red Autobot van switched on his radar scanners and boosted his signal’s reach to maximum range. “Leapin’ lubricant! Half the place’s been trashed to smithereens already!”“Well, we can’t let them finish the job,” said Prowl as he transformed into robot mode. “Our best bet’s a divide-and-conquer strategy. Do whatever it takes to keep each of the Combaticons as far apart from the others as possible. Make sure they can’t combine.”“I know just the one to start with,” said Jazz, swiftly switching from his Porsche mode, vaulting himself with a flip off Magnus’ carrier rack, and landing into a squat position on the ground. Deftly bringing out his photon rifle, he aimed at the helicopter and fired a few blasts.“They’ve finally arrived!” shouted Vortex. “Engaging the interlopers, now!”The Combaticon chopper pivoted in mid-hover to aim his cockpit toward the Autobots, and flew straight at them while returning fire; however, he was unprepared for their next attack to exhibit some creativity. While still on top of Magnus’ trailer, Smokescreen ran his engine and generated plumes of thick, black smoke from his tailpipe. The air flow from Vortex’s rotor blades drew the smoke toward him and enveloped his chassis, covering up the windows of his front canopy and blocking his vision.Jazz set aside his rifle, retracted his right hand into his forearm, and produced a power winch with a grappling hook in his wrist socket. With the skill of a baseball pitcher, Jazz cast out the grapnel, which unwound the cable from his winch as the hook zipped to the smoke-covered Vortex. It reached the helicopter’s tail, wrapping a few loops of cable dangerously close to the smaller rear rotor, and Jazz pulled back on his winch as though reeling in an airborne marlin.“Betcha never caught a fish this big!”Ultra Magnus took this chance to fire a missile from one of his launchers, and struck Vortex’s main rotor with expert marksmanship. As Jazz released his grapnel from the helicopter’s tail to quickly rewind its cable back, Vortex spiralled out of control and instinctively transformed to robot mode, just before crashing to the ground.Prowl grinned confidently. “Perfect, we’ve cut their aerial capability in half. What say we cover the ground next?”Optimus Prime transformed to his robot mode as his trailer disappeared in a web of subspace energy, and fired his laser rifle at Blast Off, grazing the shuttle’s wing. “I’ll take care of this one. The rest of you, transform and move in!”Ultra Magnus dropped his trailer’s tailgate for Ironhide to roll off the carrier module, and Smokescreen leapt off the top level before all three also transformed likewise. Joined by Prowl and Jazz, the latter replacing his power winch with his right hand again, the other five Autobots charged into the battlefield in search of the attackers.“Everyone pick a partner!” Ironhide announced as he brought out his weapon. “Time to dance!”“You know, Jazz, if we stay with a one-on-one pattern,” said Smokescreen inquisitively, “this kind of leaves us without a partner.”“You said it, man. Ain’t no fun being a wire-crossed wallflower, and I didn’t come to this party just to sit it out! Guess we’re just gonna pick our spots!”Still way up in the sky, Blast Off detected the zing of laser blasts zipping past his shuttle-mode body. He changed the direction of his flight to find the origin of the enemy fire, until his attacker came into view. “Could it be that the great Optimus Prime has chosen to pick a fight with little old moi? I’m so humbled. But first…”On the ground, more bunkers fell victim to Onslaught’s firepower, until an aristocratic-sounding voice crackled from his radio communicator. “Blast Off to Onslaught! Vortex is down and I am about to engage with Optimus Prime himself. More Autobots are on the way. Blast Off out!”Onslaught turned his head to sweep his optic sensors over the expanse of the installation, searching for the intruders. He soon spotted five Autobots rushing into the battle; each of the smaller Autobots broke off in a different direction, while Ultra Magnus charged directly into the bunker zone of the base.“I don’t believe it,” the Combaticon squad commander hissed in muted surprise. “He’s here.”A few blasts from Onslaught’s rifle drew Magnus’ attention, pulling him into a staredown with his first new opponent since landing on this planet.“So, the one they call ‘Cybertron’s greatest warrior’ is now on Earth,” Onslaught taunted. “Do you not feel any remorse for shirking your responsibilities to your fellow Autobots back home?”Ultra Magnus brought his own blaster rifle to the ready. “Personally, I’m astounded that even Megatron would allow such a horrific war criminal like you back into his fold!”Enraged by Magnus’ insult, Onslaught transformed to his missile truck mode, and opened fire with the twin missile launchers on his flatbed trailer. Magnus countered with smaller missiles from his own shoulder-mounted launchers, easily intercepting Onslaught’s attack. The mid-air explosions from the missiles colliding shook the ground between the two warriors, who proceeded to trade missiles, lasers, and sonic blasts.Elsewhere, Ironhide followed a signal on his radar scanner, leading him to a hangar where he found Brawl, in robot mode, effortlessly shooting at the defenseless aircraft stored inside it.“Hey! Try shootin’ somethin’ that can fight back!”Brawl spun around to find Ironhide bringing out his signature liquid gun and shooting a stream of corrosive acid at him. He tried to duck away, but the liquid caught his handgun and dissolved the weapon almost instantly. Infuriated, Brawl transformed to his tank mode and aimed his twin sonic cannons at his opponent. Blast after blast of ultra-loud sonic waves forced Ironhide to his knees, clamping his hands over his audio receptors. With his target rendered almost helpless, the tank rolled forward, eager to flatten the Autobot veteran under his treads… until a white Porsche raced in and screeched to a stop in front of Brawl, its rear windows splitting open and revealing a pair of oversized sound speakers.“That’s gotta be the worst tune I heard all year! Try this hit!”Jazz’s speakers blared a searing rock track and his headlights strobed a dazzling light show, which washed over Brawl like an ocean wave. The tank transformed to robot mode, crouched to one knee, and tried to shield his own audio modules with his hands. The break granted Ironhide a chance to get up, shake his head to clear out any static in his receptors, and give a grateful pat on Jazz’s hood, before striding toward the disoriented Combaticon. “Thanks for the sonic boom, buddy. Now to give this big ol’ clanker some hits of my own!”At the armory, though Swindle knew he was ignoring his commander’s orders, he nonetheless couldn’t resist his opportunity for unimpeded looting. The diverse selection of munitions at his disposal made him feel like a giddy protoform in an energon goodie store, as he loaded up on armfuls of guns, shells, and anything else that struck his attention…… except for some acid pellets almost striking the side of his body. He looked to see who was throwing in these free bonus items to his stash. and gawked at the unwelcome sight of Prowl running after him with his own firearm.“Oh, scrap; it’s the fluoro-steel fuzz!”Swindle quickly transformed to his jeep mode, tossed his stolen loot into his open seat space, and drove off as fast as he could to escape his pursuer. The sight of an Autobot police car in his rear view mirror told him he wasn’t that lucky. Maybe if I can find an intersection around here, I can try to lose this guy, he thought as he accelerated along the pavement. Just up ahead, his wish seemed to come true as he saw a crossroads up ahead. But a mere moment before he could reach his escape route, a red-and-blue race car zoomed across the intersecting path and left a trail of black smoke behind it.Taken completely by surprise, Swindle’s attempt to hit the brakes was too late as he screamed through the wall of smoke, which blurred his vision. He spun out of control, wildly careening along the path before slamming side-first to the reinforced wall of another building. Reeling from the impact, Swindle transformed to robot mode, his body sprawled on the pavement and his stolen goods spilling out all around him. He tried to snap out of his daze as he got to his knees, and hurriedly tried to gather up the weapons in his arms –“Uh-uh. Drop ‘em.”– and looked up to see the business end of Prowl’s acid-pellet gun point-blank in his faceplate.“Ah-ha. Um, yeah. Okay, I know what this looks like… but y’know, that is a pretty good piece you’re packing, but maybe you’d like something fancier, with a little more kick? Lessee here… here’s a really fine plasma gun with infra-red targeting sight. Or how about an incendiary rocket grenade launcher, and I can throw in this heat-seeking rocket pod for free? Maybe you’d like – ”The screeching of tires indicated the smoke-trailing Datsun had just skidded in. Smokescreen switched back to his robot form and brought out his disruptor rifle, also holding the perp at gunpoint. “I got a better offer. How about two beatdowns for the price of one?”* * * * * * *(Soundtrack link: First movement (Adagio sostenuto) from “Piano Sonata No. 14”, a.k.a. “Moonlight Sonata”, composed by Ludwig van Beethoven.)The explosive cacophony of firing weapons was impossible to see from several thousand kilometers over the Earth’s surface – an altitude so far removed from any sign of strife in the world. From this vantage point, a human observer with the rare opportunity to be in this position would doubtlessly marvel at the deceivingly tranquil sight of the blue-and-white disk far below. Several nations were already cooperating on establishing a space station by the end of the year, where its future occupants could take in this peaceful panoramic vista during their missions.Nonetheless, Astrotrain remained emotionally unmoved. Even without a job to do, he had no concern for the astounding beauty of the big, blue marble below him, nor the pure clarity of the moon appearing almost full in the black abyss above him, nor what he felt were feeble attempts by the humans to explore space – a domain he had already mastered. As Megatron predicted, the battles on the ground lured the Autobots’ attention away from the mere thought of looking up, opening the figurative door wide open for the Decepticon space shuttle to carry an invaluable cargo out of Earth’s atmosphere, with nary a suspicion.

Aided by the readings from his navigational systems and gyroscopic sensors, Astrotrain found a sweet spot in Earth’s gravitational field way above the Equator, where he shut down his main engines and allowed his own momentum to let him coast him into a smooth, stealthy orbit. Extending from the payload bay in his shuttle fuselage was a long, thin, jointed manipulator arm, which ended with a simple clawed hand grasping the all-important cargo for this mission. He slowly opened the claw, freeing the satellite from its grasp. Within a few seconds, its onboard systems to power on and boot up, and the tiny function indicator lights embedded in its hull blinked on. On either side of the satellite’s hexagonal body shell, twin solar panels unfolded from gimbal-like articulation points, and swiveled into angled positions to best capture the sun’s radiation to power itself independently.His mission accomplished, Astrotrain sent an encrypted message – “Astrotrain to Headquarters: package is delivered and online” – then, after folding his manipulator arm back into his cargo bay, he reignited his engines and dove back down to Earth, watching for the base’s docking tower to pierce the surface of the ocean.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

At the army installation back on Earth, Onslaught was learning the extent of Ultra Magnus’ fighting skills the hard way. While the nearby bunkers took plenty of scars from the missile fire between the two combatants, his pride had become almost as wounded due to Magnus easily outclassing him in their firefights. Frustrated, the Combaticon commander tossed aside his sonic rifle and rushed at the Autobot, changing his strategy to hand-to-hand grappling. He slipped behind Ultra Magnus and tried to twist his opponent's arm behind his back into a hammerlock. But Onslaught was stymied yet again by the Autobot’s versatility; Magnus shrugged himself out of the hold and shoved him back a few steps, where the Combaticon stumbled over his own rifle behind him and fell backward to the tarmac.“I see how you gained your reputation for combat,” he sneered in a seething mix of underlying anger and concealed humiliation, as he reached for his rifle. “But let’s see if you can – ”“Attention, Combaticons! Megatron calling!” came a rough-textured baritone voice from his communicator. “Withdraw from battle and return to base at once!”With the radio channel cutting off, Onslaught glared at Ultra Magnus. “Perhaps some other time, Autobot. Combaticons, move out!”After issuing his order, Onslaught grabbed his weapon, took to the air, and flew over the bunkers, narrowly avoiding Magnus firing his laser blaster at him from the ground.

Elsewhere at the base, Swindle was still desperately clutching his ill-begotten weapons in his arms while being held at gunpoint by Prowl and Smokescreen. He looked up and saw not only Onslaught, but also Brawl flying up from the base, as well as Blast Off changing course while still airborne. With a nonplussed look at his captors, he tossed the stolen goods at the Autobots, knocking them down.“Keep ’em; it’s a free giveaway!”By the time the two Autobots swept the armaments off their chests, Swindle had already taken off, too far out of reach for them to try shooting him down.As for Vortex, being out of the picture for most of the battle allowed him time to recover from his crash landing, but he knew sticking around was out of the question. Knowing his helicopter mode would be useless with his rotors smashed, he rose up to fly in robot mode along with the other Combaticons, still feeling impaired by his injuries.“Blast Off, gimme a lift, will ya?”A somewhat hesitant “Oh, all right” was muffled by Blast Off’s thrusters, as a pair of hatch doors swung open from his underside. Vortex slipped inside the shuttle’s interior space, before the doors closed shut and the entire squad retreated into the distance.Just outside the base’s borders, Optimus Prime watched the Combaticons’ sudden withdrawal in complete bewilderment. He barely had a few seconds to process this action, when the communicator light on his left forearm began flashing again.“Optimus, this is Ultra Magnus. Do you read?”The Autobot Leader raised his left wrist into view. “Affirmative. What’s your status?”“In a word: perplexed. I was in the middle of battling their squad leader when, all of a sudden, he just pulled out. I did have the upper hand throughout our fight, but I don’t believe he would have given up that easily.”“I know, this all feels highly suspicious. I’ll have the other Autobots converge on your position. We need to compare notes.”When the six Autobots met at the bunkers moments later, the debriefing report spawned even more confusion. “It didn't make sense,” said Ironhide. “Jazz and I thought we had easy pickin's goin’ two-on-one with the tank guy, but he had us on the ropes a few times. Then for no reason, he just split!”“And Prowl and I had Swindle pinned until he took off as well,” added Smokescreen. “He was trying to make a deal with us with some weapons he had pilfered, but he just left them behind.”“You serious? It ain't like that chiseler to toss a load like that, ‘less he was desperate to get lost.”“Hey, wait a cycle,” Jazz cut in. “We followed Prowl's plan to keep them bogies apart for as long as we could. But didn’t you notice they all stayed in those separate little fights with us?”Prowl brushed his chin as he ran that thought through his processor. “Come to think of it, you’re right. None of them even tried to regroup for a chance to form Bruticus."Once again, Optimus’ wrist communicator blinked on as another filtered voice began to speak from it. “Skyfire calling Optimus Prime. Come in.”“This is Prime. Report.”“I don’t know where to start with this, but Starscream just withdrew his attack. All six of the Decepticon jets just pulled right out, and none of them took anything with them. The Aerialbots didn’t even need to form Superion to fight them off.”“That’s strange. The exact same thing happened here as well.”“We’re going to try to talk to someone in charge over here, to see if they have any idea of what could be up. I’ll call back if we have anything.”“Acknowledged. Optimus out.”“What’s up, Prime?” asked Jazz. “Did the ’Cons call off their attack at the other base, too?”“Yes. Both withdrew around the same time, and none of them took anything. There’s no way this can be a coincidence.”“Y’know, I’m having a thought,” said Smokescreen. “The Decepticons know they can’t break through our security at Headquarters. And both these attacks took place the day after we brought Ultra Magnus to Earth. What if these attacks were meant to draw us out, leaving less Autobots to defend our base against a third Decepticon attack led by Megatron himself?”“Well, if anyone knows about diversions, it’s you,” Prowl replied. “But while it’s safe to assume these were diversions, we’ve got Omega Supreme guarding our headquarters. Even with Megatron, any attack they’d try wouldn’t amount to much.”Optimus raised his wrist communicator again. “Optimus Prime calling Autobot Headquarters. Red Alert, come in.”“Red Alert here,” responded the voice from the comlink speaker. “What is it, more trouble?”“Not yet. But are there any signs of Decepticons approaching our base?”“Decepticons?! Just wait; I need to –”A long hiss of harsh static crackled from Prime's communicator, eliciting displeased headshakes from Ultra Magnus and Ironhide, a dissatisfied frown from Prowl, and an impatient sigh from Smokescreen. Though Jazz found a modicum of humor in the abrupt radio cutoff, he knew better than letting it show by smothering his chuckle. The Autobots didn't have to wait long, thankfully, before the static was silenced by Red Alert's sheepish, embarrassed voice.“Um, heh… apologies for my hastiness, Prime. I’ve checked all base perimeter scanners, and radioed Omega Supreme. No sign of Decepticons anywhere.”“For now, that is. We suspect they may try a surprise attack. I know Omega will be ready for it, but we’ll be back as soon as we can. Optimus out.”“For the love of Primus,” grumbled Ironhide. “Red's really gotta get his wires uncrossed before he pops a diode. So whadda we do now?”“If Headquarters may be under attack soon,” said Ultra Magnus without hesitation, “then we must go back there right away.”“But the humans here could give some insights as to what happened.” Smokescreen suggested. “Also, we can’t just leave their base like this.”“We do have Omega Supreme protecting Headquarters,” realized Optimus, “but we can’t stay here for long. We can ask the officers if they know of any reason for the Combaticons’ visit, but only for a few astrominutes before we leave. We’ll eventually send the Protectobots to help repair the damage at both bases.”“I should get on the horn with Bumblebee, too,” Jazz said. “If the ’Cons are on the loose again, then he and the Witwickys should probably keep away from the volcano for a while, ’til we know for sure we’re all good.”“Agreed. Let’s get down to work.”* * * * * * *

Like a black gemstone that the object resembled, the hexagonal device was carefully inlaid into the dash of the Decepticons’ main computer in the command centre, as Soundwave and Hook verified its connections to the computer had no margin of error. Just as they finished the last steps of their troubleshooting procedures, Megatron entered the room, awaiting the return of the troops he had dispatched moments ago.“Soundwave, Hook: report.”The Constructicon saluted his leader with his right forearm across his chest. “Installation of the interface device is now complete. And I have ensured its finest precision, if I do say so myself.”“Long-range tracking scanners are fixed on the web satellite,” Soundwave droned. “Wireless connection between satellite and mind upload interface device has been successful.”“Then we are ready to upload your mind into the humans’ cyberspace network,” said Megatron with a nod. “Will your minions be joining you?”“Negative; risk is too high. I have instructed them to remain in my quarters until I return.”This was something of a surprise; Soundwave had never gone on a mission without his cassette partners. But Megatron understood the risk factor in trusted aide’s first voyage into global cyberspace; it was best to leave them behind for now. And if Soundwave himself harbored the slightest sign of concern, worry, or fear over this uncharted mission, there was no way to outwardly tell from his visor and faceplate.“So be it,” said Megatron with a nod. “If all your research and calculations are correct, then there should be no doubt that your first experimental dive into cyberspace will go well.”“It better work,” came a high-pitched voice at the entrance, “after the trouble we went through!”Megatron, Soundwave, and Hook saw Starscream, Astrotrain, the Combaticons, and the other five Decepticon Seekers entering the command centre. Some like Astrotrain looked mostly unscathed, and a few like Swindle had minor battle-damaged dents and scrapes, but Vortex was in the worst shape of the dozen. “These attacks were a waste as far as I’m concerned, Megatron,” Starscream complained. “We could have easily seized resources from both bases!”Swindle was about to whisper that he almost did, but knowing Soundwave’s ability to hear the faintest sounds at close range, he wisely shut himself up.“And I really need to get my main chopper blades fixed up,” groaned Vortex, “after that slaggin’ new Autobot shot me down.”It was rare that Megatron came across two surprises within a span of less than two Earth minutes. “‘New Autobot’, you say? Is Ultra Magnus taking action already?”“He is,” Onslaught confirmed. “He was part of Prime’s unit; I personally engaged him in combat.”Megatron scratched his chin in thought. “Interesting. With Autobot security at such an extreme level, it’s curious that they’d allow him to be active on Earth this soon. But we can consider that matter another time. Soundwave, I will monitor your operation from here. Hook, attend to Vortex in the repair bay. The rest of you are dismissed.”“Not just yet,” Starscream said defiantly, as the other Decepticons left the room. “I want to see for myself if Soundwave’s petro-pet project has been worth everything we’ve done. And I am not leaving until I personally witness the end result – whichever way it will go.”Though Megatron could have done without his lieutenant’s attitude, he did agree that a second pair of optic sensors couldn’t hurt. “Very well, Starscream. You may stay if you so choose.”“Good. Now let’s hope his mind doesn’t get fragmented to random bits and bytes when he breaks into the Autobots’ base.”“Negative,” said Soundwave. “This mission is a test run, with the intent of infiltrating Autobot Headquarters when the safety of the mind upload is assured.”Starscream was puzzled. “Then where will you go first?”“Quantum Laboratories.”“Ah, an excellent and familiar choice,” Megatron agreed. “No doubt there should be some new advances in their technologies that we can take for ourselves without them knowing.”“And I suppose you want to reprogram their supercomputer from the inside? Because that sure went well the last time.”“Silence!” Megatron had nearly reached his tolerance limit for Starscream’s quibbling. “While I’m sure the humans have long upgraded TORQ III, taking control of it is not a priority… yet. Now, Soundwave… proceed.”Upon receiving the order, Soundwave leapt up and transformed to his smaller cassette player mode, and landed lightly on the main computer’s control dash right beside the mind upload interface device. A short probe extended from Soundwave’s side, and plugged into the black gem-shaped mechanism, which powered up with a quiet, low-pitched hum. A cluster of lights embedded in one facet of the device – a round lens and a row of five tiny points – blinked on with a light blue hue, and a filtered voice eerily similar to Soundwave’s spoke from the device.
~ Connection with interface established. Accessing core consciousness and spark chamber… ~
The six lights all turned red, with the larger circular lens pulsing its light in a rhythm similar to a human heartbeat. The smaller points of light quickly blinked on one at a time along the row, constantly repeating the luminous pattern.
~ Preparing mind impulses in core consciousness for upload… ~
The light lens settled into a steady crimson glow, while the row of red lights all flashed on at once, then repeatedly blinked off and on.
~ Status of spark: stable. Extracting essential energy from spark for final preparation of core consciousness… ~
The smaller lights settled into a steady red glow matching the light lens.
~ Preparation of core consciousness for upload: complete. Preparing to upload… ~
While the lens light remained red, the row of smaller lights changed to multiple different colors, and began changing its hues in a seemingly random sequence.
~ Uploading to network… now. ~
* * * * * * *

{Soundtrack link: “Who Am I” by Peace Orchestra.).}
Blinding blue-white light was everywhere, thoroughly immersing Soundwave’s senses before the extradimensional brilliance took shape into a tunnel with no definite beginning or end, composed of tiny points of light streaking along radiating grid lines of pulsating energy. From the moment the upload began, he perceived a startling sensation of weightlessness, his pure consciousness unrestrained by the weight of his physical body, while retaining his same likeness as in the “real” world. For a brief moment, Soundwave believed this experience felt like being drawn through the transport beam of the Decepticons’ space bridge, but much faster and a touch warmer. He had nary a fraction of a second for another thought about this extraordinary mode of travel, before he saw a small blank circle materializing in the centre of his path, and growing into a dark portal at the far end of this tunnel of light.
“Entering satellite; preparing for relay beam.”
Almost instantaneously, another coruscating and equally-immersive light filled Soundwave’s vision before it also formed a second tunnel of brighter light points and faint grid lines. On closer inspection, these points of light resembled the shapes of random text characters of any or all known languages – manifestations of digital code, perhaps. Very soon, a warm blue light appeared in the middle of this tunnel like a second portal, propelling Soundwave’s avatar into an infinitely-reaching expanse of open air – a borderless void, save for a faintly glowing blue-green hexagonal grid far above him like a wireframe “sky” – where he floated freely, feeling no effects comparable to gravity, in the midst of apparent nothingness.
“Entry into Web successful. Searching for destination.”
Soundwave ran a mental command to project a rectangular shape from his cassette deck chest panel, forming in front of him a hard-light “screen” with images serving as touch-screen control icons on it. His private cyberspace experiments prior to this mission had gotten him accustomed to how effortless this action was, when compared to doing so in the physical world. In forgoing elements like wired circuit connections and processing chips that could very slightly “slow down” brain impulses passing through them, engaging brain functions was astoundingly easy as an entity of reformatted bioelectric signals – a creature of pure energy, as it were – when one’s own self was the aggregate of one’s own brain. However, while some actions could be accomplished in this plane of existence with a mere thought, others were still driven by the same engagement as in the “real” world, even if for no other reason than habit.Using the hard-light interface screen as a virtual keyboard, he opened an application and manipulated its icons. Dipping into his own memory of the time he and Megatron had broken into his targeted facility more than a decade ago, he recalled the coordinates of the lab’s geographic location and entered the figures into the hologram-like device.
“Find server location: Quantum Laboratories, United States.”
Lines of text scrolled up along the screen at lightning speed, before it was replaced by a white outline map of the United States. Two yellow lines, one vertical and one horizontal, ran through the map and crossed at a particular point; a small window-like image opened with an arrow aimed at the intersection, revealing an inset map of the specified region. A red crosshairs symbol blinked on a specific spot on the inset map, which Soundwave tapped to view its details. Appearing beside the flashing symbol was an eight-digit sequence:
47401227

“Web location found. Preparing to enter.”
Soundwave cleared the floating interface screen, opened a new application, and entered the sequence from the map into it, causing a small mist of green energy particles to materialize in the empty space a little further away from him. The mist stretched vertically and coalesced into a solid shape: a hexagonal door-like frame suspended in the void, its inner space containing a yellow-green membrane of luminous energy. Soundwave deactivated his interface screen and levitated toward the new portal, only to be blocked with an electrified jolt when he touched the membrane. He examined the barrier more closely, and detected the presence of energized code running along its surface.
“Firewall present. Analyzing….”
He aimed the sensor/cannon on his right shoulder at the membranous barrier, and emitted a wide violet beam from its business end, scanning the code inside the portal’s frame from top to bottom. His scan complete, Soundwave downloaded the information into his own memory, and ran it through his processing directives for a few moments. He projected the interface screen from his chest again, where a new sequence of numerals appeared on it:
528491
Having found the passcode he needed, Soundwave saved the sequence to his memory, and projected a red beam from his optical visor to the barrier. Aiming the beam at the top of the frame and running it downward, he “cut” a tear into the firewall membrane and spread it apart to his size. He shut off his optical beam and dove into the portal, making it through with a brief moment before the tear in the firewall membrane closed up behind him.
(Soundtrack link: “Metropolis” by Kraftwerk.)
What Soundwave found on the other side would have made him gasp, if he were prone to letting his emotional instincts override his logic program. The view below his hovering avatar evoked a sprawling cityscape at night, with neon-lit edges and borders on a matte-black floor. Its dark, flat foundation bore straight yellow lines with a flaring iridescence, many of them bent at sharp angles forming criss-crossing streets, like a cyber-city on a gigantic black circuit board. In the places for buildings were three-dimensional wireframe towers shaped like enormous electronic components – microchips, capacitors, switches, resistors, diodes – with similar patterns of thinner, densely-packed circuit paths running along their walls. Tiny scintillating dots flowed through these smaller paths like organic cells inside blood vessels.
“Entry into virtual local network successful. Searching for central computer sector.”
Uncertain of how close he was to the “downtown core" of the system, the intruder descended into the dazzling nano-metropolis, avoiding contact with any of the components and the floor. Just one errant touch, however light or accidental, could trigger a security procedure that could erase him without hesitation – not a desirable consequence on such a perilous mission as this. Soundwave approached one virtual building in mid-hover, and stared into the circuit lines in its walls. His visual examination revealed these dots of light flowing in them were also digital code, in the form of mostly alphanumeric characters – no surprise for a tech facility on American soil.It also gave him just the right inspiration he needed.Soundwave shifted back from the giant component and turned his attention to the circuit pathways on the floor. There, he saw bright-white, spark-esque pulses of data signals zipping along the routes like cars on a freeway – scaled to him, their size was like a car to a human – and deduced his express ticket to his destination. His unique signal-scanning power was no different in principle here from in the “real” world; only the matter of scale was. He carefully swept his optic visor over the myriads of intersecting roads, all shimmering with these pulses of encoded light. Once he determined which signals were traveling along the correct route, he glided overhead and kept his field of vision locked on his chosen path, registering into his memory every turn and change in direction to ensure his safe departure in due time. He wondered how expansive Quantum Laboratories’ presence in cyberspace must be, and how much of its virtual territory he could explore and its riches he could plunder. But this was still a test mission, with the risk of danger to his life still quite high. Focusing on one high-priority element would be more than sufficient for this first venture; more opportunities were sure to arise later.He felt the radiance of the surrounding energy gradually intensifying with each passing unit of time on this self-guided journey following these circuit paths, until his sensory protocols indicated the source of this exotic power was practically right in front of him. At the end of the trail, Soundwave reached another wireframed structure which, in this realm, was the size of an arena to him. Its shape was that of a rectangular computer chip, complete with connecting pins to the floor. Another brief sweep of a scanning beam from his shoulder-mounted sensor/cannon uncovered its place and purpose in this system.
“Central memory unit of computer sector detected. Identity of main computer… TORQ IV.”
He remembered Version III from his previous visit to this laboratory.. And he still had memories of the unsettling, polygonal facial simulation on TORQ III’s primary external screen. He took a brief moment to think about how the “face” of this new upgraded version might look… and considering himself glad he was inside the machine, he put his consciousness back to work.Soundwave knew that the most ideal way to access the precious data inside this giant chip was to enter it via one of the connector pins linking it to the floor. Certain that this component would be protected, he nevertheless coasted a lap around its perimeter, scanning each individual pin in case a single one might be a weak link he could exploit as a backdoor… with no luck. He also found no clear weaknesses in the chip’s construction, despite its wireframe appearance. Refusing to be dissuaded from his goal, he took another look up and down the walls of this vast memory bank, taking another glance at the connector pins where energized signal pulses of data continuously flowed in and out of the chip, racing along the street-like circuit paths linked to those pins –The proverbial LED light figuratively blinked on over Soundwave’s head. The solution couldn’t possibly be that simple.Activating his sensor/cannon again, Soundwave aimed its scanning beam on a specific point of one pathway right next to a connector pin, just as another signal pulse ran through the beam harmlessly before dashing into its home. He projected the interface touchscreen from his chest panel again – with every analytical process at his disposal, he worked at breaking down the data from his scan for every aspect, angle, and property of that signal’s essential nature, hoping to uncover a “key” that would let him bypass the memory bank’s anti-intrusion defenses. His efforts yielded two viable but risky possibilities:One: “hitch a ride” onto a signal pulse right before it flows into the chip.Two: “forge” a fake electronic signature from a scanned pulse to camouflage his avatar.Unfortunately, both methods had significant drawbacks. Merging with a signal pulse would carry Soundwave into the chip, but the defenses inside it would surely delete him upon first detection. And though fabricating a “false ID” as a signal pulse could suitably disguise himself, he had never created a whole new identity within cyberspace before. There was no guarantee that a first attempt at creating such a disguise on the spot would be adequate enough to protect him. Still, having come so far in his first dive into the Web, and with a mine of informational riches within arm’s reach, he had no desire to abandon the mission. There had to be some way for him to get inside the chip, on this plane of existence on an electronically nanoscopic level.And there was. The answer lay in his own research long before this first mission – some rules of science considered “normal” in the physical world could be manipulated in the virtual world, to limited degrees. He did not yet know just how far those rules could be bent or broken, but maybe, he hypothesized, he could try it at a low level in order to sneak into TORQ’s memory bank. He ran some computations on the two results shown on his interface screen, and formulated a “key” that would theoretically work… by combining an aspect from both methods.
“Preparing to enter central memory unit of TORQ IV…”
Tapping into his findings from his scan of the signal pulse, Soundwave began to generate a low-power energy field surrounding his avatar in a faint white aura. Right then, his sensory array alerted him that another signal in the distance was about to come streaking down the circuit path toward the memory bank; with little time to wait, he deactivated his interface screen. Once the new pulse came within range, he dove straight into it, violently pulled by a sharp jolt like a human jumping onto a running train. He clung to the inside of the signal as it screamed down the pathway, through the connector pin… and into the chip, his momentum carrying him through what looked like a free-standing circuit path.Soundwave mentally concentrated on his makeshift energy field around himself, adhered it to the charge of his signal pulse, and pulled himself free from the path, drifting in a pocket of free space. He braced himself for anything inside the chip that might detect his intrusion into the chip, or his escape from the pathway… and relaxed when there was none. Cloaked by the dual layer of camouflage of his hijacked signal pulse, hidden in plain sight from any security inside the memory bank, he felt fortunate that the vital energy field from his own spark was still keeping his core consciousness in one cohesive piece.
“Entry into TORQ IV memory unit successful. Initiating search, selection, and scan of files…”
This final level of Soundwave’s virtual adventure had no disturbing screen visage – for which he was also grateful – but a vibrant sight that he thought was more magnificent than the city-like views outside the chip. The interior was bathed in a deep-red atmospheric light, which made finding the walls, floor, and ceiling extremely difficult. Occupying the space inside this memory unit were rows upon rows of perfectly-straight bars, parallel and perpendicular, acting as the circuit paths inside the memory unit. These bars, significantly slimmer than the “outdoor” circuit paths, extended seemingly with no end in all three dimensions of length, width, and height, gleaming in neon-gold in contrast to the low, sinister light. Equally spaced in a precise and orderly arrangement, these intersecting bars formed a far-reaching cubic lattice frame: an endless cage-like honeycomb of perfectly cubic spaces without cell walls between its skeletal rods, with enough room for Soundwave’s avatar to pass through the spaces like a giant dragonfly in a jungle gym. Affixed to each point where the bars crossed was a cube roughly the size of Soundwave’s chest, simmering with a dark-orange glow. Tiny pulses of white light zipped through these bars like the circuit paths outside the memory chip; these signals entering the cubes lit them up in a warm amber, before slowly dimming down.As immense as the exterior of TORQ’s memory bank appeared at first sight, the mesmerizing layout of this circuit path lattice and the small cubes on every vertex gave an inexplicable impression – or illusion – that it was bigger on the inside. Soundwave’s sensory perception for electrical detection was pushed close to overload, almost drowning in the radiating energies from this storehouse of electromagnetic ones and zeros. He took a quick sweep with his sensor/cannon along the bars and cubes of the “cell” he was in, and learned these cubes were the memory storage nano-modules of this chip. Estimating the sheer quantity of these modules made him believe these data archives must be packed with such impossibly numerous memory units to choose from – read-only to random access, and everything in between – and wonder if the place might have a transfinite dimension to how all its content was saved, organized, and stored. Pure information, top to bottom, side to side – he would have felt like a newly-activated protoform in an energon goodie store, if his professional attitude wasn’t such a hallmark of his personality.Soundwave had no doubt that all these archives were under tight security, and any data we would harvest would most definitely be encrypted. He recalled that TORQ III was Earth’s most powerful computer in its time, and presumed this current successor to be far more advanced, with new tamper-proofing measures against reprogramming attempts by foreign intruders, such as himself. But even with no intention to take control of TORQ IV, that didn’t mean all this information was safe from simply being copied by Soundwave’s signature powers. And he was more than capable of deciphering any encryptions that the most ingenious human programmer could devise; this supercomputer would be no different.Knowing he could easily touch the memory nano-modules in this lattice cage to “read” their internal contents via direct contact, Soundwave resorted to a more cautious tactic, shielded though he was by the shroud of his stolen signal pulse. He selected one module near him, aimed his shoulder-mounted sensor/cannon at it, and released its scanning beam over its surface. Though not prone to outward bursts of emotion, he almost gasped in surprise from the improbably staggering amount of data so densely packed in just this one cube alone. He then wove his way like a honeybee throughout the structure from vertex to vertex, choosing modules at random, and greedily plundering their riches with his sensor/cannon. As he downloaded his copies into his own memory storage, he wished he could capture everything inside this digital treasure trove, down to its last bit. Still, this first foray inside the Web netted him plenty as it was.
“Data acquisition satisfactory. Preparing for withdrawal….”
He watched the tiny pulses of light through the thin cage-like bars of the lattice frame, calculating their travel patterns and reading their behaviors as they coursed through this micro-network. Working out the path he needed – a primary step being choosing a path going straight down – his avatar maintained his hold on his charged energy camouflage, and slipped into a vertically-oriented bar, plummeting into the dim depths before his path sharply went horizontal, sending him to the outer edge of the memory unit’s dark interior. His path led to the outer perimeter of the chip, through a connector pin, and back on the “streets”. Soundwave clung to his pulse disguise, and with an abrupt swerve, he tore himself up off the circuit road on the floor. Safely suspended above the ground, his next mental command negated the charge of his energized cloak, which flaked off in a light, glittering shower of tiny 1’s and 0’s, all smoldering weakly like fading embers and vanishing before they could touch the floor.Declaring this test mission accomplished, Soundwave rose to a safe height above the neon cityscape, and reopened his chest-projected interface screen. He typed another sequence and again conjured a mist of green energy particles before him, which reformed the vertical hexagonal portal framing its coded energy membrane. Drawing from the passcode that allowed him to penetrate Quantum Laboratories’ firewall program, he once again cut a tear through the membrane with a red beam from his optical visor, and darted through the opening before the tear resealed itself and the portal dissipated.Back to the relative safety of the void with the dim, blue-green honeycomb grid way up in the “sky”, Soundwave entered some last few commands on his interface screen, where a small satellite-shaped icon popped up on it. A single touch on the icon closed the screen, and one of the hexagon-shaped facets in the “sky” grid flashed on, bathing his avatar in a blue-white spotlight, and pulling him upward into the illuminated polygon….* * * * * * *“Back so soon?”After returning to his body, Soundwave did not expect the first sound to greet him would be a snide remark from Starscream, as he transformed back to his robot mode and landed on the command centre’s floor. “This has got to be the biggest waste of our efforts that you’ve ever approved, Megatron,” seethed the air commander. “Our attacks, that satellite, all for nothing! This failure is just more evidence that the Decepticons should place me in command!”Though Soundwave couldn’t muster a smug expression, he instead settled for his signature voice speaking pure facts. “Incorrect on all points. Infiltration of target and extraction of data both successful.”“Oh, really? Then prove it.”“Preparing main computer to receive download.”

Soundwave turned to the main computer and struck a combination of keys on the control dash, then lifted his right hand; extending from its index fingertip was a short narrow probe resembling a single-prong plug. He inserted the probe into an interface socket in the computer’s dash, then pressed his left finger on a switch on his torso. As the cassette-playing spindles in his chest cavity spun rapidly to activate his decryption algorithms, he could feel the stolen data flowing like a stream from inside his high-density memory storage banks, through his right arm, and out through the fingertip probe into the socket on the dash. Seconds later, he removed the probe from the computer, retracting it into his finger, and struck another control key on the computer. The screen burst to life as its readouts overflowed from the output display.Reams of pages were packed with programming codes and scientific formulas in their text.Two-dimensional blueprints and schematics depicted staggeringly advanced tech components ranging from electronic microcircuits to modular hardware.And 3-D CGI design models represented all manner of macro-sized specimens of technology, none of which had ever been seen by eyes outside the laboratory whence they came.Until now.Though Soundwave’s visage prevented him from giving Starscream a clear “I told you so” look, the results on the giant screen was more than enough to figuratively do that for him. Megatron wasn’t above performing the literal version, before shifting his gaze back to the main screen as it flashed more new images from the seemingly-endless download. “Amazing! This proves your clandestine method of stealing information directly from the ‘virtual’ world is a great success. These results have far exceeded even my own expectations!”Starscream’s skepticism was jolted by shock, as the readouts on the screen played out non-stop before his dumbfounded optic sensors. “That’s impossible! This must be worth hundreds of gigabytes of information! How could you have taken so much from the humans’ laboratory, when you were in there for only a few astroseconds?”“Early stages in cyberspace experiments found a time differential between virtual and physical worlds,” Soundwave answered. “When the mind avatar of a user experiences what he perceives as an Earth second in cyberspace, it is in fact equivalent to a minuscule fraction of a second in the so-called ‘real’ world.”“You mean time runs much slower in the virtual world compared to here?” Starscream muttered while gazing at the screen as it still poured out more and more of the digital contents. “I don’t believe any of this.”“Yet the proof is still unfolding right before you,” said Megatron with a sweeping wave of his hand toward the screen. “And if this much data from one mission can be extracted in such a brief amount of time, then perhaps more targets can be quickly exploited in a similar manner.”“What do you mean, more targets? I thought the reason for this idea was to hack into Autobot Headquarters! Why wait when Soundwave’s just ‘proven’ his trips into the Web actually work?”“It is our ultimate purpose, Starscream, but not our only one. This gives us a perfect opportunity to gather countless more resources hidden in Earth’s most advanced and powerful institutions, all under complete stealth and secrecy. And once we are ready, Soundwave will break into the Autobots’ home base, past every one of their security measures.”“I suppose, then… if the so-called ‘avatar’ is in there for five Earth minutes – about half a breem – that could provide time to explore multiple targets from inside the Web, hm?”“Affirmative,” Soundwave replied. “However, the mind still experiences fatigue, pain, and other stimuli as in the physical world. User’s attributes like strength and endurance may be enhanced in cyberspace, but the avatar is not invulnerable. Longer periods in virtual space are possible, but remaining indefinitely is not recommended.”“And you must have worked that out with your own experiments involving your own troops,” Starscream pondered. “How long can you stay inside the Web, if I dare ask?”“Precise figure not determined. But excess exposure may risk mind degradation, consequently lessening the user’s effectiveness in the physical world.”“I can’t speak about the beasts, but I doubt it would affect Rumble and Frenzy that much.”Starscream’s attempt to provoke Soundwave failed to yield his desired result, earning instead a sharp bark of “Enough!” from Megatron. The Decepticon Leader then spoke less harshly, while his voice retained its natural gravelly timbre. “We must transmit this data to Shockwave for thorough analysis before we put it to use, which I expect will be very soon. And from here on, Soundwave, I give you full autonomy over your virtual missions to gather more resources of value to us. I trust you will know the proper times to strike.”“As you command, Megatron.”Leaving the command center to let Megatron and Starscream analyze the visual output on the giant screen, Soundwave made his way back to his personal quarters, wondering what his cassettes had been up to during his absence. As the door slid open, he saw Ravage curled up and resting on the floor, giving him a slight look and a brief purring growl as he entered the room. Laserbeak and Buzzsaw were perched on a small table-like seat, watching video footage of their past recon missions, the latter gnawing on a metal block to sharpen his beak. And Rumble and Frenzy lay sprawled out on the floor in utter boredom.As Soundwave walked past the twins on his way to his computer, Rumble sat up and looked up at his guardian.“Well? How’d it go?”“Results of mission: flawless.”Rumble could have almost spit, but instead flopped back on the floor. “Aw, man; I wanted to go!”Frenzy turned his head to Soundwave and the computer, feeling too lazy to sit up. “D’ya bring us somethin’ we could play, maybe?”Soundwave didn’t answer right away; he went straight to work, preparing his computer and interfacing his fingertip probe into its input socket. As he loaded the master copy of his stolen information into the computer, thoughts ran through his mind about where the success of this first mission would lead – applying this resource toward future research, preparing more training sessions for his cassette troops, and devising new tests for “defying the laws of science” in the virtual world. After his first improvised attempt proved successful, he wondered just how far he could go and hoped he could master this skill quickly; he knew he would be diving into the Web again very soon… and often.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

One more uppercut from Ryu finally took the towering military overlord down for the count. No sooner did the words “YOU WIN” flash on the gaming screen, than Blaster had disconnected the VR headset, removed the hardware from his head, and plopped down on the nearest seat he could find in the rec centre. He didn’t bother to watch the post-game scene of the martial arts master no-showing the award ceremony and walking off into the sunset, and he barely noticed Wheeljack approaching him as he tried to regain his bearings.“Well, everything looks good from what I can see,” said Wheeljack. “Signal response times are instantaneous with no sign of lag, reflex reactions are razor sharp. Doesn’t look like I’ll need to make many improvements on the controllers. How’re you feeling?”An exhausted Blaster sharply shook his head like a wet dog shaking water off its body, as he unstrapped the body-motion controllers from his wrists and ankles. “Like someone’s been playing ‘Smash the Tape Deck’ with an electro-charged warhammer. I thought you said this VR stuff wasn’t real, man!”“It isn’t. It’s just the inputs in your mind that make it ‘real’.”“Then remind me to never play Mortal Kombat with that thing on. But I’ll give ya this; it’s a lot easier to beat that game with these controllers than mashing buttons on a hand-held. I didn’t even need to input a cheat code to tweak anything!”Wheeljack took the controller straps as Blaster held them out. “If you’re up for it next time, you could use the enhancement kit to increase the difficulty level.”“Heck, maybe I can customize the enemy characters to look like the Decepticons! Or lay out a whole new arena scene! Best part about having the skill to record signals – ” Blaster patted the cassette deck panel on his chest – “I can save ’em all in here.”“Pardon me; what is going on here?”The two startled Autobots did not expect another visitor at the rec centre’s entrance. Snapping their heads to the door treated their optics to a stern look from a rather displeased Ultra Magnus striding into the room, with Optimus Prime right behind him. “Wheeljack, I can not tolerate this. Optimus and I have been drawn out by a Decepticon diversion, and you’re in here with this rogue slacker when you’re supposed to be working on ‘Project Scramble’!”“Sorry, Ultra Magnus,” Wheeljack apologized hastily, “but there wasn’t much we could discuss while you were away. Right now, Grapple and Hoist are working on fine-tuning the two designs for the project. But we needed you and Prime to talk about the other aspects of our plan.”“I understand,” Optimus said. “We can resume our discussions as soon as we're all ready.”Ultra Magnus looked at Prime in outwardly subdued disbelief. “Is that all? Aren't you going to exercise disciplinary action for neglect of duty?”Having recovered enough from the game, Blaster pulled himself up from his seat and stared up at the Deputy Commander. “Look, big guy, you need to learn to lighten up a micron. Here, maybe this tune’ll be to your liking.”He reached for the control keys below his chest panel and pressed the “play” button. Accessing his internal data storage banks, he opened a file which played a syncopated jazz piano, and snapped his fingers to the rhythm as the soulful voice of a gospel singer joined in:
♪♫ Joshua fit the battle of Jericho-o-o / Jericho-o-o / Jericho-o-o…. ♫♪

“I don't know what your intentions are, Blaster, but I am not impressed by your lack of respect toward a superior officer!”“Come on, Mags, it’s old-school that’s still cool! In a classic kind of way….”Optimus Prime felt he had no choice but to physically step in between the two. “That will be all, both of you. We already have a lot of work to do, and we don’t need conflicts among ourselves. First, we should decide when to resume our ‘Project Scramble’ discussions. Wheeljack, how does our immediate schedule look?”“Well, with Grapple and Hoist at work, we could try later this evening, or we could allow them more time and have our next meeting tomorrow morning.”With a nod, Optimus looked at Magnus. “Your thoughts?”“I would prefer to do it now. But if it means the city designs will have satisfactory improvements, then I will agree to reconvening tomorrow.”“This should allow time for Ratchet to give you a post-battle check-up, which shouldn’t take long. Bumblebee will be back with Spike's family soon, so until we have a clear idea of what the Decepticons are up to, we may have to keep them here to ensure their safety.”Blaster pumped his fist in excitement as he stopped playing his music track. “All right! Can’t wait to play them some fresh indie tunes I just pulled off MP3.com!”But Optimus Prime cut him off right away. “Negative. I need you to work with Teletraan I in monitoring any communications signals around the planet.”“What? You mean right now?”“Yes. I need you to look for signs of anything that could be connected to the Decepticons’ recent hit-and-run attacks. I'm certain they'll make another move, and it could happen anytime.”Blaster sighed in mild disappointment. “You know how I hate changing channels in mid-song, but you’re the boss, boss.”Keeping up a front to at least appear professional, Blaster left the room, resisted the temptation to shoot a hostile glare at Ultra Magnus before his exit, and made his way down the hallway to the central command centre. Wheeljack left the recreation centre for his workshop, taking his game controllers with him, while Optimus accompanied Magnus to the repair bay.“I don't understand this, Prime. You personally witnessed Blaster's act of insubordination. Why didn't you discipline.him?”“Despite outward appearances and early impressions, Blaster is among our most dedicated officers and warriors, even though his penchant for musical diversions sometimes gets in the way of his job.”“See, that's the problem. Since I came here, I've witnessed too many Autobots preoccupied in so much ‘fun and games’. Don't they understand the importance of what we're facing both here and on Cybertron? For all we know, Blaster could idle the rest of the day listening to this planet’s music stations, instead of news bulletins!”“I understand where you're coming from, Ultra Magnus. But perhaps you're experiencing what humans call ‘culture shock’. Back on Cybertron, war is all we knew, and you've served as a soldier for your whole life. However, much of Earth is quite peaceful, and its inhabitants regularly seek out a variety of interests all removed from ongoing violence.”“You mean to say that, even though we plan to establish a new fortress for ourselves on Earth, this world is not a battleground by nature?”“Save for a select few nations, yes. Interacting with humans has shown us other ways of life like the arts and athletics, which have become forgotten on our home planet. We’ve learned that occasionally pursuing an activity away from constant warfare does keep our cerebral programs sharp, and less prone to mental fatigue that would adversely affect our effectiveness in battle. Earth has a phrase about a dull working boy named Jack, which puts it in another way.”“I don’t mean any disrespect, Prime, but that sounds counter-intuitive. Maybe it’s because I have no comparable experience with ‘play time’, but I don’t see how games and music can improve one’s skills as a warrior. This is all completely alien to me.”“Well, if we have a free opportunity once Autobot City is completed, perhaps I can try to help you understand with an athletic activity Spike once taught me. It’s called ‘basketball’.”* * * * * * *

The time differential between the physical and virtual worlds allowed Soundwave to successfully log a myriad of cyber-dive missions within an hour, gathering more and more invaluable secret intel without leaving a trace of his hacking ventures into the network. The ostensibly docile sight of an innocuous-looking cassette player plugged into the headquarters’ computer belied the true actions of that player’s cybernetic soul, exploring and invading a dimension unreachable to virtually all others. In contrast, nothing in cyberspace was safe from the scanning and decrypting powers of Soundwave’s avatar… if it was part of the World Wide Web.The blue device disengaged his connection probe from the mind upload interface device, and transformed back to robot mode, meeting Megatron and Starscream waiting for his report.“Well, Soundwave?” Megatron asked.“A factory in Santa Clara Valley has perfected a top-secret formula for an experimental hyper-alloy. The lightweight metal has extreme resistance to radiation, corrosion, and physical wear, with an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. A variation on the formula shows potential for storing electrical charge.”“Excellent! There is no limit to the uses for such a metal! Load the formula into the computer.”“Negative. Formula is not stored in factory computers linked to the Web. Analysis indicates it is in a laboratory on a private network.”Starscream’s faceplate grew a slight taunting grin. “Too bad. Looks like your failure to get a simple formula proves this stealth tactic of yours isn’t as foolproof as you thought.”“Incorrect. I have ascertained which computer has the formula.”Starscream’s grin dissolved into subdued confusion. “How in the universe do you know that…?”“It is not important how he knows,” Megatron interrupted, “only that he does know where to find it. But the only way we can get that formula is attacking the factory and seizing it ourselves.”“You mean a direct attack for a top-secret target?” questioned Starscream. “What happened to ‘not drawing unwanted attention’ or needing ‘the highest level of stealth’? Surely the Autobots will try to stop us.”“I am aware of the unfortunate reality of such an attack,” Megatron countered. “Consider it a necessary evil, as long as we remain fast and efficient in capturing our prize. It will be more than compensated for by the many cyber-infiltrations that did not require going on location. And as I assume the factory is heavily guarded, this will be an ideal chance to field-test a special new weapon against its defenses.”The Decepticon leader then struck a computer key, opening the public address channel.“Blitzwing! Report!”* * * * * * *

{Day 3}

Optimus Prime didn’t even need to knock the door of Ultra Magnus’ living quarters; it slid open just as the Autobot Leader approached it, allowing Magnus to exit his room.“Punctual as always,” said Optimus as he walked down the corridor beside his deputy. “One can always count on your conscientiousness to your duty ”“You know I’m always prepared in everything I dedicate myself to doing, Prime. And I look forward to see what Wheeljack and Grapple have to offer today.”“They’re in the strategy office, along with the other Autobots from yesterday’s meeting. But Spike and his family have a matter outside the base to attend to, so I’ll have to fill him in when he returns to Headquarters later.”“That’s a shame. I take it this is a matter that relates to Earth civilian society?”“Correct. Spike and Carly need to make sure everything is in place for Daniel to begin school later this year.”“I see. Well, I hope Spike will attend the next meeting, because I want to discuss our alliance with the humans’ authorities. Transferring Ambassador Crosscut from Cybertron should help in formalizing negotiations – in secret, as usual. Also, I need to address a concern with you.”“If it’s about Blaster, he’s already working with Teletraan I. He won’t be causing any disturbances this time.”“No, it’s not that. Judging from the relative silence in this hallway, I can tell Blaster isn’t wasting time in the games room. I’m talking about Huffer. I’m aware of his skills in construction, but I fear his constant negative attitude in yesterday’s meeting will carry into all of them. With Grapple’s sensitivity in mind, if such criticism continues, it could weaken our morale in putting ‘Project Scramble’ together.”“I am aware of Huffer’s comments. In fact, besides his engineering expertise, that is precisely why I assigned him for these meetings.”“You’ve lost me, Prime. How do his disruptive remarks help this project?”“We want Autobot City to be as close to invulnerable as possible. My reasoning is a proverbial ‘trial by fire’ during the pre-production stage. If Huffer finds any faults in the proposal, then it’s up to us to work the problem, tighten all weak points, and push the project to maximum effectiveness. If ‘Project Scramble’ can’t withstand verbal criticism in the planning stages, then it’s sure to fall against enemy fire. Consider it a form of psychological motivation.”“Some may see that as more comparable to psychological manipulation.”“Perhaps. But where we are now, we know the Decepticons have no intention of giving us a moment to rest. However, I have full confidence in our crew’s expertise that they are more than capable of living up to the challenges ahead of us.”“Well, I see your point. Still, if Huffer – ”“Yo, Prime!” crackled a voice from a public address speaker in the corridor. “This is Blaster blastin’ at’cha! Come on down and stay on this channel; this is an emergency!”The two Commanders ran down the hallway, not noticing Wheeljack and Grapple poking their heads out the door as they passed the strategy office. “If this is another Decepticon diversion,” Magnus muttered, “it’s going to take forever before we can even start building Autobot City.”The pair soon reached the command centre with Blaster in front of Teletraan I. “Report!” Optimus Prime ordered.The Autobot Communicator struck a computer key on Teletraan’s control panel. Just as Prowl entered the room a little later, a split image appeared on the main screen. On the left half was a map of the Western United States, with a single blinking Decepticon symbol moving toward the coast. On the right was a live, real-time view of a purple heavy jet fighter in flight.“Sky Spy’s picked up a bogey heading for California,” Blaster said. “Haven’t determined his final destination yet, but it’s a sure bet it ain’t good news.”Ultra Magnus felt annoyed and a little confused. “You called us here for only one Decepticon?”“Look, Prime said to watch out for any Decepticon shenanigans poppin’ up. With what you guys got goin’ on, it don’t matter if it’s one ’Con or ten of ’em; they’re all bad news.”“But it doesn’t make sense. Why just one fighter, when yesterday they sent two squads?”“Well, whatever he’s up to, we can’t just ignore him,” Prowl reasoned. “I’ll take some Autobots with me, Prime. Blitzwing may be a Triple Changer, but a few of us can handle him ourselves. You and Magnus can carry on with the meeting as scheduled.”“Affirmative,” Optimus agreed. “Blaster, patch Prowl and his team into Teletraan I, and use the Sky Spy to track Blitzwing’s flight path. That way, you can guide the Autobots to his destination.”“Gotcha, chief!” said Blaster with a salute.With that, Prowl struck a key on Teletraan and opened the public address speakers. “Jazz, Smokescreen: to command centre, right away! Red Alert, prepare the entrance bay door!”* * * * * * *

Radar from the central security watchtower spotted a single aircraft breaching the factory’s airspace, setting off emergency warnings throughout the complex. With the doors to the buildings all secured, and workers hoping to safely continue their jobs in their respective departments, squads of armed guards scrambled to position anti-aircraft gun emplacements and treaded mobile cannons both outside and inside the armored perimeter wall. Normally, the defense division would not deploy this much firepower against a lone interloper, and they would warn intruders to leave the area before deploying their weapons. But a magnified look on the security viewscreen picked out certain distinct details on this singular jet fighter – notably, its heavily-built design and the malevolent symbols emblazoned on its wings – indicating that there would be no reasoning or negotiating with this invader.

(Soundtrack link: “Fuel”, by Metallica.)From the tarmac on the expansive factory, artillery cannons and energy weapons unleashed a lethal spectacle of laser light and pyrotechnics, which exploded around the jet fighter nosediving toward them. But the volley failed to even slow down the aircraft, let alone stop it. As it tore through the smoke left in the barrage’s wake, one could hear a belligerent voice from the jet shouting over the roar of its own engines:“Here’s what you flesh creatures get for shooting first!”Realizing that nothing would dissuade this intruder from its kamikaze maneuver, the gunners abandoned their defensive positions and fled to the nearest safety they could find. The fighter jet screamed in low to the perimeter wall, and spun into a barrel roll – its nosecone folding into its fuselage, its wing assemblies swiveling out and wrapping around its sides, caterpillar treads snaking out underneath its chassis, and a turret rising atop its body – forming a sand-colored tank. The assault vehicle effortlessly plowed through the perimeter wall, and its momentum carried it to a skidding stop in front of the nearest building in the complex. The hatch on top of the tank’s turret popped open; pouring out of the hatch like angry hornets was a swarm of silver, compact, spherical drones and a black cassette. The cassette unfolded and grew into a jaguar shape, and landed on all fours beside the tank.“You do your thing, Ravage; I’ll do mine! BAAA-HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!”Blitzwing spun his turret and fired on the anti-aircraft guns left on the tarmac by the scurrying guards; the explosions from his shell destroying the weapons obscuring his wild, maniacal cackling. A few guards gathered the courage to leave their cover and counterattack, but their resistance attracted the attention of the silver drones. A small laser weapon emerged from lateral ports on the left and right sides of each floating sphere, and the automatons sought out their human adversaries and released their own firepower to hold them off. Some guards tried to snipe the drones at a safe distance, but the drones’ extreme maneuverability rendered their efforts fruitless.With the sound of shelling and laser fire behind him, Ravage followed the instructions already in his memory. He bounded through the paths throughout the factory complex, with two drones flanking him in his hunt. When he found the factory wing marked “Research & Development”, the drones zipped ahead and briskly carved a gaping hole into the wall with their lasers. Ravage leapt inside the building with one drone behind him, while the other one remained outside like a guard. With the first drone acting like a bodyguard, Ravage prowled through the building’s hallways until he found the door to the computer lab he needed, and smashed through the door with one pounce. His sudden entrance scared the staff out of the room, where the drone just outside the shattered door fired on the humans to drive them away from the premises.Even with all the computer equipment filling the room from wall to wall, Ravage barely required a few seconds to find the precise machine specified in his instructions. He leapt at the computer he needed, folded himself to his smaller cassette mode, and slid into an interface slot with the ease of a quarter dropping into an arcade game’s coin slot. Adapting himself to the computer’s technology as he linked himself to it, he went straight to work, hacking into its memories and searching for the file with the secret formula, spinning his tape spools while working….* * * * * * *

The police car and the two racers rapidly pulled up to the entrance way to the factory, and skidded to a stop on the tarmac before transforming to their robot modes. Brandishing their weapons, the Autobots swept their optics along the area in search of their target. While they couldn’t miss the obvious damage on the premises, they sensed that something was amiss.“Is it just me,” wondered Jazz with suspicion, “or does it feel too quiet to you guys?”Smokescreen kept looking around the premises, keeping his disruptor rifle at the ready. “If a wrecked building, scorch marks on the tarmac, and piles of debris everywhere is your idea of ‘quiet’, I’d hate to hear what you call ‘noise’.”“I ain’t talkin’ ’bout that, Smokes. I mean we came here to fight off Blitzwing, but there’s no sign o’ that big lug anywhere!”“I think you’re right,” Prowl concurred. “He’s not the type to stay quiet for long, if ever. Unless he’s waiting in ambush and expecting us to show up.”“No,” came a woman’s voice, unexpectedly. “I’m afraid it’s because you’re too late.”The Autobots looked down to the tarmac and found a fairly tall woman with long black hair, wearing a slate-grey pantsuit and simple black flats, and holding a clipboard.“Sorry we didn’t make it in time;” Prowl said. “I assure you, we did try to get here as fast as we could.”“I understand. I’m Doctor Kendra Nogami, senior researcher. We called your base and your communications officer informed us that you were on your way. I am thankful you’re here, but the Decepticons left a short time before you arrived.”Jazz couldn’t believe it. “What? The Sky Spy only just spotted Blitzwing and we rolled out right away! How’s that possible?”“And you said ‘Decepticons’,” Smokescreen noted. “How many were there?”“There was the one you call Blitzwing, plus a flock of flying drones, and a black cat who broke into our high-security computer lab. We’ve been investigating his break-in, and it looks like he’s stolen some of our top-secret information… which I’m afraid I can’t disclose.”“Discreetly sharing this knowledge might allow us to help you more effectively,” said Prowl, “but I will respect your need for secrecy. Although, if this information is top-secret, then how would the Decepticons even know about it?”“Yeah, let alone pull off a smash-and-grab in record time,” agreed Jazz. “You also said somethin’ about drones. What were they?”Just as Doctor Nogami was about to answer, a small blue yard truck hauling an open utility trailer drove by. The scientist spotted the round metallic cargo in the trailer, and waved the truck driver her way. The industrial vehicle changed course and pulled up to a stop in front of Nogami and the Autobots, before the husky-built driver in forest-green military gear climbed out of the truck’s cab. “Didn’t know you had guests here, Doctor. We sure could’ve used their help today.”“Well, they’re here now, nonetheless. Is that one of the drones from the attack?”“Yep, the last one. Reckon these big bots wanna give it a once-over?”“Yes, we would, please,” Prowl accepted politely. “If that’s not much trouble, Mister…”“Steven Johnson. Sure, you can take a look.”Nogami and the Autobots followed Johnson to the tail end of his truck, where they got a close view of the mysterious entity cradled in the trailer like an ostrich egg in a big nest. Besides a few burn marks, its surface was mostly chrome silver, with precision-carved patterns of lines and simple geometric shapes.“Funky-lookin’ beach ball,” Jazz thought as he examined the patterns on the drone’s shell. “What’s it do?”“Well, the guards said they flew out of the tank and began swarming the perimeter,” Johnson explained. “They got tiny ray guns hiding in little ports on either side. Funny thing, though; while our guards were trying to shoot ’em down, they all dodged our guns to keep from getting hit. You’d think they were acting like they had minds of their own.”“You mean they reacted according to your defenses?” said Smokescreen. “Might they have been programmed with some kind of artificial intelligence?”“Could be, I guess. Just before the Decepticons left, the big guy pulled out some remote control and blew ’em all up. But the self-destruct thing on this one must have malfunctioned.”Nogami’s eyes were also drawn to the line patterns on the surface of the spheroid drone, her mind imagining the intricacy of its internal workings. “Have all its other functions been disabled?”“Yeah, of course; I was just taking it over to salvage. There might be something of value we could get out of this hulk of scrap.”“Not just yet, Mr. Johnson,” Prowl interjected. “That’s a Decepticon weapon, so it may be too dangerous for humans to deal with at the moment. I suggest we bring it to our headquarters, and analyze it for its specifications, before proceeding with anything else.”Johnson was reluctant, but he knew the Autobot had a point about the risks of an unknown device with malevolent origins. A shared glance with Doctor Nogami yielded a nod of approval. “Well… all right,” said the security guard. “But if it is safe for us, I’ll want it back.”“Will you need any help in repairing your factory?” asked Smokescreen.“I think we’re fine right now,” said Nogami. “But we’ll call you if we do.”* * * * * * *

Lines upon lines of text and symbols scrolled up the screen at a dizzying pace. Once the file’s content reached its end, the black cassette popped out of an interface slot on the Decepticons’ central computer, before Ravage unfolded and landed on the floor. The feline saboteur padded over to Soundwave, who was also accompanied by Blitzwing and Megatron, while their leader watching the organized figures on the screen with a grin of approval.“You’ve done well! Are you certain the drones you used in the raid have all self-destructed?”“Hah! You should’ve seen it, Megatron. Just one press on the remote’s button, and Ka-BLAM! Nothing but tiny piles of burning chrome!”“Good. We don’t want any evidence of our infiltrating Quantum Labs leaking out. Now I must confer with Shockwave about this formula that we’ll be adding to our collection. You may go.”Another mission completed, the three dismissed Decepticons exited the command centre, with Blitzwing taking a separate path from Soundwave and Ravage heading back to their quarters. Already, Megatron had put Soundwave’s vast data harvests to work, and shared his results with Shockwave on Cybertron. Their cooperation had led to the Decepticons on both planets already creating and developing steadily-growing stockpiles of new materials, weapons, and other resources. The full exploitation of this information could increase their war effort exponentially.Once Soundwave and Ravage opened the door to their quarters, the reception inside was far more subdued than expected. Rumble and Frenzy were both lying face-down on the floor, each one idly looking over a small touchscreen tablet. And the only clue to Laserbeak and Buzzsaw’s presence was two more cassettes lying inert on the control dash of Soundwave’s computer.While Ravage uttered a low growl of disapproval at the slothful behavior of his comrades, Soundwave’s discontent added a tense edge to his synthesized voice. “Report progress on instructional assignments.”Frenzy lazily looked up at his master and barely grumbled, “What’s’it matter…?” before looking back at his tablet.Not accustomed to his normally-faithful minions behaving defiantly, Soundwave gazed at Frenzy’s head, then Rumble’s, and next looked at the Laserbeak and Buzzsaw cassettes on his computer. Neither of the humanoid twins reacted to Soundwave’s actions, as they knew he’d scan their brains for the answers he wanted anyway.“Assignments have not been completed. Explanation demanded.”“I’ll give you an explanation,” said Rumble with a disappointed tone, as he stood up to face his much-taller master. “Ya don’t need us anymore. You got too good at doin’ what we do, with this cyber-dive thing you got goin’ on. Now you’ve gone and put us out of a job.”“Untrue. The Decepticon cause is always in need of your abilities.”Frenzy also pulled himself from the floor. “Yeah, I know, you can still call on us to break stuff. But what about goin’ out spyin’? Sure, Beaks ’n’ Buzz can still do their eye-in-the-sky thing, but you’re the one doin’ all the info stealin’ they used to do.”“And what about that simulation you had us do a couple days ago?” added Rumble. “That smash-and-grab was the same thing we did, but Blitzwing did our smashin’ part! Yeah, Ravage got to do his thing, but I feel like the rest of us did all that for nothin’.”“No kiddin’. We’re all feelin’ re-dumb-dent here.”“That’s ‘redundant’, Frenzy.”“Yeah, that, too.”These complaints opened up an unexpected problem that Soundwave felt obligated to rectify; not only for the wishes of his minions, but also to avoid possible long-term dissension that could dislodge a vital gear in the Decepticons’ war machine. He stooped down on one knee to bring himself closer to his pint-sized partners. “Dissatisfaction understood. State request for correcting this problem.”Rumble and Frenzy looked at each other, both nodding without the slightest hint of a grin, and pointed at Soundwave.

“We wanna dive into the Web with ya!”The two cassettes on Soundwave’s computer dash sprang to life, unfolding into Laserbeak and Buzzsaw’s avian modes. Both flew over to flank Rumble and Frenzy, hovering just above their head heights, and squawked in agreement. Soundwave stood up impassively; as usual, his emotional reaction was unreadable, while Ravage sat by his master’s feet and stayed silent.“Difficult proposition at best. Effects of long-term presence in the Web on the avatar increase risk of damage to core consciousness.”Rumble crossed his arms with a rare look of defiance. “Sure don’t look like it’s hurt you any. Look, big guy, we ain’t askin’ for much; we just want to put all our training to actual use.”“Yeah,” said Frenzy. “It’s not like we’re goin’ in by ourselves; we just wanna help you out. It’s simple; we go in when you do, and you’ll know when it’s time to get out. No big deal, right?”This seemed like a sound argument at first, but Soundwave had to make sure his sidekicks knew what they would be in for. “Correction. World Wide Web is not a controlled environment like training simulations. Cybersecurity defenses such as anti-virus software are lethal hazards. If the mind avatar is destroyed, there is no restoration function to bring it back.”“Hey, I know it ain’t like no game,” said Rumble. “We go in, we die, there’s no reboot, no ‘restart’; I get it. But we can keep that from happening by lookin’ out for each other, just like in the ‘real’ world.”“I mean, some pairs of optics are better than one, ain’t it?” Frenzy jumped in. “And it shouldn’t be too hard to bring us with ya. You can dive our minds into simulations, so why can’t you work out how to take us into the Web?”“See, I know not every Transformer can have their mind shunted into that big network. But you transform into a data device. So do we. I know you can figure somethin’ out.”The hovering Laserbeak and Buzzsaw looked at each other, then looked at Soundwave with a few staccato squawks. The sitting Ravage listened to the mecha-birds, and followed with a growling purr to Soundwave. The spymaster could see that his entire cassette division really wanted to be part of his new approach. But he had to inform them of one crucial factor.“Your collective enthusiasm is undeniable. Theoretically, with present equipment and research, it is possible.”The five troops all cheered in a mix of humanoid and animalistic voices, before Soundwave spoke again.“But this will require new training sessions. The aim will be to synchronize the electro-cerebral impulses of your minds with my own. If successful, my avatar will act as a conduit to transport your avatars with me.”Frenzy scratched his head. “Say what…?”Rumble shot his twin an annoyed look. “He’ll teach our brains to go with him into the Web.”“Oh, yeah. Cool!”“Severe warning,” Soundwave continued. “New sessions require self-discipline of the highest order. Only perfect mastering of this synchronization technique will enable a user to survive entry into the Web, and avoid permanent erasure of their mind.”Soundwave then looked down and directly at Frenzy, his electronic voice taking on a sinister, quasi-dissonant blend of pitches. “Understood?”“Ulp…! Er, yeah! Got it….”* * * * * * *

“Hmm. Remarkable.”The dead drone, sitting on a tabletop platform raised from the Ark’s command centre floor, was closely scrutinized by the magnifying lens of an oversized red-and-blue microscope. Wheeljack wielded a hand-held scanner to perform the same task on another side of the drone, while Carly stood on the platform to investigate its internal circuitry, after popping off a square panel from its outer shell. Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Prowl, Jazz, Smokescreen, and Spike all watched the operation in progress, while Bumblebee and Sparkplug babysat Daniel in the recreation centre. Blaster would have preferred to join them, but he was still needed to monitor Decepticon activity with Teletraan I.“What’s remarkable, Perceptor?” Ultra Magnus inquired.The microscope transformed to robot mode, his lens barrel shifting onto his left shoulder, and continued observing the drone as he spoke. “Well, at the risk of overstating the obvious, the material composition of this specimen indicates it is of Decepticon construction. But upon close examination, its hardware structure appears atypical of Cybertronic design.”Wheeljack shut off his portable scanner and scratched his head. “He’s right. A close look at its circuitry shows design patterns that look closer to Earth technology.”“It does kind of look like it, yeah,” pondered Carly during her own inspection of the drone. “But I’ve never seen circuitry designed on Earth that was this far advanced.”“So that means we’ve confiscated another Decepticon weapon based on stolen Earth tech,” said Smokescreen. “But I don’t recall seeing or hearing anything about this kind of tech before.”Just then, a wavering, high-pitched electronic whine came from Teletraan’s speakers, prompting Blaster to alert the others in the room. “Yo, Prime! Best get over here; we got an encrypted call on a private frequency. It’s from Quantum Labs!”A low murmur of voices rippled through the room as Optimus made his way next to Blaster, while Wheeljack carefully lifted Carly off the platform and set her on the floor, allowing her to join Spike. The scrambled image on Teletraan I’s main screen cleared up, revealing a man with short, slightly-graying brown hair, wearing a white lab coat and a wireless headset. Behind him was a wide bookshelf filled with reference texts, and a white dry-erase board with scientific formulas and sketches of robot designs on it.“It’s been a while since we last spoke, Dr. Gates,” the Autobot leader greeted the caller. “What can we do for you?”“I’m so glad I could reach you, Optimus Prime. I need to report something of the most urgent –” He suddenly paused before his eyes looked like they were about to pop out of their sockets in utter shock. “Where did you get that?!”The Autobots followed where Gates’ line of vision was aimed, ending at the piece of foreign technology on the platform.“You mean this?” said Wheeljack, still slightly thrown off by the sudden jump in urgency in Gates’ voice. “Well, it was left over from a Decepticon attack on a factory in Santa Clara. We thought it was a new weapon of theirs, so we brought it here to pick it apart.”Perceptor nodded. “Yes, we had been endeavoring to ascertain its origins… but apparently your reaction solved that query for us.”“It does; that’s what I wanted to call you about. We’ve been testing a new satellite prototype, and it sighted that same attack you mentioned. We looked at the surveillance images, and the design of the drones they used had matched those in our own top-secret files! It was a concept for an independent AI drone that got cancelled; our board of directors felt artificial intelligence would be too difficult to keep under control.”“Hey, hold up,” Jazz cut in. “What we got now is the Decepticons got their clamps on two kinds of top-secret tech, and used one of them to steal the other! You guys getting a hunch this is all more connected than we realized?”The logic centres in Prowl’s brain immediately started buzzing. “I don’t do hunches; I want to know. This drone and the information stolen from Santa Clara were not known to anyone outside either facility. But somehow, the Decepticons pulled off an uncannily efficient raid to get what they wanted today, using top-secret tech stolen from Quantum. There’s really one way the Decepticons could have any knowledge of either secret… they must have somehow hacked into both places through the Internet!”“Y’know, that don’t surprise me,” said Blaster. “Big firms across the country and around the world get hit by hackers all the time. I saw a news report headline last year saying, ‘ENCOM Gets ZakAttacked!’, but I doubt that’s related to anything here.”“I remember the annual April Fool’s jokes at my alma mater of MIT”, Carly added. “This year, hackers changed the homepage to make it look like Disney bought out the school; fake press release and everything! That was just a harmless prank, though, unlike what’s going on here.”“But there’s no way TORQ IV could be hacked by anyone on the outside!” Gates protested. “Our programmers and technicians had vastly improved on any flaws and weaknesses TORQ III had. All our upgrades and our highest-grade security make TORQ IV impossible to tamper with; it would have picked up any unauthorized intrusions into its system!”The discussion about computer hacking induced Ultra Magnus to bring the issue to a bigger light. “Listen, everyone, we need to face facts. We know the Decepticons can’t break through our base’s security, and they know it, too. The purpose of yesterday’s diversionary attacks remains a mystery to us, but they took place the day after I came to Earth. Now, with today’s attack, we’ve found evidence that they’re sneaking around through this planet’s global computer network called the ‘Web.’ It doesn’t take a scholarly genius to figure out that it’s only a matter of time before they try to hack us, if they haven’t done so already.”“To say nothing of the rest of Earth!” exclaimed Gates. “I don’t know if the Decepticons care about international political secrets, but if they can reap the world’s most advanced technology from every corner of the globe – ”“I think we can all guess the outcome,” came Optimus’ voice in grim determination. “Wheeljack, run a thorough systems scan on Teletraan I. It might not reveal any clear signs of tampering, but it will be a start. Blaster, resume your monitoring duties when that’s finished, and make certain that no malicious signals or any signs of intrusion get through to Teletraan.”“What about tomorrow’s meeting?” asked Ultra Magnus.“We’ll have to hold it later in the day. We’ve got to know how the Decepticons are breaking into high-security computer systems without leaving a trace, and figure out how to safeguard our base from any electronic intrusion tactics.”“Y’know, I think there’s an old friend of ours who can help;” Spike suggested almost cryptically. “If he’s available, Bumblebee and I can try to bring him here. I’ll tell Red Alert it’s a matter of our internal security; he might go easy on his security checks under those terms.”Witnessing the Autobots’ quick thinking and action began to give Doctor Gates a feeling of reassurance. “In that case, if you need our help, let us know over this frequency. We can try to provide something for you.”This offer from a human ally lured Magnus to the screen. “I don't believe we've met, Doctor, but I admire your willingness to help us. My name is Ultra Magnus, Autobot Deputy Commander; I was transferred to your world two days ago.”“Doctor Paul Gates, Quantum Laboratories. Pleasure to meet you, and welcome to Earth!”“Thank you, Doctor Gates, I wonder if you can also request more assistance from your nation's government. Can you get us in touch with your President?”The human scientist hesitantly grimaced, but tried to stay discreet. “I don't know if you've seen the news, but I think he's got his own problems. For now, we should handle this our way, until we know for sure that we should bring them in.”“Say, Doc,” said Jazz, “since you're lending us a hand, we oughta do you the favor of dealing with some sensitive hardware. And all of you here, you’re gonna want to get back.”Once the other Autobots, Carly and Spike all reached a fair distance from the platform, Jazz stepped up to the drone on it. He pressed a hidden switch behind his right shoulder; the windshield panel covering his upper back swung back and down, and a blocky apparatus slid out forming a type of backpack. A smaller panel slid open on the top of the apparatus’ right side, and a black cylinder on a hinged base emerged from the opening. The cylinder swung down on the hinge and telescoped to a longer length, forming a gun barrel with a tapered, silver-edged bore over Jazz’s right shoulder.“Hardly ever use this dad-gone thing. Low power’s all I need….”Placing his right hand on top of the hinged swivel, Jazz aimed his shoulder-mounted weapon at the drone on the platform and threw a short stream of flame, bathing the drone in the fire until it melted in a thick, smoldering soup of liquid metal with fused micro-components. He retracted his flamethrower into his back, and noticed the others all looking at him – the most pointed glances from Ultra Magnus and Prowl – but Blaster couldn’t help giving an approving thumbs-up and a cool smirk. “Pretty smooth, Jazzmeister.”“Don't worry, I’ll clean that up. And I'll apologize to the Santa Clara folks later.” Jazz then looked at Gates’ image on the screen and added, “But you know for sure nothin’s gonna leak from us!”This subtracted one concern from Gates’ mind. “Much appreciated, Jazz. Thanks very much.”* * * * * * *

Megatron, Starscream, and Soundwave waited by the main computer, until an audio-visual transmission from Cybertron filled the screen. “Megatron, acknowledge; Shockwave calling. Do you read me?”“Affirmative. Scrapper is unable to attend this conference. He and the other Constructicons have not stopped manufacturing our supplies, derived from the data Soundwave has found. He felt it was necessary to remain overseeing their work.”“At the rate they’re going, we’re sure to have a surplus,” said Starscream. “I suppose you’ll want us to transport a share of those supplies to Cybertron, won’t you?”“That is favorable, but a matter to consider later. I also wish to report that our scientists and engineers have also been making progress on making use of Soundwave’s information. It has been too long since we have had such a diversity of resources at our disposal.”This was more good news to Megatron. “Excellent. With that progress report complete, the time has finally come for the true purpose of our plan. Soundwave, are you ready for this mission?”“Affirmative. My memory banks retain the basic schematics of Teletraan I’s internal systems, from my first infiltration of Autobot Headquarters.”“I can only imagine the veritable treasure trove of Autobot secrets just waiting to be mined from that computer,” Starscream snickered while rubbing his hands in evil anticipation. “Teletraan may still have the World Energy Chip installed. Or perhaps we could take control of their Sky Spy satellite program, and use it for ourselves! Or –”“Or instead of losing sight of our goal,” Megatron interrupted, “by bypassing their headquarters’ security, we could find information about their current secret plans? Just what you were thinking, I’m sure. Now to decide on the right day and time to execute this plan.”“Then why not now? Soundwave said himself that it only takes a few astroseconds of so-called ‘real world’ time to pull off a cyber-dive mission. The Autobots won’t even notice!”Soundwave calmly shook his head. “Negative. Recharging and self-maintenance required. Suggest tomorrow at dawn, once pre-mission preparations are complete.”“Tomorrow?! I thought we wanted to know before yesterday what the Autobots have been doing all this time! Where’s the sense in holding off another day?!”“Upon analysis,” Shockwave offered from the giant screen, “Soundwave’s point is logical. His previous cyberspace infiltrations have been inside Earth computer systems. For this, he will venture directly into the core of enemy digital territory. As such, he must be at peak performance for this mission. Also, recalling your assaults in the last two Earth days, I estimate an eighty-two-point-nine-one-three percent probability that the Autobots will expect us to hold a third attack tomorrow, and therefore divert their attention to when that may take place.”Starscream smothered an instinct to glower at Shockwave’s image on the screen. “Well, I guess we can’t argue with that kind of logic. Again.”“So be it,” Megatron declared. “Only one more sunrise, and the Autobots’ ultimate secret will finally be ours!”* * * * * * *

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

{Day 4}

Materializing in the midnight-blue void were grids of thin intersecting white lines, as four distant giant walls on an equally enormous floor – a virtual arena where the five Decepticon cassettes gathered before Soundwave. Laserbeak and Buzzsaw were hovering weightlessly, and Ravage was poised while sitting back on his haunches, but Rumble and Frenzy, both with their arms crossed, made no attempt to hide their lack of interest.“Why’d we gotta do this, boss?” asked Rumble in a bored tone. “We know how to transform in the real world, and we’ve already done that in other simulations.”“Yeah,” Frenzy grumbled. “Why can’t you just keep us in your chest like you always do?”“Your argument is understandable, but flawed,” said Soundwave. “Previous training simulations have been designed for real-world experiences, but they are inadequate for missions into the World Wide Web. Safe transport of your minds requires an altogether new approach.”A tilt of Rumble’s head hinted at an inkling of interest, though not all that much. “New lesson, huh? So whadda we gotta do different?”“The mind upload interface will access your sparks when preparing your mental impulses for transmission into the Web. To ensure maximum safety, you must learn to precisely synchronize your minds with my own.”Frenzy barely bothered with an indifferent shrug. “Sounds easy enough.”“Pay attention. This session will open a perception beyond the limits of the physical world. A well-trained user in cyberspace can manipulate standard rules of physics pertaining to gravity, mass, and inertia.”Confusion suddenly replaced Frenzy’s nonchalant attitude. “Say that again?”Ravage stared at his colleague. “ ~ Gruuaauurr-raauuuurr-guuurrrr. ~ ”“We’re gonna defy the laws of physics? Huh, coulda just said that. But how’re we supposed to go past these so-called ‘limits of the physical world’, like you’re sayin’?”Soundwave bent down and looked straight into the optic visor of his small red-and-black pupil.“You are already there.”“Say what?!”“Whaddya talkin’ about, Soundwave?” Rumble sputtered with the same shock as his twin.“In every simulation here, you have not had a physical body,” the mentor instructed as he straightened back up. “Your vision of yourself in this space has been your mental projection of the bioelectric impulses of your own mind. This will be the same when travelling into the Web.”“Oh, I think I get it,” said Rumble. “We got no bodies in here, so we’re gonna learn to do a bunch o’ stuff we can’t do in the real world, right?”“Correct, within limits.”Frenzy’s faceplate lit up, his cry of “Cool, I like this already!” followed by excited squawks from Laserbeak and Buzzsaw.With his trainees all on the same page, Soundwave waited for their cheers to die down before he spoke again. “The aim of this mind synchronization session is for my avatar to safely store and carry your minds when cyber-diving into the Web. To learn the manipulation of standard physical rules, do not think about avoiding those rules. Instead, concentrate on accomplishing your chosen goal.”Frenzy was thrown back into confusion. “Wait a cycle, you lost me again. To break the rules of physics, we can’t think about avoiding the rules of physics? I don’t get that!”“If a subject is instructed to avoid a thought, the mind will inevitably be led to that same thought, distracting them from achieving a chosen goal. Instead, the subject must simply let go of thoughts about the limitations in one’s own mindset. Only then can the goal come to fruition.”“So what you’re sayin’,” said Rumble, “is don’t overthink or try too hard, but just let it happen?”“Correct.”“Huh.”“Training will commence now. First volunteer needed.”While Rumble and Frenzy were still trying to mentally chew on Soundwave’s instructions, the cowardly Laserbeak was also hesitant to go first. Before Buzzsaw could speak up, Ravage got up on all fours and padded up to his master.“ ~ Guuuaarrrr. ~ ”“Excellent, Ravage. I shall generate an electromagnetic frequency. You must detect it.”The Communications Officer stood back and tapped into his mental powers; a deep, low-pitched pulsing sound vibrated from inside his torso. The feline saboteur looked up at Soundwave and tuned his audio detection protocols until he heard the sound more clearly.“Attune your sensory perceptions to this frequency.”Ravage stared ahead toward his instructor, and focused his attention on the vibrating frequency. An outward observer would mistake Ravage for falling into a trance.“Next step: immerse yourself in this frequency.”The cat-like Decepticon recalled Soundwave’s words of letting go of one’s inhibitions, and left himself vulnerable to the energies of the pulsating sound. He felt its power coating him on the outside before it began to penetrate into his form, until he felt he had become unified with it.“Whaddya think this is all about?” whispered Rumble, as he watched the lesson in action.“Ain’t got a clue,” Frenzy mumbled back, still perplexed by the unfolding actions.Though Soundwave heard his minions talking, requesting their silence would weaken his focus on the lesson’s purpose… which was about to be revealed.“Now… transform.”Upon command, Ravage leapt off the arena floor and folded into his cassette mode, just like in the physical world. This wouldn’t be all that impressive to Rumble or Frenzy… until Ravage’s alternate form released a brief flash of luminous energy, right before it was almost instantly snatched inside Soundwave’s chest, without opening his cassette deck panel or leaving the slightest mark on it. This sent Laserbeak and Buzzsaw squawking in complete surprise, while the jaws of the humanoid twins suddenly succumbed to the arena’s simulated gravity.“Whoa! How the shock d’ya do that?!” shouted Frenzy.“Ain’t no way Ravage can be that good!” cried Rumble. “That’s gotta be just a gigabyte of beginner’s luck!”“Negative,” replied a still-steadfast Soundwave. “It is all as instructed. Request next volunteer.”Buzzsaw floated ahead, paying no attention to Laserbeak’s nervousness. As before, the electromagnetic frequency pulsed from within Soundwave’s chest. Remembering the instructions Ravage had followed, the gold-and-black mecha-condor focused his attention on the sound, locked onto its frequency, and let its energy envelop him until he heard the order.“Transform.”Buzzsaw folded up into his cassette form, still hovering in mid-air for a short while, before he too was quickly pulled into Soundwave’s chest.Rumble still couldn’t believe what he’d been seeing, nor the fact that he would have to perform this lesson very soon. “Un-slaggin’-believable! How’da you eject us when we’re inside?”“A release of internal energy will launch a selected member. Now, request next volunteer.”Before Rumble could think about stepping forward, Frenzy reached up behind the floating Laserbeak and shoved him ahead. The startled robotic bird screeched from the push, and nervously realized he was up next for Soundwave’s training lesson. Pretending to ignore Frenzy’s snickering from his immature prank – for now – Soundwave sought to reassure Laserbeak in order to help him ease his worries.“Fear is unnecessary. Concentration on the frequency, and execution of instructions will not cause any injury.”Again, Soundwave generated the low-pitched frequency toward Laserbeak, who took in the sound and found it unexpectedly soothing to his senses. Its penetration into his form somehow made him feel protected from outside harm, though a small vestige of concern still lingered in his mind. Laserbeak just needed a little more time to block that out before –“Transform.”– he did as instructed. His cassette form hovered a little bit longer than Ravage and Buzzsaw did, quivering a little bit as he hovered until he stayed still. Then, like his two previous comrades, a brilliant light flashed from Laserbeak before he got absorbed into Soundwave.“Hey, what’s with that little shake?” Rumble asked.“Momentary doubt. Expelling it allowed him to succeed.”“Oh, yeah; that ‘leggo the limits in your mind’ thing. My turn!”Soundwave restarted his frequency for Rumble, who grinned from its sonic undertones and the pulsations on his form. But though he had understood the notion of letting go of thoughts, he forgot about it when the frequency filled his consciousness with sensations that would have stimulated the pleasure centres in his physical brain. As this strong enjoyment lured Rumble’s focus astray, he couldn’t quite synchronize his perception with the frequency, and transformed to cassette mode before Soundwave gave his cue. He bounced off his instructor’s chest panel and dropped to the arena floor, where he transformed to a robot-mode heap on the virtual surface.“Slag,” Rumble groaned while rubbing his head. “What’d I do wrong?”“Error: yielding to pleasure from the frequency’s stimulating properties,” said Soundwave. “Result: diminished concentration impeded proper mental synchronization with frequency.”“Eh, this’ll be a piece of oil cake,” said Frenzy as he strutted past his twin and in front of Soundwave. “I got this.”His first mistake, however, was psyching himself up by bouncing on the floor like a boxer before a fight. Rather than address the error right away, Soundwave chose to stay quiet and have his pupil learn from his mistakes on his own – if he ever did – even if it meant doing so the hard way. Once Frenzy heard the frequency, he fell into his second mistake already.
Okay, don’t think about gravity… don’t think about solid things… don’t think about nothin’…
The frequency barely had a moment to cover Frenzy before the small warrior transformed… and dropped and clattered on the floor by Rumble, completely failing to reach Soundwave’s body.“What the shock happened?!” he cursed after switching back to robot mode, and sitting on his skidplate in anger and embarrassment. “I shoulda gotten inside!”“Error: active mental thoughts of avoiding standard real-world rules. Result: distraction of mind which prevented achievement of goal.”“You and your mind-reading power. Sheesh!”“Suggestion: compare the attenuation frequency to the space bridge transport beam. Subject must concentrate on the beam to cross the bridge; the principle is similar.”“I think I get it now,” said Rumble as he and Frenzy both got up. “Let’s give it another shot!”But then, a high-pitched, repeating, staccato tone began to beep through the training arena, which indicated to Soundwave that his next all-important duty was edging upon him. “Negative. Time of training session has expired. Must return to physical world now.”“Scrap,” Frenzy spat. “Just one more chance; that’s all I need, I know it.”“Another opportunity will arrive. For now, prepare for logout.”* * * * * * *
~ Aggregate of core consciousness returned to physical body. Safe to disconnect. ~
In Soundwave’s personal quarters, the indicator lights on his computer’s interface device had all shut off, allowing the blue cassette player to disconnect from the interface device and transform back to robot mode. He walked to the sliding door, pressed a button on the nearby keypad to open it, and paused for a brief moment. Soundwavee turned back inside, opened his chest panel, and ejected all his cassettes; they all transformed to their robot and beast modes and looked at their guardian.Rumble was bewildered by not being inside Soundwave’s chest compartment. “Hey, why’d you pop us out? Ain’t we supposed to hack into the Autobots’ computer today?”“Yeah, you said you were gonna take us along,” said Frenzy.Soundwave really had no gentle way of breaking the answer to his minions – “You… are not ready” – before he turned around and impassively walked out the door, ignoring the noises of protest behind him…… from Frenzy – “What?! No fair – !”… from Laserbeak – “ ~ Skraaak! Skrawk-rawk-raaaaawk – ~ ”… from Ravage – “ ~ Grruuaaaahhrr-raahhhrr! Ruaaaauurr – ~ ”… from Buzzsaw – “ ~ Rawk-raawwwk skraawk-raaak-kraaak – ! ~ ”…and from Rumble – “Yeah! That’s a scraggin’ download o’ total – ”SHHHNT went the sliding door. Soundwave hated to go back on his promise, but with the extreme level of risk that this mission was sure to harbor, he couldn’t take a chance with bringing them along while they hadn’t all quite mastered the most essential skills for the mission. He entered the command centre and found Megatron and Starscream waiting for him there; as usual, nothing qualifying as nervousness showed through the Communications Officer’s outwardly-subdued emotional state.“This is it, Soundwave,” said Megatron, knowing his most trusted lieutenant was about to embark on his most important mission by himself. “All your previous infiltrations have all been flawless successes, but this one will be your most treacherous. Good luck.”As Soundwave gave a silent nod of acknowledgement, Starscream simply watched impassively, not caring that his unspoken thought of You’ll need a lot more than luck, might be mentally read by his comrade. The spymaster transformed to cassette player mode, and landed gently beside the mind upload interface device on the main computer’s control dash. His probe extended from his side and linked to the device, which powered on with a low hum as its arrangement of embedded lights blinked on in light blue, with a filtered voice speaking from it.
~ Connection with interface established. Accessing core consciousness and spark chamber… ~
Once the lights went from blue to red, the larger lens light began to pulsate while the smaller lights flickered on in a ripple pattern.
~ Preparing mind impulses in core consciousness for upload… ~
The lens light turned deep crimson, and the row of smaller lights repeatedly flashed off and on in unison…
~ Status of spark: stable. Extracting essential energy from spark for final preparation of core consciousness… ~
… then stayed steady in a crimson shade to match the lens…
~ Preparation of core consciousness for upload: complete. Preparing to upload… ~
… and then, changed to a random sequence of multiple different colors, before…
~ Uploading to network… now. ~
* * * * * * *
(Soundtrack link: “Teardrop”, by Massive Attack.)
Once again riding the signal to his satellite, Soundwave was thrust back into the borderless realm with the faint sky-like grid far above his free-floating avatar. He projected his interface screen from his chest panel and searched through his memories, while tapping and shifting the icons on the hard-light screen.
“Search location: Autobot Headquarters. Mount Saint Hilary, Oregon, United States.”
Fast-scrolling lines of code along the screen preceded the outline U.S. map, with a pair of perpendicular yellow lines crossing over a point in the northwest region of the country. A smaller window enclosed the region including the state of Oregon, with a red crosshairs symbol locking on a focused location point. Soundwave tapped this symbol, which opened another inset window; inside it was a three-dimensional wireframe graphic shaped like a volcano, with the thrusters on the aft end of a space cruiser jutting out from the mountain base. A nine-digit code blinked on beside this window:
452212141

“Web location found. Preparing to enter.”
Feeding this code into another application on his screen produced the green energy particle mist before him, which took solid form into the vertically-oriented hexagonal portal with its yellow-green energy membrane. Soundwave closed his interface screen, stared into the membrane, and saw digital code on its surface, just as in past cyber-dive missions. With a top-to-bottom scan from his shoulder-mounted sensor/cannon along this firewall, he mentally processed this fresh data, reactivated his interface screen, and found the sequence that he and all his fellow Decepticons depended on:
5010993782536

“Security passcode into Teletraan I detected. Preparing to infiltrate….”
With the code shunted into his memory, a red beam from his optical visor surgically cut through the firewall membrane, and widened to spread the tear apart. Once he shut off his optical beam, he dashed through the web portal, straight into the cyber-digital heart of enemy territory as the firewall membrane immediately resealed itself. After multiple cyber-dives into the virtual spaces of key facilities across Earth, he thought he would be ready for whatever sights would greet his optics on the other side of the portal.He was almost correct.

The space was filled with a glowing undertone in shades of blue. He had anticipated that its layout would be reminiscent of Quantum Laboratories – multi-angled, neon-gold circuit paths like intersecting freeways; electronic components of all types, manifesting as three-dimensional wireframe shapes in primary and secondary hues; scintillating white pulses of data dashing along the paths, in and out of the components. He had also expected this virtual landscape to be more sophisticated than his first cyber-dive target; regardless of his hatred for the Autobots, any Cybertronian technology would be superior to anything of human design. What surprised him was how the intricacy of all these interconnected elements was significantly denser than he remembered. Indeed, that was to be expected, since the Autobots would have upgraded Teletraan I often enough over the past fourteen years; it would also be unlikely for a city in the real world to remain the same during half that time. Nonetheless, if Quantum Labs’ central computer system was like a city, Teletraan was truly a metropolitan complex.Instead of falling into confusion like a lost tourist with a long-outdated map, Soundwave opted to ignore his old memorized data, and resorted to the same approach he had used for every other system his avatar had entered. While flying over the luminescent scenery to avoid touching anything, he scanned the paths with his sensor/cannon, automatically overwriting his memories of the place as he explored it. He found that, despite all the changes that were new to his knowledge, it wasn’t terribly difficult to navigate through Teletraan’s core pathways, which wove among the components down below him – all wireframe-stylized, some of which appeared to him as big as a structure of basic residence, others even larger.It didn't take long for an abnormally strong power reading to capture Soundwave's attention. Locking onto the signal and following the trail, he flew further ahead until the source of this reading came into view. In the distance, he could distinguish two objects sitting side by side on the circuit board floor, their outlining edges forming two distinct shapes. The perimeter of the larger component was a slightly elongated octagon, its eight “walls” bearing beveled edges at the top and evoking a resemblance to a finely cut jewel. The other one, fixed atop a small, thin, square platform, was a geodesic polyhedron about two-thirds the size of the larger component, with countless minuscule triangular facets forming a spheroid dome. As Soundwave floated down between the two components without touching the ground, he recalled how TORQ IV’s central memory unit was the size of an arena compared to his avatar… and marveled at how the sizes of each of these components could make TORQ’s look small.The skeletal wireframe appearances of the two components, both anchored to the floor by connecting pins, allowed Soundwave an X-ray view into their internal workings. Just like in past missions in the Web, these giant units were packed with tiny, hyper-intricate micro-paths with pixel-like dots of data channeling through them. Comparing the activity inside these components to those in TORQ IV’s inner space made the latter look like protoform’s play. Surmising that these giant structures might contain what he was looking for, Soundwave still believed a basic identifying scan was necessary. His sensor/cannon briefly fired a scanning beam at the octagonal stadium-like unit to survey the digital flow inside its micro-paths.
“Component identification: core memory module.”
While still hovering over the circuit board-like ground, he turned halfway around to face the geodesic dome, and repeated the same task.
“Component identification: central processor.”
As far as quantity of information was concerned, Soundwave was a moment away from striking a bigger jackpot than a gambler in a casino. He wasn’t sure if any information specifically about the Autobots’ latest secret would be found here, but this opportunity to steal any of their secrets came only once in several lifetimes. He aimed his sensor/cannon at the core memory module –
“UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS DETECTED… UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS DETECTED…”
– only to see his opportunity evaporate in an instant. The entire area of the circuit board floor flashed a surge of amber light, then a “copy” of the floor as a fiery-orange energy barrier began to rise up. In a similar way, another energy barrier materialized like a giant, towering vertical wall, and began to sweep across the floor and through the space toward him.With no time to figure out how he could have tripped any internal safeguards, Soundwave instinctively shot up as high above the cyber-cityscape as he could. With the barriers closing in on him, he reopened his interface screen and frantically typed away on its control icons. The particle mist reappeared and began reshaping itself into his firewall-breaching portal, as the energized safeguard walls were just about upon him…* * * * * * *Once his mind had safely returned to his body, Soundwave unlinked himself from the upload device and transformed back to robot mode – any outward stress from his sudden escape remaining unreadable – as Megatron approached him. “Report, Soundwave! What did you find about the Autobots’ secret?”“Infiltration into Teletraan I was successful, but detected by cybersecurity. Mission was aborted without successful extraction of information, to avoid cybersecurity erasure.”“Erasure?” said Starscream in shock. “I knew this whole plan would be too dangerous. We were fortunate when we hacked into the other targets, but this proves why I objected to it in the first place. Well, that’s it; whatever the Autobots are planning are locked away from us forever!”The harmonics of Soundwave’s characteristic voice took on a simmering dissonant edge of determination. “Negative. Target remains top priority to the Decepticon cause. Will prepare for a second cyber-dive.”“What?! No! You can’t – ”“Silence!” Megatron bellowed, before lowering his tone. “Soundwave, are you completely certain that you are prepared to enter Teletraan one more time?”“Affirmative. But additional preparations will be required before the next cyber-infiltration.”Just then, the small trapezoid lights at the top of Megatron’s chest panel flickered on, as a rugged voice came through a small speaker hidden inside his left wrist. “Megatron, this is Scrapper. Come in.”The Decepticon Leader raised his left wrist into view, and a small communicator panel flipped up. “Megatron here. Report.”“We need to see you in our work bay. I have mostly good news and a little bad news.”“I shall arrive shortly. Meanwhile, continue working as you see fit until I meet you there.”“Honored to serve, Megatron. Scrapper out.”After deactivating his wrist-mounted comlink, Megatron looked to his Communications Officer. “Soundwave, implement your preparations any way you choose, then inform me of when you are ready to hack into Teletraan I again. I must be present for it.”Soundwave placed his right forearm across his chest and after saying, “As you command, Megatron,” he left the command centre. Megatron also made his own exit to his next stop, but Starscream felt a need to tag along with his superior.“Megatron… might I voice my concerns about something?”“That would be no different from your usual behavior. Speak if you must.”“I don’t feel right about how this plan is going. If the Autobots know we’re trying to hack into Teletraan I, then they’re sure to expect us to try it again.”“That is true. But this plan is our only chance to bypass their security and find out their secrets. Soundwave’s missions have gained unprecedented success, so accessing whatever sensitive information the Autobots have is necessary to our cause.”“Look, I’m not blind to how important the Autobots’ secrets are to us. But do we need to pursue it at the possible cost of Soundwave’s life? Inside the Web, he becomes a mass of digital code, and Teletraan almost erased him like he was a mere virus!”“I am not blind to that risk either, Starscream. But might I remind you that Soundwave is also fully aware of that risk, which he has accepted from the time he devised his plan. I am confident that he knows what he is doing, however inherently dangerous these cyber-missions are.”The two Decepticons reached the work bay and met the Constructicons’ lead foreman at its entrance, while the whirring and buzzing of machinery rumbled and hissed from inside. “What news to report, Scrapper?” asked Megatron.“Our progress in exploiting Soundwave’s stolen information has not stopped, my master. Our production of these new material goods has led to our supplies reaching overflowing levels.”“Excellent! Now what about this ‘bad news’?”“That… would be the ‘overflowing’ part. Long Haul told me our base has no room left to store any more of these goods. We urgently need to send these surplus loads to Cybertron.”“I see. I suppose there is some truth to that phrase about too much of a good thing. Prepare the cargo for delivery; I will inform Shockwave that Astrotrain will arrive over the space bridge soon.”“Have you forgotten, Megatron,” Starscream reminded, “that the Autobots could easily monitor our actions? If they intercept Astrotrain before he reaches the space bridge – ”“I know the Autobots will try to stop him,” snarled Megatron with a hint of restrained impatience. “Which is why he will not be going without… a specially-selected security escort.”* * * * * * *

On the “real world” side of the screen, Teletraan I was surrounded by a crowd of Autobots and the Witwicky family; however, the supercomputer wasn’t being operated on by any of them, but another human instead – whose otherwise unassuming presence in a brown jacket, blue pants, white sneakers, and eyeglasses only stood out by the fact that he sat in a wheelchair upon a ramped platform.

“I know I’ve said this before, Chip,” said Bumblebee, “but you and Teletraan are some hot team!”“You said it,” Carly agreed. “Deep Blue might have beaten a chess champ, but even that would be no match for our own codemaster!”The newcomer, Chip Chase, gave a modest grin to both. “Thanks, you two. I admit there was a little bit of luck on our side, though; we spotted the intrusion just in time!”“That sort of luck is just what we need,” said Optimus Prime. “Now we must take it farther. Can you and Teletraan analyze and identify the intruder?”The human computer expert cracked his knuckles with a fixed gaze on the giant screen, while his fingertips danced effortlessly over the electronic keys. “I’ll give it a mega-binary try.”As Chip worked, a confused little Daniel huddled up to his parents and Grandpa Sparkplug. “What’s he doing?”Spike looked down to his young son. “Well, you know how we’ve made the base so safe, so the Decepticons can’t break into it?”“Yeah?”Carly gestured to Chip working his magic while also looking at Daniel. “Well, we think they’re trying to break into Teletraan I.”“Oh. That’s bad.”“Yes, it can be very bad,” said Sparkplug with a nod. “But Uncle Chip is trying to figure out how they’re doing it, and maybe how we can stop it. I’m no computer whiz, so I don’t know how he’s doing it. But I know he’ll pull it off… somehow.” The senior Witwicky wasn’t quite sure if his answer left his grandson more confused than he himself already was.Soon, graphical readouts appeared on Teletraan’s screen, with animated rows of alphanumeric character text flickering in the lower left corner. Chip adjusted his glasses to be sure he could believe what he was reading. “Is this right? There must be a miscalculation somewhere!”“Negative,” came Teletraan’s steadily-paced voice. “Analysis results are accurate.”“What is it? What’s the problem?” Bumblebee asked in concern.“The intrusion’s sudden withdrawal from the system allowed only a momentary scan of its presence,” the computer reported. “Analysis of this scan indicates a Decepticon origin, but its identity is inconclusive. This breach was not through the Sky Spy, but a backdoor created to penetrate cybersecurity. Furthermore, unlike conventional computer hacking methods, this intrusion exhibited behavior patterns motivated by independent thought, like a sentient life form.”“Sentient?” Ratchet couldn’t believe he actually heard that description correctly. “Teletraan, are you saying that this is actually a ‘living’ entity in cyberspace?”“Affirmative.”Jazz also took Teletraan’s report with some skepticism, but also some curiosity. “Man, this all seems a little out there. But if this thing broke in by making its own backdoor, then this is one fish that can swim its way through any net it wants, if you catch my drift.”Perceptor was also eager to seek his own analysis, but also had reservations. “Not to imply any refutations to Teletraan’s diagnosis, but is it truly possible for a computer code to harbor the characteristics of a sentient life form?”“Normally, I would have my suspicions, too,” Prowl mused, “but I’ve never known Teletraan to steer us wrong. If this really is an independently-running computer code, then the Decepticons could have devised something using artificial intelligence. Doctor Gates told us that Quantum Labs had started some AI projects that got cancelled. If they’ve kept archived information on those projects, the Decepticons could have found it while hacking into their facility.”Blaster just wanted to get right to business. “Look, seeing what just went down, I care less about how the ’Cons could’ve come up with such a thing, and more about them trying it again! Guaranteed, if our guard’s down, they’re gonna do it!”“I can’t believe I’m agreeing with you,” Ultra Magnus replied, “but I feel you’re right. Our security has kept the Decepticons locked out of our base in every possible way, except through this World Wide Web. We hadn’t considered a security breach through our central computer.”“Then we must reinforce our cybersecurity immediately,” Optimus declared. “Chip, can you create a firewall program to make Teletraan completely impervious to all digital infiltrations?”“Well, there’s one fact we computer scientists all know: try to make a hack-proof system, and someone will come up with a better hacker. Still, it’s not impossible, but writing that code will take a long, long time. Every line of code, every algorithm, every individual character will have to be absolutely flawless. Until I can finish it, Teletraan will still be vulnerable.”“How long do you think it’ll take?” Wheeljack inquired.“About thirteen hours. If I don’t sleep.”“Of course,” sighed Perceptor, “organic biology has its own inherent natural limitations.” He then realized his comments may have come off as insensitive, and looked apologetically at the Witwicky family. “No offense, I hope.”“None taken,” said Carly with a polite grin, while an uninterested Daniel began to slump against her and Spike, his eyes almost glazing over. “But I think our boy here getting restless just proved your assessment.”“I could take him to the rec centre, if that’s okay with you,” Bumblebee suggested. “Poor kid must be bored by all this.”“Sure, that’s fine.”The small Autobot stepped away from the gathered crowd, and waved at the boy to follow him. “Come on, Danny; let me show you this new game from Japan. It’s got a character who’s yellow like me, and I hear it’ll be coming to the States pretty soon.”As Daniel’s face lit up while he trotted after Bumblebee, Sparkplug steered the discussion back on track. “So let’s say Chip needs today and tomorrow to write his code. We still have to bring him home so he can sleep tonight, and arrange a time to bring him back tomorrow.”Having overheard Sparkplug, Bumblebee stopped just outside the doorway with Daniel by his side. “I can offer Chip a ride both ways. I’ll ask him later when he wants me to pick him up.”“While he’s home,” said Blaster, “I’ll work with Teletraan and watch his systems in case the Deceps try to pull another hack attack. If he needs a break today, I can take care of that, too.”Chip gave a thumbs-up as Bumblebee and Daniel left the command centre. “Sure, that all works for me. I’ll make sure absolutely no one and nothing can get into Teletraan when I’m done.”“Wait, there’s something else we’re forgetting,” Carly cut in. “That firewall might keep us safe, but what about the rest of Earth? The Decepticons must have used this same hacker program to steal secrets from other places, like Quantum Labs!”The potential for how disastrous the consequences could affect Earth hit Spike hard. “Of course, that’s right! But how can we hunt it down and get rid of it, when it could be anywhere in the Web? Even Teletraan couldn’t erase that bug when he found it lurking inside his system.”“You know, I’m thinking about the Combaticons luring us out with their attack on that army base,” Smokescreen thought aloud. “I’m more used to applying diversionary maneuvers on a real battlefield, but I think there’s one we can use against our new virtual visitor.”Prowl was intrigued. “What do you have in mind?”“Well, it’s a safe bet the Decepticons will try to break into Teletraan again. They probably know we’re on to them, so they might lie low before their next try, which buys us a short amount of time. While Chip makes the new firewall and Teletraan scans his own systems for more intrusion attempts, we should also install a stopgap countermeasure into Teletraan specifically for that hacker code. It may be a little risky, but when the Decepticons go fishing for what they think is their prize, it’ll really be bait in our trap.”Blaster liked the sound of this idea. “I get ya; somethin’ to seek and destroy that thing, right?”“Right. If we can come up with the means to do it fast enough.”The notion of catching the Decepticons with a twist on their own unconventional tactic stirred Optimus Prime’s interest. “That may work as a temporary defense until the firewall is completed. Anyone have suggestions for this plan?”“Y’know, if that thing’s acting like it’s ‘alive’,” Blaster began, “then I think the best way to deal with it is to face it head on. How about we load an Autobot’s mind into Teletraan, like a ‘live digital guardian program’ for when the Deceps try to strike? If Wheeljack’s still got his old mind transfer equipment, we could – ”“NO.” Ratchet’s voice could not be any more emphatic without reaching a shouting volume. “Absolutely not. The one time we used that blasted thing almost damaged Spike’s mind.”Mention of the mind transfer brought up bad memories for Sparkplug. “And that old Autobot X experiment of mine went completely wrong at the start. I know I’m not the only one who never wants to dig that up again.”“But the Autobot X body was already unstable anyway,” Blaster pointed out. “This is totally different. All we need to do is load my mind into Teletraan I. That’s our own ‘home turf’, not out into the wild of the Web. And as far as electronic signals go, I know them best out of any of us, so I’d be the only choice for the job! We just gotta work out how – ”“No, Blaster, Optimus interrupted. “I appreciate the thought you’ve put into this, but the risk of damage to your mind is ultimately much too dangerous. However, I am open to other ideas.”A quick brainstorm whipped up in Chip’s mind. “I may have something kind of like Blaster’s idea, but a bit different. What if we make an artificially-intelligent ‘guardian program’? Theoretically, we could try to copy an Autobot’s mind and load that into Teletraan.”“But an Autobot mind isn’t the same thing as any old computer program,” Ratchet countered. “Even if you could make a copy, the only way a Cybertronian’s core consciousness can be viable is if it’s linked to a living spark.”“That assessment is generally accurate,” Perceptor added. “However, perhaps Chip’s idea may have some merit, if some modifications are applied.”“What modifications?” wondered Ratchet.“We can scan the mind of an Autobot subject, and ascertain the cerebral patterns from the bioelectrical impulses in the brain. We could then synthesize those patterns into a replicated code, based on the template of that subject’s mind.”Sparkplug felt his head starting to spin. “Anyone got a universal translating whos-a-whats-it?”“Scanning an Autobot’s brain waves could lead to creating a computerized code,” Optimus answered, “which would act as a copy of his mind.”“Erm, yes, that is precisely what I had articulated.”“I think Prime said it better so all of us could understand,” chuckled Carly, setting off some amused snickers among the humans and Autobots… except Perceptor.“If I may continue with my theory… as for the Autobot’s spark, it contains both vital energies and hard-coded cyber-genetics that are unique to the individual subject. It is comparable to what humans call ‘DNA’. If we draw a sample of energy from that spark, we could extract and isolate the cyber-genetic code within it. Once we derive another program code from the sequences in its hard-wired biological information, the critical stage is unifying both codes into a singular – ”The Science Officer trailed off when he noticed his audience had blank looks on their faceplates.“Ahem… well, the long and short of it is, the result could be our most practical analogue to grafting a replicated core consciousness to a living spark.”“So you’re saying you can make an artificially-intelligent computer program, and use it to fend off another attempt to hack into Teletraan I?” Optimus queried.“It is rather early to say for certain, but yes, I believe we can. I must note that there is one slight impedance to such a procedure.”“Which is?”“No one has ever attempted it before.”“Not unless that’s how the Decepticons got theirs,” Wheeljack pointed out. “If we could only figure out how they did it…”“Hey, anything’s worth a shot,” Jazz said. “And it’s the only way to keep from losing the whole Net to the Decepticons. The idea might sound crazy, but if they’ve come up with something like this, then why can’t we? Hey, a sci-fi writer on Earth once said that a far-advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic!”“He also said that technology has to be realistic in order to be successful,” argued Spike. “And we don’t have time for a whole lot of tests until we get something that works for sure.”“Well, it is a steep learning curve,” Wheeljack thought, “but having something is a lot better than nothing, unless anyone’s got a better idea.”Several seconds of silence among the crowd – with Blaster’s impeccable job of hiding his discontent over his idea being rejected – was enough for Optimus to finalize his decision. “In that case, our course of action is clear. Perceptor, Ratchet, Wheeljack; I’m assigning you three to create our ‘AI guardian’ program.”“Wait, aren’t Wheeljack and Ratchet part of the next ‘Project Scramble’ meeting?” Spike noted. “We’ve already held it back, and we’re supposed to talk about the moon bases and the defense force for Earth.”“And I have no doubt Huffer will have something to say about their absences,” Ultra Magnus followed. “Like he does about everything else.”“That’s not a problem,” said Wheeljack. “We’ll just have one of you fill us in later.”“And Blaster,” Optimus continued, “because of your function and experience with electronic signals – and also because you insisted on being part of our solution – I’m offering you the first opportunity to volunteer access to your spark chamber and core consciousness for this task. If you have any objections, feel free to refuse now.”“I ain’t turnin’ this down, Prime; I’ll do it. By the way, should I get on the horn with our Quantum Labs buddies? I know they scratched all their AI projects, but if they still got some old research data, they could help us out with ours.”“Good idea. If they know anything about independently-running computer codes, then that will help us a great deal in uncovering this Decepticon scheme.”“Cool. If you don’t mind, though, with Chip working on Teletraan right now, I’d like to hang out with ’Bee and the Witwickys until Perceptor and the gang need me.”Unsurprisingly, Magnus didn't take kindly to this. “Now is not the time for any entertainment diversions, Blaster. We need you to keep your mind on the ‘AI guardian’ project!”Blaster exerted all his willpower to keep himself from outright snapping in front of the others, especially in Optimus’ presence. “I never said I’d play any games, Ultra Magnus. I just want to wait there until I’m needed for my part. And it’s not like I’m putting off the call to Quantum until tomorrow. I will get on it, a’ight?”“Well, I still have to go to the next meeting,” said Spike, “but I’m sure Carly and my dad won’t mind having you with them.”Except for that brief moment of tension, Optimus saw that the work plan for the Autobots and their human friends was now set. “Then that settles everything. And let’s hope our earlier stroke of luck will yield better results for us. Begin your assignments now.”* * * * * * *

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Soundwave’s faceplate and stoic demeanor concealed the streams of thought signals rapidly coursing inside his brain, as he made his way back to his quarters. Such a narrow escape from death, real-world or cyber-digital, would normally send a survivor into more visible emotional reactions. He wasn’t the type to go into conspicuous hysterics, but he couldn’t ignore some serious new concerns, masked as they were by his outward calmness.From the dawn of the Decepticons’ military campaign on Cybertron millions of years ago, Soundwave had been one of the most vital cogs in their machine, and arguably their most indispensable – arguably second only to Megatron himself. His signature abilities and powers were his most obvious contributions to their cause, and his affinity for handling data and transmissions made him a perfect fit for his primary function in communications. But further distinguishing him among his comrades was a less overt element than his hard skills set.Few would openly admit it, but no one could dispute Soundwave’s cool-headed professionalism and dedication in everything he set out to accomplish. He didn’t care about his lack of charisma or popularity, so long as he performed his jobs to his exceptional best without going out of his way to draw attention to himself. This, along with his unswerving sense of loyalty, placed him in high favor with Megatron; his leader knew that any task entrusted to Soundwave would be as good as done, no questions asked.Now, his quiet calmness hid his true thoughts about where and how his own mission might go. He would hate to admit that Starscream was right – the Decepticons would not lose anything if they simply ended these high-risk cyber-dive missions now. But stopping them would abandon the primary purpose for which he formulated his plan. Soundwave knew he was the only one who had even a remote chance of learning the Autobots’ most carefully-guarded secret, and this method was the only way to do it. Unfortunately, the theoretical risk factor had now become lethally real, and not only to his own life – the impact that his death would have on the Decepticon cause as a whole could be fatal.This was a choice with the farthest of extremes. Succeed in diving into Teletraan I undetected, and the mission’s ultimate aim is in the Decepticons’ hands. Succumb to erasure of his mind, and they could be permanently crippled. The prospect of this predicament dropped heavily on his consciousness, though none of his feelings about it could be clearly observed. But in a rare moment of succumbing to an urge to release the tensions in his mind, he slammed the bottom of his fist against the control keypad next to the closed door to his quarters.Inside the room, an exercise was being held along an empty stretch of floor close to a wall. Frenzy took a stance like a sprinter waiting for the starting pistol to go off. Several paces in front of him, Ravage crouched low to the floor, his position evoking an actual organic jaguar waiting to attack its prey. Further down, Laserbeak hovered a little off the side of the path, facing it at a slightly inward angle; Buzzsaw was next along the way in a similar position to Laserbeak. At the far end was Rumble, holding up his right hand while watching Frenzy at the starting point.“Ready, Frenzy?”“Oh, yeah.”Rumble dropped his hand. “Go!”Frenzy bolted forth just as Ravage pounced at him. Before the cat-like Decepticon could touch him, Frenzy leapt over him and took flight straight ahead. Reaching halfway, Laserbeak swooped in and opened his beak, intending to intercept Frenzy while flying across the path. But Frenzy suddenly transformed to his smaller cassette mode, and allowed his momentum to carry him past the black-and-red condor, whose beak caught nothing but air. The cassette fell to the floor, switching back to robot mode and landing in a squat position. Not even waiting a fraction of a second, Frenzy jumped again and flew toward Rumble at the end of the path. Buzzsaw took his turn, flying across the path and opening his beak – a true hazard in this exercise, knowing its diamond-hard edges could easily cut through most metal. Frenzy shifted to his cassette mode in a flash, and zipped past the sharp mandible modules of Buzzsaw’s beak – he just missed being snapped by a millimeter – before he soared for a landing at the end of the obstacle course. Rumble reached up, snatched the falling cassette in his hand, and let him go, allowing Frenzy to transform back to robot mode and land harmlessly on the floor.“Great job, Frenzy!” the blue twin cheered while tapping fists with the trainee. “Looks like we’re gonna keep you around after all!”“Hilarious, bro,” Frenzy snickered. “You just wish I got more chances to fight the Autobots at your side, so I can make you look good!”“Heh, dream on. But I bet Soundwave’s glad to see you did it!”“Cool, he’s back! Hey, Soundwave; how’d ya like – huh?”The outcome of this exercise would have pleased Soundwave… if his mind wasn’t so occupied with his other matter. He didn’t seem to even notice it.

The cassettes were taken aback to see their guardian walk straight to his computer without uttering a single word to them. Even without mind-reading powers, Ravage could tell something wasn’t quite right. The two avians looked at each other, uncertain of what to do or say – or squawk – as Soundwave logged into the computer and went to work without hesitation. Rumble felt unsure about asking anything, despite his own curiosity about Soundwave’s latest venture into the Web. But Frenzy didn’t have the same sense of restraint – as expected.“Hey, did ya see what we just did? I’m gettin’ better!"Soundwave gave no reply, remaining focused on his computer. There was no sense pretending he couldn’t hear them; every Decepticon knew him – and his acute sound detection powers – too well to be deceived into believing Frenzy’s question didn’t register into his audio receptors. Yet without a word, he prepared his digital sandbox for more virtual training sessions, which gave the cassettes an obvious clue to his answer.“How’d hacking into Teletraan go? Did it work?"Soundwave did his best to tacitly hide his slowly-mounting irritation while trying to focus on working on his computer, but all his attempts to ignore Frenzy’s questions did was cause Rumble to mutter, “Think not. Can’t think of a reason why he’d be all dead silent on us."“Silence requested,” droned their master impassively. “Concentration required."“C’mon, Soundwave,” Rumble prodded. “I can’t read minds like you, but I can tell somethin’ went wrong. Ya really shoulda taken us with ya. We coulda helped – "“Absolute. Negative. Risk of death by erasure is extreme. Placing lives of other Decepticons at such high risk is irresponsible. Must prepare new strategy for next infiltration into Teletraan I. Repeat: silence requested. Concentration required."“Ravage, now!"At Rumble’s sudden command, Ravage leapt at Soundwave’s computer, taking the officer by surprise. Before Soundwave could react fast enough to stop the feline, Ravage transformed in a flash to his cassette mode; with startlingly precise aim, he slid into a data interface slot in the computer, linked himself to the machine, and immediately overrode its operations to freeze its functions. The twin birds took their turns, swooping to the opposite sides of the primary control dash and perching on the edges. Laserbeak aimed his twin mini-cannons at the screen, while Buzzsaw opened his beak over the dash, as though threatening to pierce it into the device.It wasn’t often that anyone could get the drop on Soundwave, but he never would have expected anything like this from his own minions. Glaring at the humanoid twins, his synthesized voice took on an edge, steeped in intentions to deliver the most severe disciplinary action that only Megatron would allow.“Explanation demanded for this rebellion."Unlike the last time his direct superior spoke like this, Frenzy was not intimidated. “It ain’t a rebellion, boss. It’s our demo!"This answer softened the edge in Soundwave’s voice. “Explain further."Rumble stepped up to his guardian. “You’ve been training us to get our skills all sharpened up, right? Well, we just pulled this off before you even thought about scanning our brains! I coulda done my quake thing, too, but I don’t wanna shake up our whole base, y’know?"“And I coulda used my sonic weapon,” said Frenzy, “but I didn’t wanna wreck your machine. We all need it still workin’. But ya can’t deny we did good, can ya?"Soundwave glanced at the frozen computer screen and mulled over the actions of his troops. “Agreed. Effective teamwork and coordination of skills led to success. Must ask again: present your reason for this demonstration."“Like we said yesterday,” Rumble replied, “take us with ya into the ‘Net! If we pulled this off here in the ‘real’ world, I know we’ll be a lot better in – "“Request denied,” Soundwave interrupted. “Cyber-dive into Teletraan almost resulted in deletion of avatar. Risking your lives in the same manner is out of the question, as it could erase our entire intel division from existence."“That’s why you need our help!” Frenzy argued. “Just give us one more training session, and we will be ready to go in with ya. Scrap, I’ll be ready if I get just one more chance to get it right!"“Yeah!” agreed Rumble. “At least with us in there with ya, we can all watch each other’s backs if somethin’ goes wrong again. You’ve always been around for us when fightin’ the Autobots, so this way, we can be there for you! Hey, same team, right?"“Not to mention – ” Frenzy coolly pointed his index finger at the frozen screen on Soundwave’s computer “ – Ravage ain’t poppin’ out ’til you say ‘yes’."Still perched on the opposite sides of the computer’s control dash, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw both looked at Soundwave and squawked in accord. Aside from reluctantly conceding that his minions’ argument was sound, the frozen screen reinforced the fact that there was no other option if he had any hope of proceeding with any of his duties, including those not related to his Web-diving mission.“Point taken. Will prepare your new cyber-training session. Ravage… eject."* * * * * * *

Ratchet was not in a great mood as he, Wheeljack, and Perceptor left the command centre for the science and engineering wing. “I don’t want to sound like Huffer, but I can’t see this ‘AI guardian’ plan working. Even if we can pull it off, there’s no way we can do it in only one day!"“Intrigued as I am by the prospect of a novel breakthrough from our human colleague’s proposal,” said Perceptor, “I have ambiguous reservations of my own. I faithfully acknowledge Chip’s expertise in computer disciplines, but I don’t feel he understands that the aggregate of a living Cybertronian mind is not identical to a conventional computer program."

“That may be true,” Wheeljack said, “but I’m sure we can figure out the right approach and take it from there. It won’t be easy, but it’s our only chance to stop the Decepticons from hacking the entire Web."“It is given that the core consciousness requires the spark of a living Cybertronian to remain cohesive,” Perceptor pondered, “Well, removing Blaster’s spark from his body outright could have fatal consequences.”Ratchet resisted the urge to bark the words, Gee, you think?! and kept them unspoken while Perceptor continued.“However, perhaps we could extract a small sample of the vital energy from his spark, analyze its genetic sequencing, and ascertain its compatibility with his mind. Once we accomplish that, we can attempt to unify that cyber-genetic sequence with the mental code patterns that we would scan from Blaster’s core consciousness."Ratchet shook his head in disbelief. “Look, I know why we have to give Chip’s idea a shot. But can synthetic code made out of converted spark energy really hold together some sort of ‘copy’ of an Autobot’s mind, let alone make it supposedly ‘alive’? That’s more like cyber-mystic sorcery than real Autobot science!"“Well, how about things we take for granted now,” Wheeljack countered, “that nobody would have thought possible way back in the past? Our ability to transform had to start somewhere, and some time long ago, right? If stopping the Decepticons leads us to hitting upon something new, then like they say, necessity is the motherboard of invention."“And there is a seed of truth in that quote Jazz had cited earlier,” said Perceptor. “Despite my own non-committal opinions on the matter, I will pursue this endeavour with the utmost of my scientific talents. I shall return to my laboratory for preliminary preparations."“Guess we have no other choice,” Ratchet sighed. “I’ll go set up my med bay and try to get that sample from our patient’s spark."“If the experiment needs some extra gear, I can rustle something up from my workshop,” said Wheeljack. “Gimme a few astrominutes, and I’ll be right with you."The three heads of the science/tech division parted company, each heading to their respective departments. But when Wheeljack reached his workshop, he was puzzled to see its door was already open. Thinking he must have mistakenly forgotten to close the door earlier in the day, he walked inside, putting the notion of that mental lapse out of his mind.“Watch your step, bro."Startled by the unexpected hushed sound of Blaster’s voice – coming from near the floor at his right – Wheeljack looked down and found him in radio mode, its handle held by –"Carly?!"She placed her index finger vertically against her lips, signaling for Wheeljack to keep his voice low. He crouched to one knee toward the human interloper holding the uncharacteristically quiet Autobot radio.“What are you two doing in my workshop? Blaster, you’re supposed to be getting ready!"“Sorry for sneaking up on you,” Carly whispered. “I can’t stay long because Daniel’s in the rec centre waiting for me. But Blaster and I talked, and… he kind of convinced me with his idea of loading his mind into Teletraan."“No. You know I can’t do that. We all heard what Prime said; it’s way too dangerous to use the mind transfer again."“Please, just hear me out. We know the mind transfer didn’t go well for Spike, but we think it could work with an Autobot. A cybernetic mind would be more compatible with a technological environment than a human mind would. And Blaster did say his mind would only be transferred into a computer system, not a ‘living’ body."“Yeah,” buzzed Blaster’s voice from the radio hanging from Carly’s hand. “And I’m pretty sure you still got the pieces to your old Cortexitron stashed away somewhere in this work shack. All you’d need is some good modern-day upgrades, just like your sweet new game enhancer."“I guess it is possible to cobble something together,” Wheeljack thought. “But no, I really can’t. We can’t disobey Prime, and Ultra Magnus personally witnessed his order."“Look, ’Jacks. I know Prime’s the boss and he means well, but there comes a time when some orders ain’t meant to be followed. If the Deceps are runnin’ loose in the Web, then this is one of those times. We gotta use any means necessary to boot ’em out."“I have to agree,” Carly said quietly with a slight nod. “I know I spoke against using cheat codes in a game, but this matter will affect all of Earth. Spike once told me about the time you disobeyed Optimus’ order to never reactivate the Dinobots, so this won’t be new to you."Wheeljack didn’t anticipate that old memory to be brought up; certainly not by someone who hadn’t even met the Autobots when that instance occurred. “Well, you may be right about an Autobot’s mind being loaded safely into a computer without risk of mental degradation, as long as it’s not in there for long. But for that mind to function as a ‘living’ digital being, it still needs to be ‘linked’ to a living spark. That’s not just an electro-mechanical matter; that’s a physiological one, which is Ratchet’s department. And I doubt he’d go along with this idea."“You’ll come up with somethin’; you always do,” said Blaster confidently. “Now don’t tell nobody ’bout this. I’m still gonna volunteer my mind and spark for the ‘AI guardian’ experiment. But when I chat with Quantum Labs about what they know about AI, I’m also gonna ask if they can help us improve your old mind transfer machine."“You should probably also ask them if any of their AI research might have anything to do with creating an independently-behaving computer code,” Carly suggested, “as far-fetched as that idea sounds."Wheeljack was gradually becoming more convinced, but he still had reservations. “Okay, but what do we do when we finish remaking the Cortexitron? How’re we going to explain that to Prime and Magnus?"“Let me deal with that, ’Jack. Especially ol’ Deputy – "“Alert! Alert!"From the Ark’s public address speakers, the neutral-toned voice of Teletraan I spoke over an electronic alarm. Blaster floated out of Carly’s hand, transformed to his full-sized robot mode, and peered out the open door of the workshop. “Looks like this is my chance to put my ‘cloak-and-Jagger’ job into action."Carly raised an eyebrow. “Did you just say ‘cloak-and-Jagger’...?"“Hey, that's the first thing that came to mind. Oh, and tell Daniel I’ll see him in the game room real soon, but I need to see the science gang for their project."“But aren’t you going – "“I’ll be back here, right after I do what I gotta do. So technically – ” smirking a bit “ – I ain’t lyin’"Blaster left the workshop and ran down the walkway, then stopped before the doorway to the command centre and backed himself against the corridor wall. He covertly peeked inside and saw Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Prowl, and Ironhide before Teletraan I, with Chip at the controls and the giant screen divided in half. The left side showed a live video of a pair of flying aerospace craft – a space shuttle orbiter and a heavy jet fighter. The right half depicted a blueprint-style regional map of the U.S. Southwest, with an arrow leading from a pair of blips toward a ring-shaped icon. Not wanting to take chances of being caught, Blaster transformed to his radio mode, and hoped his smaller size would help keep him unnoticed.“Teletraan’s picked up Astrotrain and Blitzwing on the move,” Chip reported. “According to this trajectory, they’re heading for the space bridge!"Barely a fraction of an astrosecond elapsed before the logic centres in Prowl’s brain reached a conclusion. “They must be delivering some new cargo. And it’s got to be related to whatever information the Decepticons stole from the Web!"Ironhide punched his first into his other open hand. “If they’re sendin’ stuff to Cybertron now, then they must’ve gone farther with their cyber-hack jobs than we thought!"Ultra Magnus stifled a sigh of impatience as he glanced hopelessly at Optimus Prime. “Let me guess. Our meeting is postponed yet again?"“I’m afraid so. But if we can stop them in time, perhaps we can try to bring that cargo back to wherever it originated. Chip, keep working with Teletraan. Prowl, you remain here and oversee the Autobots on their respective projects. Magnus, Ironhide, you’re both with me. And if we have any hope of getting there fast enough –” He pressed down the public address control button on Teletraan and ordered, “Skyfire, Aerialbots; assemble outside the base, on the double! Red Alert, prepare the security barrier!"Optimus released the button, and along with Magnus and Ironhide, ran for the corridor leading to the Ark’s exit. Mere seconds later, six Autobots bearing aircraft parts on their bodies – Skyfire towering over the others – stormed from other hallways through the command centre and out toward the exit. The urgent rush of Skyfire and the Aerialbots left Blaster wordlessly relieved that not one of them noticed a certain radio on the floor at one of the doorways, and waiting for one last impeding factor to his secret ploy to get out of his way.“The day never seems to let up,” said Chip as he refocused his attention on Teletraan. “Working on a new firewall, Decepticons heading for the space bridge… let’s hope we get there first."“I’m sure they will,” said Prowl as he watched the human work. “I should thank you for still being available to help us after all these years. I never forgot the time my internal battle computer got blown out during a scrap with the Decepticons. You were the one who saved my chassis!"As Prowl and Chip talked, they were unaware of a small cassette-deck radio sitting by the end of the corridor to the command centre. Nor did they know that its internal thoughts were silently saying, C’mon, man, get your chassis outta there, will ya…?“Guess that was a matter of luck, or some might say fate. Lucky for you that Earth even had an Internet to begin with, and it was just getting started. I’ll bet my old friend Doctor Alcazar never would have dreamed it would grow and spread to what it is now. It’s almost infinite."“Yes. Sadly, that also means an infinitely bigger domain for the Decepticons to poke around, unless we can block out their logins for good."I thought this ’bot wasn’t the yammerin’ type, Blaster thought, feeling his circuits simmering with rising impatience. Get the scrap outta there!“Well, if we can get the ‘AI guardian’ program running, we should be able to finish off their pirate protocols the next time they hack into Teletraan. And I’ll make sure the new firewall literally seals that deal."“Thanks a lot for your work, Chip. And since you’ve got things here well in hand, I better see how our other projects are going."
Finally!
“Great! Can you check with Perceptor and the others about their experiment?"Hearing this would have made Blaster freeze where he stood, if he hadn’t already taken the form of a seemingly inanimate object. But despite his innocuous alternate mode, being at the path leading to where that project was being prepared meant that hiding in plain sight wouldn’t save him from Prowl recognizing him if he saw him.
Don’t let him come here, don’t let him come here, don’t let him come here…
“No, they’ve only just started, so they won’t have anything to work with yet. I’ll go to the strategy office and ask about ‘Project Scramble’. Grapple must really be tired of the meetings getting interrupted all the time."
Whewww….
With Chip giving a confident thumbs-up, Prowl left for the war room. Seeing his opening from the other doorway, Blaster quietly transformed to robot mode and strode into the command centre, staying coolly casual as he approached Teletraan I.“Yo, Chip, what’s up?"“Oh, hi, Blaster. We found two Decepticons heading for the space bridge, and we’re sure they’re sending some new materials to Cybertron. Optimus just took a squad to head them off, if they get there in time."“’Cons on the move again, huh? Who’s goin’ with Prime?"“Ultra Magnus, Ironhide, Skyfire, and the Aerialbots. Why?"“No reason, just curious. Anyway, like I said before, if you ever need a break, just let me know and I can take over ’til you want to come back, ’kay?"Chip paused his work for a brief moment, then said, “Well, I have been working for quite a while, so I guess I could use a break now. Don’t tell Optimus, but I’ve been meaning to have a look at the gaming system in your rec centre that Spike told me about. Will twenty minutes be okay?"Blaster kept his thought of the word Excellent to himself, before saying, “Sure, no worries."Chip rotated a one-eighty turn on his wheelchair, then rolled down the ramp away from Teletraan. As he started on his way toward the same path Prowl had taken moments ago, Blaster stepped up to the supercomputer, ready to go to work.“Hold on, Blaster."The Autobot stifled an urge to snap at the Autobots’ human ally and kept his cool. “Yeah?"“Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the ‘AI guardian’ project? You did volunteer for it."“Yeah, but I still gotta wait until they’re ready,” Blaster sort of lied. “I can do my work here, while I wait for them to call on me."With an approving nod, Chip rolled his wheelchair to the doorway, not knowing Blaster was surreptitiously watching his exit. Once the last interfering factor was out of sight, the Autobot cracked his knuckles and narrowed his optics as he gazed at the big screen.“Teletraan I, patch me into Quantum Labs. And I’ll need to encrypt this channel."Once the computer ran Blaster’s request, it responded, “Connection with Quantum Laboratories accomplished. Enter encryption code."Blaster typed in a four-digit sequence – 2501 – then transformed to his smaller radio mode and landed on Teletraan’s control dash. A short probe extended from the side of his left speaker module, and plugged into an input socket….* * * * * * *

The enormous white-and-red superjet tore through the cloudless sky at Mach 3. Huddled inside the armored aircraft were two separate groups of passengers seated across each other – Optimus Prime sat between Ultra Magnus and Ironhide at port, with jetpacks attached to the wall; and the five Aerialbots were all seated in a row at starboard.

“Skyfire reporting, Prime,” said the giant aircraft, his voice coming through speakers in his jet mode’s interior. “Maintaining direction southeast by east. At my current speed, we’ll be at the space bridge in about seven Earth minutes."“Thanks for the update. Any sign of the Decepticons, Ironhide?"The security specialist had been keeping watch during the flight, with his internal radar detector at full power. “Negative. But I’m reckoning it won’t be long before those two bogeys show up on my sensors."“Your sensors are probably all rusted out, just like the rest of your old insides,” Slingshot cracked from the other side of the passenger space, ignoring the disapproving glances from the other Aerialbots and Ultra Magnus. “You better not hold us down when we go on the attack. In fact, while I’m taking on those goons singlehanded, you might as well stay here!"“Why, you arrogant little scrap,” Ironhide snapped back. “I thought you’d’ve smartened up after a good dozen years, but it looks like you still need a good hard lesson in – "“Easy, both of you,” Optimus intervened. “The Decepticons are our concern, not taking shots at each other. And Slingshot, it’s clear you enjoy sniping at others, but you should save that skill for our real targets when the time comes. Understood?"“Sure, Prime."“I’m beginning to wonder if coming to Earth was such a great idea,” Ultra Magnus complained to Optimus. “In every operation I’ve taken part in so far, there’s always someone being disruptive."“True. But Slingshot never neglects his duty when it comes to combat. For now, that counts more than personal grievances."Slingshot wouldn’t admit it aloud, but he was glad to hear those words from the Autobot Leader – not to stick it to his detractors, but as a boost to his own morale.“Don’t worry about us, Prime,” said Silverbolt. “We know what's at stake, and with our numbers advantage, we shouldn’t have much trouble keeping those Decepticons from the space bridge."Optimus nodded to the Aerialbot captain. “And I have full confidence in you. Just keep your focus on the mission, and I know you’ll pull it off."Just then, a signal line squiggled across Ironhide’s windowpane chest panel. “I got ’em! Those Triple Changin’ troublemakers are comin’ in from the east. In a few moments, they’re gonna be dead ahead!"Air Raid rubbed his hands in elated anticipation. “All right! Can’t wait to get out there and crunch some ’Cons!"“Before we do that, I’ll need to crunch some numbers,” Skydive thought. “Skyfire, what’s our ETA to the bridge now?"“About four Earth minutes."“Ironhide, how close are we to the Decepticons?"“Not far. At the rate we’re goin’, we should be crossin’ their path in that same amount of time."“Skyfire, if you increase your speed ever so slightly, we can get there in about two minutes."“Roger. Accelerating to Mach 3.3."“Then we should get ready for our big jump,” said Optimus as he stood up and turned to the spot on the wall where the jetpacks were hanging. “Skyfire, prepare the airlock!"“Why not go full throttle?” Slingshot asked, as he and the other Autobots also got up. “We’d be guaranteed to get to the bridge first, way ahead of the Decepticons."“We’ll need to conserve Skyfire’s fuel when we can,” said Skydive, “in case he also needs to fight before getting back to base."With the signal on Ironhide’s radar becoming stronger with each second, the Aerialbots congregated around a dual sliding door at the front port side of their ride’s interior space. Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, and Ironhide pulled their jetpacks from the wall and strapped them over their backs, before joining the Aerialbots at the airlock door.“Magnus, Ironhide, you two head out first and keep Blitzwing busy using any means you can,” Optimus instructed. “Aerialbots, as Astrotrain is sure to be the one carrying their cargo, you’re coming with me to capture him."“How close are we now?” inquired Ultra Magnus.Ironhide checked his radar sensors, its readouts releasing a series of rapidly-paced electronic beeps. “Should be within attack range in just a few more astroseconds."“Everyone stand back!” Optimus ordered. “Skyfire, open the airlock!"The Autobots backed up a few steps before the twin doors split apart and slid open, with a heavy rush of air just outside the exit. Fireflight carefully approached the open door and peeked outside to catch a grand view of the rocky expanse of the desert. He couldn’t help marveling at the sight with an amazed whistle.“Look at that view! I could spend hours taking in all this scenery, if I could fly here by myself.”“You want to fly around here, you better be by yourself,” Slingshot goaded. “One of these days, you ought to work on paying attention to where you’re flying before you clip someone!"“Lay off, Slingshot,” Silverbolt demanded. “If you want to talk about paying attention, then you should do the same. Look what’s up ahead!"As Silverbolt pointed out the airlock, not far along Skyfire’s flight path was a giant metal ring lying on the desert floor… and a space shuttle followed by a jet fighter, coming in from the left.“There they are!” Optimus announced. “Ready, Ironhide?"The signal readouts on Ironhide’s radar scanners were going crazy. “Just… about… there… gotta time it… ju-u-u-ust… right…."By now, the electronic beeps were abruptly replaced by a short harsh buzz.“Now!"
(Soundtrack link: “Bulls On Parade”, by Rage Against The Machine.)
Ironhide and Ultra Magnus both jumped out of Skyfire’s airlock, their jetpacks sending them straight for the airborne Decepticons heading for the space bridge transport ring. The two Autobots shifted their path slightly to the left – where Blitzwing followed his colleague close behind – brought out their weapons, and opened fire on the purple jet fighter. Attempting to evade enemy fire, Blitzwing banked to his left and peeled away from Astrotrain, with Magnus and Ironhide in pursuit.“Well, that sure looked easy enough,” Slingshot scoffed. “You’d think a Triple Changer would be a bigger challenge than your typical Decepticon jet!"“Phase one complete,” said Optimus. “Now for phase two. Aerialbots, transform!"Optimus dove out of Skyfire’s airlock as he switched on his own jetpack, with the Aerialbots following after him and transforming to their aircraft modes – Silverbolt as a Concorde, leading Skydive as a grey F-16 Falcon, Fireflight as a red-and-white F-4 Phantom, Air Raid as a black F-15 Eagle, and Slingshot as a white Harrier. As they raced toward the space bridge, in their sights was the lone Astrotrain, still a fair distance coming in from their left. With Magnus and Ironhide’s firepower holding Blitzwing at bay, this was the opportunity to strike.“This looks good,” Skydive called to the others in the squad. “We’ll be able to catch Astrotrain long before he reaches the bridge!"“Careful,” Optimus cautioned. “Even with a full load of cargo, he can still fight back."Unaccustomed though he was to leading aircraft, Optimus Prime nonetheless flew ahead with the Aerialbots in V-formation behind him, and brought out his laser rifle as they began to home in on the dark-grey shuttle. As each second passed, the six Autobots readied their weapons as they closed the gap on their target, already anticipating a successful capture…… until an airlock door slid open on Astrotrain’s starboard side facing the Autobots. Several silhouetted figures appeared from inside the opening, their identifying details only visible once they poured out of the shuttle like angry hornets swarming out of a nest. Six of these figures transformed into more jet fighters of various colors, with one dreaded and extremely familiar robot – bearing a massive black cannon on his right forearm – leading them.
“ATTA-A-A-ACK!!!"
While Ironhide was still helping Ultra Magnus chase after Blitzwing, the booming voice caught his attention. He looked around and saw Megatron flying straight for Optimus Prime, while Starscream led the other Seeker jets against the Aerialbots.“Scrag! This is like what the humans call a Trojan horse!"Ultra Magnus also saw the Decepticons flying out of shuttle-mode Astrotrain, but didn’t catch the meaning of Ironhide’s words. “A Trojan what?"“Ask Jazz when we get back to base."Small explosions above made the two Autobots look up to see a pair of Blitzwing’s concussion missiles screaming down on them.“Or if we make it back!”* * * * * * *

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The walls of the Ark’s primary Autobot laboratory, in the same golden-orange hue as the rest of the base’s interior, were tiled with large-screen computer video monitors displaying scientific and technical readouts from other experiments that Perceptor had already been running, before he took on this latest assignment. The floor space in the lab was no less busy, overflowing with lab equipment like molecular chemical analyzers, spectrometry scanners, electrostatic circuitry gauges, and digital information databases; plus simple hand tools scattered on work tables, as well as test tubes, flasks, and vials, many of which contained samples of numerous chemical elements and compounds in all three states of solids, liquids, and gases.A row of three particular scientific computers was buzzing with more activity than the others in the lab. The screen on the left-most computer of this triptych showed an irregular wave pattern running along a graph-like chart, with strings of raw data under the graph. A small icon in the screen’s top-left corner depicted a likeness of Blaster’s head. Attached to the right-side computer was a large, steel-gray, exotic-looking device of advanced design – a block-like shape with rounded corners, its surfaces peppered with dials, sliders, switches, and touchpads for controls – and the computer’s screen showed a white double-helix segment with thin, ornate bars running along the spaces between the coils. Several seemingly random spots along this twisted pattern were highlighted in red, green, orange, and blue.The central part of this set of computers had the tallest screen with two patterns displayed on it, one above the other. The upper pattern was the same signal wave shown on the first computer; the lower pattern was a direct copy of the colored points arranged the same positions as they appeared on the second computer’s double helix. Vertically-oriented arrows between the two patterns signified an attempt to integrate them… until the colored highlights turned black, and the words “SYNCH FAILURE” blinked on the screen in a red slanted, angular font.Which was exactly what Perceptor’s lab partner Ratchet wanted to never see again. “Gah, it still won’t graft! That’s our sixth slagging try!"“Please, Ratchet, we must exercise patience. We’re conducting an entirely novel experiment, and we cannot anticipate immediate perfection when embarking into unventured territory.”“In case you’ve forgotten, there’s two reasons why we don’t have the luxury of dragging this out. Reason One: the longer we take to get it right, the more time the Decepticons have to break into Teletraan! And Reason Two – ” as the medic held out in his hand a thin cylindrical glass vial with a metal cap, containing a small deposit of glowing blue-white fluid inside it – “this is the last of the spark energy we have left!"

The sight of the last drop of their sample in the vial gave Perceptor a momentary pause for thought. “Hm. This does elevate the stakes of our experiment higher than we anticipated. Still, it is one remaining opportunity. I’ll recalibrate the CNA sequence analyzer to another combination of settings. Perhaps this will be when we, as the humans say, ‘strike gold’.”Ratchet didn’t even hide his grimace of frustration and disgust as he struck a key on the middle computer, erasing the visual display in its screen, then followed Perceptor to the computer on the right. “I don’t know how many times we have to play with those blasted settings, but fine, here we go again.”As the wave pattern and the icon of Blaster’s head stayed on the left-side computer, Perceptor entered a reset command into the right-end computer to erase the double-helix image from its screen. As Ratchet waited at one end of the CNA sequence analyzer, with its other end hooked up to the computer, Perceptor went to work on the scores of controls on the device, its clusters of tiny lights reacting accordingly. A quiet, low-pitched hum whirred from the analyzer.“Settings at neutral baseline, Ratchet. Dispense the sample.”Near the bottom of the machine, Ratchet located the narrow horizontal opening with a shallow protruding lip, which resembled a short spout. He unscrewed the cap from the vial, cautiously poured the final drops of the energized fluid down the spout, and stood back to watch the resulting feedback on the computer’s screen. “This time better work, or I swear by Primus…”“Good. Preparing sample for elementary component breakdown.”Perceptor operated and adjusted the controls of the CNA sequence analyzer, which emitted an erratic melody of electronic beeps as the machine performed its function. The double-helix pattern reappeared on the computer screen, to which he gave a nod of approval as he worked.“Re-initiating full-spectrum analysis…”As the scientist experimented with new calibration settings on the analyzer, the screen display ran through a number of colored filters for a few minutes. With each filter, labelling arrows appeared on the screen, pointing out different combinations of seemingly random points along the diagram.“CNA sequencing complete. Scanning patterns for cyber-genetic code, and preparing to interpret to digital format…”More work on the analyzer’s controls yielded a series of angled views of a three-dimensional graphic representation of the CNA diagram. It settled onto a horizontal orientation before a thin vertical line, its length the same as the screen’s height, swept along the pattern from left to right. A small inset window opened up on the screen’s lower-right corner; inside it, endless rows of digital computer code scrolled upward at blinding speed.“Looks like it’s working, Perceptor. Are you sure these settings will graft this CNA sequence to the mind code this time?”“One can never be certain with quests for new discoveries. But attempts have the potential to yield great value.”Ratchet smothered a sigh as he went to the computer on the left. “I’ll bet. Well, I’ve heard about ‘third time’s the charm’, but I guess the humans’ fascination with the number seven could give us the luck we need. I’ll file-transfer the mind code now.”The medic set the empty vial on a vacant spot on the left-hand computer’s control dash, and entered a few commands through its keyboard. A “copy” of Blaster’s mental waveform that was already on its screen reappeared on the upper half of the middle computer’s once-blank screen. Once Perceptor completed more calculations on the right-hand computer, he typed a command of his own, and the double-helix pattern – with its color-highlighted points resembling ornaments on a Christmas tree lying down – was likewise “copied” to the central screen directly below the wave pattern. Perceptor made his way to the middle computer and entered more instructions.“Initiate alignment of core consciousness code strand with CNA sequence code strand. Prepare for synchronization.”In an empty space on the right side of the middle computer’s screen, more lines of otherwise indecipherable code in a tiny font rapidly scrolled upward along the space. One by one, razor-thin vertical arrows appeared between the two patterns. The color of each arrow matched that of a highlight on the double helix, and linked it to a peak or valley in the mind waveform. taking several minutes before each highlight was connected.“Cyber-nano algorithms in both code strands have been successfully synchronized! This is the furthest that our experiment has progressed!”This wasn’t what Ratchet expected after six failed attempts. But though he remained skeptical about the experiment’s progress, he wanted to allow himself more than an iota of hope. He picked up the empty vial from the left-hand computer and joined Perceptor to watch the results on the tall screen. “Well, it’s about time! Now maybe we can finally take this to its next step.”* * * * * * *

(Soundtrack link: “Mars, the Bringer of War” from The Planets, Op. 32, composed by Gustav Holst.)
The Fourth of July was weeks away, but an American desert was already holding a fireworks show – no summer picnics, no spectators, but eighteen participants on two sides unleashing their lethal pyrotechnics on each other, What began as an intercept mission at the space bridge became an aerial battlefield with multiple clashing rivalries spreading across the sky. Megatron was front and center before the Seeker squad, screaming in full speed at Optimus Prime who was leading the Aerialbots. He fired a vicious blast from his fusion cannon at his archenemy, failing to strike him but forcing him to pull away from his squad in order to dodge the attack. With Optimus separated from the others, Megatron rushed at his rival with a bold, taunting laugh.“Well! Fancy meeting you on our grounds, Prime!”

The warlord fired his cannon again, but Optimus evaded the second blast and returned fire with his laser rifle. Megatron darted aside to avoid the counterattack and dove head-first at his enemy for a mid-air tackle. But Optimus, hovering momentarily via his jetpack, dipped a little bit under the path of Megatron’s dive. Unable to slow his momentum in time, Megatron’s armored chest met a solid uppercut. The Autobot Leader rose up behind his stunned adversary, snared him in a waistlock, and cast him aside; not losing sight of the mission, he spotted Astrotrain flying to the space bridge unopposed, and started to go in pursuit. However, Megatron had quickly regained his senses, chased after Prime, and grabbed his ankle to pull him back.On instinct, Optimus clamped his fists together and swung his arms for a sideways haymaker, but failed to connect. Megatron lunged in and drilled his knee to Optimus’ abdomen; the impact staggered Prime backward, his jetpack keeping him from falling to the ground. He then went for a left hook which Optimus blocked with his right arm. Thinking quickly, Megatron grabbed Prime’s blocking arm with both hands, and flung him over his shoulder behind him. Optimus flailed out of control for a few seconds before regaining his stability in the air, and tried to make another break for Astrotrain. His jetpack was the one thing that allowed him to narrowly evade Megatron’s attempt to cut him off with another fusion cannon blast.With Optimus diverted by Megatron, Ultra Magnus and Ironhide lured away by Blitzwing, and the Aerialbots about to be swarmed by the Seekers, Skyfire saw Astrotrain on his unimpeded path. He banked aside from the other battles and kicked in his boosters to catch up with the Decepticon space shuttle. But his maneuver was spotted by Starscream at the head of his six-member jet formation. The Aerospace Commander issued an order over his radio to his fellow Seekers –“You take care of the Aerialbots! I’ve got my own target to destroy!”– before breaking away from the others and making an aggressive beeline for Skyfire.The Autobot air guardian calculated and compared both his own rate of speed and that of Astrotrain as he chased his prey. When his targeting computer indicated he was within range, he locked a pair of photon missiles on the shuttle and fired. But a spray of null-rays from the side picked them both off, just as a light-grey F-15 Eagle rocketed toward him.“Nice try, traitor,” Starscream shrieked, “but I will always and forever outclass you!”Not wanting to be distracted from the mission, Skyfire tried to pitch upward to get away from his assailant. But Starscream kept Skyfire in his sights and also pulled up. Deducing that he was being unwisely challenged into playing chicken, the Autobot superjet opted to stay on course. Seconds passed as the two opposing flying aces approached each other toward the apex of an oblique angle. Just as Starscream was close enough to collide with him, Skyfire sharply rotated a one-quarter roll to his left, almost swatting Starscream with his wing. He kicked in his boosters and peeled away, just inches in front of Starscream’s nosecone.“You still need class to begin with, Starscream!”Refusing to let up, Starscream yawed to his right, sped up to gain ground behind his former friend, and fired two cluster bombs from his launchers. The bombs’ warheads opened up like petals on a flower, and scattered scores of bomblets around Skyfire’s fuselage. Unable to aim his particle beam cannons behind him, Skyfire tried to swerve and twist his way through the air, but couldn’t completely avoid being struck by the small explosives; he was lucky that the most damage he took were a few dents and superficial scorches. Eager to seize this opportunity, Starscream transformed to robot mode, stayed airborne, and released a barrage of null-rays at Skyfire, who had just escaped the last of the cluster bomb attack. One of the rays zapped his left thruster, and a surge of static crackled over its engine cowling. Skyfire felt his thruster go numb, impairing his flight.“Blast it! If he wants to play that badly, then I’ll play, too!”Skyfire transformed to his massive robot mode. Depending heavily on the good right thruster on his flight backpack to keep him airborne, he spun around and brought out his double-barreled particle beam blaster cannon. Brandishing his weapon like a hand-held submachine gun, he fired back at Starscream, who rapidly shifted back to jet fighter mode and flew straight up, just barely avoiding his wing getting grazed.Another dogfight broke out as the Aerialbots were confronted by the other five Seekers – two of which were standard F-15s, one blue and one black; the other three bearing custom modified wings. Air Raid, himself an F-15, didn’t care that his jet mode resembled the Seekers; to him, they were all enemy targets waiting to be shot down. He kicked in his afterburners and plowed headlong with a wild war whoop.“Back for more, huh, boys? Well, how about we finish what you started?!”“Air Raid, stand down!” Silverbolt ordered over his internal radio. “We’re supposed to bring in Astrotrain! Air Raid, come in! Air Raid!”The order came too late, as the daredevil Aerialbot fired a salvo of heat-seeking missiles at the enemy fighters. Thundercracker, the blue F-15 Seeker, flew ahead of his squad, tapped into his engines, and generated a sonic boom, detonating the missiles at a safe distance.“My turn, Aerialbot! Let’s see if you can take the heat!”Thundercracker countered with his incendiary blasters at the Aerialbot warrior. Air Raid fired more heat-seeking missiles, which homed in on the blue Seeker’s offensive. Feeling his comrade may need help, Skydive tried to fly in. But Skywarp, the black F-15 Seeker, vanished from the Decepticon formation and magically reappeared directly in front of Skydive.“No, you don’t, Aerial-punk! You’re not going anywhere!”He fired his automatic guns on Skydive, but the Aerialbot ducked under both the attack and Skywarp himself. Skydive pulled up into a vertical loop behind the black Seeker, and pitched around until he was above and behind him. The gray F-16 trained his targeting system on Skywarp and released two laser-guided missiles. But the sneaky Decepticon played his wildcard again, teleporting out of sight before Skydive’s missiles could touch him. He reappeared behind the Aerialbot strategist, and launched a pair of his own heat-seeking missiles.“Sure, I gotta deal with the trickster,” Skydive muttered. “Time to pull some tricks out of my bag.”The Aerialbot broke sharply to his right and boosted the power to his engines to increase his speed. However, the missiles had a lock on the heat signature of his thruster; they also turned right and stayed on course behind him. Skydive tried swerving left and right, thinking maybe an erratic path might confuse the missiles’ tracking systems, but he couldn’t shake them. He opted for a more daring maneuver – he pulled upward into half a vertical loop, and spun a half-roll to reorient himself right side up. Then he dropped into a sharp nosedive, swayed slightly to his right side, then took a strong break to his left before pulling up again. Yet like aircraft in their own right, the heat seekers were not giving up the chase.“Maybe I should just keep on flying until their propellant runs out; they can’t track me forever….”Luckily, he wouldn’t need to resort to that. From his position among the other Aerialbots, Silverbolt, who watched the whole confrontation, also had a card to play… who surprisingly was flying straight for once.“Fireflight! Take those missiles out!”“Huh? What?”“Stop daydreaming, and fire!”His mind snapped to reality, the red F-4 saw Skywarp’s missiles persistently dogging Skydive. Hoping he would be fast enough, Fireflight flew ahead and launched several missiles toward his comrade’s left side. The missiles exploded in a vast liquid mist that burst into intense flame, drawing the heat-seekers from their target and pulling them into the fog of fire. Skyfire spun a single barrel roll to signal his thanks, then flew off to find Skywarp, who had joined Thundercracker in double-teaming Air Raid.“Great work, Fireflight!” Silverbolt shouted. “That’s how good you are when your mind’s on the job – huh…?”Silverbolt now felt his own concentration beginning to waver. He couldn’t figure out why at first, until he sensed an unnerving emotion creeping through his mental processor. He ignored it until he began to feel it growing stronger in his mind. The more he tried to suppress this emotion, the worse it started to affect his focus… and his ability to fly.“No… no… I’m… I’m too far up….”The Aerialbot commander hadn’t noticed that another Seeker, blue fuselage with dull yellow canard wings, had snuck around into position above him. Dirge tapped into the subsonic frequencies from his jet engines, and washed wave after wave over the Concorde.“That’s it… Give in to your deepest fears… Let it consume your processor….”Silverbolt couldn’t even think about what was causing this sense of fear to infiltrate his mind. All he could think of was that same fear enveloping his psyche.“I… I’ve got to… I need to land….”His fear of heights.“I can’t stay up!”Silverbolt lost control of his engines, which sputtered as he sailed mindlessly into a nosedive, not even hearing Fireflight yell, “Hey, watch it!” as he unwittingly careened too close to him.Dirge indulged himself a sinister chuckle as he watched the Concorde fall, then opened his internal radio – “He’s all yours, Ramjet!” – prompting a white Seeker with maroon delta-shaped wings to fly straight at the falling SIlverbolt. Ramjet was meters away from his victim, before two mortar shells zipped in front of him and exploded over his canopy, sending the Decepticon into a wild tailspin. Another pair of shells rang out and took out Dirge, spinning out of control. With the fear-inducing waves fading from his consciousness, Silverbolt snapped out of his trance when he saw the ground rapidly filling the view of his cockpit. He fired up his engines and pulled back up in time, then launched back up to the battle, where a small white Harrier coasted by his right.“You can thank me later for saving your rudders, ’Bolt!” Slingshot half-joked. “Right now, let’s go kick some more Decepticon exhaust ports!”But storming straight at them was one more Seeker, deep red with VTOL pods on each wing, his guns blazing away.“Leave the skies to the real fliers, Aerial-wimps!” Thrust boasted as he dashed off to his right.Incensed, Slingshot stopped into a stationary hover, rotated to his left like a helicopter, and chased after the arrogant Decepticon warrior.“You wanna shoot down an Aerialbot; you better not miss!”The sharpshooting Harrier took aim with his cannons and fired, but Thrust activated the acceleration controls in his jets and zoomed out of the mortar shells’ reach. “Maybe you ought to take your own advice, you pathetic runt!”Positively seething from the Seeker’s taunts, Slingshot ran his battle computer to aim his cannons again, accounting for Thrust’s sudden acceleration capability. He fired again, and the shells exploded right behind his target’s engines, startling him into a moment of panic.“Yeah! Who’s the runt now?!”But Thrust didn’t take too long to shrug off this sniper attack. He turned around a half-loop and, living up to his name, opened up his engines to full power, rushing directly for Slingshot.“That’s it, punk. The gauntlets are coming right off!”With the small Aerialbot in his sights, the Seeker threw a numerous load of concussion missiles. Taken aback by the sheer number of missiles coming his way, Slingshot tried to snipe them with his shells before they could get too close. Unable to take them all out, he tried going into his unorthodox maneuverability to dodge the remaining ordnance – banking, spinning, rolling – until one of the missiles detonated by his nosecone. The shock from the explosion threw the Aerialbot out of control, forcing him to instinctively transform to robot mode in the sky. He switched back to this jet fighter mode and tapped into his VTOL capability to stabilize himself into a stationary position – unaware that Thrust was still on a one-track path straight to him.Before long, Silverbolt regained full altitude and control of his mental faculties, and found Fireflight apparently flying idly in an open space in the battle.“Hey, Fireflight, if you’re not doing anything important, care to join me in helping Slingshot? He did save my life, after all.”“Guess that’s as good a reason as any. Let’s hit it!”The Concorde and the F-4 changed direction for the spot where the resident braggarts on both sides were about to clash. Flying in to flank Slingshot on either side, they unleashed a combined barrage of electrostatic discharge bursts and fire-fog missiles at the pompous Thrust, easily shattering his nerve and forcing him to turn tail and flee. As Slingshot sighed in relief, he heard Silverbolt’s chuckling voice over his radio.“Is it later yet? ’Cause that’s my thanks!”Slingshot would be giving a thumbs-up if he were in robot mode. “Guess we’re even, ace! Now let’s go get Astrotrain!”Meanwhile, as Air Raid and Skydive were dueling with Thundercracker and Skywarp, Ramjet and Dirge transformed to robot modes and managed to settle on the ground without crashing. “What a cheapshot,” Dirge groaned. “We had him dead to rights.”“Yeah, but they’ve used their element of surprise, and we’re not out of the picture yet,” said Ramjet, pointing up at Silverbolt, Fireflight, and Slingshot in the sky. “We can still hold them off!”Both Seeker warriors took to the air in their jet fighter modes and rose back up into battle again. Activating his tracking radar to ascertain the positions of the aerial combatants on both sides, Ramjet picked up one particular blip moving away from the action. He opened his comlink and roared, “Thrust! Get your cowardly aft back in the fight, now!”Far away from the other skirmishes in the sky, Ultra Magnus’ quick-draw reaction with his laser blaster saved himself and Ironhide from Blitzwing’s concussion missiles. The heavy jet fighter dove down, transformed to robot mode in front of the pair, and unsheathed his electro-scimitar from his subspace pocket into his right hand.“What’s wrong, Auto-suckers; didn’t like my decoy maneuver? Guess you ‘honorable’ types like a straight fight better, huh?”“You gotta be kiddin’!” Ironhide scoffed. “You got no chance when you’re down two to one!”Blitzwing clenched his fist around the handle of his sword, causing its blade to sizzle. “Ha! A Triple Changer can take on any two Autobots at once!”Ultra Magnus fired his blaster rifle at the Decepticon, missing his target who dodged to the side. Blitzwing reared back with his right arm and went for a wild lateral sweep of his sword at Magnus. But Ironhide brought out his hand-held liquid gun and shot a stream of liquid nitrogen at the sword, disabling the blade’s energized state. His melee weapon now rendered fragile, Blitzwing shunted the scimitar back into subspace, leapt upward, and transformed back to jet fighter mode. As Magnus and Ironhide tried to shoot him down, the Decepticons dropped another pair of missiles on them. The Autobots’ firepower destroyed the missiles a few meters above them, their explosive shocks weakly affecting their sensors. Just as the Autobots brushed off that averted attack, Blitzwing transformed back to robot mode, dropped down, and knocked Ironhide away with a falling dropkick. He stared at Ultra Magnus and got into a hovering combat stance, raising his fists and sneering in contempt.“‘Cybertron’s greatest warrior’, huh? Let’s see you prove it.”Ironhide shook his head to clear out the jolt of static from Blitzwing’s kick, and regained control of his jetpack to re-stabilize himself in the air. Before he thought to leap back up again, a signal beeped on his radar detector. Tracking the signal, he mapped Astrotrain’s trajectory: diving to low altitude on his way to the space bridge transport ring, with no one to stop him. Ironhide immediately rose back up on his jetpack and got in between Ultra Magnus and Blitzwing before they could fight.“I’ll take this guy, Magnus; you get to the space bridge! Hurry!”As Ironhide wasted no time wailing away on Blitzwing with old-fashioned rights and lefts, Ultra Magnus followed Ironhide’s cue and spotted Astrotrain en route to the transport ring on the desert floor. It looked almost impossible to beat the Decepticon shuttle in a race to the bridge. But never one to let even the worst of odds influence his sense of duty, Magnus dove sharply and prepared the twin long-range missile launchers on his shoulders.Optimus Prime and Megatron were still trading fists, forearm shots, and firepower in their own one-on-one confrontation in the air. Though the Decepticon Leader, as a natural flier, had a distinct advantage in this high-altitude arena, he was rather impressed that a land-bound Autobot like Optimus, unaccustomed to battling this high over the ground, was so capable of adapting and holding his own against him. In fact, Megatron reluctantly admitted to himself that he had a harder time shooting down an Autobot target that could move in all three dimensions instead of only two.There was little such trouble landing blows in hand-to-hand combat, however, which Optimus proved by landing a hard right cross to Megatron’s chestplate, staggering him back a bit. As Megatron shrugged off the punch, his thoughts of a counter-maneuver were interrupted when his internal radio came on and a static-laden transmission with Blitzwing’s voice came through.“Mega…! …-tra Mag… ing aft- … trotrain! Somebody… to stop – gah! Blast you, Autobot…!”The message ended with a short burst of static before Megatron’s communicator went silent. The abrupt cutoff didn’t worry Megatron as Blitzwing could handle himself in battle well, but reading between the gaps in the message alerted Megatron to the real concern. He looked to the space bridge and saw Astrotrain was flying low and still on course for the transport ring, with Ultra Magnus chasing after him. But though Astrotrain had a good head start, what a jetpacked Magnus lacked in air speed, he could make up for with missile fire. Megatron dashed off for the space bridge, ignoring all the other battles, and looked down to find Ultra Magnus firing a missile from each of his launchers as Astrotrain swerved to avoid them – one of them zipped by the shuttle’s left side and hit the ground, but the other barely missed his tailfin.When Megatron looked behind him and found Optimus Prime on his tail again with his laser rifle in hand, he realized that he had this one chance to act. He spun into a hundred-eighty-degree roll, turning his back to the ground way below him, and fired his cannon at Prime again – though not a direct hit, the blast against the Autobot leader’s torso was enough to take him off his path. With that interference shoved aside, Megatron rolled back into normal position, saw Magnus preparing another salvo of missiles… and took a chance on a tactic he didn’t normally do.He transformed to his extended pistol mode, focused his mind on hovering in mid-air, and targeted Ultra Magnus in the telescopic sight mounted atop his form.
~ Blth-ZZRK-rssh!! Blth-ZZRK-rssh!! Blth-ZZRK-rssh!! ~
One of his concentrated blasts plunged hard into Magnus’ jetpack.Optimus Prime stabilized himself in the air with great difficulty, clutching the left side of his abdomen. He removed his hand to inspect the area where he was struck; though scorched with minor cracks in the armor, no vital internals were touched. He turned his attention to his task… and saw Ultra Magnus plummeting from the sky with smoke pouring from his back.“Oh, no….”Last-ditch desperation orders raced through Optimus’ brain as he opened his wrist-mounted communicator. “Attention, Autobots! Withdraw from battle immediately for new orders! Aerialbots, rescue Ultra Magnus! Skyfire, Ironhide, get to the space bridge now!”The Decepticons, except Megatron, were confused when the Autobots abruptly stopped fighting and hurried off, but the reason became clear when they all transformed to their robot modes and watched the new action unfolding below them. The Aerialbots converged into close formation – Fireflight and Slingshot flanking Silverbolt, with Skydive and Air Raid tailing them – and dove after the falling Ultra Magnus. Silverbolt’s wings and long Concorde nosecone folded back and secreted into his fuselage, his parts consolidating into a solid block-like armored torso module. The wings and fins of the other Aerialbot troops likewise wrapped around their respective bodies, all of which extended in length before linking up with the central body segment: Fireflight and Slingshot becoming arms, and Skydive and Air Raid as legs. Rising from the neck socket on top of this slender humanoid giant form was a black domed cylindrical head, with gold vertical antennas on its sides, a red optical visor, and a charcoal-gray mask-like mouthplate.“Ultra Magnus… On my way….”Superion plunged down toward the Deputy Commander and raised his arms out front when he saw him within reach. Once the giant matched the speed of Magnus’ fall, he reached out with his massive hands on either side of the falling Autobot, and carefully grasped him like a child holding a plush toy. With Magnus safe in his grasp, the Aerialbot Combiner warrior swung his legs downward and decelerated his fall until he came to a safe landing on the ground.As Skyfire suddenly withdrew from his own fight – which Starscream personally claimed victory by forfeit – he awkwardly tried to fly in his robot mode to the space bridge, though his mobility was still limited due to his left thruster not fully functional. But even with Optimus and Ironhide’s support, it was already too late – the three Autobots saw the sliding door section of the transport ring had already shut. Panels on the top circular face of the ring lit up in a rotating pattern, and accelerated until beams of light shot up from the ring and converged like a pyramid to a point in the sky, tearing open a blindingly-white diamond-shaped portal. Astrotrain’s shuttle form was pulled up from inside the transport ring and into the portal, which closed with a violent crackling flash of lightning.Megatron was satisfied with this excursion’s outcome as the space bridge powered down, and more so from seeing the dejected expressions on the Autobots’ faceplates. He shouted one last order – “Decepticons! Return to base!” – before his troops all transformed to their aircraft modes and followed him into the eastern sky, leaving the Autobots to regroup on the ground. Superion had separated into his five individual Aerialbots, and Silverbolt tried to help Ultra Magnus stand upright by draping the injured Autobot’s right arm behind his shoulders, though his left arm hung loosely from his shoulder joint. Optimus and Ironhide stood in front of Magnus while Skyfire and the other four Aerialbots looked on.“It’s all right, big guy, we got you,” said Ironhide. “Can you hear me?”Wincing in pain, he was able to reply, though his speech was heavily strained. “Affirmative… but… the Decepticons… they… they went – ”“Easy, Magnus,” Optimus said calmly. “Right now, we need to worry about you. How badly are you hurt?”“My left arm… I… I can still feel it… but it won't… move….”Skyfire stooped down a bit to examine the left side of Magnus’ upper body. He found some of the remnants of the destroyed jetpack had fused to the outer hull of Magnus’ back. But this debris surrounded the real epicenter of the damage – the blast from Megatron had punctured his armor, and broken the internal servo connection between his left shoulder and torso.“We can’t repair him here,” said Skyfire. “He needs Ratchet’s attention back at headquarters.”“Do you have enough power to fly?” asked Optimus Prime.“Well, Starscream zapped one of my thrusters during the fight. But I think his null-ray’s effect has worn off by now.”“All right, let’s go home. I just hope Perceptor and Ratchet are faring better than we did.”“But… the Decepticons – ”“ – are out of our hands for the moment, Ultra Magnus. We'll deal with them at another opportunity. But right now, we need to bring you in for repairs.”* * * * * * *

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Ratchet wanted to believe that the diagnostic display on the central scientific computer’s screen meant he and Perceptor actually could achieve their experiment’s goal, despite the odds against completing it in one day. He absentmindedly toyed with the empty vial in his hand, as he stared at the patterns representing the two code strands derived from Blaster’s core consciousness and his spark-borne CNA, and the highlighted points synchronizing the patterns with each other. This was the farthest progress they had made with this experiment, but his lingering doubts tempered his confidence.“I don’t want to celebrate too soon,” said Ratchet, “but I guess this means we can start trying to merge these two codes and bring it ‘alive’. What’s the next step?"“Well, I’ve conscientiously selected programming protocols from my laboratory’s informational reference databases, and installed them into this computer. Now the information that will drive these protocols is the result of years of studious research and painstaking efforts to perfect their validity. Once the protocols are activated, the codes strands will undergo a series of – "“Get to the slagging point! Will it work or not?!"“Ahh… well, by the conclusion of this experiment, I hope that the final stage will infuse the unified code with its own protocols for independent self-governance."Ratchet could barely muster the effort to give Perceptor even a blank neutral glare. “You hope. In other words, you’ve put together a fancy computer program to give these code strands a spark of life, and you have no idea if this thing will even work."Perceptor hesitated for a moment before sheepishly answering, “Basically, yes."Rather than vent another sigh, Ratchet blankly said, “Let ’er rip, Professor,” with complete lack of enthusiasm, and locked his gaze on the central screen, not looking forward to the results.
(Soundtrack link: "Oxygene, Pt. 1", by Jean-Michel Jarre.)
Perceptor took his place in front of the central computer, keeping calm regardless of the gravity of the experiment’s significance weighing on his mind. The input that he entered set off reactions inside the computer’s electronic innards, propelling waves of digital signals at light-speed through every one of its circuit connections and memory units. Percolating inside these memory units were the digital code strands based on Blaster’s mind and spark, and the algorithms that Perceptor had programmed into them – the directions that the Autobots hoped would succeed in creating their “living” defense for Teletraan.Microcircuit paths simmered and sizzled as the computer carried out the dense, elaborate lists of instructions in its memories, driven by each keystroke from Perceptor’s fingertips handling the machine like a virtuoso pianist. Command after command ran the code strands through the procedures to deeper and deeper levels. As they worked, the corresponding visual output on the screen depicted the images of Blaster’s mental waveform, the CNA helix pattern, the synchronized points marked by the colored vertical arrows between them, and the scrolling code racing up the screen on their right. As the work progressed, the thin arrows matching the colors of the CNA helix’s highlighted points began to turn white at random times. Ratchet almost couldn’t believe that, after so many failures, the images on the screen were depicting the progress that he and Perceptor were hoping to attain. With each arrow changing color, he hoped this would not be too good to be true.
C’mon… keep going, keep going….
Several minutes passed before the linking arrows on the graphic display were almost all white, down to ten colored arrows left.
That’s it, we’re getting there….
Three minutes later, only five arrows were still waiting to turn white.
I know I’ve had my doubts about this thing, but please, prove me wrong….
Just three colored arrows remained.
Keep at it, we gotta make it….
Two colored arrows left…
Just… about… there…
One last arrow…
We’re gonna make it… yes… this is it.….
… which turned black.“What?! No…!”In only a few seconds, the rest of the arrows also went black, while the racing lines of code on the right side of the screen froze to a stop. Two words in a red slanted, angular font flashed across the screen.
UNIFY FAILURE
Rather than induce the proverbial “spark of life” into their code strand specimens, this latest failure instead induced Ratchet to clench his fist holding the empty vial, snapping the thin tube into useless shards in his hand.“It’s no use, Perceptor; we can’t do this! Energy pulled out of a spark is not the same as a living spark itself! Face it; nobody can play Vector Sigma. You need the real thing!”But the chief scientist was almost oblivious to Ratchet’s words as he stared at the screen. After a few pondering taps of his index fingertip against his chin, Perceptor headed for the door, slid it open, and exited the lab while saying an uncharacteristically simple, “Come with me.”Ratchet hurriedly dusted off the remains of the vial onto a laboratory table, and chased after Perceptor as the door slid shut behind them. “And what d’you think you’re going to do now?”“I presume Blaster is entertaining the Witwickys in the recreation centre. I still feel that we can accomplish this task, so I will require you to extract another sample of cyber-genetic energy from his spark chamber.”“You can’t keep drawing power out of his spark like it’s some perpetual energy resource! That’s his life force we’re talking about; you should know that!”“I do fully comprehend the vital nature of a Cybertronian’s spark. But I sense that we are so extremely close to achieving a great scientific breakthrough! Donating one more sample won’t do him any harm, and we only need a small number of attempts should bring us closer to – ”Ratchet grabbed Perceptor's arm and pulled him back, stopping him on the spot in the middle of the corridor. “Listen. I know how important any kind of scientific research is to you. But the aim of this experiment is protecting Teletraan I, and trying to get rid of the Decepticons’ so-called ‘living hacker code’. That’s our priority!”Perceptor paused with a sigh. “My sincere apologies, Ratchet. I suppose that in being lured by the prospect of a new discovery, I had lost sight of the true purpose of our work.”“It’s all right; I understand. We Autobots all appreciate your diligent research, which has brought us a lot of our best advancements. But between you and me… something about this project’s been bothering me in the back of my logic circuits.”“And that is?”“Let’s say that, by some miracle, we do get this ‘AI guardian’ program running. Once it does its job, what do we do with it afterward?”“Well, as this program is intentionally temporary until we run Chip's new firewall, I expect we would simply erase it, though that would ultimately be a waste of our labors.”“Which I don’t think will be that simple. Remember how the Decepticons’ so-called ‘smart code’ took off before Teletraan could erase it? What if our code could act out of both self-motivation and self-preservation? Who knows how it would react if it ‘knew’ it was about to be ‘killed’?”“Hm, that is a very concerning scenario. I suppose that after it deals with the Decepticons’ code, there would be no assurance that its behavior, though derived from an Autobot mind, would lend itself to self-sacrifice. Perhaps we could allow it to remain in Teletraan as a supplementary cybersecurity defense measure.”“But there’s another problem. All its mental thought processes, its behavioral patterns, all the way down to the genetic cyber-nano algorithms we’re using. Think about who it’ll come from.”“Well, of course, it's Blaster; one of the staunchest among our ranks.”“Yes, when he’s fighting the Decepticons or doing actual communications work. But what about his leisure during downtime? If those same instincts kick in for this guardian program, then for all we know, it could tune Teletraan to some all-music TV station and turn it into a hyper-charged entertainment system! Sure, I wouldn’t mind having some parties in our base, but there is a time and place for everything.”“Hm, that scenario may be comparatively more benign, but yes, I understand your point. Perhaps my enthusiasm for a new discovery has blinded me to the notions of ethical and philosophical consequences. I hate to impede the progress of science, but I may have to reconsider – ”“Wait, hold on….” A little light began blinking on the edge of Ratchet’s forearm. He raised his wrist into view and a small flip-up communicator unfolded from it.“Optimus Prime calling Ratchet. Come in,” spoke a voice over the wrist-mounted radio.“Ratchet here. What’s up, Prime?”“I don’t want to interrupt your work on the experiment, but I need you to meet me in the command centre. Ultra Magnus has been injured.”Ratchet’s patience quotient was in jeopardy of dropping below zero. “Uh… sure, Prime. I’ll be right there. Just keep Magnus stable until I show up.”“Acknowledged. Optimus out.”He switched off his wrist radio as he and Perceptor hurried off. “Why,” Ratchet groaned, “does everything have to come crashing down at times like these…?"* * * * * * *

The docking tower returned to its rest position, descending inside a pipe-like column built into the refurbished wreck of a gigantic space cruiser lying on the ocean floor. An elevator door at the base of the tower opened, allowing Megatron and his squad into the main entrance corridor of their headquarters, its dry interior safe from the depths of the marine biome outside its hull. The crew chatted and laughed among themselves until Megatron raised his hand for silence.“Decepticons, we have achieved a great victory! Proceed with your repairs and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure!”Blitzwing and five of the Seekers cheered as they headed off on their way. But while Megatron opted for a calmer walk to the command centre, one Decepticon felt he wasn’t done discussing a matter with his superior, and followed him.“It’s obvious you want to say something, Starscream. What is it now?”

“Well, we made sure Astrotrain delivered that shipment over the space bridge. And we’ve also taken out the Autobot who some profess to be Cyberrton’s so-called ‘greatest warrior’.”“Taken down. I know Ultra Magnus’ reputation well, and it will take a lot more to take him out.”“Fine, taken down. Personally, I think we could have easily used some of that cargo to destroy him and the other Autobots with him. We had plenty to spare, so why didn’t we use any of it?"“Because I don’t want them to know more of our secrets than they may already suspect. The fact that they might know anything about our cyber-hacking efforts has already compromised our plans. It’s true that our forces on Cybertron are already at an advantage without the new supplies. But rather than deploy them on a mere group of nine, I want to save them for when it really counts: namely, when we can eliminate all the Autobots on a grander scale.”“Which brings me to my other concern, Megatron. Shockwave will have much more than enough supplies and resources at his disposal to augment our entire war effort on Cybertron alone. And so will we on Earth, as long as the Constructicons keep working on them. If we anticipate having more than enough supplies to destroy the Autobots at your chosen opportune moment, then surely it’s no longer necessary for Soundwave to send his mind into Teletraan I.”“As usual, you remain foolish and short-sighted. No doubt developing these raw materials can give us the means to wipe out every last Autobot in existence. But if the Autobots’ secret is somehow capable of negating even our vast advantage, then Soundwave must find that secret so that we can prepare to deal with that as well.”“But the last time he tried that, he almost got erased! What good will he be to us if his mind is destroyed? The Autobots will be expecting him, and his body will be all that’s left of him! His body can’t live without his mind.”“As my lieutenant here on Earth, you disappoint me yet again. Obviously you have forgotten that Soundwave has been willing to take on those risks from the very beginning of his cyber-mission plan. A true leader would support the confidence of anyone who had thought out such a deadly plan so thoroughly.”“I can’t believe you’re saying this. Everyone knows he’s your favorite among the Decepticons, and yet you will let him do this without question?!”“Starscream, this is unlike you. I’ve never heard you voice such concern for Soundwave before. Why now?”“Well… with due respect to your leadership, Megatron, Soundwave is just as integral to our cause as you are. His powers make him ideal for heading our communications, he coordinates our intel and espionage, he’s developed our method of converting Earth’s resources into energon… I admit that not many of us actually like him, but he’s too valuable for us to lose.”“Ah-ha, yes. You’ve stated your dislike for a fellow Decepticon officer, and yet despite your personal grievances, you identified his strongest attributes without hesitation. This shows that you recognize the assets that even someone you personally dislike can offer. Does that sound familiar to you?”Starscream hesitated to speak, but he knew he didn’t need to, as Megatron had more to say.“Let me explain further, on matters of risks, rewards, and resources. For instance, I know of your standout attributes. You are our fastest and most skilled flier, and your null-ray is a unique weapon. Your immature tendency to overestimate yourself often hinders you, but when your mind is straight, you can command well.”“I don’t understand where this is supposed to lead…”“You will if you listen. It is also obvious to everyone that, while you are my second-in-command, you and I do not trust each other. I have not forgotten your failed attempts to dispose of me on numerous occasions. And you know that I am easily capable of terminating you any time I wish. However, I recognize not only the risk you represent by your unchecked ambition, but also the resources of your considerable abilities. This may come as a surprise to you because of our differences, but you are well-suited to be in charge of aerial combat.”This left Starscream not knowing what to say. It seemed out of character for Megatron to give him a compliment that didn’t feel like faint praise sprinkled over damning criticism. But there was yet more.“Now here’s another example. I am perfectly capable of firing myself in my alternate mode, and though I prefer to have Soundwave aim my firepower more accurately, I have allowed you to do it as well. Haven’t you thought about taking advantage of my apparent vulnerability, and trying to destroy me in that mode while you have the chance? Don’t tell me it’s never crossed your mind.”“That’s utterly ridiculous, Megatron. The only time you use your weapon mode is when we’re battling the Autobots! I’ve never said this out loud, but you possess the strongest firepower out of all of us Decepticons. It may be an opportune moment to eliminate you, but only a complete idiot would ruin our most powerful weapon when the enemy is on us.”“Well. It appears you’re not as foolish and short-sighted as I had said before. But make no mistake, Starscream; don’t even think you can break me in my weapon mode. Surviving an exploding starship full of energon cubes shows just how much punishment I can withstand.”Now this was the damning with faint praise that Starscream was used to hearing. “Okay. So you know the risks you take in battle, and we both have the Decepticons’ capabilities well scouted. But what does all this have to do with sending Soundwave’s mind into virtual enemy territory?”“It’s the fact that you overlook the confidence that each Decepticon has in their own skills. I appreciate your uncharacteristic concern for Soundwave’s well-being during his missions into the Web. But you fail to understand this – I would never allow Soundwave to recklessly gamble his life, even for something as vital to us as top-secret Autobot information hiding behind their extreme security. It is his own self-confidence that assures me that he can execute such a potentially lethal task. Is that clear to you now?"The aerial captain took a moment to mentally chew on this notion, before answering, “Yes. It is.”“Good. If you’re finished saying your piece, then you are dismissed until Soundwave is ready for his next infiltration of Teletraan I.”Starscream still had reservations but decided to leave it for now, as he was declared free for the day until he would be summoned for the upcoming mission. He saluted Megatron with his right forearm across his own chest, and proceeded to pass by his leader down the hallway.“Incidentally… I also believe your concern for Soundwave is genuine.”“Why do you say that?”“You didn’t notice he was recording you behind us, did you?”Starscream spun around and shot a startled look down the corridor behind him. Megatron was still there, but as the Seeker captain looked around, he couldn’t find Soundwave anywhere.“Didn’t expect you to actually fall for that,” snickered Megatron as he strode down the path and passed Starscream. “He must still be running his virtual session. Now be on your way.”Starscream glared at Megatron ahead of him down the hallway and clenched his fists, thinking, You slagging spark of a glitch….As Megatron reached the entrance to the command centre, the small lights on the top of his chest panel blinked on, as his internal radio communicator picked up a transmission.“Soundwave to Megatron. Do you copy?”Megatron raised this wrist communicator into view. “Affirmative, Soundwave. Report.”“Request conference with you and Hook, regarding modification upgrades for the mind upload interface device.”“I thought you had designed both the mind interface and the satellite to their ‘utmost perfection’ as Hook insisted on saying.”“New modifications will be required for another matter. Will discuss in conference, if authorized.”Another matter, the warlord thought. Perhaps he has a backup plan after the first attempt to hack into Teletraan didn’t work. “Very well. I'll contact Hook and have us meet you in eight thousand astroseconds. Megatron out.”* * * * * * *

Ultra Magnus sat on the raised platform from the Ark’s command centre floor like a bench, while Ratchet inspected the puncture wound in the armor behind his left shoulder as Perceptor looked on. Optimus Prime remained on site after dismissing Skyfire, Ironhide, and the Aerialbots from duty, while Chip kept working on Teletraan I, having long returned from his break.“Servomechanism’s been severed,” said Ratchet. “It's serious, but not life-threatening.”Magnus suppressed a groan of pain as the medic examined him. “Well, I guess that’s a small consolation. But this shouldn’t have happened while we already have so much work to do.”“Don’t worry; we’ve come to expect these things in war. Prime, how about you and the others?”“Only Skyfire and I have taken minimal exostructure damage, so Ultra Magnus’s injury should take priority over ours. Skyfire said he’s willing to delay his repairs.”“Well, I can repair Magnus now, but that’ll mean another delay on the ‘AI guardian’ project.”“Is the experiment not going well?”Perceptor shook his head. “I'm afraid not, Prime. Our efforts are not yielding the desired results. I fear its chances of success are more remote than I initially estimated.”“That’s not good for us if it isn’t working,” Chip said with a slight frown. “But I have some good news. Teletraan’s new firewall is coming together really well, but I need more time to finish writing the code. Luckily, the Decepticons haven’t tried to hack into us again. At least, not yet.”“I suppose any positive sign we can acquire is welcome,” said Perceptor. “However, I must summon Blaster from the recreation centre, as I will require a second sample from his spark.”But Perceptor didn’t see Spike and Daniel emerging from the doorway into the command centre. “That’s strange,” Spike interjected. “I was about to ask you guys if you’d seen him anywhere.”“Is Blaster not with you?”“No, he came back to the rec centre after seeing you and Ratchet. He and Carly said they had to go check on something, but didn’t say what. Right now, Bumblebee and Dad are setting up a new game, and we’ve been waiting for them to come back.”“I wanna play the Pokey-Mon again!” Daniel giggled. “That one’s fun!”Chip rubbed his chin for a moment. “You know, they did come by and ask how my work was going, and then went off.”“Come to think of it,” Ratchet realized, “Perceptor and I haven’t seen Wheeljack either, since we started the experiment. He helped us prepare the equipment in the laboratory – and yes, they did pass all my pre-work safety tests – but that’s the last we saw of him.”“This all seems irregular,” observed Ultra Magnus. “Wheeljack would likely be in his workshop, but what about Blaster and Carly?”“We can visit the workshop and ask Wheeljack what he knows,” said Optimus. “The repair bay is in the same wing of our base, so you can go there right after.”Ultra Magnus stood up from the platform, and reached across his chest with his right hand to hold onto his left shoulder. Optimus, Ratchet, Perceptor, Spike, and Daniel accompanied him to the base’s science/technology wing, while Chip stayed behind to continue working on Teletraan.“Try to keep your left arm still while you’re moving,” Ratchet advised. ”If I knew how bad the damage was sooner, I’d have brought a temporary brace to hold your shoulder joint into place.”“Yes, I understand; doctor's orders. But this won't stop me from attending the ‘Project Scramble’ meetings. Just once, though, I wish we could hold one without being interrupted.”“About the ‘AI guardian’ experiment,” asked Optimus Prime, “what’s been happening?”“Everything but the results we need,” Ratchet answered, “I was surprised by how close we came in our last try, but ‘close’ isn’t going to cut it.”“I prefer not to lose faith nor dispense with the project completely,” Perceptor added. “It is unfortunate that our current circumstances are not conducive to its success, but it does bear potential for future research.”“At the rate we’re going,” Ratchet huffed, “by the time we make it work, you’ll drain the life out of every Autobot’s spark in headquarters! I’m starting to feel sorry for Blaster now. I may have problems with his loudness, but we can’t just bleed his spark dry for the sake of making this experiment work.”“Yeah, Daniel wouldn’t be too happy about that,” said Spike as he looked down to his son with a grin. “Bumblebee would have to find someone else to beat in Gran Turismo.”“I wish I could never hear ‘Blaster’ and ‘games’ in the same sentence again,” Magnus sighed. “I’m tired of hearing that recurring theme; we need to focus our attention on serious matters.”“We will,” said Optimus as the small group approached the door to Wheeljack’s workshop, “and take care not to strain yourself. I’m sure Blaster won’t object to donating another sample of energy from his spark, if the experiment is close to completion. Anyway, here we are.”Optimus Prime knocked on the workshop’s closed door, but no one answered. He knocked the door a second time and was again greeted by nothing. Puzzled by the lack of response, he pressed a button on the control panel beside the door frame, sliding it open. Optimus and the others looked inside the workshop… and caught Wheeljack, Blaster, and Carly trying to hide pieces of unusual equipment – some nearly completed, some still unfinished – the purpose of which was betrayed by computer monitors inside the workshop showing visuals related to technology which Ratchet recognized right away.“Tell me,” the medic snarled, as he entered the workshop and pointed at a video monitor, “that this isn’t the mind transfer!”The three froze in their tracks as Optimus, Magnus, and Perceptor followed Ratchet inside the workshop, while Spike and Daniel stayed just by the entrance. Magnus was so furious as he stormed inside the facility, that he unwittingly removed his right hand from his left shoulder, ignoring the pain signals shooting through his broken joint as his arm hung loosely from it.“That does it! From the moment I landed on Earth, there hasn’t been one solar cycle where something hasn’t gone awry! Disrespect toward a commanding officer, disruptive behavior during a top-priority meeting, complete lack of discipline, and now, flagrant disobedience of a direct order! Especially with equipment that we declared was too dangerous to use! Even you, Wheeljack, should know better than that. And you, Carly, I’m the most surprised at. I thought it was customary for human parents to set good examples for their young!”Daniel looked up to Spike and timidly asked, “Is…is Mommy gonna be grounded?” earning a cautious, surreptitious index-finger-to-the-lips gesture from his father to stay quiet. When Magnus strode purposefully to Blaster, the workshop's real ambient temperature may have stayed the same, but the sense from Magnus' anger could have raised it sharply by an uncomfortable twenty degrees hotter.“As for you, Blaster, you have pushed me far beyond my tolerance levels for your blatant and gross unprofessionalism! If I wasn’t injured from our last battle, I’d be glad to take on the duty to mete out some serious disciplinary action against you. If you were back on Cybertron, there is no way your lack of self-discipline would be tolerated in war! As a matter of fact – ”“All right, that’s it,” Blaster interrupted as he set down the equipment he was holding on a work table. “I’ve honest-to-Primus tried to stay diplomatic this whole while, but now it’s about slaggin’ time you hear somethin’ straight. First, the business at hand. Prime, may I?"“As you wish,” said Optimus in a stern but calm manner.“I talked with the Quantum Labs crew, and they said none of their cancelled AI projects had anything to do with ‘smart’ computer codes. So about this web-hacking thing the Decepticons have come up, none of that came from anything they took from Quantum. In fact, they said they never even thought of the idea, let alone doin’ any research on it.”“Great,” Ratchet murmured. “Yet another setback.”“I ain’t done, Doc, though I know some Autobots won’t want to hear what I gotta say. The folks at Quantum and I also talked about Wheeljack’s mind transfer machine, and they sent me some information from their own top-secret research. I showed it to ’Jack and Carly, and we knew this was what we needed to fix and upgrade the ol’ Cortexitron. Trust me; like I said before, I know electronic signals better than any other Autobot. I’m the only one who can wipe out the ’Cons’ bug from the Web, and this is the only way we can do it fast. I don’t mean to diss Chip’s idea, but the ‘AI guardian’ program ain’t even leaving the launch pad.”

“I must object,” argued Ultra Magnus. “The ‘AI guardian’ project was authorized under Optimus Prime’s official command, so it remains our best chance to – "“Shut up, Ultraman!” Blaster snapped at Magnus, prodding his index finger against his chest. “I’ve been holding this back, but now I don’t care if I get flagged for insubordination. This is somethin’ you need to hear! Everybody calls you ‘Cybertron’s greatest warrior’, but no matter what anyone told you about Earth, you ain't been here even a week and you hardly know a dad-gone thing about it! But I’ve been on this world for years, and I’ve gotten to know it real well. I took time to see what its people are like, and I’ve hung out with the Witwickys as more than just ‘allies to our cause’. We’ve become friends. I may not be part of your ‘Project Scramble’ meetings, but I’m just as dedicated to protecting all of Earth. I’ve fought hard for this planet, just like every other Autobot has sworn to do – ” He paused a second before adding with a pointed glare “ – including you. And sometimes, that means you gotta think outside the old rulebook.”No one in the workshop, not even Optimus Prime, dared move a muscle or motor as Ultra Magnus was shocked into silence from Blaster’s tirade. Daniel clung to his father, afraid to make a sound and almost in tears; he had never seen the fun-loving Blaster explode with such a temper before. If Wheeljack had invented a device to measure the sense of volatility in his workshop, it would have registered a readout far beyond maximum. The place felt like it had completely frozen in time, until Blaster backed off a step and his anger cooled down.“Look, Mags… we’re already close to losin’ our hold on Cybertron. But even if I ‘lose my mind’ fightin’ whatever sneaks inside Teletraan – and I’m talkin’ my mind literally gettin’ lost in there – ain’t it better to risk only one Autobot dyin’, than let the ’Cons grab a whole ’nother planet?"The others all looked at each other while another tense silence filled the workshop, unsure if the first one to speak would be the target of Blaster’s next rant. Daniel didn't even whimper as tears streamed out of his eyes. But like it or not, someone had to break the silence.“I… I concur with Blaster,” said Perceptor apprehensively. “Considering all factors, the mind transfer device has a far stronger probability of success, as the reconstruction of its equipment has progressed much further than our ‘AI guardian’ experiment has.”“Personally, I’m against dragging that pile of scrap out of decommission,” said Ratchet. “But Perceptor’s right. We’ll never get our experiment off the ground in time anyway.”The Autobot Communicator gave a wordless nod to Perceptor and Ratchet, then subtly alternated his gaze between Optimus and Magnus, waiting to see which one would talk next. Magnus inwardly winced as his shock wore off, and the pain in his left shoulder snatched his attention back, forcing him to place his right hand over it again. But the pain wasn't strong enough to keep Magnus from confronting the scenario that Blaster had laid out.“First of all… you’re correct that I could have you punished for insubordination. But instead, I must commend you for speaking up.”Blaster crossed his arms in subdued defiance and disbelief. “Oh, really.”“Yes. Back home, when I fought alongside the Wreckers, we have had times where strictly adhering to conventional protocol would have been detrimental to the greater good. And you’re also correct that I haven’t been on Earth long enough to understand all its… peculiarities. Perhaps I’ve been too accustomed to constant warfare all my life, that I’ve forgotten what times of peace were like.”With a subdued and understanding nod, Blaster eased up on his posture and unfolded his arms, which gave Daniel the luxury of a weak sniffle as he wiped his tears from his face.“However,” Ultra Magnus continued, which negated the lessening of the tension in the room, “going back to your point about me not being on Earth for long. As such, that means that I don’t have the full authority to excuse your actions or approve of the mind transfer plan. It appears that decision… must go to the head of the table.”Every head in the room turned to face Optimus Prime. The average person would be thrown off guard by such a collective expectant stare. But true to form, every syllable Optimus spoke was weighted with unshaken discipline.“Very well, Blaster. You’ve convinced me. Wheeljack, I shall approve the reconstruction of your mind transfer device, per the schematics offered by Quantum Laboratories. Ratchet, Perceptor, Carly, I’ll assign you to this project as well.”“But what about Magnus’ injury?” Ratchet objected. “I can’t leave that untreated.”“I think I can wait,” said Magnus. “Even if the Decepticons launch another attack somewhere, I wouldn’t be in any condition to go to battle anyway. It’s best for all of Earth that you concentrate your efforts on rebuilding this so-called ‘Cortexitron’.”“In that case,” said Spike, as the tense feeling in the workshop began to evaporate, “I should go get my dad and ask if he can help, too.”“Good idea,” Optimus agreed. “The more expertise we have, the better.”Spike took hold of Daniel’s hand. “Come on, son.”“Where we going?” said the young boy, having stopped crying.“I need to get Grandpa to help the Autobots with some extra-special work. But you can play with Bumblebee in the gaming room again.”As the confused Daniel mumbled, “Okay,” as he and his father exited the workshop, Magnus was also about to leave before he heard Carly's voice behind him.“Ultra Magnus… I need to apologize for disobeying orders. You’re right that a parent should – ”“Forget it,” he replied, his tone less stern than usual. “We all understand what’s at stake, including both of us. Just do whatever you need to do.”After Magnus took his leave, Carly invited Perceptor and Ratchet to join her and Wheeljack and inform them of their in-progress work on the Cortexitron 2.0. But as the scientists and engineers went to work, Optimus pulled Blaster aside before he could join them.“What now, Prime? If it’s about mouthing off to Magnus, can you wait ’til later to chew me out?”“No, that’s not it,” Optimus said with authoritative concern. “I must make sure that you’re completely aware of what you’re about to embark on. Not only is mind transfer inherently dangerous, but we don’t know the full extent of what the Decepticons’ ‘smart code’ is capable of doing. So I want you to understand that the risk you’re taking is incalculably high.”“Believe me, Prime, I’ve been ready for this all day. I know what I’m gettin’ myself into.”“All right. Just remember: once your mind is loaded into Teletraan’s system, you will be entirely on your own. No other Autobots will be able to accompany you or give you any help. No one will be able to provide you with reinforcements. You must understand… that you will be in the most extreme danger for every fraction of an astrosecond that you’ll be in there.”“And,” Blaster replied with the most unnoticeable hint of a smirk, “lovin’ it.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

(Soundtrack link: “Training Montage”, by Vince DiCola.)
A race between the Autobots and the Decepticons began that evening, with neither side fully aware of how high the stakes had truly become. After dissecting the information from Quantum Laboratories, Wheeljack, Sparkplug, and a very reluctant Ratchet labored over the scrap parts they could salvage from the burnt-out remains of the original mind transfer device. Deciding on which elements could be repaired, improved, retained, or discarded was a critical challenge, when trying to bring decade-old-plus technology to the modern needs of a living Cybertronian. But Wheeljack offered some inspiration from the VR player controllers for the rec centre’s game enhancement kit – the redesign would result in equipment that was less cumbersome and more efficient for their purpose. Meanwhile, Chip kept working on Teletraan I, tirelessly formulating more and more lines of code for its new firewall, while luckily receiving no alerts about another cyber-intrusion… yet.Blaster was once again in the recreation centre – hard at work in his own way. Guided by Bumblebee, Spike, and Carly, he trained as hard as he could on every VR gaming experience that he thought would help him in his side of the plan, and tapped into the game enhancement kit to exploit every angle he could find. Fighting games to hone his combat prowess. Puzzle games to expand his problem-solving skills. Immersive adventure games to develop his spatial perception and awareness. Any code or tactic that Blaster thought could help him in some way was saved to his memory. And while little Daniel wasn’t quite fully aware of what Blaster would be embarking on, he still enjoyed the thrilling images of the games playing out on the screen. As for Ultra Magnus, even his non-functional left arm couldn’t impede his sense of duty; though Wheeljack and Ratchet had their own high-priority tasks, Magnus insisted on proceeding with the “Project Scramble” discussions while Optimus Prime, Grapple, Hoist, and Huffer were available for them. However, at the end of the meeting, Hoist took it upon himself to attach a restraining brace on Magnus’ injured shoulder as a temporary treatment, until Ratchet was free to perform the proper surgical operation on the damaged joint at a later time.Decepticon Headquarters was no less busy with their own strategies. Soundwave’s conference with Megatron and Hook in his personal quarters informed them of the functions of his proposed add-on modifications. Though Hook felt the original mind upload interface was perfect as it was – after all, he reasoned, he helped create it – he was convinced that new safeguards and precautions were needed for what Soundwave was about to do, since he would not be hacking into Teletraan alone this time. Hook received a data disk with the new information he needed, and left for the Constructicons’ work bay. After further discussions ended, Megatron left Soundwave alone to prepare another training simulation for himself and his cassette squad.Nighttime began to fall, as did the endurance of the humans working with the Autobots at the Ark. Chip estimated that his firewall program was eighty-seven percent complete, but he was growing weary after hours of writing code. Daniel was also having trouble staying awake in the rec centre, even with the hyper-kinetic graphics on the screen blazing non-stop. Bumblebee took the responsibility of bringing Chip, Sparkplug, Spike, and Daniel to their respective homes, while Carly stayed at headquarters and worked with Wheeljack and Perceptor past midnight, until she eventually succumbed to the natural human need for sleep. Bumblebee was gracious enough to drop her home, and arranged to pick up Chip and the Witwickys and bring them back to base the next morning – and hoped Red Alert wouldn’t cause another fuss in allowing them inside. Despite Carly’s absence, her training from MIT helped synchronize Quantum Labs’ research information with the Autobots’ own technology, leading to smoother progress in perfecting the upgraded Cortexitron to its finest details. Citing maximum safety, Ratchet demanded that rather than being wireless, the main modules of the new Cortexitron must be hardwired with conduit cables to ensure the safest transfer of Blaster’s mind between his body and Teletraan. Wheeljack redesigned the headgear to resemble the VR gaming headset; Perceptor devised a probe that would tap into Blaster’s spark chamber while connected to the Cortexitron’s central unit; Ratchet prepared a monitor to track his spark’s electro-pulse. Knowing all this equipment would be linked to Blaster’s mind and spark, Ratchet insisted on subjecting the central unit, the headset, the spark probe, and the electro-pulse monitor to very frequent and rigorous safety checks.Whether Blaster wanted to or not, he was obligated to take breaks from his rec centre training sessions. He argued that his body wasn’t a factor for the mind upload, but Hoist insisted on an overnight maintenance schedule to top up his internal fluids, maintain his energon and recharge levels, and seal up signs of wear and tear that might occur from his marathon-length stretches of physical exertion. Blaster begrudgingly relented when Hoist lectured him about the body needing to be at peak performance to house its mind. But the periodical appointments led to occasional frustration, when he was called in while in the middle of a game’s boss level.At Decepticon Headquarters, Hook predictably took a painfully long time to create and develop the special upgrades for their mind upload interface, which gave Soundwave extra time for more training simulations until he decided that the skills of his sidekicks were at their optimum levels. The upgrades were finally completed, but once they were installed into the upload device, Megatron advised on a precautionary test run first, instead of hacking into Teletraan I right away. With the minds of all five of his minions synchronized with his, Soundwave – that is, his avatar – brought them on their first cyber-dive into the Web, and hacked into a high-security facility that was on his list of infiltration targets. When they returned to the physical world, Megatron was pleased that the test was a complete success; the minds of Soundwave’s minions were perfectly intact, and the Decepticons added more top-secret information to their collection. However, having not expected their first dive into the Web to be so strenuous, the cassettes needed time to fully recharge themselves, before they would be ready to hack into Teletraan the next day.* * * * * * *

{Day 5}

“Zero hour” was drawing near as Soundwave ran some last calculations on the computer in his quarters. Readouts interpreted by five parallel horizontal bars ran slowly across the screen and edged toward the right side, where an increasing numerical percentage value was waiting for each of the bars at that end. He looked to the left of the computer’s control dash, to which was connected a boxy case-like device consisting of a plexiglass cover on a metal platform. Inside it, five cassettes of different color schemes were steeped in a deep red glow of luminous energy.As his sidekicks were reaching the full capacity of their recharge cycles, Soundwave thought over what they were about to face in mere astrominutes. He understood from experience that he would need help in achieving his goal in the final level of this mission into the Web. But second thoughts began to creep into his mind over the consequences of failure; most gravely being the loss of the Decepticons’ intel division, and the signature skills of each member. He imagined what their next battlefield deployment would be like, with no more earthquakes or ultrasonic screams. And running infiltration and recon would be woefully short-changed without stealth in the shadows or long-range visuals from high altitudes. Perhaps it would be better to back out of this cyber-dive after all. But knowing he was expected in the command centre very soon, failure – and letting Megatron down this far into the game – had become out of the question.The bars on the screen reached the right edge as the accompanying numbers confirmed “100%” for each of them. Soundwave struck a key on the computer, and the red glow inside the recharging chamber faded away; pressing a button on the blocky chamber opened the top like a box lid on a hinge. With the cassettes’ last stage of maintenance done, he stepped back to allow some floor space between himself and the opened chamber.“Eject.”The cassettes rose out of the chamber and all transformed; Laserbeak and Buzzsaw hovered at head level to their master, while Rumble, Frenzy, and Ravage all landed nimbly on the floor. Though Rumble and Frenzy didn’t act all cocky and brash as they normally did, one got a sense of their pent-up energy just waiting to explode.“Cyber-dive mission into Teletraan I about to begin. Full preparation is imperative.”“Not to worry, big guy,” said Frenzy confidently, in a tone uncharacteristically lacking its bold edge. “We know what we gotta do. And we’re gonna do it.”“Heh, sure y’ain’t gonna mess us up?” hissed Rumble. “You still got a chance to sit this one out.”Frenzy glared at Rumble with a more serious look than he had ever had. “You watched me train. You’ve seen what I can do. Trust me. I’m ready.”Ravage, Laserbeak, and Buzzsaw voiced their approval in metallic-edged mech-animal calls. Soundwave then pressed the eject button on his shoulder, opening his chest panel.“Transform and return.”

One at a time, Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, Rumble, and Frenzy folded up into their compact cassette shapes, and slid home into their master’s compartment before his chest panel swung shut, their bodies nestled safely inside. He opened the sliding door of his quarters and strode down the long empty corridor. The acoustic clank of each step he took along the floor echoed in clear metallic purity, introducing a low, chilling feel through his audio receptors. No other Decepticons appeared in the hallway as he walked down his lonesome path; not a word to offer good luck, or dissuade him from what he was about to take on. But he didn’t care whether or not his fellow Decepticons had any concern about his well-being – in a way, the relative silence in the corridor allowed him a sense of calm to concentrate on his duty. That was, until he heard voices further down the path, coming from the entrance into the command centre.Inside, Megatron and Starscream waited for Soundwave to join them, while Shockwave’s image from Cybertron appeared on the main computer screen. “I wish to report that your new cargo has not only been safely delivered,” Shockwave spoke via remote transmission, “but its contents are now being sorted and organized appropriately. Judging by its sheer quantity, however, completing that task will take a substantial amount of time."“However long it takes is immaterial,” said Megatron, “so long as your new supplies are at least sufficient for our cause. But our top priority now is learning the Autobots’ secret. Soundwave is due to arrive soon to achieve our aim.”“Or be erased in the attempt,” Starscream muttered. “This plan still doesn’t sit well with me, but I know I’ll be outvoted no matter what I say.”Soundwave finally entered the room and met with his fellow commanding officers, both in person and remotely. “All members are prepared for the mission.”“Excellent,” said Megatron. “I trust your troops have all been properly briefed on the magnitude of this mission. We have collected a much greater stockpile of resources thanks to all your previous hacking assignments until now. But this search for the Autobots’ secret will be the electro-icing on our vast oil cake. Are you absolutely ready to execute it?”“Affirmative,” Soundwave droned, before stepping up to the main computer.“Good. This will be your most dangerous mission, and I know the responsibility you’ve taken since you introduced this plan. Use whatever means necessary once you’re inside Teletraan I.”“I will remotely monitor the activity from here,” Shockwave added. “Proceed with your mission.”Looking down at the modified mind upload device on the computer control dash, any sign of fear or concern that Soundwave may or may not have could not be seen. With a slight nod, he said, “Understood. Preparing to connect with the interface.”“Soundwave!”Starscream’s voice abruptly stopped the spymaster from transforming, drawing glares from both him and Megatron. Before the Decepticon leader could chastise his lieutenant for his ill-timed interruption, Starscream kept a neutral facial expression, stepped forward, and – in a surprise to everyone – offered Soundwave a handshake.“Just come back alive. All right?”Though wary of Starscream’s motives at first, Soundwave didn’t need to scan his mind to be sure if this act didn’t have an ulterior motive behind it. As all Decepticons understood both the extreme importance and incalculably high risk of this mission, there was no reason for anyone, even the duplicitous Air Commander, to try to psychologically sabotage his efforts. Soundwave clasped his hand with Starscream’s; with a subtle yet assertive shake, he looked at his comrade optic to optic, saying only one word.“Affirmative.”Once Soundwave broke the handshake, he transformed to his cassette player mode, landed softly on the computer control dash, and connected the probe on his side to the mind upload interface device, activating the tiny multi-colored lights on its black facets one more time....* * * * * * *

The atmosphere in the Ark that morning felt more tempered than normal, but no less tense. Standing between Teletraan I and one end of the raised horizontal platform from the floor was the Cortexitron’s central unit – a blue-grey vertical rectangular block with switches and controls on top, and its height peeking a smidge above the platform. Wheeljack, Ratchet, and Perceptor sorted the smaller modules on that platform, Sparkplug used his trusty hand tools to disconnect a panel on Teletraan I close to the floor, Carly studied the readouts on a smaller screen on the control dash, and Chip picked up his code writing from where he left off last night. The giant screen was horizontally divided in half to allow all parties to proceed with their jobs. The lower half displayed the code for Chip's firewall program, each new line inching closer to completion, while the upper half of the screen was a live video feed from Quantum Laboratories, with Doctor Paul Gates and another scientist – grey-and-brown hair with a slightly huskier build than Gates, in a white lab coat and simple eyeglasses – both wearing wireless headsets.Sparkplug swung down the panel he had unhooked, and Wheeljack knelt down to wire a cable from the Cortexitron’s main module into the computer’s exposed inner workings. “There’s the first connection,” the senior Witwicky said. “How’s it reading?”Carly gave an “okay” hand signal while observing the resulting feedback on the small screen. “It’s working great, running just like we want it.”“All right,” said Wheeljack as he stood back up and rejoined the other two Autobots at the platform. “Once we connect the other components, it should all be ready.”Perceptor held up a small module resembling half a glass sphere, with a thick metal ring around the edge and four shallow, blunt claws on the ring. “Spark probe is prepared.”Ratchet set a wide wedge-shaped screen device close to the end of the platform close to Teletraan. “And the electro-pulse monitor is set up. Shall we?”As the three Autobots worked, Carly looked up to the main screen. “Doctor Gates, Professor Andrews, thank you so much for everything you’ve contributed. We really appreciate you and everyone at Quantum Labs helping us out.”“Believe me, it’s no problem at all,” said Doctor Gates from the screen. “Carl and I never forgot when the Autobots helped us after the Decepticons took control of TORQ III those years ago. So it’s only fair that we help you against this cyber-hacker of theirs.”“I just hope we can deal with it before it tries to break into another system,” the elder professor added. “The big problem is, the only way to do that is to let them hack into your computer.”“Say,” Sparkplug thought as he also watched the live video feed from Quantum, “if we catch the Decepticons hacking into Teletraan, could we trace it to where it came from, and maybe hack into their side that way?”Professor Andrews shook his head. “It doesn't really work that way, I'm afraid. Tracing a hacker to its source may happen a lot in the movies, but it’s not quite the same in real life.”“Not to mention,” said Chip as he was typing, “they’ll have already thought about us trying that.”“And I guess while Blaster's in there, Teletraan can't run a system scan like last time, huh?” asked Sparkplug. “Like a back-up defense to help him?”“No,” said Perceptor as he plugged a line between the spark probe and the central unit. “The security scan is designed to keep its system completely clear of all foreign presences. Blaster's mind is of Autobot origin, but as we have never performed such an upload into Teletraan I before, we cannot afford to risk even unintentionally erasing his mind. As such, Blaster will be Teletraan's last line of defense until the new firewall is ready.”Ratchet inserted a cable into the electro-pulse monitor, then handed Perceptor the other end to link it to the spark probe. “How is that firewall program coming along?” the medic asked.“About ninety-eight percent done,” said Chip. “But to make sure it’s airtight, I’ll need Teletraan to inspect each line of code and algorithm after I finish writing it. Then, I can run it right away.”“I confess that I feel a melancholy irony,” Perceptor said. “The root cause of us manifesting this project is deducing that the Decepticons had cyber-infiltrated Quantum Laboratories. I shudder to speculate on how dire the consequences would be, if we had not learned about it.”“It’s sad, yes,” agreed Doctor Gates. “We were so sure TORQ IV was tamper-proof.”“Well, if it’s any consolation,” said Chip, “once I finish this firewall and we get rid of the Decepticons’ ‘smart code’, I’ll send Quantum Labs your own copy of the program.”Soon, Blaster, Bumblebee, and Daniel entered the command centre. The young boy wanted to run to his mother and grandfather, but thought better of it when he saw they were still working. Blaster looked unusually calm and focused as he flexed his shoulder joints and bounced a few times on the spot, like a boxer just minutes away from a championship match.“Playtime’s done,” he said with a contained and serious intensity, surprising the others in the room. “What about that mind transfer gizmo; how’s it lookin’?”Wheeljack plugged the headset’s cable into the central unit and looked at Carly, who gave a thumbs-up from the readout on Teletraan’s small screen. “Perfect timing, Blaster,” the Autobot engineer said. “Our new Cortexitron – version two-point-zero – is finally done!”Carly heard a rapid patter of little steps and saw Daniel running to her. “Did you have fun watching Blaster train?” she asked as she lifted her son off the floor.“Yeah! He’s really good!”“I’m glad. For this job, he’ll need to be.”“Why? What’s he gonna do?”“Well, it’s a little hard to explain,” said Sparkplug. “But remember yesterday, when we said Uncle Chip was figuring out how the Decepticons have been trying to hack into Teletraan I?”“Yeah.”“Blaster’s going to put his mind into Teletraan to keep it safe.”Sparkplug’s description earned a blank look and very confused “Wha?” from his grandson.Bumblebee thought he could describe the situation without scaring a five-year-old child. “Okay. You know those VR games Blaster’s been playing all night? He’s been practicing for when the hacker tries to break into our computer. So it’ll be like playing a bigger game, only he’ll be doing that with just his mind instead of his body.”The explanation didn’t scare Daniel, but his reply of “I don’t get it” meant it still didn’t register.Blaster needed to concentrate on his literal do-and-die mission, but a moment of levity to ease his mind wasn’t unwelcome. He crouched down to Carly and met Daniel in her arms with a calm grin. “No worries, kid. I’ll look like I’m ‘asleep’, but yeah, I’ll be workin’. Make sense now?”“Think so,” said Daniel, still confused.“Cool. It’ll be hard work, but trust me, I’ll be back to play with you, bro. Got it?”Blaster reached down and held the palm of his hand in front of Daniel, which completely dwarfed both him and Carly holding him. Instead of being intimidated by the giant black metal hand, the boy giggled as he held up his tiny hand and gave a high-five. Blaster smiled at Daniel and stood back up, while Carly set her son back down on the floor. From Teletraan’s screen, Doctor Gates and Professor Andrews couldn’t help smiling.“You know,” said Andrews, “it’s easy for us in our profession to get caught up in the kind of work we do. We constantly strive to innovate the most advanced technologies, design the most versatile machines, and write the most complex computer codes. That’s what we do. But it’s moments like these that remind us of what and who we are.”“Hey, that’s why we’re here, Professor,” said Blaster while giving a thumbs-up to the giant screen. “All right, looks like it’s time to get this one-bot show on the road.”“Don’t worry, Blaster,” Bumblebee said. “Prime said you’ll be in there alone, but we’ll be right here with you. Guess it’s like the humans say, ‘being with you in spirit’.”“And others will be with you as well.”Not expecting anyone else in the room, Blaster looked to where the new voice spoke, and was surprised to see new guests emerging from the doorway to the strategy office and rec centre.“What the… Prime?”Entering the command centre were Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus – his injured left shoulder joint set by Hoist’s restraining brace – Grapple, Hoist, Huffer, and Spike.“What’s goin’ on? What about the ‘Project Scramble’ talks?”“We decided to put it on hold today,” said Spike as he joined the rest of his family. “That’s a long-term matter; we thought you could use our moral support now.”“Yeah,” grumbled Huffer, sour-tempered as always. “Drag us from a boring meeting, and watch you hopefully not die.”Blaster smirked, then looked at Ultra Magnus impassively. “Well, if you’ve come to watch, too, then I better not screw up.”“You won’t!” called out Jazz’s voice from another doorway. The Autobots and humans looked around the command centre, as it gradually filled with more Autobots – Prowl, Ironhide, Skyfire, Smokescreen, and the Aerialbots, among others – coming in from the Ark’s multiple corridors.“Holy Hyperion,” gasped a surprised Blaster. “This is turnin’ into a standing-room-only crowd!”“Make room for one more!” shouted another voice from the doorway leading to the base’s exit.Blaster was even more stunned to see Red Alert jostling his way through the crowd of Autobots.“Red? Whatcha doin’ here? I thought you’d be too busy watching the front gate!”“Normally, I would be,” said the security director. “But I thought, with Omega Supreme guarding the volcano, just this once I can defer my job to him. Besides, it wouldn’t be right for me not to come and give you my support as well.”“Hey, I’m cool with that. Even if the ’Cons try to hit our base, ain’t no way they’ll get past Omega on the outside, while I handle things on the inside!”“Then this is it,” Optimus declared. “Are you ready, Blaster?”“More than I’ve ever been, Prime. But first, just one more thing….”Blaster knelt in front of Chip on the ramp and brought out his forearms. A small panel slid open at the edge of his left wrist, and a tiny, thin, black data cartridge fell out of that space and landed onto his right hand, before the wrist panel closed. He held out his right hand and let Chip take the cartridge before he stood back up.“Load this into Teletraan, then open it once I’m inside. I’ll explain when I log out.”With a nod, Chip inserted the cartridge into an input slot on the computer dash, and a small window popped open over part of the firewall code on the bottom half of Teletraan’s screen. Inside the window was a single icon of a file folder, with a closed zipper on its front cover.“Spectramax”? Chip thought as he read the name of the icon. Wonder what this is about.As Chip prepared the computerized item as requested, Blaster climbed onto the raised platform where the fully-assembled Cortexitron 2.0 and its creators were waiting, and lay back with his head next to the electro-pulse monitor. With a retractable surgical tool from his right forearm, Ratchet removed the yellow cassette deck panel from Blaster’s chest, then reached into his chest cavity to unfasten and pull out a small flat circular panel from its inner lining. “Spark chamber’s ready for access.”“Fourteen years of hanging out with the Autobots,” Sparkplug whispered to his family as they watched the procedure, “and I still don’t know how they can do that without any anesthetic.”Perceptor picked up the spark probe and placed it over the spot inside Blaster’s chest cavity where his spark chamber was exposed, while Ratchet stared at the electro-pulse monitor that was also linked to the probe. “Spark pulse looks normal,” said the medic.Taking the cue that it was safe to proceed, Perceptor went to the central unit at the head of the platform and operated its switchboard, causing the inside of the probe’s glass-like dome to glow a simmering blue-white. “Probe activated. I detect no complications in accessing his spark.”Finally, Wheeljack handed Blaster the headset. “Just put it on like the gaming headset. It isn’t wireless, but it’ll work the same way.”Blaster took the headset, placed the curved bar over his optic brow, and plugged the connector prong into the side of his head. Like with the game gear in the recreation centre, a triangular visor slipped down from the bar and covered his optic lenses. As Perceptor adjusted more controls on the Cortexitron’s central module, and Ratchet kept watch on the electro-pulse monitor, Wheeljack went to Teletraan I and entered a few commands.“Connection with mind transfer device successful,” the supercomputer spoke. “Identification of subject: Blaster, Autobot Communications Officer. System ready to receive.”Nervous tension slowly overtook the full interior of the command centre. Autobots in the crowd rubbed their hands or clenched their fists while waiting for the throw of the switch. Spike’s hand held Carly’s as she squeezed his in return. Daniel clung to Sparkplug’s leg as the senior Witwicky placed a reassuring hand on his grandson’s shoulder. Chip paused for a moment to take a deep breath before typing again. Even the Quantum Labs scientists dared not blink as they watched from their side of the screen.Wheeljack looked back at Blaster lying on the platform, with the equipment attached to his head and inside his chest. “Ready, big guy?”Blaster took a very brief moment to steel himself for this ride, without dragging it out long.“Dial me in and amp it up.”* * * * * * *

The convenience of memorizing the cyberspace layout of Teletraan I made its complex, intricate circuit pathways much easier for Soundwave to navigate. Another encounter with its defenses was a matter he hoped would not arise; he preferred to find the information he wanted, then log out as soon as he was done. In contrast to his pre-mission walk from his quarters, he was not entirely alone this time, And carrying his well-trained assistants within his avatar gave him a feeling of familiarity, bringing part of his “normal” existence with him from the physical world into cyberspace. But although he felt fortunate that he hadn’t tripped any security measures yet, something about this second entry into Teletraan just felt a little too easy.Following the updated directions he had recorded in his memory, Soundwave prevented his consciousness from being overtaken by the visual majesty enveloping his presence. He silently admitted that, though this virtual space belonged to his sworn enemies, its views truly were dynamic and spectacular. But distractions during a “real” world mission were generally detrimental; in this realm inside extremely hostile territory, they could mean instant death.Soundwave stayed focused on his flight path, ensuring to not touch the circuit board floor and ignoring the wireframe sights of the electronic components and the illuminated interconnected paths linking them to each other. It wasn’t long before he found his way into the sector of this virtual metropolis that he wanted. Tracking the familiar power reading that he recalled from his first break-in, he spotted in the distance the same two arena-like components that he had previously discovered – the octagonal stadium representing Teletraan’s core memory module, and the neighboring geodesic dome that was its central processor – anchored to the floor, as though they were just waiting to be plundered by an uninvited guest.Targets in sight, the spymaster proceeded toward his quarry while looking around to scan his surroundings for signs of defenses. Suspicion crept back into his consciousness as he registered nothing that indicated possible interference. He thought this must be too good to be true, though he recalled last time that his own presence wasn’t detected until he was already between the two components. As he approached the giant structures, he decided that he would keep himself at a safe distance from the overall perimeter of the pair, rather than enter the space between them. It may not be foolproof, but it would probably be safer.Nano-fragments of time, which Soundwave perceived as Cybertronian astroseconds, passed as he cautiously hovered toward the giant memory module and central processor. As he came closer and closer with no sign of anything in the vicinity that could stop him, he felt this was finally it. In a few moments, all he would need was just one path on the circuit board floor leading into either or both of these components, as his key to breaking in –– except four of those interconnected paths forming a wide square on the floor had found him. Soundwave couldn’t react fast enough, as the four-sided perimeter surrounding the floor space below his avatar lit up in a blinding white glow. Energy barriers quickly shot up from all four circuit lines to a height far above his head, blocking his way to any of Teletraan’s components. A roof materialized on top to enclose a space that, like Soundwave’s targets, were of similar size to an arena. Its interior soon settled into an ominous black, with broken glowing blue-white lines running along the walls and ceiling, crossing each other vertically and horizontally.
No…!
Self-preservation had forced itself to the front of the priority queue, pushing back thoughts of what this electro-prison cube might do to him – cancel his cyber-hacking abilities, scan his avatar for his memories, fragment his code bit by digital bit – or how Megatron would react to this second failure. His first desperate thought was to project his hard-light interface screen from his chest, and hack his way out of Teletraan’s space to save his own life.“Hey, yo.”Before Soundwave could start to open his screen, he spun around to see where the voice came from. His suspicions about this second cyber-infiltration were solidly confirmed when he found an unexpected – and completely unwanted – presence hovering at his height over the ground and staring him down.“Welcome… to your last level.”

(ATTENTION! Advance intel on this story’s final chapter indicates that it will be double-length. Prepare for imminent impact!)
* * * * * * *

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Being caged in enemy virtual territory, with the data-rich sources he sought to plunder just beyond his reach, was not the direction that Soundwave wanted his mission to go. Even worse was that his imprisonment forced him to share the blockaded space with not just any Autobot, but his archrival and direct counterpart. He couldn't figure out how the Autobots might have learned the secret of his mind uploading technology. But he knew that this avatar glaring right at him had absolute-zero intentions of being an amicable host.“Shoulda known all along it was you,” Blaster practically growled while locking his optics on the intruder. “Back with another one o’ your block-rockin’ beats, huh? You oughta know when to quit-file when you got the chance, sucka."It was one thing to avoid erasure by an automated security program, but this was a defender who actively despised his target. Soundwave wanted to stick with his mission and avoid this threat, knowing that damage to his avatar could impair his mental functions once he’d return to his physical body. Now, there were no other viable options in the figurative drop-down menu.”On the contrary,” Soundwave droned, clenching his fists as his voice’s harmonics took on an intimidatingly harsh mix of dissonant pitches. “Earth is ours now, through its world of the electron and the switch."“Think you can hack the planet? Then maybe it’s time to… test your might!"The Autobot thrust his arms out to his sides and shot fiery streams of orange-yellow energy from his hands. When they hit the inside of the isolation cube, they spread throughout the walls and changed their appearance to heavy, crudely-cut bricks of mottled grey granite, with shackles of old chains bolted to them. The new decor was made more horrific by the likenesses of Starscream, Dirge, Blitzwing, Ramjet, Scrapper, and even Megatron himself, all depicted as rusted, mutilated carcasses hanging by their wrists from the shackles. But the sight that particularly disturbed Soundwave was one smaller body next to Megatron – the gutted shell of Ravage, strung up by his tail like a freshly-slaughtered steer.“Sneakin' back in here was a huge logic error, ’Con. And now… your ASCII is mine!”
{Soundtrack link: “Techno Syndrome (Mortal Kombat)”, by The Immortals.}
The Autobot cyber-guardian wasted no time going on the offensive, releasing a pair of sonic frequency bursts from the speakers in his legs. Soundwave pulled his attention back into focus and flipped backward to avoid the attack. He returned upright after his moonsault and fired back with a sonic attack from his chest, but Blaster jumped aside, flowed into a spinning barrel roll, and launched his avatar like a guided missile directly at his opponent. Soundwave barely had a moment to slip sideways before Blaster could hit him; as the Autobot passed by, Soundwave fired another sonic blast but missed. Blaster stopped his flying charge, rolled downward into a partial somersault until he was upside down, and stunned Soundwave with another stereo-sonic boom from his leg speakers. He then spun into a cartwheel and transformed to his radio mode without shrinking, but Soundwave had the presence of mind to raise his forearms and produce ovoid shields to deflect an amplified sonic attack from his enemy.Soundwave picked Blaster off with a precision blast from the sensor/cannon on his shoulder, but only seemed to anger the Autobot as he transformed back to robot mode. Blaster snarled as he locked Soundwave in his sights, diverted part of his attention to his own memory, and tapped into the extensive library of codes he had mentally saved, until he found the one he wanted:
SF2 - WAVE MOTION
He curled his arms closely against his chest, and opened the code while simultaneously thrusting his hands ahead of him, unleashing a blazing flare. The force of the blast – synched with a sound that evoked a voice screaming a word in Japanese – sent Soundwave flying back and slamming hard against the isolation cube’s wall, making him easy prey for a killing blow. But Blaster’s hatred for his nemesis overrode his sense of logic, eschewing his chance in favor of inflicting more pain. He raised his left arm and opened another code in his memory –
MK - SCORP SPEAR
– and his forearm glowed yellow as his hand morphed into a harpoon. He punched his left arm in Soundwave’s direction, and threw the barbed spike on a long chain-like line from inside his forearm. Soundwave saw the sharp weapon racing at him and tried ducking away to avoid getting pierced, but his leg became tangled in the line. With his consciousness brimming with lethal intentions, Blaster violently yanked his left arm back –
“Get Over Here!”
– and pulled his prey toward himself. But Soundwave quickly gained his wits and twisted his avatar into position with his head facing Blaster and both fists straight ahead. He suddenly accelerated his flight before Blaster could react, and hammered him with a double-punch, then threw him backward against the opposite wall with a sonic frequency burst.“Request granted."Soundwave methodically hovered to Blaster’s avatar floating by the wall, and zapped him with another sonic burst. With his enemy reeling, he opted for some old-fashioned fisticuffs – an uppercut to the abdomen, a double forearm smash to the back, a hard kick to the chest – before grabbing his head and ramming it against the wall, next to the visual effigy of Dirge’s corpse chained to it. Soundwave grabbed Blaster’s head and aimed his optics at the morbid sight of the Seeker’s rusted visage, with snapped wires hanging from his gouged optical sockets.“Witness this image of your own projection,” Soundwave said with the closest approximation to a growl that his voice could attain. “This is your fate."He shoved Blaster’s back against the wall and stared into his optics.“Now, prepare for your permanent deletion.”Backing up a few mid-air paces, Soundwave’s avatar glowed in a surge of blue light before he morphed into a full-sized likeness of his cassette player mode. He channeled his power and began building up a charge of radio static. With one direct strike, he would finally be rid of his sworn enemy, and then he could resume his mission to hack into Teletraan I undisturbed…… until the unexpected opportunity in front of him changed his mind. An Autobot was present with him in cyberspace, past all the security measures in both the physical and virtual worlds. Surely, he thought as he shifted back to his robot shape, this Autobot must know something…“Teletraan's data no longer a priority; potential for Autobots’ secret in immediate proximity.”Soundwave reached down, pulled up the semi-conscious Blaster, and held him up against the wall beside the entity of Dirge’s tethered carcass. “Surrender the information.”Blaster struggled to stay coherent, but he had no such trouble being defiant. “Go… scrag… yourself….”“Do not resist. Scanning your mind avatar will reveal your secret before I delete you. Speak now… and you might be spared.”
{Soundtrack link: “Block Rockin' Beats”, by The Chemical Brothers.}
The next hit that Blaster took wasn’t another strike from Soundwave, but the realization that while Teletraan’s virtual space was his home turf, the odds were now shifting away from him. Though the isolation cube protected Teletraan from Soundwave’s cyber-hacks and collateral damage from their confrontation, Blaster woke up to the fact that he – and his memories – were now stuck in the cube with the intruder he was charged with deleting. This threw him into a new dilemma: he had to erase Soundwave, but avoid getting too close for him to scan his mind.Surging himself back into action, Blaster shoved Soundwave far away from the wall and back into the middle of the isolation cube. Another dip into his memory’s deep pocket of gaming tricks morphed his right hand into a cylindrical speaker-shaped amplifier, and selected another code:
MK - SONYA SQ.WAVE

He aimed his amplifier at Soundwave and stunned him with a surge of energy waves. He then jumped into a spinning roll, launched himself like a torpedo, and slammed into his adversary, throwing him against the wall next to the likeness of Ramjet’s shackled dead body which rattled from the impact. After floating backward with Soundwave in view, he shifted his wrist speaker back into the shape of his hand, then another code –
MK - KANO KNF
– created short, flat, sharp-edged blades in his hands, which sizzled with an electric glow.Soundwave recovered quickly to see the energized knives streaking straight for his head; he dodged aside and the blades struck the wall, dispersing into tiny sparkling ones and zeros before disappearing. Trying to break out of his defensive state, he crouched his legs and propped his feet against the wall behind him, then sprang forward to launch his avatar at his assailant. But Blaster evaded the maneuver with a mid-air cartwheel, then zapped him with another sonic surge. With Soundwave’s back toward him, he kicked his legs up, scissored his shins around his head, and flipped backward to hurl his opponent’s avatar across the cube’s interior space. Blaster then turned around to spot his target, and reshaped both his hands into matching amplifiers for another high-powered sonic assault.The fury in the Autobot’s attacks multiplied the danger factor of Soundwave’s mission to a value far higher than previously estimated. Though he would enjoy eliminating his archenemy forever, he couldn’t fight back in kind; doing so would throw away his best and only chance to extract the Autobots’ secret from his mind. Even moderate damage to Blaster’s avatar could corrupt his memories and ruin the information’s electronic integrity. But no matter how many assaults he dodged or repelled with his forearm shields, he knew he couldn’t avoid them forever. He was edging closer and closer to his demise, as well as those of…… his cassettes.An idea came to Soundwave as quickly as he sidestepped another sonic attack from Blaster, then flew straight up to the isolation cube’s ceiling. Looking down to see if his opponent would follow him up there, he radiated a low-pitched frequency from his torso.“Laserbeak, Buzzsaw: eject. Operation: distraction.”A pair of flat narrow beams of light were thrown from inside Soundwave’s chest. The light trails vanished and left a pair of cassettes in their wake, which both morphed into their mecha-avian forms. Looking down to find Blaster down below, Buzzsaw dove at him like a falcon, while Laserbeak remained at high ground and energized his mini-cannons.The sight of the golden condor rushing down added frustration to fuel Blaster’s ire. “You have got to be frackin’ me!"The Autobot reared back his right arm and threw a punch over his head, throwing a sonic blast at Buzzsaw. But the maneuverable little Decepticon darted away from the attack, and squawked viciously as he swooped within arm’s reach of his much-larger target before pulling up again. Blaster watched as Buzzsaw looked to turn around, and steeled himself for the gold bird to try for another go at him. But his concentration was broken by a pair of laser-like beams from above; he looked up and spotted Laserbeak sniping at him from a safe height. More beams fired from the red condor’s high-precision cannons, barely grazing him but not scoring any direct hits.Buzzsaw quickly banked around and screamed in fast at Blaster, snapping his beak with a piercing squawk, while Laserbeak continued to shower more lasers at the Autobot from above. Completely infuriated, Blaster pulled out two codes from his memory:
SF2 - WAVE MOTION

SF2 - RISING DRAGON
His fists took on an intense glow that manifested into yellow flames, as he stared back at Buzzsaw. Unable to slow his momentum fast enough, the gold mecha-bird tried to rise upward as Blaster threw one fiery punch his way. The intense flare sizzled Buzzsaw’s talons and right wing, forcing the shrieking Decepticon to spiral out of control. Blaster looked up to find the other mecha-bird and threw an uppercut with his other fist, propelling his other fiery attack above him. Laserbeak screeched in terror and zipped off as fast as he could, as the flame just barely missed his rear jet thrusters and washed along the ceiling before dissipating.Blaster shifted his optics back and forth between the two vultures, trying to track their flight paths before reusing his two codes and recharging his fists with another volley to take them out. At eye level, he saw Buzzsaw finally regaining control of his flight after getting singed. Up top, a terrified Laserbeak scurried to another high corner of the isolation cube and wanted to break out, but the wall merely absorbed his laser blasts with no sign of damage. Smirking confidently, Blaster turned up the power into his fists as the flames turned from yellow to white –
~ CRSSSH ~
– then disappeared from his hands completely as he collapsed, failing to notice Soundwave sneak behind him and land a solid forearm shot to his upper back. Seeing the Autobot’s prone avatar drifting helplessly before him, he regenerated his subsonic frequency from his chest and waved at his avian minions in the vicinity.“Laserbeak, Buzzsaw: return.”The two mecha-birds coasted toward their master and flew into the range of the low pulsating sound he created. Once they had attuned their senses to his frequency, they both shifted back into their cassette shapes and were pulled back inside his chest. With their safety assured, Soundwave carefully hovered closer to Blaster’s motionless avatar until he reached his head. At arm’s reach of his target, he prepared the cannon/sensor on his right shoulder to release the scanning beam from its business end –
~ KRUNK ~
– only to be belted by a surprise uppercut to his faceplate. Dropping his ruse of playing roboto-possum, Blaster furiously attacked his foe with an unrelenting assault of wild punches, spinning kicks, and sonic bursts. Forced back on the defensive, Soundwave desperately floated backward and opened up some spatial distance between himself and Blaster, hoping to steal a narrow moment to regroup. His instincts told him his best chance of regaining the advantage was with a surprise attack just as fast as the Autobot had done. Without thinking, Soundwave switched to his cassette player form… not realizing that Blaster was also acting on that same idea. A simultaneous mutual ultrasonic attack took both combatants out, as they involuntarily shifted back to their robot shapes and floated unconscious in the isolation cube.Whether it was seconds in the physical world or nanoseconds in cyberspace, applying the time differential became meaningless. Each passing micro-fraction of an astrosecond would have felt like an eternity, while waiting for either avatar inside Teletraan I to awaken. As Optimus Prime had warned Blaster before his mind was uploaded, there was no one to cheer him on, let alone intervene and try to revive him. Likewise, if Soundwave had the foresight to keep one of his minions ejected, he would have someone to assist him. As it was, the avatars of the two rival communications officers appeared destined to remain inactive and inoperative inside Teletraan’s virtual space forever –“Nnnhh….”The muffled sound of Soundwave’s synthesized groan meant “forever” would have to wait. He was fortunate that the vital energy of his life force still simmered in his avatar, but even without bearing the mass of his physical body, the punishment from his duel with Blaster was setting off twinges of pain signals as he tried to move. He felt noticeably weaker – he still had power, but re-engaging in combat would be virtual suicide. He knew he had to refocus on his mission, lest his deletion and those of his companions strip the Decepticons of their intel division.Straining with great effort while trying to block out the pain, Soundwave turned himself right side up, looked around the space inside the cube, and spotted the immobile Blaster across him at the opposite side. He cautiously struggled to push himself – a levitative equivalent to “dragging” himself – to his prey; though the Autobot looked unconscious, Soundwave wasn’t about to be lured into another surprise counterattack. He approached Blaster’s side and stopped within what he thought would be reasonably safe proximity, then ran a cursory look over him and powered up his mind scan.But Blaster somehow still had enough left to break away from Soundwave before the beam could touch him. Drawing on pure instinct as if it were an emergency backup power, Blaster snapped himself back into a vertical stance and fired a triple sonic blast from his chest and his leg-mounted speakers. However, he had also become weakened from his showdown, and the attack only staggered his enemy back a few steps. In desperation, he dug into his memory and pulled out another code that he hoped could do Soundwave in while keeping him away:
SF2 - 100HS
Blaster watched Soundwave edging toward him again, having shrugged off the effects of his last attack. He squinted his optics as he opened his selected code, causing his own arms to glow a radiant orange. The Decepticon hesitated from this sight and re-energized the shields on his forearms, though he wanted to avoid another fight.That wish would not be granted.Shouting a circuit-chilling roar, Blaster threw his arms forward and pummeled Soundwave with a sustained rapid-fire barrage of open-handed palm strikes, hitting him at the rate of an automatic machine gun. Soundwave raised his forearm shields barely in time to lessen the impact, and backed away to keep out of range from this surprise maneuver, but he was unprepared for the level of aggression Blaster had reached. Determined to destroy his opponent for good, the Autobot rushed at him again and turned up the intensity of his palm strike assault, until the Decepticon was pinned back against the wall. Too weak to fight back, Soundwave’s power had reached a critical level; one more sustained offensive would be his end.However, the high exertion of Blaster’s desperation attack left him unable to muster the power to stay alert, let alone deliver the finishing blow. As the orange glow faded from his arms, and his shoulders slumped while he gasped in heavy fatigue… Soundwave pulled a surprise of his own.“Ravage: eject!”A dim grey light beam launched the black cassette from Soundwave’s chest, which unfolded to his jaguar mode and tackled Blaster. Seizing a rare chance to subdue a large victim weaker than him, Ravage pounced on the Autobot’s chest and swatted his head with his forepaw, then pivoted a half-turn on that spot. Growling in animalistic malice, the predatory cat opened his jaws and clamped them into the speaker in Blaster’s right shin. A tortured scream only encouraged Ravage to inflict the same injury on his left speaker as well.“Ravage,” Soundwave said as he pulled himself from the wall. “Cease attack and stand aside.”That order was the only thing that kept Ravage from further damaging the fallen Autobot. He climbed off Blaster’s chest and watched his master floating in to meet him and their spent captive, now rendered almost lifeless. Soundwave’s primary goal was as good as fulfilled, but he opted for one more precaution before following through.“Rumble, Frenzy: eject.”Like their mecha-beast compadres before, the cassette forms of the humanoid twins fired out from their master’s chest and transformed into their robot modes. The sight of the battered, crumpled form of Blaster would normally elicit cheers from them, but this instance brought them disappointment instead.“No fair!” said Rumble, shaking his head. “Why’d you let us out after you had all the fun?”“Yeah!” said Frenzy. “All that training, and I don’t even get a chance to hit nobody?”“Complaints irrelevant,” Soundwave answered. “Restrain the Autobot at once.”“C’mon, can’t I get in a few licks first? I mean, we got him dead to rights and – ”A sharp raspy “ ~ GRUAAAUUR! ~ ” from Ravage told Frenzy to shut up and get to work.The twins flanked Blaster’s unmoving form – Rumble at his left and Frenzy at his right – and grabbed each of his arms, holding them out from his sides. As Ravage watched, almost hungry to snag another bite, Soundwave took his time in approaching the exhausted Autobot, in case he might snap into one last attempt to defend himself. Once he felt certain that Blaster had too little left in his reserves to fight back, he reached down with his right hand, carefully pulled up Blaster’s head, and aimed his shoulder cannon/sensor between his optics.

Despair overcame Blaster as he barely noticed a sinister glint in his assailant’s blood-red optical visor; his field of vision was blotted by a deep blue circle with a single black hole in the middle, surrounded by a ring of eight smaller spots around the outer edge. He had no strength to react when he thought he saw a tiny white flash from inside the dark central pit.
No… I can’t… no….
The beam shot out of the sensor/cannon’s bore and penetrated the outer surface of Blaster's head. As Soundwave meticulously swept the beam along his captive's avatar, the invasive light sought and scanned every single bio-electrically-charged nanopulse it could find, concurrently interpreting and deciphering every bit of information encoded within the virtual entity of the Autobot cyber-guardian. Myriads of secrets were unlocked and exposed, free to be exploited at Soundwave's leisure –… music playlists cross-referenced into database formats…… memories of past missions all over Earth, to the Moon, and beyond…… a rock concert in a stadium with a younger Spike and Carly…… video game days with the Witwicky family…… party days with the Autobots, and occasional disagreements with ranking officers…– None of these were of any use to Soundwave or the mission. He began to wonder if Starscream's skepticism over the master plan may have been right all along, despite the riches that had been successfully plundered in the last few days. Failure to find anything of value in Blaster's mind would mean having to find a way to break out of the isolation cube and hack into Teletraan as originally planned… if there wasn't another cybersecurity measure already in place and waiting for him. There was still a lot left of Blaster's mind to read through, but if he had to fall back to the original plan, he could try –
~ PING ~
– unless there was something in the Autobot's memory that Soundwave found useful. There were no details fleshing out this tiny iota, but it comprised two short phrases – one of them suitably cryptic – that yielded a clue to what the Decepticons needed to know.
… PROJECT SCRAMBLE …

… AUTOBOT CITY …
The brain scan may have been painless, but Blaster was hurting over the clue about the top-secret project having been pulled from his mind. His head dropped as he fell into silence.Soundwave deactivated his scanning beam; though this information harvest wasn’t the bumper crop that it could have been, he was content with the one data nugget that he could mine. As Rumble and Frenzy cruelly laughed while keeping their hold on Blaster’s arms, Soundwave backed up slightly and gave an inviting gesture to Ravage. The jaguar rose up and stared face to snout at the vulnerable Autobot, baring his fangs and emitting a deep growl with undertones of lethal intentions. With Blaster restrained and helpless, Soundwave straightened up while looking down at his longtime rival.“A charge of radio static will permanently destabilize the bioelectric signals in your avatar,” he said, his signature voice filtering his gloating intonations. “Before your imminent termination, you may speak your final words. Your demise will not be a complete erasure of your existence; your words will be recorded for posterity… and for personal entertainment.”The gang of Decepticons waited for the abnormally quiet Blaster to speak. At first glance, one would believe he really had surrendered to his fate, simply waiting for the final blow to finish him. But as a microscope would reveal the activity of hidden life in a water droplet from a seemingly stagnant pond, another look into the Autobot’s mind would have unveiled the truth under a deceptive appearance of unresponsive submission, if Soundwave chose to do so. Coursing through Blaster’s consciousness was a sample of the threat he heard:
“The bioelectric signals in your avatar…”
While still motionless, Blaster dug through every corner of his memory – his VR gaming experiences, his stored cheat codes, his ability to record electronic radio transmissions, everything he knew – for a last solution, and concluded that his only chance was to draw a little from each, and blend them in a way that could eke out an escape. Pain signals tore through his consciousness as he lifted his head and saw Ravage staring him down, like a predator about to pounce on a fresh kill. He stared back into the feline’s red optics, looking outwardly forlorn before his defiance slowly began to show.“Ain’t got no words… just actions!”New codes ran through Blaster’s mind and set off a pair of widely-spanning light rays from his optics. Not allowing the Decepticons any time to react, he ran his optical lights along Ravage’s avatar with a quick sweep, before the jaguar recoiled in shock. Before the other Decepticons could understand what just happened, Blaster mustered up a last drop of his inner strength to swing his arms in front of him, and smashed Ravage between Rumble and Frenzy. He then shoved Frenzy and Ravage away, forcing them to collide with Soundwave, and clamped his hands around Rumble’s much-smaller wrists before his optical lights flashed on again.“Hey!” Rumble shouted while trying to break loose. “Whadda ya think yer doin’?!”“Quiet in the studio, punk!” Blaster retorted. “I’m recording!”Blaster’s luck held out just long enough to sweep his optical lights along the cassette robot’s form. As his remaining strength gave out, Rumble took that chance to pull his arms free, change his right arm to its piledriver configuration, and slam it into Blaster’s faceplate, knocking him out. He switched his arm back to normal and hurried to join Soundwave and his other comrades, who had regrouped from their pile-up.“Hey, boss,” Rumble said frantically, “I’m sure you got what we wanted, but I think it’s time we get outta here; like, right now.”“No way!” snapped Frenzy as he pointed at Blaster. “Look, he’s down and out! Now’s our chance to blast him into bits and bytes!”The sight of Blaster’s lifeless avatar floating aimlessly inside the isolation cube was enough to convince Soundwave that Frenzy was right, whether or not he really was as defenseless as he appeared. The spymaster channeled his energies once again, generating a build-up of powered static to a satisfactory level.“Target acquired. Preparing for… fatality.”
~ … Clink-clatter-clank-clk-clnk… ~
That unsettling sound did not come from Soundwave, or Blaster, or anything in the Decepticons’ fields of vision. Ravage looked behind himself, nudged his snout against Soundwave’s leg with a nervous purr, and signaled to the others to look at what he saw. The image of Starscream’s decayed corpse was starting to move – he slowly raised his bowed head as a scratchy groan gurgled from his mouth. The left side of his faceplate had rusted away, save for the blank, gray, dead stare of his hexagonal optic lenses. He began to weakly swing his legs under his dangling body, and tried to pull his arms from the chains tethering him to the wall.“Hey, guys,” whispered Rumble as he pointed to another wall. “I don’t think ‘Death-scream’ is the only one doin’ that.”As Soundwave, Ravage, and the cassette twins looked around the area, their trepidation grew as they saw the shackled carcasses of the other Decepticons also coming to “life” in the same manner. Blitzwing’s deep groans bounced against the walls with an unearthly morbid echoing effect. Scrapper striking his legs against the wall behind him rang out in sharp clangs. Even the undead likeness of Megatron wasn’t immune to his own zombie theatrics, snarling in mindless fury while trying unsuccessfully to snap his arms free from his chains.Frenzy spotted a little trembling motion next to the raging Megatron; without speaking a word, he pointed at the strung-up form of the slaughtered version of Ravage. His curiosity drawn by a slight movement from the dead mecha-cat’s head, the real Decepticon jaguar cautiously floated to the wall to inspect his wrecked counterpart. Keeping back turned out to be a good idea – the eyes of the upside-down beast flashed on in a hot, poisonous yellow, then suddenly snapped his jaws at the “living” Ravage, forcing him to bound away from it. Another glance at the other undead Decepticons showed their optics also glowing in the same blinding shade of yellow, while the acoustics of the place boosted the terrifying volume of their groans and roars.Rumble pressed his hands against his audio receptors, clearly unwilling to take any more. “Look, there ain’t no point in stickin’ around! We got what we wanted!”“Right!” Frenzy tried to shout over the amplified horror noises. “I don’t care if all this scrap is real or not; I just wanna log the shock outta here!”Ravage’s frantic growls cast the final vote for Soundwave to declare a unanimous decision, as he played his sonic frequency.“Decepticons, return!”Once Ravage and the twins concentrated on the pulsing sound – in record time, in Frenzy’’s case – and got re-absorbed into their guardian’s chest, Soundwave immediately rose to the upper reaches of the isolation cube. The fact that Blaster’s drifting avatar still hadn’t moved didn’t register in Soundwave’s attention; he only cared about activating his hard-light control screen from his chest, and opening his firewall portal. A few rapid taps of the control icons later, he made his fastest escape yet through the hexagonal gateway, which disintegrated behind him in a small mist of faint ember-like particles.With Teletraan I now Decepticon-free, a very weak Blaster began to stir from his prone position. Still drifting in place like flotsam on the surface of an invisible ocean, he struggled to roll over until his back faced the circuit board floor. In this moment of rest, he silently thanked Primus that he was still alive after his grueling cyber-battle, but regretted his failure to deal with the intrusion as planned. The party was over now, though, and it was left to him to turn out the lights.“End… simulation…”The Decepticon zombies all froze in place at once, and the horrific cacophony inside the isolation cube went deathly silent. The images of the carcasses blurred into low-resolution pixels, then dissolved into empty space. The stone wall decor of the walls also faded away, leaving behind the translucence of the isolation cube itself, which only slightly hindered the purity of the brilliant views of Teletraan’s internal system out its walls.
Whew… nothin’ like takin’ charge of undead NPCs to scare the lube outta cheatin’ gamers.
“Deactivate… Spectramax…”His second voice command powered down the isolation cube, its walls and the edges of its cuboid frame glowing brightly before vanishing. Blaster took this moment to gaze at the “sky” above him, wishing he could steal a little extra leisure time to take in the neon-illuminated spectacle that Teletraan’s virtual space had to offer, knowing that Optimus would no longer allow any further use of the Cortexitron. He sadly realized that this would be his only visit to this beautiful cyber-metropolis inside the Autobots’ supercomputer… and how ironically unfair that his most hated rival had logged in one more visit into his home base’s computer than he did. But despite his misgivings, business with the other Autobots in the “real” world had to come first… and someone else out there was also waiting for him to play.Time to come home.“Logout.”* * * * * * *

“Blas- … are y- -line- … c- -ear me- -ster- …”
He could hear the faint, muffled sound of a deep voice, strong but gentle, interrupted by short hisses of static, and broken into small bites by brief silences. Jagged horizontal streaks resembling video tracking lines blinked on and off across his visual field, before they cleared away and left a gold-orange aura of his surroundings and blurred images of four silhouette-like figures – two red-and-blue, two white – with fuzzy outlines. With a little effort, he internally tuned his audio circuits to clear away the interference with his sound reception, and his optic sensors struggled to sharpen his visuals until the image came into focus –“Got a stable readout on the monitor. His electro-pulse should be back to normal.”“Blaster? Are you online?”“Can you hear us, Blaster? Respond if you can.”– to find Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Wheeljack, and Ultra Magnus watching him reactivate – a good first sign that his mental impulses still existed. Another sign was the figurative warmth coating his consciousness, paralleling the tactile sensations coming through his body such as the long flat slab of solid metal under his back. His brain transmitted a mental command through his neural system, instantaneously reaching his arm and ordering it to rise up and bring his hand to the side of his head. The arm felt slightly heavy as he raised it – both from his mind once again operating a physical body, and the aftermath of his adventure inside Teletraan I.Blaster gingerly pulled out the headset’s interface plug from his temple, and felt his chest to find his cassette deck panel had been reattached to his body. With weak pain signals simmering in his shins, he was quietly surprised that his embedded speakers didn’t have a scratch, but then realized those “injuries” from Ravage were only virtual. He slowly sat up from the platform like an undead creature rising from a coffin, and rubbed his temple to alleviate similar pulsating stimuli in his head. Some new sensory input registered through his audio receptors – a mix of relieved sighs, respectful applause, and joyous cheers from other occupants in the room. The positive feedback that his mind felt from this chorus of sounds, though slightly adding to his headache, confirmed to him that he was okay. He shook out his cerebral cobwebs before engaging his speech processors, his voice coming out in labored groans.“Guess I’m still with ya…. Ughh, somebody tell the ’bot with the auto-hammer to lay off….”

He sluggishly swiveled from his position to sit sideways on the berth, and dangled his sore legs over the side where Wheeljack stood. “Maybe Ratchet ought to give your brain a diagnostic scan,” the engineer joked. “I’ve never heard you complain about noise before.”Blaster smirked at Wheeljack, then looked around to see a crowd of other familiar visages greeting him. Jazz. Prowl. Ironhide. Perceptor. Bumblebee. Grapple. Hoist. Smokescreen. Skyfire, whom no one could miss in a crowd. The entire Aerialbot squad, among many others. Even Red Alert and Huffer stuck around. A look at Teletraan showed Doctor Gates and Professor Andrews on the top half of its main screen, both watching intently from Quantum Laboratories; a tad lower was Chip on the ramp in front of the computer. Before Blaster could push himself to stand up, he felt a soft tactile stimulus coming from his lower leg. He looked down to see the human Witwicky family clustered together and looking up at him – Sparkplug with his arms crossed and sporting a confident and assuring grin, Spike and Carly smiling at him in relief while leaning sideways into each other, and an excited Daniel hugging a small spot of his ankle that his tiny arms could hope to reach. As the cheers subsided, Optimus approached the platform and gave a firm pat on Blaster’s shoulder.“I’m glad to see you’re back in your body unharmed,” said the Autobot Leader. “Safe to say, so is Daniel, and the rest of us, too.”“Hey, no doubt in my mind I’d make it,” Blaster said while grinning at Daniel embracing his leg. “The humans had a slogan I heard some years ago: ‘A mind’s a terrible thing to waste.’ And…” He paused and leaned down to place his hand palm-up on the floor beside his ankle, allowing the young child to climb aboard, then lifted him up to sit beside him on the berth. “I had a promise to keep to this kid, y’know?”“Well, I just hope it was worth all this work we went through,” said Ratchet. “Personally, I’m shocked that the whole thing only took a couple astrominutes!”Blaster’s head went into a double take. “Say what? Ain’t no way it was that fast! I had to be in there a few breems, easy!”Perceptor snapped his fingers. “Of course! A mind in cyberspace would perceive time differently from the physical world! It’s a case of –” The blank looks among the crowd made him trail off. “On second thought, perhaps the details would be irrelevant.”“In any case,” said Doctor Gates from Teletraan’s screen, “it appears the upgraded mind transfer has worked just fine. That’s a relief.”Carly grinned at her son sitting on the platform with Blaster, then looked at the scientists on the main screen. “Thanks again to all of you at Quantum Labs. We really needed your help in making sure everything would work properly.”Professor Andrews gave an affable nod. “We’re glad we could help, Mrs. Witwicky. Though in reality, it took the right kind of experts to put it all into action.”“Look, can we cut the mutual admiration routine already?” Huffer barged in. “What about Teletraan; is it safe or not?”Chip pivoted in his wheelchair to face the other Autobots, and wiped some sweat droplets from his brow. “Well, since you want to know, I’ve just finished writing the new firewall and I’m going to load it into Teletraan for final troubleshooting now. No one will ever break into him again.”“Thanks to you and all your work, Chip,” said Wheeljack, “our base is now just as safe in virtual reality as it is in the ‘real’ world.”“All part of helping the Autobots save the entire world from the Decepticons. But after this, I could use some fresh air.”“Say no more,” said Bumblebee. “I can give you a ride when you need it. And I’m sure Red Alert won’t give us a hassle when we leave the base.”“Just for that, I’ll double-screen you when you get back!” Red Alert retorted with a slight dash of annoyance, before shuffling his way through the chuckling crowd. “Now if you don’t mind, I must get back to my duty….”Bumblebee shrugged as he watched the security director leave the command centre for the Ark’s main entrance/exit bay. “No sense of humor.”Though the brief pleasantries were welcome, Red Alert’s return to his security post mirrored Optimus Prime’s own intention to steer the discussion back to the vital matter at hand. “Now that you’ve completed your mission, Blaster, are you in adequate condition to report, or do you need some downtime before – ”“Nah, I can drop the beat now. But first, we oughta check what’s going on with Earth’s satellites.”Chip was puzzled at first, but he then rotated his wheelchair to face the computer. “Teletraan I, you heard Blaster’s request. See anything unusual out there?”A new small window appeared on the bottom half of Teletraan’s main screen, showing a simulated global image of Earth with more than one hundred fifty tiny white dots orbiting over the planet’s surface at atmospheric altitudes. Everything seemed normal for a few seconds, until one dot turned red.“Momentary disturbance in low-Earth orbit detected,” the computer said. “Investigating now.”Teletraan remotely engaged its Sky Spy satellite to zero in on the targeted disturbance, and the window showed a live feed of a view at several thousand miles over the planet’s surface. A few faint specks could barely be spotted in the distance.“Zooming in on target; magnifying and enhancing image.”The clarified close-up image revealed the true identity of those faint specks – useless scraps of charred purple metal, and black, sharp-edged crystalline fragments.“New space junk,” Blaster mused as he watched Teletraan’s video feed. “If that’s what I think it was, then I guess the ’Cons are giving up on their toy.”“Ya think that used to be how the Decepticons hacked into the Web?” Jazz thought.“It’s gotta be. But I made sure they didn’t even touch anything inside Teletraan.”“That’s great news,” said Doctor Gates. “We would like to stay on longer, but we have a lot of our own projects running in our laboratory, so if you’ll excuse us, we must get back to work.”“I understand,” Chip replied. “By this afternoon, I’ll send Quantum your copy of my firewall. I’m sure it’ll keep TORQ IV from the Decepticons, or anyone, hacking into it ever again.”“Thank you very much, Mr. Chase,” said Professor Andrews with a polite grin. “And we’re also honored to help the Autobots protect Teletraan I. We look forward to being in touch again.”The end of Quantum Laboratories’ transmission allowed Teletraan’s screen to be filled by Chip’s written code, with the window depicting the destroyed purple satellite still open. As the pain in his shins faded away, Blaster cautiously stood up, taking care that his equilibrium was stable. He gently lifted Daniel off the platform, set him on the floor, and straightened up as the boy rejoined his family. “Now's as good a time as any for my report. I got the good, bad, and ugly.”“What did you find?” Skyfire asked.“First, lemme get the bad news outta the way. This ‘smart hacker code’ ain’t just some evolved hacker program. It was Soundwave.”“You mean you identified the hacker as Soundwave remotely controlling the code?”“Nuh-uh. Soundwave was the ‘code’. Somehow, he worked out how to upload his mind into the Web to do all these hack jobs himself, literally from the inside!”A wave of disbelieving reactions rolled through the crowd of Autobots and humans.“Now it all makes sense,” Prowl reasoned. “Remember the first time the Decepticons hacked into Teletraan, and how the intruder reacted when we found it? That explains why we thought it was a ‘smart code’, when it actually was a sentient mind!”“But how the frag would the Decepticons figure out how to send his mind into the Net?” spat Ironhide. “And why would they wanna risk losing one of their top guys by doin’ somethin’ so dangerous? Not to mention stupid!”“We can only assume they’d been devising their own mind uploading technique for longer than we know,” said Optimus grimly.“Well, I doubt he’ll ever think about jacking into the Net like that again,” Blaster continued. “But now comes the 'ugly' part. He actually took me down one time, and grabbed that chance to scan the code patterns of my mind. I hate to say this, but the Deceps are gonna know we’re planning to build Autobot City.”A second wave of reacting voices rippled through the crowd, with disbelief replaced by worry.“Isn’t that just dandy,” Huffer groaned. “So much for all our secret meetings. Might as well scrap the whole thing if they know what – ”“Plug it, Huffer,” Hoist cut in. “We’re not canceling anything. Blaster hasn’t been part of our meetings, so I doubt the Decepticons will be able to figure out much from just knowing we have a contingency plan.”“Well, the Decepticons wouldn’t know anything period, if Blaster just erased Soundwave from the start! What even was that ‘Spectramax’ thing you wanted to put into Teletraan, anyway?”Chip turned from the screen and looked at Blaster. “I’d been meaning to ask about that, too.”“Right, said I was going to explain that. I downloaded some software apps from Spectramax Computers, which let me run my command codes inside Teletraan. I had isolated Soundwave in a restricted space, so Teletraan wouldn't get damaged while I dealt with our intruder.”“And yet you failed to destroy him?” said Ultra Magnus with pointed displeasure. “Why?”This part of Blaster’s mission report was already going to be difficult enough without Magnus demanding an answer. He paused for a few seconds that felt like a half-hour, stifling a sigh and becoming serious while steeling himself for a harsh reprimand.“I confess, that’s on me. I went in expecting some kind of computer code that acted like it was ‘alive’, but once I saw Soundwave… let’s just say the power gloves came off and I lost sight of what I was supposed to do. Sorry, Prime; I know I should have stayed focused. But I realize I fumbled my job and blew my shot at killing him off.”“Sure,” Huffer scoffed, “and because of you, now we gotta worry about –”“Enough!” Optimus intervened. “This presents an unfortunate complication in our plans. But for now, the true purpose of ‘Project Scramble’ is still a secret from the Decepticons. All things considered, I accept that Blaster has assumed responsibility for his mistake.”The communications officer felt a bit relieved from the pardon, but he knew that wouldn’t be enough to dissuade Magnus’ own disapproval. That would require something more, which he was lucky to have. “Still, there’s a silver lining in all this. See, even though Soundwave stole that bit of info from me, I just so happened to snitch a little data from him. Check this out….”“‘Silver lining’ my trailer hitch,” Huffer muttered as he crossed his arms. “Your silver lining’s all rusted out if you ask me –”“Look, what’s done is done, all right?” Ratchet snapped. “Griping about it won’t change anything, so we just have to work with what we got. Now shut up!”As Huffer groused bitterly under his breath, Blaster stepped in front of Teletraan and struck a key to close the smaller window, while Chip’s firewall code remained on the main screen. He transformed to his radio mode and landed on the control dash; a probe extended from the lower end of his stereo speaker, and linked to an input socket on the dash. The spindles inside his cassette deck rotated rapidly, and a stream of digitally-encoded data poured from his electronic storage through the connecting conduit into Teletraan’s internal memory.The supercomputer ran the new data through its processors, opened a new small window on the right side of its giant screen, and played a series of blueprint-like images resembling a cassette tape, and various angles of a humanoid robot and the mechanized equivalent of a jaguar. As the images scrolled on the window, Blaster transformed again to his full-sized robot mode and landed on the floor among the others.Sparkplug’s eyes widened at the slideshow of images flashing on the screen. “This is unbelievable! How’d you swipe these schematics of his chest pocket monsters?”“Long story short, I took a stab at Soundwave’s personified mind being like a living version of a transmitted signal. So scanning him was a bit like recording that signal, riffing off his own mind-reading power. In fact, I got you and Wheeljack to thank for that game enhancer. I wouldn’t have known how to do that without all the practice I got in the VR games!”Wheeljack studied the designs flashing one after another on Teletraan’s screen. “This ‘silver lining’ might go platinum for us. We could use these to build some cassette-bots for our side!”“Man, that’s a hot idea!” Jazz exclaimed. “Makes you wonder why it took this long to even the score with Soundwave’s tape gang.”“Some new troops would be welcome,” Ultra Magnus agreed. “But given our current priority on Autobot City and the moon bases, it won't be easy to allot the materials we'd need to create their bodies. And even if we can do it, there’s the problem of merely getting to Cybertron, let alone gaining access to Vector Sigma for loading their personality programs. The Decepticons will attack any interplanetary trips we try to take.”"But if we take Omega Supreme to Cybertron, and bring along enough backup,” said Blaster, “then finding Vector Sigma ain't gonna be a problem. “I've been there before, and I still got the directions logged in my memory! When the cassette-bots are ready – well, if Prime gives the okay to make 'em – they can come along when we start transferring folks from Cybertron to Autobot City down here. Just pack 'em in tape mode, and no one'll suspect a thing!"“I can see how that can be done in theory,” Grapple thought. “But what about the work we already have now? We can’t really do anything with the future city when my proposal hasn’t been finalized yet.”“And knowing what’s happening on Cybertron,” added Smokescreen, “going there will be extremely risky. But seeing how you’ve just pulled off a mission with its own extreme danger, I have a feeling you’re not letting that stop you.”“You’re dad-gone right,” snickered Blaster. “C’mon, Prime. I know we got tons of work on our hands already. But we can’t let this chance slip away, right when I’ve literally taken a page straight outta Soundwave’s mental playbook!”

Optimus Prime knew the Autobots had to deal with the many matters related to “Project Scramble”, and it might not be the right time to add another proposal to the pile of work they already had. But he also agreed that Blaster had made some solid points… and that he deserved something for his latest accomplishment. “I think I can approve of this plan when we have the earliest reasonable opportunity. For saving Teletraan, I can’t think of a better-suited reward than your own squad of cassette Autobots.”

“Maybe while you’re at it, considering you practically saved all of Earth,” Spike suggested tongue-in-cheek, “how about throwing in a body upgrade to play compact disks?”

Ultra Magnus looked at Spike with a slight grin – “You may be among our core human allies, but I’d advise you not to press your luck.” – and then turned to Optimus – “But may I have a word?”

Optimus stood aside and allowed Magnus to approach Blaster. Everyone knew about the dissension brewing between the two, and the command centre became tense as the Deputy Commander appeared intent on a direct confrontation.

“I must tell you that I have fought in countless battles on Cybertron since I was first activated. And I have witnessed the losses of more Autobot soldiers and civilians than I would ever want to calculate. But I've had to learn the hard way that surviving in wartime means being a professional. Not only as a warrior, but in every aspect of one's life. Letting yourself slack off even once can mean the difference between survival and the scrapyard. As such – ”

“Just skip ahead to your point,” Blaster interrupted. “Whaddya gettin' at?!”

Blaster’s otherwise rude remark could be justified as asking for an insubordination charge to be laid down. For certain, this was finally going to be it.

“What I want to get at is being a professional also means acknowledging when you're wrong.”

Tension was replaced with confused surprise. With a tilt of his head and a slight rise of his optic brow ridge, Blaster wasn’t really sure to believe Magnus’ words. “Maybe Doc Ratchet really should check if my brain waves ain’t been scrambled. D’you really say what I thought I heard?”

“Yes. I realize that I've underestimated you over what I thought was an unprofessional attitude, with entertainment and amusement as your sole concerns. But now, watching you risk your life in an unconventional realm for the welfare of this planet echoed my own sense of self-sacrifice in real-life warfare. Not to mention, you took responsibility for an error, instead of deflecting it with an excuse. Blaster… I hereby apologize for misjudging you, and I see that you are just as dedicated to our cause as any other Autobot – ” and looked down to see Chip and the Witwickys “ – and human.”

“Huh. I thought you were kidding, but then, I've never heard you crack a joke about anything. Think I need a moment to take this in.”

“No need. I don't impress easily, but I truly have been impressed by what you’ve done in the last few days. You may even have some command potential I didn’t see before.”

As the feel of the command centre became less tense, Blaster gave a slight nod. “I think that taking-in moment is pretty much done. I don’t know if we’ll see optic to optic on all that much – ” then, offering his right hand to Magnus – “but at least we can respect each other.”

Ultra Magnus accepting Blaster’s handshake was the detonator that triggered the explosion of cheers throughout the Ark’s command centre. “And I thought these guys would never get along,” said Sparkplug as the noise died down.

“Blaster, you’re free to take the rest of the day off duty,” said Optimus. “We’ll have more than enough security for headquarters once Chip finishes installing the firewall.”

“Thanks, Prime. This might rattle Magnus’ engine cage, but I think I’ll head to the rec centre. Say, why don't you take a break, too? I found this VR multi-world game you'd like, if you wanna play against me.”

“I appreciate the offer, but perhaps another time.”

“No prob,” said Blaster as he started for the doorway to the rec centre. “Guess I’ll just grab me a tall can o’ cold-brewed oil, and chill to a nice new tune. Catch you guys after!"

“Can I go play with Blaster?” asked Daniel as Blaster left the command centre.

“Not right now, but maybe later,” said Carly. “He’s just finished working, so I think he needs some time to himself to relax first.”

“It’s a shame that we don’t all have that same luxury,” said Prowl. “Our security on all fronts may be completely tightened, but now the enemy has a small clue about our plans for Autobot City.”

“Then if and when we start building it,” Jazz thought, “we’ll just have to be really creative in keepin’ it out of sight.”

Talk of the city gave Grapple some mixed thoughts; he tried to temper his outward excitement, but was also worried about rejection. “Could this mean ‘Project Scramble’ will be approved? Or will we have to set it back because the Decepticons know we have a plan?”

“Nothing is for certain yet,” said Optimus. “But having Ultra Magnus here on Earth will be the motivation we need. It will take a lot of innovative planning, but I’m sure that we will pull it off.”

“Well, since we’re done with the Cortexitron,” Ratchet intervened, “it’s way past time I get to repairing Magnus’ shoulder. I’ll bring him back to a hundred percent by the end of the day.”

“But I wonder,” thought Spike, “how long will Blaster need until he feels like he’s back to a hundred percent – ”

♪♫ Intergalactic, planetary / Planetary, intergalactic / Intergalactic, planetary / Planetary, intergalactic… ♫♪

Electronically synthesized vocals amplified to a ridiculously-high degree blared out the doorway into the command centre. A syncopated funk rhythm kicked in seconds later, the acoustics in the room causing it to almost shudder with each beat. Chip and the Witwickys planted their hands tightly against their ears, and the Autobots likewise clamped theirs over their audio receptors – except for Jazz, who couldn’t help breaking out some hyperkinetic dance moves along with the tune.

“I would surmise that his strength will be fully restored adequately soon,” Perceptor sighed in resignation.

"I regret saying this,” said Ultra Magnus, holding back his frustration, “but might as well let it go this one time. He’s earned his moment to celebrate.”

In contrast, Optimus Prime's seemingly endless patience finally reached the end of its tether cable. “Blaster! You're back on duty FIRST THING TOMORROW!!!"

* * * * * * *

Floating debris in orbital space was nothing new, as the world’s space missions often left behind small derelict craft or discarded fragments from spent equipment. The newest resident moving into this outer atmospheric junkyard was a flock of scorched purple metal scraps and flat black crystalline shards, with an occasional microcomponent loosely clinging to a remnant before falling away. While a few observatories may have spotted the explosion that left this wreckage in its wake, only one observer on the planet witnessed it while it happened – through a video feed into Decepticon Headquarters, on the right half of the computer screen viewed by Megatron, Starscream, and Soundwave in the command centre. Appearing on that screen’s left side was Shockwave’s image transmitted from Cybertron.

“Do we have confirmation?” Shockwave inquired.

“Affirmative,” Soundwave responded. “Web satellite destroyed.”

Starscream crossed his arms and shook his head as he watched the device’s remains on the screen. “This feels like a waste of all your efforts in making this precious satellite of yours. Still, it almost pains me to say this, but… it’s good to have you back with us in the ‘real’ world.”

“Considering all factors,” Shockwave assessed, “implementing the self-destruct upgrade was the best course of action. We had lost our element of secrecy for these missions, and that compounded the risk of Soundwave’s uploaded mind being detected and erased. Also, the Autobots could attempt to trace our online activity if they had discovered the satellite. Therefore, I strongly recommend that we cease employing this method – immediately and permanently."

“It is a shame, but I agree,” said Megatron with a nod. “Though we did reap great benefits to our cause from it. Now, Soundwave, I trust this final cyber-dive mission was a success?”

“Affirmative. But the method of achieving our objective was unexpected.”

Starscream shot a curious look at Soundwave. “‘Unexpected.’ I want to hear this.”

“Infiltration into Teletraan was successful. However, the Autobots had prepared an electronic defense, similar to our own mind upload method.”

“You mean they transferred an Autobot’s mind directly into Teletraan I? How could they have figured out how to do that in only one day?”

“I find this astounding, too,” Megatron pondered in mild surprise. “It isn’t like Prime to authorize a mind upload technique to be rushed into production, nor allow any of his followers to risk their lives on such a dangerous procedure.”

“I could speculate on how the Autobots would have accomplished their task in a short time frame, or its similarities to our technique,” Shockwave said. “But one can presume that they have also understood the risks and will refrain from using it again.”

But Starscream was less interested in this issue and wanted to get to the good part. “Anyway, Soundwave, did you find the Autobots’ secret from Teletraan or not?”

“Negative. Information was extracted from the uploaded mental pattern of their Autobot subject.”

“Of course,” said Megatron. “His mind would be pure electronic signals, so your mind-scanning power would be at its most efficient. What did you find?”

“They plan a future project for Earth: Autobot City.”

All optic sensors – both in the room and via the remote transmission from Cybertron – locked onto Soundwave instantly, while Starscream unfolded his arms in surprise from the news.

“A city, eh?” Megatron said with sinister interest. “What is the purpose of this city?”

“Uncertain. Reliable details on the project in the Autobot’s mind were insufficient. Must assume that this Autobot is not actively participating in its development.”

Starscream just about threw up his hands with a disgusted scowl. “So after all this effort, all this work, everything from the beginning… we’ve still gone nowhere!”

“And once again, you fall back to your usual foolish lack of perspective!” Megatron snapped. “We’ve just gained our first indication of the Autobots’ top-secret project! And we’ve also gained a vast side benefit from the information Soundwave took from this planet’s facilities. We’re not precisely where we want to be, but we have gone farther than we were before.”

“Also,” Shockwave added, “it cannot be a coincidence that the Autobots plan to construct a new installation on Earth, and they have transferred Ultra Magnus there. I calculate a minimum eighty-five-point-nine-one-two percent probability that the two instances are directly connected.”

This still wasn’t enough to temper Starscream’s dissatisfaction. “Big deal. So we’ve found out the Autobots want to build a city, and Ultra Magnus will have something to do with it. So what? What good does this tiny scrap of vague information do for us, if we have no way of finding anything more about it?! We still can’t break into their base, and I’m sure we can never hack into Teletraan again. What now?!”

“Perhaps this approach may be counterintuitive,” Shockwave said from the screen, “but it can work to our advantage in the long run."

Starscream silenced his thought of Of course he would come up with an answer, before he impatiently said, “And what is your big idea?”

“The issue of electronic security will be fresh in the Autobots’ minds, but this is an ideal time for us to design a new spy. All aspects of its espionage capabilities – stealth, intelligence gathering, sensory detection – would have to be at the maximum levels achievable. Smaller size and lighter armor would enhance its stealth, but as it would be vulnerable to weapons fire, it should avoid combat and be reserved for missions requiring extreme caution.”

“In other words, a spy for places that Laserbeak or Ravage can’t reach. Be careful we don’t end up making our long-serving veterans obsolete. But how will that help us get through the Autobots’ ‘impenetrable’ security? Surely this isn’t a case of you looking for a challenge.”

“It is not. The aim is not for the short term of learning more of this secret. For now, the Autobots would be discussing their plans for their ‘city’. Long-term, they will eventually set their plan into action. Construction of their project will inevitably be on a large scale, and therefore impossible to conceal entirely.”

As Megatron mulled over Shockwave’s explanation while thinking about the Decepticons’ current situation, the idea began to appeal to him more. “Then our course of action concerning this city is to wait until the Autobots show signs of building it, and dispatch our new spy to take advantage of any openings that we find from there.”

“Affirmative,” said Shockwave. “It may not be the most desirable approach for our purposes, but a small opportunity is all we need once it presents itself.”

“Playing the long game, then,” Starscream thought. “Well, since Cybertron is almost completely ours anyway, I suppose we can afford to bide our time with their city plans.”

“Exactly,” said Megatron, before looking at Soundwave. “Your work has been of immeasurable value to us. Now I must further discuss with Shockwave the status of our forces on Cybertron. Starscream, Soundwave; you are both hereby dismissed.”

The two lieutenants saluted and exited the command centre, with Soundwave on his way to his personal quarters. However, unlike before he was about to embark on his final cyber-dive mission, he was not completely alone – though silently, he wished he was.

“Listen, Soundwave. I admit that I’ve criticized your mind upload concept rather harshly – ”

“Understatement detected. State your wish.”

“No need to be blunt. But seeing that you’ve survived being sent out into the World Wide Web, and returned with no apparent harmful effects, I must ask… what exactly is it like in there?”

“If desired, I can devise a virtual simulation to replicate the experience, customized to your personal technical specifications. A full scan of your brain would be required.”

Starscream stopped following Soundwave upon hearing his suggestion – “Actually, never mind….” – then turned and left in another direction. The rest of Soundwave’s walk to his quarters was in solitary silence; no other Decepticons appeared to make an effort to meet him, nor ask about his condition. To anyone else, this apparent lack of concern for a comrade’s well-being would be taken as a sign of ingratitude and indifference – as if one’s contributions would be expected, or worse, taken for granted – or that no one cared if they were still alive.

To Soundwave, however, the adulation from others had never registered as even an extraneous blip on his radar of priorities. What did matter was his duty to the Decepticon cause, as decreed by Megatron himself, and executing his job better than anyone else. Already pondering his next mission when it should come, admiration meant nothing to him. The mission and its result was all – even if that meant that he would be fated to always stand alone.

Alone, that is, except for the companions he kept in his chest compartment. Besides the words from Megatron, there was some gratitude in the aftermath of this mission after all. Soundwave suspected that Rumble and Frenzy might be disappointed over not being allowed to dive into the Web for fun or work anymore, but the dangers they had encountered would make them understand why. Laserbeak would surely be glad to never go there again. Buzzsaw might not really care, nor would the coolly professional Ravage. But Soundwave was glad for the survival of all five of his cassette partners after their last venture in the World Wide Web.

And behind his silent personal conduct and his devout loyalty to his leader, Soundwave was secretly grateful that, despite the cyber-dive missions being his own brainchild, he would never need to do it again. As dazzling and breathtaking as the visual sights of his dives into the virtual realm had been, he was glad to get out of there with his mind alive and fully functional. For the sake of the Decepticon cause and his minions, he intended to remain that way. As for those virtual sights, he would still retain them in his memories – and maybe develop a new simulation inspired by them.

(ALERT! ALERT! Bonus segment detected. Estimated date of arrival: December 13, 2024!)

* * * * * * *

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

{Closing tracks: “Critical Mass / Ground Zero” by Stan Bush, and “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” by Mahalia Jackson (reprise).}

Credits (some real, most imaginary)

Story written by: ScorpionsHeart (a.k.a. The Hitman)

Voice Cast (in alphabetical order):
Charlie Adler – Silverbolt
Jack Angel – Astrotrain, Smokescreen, Ramjet, Ultra Magnus (stand-in)
Arlene Banas – Carly Witwicky
Michael Bell – Prowl, Scrapper
Gregg Berger – Skyfire
Corey Burton – Shockwave, Spike Witwicky
Michael Chain – Red Alert, Hoist
Scatman Crothers – Jazz
Peter Cullen – Optimus Prime, Ironhide
Bud Davis – Dirge
Paul Eiding – Perceptor
Laurie Faso – Skydive
Ed Gilbert – Blitzwing, Thrust, Superion
Dan Gilvezan – Bumblebee
Johnny Haymer – Swindle, Vortex
Michael Horton – Chip Chase
Milt Jamin – Blast Off
Buster Jones – Blaster
S. Marc Jordan – Onslaught
Casey Kasem – Teletraan I
Chris Latta – Starscream, Wheeljack, Sparkplug Witwicky, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw
Morgan Lofting – Doctor Kendra Nogami
Jeff MacKay – Fireflight
David Mendenhall – Daniel Witwicky
Don Messick – Ratchet, Prof. Carl Andrews
Rob Paulsen – Air Raid, Slingshot
Peter Reneday – Grapple
Neil Ross – Hook
Ken Sansom – Dr. Paul Gates
Tony St. James – Brawl
Robert Stack – Ultra Magnus
John Stephenson – Huffer, Thundercracker, Steven Johnson
Frank Welker – Megatron, Soundwave, Skywarp, Rumble, Frenzy, RavageVoice Director – Wally Burr

Music Soundtrack Selections:
“The Transformers” main theme (1986 Season 3 arrangement)
Written by Anne Bryant & Ford Kinder“Run Rabbit Junk”
Performed by Hideyuki Takahashi
Music by Yoko Kanno; lyrics by Tim Jensen“Firestarter”
Performed by The Prodigy
Written by Liam Howlett, Keith Flint, Kim Deal, Anne Dudley, Trevor Horn, J. J. Jeczalik, Gary Langan, & Paul Morley“Fanfare for the Common Man”
Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra
Composed by Aaron Copland“Around The World”
Written and performed by Daft Punk (Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo)“Everything Must Go (The Chemical Brothers Remix)”
Written and performed by Manic Street Preachers (James Dean Bradfield, Sean Moore, and Nicky Wire)First movement (Adagio sostenuto) from “Piano Sonata No. 14”, a.k.a. “Moonlight Sonata”
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven“Who Am I”
Written and produced by Peter Kruder
Vocals by Hubert Tubbs“Metropolis”
Performed by Kraftwerk
Written by Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider, and Karl Bartos“Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho”
Performed by Mahalia Jackson
Traditional African-American spiritual“Fuel”
Performed by Metallica
Written by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett“Teardrop”
Performed by Massive Attack
Written by Andrew Vowles, Elizabeth Fraser, Robert Del Naja, and Grantley Marshall“Bulls on Parade”
Performed by Rage Against the Machine
Written by Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk“Mars, the Bringer of War”, from The Planets, Op. 32
Performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Composed by Gustav Holst“Oxygene, Pt. 1”
Performed and composed by Jean-Michel Jarre“Training Montage”
Composed and performed by Vince DiCola“Techno Syndrome (Mortal Kombat)”
Performed by The Immortals
Written by Olivier Adams“Block Rockin' Beats”
Written and performed by The Chemical Brothers (Tom Rowlands, Ed Simons)
Sampled from “Gucci Again” by Schoolly D“Intergalactic”
Performed by Beastie Boys
Written by Beastie Boys (Michael Diamond, Adam Horovitz, & Adam Yauch) and Mario Caldato, Jr.“Critical Mass” / “Ground Zero”
Performed by Stan Bush
Written by Stan Bush and Lenny MacalusoFull soundtrack playlist can be found here.
(Playlist length: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes)
Animation – Toei Animation Co. Ltd.

Acknowledgements to:
Henry Orenstein, who found some curious toys at a Japanese toy fair, and pitched to Hasbro an innovative idea for the North American market…Hideaki Yoke and Kohjin Ohno, who first designed those toys with Takara, and continued to work on Hasbro’s newly-formed brand in the decades that followed…Tom Griffin and Joe Bacal, who established Sunbow Productions and adapted the toys into two opposing factions; and Jay Bacal, who created the name Transformers for the new brand…Jim Shooter and Denny O’Neil, who began laying out the narrative treatment for the fledgling product line at Marvel Comics…Margaret Loesch, who ran Marvel Productions and strengthened ties with Marvel Comics, while producing the cartoon series and the 1986 movie…… and a special dedication to Bob Budiansky, who gave up Thanksgiving weekend in 1983 to create the very first roster of Transformers character profiles – then scores of more characters over the next several years – and went on to write dozens of issues for the comic series…… and Wally Burr, who directed a veritable rogues’ gallery of hyper-energetic, elite-level voice artists, bringing those characters to life on television screens in millions of homes every week, and eventually, every weekday…A special thanks to everyone in those formative days of establishing Transformers, as in its subsequent evolutions and, dare I say, “transformations”, it continues to bring enjoyment to generations of fans for four solid decades, from the 1980s to today.
* * * * * * *
Epilogue
The door slid open to let Soundwave enter his quarters, before it closed up again. Though any after-effects of fatigue or stress from his last cyber-dive mission had mostly eased away by now, he had become too well-accustomed to perpetuating his normal self-image that, from the time he logged his avatar out of the Web, no one would have noticed anything different about him. This was just as well – though Megatron had dismissed him and Starscream moments ago, their leader did not explicitly offer them to go off-duty for the rest of the day. And even after returning from strenuous activity, Soundwave was never off-duty.His experiment, at the risk of his own mind’s existence, had finally cracked a figurative opening in the wall of the Autobots’ security, though only momentarily. But it was in that singular fleeting moment that brought the Decepticons their first peek at their enemy’s secret. Their patience would be tested to the furthest in their hopes to gain more information about the so-called “Autobot City”, but with a competent approach and some creative inspiration, that task would be reduced from “impossible” to “extremely difficult”. And the suggestion from Shockwave had planted a seed in his mind, where his cerebral algorithmic processes already provided the fertile ground for that seed to germinate.Soundwave activated his computer and ran a search through the files in its memory, some of which he had found during his Internet research before he had proposed his mind-uploading idea. Coursing through his mind were the characteristics that Shockwave noted about creating another espionage agent, which would naturally be under Soundwave’s guardianship. He silently disliked the idea that a new spy with enhanced abilities could render his long-serving agents redundant; on that remark, he also hated admitting to Starscream being right a second time. But besides his service for the good of the Decepticon cause, this new spy wouldn’t necessarily have to replace the cassettes he already had, but rather, devise its talents to complement those of the others.While the computer continued searching through its own memory, the Communications Officer began to enter the criteria for the spy that Shockwave had stated, and also input several other characteristics and details from his own initiative:
Stealth – small size for subject to access locations unreachable to previous agents; light armor to minimize detection from enemy monitoring devices

Intelligence gathering – receptors for recording audio and visual input, and components for playback of collected intel

Sensory detection – sensors for locating the presence of vital resources at the faintest trace concentrations, and identifying their specific nature

Other notes – will consequently have weak resistance to enemy firepower; must avoid direct combat, and be reserved for espionage missions requiring extreme caution
Soundwave entered more data while the computer began to highlight and list the results of his search request. Occasionally, he would look at the screen while he worked, and noted in his mind an item that he thought would be suitable for the newest cassette to join his cadre. He knew its physical design would have to be worked in concert with the attributes for its function. But as he read the growing list of data items on the computer screen, a decision came to mind over the method of designing and constructing this scout:1: Create its body from scratch and deliver it to Cybertron, for Vector Sigma to imbue it with its own living personality2: Select a specimen already held in reserve, and reformat its exostructure to the new technical specificationsEither option was equally valid, each with their pros and cons. But as Soundwave read the ever-growing search results on his computer, he began to wonder if Shockwave might have a specimen under his custody on Cybertron which could serve the purpose he would need….

* * * * * * *
References, homages, Easter eggs, and in-fiction continuity callbacks

Prologue:
* “Room 213” - In the ’90s, 213 (“two-one-three”) was a hip-hop trio consisting of Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Warren G. Interestingly, Warren G also had a rap song called “Transformers” on his 1997 album Take a Look Over Your Shoulder, which sampled the original G1 show theme.* “hack-’n’-slash job” - lifted from Hack and Slash, who were Megabyte’s two doofus henchmen from the classic ’90s CGI cartoon ReBoot.* “tear down the wall” - Pink Floyd and their album The Wall* “bring some doom” - referring to, of course, the video game DOOM

Part 1: Login / Password
* The intro sequence chosen for this story is meant to reflect its moment in time between Season 2 (the visuals) and Season 3 (the music).* The damaged Autobot that Soundwave refers to is Prowl, who had remotely linked up with Chip’s home computer during a battle. This took place in the G1 Season 1 episode “Roll For It”.* “self-image” - Essentially talking about an individual’s “residual self-image”, which came into play in the 1999 movie The Matrix.* “airline security on Earth” - After 9/11, boy, did it get bad.

Part 2: Loading…
* “beyond great” - in Latin, more or less, Ultra = “beyond”; Magnus = “great”* “a different world from where [you] come from” - borrowed from a lyric in the theme for the late-’80s-to-early-’90s sitcom A Different World.* “Iacon’s most dangerous Autobot” - This was somewhat inspired by a line in Kevin Smith’s Masters of the Universe series on Netflix. In one episode, Evil-Lyn said she considered Man-At-Arms to be “the most dangerous man in Eternia”. Given that Man-At-Arms and Wheeljack are both inventors, the parallel was too tempting not to borrow.* Gamers in the ’90s will remember GameShark and other game-hacking gear like Game Genie, which provided to players just about any kind of cheat code they’d want for a game.* the Gran Turismo game in VR mode - Should be obvious why Bumblebee chose the Camaro, and customize it yellow with black racing stripes. Blaster’s selection of the Fairlady echoes the vehicle mode template for Prowl, Smokescreen, and Bluestreak, though a later model.* “Holy hexadecimals” - Hexadecimal, a popular standout character from ReBoot.* “Is this a game, or is this real?” - Yep, another cyberpunk movie reference: WarGames (1983).* Mention of Autobot X, whose only appearance was in the G1 Season 2 episode “Autobot Spike”.* The NASA engineer who invented the Super Soaker was Lonnie Johnson Ironically, when the Super Soaker and other Nerf toys ended up under Hasbro’s ownership, Johnson successfully filed a lawsuit for underpaid royalties for his inventions.* The episode where Spike and Carly (and Bumblebee) first met in a video arcade was G1 Season 2’s “The Immobilizer”.

Part 3: GOTO

* Shockwave estimates “a sixty-eight-point-seven-one percent chance” of the Autobots believing the Decepticons’ diversionary attacks will be a precursor to an attack on the Ark. This number – and the character – constitute a multi-layered Easter egg. Voice actor Corey Burton based his Shockwave voice on actor David Warner, who played three characters in the movie Tron (1982): Ed Dillinger, his cyber-counterpart Sark, and the Master Control Program (a.k.a. the MCP). In that movie, the MCP calculates that exact same percentage in agreeing to take action after Kevin Flynn (played by Jeff Bridges) was found hacking into ENCOM. Furthermore, Burton would also voice the character of Sark in the video game Kingdom Hearts II.

* “certain rules of science can be bent, even broken” - Yep, The Matrix again.

* Blaster plays Street Fighter II to test Wheeljack’s new body-motion game controllers.

* “nice game of fullstasis” / “it’s like chess” - the indirect chess reference echoes WarGames, while the game of fullstasis briefly appears in the original Marvel G1 US comic issue #69.

* Cybertron’s future moon bases are mentioned in the Autobots’ plan.

* “Project Scramble” - derived from “Scramble City”, Takara’s branding for the G1 toys of Metroplex, Trypticon, and four Combiner teams (Stunticons, Aerialbots, Combaticons, Protectobots). “Scramble City” was also the Japanese name for Metroplex (Autobot City).

* “robo-zoo / Anibots” - taken from an unused concept for Transformers: The Movie (1986), where Autobot City was supposed to have a zoo-like facility with robotic animals.

* The “Steel Flower of Gaea” is an original name I made up, but the design was borrowed from an early concept for Autobot City, drawn by Floro Dery during the production stages of Transformers: The Movie. That design can be seen here.

* “Metropolitan Cyberplex” - The name is also a non-canon creation of mine, but “Metro-” and “-plex” says it all.

* “special-missions force” - without naming names, the Autobots are referring to G.I. Joe.

* “Earth-based defense command” - EDC, Earth Defense Command, which first appears in Season 3 of the G1 cartoon.

* “patrol guard”, “weapons expert”, “tank drone” - foreshadowing of Scamper, Six-Gun, and Slammer, respectively.

* Ultra Magnus being called “Cybertron’s greatest warrior” came up in the original Marvel G1 UK comic series.

* Onslaught being labelled a war criminal comes from his cartoon debut (as well as the other Combaticons) in the Season 2 episode “Starscream’s Brigade”. They were among the old “renegade Decepticons” whose personality components were held prisoner in the Decepticon Detention Center on Cybertron, until Starscream chose them for his own personal squad (and destroyed the rest).

* The space station being established at the end of this year would naturally be the International Space Station in real life.

Part 4: Input/Output

* Quantum Laboratories and the TORQ computer both first appeared in the Season 2 episode “Day of the Machines”.

* “47401227” - derived from the geographical coordinates (47 degrees 40 minutes N / 122 degrees 7 minutes W) of Redmond, Washington, the home of Microsoft and Nintendo America.

* “528491” - a combination code from the 2010 movie Inception

Part 5: Run Program

* “I thought you said this VR stuff wasn’t real, man!” / “It isn’t. It’s just the inputs in your mind that make it ‘real’” - You guessed it; The Matrix.

* “Joshua fit the battle of Jericho” - I just had to include this classic tune somewhere, because of the title of this story.

* MP3.com - Way back in its early days during the late ’90s, this used to be a site that shared music for free. Around this time, peer-to-peer file-sharing services would also be born, with the likes of Napster, Limewire, and Kazaa becoming highly popular.

* “I hate changing channels in mid-song” - This was quoted in the 1980s Transformers Universe character profile books by Marvel Comics. Though this line was in Blaster’s profile, he never actually said it in the cartoon, but it worked here.

* Optimus Prime mentions basketball to Ultra Magnus. Prime actually learned to play basketball – and was quite good at it – in the Season 2 episode “The Master Builders”.

* “Santa Clara factory” - This was inspired by the in-fiction location of a Cyberdyne factory in the Terminator franchise. Note: It is not meant to imply a crossover with Terminator.

* “stay on this channel; this is an emergency” - This line echoes the intro sequence from the British ‘80s sci-fi series Terrahawks.

* “Steven Johnson” - I envisioned voice actor John Stephenson performing him. Naming this one-time-only character was too easy.

* “burning chrome” - from the title of a short story by William Gibson, who also coined the term “cyberpunk”.

* The drone is based on an older Meteor Robo figure from Takara’s Microman / Micro Change line. Though not used in G1 nor released in North American markets, the molds were used in Japan’s version of the Beast Wars line as Egg Beasts.

* “ENCOM gets ZakAttacked” - ENCOM is borrowed from the TRON franchise. “ZakAttack” refers to a side story in TRON Legacy (2010), surrounding the circumstances around the disappearance of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges). Again, not meant to be a crossover.

* The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) traditionally has an April Fool’s prank pulled by hackers on the campus. In this year (1998), its home page was replaced with “news” that Disney had bought the school for $6.9-billion.

* In 1998, then-U.S. President Bill Clinton had been embroiled in a highly-publicized scandal over his involvement with intern Monica Lewinsky.

* “Jazzmeister” - Aside from the “cool” aspect of the suffix, this also merges the North American and Japanese names for the Autobot Jazz, the latter moniker being “Meister”. Speaking of Jazz, he deploys a shoulder-mounted flamethrower in this scene that was one of the accessories for his G1 toy (and identifies as such in his character profile), but never got used in the cartoon. He did use it in an issue of the Transformers comics released by Dreamwave in the ’00s.

* The World Energy Chip installed in Teletraan I made its only media appearance in the Season 2 episode “Enter The Nightbird”.

Part 6: Access Denied

* “452212141” - derived from the geographical coordinates (45 degrees 22 minutes N / 121 degrees 41 minutes W) of Mount Hood, a volcano in Oregon.

* “5010993782536” - derived from the UPC on the packaging for the Transformers Generations War For Cybertron Kingdom figure of The Ark itself.

* The shapes of the two components – one like a stadium, the other like a multi-faceted dome, placed beside each other – are loosely inspired from BC Place Stadium and the Science World dome in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

* Deep Blue was a supercomputer built by IBM for playing chess. In 1997, it became the first computer to defeat a world chess champion – Garry Kasparov – under tournament conditions.

* Bumblebee offers to show Daniel a new game from Japan that’s “coming to the States pretty soon”, and features a yellow character. I think we can all figure out what that game is.

* Wheeljack’s old mind transfer device first appeared in the Season 2 episode “Autobot Spike”.

* Chip’s suggestion of an “AI guardian” program is loosely borrowed from ReBoot. The main hero was a sprite named Bob, whose format (or job) was the guardian of the city of Mainframe.

* Jazz paraphrases Arthur C. Clarke’s Third Law: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."

Part 7: Save As…

* “Cortexitron” - This name for the mind transfer device was never used in the cartoon, but it was in the script material for the episode “Autobot Spike”.

* “Some orders ain’t meant to be followed” - Blaster pretty much also says this twice in the original Marvel G1 US comic issue #28.

* Wheeljack disobeying Optimus Prime’s orders to never reactivate the Dinobots was in the Season 1 episode “S.O.S. Dinobots”.

* “cloak-and-Jagger” - Yeah. Mick Jagger, as if it wasn’t obvious.

* “2501” - from the 1995 anime movie Ghost in the Shell, referring to Project 2501, a.k.a. The Puppetmaster.

Part 8: Fatal Error

* The experiment conducted by Perceptor and Ratchet is very loosely inspired by the real-life Miller-Urey biological experiment in 1952. It attempted to simulate the “origin of life” under controlled conditions to create amino acids from such basic compounds as methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water with an electric “spark of life”.

Part 9: IF/THEN

* The exploding starship that Megatron survived was at the end of the Season 1 multi-parter “The Ultimate Doom”.

* “Ultraman” - a nod to the Japanese show of the same name

* “And… lovin’ it” - slightly altered catchphrase from the 1960s spy sitcom Get Smart.

Part 10: System Backup

* Choosing “Training Montage” from the Rocky IV (1985) score was a story in itself. The original choice of soundtrack tune for this scene was “Victory” by Sean “Puffy” Combs, featuring Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes. That tune sampled “Going The Distance” from the score to the original Rocky (1976) movie, with a hip-hop feel that would have been contemporary for a story taking place in the late ’90s. However, two concerns voided this selection: the lyrics containing racial and homophobic slurs, and Combs’ highly-publicized legal and behavioral problems. An instrumental track of “Victory” was available on YouTube, but the negative publicity surrounding Combs couldn’t be ignored.
A second choice would have been to simply use “Going The Distance”, but that tune’s 1970s arrangement felt too dated for the feel that this scene needed. However, Rocky IV came to the rescue with its own score. Although its ’80s-style musicality might also feel dated (though less so) for a late-’90s story, its composer was Vince DiCola, who also composed and performed the score for Transformers: The Movie (1986). It’s almost perfectly fitting as part of the bridge between Season 2 of the G1 cartoon and the movie.

* “Spectramax” - named after a supercomputer in issue #24 of the Marvel G1 US comic series.

* “Dial me in and amp it up” - borrowed from the tagline from an obscure CGI animated series called Action Man (2000); “Check it out. Dial it in. Amp it up.”

* “Welcome to your last level” - twisted version of Sega’s “Welcome to the next level” slogan.

Part 11: End Program

* “Back with another one o’ your block-rockin’ beats, huh?” - An obvious reference to (and foreshadowing of the use of) “Block Rockin’ Beats” by The Chemical Brothers.

* “Earth is ours now, through its world of the electron and the switch” - paraphrased from the Hacker Manifesto essay (officially called The Conscience of a Hacker) by Loyd Blankenship

* “hack the planet” - from the movie Hackers (1995).

* “Test your might” - of course, Mortal Kombat, as if the music didn’t hammer it home. The “skin” that Blaster applies to the interior of the isolation cube is partly inspired by Goro’s Lair from that same game series.

* Blaster uses fight maneuvers lifted directly from Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat. Soundwave mentioning “fatality” is also a Mortal Kombat nod.

* Blaster saying to “tell the ’bot with the auto-hammer to lay off” is paraphrased from Flynn’s similar line in TRON (1982). He also quotes “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”, the slogan of the UNCF.

* “the power gloves came off” - a little nod to the Nintendo controller of the same name, even though the real-life Power Glove turned out to be a failure.

* Sparkplug referring to Soundwave’s cassettes as his “chest pocket monsters” is, of course, borrowed from Pokemon’s full unabbreviated name.

* As you can guess, Wheeljack’s suggestion of the Autobots creating their own cassette-based troops does eventually happen in official canon, leading to the future appearance of Rewind, Eject, Steeljaw, and Ramhorn.

* Blaster remembering the path to Vector Sigma on Cybertron is from the Season 2 two-parter “The Key to Vector Sigma”; he was part of a team of Autobots who unsuccessfully tried to stop Megatron from using the ancient supercomputer to give life to his newly-created Stunticon squad. Of course, the Autobots would create the Aerialbots in that same mission.

* Ultra Magnus’ suggestion of Blaster having “command potential” hits more directly than he realizes. After the events of Transformers: The Movie (1986), Magnus becomes a direct lieutenant to new Autobot Leader Rodimus Prime, while the responsibilities of running Autobot City have been turned over to Blaster himself.

* Shockwave calculates “an eighty-five-point-nine-one-two percent probability” that Ultra Magnus on Earth is connected to the Autobot City plan. That number is taken from the date when the application for Metroplex’s G1 toy was first filed at the United States Patent Office: September 12, 1985 (85-9-12).

* The Decepticons’ plan for their new spy will turn out to be Ratbat (as if the photo in the “post-credits scene” didn’t make it blatantly obvious).

* The last photo of Soundwave in this chapter echoes an end-of-game scene in Street Fighter II, after Ryu runs the full gauntlet of his opponents, ignores the award ceremony, and walks off into the sunset to seek out a new challenge.

Happy 40th Anniversary, Transformers.