Transformers Regenerated: Unicron Saga VII, Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

   "So, these are the rookies?"

   Kup stood beside Impactor on the bridge of the Xantium, looking over a datapad containing a list of the members of Omega Team.

   "Yes," he said. "Springer and I have been keeping tabs on them for about a month now. They've pretty much passed all of the 'tests.'"

   Impactor grunted. "That's not saying much, considering what they're gonna be put through. I mean, I can't really see Brainstorm lasting long in a battle."

   "That's why I recruited Crosshairs as well. Brainstorm is the brains, Crosshairs is the execution."

   "Hmm. And the one called Bulkhead, he's a clumsy one."

   "Only when he's in situations not accustomed for his size," Kup said. "I'm sure he'll do great on the battlefield."

   "You're awfully optimistic today, old timer," Impactor said with a smirk. "What's got your hopes all high up?"

   Kup returned the smirk. "I've pulled out a wild card. Keep looking at the list."

   Impactor's metal brows furrowed as he looked back at the datapad. "Let's see. There's Brainstorm, Crosshairs, Bulkhead... not Flareup, is it? Or Scattorshot- oh."

   He looked up at the veteran, his optics almost as wide as Kup's grin.

   "Nice one."

*  *  *

   "Watch it, ya' energon-guzzling oaf!"

   "Oops." Bulkhead winced as he attempted to stand up the metal pillar he had knocked over, only for it to fall again. "Sorry, my bad."

   Steam blasted from either side of Dipstick's head. "Sorry?! I'll show you sorry, ya' overblown drive shaft!"

   Before the small green Autobot could act upon his anger, he was stopped by Scattorshot, who grabbed him from behind.

   "Easy there, pal," the blue and silver Autobot said. "He didn't mean anything by it."

   "Bah!" Dipstick spat. "As if I care! When I get my hands on you, I'll-"

   "Chill." Brainstorm easily silenced the old mech by pressing a small device against his neck, knocking him out.

   "I'm afraid to ask what that is," Flareup muttered.

   "A miniature immobilizer," the turquoise scientist said. "Puts the victim in stasis lock for five seconds before they wake up in a daze."

   Sure enough, as Brainstorm finished speaking, Dipstick reactivated in a stupor. "Ugh... what happened?"

   "It's a long story," Brainstorm said. "Just lay down and get some rest."

   "Yeah... rest." The old green bot then collapsed to the ground and returned to stasis lock.

   "Five seconds," Crosshairs said. "Right."

   "Well, I am sill working on it."

   At that moment, the five Autobots heard the sound of engine thrusters and looked up to see a white and red ship heading towards their position, coming in for a slow landing.

   "Hey, isn't that Ultra Magnus' ship?" Scattorshot said. "I thought Kup was picking us up."

   "Maybe he is but needed a bigger ship," Crosshairs said. Throwing a quick glance at Bulkhead, he hastily added, "No offense."

   The larger Autobot smiled. "None taken."

   Once the Enforcer had landed, its boarding ramp lowered to reveal Kup, with Ultra Magnus standing behind him.

   "Hey, rookies," the veteran Autobot said. "Sorry I chose this fuel depot as a meeting place. I know Dipstick can be a pain in the afterburner."

   "Oh, don't worry," Flareup said cheerfully, trying to hide Dipstick's unconscious form with her body. "He's, uh, on break right now. So, can we come aboard?"

   "Not yet," Kup said. "I'm still waiting for a seventh of us."

   "A seventh?" Brainstorm asked. "But Ultra Magnus is right there."

   "I'm not a part of this mission," Ultra Magnus said. "I'm merely acting as the chauffeur."

   "Then who's the seventh guy?" Scattorshot asked.

   "That should be him walking up now."

   The five rookie Wreckers turned in time to see a white, blue, and yellow Autobot approaching them. They all stared with their mouths agape, but it was not exactly out of awe.

   "Judging by your expressions, I suppose introductions aren't really necessary," Kup said. "But either way, I'd like you to meet Seaspray."

   After a long moment of silence, it was Seaspray himself who broke it, responding to his new teammates' expressions.

   "What?"

*  *  *

   Thunderwing could hear the spewing of volcanoes outside the Decepticon base as he strode down the corridor leading to the command center. When he entered, it was emptied of all of its personnel, just as he had ordered. Securing the door behind him, he accessed one of the many monitors and contacted the mole he had planted within the Autobot ranks.

   "Report, Agent Triple-Seven."

   A blurred figure, masked by static, appeared on the monitor, his silver eyes being the only distinguishable feature.

   "I have acquired valuable information, General Thunderwing," the spy said. "Are you aware, sir, of the Wrecker division designated Omega Team?"

   "Indeed," Thunderwing said. "They are comprised of rookies, led by the veteran Kup."

   "Right. Anyway, if my sources are correct, they are just about to set off on a mission... destined for your base on Styx."

   The general's mouth twisted into a wicked grin. "Somehow, I am not surprised. I was actually hoping to lure them here with the bait I had thrown out."

   Agent 777 raised an eyebrow but saw it best not to question the general. Instead, he said, "Do you have the means to defend Styx against these Wreckers?"

   "Of course I do!" Thunderwing said. "I wouldn't be much of an effective commander if I didn't. But none of that should concern you. Anything else to report?"

   "Nothing at the moment, sir," the spy said. "Agent Triple-Seven, signing off."

   As the monitor went black, Thunderwing stepped back and grinned. Yes, the Wreckers would be coming, and he knew what it was that they were after. But they would find something completely different instead.

   And they would not like it one bit.