Transformers Regenerated: Unicron Saga IX, Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

   "Something's ain't right about this," Ironhide muttered as he and the other Autobots watched the Junkions repair the Ark through the bridge's viewport. "They seemed pretty eager to help us... too eager for my liking."

   "Maybe they're eager to help anyone out," Bumblebee said. "Maybe they can't stand visitors and want to help us leave as soon as possible."

   "Or maybe they're planting a bomb on the ship." Ironhide grunted, crossing his arms. "That's always a possibility, too."

   "Ironhide does have a point," Prowl said. "I'll send Arcee and Cliffjumper down into the engine rooms to investigate."

   "I still think you guys are being paranoid," Bumblebee murmured. "Those Velocitronians were nice to us and we were thinking that they were going to kill us."

   "I'm sure the reverse could happen here," Ironhide said bitterly. "Call it paranoia as much as you want, kid. I call it being careful."

*  *  *

   "So what brings you all the way out here to Junkion?" Wreck-Gar asked Optimus Prime while the two leaders watched the Junkions work.

   "We're searching for the AllSpark," Optimus said. "We found a part of it on Velocitron and were heading for Gigantion when our ship broke down."

   Wreck-Gar scratched his chin. "A part of it, huh? Lots of parts here on Junkion. Maybe you can find one here."

   Optimus mused over this. "That may actually be a possibility. If only we knew where to start...."

   Wreck-Gar tapped his chin before smirking. "Junkyard!" he called out.

   A dark red and yellow Junkion zipped up to them, a cheerful smile on his face. "You called, chief?"

   Wreck-Gar nodded, gesturing at Optimus. "Boss Bot here needs AllSpark part. You have it?"

   "It looks like this," Optimus said, holding up the glowing blue shard he had received from Double Clutch.

   Junkyard studied it for a moment before saying, "I reckon I might have something like that. Just give me a few cycles."

   "I would greatly appreciate it," Optimus said, but the Junkion had already driven off.

   Wreck-Gar turned back to Optimus and smiled. "Kid's got twenty-seven thousand things in his collection. No idea how he keeps track of it."

   Optimus chuckled. "That can be a strength for some."

*  *  *

   "Work harder, Axer!" Shearbolt called to his fellow Junkion as they worked in the Ark's engine rooms. "Work harder, get done faster!"

   Axer glared at the Junkion but said nothing as he welded shut a panel on the new thruster. He was trying to stall the process of repairing the Ark, but with Shearbolt overbearing him, it wasn't going to be easy.

   What's taking them so long? Shouldn't the Decepticons be right behind them? He cursed to himself as he attended to another panel. Doesn't Megatron want to tear out Optimus Prime's spark?

   "How's it going down here, guys?"

   Axer yelped, his welding torch flying out of his hand. He turned around to see two Autobots- one short, stocky, and red, the other leaner and blue- enter the engine rooms. Before he could gather himself, Shearbolt stepped in front of him.

   "Going good but slow," the Junkion said. "Axer here is slower than a junk-worm."

   The red Autobot turned to Axer and frowned. "Something slowing the process for you, pal?"

   "No," Axer said hastily. "It's just... my welding torch isn't working so hot-"

   Suddenly, Shearbolt snatched his welding torch and used it to weld a panel shut, taking no less than a few seconds. After admiring his work, the Junkion handed Axer his tool back and smirked.

   "Works fine for me. Now hurry up and finish so our friends can get going."

   Axer opened his mouth to speak but was cut off as the ground shook. When it stopped, the four of them were left standing in confusion until a more violent tremor followed it, knocking them off their feet.

   As they got back up, the blue Autobot called into her comlink. "What's going on, Ironhide?"

   "We've got some unwanted company," a gruff voice responded. "Decepticons, that is."

   The looks on the two Autobots' faces contrasted what Axer was feeling.

   About slagging time.

*  *  *

   Megatron relished the sight of his Seekers and Vehicons descending towards Junkion, attacking the Autobots unaware. His optics scanned the battlefield for Optimus Prime but found no sign of the Autobot leader. Just as he turned to order Soundwave to find him, the Decepticon comm officer spoke.

   "Lord Megatron, another ship has been detected, fast approaching Junkion."

   "Autobot or Decepticon?" Megatron asked.

   "Unknown," Soundwave replied. "But I am ninety-eight percent sure that it is hostile towards both factions, since it is firing in all directions."

   As soon as he had said this, the Nemesis shook violently under heavy firepower. Megatron spun to the viewport to see a large warship advancing towards them.

   "Brawl, return fire!" Megatron barked. "Soundwave, see if you can hail them!"

   Soundwave did so and in short time, the telescreen situated in front of the viewport turned on, revealing a white and blue mech who seemed able to transform into an animal of sorts.

   "And to whom do I owe the benefit of encountering?" Megatron asked sardonically.

   "It be Thundertron that you face," the mech growled. "And I'd hardly call this beneficial to you, considering that your ship will soon be scrap metal."

   Megatron laughed harshly. "And what did I do to incur your wrath, Thundertron?"

   "By being a Cybertronian," Thundertron snarled. "Now enough talk. Prepare to face the wrath of the Star Seekers!"

   With that, Thundertron's visage vanished from the telescreen and the Star Seekers' ship continued its advance towards the Nemesis, guns ablaze....