CHAPTER SIX
Emirate Xaaron had been rather eager to talk about the Thirteen when Nightbeat had visited him, and even went as far to provide him with the entire story of them (which he already knew), but the detective ultimately got what he needed.
"According to the Thirteen belief system," he said to Hardhead as they stood outside HQ, "Cybertronians are separated into thirteen categories, each representing an aspect of one of the original Primes. For example, those with scientific qualities are 'descended' from Quintus Prime. Those with primal instincts are descended from Onyx Prime."
"What a load of scrap metal," Hardhead muttered.
"Shut up," Nightbeat snapped. "Anyway, let's look at those the Fallen's already captured and use that system. Alpha Trion's likely a Sigma descendant, being a historian."
"I guess Windblade would be a Solus," Hardhead grumbled, grudgingly going along with this. "Only because she's the only female out of the group so far."
"Grimlock, obviously an Onyx. That Triple Changer who broke out- Blitzwing, was it?- would probably be an Amalgamous, since few 'bots have more than two modes.
"Beta Maxx is a Micronus, right? Being a Mini-Con and all. And what about Hot Spot and Jetfire?"
Nightbeat shrugged. "Those two have got me stumped. And I can't think of anyone who could be a Prima or a Vector descendent."
"What about a Quintus? There's plenty of scientists out there."
"Jetfire would probably fit that bill. Anyway, that leaves at least six- or five, rather, since the Fallen's got himself- to still be captured." Nightbeat sighed. "And it literally could be anyone."
"Well, maybe we could be next," Hardhead said. "Then I would gladly bash the Fallen's head in and get some answers to leak out with his energon."
Nightbeat smirked. "Good luck with that."
* * *
"I'm surprised your head's still connected to your shoulders," Bugly said to Bludgeon as the latter rejoined him and Mindwipe upon returning from Theophany with the Fallen. "I would think that, after melting your face, that would be the next punishment."
Bludgeon responded by backhanding Bugly across the face. As the winged one recoiled from the attack, Bludgeon said, "Quiet. I'm sure the Fallen has our next assignment planned."
"Indeed I have," the Fallen said, suddenly appearing behind him. "Only four remain now. If you manage to capture the primary one, I can easily procure the other three, and then we may be able to proceed with the Unbinding."
"Will the primary be difficult to capture?" asked Mindwipe.
"In a way," the Fallen replied. "Rather than go out and capture him, you shall instead lure him to us."
"For what purpose?" Bludgeon asked.
The Fallen glared at him. "Why question my orders when it is simple enough to merely follow them?"
Bludgeon said nothing, knowing his place.
"As such," the Fallen continued, "your next task is simple: find the primary target and lure him to this chamber. Employ whatever means are necessary, as long as he's alive when he reaches here."
Recovered from Bludgeon's reprimand, Bugly grinned wickedly. "Now this is what I signed up for."
* * *
"We've received a distress signal."
Moving through the (rather crowded) command center, Sergeant Kup walked up to the Autobot officer's station, leaning forward to view his monitor.
"Where from?" Kup asked.
"Close to the Mitteous Plateau, towards Rivets Field."
Kup looked towards Ultra Magnus, who had just entered the room, and waved him over. The Autobot commander viewed the monitor for a moment before speaking.
"I'll take a squad over to investigate."
Kup stared at him skeptically. "With all due respect, sir, I believe I shoulder handle it. You're too valuable as a leader to lose if this turns out to be a trap."
"Which is why I'm leaving you in charge in case something does happened."
The veteran's mouth fell agape, taken aback by the statement. Ultra Magnus turned to leave the command center, but Kup placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
"Did ya not hear that last part, kid?" Kup said quietly. "I said this could be a trap."
"I heard you loud and clear, sergeant," Magnus replied. "It is in all likelihood a trap, no doubt set up by the Fallen. Which is why I'm heading out to put a stop to him and his plans once and for all."
"And if you die in the process?"
"Like I said, things will fall to you."
Kup sighed, knowing that there was no point in arguing. Nodding grudgingly, he said, "Good luck then. Any chance the immortal Ultra Magnus will make a return, if worse comes to worse?"
Magnus grimaced. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
* * *
"Did you get the call?"
"Yes," Nightbeat said as he drove alongside Hardhead through Iacon's ruins. "Apparently there's been a distress signal near Rivets Field. Magnus needs some help to investigate."
"Think this is the Fallen's doing?"
"I know it is."
The pair came to a stop on the outskirts of the city, where Ultra Magnus and other Autobots awaited... as well as Shockwave and a few Decepticons.
"Oh, spark," Hardhead muttered, spotting Blockade and Roadkill among the 'Cons. "Any chance I can drop out?"
"Probably not," Nightbeat said as he and his partner transformed into their robot mode.
Noticing their arrival, Ultra Magnus said, "I'm glad you two could make it, and just in time to; we're all set to go. Any questions before we go?"
"Yeah, just one," Hardhead said, ignoring Nightbeat's warning glare. He nodded at Shockwave and his Decepticons. "What are they doing here?"
"What does it look like?" Blockade growled. "We want a piece of the action, too."
"Indeed," Shockwave said coldly. "It should not come as a surprise, Autobot, that we wish to see this conflict to the end as much as you do."
Ultra Magnus nodded, giving Hardhead a stern look. "Any further objections?"
Hardhead shook his head soberly. "No, sir."
"Then let's roll out."
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