Transformers Regenerated / WALL-E: Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

    The solitary mole robot-- known by its designation of GO-4-- moved through the labyrinth of secret passages which had been made for it. It had just borne witness to the fight between the three giant robots. One of them-- the blue and red one-- instantly registered in its memory banks. It knew now what had to be done.

    Emerging into a darkened room, GO-4 called out in a monotonic voice. "He is here."

    A large shape moved in the darkness. Orange optical sensors glowed as their owner turned around to face GO-4. 

    "Just as I expected. Unfortunately, I am not quite done with things here. We need him out of the picture."

    GO-4 did not respond. It was not programmed for conversation.

    After a moment, the hidden figure said, "Send out Fearstorm. At the very least, he should be able to stall our interloper."

    GO-4 said nothing to acknowledge the order. It merely turned to carry it out.

*  *  *

    "That's some story you guys got," Skids said as he finished off his oil can. "A corrupt corporation, a plant in a boot, an evil robot steering wheel... you could turn it all into a full-length feature movie."

    He sat next to WALL-E and EVE (not Eva, as he was originally led to believe) on a small hill under the moonlight. While Skids sat idly, rolling the can around in his hands, the two Earth robots sat close to each other, holding hands while gazing at the stars. Or into each others eyes. They tended to switch between the two.

    Skids revved quietly to get their attention. "So, uh, I take it you two are, uh, together?"

    WALL-E looked up at him and nodded sheepishly. "Uh-huh."

    Skids smiled. "That's nice. You know, I--"

    Before he could finish, his internal comlink chimed. He excused himself-- though the two lovers did not seem to notice-- and he moved a few feet away from them before answering the call.

    "Hey, Que. What's up?"

    "Agent Skids," the Autobot inventor said in a scolding manner. "It's been two megacycles. You should have contacted me by now. I was worried that something had gone wrong with the Transwarp jump."

    "Sorry, Que. I got sidetracked."

    "You never get sidetracked."

    Skids rolled his optics. "Well, you have a run-in with giant bots with swords and tell me how focused you still are."

    "Forget it," Que muttered. "Anyway, any progress in finding Windtrail."

    "None," Skids said bitterly, looking around. "But I've only just started. Do you know if he's picked up any new cronies?"

    "According to Agent 332's report, when he attempted to apprehend Windtrail in Earth Year 2017, he spotted two other Decepticons with him: Fearstorm, a modified Vehicon trooper, and Viral, a rogue scientist."

    "Danger level?"

    "Extreme, for both of them," Que said gravelly.

    Skids smirked. "That just ups the fun level."

    "Now don't go do anything rash, Skids," Que said sternly. "Remember the rules: Watch where you step and keep your head on straight."

    "And don't date Femaxians."

    Que paused. "That's a rule?"

    "Just ask Cloudburst."

    He heard a sigh on the other end. "Whatever. Just make sure to give me regular updates." With that, Que ended the connection.

    Skids chuckled to himself as he returned to WALL-E and EVE. To his surprise and mild concern, they were not where he had left them. He then looked up and saw them spinning and twirling around in the nighttime, the moon serving as their spotlight.

    He smiled at the scene before converting into his car form and driving off.

*  *  *

    Masked by the cloak of darkness, the black automobile watched as the Autobot known as Skids drove past it. Revving up its engine, it pulled out of its parking place and took off after the Autobot.

    Skids did not seem to notice his pursuer, who kept a safe distance and remained as quiet as a glitch-mouse. It was only when they reached an abandoned intersection that the Decepticon was proven wrong.

    As Skids abruptly transformed, Fearstorm was unable to stop in time and crashed into the Autobot's leg. Skids then grabbed the car by either side and hurled it into a heap of trash. The Decepticon quickly transformed and picked up his bearings.

    "Ah, crony number one," Skids said, planting his hands on his hips. "You're Fearstorm, right? You look and drive as bad as a Vehicon."

    "I'm in no mood for pre-fight banter," Fearstorm growled. "Either shoot first or let me do the honors."

    Skids shrugged. "If you say so." He then pulled out a blaster and fired.

    Fearstorm ducked and rolled, coming up face-to-face with the Autobot. He threw his large fist into Skids' faceplate, sending the latter sprawling to the ground. As he fell, Skids fired his arm blasters, though Fearstorm easily dodged the shots before leaping. He landed on Skids' fallen form, pinning him to the ground.

    "Are you really the Autobot Windtrail is so afraid of?" Fearstorm said mockingly. "I've fought other Vehicons tougher than you."

    "Wow, way to set your standards," Skids said as a pair of cannons flipped out from his back. Fearstorm reacted quickly and neutralized the weapons with an EMP gun.

    "We're up to all of your tricks and gadgets," the Vehicon growled as he brought out a pair of stasis cuffs and slapped them onto Skids' wrists. "It helps that you're something of a... 'fable' among Decepticons: the Unbeatable Autobot Warrior, we call you."

    "Aw, I'm flattered. Do you want my autograph?"

    Fearstorm chuckled darkly. "Oh, there'll be plenty of time for autographs. Trust me."

    He then raised his fist and punched Skids in the face, throwing him into darkness....