The Transformers: Redux, Issue 10: War of Two Worlds, Chapter Ten

 Date: 5/31/2012

MEGATRON RISING, PART TWO

(Optimus Prime stands off with the reborn Megatron)

OPTIMUS PRIME: No... it can't be! You're... you're supposed to be dead!

MEGATRON: The rumors of my demise... were greatly exaggerated.

(He fires his fusion cannon and Optimus barely dodges it)

OPTIMUS PRIME: Ahh!

MEGATRON: Hh. I was expecting more than that. Let's try that move again. (He fires again and blasts Prime off his feet)

OPTIMUS PRIME: Whoaah!

MEGATRON: Tsk tsk tsk. I am disappointed. At least Sentinel Prime put up more of a fight than you. But no matter. (He cocks his cannon) At leas your death will be swift.

IRONHIDE: No! (He punches Megatron in the face)

MEGATRON: Well, if it isn't the legendary Autobot Ironhide. I've heard much about you.

IRONHIDE: Good thing my reputation precedes me. (He deploys his arm cannons and unloads them, but they bounce right off Megatron, who then fires his fusion cannon) YAAAAHHHH!

MEGATRON: Such heroic nonsense.... (Optimus shoots him from behind) Argh! I tire of this game. (He brandishes his flail) It is by time that you suffer the same fate as all of the Primes before you.

OPTIMUS PRIME: (Brandishes his axe) So be it, Megatron.

(Meanwhile, on the Nemesis)

STARSCREAM: No! That's impossible! How can Megatron be alive?!

BARRICADE: Maybe he got lucky...

STARSCREAM: No... it can't be! It must be an impostor! Yes, that's it! An impostor! [Megatron's looking sus!] Barricade! Send all Vehicon fighters!

BARRICADE: But, Starscream, I don't--

STARSCREAM: Do as you're told! I am your superior!

(Barricade glances at Knock Out, who just shrugs)

BARRICADE: Very well.

(Down below, Prime and Megs are duking it out)

MEGATRON: What's the matter, Optimus? Afraid of a little flail? Then I'll make it easier on you. (His flail becomes a mace. They continue fighting)

ULTRA MAGNUS: Megatron...? No, it cannot be... I saw him die!

(Flash back to five years ago)

ULTRA MAGNUS: Megatron! Your tyranny ends here!

MEGATRON: Does it? Many Autobots have said such words, including the mighty Sentinel Prime. Now tell me, Ultra Magnus... are you prepared to meet his fate as well?

(Back to the present)

ULTRA MAGNUS: No... I won't let Optimus suffer what Sentinel did... (He charges in with his hammer) MEGATRON!

MEGATRON: Now what?

ULTRA MAGNUS: You have caused enough deaths!

(He swings his hammer but Megatron stops it with his hand)

MEGATRON: Ah, if it isn't Ultra Magnus. I thought you were still protecting Cybertron. But no matter... I shall destroy you all the same.

LUGNUT: Master!

MEGATRON: What the-?

(Vehicons fly in and fire on Megatron)

MEGATRON: What in the Matrix are they doing?! I am your rightful lord and master! You dare turn against me?! Very well then. Prepare to face your punishment.

(He fires on the Vehicons and destroy each and every one of them)

VEHICON: SHEEEAGH!

(On the Nemesis)

KNOCK OUT: Sir, are you sure this "Megatron" is an impostor?

STARSCREAM: Yes, Knock Out, I am certain. The only way that fool could prove that he is Megatron is by saying something only the real Megatron would know!

MEGATRON: Starscream! You better not turn against me like you did at Technar Five!

(Starscream looks like he pissed his pants)

KNOCK OUT: Busted.

[Megatron was not the impostor]

MEGATRON: As much as I would like to finish you, Prime... I have more important matters to attend to. But don't worry, I have a feeling we'll be at this for a long time.

(He leaves for the Nemesis)

OPTIMUS PRIME: Kup, I'd take this as a chance to get out of here.

KUP: (over comm) Couldn't have said it better myself.

ULTRA MAGNUS: I think it is best that I leave as well. Cybertron needs me.

OPTIMUS PRIME: I understand. And don't worry. We'll find a way to handle Megatron and his forces.

ULTRA MAGNUS: I know, Optimus. I can always count on you. (He boards his ship and takes off along with the Trion)

(On the Nemesis, Megatron beats up Starscream)

STARSCREAM: No... please, master, don't-!

(WHAM!)

MEGATRON: That was for sending Vehicon fighters against me.

(KICK!)

MEGATRON: That was for not trying to save me after my... demise. And this... this is just for me.

(He slices Starscream open with his flail)

MEGATRON: Put him in a CR chamber.

SOUNDWAVE: As you command, Lord Megatron.

MEGATRON: It's good to be back.

END... FOR NOW

CHARACTERS

    Autobots: Bumblebee, Ironhide, Kup, Optimus Prime, Prowl, Ultra Magnus, Wheeljack

    Decepticons: Barricade, Knock Out, Lugnut, Megatron, Skywarp (flashback), Soundwave, Starscream, Vehicons

The Transformers: Redux, Issue 9: War of Two Worlds, Chapter Nine

 Date: 5/25/2012

MEGATRON RISING, PART ONE

(The Autobots watch on in horror as the Trion explodes)

OPTIMUS PRIME: No...

BUMBLEBEE: Optimus, they... they can't be gone! Not that easily.

RATCHET: This is war, 'Bee. You just have to accept it.

ULTRA MAGNUS: No, Ratchet. Bumblebee is right. My team has gone through a lot worse before. I don't think the 'Cons have had their last laugh yet...

(Above, Lugnut is blinded by the brightness of the explosion)

LUGNUT: Augh! By the AllSpark! What is going on?! The Autobots better be dead or else--

HOT ROD: (from the Trion) Hey, bozo! Here's a little thank you gift!

(The ship unloads its guns and Lugnut transforms to avoid them)

LUGNUT: Rargh!

(On the Nemesis)

STARSCREAM: What the spark?! How are they still alive?!

BARRICADE: I've seen that trick before. They created a false explosion in order to confuse Lugnut long enough to fight back.

STARSCREAM: And you never mentioned this before?

BARRICADE: I didn't think they'd pull it.

STARSCREAM: Oh, Primus...

(Back outside)

LUGNUT: Fall, Autobots! Fall!

BLURR: Sure is persistent, isn't he?

KUP: Blurr, fire the guns with full power!

LUGNUT: Ha! Ha! You might as well give up now, because-- scrapmetal....

(The Trion hits him with a huge blasts and he crashes on the ground. Down below, Optimus looks on in surprise but Ratchet is unfazed)

RATCHET: Huh, I forgot about that trick.

(On Cybertron)

MINION: How is the operation proceeding?

DIAGNOSTIC DRONE: It is going quite well. In fact, it should be done within a couple of cycles.

MINION: Excellent. Shall we begin the spark transfer?

DIAGNOSTIC DRONE: Yes, we shall...

(The drone extracts Minion's spark)

(Back on Earth, the Trion exchanges fire with the Nemesis)

KUP: Well, so much for the sneaking up part. Blurr, charge up the main guns! Springer, set up the turrets! First Aid, get in to the bottom turret!

FIRST AID: What?! I don't wanna fight!

KUP: Then why'd you join this team?

FIRST AID: Well, you needed a medic...

KUP: You only thought we needed one.

FIRST AID: But--

KUP: Just come with me.

(First Aid finds himself in a turret)

FIRST AID: I really don't like violence.

ARCEE: Kup, I don't think we'll be able to get through that warship. Shouldn't we just jump into hyperspace and return to Cybertron?

KUP: Arcee, this war has been going on for more than ten years. You and I have both lost comrades to the Decepticons. This may be the only chance we'll get to ending this war. (Kup loads up into his turret) All right, you 'Cons... it's payback time.

(Below)

BUMBLEBEE: Prime, we've gotta do something! I don't think they'll be able to pull another trick!

OPTIMUS PRIME: I know, Bumblebee, but I don't think we'd be any help. It seems we underestimated how much Starscream sees us as a threat. They were probably prepared for us.

BUMBLEBEE: So what are we gonna do?

OPTIMUS PRIME: I don't know...

(Back on Cybertron, Straxus calls Minion's lair)

DIAGNOSTIC DRONE: Yes?

STRAXUS: Leader-One, we have encountered a setback. The Auto-- (He stops when he sees the drone holding a spark)

DIAGNOSTIC DRONE: Well? Go on.

STRAXUS: Wh-what's that you're holding?

DIAGNOSTIC DRONE: Oh, this? It's nothing.

STRAXUS: Where's Leader-One?

DIAGNOSTIC DRONE: He had to go.

STRAXUS: Go where?

DIAGNOSTIC DRONE: He just had to go.

STRAXUS: But where?

DIAGNOSTIC DRONE: He HAD to GO.

STRAXUS: ... Oh. I'll call later then.

DIAGNOSTIC DRONE: All right. And now... finally... (He places the spark in Megatron's repaired body) Lord Megatron shall rise once again!

(The Nemesis)

KNOCK OUT: Persistent, aren't they?

STARSCREAM: Annoyingly so. Soundwave, activate the auto turrets.

SOUNDWAVE: Very well.

BARRICADE: If Megatron was here, he'd go out there and kill them himself.

STARSCREAM: News flash, Barricade: Megatron isn't here. And he never will be! This is my ship now.

(Below, Lugnut emerges from the ground)

LUGNUT: Stupid Autobots... (He spots Prime's team) Eh?

BUMBLEBEE: Optimus, it's Lugnut!

OPTIMUS PRIME: Bumblebee, get back inside. I'll handle him myself!

BUMBLEBEE: But--

OPTIMUS PRIME: That's an order!

LUGNUT: Well, if it isn't Optimus Prime. Before his disappearance, Megatron was looking forward to destroying you. I guess I'll have to do the deed in his honor.

(Lugnut and Optimus Prime duke it out, ending with Optimus slashing him and bringing him to his knees)

LUGNUT: I... I concede, Autobot. Megatron... please forgive me... if you're out there, you may punish me...

???: No need.

OPTIMUS PRIME: Oh, Primus.

KUP: Is that-?

STARSCREAM: Impossible...

LUGNUT: Master?

OPTIMUS PRIME: Megatron.

[Guess who's back. Back again. Meg is back. Tell a friend.]

TO BE CONTINUED

CHARACTERS

    Autobots: Arcee, Blurr, Bumblebee, First Aid, Hot Rod, Kup, Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Springer, Ultra Magnus, Wheeljack

    Decepticons: Barricade, Diagnostic Drone Unit-791, Knock Out, Lugnut, Megatron ("Minion"), Soundwave, Starscream, Straxus, Vehicons

Transformers Regenerated: Spacewarp's Log - Entry 5

TARGETMASTERS

  I suppose if anything good has come from my hanging out with Krok’s little gang, it’s that it brought my attention to a certain type of Mini-Con that I and maybe even Foldspace would have otherwise missed.

I overheard Misfire talking to Fulcrum about being part of something called the Targetmaster Program. See, early on in the war, Thunderwing had captured a bunch of Mini-Cons on Styx with plans to turn them into weapons to be used against the Autobots. The first batch he made were freed by the Autobots, but they weren’t the only ones that had been subjected to it.

After Thunderwing’s defeat, the buck was passed to Scorponok who, being the opportunistic ‘bot he was, dedicated a lot of resources to perfecting and advancing the program and keeping it out of the Autobots’ sight. Misfire, being under his command at this time, was among those who received a Targetmaster “partner” in the form of a Mini-Con named Aimless; meanwhile, his buddies Slugslinger and Triggerhappy were given Caliburst and Blowpipe, respectively. 

When these Targetmasters proved to be successful following an engagement with the Autobots, Scorponok decided to take things a step further and introduce the “Double Targetmasters”—two Mini-Con guns that could combine and enhance their firepower. This is where Spinister of all ‘bots comes in; for whatever Primus-forsaken reason, he was trusted with this kind of weapon and given a pair of Mini-Cons: Singe and Hairsplitter. He wasn’t the only one at least; Quake got Tiptop and Heater, and Needlenose got Sunbeam and Zigzag.

Things didn’t get too far, though, when a pair of unassigned Mini-Cons—Nightstick and Fracas—broke free and made their way to the Autobots, coming into contact with two agents from the Secret Service (I want to say their names are Artfire and Stepper. Or Artfire and Ricochet. Or maybe even Ricochet and Stepper. Heck, I don’t even know which one was which). They exposed Scorponok’s whole scheme and his long-time rival Fortress swooped in with his crew to stop him. Some of the Mini-Cons from Styx had stayed with the Autobots, so Fortress already had three Targetmasters of his own to counter Misfire and the other two. When Spinister and the Double Targetmasters came out, Fortress sent the twins Cloudraker and Fastlane in to sneak into Scorponok’s base and free the rest of the Mini-Cons he had in captivity. Scorpy knew he couldn’t afford having any of the functional Targetmaster captured so that the Autobots could figure out how he made them (and make some for themselves), so he called for a retreat.

After all that, the rescued Mini-Cons were given a choice of joining the Autobots or relocating to Prion. A lot of them actually ended up signing up with the Autobots which, I mean, whatever, I guess. I think the organics from Earth have a term for that; Stock Helm Syndrome or something like that.

Speaking of Earth, that makes me think of another story I have to share… but I’ll save that for another entry.

As for the Decepticon Targetmasters, beats me as to what they’re up to. Misfire got separated from Aimless after the incident that earned him his name, and Hairsplitter and Singe bailed on Spinister when he nearly got them killed during a battle with the Wreckers. The rest is anyone’s guess, although I think Nightstick and Fracas ended up leaving the Autobots, and there are rumors Nightstick is now hanging out with the Star Seekers. If we ever run into those pirates, I’ll try and confirm… provided the others don’t accidentally kill him.

The Transformers: Redux, Issue 8: War of Two Worlds, Chapter Eight

 Date: 5/23/2012

FIRE IN THE SKY

(Autobot Base, Earth; Ironhide interrogates the Stunticons)

IRONHIDE: Alright, you bots have got some explaining to do... First and foremost is why the spark do you look like Autobots?

BREAKDOWN: Seeing as we don't have much choice, we might as well explain. Straxus chose us four, along with our boss Motormaster, to be part of his infiltration project.

DRAG STRIP: He had four Autobots captured and had their sparks extracted and replace them with ours.

IRONHIDE: I see. So what did Straxus do with the sparks?

BREAKDOWN: As far as we know, they're still intact.

OPTIMUS PRIME: Well, that's a relief...

IRONHIDE: Yeah, but how are we gonna free them?

PROWL: I can't say I'm certain Ironhide... but I think the answer's on its way.

(Ultra Magnus' ship arrives, bringing the parts needed to repair Kup's ship)

ULTRA MAGNUS: Alright, before I give you guys these parts, I want to know who blew up my ship.

KUP: Your ship? Ha! Not since five years ago when you left me in charge! As for who blew it up, I wish I could tell you... but we still have no idea!

(At Darkmount, the screens showing the Stunticons' POV go blank)

STRAXUS: O horrible! Most horrible! So my minions have failed. No doubt they'll find out about the... extracted Autobots and will come here to retrieve them! We must be ready, Ramjet... so we can give them a battle worth remembering!

(Back on Earth, Wheeljack works on repairing the ship)

PROWL: How's it going?

WHEELJACK: Pretty good, actually. These replacement parts sure are easy to work with.

IRONHIDE: That's what worries me.

PROWL: Oh, be quiet.

WHEELJACK: I think you're good to go, Kup.

KUP: Thanks, Wheeljack. Alright, 'bots! Let's move it!

OPTIMUS PRIME: So what's your plan?

KUP: The plan is that, once we leave, we'll sneak up on the Nemesis and cripple their ship. You'll then take Magnus's shuttle and finish them off.

OPTIMUS PRIME: And if they start firing at us?

KUP: Then you take down as many as you can with you.

(On Cybertron, Lockdown speaks with Minion)

LOCKDOWN: Hey, I just located Megatron's body.

MINION: Really?

LOCKDOWN: Yeah, he's buried in this crater. I'm not sure if I can dig him out in one piece.

MINION: No matter.

LOCKDOWN: And also... I can't guarantee that he'll be alive.

MINION: (silent for a moment) That doesn't matter. Just bring his remains to me.

LOCKDOWN: Understood. Lockdown out.

(Silence again. Then, a pair of orange eyes light up in the darkness)

MINION: Set up the operating table. Our leader's return shall be a glorious one.

(Earth, aboard the Nemesis)

VEHICON: Uh, Commander Starscream, I've picked up a Cybertronian signal. It seems to be headed four our ship.

STARSCREAM: Put it up on visual.

(Kup's ship appears on the screen)

VEHICON: Autobots!

STARSCREAM: ...Well that's just great. Lugnut, take care of them.

LUGNUT: As you command. (He transforms and takes off)

(Aboard the Trion)

FIRST AID: Kup, I think I'm picking up a Decepticon signature! (Lugnut appears on screen) *gulp*

KUP: Crud.

(Lugnut transforms and lands on top of the ship)

LUGNUT: Tremble, Autobots, before the might of Lugnut!

BLURR: (pops out with a grenade in hand) Been there, done that!

(Tosses the grenade and blasts Lugnut away)

ARCEE: Did you get him?

BLURR: I think so... (The ship shakes as Lugnut returns with guns ablaze) Or not...

(Down below)

OPTIMUS PRIME: What can you see, Ratchet?

RATCHET: Looks like they've got themselves a 'Con to tangle with.

OPTIMUS PRIME: I was afraid of that. Thankfully, I had a Plan B in mind. Prowl, contact NEST... we'll need some air support.

(NEST HQ)

PROWL: (over comm) Major Witwicky, we've run into trouble and need air support. You think your men can handle that?

SPARKPLUG: You bet, Prowl. Pilots, get to your fighters.

(NEST jets take off)

(Back at the Trion)

LUGNUT: Fools! You shall know better than to cross the mighty Decepticon Empire! It is time you learned a lesson.

(The NEST jets approach)

RED LEADER: You guys see him?

PILOT: Would be hard not to, Red Leader.

RED LEADER: Good. Now let's-- (two jets are hit and explode) What the-?! Oh, no.

SKYWARP: Special delivery, courtesy of the Seekers!

(Back on Cybertron, Lockdown arrives with Megatron's remains)

LOCKDOWN: Well, I've got your leader. Or at least what's left of him.

MINION: Very good, Lockdown. You certainly deserve your reward.

LOCKDOWN: You bet. So what are you gonna do with him?

MINION: That is not of your concern. You are dismissed.

LOCKDOWN: Whatever. Thanks for the creds. (He takes his payment from a Diagnostic Drone and leaves)

MINION: Unit-791... begin the operation.

(Earth...)

SPRINGER: Kup! Incoming!

LUGNUT: For Megatron!

(He deploys his Punch of Kill Everything, hits the Trion... and it explodes in a burst of light)

(Down below, the Autobots look on in horror)

OPTIMUS PRIME: No...

TO BE CONTINUED

CHARACTERS

    Autobots: Arcee, Blurr, First Aid, Ironhide, Kup, Optimus Prime, Prowl, Ratchet, Springer, Ultra Magnus, Wheeljack

    Decepticons: Breakdown, Dead End, Drag Strip, Knock Out, Lugnut, Megatron (remains), Minion, Ramjet, Skywarp, Soundwave, Starscream, Straxus, Thundercracker, Unit-791, Vehicons

    Others: Lockdown

    Humans: Red Leader, Sparkplug Witwicky

The Transformers: Redux, Issue 7: War of Two Worlds, Chapter Seven

 Date: 5/21/2021

DARK DESIGNS

(On Earth, Bumblebee and Arcee are searching for Prime)

BUMBLEBEE: So what was the plan, again?

ARCEE: I've told you twice already... Look, just follow me, alright?

BUMBLEBEE: Okay...

ARCEE: This is where Prowl said Optimus was right before we lost him. ...Oh no. (They spot the Stunticons extracting Optimus' spark) This is bad.

BUMBLEBEE: Ya' think?

DEAD END: Got him.

BREAKDOWN: Good. Wildrider, insert the replacement spark.

WILDRIDER: Heh-heh!

BUMBLEBEE: No!

ARCEE: Bumblebee, wait!

(Bumblebee lunges at Wildrider but gets knocked out)

BREAKDOWN: Well, looks like we have company...

(The Stunticons open fire; Arcee lunges and throws a blade at Dead End)

DEAD END: Aagh! Oh, woe is me...

DRAG STRIP: If I were you, Autobot, I'd walk away before-- (Arcee slashes out his optics) SHEEAGH! My eyes! (He collapses in front of a shocked Wildrider)

ARCEE: Release Optimus' spark. Now.

WILDRIDER: Make me.

ARCEE: I have a blaster aimed at your forehead. What more do you want?

*Beat*

WILDRIDER: Fine.

(The Stunticons place Optimus' spark back in his body)

OPTIMUS PRIME: Gaah!

ARCEE: Prime? You alright?

OPTIMUS PRIME: Oog... Yes, Arcee... I'm fine. (To the Stunticons) You, on the other hand, have some explaining to do before I-- (Breakdown clicks a button and Optimus's eyes go red) AAAGH!

ARCEE: Optimus!

OPTIMUS PRIME: No... no... no! N-nooAAGH! (He fires his gun at the Autobots)

BUMBLEBEE: Whoa! Prime, what's wrong with you?

OPTIMUS PRIME: I-I don't know, Bumblebee! Something's... not... right! RAAARGH! (He deploys his energon axe...)

(On Cybertron, Straxus is watching everything unfold)

STRAXUS: Ah, irony, thy name is Autobot. Everything is going as planned. Well, save for Optimus Prime's spark being replaced. And, although I do hate to admit it... I must admire Prime's resistance.

(Back on Earth)

OPTIMUS PRIME: AAGH!

BUMBLEBEE: Prime, listen! You've gotta stop!

OPTIMUS PRIME: I'm trying, Bumblebee! But I can't!

BREAKDOWN: It's just as well. This device has a permanent control over your brain module. As long as I'm holding, your will shall be under mine!

???: What if ya' drop it?

BREAKDOWN: Eh?

(Ironhide shows up and knocks him out before crushing the device with his foot)

IRONHIDE: High-tech circuitry is no replacement for guts. Just an FYI. You okay, Prime?

OPTIMUS PRIME: Ugh... yes, Ironhide, I believe so. But those guys aren't.

(Meanwhile, on the Nemesis)

STARSCREAM: Well, well, well... It seems Straxus' band of infiltrators have failed. This is not a good sign, Soundwave. First Barricade and Lugnut failed, and now even Straxus. There must be someway to compensate for these failures! But what?

SOUNDWAVE: Megatron.

STARSCREAM: What did you just say?

SOUNDWAVE: Megatron. He is who we need.

STARSCREAM: Oh, Soundwave, I believe something's wrong with your memory banks, because in case you've forgotten... Megatron is DEAD! You've heard the reports from Helex! He is gone! Offline!

SOUNDWAVE: Negative.

STARSCREAM: Oh, don't try to deny it. You won't be seeing your "glorious" leader any time soon.

SOUNDWAVE: Negative.

STARSCREAM: Why do you insist on denying it?!

SOUNDWAVE: Megatron still functions.

(On Cybertron, in Helex...)

RATTLETRAP: Please! I don't know nothin'! Please! Let me go!

LOCKDOWN: Don't lie to me, Rattletrap. You were here during the battle, weren't you?!

RATTLETRAP: W-well, yeh, I was, but I don't remember much 'bout it...

LOCKDOWN: Tell me. Tell me all you know. (He brandishes his hook) Or else!

RATTLETRAP: Okay, I'll tell ya! No need for threats!

(We see a flashback of the Battle of Helex as Rattletrap narrates)

RATTLETRAP: Megatron had just returned from Earth, and was settlin' in and all when Ultra Magnus and his bots arrived. The battle started and Ultra and Megs started dukin' it out. Megs, of course, got the upper hand. When Ultra was knocked down, Megs pulled out some sorta energon shard with a greenish tint. I have no clue what it was, but Magnus apparently did. Megs loaded the shard into his gun and was just about to fire... until it sorta just kinda... backfired. And... he just... vanished. Poof. Gone.

(Back to the present)

RATTLETRAP: There. I told you. Now can you please let me live?

LOCKDOWN: Not yet. Show me where Megatron vanished.

RATTLETRAP: Follow me. I know exactly where it is...

(Lockdown follows him to the site)

RATTLETRAP: ...'Cos he left a big crater when he exploded.

LOCKDOWN: Oh my... You must not have good eye, Rattletrap... 'Cos Megatron did anything but explode!

(We close on a shot of Megatron's arm sticking out from the ground)

TO BE CONTINUED

CHARACTERS

    Autobots: Arcee, Bumblebee, Ironhide, Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus (flashbacks), Warpath (flashbacks)

    Decepticons: Breakdown, Dead End, Drag Strip, Megatron (flashbacks), Ramjet, Skywarp (flashbacks), Soundwave, Starscream, Straxus, Thundercracker (flashbacks), Wildrider

    Others: Lockdown, Rattletrap

The Transformers: Redux, Issue 6: War of Two Worlds, Chapter Six

 Date: 5/20/2012

PRIME TARGET, PART TWO

(On Earth, Optimus Prime is taking a nighttime drive)

WHEELJACK: (over comm) So, uh, Optimus... are you still made about--?

OPTIMUS PRIME: No, Wheeljack. I understand there wasn't much you could do.

WHEELJACK: So... what now?

OPTIMUS PRIME: Right now we have to find parts to repair Kup's ship. Then we might be able to use it against the Decepticons' ship.

WHEELJACK: And just where are we going to find ship parts?

OPTIMUS PRIME: You'll see...

(At the base, the Autobots stare at an image of Swindle)

IRONHIDE: You. Have got. To be. JOKING!

PROWL: Ironhide, you know I rarely joke, and when I do, it's usually a sarcastic remark. Besides, Swindle is the only merchant I know for having easily installed repairs. Don't worry, though. I know someone else who can deal with him...

(On the Nemesis)

STARSCREAM: Well, now that Bludgeon and his friends are gone... mind telling me how the Autobots manage to capture you?

BARRICADE: Well, uh--

LUGNUT: If Barricade hadn't stopped me from using my Punch... we wouldn't have been captured!

BARRICADE: Better than getting killed by your Punch!

LUGNUT: I'd rather do that than upset Lord Megatron's will!

BARRICADE: Oh, please. Unlike you, Lugnut, I'm not die-hard Megatron fan like you!

LUGNUT: You dare?!

BARRICADE: You betcha, wideload.

(They have a slap fight while Starscream facepalms)

LUGNUT: Traitor!

BARRICADE: Fanboy!

LUGNUT: Disloyalist!

BARRICADE: That's not even a word!

LUGNUT: SILENCE!

STARSCREAM: Oh, woe is me...

BARRICADE: Fat bot!

LUGNUT: Oi!

(Back on Earth)

OPTIMUS PRIME: Never noticed how quiet Earth was at night... it is quite peaceful... though it still gives me an uneasy feeling.

(Nearby, four Decepticon pods crash-land, deploying the four Stunticons)

STRAXUS: (over comm) Right then... you all know your mission.

BREAKDOWN: Yes, Lord Straxus.

STRAXUS: Good. Begin scanning Earth forms... then thou shalt commence thy hunt!

(The Stunticons scan Earth modes and drive out)

BREAKDOWN: Stunticons, roll out!

WILDRIDER: Heh-heh-heh!

(On Cybertron)

ULTRA MAGNUS: I have to talk with who?!

JETFIRE: Swindle. Prowl says Kup's team needs parts to repair their ship.

ULTRA MAGNUS: What happened to it?

JETFIRE: Either the 'Cons blew it, or someone sabotaged it.

ULTRA MAGNUS: Wait... when you say 'Cons...

JETFIRE: Oh, yeah, 'bout that. After the ship blew up, Bludgeon and his Mayhem Squad showed up and managed to free the 'Cons Prime and his bots captured.

(Beat)

ULTRA MAGNUS: Book me a table at Maccadam's... Swindle and I are going to have a long talk.

(Later, at Maccadam's)

SWINDLE: So, I hear you need a good deal on ship parts.

ULTRA MAGNUS: Yes... but only if it's cheap.

SWINDLE: No problem! What do ya' need? Extra firepower? Gravity engines? You name it!

ULTRA MAGNUS: I guess it's best to show you the damage...

(He shows Swindle a holo of Kup's ship)

SWINDLE: Gee, um, that type of damage would require some... expensive stuff....

ULTRA MAGNUS: Name the price.

SWINDLE: But you said--

ULTRA MAGNUS: Forget what I said. Just name your price!

SWINDLE: Well, seeing as you're desperate, I suppose six hundred thousand credits will do.

ULTRA MAGNUS: Deal.

(Back on Earth, Optimus Prime hears the Stunticons' engines as they drive up behind him)

OPTIMUS PRIME: What the-? Hmm... (He brakes and turns around) Humans, I have heard of how some of you enjoy "tailgating" or following others. Thus, I suggest that you turn around now.

BREAKDOWN: Did you call us humans? You're sorely mistaken... (they transform) we're definitely not humans!

OPTIMUS PRIME: Wait a minute! Jazz? Sideswipe? Is that you?

BREAKDOWN: Close enough... but not cy-gar! (He uses a device to knock Optimus out) Heh, that was easy. C'mon, let's take him away!

(Autobot Base)

PROWL: Guys, we have a problem. I've lost Prime's signal.

BUMBLEBEE: Uh oh...

RATCHET: This is bad.

IRONHIDE: So what are we gonna do?

BUMBLEBEE: Isn't it obvious?! We have to find him!

SPRINGER: It might not be that easy, Bumblebee. The Decepticons are surely behind this. They might be trying to bait us by capturing Prime.

BUMBLEBEE: So, what? We're just gonna sit here and do nothing?

SPRINGER: Not exactly... I have something in mind.

(Cybertron, Lockdown meets with Minion)

LOCKDOWN: So... you want me to find your glorious leader?

MINION: Indeed. I've heard that you've got yourself quite a reputation, Lockdown.

LOCKDOWN: Eh. I just do it for a living.

MINION: Right then... According to our sources, Lord Megatron vanished during the Battle of Helex. At the moment, Helex is currently blockaded by Autobot forces.

LOCKDOWN: I can get through them.

MINION: Good.

LOCKDOWN: Will that be all?

MINION: Ur, yes. Do you require any assistance?

LOCKDOWN: I never do.

MINION: Very well.

(Lockdown leaves)

MINION: He'll never succeed.

???: He's not supposed to.

MINION: True... very true.

(Back on Earth)

BREAKDOWN: Dead End, do you have the spark extractor?

DEAD END: Yes.

BREAKDOWN: Drag Strip, the stun gun?

DRAG STRIP: Right here.

BREAKDOWN: Good. Well, my friends... I do believe... it's extracting time!

TO BE CONTINUED

CHARACTERS

    Autobots: Arcee, Blurr, Bumblebee, Ironhide, Jetfire, Optimus Prime, Prowl, Ratchet, Springer, Ultra Magnus, Wheeljack

    Decepticons: Barricade, Breakdown, Dead End, Drag Strip, Knock Out, Lugnut, Minion, Starscream, Straxus, Swindle, Vehicons, Wildrider

    Others: Lockdown

The Transformers: Redux, Issue 5: War of Two Worlds, Chapter Five

 Date: 5/17/2012

PRIME TARGET, PART ONE

(On Earth, the Autobots clash with the Decepticons)

IRONHIDE: Blast it, where did these 'Cons come from? How did they find us?!

KUP: They probably tracked down Barricade and Lugnut's signal!

OPTIMUS PRIME: I thought I told Wheeljack to turn them off!

WHEELJACK: Wait... you said to turn their signals off?

OPTIMUS PRIME: Yes. And did you?

WHEELJACK: Umm... I thought you meant those tracking devices they sometimes carry.

(Blurr facepalms)

OPTIMUS PRIME: *sigh* Never mind. Just go back inside and get Prowl and Bumblebee out here!

(Needlenose gets blasted)

NEEDLENOSE: WAUGH!

BLUDGEON: Well then, with the Autobots distracted... I can sneak into their base!

SPRINGER: Not so fast...

BLUDGEON: Well, if it isn't Springer. I've heard much about you. Weren't you one of those Wreckers?

SPRINGER: Yes, Bludgeon... and I've heard of you as well.

BLUDGEON: Ah, yes. My killing of Yoketron has made myself... notorious. And I take it that you're here for revenge. Well then... that's just fine by me!

(Bludgeon deploys his blades and clashes with a very angry Springer)

(Iacon, Cybertron. Ultra Magnus and Nightbeat are investigating the brutal murder of a bot)

ULTRA MAGNUS: This is bad.

NIGHTBEAT: Well, sir, considering this bot's more dead than a post... Yeah, I'd say this is bad.

ULTRA MAGNUS: Did you know him?

NIGHTBEAT: Yeah, his name was Rocky. He used to work at Maccadam's Oil House until he fell into a bad crowd -- a Decepticon crowd. According to sources I've gathered, he may have passed valuable info to them. He's been said to have spoken with Straxus. This doesn't explain why they killed him, though... if it was them who killed him.

ULTRA MAGNUS: Well, thanks for investigating, Nightbeat. Let me know if you find more.

(Polyhex; Hot Rod, Jazz, Mirage, and Sideswipe have been taken captive)

STRAXUS: I am... satisfied. Here I have before me four Autobots, who shall all be part of my great plan that will topple the Autobots from within. I don't mean to boast, but I must say, I have done a particularly good job.

MIRAGE: I don't know what you're up to... but we'll never be part of your schemes!

STRAXUS: I'm afraid you have no choice... Thrust, if you please...

SIDESWIPE: Oh, crud.

(Thrust uses a Spark Extractor to remove his spark)

STRAXUS: Now, Dirge... the replacement spark.

(Dirge places the new spark in Sideswipe's body, which becomes the Stunticon Breakdown)

BREAKDOWN: Gaah!

STRAXUS: Now then, do you know your name.

BREAKDOWN: B-Breakdown... my name's Breakdown.

(Back on Earth, a Destructor hovers over the battlefield)

IRONHIDE: I don't think they're givin' up, Prime.

OPTIMUS PRIME: It's obvious why. They're not leaving until their "friends" are freed.

IRONHIDE: And until we're all dead.

(Back with Bludgeon and Springer)

BLUDGEON: It's quite fitting. Yoketron always said that you were one of his best students. It's only fair that you join him in the AllSpark. (He raises his blade but is interrupted by a shadow falling over them) Huh?

OPTIMUS PRIME: What in the world?

(The Destructor lands and sets its sights on Optimus)

DESTRUCTOR: Grrr... Target in range.

OPTIMUS PRIME: What the-?

(The Destructor unloads its arsenal on him. They duke it out, with Optimus eventually blasting a hole in its chest, exposing its spark. As Optimus tries to pull it out, the Destructor explodes)

WHEELJACK: Uh... that was great and all, but uh... we have a problem.

(On the Nemesis)

STARSCREAM: Well, Minion... it seems Bludgeon's squad was successful in freeing our comrades. What's our next plan?

MINION: Well, Starscream, while Straxus' infiltration plot is proceeding... I thought it'd be best... to continue our search for our leader.

STARSCREAM: And, er, how do you propose we do that?

MINION: Oh... (He shows a hologram of Lockdown) I think I have someone in mind.

TO BE CONTINUED

CHARACTERS

    Autobots: Arcee, Blurr, Hot Rod, Ironhide, Jazz, Kup, Mirage, Nightbeat, Optimus Prime, Sideswipe, Springer, Ultra Magnus, Wheeljack

    Decepticons: Barricade, Bludgeon, Breakdown, Destructor-Gamma, Dirge, Lugnut, Minion, Needlenose, Octopunch, Spinister, Starscream, Straxus, Thrust, Vehicons

    Others: Lockdown (holo only), Rocky