EPISODE IV: HELL ON EARTH
�Keep going Autobots! We can win this!�
Ultra Magnus fought his way along with his troops against the robot army of William Connelly and Starscream. Fortunately enough, the robots had given up on attacking the city and were involved in a full-scale assault on the Autobot strike team that had come from Cybertron. The downside was that their strike team only consisted of fifteen: Ultra Magnus, Springer, Arcee, Kup, the Dinobots, Goldbug, Jazz, Hound, Computron, Omega Supreme, and Metroplex. Although the latter three were all very large and powerful Transformers, it was hard to compete with the hundreds of drone robots that Starscream controlled.
Grimlock was enjoying himself however. He and his Dinobots had foregone their guns and decided to fight each robot in close combat. Each robot carried a variation of the same energo sword that the Dinobots fought with (except for Swoop, he wielded a thermal sword). Unfortunately for them, their fighting skills did not compare. Each of the Dinobots severed heads and limbs from each robot they faced.
Kup wasn�t doing too bad himself. He had been keeping track of the number of robots he had shot down since the onslaught at Metroplex. The number was already at 88 and counting. Kup was a seasoned veteran; he knew every trick in the book. His main trick was taking cover, shooting down a few enemies, then transforming and finding some new cover. As old as he was, he was still able to outrun every robot that came after him.
Springer and Arcee were near Ultra Magnus throughout the battle. They both had grown very attached to each other over the years, and were rarely seen apart. As the battle progressed, and more robots attacked from the air, Springer transformed into helicopter mode. He flew high into the air and fired off several missiles at the incoming enemies.
Metroplex, Omega Supreme and Computron were taking out several as well. Being three of the most powerful Autobots, they seemed immovable. Metroplex was the largest and had the most firepower. Omega Supreme was unbelievably strong and crushed several robots without the use of weapons. Computron, a gestalt, was the most brilliant Transformer ever created. Analyzing every aspect of a situation, Computron usually had the most devastating attacks.
Marissa Faireborne had left the fray early to seek humanitarian relief and reinforcements. She knew of many laid off EDC soldiers who would want a piece of the action, especially if they knew Connelly was behind it.
The fifteen Autobots battled on in hopes that they would be supported by more troops. As hard as they fought, it was impossible to take down every soldier. There seemed to be an infinite number of them. Even Ultra Magnus began to feel a little weary as it went on.
BOOM! A large explosion took place nearby that separated Magnus from his Autobot friends. Gaining his senses back, he immediately saw a robot coming down at top speed with a sword drawn. Magnus quickly reached for his gun, but noticed it was further away than he expected. He jumped for it, but knew that it would be too late. The robot was too fast.
Ultra Magnus turned anyway, just in time to see the robot fall to pieces right in front of his eyes. He then heard cheering from his strike team.
�They made it!�
He got up slowly and grinned. There, in the sky, was a large Autobot shuttle. Smoke was rising from a laser cannon.
�Autobots! Attack!�
A plethora of soldiers came forth, followed by Rodimus Prime. On his way down he grabbed one of the robot warriors and grappled with it. They both fell to the ground and dust came up like a huge cloud. Then Rodimus stepped forth holding one of the robot�s arms.
�Well these things aren�t so tough, now are they?� he said with a smile.
Ultra Magnus ran over to him. �Prime! We were hoping that you�d get our message. The situation�s worse than we thought.�
�Worse? How could this get worse?� Rodimus said with a dry laugh.
�These troops are not being controlled by a group of technicians,� Ultra Magnus said. �Starscream is alive: he and Connelly are in this together. Apparently Connelly constructed a headset that enables Starscream to control these robots.�
�Where is Starscream?�
�Marissa said that he�s stationed over in an airbase. She told us the exact location, and I wanted to get over there immediately. We just got kind of tied up here.�
Rodimus Prime thought it over. Then he yelled at Grimlock, who was now in dinosaur mode. Apparently he had grown bored of swordplay and was engaging the robots with his fire breath and powerful jaws.
�Grimlock!� he said. �I want you in control now! Ultra Magnus and I are going to stop this at the source. Cover us!�
�No problem,� the Dinobot answered. �Dinobots! Keep leaders safe!�
Rodimus and Magnus transformed and drove off. Strangely enough, not one robot was able to get a shot off at them.
The highway was empty. Not a soul was driving: everyone had sought cover when the robots had attacked. While it was a grim sight, it certainly made Ultra Magnus�s job of finding the airbase a lot easier. Fortunately the directions that Marissa gave were simple enough.
They soon reached the exit where Marissa had followed William Connelly�s limousine. It wasn�t long before they found the same airbase, even the same hangar that she spoke of. What surprised them was that Connelly�s limo was sitting right outside the hangar. The EDC director had come to be with Starscream during the whole thing.
Approaching with caution, the two Autobots silently moved to the hangar door. Inside they could hear Connelly�s voice.
�Dammit! Starscream, you have to try harder! The Autobots are winning! Hell, they�ve already proven to the public that they weren�t the ones behind the initial attack.�
There was no response.
Back at the battlefield, the Autobots were holding their own. Now that their numbers had been increased due to the reinforcements from Cybertron, victory would soon be at hand. Then, just when things couldn�t even look better, Marissa Faireborne arrived.
She brought a league of troops with her, all armed to the teeth. They all fought hard, and the robots were fading fast. Although many still remained, they were now the underdogs.
Then, almost as if it was through some sort of miracle, the robots just stopped. Every one of them fell to the ground in a slump, and every human and Autobot was puzzled. What had just happened?
Back at the hangar, Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus were curious. They still heard Connelly yelling, but Starscream had been completely silent. Something was not right.
Instead of waiting to find out, they turned and kicked down the hangar door together. �All right you two!� Rodimus said. �We�ve got you cornered. Don�t move!�
Connelly was shocked to see the two Autobots. His hands shot up immediately. �Oh God! Where did you come from?�
In contrast, Starscream stood completely still. His eyes were closed, and he didn�t even acknowledge the either Prime or Magnus at the door. He only seemed to be in deep concentration.
�Starscream!� Connelly screamed. �Do something! Get the soldiers in here!�
The Decepticon finally opened his eyes and sneered. �You damn fleshlings and your arrogance. I can�t believe that you think you can order me around.�
There was a bright flash of light. Rodimus was horrified to see Starscream glow bright white. He finally realized what was going on. Starscream had tapped into the combined power of all of Connelly�s robot soldiers. Through some strange way, he had been able to channel their energy to him, absorbing it fully. The robots all over would now drop dead: their power was now a part of Starscream.
After several moments the hangar was silent. Then finally Starscream removed his headset and spoke.
�No more need for this,� he said as it melted in his hands. �And no more need for you.�
He aimed his gun at William Connelly. �What? I�I thought that you liked me? We�re partners.�
�I lied,� Starscream said with a wicked grin on his face. �And we were never partners. I simply used you.�
He fired, and Connelly screamed. A second later only a pile of dust remained where the treacherous human was standing.
�I suppose he�ll have to call in sick,� Starscream said. He turned to the two horrified Autobots in the doorway. �Ultra Magnus, it�s been a while: a long while. And Rodimus Prime, I don�t believe we have had the pleasure.�
�Actually we have,� Rodimus said. �But that�s a long story.�
�Which I don�t have time for,� Starscream said. �I have a planet to destroy.�
A burst of lightning sprang forth from his fingers and struck the Autobots. They both flew back and landed outside.
�What happened to him?� Ultra Magnus asked as they slowly got up.
Rodimus winced. �He absorbed the energy from those robots. Connelly probably fueled them with an energy core. Somehow Starscream channeled that energy into his body; into his soul. That�s the result.�
They both saw Starscream levitate as he left the hangar. �Fight me!� he screamed. �I dare you! With all this power, I am nothing less than a god now!�
He raised his arms again, and electricity flew from his fingertips. The Autobots sprang out of the way just in time. Ultra Magnus flipped and pulled out his gun. Firing several times he saw as they all were deflected a few feet from the Decepticon�s head.
�He�s got some kind of aura surrounding his body!� he yelled to Rodimus. �Our weapons can�t penetrate it!�
Rodimus smiled. �Not with our lasers!� He transformed and drove right at Starscream. Fortunately he moved fast enough, none of Starscream�s shots could hit him.
�Stand still!� he yelled. �Die with dignity!�
Right before he would have ran into Starscream, Rodimus Prime transformed and tackled the Decepticon. He had him pinned down for a second before he shrieked in pain. Starscream directed his power right at Rodimus Prime, sending him flying. He hit the ground hard, steam rising from the intense heat he suffered.
Starscream got up. �Now for yo��
He was cut off as Ultra Magnus ran into him. Already in car carrier mode, Magnus was waiting for the Decepticon to be caught off guard. Finding the opportune moment, he rammed Starscream at top speed.
Ultra Magnus transformed and immediately kicked the Decepticon in the face. He then began a barrage of punches, hoping to keep Starscream subdued for a short period of time. It appeared that the blows were taking effect.
BLOOM! The sound was deafening as Starscream discharged a massive power surge into Ultra Magnus�s body. He had become angry and decided to end the fight immediately.
Magnus flew high into the air as the white light burned his whole body. Every circuit felt like it sizzled, but after a second he went numb. He hit the ground hard.
Starscream rose to his feet and walked over to Ultra Magnus. The Autobot struggled to get up, but he was barely able to move.
�Idiot,� Starscream said, smiling. �I am now the most powerful being on the planet, yet you still dare to face me?�
Ultra Magnus showed complete indifference.
�Prepare to die,� Starscream said.
There was a loud shot, but it was Rodimus Prime�s gun whose barrel was smoking. He fired again and again, the photon rifle hitting its mark each time.
Starscream fell on his face, and each shot drove him further and further back. He felt drained, weakened by each blast.
�How is this possible?� he said as he struggled to his feet.
�You�re a fool, Starscream,� Rodimus said. �You�ve used up all of your energy on that blast. That�s what you get for letting your anger get away from you.�
Enraged, Starscream shot at Rodimus Prime. The Autobot commander moved his head to the side as the shot whizzed by. Running forward, he answered the shot with a punch to Starscream�s abdomen. Prime had hit the Decepticon so hard that his fist went right through his body. Starscream�s eyes flickered on and off; he was in so much pain he almost wished he were dead again. He fell to the ground and shuddered. Rodimus held his gun up to the Decepticon�s head, but suddenly felt something hold him back. Starscream was shaking uncontrollably and almost looked remorse.
�Puh-please kill me,� he had managed to say. �Do it. Put my soul to rest.�
Rodimus lowered his gun. �No. You�re suffering worse now than if I was to send you to oblivion. I want you out of my sight. You Starscream, you are a contemptible creature. No other being has as many despicable qualities as you do. I pity you, but I want you to suffer. And know this: you will suffer alone. Not even a fellow Decepticon would take you in.�
He left Starscream wallowing in pain and walked over to Ultra Magnus.
�Magnus,� he said. �Are you okay?�
The Autobot warrior could barely speak. �Prime?�
�I�m here.�
�I tried Prime. I really tried.�
�You did well, Magnus,� Rodimus said.
Ultra Magnus closed his eyes. �I need to tell you something.�
Rodimus nodded.
�Ever since you became the bearer of the Matrix, I have felt a little bit of jealousy toward you. I knew then that I would never be able to qualify as the leader of the Autobots. Granted I did not let it show or let it become a chief concern, but I resented you for it. I�m sorry�please forgive me.�
Rodimus Prime looked down at his loyal soldier. �I do not need to. In my days before I led, I had always admired you. I thought you were a great warrior, and today you proved that to me once again. Now don�t be so melodramatic: we�re going to get you some help.�
�It�s too late,� Magnus replied. �I can�t even feel my body anymore.�
�You seem to think that I�m still the immature punk, Ultra Magnus,� Rodimus said, smiling. �There�s no way I�m going to let you give up hope.�
He transformed and rolled Magnus�s body up onto his trailer. Then he drove off, leaving a helpless Starscream lying on the ground.
A week later, Rodimus Prime was in a United Nations building. Once again, he was pleading his case before the delegates. By now everyone had heard the story of William Connelly�s treason and death. Starscream was being held in a state of the art prison designed just for him.
�Ladies and gentlemen of the UN, I wish to speak to you today about evil. In my career as an Autobot warrior and leader, I have seen evil come in all shapes and sizes. Evil has appeared to me in the form of Unicron, Galvatron, Megatron, and especially William Connelly. They all partake in evil, whatever the reasons. It could be greed, it could be that evil is in just their doctrine. The important thing is not the reason, but the action we must take to quell it.
�It is hard to accept when evil hits close to home. William Connelly, although not liked by all, was well respected as an American citizen. When someone who is responsible for protecting freedom wants to strip that freedom themselves, there isn�t anything more earth shattering. I myself had the unfortunate experience of having to fight my own mentor when he threatened my life and the lives of my friends.
�The fact is, evil is too unpredictable and volatile to just forget about. So I believe that the Autobots have to remain stationed on Earth, simply to help defend this planet from any evils we may have inadvertently brought here.�
He finished his speech. The UN council looked at each other, and the chairman got up from his seat.
�I don�t know if I speak for everybody,� he said. �But due to recent events I have no reason not to trust the Autobots. They have helped our world so many times, even when the matter did not concern them. I think it is in our best interest that we give the Autobots permanent stay on our planet.�
The crowd applauded. Every delegate felt the same way.
The chairman continued. �I also believe it would be best for us to rebuild the Earth Defense Command. It deserves more funding, as well as more soldiers. Rodimus Prime, I wish to appoint you as the new commander of the EDC.�
�I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Chairman,� Rodimus replied. �But I think that there is someone more suited for the job.� He turned to the crowd. �Marissa? Where are you?�
Marissa Faireborne rose from her seat. �I think that�s the person you want as commander, Mr. Chairman,� Rodimus said. �In all my years I have never met a human as brave and intelligent as Captain Faireborne.�
The chairman looked at his fellow delegates. They all nodded.
�Very well,� he said. �Captain Faireborne, you are now the director of the Earth Defense Command.�
�Thank you Mr. Chairman,� she said. �And as my first act as �director,� I wish to rename my position �commander� once again. Secondly, I wish to rehire our soldiers who have been laid off in William Connelly�s administration. I hope that we can build the EDC back into the trustworthy organization that was once so well respected.�
One week had passed since that meeting when Rodimus Prime finally returned to Cybertron. When he flew in, he met up with Ultra Magnus when he got off the transport.
�Welcome back, Rodimus,� he said. �Umm, I don�t think I got the chance to thank you for saving my life. I really didn�t think it was worth it, but you still held hope. Thank you.�
The two walked on as the rest of the Autobots were celebrating their most recent victory.
�You didn�t just want to thank me, Ultra Magnus,� Rodimus said. �I know that much. What is it?�
�It�s about what I said when I thought I was dying,� Magnus said, obviously hesitant. �When I said that I resented you, I meant that I only resented you for a while. I think that there have been times when that part of me came out; I just didn�t want you to believe that I didn�t respect you.�
Rodimus smiled. �I know, and to tell you the truth I would feel the same if I were in your place. In fact, there have been times when I just wanted to turn leadership over to you. If it weren�t for the fact that I didn�t want to go back on my duty I would have.
�The truth is, Magnus, there isn�t another Autobot that I have more faith in than you. I have never seen someone so dedicated to the Autobot ideals than you, especially under the worst conditions. Take note of that: I don�t even think Optimus has the same amount of resolve that you have.�
He patted Ultra Magnus on the shoulder and walked back to the celebration. Magnus stood there for a second and felt good, better than he had in years. He smiled and wondered what the Autobots� next adventure would be. Looking up at the stars, something caught his eye. A small light was moving across the sky very quickly.
�Must be a shooting star,� he said to himself. �I�ve seen enough action this week to have to worry about that. Even if it wasn�t a shooting star, it isn�t even coming close to Cybertron.�
He laughed and walked back to the party.
THE END