EPISODE VII: DENOUEMENT
�Hold fast!� Ultra Magnus cried. The Autobots were fighting a losing battle. Their shuttles were all down, and most of them were at a great disadvantage. The Decepticons were stationed at the top of a cliff, firing down at their enemies. Ultra Magnus wanted the Autobots to remain behind their wrecked ships; it was the only thing that was serving as cover.
�We�ve got no way to mount a counteroffensive,� Kup reported. �If we charge up the hill, we�re dead.�
�Well, as bad as it looks, we�re keeping them from flying overhead,� Ultra Magnus noted. �They have no chance of staying up there; we�d shoot them down in no time.�
�It doesn�t really matter!� Kup said. �They can wait it out, or even go back to Cybertron and reclaim it. The Autobots there would be massacred in less than an hour. And there�s no way we can fight back here without countless casualties.�
Springer ran over at that point. �Where in the hell is Rodimus Prime?� he shouted. �I thought he said he�d be here as soon as possible!�
�I don�t know,� Ultra Magnus said. �But by the looks of things, I�d say he might have been ambushed too. We must keep spirits up though! I�m sure we will receive reinforcements from somewhere!�
The other two Autobots nodded and ran off. As soon as they were gone, the face of Ultra Magnus went from hopeful to ashen. He knew that there was no way of getting out of this; his hope was dwindling. The Decepticons were going to win the war, and it looked as if nothing short of a miracle could save them now.
Rodimus Prime clutched his side in pain. The last fusion cannon blast that Megatron had fired came a little too close: part of it had struck the right side of his abdomen. Fortunately, he had been able to transform and drive away from the two maniacal Decepticons. In fact, Rodimus believed that he might have lost them for the time being.
Come on, Rodimus, he thought. Think of something! Those two lunatics are going to kill you; you have to think of a plan!
It was then he heard footsteps approaching.
�Rodimus�� came the taunting voice. It was Galvatron. �I know you�re around here somewhere. Just come out, you fought a valiant battle. Give it up! If you come out now with your hands up, I promise you it will be quick and painless.�
At that moment, Rodimus Prime rose from his hiding spot. �Fine. Finish the damn job, you coward. It took two of you to defeat me, and you couldn�t even face Optimus Prime. You had some errand girl do it for you.�
�Your speech is falling on deaf ears, Rodimus Prime,� Galvatron stated, raising his cannon toward the Autobot. �This plan was meant to be full proof, we wanted a sure victory.� He prepared to fire. �You Autobots�so weak.�
Rodimus acted on instinct. The whole time since he stood up he had been holding a small rock. As soon as he could tell that Galvatron was going to fire, he threw the stone right in to the Decepticon�s cannon, blocking the blast from discharging.
KA-BOOM! The explosion was enormous. Galvatron was tossed back like a rag doll, and Rodimus hit the deck. When the smoke cleared, he saw the Decepticon lying face up against the side of a cliff. His entire right arm had been blown off, and smoke rose from the socket where it had been. He was unconscious due to his trauma.
Rodimus walked up to the motionless Galvatron. �Weak? You have to stop underestimating us, you dumb bastard.�
WHAM! Megatron slammed in to Rodimus at that moment. The force behind his attack sent his Autobot adversary flying.
Hitting the ground hard, Rodimus Prime struggled to get up at that moment. Yet it was too much: Megatron�s collision had gone over Rodimus�s pain threshold. He could barely look up as the Decepticon commander smiled.
�On the contrary, you have to stop underestimating our intelligence!� Megatron said. He looked over at Galvatron�s body. �But I do have to admit, that was pretty smart. He may even be dead.�
�What do you care?� Rodimus said weakly.
�I really don�t, actually,� Megatron stated. �In fact, this means I have sole control of the Decepticons. He�s lived his purpose.� He aimed his fusion cannon at Rodimus. �And you�ve outlived yours.�
Rodimus closed his eyes, preparing for oblivion. Suddenly, he heard a ship overhead. Even Megatron paused as he looked up at the sky. It was a shuttle.
�What?� the Decepticon said, half to himself.
The shuttle landed nearby. Megatron forgot about Rodimus Prime for the moment and walked in a daze toward the landing site. He somehow knew who was inside, but couldn�t quite grip the truth. Even when the shuttle door opened and he stepped out, Megatron was still in disbelief.
�It can�t be�� he said. �You�re supposed to be dead.�
�Why is it when I always arrive, you Decepticons always act surprised?� Optimus Prime said. �Even in the history of our personal conflicts, Megatron, when haven�t I showed up at just the right time?�
�But Elita-1��
Optimus Prime�s voice went cold. �Yes, she was able to control herself. Fortunately for me, she could tell me everything that was going on so I could get here fast. Unfortunately for you, I�m beyond whatever rage I felt when I first learned of what you did to her.�
Megatron got his bearings back and laughed. �You sentimental fool. I really do still get a kick out of the emotional feelings you have for everyone and everything. Even creatures you�ve never met!�
�You pitiful monster,� Optimus said, his voice growing more menacing. �You still think that the love and devotion I exhibit for others is a weakness.�
�It is a weakness, Prime!� Megatron exclaimed. �Elita-1 is holding you back! You didn�t even hurt her after she tried to kill you, did you?� He scoffed at his adversary. �Optimus Prime, the galaxy�s largest idealistic fool!�
The words began to have an effect on the Autobot commander. Then Optimus looked at Rodimus Prime lying on the ground, now nearly motionless. His mind then flashed to images of Autobots being ambushed on Charr, then to Elita-1�s sweet face becoming contorted and twisted into evil. He closed his eyes.
�You know, Megatron,� he said finally, �ever since I became the commander of the Autobots, I knew I would have one fateful day where I would have to show my worth as a warrior, as a defender of peace. Since then, that day has turned into several, where the results of conflict came down to decisions I made.
�Recently, I made a decision to abandon my position as warrior because of my devotion to love.� He opened his eyes. �I kidded myself into thinking I was playing the role of defender: of Vector Sigma and Elita-1. Then I even let love blindly lead me away from my job, my sworn duty as protector of the rights of all sentient beings. Only now do I realize that I am to blame for today�s events.�
It was then and there that Optimus Prime brandished his trademark rifle. �But now, I will rectify my mistake and bring justice to this galaxy once again.�
Megatron smiled. �You still have that art of speech, Prime. Well, let�s get this started�it really is such a pity that no one will be able to witness this battle. It will be one for the ages, the ultimate confrontation of fate.�
�Confrontation of fate?� Optimus said, clearly annoyed. �Just shut up and fight, Megatron.�
The two archenemies aimed their weapons, and prepared for their rematch.
The swords flickered with each strike in the dim light. Snake-Eyes had been battling the Storm Shadow robot for about 20 minutes now, and there still had been no victor. He was beginning to show signs of fatigue; perhaps he had met his match in this robot.
Sensing its enemy�s weariness, the robot spoke. �It is apparent that you do not understand,� it said, continuing the sword fight. �I am much more powerful than the Storm Shadow you faced in combat years ago. I will never tire, and will never give up. You will lose.�
Snake-Eyes was amazed to hear the robot speak. It was just as vain as the original Storm Shadow, but it told the truth. Snake-Eyes had been growing tired, would soon give in to his aching muscles. He was close to 50, after all. However, he knew that he had to win this battle. Slowly he approached his enemy.
�You humans,� the robot continued. �Such confidence. It truly is your race�s weakness. Confidence masks your true imperfection.�
With that, the robot threw a ninja star from a launcher on its right arm. It flew at blinding speed, directed at the head of Snake-Eyes. With the speed of a true martial arts master, Snake-Eyes caught the star with both hands pressed together at the palms. The robot was shocked.
Snake-Eyes then threw the star back at the Storm Shadow robot at an even greater speed. The star hit the robot square between the eyes as its head was knocked back. Its last image was Snake-Eyes leaping in the air and coming down with his sword over his head. The robot was decapitated.
�On the contrary,� Snake-Eyes murmured to his headless foe. �Confidence is an asset, as long as it can be strengthened with skill.� He shook his head. �Your skill was lacking.�
Snake-Eyes sheathed his sword and ran to find the others.
�Give it up, Prime!� Megatron shouted as he fired his fusion cannon on his rival�s position. �There�s no escape!�
It had been a while since the two began their battle. For the most part, it had only been a matter of how many shots one could fire at the other. Finally, as Megatron had just fired another blast, he felt something tug at his foot. It was Rodimus Prime, still alive and trying to help. Megatron began to charge his fusion cannon to kill the upstart when Optimus Prime appeared, as if from nowhere, and punched him. The blow sent Megatron flying back on the ground, giving Optimus enough time to scoop up his friend and make way for cover.
Unfortunately, Megatron had gotten up before Optimus was able to get out of the way. His cannon had not charged yet, and he only had a moment to react before his enemy would escape. He picked up a jagged rock nearby and hurled it at Optimus. The rock struck the Autobot commander in the leg just as he ducked behind a boulder.
So Optimus was stuck there, behind the giant rock and injured. Rodimus Prime was unable to help him; in fact his friend was in dire need of medical attention. He mumbled and could not make a coherent statement. The Autobots on Charr were probably getting massacred. It was now or never.
Optimus Prime waited for the cannon to fire again before he made his move. It was then that he leapt from his cover, ignoring the pain in his leg. He fired his rifle at his arch nemesis as he was airborne, knocking the fusion cannon off Megatron�s arm. The Decepticon howled in pain, and ran after his primary weapon. Before he could get to it, though, Optimus had fired again, putting the cannon even further from his enemy.
�Don�t move,� Prime ordered as he landed. �I swear I�ll put you in worse condition than I did six years ago.�
Megatron turned his head as he knelt on the ground. �Six years ago. You think that I haven�t been thinking about that day since? Why didn�t I fire sooner? I spent so much time enjoying the moment, you managed to knock me off that bridge, nearly killing me. Then your successor defeated me later, with me in a stronger body.� He paused. �The question has haunted me forever: how could Optimus Prime still beat me?�
The Decepticon commander was almost pitiful to watch. �So grant me this one plea, Prime. Drop your weapon, and give me a fighting chance. I know you�re a merciful creature, give me a chance to redeem myself. At least if I lose, I�ll know that I lost giving it my all.�
Optimus Prime appeared moved by the speech, and lowered his weapon. �Perhaps you�re correct, Megatron. I have to admit, it would give this saga of ours an interesting conclusion.� Then he unexpectedly raised his gun. �However, I have a feeling it could never end up that way.�
It was then that Optimus fired. The shot struck Megatron in his right shoulder, knocking him back as a gun flew from his hand. It was Rodimus Prime�s photon rifle.
�You still haven�t changed, Megatron,� Prime said as he advanced on his foe, his voice harsh. �Do you think I never thought about that battle, how you got the best of me by playing on my mercy?� He fired again, this time striking the left shoulder. �This time, though, you don�t have a hostage to hide behind.� Another two shots, hitting the two knees. �This time, you won�t succeed in killing me.�
Finally he reached his foe, lying helpless on the ground. Eerily, Megatron smiled.
�You really were the smartest Transformer I ever met, Prime,� he said, laughing. �I could rarely outsmart you, and if I did, it wasn�t for long. But know this: if you kill me, I will find a way back. I�ve done it before and will do it again.�
�The thought had crossed my mind,� Optimus said. �So I decided to take this especially extreme measure.�
The Autobot commander plunged his fist into the abdomen of his longtime nemesis. He felt around in Megatron�s inner circuitry, as the Decepticon howled in pain. Then he found what he was looking for: the dorsum helix. It was the nerve center for every Transformer, much as the spinal cord is to a human. Optimus Prime then grabbed the dorsum helix and crushed it with his bare hand.
The pain was unbearable for Megatron. �What did you do to me?!?� he screamed.
�Your dorsum helix is broken, Megatron,� Optimus stated, unemotional. He removed his hand from his enemy�s inner circuitry. �You are now paralyzed in every one of your limbs, and will never be able to move them again.�
�WHY?!? Why did you do that?!?!?�
�Because the dorsum helix is the only part on a Transformer�s body that cannot be repaired,� Optimus said. �Your Constructicons can work all they want, but that will be impossible. And, you can never obtain another �donor,� as they are unique to each Transformer.
�Don�t you get it Megatron? Death is easy, and would be far too lenient for you,� Optimus said as he stood up. �This is by far the greater punishment. It�ll be your own personal living hell, exactly what you deserve.�
Optimus Prime began walking away as Megatron taunted him. �You coward! You know I can defeat you! This is your greatest folly, Prime! My wrath will be fulfilled, I can overcome this! I can overcome anything! I am MEGATRON, COMMANDER OF THE DECEPTICONS!!! I AM FOREVER!!!!�
Rodimus Prime was hanging on by a thread when Optimus reached him. In fact, the Matrix was probably the only thing sustaining him. The older Prime scooped up his young friend and walked to the shuttle. Megatron�s shouts and threats were still audible.
Optimus closed his eyes. �Dear God and Primus, forgive me.�
He boarded the shuttle, put Rodimus in a stasis chamber and removed the Matrix. Closing the chamber, Optimus restored the Matrix to his body and headed to the controls. He had to get to Charr, if there was still time.
The knives clashed together in the Cobra operations room. Duke and Cobra Commander were practically physical and skilled equals, there was no doubt. It had been long since their bout began, and neither man was willing to give in or show weakness. The Commander began to goad his opponent.
�You really spent all those months searching for me back in 2002 and 2003?� he asked. �Your devotion astounds me.�
Duke blocked his enemy�s parry, and punched him in the face. �Well, I was really looking for a moment like that,� he said.
�That will cost you,� Cobra Commander snarled, lunging at Duke. The former Joe evaded, and landed a kick to the Commander�s stomach.
�I�m not going to let you win this,� Duke stated. �You are responsible for my brother�s death, and I can�t let you get away with that.�
�Yes, but in a matter of minutes, we both die,� Cobra Commander pointed out. �You�ve sacrificed yourself for the mission already. I�m sure you wife will get along all right, and little Joseph? It�ll be hard to raise a child without a father.�
�I�m a soldier first and a father second,� Duke said. �I couldn�t live with myself if I let my son grow up in a world where his father is a coward.�
�So,� came the reply, �you care more for killing me, with Falcon�s knife mind you, than your family?� Cobra Commander laughed. �Even if I die tonight, I�ll die a happy man knowing that. You are everything I fight against�the brainless soldier, fighting mindlessly to avenge and persecute.�
Those words were the first uttered by his enemy that Duke actually pondered. While maintaining his abilities in his fight, he really thought about his wife and son. What happens when he doesn�t return? Is the honor of a fair fight really worth the sacrifice?
God, I love you Shana, he thought. It was then that he remembered his oath that he would return. He dropped his knife.
�So, willing to give up?� Cobra Commander said, cocky.
�No,� Duke said, �I�m willing to live.�
With that, he jumped for his rifle. Before his opponent could react, he aimed and shot Cobra Commander in the right leg.
�That was for Falcon!� he cried. He shot again and again, blasting off both of his enemy�s hands. �And that is for my son!�
Cobra Commander screamed in pain and horror. He watched as his most persistent foe ran out of the room.
Duke left in a hurry, hoping to God that he would make it out in time. He was sprinting; moving as fast as he could. His muscles were aching, but he knew that if he didn�t make it then he could never forgive himself for not being there for his family: for his son�s birthdays, for his anniversaries. The whole time he ran, the only thing he could think of were his son and wife�the two things in the world that meant more than vengeance. Strangely enough, as unfamiliar as he was with the underground base, it was as if he knew the exact way out.
You can make it, Falcon�s voice interrupted his thoughts, almost as if his soul had entered Duke�s mind. You have to...don�t let my nephew and sister-in-law be without a father and husband!
Duke ran even harder, his muscles screaming in pain. He had to make it though; his brother told him he had to.
Cobra Commander was frantic as he hobbled over to the C4 timer. 5:00�4:59�4:58�the timer was moving fast. It was only a matter of time before the whole base went up; the computer itself held enough energy to blow it to kingdom come. The pain was excruciating, his wounds were already cauterized thanks to the heat of the laser. It made little difference, his hands were still missing. 2:00�1:58�1:57�he was helpless as he watched the clock wind down to zero, almost hoping it passed quicker. At least then the pain would stop.
Duke ran down the last hallway that led to the ladder that would take him to the surface. Falcon�s voice still echoed in his head: you have to make it, I know you can. He grasped the metal ladder and climbed as fast as he could. The pain in his muscles should have been unbearable, but the fatigue did not matter. He was going to see his family again�
30..29..28�Cobra Commander looked at the computer, telling him of all his soldiers� statuses in the battle with the EDC. He laughed to himself�he couldn�t even win with the Decepticons� help. GI Joe came through, as they had always�15�14�13�the Commander removed his mask (with some difficulty) and looked at his reflection in the screen.
�So, this is it,� he said to himself. �The end.�
He smiled, and waited for Hell to welcome him.
BOOM!! Scarlett watched in horror as the base was destroyed. Debris was flying everywhere from it as her and the others watched from the shore. Everyone had gotten out fine, except Duke. There had been no sign of him since Scarlett left him in the control room.
�Conrad!� she screamed, tears streaming from her eyes. She began to run toward the explosion, but Snake-Eyes held her back. Looking back at the ninja, Scarlett broke down and sobbed uncontrollably.
�What the hell?� General Hawk said as he saw every one of Cobra�s soldiers fall dead. �What�s going on?�
�Sir, it looks to be as if they have been deactivated,� a solder nearby stated.
�Then they did it,� Hawk said, smiling. �Yo Joe.�
TO BE CONCLUDED