Transformers: Eradication

Part 17: A Traitor's Warning

The humans are now left alone to contemplate their fate.

Ace: "We lost, unbelieveable."

Chip: "Megatron stayed three steps ahead of us the whole time."

Spike: "They even took out the big guy and Breakaway."

Carly: "What happens now?"

Ace: "The end comes."

Tyrone: "Pretty much yeah."

Carly: "You're just going to give up like that? After everything you've been through?"

Ace: "What can we possibly do? Optimus Ironhide, and Jazz are gone, Omega and Breakaway are dead, and the rest of them are captured. We're all at Megatron's mercy now."

Tyrone: "I never thought it would end like this."

Chip: "Might as well start digging our holes."

On Cybertron Optimus and Elita's teams are split into three teams. Optimus is locked in a private room, Elita-1 is in the experimental room with a mysterious extra captive, but that will be covered later. The rest of the team is locked up together in a rather small room. For now the focus is strictly on Optimus, who gets a very surprising visitor. It's Skywarp. He smiles, slowly clapping in satisfaction from the recent turn of events.

"Well done, I must say this has been a fun ride. However you know very well that all good things must come to an end."

"What are you doing here Skywarp?"

"Oh nothing really special, outside of gloating over such a resounding success. I would have never guessed that a fluke idea from Knockout would give us such a spectacular result."

"And you're happy with this?"

"How could I not be? After all this time you've been finally caught like the rat you are. Now you're at Megatron and Shockwave's mercy. Fate is finally dealt you the correct hand."

"I don't understand you at all."

"Not many people do."

"I don't see how anyone could blindly follow Megatron the way you do."

"I blindly follow nobody."

"Then how can you follow someone when you know what he's done?"

"I never claimed my leader is a saint. I know what he is and I accept him for it. You however claim innocence throughout everything. I hate a pretender, and you are most guilty."

"Do you really think I'm like that? I've done things that made me reevaluate my life. (bold) You have no idea what it's like to make tough decisions while you cower behind the safety of your lab."

"A valid point, but I have stepped on on rare occasions, and what I've seen is atrocious."

"And it's because of Megatron."

"I admit his methods are extreme and even abhorrent at times, but he believes in saving Cybertron much like you. The only difference is that he's right and he accepts responsibility for his actions."

"He's not though, he wants everyone who opposes him thrown out."

"Is that so wrong? When you get rid of the minorities that always want to cause trouble and assert how correct they are then you know what we get? We get as close to a utopian society as possible."

"Everyone deserves to be there Skywarp. We must be among equals if we are to coexist. You're saying you hate oppression yet this is more oppressive than before."

"Acceptable losses. At least it's nothing compared to the Autobot oppression."

"That was the old testament, we've changed the beliefs to benefit everyone."

"It's a nice dream, but unfortunately it doesn't happen. Anyway I have to go."

"Very well. And whatever personal grievances you have with me I'm sorry for whatever I may have done to you."

"I accept your apology completely. This conversation makes me realize that I was wrong about you and that you are a good person that's been led astray. But I suppose that I should inform you that it wasn't something you did to me per say, but rather what you did to someone close to me."

"Who was it?"

"I can't say, but what I can tell you is that you and Megatron created a monster you can't control."

"I understand. I see so much good in you Skywarp, you could join us."

"Perhaps in another life I could of. But I chose my side and i'm staying with my friends. Farewell and good luck to you. I do hope you survive this."

With that Skywarp leaves with a newfound respect for his enemy leader, but still retains his loyalty to the Decepticons. Speaking of the Decepticons, they've been rather busy with their new Autobot prisoners. they've been divided into three groups just like Elita's team was on Cybertron. The Wrecker's are all in one cell together, and because of Leadfoot's... robust size, let's just say the room is a bit tight. The Dinobots are in a pit on the floor them that was conveniently built by the Constructicons for such a purpose. An electric laser grid is used to prevent Swoop from flying his friends out. On occasion the Decepticons throw food at them like they're in some zoo. As for the rest of the team, they're all shackled to the wall and completely vulnerable to any form of torment. Though the Decepticons haven't really done much outside of mocking them. Crowbar is throwing peanuts at the Dinobots, which upsets them. Beastbox and Squawktalk are also watching.

Swoop: "Stop throwing peanuts at us!"

Crowbar: "Shut up and eat your peanuts!"

Crowbar throws one at Swoop, who begrudgingly eats one.

Swoop: "You're lucky they're good peanuts!"

Sludge: "We're going to die in here."

Grimlock: "Shut up Sludge."

Snarl: "Well we're stuck here, might as well enjoy the food."

Crowbar: "Hey bird and ape, give me your food."

Both: 'No way!"

Crowbar leaves while Thundercracker and Astrotrain enter in his place.

Astro: "Look those losers all locked up."

Thunder: "Pretty funny huh?"

Fire: "I'm usually not shackled like this unless I have a safe word, baby."

Astro: "You're a funny guy."

Topspin: "I'd kick all of your asses if Leadfoot's wasn't in the way!"

Leadfoot: "That's cruel man!"

Thunder: "That's nice, let's go. The lameness is starting to stick on my paint."

Now Crankcase comes to visit Bumblebee, and things escalate quickly.

Bee: "What do you want?"

Crank: "No reason other than to torture you. The only reason you live is because Megatron allows it. If I had my way I would tear you apart just like I did Huffer."

Side: "Who?"

Bee: "He was a friend of of mine who was captured with me a long time ago. Crankcase murdered him right in front of me."

Crank: "And I would have done it again and again. There is something so satisfying about killing a loved one in front of somebody. To see that shock and terror, and not to mention the sadness. That's my favorite part."

Bee: "You're a monster."

Crank: "And you somehow escaped me. You were the only one to ever do that. Now that you're here I'm going to make sure that never happens again."

Crankcase leaves the Autobots alone to try to comfort Bumblebee.

Tomahawk: "I had no idea that happened."

Bee: "It's something I don't like talking about."

Silver: "I can see why."

Ratchet: "You can't blame yourself for what happened. It was out of your hands."

Bee: "Then why do I feel like I could have done something?"

Wheel: "Classic guilt, I get that all the time."

Mirage: "I am sorry for what you have gone through, but for right now we need to focus on finding a way to get out of here."

Grimlock: "Easy for you to say, we're in a pit!"

Mirage: "There is always a way out, we just need to find it."

Airraid: "Yeah no, we're doomed."

All of a sudden Blaster is sent to Soundwave's lab via hidden panels within the walls. Soundwave scans him and doesn't even speak with him until Blaster himself pipes up.

(teasing) "All this special treatment and you're not even talking? I thought we had something. Are you seeing somebody else?"

(cold) "Out of all the members of our race to survive you just had to be one of them."

"Yeah it's nice to see you too."

"You still side with the Autobots."

"They're my friends."

"And we are family. We have similar blood in our veins. You should know that they can give us salvation."

"No offense but I think you've gone off the deep end."

"Perhaps, but it doesn't matter either way. We are the last three survivors, and you would be wise to stick with me."

"Can you rewind that? I could have sworn I heard three. It's just us here."

"That is where I correct you."

Soundwave takes out Reflector, and Blaster's eyes widen in amazement.

"Reflector! He's alive?"

"If you call being in a coma living."

"I love that guy, how did you find him?"

"Scavenger found him at the site of the genocide."

"I'm glad you were able to find him. It's nice to know it isn't just us."

"He's the reason I brought you here. I require your help to figure out how to save him."

"That must have been painful to admit."

"Pain is irrelevant, now will you help me or not?"

"Of course."

Blaster and Soundwave in a rare moment of peace cooperate to figure out how to fix their friend. Soundwave carefully opens up his camera mode from the back and points out the areas with the damage.

"The damage is here; those burn marks are quite severe. I would operate, but the locations are near some of his vital pieces are what's troubling. I fear one wrong move may terminate him."

"Yeah I can see what you mean. Our fearless fellow flasher can sure take a pounding."

"Indeed he can."

"I'll do it, just hold him steady."

For the next thirty minutes a risky surgery takes place to heal the burns from the inside of Reflector. Blaster heals the burns with a mini coolant beam supplied by Soundwave. The biggest spot needs a fully concentrated blast, but the hard part is that it's near the parts that hold Reflector together. Thankfully Blaster has some incredibly steady hands, and he manages to heal it up. The surgery is a complete success.

"You did it, impressive."

"No, we did it."

"Perhaps now he may finally return."

"I'd hate to rain on your parade, but it looks like our favorite philosopher isn't going to be in action for a while. He needs time to heal naturally. It could be decades before he springs back in action."

"Very well. You should join us Blaster. Forget them."

"I chose my side Soundwave. I'd love to be friends but we're on opposite sides."

"Then perhaps it's best to stay separate before something happens."

Soundwave locks Blaster back up, and he gets sent back with the rest of the Autobots.

Jetfire: "You came back, that's a relief."

Wheel: "How'd it go?"

Blaster: "Soundwave sure is interesting, but he's a stubborn boy."

Jolt: "That's a rather nice thing to say considering the circumstances. I'd kill for a chili dog right about now."

Blaster: "He's not a bad guy, but he just needs to let it flow like I do."

Slag: "Shut up and use your flow to get us out of here!"

Soundwave has been listening to their conversation and angrily throws one of his computers into the wall, breaking it into several pieces. But he can't spend too much time venting his anger because he has dire information to give to Megatron. The other Decepticons are celebrating on their most recent success. Overload got a little too drunk and tips over on his side passed out. Rampage is trying to wake him back up.

Astro: "Timber!"

Rampage: "Another word out of you and I'll tear your mouth off!"

Astro: "Geez sorry."

Mix: (drunk) "Drinks all around! How about one for you Oil Slick?"

Oil: (dry) "You do realize that if I open this container on my head I will die right?"

Mix: "....Hey Scrapper, get over here!"

Scrapper: "Yes?"

Mix: 'Happy days isn't it?"

Scrapper: "I guess you're right."

Scavenge: "It was a job well done sir."

High: "Yep."

Mix: "Scavenger my boy, I have a feeling this is the start of greatness. Speaking of which that Verrick guy from that one show reminds me of... me!"

Thunder: "And you just destroyed Omega Supreme by flying through his face! The DJD is a joke!"

buzzsaw: "How correct you are, the DJD was a failure, the Shadow Core is all that remains."

Thunder: "Yeah, remind me to never get on your bad side!"

Buzzsaw: "Knowing you that's impossible."

Thunder: "You're probably right."

Megatron comes in to participate with the others, though he seems to be seeking out someone.

Splicer: "Hey Megatron, me, Waspinator, and the twins wanted to know if you prefer your oil served dry or boiled."

Megatron: "Boiled, now if you'll excuse me I have to see someone."

Megatron finds the Dreads and singles out Crankcase. He grabs him by the head and throws him into the wall. Crankcase tries to get up but Megatron kicks him in the chest while he's done. He pins him to the wall and punches him in the face, and Megatron points his shotgun right at the groveling Decepticon's head.

Megatron: (disgusted) "You sicken me Crankcase, you are one of my elite warriors, and you cowered the moment Omega Supreme reared his head."

Crank: (whimpering) "I'm sorry Lord Megatron, I thought we were doomed if we engaged him!"

Megatron: "Doomed you say? Funny you mention that, it seems that Buzzsaw had no problem handling Omega Supreme on his own. Your weakness disgusts me. I should have your head for this."

Crank: (pleading) "He is a far better Decepticon than I am. I promise I will never retreat again!"

Megatron: "Very well, but if you again do you will run and keep on running. Believe me when I say there is no crack or crevice that I can't find you."

Crank: "Yes of course."

Megatron knocks out Crankcase with the stock of his shotgun.

Megatron: "Let this be a firm reminder that I will not accept weakness in my army."

Crowbar: "Sounds good to me, boss!"

Dirge: "Well that was... eventful. I'd be more surprised if this didn't happen every other week."

Ramjet: "I was kinda hoping he'd do it."

Dirge: "It would certainly improve the stench. Now where has our friend Thrust gone?"

Ramjet: "I don't give a shit."

Dirge: "Of course not. I see Sideways is missing as well."

Sideways has decided to opt out of the celebration and instead walk the halls. A certain hypnotist pages him.

(frustrated) "Quit calling, you'll blow my cover!"

"Hello Sideways."

That wasn't Mindwipe's voice, it was someone else. Behind Sideways is Thrust.

"Hello Thrust."

Meanwhile Soundwave shows the footage he has of Sideways and his strange healing ability during the Omega Supreme battle.

Soundwave: "This isn't natural, something is up."

Megatron: "It appears our mysterious friend has some secrets."

Soundwave: "That isn't all, I bugged him when he was unaware. Though he may have found it because I'm not getting anything new."

Soundwave plays the audio that mentions Mindwipe, and then he hears him meeting Thrust. Though after that the audio is strangely irretrievable.

Megatron: -growls- "He's working with Mindwipe? I'll make him suffer for this!"

Soundwave: "Thrust needs to be alerted about this."

Soundwave pages Thrust about the dangers of Sideways. A few minutes later Thrust has Sideways in an arm lock as he comes to the front where everyone else is there to see.

Longhaul: "What's going on here?"

High: "Looks like a fight."

Megatron: "I'd like to address is that we have a mole among us, and that mole is Sideways."

Sideways: "That's a ridiculous accusation. You have no proof!"

Megatron: "That's where you're wrong."

Soundwave plays the audio where he mentions Mindwipe in front of everyone. The crowd starts to murmur.

Ratbat: -giggles- "Oh what secrets you have!"

Longhaul: "Sideways...."

Sideways: "I'm so sorry Longhaul, I didn't want you to find out, especially not like this."

Megatron: "So where is that coward Mindwipe? I'd like to give him a warm return."

Sideways: (bold) "Knowing you, you'll just kill him like the savage you are. If you really must know he's in deep space, you won't find him trust me, but he will find you. They both will."

Megatron: (angrily) "You dare speak to me like that?"

Sideways: "Of course, it's not like any of this matters. You're barbaric, and Starscream was right to question you the way he did before you killed him. You can't handle the truth, that's why you bury it just like you buried him."

Megatron: "I've heard enough, it's time for you to die."

Sideways: "I don't think so."

Sideways bashes Thrust in the face with his elbow and turns around to uppercut him, knocking him out. He tries to run but Scavenger shoots him in the leg. Now everyone except Longhaul has their guns aimed at Sideways.

Megatron: "Lower your weapons, he's mine."

Sideways: "What is this?"

Megatron: "You have one shot to kill me, and if you succeed you are allowed to leave."

Overkill: "Are you serious?"

Megatron: "Yes. Make it count Sideways."

Sideways aims his sniper rifle right at Megatron's head and fires a fully charged shot at him. Megatron turns his body only the slightest bit to the side to dodge it. Now that the opportunity failed Sideways tries to run for it, but the leg injury impedes his progress. Megatron shoots him with his other gun and then slices Sideways in half. He dusts his hands off in satisfaction.

Megatron: "Someone pick up this garbage."

Frenzy: "Too bad Payload isn't here, he would have cleaned this place right up."

To everyone's surprise Sideways's body starts to fizz, and he regenerates. Now using his power in full, he flies and only his head is the only part that isn't fizzing.

Sideways: (ominous) "Keep thinking the power inside of you makes you a better person Megatron because you have another thing coming. You have no idea what's out there, and you will all pay with your lives. As for Longhaul..... I'm sorry this had to end like this. Goodbye forever. As for the rest of you, when we meet again you will all go straight to hell."

WIth that Sideways crashes through the roof and keeps flying through the sky in order to leave Earth. The rest of the Decepticons are left to their own devices.

Rumble: "Well that happened."

Slugfest: "What happened? I blinked and I missed it."

Wasp: "Finally Waspinator has first dibs to the swimming pool."

Mixmaster tries to comfort Longhaul by patting him on the back.

Mix: "It's ok bud, I remember when one of my friends turned into fizz and flew into the sky."
Rampage: "So he was a spy, Overload and I had had our suspicions."

Scrapper: "And you didn't tell anyone?"

Rampage: "Would you have believed us if we just randomly said it?"

Scrapper: "Probably not."

Rampage: "Then there is your answer."

Megatron: "We'll find him eventually. For now I want all of you to prepare yourselves. The invasion begins tomorrow."

Back at the island, Starscream has finished venting his rage and starts to regain his composure."

"They're all going to pay for this, every last one of them. And I know just where to start."