Transformers Prime: Evolution

11. Reinforcements

The Autobots' base was quiet as the newest arrivals, Ironhide and Jetfire, stood in the middle of the command center. Their frames towered over the others, imposing yet familiar to Team Prime. They had just landed on Earth, their arrival swift and without ceremony. Optimus Prime observed them closely, standing with his usual calm presence.

Miko, however, was not one for silence. She bounced over to Ironhide, eyes wide with curiosity as she looked him up and down. "Whoa, Ironhide! You're massive. What kind of weapons do you have? Can you shoot stuff? You've got to be some kind of heavy artillery specialist, right?" Her enthusiasm was palpable, even as she stood in the shadow of his massive frame.

Ironhide chuckled, a deep rumbling sound that vibrated through his armor. "Heh, kid, you've got a good eye. I'm armed to the teeth. Cannons, pulse rifles—you name it, I've got it. But you won't see me firing anything unless there's a reason."

Miko wasn't deterred. "Come on! There's got to be something cool you can show me. Just one shot? Please?"

Bulkhead, standing nearby, smirked. "Careful what you wish for, Miko. Ironhide's not exactly subtle with his weapons."

Ironhide crossed his arms, amused by the attention. "Subtlety ain't my specialty, Bulkhead. But I know when to keep things under control."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Jetfire stood before Optimus, his face set in a grim line. He had the air of someone used to commanding respect, his optics scanning the room. "Optimus," Jetfire began, his voice deep and steady. "I bring news. Reinforcements are en route."

Optimus nodded, his expression calm, yet a flicker of interest passed across his face. "Reinforcements? How many are we expecting?"

Jetfire's optics brightened slightly. "Five. Warpath, Silverbolt, Roadbuster, Topspin, and Mirage. They've been tracking Decepticon movements across the galaxy, and they're coming here to assist in fortifying Earth's defense."

Optimus processed this carefully, his stoic nature never betraying any rush of emotion. "A timely arrival. Earth has become a key battleground, but the Decepticons are growing more aggressive. Their numbers are increasing."

Jetfire nodded. "Which is why we need to make sure the Autobot command center is secure. Earth is about to become a strategic hub, and Megatron won't let that go unanswered."

Smokescreen, standing nearby, overheard the conversation and perked up. "You know, I've been wondering about the Decepticons lately. Especially the Dreads. They're not like the others. Their behavior—it's more... animalistic."

Bulkhead, leaning against a console, grunted in agreement. "Yeah, those Dreads are wild. We had a run-in with them not too long ago. ShadowDread... that 'bot's something else. He's got power, and not just brute strength. It's like he's hiding something even darker beneath."

Optimus glanced at Bulkhead, his gaze thoughtful. "ShadowDread is different. He was once a hunter, but now... he has become something more dangerous. His transformation is not merely physical—it's a corruption of his spark. We will face him soon, and when we do, we must be prepared for what he has become."

The room grew heavy with the weight of Optimus' words. The mention of ShadowDread always brought a sense of unease, even among the most battle-hardened Autobots. His presence lingered in their minds like a storm on the horizon.