Transformers Prime: Fractured Futures (#3)

Chapter 24

*Autobots pov*

The Autobots were gathered around the main console when a sudden, powerful Energon signal flared on the radar. Ratchet, monitoring it, looked up with surprise.

"That's... not possible," he muttered. "A signal this strong near the outskirts of town?"

Bulkhead, standing nearby, narrowed his optics. "We've been running low for too long. This could be a game-changer."

Smokescreen stepped forward, his energy surging with eagerness. "If it's that much Energon, we can't afford to ignore it."

Arcee hesitated. "It could be a trap."

Bumblebee glanced at the team, his expression determined. "Even if it is, we have to check it out. If we don't, and the Decepticons get there first, we'll be in even worse shape."

Reluctantly, Ratchet nodded. "All right. But I'm staying here to monitor communications. I don't like the timing of this, and I want to be ready in case something goes wrong."

With that, the team transformed and headed out, racing toward the signal's location at the edge of town. The landscape shifted from urban streets to more barren outskirts as they drew closer to the source of the Energon signature.

As they arrived at the designated coordinates, Bulkhead transformed back into his bot form, scanning the area with his optics. "This is the place... but I don't see any Energon deposits."

Arcee transformed next to him, her cannons already armed. "Keep your optics sharp. Something feels off."

Smokescreen, his energy crackling with excitement and caution, glanced around. "It's way too quiet."

Suddenly, the ground shook violently beneath them, and the sound of metal clashing echoed in the distance. Before the Autobots could react, a massive Predacon emerged from the shadows, its roar splitting the air.

All the autobots gasped in fear.

"A Predacon!? Where'd the cons get a Predacon??" Smokescreen growled as the Predacon started breathing fire at them. Luckily, the autobots managed to dodge it.

The Predacon charged at them, its razor-sharp claws digging into the earth as it lunged. Bumblebee darted out of the way, firing his blasters, but the creature barely flinched as it swung its tail, sending debris flying in all directions.

Smokescreen rolled to the side, trying to get a better angle. "Why is a Predacon here? What do the Decepticons want with—?"

His question was cut off by the arrival of the Decepticons themselves. Starscream, Knockout, and a group of Vehicons appeared, surrounding the Autobots.

Arcee growled, her optics narrowing. "Of course. This was all a setup."

Starscream stepped forward, his claws flexing as he sneered. "Ah, Arcee. How delightful to see you again. I trust you're enjoying our little surprise?"

"Cut the scrap, Starscream," Bumblebee growled. "What do you want?"

Starscream smirked, leaning casually against a nearby rock. "It's simple, really. We need the girl's key—the one she carries that's linked to the Fourteenth Prime."

Arcee's optics burned with fury. "You're not getting anywhere near Erin."

Starscream laughed, a high-pitched, sinister sound. "Oh, but you misunderstand, Arcee. We don't need her... just the key. Hand it over, and we'll spare you the trouble of dealing with our lovely pet here." He motioned toward the snarling Predacon.

"But it's connected to her! If you remove it, she dies!" Arcee glared. But Starscream just smirked.

"You...already knew that!?" Smokescreen yelled in anger as he raised his blasters. "Forget it! We'll never let you get your hands on that key."

Knockout's optics gleamed with amusement. "Oh, but you might want to reconsider." He held up a scanner, his smile widening. "You see, while we've been having this delightful chat, I've managed to pick up the energy signature of the key itself. And wouldn't you know it, it's currently making its way to a certain... school."

Arcee's optics flashed dangerously. "What?"

Bumblebee's engine revved with sudden panic. "Raf..."

And that was then Arcee, Bumblebee and Smokescreen remembered the time when their school in Jasper was destroyed. The sight of all the injured, most dead children frightened them. They didn't want more innocent children to get hurt because of their war. But it's either a thousand innocent children, or Erin. It was a hard decision.

Knockout's smirk widened. "That's right. While you're busy here, my team is heading straight to the girl. And unless you want to see what happens when we upgrade a Predacon with the power of a Prime's key, I suggest you hand it over now."

The Predacon roared again, as if in agreement, slashing at the ground near Smokescreen, forcing him to dodge. Smokescreen fired back but barely slowed the beast down.

"Time's running out, Autobots," Starscream taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "The choice is yours."

Arcee clenched her fists, frustration and fear warring within her. They were cornered. If they stayed and fought, the Decepticons would send forces after Erin. If they left to protect her, they risked losing valuable time—and potentially the key.

Bumblebee stepped forward, his optics steely with resolve. "We're not giving you the key. But you're not getting Erin either."

With that, he fired his blasters directly at Starscream, catching the Decepticon off guard and sending him stumbling back. Arcee and Smokescreen quickly followed suit, opening fire on the Decepticons as the Predacon lunged forward once again.

"We need to split up," Arcee shouted over the chaos. "Smokescreen, get back to the base and warn Ratchet. Bumblebee and I will deal with the Predacon."

"Ah, ah ah! You're not going anywhere, autobots," Starscream smirked. He then pointed to the autobots and shouted. "ATTACK!"

And just then, a bunch of vehicon troopers came in, and they and the Predacon started attacking the autobots.

"Scrap! How are we supposed to fight the off, AND prevent them from reaching the kids??" Bulkhead asked as he started smashing a few vehicons.

"Keep em distracted! I'm gonna call the doc and inform him!" Smokescreen announced. A vehicon was about to shoot at him, but Bumblebee interfered and managed to shield Smokescreen. Smokescreen nodded a simple thanks and ran off to make the call.

"Ratchet! Do you hear me? You have to get the kids from school! Starscream sent a bunch of his Decepticon troops there!" Smokescreen spoke into the comms, praying that Ratchet would receive it.

But back at base, Ratchet was having trouble understanding what Smokescreen was saying. The mineral compositions were causing interference with their communications.

"Smokescreen? Can you repeat?" Ratchet asked.

"Starscream sent a bunch of his troops to the sch-AHH!" Smokescreen was cut off as he felt a blast hit him. He flew backwards and hit his head against the rocky wall.

"Smokescreen? Hello? Can you hear me? Smokescreen!?"