#konton

“No, they’d still be a sparkling, putting things into their mouths.” Said Konton, shaking her head, “Raf could speak, multi-task and complete complex equations in a blink of an optic.”

“So, he’s been on Earth for a while,” Said Optimus, getting everyone’s attention, “We will have to speak with Special Agent Fowler, see if the Esquivel’s are known to any governments in any fashion.”

“He could be a headmaster,” Said Skyfyre, leaning against the wall, “you’ve all met Cogman, he’s pretty short.”

“Or a Mini-con.” Said Drift, from his place by the ground bridge, “We know several were sent to Earth as scouts.”

“Not with that tech,” Said Ultimus, looking at the Samurai, “The Mini-Cons were made to be smaller than a human, the largest one being Laserbeak and we all remember what happened to him.”

“Head shot off,” Grunted Hound, “Stupid bastard shouldn’t have put his head near a gun.”

“How’d Soundwave survive getting his head blown off anyway?” Questioned Crosshairs, looking at Bumblebee.

“That’s not important,” Interrupted Ultimus, looking at the Autobots, “what is, is the little enigma from that school.”

“Maintain your cover, Autobots,” Said Optimus, before the conversation could go any further, “we do not know if the source of the signature is an Autobot or a Decepticon.”

“They could be neutral,” Said Konton, leaning against the human seating area, “Everyone remember Flak?”

Everyone winced, Flak had been an Autobot that had been shot to death by Cemetery Wind. Ultimus had seen Flak’s remains when KSI had been experimenting on him.

“Return to the school,” Said Optimus, looking at both Ultimus and Konton, “do not reveal yourselves, unless absolutely necessary.”

Both Ultimus and Konton nodded.

LOTP

Jack frowned at Sierra and Simon’s interaction. He was familiar with Sierra Savoy and, quite frankly, trusted her less than he would a scraplet. Unfortunately for him, he had to work with her, something about promoting teamwork, and friendship.

The girl had watched KSI melt down Autobots and as they all but tore him apart. Jack looked across the hall, meeting eyes with Miko, before jerking his head toward the door leading outside.

“What’s your brother doing with the exchange student?” Asked Sierra, watching Jack and Miko leave.

“I think they met each other when he was with that Autobot friend of his.” Said Simon, careful not to reveal that Jack, and most likely Miko, were Autobots themselves.

Sierra pulled a face, “Ugh, he’s friends with an alien terrorist.”

Simon froze, unsure how to react to Sierra’s comment. He knew that Sierra’s family had been on the receiving end of the town’s ire after news of what her father did was made public knowledge.

“What do you mean, ‘alien terrorist’?” Asked Simon, as Sierra received some funny looks.

“The Autobots were killed in that shuttle explosion,” Said Sierra, innocently, “The ones that turned up were mercenaries of some sort.”

There was a moment of silence, before Simon said, “Sierra, the Autobots had to drive from the Atlantic Coast to Chicago after exiting the ocean.”

There was an explosion outside the school, Simon’s jaw dropped when Ultimus hit the ground, as a giant Decepticon stomped towards him.

Ultimus’s battle mask snapped into place and the Autobot pulled out a barrage cannon and shot at the Decepticon. A few feet away, a female Autobot, who was primarily black and pink in colour, was knocking a red Decepticon around.

“You made a big mistake coming here, Breakdown.” Growled Ultimus, as his shot connected with Breakdown’s chest.

There was a loud scratching sound, prompting the other Decepticon to scream.

“Watch the paint!” Screamed the Decepticon, as the female Autobot smashed her fist into his gut.

Breakdown hit the ground beside the red Decepticon, the two shared a look, before transforming and driving away as if they taillights were on fire.

“Well, that was insane.” Said the female Autobot, as Ultimus growled.

“I understand Breakdown being with the Decepticons, but that turncoat?!” Snarled Ultimus, his battle mask retracting.

“Knock Out was one of Maxion’s friends, it makes sense he’d side with the ‘Cons.” Said the female, grabbing Ultimus’s arm, “Besides, we need to get back to base.”

Ultimus froze, before looking at the school and frowned, “Once we’ve located that Energon signature, it’s gone on the move.”

There were mutterings from the Students.

“It’s roughly three blocks away.” Said the female Autobot, before frowning, “If those two were here, then the signature could be from a ‘con.”

Ultimus nodded, before he collapsed into his alt mode and started to drive off, the female Autobot doing the same.

“There are Transformers in Jasper.” Said Vince, dumbly.

LOTP

Optimus frowned as Ultimus and Konton gave their reports.

“Did the Decepticons see you exit the school?” Asked Optimus, turning to face the two.

“Negative, the most they saw was the two of use discussing around the side of the school.” Said Ultimus, shifting his feet, “However, they seemed to be tracking the Energon signature.”

“But why Breakdown and Knock Out?” Asked Arcee, frowning, “Those two aren’t exactly Megatron’s finest.”

“I don’t think they’re with Megatron,” Said Konton, folding her arms, “They didn’t request reinforcements.”

“And, to cap it off,” Said Ratchet, from his place by the monitors, “They’ve gone to a different continent.”

“While the appearance of Knock Out and Breakdown is concerning, you both have to return to your assignments, in the possibility that the Energon signature returns to the school.” Said Optimus, getting a groan from Konton and a nod from Ultimus.

“Yes, Sir.”

LOTP

Jack closed the door as he entered the house, “I would park in the garage, but I think you’ll find that I’m a bit too big to fit.”

“Simon told me about school today.” Said June, her arms folded.

“Ah, scrap.” Cursed Jack, before looking around, “Where is he?”

“He’s at work.” Replied June, getting a sigh from Jack.

“That’s a relief, I take it he’s still in the dark, mother?” Asked Jack, leaning against the sofa.

June sighed, Jack had found out the truth about her and Simon, being Elita One and an unnamed Prime, after all the Autobots went into hiding after Chicago, “Trion, you know he isn’t ready yet.”

“But we need every bot we can get, whether it’s a youngling or a battle-hardened commander.” Argued Jack, frowning, “I get the whole keeping him hidden from Decepticons, but from the other Autobots? He can’t be hidden forever.”

“I know,” Snapped June, before running a hand down her face, “I just, can’t lose him that same way we all lost Maxion.”

“Well, if it’s any consolation, I heard he’s gone neutral.” Said Jack, dropping down onto the sofa, “Then again, I’ve also heard chatter of Draconis being alive and kicking.”

June was silent, “Anything about Arcee?”

Jack snorted, “Mom, I’m certain Arcee is staying out of trouble, even if your sister is young enough to be your daughter.”

Both heard a set of keys entering the lock on the door, before Simon entered the house.

“I’m home.” Called Simon, as he entered the living room and spotted Jack, “Jack!”

“If you’re going to ask about the Decepticons my colleague and I beat up, the answers on the back of a post card.” Said Jack, staring up at the ceiling, “At least there weren’t any stupid humans this time.”

“To be honest, I doubt anyone would try and get under Ultimus Prime, not after what he did to the Cemetery Wind agents.” Snorted Simon, making Jack smirk.

“You know, I think that was the closest I’d ever come to being a Decepticon.” Said Jack, before frowning, “Well, aside from when I was in the Pits of Kaon.”

“Simon,” Said June, as the boy prepared to ask Jack to continue, “Go do your homework.”

Simon visibly slumped, before heading up the stairs, “Who was the other one with you today?”

“Can’t say, sorry.” Responded Jack, getting a groan from Simon.

Both waited until they heard Simon’s door close, June turned to Jack, “Who was it with you today?”

“Konton, you know, Wheeljack’s kid?” Said Jack, wincing as his comm went off.

“I didn’t realise that Wheeljack was on Earth.” Said June, as Jack ignored the comm.

“He isn’t, she was with Bulkhead when they arrived on Earth.” Said Jack, before answering his comm, “What?”

“Cliffjumper’s requested back up.” Said Ratchet, “Optimus has called all available Autobots to respond.”

“Understood,” Said Jack, before getting up as heading outside.

Jack’s form blurred, growing in size and changing in shape, Ultimus collapsed into his vehicle mode and drove into the Ground Bridge Ratchet had opened for him. Ultimus almost collided with Konton, as Optimus silently counted the Autobots.

“Drift, open the ground bridge,” Ordered Optimus, getting a nod from the Samurai, “we may need Ratchet’s expertise on this mission.”

Arcee was visibly twitching, as Ultimus and Konton joined Ratchet, Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Hot Rod.

“Autobots,” Optimus commanded the seven Autobots going with him, “Transform and Roll Out!”

Each of them collapsed into their vehicle forms, before driving through the ground bridge to Cliffjumper’s location.

The Autobots all transformed and landed in a dust covered area.

“An untapped energon deposit.” Said Optimus, disengaging his weapons.

“What’s left of it.” Quipped Bulkhead, looking around.

“Cliffjumper was with Topspin, see if you can locate him.” Said Optimus, directing Ultimus and Konton to search for their fellow wrecker.

“I don’t think you need to look far.” Said Hot Rod, pointing at the mangled frame of a Cybertronian.

Ultimus frowned, before approaching the remains, while Arcee and Bumblebee went into the crater surrounding the burnt energon crystals. Ultimus spotted a unique scar just under the spark chamber of the Cybertronian.

“It’s him.” Said Ultimus, as Hot Rod hung his head.

“Optimus.” Said Arcee, holding one of Cliffjumper’s horns.

“Ratchet, locate Cliffjumper’s signal.” Order Optimus, looking towards the medic.

Ratchet opened a panel on his forearm, tracking the Autobot life signals, only to see Cliffjumper’s vanish, “I’m afraid, Cliffjumper’s signal, just went offline.”

“Drift, bridge us back.” Said Optimus, as the ground bridge opened. Ultimus picked up Topspin’s remains and carried him through the bridge.

“Put him on my table,” Said Ratchet, heading for his tools, “I’ll perform the autopsy shortly.”

Drift stared at Topspin, before looking to Arcee, “And Cliffjumper?”

“Gone.” Said Arcee, shortly.

“Where are the others?” Asked Optimus, looking around.

“Crosshairs and Hound are scouting for Energon in Alaska, Cogman, Jolt and Mirage are in Washington with Skyfyre, Ironhide’s still with the Lennox’s, the Dinobots are with Cade in his junk yard and the Knights are sleeping up top.” Said Drift, as Ratchet started working on Topspin’s corpse, “What happened to him?”

“Best guess?” Asked Ultimus, frowning at the fallen Wrecker, “Considering that we found him near some blown up energon and the state of his remains, he must’ve been taking refuge amongst the crystals when they were ignited.”

“The evidence does point to that conclusion,” Agreed Ratchet, frowning, “However, that doesn’t explain the shot marks over his spark.”

“They could’ve shot him to make sure he was dead.” Said Konton, as Ratchet pried Topspin’s chest open.

The stench of burnt plastic and liquidized metal hit their olfactory sensors, making them turn away.

“Oooh.” Said Bumblebee, waving his hand in front of his face, “That smells like sh-bzzt.”

Everyone flinched as Bumblebee’s voice cut out.

“I guess that Vehicon’s vocal processor finally burnt out.” Said Drift, as Bumblebee slumped forwards.

*Just my fragging luck.* Beeped Bumblebee, scowling at the floor, *Even my radio’s bust.*

“We could send a message out to Bluestreak,” Suggested Konton, “then he could speak for you.”

“If he’s still alive.” Said Ultimus, crossing his arms and frowning.

“Don’t be so pessimistic.” Said Konton, as Drift opened the ground bridge, admitting Hound and Crosshairs.

“Energon spike was a dud,” Said Crosshairs, waving his hands, “turned out to be an abandoned Decepticon mine.”

“Figures.” Said Hot Rod, frowning, “We lost two of our number.”

Crosshairs and Hound froze, before looking at Hot Rod.

“Cliffjumper and Topspin.” Hot Rod Supplied, making Hound remove his helmet.

“Poor bastards.” Rumbled Hound, as Ratchet emerged from the medical bay.

“I can fix your helm if you want, so you don’t have to worry about it flying off.” Said Ratchet, wiping his hands down.

“What killed him?” Asked Ultimus, as Bulkhead returned from the back rooms with some energon cubes.

“He was still alive after the Energon went up,” Said Ratchet, looking at Ultimus, as Optimus approached them, “what killed him was the shots to his spark.”

“They’re scrap metal.” Swore Konton, scowling.

“They may be,” Said Optimus, making Ultimus jump, “but we cannot afford to stretch our forces on quests for revenge.”

Everyone was silent, before Ultimus spotted Arcee, “Have the others been informed?”

“They have; however, they are unable to leave their posts.” Said Optimus, getting a nod from Ultimus.

Ultimus leaned closer to Optimus, “What about them?”

“They do not need to be alerted,” Murmured Optimus, making sure no one else would hear, “I have already issued their mission to them and placed them with a trusted ally.”

“The husband of Maria Burns.” Muttered Ultimus, as Ratchet approached them.

“I assume you’re referring to our latest arrivals.” Whispered the Medic, looking around.

“Heatwave is…keen to join the battle against the Decepticons.” Said Optimus, as the three started towards the lift, “I can only hope that the time with his team with change his mind.”

“I second that, has Prowl been notified of his replacement?” Muttered Ultimus, as he, Optimus and Ratchet joined the other eight Autobots on the roof of the base.

“Is everyone gathered?” Asked Optimus, looking around.

“Everyone that’s in the base.” Said Konton, looking up at Optimus.

Optimus closed his optics and nodded.

“We must not allow our anger over the loss of Cliffjumper and Topspin to impair our judgement,” Said Optimus, looking towards the team, “as of today, only we few Warriors remain on this Earth. We owe it to ourselves. To the memory of Cybertron. To any Autobots, in any Galaxy seeking safe harbour. To Humankind. And we owe it to the memory of our fallen comrades. To survive.”

Arcee stepped forward and placed Cliffjumper’s remaining horn on the rock, she then started walking towards the edge of the cliff.

“Arcee.” Said Optimus, looking after the Femme.

“If Cliff’s gone, standing around here sulking isn’t going to bring him back.” Said Arcee, shortly, “So, unless anyone minds, I think I’ll get back to protecting humankind.”

Arcee spat the last word out as if it were a curse, before transforming and driving off.

“Optimus,” Said Ratchet, after a moment, “helping humans will only result in more tragedy.”

“Your opinion is noted.” Said Optimus, watching Arcee fade into the distance.

“Normally, I’d be all for blaming humans,” Said Ultimus, crossing his arms, “but there weren’t any near the battle site.”

“When grieving, it is nearly impossible to think clearly without assigning blame.” Said Optimus, looking over the desert, “Arcee just needs time.”

LotP

Ultimus emptied the chamber of his cannon at the target, reloaded and emptied the chamber again. Konton lent against the doorframe, watching Ultimus fire shot after shot at the makeshift targets at the end of the range. Ultimus was shaking, it was barely noticeable to anyone who didn’t know him well enough, but the loss of Topspin hit a little too close to home for him.

Ultimus led the Wreckers for the majority of the war for Cybertron, only handing command over to Ultra Magnus after he’d been captured by the Decepticons and shadowplayed. Ratchet had reversed most of the damage, but the rage remained.

“You okay?” Asked Konton, making Ultimus freeze.

“Spectacular.” Was the Prime’s dry response.

“Doubt that.” Said Konton, frowning at the blast marks on the targets.

Konton walked up to Ultimus and placed a hand on his arm, “You’re shaking.”

“It’s nothing.” Ultimus dismissed, before there was a small zapping sound and he stumbled forwards.

“That,” Said Konton, keeping Ultimus steady, “tells me otherwise.”

Ultimus dropped himself on top of an old car that had been dumped in the base, “We just found him.”

Konton looked down, placing her hand in Ultimus’s.

“We just found him and then the ‘Cons got him.” Snarled Ultimus, glaring at the targets.

“There’s a human saying that Drift likes,” Said Konton, softly, “‘War is hell’, of course, Ratchet disagrees.”

“War is far worse.” Said Ultimus, focusing on Konton, “In hell, only the evil live. War claims all.”

“You watched that show too?” Asked Konton, cocking her head at Ultimus.

Ultimus snorted, before flinching as the comm sprung into life, “Ahg! Ratchet, what in the Pit?”

“Arcee’s being tailed by two Decepticon signals, Bumblebee and Bulkhead are already en-route.” Said Ratchet, making Ultimus growl.

“What was she thinking?” Grumbled Ultimus, before transforming, “Konton and I are heading out, tell them not to go anywhere.”

Ultimus and Konton drove out of the base, narrowly missing Dino, who jumped and let out a small scream, “Sorry, Red, got stuff to do!”

Ultimus and Konton drove as fast as their engines would allow, before they got to the bridge where Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee were hiding under. After driving off the road, Ultimus and Konton transformed and walked up to the other three Autobots.

“What happened?” Demanded Ultimus, focusing on Arcee.

“I took a pit stop and the ‘Cons tried to jump me.” Said Arcee, folding her arms.

*Two humans saw us.* Said Bumblebee, making Ultimus groan.

“Did the Decepticons see them with you?” Asked Konton, as Ultimus requested a ground bridge.

The swirling green vortex opened up behind him, “That can be answered at the base, and we can probably expect a visit from Fowler.”