Episode 1 - Uncaged

[Onix Solo]

It was a bright, sunny day in the city of Detroit. The sky was blue, the city peaceful and the normal hustle and bustle of the humans going about their daily routine filled the air with noises. It had been awhile since the city was so normal, mainly due to the Autobots and Decepticons leaving. That was all about to change.

A dark, ominous shadow began to fall over the city, and for an instant the city grew quite. Everyone looked up and saw a dark silhouette moving through the sky moving in front of the sun.

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Ratchet was in sleep mode in the now refurbished and re-purposed automobile factory that had served as their HQ for all the duration of their stay. The humans helped to renovate it into a true hub for the Autobots to use on Earth. Ratchet would have kept on sleeping, but Arcee rushed in and nudged his shoulder.

Arcee: "Ratchet, wake up. We have a situation."

Ratchets optics opened up and he sat up

Ratchet: "What? huh? whats going on Arcee?"

Arcee: "A ship from Cybertron showed up, it's the Axalon."

Ratchet: "The Axalon? But there wasn't a scheduled landing, and definitely not for a military grade ship."

Ratchet got up and moved over to the control, room of the new HQ. He tapped some buttons and several camera views of the city came up on the giant screen. He stared at them intently as they showed the Axalon Moving over the city.

Ratchet: "I've got a bad feeling about this, Arcee."

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The Axalon moved towards the center of the city, Sumdac Tower. Megatron looked out of the screen without expression.

Megatron: "Fire on the tower, Destroy the Space Bridge."

Panels slid back on the surface of the ship and all sorts of weaponry exposed itself. The two front cannons began firing at the tower.

________________________________

Issac Sumdac was in his office when the building began to shake violently. He got under his desk thinking it was some sort of earth quake and ceiling tiles fell to the floors. Not far off in another portion of the tower, Sari was up to her usual antics, poking around where she knew she should be poking. When the building began shaking violently she ran over to a window and peered out. She saw the Cybertronian ship firing at the tower. He body shifted into her battle armor and she spun around and flew down the halls. She was going for her dad. She finaly busted into his door and he stood up from under his desk.

Issac: "Sari, what is going on? Are you responsible for this?"

Sari: "There is a Cybertronian ship shooting the tower!"

The Tower shook violently and a large part of the roof collapsed in. Sair flew over to he dad in a flash, grabbed him as her hand shifted and a beam shot out and dusted the wall out. She flew through with her dad and shot out a window, flying through and out of the building. On the ground the employees all exited the building and got far from the Tower. Sari flew over to a building off in the distance and sat her dad down.

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Off on the horizon, another, much smaller ship came out of the sky, its hull glowing from entering the atmosphere. Tapout saw the Axalon in the distance firing at Sumdac Tower

Tapout: "They are destroying the Space Bridge!"

Tapout turned to Beachcomber

Tapout: "Override the weapons lockdown manually, we need to disable the Axalons flight capabilities. Punch, take us to them as fast as you can, but watch out for their armaments. That thing is loaded."

Beachcomber turned to the console and started trying to override the lockout. He knew these systems pretty well, but he was facing high security protocols. Tapout sat back and hoped they could pull this off.

[Bomblast]

Punch remained fairly high up in the atmosphere, hoping to gain some slingshot acceleration and get them over to the Axalon sooner. He'd gone almost silent and he concentrated on guiding their ship. He lowered the ship so that they wouldn't sustain any damage from the hull overheating.

"Ok, we're almost there. Prepare for evasive manouveurs, we'll probably need them. Shouldn't someone let the Earthlings know that we're here?"

[Onix Solo]

Tapout: "I think they will get the point soon enough. Beachcomber, what is the status on those weapons?"

Beachcomber was typing away furiously at the console, attempting to work around the lock-down. He had a look of panic on his face and didn't answer.

Tapout: "Beachcomber, status on the weapons, NOW!"

Beachcomber: "I don't know! I don't know! I don't...."

Ship: "Weapons systems unlocked. Combat stations online. Missile Pod deploying."

Beachcomber: "Oh, I did it!"

Tapout: "Good work, transfer combat controls to commanders station. I never expected a tub like this to be equipped with missiles. Punch get us close to its back. We are taking out its engines."

On the hull of the ship a panel on both sides of the small star skimmer opened up and a missile pod each extended out. Each pod had the tips of eight missiles visible. Tapout tapped some buttons and a holographic display popped up with targeting information and a view of the Axalon.

[Hoist]

"Perhaps I should take a trip out to Sumdac Towers and make sure the building is clear of any civilians Prime?", asked Tracks, "I still have my Cybertronian hover mode..."

[Onix Solo]

Tapout looks to the floors and thought for a minute

Tapout: "I'm concerned about that too, Tracks. Unfortunately, if the Axalon targets you it would be the end of you. We need every man, as far as we know we are the only Autobots on this planet."

Tapout looked around the bridge at, what were now, his men. He then turned too Hot Shot

Tapout: "Try and make contact. Cybertron has an outpost here, perhaps someone is home."

Hot Shot: "Yes sir!"

Tapout turned to Tracks

Tapout: "Your request is granted. We can't sit around and do nothing, but by the Alspark, move as fast as you can to avoid being locked on."

Tapout turned his chair back to it original position and looked to Punch

Tapout: "Take us in fast and keep us from getting slagged. We need to disable it as fast as we can to give Tracks a better chance."

Beachcomber: "What about me?"

Tapout: "Strap in and hold on. It is going to be bumpy."
_____________________________________________________

Ratchet and Arcee watched the screen as the Axalon bombarded Sumdac Tower. Both stared intently, confused and awe struck by the sight.

Ratchet: "What in the world is going on here Arcee?"

A red light switched on one of the consoles and Arcee was the first to notice.

Arcee: "We are being contacted. I'm putting them through,"

Arcee hit a few buttons and the speakers came to life.

Hot Shot: "This is Elite Guard Security Officer Hot Shot contacting the Earth Autobot Headquarters. Is anyone there?"

Arcee: "This is Ambassador Arcee. What is going on? Why are you attacking Sumdac Tower?"

Hot Shot: "That's not us ma'am. The Axalon has been commandeered by Megatron and a hand full of his Decepticons after a full scale break out back on Cybertron."

Both Ratchet and Arcee were now huddled around the communications station

Ratchet: "What!? How did megatron escape? Nevermind that, at least the Elite Guard is here. Is Optimus with you? How many ships did you bring?"

Hot Shot: "Negative sir, Magnus is not with us and it is just our one ship."

Ratchet: "One ship? Did you bring a destroyer? How many men do you have with you?"

Hot Shot: "Negative, we commandeered a star skimmer and pursued as best we could. There are five of us total, seven counting Arcee and you, I didn't catch your name."

Ratchet's mouth hanged open for a minute before replying.

Ratchet: "The name is Ratchet."

Hot Shot: "THE Ratchet? It is an honor. We have a plan. We are coming in fast and are going to try and disable its engines and power-core to demobilize it and take out its engines. It has enough height that we hope it goes down in the water outside of the city. We may need you assistance at the tower when things are done."

Ratchet: "Who is your commanding officer?"

Hot Shot: "Tapout Prime, sir."

Ratchet: "I know Tapout. Tell him we will be ready and waiting. Be careful soldiers."

Hot Shot: "Thank you, sir."

the comms shut off and Ratchet and Arcee sprang into action, heading towards the hanger to exit the HQ.

[Hoist]

Tracks launched himself from his console and headed to the back of the ship as fast as he could on two legs. when he opened the rear cargo bay door a vacuum of air blew around the frame of the door - it was strange and unfamiliar. Something Tracks had never encountered before.

After the ramp had extended, Tracks hit the close button so it would close after him and ran out on the ramp, jumping out like a skydriver, transforming on his way down. As he veered down he hit the thrusters and arched back up towards Sumdac Tower, seeing the ship's ramp almost closed. Tracks seered up a nearby skyscraper and towards the tower, transforming back just as he arrived over the roof and making a thunk as both feet hit the roof floor. The windows and doors to the place were tiny, making the Autobot wonder what sort of people lived there. As he was too big to enter he tried to look through one of the windows and shouted for any civilians.

"Hello? Any one home? My name is Tracks, I'm here to help!"

[Onix Solo]

Megatron stood looking out the forward view at the tower being bombarded, a faint grin on his face. Sunstorm turned to Megatron from the post he had taken up.

Sunstorm: "Malevolent and mighty Megatron, the Autobots approach us. They will be crushed underneath your might!"

Megatron put his hand over his face and brought it down slowly. One suck up is enough he thought to himself. Megatron noticed one Autobots out, heading to the tower on the forward view.

Megatron: "Activate the Auto-cannons and let them deal with the Autobot ship. They should be able to handle a simple Star Skimmer. Lugnut, engage the Autobot that left the ship. I want no Autobot left to stand in our way."

Lugnut: "Yes, mighty Megatron!"

Lugnut put one of his massive hands to his chest and bowed then went to the Airlock. The door behind him to the interior of the ship closed and sealed with a hiss and then the one in front opened out into the world. He leaped out of the ship, transformed, and flew out toward the tower, out of the line of fire from the Axalon.

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The star skimmer was coming in fast at the Axalon. Tapout had the weapons at the ready to strike hard and fast. Sirens aboard the ship began blaring.

Ship: "Auto-cannons detected. Enemy arsenal is locking on. Evasive maneuvers should be taken."

Tapout looked out the forward and the back at his holographic console. he magnified the consoles view of the Axalon to see at least twenty auto-cannons rising out of ports.

Tapout: "Punch, take evasive maneuvers but get us close enough for a target lock, and get us there fast!"

[Primus]

As Lugnut flew out he circled around, and went for the back of the star skimmer, where the autobot had jumped out.

Lugnut unleashed his two primary cannons and went full speed directly toward the tower. Right after he fired at the autobot , he dodged the tower by just a couple inches, he flew in a circle back around the building and back up towards the top of Sumdac Tower. Lugnut transformed, making a large clunk as he fell to the roof of the tall tower. Quickly taking a brake, he had seen that his shots had missed.

In fury, Lugnut walked towards the entrance, and went in pursuit of the
autobot.

[Bomblast]

Punch tapped furiously at the controls. He waited until the last possible astro-second before yanking hard at the controls and taking evasive manouvers.

"Everyone still strapped in? Good!"

With that, Punch took the ship into a series of tight rolls while advancing on the Axalon.

[Onix Solo]

Punch's maneuvering was excellent. The Star Skimmer moved gracefully through the torrent of fire coming from the mass of auto-cannons. Tapout watched patiently as they neared the target range of the missiles. They were minutes away then a different siren blared and the ship shook a little.

Ship: "Hull breach detected."

Beachcomber pulled up the image of the ship hull integrity and check it out.

Beachcomber: "It just grazed us. were still cool."

Hot Shot held on to his straps as the ship shook due to the maneuvers being taken

Hot Shot: "Of course we are. We're still in the air."

Hot Shot laughed. The Star Skimmer crossed the mark to the point where they could engage their weapons. Tapout tapped the air that was the holo-screen. He readied the missile launchers, selecting all 16 missiles. He tapped sections on the hull of the Axalon on his holo-screen to target the most vulnerable areas, then he hit launch.

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Megatron stood gazing out of the forward view, his plans were starting off well. One persistan group of Autobots, but they would soon be dealt with, or so he thought. Sirens blared on the Axalon and megatron turned to see what was going on. Sunstorm looked at a screen.

Sunstorm: "Missile salvo inbound. Auto-cannons can not get a lock."

Megatron: "Take us up!"

The Axalon began to rise up but it was too late. 16 missiles made contact with the hull. One of the large thrusters on the back of the ship erupted into flames. Several auto-canons exploded as their ammunition went off. All over the ship the power cut out and the weapons stopped firing. The Axalon flew forward, lifeless, and disappeared into the distance as it crashed into the great lake.

________________________________________________________________

The star skimmer leveled out and turned towards Sumdac tower. They had crippled Megatron's ship but they knew that he was still alive and well. Only one Decepticon was still in this fight now, and he was all by himself against a Star Skimmer. Tapout looked relieved.

Tapout: "Thank the Alspark that this tub was equipped with heavy weapons. Why it was I will have to find out later, but we are in one piece. Get us to Tracks fast."

OOC: Last little bit here andwe will get banging on the next episode.

[Hoist]

Tracks jumped out from round the side of the tower having heard and seen the shots and drew his blaster. Jumping out he fired of a couple of shots of from his black beam gun. He thought about using his missiles, but didn't want to damahge the building, or any civilians..

"Over here bozo!", yelled Tracks, mocking the great hulking Decepticon.

[Onix Solo]

Lugnut began in on tracks, oblivious to the Axalons fate. He was confident that he could smash this one Autobot without any trouble. He had failed to notice the inbound Star Skimmer until it roared in close and hover right beside the building, missile pods ready to strike. Lugnut turned to the Star Skimmer and froze, mouth open. A voice blared out from the small ship.

Tapout: "You feeling lucky Decepticon?"

Lugnut turned and ran through to the other side of the building then jumped out of the window transforming. ! missile from each pod streaked out, through the mostly hollowed out floor of the mangled tower and went after Lugnut. The last thing they saw was and explosion in the distance.
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The Star Skimmer settled down in the parking lot in the towers shadow, after scanning the tower to make sure it wasn't going to come down on top of them. A ramp lowered on the side of the Star Skimmer and the crew stepped out onto the Earth.

Beachcomber: "Whoa, dude! This place is so bright."

Sirens could be heard coming from not too far off, and in a few seconds an ambulance turned into the parking lot followed by an unmistakable Cybertronian vehicle form. The two vehicles approached then transformed in front of the others. Ratchet walked up too Tapout and extended his hand, which Tapout took.

Ratchet: "I'm glad you showed up. Megatron would have leveled this whole block to enact his revenge on us."

Tapout: "Its been a long time Ratchet."

[Bomblast]

Punch stepped out of the Star Skimmer and narrowed his optics as the sun hit him. He stepped away from the ship and looked back at it.

"Now I remember why I stopped flying." He muttered to himself.

He turned back and headed over towards Tapout and Ratchet.

[Hoist]

Tracks transformed and deployed his hover mode, driving of the roof of the Sumdac towers, he headed down to the others who were just exciting the ship. As soon as he arrived many stories down, he transformed back and greeted Tapout as he left the ship.

"Hey, I Had right that Decepticon bozo right where I wanted him!", protested Tracks, "Still you saved me a new coat of wax on my alt mode, so it's not all bad!", cheered the Autobot.

"This looks like an unusual place..."

[Onix Solo]

Hot Shot laughed and smacked Tracks on the back

Hot Shot: "Yeah, you would have shown him."

HoShot looked around at his new surrounding then noticed the yellow sports scar sitting in one of the mostly empty parking lots spots. He walked over to it and bent down looking in the window then walked around inspecting the front.

Hot Shot: "Nice! I think I'll take this. These humans know about style."

Tapout folded his arms and watched the young autobot

Tapout: "Hmph, you've been here a few minutes and you're already browsing for a change of alternate mode."

Ratchet: "It's actually a good idea. Humans seem to feel a little more comfortable around us when we take on more familiar vehicle forms. Not many multi-tread and hover vehicle on the roads here. You can search the database back at the HQ to find alternate modes that suite you."