Amnesty

By: Michael

Note:  This is a series that takes place after my Nemesis Re-write.  Beast Machines will no longer happen and I will continue with my own saga from here.  Enjoy.
 

Chapter 1


It had taken about a day for the tiny Autobot shuttle to reach Cybertron.  Finally, it reached its destination as the large technologically advanced planet appeared.

"This is it.  We're finally home," said Rhinox who was piloting the shuttle.

Besides him, a smaller Maximal jumped on his lap and gave him a big sloppy kiss.

"Whoo-whee!!! Home sweet home!" cried Rattrap, "Yo Dinobutt!  What say tonight you and I go down to the this classy little place down in the metropolitan area for a touch of spice and--"

"Hmph!  A warrior such as myself would not sink to your level of substance usage!" declared Dinobot who narrowed his laser-eye for extra emphasis.

"Looks like the relationship between these two is getting back to normal," thought Rhinox who shoved Rattrap off his lap.  He often hated it when Rattrap kissed him although he did find it amusing.

"Looks like our lives will be going back to normal now," Cheetor said. 
Over the course of the trip, he had come to terms with the sacrifices of Optimus, Tigatron, and Airrazor and as a result, grew even stronger.  Rhinox noticed that the young Transmetal 2 was the one who changed and matured the most over the course of the Beast Wars.

"Say, kiddo.  I know you don't have a place to stay so you can crash over at my place for as long as ya like until you can find a place of yer own!" said Rattrap cheerfully.

"Thanks, RT" replied Cheetor.

"We should be celebratin' now guys!" said Rattrap excitedly, "Speaking of which, where's Bird-dog, Spider-lady, and Fishface?"

"Blackarachnia and Silverbolt are having a moment right now and as for Depthcharge, I believe he's in his quarters right now," replied Rhinox.

"Well, betta' go get them right now!  They won't wanna miss this!" declared Rattrap.

"Oohh, Waspinator go get them!" declared the former Predacon scout as he flew off to go fetch the others.

 

Depthcharge sat in his quarters sulking.  Only until he stepped onto the Autobot shuttle to return to Cybertron did he remember what may be in store for him back on Cybertron.  He remembered how he was specifically ordered by the Maximal Elders to not pursue Protoform X.  Added with that was the fact that he had crossed over onto forbidden areas in space set up by the Elders.  He could imagine the old fools issuing a warrant for his possible arrest.

Closing his optics, Depthcharge thought long and hard about what he might do.  One part of him was telling him that he was a Transmetal loaded with enough firepower and strength to be able to take out any normal police on his home planet.  After all, he was the only one who could take out Rampage head-on.  He didn't need to follow any more orders from the corrupt politicians of Cybertron.  On the other hand, a part of him told him that he needed to take responsibility for his actions and that there were laws on his planet that all sentient beings should follow.  Plagued with indecision, Depthcharge thought back to his final battle of Rampage -- only to have
it interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Yoo-hoo!" buzzed Waspinator cheerfully, "Fish-bot in there?"

The door immediately slid open and Waspinator looked up at a 'bot more than half his size with optics glaring down at him in a manner that was not very friendly at the moment.

"Umm, Waspinator go.." murmured Waspinator and flew off.

---------------------------

"Blackarachnia, I promise you that on Cybertron, both our dreams will come true," declared Silverbolt as he and his lady love walked down the hall.

"Oh Bowser, you're so corny sometimes," laughed Blackarachnia, "A new life on Cybertron will definitely be healthy for the both of us."

As they walked down a hall, a voice rang out and disrupted their bliss.

"HEY SUGARBOT!" yelled a voice with a western twang, "How's about you let me outta here!  And maybe a kiss too while you're at it!"

The couple turned around to face Quickstrike who was still in his cell with power bonds all over his body.

Silverbolt glared at Quickstrike and Blackarachnia finally turned away.

"Come on, Jojo, it's not worth it," she said.

Silverbolt finally turned away from Quickstrike and walked off with Blackarachnia.

"What in tarnation!  You're just gonna leave me here!  I's gonna whup yer sorry keister one day, tin horn! You hear me!" yelled Quickstrike who continued to hurl obscenities towards the wolf/eagle fuzor.
 

Quite a large crowd had gathered to view the landing of the Autobot shuttle.   Soon, the landing was complete and the door on the back opened.  Waspinator was the first to look outside.

Several Maximal soldiers aimed their plasma rifles directly at Waspinator.

Waspinator gulped.

"Hey!  What the slag is this?!" exclaimed Rhinox who stepped out with the rest.

"Under the command of the Maximal Elders, you and your crew are to step outside and surrender yourselves," said a Maximal officer.

"Hey!  What kinda welcoming mat is 'dis?" cried Rattrap.

"I was expecting this," growled Depthcharge.

Dinobot said nothing but flexed his claws and snarled at several of the soldiers who trembled at the sight of the fearsomeTransmetal II raptor.

"Soldiers, Stand Down!" cried a voice.

All seven Maximals turned to see the source of that voice.

Three figures emerged from the crowd of Maximal soldiers.

Rattrap, Depthcharge, and Rhinox immediately recognized two of the figures, Maximal commanders Obsidian and Strika, Cybertron's greatest generals.  Soon, however, all seven eyes became fixated on the third figure with the two generals.  He was standing at approximately the same height as Dinobot.  From head to toe, his armor was black, with slight shades of silver.  To his side was a sheath, containing a stabilized sword powered slightly by energon.  On his left arm was an arm-mounted plasma blaster.  Mounted on his shoulders were twin missile-launchers and his vehicle mode appeared to be that of a jet.  His eyes glowed a ruby blood-like red.  What the
Maximals could not get over was, how much his head and his face looked like Optimus.

Before any of the Maximals could say anything, Obsidian spoke.

"So, you are the Maximals who have been missing for the past three years, I presume?" he inquired.

"Yes, we are.  And we-" Rhinox said but was cut off quickly by the Strika's interruption.

"Obsidian!  I did a quick scan on them and it turns out that the clawed transformer and the insect both have circuitry that match the Predacon criminals that originally stole the golden discs along with Megatron!"

"Hmm," mused Obsidian.

"Furthermore, the large winged 'bot matches the description of Depthcharge, the fugitive wanted by the Maximal Elders for refusing to follow orders when ordered not to go after Protoform X.  Also, he is charged with the violation of the Transwarp Act, which strictly forbids any Transformer to enter into certain zones in space," she stated.

"Very well," said Obsidian, "Arrest them!"

"Wait!" cried Rhinox who stepped in front of Dinobot and Waspinator along with Rattrap.  "If you want to arrest them, you'll have to go through all of us!" he declared.

"That can be arranged," glared Obsidian, "Troops!  Attack formation!"

The Maximal soldiers quickly raised their guns and fired.  However, Depthcharge leaped in front of all the Maximals and used his wings to block all the shots.

As soon as the shots stopped, Depthcharge faced them all and blasted several of them down with his twin guns.

Rhinox aimed directly at the ground and fired his chain guns, making several of the soldiers dance as the bullets bounced around their feet.  Seeing his opportunity, Rattrap quickly transformed into vehicle mode and drove towards them, using his tail to knock most of them to their feet.  Cheetor and Silverbolt also transformed into beast mode and flew around, knocking down several soldiers.  Blackarachnia flipped through the air and took down most of the guards with kicks and several other acrobatic moves. Waspinator flew through the air, trying his best not to get shot down while at the same time, firing back.

In the meantime, Dinobot quickly tore through the soldiers standing in his way, slashing them open and throwing them around.  In general, he was causing a lot of chaos.

Soon, most of the soldiers were on the ground, in stasis lock.

"Living on an unknown hostile planet and fighting Predacons for three years there sure can teach you a lot of things," sneered Cheetor towards Obsidian and his two cohorts.

"You won't live to regret this, cat!" growled Obsidian angrily. 
"However," he said in a more calm manner, "My two other companions here are nothing like the disposable waste units we have just sent into battle to test your skills."

"Shall we, Obsidian?" asked Strika.

"Why of course, my dear!" said Obsidian, "Prepare yourselves!"

With that being said, all three robots launched themselves towards the wayward Maximals with surprising speed.

None of the Maximals were prepared for the attack as Strika fired several cluster bombs at them, knocking several of them off their feet.

Obsidian swung into action next, transforming into a purple helicopter and fired his machine guns at Waspinator, taking down the giant wasp with a few shots.

He then fired at the Maximals on the ground, causing them to dive for cover.

Blackarachnia leaped back onto her feet and aimed her gun at the airborne Obsidian.  Before she could fire, Strika towered above her, knocking the gun out of her hand and lifting her up by one arm.  Without hesitating, Blackarachnia swung with both feet and kicked Strika clear across the face.  Strika, however, did not seem at all fazed by the blow.

"Hahaha!  Is that the best this itsy-bitsy spider can do?" she smirked and grabbing Blackarachnia by the head, she slammed the former Predacon into the ground.

"Beloved!" cried Silverbolt who flew towards Strika, firing two wing missiles towards the giant transformer.  However, Strika saw the missiles headed towards her and with one swing of her arm, knocked both missiles aside.  Using her shoulder cannon, she fired and struck Silverbolt dead on, dropping the fuzor.

"Now, back for you," said Strika who was prepared to crush Blackarachnia.  But before she could do anything further, several bullets struck her from behind.  Turning around, she saw Rhinox who fired continuously.  Using her arms to shield herself, Strika stomped towards the Maximal scientist and knocked
both guns from his hands.  Balling her fists together, Strika brought them down and knocked down Rhinox.

"Hang in there, big guy!" said Rattrap who, along with Dinobot, ran towards Strika.  Before they could go any further, several bullet shots from a helicopter above forced them to run in different directions.

"Hahaha!" laughed Obsidian who proceeded to transform to robot mode and fired several more shots at his grounded opponents who fired back.

"Fools!  You're no match for the greatest Cybertron has to offer!" he cried but before he could elaborate, Cheetor slammed into him from behind.

"Boy, for Cybertron's greatest, you sure don't fight like it," remarked Cheetor, forcing the general down.  The force of Cheetor on his back caused Obsidian to crash to the ground.

Depthcharge noticed that the whole time the battle raged on, the black armored Transformer had not done anything at all.  Turning towards the 'bot who had a face that resembled Optimus, Depthcharge cocked his gun.

"I don't know who in the Pit you are, but you and your Elders sure ain't gonna take me or any of us in!" declared Depthcharge.

Before he knew it, the dark 'bot unsheathed his sword and ran towards Depthcharge at an amazing speed that easily rivaled that of Cheetor or Dinobot.  Depthcharge quickly fired several shots at the dark Maximal who flipped through the air to avoid all the shots and brought his sword down aimed directly at
the Manta's head.  Depthcharge quickly took out his spear and blocked.  However, the force of the dark Maximal brought Depthcharge down to his knees.  This
Transformer, whoever he was, certainly was a very powerful warrior decided Depthcharge, who was struggling to get back on his feet against this foe.

Finally, Depthcharge managed to force the unknown Maximal back.  Depthcharge swung but the black Transformer quickly avoided it with a backflip and landed neatly on his feet, only to have his sword pointed towards Depthcharge again.  Aiming carefully, Depthcharge threw his spear, aimed directly at the the unknown Maximal's head.

Cocking his head to one side, the black Optimus-look-a-like avoided the spear, which sailed right past his head.

"By Primus, what is he?!?" wondered Depthcharge who took out his gun again.

--------------------------------

In the meantime, Rhinox was hardly doing any better with his opponent Strika who grappled with him and was slowly overpowering him.

"Admit defeat, renegade!" demanded Strika.

Before Rhinox could say anything, Rattrap leaped on top of Strika only to get thrown off quickly.  Strika turned back to Rhinox only to see Dinobot who knocked her back several feet with a flying side kick.

Meanwhile, Cheetor grappled with Obsidian on the ground.

"Give it up, 'copter head!" growled Cheetor.

"I think not," said Obsidian who managed to get one of his hands in front of  Cheetor's chest and fired, blasting the Transmetal II off of him.

Getting up, Obsidian surveyed the damage around him.  "As I've stated before, you are no match for the might ofCybertron's greatest warriors!" he declared vehemently.

"Oh yeah?" said a voice behind him.  Turning around, Obsidian was surprised to see Strika's body lifted up by the combined forces of Rhinox and Dinobot.  Using both their strengths, Rhinox and Dinobot threw Strika directly on top of Obsidian, crushing the smaller robot under a few tons of a 'bot much
bigger and heavier than himself.

"That takes care of that," said Rhinox.

"Not quite," replied Dinobot who pointed towards the extremely fierce battle going on between Depthcharge and the unnamed Maximal.

Depthcharge's attacks were growing more and more furious.  Each time, however, the dark 'bot would simply parry off his blows easily or avoid them gracefully.  Furious, Depthcharge threw a spin kick but his opponent quickly somersaulted into the air and using his missile launchers, fired several rounds at Depthcharge and the other Maximals.

"Incoming!" cried Rattrap who quickly dove for cover.  The missiles struck the ground Silverbolt and Blackarachnia, who were just recovering from Strika's attack and threw them back several feet.  A missile also struck Rhinox's side, knocking him down.  Cheetor and Dinobot managed to avoid the missiles as did Rattrap.  The 'bot then landed with his eyes glowing a demonic red.  Depthcharge prepared himself for the next attack while Rattrap, Cheetor, and Dinobot ran up next to him.

"Okay, 'bots!  Looks like we're gonna have to attack him all at once," said Cheetor.

"But how do we get past 'dis guy?  He looks like he could scrap Megatron without even wasting energon!" declared Rattrap, "And he has that eerie resemblance to fearless leada'!"

"Primal or no Primal, this guy's going down!" snarled Depthcharge.

The 'bot without a name unsheathed his sword again and with a vicious battle cry, launched himself towards the four Maximals who braced themselves for impact.

"STOP!" a voice rang out.

All five combatants stopped and turned to the source of that voice.  A few feet away, stood several Maximal Elders surrounded by their bodyguards.

"What is the meaning of this outrage?!?" exclaimed one of the Elders who seemed to be the one of highest rank.

Rhinox got back on his feet painfully and covering his chest wound, walked towards the Maximal Elders.

"We are the Maximal crew you originally sent after Megatron and the Predacons who stole the golden discs.  We crash landed on another planet and stayed there for three years, fighting Megatron.  We recently came back and for seemingly no reason at all, were attacked by soldiers who claim to be doing this under
your command!" said Rhinox who eyed the Elders suspiciously.

"Ah, yes.. please forgive our actions.  We were simply suspicious that an archaic shuttle would land on Cybertron out of nowhere.  I am Senator Nero, a leading member of the Maximal Elders.  We had no idea you were the crew missing.  Please accept our most sincere apologies," he said in a tone Rhinox detected much insincerity in.

The senator soon noticed the motley array of Maximals staring at the large 'bot with the striking resemblance to their former commander Optimus Primal.

"Ah, I see you've met our newest general, Maximus Primal.  During the past three years of your absence, he has risen in rank faster than any other of our soldiers.  His fighting skills and brilliant tactical mind have earned him a promotion to the level of our two greatest generals Obsidian and Strika.  As for his striking similarity to a Optimus Primal.. well... that is a mere coincidence.  Speaking of whom, where is your commander?" asked the senator.

The Maximal crew lowered their heads.

"He... died in the Beast Wars," said Rhinox painfully.

"I'm.. sorry.." said Maximal Elder, "And... the Predacons?"

"Most of them, including Megatron, were destroyed in the conflict," said Rhinox, "Even Protoform X was destroyed despite his spark.  Two of the original Predacons defected and are now Maximals."  He gestured towards Dinobot who held up an unconscious Waspinator.

"I see," replied Senator Nero, "And the entire crew has arrived back unscathed?"

"I'm afraid not," said Rhinox, "Two of our crew also died fighting against Megatron."

"Hmm, terribly tragic, yes," mused the senator, "I suppose that under the circumstances, you and the entire crew shall be allowed to go free."

"Wait a minute.. this seems almost too easy," thought Depthcharge.

"Senator, we're also holding a Predacon criminal within our ship," Rhinox told the Maximal Elder.

"Hmm, very well.  Bring him forth," said Nero absently.

Dinobot walked into the ship and a few short cycles later, emerged holding Quickstrike who was still in bonds.

"So.. you were working for Megatron?" inquired the senator.

"Well... uhhh... Ah' plain don't know nothin'!" cried  the fuzor.

The senator's eyes narrowed as he bore deep into Quickstrike, trying to discern his true nature.

Suddenly, Obsidian interrupted them.  "Senator!" he explained, "My scanners indicate that this prisoner of theirs is has the programming and circuitry of a Maximal!  He is no Predacon!"

"Hmm, very well!  Release him!" commanded the high-ranking Maximal Elder.

"Wait a cycle!  What do you think you're doing?!?" cried Rhinox.

"This prisoner of yours is obviously a Maximal," replied the senator calmly, "If I have to arrest him, I will be forced to arrest you and the entire crew."  He smirked arrogantly.

Strika tore off Quickstrike's power bonds and set him free.

"Whaddya  think you're doing?  This 'bot's a loose cannon!  Next thing ya know, he'll be putting' femmebots and children in stasis lock!" yelled Rattrap.

The senator looked at Rattrap condescendingly.  "Oh pish posh!  You and I both know that Maximals would not go about committing such atrocities.  If he were an actual Predacon, the situation would be different."

Without warning, Depthcharge reached down and grabbed Senator Nero, lifting him up by his collar.

"You listen here you old buzzard!  It was the fault of you and your damn Maximal Council that caused the massacre of Colony Omicron with your experiments.  Now you're makin' the same mistake!  This time, I'm holding you responsible for that mistake!" he growled and pointed the tip of his gun at Nero's chin.

Maximus Primal took out his sword.

"Come on, Captain Minnow," urged Rattrap, "He ain't worth it!"

"Haha.  Harm me in any way and you and the entire crew will face spark extinguishment.  Besides, I've already pardoned you and your entire crew.  How about you take advantage of my kindness while you still can and leave peaceably.  I do have nooo desire to fight you," sneered the Maximal Elder.

Depthcharge snarled again and dropped Nero to the ground.

"Welcome back to Cybertron my friends.  I do hope your stay will be pleasant and your lives prosperous once again," said the high-ranking senator in a voice that was dripping with sarcasm and arrogance.

He and his entourage of senators and bodyguards walked away.  Obsidian and Strika stared at the Maximals with fire in their eyes but soon went off as well.  Maximus Primal was left.  He glared at Depthcharge but soon, that gaze went over to Transmetal II Dinobot.  Dinobot felt a chill go down his spine as the  Maximal General's eyes glowed red briefly.  Then, Maximus walked off towards the direction of Obsidian and Strika.

"Geez, that was weird!" said Rattrap, "He lets us go scot-free!"

"There's more to this than you know, rodent," said Depthcharge darkly, "If  anything, they're using this as a guise for their true plans for us, whatever that may be.  I suggest we all be on guard now."

"Depthcharge is right," agreed Rhinox, "Something isn't right here.  We need to be prepared for whatever may happen next.  Whatever's going on right now, it isn't good."

All the Maximals gathered together and stared at a setting sun, uncertain of what the future may bring.

To be continued.......