Beast Wars: 

Amnesty
By: Michael

Chapter 6

Although Jetstorm was electrocuted pretty badly, he still managed to get up with some help from Tankorr. Thrust looked up at the ceiling that Depthcharge crashed through.

"Blasted fish-bot!" groaned a crispy Jetstorm, "He fried almost all of my circuits! Once I get my hands on him, it'll be fried fish for dinner tonight!"

"Oh man," moaned Thrust, "We gotta report this to Obsidian and Strika now. They're gonna be ticked!"

Jetstorm didn't look too happy about it either. Tankorr finally broke the silence. "You may return to your posts now," he said to the five Maximal guards who accompanied the Vehicons. They saluted  him and left.

The trio stood there, unsure of what to do now that one of prisoners had escaped. Finally, Thrust received an incoming message.

"It's Obsidian and Strika," he told his brothers. Jetstorm and Tankorr looked at each other uncomfortably as Thrust told them how Depthcharge had escaped. To their surprise, Strika and Obsidian did not seem upset. Instead, they told the Vehicons about something new.

"Tomorrow is the keynote address Senator Nero will give to the public at the citadel. We want the three of you to be there to meet Maximus for the first time!" said Obsidian.

"Wow!" said Thrust, "He's the one we're serving, right?"

"Absolutely," keyed in Strika.

"This guy must be a 'bot of immense strength and integrity for us to be following him," said Thrust to Tankorr and Jetstorm. Jetstorm nodded some but Tankorr just glared at Thrust.

"Dear Primus!" thought Tankorr, "How much more of this slag do I have to put up with?!? I come online and Obsidian and Strika expect me to obey orders 24/7! Not only that, but I have to put up with Thrust's fawning over those two like they're his parents!"

"Don't worry, we'll be there," said Thrust enthusiastically, "Just give us the coordinates and we'll be at the exact place you specify!"

Obsidian keyed in the data for Thrust. After disconnecting his connection, Thrust turned to his two brothers. "Guys," he said, "Tomorrow, we're going to witness the State of the Alliance address and that's where we're gonna meet Maximus!"

Tankorr groaned loudly enough for only Jetstorm to hear. Jetstorm looked at Tankorr confusedly.

"Swell... just swell," Jetstorm heard the larger robot say.

That night, Cheetor was amazed at what Dinobot showed him. "Whoa, this place is amazing!" exclaimed Cheetor, "How'd you know it was here?"

The two of them were in an underground base underneath the Cybertronian junkyard. It was very large, with much state-of-the-art technology everywhere.

"If my memories serve me correctly," replied Dinobot, "My predecessor, the original Dinobot, built this place as a place of refuge should Maximal persecution of Predacons ever reach a climax. I admit, for a place that's been abandoned for nearly five stellar cycles, it is in nearly perfect condition."

"I'll say," said Cheetor, "And Dinobot... sorry for accusing you of being a coward earlier."

"Do not worry," replied Dinobot, "I do not take it personally. For some reason, my temper is not as short as that of my predecessor. I believe when the original Dinobot and I met, he decided on purpose not to flood my spark with his more negative character traits. I believe he did not want me to be filled with the same anger and bitterness that were his trademarks."

"Whoa! You met the original Dino-- err.. but you're Dinobot... Wait a sec--" blinked Cheetor who tried to digest what Dinobot had told him.

"Umm, nevermind," said Dinobot, "I'll explain it to you later."

"So.. how do we save our friends exactly?" asked Cheetor.

Dinobot walked towards a panel and turned on a few buttons to a screen. Cheetor recognized the station as Cybertropolis News.

"And tomorrow will be the State of the Alliance address given by Senator Nero," said the grey reporter 'bot, "We have been told to expect some rather large developments for tomorrow. We have no clues as to what these developments are but the Maximal Elders hinted that they would affect the populace at large."

"I remember this," said Cheetor, "They have this every Cybertronian Stellar Cycle. Every year, it takes place at the footsteps of the Senate building."

"Precisely," said Dinobot with a small growl, "My intuition tells me that this event will involve our friends in some way and that this is the place for us to act."

"How do you know this?" asked Cheetor.

"I have Rampage's telepathic abilities," explained Dinobot, "Either that, or it is a trait of Transmetal 2's."

"But why don't I have them," wondered Cheetor aloud.

Dinobot eyed Cheetor closely. "That is because your powers are at their fullest on a subconscious level instead of what I have. When you dream, clairvoyance, the ability to see into the future, is your strongest psychic skill."

Cheetor was amazed. He never even told Dinobot about his dreams before. And heck, he had only gotten to know Dinobot as an ally for only a short while.

Dinobot beckoned for Cheetor to follow him. They walked down a hall until they reached a large door. Dinobot glared at a small screen. It beamed out to check Dinobot's optics. Soon, the door opened and the two Transmetal 2's walked in. Dinobot flicked on the light and in that room, stood several stasis pods with unconscious robot bodies within.

"The protoforms are all blanks. There are no sparks within any of these," explained Dinobot, "Tonight we will need to reformat ourselves and transfer our sparks into one of the bodies in these pods. That way, tomorrow, there will be noone to suspect either of us as being the Axalon crew. This is perhaps the best way we can save our friends."

"Hnn," purred Cheetor softly who was loathe to leave his TMII body and enter into one of the more primitive models of robots.

"I will choose this one," said Dinobot who stood over a stasis pod that contained a large blue robot with a Galvatron-like helmet.

"I guess I'll go with this," said Cheetor who eyed a stasis pod that contained the body of a silver 'bot with white streaks and hand-mounted turbo laser.

"After we transfer our sparks into these bodies, we will need to get use to  them for tonight and then get some rest," said Dinobot, "Tomorrow, we shall go to Nero's speech and see what we can do."

The same night, the captive Axalon crew's spirits were low. Rattrap, who had finally recovered, looked into the window that connected his cell with Rhinon'x. He decided to start a conversation to lessen the ominous silence.

"So uh, how you doing, Rhinox?" asked Rattrap. "Lousy," was the reply.

I hope Cheetor and Dinobot got to somewhere safe," said Rattrap again. 
"What does it matter," said Rhinox, "We're all doomed anyways."

"What's gotten you so down about it?" asked Rattrap, "We've survived against the near-destruction of time and space on planet Earth. We'll get through this somehow!"

"This is different," said Rhinox bitterly, "We're political prisoners now. With the High Council's influence on this planet, public opinion will eventually turn against us. Even if we do escape, we'll be living exiles on our own planet. Everywhere we turn, we'll see citizens accusing us of treason and whatever other lie the Council tells them."

"Oh yeah," said Rattrap. He hadn't thought of it that way yet but not that Rhinox brought it up, his spirit sank considerably.

Another moment of silence passed before Tankorr and Jetstorm passed by their cells. Tankorr crossed eyes with Rhinox again. This time, Rhinox saw a familiar gleam of evil in them.

Tankorr and Jetstorm stopped by Silverbolt and Blackarachnia's cell, which were next to each other. Jetstorm eyed Blackarachnia's figure and winked at her. Silverbolt took notice and growled at Jetstorm.

"You know, toots," began Jetstorm, "My offer of leaving that loser for me still stands."

"In your dreams, flyboy," growled Blackarachnia. "You had better listen to her," snarled Silverbolt, "Harass my lady one more time and you will pay with your spark!"

"Oh just play dead, why won't you, Fido!" said Jetstorm who, with a simple gesture of his hand, summoned a powerful cyclone within Silverbolt's room that grabbed hold of him and slammed him to and fro in the cell.

Tankorr laughed and complimented Jetstorm for his display of power. "You're getting the hang of this, Jetstorm. We have amazing powers that most other people on this planet do not have. We have a right to use them however we want!"

"I suppose you're right, Tankorr," replied Jetstorm, "That mutt was getting on my nerves."

"Speaking of which," Rattrap's voice was heard down the hall, "How did you get these powers that you have?"

"Well, we're not too sure," said Jetstorm, "We asked Obsidian and Strika about it but I think they don't even know how."

"Besides," added Tankorr, "It really doesn't matter. With these powers, I can bring this entire planet down on its knees!"

"You will?" inquired Jetstorm curiously. "Err, I meant that WE would bring the planet down to its knees, under the orders of Obsidian and Strika of course. All in Maximus Primal's name too. That IS our purpose after all!" said Tankorr quickly who decided that now was still not the time for all of his ambitions to shine.

"I see," replied Jetstorm. "Do you know exactly why we have been locked up," asked Blackarachnia who figured that they would get as many answers as they could.

"Not really," said Jetstorm plainly. "What?" cried Blackarachnia, "Did you just come online yesterday?"

"Well as a matter of fact, it was actually two days ago," said Jetstorm, who hated to seem young in front of this femme-bot who had caught his attention from the moment he saw her.

"That explains why," said Blackarachnia disgustedly. She turned her back towards Jetstorm who actually seemed kind of saddened by her lack of interest in him.

Tankorr took notice of this and put his hand on Jetstorm's shoulder, leading him away. "Come on," he said to the forlorn Vehicon jet, "There's plenty of cyber-fish in the sea."

Blackarachnia looked up again. She hated the Vehicon jet and his chauvinistic arrogance but she had to admit, he did seem rather familiar, as if she knew him somehow.

Jetstorm glanced back at Silverbolt one last time before he left with hatred in his eyes. "Someday," he swore inwardly, "You'll be out of the way and she'll be mine!"

Also, in the exact same night all the other events transpired, three hooded figures gathered in the Predacon capital of Destropolis. Walking up the steps of the Predacon government building, they were escorted by several other hooded, yet lesser, figures. After entering the building and closing the door behind them, the trio gathered at a table and removed their hoods to reveal the Tripredacus Council.

"Tripredacus Council once again in session," declared General Cicadon.

"Our plans have begun to bear fruit," remarked General Seaclamp.

"And with the Maximal Senate finally under our control, our conquest of this decrepit planet should be swift and without mercy," rumbled General Ranhorn.

"But don't forget, we must make our move carefully, and at the right time," cautioned General Cicadon.

"All is now in place," said General Seaclamp, "We have commissioned the drone army at the request of Senator Nero and Maximus Primal is almost in place to accomplish his task. Primal is, of course, unaware of our hand moving him as if he were a chess piece."

"As for our massacre of the Vok, are you certain that we have ascertained all of their secrets?" asked General Ramhorn.

"Affirmative," replied Cicadon, "There is only one survivor left of our genocide. He is currently in a coma and is being probed by our best scientists to discover any more secrets to their so-called 'magic'"

"Generals," said an exasperated Seaclamp, "Do not underestimate the sorcery of the Vok. For they hold the secrets to communicating with our vanquished master as well as the conquest of the galaxy!"

"I believe that our advanced technology is far superior to any superstitions! So far, all we have accomplished are minor spells that are moderately useful at best!" seethed Ramhorn.

"Which is why you must have more patience!" replied Seaclamp angrily.

"Calm yourselves, Generals!" cried Cicadon, "We will proceed with our plans without any deviations from the path. The power of the Vok have helped us in many ways. So far, I have been able to delve my consciousness deeper and deeper into the Pit with some of their ritual incantations. I say that we should pursue our path of sorcery if it meets the ends which we seek to accomplish!"

General Seaclamp and Ramhorn calmed down considerably.

"Fear not, my comrades," continued General Cicadon, "We were able to conquer the Vok, the most powerful beings in existence. Soon, the universe will tremble before us and our dark master!"

The next day began with much pomp and circumstance. It would be the day Senator Nero gave his State of the Alliance Address. Thousands of 'bots gathered around the Capital building to hear it.

Several orchestral bands were playing in the background. They included some of the finest musicians from Cybertron and the known galaxy.

Two 'bots struggled to get up as close as they could to the front before Senator Nero could give his speech. In truth, they were Cheetor and Dinobot in disguise.

"I've programmed our sparks to give off a different aura so that we could avoid detection even further," Dinobot communicated to Cheetor psychically.

Back where Senator Nero was getting ready with Maximus Primal at his side, Obsidian, Strika and the three Vehicon Generals appeared.

As Senator Nero got up, Maximus Primal, Obsidian, Strika, and the trio all bowed before him. The senator beckoned for them to rise and then walked off.

Maximus Primal stared at the three Vehicon generals. "Thrust... Jetstorm... Tankorr, meet Maximus Primal!" declared Obsidian. The three of them gazed at the dark Maximal and bowed as deeply as they could. Maximus could sense some disdain emanating from the large tank 'bot named Tankorr.

"I've heard Obsidian and Strika say many good things about the three of you," complimented Maximus, "I am sure you will make some of the finest warriors on Cybertron!"

With that, Maximus saluted the three and walked off. Thrust beamed with pride and Tankorr rolled his optics, while taking special care not to let anyone else see it.

"There's something I don't understand," said Thrust to Strika, "You've told me how Maximus would be the supreme ruler of all but yet, why does he bow before the robed senator?"

"That is because it is all a ruse," explained Strika, "You see, in time, Maximus will have to bow to no one. For now, he is only playing this role until he will no longer have to. Then, and only then will he show his true power. So for now, we must keep it a secret."

"I see," said Thrust, "My lips are sealed."

Finally it began. Several Maximal soldiers marched forward and soon, Senator Nero appeared and walked towards the podium. He held the microphone to where he could speak through it.

"My fellow Maximals," he began, "I have been made aware of some discomforts you have been experiencing within the past few days. From rogue Maximals on the loose to monsters that can apparently shoot lighting out of its palms, I have heard many wild and exaggerated tales of these happenings. I, for one, wish to assure each and every one of you that you, Cybertron's best and brightest, are in no way in any danger!"

The crowd cheered wildly. The Maximal senator continued.

"I wish to address you today that the rogue Maximals who threaten our planet-wide security have been caught and are currently locked up, pending a trial for which they will be judged accordingly by their treachery."

Several voices in the crowd shouted in protest. "Liar," one Maximal screamed, "You've been using vague threats of planetary security all the time you've been in office to justify taking away our sentient rights! Our freedom of speech has been demolished by your secret police and who knows how many other countless rights we have as sentient beings! How many more of our family and friends do you have to detain for supposed treachery?!?"

Cheetor and Dinobot noticed that there were several protestors in the crowd. They were the minority compared to most of the Maximal populace who were pro-Nero but they existed none-the-less.

Cheetor growled as he saw the Maximal security guards arrested the protestors and forced them out of the crowd until they were out of ear-shot.

"There's just no justice on this planet sometimes," he murmured sadly. Dinobot nodded in agreement.

Senator Nero continued as the protestors were finally out of sight. "Furthermore, tales of a lion-like monster that has been sighted are nothing more than sightings of two unnatural Maximals among us. These "Transmetals" are still out there somewhere, plotting against Maximal-kind! But do not fear! Our military, the finest in the galaxy, will address this problem accordingly and soon, they will be in custody to answer for their crimes against our very way of life!"

The crowd seemed to be relieved and cheered on the senator even further.

"Also, my fellow Maximals," continued Nero, "It has come to my attention that Cybertron has but a few more stellar cycles from reaching another Golden Age! We Maximal-kind must spread our good and our righteousness across the universe now! I am no longer talking about colonizing moons and planets that do not support organic life. No, my friends, I believe now is the time for Maximal civilization to expand across the 
galaxy and make our way onto planets where lesser species live and teach them our values and virtues so that the galaxy may be enlightened!"

"Boy, this guy's really trying to justify galactic conquest like a certain somebody I know," thought Cheetor.

Dinobot, in the meantime, took notice of several odd looking Transformers gathering slowly near the front. Without warning, they revealed the concealed weapons they had and fired at Senator Nero. Several Maximal body guards got in front of him and blocked the shots, at the cost of their own bodies. Soon, there was a riot, with the ten 'bots firing in all directions, scattering the crowd and aiming at the senator.

"Predacons!" somebody in the crowd yelled.

More and more Maximal security guards, including Maximus Primal, entered in the fray to engage the terrorists and protect Nero.

Senator Nero backed away from the confrontation, led by one of his bodyguards. "We have to get you to safety, sir!" said the Maximal guard. A stray shot from the Predacons silenced him quickly. Senator Nero decided that he would retreat. Turning around, he was unpleasantly surprised as a giant fist came crashing into his face, knocking him unconscious.

Dinobot grabbed Cheetor. "We're in no position to be getting involved in this," he told the Transmetal II cheetah, "Let us leave this place."

The two of them left quickly before the whole scene could erupt into mob violence.

Soon, reporters were swarming all over the scene which had erupted during the middle of Nero's speech. The Maximal Police had arrested the Predacons within the crowd who caused the disturbance. As the media had reported, they were members of the Predacon Resistance.

Although all the Predacons were arrested, it was unknown how Senator Nero had disappeared during the conflict.

Soon, reporters all over the planet were swarming over the story. Wild and exaggerated rumors started about how there was an eleventh Predacon who took him away during the crossfire. Other tabloid sources said that a group of Maximal soldiers had been bribed to kidnap him. One even said he was mysteriously zapped into the past, as silly as it sounded.

The actual truth, however, was nowhere near as glamorous or as sensationalistic as the yellow journalists of Cybertron made it out to be.

Senator Nero woke up to find himself hanging upside down with his feet bound together. He was hanging from a rope latched to the top of the Beryl Tower, Cybertron's largest skyscraper. He immediately whimpered at the sight that greeted his eyes.

"Sight for sore eyes, ain't it?" asked a voice he heard from above. Gathering enough courage, Nero looked up to see the dark, imposing figure of Depthcharge leaning forward and looking at him from the top of the building.

"You!" cried Senator Nero, "I'll have you publicly executed for this outrage!"

"Considering the bad aim of most of your soldiers, I highly doubt it," said Depthcharge, "In the meantime, you're gonna tell me exactly what I want to know!"

"And if I don't?" sneered Nero. Depthcharge took out a small energon blade and with a quick slash, cut the rope that held Nero's feet. Nero plummeted, screaming. Soon, however, he was caught. He felt himself being lifted up much to his relief that he didn't care if it was Depthcharge. Before he knew it, though, he was being held upside down by Depthcharge.

"You ready to spill the beans yet?" asked Depthcharge, "I'm a patient 'bot so you're gonna TALK, unless you want to take a free fall again?"

Nero gulped. "Very well," he said, "What do you wish to hear?"

"What do the Tripredacus Council REALLY have to do with all this?" asked Depthcharge.

"I can't tell you that," said Nero. Depthcharge loosened his grip slightly and Nero panicked. "Alright, alright!" he cried, "They're really the ones who have been pulling the strings the entire time! Every single act I've managed to get passed has been thanks to them, including the acts derailing the sentient rights of the Predacons! They've practically ran Cybertron for the last three decades!

"If they're the ones calling the shots, then why not have a Predacon government installed on Cybertron, conquering the Maximals and ruling the planet?" asked Depthcharge, now intrigued.

"I'm not sure," said Nero, "They prefer to work in secrecy from what I've gathered! Before Maximus Primal rose to power, the Tripredacus Council actually carried out the majority of political assassinations through the use of their elite agents from the Predacon Secret Police known as the Shadow Walkers! The Predacon you fought in the Beast Wars known as Tarantulas was one of them! The Tripredacus Council themselves kept me 
updated on the Beast Wars through reports by Tarantulas!"

"Tarantulas, huh?" thought Depthcharge, "So the plot thickens!" He had never actually encountered the shadowy Predacon in battle but he did read up on the spider's stats a little.

"The Tripredacus Council were also the ones who instructed myself and the Maximal Senate to send Protoform X to Colony Omicron," said Nero, "X was actually a war machine designed for the Tripredacus Council! I was simply told to test its powers on a nearby colony!"

Depthcharge's eyes narrowed in anger.

"What about this drone army that's been commmissioned?" Depthcharge pressed on.

"The Tripredacus Council gave me the funding and the resources to create an entire army of drones to conquer Cybertron with! They include land and aerial units. I have been informed that the drones were made from the circuitry and sparks of three Cybertronians on this planet! I realize I broke my own law on cloning but I must make ends meet in my goal to conquer Cybertron!" continued Nero.

"Who are the three?" yelled Depthcharge, righteously angered.

"I can't tell you that!" cried Nero, "I've already told you enough! Who knows what eyes and ears these steel buildings have! If I'm found out, this could spell the end for me!"

"Just exactly who is it you're more afraid of," growled Depthcharge as he rattled Nero, "The Tripredacus Council or ME!?"

"Shush!" cried Nero fearfully, "I've told you more than I should have! Now they're going to be after me!"

Finally, Depthcharge lifted Nero up and set him on the ground. Nero managed to regain his normal, arrogant composure even though Depthcharge could plainly see that the senator's nerves were wracked!

"You realize," said Nero haughtily, "That you're going to be the most hunted fugitive on Cybertron from now on!"

"I know," said Depthcharge plaintively.

Senator Nero dusted off his robes. He turned to leave. "And before you face public execution, I'll have Maximus come deal with you!" he threatened.

Senator Nero opened his com-link to summon some Maximal fliers to come pick him up. Maximal fliers were in the minority of Cybertron's citizens. Senator Nero, however, kept a few in handy.

"Oh, and one more thing, senator," said Depthcharge. Senator Nero turned around to face him.

Depthcharge tightened fist and swung with all his might, punching the Maximal senator off the building.

"That's just a small taste of what the Tripredacus Council is gonna feel," said Depthcharge and walked off.

Nero plummeted several thousands of feet screaming.

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

It was just like any other day for the citizens of Cybertron. The streets were hustling with robots going about their day-to-day lives. Everything was peaceful on that street that day.

An age-old Maximal retailer looked up in the sky by chance and saw something covered in blue that was falling.

Finally, the unknown object smashed into the steel pavement full force, now a tangled mess of senatorial robes and machinery. Sparks flew and circuitry sizzled everywhere. Nobody had enough courage to go up to the large mass and inspect it.

Bits and pieces of the object lay every where on the ground. Finally, a Maximal police officer gathered enough courage to inspect what looked like a body.

Turning it over, he gasped aloud as he finally recognized who the smashed mess of machinery was. "Senator Nero!" he cried.
 

Senator Nero finally emerged from the CR chamber after what seemed like hours. Obsidian stood by him.

"Your excellency," he said, "Are you alright?"

"No, I'm not," he said more bluntly than he usually would have, "Depthcharge is going to pay very dearly for this!"

"Shall I send my men after him?" asked Obsidian.

"NO!" bellowed Nero, "As a reminder to him, his friends will be executed tomorrow!"

"But we haven't even tried them yet," protested Obsidian.

"Do you think that matters?!?" yelled Nero, "Haven't you noticed that the way I run this government isn't exactly the most parliamentary or democratic? If you have, then you're welcome to join us!"

Obsidian decided to keep silent.

"Furthermore," declared Nero, "After the execution, we will proceed to plan B! The drone army we commissioned will be activated IMMEDIATELY following the deaths of the Axalon crew!"

"But I thought we weren't going to activate them until a stellar cycle from now," said Obsidian meekly.

"My plans have changed," replied Nero straightforwardly.

"Very well, sir," bowled Obsidian and left Nero. Senator Nero walked to his room and looked out the window.

"Blast Depthcharge!" fumed Nero inwardly, "He's ruined my plans and made me reveal too much. My takeover of this planet will have to happen sooner now! Chances are, the Tripredacus Council have found out what I told that blasted manta ray and it's only a small matter of time before they decide to silence me! But no matter, with the cloned drone army, all of Cybertron will bow to me, including the Tripredacus Council!"


To be continued....................