Transformers Fan Fiction ❯ Fragments of Allspark ❯ The Master of Puzzles ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4: The Master of Puzzles

All vehicle names and brands mentioned here on are the sole properties of the companies mentioned; I do not own them or result in any profit from their mention.

 

A screech and gravel spit startled Bumblebee out of his thoughts, as the dark lessened into predawn. Bumblebee strode to the back and looked down the alley and had to dodge a GMC Topkick as it spun into the yard. Ironhide transformed hurriedly and grabbed the younger Autobot's shoulders.

“Scorpinok just attacked our place outside town. We were forced to fight but I have a feeling that it's just a diversion!” It was then that Bumblebee noticed Ironhide nursing a gash in his chest. “We need to assemble!”

Bumblebee nodded firmly. He wasn't much for words since his voice capacitor was crushed, even though it worked perfectly now. He transformed quickly into his Camaro form and sped off after Ironhide, who was already back as the Topkick and halfway down the alley.

 

Ironhide briefed Bumblebee on the details on their way to the small homebase they had set up. As it turns out, just after Prime had retired to the cool darkness of the concrete base, a rumble disturbed them all. Without warning, Scorpinok burst through the very floor and fired mostly upon Ratchet. Ironhide had grappled the Decepticon away from the valued medic and threw him at Prime who blasted him. Sustaining little damage, Scorpinok turned to fight but surprisingly ducked into the hole again after emitting a scathing noise. Ratchet was leaking Energon (precious little was left for them, even though Ratchet himself designed a conversion to make earth's fossil fuel acceptable. They needed an actual scientist to make it perfect though.) And he was in the process of fixing himself as Ironhide left. Prime was re-securing the base, and wanted the Autobots assembled to prepare for a full-out attack. There were two other Decepticons that had mysteriously disappeared from the last battle; Barricade and Starscream.

 

Bumblebee narrowed his optics as he revved along. Scorpinok was commonly known for his love of destruction. He shouldn't have left before he caused as much chaos as possible. They rounded the highway and sped off into the dust down to the base, and Optimus Prime ran out to meet them.

“I just don't get it,” He boomed as they transformed. “We barley took any damage. Even Ratchet has patched himself by now.” Prime eyed Ironhide. “Speaking of which, go see him, old comrade, that wound wont heal itself.” Ironhide grunted and walked inside.

Bumblebee tapped his finger on his jaw. Something wasn't adding up. Barricade would have been a better choice to send, he was stronger, and more likely to communicate to Starscream the conditions of the base. Logically, Starscream was commanding now. Prime watched on with unfailing patience. Bumblebee was his trusted soldier, and as a spy, the best suited to figure out the situation; a master of puzzles almost. He could be naive sometimes, Primus knew, but it was that innocent streak that made him so endearing.

 

“Prime, this just isn't right. If they only wanted to scope us out and report our condition to Starscream, they should have sent Barricade. He has more…tact. Scorpinok just delights in causing confusion. He just scatters transformers to more easily- Oh SHIT, the girl!!!” Bumblebee roared, transformed and sped as fast as he could back towards the Witwicky's. Prime's eyes widened and his calm resolve was thoroughly rattled. Of course; Bumblebee was a genius! Scorpinok's strong talent was causing confusion among his enemies to bring them down more easily. But his sudden withdrawal meant that he was to merely confuse the Autobots. He couldn't possibly take on all three Autobots. His goal, as directed by Starscream no doubt, was to draw Bumblebee away from his charge. Aria was in danger!

 

Ratchet poked his head outside and began to say something that died as he shielded his optics from a blinding light. A giant explosion rocked the earth somewhere to the north. Optimus Prime's mouth fell open and his face guard fell away in shock. To the north…that was where Sam and Mikaela were. Starscream. Prime's shock turned into a sneer of ferocity.

“Autobots, move out! Bumblebee can tend to the girl; we need to get to Sam!”

The other two transformed in mid-run and roared after Prime. The sun had just broken the horizon in a red colored dawn.