Transformers Prime: A Sparkling Issue

Chapter 1 - Battle for the Relic

All four bots quickly transformed into their various alt modes, engines revving as they drove into the portal. From the platform, Miko glanced at Ratchet. He was distracted by the computer monitor. The coast was clear. In a wild dash, she suddenly flew down the stairs and raced for the bridge just as the last bumper was disappearing through.

"Uh oh. Jack?" Rafael pointed.

Jack sighed. "I should've known." He sprinted after her with Rafael on his heels. "Miko! Come back!"

But the girl paid no heed as she kept going with the boys right behind. Jack knew they wouldn't catch up in time.

"C'mon, Raff! We can't let her go alone!"

That's when Ratchet turned around. Having heard the shouting, he looked back to see the small figures running into the ground bridge.

"Children! Don't–"

Too late. All three vanished through the glowing swirl.

"Not again." Ratchet growled. He looked at the bridge, back at the monitors, back at the bridge, looked all around for some kind of help. The large frame sagged. "Primus ... WHY ME?!" moaned with a roll of the helm. A growl in his throat, he jogged through after them.

...

When the team of vehicles emerged on the other side of the ground bridge, they found themselves in a small canyon. All seemed clear at the moment so they quickly transformed back to bi-pedal, weapons up and ready. They carefully observed their surroundings. From a slight bend just ahead, their audio receptors picked up the sound of voices.

"Be ready," Optimus instructed, battle mask sliding into place over his faceplate.

Quietly and quickly, they made their way there and huddled down. Cautiously, they peered around the rock. There were about a dozen seeker-class vehicons with a few of those digging in a deep hole that they had apparently just dug. Nearly all backs were turned to the spying Autobots, focused on the excavation taking place. Watching from nearby were the unmistakable thin forms of Megatron's top commanders. Starscream's servos were flipping in the air as he chattered about something to the silent mech beside him. It was hard to tell if he was ignoring or actually listening.

Bumblebee bleeped something softly as he pointed to them.

The Prime nodded. "I see them. Be cautious when we engage. Soundwave is a formidable opponent." The scout nodded.

"Doesn't look like they've found anything yet," Bulkhead whispered.

A voice came from the digging cons. "Commander! I've found it!"

"Spoke too soon."

"Orders sir?" Arcee spoke without taking narrowed optics off the enemy.

"Arcee and Bulkhead, try to reach cover on other side while their attention is occupied," Optimus directed with a nod toward the opposite canyon wall where some large boulders sat. "Bumblebee and I will remain here. When you are in position we will attack from both sides. Whoever gains an opening, secure the relic, then we retreat immediately. A prolonged battle would only give them time to reclaim their find."

"Got it."

They were interrupted when Bumblebee suddenly began to bleep excitedly and pointed upwards. They all followed the direction and saw.

Arcee scowled. "Scrap! We've got company."

Higher above, a drone-like object with wings hovered.

Bulkhead snarled. "Laserbeak."