Transformers Fall of Cybertron: Joining the Exodus.

Chapter 1: Defend the Ark.

(Author's notes: LADIES AND GENTLEBOTS! What you're looking at is my very first Transformers Fall of Cybertron fanfiction story! Of course, this story comes after my War for Cybertron story to detail Corvowing Prime's army of Autobots getting ready for when they all have to leave Cybertron. Besides, if someone says Corvowing should help protect Cybertron from Shockwave's Decepticons, that someone doesn't know that my depictions of Corvowing's foreknowledge is because I have very limited knowledge of the tie-in comic books. And besides, some things still need to happen in chronological order.

Additionally, the Defend the Ark chapter comes first as the chapter The Exodus coexists with the Till All Are One chapter. After all, like I've said many times before, MY STORY, MY RULES.

Next-to-last, since this game takes place approximately days to weeks before the Ark and the Nemesis leave Cybertron and just about after the Battle of Tyger Pax resulting in the Allspark supposedly being launched off Cybertron... let's just say Corvowing's ability to heal and repair most damages for even the likes of his friends isn't just for minor damages.

Lastly, in a flashback in this chapter, Corvowing will have revealed that he convinced a select number of Decepticons to switch sides, including some that debuted in Rise Of The Dark Spark and some that I invented for this story: Shockwave. Hardshell. Kickback. Sharpshot. Airachnid. Bombshock. Bombshell. Shrapnel. Flamewar. Ser-Ket. Armorbolt – brother of Makeshift. Dynashift – sister of Makeshift. Divejaw – brother of Airachnid. Tigaray – sister of Airachnid. Deftscrap – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by a combination of the Animated Slipstream and the Tyran cluster Starscream. Ragecase – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by a combination of the Dark Of The Moon Space Case and the Animated Jetstorm. Soundtalon – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by a combination of the Cybertron Soundwave and the Revenge Of The Fallen Soundwave. Jetdealer – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by a combination of the Generation 1 Jetfire and the RID 2001 Skyfire. Turboslinger – a Decepticon Triple Changer inspired by a combination of the Generation 1 Quickslinger and the Generation 1 Turbofire. Freezecloud – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by a combination of the War for Cybertron Ramjet and the Armada Starscream. Groundcut – a Decepticon Grounder inspired by the Transformers Generation 1 Groundbreaker in the paint jobs from Groundpounder and Cutthroat, but without the Pretender shell. Jawway – a Decepticon Grounder inspired by the Revenge Of The Fallen Sideways in the paint jobs from Jawbreaker and Claw Jaw. Heavylift – a Decepticon Constructicon inspired by a combination of the RID 2001 Heavy Load and Long Haul. Cloudblight – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by the Generation 1 Cloudraker in the paint job from the Transformers Energon Blight. Bonelock – a Decepticon Constructicon inspired by a combination of the Tyran cluster Constructicon Bonecrusher and the Generation 1 Bonecrusher. Boardquake – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by the Primeverse Skyquake in the paint job from Overboard. Slipheap – a Decepticon Constructicon inspired by the RID 2001 Hightower in the paint jobs from Slipstream and Junkheap. Autobrawl – a Decepticon Grounder inspired by a combination of the Tyran cluster Brawl and the Fall of Cybertron Brawl. Frostraid – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by a combination of the Dark Of The Moon Seeker Air Raid and the War for Cybertron Starscream. Solarblade – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by a combination of Sunstorm and Wingblade. Topwreck – a Decepticon Constructicon inspired by the RID 2001 Grimlock in the paint jobs from Topspin and Wreckage. Crankblade – a Decepticon Triple Changer inspired by a combination of Crankcase and Wingblade. Flatfeather, a Decepticon Corvicon inspired by a combination of Boostwing and Filch. Scorchviper – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by a combination of the Generation 1 Viper and the Generation 1 Windblade. Flowclash – a Decepticon Constructicon inspired by the RID 2001 Wedge, but taller and in the paint jobs from Overflow and Stormclash. Groovedash – a Decepticon Grounder inspired by the Generation 1 Groove in the paint job from Slap Dash. Widevortex – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by the Generation 1 Vortex in the paint job from Wideload. Hyperkill – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by a combination of the Animated Starscream and the Energon Starscream in the paint jobs from Hyperdrive and Killswitch. Nightspike – a Decepticon Constructicon inspired by the Revenge Of The Fallen Mixmaster in the paint jobs from Nightstalker and Groundspike. Powershift – a Decepticon Triple Changer inspired by a combination of Powerglide and Makeshift. Cannonhide – a Decepticon soldier inspired by the Cybertron Cannonball in the paint jobs from Ironhide and Armorhide. Neutrocycle – a Decepticon Constructicon inspired by the Revenge Of The Fallen Scrapper in the paint jobs from the Beast Machines Motorcycle Drones and from the Generation 1 Galvatron II. Cliffboom – a Decepticon Constructicon inspired by the Revenge Of The Fallen Overload in the paint jobs from Cliffjumper and Skyboom. Avianracer – a Decepticon Corvicon inspired by a combination of Jacknab and Filch in the paint job from Rail Racer. Tridentstreak – a Decepticon Corvicon inspired by a combination of Filch and Pilfer in the paint jobs from Bluestreak, Silverstreak and Sunstreaker. Aviansight – a Decepticon Corvicon inspired by a combination of Boostwing, Filch, Jacknab, and Pilfer in the added paint job from Farsight T-20. Hailworks – a Decepticon Grounder inspired by the Tyran cluster Hailstorm in the paint job from Ironworks. Hailfeather – a Decepticon Corvicon inspired by a combination of Boostwing, Jacknab, Pilfer and Flamefeather. Thrusttwitch – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by a combination of the War for Cybertron Thrust and the Armada Thrust in the added paint job from Quickswitch. Deepjaw – a Decepticon Seeker inspired by a combination of the Generation 1 Starscream and the Generation 1 Thrust in the added paint jobs from Deep Dive and Steeljaw. Kicksiren – a Decepticon Grounder inspired by the Energon Kickback in the paint job from the Generation 1 Siren. Blowtrap – a Decepticon Grounder inspired by the Tyran cluster Firetrap in the added paint job from Blowpipe. Roaddive – Barricade lookalike in the paint jobs from Road Rage, Roadtrap, Skydive and Divebomb. Aerosplitter – Blackout lookalike in the paint jobs from Aero Raid and Hairsplitter. Hydraulight – Breakdown lookalike in the paint jobs from Hydradread and Lightspeed. Broadwire – Catalycon lookalike in the paint jobs from Broadside and High Wire. Afterwire – Contrail lookalike in the paint jobs from Afterburner and High Wire. Topstreak – Cyclonus lookalike in the paint jobs from Topspin, Bluestreak and Sunstreaker. Photonburn – Dead End lookalike in the paint jobs from Roadburn and Side Burn. Phasemaster – Motormaster lookalike in the paint jobs from Phaser and Blazemaster. Wolfbeast – Demolishor lookalike in the paint jobs from The Beast and Weirdwolf. Swiftwave – Shockwave and Soundwave combination lookalike in the paint jobs from Swift the Rescue Bot and Heatwave. Longthrust – Dirge lookalike in the paint jobs from Longarm and Thrust. Wolfburn – Drag Strip lookalike in the paint jobs from Weirdwolf and Side Burn. Wildraid – Lugnut lookalike in the paint jobs from Wildrider and Air Raid. Turboray – Skywarp lookalike in the paint jobs from Turbofire and Darkray. Irondive – Starscream lookalike in the paint jobs from Ironhide, Ironworks, Ironjam, Divebomb and Skydive. Honeybee – Zizza lookalike in the color patterns of bees, wasps and hornets. Cloudfeather – Thundercracker lookalike in the paint jobs from Cloudburst, Cloudraker, Flamefeather and Skyfeather. Crackstalker – Shockwave lookalike in the paint jobs from Crackback and Skystalker. Botaniburner – Ramjet lookalike in the paint jobs from Botanica and Roadburner. Seastalker – Breakaway lookalike in the paint jobs from Seaspray and Skystalker. Megaload – a Decepticon Triple Changer inspired by a combination of the Last Knight Megatron and the Revenge Of The Fallen Wideload. And Galvaload – a Decepticon Triple Changer inspired by a combination of the Energon Galvatron and the Generation 1 Wideload.

Enjoy chapter 1.)

(Cybertron, Optimus Prime's narrating POV...)

Cybertron, the homeworld we Autobots have sworn and strived to protect from the Decepticons, can no longer sustain us. Millions of years of civil war have caused the greatest and most tragic of casualties: our planet's very core, the Spark of Primus himself, has shut down, halting its production of life-giving Energon. Most of us Autobots have abandoned our home in hopes of finding a new life among the stars, without having to worry about the Decepticons or running low on Energon. I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. We do not know how many of our brethren have managed to escape Cybertron after Trypticon went offline. I can only be certain of this: Just one transport remains.

(Present day, six Earth days before the launch of the Ark and the Nemesis...)

Ironhide contacts Optimus and says, "Ironhide to Optimus Prime: the last of the Energon reserves that Corvowing Prime provided have been transported to the Ark. Engines are online, and all systems are good to go."

Optimus jumps off a ramp-like street part and transforms to robot mode, landing to where Jetfire and a control panel were.

Optimus replies, "Nice work, Ironhide." Optimus contacts Perceptor and asks, "Perceptor, how goes the city shutdown procedures?"

Perceptor replies while working, "Nearly finished, Optimus. My team and I will have all city systems powered off and archived by the time we launch."

Optimus replies back, "Good. I'll send the boarding call out momentarily. But first—"

A Decepticon Energon blast impacts the Ark without damaging it.

Jetfire works at the control panel as he exclaims, "Optimus! Decepticons have broken through Sectors 9 through 12!"

Optimus replies, "That was Grimlock's post!"

Jetfire continues, "More Decepticon squadrons are approaching from the north and west!"

A nearby energy blast causes Optimus and Jetfire to stumble to their knee armors.

As Jetfire flies ahead in jet mode, Ratchet contacts Optimus and states, "Optimus, this is Ratchet! Decepticons have invaded the city! We need you at the fortress to help coordinate our defenses!"

Optimus replies, "We're on our way, Ratchet!"

Optimus makes it to a cliff with a ruined street underneath it and contacts Grimlock.

Optimus states, "Grimlock, do you read me? Grimlock! Agh, no answer."

Optimus notices a Path Blaster in front of him, and equips it.

As Optimus cocks the Path Blaster, he notices something familiar making impact with a building.

Optimus states in shock, "Warp Cannons! Megatron isn't holding back anything this time!"

Optimus notices the Warp Cannon firing on the Ark.

Optimus continues, "It's targeting the Ark! I've got to find Corvowing Prime at the fortress!"

Optimus transforms to vehicle mode and drives ahead.

Upon coming to a bridge, Decepticon gunfire blows up the bridge and destroys the three Autobot Soldiers attempting to cross it in vehicle mode.

Jetfire keeps flying as he says over the commlink, "Optimus, the bridge is out!"

Optimus replies, "Keep going, Jetfire; I'll find another way!"

Optimus continues driving to the left path and encounters Corvowing's clones reviving dead Autobots and teleporting them to Autobot Headquarters.

Upon coming upon a ruined wall, Optimus contacts Ratchet and says, "Ratchet, I've found a route through the ruins of Iacon. I'm going to be heading for the auxiliary entrance."

Ratchet replies, "Roger that, Prime!"

Upon coming upon a deployment of Autobots under fire from a Decepticon Dropship, the combiners Chainion, Count Magnus, and Main Haul managed to reprogram the Dropship and all the Decepticons on board.

As Optimus continues driving with the fortress in sight, he contacts Ratchet again and advises, "Ratchet, I'm approaching the side entrance. Have that door ready!"

Ratchet replies, "Acknowledged!"

Optimus drives to the side entrance of the fortress, thankful that Corvowing's clones were able to reprogram the Decepticon Soldiers in his way.

Optimus enters the side entrance as he exclaims, "I'm inside!"

As he transforms to robot mode, Optimus contacts Ratchet and says, "Ratchet, have Warpath get a response team ready and have him meet me in the armory!"

Ratchet replies, "Will do!"

Jetfire interjects as he adds, "One thing's for sure: Megatron's timing is as lousy as ever!"

Optimus asks, "Why didn't Grimlock warn us?"

As Optimus makes his way to the security doors, Ratchet answers, "I'm sure that Corvowing has the answer, Optimus."

Optimus comes across the security entrance as a red light shines on him and the automated speaker says, "Halt! Scanning identity!"

A red scanning beam sweeps over Optimus while going up and down once. And Optimus manages to stay still, knowing that security was still online.

The red light turns white to signify that the computer recognizes Optimus as an Autobot.

The speaker says, "Identity confirmed. Enter, Optimus Prime."

As Optimus walks to the security entrance, two Autobot Soldiers come out to guard the entrance.

One of the Soldiers exclaims, "Look! It's Optimus Prime!"

Optimus remarks in a relieved tone, "Thank Primus security is still online."

Optimus continues into the medical bay, where he encounters an injured Soldier with his chestplate and gearbox sparking to signify heavy damage.

The damaged Soldier says, "Optimus, we tried our best! But without Grimlock, Megatron rolled right over us!"

The Soldier begins to fall backward as Optimus holds him and says in response, "Easy, soldier."

Bumblebee comes up and helps the Soldier into a comfortable position while saying, "I got this, Optimus."

Optimus replies, "Thank you, Bumblebee."

A Soldier working on the lights in the room announces, "I think I got it! Try it now!"

One of the other Soldiers tests out the lights, only for the emergency lights to temporarily kick in.

Ratchet calls out, "The power's still not stable! Do it over!"

Optimus approaches the Soldier working on the lights and asks, "What's your status, soldier?"

The Autobot Soldier replies, "I can barely keep the lights on, let alone fix anything!"

Optimus nods as he makes his way to another damaged Soldier and asks, "What happened, soldier?"

The Soldier replies, "I couldn't hold the line. There was absolutely no chance without Grimlock. In a nutshell, they slaughtered us."

The Soldier sits on a crate as he waits his turn to be repaired.

Optimus ventures into a room full of heavily damaged Autobots being put into stasis pods because even Corvowing's infinite amounts of Energon couldn't be spared for EVERY heavily damaged Soldier.

The Autobot Commander in charge of the stasis pod loading says to the soldier in the open pod, "I'm sorry, soldier. But your damages are too severe. We can't spare the Energon. Even Corvowing Prime's ability to produce gigantic quantities of Energon will wear him out."

Optimus approaches the open stasis pod and the soldier says, "Optimus, please. Take me with you. I'm scared of dying."

Optimus replies, "Calm yourself, soldier. You'll only overload your equilibrium circuits. I know that this is hard, but you'll be safer here until we can return. And don't worry; once Corvowing has spread his Energon Conjuration ability to his fellow Prime siblings, we will have all the Energon we need to power the Ark and repair every last one of you."

As the pod closes, the Soldier protests, "Don't do this! I can still fight! Optimus!—"

But the Soldier doesn't continue as the pod closes.

The Commander informs Optimus of the Soldier's condition as he states, "He's in stasis."

Optimus places his servo on the glass of the stasis pod as he says sorrowfully, "Till all are one, my friend."

As Optimus walks away, the Commander calls out to one of his men, "Let's load them up!"

One of his Soldiers calls out in reply, "Yes sir!"

Optimus approaches a platform where Sideswipe is finishing some diagnostics on an Autobot dropship.

Sideswipe calls out to Jazz on the left platform, "She's nearly ready to fly, Jazz!"

Jazz calls out in response, "Music to my audio receptors, Sideswipe!"

Optimus comes up and says, "Sideswipe, we need that dropship to get support to the outer wall."

Sideswipe replies, "We scavenged all the remaining good parts for the Ark thanks to Corvowing and his siblings, Optimus. But the Ark will fly."

As Optimus leaves to talk to another Autobot Soldier, an Autobot Soldier comes up and asks Sideswipe, "Grimlock deserted his post?"

Sideswipe replies, "And he picked the worst time to do it."

Optimus approaches another Autobot Soldier and the Soldier says, "Ratchet's waiting for you, Optimus."

Optimus enters Ratchet's workshop and the emergency lights turn on again, prompting Sideswipe to bemoan, "The power's failing again?"

Ratchet says, "Optimus, I need your help!"

Optimus hurries over and inquires, "Ratchet, how can I help?"

Ratchet and Optimus lay Silverbolt onto a repair table as Ratchet explains, "Silverbolt's leaked too much Energon! We need to stabilize his power." Ratchet points to a cable above and says, "Grab that cable!"

Optimus grabs the cable and Ratchet continues, "Now, plug it into his power supply."

Optimus plugs the cable into Silverbolt's power supply in his heavily-damaged chestplate.

But before the cable can work its magic, the power goes out due to a blown regulator.

An Autobot Soldier calls out, "We blew a regulator!"

Ratchet exclaims, "By the Matrix! We need that power online!"

The power returns and an Autobot Soldier calls out, "The power's back!"

Optimus holds the stabilizing cable steady as Silverbolt's Energon stops leaking while the cable works its magic.

Optimus disconnects the cable as he remarks, "Well met, Ratchet."

Ratchet replies, "Thank Primus! I'll handle the rest, Optimus. I'm sure you're needed elsewhere."

Ratchet turns to Silverbolt and advises, "Easy, Silverbolt. Save your strength while I repair you."

Optimus progresses to the next room, where an explosion knocks over a piece of debris onto an Autobot Soldier.

Cliffjumper calls out, "Look out!"

But the Soldier doesn't get out of the way in time.

Cliffjumper rushes over and tries to lift the debris while saying, "Hold on, soldier; I'll get you out!"

Cliffjumper tries to lift the piece of ceiling support, but finds it to be too heavy.

And since he's not Ironhide, Cliffjumper's gonna need some help.

Cliffjumper notices Optimus standing there and says, "Optimus, it's too heavy!"

Optimus rushes over to help Cliffjumper.

Optimus grabs the debris and says, "Together now, Cliffjumper!"

The two lift the piece of debris from the Soldier with minimal effort.

Crankflash turns up and asks, "Oh my gosh! Is the Soldier gonna be okay?"

Cliffjumper replies, "I don't know, Crankflash, but I sure hope so."

Crankflash brings out his medical tools and a deployment of helper drones as he says, "Stand aside, Cliffjumper. I'll see what I can do for now, and I'll let Ratchet handle the rest."

Crankflash gets to work on repairing and reviving the Soldier as best as he can.

Jazz asks Optimus and Cliffjumper, "Everything okay?"

Cliffjumper replies, "Yes, everything's okay, so long as Crankflash can do the best he can to repair that Soldier. I have faith in him and every Autobot under Corvowing's command just like I have faith in every Autobot under Optimus' command."

Optimus adds, "Yes, we definitely have this covered, Jazz. Grimlock left his post. I need you and Cliffjumper to find him."

Jazz replies, "We're on our way!"

Jazz uses his Energon Grappling Hook to swing over to the platform where Sideswipe is.

Cliffjumper uses the long way around to meet him in transit.

Optimus continues until he reaches the hallway leading to the armory.

Warpath comes in running and notices Optimus standing there.

Warpath says, "Optimus? I was looking for Grimlock."

Optimus replies, "Warpath, give me a status update!"

Warpath explains, "Perceptor and a bunch of tech heads are trapped inside the Nerve Center at the South Gate. I'm gathering a rescue team."

Then Optimus says, "Count me in."

Corvowing turns up and advises, "You might want to gear up at the Teletraan 1 terminal."

Optimus does so and asks, "Corvowing, what happened to Grimlock?"

(Flashback: several days ago, narrated by Corvowing Prime...)

You remember how I managed to convince Shockwave, Hardshell, Kickback, Sharpshot, Airachnid, Bombshock, Bombshell, Shrapnel, Flamewar, Ser-Ket, Breakdown, Knock Out, Armorbolt, Dynashift, Divejaw, Tigaray, Deftscrap, Ragecase, Soundtalon, Jetdealer, Turboslinger, Freezecloud, Groundcut, Jawway, Heavylift, Cloudblight, Bonelock, Boardquake, Slipheap, Autobrawl, Frostraid, Solarblade, Topwreck, Crankblade, Flatfeather, Scorchviper, Flowclash, Groovedash, Widevortex, Hyperkill, Nightspike, Powershift, Cannonhide, Neutrocycle, Cliffboom, Avianracer, Tridentstreak, Aviansight, Hailworks, Hailfeather, Thrusttwitch, Deepjaw, Kicksiren, Blowtrap, Backscream, Powerscream, Leoscream, Hellscream, Hotscream, Acidscream, Ionscream, Novascream, Sunscream, Dreadscream, Leoquake, Hellquake, Jetquake, Hotquake, Slipquake, Novaquake, Ionquake, Acidquake, Sunquake, Thunderquake, Dreadquake, Backwhip, Powerwire, Locktwitch, Brushback, Deftflow, Neutrotron, Freezeglitch, Crankrunner, Hydrathing, Dinoback, Joltquake, Icetron, Hydraumine, Groovecloud, Crosslock, Stonestalker, Hypercrusher, Freezestream, Roaddive, Aerosplitter, Hydraulight, Broadwire, Afterwire, Topstreak, Photonburn, Phasemaster, Wolfbeast, Swiftwave, Longthrust, Wolfburn, Wildraid, Turboray, Irondive, Honeybee, Cloudfeather, Crackstalker, Botaniburner, Seastalker, Megaload, and Galvaload to switch sides while pretending to be Decepticons until the time is right?

Well, as it turns out, Grimlock and his team were investigating an Energon spike in the Sea of Rust.

That Energon spike happens to be coming from not just a giant, planet-sized reservoir of pure Energon, but it was also coming from a Space Bridge tower.

The ancients used these Space Bridge towers to unlock gateways to distant galaxies in high orbit over Cybertron.

With this technology at our disposal, we can temporarily leave Cybertron and lead the Decepticons away from our home planet so we can make our way to Aquatron to liberate the planet from the Quintessons.

In addition to that, my foreknowledge, as well as a crucial chapter in the Covenant of Primus, has foretold that our war will reach a carbon-based one-moon planet in the Milky Way Galaxy. The planet's name... is Earth. It's so well-hidden that the Decepticons won't be able to find it temporarily.

Anyway, I told Shockwave to give the Lightning Strike Coalition Force an upgrade to make them not only smarter, but also more powerful.

To that end, Shockwave is giving Grimlock and his team new bestial alternate forms based on the earliest forms of carbon-based life on Earth... specifically the reptilian kind to go with their vehicle modes.

Soon, Grimlock and his team will be forever known as... the Dinobots.

(Present day...)

Optimus says to his protégé, "Corvowing, you have truly risen above yourself in convincing one hundred and fifteen Decepticons to change to the side of good. It was not an easy task, but you managed to pull off the impossible. I'm proud to have you fighting by my side."

Optimus and Corvowing decide to check up on some Autobots working on Autobot Enforcers.

Once the two Autobots enter the room, an Autobot Soldier calls out, "Get these Enforcers online!"

As Corvowing takes the first step forward, an explosion destroys the first Enforcer and some of the Autobots working on it.

Corvowing uses his Restoration abilities to restore and revive the casualties of the fire while Optimus calls out, "Put out that fire!"

After Corvowing finishes, he and Optimus ventured straight to a room with Warpath assembling a large rescue team.

Warpath calls out, "Autobots, we are about to enter a target-rich environment."

Warpath notices the two Autobot leaders and asks, "You and Corvowing want the honors, Optimus?"

Optimus replies, "It's your show, Warpath."

Corvowing adds his two cents as he says, "Yes, Warpath. Take it away."

Warpath announces, "Listen up! We've got Decepticons right outside this door! When the door opens, we go out HARD! You WILL engage the enemy with guns blazing and gears grinding, understood?!"

An Autobot Soldier calls out, "Yes sir!"

As the door starts unlocking, Warpath calls out, "Hit on three, two, one!"

The door unlocks and the rescue team shoots reprogramming harpoons at the first deployment of Decepticons.

Warpath calls out, "Go, go, go!"

Some of the Autobot Soldiers take light damage but continue onward as they shoot more harpoons at the Decepticons, completely reprogramming them into Autobot Soldiers.

After dealing with the last Decepticon Soldier to reprogram, Optimus calls out, "Warpath, meet me at the door to the Nerve Center!"

Optimus and Warpath converge on the door to the Nerve Center to see a large Nucleon Detpack attached to the door.

Warpath remarks, "This Nucleon Detpack is still live."

Corvowing replies, "We'll need to remove it as carefully as possible. And Warpath, I'm not saying that you're not careful; I'm saying that sometimes, your brute strength is often your worst enemy."

Warpath replied back, "Bam. I didn't know my brute strength was often my worst enemy."

An Autobot Soldier comes up and says, "Optimus, Corvowing. Scouts have reported that a Decepticon Dropship is coming in hot!"

Optimus replies, "It looks like that Detpack will have to wait. Autobots, take defensive positions!"

Warpath asks, "Optimus, you want dibs on that gun turret?"

Optimus responds with, "I'm on it!"

Optimus pulls down the lever needed to surface the gun turret.

Optimus mounts the gun turret as an Autobot Soldier calls out, "Heads up! Decepticon Dropship incoming!"

Optimus starts shooting at the dropship as he exclaims, "We must protect this door at all costs!"

Optimus manages to blow up the dropship without much effort.

An Autobot Soldier calls out in praise, "All right, Prime!"

Warpath exclaims, "Heads up! More Decepticons dead ahead!"

Corvowing fires multiple rapid-fire harpoons at the invading Decepticons, and the remaining thirteen that managed to avoid the initial harpoons were rectifiably reprogrammed.

Optimus says, "That's the last of them! Good work, Corvowing. And the same goes to every one of you, as well."

Warpath states, "Now, let's deal with that Detpack."

Warpath and Optimus grab the Detpack as Optimus states, "All right, Warpath. On three. One, two... three!"

The twosome manage to yank the Detpack off the door without detonating it.

And without something to be planted against, the Detpack deactivates itself.

Optimus conveys to his best Defender, "Warpath, secure the area, then make your way to the Ark. Protect it at all costs."

Warpath answers, "Yes, Prime!"

Optimus and Corvowing enter the Nerve Center and have guns pulled on them, only for the Soldiers and the turrets to recognize Optimus and Corvowing as fellow Autobots.

One of the Soldiers asks, "Optimus? Corvowing?"

The other Soldier announces, "Perceptor has been waiting for you, sir."

Optimus quizzes, "Where is he now?"

The Soldier tells him, "At the central hub. He's been rewiring things all day."

Optimus and Corvowing enter the Nerve Center and see Perceptor navigating the room with a rocket-powered observation deck.

Perceptor calls out, "Optimus! Corvowing!"

Optimus says in response, "Perceptor. Glad you're still online."

Perceptor replies, "Likewise. Meet me at the command terminal."

Optimus and Corvowing head to the command terminal where Perceptor is doing his work.

Perceptor announces, "We nearly have the Nerve Center up and running again!"

Suddenly, a Moleculon Fuse blows out, temporarily knocking out the power for about five seconds.

Perceptor bemoans, "Primus! There goes another Moleculon fuse! Optimus, if you'd be so kind as to locate another fuse."

Optimus replies, "I'll handle it, Perceptor."

Optimus leaves to get another Moleculon fuse while Corvowing stands guard.

Optimus notices an Autobot Soldier get electrocuted by an overhead faulty wire spouting electricity every few seconds.

Optimus managed to get a Moleculon fuse without getting electrocuted.

Optimus places the fuse into its proper place.

Perceptor remarks, "Right. That should do it." Perceptor transforms to his microscope mode as he continues, "There they are! I've located several artillery units throughout this complex that we could use to repel Megatron's attack. I've been trying to get each of these guns online, but they're quite old and –"

Optimus finishes, "We don't have enough Energon."

Perceptor replies, "Everything we have is fueling the Ark!"

Optimus quizzes, "Can we spare any of the Energon and still launch the Ark?"

Perceptor voices his response, "It's worth a try. We'll have to manually redirect the power of the Energon to the artillery gun. I can't do it from here."

Corvowing replies in response, "Leave that to us, Perceptor."

As Perceptor transforms to robot mode, an Autobot Soldier in the next room calls out, "Optimus! Corvowing! We've got 'Cons knocking at the back door!"

Optimus states, "Stay online, Perceptor, and guide us to the first artillery unit."

Perceptor expresses in reply, "Roger that, Prime!"

Optimus and Corvowing head to the next room where there's some lasers wire-cutting through the back doors.

Corvowing pulls out Firefest's harpoon cannon mode and activates the rapid-fire option.

Once the door goes boom, Corvowing fires harpoons at a rapid pace, completely reprogramming the Decepticons invading the Nerve Center.

An Autobot Soldier calls out, "All clear!"

Corvowing calls out, "Seal the door behind us!"

Corvowing and Optimus eventually come across a path leading to the engine room where the Ark's boosters were assembled.

Perceptor contacts the two Autobot leaders and explains, "All right, you two. To get to the first artillery unit, you'll have to move through the engine room. That's where we all assembled the Ark's boosters."

Optimus and Corvowing reply in unison, "We remember." "We remember."

Optimus and Corvowing look at each other before shrugging as Perceptor continues, "Your path should be fairly clear. All of that construction machinery will have been moved by now. All that's left now are the city's old foundation pumps."

Corvowing notices Rumble spying on them and fires a shot from his Fusion Cannon, slightly damaging the Decepticon Mini-Con.

Optimus notices the whole thing as Rumble sneers, "Lucky shot!"

Rumble scampers away while Optimus and Corvowing look on.

Optimus and Corvowing decide to continue onwards throughout the engine room.

As the two Autobot leaders head for the exit, an Autobot Soldier calls out, "Move it! They're about to get overrun!"

Optimus and Corvowing make their way outside and see multiple Autobots being decimated by explosive barrels.

Corvowing casually reprograms the Decepticon squadron in the sector.

After moving into the next room, Corvowing reprograms the Decepticons in the room.

Optimus calls out, "Soldier! Corvowing and I are looking for the closest control room!"

An Autobot Soldier calls out in reply, "I think it's this way!"

Optimus and Corvowing follow the Soldier outside and Optimus asks, "Where are the artillery controls?"

The Soldier starts to reply, "It should be just around the—"

But then, another Soldier calls out, "Incoming!"

A Decepticon Leaper lands harshly in the vicinity, knocking Optimus and Corvowing to the ground.

Corvowing fires a large enough harpoon at the Leaper, completely reprogramming it.

Perceptor contacts the two Autobot leaders as he inquires, "Optimus? Corvowing? Are you two alright?"

Optimus replies, "We're fine, Perceptor. But we're busy dealing with some Decepticon Leapers."

More Leapers come flying in... just in time to be reprogrammed.

Perceptor contacts the two Autobot leaders and says, "Optimus, Corvowing, according to my schematics, you should be near the artillery gun controls!"

Optimus looks up and replies, "We see them! But how are we gonna get there?"

Perceptor replies back, "There might be an Ion Vent nearby that could give you both a boost."

Corvowing installs a Moleculon Fuse to activate the Ion Vent.

Optimus and Corvowing are boosted to the first upper level, only to see Laserbeak spying on them.

Optimus aims his Path Blaster and fires a shot at Laserbeak, slightly damaging him.

Laserbeak squawks angrily and flies out of the area.

Optimus and Corvowing get to the second upper level with the artillery gun controls, only to encounter a few more Leapers.

One of the Leapers asks, "Where do you two think you're going, Primes?"

Corvowing quickly reprogrammed the Decepticon Leapers in rapid succession.

Optimus and Corvowing make their way to the artillery gun controls.

Optimus contacts Perceptor and voices his statement, "Perceptor, we've found the controls!"

Perceptor replies, "Excellent! You should be able to reroute the Energon from the Ark directly into the long-range artillery gun. Assuming that Corvowing has already mass produced duplicates of the Energon."

Corvowing answered, "I certainly did. We have about nine hundred thousand versillion, nine hundred thousand googolsoperplex, nine hundred thousand googolcoperplex, nine hundred thousand googolsophoplex, nine hundred thousand googondoldecex, nine hundred thousand googoldecex, nine hundred thousand googolquintex, nine hundred thousand googolquadrex, nine hundred thousand googolthrex, nine hundred thousand googoldex, nine hundred thousand grangol, nine hundred thousand googoldeciplex, nine hundred thousand googolnoniplex, nine hundred thousand googoloctiplex, nine hundred thousand googolseptiplex, nine hundred thousand googolsextiplex, nine hundred thousand googolquintiplex, nine hundred thousand googolquadriplex, nine hundred thousand googoltriplex, nine hundred thousand googolduplex, nine hundred thousand googolplex, nine hundred thousand googolgongiplex, nine hundred thousand googolgandingan, nine hundred thousand picillion, nine hundred thousand nanillion, nine hundred thousand micrillion, nine hundred thousand myrillion, nine hundred thousand millinillion, nine hundred thousand centillion, nine hundred thousand quadragintillion, nine hundred thousand googol, nine hundred thousand trigintillion, nine hundred thousand vigintillion, nine hundred thousand decillion, nine hundred thousand nonillion, nine hundred thousand octillion, nine hundred thousand septillion, nine hundred thousand sextillion, nine hundred thousand quintillion, nine hundred thousand quadrillion, nine hundred thousand trillion, nine hundred thousand billion, nine hundred thousand million, nine hundred and ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine gallons of Energon in the Ark. But I do believe we can spare a quantity or two to allow us an advantage in this battle."

Deciding not to comment on the gigantic amount of Energon provided for the Ark, Optimus pulls down the lever necessary to redirect some of the Energon to the artillery gun.

The ground rumbles and the Energon in the tube is routed into the artillery gun.

Optimus remarks, "It appears to be working!"

The artillery gun surfaces and finishes arranging some of its parts.

Optimus contacts Perceptor and says, "Rocket system is online, Perceptor."

Perceptor explains in reply, "The code looks pretty rusty, so I'm gonna link the artillery controls directly to your targeting computer."

Optimus replies back, "Corvowing and I will find some Decepticons to try it out on."

Optimus and Corvowing make their way into the next room leading to another city sector.

An Autobot Soldier is heard saying on the commlink, "More Decepticons! Hold them here, Autobots!"

Another Autobot Soldier is heard saying, "Marauder incoming!"

A Decepticon Marauder – the Decepticon version of an Autobot Enforcer – drives onto the scene before transforming to its spider tank-like robot mode and launching a barrage of flak on the battlefield.

Perceptor contacts Optimus and Corvowing and says, "I'm curious as to know what an artillery strike would do to that Marauder."

Corvowing interjects, "It'll simply blow up, but that won't be necessary."

Corvowing presses a button on Firefest's harpoon cannon mode and the Weaponizer Mini-Con transforms into a slightly bigger version of his weapon mode.

Corvowing fires a big harpoon at the Marauder, completely reprogramming it into an Autobot Enforcer.

Firefest transforms back to his normal size and Corvowing fires multiple rapid-fire harpoons at the Decepticon troops down below.

Ironhide contacts the two Autobot leaders and says, "Optimus, Corvowing, this is Ironhide! The Ark is getting shelled pretty badly by those Warp Cannons! The shields are holding for now, but it's just a matter of time before they give out!"

Corvowing replies, "Don't worry, Ironhide; help is on the way! We just got to activate the Neutron Gun to take out any Decepticon Destroyers and other Decepticon troops that come your way."

Perceptor interjects, "You can definitely activate the Neutron Gun. Move back through the Engine Room; I've found the Neutron Gun near the flight deck."

Optimus replies, "We're on our way!"

Optimus and Corvowing reenter the Engine Room.

As Optimus and Corvowing come upon the necessary lever, Perceptor says over the commlink, "Now that the Energon is flowing again, you should be able to open a direct route to the flight deck."

Optimus pulls down the lever.

The doorway to the flight deck opens thanks to the flowing Energon.

Perceptor contacts Optimus and Corvowing again and says, "Of course, I don't need to remind you two that the more Energon we spend on these artillery guns, the less there is for the Ark."

Optimus replies, "Don't worry; Corvowing's ability to duplicate Energon cubes will be sufficient enough to help us launch the Ark when this is over."

Soon as Optimus and Corvowing enter the doorway leading to the Neutron Gun controls, the room starts shifting with alternative paths opening.

Optimus contacts Perceptor and asks, "Perceptor! Are you controlling this room remotely?"

Perceptor replies, "No. What do you mean?"

Optimus explains, "The room is shifting..."

Perceptor explains in response, "I am noticing a strange power surge in your area. That might be because of the Energon you two rerouted."

Soon after navigating through the next part of the shifting walls, Perceptor advises, "You're both nearing the main door that leads to the flight deck."

After navigating through a broken door, Optimus and Corvowing come across the door to the flight deck.

But before the door can completely open, the power goes out.

Optimus growls, "Ahhh, the power is out."

Perceptor replies, "The schematic shows an access panel nearby. You should be able to force it open."

Optimus and Corvowing open the door to their right and arrive in a room with Autobot Soldiers.

One of the Soldiers is seen shouting, "Help us! We need backup! AAAGGGHHH!"

The Soldier is gunned down by a shotgun blast.

Corvowing sneers, "Roughstuff and his deployment of Shotgunners are destroying our friends."

Optimus snarls, "Roughstuff will pay dearly for this."

Corvowing freezes time and teleports the dead Autobot Soldiers to his field headquarters while simultaneously reviving them and reprogramming the Decepticon Shotgunners and teleporting them away.

As time unfreezes, an Autobot Soldier exclaims over the commlink, "Anybody! If anyone can hear me, Roughstuff is – AAAGGGHHH!"

Roughstuff sneers, "If anyone can hear ME, feel free to listen in as I execute your friends."

Corvowing teleports behind the Decepticon Air Commander and punches him so hard that the Seeker blacks out.

Corvowing remarks in his demonic voice, "Not on my watch, motherf*****."

Corvowing jumps into the room and opens the door for Optimus.

The remaining Autobot Soldiers are repaired, revived and teleported straight to Autobot Headquarters while the remaining Decepticon Shotgunners are gunned down.

Along the way, Corvowing manages to make sure that the general ammunition needed is shipped to the Decagon Plaza.

After navigating through the top floor of where Starscream's doppelganger murdered a bunch of Autobots, the exit doors open for the two Autobot leaders, allowing them to get outside.

Optimus and Corvowing see the Ark up ahead.

Optimus contacts Perceptor and says, "Perceptor, Corvowing and I can see the Ark just ahead! Thank the Matrix it's still standing!"

Perceptor replies, "Be careful approaching the Neutron Gun controls, you two. Decepticon troops have overrun the area. And Megatron's created a new batch of Decepticons that are permanently immune to Firefest's harpoons."

Optimus and Corvowing reply in unison, "Roger that." "Roger that."

Perceptor continues, "You still have control over the city's artillery, Optimus. A strike should help to clear the way."

A computer announces, "Artillery online."

Optimus and Corvowing manage to see for themselves a bunch of Decepticon Soldiers reporting to a hologram of Megatron.

A Decepticon Soldier explains, "Lord Megatron, we have established a perimeter around the Neutron Gun controls."

Megatron replies, "Defend it at all costs!"

The same Decepticon Soldier starts to say, "Yes, Lord Megatron, but—"

But Megatron interrupts him as he states, "Without those defensive cannons, the Autobots will be powerless to stop us from taking the Ark, and it's gigantic supply of Energon."

The same Decepticon Soldier attempts to say, "Yes, but—"

Megatron rebukes him and shouts, "I want the Ark! No excuses!"

The Soldier replies, "Yes, Lord Megatron!"

Optimus directs an artillery strike on the hologram where the Decepticon troops are standing.

As the artillery gun fires, Megatron asks, "What was that noise?"

The Soldier answers, "Uh, I don't know, sir. We'll check it out—"

But the Soldier is interrupted as he and his subordinates are obliterated by the artillery strike, along with the hologram projector.

Perceptor remarks, "Impressive, Optimus!"

Optimus replies, "Save the praise for when we get out of this."

Corvowing and Optimus work together to take out the numerous Decepticons that were immune to Firefest's harpoons.

In particular, Optimus blew up another Decepticon dropship and Corvowing used his Blade Dash ability when he found himself surrounded.

Optimus approaches the Neutron Gun controls and says, "Perceptor, we've found the Neutron Gun controls."

Corvowing activates the lever and the provided Energon activates the Neutron Gun.

Perceptor exclaims, "You both did it, Primes! The Neutron Gun is activating!"

The Neutron Gun surfaces and finishes rearranging some of its parts.

Suddenly, an alarm blares to signify that the targeting systems aren't responding.

Perceptor exclaims, "The targeting systems aren't responding, Optimus! You'll have to fire it manually! I'm uploading coordinates to an access panel now."

Optimus and Corvowing make their way to an elevator lift and descend to an area leading to some mechanics to get past.

Ironhide contacts Optimus and Corvowing again and says, "Optimus! Corvowing! This is Ironhide! My team and I are pinned down at the Ark's fueling station!"

Perceptor tries to interject, "Patience, Ironhide. These systems have been offline for thousands of—"

But Ironhide interrupts him, "We don't need the details; just tell us how to fix it!"

Optimus states his agreement, "Ironhide's right, Perceptor. We don't have much more time left."

Perceptor replies, "Yes, yes. Keep moving, Optimus. You and Corvowing should see the manual controls shortly."

Optimus and Corvowing manage to get past a ceiling fan spouting electricity every few seconds.

Optimus forces the exit door open.

Ironhide exclaims over the commlink, "Optimus! Corvowing! The entire Decepticon army is knocking at my door! Where is that support?!"

Optimus replies, "Hang on, old friend!"

Optimus and Corvowing come across the manual controls for the Neutron Gun.

Optimus mounts the seat with the controls.

The barrel of the Neutron Gun extends.

Optimus calls out, "Ironhide, I've got your range!"

Ironhide says, "Optimus, I don't have the firepower to stop those tanks!"

Optimus replies, "Then you're fortunate that I do."

Optimus spends the next three minutes blowing up the Destroyers and dropships.

But after destroying one more Destroyer, the Neutron Gun goes offline.

Optimus calls out, "Something's wrong! The Neutron Gun isn't working!"

Ironhide asks, "It isn't WHAT?!"

Optimus dismounts the seat onto the platform as Perceptor says, "You're out of Energon, Optimus!"

Optimus replies, "Then we need more, Perceptor! We're heading back to you!"

Suddenly, the door closes on its own and locks itself.

Perceptor asks, "Optimus, Corvowing! My readings just spiked! What happened?"

Corvowing answers, "The door shut on its own, and I have an idea why."

Optimus and Perceptor ask at the same time, "Care to tell us?" "Care to tell us?"

Corvowing answers, "This entire Autobot City is the alternate form of the Autobot Titan known as Metroplex. He has the power we need to destroy the Decepticon Warp Cannons. We need to reactivate him and initiate his transformation to robot mode."

A stairwell opens up and Optimus and Corvowing descend it.

Perceptor asks, "Where are you two going? That area doesn't even appear in the schematics."

Optimus tries to reply, "This is our only route to Metroplex's power core, Perceptor."

Perceptor replies, "Optimus, you're breaking up! (static) Optimus! (static)"

Optimus vents, "Let's get this over with."

The door in front of them shuts, and the door next to them to the left opens up.

The two Primes jump down the entrance to come across three doors, one of which is already locked and the other two close on their own.

Optimus remarks out loud, "Metroplex, if you can hear me, I can feel your presence through the Matrix of Leadership."

The third door opens and another stairwell opens up.

As Optimus and Corvowing get to the bottom of the stairs, a bright light shines the room leading to the lever, causing Optimus and Corvowing to cover their optics.

Optimus states, "Metroplex, I ask you... no, I order you... help us in this dire time of need."

Corvowing lowers the lever, and Metroplex starts his transformation to robot mode.

Many floors open up, causing several Decepticon Soldiers to fall into the open floors to be melted or crushed by the Titan's transformation to robot mode.

A few guns come out of some places that would become the giant's shoulder plates.

Metroplex's hands come out of the wrist sockets and his head comes out of the neck socket, with his optics, Autobot symbol and every light on him shines in red.

Metroplex squashes a Decepticon Destroyer underfoot while holding the two Autobot leaders in his hand carefully.

Metroplex says his first words, "Metroplex heeds the calls of the last Primes."

Perceptor asks, "Optimus, Corvowing, what just happened?"

Optimus answers, "Easy, Perceptor. Metroplex is one of us."

Metroplex states, "Awaiting your orders."

Optimus replies, "Metroplex, you must destroy the Decepticon Warp Cannons on the outskirts of the city!"

To be continued...

(Author's notes: There you have it, folks. My first chapter of my Transformers: Fall of Cybertron story. Sorry about the chapter being long; some of my memories of the playthroughs and overall plot of the chapters tend to be very long in some of them.

In the next chapter, Corvowing, Optimus and Metroplex will destroy the Decepticon Warp Cannons and temporarily destroy Megatron. I said temporarily because – spoiler alert – Megatron was resurrected by Soundwave in chapter 9.

See you all in chapter 2: Metroplex Heeds The Call.)