Autobot Faction Report Page[]

As part of archiving the Transformers Universe MUX, we have been including BBPosts on character pages themselves with linkbacks. As of October 2023, we are moving towards a Reports page style where a by faction or type of report page is created and all reports are archived on these pages with link-backs to characters and or TPs without adding the report into the character page itself.

This is a WIP.

Roughout of formatting:

Copy Paste into Visual Editor from plain text file
Use bulletpoint for month day, year - report title - character (Linked please)
Extra line break between report entries to break up wall o' text.
If you're feeling extra, do links to characters and or places mentioned in the report itself

Reports[]

1999[]

11/29 - Magnus's Views[]

Coded for CoC >= 7
City Commander Ultra Magus appears on-screen, his expression heavy, as always, with the burden of command. After taking a moment to further collect his thoughts, he begins. "Autobot Commanders. Optimus Prime. I have deliberated at length on Kup's ideas, and am ready to give my views. Regarding moving my city: I find the idea acceptable.

Our current location protects us from massive ground assault, but limits our own army, and interferes with Metroplex's communications and radar, leaving us open to surprise attack. A desert environment would give us more time to scramble and respond to a Decepticon assault, without endangering humans in the area, because we would have more time to choose where to engage the enemy.

December – Full Alert[]

Magnus appears on-screen in the Command Center. “Alright, Autobots, listen up. As of yesterday, this base is on full alert. All comings and goings must be checked through security. All Protectobots are to report back to the City immediately. All leave for Autobot City personnel is cancelled until further notice. The Autobot broadband is to be kept free from chatter, and the Repair Bay is for injured and medical personnel only. Kup, assume command of security concerns here, so that Red Alert can return to the Ark. Get those refugees from the future within our walls, in case the Decepticons take this time to attack. I don’t want them trapped outside. Contact me for further orders. Magnus, out.”

2012[]

Sep 17 - CONFIDENTIAL - LEVEL 3[]

To : Crosscut
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL - LEVEL 3

Heyah Crosscut - I don't know what kind of charms Marissa pulled on you, but they obviously worked. Did you know that she has like... ZERO experience with the Joes AND up until now, just a passing interest in the Autobots? How do you think the Joes are going to react that their own representative isn't even a Joe?! Look, I know you've got this 'zen master' type of approach to mentoring me, but if you want to see me make some progress in this position, you're going to have to start communicating with me! - Spike out

2021[]

January[]

Jan 28 - Protihex Patrol Report[]

During a patrol of Protihex, Dawnfire and myself encountered what appeared to be some of Soundwave's little brats snoopin' around. Not sure what they were after, but it can't be good. I'd recommend we do a good security sweep of the area and make sure they didn't mess around with anything. Nevertheless, once we spotted them, I zapped one good, and they scampered like turbo rabbits. I'm gonna stick on patrol for a bit longer, make sure those varmints don't return. Kodiak out.

2023[]

March[]

Mar 19 - Special Delivery...[]

For higher ups, audio recoding left for Jazz specifically. "Hey Jazz, I got a special delivery from one of the mechs from the alternate dimensions.... he brought some information that sounds pretty important. Some is medical related. But a portion is definitely more along the security lines. He specifically looked fer me. Contact me when yer able. Dust Devil out.

Mar 29 - Shuttle 311 Destruction[]

To: Command and Intelligence
From: Asymmetrics
Subj: Prison Transport 311 Destruction

Msg: While en route to Garrus-2, Prison Transport 311 under command of Cybertron Forces Commander Chromia was attacked by Megatron. The shuttle put out a distress call and but was assaulted and disabled by Megatron. Megatron retrieved Nightbird (in custody pending assassination attempt upon Commander Elita 1). Commander Chromia attempted to scuttle shuttle to cover crew evacuating shuttle.

Shuttle was disabled and sent on course by Megatron for orbital reentry aimed towards Iacon. Crew took heavy damage. Chromia is in critical condition and will need extensive repairs. Records and blast damage analysis indicates she took multiple shots from Megatron's fusion cannon. Crew member Hot Rod is listed in critical condition and on long term life support. Chances of recovery unknown. Other casualties amongst crew. Scorch marks indicative of Megatron unleashing antimatter blasts multiple times within the ship.

To: Intelligence

Given Megatron's tight interception of the transport shuttle, it is likely there was a critical security breach. Request this be investigated. This proposal is sent to Command and Combat Operations for their assessment and evaluation for consideration as an active operation.

April[]

April 24, 2023 - Re: Sleeping Sickness - Imager

Folly's rehabilitation slab is utterly covered with tribbles. It's been fully cleaned off several times now, and more keep appearing.

May[]

May 7, 2023 - Seen in the medical bay - Imager

Nobody can explain why, but Folly's rehabilitation slab is now upside down on the ceiling of the medical bay, out of reach of the tribbles, much to their dismay.

June[]

June 4, 2023 - Decagon Terminal Access - Elita One

TEXT ONLY

The Decagon's main terminals are approved for use for anyone working on the 'sleeping sickness' with Starlock's approval, EXCEPT Brainstorm. The current list of approved Autobots include, but are not restricted to: Arcee, Solstice, and Starlock

June 10, 2023 - Find in Tauras - Sky Lynx

Early in the evening, there was reports of seismic activity in the Tauras area of Cybertron. While it may be Decepticon held territory, it was enough of a situation to warrant further exploration. When I arrived on the scene, the Autobots Backblast and Dust Devil were already in the area, along with an unknown Junkion -- at least one that I have not been made acquaintance of as of yet.

More rumbles shook the area and then a building rose forth along with a request for 'programming'. While myself and the other Autobots were unaware what command to put in, the Decepticons arrived in the form of Deathsaurus, Blast Off and another mini-con. Backblast staved off my attempt to drive off the Decepticons by agreeing to explore with them, as detestable as that idea may be.

Another rumble shook the area and it seemed that the Junkion had discovered a long-deactivated Guardian's head. With no need for my exceptional presence, I departed the situation with the assumption that Backblast had it under control.

Lt. Cmdr Sky Lynx, Aerospace Division

June 20, 2023 - Acquisitions R Us - Pile-Up

To: Autobots

From: Pile-Up

What do you call the last Type-5 U-Boat in existence? America's.

Or it could be, tune in and turn up! I'll tell you once more, before I get off the floor. Don't bring me down.

It's mine, my own. My precious!

- A hologram image of a Guardian head near Tearsis in Decepticon territory**

They've taken the Hobbits to Isengard and I am GOING. ON. AN. ADVENTURE.

Woah-oh-oh! This heart boners for you,

- The guardian head is circled several times**

Now I see colors, raining down. Feral feeling, swaying sound, but I don't know what you want. But he's no good to me dead. But I ain't got many friends left to talk to. No where when I'm in trouble.

You know I'd do anything for you. So who's with me?

June 24, 2023 - Attack on New Harmonex - Sky Lynx

I apologize for my delay in the report. I was in an extended repair cycle and had assumed someone would assist. A few solar cycles ago, Motormaster and his boot licking lackies, the Stunticons, made a play on New Harmonex - threatening to bomb the city if they were not paid thirty thousand shanix. They might as well have asked to be coated in pure liquid Electrum.

Myself, along with a small force with Starlock, Backblast, Dust Devil and others made a stand to attempt to put an end to their dastardly deeds. However, as I was late to arrive, the Stunticons managed to breach the gates and begin their assault. The quick assistance and disabling skills of Starlock and Backblast prevented the Stunticons malicious munitions from being detonated, while I attempted to slow and halt the advance of the truck depot neer-do-wells.

The Stunticon forces eventually merged into Menasor and I attacked the brute in the heart of New Harmonex. While, with the assistance of Dust Devil and Backblast, we were able to drive away and send the Stunticons with their tailpipes firmly tucked between their axels, unfortunately, there was damage to New Harmonex. I am unable to ascertain how damaged the city is, as I was incapacitated shortly after the battle. If someone would be so kind to fill in the details, I would appreciate it.

Lt Cmdr Sky Lynx

July[]

July 1, 2023 - Folly report - Imager

Folly was found, still asleep, and with no signs of having woken up, at a console. Nothing written suggests anything of any help, and yet somehow her efficiency rating as a scientist has gone up during this time.

July 13, 2023 - Liege Maximo Briefing (Preface) - Punch

TO: All Autobot Forces

FROM: Punch

SUBJECT: Liege Maximo Briefing

From the depths of my cubicle in the data collation section of the intel archives, I bid you all greetings. I hope you're all ready for a rather lengthy brief, because there's a lot to go over. If you aren't ready, well tough: you're getting it anyway. Please do not file this in your spam or trash folders upon receipt, because all of the information to come is highly important.

Normally, I'd run this through Command first, but the contents of the following brief are explosive, to say the least. I felt that, in this particular instance, it's better to get the information out there than to let it get dripped piecemeal. Elita, Magnus, Jazz: if there's a problem with this, my apologies, but the sooner this data gets out into circulation within the Autobots, the better. I also suggest that, in the spirit of cooperation, we forward this information to the neutral city-states and their effective leadership - so we may want to grant access to this information to Illarion and Incognito, among others.

That said, let's get started.

LM Briefing (Imperial Summary)

I. Decepticon Empire Summary

While there is no longer a "civil war" within the Decepticon ranks to speak of, there are still rumblings. The Empire is pretty solidly under the command of Megatron/Primus Pilus (yes, they're one and the same, big surprise there), with Starscream supposedly imprisoned at the present time. The Primus Pilus moniker is directly from none other than the ancient member of the Thirteen known as Liege Maximo. Several of you have likely heard the rumblings of that name before now, but let me confirm it beyond shadow of a doubt: Liege Maximo is very real, and he is a clear and present danger not only to Cybertron, but to the universe at large.

While Megatron is nominally in command, there is still no small amount of tension between Megatron's loyalist forces (what we've always known as the Decepticon Empire) and Liege Maximo's Cybertronian Empire (yes, there is a difference, I'll get to it soon enough). From several of my personal contacts within the Empire's ranks, it is generally accepted that Megatron is continuing with the Primus Pilus name to the Cybertronian Empire, but privately within the Decepticon Empire's ranks, he is very irate with what he deems a reneging of the agreement made between Megatron and Liege Maximo as a requirement of the rebuild into his current form. The source of this stems from our next topic: Ultrix.

LM Briefing (Ultrix)

II. The Truth Concerning Ultrix

Several months previously, I penned an analysis of the attack on Ultrix (OOC: see https://tfumux.fandom.com/wiki/Punch#Nov_07_-_Analysis:_Ultrix for the text of the report), where I had yet to identify the perpetrators behind the cloaked capital ship that orbitally bombarded the city-state. Unfortunately, I cannot identify the name of the vessel, nor can I discern its current location. What I can confirm, however, is that part of why Megatron is so irate with Liege Maximo is because he was later informed by Liege Maximo's Cybertronian Empire that they are responsible for the orbital bombardment. It is concerning that the Cybertronian Empire is in possession of such advanced cloaking technology; rumblings from one of my contacts within the Empire indicates that Counterpunch, my nefarious counterpart, is planning to attempt to acquire the technology through Decepticon Intelligence, but I have no confirmation of such a plan at the present time.

LM Briefing (The Hub - 1)

III. Liege Maximo's Cybertronian Empire

For all the mystery of Liege Maximo as an individual, other than the fragmentary accounts of the deeds of the Thirteen, there is actually a significant amount of information regarding his Cybertronian Empire (hereafter referred to as "The Hub"). Its location has been confirmed to be near the center of our galaxy. Several Decepticons wound up at The Hub, courtesy of the Stargate: Megatron fell through with no destination coordinates input into the system, as did the Decepticon warship Corumkan and its crew. Megatron and virtually the entire crew of the Corumkan were captured, for lack of a better term: while Megatron made his deal with Liege Maximo, the crew of the Corumkan were not so lucky; they were indoctrinated into the Cybertronian cause. Those who resisted were smelted down for raw materials; the derelict remains of the ship were also smelted down for reuse by The Hub.

Only one managed to not only escape The Hub rounding up Megatron and the Corumkan: Decepticon Intelligence operative Nightshade, who managed to cloak and evade The Hub's security forces for the entire duration of her stay there. It was only due to a reconnaissance mission by Shockwave and Cyclonus that Nightshade was ultimately rescued from The Hub, although by that point Megatron had already returned to Cybertron and disrupted the burgeoning peace talks between the Autobots and Starscream.

LM Briefing (The Hub - 2)

<< continued from previous post >>

Nightshade's debriefing, which I managed to obtain a copy, is fascinating reading. The vast majority of Cybertronian troops under Liege Maximo's command are composed of clones (although not in the traditional sense as we know it from the Insecticons; see below for details) and drones; while there are some exceptions, the overwhelming majority are effectively mass-produced, although not through traditional Cybertronian methods of construction or reproduction.

Nightshade's description of this process, which she claims to have witnessed first-hand, was quite horrific in her personal experience - given Nightshade's reputation as collected and cool-headed, this should say something. Her report indicated that The Hub apparently performs a ritual of sorts, through which an energized liquid metal is spun from the body of the host and then split off in a mitosis-lke manner to create a duplicate of the original. The more this process is repeated, the more amoral they become; more distressingly, it seems to also lower the overall sentience of the reproduced individual(s), hence their drone-like behavior.

LM Briefing (Chaos)

IV: Chaos

The Chaos is a scorpion-shaped scout vessel that originally arrived in Earth orbit in the Terran year 2000. It was originally quarantined in Earth orbit after discovery of a Meccanibal infestation which overwhelmed the ship while en route to Earth, killing the entire crew. It remained otherwise silent and relatively unexplored as a result, although there is a report from that time indicating that much of the original infestation of Mecannibals was destroyed and that Liege Maximo was named specifically.

This changed in the Terran summer of 2021, when Ghost, accompanied by Incognito of Tyger Pax, bypassed the quarantine to begin an examination of the ship. A team from Cobra's Solar Serpent vessel followed suit in spite of warnings. What happened next was unexpected: the ship "woke up". The Meccannbals not only managed to reproduce to at least their original infestation levels, but are also apparently under remote control from the ship's computer. The ship's internal defenses and Mecannibals coordinated to repel the boarders, attacking everyone. While everyone did escape, it's rumored that Cobra may have somehow captured one of the Mecannibals, although confirmation of this has yet to be acquired.

The vessel's last known location was in the outer Solar System, and again has been quarantined - this time because it's very clearly awake and is actively using weapons to defend itself from any further approach. Worse, Ghost's after-action report within the Imperial network indicates that it sent a burst-pulse transmission towards The Hub. I believe it safe to assume that the Chaos was actually under silent running in an intelligence-gathering capacity, and as such is very aware of Earth, humanity and their overall technological level. I would not be surprised if forces from The Hub might attempt to attack Earth in an attempt to draw off our forces and thereby potentially crippling our ability to respond when they come for us. I won't presume to make suggestions on our response at that point - I'll leave that to strategists like Prowl.

LM Briefing (Dossier - 1)

V. Liege Maximo File

Dossier File: VIP 13-07-LM

Subject Name: Liege Maximo / Qui Decipitur

Faction Status: Leader of the Cybertronian Empire (AKA, The Hub)

Historical Background: According to what accounts are accessible regarding the original Thirteen, Liege Maximo was the seventh to be created by Primus, originally designated Qui Decipitur. Unlike Prima or Megatronus (AKA, The Fallen), Liege Maximo was conceived as a master manipulator and strategist. It is widely understood that, while Megatronus led the original incarnation of the Decepticon Empire with the ideal of glory and honor through conquering Cybertron and then projecting that strength outwards into the universe, Liege Maximo managed to infiltrate the inner workings, teaching them the tenets of manipulation, subversion and treachery. How true this is depends on the perspective of those telling the story, or laying it down as written word.

What is known, however, is that by the beginning of the Second Cybertronian War - the first conflict between Autobot and Decepticon - Liege Maximo had already succeeded in corrupting Megatronus and manipulating the remaining members of the Thirteen into a conflict with one another that succeeded in seemingly killing Solus Prime and exiling Megatronus, striking him from all records and replacing him with the moniker "The Fallen".

LM Briefing (Dossier - 2)

<< continued from previous post >>

When his role in the affair was later discovered by the remaining Thirteen, Liege Maximo fled with a loyal retinue of former members of the Decepticon Empire, all of whom are likely to hold high ranking within his Cybertronian Empire, and headed for the center of the galaxy, where they first constructed The Hub and began to spread his imperial ambitions from there. It is assumed to be at this point that Liege Maximo set aside his given designation of Qui Decipitur, replacing it with Liege Maximo.

Virtually nothing is known from the time of Liege Maximo's departure until the Terran Earth year 2000, when a Cybertronian scout ship designated Chaos arrived in the Sol System and entered Earth orbit, ostensibly in response to Autobot and Decepticon signals being received and broadcast from Earth. The vessel was infested by Mechannibals while en route to Earth, and the crew killed, yet the computer apparently managed to take control of the infestation. While the infestation was pruned back, it was not eradicated.

Aside from an attempted quarantine breach in 2000 by a Decepticon named Aries (later known as Harbinger and then Nemesis before his demise in 2019), none approached the vessel until approximate Earth date July 2021. For further information regarding this event, refer back to Section IV. Other, more notable recent events related to this ongoing history can be referred to in Sections II and III.

LM Briefing (Dossier - 3)

<< continued from previous post >>

Speculation: For all the information we seem to have, we still have remarkably little information pertaining to Liege Maximo himself. That aside, the information we do possess paints a frightening picture: a master strategist unlike any we've ever experienced before. It is clear that his forces have been on Cybertron for some time now, particularly given the timing of Megatron's return to Cybertron as Primus Pilus: in a single move, Liege Maximo managed to unravel peace talks that had gone on for nearly a year after Megatron's disappearance into the Cybertron Spacebridge, forcing us into a division that only benefits him. Had the peace talks succeeded, Liege Maximo might well have met a united Cybertron; instead, he gets to engage both forces in a multi-front engagement: Autobots, Decepticons and Neutrals - and this doesn't include the prospect of a front aimed at Earth, which is even more divided than we are along racial, socio-economic, and cultural mores (just to name a few).

While Liege Maximo is highly intelligent with a remarkable grasp of strategy and tactics - the best analogy would be the Terran one of Liege Maximo playing chess while we're playing checkers - it is also important to note that this can all too easily go down the proverbial petro-rabbit hole. We cannot afford to over-think what Liege Maximo is planning or thinking, but likewise, we can't afford to under-think it either. No offense to Nightbeat or Red Alert, but someone (or multiple someones) will need to keep them both on a short leash so that they don't go off the deep end with any investigations they conduct into Liege Maximo.

LM Briefing (Dossier - 4)

<< continued from previous post >>

Summary: None of us, regardless of faction, can afford to underestimate Liege Maximo. He has the resources of an entire empire behind him, with an unknown but likely numerous legions of soldiers at his disposal. It would be safe to assume that his resources far outstrip anything we could put together, even if we were able to somehow temporarily unite all of Cybertron under a single banner.

Final Thoughts: Despite the fact that I defer my strategic assessment to Prowl, I do have the distinct feeling that he is engaging in a "divide and conquer" strategy. Assuming that he's subverting the Decepticons (again), this leaves the neutral city-states like Altihex, Tyger Pax and Valvolux in a very precarious situation. I suspect that Liege Maximo would concentrate on the Autobots specifically - break us, and he'll have Cybertron in the palm of his hand. Given that the Chaos is still located in Saturn orbit in the Sol System, the prospect of Earth being a target to further weaken us cannot be discounted.

August[]

August 22, 2023 - Eureka! - Chromedome

Chromedome sits in his small, poorly lit underground bunker, his face lit green by the array of seven monitors in front of him. He looks to the side at what must be a small webcam set next to his desk. His blue optics glow feverishly with the energy of someone who hasn't restarted his systems in days and has been drinking enough Kaff to dangerously overclock his CPU. His movements are expressive and more than a little jerky.

"Starlock!" Chromedome practically yells. "I got it! I think I've figured it all out!" He gestures at the screens in front of him which aren't readable from this angle. "I've been taking all the data you guys have been sending me and analyzing it - trying to figure out how the network is hiding, and how it's accessing our sleep or reset subroutines." He shakes his hands rapidly. "But it's NOT! That's the thing!" He turns back to his unseen datastreams.

"It was something Backblast said, about the frequencies being rhythmic - peaking and flowing. I used what Ghost showed me and looked PAST the data, looking for patterns - and it's sleep modes!" Chromedome looks back towards the camera. "OUR sleep modes. The ones that are still awake. WE are the network. We're like - enslaved spambots locked in a miniature version of the Hub --- all working to generate one massive simulation, or several."

Chromedome looks back at his screens. "I think I can crack this. Hang on. Keep sending me data. I couldn't do this without all of you." He forgets about the camera, and it continues recording as he reaches out with long finger extensions and jacks right into the datastream, blue optics going glassy as he processes it through his own overtaxed CPU.

August 26, 2023 - Hall of Records -- Vault Issue - Nightbeat

<< the Autobot spinny pops up, before a Minibot-sized grey-and-silver 'mech appears on screen >>

"Hey, Flatfoot here. So, I got a call from the Hall of Records about some issue within Vault 111. I went to check it out, and... well... it was Nightbeat. He was muttering to himself, all sorts of weird talk about some dream he had. It was, how the humans say, "mad whack" stuff. I don't think I've even heard Red Alert talk this crazy."

There's a brief pause. "Uh... no offense, Red Alert."

He ahems. "Anyway - I caught something about bird-like silver aliens at the Gates of Iacon, fighting side by side with Decepticons, but they were killing everyone, he got swiped in the face and then suddenly he's awake. No physical damage noted on him. But then, there was this."

<< a view of a typical Nightbeat "murderboard" pops up, with a fair bit of Nightbeat's writing >>

"As you can see, he's been busy the last several days, and he won't stop. The high points of his non-stop research bender: no faction symbols, yet they speak some odd, forked dialect of Old Cybertronian; they also moved almost as one in combat, displaying a high degree of skill in cooperative fighting, as well as a keen insight into combat tactics of both Autobots and Decepticons alike."

<< Flatfoot pops back on screen >>

"I think this is something maybe Medical needs to talk with him about, if only to get him to try and do a recharge cycle. I know Nightbeat's on the obsessive side, but this is a step above and beyond. I'll leave it to the capable hands of others for that. Flatfoot out."

<< Flatfoot disappears, replaced again by the Autobot spinny >>

September[]

September 12, 2023 - OOC Update - Typhoon

Last night, Alpha Trion claimed leadership of the Autobots, so the rumors go.

September 16, 2023 - OOC Notes from Meeting - Veri

Chromia reporting that most Autobot Cities are at full operational strength. Units rotating through to prevent enemies knowing who is where at any given time. Will work with Overlord on defensive plans. Believes needs a Matrix bearing Prime to lead, and Veritas is not a Prime.

First Aid reporting Sleeping Sickness cure should be a focus.

Asymmetrics suggesting to pull troops from offworld small outposts to bolster planetary defenses. Any alliance with the 'cons would be prone to backstabbing immediately. Then suggested that command structure be redone without whoever holds the matrix being in military command.

Punch reported Decepticon Command shifts: Cyclonus now XO, 'cons willing to cooperate but use Autobots and Neutrals as front-line fodder.

Pile-Up delivered news about his forays, but some translation required.

Backblast noted that the wilds continue to recover, yearly Altihex storm had low winds, high moisture drop. Reported Cobra activity in taking an insecticon off planet. There have been poaching issues but one of the main ones, Steelclaw, has been apprehended and is now working for him.

Dust Devil noted that there is activity underground including a new building out of a complex that might be trying to build a titan but not sure. Also let know that Interrogator from earth is offering supply trade options in case 'Bots need to sue Earth as refuge. Warned that it looks like 'bots are being pulled in many directions all at once.

Per Jazz, Punch to find out where Shockwave is. And will rig buildings and outposts that are being left alone in case of incursions.

Nate Briar, EDC questioned when Decepticons would be removed from Earth in general. Open to working with Grimlock on moving from defense to offense once delt with the Maximo issue.

Starlock agrees that an eye is needed on Megatron and whatever he plans to avoid backstabbing. And voiced some concern about fortifications, supplies and medical equipment for the impending situation when it breaks.

Alpha Trion laid out new Chain of Command: Himself as the Leader for the Military, Emirate Xaaron for Civilian. Elita One for Cybertroninan troops and Metalhawk for Earth. Signal Flare in charge of medical.

A3's walking orders:

Grimlock and team hit 'cons to keep them from doing land grabs.

Magnus to Earth to aid Windblade in preparing Metroplex to defend Earth should Hub attack again.

Metalhawk to work with the Faireborns on more Earth Defense.

Jazz to place agents in New Harmonex as 'cons seem to be getting real friendly with more open-minded Autobots.

Try to secure Hot Spots before 'cons to to prevent more Made To Order 'Cons.

Wreckers may have mission to Hub.

Chromia to work with Overlord after bots have reached out to Megatron for alliance of convenience vs Maximo.

Pending response from Nate's talk with EDC COmmand on if Decepticons on Earth worth added defense or too dangerous even then.

September 18, 2023 - I don't ask for much... - Imager

A POV camera shows Imager looking up to the ceiling of the Iacon Medbay where unconscious Folly is somehow on the ceiling. She sighs.

Another POV camera shows her getting Spitze out of some sort of metal roping. She sighs.

Another POV camera, chronologically two days later, shows her helping Spitze out of the same metal roping.

Imager appears on screen, "So...I don't ask for much. I just found out that like...The Junkions...you know, our allies, have some sort of terrible built-in affliction to em." She frowns, "It actually HURTS them to try to speak normally. Guys...They literally can't do it without harm. So...like...we gotta be more patient and proper to them." There's a bit of incense in her tone, "They may be lighthearted, but these guys fight besides us, help us out all the time, and even die besides us. They are NOT people to laugh at, or to take lightly. Sure they're different, but...they've got their own dignity right?!" She turns her head a little, "We gotta treat our allies right. we gotta BE right for them. The humies, the Junks." Her voice drops a bit more, " 'swhat it means to be an Autobot."

The memo shuts off.

September 21, 2023 - Invasion Wargame - Asymmetrics

This is a wargame representing a hypothetical invasion of the Cybertronian Empire. It makes a number of broad assumptions for the attack which may not be accurate due to the limited nature of our intelligence. As such it is considered a general guidance for possible evaluation for planetary defense strategies.

General unkonwns are as the state of further infiltrators present of the Cybertronian Empire. Given thier ability to cloak and subverted planetary assets, it is possible. However, improved technological detection of clones makes this questionable. It is for now considered an unknown quantity pending confirmation either way from Intelligence.

Next, it assumes that numbers, munitions, energon, and firepower are not an issue for the Cybertronian Empire's assets. They have not demonstrated issues with throwing troops at a target, so we must presume that their strike forces are limited only by how many troops they can transport to the system rather than logistics. Given their willingness to throw away the lives of their clones, morale and attrition are non-factors.

Next, given their deployment of numerous frigate, destroyer, and cruiser scaled craft and transports in extreme numbers, they can be expected to have total space superiority. The destruction or suppression of all extraplanetary assets is to be expected, unfortunately. We also assume that the Cybertronian Empire are still offshoots of our own kind, and thus follow the standard strategems developed for planetary assault and have adopted tactical subroutines for it.

All non-Cybertronian occupied areas are to be expected to be suppressed. We do not know if they will invade Earth, but they will certainly engage in spoiling attacks that will result in the cutoff of communications with Earth and prevent the shifting of forces. If the Cybertronian Empire is aware of the location of the warp gate, it will be seized or destroyed. We can assume that Earth will be isolated, as will other garrisons off planet.

Strongpoints can be bypassed or sieged at leisure due to space superiority. The Moonbases can be sacked and occupied as planetary invasion bases, leveled by bombardment, or simply blockaded. Their defense is unlikely. However, their denial as forward operating bases for the Liege at least bears tactical consideration. If they can be used to setup forward Space Bridge transit locations for the primary forces of the Liege, they will be able to fully bring thier vastly superior logistics to bear.

Strongpoints will be sieged and likely leveled by vastly superior firepower. Iacon has limits to how much damage the shields and walls can take. Sufficient firepower can overwhelm them, which the Liege's forces definitely have. Likewise Fortress Maximus and Omega Supreme. They are expected to be priority targets as soon as the invasion begins and local space superiority is established. Due to the limited mobility of Fortress Maximus, it is unlikely that he will be able to relocate to a defensive position and is expected to be neutralized. Likewise, the obliteration of Iacon will render its use as a primary base of defensive operations impossible.

This means that preparations should be made for a phased withdraw from Iacon of heavy defensive assets, munitions, energon, and weapons. Cultural relics should be evacuated and hidden as best possible. Forces should be spread out and ready to act as guerilla forces for hit and run strikes to wear down the Liege's forces. Protihex is viable as a secondary headquarters due to it's fortified nature and general limited knowledge as to the state o fit's defenses. Depending on circumstance, it is useful as a primary base of operations. Further, the use of Slaughter City to engage the Maximo's troops in urban combat has potential. The likelihood of this spilling over and drawing in Decepticon forces is considerable.

The Liege is pragmatic, and we can presume that his forces have a good idea of the state of planetary politics. This means that he is likely to engage in 'divide and conquer' to focus on one spectrum of the planet at a time. The Autobots will be his first target. The Decepticons can be held off and suppressed. He knows that Megatron is unlikely to use his forces to come to our aid unconditionally and will look for an opportunity to take advantage of our weakness. Once we have been mostly defeated strategically he will turn his attention to Megatron, while simultaneously making plays to convince neutral city states to surrender. Thus we can tentatively expect that the Decepticons will be met with a holding action while the majority of the Cybertronian Empire's forces hit us with overwhelming strength so there is only one primary front. It is unlikely that Megatron will offer substantial aid though he might try and annex weakened regions.

The dispersal of our forces to guerilla tactics and attrition warfare minimizes losses, and puts the Decepticons in a position where they must heavily engage the Liege as well. This will hopefully result in their being drawn mor einto the conflict with the Liege. The potential for our use of propaganda that the Decepticons fear the Cybertronian Empire's forces too much to fight and that the Autobots are the ones defending the planet is likelier to ensue them to be more aggressive, even if on an indpeendent scale of small units.

Again, this is a general scenario making a broad number of assumptions which are based on limited intelligence and understanding of enemy tactical priorities, and their adherence to the general strategies of planetary assault. As such this is considered a possible guideline for defense attempting to generalize possible results of actions, but is not a broad based strategy or defense plan.

With the approval of Command, as more data is available more involved wargames can be played out, as well as further guidelines for rules of engagement.

September 25, 2023 - Planetary Invasion Force Ratio - Asymmetrics

This is a rough guideline to the doctrine of force ratio for planetary assault. It is of a broad nature, and does not take into account localized factors, such as terrain, leadership, intelligence, or numerous other things which will effect the advantages or disadvantages of the defender. It assumes a willingness to fight back effectively and localized logistics, infrastructure, munitions, and support facilities. It makes many broad, general assumptions and is meant as a guideline, rather than a strict understanding. Generally temporary localized advantages or specific battles and results are beyond the capability of force ratios to represent, such as intelligence, communications jamming, and such are ignored as they effet battle to battle.

Also it is important to remember that infrastructure, control of territory, and mobility are for the purposes of Cybertronian planetary assault are mostly unimportant due to the rapid nature of Transformers to maneuver and rapidly flee or engage in combat. The ability to quickly build up effective part term infrastructure, widespread access of supply, and generally presumed available technicians, engineers, and medics is taken as a given.

In broad terms, combat ratio is based upon the ability to consistently apply overwhelming firepower to most combat zones and maintain it. A minimum of five to one is regarded, and hopefully better is considered as necessary to be able to make a controlled assault. This is generally only considered applicable to the opening stages of a campaign, establishing control of sufficient zones to continue the attack. This applies only to the initiate stages of invasion and setup for long term assault, as after this localized conditions vary too much for general application and too many factors to take into account for long term calculation.

First is the superiority of combat effectiveness. This is considered purely the ability of the attacker to apply local combat superiority as far as perosnnel and attack capabilities are considered. It is not reliant on numbers, but primarily upon strength of the attackers compared to the defenders. Support personnel contribute less to this calculation simply as it focuses on firepower. By a purely mathematical observation, the Decepticons would on a broad scale be considered to have a higher combat effectiveness than Autobots given our higher ratio of support personnel compared to the Decepticons frequently higher powered and more numerous pure combat models. A general presumption of two to one radio is considered ability to consistently maintain localized firepower superiority. Three to one is considered the ability to consistently apply overwhelming firepower superiority. This is broad, and applies to the majority of local battles. Not necessarily the ability to throw in more troops, but more troops with heavier firepower.

Next is artillery in whatever form. Two to one again is considered the ability to apply local superior fire support, three to one overwhelming. Due to the highly mobile nature of Cybertronian warfare and that setpiece battles and fortresses are not necessarily common, this is of lesser importance in consideration of combat ratio calculation.

Third is space superiority. Superiority in space allows for orbital support, ability to quickly offer assistance of bombardment, redeploy troops, or to pin down defenders. This almost always favors the attacker due to the requirements of localized space superiority needed to land troops in numbers, as well as the infrastructure to support them in a campaign. This can be considered even more dangerous to ourselves due to the highly limited nature of planetary defenses, and the very few areas capable of providing any sort of ability to hold off capital ships by shields and defensive batteries. An advantage of two to one is generallyc onsidered the ability to quickly support foces, and three to one meaning they can essentially at will bombard or support.

In general, it is assumed that an attacker will be able to land and establish a foothold on the planet. They can pick and choose where to attack, and defenders acnnot be anywhere. The modular nature of infrastructure for technologically advanced species means that planetary footholds on areas with the existant infrastructure for logistics are not as high a priority. They do not need to attack a spaceport to seize it for a continued campaign.

This ratio is again not considered in most cases exponential or multiplying. Only in cases where there is superiority is it added. A landing force consisting of overwhelming personnel combat effectiveness but generally equality in orbital support and artillery has only a three to one ratio, not five to one.

At higher points, however, of supremacy exponential advantages come in. But these areas of supremacy fall into the category of such overwhelming superiority as to make an offensive operation have an extremely high probability of success as for the ratios to be not required.

Thus this ratio can be broadly only considered to go to nine to one. Where the attacker has overwhelming superiority in space, artillery, and combat effective personnel. In which case it is considered extremely likely to be able to establish a highly forward, superior position for an extended planetary campaign.

October[]

October 15, 2023 - Intercepted Messages - Hubcap

Hubcap appears on screen in the new chromed red armor he’s adopted since abandoning Elita One’s leadership and joining Grimlock’s Lightning Strike Coalition. He must be still willing to assist the main faction of Autobots, however, because he records this report:

"So, I was visiting Vilnacron Station to, uh, pick up some supplies, and I intercepted the following transmission being beamed to Earth:"

A cutting voice says curtly, "If you want your ship back, I have someone willing to make a deal with you. Leave Autobot City and contact me back at this frequency."

A frown darkens Hubcap’s deep orange face. "I blocked the signal of course, and did a deep dive into recorded transmissions intercepted by Metroplex. This message was sent from Autobot City nine months ago on the same frequency my guy was trying to reach:"

A more human-sounding voice says nervously, "I’ll be back, but I gotta lay low first. And I’m hoping to god that Marissa believes I’m sincere that I want to reconnect, because if she doesn’t, I’m screwed!"

"It didn’t take long to isolate that the signal originated from Dirk Manus’s communicator. Manus has currently taken up residence in Autobot City, so I’ll leave dealing with this to Earth command.

"Don’t say I never did anything for you. You owe me, Autobots."

Hubcap ends the recording.

November[]

Nov 09 - Alyon Report[]

Hot Spot pops into view, background of the Alyon desert near the hot spot.

"Quick report. The new Prime showed up here a day and a half ago and buried herself in the sands after saying hello and feeling the requirement to assure me that she was all alone. As we do not have any orders concerning keeping her away from the area, we let her be. If there is a change, I will report back in. Hot Spot out."

November 10 - "Recurring Dreams" - Rung analyses the dreams experienced by those suffering from sleeping sickness.

Nov 14 - The sleeper shall awaken![]

So, a bunch of us went traipsing through the swamp ta find the source of ultimate evil... well, it wasn't ultimate evil persay but we did find a big crystal array that someone had decided ta jack the cable from and install their own programmin. The cable was clearly bootleg especially when it went after us when we went ta cut the connection. Swivel, Backblast, Me, Starlock and some others all worked together ta track it down and finally get things cut. Of course, Poor Starlock decided ta feel like crap afterwards and I guess it's like withdrawal from the signal they had. So now our people should start wakin though those who were under longest might have stronger effects. Hopefully they're less cranky than Starlock.

Nov 18 - Wish we could turn back time....[]

< Dust Devil's tired features fill the screen > Wow...that was a s< something crashing in medical behind him >tshow of massive proportions. It turns out Benin was also still under the spell sickness or whatever ya wanna call it. Once again Veritas helped us immeasurably by helpin us get into Benin's head and pull him free of the stuff that was affecting everyone else. Except this time people were aware and able ta take some control. Veritas has figured out that it was Soundblaster helping orchestrate this little dreamscape. Pretty sure if whoever catches him gives him to Veritas before he ends up in an autobot brig somewhere would have her eternal thanks.

Other stuff happened that is not my place to say other than to please give our Junkion allies a wide berth fer a bit. Don't antagonize them, Don't take it personal if they say some really crummy stuff ta ya. If ya need to complain, feel free to send it to crosscut and me so we know who we need ta talk to. If any get aggressive, please report it and avoid conflict please. Veritas ain't too pleased either and left Iacon when the junkions also left. This is NOT a good time for us to lose allies and I'd probably win some shanix if what happened happened on purpose to get this reaction. Either way, Radio me if ya need anythin I need ta chat with some people and then I need to burn off some energy in less than constructive means. Dust Devil out.

Nov 18 - Alpha Trion, we need to talk[]

This message is locked to Command-level staff only, using ciphers Backblast should not have access to.

Backblast appears on screen after a complete lack of spinny, looking the kind of calm that only occurs when anger has been honed into a weapon. "Alpha Trion? We need to talk. Privately. About certain things you have done in the past, and consent, the Requiem Blaster, and the Junkion people."

The message ends, again, with the absence of the spinny.

Nov 19 - To the Separatists and Sub-Factions[]

After the Suicide Jockey spinny, Backblast appears on screen.

"I'm going to preface this message by saying this is not a threat, simply my point of view. I will not hunt any of you down, drag you back, or do anything to force compliance... yeah yeah I know it's weird hearing that from me." Backblast takes a pull of a hand-rolled enercig. "All of you who've split off into sub-factions, I understand. Autobot leadership has been in turmoil and many of you only served the cause because of Optimus Prime. Alpha Trion may not be your choice of leader and I respect your reasons for choosing another path.

"But I put this to you: Are you aware that you're doing Liege Maximo's work for him? There is a time and a place to bring up your concerns or indeed go your own way, but with the looming threat of the Legio invading - they're already conducting preliminary operations towards that goal - I do not think this is not the time, nor the place. It concerns me when I see efficient operatives, good soldiers and fighters... people I respect... refer to people who have bled alongside them as 'you Autobots' as if we weren't comrades, as if we were strangers."

Backblast takes another pull of his enercig. "Until and unless you harm the attempts to prepare for the Legio, I will not hunt you for following your spark - that would make me a hypocrite, and while I may be many things, but I'm not a hypocrite. But I do ask you to consider whether this is the right time, or the right place."

Backblast looks off-camera to someone. "That diplomatic enough kid? Cool, send it."

The screen goes black, and the SJ spinny is seen again.

2024[]

Jan 09 - Operational Suggestions[]

Memo: To Command
From: Asymmetrics
CC: Diplomatic Corps & Intel

With the coming increase in tempo that will be inevitable as the Liege Maximo readies for his attack on Cybertron, as well as the expected increase in aggressiveness to come from Megatron, we must shift to a full wartime economy and maneuvering. While we do not have a great many extra forces available with numerous commitments, we can only press to try and advance our cause as much as possible.

Attempting to equivocate with many of the unaligned cities as possible, we must convince as many of them to form mutual defense pacts with us. In the last few years, we have taken full control of Hydrax, Ibex, and liberated Calyhex City. We are not on the back heel strut and are in an advantageous position. It is time to diplomatically pressure as many of the local city states as possible to consider if not outright allying with us then to consider engaging in mutual defense pacts to allow us to operate forces from them - which also will mean they're likelier to be willing to take up arms to defend themselves if Megatron attacks, which their diplomatic affairs are likelier to have him do. This hopefully will further alienate him from neutral city states when they see his open aggression, and that he can be driven off.

Uraya is a strong contender for membership within the Autobot Commonwealth. They have been on good relations with us for vorns, and have resisted the Decepticons for eons. They are likely to be amenable to engagement, even full membership within our forces. Negotiations can also hopefully begin with Calyhex City to operate full-time medical facilities there for our forces. WE liberated them some time ago, hopefully they are in turn willing to allow us access for our military forces to resupply and recover there, if not to help support a small garrison.

On a strategic level, it is necessary to try and expand our forces as much as possible. Commander Trion, would Vector Sigma be willing given the circumstances to grant us many sparks to place within frames? This is approaching our darkest hour. War with an enemy that has numberless legions that has no qualms of expending them, a demon of the past, a traitor. If there is any chance that the computer could make us as many soldiers as it could, then now would be the time. Even a few hundred would make a major difference.

In the short term, we need to secure our own territory. Protihex should be reinforced further, if only due to its location as our only major base of operations near the primary Decepticon territory and use as a hub for defensive operations. And loathe as I am to suggest it, Kalis needs neutralized. WE do not have the forces nor the firepower to siege it, and its heavily damaged terrain is too difficult to take in a brief period and we do not have the resources for indefinite urban warfare. I suggest the possibility of targeted strikes to inflict as much damage on the logistics infrastructure as possible to limit its use for the Decepticons as a forward base and staging ground against Iacon. The Wreckers or other Intel assets are best suited to this. We cannot tolerate the Decepticons having a major base of operations next to Iacon that they can use to launch strikes from. We need a secure perimeter.

Jan 11 - The Beacon is Lit[]

An audio message plays:

"Reduce, reuse, recycle. Bring outcha dead!" *BANG* "BRING OUTCHA DEAD!" *BANG* "Do you have pest control problems? The Empire comes, Lilith is coming. So how do you handle these sort of issues? Hi! I'm Billy Mays and I'm here to tell you about our new program to deal with those troublesome leaks. Flex tape!"

Footage begins playing, the area looking like neutral territories near New Harmonex, showing Junkions putting up a pair of what look like 'loose detritus' that suspiciously appear like flagpoles that begin displaying holographic Junkion symbols when one gets close and then disappear when they walk away. They pointedly look at the camera when this happens, stepping closer to make the symbol appear and away to make it disengage again. In an area roughly forty or fifty feet across a pit has been excavated and Junkions with hauler vehicle modes are backing up to begin dumping scrap of various sorts into it.

"If you're suffering aches and pains after contesting the unfathomable Legions of Hell, then contact your local Junkion to ask if Scrap Pile is the answer. You can contribute to your Roth IRA as well, bring your recyclables to your local center and see your future grow. Multiple locations are already planned, see if a franchise is available near you."

End of Feed

Feb 29 - Meanwhile...[]

A double long semi pulls up to a remote region of Cybertron; it transforms into the towering Blizzard. She kneels to the ground and tests something in the soil with her fingers. She looks up as the wind blows... Her eyes narrow as the crackle of thunder is heard. She drives off screen into the wilds, not a soul to be seen....

Mar 01 - Re: The Great Chasm[]

InsecticonsCaveInsectionSyndrome — Insecticons

TEXT ONLY: PILE-UP, MYSELF, AND SIDESWIPE WERE INVESTIGATING POSSIBLE CON ARMY ACTIVITY, ONLY TO FIND AN INSECTICON HIVE. THEY ATE THE ENTIRE FIREBASE WE WERE AT. MIGHT WANT TO STEER CLEAR AND ALERT CITIES NEARBY. THAT IS ALL.

March 3 - "The Humans May Need Our Help" - Metroplex picks up a transmission from Nebulos.

Mar 12 - Disturbing reports from Nebulos[]

>*Spike's face appears onscreen from the command center inside Fortress Maximus - he has a look of sobering concern*<

"Metroplex - thank you for the report. While images are still...grainy and unverifiable, it looks like Zarak and the Hive have stepped up big time. As you can see in the attached footage, there's something...big that he's created. Like, big enough to make Devastator look like Cliffjumper - no slight to Cliffjumper."

>*Spike sighs* "From my VERY ... and I stress VERY unscientific mind, it looks far more like a Cybertronian than a Nebulon piece of technology. But that said...Zarak could have easily just tried to 'emulate' a Decepticon."<

>*Spike looks down at the ground for a second, forming his next few sentences before looking up to the camera*<

"I'm an ambassador, all I can give is just my opinion, but I've tended to support not interfering with the Nebulon conflict for the very reason of the likelihood of the Decepticons intervening. I've also stated my opposition of G.I. Joe getting involved, because I don't believe Zarak is a subtle individual, and I don't see him seeing the nuance of having an Elite force from Earth assisting the resistance on Nebulos. I think he would see it as an act of war from the citizens of Earth and would respond as such.

>*Spike lets out a heavy sigh and looks at the screen* "Whatever leadership gets behind, I will support, but I wanted to voice some concerns from someone who has seen interference go both ways. Spike out. *screen fades to black*<

Mar 13 - Section 43-A Report[]

A text report follows, that is six pages long, that confirms grid 43-A of Iacon has 'mostly pleased energy' in it, though Folly warns that she encountered two very surly sockets in the area, and tried to find out what they wanted. If she did find out, she did not report it. Also, nobody has any records of her being asked to examine Iacon's energy flow in this regard.

Mar 16 - Official Address[]

Pile-Up appears on screen, framed by the structures of the former City-State of the Assemblae, "I will at-t-t-at-tempt to speak plainly" sparks tumble from beneath one glowing optic. "While we remain free-ee-ee... free fallin', the Decepticon intention to subjugate will dominate time where we'll want to BREAK FREE-HEE! I can't get used to living without living without living without you..."

A small smack to his own jaw seems to shake something loose and he continues, "Following a peaceful transition of power, in light of looming threats I exact a single demand of the Autobots; in exchange for my research in turning Soundblaster's research against himself and Liege Maximo - I want full access to Iacon's labs. Not to develop further weapons, but to expedite research into defenses I am pr-pr-r-r-r-r-..." Pile-Up's jaw loosens as if something has broken, hydraulic liquids leaking from one corner before he roughly shoves it back into joint and sags as if powering down, optics going dark.

"Here we go, here we go, here we go now. Gonna hit the motherf**k'n ball now! Hole in one BA-BY!" head twitching before he continues, "Defenses I am pursuing. In love together, we found a way. But soon the world, had its evil way. My heart was blinded, love went astray. I'm going through changes. I-I-I'm going through CHA-AY-ANGES... woah, in my life." Coughing into his fist, or at least simulating the gesture before he proceeds; "And also to have additional resources to aid in saving my world, that is now dying for your war." quieting, expression flat and grim in the same."

"I will meet with your leaders in person to discuss, if preferred, in my place as Alor to The Aliit. My people deserve to live, as we were denied long ago, if the words of your Optimus still ring true, I ask you assist in preserving freedom as a right of my people and in turn I will help you as I can."

The screen fades to black before the Junkion sigil appears and then that to disappears.

March 23 - After-Action Report: Operation Nexus Seven[]

After-Action Report: Operation Nexus Seven

From: Link-Up, Wreckers Recon Team

To: Autobot Command

Mission Summary:

The Wreckers were dispatched to Nexus Seven, an organic planet under threat of cyberforming by the Cybertronian Empire. Our mission was to halt the exo-structuring party from further devastation and prevent the loss of innocent lives.

Situation Report:

Upon arrival, we observed the Outpost B-67 party ruthlessly slaughtering the native inhabitants. Their homes were being replaced with cold, metallic Cybertronian structures. The urgency of our intervention was clear.

Engagement Details:

1. Rack'n'Ruin hesitated when confronted with a purple-headed Cybertronian. His opponent claimed to be unarmed, but our instincts were on high alert. Spinshield, however, showed no hesitation, swiftly neutralizing the threat.

2. In the heat of battle, Rack'n'Ruin found himself outmatched by another Cybertronian. It was Springer who leaped into action, using his immense strength to crush the assailant.

3. The enemy reinforcements arrived, and the Wreckers responded:

- Topspin bombed them into disarray.

- Twin Twist smashed through their ranks.

- Crashcourse toasted them with precision.

- Broadside cut them to pieces.

Reflection and Analysis:

Ruin expressed concern about our team's brutality, but Spinshield reminded us that the "poor, unarmed" Cybertronian had been armed and willing to kill. Our actions were justified in defense of Nexus Seven's inhabitants.

Recommendations:

1. Intelligence Gathering: Investigate the Cybertronian Empire's expansion plans and cyberforming capabilities.

2. Countermeasures: Develop strategies to disrupt their cyberforming process and protect organic worlds.

Conclusion:

The Cybertronians' aggression threatens all lifeforms. We stand ready to defend the innocent and uphold Autobot principles.

Link-Up, out.

Mar 25 - Doctrine for Ground Combat[]

A tactical document is put by Ultra Magnus through general deployment.

Tactics for Combat are limitless. Ground, air, space, otherdimensional... No tactic can fit every situation. You will work with your comrades to overcome any situation. These are general guidelines but should not be taken as Primus' word. Autobot tactics emphasize flexibility to meet any circumstances.
First, know your enemy. Read their profiles. Know how they fight. Know what they act like. Know their quirks and weaknesses. Many Decepticons are former Gladiators, criminals, and psychopaths. To a degree they can be predicted. Take advantage of your knowledge and play to things which manipulate them. A predictable enemy is a vulnerable enemy.
Second, never fight to your enemy's strengths. You can't always choose your battlefield, but maneuver the circumstances to where you have the advantage. Most Decepticons are fliers, so avoid combat in open areas. If you fight them in wide planes, take the fight underground where you can lose them or force them to stay in robot mode. Flank them to limit their maneuverability. Enrage them to get them to chase you. Use the terrain and cover to control their approach.
Third, work together. Separate your opponents and get them in positions where you can team up against them and isolate them. Many Decepticons are not known for their willingness to coordinate, use this to your advantage. Separate them on the ground, gang up on them, and isolate them. Overwhelm them one at a time. Where they have strength in firepower, you have strength together. Lure them away from one another and hit them all at once, then move on to the next one. Disrupt their communications, ground them, and stay mobile.
Fourth, hit them where they aren't. The Decepticons have vast amounts of territory, find places to strike that are isolated. Use your experience as guerilla fighters. Attack far flung installations. Do damage to even minor outposts. They can't garrison everywhere at once. They have to protect far flung outposts, which leaves their strongpoints weaker and vulnerable, or leave these exposed areas open to destruction. Control the tempo of battle. When they respond to these, you get to choose the time and place.
Fifth, whenever possible know how your enemy is likely to react. Present them with targets and situations that they'll respond to. Give them situations where you can predict what they'll do, and turn it against them. Sometimes they'll surprise you, but many Decepticons will fight in the same way as their training and experience. Give them something you know how they'll act, then reverse the situation. Sometimes they'll surprise you and hit you hard, but more often than not you'll have the advantage.
Sixth, -you- are our greatest asset, Autobots. Preserve yourselves. If a situation is turning against you, withdraw. If there is no hope of victory, preserve yourselves. The war is greater than any single one of use, but you are our greatest asset. Any fight where we go in expecting to go to Primus and our sparks return to the Allspark is one where we've already lost. Keep yourselves alive, keep faith alive. We want the Decepticons to take losses, and not our own. Make them sacrifice themselves. So long as there are Autobots left, hope will go on. Fight, and remember that one battle does not decide the war. Preserve yourselves in the conflict and know you'll get them next time.

Mar 25 - Tasking Orders[]

A general posting order is made and put through the command channels for all personnel to review and departments.

       As we get ready for possible interplanetary conflict, we must remember that we are Autobots. No matter how bad things are, we'll pull through them. We've been through worse and we'll defeat these second generation Cybertronians the way we have all other threats. We'll win by being smart and playing to our strengths. No self-sacrifice, no heroic last stands. If the enemy is overwhelming, fall back. Your sparks, Autobots, are our greatest asset. Don't squander them. So long as one of us is left, hope is alive.

       I also know that many of you do not like this conflict and are unsure about fighting. For any that wish so, you may have a transfer to Earth or any of our other outposts no questions asked. I won't ask you to fight in a conflict you want no part of. We all contribute in our different ways. If you don't wish to be in the middle of this, all transfer requests to non combat zones are approved.

       Cybertron is a planet at war. And large numbers of non-combatants. We need to reach out to all city states to offer our aid if they wish to evacuate the planet to go somewhere safer. As much as we can, we should help them find locations where they can withdraw to. Alpha Trion, Crosscut, if you can negotiate with the Colonies or other off-planet jurisdictions that would be willing to take on evacuees, it would be appreciated. We have to save as much of the population that doesn't want to be caught in the middle of the crossfire as we can.

       Alpha Trion, there are a great many cultural relics within Iacon and parts of our heritage that are irreplaceable. They have to be kept safe for future generations. I'll trust your judgment if they need to be hidden and that you have places for them.
       Intelligence, we need to know what the current status is of Decepticon High Command. Who are the department heads and XO's, their profiles, and where they're based out of. With the sleeping sickness over they'll be changing commanders, and I want to know who. Megatron's not going to be keeping quiet, so we have to keep one step ahead of him.

       Springer: excellent work, keep us in the loop with whatever you find out. If you need more resources, let us know, we'll send whatever we can spare.

       In the event we have to retreat underground, we'll need bases to operate out of. Elita, if you can task some of your team to review the status of whatever hideouts that Shockwave never dug out and if it's feasible to get them operational again, inform engineering.

       Autobots, we have a hard time ahead of us. We've faced worse. Keep yourselves ready, but don't lose sight of who we are and what we do. We fight not to win the war but to save lives. That includes our own. No glorious last stands, fallback, or self-sacrifice. We fight as long as we can, but no battles to the last of us. Our enemies are the ones who should fall and make the journey to the Inferno or the AllSpark, wherever they feel they deserve. Magnus out.

Mar 26 - Engagement on Earth's Moon - Jetfire[]

>*audio file recording, as it was recorded in flight*< Last night, Liege Maximo emerged from his silence to deliver a near catastrophic blow to not only us, but our friends on Earth. He sent a team of at least three, including one titan, which you can view the scans on in the embedded supplementary information link.

Had it not been for the heroic efforts of Backblast, Dust Devil, human G.I. Joe General Hawk, Rabbicrater, and... *sighs* yes, Deathsaurus, Liege Maximo's titan would have likely gone unchecked and made their way to Earth.

For now, he has been thankfully incapacitated. He and his associates are currently offlined, and we are in the process of applying a stasis patch to keep him from harming anyone else, but at the same time, making him able to respond to our questions.

As expected, this brings us to a level of high alert. We can expect Liege Maximo to return to 'reclaim' his associates, but we must also anticipate him assuming we will do such an action, and as a result, leave Cybertron or Earth open for an attack. All titans and combiners should remain in their respective areas, but remain on high alert. Liege Maximo made his move, thanks to quick thinking and teamwork, his move failed. But now we must be ready for his next move, which will likely come sooner than any of us anticipate. Jetfire out. *audio ends*

Mar 27 - Addendum to Jetfire's Report - Backblast[]

This is also an audio recording, because Backblast is lazy.

"Recommend we also contact a Titan expert for help. Solus Prime, Windblade, Banshee or Veritas. It doesn't matter who but someone who can Speak to 'em. My gut tells me from Legio Twattimo's patsy's words, Titans aren't... respected... in the Empire. Might be able to turn him. Might be able to learn something."

Apr 06 - First... err Second Contact - Dust Devil[]

Dust Devil's face appears on the screen. "Well... I kinda did a thing. I mighta sorta used my title as ambassador to meet with the self-titled Smart member of the vehicle team that came with the Titan. While he was overall decent to speak with. It was a disconcerting that they were insistant on their original mission which was to conquer this solar system. I tried to explain that we were friends with the natives of this area and that conquering wasn't on the agenda. They said that our system doesn't work and we need conquering so that there can be peace.

I disagreed in that the peace that Liegmo is that of the grave. Oh yeah... before I forget his name is Metrobomb. The others are Metroshot and he's the one bonded to the big guy. Dash is the fast guy. They aren't sure how Liegmo is gonna accept their failure. They thought we would be easy pickings. They aren't 'Clone soldiers' They're their own people who joined up voluntarily more or less. They know about our new titan. Wanted to know how we had the technology to build one. I didn't answer. Though I did confirm Solus was back. They know about Metroplex.

They said that while Cybertron was dead and is not reawakening, it's now worth conquering and we should have allowed Megsy to be leader and broker a peaceful entry into the empire. I... disagreed. Either way... I'll chat with him again if that's okay with ya'll. While the initial conversation wasn't what I'd have liked. It wasn't completely useless either. Oh... and Fort Max decided he had to be here. So if anyone looks for our missing titan, it's on the moon currently. Dust Devil out!

Apr 06 - Badlands Patrol[]

Was sweeping along the Badlands off of the Stanix Freeway seeing if I could track down some of the feral Insecticons that ate up our firebase. Figured they might be dispersing and looking for other energon signatures and wanted to make sure they weren't goin elsewhere. Along that way ran into Motormaster. Left more parts of him along the Freeway than there were of me. Glitched him up good.

The report at this point is interrupted by someone noting that the Badlands was Decepticon territory, the larger energon signatures that the Insecticons might have been drawn to would definitely not be in that direction, and that given his geographic transponder seemed to be so disrupted he would be rotated to maintenance duties of energon spillover valves at Iacon until the problem could be fixed.

Apr 09 - Scenario Updates[]

A memo is sent internally by Asymmetrics to whomever is bored enough to read long, overly wordy dictations to Strategic Operations.

These are updates to our simulations run of the Leige Maximo's forces with recent information. Our thanks to Springer and his team for their work in gathering intelligence and inflicting damage to the enemy. Recent events have also given us new worries.

The first the deployment of an enemy Titan. Our forces on Earth displayed great capacity in its defeat, but it is currently unknown whether the Liege has more at its disposal. If it does, that will have a significant negative effect on the strategic situation.
Separately, the rapid extent of cyberforming on the world that the Wreckers struck. How long does the process take? How many such worlds are there? The fact that preliminary analysis seems to indicate a rather recent transmogrification and so far along is disturbing.
If our adversary can cyberform a subjected world so rapidly and use it to gather resources and industry, then it increases their already theoretically overwhelming logistics superiority.

These updates are broad calculations of enemy assault projections upon Cybertron. They are based upon a conservative model given the vast majority of unknown specifics, given lack of available technical specifications and profiles of enemy leadership and elite forces, and their deployment. It assumes rational objectives and logical actions.

The first assumption is that the Leige Maximo's forces have up to date tactical information on Cybertron, its politics, and its forces. The utilization of sleeper agents and cloaked vessels has shown their capability to do so, and it is highly improbable that all were neutralized. They are likely in turn to actively disrupt or sabotage defensive capabilities during the attack and leading up to it.

The estimation is that Maximo's forces operate in Legions. Which are roughly seven to nine thousand combat personnel and additional support personnel, likely in a roughly one to three proportion to combat personnel. This does not include things like starships, extra attached forces, or specialist divisions. A Legion can in theory be carried by two hundred and fifty to three hundred and fifty enemy Beta class Assault Cruisers, which have shown the ability to deploy troops and fighters rapidly via magnetic launch tubes. Large numbers of additional ships, frigate to destroyer scale, can additionally deploy troops or act as escorts and bombardment craft. It is extremely likely that the Leige Maximo has superheavy capital ships that have not been encountered, though this is a hypothetical. Their accompaniment of the initial assault force to act as command and control and battlefield support is probable.

First priority strikes are likely to be targeted at command and control centers and large city states and centers of operations. First on their target list is likely to be Iacon. Iacon does not have to be invaded or obliterated, merely isolated. Cut off from the rest of Cybertron it would render much of our ability to coordinate null. It is thus unfortunate that we are likely to have to prepare to abandon Iacon when the siege starts.

Next, while it is unknown that Maximo's forces have space bridge capabilities, given they have displayed transwarp craft there is a high probability of this. Landings on the Moonbases to secure them for space bridge construction is likely. From which they can bring reinforcements, logistics, and act as repair hubs for injured personnel. While it is critical to deny these bases to the enemy, it is likely that any attempt at active defense of them will merely result in the liquidation of any defenders assigned to them.
Upon planetary landing, the Liege's forces will likely attempt divide and conquer. To create peace treaties with different city states to secure their flanks or coerce them to surrender with their display of rapid combat superiority. This will let them focus their forces on one adversary at a time. We also must presume that Megatron will act rationally.

Megatron's option from a purely logical perspective will be to let the Second Generation Cybertronians and ourselves weaken one another by conflict, and in turn to take territory from us as the situation permits to strengthen his own position. Conflict between himself and the Liege is inevitable, but unpredictable as to whether Maximo will seek to control the rest of Cybertron first or Megatron will incite the attack due to personal history. But likely they will each avoid direct conflict at first to not fight on multiple fronts.

Apr 09 - Scenario Updates: Assault Hypotheticals[]

Further updates by Asymmetrics:

It is unknown whether the Second Generation Cybertronians will seek to initiate historilities with Valvolux or Tyger Pax, or merely ensure their neutrality. The exact information and analysis of the interactions with the leadership of those polities and Maximo is unknown, as are his long-term objectives. There is too little data to speculate with any degree of certainty.

       The launching of Metrotitan on Earth confirms Earth will be a target, whether purely to isolate our forces there or to try and siege the planet. We can expect neutralized communications, space bridge transit, and interdiction of FTL ships. Earth and any forces deployed there will be on their own, as will Cybertron with no ability to communicate and coordinate. This needs to be considered by the tactical officers of our forces on both sectors.
       The first wave of the attack on Cybertron will involve at least three to five legions, and many capital ships for troop deployment, bombardment, and escort duties. It is quite realistic to expect more than a thousand capital grade ships present for a planetary assault and thirty to sixty thousand enemy troops and supporting personnel in the first wave. Wherever they make landing, such overwhelming force is virtually a guaranteed success. In turn anywhere can be suppressed via orbital bombardment, airstrikes, and artillery to be put under siege.

Strongpoints will be isolated and bypass or obliterated at leisure. We do not know the state of which the Liege Maximo wishes to take Cybertron, but with several hundred if not thousands upon thousands of Cyberformed planets, he does not need Cybertron for industry or resources. Defense in depth will lead to heavy casualties and be of little strategic value. Maximo can land and control any location in large numbers. Followup waves of troops will be in increasing numbers, limited by transport capacity. If they can establish large space bridge infrastructure, then they can deploy virtually limtiless forces. A straight up planetary defense is unfeasible.

Apr 09 - Enemy Analysis[]

Foe Assessment by Asymmetrics:

The exact number of the Liege Maximo's forces is difficult to determine. We also only have theoretical ideas as to when he departed Cybertron, how long it took for him to establish himself, and what is the timeline of his operations. However, we've seen that he can establish cyberformed worlds ina n extremely short amount of time with disturbingly few troops. Half a vorn at most seems necessary for a full planetwide reconstruction after occupation. These cyberformed worlds can then be put into full industrial production. Cloned troops can be made in huge numbers. Within a full vorn a planet could be creating thousands upon thousands of fully operational combat personnel, starships, and weapons per decacycle. With likely thousands of cyberformed worlds, the number of troops he has available is likely within the hundreds of millions, if not billions in a most conservative estimate. If anything much, much higher.

Cloned troops have so far shown that while they are technologically advanced and equipped, and display adequate combat capabilities, they show little more intiative and coordination than drones. They so far seem lead primarily by officers that showcase more initiative and processing capabilities. Theoretically targeting and neutralizing these officers may help mitigate thier combat capabilities, though this is purely theoretical and has not been showcased in a combat situation or observed. Enemy deployed troops show no issues with morale, self-preservation, or attrition. However, thier officers have shown fear, a willingness to abandon their troops, and use them purely as fodder. Which shows a weakness in their command structure that can be exploited.
The Second Generation Cybertronians have however showcased exceptional technological capabilities. Squadrons of enemy troops have merged to form enhanced artillery, their cloaking technology such as when they bombarded Ultrix, and the entity called 'Singularity'. Further to some level infiltration of our planetary society has been displayed.
Thus we must operate with the assumption that the enemy will attempt to win via overwhelming firepower and attrition, a willingness to expend the sparks of thier legions en masse without care or logistics, with the occasional elite unit that can match whatever we or the Decepticons can deploy.
All these lend themselves to the unfortunate yet probable conclusion that a straight up planetary defense will be.. Difficult given the immense tactical disparity. Thus realistically our best option will be to operate as when after Iacon fell. Disperse, operate as guerilla units, seek for weaknesses in enemy command and control, gather information about the Leige Maximo's structure, and counterattack when opportunity presents. Denying our enemy concentration of forces to obliterate to preserve our assets as much as possible is thus our greatest priority.

April 22 - Distress Beacon - Perceptor[]

Perceptor’s slightly frazzled visage pops onto the screen. From the background, it looks like he is in a lab. Which lab? Well, given the slight disarray, and the smudge across his face most likely one also inhabited by Wheeljack.

"An in depth analysis of the broadly transmitted distress beacon from the known outpost on Tyrix cross-examined against other partial distress signals as well as the greatly growing list of stations and outposts no longer responding to inquiries nor requests for additional information or reporting indicates a spreading band of silence from our extended tributaries and relay positions through the Inner Rim Upper Gamma quadrant of the Galaxy proper. The interruption of the more esoteric materials from our survey and outpost stations is developing into a need to place a moratorium upon some of the more intricate experiments in several of our greater laboratory complexes.

"Compounding the situation and increasing the alarm factor is the simple fact that we are under a heightened alert due to the proclivities and potential disturbances from the entity referred to as Liege Maximo, it is highly suggested that it would behoove us to send a small team with proper armaments to go forth and trace this signal to its source is heavily suggested due to the continued absence of information from our outlier locations. While some may have simply been a stopover point for transit or materials collections, the increasing darkness on our boards indicating silence from space is cause for concern."

He moves away from the video feed, there's the sound of a muffled explosion a "Wheeljack?!" and then the recording cuts off.

May 01 - Con Raid at Hydrax[]

Shockwave lead a group of Decepticons in an attack on Hydrax. Or a raid. He went to blast at the defenses of the city and mostly seemed to smash them. Me 'an Imager engaged him. The rest of the Cons with him did a lot of damage and bypassed the defenses. Not sure if they got what they were after or not. But Blinky withdrew. Figure we can say that if the Cons are attacking cities then we can't consider the truce on.

May 02 - AAR: Hydrax Plateau[]

Imager's on screen, "So the Cons came with a light force over to hydrax. Shockwave lead them and durn near offed both myself and Sideswipe. The guns were all but useless, but he targetted them specifically. Guess Megatron doesn't like a spaceport being neutrally owned. Going to take weeks to figure out what's wrong with the guns even before repairs can do anything..."

Screen goes out.

May 07 - Protihex Convoy[]

From Protihex, Ultra Magnus' somewhat battered frame comes into view. "The convoy was engaged by Decepticon raiders, lead by Esmeral and Shockwave. The majority of the supplies being brought in got through. Hopefully enough to allow the next stage of the reinforcement to begin. I've forwarded a full report of casualties and what supplies completed the trip to Operations whenever they're ready to start on the next phase of the project. Autobots, good job seeing through a tough fight. I also want to state my appreciation for the aid of Pile-Up in seeing the convoy through. I have not appreciated his contributions to our case nor the rest of the Junkions, and I make a full apology to them for my slights.

May 9 - "Eureka!" - Ratchet finally gets his GroundBridge working.

May 10 - Re: Groundbridge[]

A memo is sent through the datalinks from Asymmetrics to the exer-excited Ratchet.

       Excellent, this will allow for shifting of troops to threatened zones rapidly. Also the limitations of the system have to be worked out. Can it dispatch only small squads? How long can it stay open safely? Is large amounts of cargo safe to transmat? What is the diameter of it so we have an idea for how much we know we can dispatch? As soon as experimentation has been conducted and stabilized, wargames will be updated to take to account.

May 11 - Protihex Upgrades[]

The defenses of Protihex were upgraded, with a number of traps and reinforcements to the defenses placed in. I thank for the aid of our Junkion allies in the matter. Hopefully this will help make our major operational base in the area be more secure.

====May 17 - Counterstrikes - Asymmetrics====

A memo is sent through normal channels that likely vanishes into the labyrinth that is the endless series of reports filed in the Iacon terminals.

'The Decepticons have made it clear that they do not intend to follow any sort of truce, official or otherwise. Strikes on Hydrax and the Protihex convoy with Shockwave present, and Onslaught having lead a repelled Combaticon raid on our Junkion allies at the Cybertron Assemblae are indicative of a more focused strategy involving Decepticon heavy hitters rather than impromptu raids. To maintain a deterrence some level of counterstrikes are needed to remind the Decepticons they cannot attack us or neutral city states with impunity. There are a number of possible operations.
One possibility is striking the Decepticon undersea base on Earth. While we have signification forces stationed there, any Decepticon presence so far seems to be minimal. The potential to scuttle it or better yet seize it while they do not have substatnial garrisons present would grant us the ability to neutralize one of their largest forward operating stations on the planet, denying them a resource for future operations. IF it can be seized and salvaged, all the better. Weapons and systems can be used in turn to upgrade our own facilities, such as the Ironworks and Ocean City, which have otherwise suffered damage in recent years. Even the seizure of large amounts of armored alloys can be used to increase fortifications. This will weaken future Decepticon planetary forces as ewll as increasing our ability to defend Earth in the event the Second Generation Cybertronians attack it.
The upgrade of our base in Protihex also allows for an increased tempo of raids in the area. While direct strikes on major Decepticon installations will likely not be viable, the opportunity to hit smaller outposts and stations will be possible. Further, this will allow us to more readily send supplies an reinforcements to Slaughter City, and hopefully encourage Grimlock's forces to coordinate more on strikes. If the Decepticons have to keep forces closer to their home territories, then it is fewer that can be used to strike against us or neutral city states. If Grimlock is approving, the possibility of increasing the viability of Slaughter City can be used to bait the Decepticons to striking there, drawing them into urban combat.
This period should also be used to increase our standing with neutral city states. Given our strong relations with Uraya, a chance to get them to commit to a full alliance and hopefully membership within the Autobots will give us a substantial presence ot contest the Tri-Torus highway. Our willingness to help defend Hydrax from Shockwave, repair damage, and in turn to listen to the city council about our prseence will hopefully increase thier willingness to cooperate. Further, operations like our aid at SimFur, liberating Calyhex City and moving refugees from different neutral city states to there to give them a new home, and our aid to Tyger Pax and Incognito can hopefully be used for a diplomatic offensive to increase trade, protection, and hopefully defensive alliances if Crosscut and our diplomatic corps believe it is viable.
We don't have much time before our crisis will escalate, so now is the time to try and slow the Decepticons down, work on improving relations with city states, and giving ourselves more room to prepare for the invasion that is to come.

May 23 - Skyfire: Scanning breakdown[]

Vestigial t-cog, where one would be seems to be a part of the weapons systems instead, similar placement and shape but not functioning as a transformation cog
Sparkless
The ship is ‘alive’ but heavily damaged
Spectral analysis puts metal as cybertronium but a great deal of dilution of the ‘living’ metal
Base physiology is present as compared to modern transformers from Cybertron or the colonies:
Rossum’s trinity is represented but not completely: ‘Spark’ chamber but no spark, vestigial cog, and ‘Brain’ Cortical center.
Physiological ‘head’ is present internally, but only serves as additional armor around the cortical center. All sensory systems are wired externally, visual, sound, etc. Missing internal parts such as joints or planes of transformation.
The two ships are the -same-, like ‘twins’. The only differences are things that would have been changed by an outside influence, like damage or exposure to radiation.
NO Ability to transform.

Scan and debris information on destroyed ‘HUB’ ship:
Gravity generating engine system that warps space and travels ‘lanes’ between systems. The larger the engines, the higher ‘bands’ they can translate into and out of for faster travel
Debris has very few signs of bipedal or ‘legged’ modes, there are some half-formed ships (LACs) and 2 partially completed Cruiser types.
Some traces of Cybertronium but not at the base normal for those created/built on Cybertron or her colonies
Parts of a device that could be a Space elevator: utilizing gravity manipulation and energy to move things back and forth off planetary surfaces or other surface areas
Broken vats in the remainder of the ship with solidified cybertronium mixtures, again at that low
Ship is 70% engine, 20% flight/vat bats and 10% ‘other’
Ship was sparkless but may have been alive in the same way the other ships were.

May 27 - "Intelligence Report": Tote reports to Jazz.

May 31 - Spitze[]

A small report is thrown somewhere in the processor pile.

       Spitze was taking a nap in the Slaarg and TUrbofox and blocking it off. With some... Minor damage from the area, Spitze was convinced to move. For future note, suggest ensuring that she's led to areas of brighter light and if she is in somewhere she is not supposed to be in the lights be dimmed and she be lured elsewhere. Bar is open.

11 June - "Kaon Prison Invasion Proposal" - Link-Up supports Sprocket’s suggestion to rescue and recruit Starscream.
19 June - "Operation Traachon Simulations" - Asymmetrics runs a simulation wargame of Megatron performing a full-on frontal assault on Iacon with the majority of known Decepticon forces.

Jun 12 - Re: Retrieval[]

The plan has merit. Springer, you have my authorization to review all files we have on Kaon's network and security. If necessary, a reconnaissance operation is also authorized. Make an infiltration plan, have Chromia review it, and I'll authorize it.

Jun 24 - Buildup[]

A series of general orders have been posted that are spread to Earth and to Cybertron.

"Earth based Autobots, I want you to step up production of supplies - energon, spare parts, munitions, hardware, and constructions materials as much as is feasible wtih the current state of affairs in the Sol system and threats permit. Send them through the space bridge at regular intervals. We are preparing for war, and Cybertron is still a place of danger. I'm aware that Earth is under threat as well, so its ability to do so is limited. Earth Command, within your discretion increase production and distribution of supplies to send to Cybertron. Supplies are to be distributed to as many facilities and bases as possible. We want to hold out for as long as we can and have as many options as possible. Your priority is ,however, still of course Earth and do so as you see best within your obligations to defend our allies and your own needs.

Operations, I want a continued buildup of the support infrastructure wihtin Protihex now that the defenses have been reinforced. The workshops and medbays should be built up so it can be self-supporting when it comes to basing personnel out of and construction materials. It should be able to take care of more troops, arm them, repair them, and keep itself operational as possible. Command and Control facilities are to be built up as necessary, as well as staging grounds for Special Operations and strike teams. Protihex will be our primary hub for now for operations in the area; now that it's been reinforced, it's time we help prepare it to be a full base.

Jun 29 - Ultra Magnus: Rail Line[]

Imager has suggested building a rail line along our outposts and extending branches to neutral city states to help get trade flowing. The rail line would be neutral and for passenger and cargo transit, administered by the city states running their portions of it. They in turn would maintain their own infrastructure, collect tariffs on goods being moved, and use it to help expand commercially on the planet. It would be one small step along helping the planet link up and be self-sufficient again and move trade along.

Jul 02 - Ultra Magnus: CAT[]

CAT is being transferred to operate out of Protihex and perform reconnaissance along the Decepticon fortified zones along the area. With Protihex being fortified, I want all available intelligence on Decepticon operations and what is required expansion for Protihex's logistics for long term strike team operations. Your role for now is primarily intelligence gathering and reconnaissance of enemy controlled regions. You are authorized to engage targets of opportunity but for now we're not preparing for an extended campaign in the area. You are authorized discretion on how to perform these operations and to pull from supplies as needed.

Jul 03 - Encounter[]

While on my personal shuttle flying to Protihex, I was shot down by Onslaught and a Decepticon flier called Skald. We engaged in a quick skirmish that ended with myself and Onslaught discussing the necessity of mutual defense, and that to him the only way to do so was for Decepticon control of the planet and its defensive structures and that we 'Autobots' and our neutral allies were completely incapable of doing so. Onslaught brought up no counterpoint to the nominal discipline issues in the Decepticon army while this conversation went on. He said that cooperation could be encouraged by yielding parts of the planet's infrastructure before we mutually disengaged.

Follow-up investigation of the area with the assistance of Riposte and Pile-Up allowed us to track a series of Decepticon supply flights going along the route. We did not pick up any information suggesting a Decepticon forward base anywhere nearby, and the ultimate destination of said flights is for now unknown. I have agreed with Pile-Up's suggestion of us finding where they are going and hit and grab some for ourselves. Springer, if you'd like to join us for the fun, you're more than welcome to, as well as members of the Lightning Strike Coalition. This will be in retaliation for multiple Decepticon attacks on the Assemblae controlled by our Junkion Allies, so I expect close cooperation amongst our groups.

Jul 05 - Sideswipe: Toraxxis Recon[]

Decepticon flier Snare of the Predators (aka the stupid glowstick Cons) did a flyby recon of the Toraxxis Refinery. I chased him off. I do think he got the info he was after; I was only able to intercept him after his flyby. Suggest putting some more flak cannons around there. I know we can't spare a lot of artillery for it but if it gets hit then that's a lot of our planetary energy resources gone. If the Cons are probing it, all they need is a few big bombing runs.

July 15 - Counterintelligence[]

As things heat up, we want to do all we can to neutralize enemy infiltration and monitoring on ourselves and our allies as we can. Repugnus, you are authorized to do what you deem necessary to ensure this. Coordinate with Jazz and Blaster to assist and pass along anything you find. Blaster, pay extra attention to any signs of Decepticon communications monitoring; and if possible try and track the interception signals. Let's see if we can't give the Decepticons some static shock.

Perceptor, Brainstorm, or Wheeljack; I have a task for you. I need a one use keycode that gives temporary access to our communication systems, but that also includes an alert to inform us of when said code is used and a location trigger on it. We'll let the Decepticons intercept it, and when they use it to listen in, we'll backtrack the location and send in a strike team. They're likely not going to do so inside of Kaon, so if they use a secondary intelligence facility, we can hopefully hit it hard. Cosmos, when it's triggered go to an observation position. Depending on what you scan we'll send in a strike team, infiltrators, or a recon unit. Autobots, be on the alert. Vigilance is critical.

Aug 06 - Sideswipe: Road to Nowhere Skirmish[]

A group of Autobots were doing a quick patrol of the Road to Nowhere between Slaughter City and Vos and engaged some Sweeps lead by Scourge. The Autobots scattered with no casualties and withdrew, but several took heavy damage and had to abort for repairs.

---

8/7 - "Missing Autobot" - Noise Effect reports on the missing Thunderstick.

August 14 - Search and Rescue Request for Missing Autobot[]

>*Jetfire appears in the science division command center in Iacon*<

Per Noise Effect's request, I am requesting air command lend their assistance around the Mithril Sea, specifically near the region of Ky-Alexia. Thunderstick's vehicular mode is attached to this report in addition to his most recent photo.

If have already looked in our data banks, you know the Thunderstick's history is sparse. Before his recent visit to Cybertron, he was stationed at Combatron, which, unfortunately has seen many of its records disappear due to the heavy fighting that planet has endured.

Overrun was one of the last Autobots to have spoken with Thunderstick. According to Overrun's report, Thunderstick requested permission to travel to Ky-Alexia to procure some customized ammunition.

As of right now, we are treating this simply as a search mission. We currently have no evidence that indicates Thunderstick was in any mortal danger. His most recent combat records show no major conflict that would put a proverbial 'target' on him.

As all of us are aware of, Ky-Alexia is under Destron control. I will reach out to the ranking Destron officials within Ky-Alexia. I encourage the diplomatic division do the same to quell any fears of military operations within the area.

While this is primarily a mission assigned to air command, I welcome collaboration with the naval division as well. Please coordinate efforts to search the Mithril Coast near Ky-Alexia.

Finally, I want to restate, this is currently just a search and rescue mission. Until further evidence comes out to point to a suspicious disappearance, we should be treating this mission as a missing Autobot protocol, with the assumption that Thunderstick has either gotten lost or has suffered an unfortunate medical incident. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Jetfire out. *screen fades to black*

Aug 21 - Ultra Magnus - Rail Cannon[]

A reconnaissance operation near Polyhex where a large number of Decepticon supply shuttles have been tracked coordinated by Riposte involving Sandstorm, our allies Pile-Up of the Junkions and General Hawk of GI JOE discovered disturbing information. We've finally found what Onslaught has been up to. He's having the Constructions build a massive railgun that can hit ships in orbit or level cities. The Decepticons are sending in significant supply runs with construction materials and have built a logistics train to take them in as well as shuttles. While they've made good headway on the construction it's not finished yet.

Sandstorm noted the greatest difficulty would be aiming it accurately. Shooting at moving craft in orbit or calculating trajectories to hit another hemisphere of the planet takes an immense amount of processing power. Which is likely why they were after the command-and-control grids for the spaceport at Hydrax. Onslaught is likely to make further moves to secure processing equipment to let the weapon fire accurately.

Prowl, I want you to make a list of locations on Cybertron that would have computers capable of making such calculations in our territory or in neutral ones. If Onslaught is hitting other locations, then it's likely he doesn't have one in Decepticon territory fitting. And while in theory a few individuals could do the calculations, I'm certain Shockwave has better use of his time than playing MathNet for someone else.

For now, we must figure out what targets Onslaught might hit to get other computers from and decide how to protect them. Also, I do have a few ideas on how we might turn this to our favor.

Aug 23 - Returning to Duty[]

<< the Autobot spinny appears, before being replaced by an image that hasn't been seen for several years: the air guardian known as Phoenix >>

"Greetings, Autobots. I've been away for some time now on a quest - one of my own making, admittedly. I did not choose to forsake my duty to Cybertron and to the Autobots lightly, however: I did have good reason to pursue this quest.

"It has been a decade since I was rebuilt, following the theft of my previous body - sans laser core - at the hands of Luminous. While originally I did take some time for contemplation, notably in the fact that I had fully integrated the consciousness of Armada and embraced it as a part of myself, I did choose to depart a short time afterwards."

Phoenix looks chagrined for a moment before continuing. "I've spent most of the last decade trying to discover the whereabouts of Luminous since she escaped from Earth. I confess, a part of my intent was out of a sense of injured pride; I am far from the ablest of combatants, and I recognize my own strengths and weaknesses. However, a certain chastisement was in order after Luminous' actions, and I did fear that she might find some nefarious use for my former chassis, even though it was not originally my own, but Armada's.

"Unfortunately, I am here a decivorn or more later, only to report that my quest was unsuccessful. I was unable to find Luminous, and indeed, all the leads I pursued over most of the last decade have proven to be dead ends, or more likely falsehoods intended to deceive and obfuscate her true whereabouts and intentions. I have returned to Metroplex on Earth, by way of a shuttle to Station Vilnacron from Monacus, and have begun an examination of what I've missed over the last several years. If I am needed elsewhere, you have only to call. Phoenix out."

<< Phoenix's visage disappears, replaced once more by the Autobot spinny >>

Sep 09 - Thunderstick Investigation[]

Streetwise pops up in an alleyway between shops in the Ky-Alexia market sector, ducking down for some quick privacy to report. The waves of the Mithril Sea crash against the nearby docks in the background. Speaking low into a wrist-mounted A/V recorder that can be edited, encrypted, and sent when done, his bright blue optics narrow, but his voice sounds hopeful.

"Yo, boss, my time here has paid off big time. We’re onto something.

"The problem’s way bigger than we thought. Thunderstick did some shopping, grabbed some custom ammo, and then just... vanished. He never left the docks." Streetwise frowns. "And it’s not just Thunderstick. We only noticed Rumblerod was missing because he rejoined the Autobots when he got back to Cybertron - but security footage shows he wasn’t rocking his Autobrand.

"I bet whoever nabbed him didn’t know he was back in the Army - probably thought he was a lone pilgrim with no ties, someone no one would miss. Big mistake." Streetwise smirks, a bit of a grin creeping onto his newly grey face. "It’s definitely not just him, and not just here, either. Able-bodied mechs and femmes have been disappearing at sea and spaceports all over Cybertron - a few from one port, then a lull, and then reports from another.

"Mostly it’s folks no one would miss but check this - no Empties. The targets are all ex-military, laborers, navigators - there’s a pattern here, like one ship moving from port to port. They’re recruiting. Or, as the humans say, shanghaiing. I’m gonna cross-reference the local disappearances with ship logs checking in and out of each port during the times people have gone missing. It’s a lot of data to sift through - might ask Lightspeed to help.

"In the meantime, I suggest a heads-up that all low-level personnel hit the docks and spaceports only in pairs or groups. Might wanna warn civilians too. I’ll stay in Ky-Alexia a bit longer, then check out the ports in Altihex and Retoris. Maybe Crosscut can reach out to his Decepticon contacts and see if any of them have gone missing too? I’ll also hit up Reboost in Nova Cronum and see if they’ve had issues in Praetorus Wharf.

"I’ll keep you posted, boss. We’ll get Thunderstick back, and everyone else who’s gone missing from our docks and spaceports. Protectobot Streetwise, out." The screen goes dark, replaced by the Lightning Strike Coalition logo.

September 10 - "Preparations for War" - Alpha Trion directs his troops to ready for battle.
September 10 - "Welcome Back, Phoenix!" - Metalhawk welcomes the return of the Autobot air guardian.
September 14 - "Protihex Intelligence Operations" - Tote reports on the successful establishment of an intelligence base in Protihex.
September 15 - "Magnus Rail Line" - Grapple proudly announces the successful completion of the Magnus Rail.

Sep 15 - Nebulon update[]

>*Spike appears on the screen in a conference room within Autobot City. He looks at the camera with a sober, weary expression.<

"I know preparations are underway against Liege Maximo, but I need to report to everyone that the situation on Nebulos may push us to the point where we have no choice but to interfere and save the inhabitants from The Hive.

After it was determined by the science division that the new weapon Zarak is wielding

ScorponokAIBlurred — Image from a grainy, shaky video of Scorponok

is indeed Cybertronian in nature, Zarak is not hiding his motivations or intentions in the least.

As most of you know, we have been keeping Nebulos at arm's length to prevent a Decepticon alliance with The Hive. Well... now, Zarak has found a creative loophole, essentially saying any technology left on Nebulos is essentially his.

A frown comes across Spike's face. "Which... I understand. I'm guessing our leaders on Earth would feel the same way if any Cybertronian tech was left if both Autobots and Decepticons left, but it is apparent now... The Hive is unleashing Cybertronian technology on its innocent inhabitants. And... I know Alpha Trion has given a strict order or priorities, but as an ambassador and occasional advisor to you guys... I know the stakes. I know the risks. And I do not want to engage in warfare, but at the same time, I don't believe we can merely sit on the sidelines. I don't think we should wait until this weapon is unleashed on those enslaved under The Hive.

Spike sighs "I obviously don't have the authority here, but I am recommending nullifying our cease-fire. Zarak has shown how much he has disregarded the very specific parameters laid out in the cease-fire. Yes, the technology was left there, but now, any aggression made to those resisting The Hive will be done with Cybertron technology.

Spike sighs. "This is my recommendation. Obviously, leadership will make the final decision. Yes, we risk enticing the Decepticons to side with The Hive, but as of right now, I don't see how we can sit idly by while Zarak possesses such a weapon of terror. Spike out.

*screen fades to black*

September 15 - "Toraxxis Artillery" - Wreck-Gar commits the Autobot-aligned Junkions to the defence of Toraxxis.

Sep 17 - Rail Line and Protihex[]

Ultra Magnus here; good job Tote. Maintain monitoring station in the area. Now that we know that Onslaught has a heavy weapon; keep a passive scanner on it at all times. If they look like they're moving it or finishing construction, report it high alert. We'll make full use out of the intelligence gathering facilities. Springer, Riposte, you can utilize these facilities as necessary. Keep us updated to changes in the tactical area. Tote, your request for independent reconnaissance is authorized, take care. I want a full analyst team to be stationed there at Jazz's discretion if he feels they're best used there.

Grapple, excellent work on the rail line. You and your crew's work is spectacular as always. There's no need to name it after me, all the work is by you and your crew. Infrastructure is useful. Crosscut, you further have authorization as needed to offer to neutral city states to have branches built to them and to make trade deals. As well as mutual security pacts to help the flow of cargo.

Wreck-Gar, thank you for your assistance in the defense of Toraxxis. It's too important a part of our infrastructure, and it helps keep us in the war, unfortunately a necessity as it is. And I know that your work is good, satisfaction guaranteed, and under full warranty. Five stars across the review.

Ambassador, I've read your report. And we have few resources we can share with the Nebulans. However, given what you've said and the stakes of it, consider myself in agreement. Presuming Elita further agrees, we'll send what we can to assist. Alpha Trion, conduct a review of assets to see what we can send the Nebulans, even if just logistics.

Sep 17 - Ultra Magnus: Diplomatic Overtures[]

Crosscut, I'd like to have you increase your diplomatic overtures to some of the neutral city states. Warn them of Onslaught's new weapon and that he's looking to seize spaceport computers for it to fire. Offer to share data and intelligence and emphasize Onslaught's willingness to engage in long range bombardment of their cities to coerce them into surrender right as we're facing an extraplanetary invasion.

Jazz, Crosscut, Alpha Trion, work on a package to Uraya offering mutual defense and a garrison. If they're willing to openly ally with us and join the Autobots fully, do so. Now that Protihex is fully operational we're in an excellent state to offer extra protection and help them fortify. Dust Devil, at Crosscut's authorization and judgement you may be temporarily reassigned to Uraya if negotiations start as a representative.

Sep 17 - Asymmetrics: Railgun Logistics[]

This is a brief description of the operational parameters and expected deployment of the heavy railgun being assembled. The exact specifications are currently unknown, so this will be a general report on the tactics and methodology of such a weapon. Superheavy cannons are best used against static fortifications and fixed locations. They can cause immense damage to cities due to their high penetration and the sheer range. A properly assembled so-called 'Golden Age' weapon designed for orbital defense could easily fire a projectile a quarter of a way around the planet's hemisphere to hit a city sized target. It is a siege and terror weapon.

While it can have specialized components, its general munitions are high power artillery shells of a standard construct, merely scaled up. This allows for simplicity in logistics - shells are simple to manufacture, components can be assembled on site, and the process simply needs scaling up. Specialized assembly lines are often not necessary for such a thing so long as proper materials are. The gun is heavy enough to fire most known conventional shells, with sufficient explosive material of sheer destructive scale that specialized munitions are not necessary.

According to conventional tactics, they are deployed as part of a siege train. They are big enough that a heavy tow is required, not just a simple sled and transport. For highest accuracy, the weapon must be static and anchored to minimize recoil from the firing, as well as maintenance on the barrel. Normally a weapon will have multiple barrels required due to the wear repeated firings put on such a cannon. However, given the presence of the Constructicons, I presume that Mixmaster will make an alloy that has minimal friction and heat issues, which will allow for greater accuracy and lesser need for repair and replacement.

The fact such a weapon requires a dedicated platform and a static anchoring means that it will be included in a mobile deployment base or entrenchments. It will certainly have localized static defenses to hold off attackers and may have a localized theatre shield and jamming platform.

These weapons are dependent on accurate data for firing at long range. Not only will it need a hypercomputer to calculate trajectory, but it will require a clear sensor platform to act as a spotter. This could be anything from a satellite, Skyraider, or anything that can achieve low orbit. Heavy jamming to limit the ability to pass along data may hinder it. However, if it is just firing at a city from long range, then once the calculations are made this is not an issue.

Conventional wisdom is that a heavy unit is most vulnerable while in transport, which is why they tend to have a heavy escort. Faster transport is reliant on scale, even a dedicated cargo hauler such as Astrotrain or Omega Supreme may not have enough capacity. This weapon is extremely difficult to conceal in deployment, and half the planet can locate it as soon as it is fired.

Given the high priority of the target and its vulnerability during deployment, it is likely that Onslaught will attempt to exploit this. Several decoy transports may be dispatched to spread our forces thin to identify which is the true target and lure them into ambushes. Quick strikes by mobile artillery and mortars can disrupt these. Hit and run teams should first engage to try and slow the deployment and confirm its cargo. Its transit will have to be direct towards its location, so its path will be predictable. The area ahead should be mined as much as possible. While skirmish teams seek to slow it, I would suggest that Aerialbot units and artillery deploy long range mines in its path. Even the use of dummy mines can be useful; if the Decepticons must minesweep ahead then it leaves them vulnerable to heavier attacks and forces them to increase their escort. Long range artillery can also deploy scatter munitions to blanket a wide area and then said mines can go inert until set off even with minimal preparation.

These weapons are extremely dangerous but lack mobility and must operate under heavy escort and slow speed. While deployed, expect them to have a mobile support base with them at all times. The exact technical specifications of the gun are so far unreported, but given it's made by the Constructicons we must operate as if it is a Golden Age era fabrication.

Sep 18 - Recovery of Cosmos[]

>*Jetfire's form appears in one of the rooms adjacent to the medical center in Iacon.<

"A welcome bit of good news, fellow Autobots. While on patrol with Folly, investigating the distress signal Perceptor identified earlier, we discovered Cosmos."

Jetfire continues. "Cosmos does not appear to have any life-threatening injuries, but he is in stasis currently. Folly, Cosmos, and myself are undergoing the cautionary quarantine protocol, even though early preliminary scans show no communicable abnormalities on Cosmos."

Jetfire says in a calm tone "Once Cosmos is out of stasis, we will hopefully get more answers into his disappearance. But right now, I am happy to report of the return of a Autobot we all have missed dearly. Jetfire out." *screen quickly fades to black*

September 20 - "Computational Locations on Cybertron" - Fizzle's report details critical Cybertronian computer hubs and suggests the Tagan Heights as the likely Decepticon target, advising on precautionary measures.

Sep 22 - Ultra Magnus: Railgun Routes[]

Mainframe, I want to have you work with Hound on calculating possible routes that the railgun being made by the Constructicons might go through. Presume that they're heading for locations that might have computers capable of calculating for the weapon from its current location. Presume due to its size that it will be taking the most direct routes. Mainframe, calculate probable ones, Hound, narrow it down. As much as possible I want us to place sensors along these routes for early warning, and setup mines along them to slow them down. We likely can't cover every single route so if we can slow it down enough to bring forces to bear to stop it, every astro-second counts.

Sep 24 - Rail Interception[]

Our observation of the area by Trypticon where the Constructions were assembling their railgun paid off when the Combaticons were spotted mobilizing. All Autobots in the area responded, as well as Junkions and Protectobots. With air cover, we went to engage the trains. All Autobots performed admirably in taking it down, regardless of their specifications, they all contributed. The cars were all disabled en route nearly to New Harmonex. We're not sure if this means that the weapon is destroyed or it's merely another setback for them. But given Onslaught's personal presence here and most of the Combaticons if not all of them, we can assume it was critical.

The Decepticons put a large amount of resources into its building and they failed. This is a major victory for us. With it they could threaten cities. We've helped keep Cybertron safe and hopefully Megatron will be annoyed at the waste of resources and forbid another try. Hopefully now that we've shown we can help them other city states will be willing to sign on and help with us. All Autobots, Junkions, and Lighting Strike Coalition members can be proud of themselves. Ultra Magnus out.

Sep 27 - "Missing Cybertronians" - Crosscut details mysterious disappearances of Cybertronians, requesting Nightbeat to investigate with support from other Autobots like Jetfire and Streetwise.

Oct 03 - Reporting in[]

>*static fills the hologram report to the point that its mostly fuzz and garbage*<

"rrreportnrnrg inh,,,,,sevent.....day.s....lig.........agi....fift.............zzzzzhhhzzzzhhh....cont.......predicti..........decp......."

Blizzard says something urgently towards the holocamera, "Nhh,mmzzmzzzhhzzzz be stmmmgmzzzzzkhzzzz ons.....szzhzhzhhhhhh"

The tape ends.

Oct 10 - AAR: Tri-Torus[]

Imager's onscreen being welded by an auto-doc. "Big Blue, The cons staged a full assault on our firebase in progress. Rocket strike followed up by ground assault. Megatron himself was there, and spoke loudly about the Assemblae to the north east. Sounded like... well, that he's got plans again.... But that's not my intel. Erm. So, the firebase work is all but destroyed, as well as the sensor curtain we were setting up. Operations crew bugged out. I...." She pauses, "I'm not really one to go on an on about people, but the Junk King and the Prime both showed up and saved me an them from..." She hesitates again, her optics look aside, "From some real bad stuff. I know that the Junk forces may've owed me one for what lil I did to help em, but now I owe them and the new Prime both one.... I'd like to see if we could do something to repay the two for savin' my team an yours truly."

Oct 10 - Ultra Magnus - Re: Tri-Torus[]

Your squad got out alive, Imager. Lives are always more important than equipment. That can be replaced. You and your teammates cannot. The loss of the firebase and sensors are a setback, but nothing more than that. We will adapt. The fact you got all out when Megatron himself came is a testament to you and our allies. I will ensure that we find something that we can give the Prime and Pile-Up for their aid. I might suggest you could give your thanks to Veritas personally. I think that would mean the most of anything you could do. I'll review our databases to come up with something appropriate for our allies. Good job on getting everyone on your team out with the odds against you.

Oct 13 - Blizzard Disappearance[]

At Elita-1's request Asymetrics and I went to investigate the closest location identified to where Blizzard's previous garbled message transmitted from. The reason for the disruption and lack of coherence became pretty clear at that point as the location showed the signs of EM radiation damage associated with the 'Infinity Storm' the Weatherbots have been investigating.

While we found no immediate signs of Blizzard we did location some Decepticon sensor drones that had been damaged by the storm. I was able to to sneak close enough and found one partially activated still, which I ambused to deactivate again and retrieved. It's memory files may have relative information on them, but it's going to take some work to get through the distortions caused by the EMs.

Asymmetrics meanwhile located some disturbingly out of place predators -- Sharkticons. Fortunately I already had the drone at that point and we were able to vacate the location. The Sharkticons did initially pursue but eventually lost too much ground behind us and retreated back to the swamp. Probably to just feed on more of the cyberfauna carcasses left by the storms.

Why the hell Sharkticons are wandering around the swamp, I don't know, and they weren't really in a talkative mood. Someone else may want to look into the matter. Swiftpaw, Out.

Oct 19 - Sideswipe: Intel on Veritas[]

To: Intel and High Command
Subject: Veritas

In conversation in the medbay the current Matrix wielder mentioned her forging. That she and Megatron were brought online by some of the old Decepticon warlords looking to make a charismatic leader. The charismatic, powerful leader was old buckethead. Veritas' prior frame was forged to be his agent in the shadows. Completely loyal, quiet, stealthy, and doing whatever needed to be done. She was also forged to be compatible with the Matrix if it ever came into her diodes.

Megs being Megs, I think we can guess what became of the old leadership. Passing along this intel to be added to our files.

Oct 20 - Ultra Magnus: Kaon Prison Break[]

Autobots, we've seen that Megatron is willing to randomly kill prisoners held in Kaon, both our own and neutrals. We will be planning a prison break to get as many out of there as possible. Kaon is possibly the most secure on the planet. We /will/ find a way in and get our comrades out before Megatron starts making more demonstrations of them.

Intelligence, get together a working group to figure out what is necessary to do to get ready for a breakout and what resources are needed. Conduct reconnaissance and start planning how to go about it. Gather as much information as possible. Getaway and Kick-Off have... Experience there, and can be approached for their own details, though I presume things have been changed since. Punch, if you're willing to come out of the archives, review what data we have on the matter.

Get ready Autobots, we have friends we need to get out.

Nov 03 - Ultra Magnus: Attack on Hydrax Repelled[]

There was a followup Decepticon strike on Hydrax lead by Megatron himself. Megatron came alone. The citizenry were immediately taken to evacuation routes and bunkers thanks to the assistance of Veritas, the garrison, and Dust Devil. Dust Devil showed particular heroism in helping to drive back Megatron from Hydrax and aiding in the city's evacuation. So far, damage and casualties are hopefully minimal as the fighting took place away from the spaceport and occupied areas.

We can only hope that Megatron focuses on other targets for awhile and that Hydrax can be left to recover. We won via determination and luck and that Megatron was willing to withdraw rather than vaporize the city to a crater. I must also give Dust Devil credit for his extremely creative parting shot upon Megatron and authorize its redistribution at Dust Devil's discretion.

Nov 10 - Ultra Magnus: Nebulos []

We have been informed that the Decepticons are sending forces to Nebulos. We do not know the exact nature of these forces, but they seem to be readying for some level of interactions with the Hive. Given these deployments and the state of civil war on the planet, and the stated Decepticon intents of investigating the Hive superweapon, they are in violation of the Tyrest Accords.

As such I have authorized Ambassador Witwicky to approach the Resistance and the Joes to see if we can render any assistance. He has volunteered to approach the Resistance and the Joes and act as a liaison.

Nov 11 - Imager: RE: Armory request[]

The Junk King Pile-Up is asking for a plasma rifle of some sort. I'm sure he can give you the specifics, but I'm not really in that division. Help a mech out?

Nov 18 - Island Towers[]

An assault force of troops of the Liege Maximo landed on the island towers, of the neutral polity Ankmor and the small Decepticon garrison of Medion. The landing force included multiple battalions of troops and one capital ship. The surprise was the Liege having another Titan to assault the area. The Titan is designated Vigilem and reports indicate it is a Sparkeater. Fortress Maximus took heavy damage aiding in its interdiction. All Autobots, you did your best.

the area is according to Veritas the location of a Hot Spot, which is probably why Maximo targeted it. Fortress Maximus, you inflicted enough damage on Vigilem to keep him grounded. We *will* be back to save the sparks and your efforts have not been in vain. Autobots, get to the repair bay. Get your reports in. As soon as we're ready, we /will/ be going back.

Ultra Magnus out.

Nov 20 - Imager: Re: Fortress Maximus[]

We are going to need a lot of shipments up to orbit for Fortress Maximus. at least 60 tons of durasteel, 45 tons of plastricite and condurite each, 100,000 cubic malms of energon. This is NOT a small endeavor. With Ultra Magnus' permission, I would like to suspend all other Ops missions with this emergency. Shipments currently are running one an astrohour 24/7. Supplies will likely take three astroweeks to be fully stocked and repaired.

Nov 21 - Ultra Magnus: Fortress Maximus[]

Fortress Maximus has landed outside of Valvolux with the permission of the Dominicons. Supply shipments are being dispatched as well as security forces. With coordination with the Lightning Strike Coalition, we hope to have the Aerialbots and Technobots put there to assist with security. Eject, Steeljaw, and Repugnus for now are assigned for security. Operations, Fortress Maximus is as of now your priority to get online. All tasks which are not considered priority by command are secondary to this and all supplies and personnel are redirected. A garrison force will be dispatched and will be adjusted as necessary.

Nov 26 - Status Update[]

To: All Personnel

We were beaten back at the Island Towers by the Liege Maximo's forces, primarily consisting of his new Titan, Vigilem. Speaking with Solus Prime and Alpha Trion confirmed that Vigilem was one of the Titans built by Solus and dispatched long ago to explore the cosmos. Vigilem is the second Titan that we have seen utilized by the Liege Maximo, and with a great many more vanished into the stars we must expect he has more of them under his mecha-tendrils.

Fortress Maximus is in stasis and being repaired at Valvolux. Teams from Tyger Pax and Valvolux are aiding in the repairs, as is Solus Prime. All Cybertron is coming together. We *will* free the Hot Spot from the control of the Liege Maximo and drive him from our homeworld. Our forces are to cooperate and aid Valvolux's citizens and militia as needed.

Alpha Trion stated that the Liege Maximo is somehow able to... Corrupt and influence sparks, to darken them. He's done this with those Titans that he's altered, and with others. All troops are to keep an optic out for those that have been coerced in such a way. If we can find a way to free them, we can also do it to free Metrotitan. I'm sure there are plenty more that would be willing to lash out against the Liege if we can undo this.

Incognito's reports on the troopers used by the Liege Maximo confirmed again they are clones. All of them with virtually identical CNA. That together with the deployment of Singularity despite her seeming disintegration by Megatron is a sign of something darker at work for how the Liege Maximo can manipulate sparks.

We will be commencing anti-Titan drills in rotating shifts for personnel in city states, and all troops are to review after entry reports of Titan scale engagements. We have a long, hard fight ahead of us, Autobots. But we stand together as a united Cybertron against one more darkness that threatens to consume it. And it will be driven off by our light the same as the others.

Ultra Magnus out

Nov 26 - CNA Fragments[]

To: Intelligence & R&D
From: Ultra Magnus
Subj: Liege Maximo CNA

All the constructs that Liege Maximo has sent against us are functionally the same, as I understand it. Forged from the same template and cloned en masse. This in turn might be a vulnerability. Look into the data we have and see if there are ways of disrupting them on any level. If they're all clones, then they should all have the same weaknesses, and things we can turn against them. I'll defer to your reports on whether this is something exploitable or not.

Nov 29 - Imager: Hook?[]

TEXT ONLY

So, One of them Constructicons came by to offer his services for Fortress Maximus. I really don't want to say yes, but I am not sure we can say no, even with Valvolux and Tyger Pax here. Can we get a counter-intel sort to keep an eye on him or something?

Nov 29 - Punch: Re: Hook?[]

TEXT ONLY

I'm assuming this is Hook you're referring to? At least you know you're getting something of the ulterior motive vein with Scrapper, because he'd try to do something underhanded as a matter of course. Hook... might be okay, though that's subject to Autobot Command's final arbitration. If he is approved to assist with both Valvolux and Tyger Pax involved, I would recommend leaning hard on his perfectionist nature to keep him in line.

Dec 01 - Nebulos update[]

>*Spike appears onscreen in the repair bay in Autobot City -

"Heyah - I'll be traveling back to Cybertron soon to resume getting Fortress Maximus operational. I would say...given the ... unique construction of Fortress Maximus, I would NOT recommend ANY Decepticon in assisting. I think we're fine fixing him on our own.

"Anyway - Poise reached out to me. The com channel was really weak, and I'll put the raw audio in addition to my report. But... it's disturbing. Apparently, The Hive have started some sort of... Frankenstein's monster-like project - beheading certain - what appear to be Cybertronian figures and... trying to forge their organic figures inside.

"In addition, Poise said the Nebulon resistance appreciates any Autobot assistance, but until we get more definitive intel about the extent of any Decepticon interference, they are as cautious as we are in involvement. I will be reaching out to EDC for the Joes."

"I have not ruled out...bwith Autobot leadership's permission - a very, and I state VERY brief trip to make contact with the resistance and pledge our support that they have a friend with the Autobots. But I will wait for further orders. In the meantime, the audio is embedded in this message. Spike out"

Screen fades and the following message plays from Poise:

"No telling when the comms will cut out. The G.I. Joe forces have done a lot of good for us here. Most of the remaining command structure of the Resistance was freed with me, and over the last year we've managed to grow our numbers a little... but the HIVE still has control over... probably 90 to 95% of the planet. So, here's my report to GI Joe first. 'Three casualties over the last quarter. Negligible growth in area of conflict. Intelligence options has all but shut down. After the initial assaults there, and the rallying, the HIVE all but shut down. I think they were really sluggish to respond, but we've seen signs of /zzzz/ setting fire to entire fields of edible crops. /zzzzzz/ more keep coming."

Dec 03 - Re: Springer[]

Footage shows a silent, clearly upset Imager as an autodoc does some welding on her. Her arms are crossed as she stares into the camera, her optics narrowed. Imager isn't moving in the slightest, the only way to tell that it's not a still image is due to the arms working on her back.

She maintains the same look.

This goes on for twenty-six spark-cleaving minutes, before she leans forward, and says incredulously, "REALLY?"

The feed shuts off.

Dec 16 - Sideswipe: Citadel Skirmish[]

When an alert went out along the area the Cybertronians had occupied that they were sending out a recon in force by one of the towers still standing in the area, squad of us went to intercept, accompanied by Deathsaurus. Resistance was moderate and we dealt with most of 'em. The tower got leveled. We brought a few of the bodies back and they were all the same. Well, clones. Not sure if they just had a huge force with 'em in Vigilem or they can make more of themselves while crashed.

Dec 16 - RE: CNA/Skirmish Reports[]

<< text-only report >>

I call attention to a specific element of Punch's rather extensive dossier regarding the individual known as Liege Maximo, specifically Part III of his brief, regarding the Hub:

"Nightshade's debriefing, which I managed to obtain a copy, is fascinating reading. The vast majority of Cybertronian troops under Liege Maximo's command are composed of clones (although not in the traditional sense as we know it from the Insecticons; see below for details) and drones; while there are some exceptions, the overwhelming majority are effectively mass-produced, although not through traditional Cybertronian methods of construction or reproduction. Nightshade's description of this process, which she claims to have witnessed first-hand, was quite horrific in her personal experience - given Nightshade's reputation as collected and cool-headed, this should say something. Her report indicated that The Hub apparently performs a ritual of sorts, through which an energized liquid metal is spun from the body of the host and then split off in a mitosis-lke manner to create a duplicate of the original. The more this process is repeated, the more amoral they become; more distressingly, it seems to also lower the overall sentience of the reproduced individual(s), hence their drone-like behavior."

(from Nightbeat) This all to say, it is very likely that the reason their tactics have proven so effective to this point is because of their observations of us over the millennia. I posit that their tactics might not prove as effective on Earth, despite the observations made by the Hub vessel designated 'Chaos', in no small part due to humanity's penchant for adaptability to their circumstances. If we are to be truly serious about defeating Liege Maximo and ending his threat, then we are going to have to do something that very few of us are capable of doing: thinking outside the box.

I suspect, now more than ever, we may need humanity's assistance in encouraging our own adaptability and willingness to change according to the circumstances.

2025[]

Jan 21 - ALERT![]

<< the following is a transcription of Autobot broadband >>

Spike: "...h...hello?"

Punch: "...Ambassador Witwicky?"

Spike: "Yes, Punch! Thank God! I'm on Nebulos now... I'm being detained by Zarak. Another human with former ties to Cobra... Interrogator... is also here... on his own mission as well. I'm being treated well."

Punch: "Wait, what?! Hold on, let me get this down. I'll let the Terran authorities know, they'll get word to GI Joe and the like. What does Zarak want, Ambassador?"

Spike: "I think... this might be more of an Autobot matter, Punch..."

Punch: "That may be, but your fellow humans deserve to know as well, Ambassador."

Spike: "Thanks... much appreciated. *Spike chooses his words carefully* Zarak... is requesting... an Autobot in appropriate standing... like... someone on our diplomacy team or... in leadership... to 'negotiate' my release.""

Punch: "I understand. I'll pass things up the chain of command. We'll get you back safely, Spike."

<< text-only >>

This came in just a few minutes ago over our broadband. Zarak may want to talk with just an Autobot for negotiation (which I suspect is just playing for time), but I recommend we also inform GI Joe and the EDC immediately.

Jan 30 - Jazz: Spike Release[]

< audio Only >

"Punch, are they looking for a physical presence you think?"

Jan 31 - Punch - Re: Spike Release[]

<< text-only >>

From the transcript, I wouldn't be surprised. I'll have my sources do some investigating. If we're getting a message like this, I'm betting it's only a matter of time before the Decepticons do the same.

Feb 14 - Wrecking Update[]

>***AUTOBOT SPINNY***<

< VIDEO FEED ACTIVATED >

A camera clicks on, bringing you a look at what appears to be the inside of a training center on Iacon. You hear a loud BANG and see the blur of an object fly across the screen. A second later, a few bright laser blasts flash across the frame, needling a second object off camera that drops with a CLANK to the metallic floor. Before you can try to make sense of the apparent combat in progress, a third object's head slowly rises up into the frame. It's a badly dented training bot with only one working optic. Before it can spit out the Cybertronian version of "uncle!" a clenched green fist enters the frame with a WHAM as it connects squarely with the drone's chin, sending the outmatched combatant flying backwards until it slams into a wall and crumples in a heap.

"Alright, I'm ready for my close up!" shouts Springer as he finally appears on screen, offering you a sly grin as he clasps his hands, audibly cracking them before swinging his well-armored head to the side for another mechanical pop. "Just wrapping up a little light work with my.... buddies here," he looks back to the completely battered bots. "Thought I'd take it easy on them this time and give them a fair fight. You know, five of them - one of me. Anyway, I'm back from a deep space mission with the Wreckers. I won't get into the specifics, but rest assured, we looked great kicking aft!

Suddenly, a pair of hands reach out and grasp Springer's bulky arm. Not missing a beat, the Wrecker leader keeps a straight face as he takes hold of the off-screen assailant and flings him over his head. Just as the training bot against the back wall comes online and slowly stands up, he's struck by the flying training bot and the both of them hit the floor with a CRASH.

"As you can see I'm getting back into the swing of things around here, but nothing beats the real thing. Let's get to work - and by work I mean let's wreck some bad mechs! Springer out."

< VIDEO FEED DEACTIVATED >

>***AUTOBOT SPINNY***<

Feb 20 - Sideswipe: Hydrax Skirmishes[]

In the recent days there were patrol skirmishes near Hydrax consisting of members of the Terrorcons and Stunticons. The fights were draws, but the Decepticons maintain an interest, or at least a presence in the region.

Feb 23 - Ultra Magnus: Hydrax[]

Given the recent heavy Decepticon interest in Hydrax, the garrison has been slightly reinforced. Also, I'm putting forth a request to the city to open negotiations to a more concrete relationship. The Decepticons have kept up the pressure there and thrown in multiple heavy hitters. We don't know what their plans are for it, if any. Hopefully the city's leadership will be willing to talk with us on some way to help secure it better. I'm hopeful that the attacks that have been driven off will have convinced them that we can protect them, and that staying neutral hasn't stopped the Decepticons from targeting them. We'll see what their leadership has to say on the matter, and it will be their decision on what they find acceptable for their citizenry.

For now, with the increased defenses there the city is good to use as a trade hub for shipping on and off planet. If the spaceport is secure, then it can be something for the unaligned city states to get hooked up to interstellar trade networks and not be dependent on the minimal freighter traffic on Cybertron. It will be a small step but if it's viable then it's a start towards making the planet a trade hub again.

Feb 24: Hydrax Starport Update[]

>***AUTOBOT SPINNY***<

< VIDEO FEED ACTIVATED >

An area just outside the Hydrax Starport comes into view with signs of a recent battle on the screen. Large defensive barriers are scorched with fresh blast marks, a few fires idly burn amongst heaps of unrecognizable wreckage and a few Autobot medics are seen loading injured onto a large hover transport.

The camera continues panning until it stops on the damaged form of Springer. Dried streams of energon are caked across his armored chest plate that's pierced in several places. A large, blackened slash cuts horizontally across his exhaust vents, revealing the signs of a fiery attack. The Wrecker leader offers the camera a quick salute, flashing a forearm gauntlet that's also been sliced by something. "I know what you're thinking. If this is what I look like, what does the other mech look like? Yea, worse is right." Springer looks off camera for a moment, "Lensflare, do you have the video? Let's show 'em what you recorded."

After a brief pause, the screen is replaced by what looks like a montage of shaky, hand-held camera footage. The first clip shows Springer and Kitt heroically racing towards the camera with a squad of armed Autobots following closely behind. That cuts to a wide shot of the battlefield with weapon fire ping-ponging back and forth between the Autobot line of defense and several attacking Decepticons. Those familiar with them might spot Skald and Thunderblast leading the enemy charge. The footage continues, revealing a large artillery piece with Autobots and Decepticons engaged in various fist fights. One unlucky Autobot is struck in the shoulder from a blaster bolt, and he drops immediately to the road.

The montage wraps up with a pair of exciting action shots that are sure to be used in future training videos. First, Kitt's jet black TransAm form, featuring dazzling red lights, upends Thunderblast, sending the Decepticon flying off screen. Then you see Skald ramming her menacing ax arm into the hood of Springer's Cybertronian Race Car mode, only to see the Wrecker leader execute a series of donuts that launch the attached femme into the night sky. An Autobot's missile connects with Skald in mid-air, causing an explosion that completely fills the screen with a flash of white light.

"So, I'm happy to report, after a wrecking-good time, we were able to repel the Decepticons and secured this key artillery piece for our defenses in the process," Springer reappears on camera, slamming the long barrel of the powerful weapon with his hand. "We've reinforced our position outside the Hydrax Starport with a few extra squads for the time being. If any more Decepticons show up, we'll be ready. Springer out."

< VIDEO FEED DEACTIVATED >

>***AUTOBOT SPINNY***<

Feb 25 - Ultra Magnus: Standing Orders[]

All right, Autobots, I know that things are tense, but we're all handling them as best we can. You've all done well, keep up the good work.

First, well done Springer. Hydrax for now has stayed secure in a big part thanks to you handling things personally. Well done driving off Hun-Grrr and securing the artillery.

Riposte, I want you to keep up planning for events at Kaon. Those prisoners have suffered too long. If we have a chance of getting them out... Work with Dust Devil and Backblast, they're familiar with the tunnel system. Review the reports given by analyst Punch. When you have a plan, work with Mainframe on tactical analysis and number crunching. I want as many contingencies as possible. Make sure to get in a reconnaissance operation first.

Diplomatically, I want to have us making overtures to Uraya and Hydrax to see if they're willing to cooperate with us on a more formal basis. Hydrax has been under a state of continuous Decepticon assault by heavy hitters despite their neutrality. Hopefully they might be willing to consider a more formal agreement. So, approach the city leadership to see if they're willing to negotiate on their own terms.

Next, Uraya. They've been sympathetic to us for a long time. Let's see if we can make a formal defensive pact or even better if they're willing to formally ally with us. Thanks to Protihex, we have significant forces that can be quickly moved to help them. We've been pinned on the Tri-Torus route for a long tie which gives the Decepticons control of the loop. If we can secure an alliance with Uraya then it gives us a way to contest it and with it hopefully put a little more pressure on the Decepticon controlled Southeast.

I want to have someone speak with Grimlock in Slaughter City. That's the most fortified place near Decepticon turf. Speak to the Lightning Strike Coalition and see if they're amenable to us sending them supplies. They're pinned down there, but Grimlock wants to be an irritant to the Decepticons, we want to help him however we can. Talk with them about us sending munitions, energon, intel... Let's see how we can help the Lightning Strike Coalition.

I want plans for retaliation strikes against the Decepticons. Vigilem for now is in place and under observation. The Decepticons have done continuous attacks on our forces, we can't let them think they can do this without consequence. I want countermoves as options. Whether it's hitting them hard or just quick strikes. Give us some ideas where they're vulnerable and how we can bloody their fuel pumps.

Autobots, keep up the good work.

Feb 26 - Blizzard: Weather Data[]

Attached is a datadump of Weatherbot analysis re: the incident at Tyger Pax summarized as 'The Infinity Storm'. firsthand footage of it, as well as pretty in depth analysis of the elements of it, and the lead up, conjectures... it's an exhaustive display. Curiously, while it mentions the possibility of a 'cure' for the storm, the area simply says 'No other team has the armor or the technical ability than the Weatherbots to survive it.'

Mar 01 - Nebulan Report Restricted[]

>*The following video is labeled secured message channel - for Autobot leadership and any Autobot member with a security clearance level higher than 7* <

*Spike appears onscreen. He has just gotten off a ship, and his clothes are dirty and scoffed. His cheeks are slightly sunken as he looks like he hasn't eaten in a few days*

"I know I should compose this first, but I wanted to get this out while it's still fresh. I just came from Nebulos after being rescued by Poise. We were in a camp."

*Spike shakes his head, and sighs. *

"Wait. First off, the rendezvous I was supposed to have with the Nebulan resistance - it never happened. I was escorted to a cabin, where I was supposed to be contacted by either Galen or Gort, or someone from the Nebulan resistance, but that never happened. But what DID happen was that Interrogator - he's Cobra - look him up. HE was there on Nebulos. He has this serious desire to both break from Cobra and help the Nebulan resistance. He was just there alone when I went back to the base where I landed - and against my own misgivings, I led him back to the cabin.

"So, after a day or two of waiting, The Hive arrived before our contact did. We fled. And we were eventually captured."

Spike's expression goes more haunted as he remembers what comes next.

"The Hive... or their base of operation... All I can say is to look up 'human shields' from Earth history. Because that's what Zarak is doing. The Hive's base is surrounded by hundred - maybe thousands of Nebulans who are placed in these *Spike shudders slightly* pods. Like sleeping chambers, but they're even more restrictive. I was... *Spike breathes out* I was placed in one of the pods occasionally. There's no way to escape. You're just... there, until The Hive want you awakened. I have every belief that some people have been in there for years."

*Spike breathes out and continues*

"Anyway, thankfully, we were freed one night by someone who was masquerading as someone from The Hive. We were taken to a resistance camp, where we were supposed to either get back to base or reunite with the Nebulan resistance leaders. But that never happened."

*Spike gulps and says emphatically*

"Zarak's project arrived. And destroyed the resistance camp in seconds. I saw it with my own eyes. There's no getting around it - what he has IS Cybertronian. It IS the size of a titan. It had these... scorpion-like... elements to it. Like a stinger and claws. Thankfully, Poise showed up with her badass vehicle, and Interrogator and I were taken to our respective base, and now, thank Primus, here."

*Spike looks at the screen with an intense look of determination*

"Guys - I KNOW Liege Maximo is occupying and has occupied your time. But I am telling you - imploring you - we NEED to organize a strike team to eliminate this... monstrosity Zarak has constructed, sooner than later. This THING - as terrifying as it is - isn't complete! While I was captured, Zarak said it only lacked a spark to be fully whole. I respectfully told him - partially to throw cold water on his plans - that a spark won't be enough. I didn't get into why, but it's the same reason Fortress Maximus needs Cerebros and me. We over-engineered him. And Zarak did the exact same thing. But what's different with Zarak is that he still needs the Decepticons to at least *give* him a spark. He'll later realize that he needs more than just a spark - he needs another operator - but we don't even want him to get to that stage, guys. This thing needs to be destroyed."

*Spike bows his head slightly before looking back into the camera*

"That is why I am recommending - with every fiber of my being - that we do a very limited, but very intense, calculated strike on this horrible Cybertronian form of death and eradicate it, before it gets fully operational. Guys -- we already must deal with this menace because it IS Cybertronian regardless of who or how Zarak acquired all the elements. But it's not complete yet. We need to make sure it never gets to that point. Otherwise, you will have another Deception titan to contend with. In whatever capacity I ca, ¦I will help. But I am strongly advising that we need to ac, ¦and fast. This thing currently doesn't have a spark. We need to make sure that Primus forbid Zarak ever acquires a spark, it won't have this monstrosity to house such a spark. Spike out." *screen fades to black*

Mar 01 - Re: Spike[]

Imager appears on screen, "Cleaned up that message of ole Humie Spike for ya all. Didn't think I could do that, did ya? - Imager"

*The following video is labeled "Secured Message Channel - For Autobot Leadership and Any Autobot Member with a Security Clearance Level Higher Than 7"*

*Spike appears onscreen. He has just gotten off a ship, and his clothes are dirty and scuffed. His cheeks are slightly sunken, as if he hasn’t eaten in a few days.*

"I know I should probably compose this first, but I wanted to get this out while it’s still fresh. I just came from Nebulos after being rescued by Poise. We were in a camp..." *Spike shakes his head and sighs.*

"Wait. First off... the rendezvous I was supposed to have with the Nebulan resistance... it never happened. I was escorted to a cabin, where I was supposed to be contacted by either Galen or Gort... or someone from the Nebulan resistance, but that never happened. But what DID happen was that Interrogator — he’s Cobra, look him up — was there on Nebulos. He has this serious desire to both break from Cobra and help the Nebulan resistance. He was just there alone when I went back to the base where I landed — and... against my own misgivings... I led him back to the cabin."

"So, after a day or two of waiting, The Hive arrived before our contact did. We fled. And we were eventually captured." *Spike’s expression goes more haunted as he remembers what comes next.*

"The Hive... or their base of operations... All I can say is to look up ‘human shields’ in Earth history, because that’s what Zarak is doing. The Hive’s base is surrounded by hundreds — maybe thousands — of Nebulans who are placed in these..." *Spike shudders slightly* "...pods. Like sleeping chambers, but even more restrictive. I was..." *Spike breathes out* "...I was placed in one of the pods occasionally. There’s no way to escape. You’re just... there... until The Hive wants you awakened. I have every belief that some people have been in there for years."

*Spike breathes out and continues.* "Anyway... thankfully... we were freed one night by someone masquerading as a member of The Hive. We were taken to a resistance camp, where we were supposed to either get back to base or reunite with the Nebulan resistance leaders. But that never happened... as..."

*Spike gulps and says emphatically,* "Zarak’s project arrived. And destroyed the resistance camp in seconds. I saw it with my own eyes. There’s no getting around it... what he has IS Cybertronian. It IS the size of a Titan. It had these... scorpion-like... elements to it. Like a stinger and claws. Thankfully, Poise showed up with her badass vehicle, and Interrogator and I were taken to our respective bases, and now... thank Primus, I’m here."

*Spike looks at the screen with an intense look of determination.* "Guys... I KNOW Liege Maximo is occupying and has occupied your time. But I am telling you... imploring you... we NEED to organize a strike team to eliminate this... monstrosity Zarak has constructed... sooner rather than later. This THING... as terrifying as it is... isn’t complete! While I was captured, Zarak said it only lacked a spark to be fully whole."

"I... respectfully told him—partially to throw cold water on his plans—that a spark won’t be enough. I didn’t get into why... but it’s the same reason Fortress Maximus needs Cerebros and me. We... over-engineered him. And Zarak did the exact same thing. But what’s different with Zarak is that he still needs the Decepticons to at least ‘give’ him a spark. He’ll later realize that he needs more than just a ‘spark’—he needs another ‘operator’—but... we don’t even want him to get to that stage, guys. This thing... needs to be destroyed."

*Spike bows his head slightly before looking back into the camera.* "That is why... I am recommending... with every fiber of my being... that we do a very limited, but very intense, calculated strike on this... horrible Cybertronian form of death... and eradicate it before it gets fully operational. Guys... we already have to deal with this menace, because it IS Cybertronian regardless of who or how Zarak acquired all of the elements. But it’s not complete yet. We need to make sure it never gets to that point. Otherwise... you will have another Decepticon Titan to contend with. In whatever capacity I can... I will help. But I am strongly advising that we need to act... and fast. This thing currently doesn’t have a spark. We need to make sure that, Primus forbid Zarak ever acquires a spark, it won’t have this monstrosity to house it. Spike out." *Screen fades to black.*

Mar 14 - Ultra Magnus: Hydrax[]

Hydrax has agreed to enter into a more formal treaty of cooperation with us. There have been a number of Autobots that used to reside there that have taken up full time living once there again. These will form the basis of the defense force for there. Other Autobots whom will be assigned to there full time will be granted citizenship at their behest and the agreement of the leadership of Hydrax. Further garrison troops there will operate under their orders. In turn Hydrax has agreed to additional shipping, sharing of information, and trade.

Mar 19 - Ambush on Earth's Moon[]

>***AUTOBOT SPINNY***<

< VIDEO FEED ACTIVATED >

Springer appears on your screen with a serious look plastered across his metallic face. "Alright, let's get to business everyone. I'm on Earth's Moon tonight where one of our own was ambushed and left for scrap without any apparent indication as to why. My fuel pump tells me this was the work of the Decepticons, but there's no way to know that for sure."

The camera pans over showing the severely damaged lunar buggy form of Moonradar. A few Autobot techs are hoisting him onto a transport lift as Springer walks over, bending down to his knee to point at some of Moonradar's armor plating, "Just look at what they did to him. His frame is covered in these slash marks! Whoever did this was handy with a blade or blades! We did a quick survey of the area and found some tracks in the lunar sand around Moonradar's position. Looks like it was a mech - just one - and judging by the size of the tracks, it was a femme."

The Wrecker Leader rises, patting Moonradar's frame as the Autobot techs activate the transport lift to carry the Rocket Base Commander away. "I also checked in with our surveillance team here and they provided some visuals, but there's not much to see. Let me bring them up."

A brief slideshow plays with multiple photos from the attack. While Moonradar's form is clearly visible, an out of focus blur is seen zipping around him.

Springer appears back on camera, punching one of his fists with the other, "The attacker could have been using some sort of camouflage technology. We don't have all the details yet. There's still some other Autobot troopers we need to talk to and of course we'll talk to Moonradar once he's back up and running. You can count on one thing though - someone is going to get wrecked with some payback! Keep your optics on the lookout for any other activity similar to this. Springer out."

- - AUTOBOT SPINNY***

Mar 27 - Ultra Magnus: Kaon Strike []

Autobots, this is it, we're going to be breaking out of Kaon. We estimate roughly two hundred prisoners there. Encore has used his smuggling network to get prepwork to distract the guards and gather data, while Swiftpaw and Tonka have put a number of viruses into the computer systems and get intelligence gathering ahead. The Wreckers and other units will be conducting strikes at high value targets along the Kaon defense zone for a distraction. We'll be hitting through the tunnels and hopefully sneaking in with some IFF transponders for at least partial cover.

We have one chance at this, Autobots. A lot of the prisoners will be in bad shape and we're underneath the most well defended city on the planet. Anyone we can't get out is not going to live if we fail.

Apr 06 - Elita One: Nebulos[]

TEXT ONLY.

Autobots, while things remain tense on Cybertron, we have need of Autobot volunteers to partake in a series of missions on Nebulos. We have a moral and legal right to perform a surgical strike there to destroy a battlestation that has been created with our technology, and is delivering great pain to the resistance there. I'm asking for a planetary briefing from an inhabitant there to help volunteers understand the planet and its people.

Apr 06 - Phoenix - Re: Nebulous []

<< text-only >>

Consider me your first volunteer, Elita One. And I actually know of someone who might also be willing to help in briefing about Nebulos. She's human -- well, was, but still appears as such -- and she was on Nebulos for some time before returning to Earth several months previously. I've gotten to know her rather well, as she's taken to hanging out around the vicinity of Metroplex here on Earth. I can provide further information if you wish.

Apr 08 - Fortress Maximus' Statement to Valvolux and Tyger Pax[]

-- Fortress Maximus' titan form looks on a hovering drone camera --

"Citizens of Valvolux and Tyger Pax... If I have not introduced myself, I am Fortress Maximus. To the inhabitants of Valvolux and Tyger Pax... I owe you an enormous debt of gratitude. Months ago, I fell to one of Liege Maximo's enforcers. With my last vestige of strength, I literally fell outside the city limits of Valvolux. For any buildings damaged and lives inconvenienced in the small resulting earthquake, my sincere apologies, and I urge anyone whose lives were disrupted to please come to me or any Autobot you're comfortable with, and I will see to it that your properties and lives are restored."

"To the inhabitants of Valvolux and Tyger Pax, to those who selflessly donated resources and spent their days and nights repairing me, you have my eternal thanks."

"To all the inhabitants, regardless of your affiliation, Autobot or Neutral, you have a protector in me."

Transformers Universe MUX

Reports - Autobot

Autobot Faction Report Page[]

Reports[]

1999[]

11/29 - Magnus's Views[]

December – Full Alert[]

2012[]

Sep 17 - CONFIDENTIAL - LEVEL 3[]

2021[]

January[]

Jan 28 - Protihex Patrol Report[]

2023[]

March[]

Mar 19 - Special Delivery...[]

Mar 29 - Shuttle 311 Destruction[]

April[]

May[]

June[]

July[]

August[]

September[]

October[]

November[]

Nov 09 - Alyon Report[]

Nov 14 - The sleeper shall awaken![]

Nov 18 - Wish we could turn back time....[]

Nov 18 - Alpha Trion, we need to talk[]

Nov 19 - To the Separatists and Sub-Factions[]

2024[]

Jan 09 - Operational Suggestions[]

Jan 11 - The Beacon is Lit[]

Feb 29 - Meanwhile...[]

Mar 01 - Re: The Great Chasm[]

Mar 12 - Disturbing reports from Nebulos[]

Mar 13 - Section 43-A Report[]

Mar 16 - Official Address[]

March 23 - After-Action Report: Operation Nexus Seven[]

Mar 25 - Doctrine for Ground Combat[]

Mar 25 - Tasking Orders[]

Mar 26 - Engagement on Earth's Moon - Jetfire[]

Mar 27 - Addendum to Jetfire's Report - Backblast[]

Apr 06 - First... err Second Contact - Dust Devil[]

Apr 06 - Badlands Patrol[]

Apr 09 - Scenario Updates[]

Apr 09 - Scenario Updates: Assault Hypotheticals[]

Apr 09 - Enemy Analysis[]

April 22 - Distress Beacon - Perceptor[]

May 01 - Con Raid at Hydrax[]

May 02 - AAR: Hydrax Plateau[]

May 07 - Protihex Convoy[]

May 10 - Re: Groundbridge[]

May 11 - Protihex Upgrades[]

May 23 - Skyfire: Scanning breakdown[]

May 31 - Spitze[]

Jun 12 - Re: Retrieval[]

Jun 24 - Buildup[]

Jun 29 - Ultra Magnus: Rail Line[]

Jul 02 - Ultra Magnus: CAT[]

Jul 03 - Encounter[]

Jul 05 - Sideswipe: Toraxxis Recon[]

July 15 - Counterintelligence[]

Aug 06 - Sideswipe: Road to Nowhere Skirmish[]

August 14 - Search and Rescue Request for Missing Autobot[]

Aug 21 - Ultra Magnus - Rail Cannon[]

Aug 23 - Returning to Duty[]

Sep 09 - Thunderstick Investigation[]

Sep 15 - Nebulon update[]

Sep 17 - Rail Line and Protihex[]

Sep 17 - Ultra Magnus: Diplomatic Overtures[]

Sep 17 - Asymmetrics: Railgun Logistics[]

Sep 18 - Recovery of Cosmos[]

Sep 22 - Ultra Magnus: Railgun Routes[]

Sep 24 - Rail Interception[]

Oct 03 - Reporting in[]

Oct 10 - AAR: Tri-Torus[]

Oct 10 - Ultra Magnus - Re: Tri-Torus[]

Oct 13 - Blizzard Disappearance[]

Oct 19 - Sideswipe: Intel on Veritas[]

Oct 20 - Ultra Magnus: Kaon Prison Break[]

Mar 01 - Nebulan Report Restricted[]