Previously on Transformers: War for Selenus...

With the C.S.D's victory, came the Insecticon's defeat.

Insecticon General Hardshell comes back a failure before Misery and Olga Discordia. However, the Dark Queen learns of Gaea's herald, and the potential new threat to her victory in the war.

With new information relayed, Olga tasks Hardshell with raising new Insecticon warriors while also enlisting the kleptomaniac, Chop Shop, to lead her and Misery to secret catacombs within Garan, to learn more about the Cybertronians.

Now...

Universe 197:
Garan, Eostia_

Chop Shop flew above the twisted woods of Garan as he headed towards the mountains. Upon his back was Olga and Misery, their hair flowing from the passing wind and the beating of the Insecticon's wings.

"So these catacombs are within the mountains?" Misery inquired towards Chop Shop, her voice raised so that he could hear her over the wind.

"They were placed in the mountains for better protection, same as for the Insecticons when we recharge." Chop Shop answered back. "While the Hive was placed at the foot of the mountain, the only access to the catacombs is through a series of tunnels near the peaks."

"How far down into the mountain will these tunnels take us?" Olga questioned as Chop Shop flew ever closer to the mountain peaks.

"Deep into the mountain's heart." Chop Shop replied.

Soon enough, Chop Shop was flying threw the mountain peaks, swerving his head in several directions in search of the tunnel entrances.

Quick to notice the Insecticon's actions, Olga and Misery shared looks with each other before the Dark Queen spoke.

"I thought you said you knew how to get us to the catacombs?" Olga questioned.

"I know the general direction, but I've been to them once." Chop Shop explained as he continued to look. "And that was right after the great cataclysm, before we went into stasis. My memory if somewhat foggy on where the exact tunnels are."

"Do the tunnels have an exact shape to them?" Misery inquired. "If so, we can try and expedite your search and look around ourselves."

"Each tunnel varies in shape, much like natural mountain caverns." Chop Shop explained. "They were mad as such to prevent any intruders from easily finding their way in. I need to listen for the subtle vibrations in order to find the right entrance."

Chop Shop continued to swerve and circle around the peaks before his attention was brought to a faint humming sound. He turned his head to the left, spotting one particular tunnel where he heard the humming originate from.

"Ah-ha!" Chop Shop lightly cheered. He then shifted his body towards the direction of the tunnel as he spoke to Olga and Misery. "You both might want to hold on. It's going to be a bumpy ride."

Olga and Misery responded by grabbing tightly onto whatever part of Chop Shop's back they could. It was then that Chop Shop flew towards the tunnel, entering into its rocky and darkened halls.

At first, Chop Shop was swerving through the tunnel, following its twisting and sloping path. But once he got further enough within, he, Olga, and Misery started to see a faint blue glowing coming from deeper into the tunnel. Soon they were no longer flying through darkened rock, but metal halls that flowed with the same hue that flowed through Insecticon cavern.

"Yes, this is definitely the right tunnel." Chop Shop stated. "Though now would be a good time for the both of you to lean forward."

"Why?" Olga questioned with a raised brow.

Chop Shop gave no response as he kept flying through the metallic and glowing tunnel, but Olga was quick to find that she wouldn't need one from the Insecticon.

Chop Shop had flown into a junction within the tunnel where Olga and Misery to see plainly as day that they were about to dive straight down into a very deep hole.

"Oh, dear..." Misery commented with slightly widened eyes as she instinctively clutched tighter onto the part of Chop Shop's back she was holding.

Olga started to do the same, but did her best to keep her stoic expression. But all she could do next was let out a silent gasp of surprise when Chop Shop immediately dose dived into the plummeting hole.

The dark elves clung for dear life as they took head to Chop Shop's advice and leaned forward, bringing their bodies down as tightly as they could as the wind brought on by Chop Ship's wings and quick descent blew about their long hair. Olga had to carefully and quickly reposition herself so that one hand was holding onto her staff and a part of Chop Shop's back while the other was atop her head, making sure her crown would fly off.

After descending deep enough into the hole, Chop Shop started to bring his head up from his nose dive, repositioning his body as he came to a junction at the bottom of the hole, moving towards another glowing tunnel. He shot towards it, passing through the tunnel's halls that swerved left and right. After another minute of flying, Chop Shop soon halted in his movements, bringing himself down to the floor as his wings stopped beating.

"We have arrived." Chop Shop stated.

After a short, yet slow moment, Olga and Misery started to get off from the Insecticon's back. While they tried their best to be stable, their movements were shaky. Misery event felt as if she was about to fall from her quaking, prompting her to place both hands on her staff to better crutch herself. Olga was more stable on the other hand, but still quivered. She was doing her best to keep her usual stoicism, but the whiplash she and Misery had experienced caused her to appearance to falter to a degree. She too held a tight grip on her staff.

Chop Shop transformed back into his robot mode, looking back at the two dark elves before him, quick to notice their shaken expressions.

"Is something the matter?" He inquired.

Misery and Olga turned their heads towards the Insecticon warrior, wanting nothing more than to berate him for his rushing descent down the tunnel hole, but they could not find the energy within themselves to do so.

"Perhaps next time... you should descend at a... far slower rate." Misery gave her best attempt at chiding Chop Shop, though her voice was soft and slightly trembling.

"My apologies. I assumed you wanted to arrive with expedience." Chop Shop replied, though it didn't look like he was too broken up or ashamed of what he put the two of them through.

Olga narrowed her eye at Chop Shop before giving out a heavy sigh. "Just... give a minute to calm ourselves."

Chop Shop gave no vocal or physical reply other than standing still and watching as the two dark elves collected themselves. After what seemed to be two minutes, Olga and Misery had finally calmed down, their grips on their respective staves lessening. They soon moved their eyes to find that they stood before a metal door, similar, if not identical, to the door that led to the Insecticon caverns.

"I take it that the catacombs lie beyond here?" Olga said as she pointed her staff towards the metal door.

"An accurate assumption." Chop Shop replied to her as he walked to the door. He specifically moved towards a scanning pad that was positioned on the door's left side, though to Olga and Misery, it looked like a glowing slab.

The two dark elves watched in curiosity as Chop Shop placed his hand on the glowing slap. A strange whirring hum came from it, a light flashing down along the slab before a beeping noise was heard. It was then that the door opened in the same manner the door to the Insecticon caverns did, splitting apart and receding into the ceiling and walls.

"Fascinating." Misery remarked towards in regards to how Chop Shop was able to open the door by placing his hand on the slab.

Olga hummed in similar fascination, but as usual, remained stoic and cool towards the occurrence.

Chop Shop subtly glanced back at Misery and Olga before thinking to himself. "How devolved has every organic on Selenus become since the cataclysm? They're intrigued by a simple access scanner."

Chop Shop let out a quiet grunt as his shook away his thoughts and moved through the door. "As you have desired. Welcome to the catacombs."

The dark elves followed the Insecticon through the door. But the moment they passed through, they were taken aback in astonishment to what lay before them.

A large, circular, metal room with glowing ceilings and walls. The room was lined with with what seemed to be ornately designed glowing glass, though to Chop Shop, they were computer screens. There were sections of the room where other doors lay, these doors having rectangular windows upon their faces. Finally, there was a large, circular object in the center of the room, almost like a rounded table, but far more bulkier and paneled with a glowing blue circle at its center.

Chop Shop turned around to see the astonished looks that adorned the dark elves faces as even the likes of Olga could not hide her surprise.

"All this time... this place was within the mountains." Olga spoke with a stunned tone.

"In here you will not only find the information you seek, but relics of old that may prove useful to you." Chop Shop stated to the dark elves. "Where would you like to begin?"

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Rad, Eostia_

Upon passing into the middle city, the C.S.D looked upon the many faces that turned to their direction. They were met with many wary and confused eyes as they followed Maia and her comrades.

Soundwave watched as a group of city guards rushed over towards their large group. They were not alone as it seemed that alongside them were others from Maia's group, as well as men in brown and black leather. Zooming in with his visor, he could see sigils on these particular men, sigils in the form of a black dog's head in front of a sword.

"Lady Maia." One of the guards called out to her with a relieved expression, though his face, along with the face of everyone else with him, immediately became wary upon spotting the C.S.D.

Maia was quick to catch where they were sending their wary looks to. Still clutching her arm, she turned her head back towards the guards and mercenaries. "I hope you're not gonna try and attack the guys that drove off those metal bug monsters."

The lead guard, the one who spoke out to her, gave an apologetic bow in response. "Our apologies, my lady. We're all just... on edge after the damage we sustained."

"I can understand that." Maia replied with a sigh.

Maia then looked over to the unconscious girl in Soundwave's arms before looking at him. "Okay, Prince Charming. As chivalrous as it is for you carry the girl, Maria and Sarah can take her to a healing mage from here."

Soundwave mentality rose a brow at the name Maia referred to him as, before replied nonetheless. "Acknowledged."

He then walked over to the two woman, lowering his arms so that they could grab onto the girl. They both each took one arm from the girl and slumped it over their respective shoulders. The girl was now in between Maria and Sarah, both women ensuring they had a tight grip on the girl's arms as they started to walk away with her.

Once that was done, Maia looked back at the leading guard, a serious expression dawning her face. "How bad is it?"

The lead guard shook his head with a tired sigh. "A lot of people were harmed from the beginning of the attack. Those flying demons got to work right quick and tearing things down. Even the people that made to the middle city didn't do so without injury. Everyone's seeking medical attention. And that's just in here. The archers from the inner watchtowers report smoke and scattered fires across the entirety of the outer city. While not everything is destroyed, there's enough damage to put people out on the streets or whatever room the churches have until everything can be repaired. I don't even want to get started on how the nobles are reacting to that giant... thing that flew in above the city."

"That would be our transport vessel." Soundwave stated as he walked up beside Maia.

The lead guard was initially unnerved by Soundwave's voice, as were others in the group, but Maia would soon jump in to try and ease them again.

"Well, I guess there are a few proper introductions that are in order." Maia said before motioning to Soundwave with her good arm. "This here is Soundwave. He's the leader of this little group. And yes, that thing up there does belong to them... which, apparently, is also alive."

"I... beg your pardon?" The lead guard asked with wide eyes.

"Formalities and explanations should be saved for after we ensure the security of those that remain in the outer city." Soundwave stated.

"He's right." Maia nodded in agreement. "How many can we spare for search parties?"

The lead guard sighed in response while shaking his head. "The group you're looking at right now are the best we could gather up to try and come to your defense, before the monsters retreated. If a guard, soldier, or mercenary isn't checking in on other in the middle city, they're in the same boat as those seeking medical aid."

"Those buggers did a right number on us." One of the men with the black dog symbol grunted as he crossed his arms.

"What about the personal guards the nobles have?" Maia inquired.

"Roxanne went to try and urge the nobles for their support, but they're all still scared shitless." One of the Rose Company women said. "They're more concerned about their own hides than everyone else's. Surprise, surprise."

Maia sighed in response. "Looks like I'll have to go talk to them."

"Are you sure you don't require a healer first?" The lead guard spoke again. "Your arm is wounded."

"Yeah it hurts, but I've gone through bigger bigger scuffs before." Maia waved the guard off, though not without flinching a bit. "Besides, it's better to nip the nobles in the bud now than later. I want all of you to begin to scout things out."

"Right away, Lady Maia." The lead guard gave a small bow before looking to the other behind him and motioning them to move forward.

As the the guard's group started to move past Maia and the C.S.D, the Mercenary Queen looked over to Brea.

"I suppose you wouldn't mind coming with me to deal with the nobles?" She asked her comrade with the best assuring smile she could put on.

However, Brea held a nervous look before pointing her thumb back. "Uh... you know what? I-I think I should go and help with the search. The more hands, the better, right?"

And with that, Brea immediately ran off to join the rest of the search party, leaving Maia to lower her eyes in annoyance. "Traitor."

"Tarantulas, Ravage, and I will go with you." Soundwave said to Maia. "The others can help with the search."

"Well it's good to see someone had my back." Maia stated. "Are you sure though? Nobles can be a real pain in the assay times."

"We've dealt with our own share of nobles in the past." Ravage said as he walked up to Soundwave. "It's nothing we can't handle."

"Suit yourselves." Maia shrugged in return before walking forward. "Follow me."

Soundwave then look back at Sixshot, Cosmos, Rung, Laserbeak, and Buzzsaw, pointing his hand towards the outer city. While Cosmos and Rung nodded, Sixshot and the two flying Mini-cons immediately turned back around and head off, the two Autobots quick to do the same.

The blue Decepticon then looked at Tarantulas and Ravage, nodding his head in Maia's direction before the three of them started to follow her.

Glancing back to see the Cybertronians following behind her, Maia slowed her steps down a bit until Soundwave was right beside her.

"So why'd you want to bring the spider guy with us?" Maia whispered to Soundwave.

"Given his appearance and how your city was just sieged by Insecticons, it would be more than likely people would run from him or react negatively in other ways." Soundwave explained to her.

"Well I'm not usually one for trying to keep up with appearances, but I'd say you made the smart choice." Maia said to the Decepticon.

"Besides, he would be far better put to use in... persuading the nobility in this situation." Soundwave added in.

Immediately, Maia grew a frown on her face with a worried look in her eyes. "And now you're scaring me."

"He's purely last resort." Soundwave said in assurance.

"Well let's hope we don't get to that point." Maia said, glancing back at Tarantulas before facing forward with an unnerved shutter.

—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—

Transformers———Kuroinu

—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—

Garan, Eostia_

Olga and Misery walked up to the table-like object before they looked around the room again.

"I wouldn't even know where to start in this." Olga said as she looked around.

"I was expecting scrolls or textbooks." Misery stated.

"Do you require assistance?" Chop Shop asked.

"Quite so." Misery replied before focusing back on the table like object, pointing her finger to it. "What exactly is this?"

"The main computer terminal." Chop Shop said before motioning his hand around the room. "What you see on the walls are the records that hold the information you seek."

"Hmm." Misery nodded with a hum, looking down at the now know 'computer terminal'. "And how would we access these records? Is there a spell required?"

Chop Shop gave no vocal response as he walked over to the main terminal, pressing a few of the buttons to activate it. Olga and Misery watched as the glowing blue circle in middle started to shine brighter as several small rays shot out from it. They watched as an ethereal blue image sprang to life from the circle, an image that was large and rectangular.

Chop Shop gave a hum as he analyzed the image, noticing a few glitches in it. "It seems the holo-projector is a bit rusty."

He then clicked a few more button on one of panels for the terminal. "It also seems that T-AI is still offline for the moment."

"T-AI?" Olga questioned with a raised brow.

"She is the intelligence that runs the catacombs, ensuring nothing is missing and that the records have space to input new data." Chop Shop replied before looking back at the holographic screen. "We'll have to try and access everything manually."

Chop Shop proceeded to click a few more buttons, causing the holographic screen to glitch and flash a bit before the image started to change. Olga and Misery watched as the image of planet was shown, one made of metal. Upon its surface we're many pillars and and circles that glowed blue.

"What is this?" Olga asked as she stared at the metal planet's image with intrigue.

"The Cybertronian's homeworld. Cybertron." Chop Shop answered as he continued to press more buttons.

Soon the image of Cybertron was shrunken as several square-like images appeared upon the holographic screen.

Chop Shop analyzed the screen before looking to the panels. "It seems that the data files are processing slower than usual. It will take some time before everything can be fully loaded up."

Olga gave a quiet hum in response as she analyzed these 'data files' that Chop Shop referred to. She then looked over to the other doors in the room, her mind working to imagine what might lie beyond them.

"You said there were relics in the catacombs." Olga stated to Chop Shop as she stared to one of the doors.

"That is correct." Chop Shop said as he moved from the terminal, walking over to Olga and Misery. "If the Queen wishes to see them, all she need do is give the order."

In response, Misery gave an almost mischievous smile as she turned to Chop Shop. "Then let's see them."

Chop Shop gave a small bow to Misery before walking over to one of the doors, placing his hand on the scanning pad before it opened. Following the Insecticon, Olga and Misery watched as the hallway the door led to became alit with more blue lights, giving them a clear view of more doors within it.

Chop Shop walked up to the first door on the right, pressing several buttons on a panel beside it that opened the door.

Within it, Olga and Misery saw a spear like object with two prods at the end. Chop Shop walked up to it taking hold of it in his hands, staring at it for a moment before showing to the dark elves.

"The Immobilizer." Chop Shop introduced. "Capable of freezing a Transformer's servos in place, restricting them of all source of movement."

"Something to use against this Sixshot Hardshell told us about?" Misery spoke as she and Olga shared a look.

The next door Chop Shop opened held a short, maroon device with several golden prongs shooting out from both ends.

"This is the Force Field Generator." Chop Shop stated as he activated the device.

The prongs opened up and out, forming an X shape. From each point, blue end grey shot out from the prongs, forming in on each other until a large, blue glowing shield was formed.

"It creates a near impenetrable shield that the use can wield at any time for personal defense."  Chop Shop said as he moved the shield around in his hand.

The next device Olga and Misery were introduced to was a square-like object with a handle at the bottom of it and a large space at its center.

"Now what is this odd device?" Misery inquired as she walked up to it.

"The Polarity Gauntlet." Chop Shop said as he placed Force Field Generator on his back, where the Immobilizer just so happened to be positioned in. "It gives the user complete control over the forces of magnetism."

With an interested glint in her eye, Misery placed her hand over the handle of the Polarity Gauntlet. She watched as it activated, forming several orange symbols over her arm and hand, with an orange sigil placed over the hole of the gauntlet. She moved the gauntlet in her hand a bit before looking over to Chop Shop. Reaching her hand out towards him she watched the gauntlet went to work, raising the Insecticon from the ground.

Chop Shop looked down to see that he was being raised in the air. A worried expression crossed his face as he looked towards Misery. "Perhaps we should use that in here. Metal walls. One wrong move and the catacombs could come down in us."

Misery responded by placing the Polarity Gauntlet back on its stand, deactivating it and causing Chop Shop to fall to the floor.

"A useful device for future purposes." Olga remarked towards the gauntlet. "Though perhaps best tested outside."

Chop Shop got off the ground with an annoyed grunt before walking over to the next door, opening it.

Following suit of Chop Shop, Olga and Misery found themselves watching as the Insecticon grabbed a round, silver device with four pincers on it. He then placed it above his arm, causing the pincers to open up and allowing Chop Shop to attach it to himself.

"This device is the Phase Shifter." Chop Shop explained as he turned a dial the Phase Shifter, causing it to glow blue.

He then moved towards the wall, raising his hand out towards it. To Olga and Misery's surprise, Chop Shop's hand went through the wall. And the moment he receded his hand, the wall appeared unchanged, no hole nor any sign of damage.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Chop Shop regarded to the dark elves as he turned the Phase Shifter off. "It allows the user to phase through any solid matter."

"My my. I'm certain Chloe would love this device." Misery said to Olga. "It would give her a far easier time infiltrating camps and killing any soldiers or Black Dog mercenaries."

"Or for... stealing valuables." Chop Shop suggested off to the side, a knowing look on his face.

Thus far, Olga found herself impressed with these relics that lie at her fingertips. Not only does she now have an army of destructive, metallic warriors, but she now knows several means in which to fight against those similar to them. However, she was soon able to sense a faint presence nearby, a pulse of some sorts. Glancing over to Misery, she could tell from her daughter's look that she was sensing it as well.

Chop Shop looked at the two dark elves with a curious expression, questioning their sudden change in mood.

Olga and Misery then turned around to the look at the left side of the hallway. There were doors just like there were on the right side, but one door stood out from the rest. The reason for that being a large yellow X plastered over the door, making seem... foreboding in a way.

"What is beyond that door?" Olga pointed her staff towards the door with the yellow X.

Chop Shop walked out of the Phase Shifter room to see the door Olga were referring to, and immediately he froze. He did not speak for a moment, prompting the dark elves to look at him, noting his agape jaw. After a moment of silence, Chop Shop finally spoke.

"That is... best kept closed." Chop Shop stated before trying to change the subject. "Let us continue further down, shall we?"

Just as the Insecticon started to walk away, Misery called out to him, her voice clear. "Show us what is inside that door."

Chop Shop then made a noise that could be akin to hitching breath. His fingers twitched in nervousness before he faced Misery.

"I beg you, my Queen. What lies behind that door is the most dangerous thing in catacomb's vaults." Chop Shop tried to plead with her. "For all of our safety, it is best remained shut."

"Just what exactly is this thing that prompts you to change our minds?" Olga asked as she motioned her hand to the door. "What is it you're afraid of?"

"You wanted to know about Cybertronian's?" Chop Shop asked Olga with a stern expression as he pointed to the door. "What lies in there is a piece of their history... An abomination... a terrible mistake. One that needed to be locked up under the tightest and most impenetrable of restraints."

Olga analyzed Chop Shop's tone and expression. Even though the facial expressions the Insecticons could make were limited, she could tell he held a haunted look to him. It furthered her intrigue as to what was behind the door with the yellow X.

"Well, if it's so dangerous and restrained, then we won't release it." Misery stated. "But at the very least, let us see it. Quell our curiosity."

"I beg you to reconsider." Chop Shop tried to plead again.

"Are you not meant to follow my orders and wishes?" Misery questioned the Insecticon. "Let us see what's behind the door. Just a peek."

Chop Shop was hesitant at first before begrudgingly walking over to the door. "Just a peek."

As the Insecticon placed his hand on the door's scanner, he bitterly muttered to himself. "I can't believe I'm going to lay eyes on this beast again."

Once the door opened, Chop Shop moved into the room, the dark elves following him. Upon entering, Olga and Misery found themselves staring at a large metallic object, larger than the Insecticons. It was somewhat ovular in shape with a golden, cylindrical device attached to left of it. Upon the face of the large object was a pitch black screen with the same yellow X from the door placed upon it.

"Well this doesn't look particularly dangerous." Misery commented with a confused appearance, though still sensing something odd about it.

"This is a stasis pod." Chop Shop explained. "It the only thing keeping us from having to deal with the creature inside of it. And no order you give will give me cause to open it."

"Then what exactly is this pod keeping locked away?" Olga asked Chop Shop as she walked over to it, placing her hand on the front of the pod. "I sense something living inside of it."

"If only it wasn't." Chop Shop bitterly replied as he looked at the pod with disdain and apprehension. "Years before the Great Cataclysm, Cybertronian scientists worked to try and produce a Transformer with an immortal spark, so as to slow birth rates and the need for mining Energon."

"Did it work?" Misery inquired with a raised brow.

"It worked all right, but not the way it was intended to." Chop Shop continued to explain. "The bot they experimented upon was young and unable to withstand the stress of the procedure. Not only was he given increased strength and speed, but he was driven insane. He lashed out and broke loose, going on a rampage throughout Cybertron. Hardshell and I were brought in with other soldiers from Selenus in order to help contain this threat."

Chop Shop paused in his story, a harrowed look in his downcast appearance before he continued. "... I watched this abomination tears through warriors and comrades like they were nothing. And for all of the firepower we had against him, he still functioned. In pain, but not dying. It was why the Immobilizer was invented in the first place. But by then, many had been damaged or destroyed by the monster."

It was then that Chop Shop looked back up to Misery and Olga. "I know you seek win this war of yours, but this is not a monster that can be controlled. Let him loose, and he will destroy everything and everyone in his path."

Upon hearing his cautionary tale, Misery looked at Chop Shop with an expression that almost seemed to be sympathetic. She gave a nod to him as she responded. "I understand. We won't open the pod."

Olga could feel sympathetic to Chop Shop as well, but she hid it under her stoic expression. However, there was still one part of her curiosity in regards to this abomination that needed to be sated.

"Was there ever a name given to this destructive creature?" Olga questioned as she looked at the pod again.

Chop Shop followed the movement of her eyes as he stared at the pod. "The scientists responsible for him only referred to him by his experiment name. Protoform X."

"That explains the symbol on this pod." Olga thought to herself. "If what Chop Shop says about this... Protoform X is true, then it would be for the best to ensure this creature is locked within this vault. Or at least until a way to control it is discovered."

Chop Shop then turned away from Protoform X's pod, walking out of the vault while glancing back at Olga and Misery. "I think we have spent enough time in the vaults. Let us see the progress on the data files."

"Yes. Let's." Olga said in agreement, still staring at the stasis pod before she and Misery followed the Insecticon back to the main room.

—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—

Kuroinu———Transformers

—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—

Rad, Eostia_

As of now, Soundwave, Ravage, and Tarantulas were following Maia through the fortress at the center of the city. Given the architecture of the large building, and given the level of knowledge he had on Earth's medieval castles, Soundwave could tell that this place wasn't built with grandeur being in mind. From what he saw outside with the stone watch towers and the more simplistic, yet structurally sturdy design of the fortress, this building was meant more for military rather than royalty.

"You have a very solidified fortress here, Maia." Soundwave commented as everyone walked through the halls. "Though weak by our standards, I can see it's effectiveness for people with your level of technology."

"I'm going to assume that's some form of compliment." Maia replied to him. "Rad's always been the more warrior-like out of all the kingdoms in Eostia. Sure the half-lings of Ansur make some of the best weapons and machinery in the Alliance, as well as producing some pretty stubborn and fierce fighters, but Rad is where a lot of mercenaries, soldiers, and hardened folks reside in. We're not exactly the fanciest kingdom."

"Hmph! A lot of good your warriors did against the Insecticons." Tarantulas remarked. "If some of the best fighters in this alliance of yours are overwhelmed by such a small force, I have much doubt in the rest of these kingdoms."

"Hey, a lot of good people died out there." Maia shot back, glancing over her shoulder to peer at Tarantulas with a scowl. "Don't blame us cause we're caught off guard by something we've never seen before."

"I wasn't blaming you or your dead. I'm merely making a statement of how scrapped this entire situation is for you." Tarantulas replied to her.

"If you haven't noticed all ready, Tarantulas isn't exactly the most subtle Cybertronian." Ravage said to Maia. "He builds a lot of nasty and destructive weapons for a living."

"Most of which the people of this city could have most greatly benefited from in order to repel their attackers." Tarantulas stated with a raised finger. "An entire cache of well used Decepti-bombs would have guaranteed the Insecticon's destruction."

"You wouldn't happen to have any of these weapons with you?" Maia asked the Chimeracon.

"No. I'm afraid not." Tarantulas spoke in a disappointed tone, making a clicking sound with the pincers on his mouth. "But once we can harvest Energon, and scrunch up enough Cyber-metal, I can get back to my creations and experimentations. You'll find that my mind has quite the imagination."

"An imagination for abominations." Ravage muttered off to the side.

"One task at a time. Before we start searching for Energon deposits, we must first make contact with the leader of the Alliance." Soundwave stated to Tarantulas as they continued to walk. "The one called Celestine Lucross."

"You all ready know about Celestine?" Maia questioned the blue Decepticon.

"I was informed of her name and status by Gaea." Soundwave answered her in return. "She speaks to me at times. She has informed me of your planet's recent history. The war you wage with the dark elf queen, Olga Discordia."

Maia frowned a bit upon hearing the name of the Seven Shield Alliance's most dreadful enemy. "Yep. Olga's always a topic that sours the mood. She's been going at the kingdoms long before most of us were even born. While I've never seen nor fought her person, from what Celestine tells me, she's a force to be reckoned with."

"I will take your words into account." Soundwave said. "But I am more than certain that by combining our efforts, we can end this war within the next few months."

"Oh? So you have a cocky side to you?" Maia asked with a humored smirk. She then shook her head before speaking again. "Well given that show you and your buddy Sixshot put on out there, I'm inclined to agree with you sentiment. I'm just worried about how many of those... what were they called again? Insecticons, right? I'm worried about how far their numbers expand."

It was then that Maia grew a look of looking concern on her face, her expression twisting into a grimace as she spoke. "Monsters are widespread enough as they are, even those that don't serve under Olga. If half a platoon of them could do this much damage to a single fortress city, I'm worried what one hundred of those things could do to the whole of Eostia."

"A warranted concern. One I am certain we will find the solution to in time." Soundwave said to Maia, trying to give her some ounce of solace.

As the group of four continued to go through the halls of the fortress, Soundwave started to pick up the sound of people conversing with each other further up ahead. The closer and closer he and the other got to it, the more he could make it out to be a large argument of sorts.

Soon enough, the others started to the faint sound of arguing coming up ahead.

Maia sighed upon hearing the ever growing sound of arguments and bickering as she and the others continued to walk. "It hasn't even been that long ago since the enemy retreated, and the nobles are all ready causing a ruckus."

"Lucky you." Ravage snidely remarked to Maia.

The group soon came to a set of relatively large doors, only somewhat taller than Soundwave and Tarantulas. It was then that Maia turned around to face the Cybertronian trio.

"Okay, you guys wait here for a moment. I'm going to see how much I can calm them all down before I show you off." She said as she placed her left hand on one of the doors. "I'll come get you when they're all ready to be civilized... or if I need reinforcements."

"Acknowledged." Soundwave nodded to Maia as Ravage proceeded to sit by his foot.

Maia then proceeded to push open the door, causing the argument in the other room to make itself all too clear, much to the Mercenary Queen's wincing annoyance. Once she slid herself through the door, she spotted most of the nobility arguing amongst each other, while also arguing with Roxanne and the Captain of the guards, a middle-aged, silver-haired man named Vigo. Every one of them either sitting or standing at the great hall's dining table.

Vigo slammed him gauntlet-covered fist onto the table with a disgruntled expression on his face. "What is it going to take for you stuck-up shits to send out some bloody help?!"

"We pay our personal guard to protect us! Not the common folk!" Argued back a portly and bearded fellow that Maia recognized as Gerald Norrington, the head of Rad's treasury. "That is your job, Vigo. Don't come to us because you're guards are all battered up."

"Not to mention how much of a waste of time it would all be to try and search for any survivors." A skinny man named Terrance Fledger, a representative of the Merchant's Guild pointed out. "I saw just how bad the destruction to the outer city was. The likelihood of any survivors out there are slim at best."

"That's still grounds to search!" Roxanne retorted.

"Vigo and the lass are right. Who are we to call ourselves nobles of Rad if we just sit on our asses?" A young and tall man named Johann Stein proclaimed as he stood up. Maia knew him and his family from their production in weapons. "Are we pansies or are we leaders?!"

"You're spouting out for us to send what only useful protection we have left for a search party, claiming the enemy has retreated." A lanky nobleman named Nicholas Steward said as he pointed his finger over to Vigo and Roxanne. "Yet your reports state some nightmarish object floats just above the city? Who's to say that isn't sim new form of delivery the Dark Queen has sent to wipe us out, and that her forces didn't retreat so they wouldn't be obliterated with us? Those that are still able should be mounting up a defense, not checking for survivors. Especially given how the barrier was shut off."

As the arguing further ensued, Maia gave an exasperated breath before finally making herself known to everyone in the room. "Can you all please shut the fuck up for a moment?!"

Upon giving out her yell, everyone's attention was brought to Maia. Roxanne immediately smiled upon her leader in what seemed to be mostly good health.

"Lady Maia. Thank the Goddess you're here." Vigo said to her before motioning his hand to the nobles at the table. "Maybe you can help us knock some sense into some of these cowards."

"Shall we draw swords, Vigo?" Gerald asked with a angry and daring tone as he sat up.

"Nobody's killing anyone here." Maia firmly stated. "There's been enough damage to Rad as it is."

Suddenly, the smell of smoke entered through Maia's nose. The kind of smoke one would smell from tobacco. Turning her head to the right, she noticed a woman standing off to the side while smoking from a pipe in her hand. Safe to say, Maia immediately recognized her as she slightly frowned. "Madam Beatrice."

Beatrice was a well-endowed woman with glowing purple hair a black dress that hung loose on her shoulders, tattoos running along her arms and neck. She took in another inhale from her pipe before blowing out the smoke, facing Maia with a calm smile. "Maia. So you survived through that whole ordeal outside?"

"I had some help." Maia replied to her. "So what's your stance on this little argument?"

"You know me. I always follow the majority." Beatrice cooly replied before taking another wing from her pipe.

Maia gave a small eye roll before walking up to the dining table, leaning on it with her hands, though her right arm was still feeling some pain. "Look, I'd just like to firstly state that the monsters are gone. I don't know about a second attack, but I am more than certain that it won't be from the thing in the sky."

"And what's gives you assurance on that?" Nicholas questioned her.

"Because... that thing brought us the help we needed to drive away those metal monstrosities." Maia said as she looked over to the lanky noble.

"Help?" Roxanne asked. "What kind of help?"

Maia looked at Roxanne before glancing around the room, scanning everyone's faces. "We were helped by more of those metal things. But they weren't like the bugs. The best I can describe them as is that they somewhat looked like knights... well accept for a few of them."

"There are more of these metallic creatures?" Vigo asked.

"Yep. And I've got three of them waiting outside the doors right now." Maia pointed her arm back towards the doors. "If I may, I'd like to bring them in on this debate... of course I'm going to let them in regardless."

"Then don't ask us." Gerald said, sitting back down as he crossed his arms, pointing his hand to the door. "If you're going to bring them in, bring them in."

Maia then lifted her arms from the table as she turned back to the doors, calling out to the Cybertronians behind them. "It's all clear! Better get in before the arguing starts again!"

Everyone in the room watched as both the large doors started to open up. The first thing the saw was Soundwave pushing the doors open with Ravage walking through first. After him, Soundwave walked into the dining hall next, with Tarantulas behind him. Everyone who was just now laying their eyes upon the three Cybertronians had their own varying thoughts. What they could all mostly agree on was the intimidating presence the three had. How imposing Soundwave and Ravage appeared, and how unnerving Tarantulas was. If they weren't whispering amongst each other, they were sharing cautious glances, with a few giving looks of intrigue.

Maia watched as Ravage jogged up to the table, hopping upon it before circling around and sitting. Once Soundwave and Tarantulas were at her side, Maia moved her attention back to the others at the table.

"Everyone, this is Soundwave, Tarantulas, and Ravage." Maia introduced them each with a motion of her hand. "These are some the guys that saved our asses."

"I thought you said they appeared as knights." Terrance said as he shrunk back into his chair upon looking at Tarantulas.

"I said some of them." Maia pointed out with a raised finger.

"Oh, my sincerest apologies." Tarantulas said with a mock bow and a mock-dramatic tone. "Does my appearance disturb, or perhaps... frighten any of you? Hyeh hyeh hyeh!"

"Very much so, yes." Terrance spoke with a cowering tone.

It was then that Soundwave spoke up, placing his hands behind his back. "It is to my knowledge that you are having issues in detaching able support for search parties. Just what is exactly is causing these issues to arise?"

If everyone in the room, save Maia, had found Soundwave to appear imposing before, his voice pinned the nail right into the coffin.

Gerald gave a nervous gulp, stuttering out the first words of his response. "W-we-well, as we've s-said... we cannot spare our personal guards to the common folk. Especially after this hectic crisis. Who knows what sort of madness can result from this. What chaos can ensue from what little order now remains."

"Bullshit!" Roxanne threw out with an angry look.

However, before another argument could arise, Soundwave spoke again, his voice firm and clear. "You fear chaos? Madness? Yes, I can see just what madness and chaos can transpire from these events."

Soundwave then started to calmly walk around the table, making his way over to where most of the nobles were sitting.

Maia rose her eye brow at Soundwave, confusion blurring her mind towards his choice of words. "What is he trying to get at here?"

"I see the madness and chaos that will arise when the people of the city learn that you seek to cower in your comfort while their wounded died because there were not enough helping hands." Soundwave continued.

"Now, I don't know who you think you are to come in here and—!" Gerald tried to speak out against the blue Decepticon, beginning to rise from his chair again.

However, Soundwave immediately placed his hands on the noble man's shoulders, forcing him back into his seat as he continued, looking around at the other nobles in the room. "You see, once the people learn how you abandoned them, they will start to riot. And even when lives have been lost, they still outnumber all of you. No matter how skilled your personal guards may seem, they will not be able to keep you safe from the wrath incurred by the... common folk, as you refer to them as."

"Then we'll just send the city guards after them." Nicholas said to Soundwave. "Lady Maia wouldn't allow such an insurrection to occur."

Before Maia could try and get a word in about Nicholas's comment, Soundwave shook his head. "Incorrect. As leader of this city, her primary obligation is to the troubled majority. The comfy and pampered minority are a secondhand thought."

Soundwave released his grip on Gerald as he started to round the table again. "Should Maia side with you, it would only cause more rioting. And even then, you'd all still be outnumbered. Deaths on both sides. It would prove her to be a poor leader should she not heed to the wishes of her people, when those wishes are just."

It was then that Maia chose not to enter into the conversation, Soundwave's words registering inside her head.

Vigo crossed his arms as he looked over to Soundwave, giving him a small nod. "I like the way this Soundwave thinks."

"While Maia cannot fully control your actions, she can choose to go against you, side with her people." Soundwave stated as he was now at Nicholas's side of the table. "Tell me, is sending out aid such a high price, when the penalty for choosing not to is even higher and potentially more... fatal?"

At his words, the nobility are started to look around at each other. The few that originally supported the idea of sending out aid checking the expressions of those that went against the idea. It was safe to say that Soundwave had given most of the nobles ample reason for concern and worry.

It was then that Soundwave decided to shift the direction of his statement. "With the way your social structure works, the people and the nobility require each other to thrive. You give them leadership and security while they give you supporters. Power. Wealth. Without each other and proper infrastructure, you all collapse. So why choose an action that will solidify such a cataclysm? Your fears and concerns have clouded your judgements. Most of you choose the option of cowardice and self-preservation when aiding the people and their wounded can give you greater boons. By supporting them, they support you ten-fold. More popularity. More power. More wealth."

All the nobles in the room looked at Soundwave before they started to whisper to each other once again, discussing his words.

From off to the side, Beatrice had just let out another puff of smoke from her pipe, letting a small smirk grace her lips. "It seems I know where the majority is heading now."

After the nobles' session of whispering, Johann stood up from his seat, looking over to Soundwave. "After some careful reconsideration, everyone here has decided to help in any way they can."

Upon hearing this, Soundwave then looked over to Maia, nodding his head to her.

For the Mercenary Queen herself, she was surprised by how Soundwave was able to get every noble in the room to reach a consensus in such a short amount of time. While Maia was no diplomat, she knew those such as Kaguya, Claudia, and Celestine had their fair share of trouble with pestering nobles, and yet Soundwave made it seem as easy as breathing air.

"Damn. Teletraan Alpha said that Soundwave would unite people together, but I never thought he'd be this good at it." Maia thought to herself.

Roxanne then walked over to Maia, her eyes on the blue Decepticon as she spoke to her leader. "Where on Selenus did you find someone like that, Maia?"

"Easy. I didn't find him from Selenus." Maia replied to her.

During this time, Vigo and Johann had taken out some parchment paper, having every noble at the table sign it with quills and ink. As they did so, Soundwave made his way back towards Maia.

"Well that was quite the impressive display." Tarantulas complimented Soundwave. "I think with the proper backers, you could have been a Senator on the High Council."

"I gotta say, I've never seen anyone be that firm with nobles before." Maia told Soundwave with crossed arms. "It's only been a short amount of time since you gotta here, but you've clearly proven that you're more than meets the eye."

"I merely took inspiration from the one I used to follow." Soundwave told Maia. Within the back of his mind, the visage of Megatron standing tall and proud among a cheering crowd of Cybertronians shown.

"Well, whoever your leader was must have been one hell of a diplomat." Maia said with a hand in her hip.

"That's... one way to describe him." Ravage said, glancing off to the side as he turned around towards Maia, knowing full well how the original leader of the Decepticons used to handle things. "He was also a poet."

Roxanne widened her eyes slightly in confusion and surprise upon hearing Ravage speak. She then leaned over to Maia, speaking in a low tone. "The metal cat talks?"

"It's better not to question it." Maia replied to her fellow Rose in the same hushed tone.

"You know I can hear you." Ravage stated with a deadpan as he hopped off from the table.

The Mercenary Queen waved off the black Mini-con before looking back at Soundwave. "I will admit though that you almost had me scared for a moment when you basically threatened those nobles about how the people would react. You really nailed them with a different perspective there."

"Granted, showing them an outlook in which aiding the people would aid themselves in the long term was not my first idea." Soundwave admitted to Maia. "Given what I heard from the other side of the doors, it crossed my minds to simply threaten them with my promises... or to eliminate those that would not comply."

It was now that Maia and Roxanne looked at Soundwave with widened eyes of surprise. The former glanced over around the room to make sure no one was listening on their conversation. Luckily for her, they were still busy writing their signatures on the parchment and discussing things over with one another.

Maia then set her attention back to Soundwave, speaking to the Decepticon in a harsh whisper. "Maybe don't say what alternative plans you had for someone when you're in the same room as them? Threats from and entire city are one thing, but these people do not take well to personal slights."

"I haven't much care for types such as your city's nobility." Soundwave replied to her, unfazed by her chiding tone. "I'm far from a supporter of the greedy and self-serving. If their interests are not in the interests of the people, or should their interests be against the people, then they should be removed from their positions. Whether they go willingly, or if the need for force is required."

"By Celestine's tits, I thought the guy that turns into a spider was the one I would have to worry about during this meeting." Maia pinched the bridge of her nose while shaking her head in frustration.

She then gave a sigh before pointing her hand towards Soundwave. "For future reference, just try and contain your thoughts about the nobility. You're going to find more people like them in Eostia, and they are not people that can easily be messed with. Even people like Celestine have trouble dealing with them."

"Nothing is beyond my capabilities." Soundwave stated with his arms behind his back again. "Should I see a potential problem, I will seek the best solution to eradicate it before it gets out of control."

"You know what? Let's just drop this subject before someone else overhears you and we have a new problem." Maia suggested with her hand raised in a halting motion.

"Very well." Soundwave replied to her. He then looked over his shoulder to the nobles at the table. "Once your nobility have everything in order, it would be best for you to join the search. It will boost your people's morale to see their leader helping them from the rubble."

"I'm already ahead of you on that." Maia said to him. "Besides, the faster the drafting gets sorted, the faster I can be away from these guys. If there's one thing I hate about being a Shield Princess, it's having to deal with the politics of the nobles."

"It seems we find ourselves in agreement over something." Ravage commented to Maia.

"Speaking of the search, how do you think your guys are handling it?" Maia asked Soundwave.

"Laserbeak and Buzzsaw will help in scouting. Rung should help put any wounded or traumatized at ease until they get to middle city." Soundwave stated as he turned back to Maia. "Sixshot and Cosmos will be able to cover the most ground and given the most aid. Though I cannot account for any perceived reactions towards them from your people, or the from the group that imitated the search."

—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—

Transformers———Transformers

—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—

Rad, outer city_

Sixshot roamed through the streets in his wolf mode, leaping across rooftops and observing the roads. From what all he had seen so far, many homes and buildings had been damaged in some way as small fires caused smoke to rise into the air.

"The damage is widespread, but it's clear these Insecticons weren't going all out." Sixshot thought to himself. "They were holding back with what destruction they caused. Judging from the tracks in the roads and the damaged houses, it was those organic monsters that did most of the ground work. The Insecticons were purely for causing disarray so they could take Maia back to their leader."

As Sixshot continued to survey his current area, he soon came upon the sound of grunting from nearby. Leaping across a few more roofs, Sixshot spotted two men trying to clear some debris from a house that had part of its roof caved in as a fire started to spread upon it. The men themselves were from the search party the lead guard had went out with. They both had the sigil of a black dog head on their shoulder pads. However, the loud sound of a screaming infant had gotten the sextuple-changer's attention as Sixshot had noted it came from the burning house.

Transforming into his robot mode, Sixshot jumped from the rooftop and headed over to the house.

"Please. Hurry!" A woman's voice called out from within the house, her baby crying in her arms.

"Hold on!" One of the men called out as he and his cohort were having trouble with the debris.

"We can't move this stuff before the fire finished spreading." His friend told him as they continued to struggle.

However, before the first man could reply, the sound of metal footsteps started to enter their ears.

"Stand clear!"

Turning around, the two men saw Sixshot running towards them and the burning house. Immediately, they stepped back from his path as the white and teal Decepticon ran to the debris. With his great strength, Sixshot quickly and efficiently moved the rubble with ease and tossing it off to the side, creating a path into the damaged house. Within it, he saw a bruised mother with her baby in her arms, alongside young man, who appeared to be the mother's older child. They gave Sixshot apprehensive looks as the baby continued to wail.

"Well? Are you gonna get out, or are you gonna let the fire get you?" Sixshot asked the two of them with a rushing tone.

It was then that the mother ushered for her son to make his way out first. Once he got through, she handed him the baby before she started to get out herself. With the small family out of the way, Sixshot stepped back from the house as the spreading fire caused it to collapse further.

"Get to the inner city. You'll find help there." One of the men told the family as the son handed the baby back to his mother.

"Thank you." The woman said to the men and Sixshot before she took her son by the hand and started to run off.

The two men watched as the house fully collapsed from the fire, stepping back a bit as a roaring flame started to grow.

"I got this." Sixshot stated as he walked back over to the destroyed house.

He stepped into the flames, barely affected by the searing heat before he leaped up into the air and transformed into his starship mode. With the nose of his alternate mode facing to the sky, Sixshot activated his thrusters at low power, allowing him to hover above the burning wreckage. He then proceeded to twirl in place, his wings creating a gust of cooling wind that started to cause the fire to die down. Once the fire was extinguished, Sixshot reverted back to robot mode, standing in the smoking rubble of the house.

The two men had stared at the scene in awe as they started to walk up to Sixshot.

"Well, damn! That was a hell of a show." The first man complimented the Decepticon. "Thanks for the help."

"I'm just following orders." Sixshot replied to him before taking in the overall appearance of both men. "You two were with the first search party, right?"

"Yeah. I'm Derrick, and this is Tom." The first man introduced himself and his friend.

Sixshot continued to look at the two men, his eyesight lingering on their insignias. "You know, I may have just gotten to this city, but I'd say I can recognize the general divisions of this place. Maia's got her own soldiers, and then there are the city guards. What unit are you two supposed to be?"

Derrick and Tom glanced at each other for a moment of confusion before Derrick replied to Sixshot. "Actually, we're mercenaries. We're part of the Black Dogs."

"And you'd have to from anywhere other than Eostia to not heard of us." Tom said with a proud smirk, before his smile fell upon realizing his words to Sixshot. "Which... I guess would be you and your comrades."

"Mercenaries, eh?" Sixshot asked. "I imagine me and my crew will be seeing more of your group across Eostia then."

"Wait till you meat our boss. The best swordsman and tactician in the land. Hell, maybe even in the entire world." Derrick said. "Im sure he'd love to meet you and your comrades."

"The best you say?" Now that got Sixshot's interest.

"Yep. In terms of fighting prowess, there are few who can topple the likes of Volt." Tom spoke in high regards to his leader.

"Well, then. I look forward to meeting this Volt." Sixshot said before he walked over to Derrick and Tom, placing his hands on their shoulder. "Now, what see we get back to our search. The more time we waste talking, the greater likelihood that whoever else is trapped out here has a lesser chance for survival."

"Agreed." Derrick nodded to Sixshot before the three of them started to walk off.

—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—

Transformers———Kuroinu

—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—\\\—

Garan, ancient catacombs_

Chop Shop was skimming over the files shown on the holographic screen before turning to Olga and Misery. "The data process is complete. You now have access to all recorded knowledge of Cybertron and the Cybertronian race."

Olga walked up to the computer terminal, looking at covers for the files before looking down at panels for the terminals. She looked down at all the buttons on it, buttons she knew not how to use. It caused her to cast a small frown on her face.

"I haven't the faintest clue on how to use any of this." Olga stated.

"Would you like me to teach you?" Chop Shop offered her. "It may take some time, given your low-based technological knowledge, but it shouldn't be too difficult."

"Perhaps at a later date. I don't want to linger too much longer down here." Olga replied to the Insecticon. "I have my duties as a queen, after all."

"I could open the files for you, and you can tell me when you wish to switch to the next one." Chop Shop suggested.

"Is there an option that wouldn't make me feel useless?" Olga asked with an unamused raised brow.

"The only other option would be that I download the data files onto a holopad, for a more personal viewing." Chop Shop said to her. "All you would have to do is swipe the screen with your fingers in order to work it. Though you will have to wait for everything to transfer."

"That option will do just fine." Olga nodded to Chop Shop.

Once the Dark Queen's answer was given, the Insecticon warrior walked over to one of ornately shaped glass panels that rimmed the walls. This has caused Olga and Misery to believe that they were these holopads that Chop Shop spoke of. He proceeded to take one of them off the wall before walking back over to the computer terminal. Chop Shop walked over to another panel at the computer terminal, inserting the bottom of the holopad into a slot on the panel. He tapped several symbols and icons on the holopad before a loading bar appeared on its screen, which was mirrored on the computer terminal's holographic screen.

"It will only be a few minutes till transfer completion." Chop Shop informed the two dark elves.

"Excellent." Olga said to him.

As Chop Shop focused back on the holopad screen, Misery looked over to him with a small smile. "You know, Chop Shop, I've been wondering for a while as to why you still have those relics on your person."

Immediately the Insecticon froze awkwardly in place, not taking his visor away from the holopad screen, but not focusing on it either as he tried to come up with a response, knowing full well that he would be frowned on for taking the relics because of his desire to steal.

"I... um... I-I merely assumed that... you and Lady Olga would want to further test the relics, my Queen." Chop Shop gave his response to Misery.

Olga had been staring at the loading bar on the holographic screen during the start of the recent topic, and decided now to speak. "As hogwash as that excuse is, we'll take the relics with us anyway. Better we practice with them now than at a later date when they could be of importance to us."

"O-of course." Chop Shop hastily agreed with Olga before looking back at the holopad in awkward silence.

After another minute of waiting, the loading bar flashed green, indicating the transfer was complete. Chop Shop removed the holopad from the slot on the terminal as he began to walk over to Olga.

"Double tap it to turn it on, and do so again to turn it off." Chop Shop said as he handed over the holopad to the Dark Queen.

Olga nodded to the Insecticon as she took the holopad in her hand. Per Chop Shop's instructions, she tabbed her finger twice on the clear screen, watching as it came to life. Olga stared at the data file images upon the holopad's screen for a moment before tapping twice on it again to shut it off.

"I believe now would be a good time to head back to the citadel." Olga stated as she looked over to Chop Shop.

"As you wish." Chop Shop nodded to her as he began to walk towards the exit door, the two dark elves following behind him.

"And Chop Shop? Go slow on the way up." Misery said in an even, yet firm tone to the Insecticon.

"As you command, my Queen." Chop Shop gave a small bow to Misery before placing his hand on the door's scanner.

As she and Misery waited for Chop Shop to open the door, Olga took another look at the holopad she had in her hands, musing to herself in her thoughts.

"Now I will learn more about my potential new enemies." Olga thought to herself before looking to the Immobilizer on Chop Shop's back. "As well as how to properly deal with them."

End chapter_

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Author's notes:

Hello everyone. I'm back with a new chapter. It's been a few months since I've made a new chapter for this story, but it wasn't that long ago I worked on it again. Around the beginning of October I revised the third chapter to this story, but I've yet to upload it to Wattpad, though I did upload it to Fanfiction. The reason I have yet to upload it is because I ended it on a small cliffhanger, so I won't upload it until I revise the fourth chapter.

Now, let's talk about some of the things that went on in this chapter.

I mainly focused on further building the starting relationships between the Transformers and the Kuroinu characters. I've added in a bunch of OCs during this chapter, namely the part with the nobles. Though in the future, I may come back to further polish up that part of the chapter as I don't have too much grasp when it comes to writing nobles and politicians.

I do hope that you all enjoy the references and objects I've brought into the story on Olga's side of things.

I've got T-AI from 2000 Transformers R.I.D. I've got relics from Transformers Prime, and I've got Protoform X for all my fellow Beast Wars fans. I really enjoyed writing that part for this chapter. I mean most of this chapter was an excuse to bring in a bunch of Chekhov's guns. Everything person and weapon named in the catacombs section will have a part to play later down the line in the story.

But with all that said, I hope you enjoyed the chapter as always, and I will see you guys next time.

Till all are One.