Twist

Chapter 52: Strategy

"We haven't a way to find Optimus directly, but if the existence of this relic is any indication, the bots who took him have been to one important place. Someplace they'd leave guarded or at least inhabited," the blue-opticed Knockout explained. "Solis's Prime vault."

"I thought that was just a myth," (TFP) Smokescreen's optics widened. "Alpha Trion talked about it when we were sending off the relics, but I don't think even he believed in it."

The other Smokescreen scoffed and crossed his arms, clearly unhappy. "Oh, you fool. Have you not seen enough of the universe to know all the myths were true?"

Temptest nodded. "Orion suspected it came from there as well."

Ratchet's helm shot up. "When did you talk to Orion?"

"Orion?" Optimus questioned, frowning in confusion.

Megatronus cut in. "It doesn't matter. Do we have a way to reach this vault?"

"Yes," Shockwave (TFP) picked up the transporter. "By using a location that hypothetically interlaps between all possible dimensions. It should take us there."

"Should," (SH) Knockout emphasized. "We mostly guessed about the position."

"Educated guess," both Shockwaves corrected and nodded at each other respectfully. "A logical hypothesis."

Optimus sighed. "Well, when do we go?"

Megatronus rubbed his chin. "I think-"

"Nobody cares about your opinion," Megatron looked at Temptest. "When do we go?"

Temptest blinked. "Huh?"

"You forced me here, didn't you?" Megatron demanded. "You don't plan to throw your responsibilities away do you? To make someone else lead the mecha that you rightfully recruited?"

Temptest looked at Megatronus. "That's exactly what I plan to do. I'd follow Megatronus into battle and that is what the rest of you will do."

Megatronus nodded in appreciation. "We have our plans. We will split into five groups, discuss the details of the assault, and then depart for the vault."

"Rhymes," (SH) Bulkhead muttered. His counterpart gave him a weird look for it.

"Group one," Megatronus began, "will be composed of Optimus, both Bulkheads, and Megatron. You're goal is to be our heavy hitters, our main offense. You need to keep our exit clear." Megatronus turned his helm to look at Airachnid. "Group two will be led by Airachnid and Starscream, consisting of Bumblebee, (TFP) Smokescreen, (SH) Soundwave, and both Knockouts. Your main objective is to provide Group One with support. Stay out of direct fire, but provide them with backup. Watch their weak points."

The bots listed nodded their helms. There wasn't much arguement. Most of them had agreed on such tactics already.

Megatronus pointed at Temptest. "You'll lead Group 3, composed of (TFP) Soundwave, both Ratchets, and both Arcees. Your goal is to find Optimus and get him to safety. Group 4 will be led by (SH) Shockwave. He will lead both Wheeljacks to find the vault. The three of you need to blow it up."

Megatronus announced the final team. "Shockwave will lead Group 5, consisting of myself and his predacon clone. Our hard hitters, Team One, should be able to take out a large portion of forces, but their priority needs to be keeping our exit secure. If their leader sends out a massive troope, Team 5 will take them down." Megatronus paused. "Oh, yes, and (SH) Smokescreen will remain here. Just in case."

Megatron finally protested. "You're going to leave someone untrustworthy in the base while we are all gone? How foolish are you?"

"I won't bring him to battle," Megatronus crossed hims arms. "He is a coward. Besides, Soundwave has full access to this base. He will monitor Smokescreen's every move."