9 MEETING THE AUTOBOTS

Ryan, Alan, Zach, Noah, Trunks and Son Goten were in Secret Base L4. Persuaded of their nobility, Iron Man, guard of the base, granted them the privilege of visiting Nootra's most prominent training centre. Son Gohan and Krilin entrusted them to the heroes of L4, knowing their new friends were safe. Ryan and Zach took advantage of the situation to practice the art of flying through the guidance of Trunks and Goten. While their comrades were training, Alan and Noah toured the many units of L4. In the course of visiting, they reached the tallest building of the construction. It was then that they sensed him coming behind them. They turned around and saw him walking in their direction. He stopped in front of them. He was enormous and they appeared tiny before him. Yet he lowered himself to their level. Kneeling one foot to the ground, he greeted.

Alan: "Whoa! This is what it means to be immense."

Noah: "The guys must see this. Optimus Prime,[1] leader of the Autobots."

Optimus Prime: "Affirmative! I salute you, visitors. I am honoured to meet with citizens of Earth. Iron Man briefed me on your visit. You're welcome to L4. We'll do our utmost to send you back home to Earth."

Optimus Prime offered a hand and they touched his finger in greeting.

Alan: "We're so privileged to talk to you, sir. I am Alan and my friend is Noah. We're not in a hurry to get back home. Our coming here is grace and Nootra is the world we've always wanted to be."

Optimus Prime: "Thanks for liking our city. I thought I heard there were four of you. Where are Ryan and Zach?"

Noah (whispers to Alan): "He already knows our names."

Alan: "Zach and Ryan are training with Goten and Trunks, sir."

Optimus Prime: "Be my guests, Alan, Noah. I'd gladly introduce you to my fellow Autobots. And will you stop calling me sir? I'm not used to that. We're comrades here and there's no need for formality among friends."

Noah (whispers to Alan): "His humility is striking. He's just Optimus Prime."

Alan (whispers back): "You can't say he's a machine. His body is metal, but he has a heart of gold. Noah, this city of Nootra has taken my breath away."

Optimus Prime escorted his guests for a tour of the unit. He carried them in his hand and crossed the different quarters of the building. Every equipment, machine and gadget in this block was of extra-large size and great height. It was a real world of giants. Optimus Prime and his guests met Autobots on the way and these cheerfully greeted Alan and Noah. They finally arrived at a place where several companions were gathered. Optimus Prime put the children on top of some hardware and introduced them to his peers.

Optimus Prime: "Ratchet, meet our intruders Alan and Noah of Earth."

Ratchet: "Seriously; Central must be joking. They're mere kids. Why this whole lot of noise only because of children?"

Mirage: "So much agitation about nothing. I hope we won't have a clash with Captain Nootra because of this."

Wheeljack: "Maybe we should put them under interrogation, Prime. Let's extract the information and give Headquarters what they want."

Optimus Prime: "We won't do that, Wheeljack. We won't betray the trust our friends have in us. Goku is a trustworthy friend and I would gladly help his sons. If Gohan brought them here, we must guarantee their safety."

Cliffjumper: "Come on, Wheeljack; do these cuties have the faces of bad guys to you?"

Wheeljack: "Nope, but when Cap calls, I'll leave the answering to you."

Jazz: "Stop looking at them like that, Ironhide. You scare them with your multifunctional gun."

Ironhide: "Earth-dwellers, huh? Why don't they tremble at the sight of colossal robots; or you have people like us on your planet?"

Optimus Prime: "Iron Man reported that they knew his secret identity. Needless to say they know many of us. Earth's intelligence is remarkable."

Ironhide: "Kid, stand still while I work on my range. I must surpass Hawkeye the next time we go on a duel."

Optimus Prime: "Don't frighten them, Ironhide. I give you my word, children that you will be safe under my protection."

Alan: "We're not afraid, Optimus. We're just too glad about everything."

Bluestreak: "They're not afraid of you, Ironhide. Looks like you've lost your grip on all, even on extra-Nootrans."

Jazz: "Hey, when was the last time a kid ran away after you tried your tricks on them? I don't remember; it was such a long time ago."

Ratchet: "You'd better quit acting tough for you no longer intimidate anybody."

Ironhide: "Thanks for disgracing me before strangers, guys. So you want the entire planet Earth to know I lost my reputation? Thank you very much for dragging me down."

His fellows burst out laughing, but Noah had a concern about Nootra's hierarchical structure and she asked the heroes.

Noah: "Optimus, you're leader of the Autobots, aren't you? But Gohan said Nootra doesn't have a leader."

Optimus Prime: "I am leader of the Autobots because there must be order in a fighting unit; otherwise we can't raise a strong defence against the enemy. Each unit in L4 has a commander. Nootra Security Forces is a network of branches directed at Headquarters Central and the one in charge is J'onn J'onzz. Enlighten them more, Jazz."

Jazz: "Our city has no leader, but we're surrounded by neighbouring galaxies that have them, with fighting forces under command. Although we want to change the world through our civilization, we're not the only ones here and we can't be as naïve as to think everyone will adhere to our cause right away. We're heading towards something, which is not yet visible. To dissuade hostile planets from attacking us, there must be some direction in our security. Otherwise, every hero would be doing their own thing and that would be detrimental to our people."

After the two Earthlings had socialized with the Autobots, Skyfire, the most gigantic robot of the base, arrived. As Noah and Alan admired him, they heard the voice of their companions calling them. They looked around and saw no one. Ratchet pointed at Skyfire and as they looked at him again more closely, they saw Zach, Ryan, Goten and Trunks seated on his shoulders. Ryan shouted to them.

Ryan: "Watch this, Noah and tell me L4 only produces geniuses, as Iron Man said."

Zach and Ryan stood on either shoulders of Skyfire and made a free fall, diving towards the ground. Noah cried out on seeing the scary scene yet before the two crashed into the floor, they took off and flew on their own.

Alan: "That was a good safe. You did it, guys; you're the best."

Noah: "You had planned it from the start, didn't you? This is the last time you scare me so. I guess it was your idea, Ryan."

Ryan: "You're still influenced by fear, Noah. You had to know we wouldn't do anything that would cause you pain. Trust us more."

Noah: "I trust you, but what you just did was too risky."

Ryan: "Sorry we scared you. I recognize it was daring of us, but it wasn't my idea."

Son Goten and Trunks flew and landed on Bumblebee's shoulder, a dear friend of theirs among the Autobots.

Goten: "Hello Bumblebee. We're here because of the incident you know. It's quite a long time since you visited. What's wrong, buddy?"

Bumblebee: "Nothing, Gotenks except this secret I'm telling you two because we're pals. Most Autobots have been confined in L4 for some time now. After the recent assault on NSF Headquarters East, we received intelligence that one of our dreaded enemies is planning an attack. But we don't know where or when they'll strike. That's why security has tightened. Batman guards the city gates both day and night. Iron Man and others defend strategic bases, and residential areas are domed. When we heard of intruders, we thought the enemy had begun to act. We're here to respond as soon as it happens. That's why you haven't seen me lately."

Trunks: "This explains all the turmoil around the Earthlings. We didn't know. Gee, we did give NSF some headache. But it doesn't bother me to have confronted Super-Nootra. I had long wished to do that."

Zach flew by himself and in this way, defied the law of gravity. With invisible wings, he crossed the many quarters of the unit and returned to rest on the right shoulder of Optimus Prime. The two exchanged a few words and after the newcomers had socialized with the rest of the Autobots, Cliffjumper suggested something.

Cliffjumper: "This is a great day; we've met inhabitants of planet Earth. This is advancement in exploration. Why don't we celebrate?"

Ratchet: "Great idea, Cliff. Let's celebrate Autobot style. A little break won't hurt anyone, Optimus. Let's have a race; one with riders only. If you have no rider, you're ineligible. So children, who wants to go for a ride?"

Cliffjumper: "I've picked my driver already; the little girl from planet Earth. Come with me, Noah."

Noah: "Huge, Cliff. I'm going to drive an Autobot even though I've never driven a car before. That's what I call skipping steps."

Ironhide: "The little Earthling who's not afraid of giant robots is my rider. Come now, Alan; we'll beat anyone who stands in our way."

Alan: "Yeah, Ironhide. We two as a team are going to make them sweat."

Optimus Prime: "I already have one here on my shoulder. Zach, can you drive a truck?"

Zach: "I'd rather have the truck drive me if the truck in question is you, Optimus Prime."

Bumblebee: "Goten and I have been partners since he was a kid and I was the same. Our team is unbeatable."

Goten: "You said it, partner. We'll win this one again just as in the past."

Jazz: "Come, Ryan before some walking hardware picks you up. With your faith and my speed, they have no chance."

Ryan: "My faith will move mountains and your speed will drive right through them."

Wheeljack: "Trunks is my rider, though Vegeta and I aren't the best friends in the world. Kid, say nothing about our teaming to your father, okay?"

Trunks: "I promise, Wheeljack. What are we waiting for? Transform and roll out."

Ratchet: "Wait a minute; there's no one left for me. I proposed this race and you mean I'm not taking part in it? That's cruel."

Ironhide: "You were not fast enough to pick a rider. He who set the rules fell into his own trap."

Wheeljack: "It serves you right, Ratchet."

Bluestreak: "I appoint myself this race referee. The twelve of you, step forward and each robot take his rider on the shoulder. No one crosses this line until I give the signal. You transform only when you hear me whistle. Non-participants, bet on your favourites and come out to encourage our competitors."

There was a racetrack running around the building. The contenders moved there and waited for the signal. Autobots and heroes from other units came to watch the race. Everyone was excited for it was a long time they had had any. Bumblebee and Jazz had the highest bets. Unfortunately, before Bluestreak whistled the kick-off, the general alarm went off.

Optimus Prime: "What is it, Ratchet?"

Ratchet: "Green Lantern[2] of L4B1 says Insecticons and Stunticons have come in their numbers and force entry into the base."

Optimus Prime: "So that's what the Decepticons had been planning all along. Sorry, children; we'll have to postpone this race to another day. Gears, call the defenders to back up Iron Man at the gates. Sunstreaker, take a commando with you. The Decepticons mustn't breach."

Another alarm sounded and this one carried news far weightier than the first.

Optimus Prime: "What again? Mirage, report."

Mirage: "We have an emergency coming from NSF commander. He will speak with you."

Optimus Prime: "I'll take it from here. Optimus Prime to J'onn J'onzz: come in."

J'onn J'onzz (on screen): "Bad news, Prime. Megatron[3] has finally made his move. He's carrying out an invasion of Cybertron at this very moment. We just discovered his dome over the planet. It was carefully hidden so that not even a probe of level 5 could detect it. He managed to skew data over the last twenty hours, so he has been there for quite a while. He set up machines for extraction and has amassed considerable energy in hundreds of Energon cubes already. Prepare your men and sorry to say this, Prime but you'll have to move right away."

Optimus Prime: "We've been prepared for this; little did we know it would come on two fronts. L4 is currently under assault. Insecticons and Stunticons have attacked the base and are trying to breach."

J'onn J'onzz (on screen): "Leave the defence of the base to the commanders and their men. If they sent only the Stunticons and Insecticons, your commanders will know how to hold them off. Prime, I knew Megatron would riposte, but from what I'm seeing, he and the Decepticons must be experimenting something despicable. Cybertron harbours a wealth of energy and I imagine the worst if it falls into Megatron's hands. You understand only the Autobots are qualified for this mission?"

Optimus Prime: "We'll be in Cybertron in a few astro-minutes."

J'onn J'onzz (on screen): "Be prudent and call for reinforcement if you deem it necessary."

Optimus Prime: "Thanks, J'onn. End of transmission."

Wheeljack: "You spoke a little too fast about the Earthlings' safety, Prime."

Skyfire: "Decepticons have begun their game again and I think this one is serious. Doesn't Megatron ever tire?"

Ironhide: "What I know is that Decepticons are losers and this case won't be any different. We'll show them that we're the strongest and Megatron will stop attacking Cybertron permanently."

Ratchet: "Megatron should be arrested and confined in the Frightful Forest. That may calm him for some astro-years, and why not forever?"

Mirage: "I don't see the ruthless Megatron enlightened, but we can still try."

Optimus Prime: "Time is running out, comrades. Jazz, assemble the Autobots."

Jazz signalled the grand gathering and the Autobots came in their numbers and lined up in rows, next to each other. Zach, Ryan, Noah and Alan were delighted to see many of them at the same time. Those who were present were Bluestreak, Brawn, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Gears, Hauler, Hound, Huffer, Ironhide, Jazz, Mirage, Prowl, Ratchet, Sideswipe, Trailbreaker, Wheeljack, Windcharger, and the three Dinobots.[4]

Zach: "Awesome! What an imperial view!"

Alan: "Stop taking things lightly, Zach; they're here preparing to go into battle."

Zach: "How could you of all people say that? Al, it's you who's always 'wow' at anything of this kind."

Alan: "But it's about Megatron here and Skyfire said it was serious. As much as I want to see the Decepticons, I'm afraid the Autobots might find it hard to defeat them, like in the show. Decepticons used to appear stronger than Autobots and so far, everything is like in the cartoons."

Ryan: "What got into you, Al? It's no time to play the scared. The Autobots need your faith, not your fears."

Ironhide heard the children and intruded.

Ironhide: "Alan pal, don't fear. Decepticons only appear to be stronger, but they're not since Autobots win in the end. So allow your friends to admire us and when you get back home, tell Earth how awesome we are."

Alan: "Count on me, Ironhide. Zach, what was that again?"

Zach: "Yeah, Al. I want to hear it from you this time. It sounds better when you say it."

Alan: "Majestic is what was on my mind. Seeing the Autobots like this is like regaling myself with the delicious desserts of Aven."

Noah: "Alan? It's nothing compared."

Optimus Prime instructed the Autobots and his L4 colleagues in the presence of Green Lantern and the commanders of the various units of the base.

Optimus Prime: "Decepticons are doing something unprecedented. Attacking L4 and Cybertron at the same time is nothing amateurish; they planned it scrupulously. We also must respond with utmost diligence. These are your tasks, Autobots: Grimlock,[5] take the Dinobots and reinforce Sunstreaker and the teams that are at the gates with Iron Man; you are the vanguard. Do everything so that Stunticons and Insecticons don't breach. Gears, Hound, Huffer: go to Block 11 and be at the disposal of its commanders. Sideswipe and Prowl: defend the LZone in case Decepticons break in; the enemy mustn't lay their hands on the element. Trailbreaker, Windcharger, Hauler: assist the teams of the other divisions.

'Mirage, you take command of this unit while I'm away. Assign Autobots according to subsequent developments. The rest of the Autobots: follow me to Cybertron. We're saving our planet from the Decepticons. These children here are coming with us. They're our guests and must be protected at all cost. I delegate command of Secret Base L4 North to Green Lantern of L4 Block 1. Commanders, you follow his instructions. Green Lantern, I don't have time to assign the various units their tasks. Make sure to position them according to your expertise so we don't get any more surprises from the enemy. Robots, machines and men: everyone to work."

Green Lantern: "Copy that, Prime. Mirage, transfer the base's command line to L4B1. Any development from NSF and all units of combat should be reported to me instantly. I envisage other parts of the city would be attacked. We at L4 are NSF's trump card and must deploy special units for this eventuality. Commanders, come out with Plan J and report when your commandos are ready."

Jazz: "The space team is in position, Prime."

Optimus Prime: "Good luck, Green Lantern. Keep L4 and Nootra safe. I'm counting on you."

Green Lantern: "Good luck, Optimus Prime. Keep Cybertron and Nootra safe. I'm counting on you."

Optimus Prime: "Now Autobots: transform and roll out!"

Although the atmosphere was tense, the Earthlings couldn't hold back their joy as they witnessed the Autobots' transformation before their very eyes. It was total exhilaration to see this mechanical manoeuvre, which turned the giant human robots into different types and shapes of vehicles. They counted themselves lucky to be part of the joint operation of saving L4, Nootra, and Cybertron.

Noah: "This world; it's a paradise."

Zach: "Not a paradise; not when villains still lurk around."

Alan: "Yet what do we expect from a world of comics? How is a cartoon without a villain?"

Noah: "If Nootra can be this great, what more of heaven?"

Ryan: "Heaven is what you make of your world. Nootra without villains acting wickedly and Earth without evil is heaven."

Noah: "You know what, guys; heaven is here and now. Agape is in me and the Autobots are here. I'm filled with joy unspeakable 'cause I'm with my cartoon heroes and I'm going to see Megatron soon. I know something is going to happen in this battle that will change everything. This is history we're making. I ask for everything to turn out good and for villains to stop playing the bad guys."

Zach: "Now, who's ready to kick out evil from villains in Nootra and wipe out evil from Earth and dispense heaven everywhere?"

Autobots (in a chorus): "We, the Autobots, are."

One behind the other, the Autobots began to roll out towards Skyfire, who had transformed into a large shuttle to take them in. Brawn and Optimus Prime came to pick up the Earthlings and Saiyans.

Brawn: "Are you ready to go to space, kids?"

Alan: "All our lives, Brawn; even if this is not new. We've become used to it lately."

Noah: "Optimus, what about Iron Man? He was out there alone."

Optimus Prime: "Iron Man will be fine. He says he doesn't want to fight but trust me, kid; a little action will do him good. Besides, the defenders and the other Autobots are with him, but I don't think he'll need them."

Alan: "Hey, Noah; it's Iron Man. Remember, he's invincible. Now let's go find Megatron and stop him."

Noah, Zach, Ryan and Alan with Trunks and Son Goten rode in the Autobots and boarded Skyfire in the company of Brawn, Bluestreak, Ratchet, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Ironhide, Jazz and Wheeljack. With their leader Optimus Prime, this team launched for space. The rest of the Autobots and agents stayed behind to defend L4 from the Insecticons and Stunticons. Optimus Prime intended to leave the Earthlings and the two Saiyans as their protectors on an asteroid beyond Nootra's atmospheric influence. He didn't want his guests to be exposed to battle, as it was safer for them to be neither in Nootra nor Cybertron given the present situation. Unfortunately, on reaching the asteroid, Skyfire found it impossible to land.

Skyfire: "Prime, we have a problem."

Optimus Prime: "What type of problem?"

Skyfire: "One with four heads. Come see for yourself."

The whole crew trembled at the sight of Firelord, Stardust, Nova[6] and Terrax, heralds of the planet eater. These cosmic beings were setting up conduits to extract energy from the asteroid for their master to devour it and drain it of its nutrients.

Ryan: "This explains why Terrax didn't finish his fight with Spider-Man in the forest."

Ironhide: "Let's not mess with these guys; we don't even have time for that. Allow them to prepare their dinner in peace."

Ratchet: "This asteroid isn't inhabited anyway, and our primary concern is Cybertron."

Optimus Prime: "Let's proceed to Agnam. We'll drop the children there before getting to Cybertron. Fly on, Skyfire."

The crew continued on their journey until Agnam, Cybertron's largest moon. Situated between planets Nootra and Cybertron, Agnam was the biggest spatial body between the two. Contrary to what was planned, the whole crew had to stop there. This was because the enemy had blocked the way and allowed them to go no further. The atmosphere was suddenly filled with the aura of an impending battle that would be decisive for Cybertron and Nootra.

Wheeljack: "Brawn, get the kids some wings. There's going to be some action in the air."

Zach: "Only for Alan and Noah. It'll be fine with Ryan and me."

Alan and Noah received anti-gravitational gadgets that enabled them to move on their own. These were fixed around their wrists and ankles. The four Earthlings also got minute chips to place in their nostrils so as to breathe in outer space. Then the passengers came out of Skyfire, who retransformed from a space shuttle to a human robot. The other Autobots took their usual human shapes as well. Optimus Prime turned to one of his peers and gave him an assignment.

Optimus Prime: "Cliffjumper, our guests are under your protection."

Cliffjumper: "Affirmative, Prime. I won't take my eyes off them; not even for a second."

Ryan: "Prime, Zach and I would like to watch the backs of the heroes. We learned a lot from our intense training at L4 with the Saiyans; not so, Trunks?"

Trunks: "Absolutely, Ryan."

Optimus Prime: "I do not permit you to endanger yourselves, but look after your two friends if you're eager to help. Cliffjumper will protect you four. Now everyone take position and charge at my command."

The Autobots stood their ground to face off their nemeses of all-time the Decepticons. These were led by Megatron. He was accompanied by three of his peers, namely Starscream, Astrotrain and Soundwave.[7]

[1] Optimus Prime of The Transformers is leader of the Autobots, a faction of transforming robots from Cybertron. The Transformers (1984) is an animated TV series by Sunbow Productions and Marvel Productions. Written and recorded in America, it was animated in Japan and South Korea. The series was based upon the line of transforming toys originally created by Takara, developed into the Transformers line by Hasbro. Ratchet, Mirage, Wheeljack, Cliffjumper, Jazz, Ironhide, Bluestreak, Skyfire, Gears, Bumblebee and Sunstreaker are Autobots in The Transformers.

[2] Green Lantern is the shared primary alias of several superheroes in DC Comics. Green Lantern (Alan Scott) was created by Bill Finger and Martin Nodell and first appeared in All-American Comics #16 (July 1940). The Insecticons and Stunticons are Decepticons in The Transformers. Decepticons are the antagonists in The Transformers' universes.

[3] Megatron is the primary antagonist and leader of Decepticons in The Transformers.

[4] From Bluestreak to the three Dinobots: all of these are Autobots in The Transformers.

[5] Grimlock is leader of the Dinobots, a faction of the Autobots, in The Transformers.

[6] Firelord, created by Gerry Conway and John Buscema, first appeared in Thor #225 (vol. 1, July 1974). Stardust was created by Michael Avon Oeming and Andrea Di Vito and first appeared in Stormbreaker: The Saga of Beta Ray Bill #1 (Mar. 2005). Nova, as Frankie Raye, was created by Roy Thomas and George Pérez and first appeared in Fantastic Four #164 (Nov. 1975). As Nova, he was created by John Byrne and first appeared in Fantastic Four #244 (July 1982). All of the above appear in Marvel Comics.

[7] Starscream, Astrotrain and Soundwave are Decepticons in The Transformers.