Chapter 4 The calm before the storm

"Excuse me, coming through!" X shouting at a family of rat alien standing in front of him. As he drags a pod containing Fort Blaster to the bounty hunter guild. With Z following beside him in silence while looking around. After ten days of hellish training under Rum-Maj. Both of them learn the dash technique at last. Thus, Rum-Maj send them to the hunter guild. So, they can use an actual combat to test the result of their training. Taking the opportunity, X decide to cash in Fort Blaster, as they haven't done it yet.

Z sighing looking at the crowded bazaar, "you know. I'm still in shock, seeing this place. As this is the only planet Where I've seen Cybertronian mingling with another race. Back at Cybertron the spaceport is the only place where we can see that happen. After all, we often chase away other races from the planet we settle." Remembering something, X grin, "you know. Some time ago, my uncle receive an order from the Cybertron council. To expel the other races from this planet if he wants to join the federation."

Intrigued, Z cock an eyebrow, "oh, what is your uncle reply?" Thinking back, X reply, "of course, my uncle refuse their offer. Stating, the Junkion welcoming everyone to their planet. Like when they're welcoming both Autobots and Decepticon. Into their rank during the war." Surprised, Z mutter, "so that is the reason. Why this planet not joining the federation. Even though this planet economically linked with the federation." X nod, "yep, as a result, uncle having a hard time in diplomacy. And it's also the reason, why aunt Nancy rarely home."

Grinning, X added, "but, it's also bringing in a boon. Hearing my uncle statement, the masses. Outright supported his rule over the planet. Turning this place into the bustling city we see today." As X and Z engrossed talking to each other while walking. Without realizing it, they arrive at their destination. The hunter guild, a place where they can exchange prisoner for bounty. And the place where they can receive a task for a reward. Entering the guild they greeted by a bar filled with all sort of character.

From a group of Junkion mercenary playing card to a lone alien races resembling a bug. They are here to relax and looking for the next job. X walking toward a counter tended by a dazed Junkion man. While Z checking out the bounty board for their next job. Tapping the counter, X says, "hey man, we want to exchange a bounty." Reacted, the man ask, "ah, do you have any proof for the exchange?" Nodding, X point at the back with his thumb, "over there is all the proof you need." Opening the counter, he moves toward the pod with a tablet in his hand, "excuse me then. Let me check what you've got for me today."

Rubbing the frosted glass of the stasis pod. He scans the content of the pod with his eyes first. Then he hooks up the tablet in his hand to the pod. Checking the content with the data from the scanning function. Of the pod while comparing it with the guild database. Stroking his chin, the man nod, "yep, this is Fort Blaster, alright." Turning toward X he asks, "do you want cash or bank transfer?" X taking out a card from his inventory and hand it to the man, "bank." Nodding, the man take the card and slide it across the tablet.

Handing the card back he ask, "do you need anything else sir?" Shaking his head X take his card back, "no thank you." Nodding, the man push the pod into the back of the bar. Touching his communicator X call upon Eva. A new addition to the ship, a white Caretakers Mini-con. Given by Wreck-Gar to help Fixer with calculation. A girlish robotic voice appear asking, "yes X what can I help you?" Smiling X greet her, "hey Eva I need you to order a Stasis pod. And prepare the ship in case me and Z taking a job in another region."

Nodding, Eva replies while clicking on the terminal, "yes sir." Straight away, X receiving a sale notice on his communicator from Eva. Satisfied, X nod, "thanks, Eva." Happy Eva nod, "you're welcome sir!" X turn off the communicator and walk toward the busy Z. Tapping her shoulder, X ask, "do you find any job suitable for us?" Nodding, Z replying, "yes, several." She's pointing at some of the job on the board. Moving closer, X read the job description out loud. Hunt a group of Acid wolf that been terrorizing the country side, 20000 shanix. Kill a bandit clan, living in the Scarp mountain, 50000 shanix. Capture five hammer crabs in the Plastic beach, 70000 shanix.

X a bit disappointed by what Z have chosen. With doubt, X asks, "err, are you sure. This is the job you have chosen, Z?" Z nod, "yep, this is the job." Confused, X ask, "can you tell me, the reason you choose them?" Nodding, Z telling her reasoning, "your aunt telling me to take a task closer to the city. In case your uncle receiving news of our enemy." Enlightened, X nod, "oh, if that the case good job Z." Smiling, Z looking the other side and reply, "no problem." Hiding her flushed face, remembering what X aunt saying to her before they go.

With a wink, Rum-Maj whisper into Z ear, "psst. Take this opportunity to have a date with X, okay." Flustered, Z over heating turning her face red, "w-what do you mean teacher?!" Smirking, she's patting Z shoulder, "don't you worry. I know that you're interested to X. So, take this journey as an opportunity. To advance your relationship, okay." Embarrassed, she's nodding in silence. Taking out a piece of paper, she hands it over to Z, "now take this." Puzzled, Z take the paper, "what is this teacher?"

Smiling, Rum-Maj says, "That's a list. I compile, containing a list of the greatest dating spot in this city." With a wink, she pat Z shoulder, "go get him girl!" Dazed, Z standing there looking to the other side for a while, worrying X. Concerned, X shake Z shoulder, "hey, are you alright Z. Do you need some rest?" Snapping out from her stupor, Z shake her head, "don't worry, I'm alright." Breathing a sigh of relief, X says, "alright then. Anyway lets go to the nearest task location first. A village near the Scrap mountain."

Stepping outside the bazaar. X and Z turn themselves into their vehicle form. Driving away toward the Scarp mountain in the distance. After a while, a village surrounded by strange flower appear in the distance. Quietly nestling at the foot, of the Scrap mountain. Noticing that, X calling Z, "hey Z, we are approaching our destination. Scarp flower town. A town famous for their Junkion honey. And their Junk flower field, a unique flower endemic to this planet." Puzzled, Z ask, "what is Junkion honey?"

Shocked, X swerved a bit, "what, you don't know Junkion honey. Even though you ate one this morning, you know?" Puzzled, Z ask, "eh, really? But I'm having a toast with jam this morning though." With a helpless tone, X reply, "those aren't jam you know. It's Junkion honey you are eating." Surprised, Z mutter, "oh that why the jam I ate today tasted different. Hmm, if I would say I love that sweet metallic tang from the honey." Happy X touted, "right! Junkion honey is famous in Cybertron. As the best delicacy ever come out from Junkion."

While X and Z talking about food, they arrive at the town gate. Guarded by an alert old Junkion robot. Noticing us the guard shouting while aiming his spear at X and Z, "halt! State your business stranger?!" Transforming back into their robotic form, X raise one of his arm. Greeting, the guard, "hello there old man. We are hunters send here by the guild. To take care of your acid wolf problem." With tears in his eye, the guard, shouting in happiness, "thanks, the Primes. You are finally here!"

The guard beckoning X and Z hurried tone, "come follow me! I'll show you the location of those bastard." Nodding, both of them following the guard toward the flower field. Before long, they're approaching an area near the Junk mountain. As huge, mound of junk littering the field. Suddenly, the guard taking a cover using one of mound. Glancing at X and Z he's placing a finger on his lips. While the guard beckoning us to follow his lead. X and Z taking a cover beside the guard in silence. The guard taking a quick peek at the other side of the mound.

Back into cover, the guard whisper to X and Z, "we are here. Careful, there are 12 acid wolves on the other side." Grinning, X give the old guard a thumb up, whispering, "thanks old man! But you better get out of here. We don't want you getting involved in the scuffle." Nodding, the old guard flee the area in silence. Tapping Z shoulder, X point at the mound. Without saying anything, Z take a quick peek at the pack, making sure the news is true. As Z taking a peek from the mound. She sees, a group of mechanical wolf of varying size made out, of junk.

Pushing a button beside her helmet, Z scan the nearest acid wolf. While taking a picture of their location. Acid wolf, Canis Lupus Acidicus. An omnivorous wolf endemic of the planet Junkion. Social in nature, they hunt in group by shooting acid out of their mouth. Some scientist believes they are a mutated form of common Cybertronian wolf. After getting accidentally thrown into Junkion a long time ago. Hiding back into cover, Z sending The scan data and photo to X. After reading the scan and photo, X closing his eyes. While formulating a plan in his mind.

Opening his eye, X giving direction to Z with hand sing. Only both of them know. Nodding, Z griping her Saber hilt tightly while X equipping his buster. With a wave of X arm Z burst out from the right side of the mound. Cutting apart the wolf near her location. Noticing her presence, one of the wolf, start howling, "awooo!" Alerting the other, as they start shooting acid at Z. Not giving them any chance to breathe. Z dash toward another wolf nearby. Dodging the acid rain while tearing it apart with a single slash.

A big wolf leaping toward Z ready to swipe its claw at her. With a dash Z dodge it attack. While she's slashing down at the leaping wolf back, cutting it apart in the middle. As the wolf getting distracted by Z attack. X jump out from his cover with a fully charged red buster. With a big grin, shouting, "fire in the hole!" A ball of red energy come out of X buster. Landing on the area with the most wolf as they shot another acid at Z. Before the wolf can react the ball explode, "boom!" killing five wolf at once stunning the other wolf.

Taking the chance, Z charge at the nearest wolf with a dash. While X shooting at the farthest one, not giving them chance to shoot their acid. And with that, they're taking care of the rest with ease. Wiping his sweat, X says, "phew, good work Z! What should we do now?" Excited, Z raise her hand, "why don't we eat then. We haven't got lunch since we left the city." X nod with a smile, "sure, why don't we get back to the town for lunch then." Panicking, Z shakes her head, "wait-wait-wait-wait-wait!" Puzzled X stay in place waiting for Z to speak her mind.

Nervous, Z speak, "w-why, don't we have a picnic in the field? I have brought lunch from home before we go." Smiling, X nodding, "Sure, why don't we find a good place for a picnic first." With a blooming smile, Z nodding. While dragging X to the place shown in the map given to Z by Rum-Maj. Before long, they arrive at a hilly meadow. Overlooking the flower field. Z let out a sigh seeing the breathtaking scene. Of chromatic flower dotted around the landscape. Giving this place an ethereal feel. Smiling, X pat Z shoulder, "it's breathtaking, isn't it?"

Taking a deep breath, Z nodding, "buzz, ptiuw!" While X and Z talking to each other. Out of the blue, a mechanical bee flying past them. Shocked, Z draw her saber, "what, was that?!" Chukling, X try calming Z down. By holding her hand while saying, "chill, Z. It's just a harmless Junkion bee." puzzled, she stop moving and ask, "a bee? But from the sound I thought someone shooting at us." Nodding, X explain, "well, yeah it might sound like a gunshot. But, it is a sound Junkion bee made when they fly. As they fly at twice the speed of sound. So, pretty much the same rate as a bullet getting shot."

Nodding, Z put her saber back, and they're resuming their picnic. X taking a blanket and lay it down on the meadow. While Z taking out a basket filled with lunch. Sitting down on the blanket, both of them start eating their lunch. While admiring the view of the flower field. As the Junkion bee working hard making honey. After a while, Z try to communicate with X about her feeling. But as she's trying to speak. No sound come out from her mouth, as her heart filled with fear. Even thought, they have been together for quite a while.

There is still a lingering fear nagging in the back of Z mind. Remembering her identity, as the daughter of Dr. Vile. The man that, have killed X father when he's still a kid. She's scared of what happen if X doesn't accept her feeling. Will she run away? Or will she kill herself? Those thought swirling through her mind making her more afraid by the second. X noticing Z behaving oddly today. With how she strangely get excited in the hunter guild. And then when she telling him get lunch in this place.

Now, she's been quiet for some time, making X worried. Patting Z shoulder, X ask, "what's wrong Z?" Snapping out from her stupor, Z shaking her head, "n-nothing." Suspicious, X nod, "alright then, if you say so." Standing up, X beckoning Z, "come on then let's go to the town and get our due reward. At the same time, we need to stock up in provision. Before we can go to the other location. As there's no place to stock up again in Scrap mountain. Unless we arrive at the Plastic beach." Nodding, Z getting up and follow X to the town. After cleaning up their mess, of course.

The old guard greeting the with enthusiasm. As he sees X and Z get back to the town. Waving his arm, he says, "ah, both of you get back at last. And from the looks of it. You two solve those wolves, right?" Smiling, both of them nodded with X giving him a thumbs up, "that's right!" Excited, hearing the news, the old guard beckoning them to follow him in hurry. With a hurried tone, he says, "come follow me. Our mayor would give his thanks to both of you!" Nodding, without saying anything X and Z follow the guard toward the town hall.

When X and Z arriving there, both of them warmly greeted by the mayor. An old Junkion woman wearing a red feathered hat. When both of them receiving the bounty and thanks from the mayor. Z ask a clue of the bandit location from her. And by chance, she did know a clue or two. Of where is the bandit clan located. As a thanks to X and Z help, she gives the clue away without asking anything in return. After getting their due reward, X and Z go to the grocery store for provision. Buying food, water and Energon for their journey ahead.

With that out of the way, both of them get out of town. And driving toward the Scarp mountain in their vehicle form. The sky start darkening as they approaching the mountain peak. Noticing that, X call Z over to prepare their tent for the night. As it seems like they won't be able to hunt the bandit at night. Because it's a dangerous thing to do, as X learning it first hand. When he almost died capturing a criminal in the middle of the night. A bat like Decepticon that can use sonar to see in the dark. While, X getting blind because of the darkness.

So X trying to avoid fighting in the darkness. Even thought he doesn't need to. As his horn giving him the ability to fight in complete darkness. But out of habit, he decides to take a rest and ate his dinner with Z. The next morning, both of them resume their search. And they are still haven't found the bandit lair. Growing frustrated, X turn into his robot form. and kicking a junk lying around the mountain. Gritting his teeth, X shout, "gah, where the frag is that lair! Why we haven't found them. Even thought we have the clue given by the mayor."

Turning back into her robotic form. Z pat X shoulder, "calm down X. Anger won't solve the problem." Nodding, X take a deep breath and take control of his emotion. Calming down, X nod at Z, "thank you Z." Frowning, X says, "But how are we going to find the lair? We've been searching for hours using the clue given to us. And we haven't an trail of it." Thinking for a moment, Z says, "hmm, why don't we split up then?" Without missing a beat, X shake his head, "rejected." Dumbfounded, Z ask, "eh, why?"

Sighing, X looking at Z with a scowl, "it's because of your odd behavior lately. Making me nervous, scared if anything happen to you when we get separated. After all, you are an important person to me." Z touched by X confession making her laughing out loud. Confused and worried, X ask, "err, you alright Z?" Wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, Z reply, "ha, I'm alright. Sorry, making you worried, X. but I'm going to be okay getting separated." X looking at her with distrust, "are you, sure?" With a confident Smile, Z nodding, "I'm certain."

X think for a moment in silence. Sighing, he's nodding, "okay then. We will scatter and search the area separately. Call me if anything happen." Smiling, Z nodding and then transforming into her vehicle form. And driving away in another direction, searching for the bandit lair. Looking at Z disappearing back with worry, X sigh. Then he transforms into his vehicle form, resuming his search. Lo and behold after a while, Z finding something at last. Excited Z hurriedly calling X, "good news X!" Stopping in his track, X asking in excitement, "oh, did you find anything?"

Z peeking at an unassuming cave in front of her. From the back of junk heap. Nodding, Z saying, "yeah. I'm finding a cave that I suspect being the lair of the bandit." Excited, X shout, "really? Send me your co-ordinate. I'm going to your location now!" Turning his body, X step on the gas, driving at the location sent by Z as fast as possible. Before long, he notices Z waving her arm at him from the back of a big junk heap. Driving toward Z, X transform back into his robotic form. Then take cover beside her.

Pointing at the cave, X ask, "is that the cave you are talking about?" Z nod, "yep, that's the cave." Stroking his chin, X ask with suspicion, "how did you know. If that cave is the lair?" Grinning, she explains, "well, it's because I saw someone suspicious. In and out of this cave a few hours ago. Thanks to that, I found this place." Patting Z head, X says, "good job Z! Now its my turn to detect what is inside the cave." Closing his eyes, X place his finger in front of his horn. And start sending signal into the cave.

Before long, X opening his eyes again. Exclaiming, "this is it! We found the lair at last." Frowning, X stroking his chin, "but it's strange." Puzzled Z ask, "what's wrong X?" Turning serious, X says, "from the task description, it says a bandit clan. Normally, we will be facing ten or twenty people. But from my scan, this place isn't a bandit den. It's a working military complex." Shocked, Z shout, "what!" With a grim tone, X look at Z, "this is something bigger than we can chew. We must report this to my uncle, fast." Z hurriedly nod, "yeah, do it X."

X calling his uncle, as Z watch the cave entrance for anything suspicious. Before long, Wreck-Gar calling X back. Telling him to stay put as reinforcement coming. A while passes, and a Junkion transport ship with Autobots symbol appear. Landing in front of X and Z, "kress!" The cargo hold door open as Wreck-Gar stepping outside the ship. Followed by Rum-Maj beside him. And with some elite Junkion soldier behind them. A rag-tag group of Cybertronian, and some alien creature. Seeing, X Wreck-Gar greet him by patting his shoulder in excitement.

Laughing, Wreck-Gar says, "ha-ha-ha. It looks like you are in a real deep trouble, young man!" Helpless X shrug his shoulder, "well, whatever you say uncle." Turning serious, Wreck-Gar grab X shoulder. Saying, "thank you for the info X let me handle this. You better get back home now." Shaking his head, X says, "no, let me join you, uncle. I'm stronger than ever before. Beside a war, is good for my growth." Scowling, Wreck-Gar looking up and down at X. Sighing he nodded, "alright, then both of you can follow me. But, I hope you won't die in the fighting." Excited, X give wreck-Gar a salute, "yes sir!"

While X and Wreck-Gar talking to each other. Rum-Maj greeting Z with a whisper, "psst, hey Z how was your date yesterday? Have you confessed to him yet?" Z face turn red, in embarrassment, hearing that question. Whispering back, Z says, "err, our date went pretty well. But, we haven't made any progress yet. As I haven't confessed my feeling." Clicking her tongue, Rum-Maj shaking her head, "tsk-tsk-tsk. Come on Z gather your courage and confess." Nodding, Z says, "yes teacher, I will do my best." As Rum-Maj and Z speaking to each other, more troop have landing behind them.

Looking at his dis-organized troop, Wreck-Gar shout, "line up!" With a shout from Wreck-Gar, the troop lining up without, delay. While X and Z standing beside Wreck-Gar and Rum-Maj. Glancing at his troop, Wreck-Gar shout, "this is not a drill, a group of suspected rebel have gathered inside that cave. And today we come here to destroy them, X!" X moving in front of Wreck-Gar. With a salute, he shouts, "yes sir!" Nodding Wreck-Gar ask, "I need you to tell us what you finds about this cave!" With another salute X nod, "yes Sir!"

Backing away, X project an image into the air with his horn. A complex underground tunnel unfolding in front of everyone. Pointing at the image, X says, "as you can see. This cave is more deep than it looks. And from my scan I found this place riddled with traps and soldiers. From their life force, I conclude them to be Cybertronian." Furious, Wreck-Gar muttering, "how the hell our spy haven't detected this place!" Feeling her husband fury, Rum-Maj patting Wreck-Gar shoulder in silence. Felling her hand, Wreck-Gar gradually calming down.

With a sharp gaze Wreck-Gar barking a series of orders, "First and second squad!" Twenty soldier in the line responded with a salute, "yes sir!" Looking at them, Wreck-Gar shout, "I need your squad to scout the area. And disable any trap and defensive facility you can find. While killing anyone inside!" The soldiers responded with another salute, "yes sir!" Turning his head toward the other, Wreck-Gar shout, "Third and Fourth squad!" Another twenty soldiers responded with a salute. Like the other squad Wreck-Gar barking another order.

"I need both of your squad to guard this entrance. And search another exit. While catching anything trying to leave this place!" The soldiers responded with a salute. Nodding, Wreck-Gar launching his next order to the next batch of soldier. The fifth squad order is to take anything useful of this facility after the other cleaning up the enemy. While the sixth squad order is to demolish the facility after the fifth squad done their job. The last squad led by Wreck-Gar in person. Accompanying him are Rum-Maj with X and Z. The squad aim will be going to the command center and subdue or capture their leader.

First and second squad getting inside the cave first. While third and fourth squad scatter. Searching for any other possible entry point and exit. Before long, the squad led personally by Wreck-Gar enter the cave. Inside, Wreck -Gar turning his head toward X, asking, "hey X! Bring us to the command center of this place." With a difficult expression, X scratch his cheek, "eh. But, I don't know the location of the command center." Laughing, Wreck-Gar patting X shoulder, "gua-ha-ha-ha! It's easy, you just need to find the biggest room in the center of the map."

X looking at Wreck-Gar with a doubtful expression, "err. Are sure it will work?" Grinning, Wreck-Gar pat his chest, "it will work, just believe in me!" Helpless, X shrug his shoulder, "alright then, if you say so uncle." Closing his eyes X scan the cave while moving. Before long X find a room fit with what Wreck-Gar said. Turning his head toward the other X beckoning them, "follow me!" On the way, the sound of fighting can be heard everywhere. As the first and second squad attacking anything that move in the base.

On the way, the group meet a sporadic resistance. As the corridor turning red with alarm blaring all the way. While they are moving closer to the command room. By following the arrow on the wall. And with X constantly checking the map. He confirms the authenticity where the arrow point to. Before long, they are arriving at a multi story room. Guarded by many enemies, they have ever come across so far. Seeing that X start the attack with two charged bomb shot first, "boom-boom!" The explosion clear some of the enemy. But the other the reacted before the energy ball can explode.

From their reaction, Wreck-Gar guessed. That they are now facing a group of elite soldier. With a solemn expression, Wreck-Gar, shouting an order, "take a cover quick!" The fighting becoming chaotic in, an instant. As bullet and bomb flying everywhere. In the chaos, Z dashing toward an unsuspecting group of enemy, "hyah!" With a wide slash of her saber, Z cutting apart the enemy. Noticing what happen, an infuriated enemy trying to shoot the undefended Z. But, X spotted the enemy intention first. So, he shot the enemy on the head before he can react.

Grinning, Z give X a thumb up while continuing her sneak attack. While in the middle of the battlefield. Rum-Maj let out a bloodthirsty grin filled with ecstasy. As she's doing a dash jump to the second floor while spinning her body in midair. Delivering, a tornado of slash with her axes. Tearing apart all the sharp shooter on the second floor, "whrill-kress die!" Wreck-Gar cut an enemy apart with his buzz axe. But a cry for help distract him as he shoots another enemy. An alien Junkion trooper clutching his arm in pain, "ah, I'm hit!"

Before long, another Junkion trooper also getting hit by enemy fire. Making a quick decision, Wreck-Gar take a cover behind a pillar. Taking out a circular object with red cross symbol from his back. And throwing it in the corner of the room, away from the battle. As the object touch the ground, it transforms. Into a turret with a reddish force field surrounding it. Touching his helmet, Wreck-Gar shout, "quick, take the wounded to the medic turret!" The wounded allied trooper move toward the red turret. As the other trooper cover them with covering fire.

Taking the chance while the enemy distracted with cover fire. Wreck-Gar taking out a blocky metallic object. And throwing it to the ceiling. As the object touching the ceiling, it sticks on it. Transforming into another turret, "da-da-da!" The turret on the ceiling let out a hail of bullet to the enemy staying on the third floor. Grinning, Wreck-Gar jumping out of cover with his buzz axe drawn. Shouting while pointing the axe at the flustered enemy, "Charge!" Like getting a stimulant, the other troopers. Jump out of their cover with their melee weapon drawn.

Charging at the enemy with courage. Infected with the other enthusiasm. X and Z let out a barrage of attack at the fleeing enemy. While Rum-Maj throwing her axes at the enemy. That crawling in fear away from her, killing him on the spot. With that kill, the room cleared from enemy. So, what left to do is to get into the commanding room. Panting, Wreck-Gar let out an order. By pressing his earpiece shouting, "everyone, regroup at my location!" Hearing his order, the rest of the troop gathering at the second floor.

After a quick count, there are only eight people left from the squad. And four of them wounded in the melee, including Rum-Maj. So, Wreck-Gar taking out the medic turret again. As the old one destroyed by a stray bullet. With his ability, Wreck-Gar healing the wounded, before coming to the commanding room.