Becoming Prime

As previously mentioned Ironhide is of the same class of 'bot that the Decepticons are. This may explain some of his hot-headed nature. This is his chapter and if you've read 'Radio Silence' by Musashi (if you haven't you should!) then this is a chapter dedicated to explaining some of the reasons why Ironhide holds such a grudge against the Decepticons.

(the three warriors will remain nameless in this story as they are miscellaneous characters).

Allegiances

Ironhide pulled up alongside his fellow warrior and friend.

“When do we move out?”

“Soon ‘Hide be patient.” The younger warrior was all business, the other two joined them. There was no joking around this time.

“What do you need me to do?”

The largest turned to him and grinned.

“What do you think ‘Hide?” He chuckled and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “You’re getting us inside.”

“I don’t think they’re just going to let us in the front door.”

“They know you. Frag everyone knows who you are. They all know who you work for, they’ll trust you.”

Ironhide growled at this. “I don’t work for anyone.”

“Yeah? Who are you working for right now ‘Hide?”

“This is for the people.”

“You think the people fuel these operations? Do you really think they’d give up precious energon to stand up to the tyranny of our beloved council?”

“I… then who?” Ironhide was baffled as the mech chuckled again.

“Aw ‘Hide you have got to get your head out of your aft.” The larger mech’s comm. buzzed.

“Right let’s do this. ‘Hide you take point. They will need to see you first.”

“What do I say?”

“You’ll think of something.”

Ironhide approached the depot calmly. He recognised the guards from patrols around the council chambers. They were not warriors. ‘Optimus must be getting desperate if he’s ordering ‘bots to guard the facilities.’ He mused absently. He gave a short wave to the other warriors, who followed close behind him nervously.

The guards visibly stiffened as he approached. “Sir you can’t come into the facility.” The guards were anxious, scared. Ironhide towered over them both.

“Yes I am aware of the orders, I have come to do a training exercise in light of the new orders.”

“New orders Sir?”

“Yes straight from Prime himself. All warriors must be made familiar with the energon facilities in order to better defend against rebel incursions.”

The guards eyed him dubiously, he leaned closer and dropped his voice to a whisper.

“In truth soldier, he believes there will be an attack tonight, here.”

The other warriors cast confused and troubled looks at one another upon hearing Ironhide’s words. The ‘bots now looked positively terrified. Ironhide continued confidently. “He sent me and my most trusted warriors to protect you. It’s top secret.” He pulled himself up to his full height. “Check with Prime if you don’t believe me.”

The ‘bots looked at each other. They nodded, their optics darting to every shadow behind them, surrounding them. Ironhide smiled. “Good we’ll wait inside, when the rebels get here, lead them straight to us.”

Ironhide led the warriors past the meagre now jumpy guards. The youngest warrior sniggered. “That was easy.” Ironhide clipped his helm. “Hey!”

“Celebrate when we get out, not before.”

****
Ironhide kept watch while the three mechs went to work. They laid a string of explosives along the energon storage compound. Two of them managed to break into the compound. Ironhide heard shots being fired outside.

“Hurry up.” He hissed. “We have company.”

The largest warrior glanced at him. “Yeah I know, I called them.” He flashed a grin at the confused Ironhide. More warriors entered the building. Ironhide took aim and stood ready to fight. The warriors saw him.

“Hey look if it isn’t Prime’s pet.” Other mechs chuckled in response. Ironhide growled softly as he lowered his weapons. The newcomers shouted across to his companions.

“We’ve brought the transport, are you ready?”

“Almost.”

“Ready? For what? Why do you need a transport?”

“The energon ‘Hide. We’re not just going to blow it all to Unicron, where would the point be in that?”

Ironhide didn’t have an answer for him, but now felt distinctly uncomfortable at the turn of events.

“Let’s just get out and blow it.”

“As you command ‘Hide.” His friend answered sarcastically.

They filed out taking most of the energon, leaving just enough to fuel the explosions. More guards had arrived at the depot and began firing upon their exit. Ironhide was reluctant to fire upon them and instead let out a steady barrage of cover shots, allowing his fellow warriors to escape. He watched with growing dread as the largest warrior, one he called a friend, leapt onto the back of the original guard. Ironhide could only watch as the warrior drove his fingers into the armour of the ‘bot and ripped out the central energon line in his neck. The ‘bot shrieked as he fell to the floor. The warrior kicked him viciously a few times before Ironhide could reach him and drag him away.

“What are you doing?!” He yelled over the noise of the fire fight breaking out around them. The warrior merely grinned at him, his optics crazy, erratic. Ironhide did not recognise his friend.

“Proving a point.” He leered at the twitching, dying ‘bot on the ground. Blue energon now pooled beneath him, the ‘bot was beyond help. The warrior lunged to hit him again, Ironhide held him back firmly.

“Join the others!” He snarled. The other mech glared at him dangerously. “Save your strength for Iacon.” He reminded him gently. The mech’s face broke into a wide smile before he dashed off.

Ironhide crouched down beside the ‘bot, watching his final death throes. The ‘bots blue optics focused on Ironhide, his hand reached out weakly. Gurgling sounds came from his throat. Ironhide knew he would die slowly and in agony as the last of his energon seeped out of him. Help wouldn’t reach him in time. He stood, every part of him felt heavy, weighed down. He raised his cannon. He took aim.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered, his optics shuttered as he squeezed the trigger. The ‘bot died instantly, mercifully. Ironhide was racked with guilt, nobody should have died tonight.

He turned and began to run in the direction of his companions. Guards arrived behind him, firing wildly at the last remaining warriors, he stole a quick glance. His optics met the steely blue optics of another. They both froze for a split second in recognition of the other. The ‘bots face was a picture of shock. Ironhide could only shake his head as he turned and ran in the opposite direction.

Behind him the depot erupted in a ball of fire that shot up into the dark sky.

****
Iacon’s central refinery was also attacked that night. Ironhide wasn’t personally involved but he was with them for the aftermath.
“Maybe it’ll make them think twice!” His friend shouted in his audios over the din of high grade energon fuelled, celebration.

Ironhide was a bit overwhelmed at the realisation that the very task force Optimus wanted to withdraw from the city states, warriors he’d personally taught and hand selected, were the very rebels the council and Optimus were doing their hardest to contain. Optimus had been right not to completely trust him, not to tell him of his orders, he was one of them after all. Now more than ever. Ironhide felt numb.

He felt himself being led away from the celebrations. His three closest friends were chatting quietly amongst themselves, he shook himself out of his thoughts.

“Where are we going?”

“Meet the boss. He wants to thank you personally.” The largest mech grinned at him, no trace of guilt present on his features, at his previous, murderous actions.

“Why do I not like the sound of that…” Ironhide muttered under his breath.

They stopped in a small clearing, away from the others. He glanced around, ready to arm his weapons if necessary. A deep, velvet voice echoed from the shadows.

“You all did very well this evening.”

Ironhide glowered, every part of him tensed.

“Lord Megatron.” He growled, his tone filled with menace.

“Not so friendly are you?” Megatron mused as he came into view. He was taller than Ironhide, taller than even Optimus Ironhide found himself thinking.

“Or do you only save your charm for a select minority?” Megatron goaded seductively. A thin smile played across his labia plates, briefly flashing his sharp dentals. His red optics bore into Ironhide’s helm.

“You are a warrior are you not?” He continued lightly.

“Yes.” Ironhide answered curtly.

“You have joined our cause?”

“I don’t know what cause you have going Lord Megatron.” He spat the title out distastefully, his memories flashing him images of Megatron’s violation of Optimus. The thoughts made Ironhide’s circuits burn with fury.

“But I want no part of killing innocents.” He shot a sharp look at the largest warrior who appeared completely unphased by Ironhide’s anger.

“We do what we must in war.” The mech shrugged.

“We are not at war!” Ironhide retorted. “It doesn’t have to be this way.”

“My, my. You have been around him too long haven’t you? You’re even starting to sound like him.” Megatron grinned slyly as he circled Ironhide slowly.

“Better him than you.” Ironhide snarled. Megatron shot forward, clutching Ironhide’s shoulders tightly. “I get the job done.” He hissed into his audios. “Society needs a new leader, one who will take control and lead us out beyond the stars. One who will ensure the planet never starve’s for it’s life blood again.”

“You’re a slaggin’ power hungry tyrant.” Ironhide replied calmly. Megatron snarled viciously, gripping Ironhide even tighter, to the point where his armour cracked painfully. “I am a visionary.”

He released him suddenly and moved to face him, his tone once again calm and seductive.

“You are a talented, proud warrior Ironhide. I could use a warrior of your calibre to lead my army. Why do you think I made you train them all? They trust you, they look up to you.” He left his words hanging in the air. Ironhide was aghast at his suggestion and glared at the other warriors, refusing to believe they had fallen so completely in with the Lord High Protector.

“I won’t betray Optimus.” He spoke fiercely, determined to not allow Megatron to break his resolve, see his doubts.

“He’s already betrayed you… hasn’t he?” Megatron replied softly, sympathetically. Ironhide shook his head in disbelief firmly.

“He did what he thought was right. He had no choice…”

“Didn’t he…?”

The thoughts kept running over and over in his cortex, doubts riddled his composure. He had not even given Optimus a minute to explain, could he have been wrong? He had let his anger, his hurt take over. He cursed his impatience. No matter what Optimus had done, he still would not side with Megatron, he was not to be trusted. Ironhide was sure of at least this much. His thoughts returned to Optimus, it was too late now, he thought, he’d been seen at the raid on Tarn’s depot. Optimus would never forgive his betrayal, he could never go back.

“I’m waiting.” Megatron prodded less than patiently, interrupting Ironhide’s thoughts.

“You can keep waiting Megatron.” Ironhide snapped defiantly. Megatron snarled audibly.

“There has to be another way!” Ironhide attempted to reach his friends, imploring them to reconsider their choices. Megatron’s optics narrowed, as he watched Ironhide try to convince each of the warriors. Before finally turning back to face him.

“Nobody has to die Megatron!”

Megatron lunged at Ironhide who couldn’t react fast enough. Megatron’s claw closed tightly around his throat, his talons dangerously close to his main energon line. He leaned in closely.

“You are weak Ironhide. You are no warrior.” He snarled hatefully. “You see sacrifice is imperative to my plans. There can be only one leader and he has been rather resistant to my attempts at having him join me, thanks to you.” Megatron growled angrily. “He will now make the noblest sacrifice for his people to give us a better world, making way for the rightful leader to take his place.”

Ironhide’s optics widened, he struggled as the entire weight of everything he’d done, how easily he’d let himself be duped filled his cortex until his logic circuits were almost strained beyond their capacity.

“No…” He uttered painfully as Megatron increased his grip.

“I needed to get you away from him. Leave him open, vulnerable… mine to do with as … I … please.” Megatron purred. “You served your purpose well.” He shoved him viciously into the hands of his friends.

“You are no longer of any use to me.” Megatron turned to leave.

“I’ll stop you! You won’t get away with this!” Ironhide yelled, fighting against the restrictive hold of his friends. He wanted nothing more than to tear Megatron’s smug face off. Megatron paused and a low rumbling chuckle echoed round the clearing.

“I already have.”

His voice became hard. “Make sure he’s unrecognisable when you’re done.”

The warriors murmured their obedience as they gripped Ironhide tightly. The largest one stepped into his vision. “Don’t do this.” Ironhide pleaded softly. The mech grinned evilly.

“Oh I am sorry ‘Hide.” He purred maliciously. “But we lost you when you put your lot in with the ‘bots.”

Ironhide only felt the pain.

****
Optimus was grim as news of the attack on Tarn and Iacon was detailed in Ultra Magnus’s report. The battle weary and slightly injured ‘bot greeted him respectfully. Optimus’s optics saddened at the sight of him.

“I’m sorry I put you through this old friend.”

Ultra Magnus smiled. “I volunteered remember.” He lowered his tone. “Optimus I have something you’re going to want hear. Something I saw at the depot.” Optimus looked at him curiously. “You’re not going to like it.”

Optimus sighed. “There’s very little to like at the moment Ultra.”

Ultra Magnus placed a hand on his arm gently. “It’s about Ironhide.”