Under the cover of darkness, the Joes stealthily move into their designated positions, using the failing moonlight to guide them. Each footfall released the scent of the forest: pine mixed with earth. The last several nights had been dedicated to preparing the site, ensuring clear lines of fire, creating caches of supplies, and preparing to defy a superior force.
The location the Joes chose for the assault was a sprawling parcel of open land covered in tall grasses, bordered by a wild, rushing river to one side and thick, untamed forest to the other, far beyond the outskirts of New Springfield. Falcon had pinned his hopes on the tactical advantage of the natural choke point, hoping it would work in their favor.
Each Joe had dug a fighting hole, ensuring it was deep enough to offer sufficient protection during a firefight, covered, and camouflaged into the field. At the tree line, they constructed a series of trenches that they could use to escape into the forest, where the dirtbikes and quad were hidden.
The Autobots had excavated their positions on either side of the location, deeper into the earth. They used mounds of downed trees covered in dirt and debris, with lush green leaves and earthy brown soil adding camouflage.
The entire area had been rigged with explosives, punji pits, and other traps in the hope that they might slow down Cobra's inevitable advance.
The initial attack had been planned for the early morning hours when the world was still cloaked in darkness and silence. Intelligence reports and their on-the-ground observations consistently indicated that civilian activity would be at its absolute lowest, with the markets closed and people at home asleep. The primary targets for the operation were the Cobra Troopers stationed at the gates, alongside any Peace Keepers who happened to be on rotation at the hour.
Falcon understood the critical window of opportunity that this timing provided. He knew it would take several minutes for the HISS tanks to mobilize in response to the sudden threat, their drivers just waking up to come on duty. To lure the enemy into their trap, Bumble Bee and Beachcomber had to loiter in the area and provoke Cobra forces into action while ensuring that no civilians would inadvertently be caught in the attack.
As dawn approached, Bumble Bee, Beachcomber, Throttle, and Drifter prepared to execute the plan. They needed to strike a careful balance between aggression and caution, making their presence known without crossing the line that could endanger civilian lives. The fate of their operation hinged on their ability to outmaneuver the enemy and draw them out into the open, where they could be led into the trap to be neutralized.
Falcon thumbs the PTT button on his shoulder mic, "All positions radio check." Each Joe quickly responds, the fear in their voices clear even through the crackling speaker.
Their anxiety mirrored his own as he methodically checked his trusty shotgun. He counted seven rounds in the tube and one in the chamber, alternating between slugs and double-ought buckshot. The heft of the weapon had become a familiar comfort. He placed the shotgun within easy reach and picked up his reliable M4A1 rifle, equipped with a Masterkey shotgun. Slapping the 30-round magazine loaded with 5.56 ammunition into place, he reassured himself; the carbine was far better suited for engaging enemies at longer distances, and he felt a sense of readiness settle over him.
As he surveyed the battlefield from his vantage point, the scene appeared deceptively tranquil. The rhythmic sounds of the rushing river and the gentle chirping of birds as the sun began to slowly peak above the horizon created a serene backdrop. However, that peace was abruptly shattered by an urgent call crackling over the radio, "Gate Crasher to base. We are being pursued by a dozen Snakes." The message sends a surge of adrenaline through the ranks of the Joes, indicating the fast-approaching fight. Bumblebee, Throttle, Beachcomber, and Drifter led the attacking Cobra forces into the first kill zone.
In anticipation of the battle, the Joes carefully prepared traps and defensive measures along the banks and waters of the river, throughout the dense woodline bordering the far side, and among those in the field. Acutely aware of Cobra's superior armor capabilities, they crisscrossed the roadways and paths into the area with homemade anti-tank mines and tank traps, hoping to effectively halt the advance of the HISS Tanks.
Seconds after the radio call, the first explosion ripped through the air. A series of rapid, staccato blasts erupted as the cleverly concealed surprises were triggered, reverberating through the ground and sending shockwaves that could be felt even in their location two miles away.
Minutes passed, each one leaden with dread. Finally, "Friendlies approaching fast," Falcon announced over the radio.
As planned, Bumble Bee and Beachcomber had immediately accelerated, racing towards the battle location as soon as their trap was sprung.
"We've taken out all the armor that was tailing us, but they didn't send it all out," Drifter reports over the radio, his voice taut. "They might send more."
Just then, a cloud of dust billows in the distance as Bumble Bee and Beachcomber race onto the scene, engines roaring.
Throttle and Drifter leap from the vehicles with practiced ease, adrenaline coursing through their veins.
Without a word, Bumble Bee and Beachcomber quickly transform, their frames shifting and clicking into giant robot forms.
They take their places in their fighting positions.
"Eyes open," Falcon responds, his mind running through dozens of tactical scenarios, "Cobra will start sending troops this way. We need to be ready."
The distant sounds of approaching enemy forces lingered on the horizon.
The battle had only begun.
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