In orbit around the planet approach 3 comet-like objects originating from deep space, exact location unknown. These incoming objects appear to be normal comets or shooting stars, however they are much, much more. As they enter the atmosphere of the planet, the ice and dust collected around them begins to burn and melt away, revealing a complex metallic surface beneath. The 3 objects begin to suddenly slow down, something normal meteorites don't do. By now the icy shell of the "meteorites" has been completely burned away, revealing the full extend of the metallic object within; a comet-shaped machine with a complex, incomprehensibly advanced looking exterior almost organic in appearance. Several tiny blue and red lights dot some of the exposed interior of the objects. All three objects vary in size, the second largest stays ahead of the other two in a leader-like fashion and is accompanied by the smallest. The largest of the three stays in the back as if to protect the rear.
Once the objects have entered the atmosphere, they suddenly activate a supersonic thrust and zip towards the abandoned slums while maintaining a tight formation. The objects continue to accelerate until they are a mere 400 feet from the ground. Crowds of civilians below stare in amazement as the objects continue to plummet. Suddenly all three make a wide turn towards a large empty lot which was once a military museum containing 21st century military technology. The three objects slow down once more before impacting around the lot about 90 yards apart from one another, each carving a deep trench into the asphalt. The objects lay inert for a moment, steam rising off of their hot metal surfaces. The lights within the objects shut off and the objects begin to undergo a transformation; parts folding open, moving, shifting, and rearranging at rapid speeds. At once the comet-like objects literally begin to "stand up", taking on humanoid forms.
The second largest being appears to be the leader. He stands roughly twenty-eight feet in height. His head sports a visible mouth filled with crooked teeth, along with four eyes, two in each eye socket. Two antenna-like horns just out from the sides of the being's head and point behind him. His chest is roughly spherical, with a large, pronounced chest with numerous wheels wrapped in razor coated tank treads in place of the ribs on a human. His stomach sports overlapping V shaped plates that gradually get smaller before stopping at the "groin" area on the mechanical being. The being gyrates his large, bulky shoulders before placing his clawed hands on his waist. The being takes two steps forward with his thick, almost saurian legs. The being turns his head and thick neck to his right upon hearing his name being called.
"Commander Maul, we have arrived at our target location"
Says what was once the smaller object. The object has transformed into a fifteen foot tall humanoid mechanical being with long, bird-like legs, long lanky arms and a thick torso. The being's head is roughly cylinder shaped, with a small mouth and two sets of eyes on both sides of his face. The being's shoulders and legs house what appear to be wheels, but with a star-like rim design and interlocking spike-like tires on the outside. Behind him lumbers the largest of the objects, having transformed into a titanic robotic organism which is strangely the most human-like out of all of them, but much bulkier. This being, standing thirty four feet in height is a titan. His body is thick with armor plates, but maintains the complex mechanical geometry as his fellow cybernetic organisms. Like the smaller scout in front of him, this being sports several wheels on his body albeit of a larger size much like a cargo truck; two sticking up on his back, one in both shoulder, one on both arms, and one built into both of his ankles.
Maul faces his men and speaks up with a heavy Australian accent, issuing his first orders for this suicide mission.
"From what we know, Cyberstorm's last known location was here on this planet. Since then we have failed to make any contact with him and have either declared him MIA or KIA. Neither of which bodes well for the Decepticons. By the looks of it this planet is inhabited by a sentient race known as Humans. If Cyberstorm has been killed or captured by them then Cybertronian technology is now in human hands. I find it doubtful that the humans can comprehend our biology or technology, but we are to either rescue Cyberstorm if he is alive"
The largest of the three, Gearbreaker, speaks up with a deep, gruff voice akin to a veteran soldier.
"And if he's dead?"
Asks the titan. Maul stares at him briefly before answering his question.
"Then we are to destroy his remains and any trace of Cybertronian technology the humans may have amassed, as well as any data."
There is a moment of silence among the Decepticons who display an uncharacteristic respect for their missing comrade.
"To begin this mission we will require alternate modes native to this planet. Scans indicated that this area once housed a variety of military-class vehicles, hence why we landed here. Search these warehouses for one that you deem suitable"
Maul gestures to the buildings with his hand as he goes off and smashes down the wall to the nearest one. Stepping inside, he scans the dusty, dilapidated interior of the warehouse with his ruby red optics until he spots a vehicle tucked away in the far right corner: a Type 74 Main Battle Tank hailing from Japan. Primitive by Cybertronian standards, but the goal was stealth not firepower. 4 beams of light shoot fourth from Maul's optics and strike the vehicle, scanning every little inch of it and beaming the information back to Maul's central processor. After a few brief moments Maul's organic exterior enters a semi-liquid state as bits and peices of his body morph to match those of his chosen vehicle mode. The tank treads on his ribs match those of the tank; his shoulders become split sections of the tank's turret. Once this metamorphosis is complete, Maul drops to one knee and transforms into an exact copy of the tank infront of him. Turning on the headlights of his new vehicle mode, Maul drives outside into the lot where he is greeted by Curbstomp who has transformed into a Dodge Viper ACR and Gearbreaker who has transformed into an M1070HET. Getting into formation, the vehicles drive off into the slums.
Curbstomp speaks to his brethren in the Cybertronian language, completely incomprehensible to humans.
"So where do we start looking for Cyberstorm?"
"We start off small. Look for any reports involving possible Cybertronian activity and go from there"
Replies Maul.