Synopsis (from Random House):
For decades, Transformers fans across the globe have marveled at the mighty clashes of Megatron and Optimus Prime, and speculated about their arrival on planet Earth. Now, in Transformers: Retribution, the prequel to the Transformers animated series, the epic odyssey of these two great warriors is finally revealed as Autobots and Decepticons battle one another . . . and the most diabolic foe they’ve ever encountered.
Aboard the Ark, Optimus Prime leads his Autobots through deep space, searching for the AllSpark so vital to their home planet, Cybertron. Megatron’s not far behind, and his Decepticons are itching for war. But a mysterious planet conceals an enemy far more cunning and powerful: the Quintessons. Masters of tyranny, technology, and twisted double crosses, the Quintessons are out to enslave both Autobots and Decepticons. Their deadly bag of tricks includes fiendish trials and a secret link all the way back to Cybertron, where Shockwave is wreaking havoc with supercomputer Vector Sigma. In the coming conflagration, Star Seekers, Wreckers, Alpha Trion, and Sharkticons all have their parts to play. For none can dodge the Quintesson juggernaut of evil, and none will escape the cataclysmic life-and-death battles that will catapult Autobots and Decepticons to Earth.
Excerpt from Transformers: Retribution
On the Nemesis, one of the screens began flashing. Soundwave leaned forward.
“Lord Megatron, we’re picking up multiple contacts.”
“Where?” demanded Megatron
“Just launched from the Ark. Fast attack craft, closing on us.”
“Bring up the visuals,” said Megatron.
"At once.” The images of Silverbolt, Air-Raid, Slingshot, Skydive, and Fireflight came into crisp focus on the targeting scanner. The Autobot fighters were flying fast, in close formation. Starscream snorted in disgust.
“A suicide mission,” he said. “Seeking to delay us from getting into tractor beam range.”
“Destroy them,” said Megatron. Some of the guns of the Nemesis switched from targeting the Ark to the incoming targets—but the five Autobots zigged and zagged, weaving past the bolts of energy that seared past them as they soared in toward the Nemesis. As they closed in—
“We should commence evasive action,” said Starscream. “Target them all with all our guns.”
“All they can do is strafe,” scoffed Megatron. “We’ll laugh off their spitballs. Stay on the Ark. We almost have them.”
“Five seconds to tractor beam range,” confirmed Soundwave.
The Aerialbots dodged past the last wave of gunnery, roaring above the top decks of the Nemesis, heading in toward the bridge.
“Do your worst,” sneered Megatron.
The Aerialbots did.
Instead of opening fire, they closed on each other, simultaneously shifting into alt-mode and using their forward momentum to abruptly merge—creating a single colossal Jet-trooper that proceeded to land on top of the Nemesis, wielding the largest electrostatic rifle any of the Decepticons had ever seen.
Starscream’s eyes practically bugged out of his head. “What in the name of Unicron is that—”
“It doesn’t matter,” screamed Megatron, “concentrate all fire!”
But it was too late.
“I AM SUPERION!” yelled the giant combiner robot as it fired a bolt of energy at the Nemesis’ bridge, scoring a direct hit. For a moment the entire bridge was filled with lightning; electrical feedback flashed through the Nemesis like wildfire, blowing out consoles all over the ship. Soundwave and Starscream were hurled back into the far wall. Only Megatron remained on his feet.