Armorok, glad you like my Lockdown! Here's some more of him.
Rodimus' team will have definitely have their moments. Team Charr has been bugging me because I feel like they should be involved, but adding that many new characters is a bit intimidating. If I bring them in, it'll be as background characters. There's a lot of potential to be had with their personalities, but I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. I'm going with the "less is more" tactic.
DECEPTICON BASE - MAIN ROOMThe main room is filled with the air of deserved accomplishment. Megatron stands upon the computer platform with infectious pride that spills over onto his intelbot seated at the console, then continues to spread down to the main floor. Starscream stands, with arms casually crossed over his cockpit, and looks upon his leader with the acceptance that comes from suppressed admiration. Blackarachnia lingers a short distance off the seeker’s side and lifts her optics from the silk-wrapped cyber ninja helm in her grasp to bestow the beaming gladiator with a half smile and yielding sigh.
Lugnut and Blitzwing just covered up the last bit of pink glow from the perfectly rectangular and blanketed stacks lined up next to the tunnel, then respectfully approach the base of the platform.
Megatron looks over each of his soldiers with pride, something he rarely does unless in a really, really good mood.
MEGATRON
Fellow Decepticons, our descent into victory is upon us. Soon, our numbers will grow exponentially as the revived and grateful sentients of Kaon bow in honor to our charity. They will wear the Decepticon symbol with pride as we rebuild their hopes and their city. The disdain they harbor for the Autobots who, for centuries, turned a blind eye to them will be transformed into a well-oiled machine of revolution.
Megatron revels for a moment in his expertly delivered speech, soaking in the expressions of undeniable motivation from his audience, then turns his attention toward the ever-faithful Shockwave.
MEGATRON
Shockwave, I require you locate an unpopulated sector or structure in Kaon where we can land the ship and inconspicuously unload our cargo.
SHOCKWAVE
I’ve already downloaded recent satellite images of Kaon and pin-pointed multiple possibilities, my liege.
MEGATRON
Excellent…Starscream. (he glides his gaze to the attuned seeker) Immediately proceeding our arrival, I want you and Blackarachnia to begin construction of a large-scale converter. I expect you will find adequate building materials in the various dilapidated factories of the city.
Starscream simply replies with an obliging nod.
MEGATRON
(shifting attention to a stern blue face)
Blitzwing, you will be responsible for purchasing a shuttle in which to transport routine collections of organic material from Archa Seven.
The triple changer is unable to mask an expression of doubt which Megatron instantly acknowledges with a questioning pinch of his brown.
MEGATRON
Do you have a problem with this assignment?
Blitzwing tenses at the corner he’s just backed himself into and tries desperately to avoid Lugnut’s glare of fury. He cycles a couple ventilations in order to regain a partially cool composure then concedes to vocalize the justifiable protests pressing at his processor.
ICY BLITZWING
I never sought I’d hear myself say zis, but vouldn’t it be viser to remain on zis planet? It is far richer in organic material zan Archa Seven.
He winces in anticipation of verbal chastisement, but is instead acknowledged with an approving nod.
MEGATRON
This is a wise observation, Blitzwing, but we are not protected from an Elite Guard invasion here. Kaon is the ideal location. Even if the Autobots do discover our presence there, we will be protected under their very own truce.
Blitzwing should quit while he’s ahead but his logic isn’t quick enough to keep up with his mouth.
ICY BLITZWING
Vhat’s to stop zem from breaking zeir own laws?
Again, a regretful wince from the triple changer which quickly fades due to the lack of hostile retaliation from the now snickering Decepticon leader.
MEGATRON
Honor…outdated, ignorant and crippling honor…the fools.
Shockwave borders on respect for the triple changer’s valid questioning and rises to the task of enlightening him with knowledge gained from personal experience.
SHOCKWAVE
The Autobot Council is incapable of abrupt alterations to their system. In order to overturn the long-standing truce between the cities, they would undergo months of drudging deliberations. During that time we will be able to stockpile adequate means of defense, and I use the term adequate conservatively.
MEGATRON
Precisely. Once they learn of our occupation in the city, they will no doubt assume we lack the means to raise a formidable army and will therefore launch a predictably insufficient and disorganized attack against us.
Now that Megatron’s speech has shifted to open discussion, Starscream doesn’t hesitate to add his thoughts to the mix.
STARSCREAM
Do you…oh mighty leader, plan on using the arena again as a recruitment and training facility?
MEGATRON
(maintaining his smile)
Of course, but I intend to delegate such responsibility to the legendary, (gestures to Lugnut) Kaon Krusher.
Lugnut fights to keep his jaw from plummeting to the floor. He stands motionless, questioning if his mentor’s words are merely wishful thoughts toying with his processor. Convinced otherwise by the mix of stares upon him by his peers, especially the approving gaze of his leader, Lugnut beams with exhilarated pride as he primes himself for an unstoppable gush of pontificating.
LUGNUT
It would be my absolute honor, Lord Megatron, to raise for you the grandest of all armies.
STARSCREAM
(rolling his optics)
Here we go.
Blackarachnia elbows the seeker with a shush and focuses on Lugnut, smiling in appreciation at the contagious joy radiating off the hulking mech.
LUGNUT
(continuing)
I would rather extinguish my own spark before I let you down, oh wise leader. Let any mech who dare tread the path of treachery and defile the mighty name of Megatron, be melted into scrap metal and constructed into target dummies.
Shockwave’s and Blitzwing’s optics slide conspicuously toward Starscream who pales nervously with insult.
LUGNUT
We will arise victorious under your masterful leadership and finally claim Cybertron for the glorious name of the Decepticons.
Megatron manages to puff himself up to an improbable bloat of pride of satisfaction.
MEGATRON
Expertly delivered, my loyal subject. I almost couldn’t have said it better myself.
DINOBOT ISLAND - DEATH’S HEAD CRUISER - BRIDGELockdown stands hunched over the control console, grumbling a series of near-inaudible complaints as he plots a course to Cybertron.
LOCKDOWN
First ‘con that complains about the mess’ll be hitchhiking.
From the shadowy corners of the bridge, a smooth voice shamelessly infiltrates the bounty hunter’s assumed solitude.
PROWL
So, you’ve allied yourself with the Decepticons.
Without a thought of hesitation, Lockdown whirls around and fires a net toward the unwelcome presence, an attack easily predicted by the ninja and even more easily dodged with a simple somersault.
Despite the pleasure of being reunited with a formidable foe, Lockdown instinctively transforms his upgraded hand into a raging chainsaw if for nothing more than the effect. An adrenaline-boosted smile spreads across his face as he locks blaring red optics upon the sleek crouched form.
LOCKDOWN
Was wonderin’ when you’d show up. How’d ya find me?
PROWL
The smell.
LOCKDOWN
(laughing heartily)
Rude little punk.
The enthralled bounty hunter advances slowly on the ninja, who maintains his safe distance with graceful sidestepping. Lockdown eyeballs every inch of Prowl with near disbelieving optics. He furrows his brow once realizing that one very prominent upgrade is missing.
LOCKDOWN
Happen to your master’s helmet?
Prowl’s hands are clenched artfully over his shuriken as he fixes his stare upon his opponent’s every move.
PROWL
Wouldn’t you like to know. If I recall correctly, he was your master too.
Lockdown continues to advance and Prowl continues to keep his distance, forcing the two into a gaping waltz across the ship’s bridge. Pacing halfway around the room’s circumference is enough to bore the bounty hunter. He powers down his chainsaw and carelessly leans back against the operating berth positioned in the center of the room.
LOCKDOWN
The hell’s your story anyway? The ol’ coot boot you outta the Well with orders to take me out?
Prowl is insulted by the mech’s casual attitude.
PROWL
I’d rather not talk about my master or my resurrection if it’s all the same to you. (he follows suit out of spite and relaxes his defensive stance). I didn’t come here to fight.
LOCKDOWN
Then what the spark you doin’ here?
PROWL
I wish to discuss a business proposition.
Lockdown twists his tattooed face in silent disbelief. He didn’t see that coming one bit, especially considering the sins he’d confessed to committing during their last encounter. He looks the ninja over with conflicting thoughts of hope and skepticism. The illogical part of him wants to interpret Prowl‘s words as a partnership, but that was a dangerous path to tread. The infuriating rejection that resulted from his initial proposal to the kid was not something he wanted to rehash.
LOCKDOWN
Intriguing as that sounds, your timing is horrible. This ship’s about to be filled with ‘cons.
Lockdown ambles to the control console, managing with near success to convey an aloof state of being.
PROWL
(interrogating)
Why?
Prowl remains still but follows the bounty hunter’s every cryptic move, once again insulted that the mech would regard him so casually.
LOCKDOWN
Am transportin’ em. (slightly shameful) Pay was too good to pass up.
PROWL
Isn’t that the story of your life. (He studies the mech a moment then shifts his tone from hostile to hopeful) So…you’re not joining them?
LOCKDOWN
Spark no!
PROWL
Where are you taking them?
LOCKDOWN
(looking over his shoulder with irritation)
Ain’t telling you that. My customers are entitled to their confidentiality, ‘specially from do-goodin’ little Autobots.
The accusation ruffles the ninja and he breaks his glare against the mech’s back to uncomfortably flutter his optics and shift his glance around the room.
PROWL
That is…not who I am…not anymore.
The kid’s angst is enough to warrant Lockdown’s full attention as he turns around and leans against the console. He watches with skepticism as the troubled ninja struggles to make eye contact then folds his mismatched arms across his chest.
LOCKDOWN
Bullshit.
The ninja snaps his focus up, eager to defend against being called out unjustly.
PROWL
It’s the truth.
LOCKDOWN
Why would I believe that?
Prowl pauses as the ultimate moment of truth is upon him. It didn’t matter how much he practiced the line in his head, it didn’t make it any easier on his pride to actually deliver it in person.
PROWL
Because…I came here to…see if your offer still stands.
Lockdown battles an array of processes flooding his mind from joy to irony then finally, suspicion. He wasn’t protoformed yesterday and wouldn’t allow the devious little Autobot to rope him in at his weak point.
LOCKDOWN
Nice try, kid, but I don’t buy it. (he turns back around to the console and pretends to attend to some important key tapping) You’re up to somethin’. There’s no way you’d abandon your precious Prime. (glancing back over his shoulder with insult) What kind of fool you take me for?
PROWL
(growing desperate)
Listen to me Lockdown, I am no longer one of them.
Prowl grows frustrated that his first attempt failed and stifles the idea of elevating his desperation to the next level. He hopes closing the gap between the two will aid in conveying his point.
PROWL
Everything I did for them…what I sacrificed, was apparently…unappreciated. (his spark sinks) They did not deem me worthy enough to be laid to rest as a hero and instead brought me back to this planet to be buried in dirt.
Lockdown stops his fondling of the keypads and mulls over the kid’s uncharacteristically single-minded behavior. He feels a twinge of nausea at the baseless self-defeat that shouldn’t be spewing from a ‘bot originally deserving of his partnership.
LOCKDOWN
(turning around)
Somethin’s off about you.
He looks over the kid with disappointment.
LOCKDOWN
You’d better go.
Prowls closes the gap further, shamelessly, pitifully and completely abandoning any shred of dignity.
PROWL
Lockdown please! I have no where else to go. At least take me off this planet.
The monitor blips with static then fills with the materializing image of Shockwave.
SHOCKWAVE
Shockwave to Lockdown. Please report.
If the bounty hunter could ever be driven to pity, this would be the moment. Something was completely wrong about the kid and he couldn’t bring himself to send him packing.
LOCKDOWN
I gotta take this. (points to the corner of the room) Get outta viewing range.
He faces the monitor again and opens up his end of the call.
LOCKDOWN
Shockwave.
SHOCKWAVE
Report your location.
LOCKDOWN
Closer than you think. Where you want me to park this gal?
SHOCKWAVE
I will send you the coordinates. There is a clearing in the forest large enough to land your ship in. You will see a crude hole in the ground, do not land upon it, rather next to it.
LOCKDOWN
Gotcha…don’t land on hole.
SHOCKWAVE
When can we anticipate your arrival?
LOCKDOWN
Soon.
SHOCKWAVE
Soon is not a number.
LOCKDOWN
Shortly, then. Lockdown out.
The transmission cuts off in the middle of Shockwave’s frustrated cursing.
Prowl emerges from the shadows but is immediately snatched by the neck and slammed into the shelves. He dangles, growling in protest as a pair of red optics bore into his face.
LOCKDOWN
(viciously)
How can I be certain you won‘t rat out my passengers?
PROWL
(strained)
I…told you…I am…no longer an…Autobot.
Lockdown continues the penetrating glare then eases the squirming ninja down to his feet and releases the hold on his neck.
LOCKDOWN
You fer real, kid?
PROWL
(rubbing his neck)
Yes…(he meets Lockdown’s glare with sincere desperation) What will it take to convince you?
Prowl flinches as Lockdown’s hand glides past his head and into the shelf behind him. He’s uncomfortable by the breaching of his comfort zone, even more so in the fact that Lockdown’s expression is calm and unreadable. The modded hand retreats, now holding a device which is instantly shoved against the ninja’s chest.
LOCKDOWN
Use that. It’ll mask your energy signal.
Prowl grabs the device with a fumbling hand and looks to the bounty hunter with question.
Lockdown tilts his head in a ‘follow me’ gesture and turns toward the doorway.
LOCKDOWN
C’mon. You can stow away in the engine room.
The relieved yet surprised ninja follows the peculiar mech out of the bridge and down the hallway. He tries to interpret the nonsensical grumbles coming from his new ally, but the growing whir of engines from behind the door they’re advancing on makes anything but a shout impossible to clearly decipher.
They stop at the door but Lockdown doesn’t open it. He instead turns and looks down upon the pondering blue optic visor with the intent of more interrogation.
LOCKDOWN
(shouting over engine noise)
How is it you’re not harboring a grudge ‘gainst me for takin’ out your master?
PROWL
(matching his shout)
I do not wish to discuss--
LOCKDOWN
(interrupting)
Look kid, if you’re gonna go into business with me then you need to learn the ethics of communication. How’m I suppose to trust you if you don’t clue me in (taps his hook against Prowl’s forehead) to what’s goin’ on in that twisted processor of yours.
Prowl jerks away from the hook with irritation.
PROWL
Because no one’s past is without blemish, including my own. (takes a moment to regain his composure) Everyone is guilty of treachery in one way or another. Some choose the path of regret, others redemption, and the truly depraved simply wallow in apathy.
Lockdown can only respond with a single raised brow.
PROWL
(continuing smugly)
It is not my place to judge your quality of character, however, I am not without valid suspicion in regard to the path you chose.
LOCKDOWN
The spark kinda religious poppycock you tossin‘ me?
PROWL
If I am not mistaken, you suffer with regret from your treacherous actions against Master Yoketron.
Lockdown’s optics brighten hotly but instead of smacking the kid with a retort, he jams his spiked shoulder into the door and bursts into the engine room. He grabs the large lever on the wall next the door and wrenches it down, immediately causing the deafening engine roar to descend its pitch into silence.
LOCKDOWN
Rest yourself for a klik, darlin’.
Prowl enters the engine room and is immediately engulfed by the bounty hunter’s shadow.
LOCKDOWN
(tapping his claw against Prowl’s chest)
You tryin’ to pin me with a conscience?
PROWL
(rising to the challenge)
No, I’m simply unearthing it. It revealed itself plain as day during our last encounter when you were attempting to boast of your misdoings as a means of getting revenge on me for originally denying you.
This accusation does not sit well with the bounty hunter.
PROWL
(continuing)
…But your words gave you away. You clearly admitted how betraying your sensei was no easy task.
LOCKDOWN
(shaking head in offense)
You got some serious spark plugs, Prowl. If you processor wasn’t already glitchin’ so bad, I’d bust it wide open.
PROWL
(pleased with himself)
Are you going to deny my observations after having just lectured me on communication?
Lockdown is regretfully unable to argue against the logic. The kid made a valid point and somehow, the bounty hunter relents to accept it. However, in defense of his pride, he makes it his personal mission of the moment to glare disdainfully at the smirking ninja while slamming the lever back into its original position, and purposely avoiding the hanging question.
LOCKDOWN
(assuming a power trip)
Do not, under any circumstances, leave this room. Don’t make any noise, don’t draw attention to yourself. If you’re stupid enough to get caught by the ‘cons, I won’t be able to protect you.
The bounty hunter’s last sentence was drown out by the restored engine’s roar, but Prowl clearly understood the severity of his situation. He simply nods in gratification then retreats to the quietest corner of his noisy sanctuary.
Lockdown leaves the room and stomps down half the length of the corridor before allowing the unlikely turn of events to split his oblong face with crooked but contented smile.