The Energon Pub

Hello, my name is David Meiklem and after attending Autobot Assembly in Birmingham last week and meet some of the great writers and actors like Simon Furman and David Wise it inspired me to try and write some fiction of my own. Initially I will be focusing on G1 I am very much a character person and so the tech specs are great for just giving me enough of a base to work on and then develop ideas from there.

Anyway my first Transformers story is called "The Curse Of Compassion" in which Optimus Prime's overprotective concern for the humans results in a catastrophe when the Decepticons attack an oil refinery. After the incident, Prime has a nervous breakdown and his leadership is brought into serious question. Will the logical Prowl and the stalwart Ironhide be able to pull him and the Autobots back together?

The text below is the first part of my story, it would be nice to hear a little feedback and maybe some suggestions. It might not be Shakespeare but we all have to begin to "roll out" before we really get going!




“So how would you rate our leader?”

To Ironhide, it seemed an atypically easy question, coming from the logical and methodical Prowl. Optimus Prime was the bravest, most compassionate and strongest ‘Bot he knew, so it made good sense for him to be the leader.

“Prime’s the best, why’re ya askin’ me about Prime’s ability?” replied Ironhide in his southern drawl.

“Just give me a grade please” said Prowl impatiently.

“Ten of course, y’all know what ah think of Prime. Why’d ya even have to shoot that question?”

“I agree with what you about Prime, but I would give him a 7.5.”

A little shocked Ironhide, after a few delayed seconds, answered, “What in tarnation, why’d you give him such a low score for?”

“Cool your gears ‘Hide,” replied Prowl, “Listen, it’s the humans. How many times have we been in battle and because some humans got in the way Optimus refused to fire. I mean in the end we always came on top but such compassion is foolhardy!”

“I can understand what you’re saying Prowl but-“ Ironhide stopped in mid-sentence as Optimus drove in the Ark’s main control room and transformed. “Ah, Prowl and Ironhide, is there a problem?” asked Optimus, unaware of what the topic of discussion was.

“Aw shucks nothing much,” replied Ironhide, a bit embarrassed and wondering if Prime had heard any of what has just transpired, “We were...just sayin’ how mighty peculiar it is that Decepticons have been quiet for so long.”

“Yes,” replied Prime, rubbing his chin, “It is strange, regular attacks are bad enough. But when the Decepticons have lain low for an extended time, it means...”

“Alert! Alert!” Teletraan One suddenly burst into life.

“What it is Teletraan”? asked Optimus.

“Decepticons attacking Central City Oil Refinery.”

“Prowl, Ironhide, gather up the Autobots on patrol. We’ve got to stop them!”

“Right away Prime!” they replied, almost in unison. As they speed out of the Ark, Prowl said to Ironhide, “Where there’s humans there’s a hindrance.” “Aw zip it Prowl, we’ve always licked the Decepitcan’ts before, we’ll do it again!”

“How original Mighty Megatron!” Starscream had been expecting something more grandiose from the great leader considering the Decepticons had been unusually quiet for the past couple of months. He almost suspected Megatron was running low on ideas. But Megatron firmly retorted, “Silence Starscream! My plans are more subtle than your meagre processor can interpret. I know my old nemesis Prime all too well. He is compassionate to a fault towards these filthy flesh creatures. Today he will have to re-evaluate that stance, mwahahahahahah!”

“Megatron.” Came the familiar deadpan voice, it was of course the fearless leader of the Autobots. He was surprised to see so only Megatron and Starscream. Megatron must be up to something, goading him into some kind of trap.
Transforming to robot mode, Prime aimed his rifle at Megatron,

“What do you think you’re doing, making yourself so vulnerable Megatron? I have half the Autobot forces here, and only you and Starscream are here!”

“On the contrary, it is I who is in a position of strength!” Megatron and Starscream moved away from the oil drum to reveal a group of ten or so oil workers attached to the drum by energon chains. Starscream issued the caveat, “Dare to shoot one of us Prime and the other will blow these humans to Kingdom Come!”

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