The Energon Pub

A/N: My driving force with this (now huge and obsessive) project was to get back into the swing of writing. Once I let my G1 guard down and accepted that, in the TFA universe OP has lips, I fell in love with the show and didn't want to see it end at season 3. I should have attempted some one-shots, but nooo! I had to dive into a big, potentially messy story arc. My hopes here are to keep the TFA personalities alive and, for the most part, true to form.

I went with the screenplay format as a means to get the ball rolling rather than be stalled by the intimidation of prose. The initial pace is very quick and somewhat choppy because of this, but the momentum slows down in later chapters as I ease back into a writer's mind.

Some character insight: Cliffjumper is written with Casey Kasum's voice and Ironhide and Brawn are pretty much their G1 personalities as well. Chromia's character is inspired by the power-craving Deceptifemme, Thunderblast, from the Cybertron series but with more professionalism then the valley girl she was in that show. I took some creative liberties on her alt-mode as a gunboat didn't fit into the Cybertronian landscape: http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/viewtopic.php?f=145&t=59049

Disclaimer: Chromia bears all the markings of a Mary Sue and I confess to starting this project with her in that role. However, as the story evolved, I found the canon characters more fun to write, so now, she's merely a plot device/supporting character.


CYBERTRON - IACON CITY - MILITARY BASE - PRISONER HOLDING FACILITY

Cliffjumper and Ironhide are seated at the console of a massive computer in a command room. There is a large set of doors on one end of the room and a single door on the adjacent wall. Cliffjumper taps away on a series of keypads while Ironhide gets up and impatiently paces behind his comrade.

CLIFFJUMPER
Ironhide, the next shift of guards just arrived.

IRONHIDE
How many?

CLIFFJUMPER
Still two, same as last shift.

IRONHIDE
(sighing)
Who are they?

CLIFFJUMPER
Good ol' Brawn and Chromia, surprisingly.

IRONHIDE
Chromia, from Intelligence?

CLIFFJUMPER
Trust me friend, the less you question the big bots' reasoning, the better off you are.

IRONHIDE
I'm tired of Sentinel treatin' this operation like some fly-by-night prisoner transport. Sure this is a maximum security facility, but that's no excuse to leave us understaffed. Ultra Magnus would've armed this place to the teeth!

CLIFFJUMPER
Sentinel's just over confident in our new security upgrades. I almost can't blame him. Those new stasis chains are wicked. (laughing) I was messing with Lugnut earlier and he couldn't do a darn thing.

IRONHIDE
You were what!? Cliffjumper, you should know better than to...

Ironhide is interrupted by the sound of the main doors, which slide open to reveal Brawn and Chromia standing erect.

BRAWN
Sergeant Brawn reporting for duty, sir.

CHROMIA
Lieutenant Chromia reporting for duty, sir.

IRONHIDE
Ahh, knock off the formalities.

The two newcomers relax their stance as Ironhide motions for them to follow him.

Cliffjumper swivels in his chair, points at Brawn and laughs mockingly.

BRAWN
What's so funny, Cliffjumper?

CLIFFJUMPER
You! (laughs harder) Are you that much of a liability that they've assigned a professional to negotiate you outta the slag heaps you create?

Ironhide opens a secure panel on the wall and pulls two stasis prods from the compartment.

BRAWN
(letting a smile slip)
Keep it up, buddy...

Ironhide hands the prods to Brawn and Chromia.

BRAWN
(still glaring at Cliffjumper as he takes the prod and points it toward his heckler)
...I dare ya. (to Ironhide) I need to test this on someone.

CLIFFJUMPER
(still laughing)
C'mon bring it!

Chromia rolls her optics to catch an equally annoyed glance from Ironhide.

IRONHIDE
These two could banter all night.

CHROMIA
Then take us to the holding chamber already...Sir.

Ironhide smacks Brawn on the back of the head.

IRONHIDE
Fine idea...let's go, tough guy.

The three leave the room through the smaller door and walk down a corridor, Ironhide in front with the other two a short distance behind each arm.

IRONHIDE
Chromia, if you don't mind my askin', why on Cybertron did they assign you to me?

CHROMIA
Would you believe I've never before been in the presence of a Decepticon?

IRONHIDE
Well sure, even Sentinel never brushed elbows with the creeps until recently...baffling as that is.

CHROMIA
Yeah, I don't get that either, which is why I requested this assignment. I feel it's essential for any Autobot officer to have experience interacting with the Decepticons, even if it's not a combat situation. There's a lot you can learn from your enemy just by being in close proximity.

IRONHIDE
True indeed. I'd much rather mingle with a Decepticon than chit chat with stuffy officials all day, but I guess that's your specialty.

BRAWN
She kicks bumper in melee combat too...well, not my bumper, but Cliffjumper's for sure.

CHROMIA
(smiles at Brawn)
Was that a compliment?

BRAWN
Sure...we gotta make the best of the next several megacycles in this chamber. Last thing I want around is a moody femme who's normally paid to talk.

Chromia's smile drops to a scowl.

The three stop upon reaching a large door. Ironhide enters a code into the touch-sensitive keypad on the wall.

IRONHIDE
Alright you two, time to be serious.

The door slides open and Ironhide enters the chamber. Two guard bots stationed at opposite ends of the room eagerly avert their attention to their commanding officer.

IRONHIDE
(loudly)
Changing of the guard! C'mon fellas, let's pack it in for the night.

Brawn and Chromia enter the chamber as their predecessors exit. It's ceiling is much taller than that of the corridor's and it's filled with a chilling blue glow, emitting from the eight towering translucent cells, six of which house its own Decepticon. The cells are split up by a wide walkway, four on each side of the room. Megatron is at the far end of the left side of the room sandwiched between the wall and an empty cell. Lugnut is on the same side but separated from his leader by two empty cells. On the right side are four full cells housing three seekers and an infamous turncoat. The prisoners are free to move around in their cells, but the stasis chains around their wrists and ankles prohibit any sudden actions. Each prisoner, except for Shockwave, bears a mouth clamp as well.

Chromia can't hide her awe-struck state which Brawn is instantly tuned to. She takes a few slow steps into the room, eyes wide open, mouth gaping.

BRAWN
Bigger than you expected, right?

CHROMIA
They're magnificent!

BRAWN
Not my first choice of words for these demented scrap piles.

IRONHIDE
Chromia, take your post at the entrance here. Brawn, go to the opposite end near Megatron.

BRAWN
Sweet.

Brawn struts toward his post, threateningly eyeballing each Decepticon that he passes.

The name still echoes in her circuits. "Megatron"...He's in the same room...merely steps away.

She barely makes out the a silver mech behind the layers of translucent blue walls. He’s seated on an unfitting fold down bench, massive upper body leaning forward, arms resting on his legs, hands folded over one another. He never averted his gaze from the floor, despite the happenings in the chamber. Her spark was racing and she strained to maintain a cool air of control.

IRONHIDE
Alright Chromia, in a couple megacycles, we give these creeps their energon rations.

CHROMIA
(voice wavering with a suppressed excitement)
Yes sir, I've been well versed on the details of this assignment.

IRONHIDE
Good soldier...caught up on her homework.

Ironhide sternly pans the room before exiting.

Did he really just say "Good Soldier"? She's relieved to be free of his overbearing presence and resumes her gawking like a young mech in a prehistoric museum. She moves forward, easing past each occupied cell, marveling at their occupants.

BRAWN
First day on the job and you're already straying from your assigned post.

CHROMIA
(optics locked on Blitzwing)
Report me, then.

BRAWN
It doesn't bother me. For once, someone else will get busted for breaking the rules.

CHROMIA
This triple-changer's design is amazing. How is this technology possible?

Brawn leaves his post without hesitation and approaches Blitzwing's cell, eager to show off his Decepticon knowledge.

BRAWN
This one here is an absolute lunatic. His personality circuits are a jumble...but leave it to a Decepticon to find a mutation advantageous.

As Blitzwing's rises from his seated position, his face whirlwinds from clamped-mouthed “Icy” to “Hothead“, also clamped.

CHROMIA
(giggles)
Whoa, neat!

BRAWN
You haven't seen the best of it...check this out.

Megatron lifted his head just enough to focus his optics on the pathetic spectacle. Brawns starts tapping Blitzwing's cell.

BRAWN
Hey...Decepti-freak!

Blitzwing's optic visor narrows.

Shockwave, also seated but leaning his back to the wall, glances at Megatron, who's directly across from him. Megatron returns the glance, shakes his head in disgust and lowered his attention to its original downward position.

Brawn continues to taunt Blitzwing.

BRAWN
The circus is in town, and I hear they're in need of a new act.

Quivering, Blitzwing squeezes his optics shut, but can't avoid the inevitable. A black face with sharp red features explodes into the scene.

RANDOM BLITZWING
Oooohh-Ho-Ho-Ho-Heee-Hehehe!! I love zee circus! Can I go, can I go?! Please, please pleeeease!?

Brawn bursts into uncontrollable laughter. Blitzwing's face sweeps back to Hothead as he growls through the clamp. Chromia's jaw drops, crooked with a half smile.

CHROMIA
Why isn't that mouth clamped?!

BRAWN
(still laughing)
Because no one can catch it!

CHROMIA
I honestly don't know what to make of that.

Brawn wipes energon from his eyes and starts to regain his composure.

BRAWN
Alright, playtime's over...let's get back to our posts.

The two guards walk in opposite directions from the other. Chuckles randomly escape from Brawn as he passes Blitzwing's neighboring cell, every step scrutinized by a single glowing red optic.

Disgusted by the small pompous Autobot, Shockwave turns to analyze the femme, whom he clearly recognizes. He pondered what a negotiations bot was doing on guard duty. In his peripheral, he feels the attention of Megatron again and quickly turns to flash some patterns through his single facial feature.

This action does not escape Brawn's attention. The stout soldier spins around and slams his fist into the interface on Shockwave's cell. Jolts of electricity surge through the prisoner. Shockwave tenses up and unwillingly growls in pain.

SHOCKWAVE
You accursed Autobot!

Brawn hovers his fist over the interface.

BRAWN
What did you tell him?!

SHOCKWAVE
We were discussing your creator's intentions in regards to your aesthetics.

Chromia, intrigued by the events, let's a giggle slip out at Shockwave's retort.

BRAWN
Listen traitor, I'm willing to go to great extents to rip a mouth in your face just so I have the pleasure of installing a clamp myself.

SHOCKWAVE
Spare me your illogical threats.

Megatron glares into Shockwave's optic. Shockwave takes the hint, releasing his tension and leaning back into the wall.

Disappointed at the silence befalling the chamber, Chromia maintains her post at the dull end. She observes the two seekers, pondering the narcissism involved in self-cloning. Her gaze wanders across to the opposite side, pausing on Lugnut for a moment, but continues on, fixing upon on the indistinct silver and black form. Why couldn't I be posted at that end of the room.

ELITE GUARD HEADQUARTERS - SMALL UNOFFICIAL ROOM

Jazz is seated with feet propped up on the table. Optimus Prime is standing, leaning against the wall. He lets out a long sigh.

OPTIMUS PRIME
I'm so fed up with waiting. What's there to discuss? He died a hero, that‘s all there is to it.

JAZZ
No doubt, Boss, But the politics of the matter ain't so simple.

Arcee enters the room and seats herself next to Jazz, who slides his feet to the floor and sits up with anticipation. Optimus takes a seat next to Jazz, both bots' attention locked onto the courier.

ARCEE
(reluctantly)
Okay, so the council undoubtedly recognizes Prowl's actions as heroic, but there's a hang-up with the circumstances surrounding his death.

JAZZ
(pondering)
What circumstances?…You mean Processor over Matter?

ARCEE
(sympathetically)
Yes. (she rests her hand on top of Jazz's) The council doesn't believe that's how the events played out.

Jazz jerks up from his seat, knocking it over in the process and advances on the wall, banging it with his fist.

JAZZ
Those thick sons-of...

Optimus stands up and inches toward Jazz with concern.

JAZZ
(turning to Arcee)
So they think I'm just playin' em?

ARCEE
They think you're covering up...for the sake of your own reputation.

Jazz slams his hands down on the table directly in front of Arcee. She flinches and scoots as far back as possible in her chair.

JAZZ
(desperately)
There was nothing I could do!

Optimus grabs Jazz by the shoulders and eases him back. Arcee stands up and places her hands on Jazz's forearm.

ARCEE
I know this, Jazz, trust me, I'm on your side, but...

JAZZ
(he angrily rights his chair and sits back down, avoiding her sympathy)
But what?

ARCEE
The council never took that aspect of Master Yoketron's training technique seriously.

JAZZ
Big surprise there...it's one of Master's few non-violent moves.

OPTIMUS PRIME
What are you telling us Arcee? Has the council made a decision?

ARCEE
They would be open for new evidence backing Jazz's testimony, but for the time being...

Optimus drops back into his chair, leaning his forehead against both palms.

OPTIMUS PRIME
There is no new evidence.

ARCEE
...the council doesn’t see a place for Prowl in the Hall of Heroes.

EARTH - DINOBOT ISLAND - PROMETHEUS BLACK’S LABORATORY

The laboratory is illuminated by the giant monitor of the mega-computer. The screen is littered with windows full of mechanoid and human anatomy diagrams. On the floor next to the work table is a heap covered by a large tarp. The tarp cannot hide the angular edges and bipedal form of what lies beneath it.

Blackarachnia and Swindle stand confronting each other. Swindle has an All Spark fragment in one hand and is pointing his arm cannon on the other hand at Blackarachnia.

BLACKARACHNIA
Look Swindle, I can pay you, just not at the moment.

SWINDLE
I don't operate that way, sweetheart. Cash-on-delivery, not layaway. You're already in debt to me for transporting that carcass here. What’ya, got a Frankenstein experiment going on? You gonna make a companion bot that doesn't flee at the sight of you?

BLACKARACHNIA
Now you're just being mean.

SWINDLE
And you're being totally unreasonable.

She smiles and raises her optics to look past Swindle.

BLACKARACHNIA
(slides into laughter)
You think this is unreasonable?

Upon sensing that he and the predacon were not the only occupants of the room, Swindle twists around just in time for a clawed yellow paw to launch him off his feet. He crashes into the floor, sliding on his back until smacking into a wall.

GRIMLOCK
(roaring)
Nobody be mean to Spiderlady!

Blackarachnia sways over to the defeated dealer until her shadow looms heavily across his face.

BLACKARACHNIA
Now, hand over that shard, before Grimlock gets angry.

Swindle grips the shard tighter, gritting his teeth.

Grimlock proudly stomps up next to his muse, casting a much larger shadow over Swindle's face.

GRIMLOCK
Me Grimlock say you do as Blackarachnia say.

Swindle darts his glare back and forth between the two monsters, then releases his grip on the shard and reluctantly hands it to Blackarachnia.

She leans in to retrieve her prize.

BLACKARACHNIA
Not every bot flees from me…(She snatches the shard from his hand leans in even closer)...just the cowards. Why don't follow in their example.

Disgusted, Swindle backs away and staggers to his feet.

SWINDLE
You just signed the dotted line of death, my dear.

He transforms and speeds off down the hallway leading to the exit.

SWINDLE
(threatening)
You'll regret this, you witch...you…you, FREAK!

Blackarachnia's confident smirk deflates to a frown. It doesn't matter the quality of character those words spew from...they still hurt.

Grimlock lividly growls.

GRIMLOCK
Me Grimlock teach mean truck some manners?

BLACKARACHNIA
Let him go.

She holds the shard in front her four optics, squinting from the immensity of its gleam.

GRIMLOCK
Me Grimlock can bring you sparklies too...bigger ones, prettier ones.

Blackarachnia glances up from her treasure to catch the doting gape of her subservient.

BLACKARACHNIA
I know you can, my pet...but what I need right now is a squishy.

CYBERTRON - PRISONER HOLDING CHAMBER

BRAWN
(from across the room)
Ironhide will be here in a few clicks with energon rations. You gonna do the honors?

CHROMIA
As long as you make sure these scrap piles don't try anything fancy.

BRAWN
Scrap piles? What happened to "magnificent"?

CHROMIA
(sarcastically)
Well...they don't really do anything besides stand around...I mean, not even a song or dan...

Random Blitzwing seizes his cue and explodes into song.

BLITZWING
(piercingly loud)
"D" is for zee Dre-ead which Dvells inside your he-ead!
(whispering)
"E" is for Eerie Echoz undaneaz your be-ed
(loud again)
"C" is for zee Cu-urse...

Shockwave can't take it anymore and snaps at the crooner.

SHOCKWAVE
Silence, you fool!

BRAWN
(threateningly at Shockwave)
Hey, I give the orders around here!

Icy Blitzwing emerges with a sigh, bringing calm back to his cell.

The chamber room door slides open Ironhide appears holding a tray full of small energon cubes which cast a pink glow on his chest and face.

IRONHIDE
I'm liable to blow a head gasket if I hear that darned anthem one more time. (hands the tray to Chromia) Here ya go, doll.

Chromia leans her stasis prod against the wall and takes the tray.

IRONHIDE
There's enough there so everyone gets one each, you two included.

She nods at Ironhide then walks slowly down the center of the chamber. As she approaches Brawn, who immediately left his post upon Ironhide's arrival, he takes a mental inventory of the cubes. The green mech furls his brow then jogs toward Ironhide, who was about to exit.

BRAWN
Hold up there, pal.

He motions to Ironhide and the taller mech lowers his audio receptors to Brawn's level.

BRAWN
I only counted eight cubes...

Chromia acts quickly while her colleagues are distracted. She balances the tray on one hand and a small hatch opens in the wrist cuff of her other hand. A beam of light emerges from the small opening and she discretely shines it into all but one of the cubes. Shockwave and Megatron are both tuned to her actions.

BRAWN
(still whispering to Ironhide)
I thought you were going to hook me up. You know one cube doesn't curb this appetite. (Brawn pats his belly)

Chromia is now passing the space between Shockwave and Megatron's cells. She can feel the burn of two powerful red optics inspecting her every move.

CHROMIA’S THOUGHTS
Don't make optic contact. Not yet.

She nervously places the unaltered cube on the floor at Brawn's post.

Ironhide straightens his posture, fed up with his comrade's request.

IRONHIDE
(motioning to Lugnut)
If this overgrown waste of metal can function on one cube, so can you. Now go watch her back!

Brawn disdainfully reaches down and grabs Chromia's stasis prod.

BRAWN
Yeah, yeah...

Chromia approaches Shockwave's cell and enters a code on it's interface.

CHROMIA
Good evening, Longarm Prime.

On the cell, a panel sized just right for an energon cube tilts inward ninety degrees, creating a small platform but leaving a square-shape opening in the cell wall. Chromia slides a cube through the opening.

SHOCKWAVE
(his optic flashing patterns again)
Good evening, Chromia.
SHOCKWAVE’S SILENT MESSAGE
[What did you do to our rations?]

Now dual-wielding prods, Brawn struts down the center of the room. Ironhide takes an uneasy glance of the chamber as he exits, door whizzing shut behind him.

The Autobot insignia on Chromia neck piece lights up, flashing in patterns back to her captive.

CHROMIA
Not quite the same circumstances we met under last time.
CHROMIA’S SILENT MESSAGE
[I charged it with an energon booster, infused with anti-stasis]

As Brawn approaches, Shockwave and Chromia desist the silent conversation. Shockwave stands up, grabs the cube and brings it to optic level. He jiggles it a bit and observes the enegon's movement.

BRAWN
(mildly agitated)
What the spark's my energon doing on the floor?

CHROMIA
(broadly smiling)
I wanted to make sure you got the fullest one.

Brawn passes by, b-lining for his ration. He transfers a stasis prod from one hand to other so both prods are now in one grip. He kneels down and claims the small glowing prize before him. Shockwave stands positioned so both Chromia and Megatron can read his optic flashes.

SHOCKWAVE
(to Chromia)
I'm flattered you'd stoop to a grunt's assignment just to see me again.
SHOCKWAVE’S SILENT MESSAGE
[How can I be sure that you actually charged our energon rather than tainting it?]

Megatron acknowledges and rises from his bench. Chromia cues into the now 3-way conversation.

Shockwave's comment causes Brawn to choke on his energon. He jerks toward the cyclops, raising the stasis prods into clear view.

BRAWN
I'll show ya stooping you sarcastic slagger!

CHROMIA
Ease off, Brawn. I'm always game for a little verbal sparring with my former boss.

Random Blitzwing emerges, uninvited by his host, as usual.

RANDOM BLITZWING
You mean I have to vait for Shockwave to finish talking before I get my ration?!! I vill surely starve!!

Chromia switches her attention to Blitzwing, spinning her processor wheels, then pleads with Brawn.

CHROMIA
Can you take care of him, please?

She hands Brawn an energon cube. He puts back the last drops of his own ration, slams the empty cube on her tray and grabs the new ration from her hand.

With Brawn's attention fully diverted to Blitzwing, Chromia resumes flashing patterns at Shockwave.

CHROMIA
Flattering you certainly isn't my first objective in being here, but feel free to fantasize all you want if it helps pass the time.
CHROMIA’S SILENT MESSAGE
[Because I charged my own cube as well. The effects will wear off in ten cycles so we need to act fast]

Chromia picks up a cube and sips from it, optics remaining focused on Shockwave.

Brawn punches a code into the interface of Blitzwing's cell.

BRAWN
(directed at Chromia)
Your civility towards these warmongers baffles me.

CHROMIA’S THOUGHT’S
(optics shrink to slits)
Warmongers...you're one to talk.

He glances at his peculiar partner just in time to witness her shooting the entire cube of energon down her tilted throat.

BRAWN
Whoa...nice.

He continues to serve Blitzwing the ration, then pulls a small device from a compartment in his waist. He’s about to enter a code into the device keypad, but pauses and peers up and the deranged red and black face.

BRAWN
What am I doing, you don’t need all three mouths to consume that. Make due with just the one.

Chromia wipes the sides of her mouth with the top of her hand.

CHROMIA’S THOUGHTS
Hopefully that will relieve some tension for what I need to do now.

She slowly turns to face Megatron's cell, servos weakened by his presence as he skeptically reads the message which Shockwave is silently relaying. Her hand rises to cell's interface and it takes all her focus just to remember the ration hatch code. The Decepticon symbol on Megatron's chest begins flashing.

MEGATRON‘S SILENT MESSAGE
[I refuse to trust this Autobot]

SHOCKWAVE’S SILENT MESSAGE
[We would be foolish to pass up any opportunity of escape, oh great one. I personally would rather be sick with poisoned energon than be subjected to the humiliation of the Autobot judicial system.]

The hatch on Megatron's cell opens. Straining to steady her hand, she places the cube on the panel. Megatron's symbol continues to flash but optics have focused on her now.

MEGATRON‘S SILENT MESSAGE
[Explain your intentions, Autobot]

CHROMIA’S THOUGHTS
Oh Primus, here we go. Don't foul this up, Chromia.

Flashes sputter from her insignia as she tilts her gaze up to lock onto the menacingly curious stare that befalls her.

CHROMIA‘S SILENT MESSAGE
(flashing quicker than before)
[My only desire, Lord Megatron, is to serve under your command. The Autobot cause is flawed and corrupt...]

BRAWN
(from across the room, interrupting)
Chromia, you'll need this to unlock Megatron's clamp.

Brawn, now standing at Lugnut’s cell hurls the small device to her, which she barely catches, wobbling and tilting the energon tray in the process. The empty ration cube slides over the edge and hits the floor, bouncing a couple times.

BRAWN
Same code as his cell, oh and toss me a cube so I can feed this barbarian, and try not to drop anymore this time.

Chromia angrily regains composure and tosses a cube to the reckless Autobot. Megatron's symbol flashes again.

MEGATRON’S SILENT MESSAGE
[Relieve me of this infernal clamp]

Fumbling, she taps a code into the device and his clamp lowers. The tense silence is shattered by the desecration of Shockwave's cell behind her. The screech of alarms echo throughout the chamber. Megatron ingests the energon, unaffected by the surrounding chaos. Shockwave storms through the falling fragments of his cell and snatches Chromia up by the neck. The tray of energon slips from her grasp, sending the last two energon cubes tumbling to the floor.

Brawn just finished serving Lugnut his ration, and whiplashes to witness the events unfolding.

BRAWN
(in shock)
WHAT THE..

Shockwave quietly threatens Chromia as he tightens his claw around her neck.

SHOCKWAVE
Are you going to play along or should I make this hurt?

Brawn advances, equipping a prod in each hand, rage surging through his optics.

BRAWN
Release her, Shockwave! You don't stand a chance while wearing those stasis...

Brawn stops in his tracks when he notices Shockwave's stasis chains are merely mangled cuffs on his ankles and wrists, the rest scattered around on the floor among the numerous cell pieces.

BRAWN
(deflated)
...chains?

From his peripheral, Brawn can see the triple-changer breaking free from his stasis chains, but the small soldier is powerless to stop the Decepticon from barreling through his prison and backhanding the small guard into the yellow clone's cell. Blitzwing rips the clamp from his Hothead face.

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
Sveet Primuz zat felt good!

Brawn springs to his feet and charges at Blitzwing, thrusting both stasis prods into the escapee's leg. The triple-changer remains still accept for the whirring face.

RANDOM BLITZWING
OOoooOOo, zat tickles!

The erratic Decepticon launches his foot at the stubby pest, while Lugnut simultaneously bursts through his cell. Brawn is rocketed into Lugnut's face, causing the giant to fall backward against the wall and growl with anger.

Blitzing changes perspectives to survey the results of his actions and peels the mouth clamp from his Icy face.

ICY BLITZWING
Oh deah, I did not intend to do zat.

Still inhibited by the chains, Megatron absorbs the awesome events being played out for him. Without a thought of effort, he jerks his fists apart and kicks one leg backward, hurling dozens of chain fragments crashing around into the walls of his cell. Shockwave can see what's coming and backs himself and his pseudo-hostage up. Had he hesitated a moment longer, they'd have been showered in a blast of cell fragments. Megatron reveled at the achievement of his single fist and proudly steps through the disintegrated wreckage, mercilessly crunching the former prison under his feet.

COMMAND ROOM

Ironhide, moving with a nervous determination, accesses an arsenal closet much larger than the compartment that housed the stasis prods. The same shrill scream of alarms echo through the command room.

IRONHIDE
(suppressing panic)
That better be a false alarm. Git Brawn on the comm!

He pulls two large blasters from the closet, tossing one to his partner and holstering the other at his side. In recent years, the Autobots have frowned on the use of guns, but Ironhide pays no mind to these rules given the potential severity of the situation.

CLIFFJUMPER
(into his comm. link)
Brawn buddy, everything okay in there?
(no response)
Brawn, do you copy?
(still no response)

IRONHIDE
(into his comm. link)
Talk ta me, Chromia. What's goin' on?

CORRIDOR CONNECTING PRISONER CHAMBER TO COMMAND ROOM

The Decepticons move down the corridor with the air of a raging storm front. Megatron leading the pack, closely followed by Shockwave who still hostages his new protégé. Blitzwing and Lugnut are side by side at the rear.

Ironhide's voice blares through Chromia's comm. link.

IRONHIDE
Chromia, I repeat. What the spark is goin' on?

Chromia looks to Shockwave for advice.

SHOCKWAVE
Are you able to act genuinely frightened or should I give you a motive?

Chromia
(into comm. link, voice pitches higher than normal)
Ironhide, they escaped! There was a glitch in the stasis control systems and...

Shockwave interrupts, intentionally making his voice heard through her comm.

SHOCKWAVE
Silence, Autobot weakling!

She forces a scream, then closes the transmission.

SHOCKWAVE
You're good. It's quite amusing really...for solarcylces, we fooled each other at our very own game. Keep this up and you'll be adorned with our symbol soon enough.

A look of confusion washes over Chromia's face.

CHROMIA
You...you're taking me with you, right?

SHOCKWAVE
No, of course not. You still have the advantage of anonymity from the Autobots. You'll prove most instrumental for our cause if you remain here, covertly maintaining your status as a trusted official, just as I was.

CHROMIA
But...
Blast it! He's totally right.

COMMAND ROOM

Ironhide fiddles with the setting on his blaster, teeth gritting with panicked rage. Cliffjumper hovers over the command console, frantically typing on the numerous keypads.

IRONHIDE
A slaggin' systems glitch...I was a fool to trust Sentinel's judgment!

CLIFFJUMPER
Now's not the time for self-reprimand! Ready yourself!

The small scrapper leaves the console and advances toward the door where they can hear footsteps growing louder with each passing moment. Ironhide, now equipped with a fully charged blaster, cautiously follows his comrade.

CORRIDOR

Lugnut puts an extra spring in his step and catches up to his leader. Shockwave grunts as he's rudely cut-off by the overgrown mech.

LUGNUT
Master, what about the clones?

MEGATRON
(without hesitation)
Leave them.

LUGNUT
But sir! They are powerful assets...

MEGATRON
(agitated)
I said leave them! There is no place in my new army for symbols of treachery. (shifting focus) Autobot! You claim our weapons are being stored in the room ahead.

CHROMIA
That's correct...Sir. You'll need Ironhide's code to access them.

MEGATRON
And you're sure there are only two Autobots in there?

CHROMIA
Affirmative.

As the Cons approach the door, Megatron, maintaining the quick pace of his stride, draws his shoulders and arms back and plows his fists through the door.

COMMAND ROOM

Ironhide is pummeled by a large black fist and crashes to the floor. The other fist nearly misses Cliffjumper's head and he acrobatically springs back to a safer distance. Megatron peels back the metal, insulted by the pathetically weak architecture used to imprison his greatness. He steps through the opening and is preceded with two large green fists which further widen the gnarled metal. Lugnut proudly emerges behind his leader, followed by Blitzwing.

Ironhide, having lost grip on his weapon during the punch, gapes helplessly at the giants looming over him. He darts his optics at the surrounding wreckage, hoping to locate his blaster, but to no avail. Megatron fearlessly steps forward.

MEGATRON
The Elite Guard dare assume they can incarcerate me in such inept facilities...the fools.

The silver gladiator slams his foot down on Ironhide's chest.

MEGATRON
Ironhide, I presume. You will retrieve our weapons or suffer the consequences.

Cliffjumper fearlessly aims his blaster at Megatron's head.

CLIFFJUMPER
Not another move, Megatron.

Shockwave slips onto the scene, twisting his way around Blitzwing and Lugnut to the front line, Chromia wriggling in forced fear within his clutches. Ironhide immediately locks his focus to Shockwave‘s captive.

IRONHIDE
Cliffjumper, hold yer fire! They've got Chromia!

Megatron raises his glare from Ironhide and scans the room, amused to see the open door of the arsenal closet. Ironhide grunts as the large foot is peeled from his chassis. Megatron strides across the room to the open closet.

MEGATRON
This was almost too easy.

Ironhide painstakingly sits up.

IRONHIDE
Chromia, are you hurt? Where's Brawn, is he okay?

CHROMIA
Brawn's injured, but he's not offline.

CLIFFJUMPER
WHAT! You Decepti-jerks will pay for this!

SHOCKWAVE
Silence yourselves, Autobots!

The Decepticon leader pulls each of his soldier's weapons out of the arsenal, one by one, tossing them to their respective owners.

A familiar voice emerges through the main computer's comm. link.

RODIMUS
Cliffjumper, I received your distress signal. Back up is on the way, just do what can to hold your ground. Rodimus out.

CLIFFJUMPER
(hopelessly sarcastic)
Hold my ground…sure thing.

Saving the best for last, Megatron removes a large black cannon from the closet and wastes no time in securing his old friend to its berth on his arm. The lethal weapon begins to charge up as its wielder raises the barrel toward the ceiling.

MEGATRON
Decepticons, come to me!

Blitzwing and Lugnut immediately heed their master's call. Shockwave tightens his grip on Chromia's neck, reminding the Autobots of their delicate situation, then heads toward his commander.

A large explosion drowns even the roar of the alarms as Megatron's canon blasts a hole in the ceiling. Ironhide seizes the moment while everyone's distracted and lunges at Shockwave's legs. The purple Con tumbles to the ground, releasing his grip on Chromia. She hit’s the floor with a thud and Ironhide immediately scoops her up and backs them off to safety.

Megatron has already flown the coup, closely followed by Lugnut. Blitzwing, the only one noticing Shockwave's plight, crouches down and grabs him by the arm.

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
(threateningly)
Get a move on you klutz!

IRONHIDE
NOW CLIFFJUMPER, blast 'em with all ya got!

Cliffjumper cuts loose a barrage of laser fire at the two remaining enemies. Blitzwing yanks Shockwave from the line of fire but takes a couple hits to his arm and shoulder. He launches upward to their exit, towing Shockwave behind.

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
(smoke spewing from his left side)
OUCH! Zat hurt, puny Autobot!

A Jack-O-Lantern grin silences the angry red face.

RANDOM BLITZWING
BUT VE'LL ALL FEEL BETTA AFTER A VICTORY SONG! (bursting into song) D iz for zee Dre-ead...

SHOCKWAVE
Oh for Primus' sake.

The triple-changer's shrill screech trails off as the two disappear into the Cybertronian nightscape.

Rodimus, backed by multiple armed Autobot soldiers, burst into the command room through the main doors.

IRONHIDE
It's too late for ground units sir, we need air support!

RODIMUS
I'll call it in, but..

CHROMIA
There's no way they'll get here in time.

With sheer frustration, Ironhide pounds his fists into the control console.

IRONHIDE
DAAAAGGGHHHHH! SON-OF-A...

RODIMUS
(maintaining his cool)
Cliffjumper, run a scan on all non-Autobot energy signatures in the area.

CLIFFJUMPER
Yes sir.

Chromia sympathetically slides up to Ironhide and rests her hand on his back.

CHROMIA
(gently)
Don't beat yourself up, Ironhide. This was out of our control.

CYBERTRON AIRFIELD - NIGHT

Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Bulkhead, Jazz, and Bumblebee, with Sari as his passenger, speed across the airfield, swerving around various stationary aircraft. Optimus leads the tight knit convoy with Ratchet bringing up the rear. Through the ambulance’s back window, a sleek black casket is visible.

BUMBLEBEE
(via dashboard comm.)
Uh, Prime, I hate to rain on our parade, but do we have clearance to take a shuttle?

OPTIMUS PRIME
I have all the clearance I need.

BUMBLEBEE
In other words, no.

Sari sits in Bumblebee's passenger seat, mask up, arms stiffly spread out from her sides as she braces for every abrupt turn.

SARI
(just shy of a tantrum)
What's wrong with the Autobots on this planet!? I'm convinced the lack of oxygen here affects their logic circuits.

BUMBLEBEE
(defensive)
Hey! What did I do?!

SARI
Not you! The big, stupid Elite Guard bots. How could they let the Decepticons escape?!!!

BUMBLEBEE
Oh yeah, them. Well, I think we can safely narrow it down to one big stupid bot.

Sentinel uninvitingly bursts onto everyone’s comm. links.

SENTINEL
Optimus! Report your status at once!

The Autobots skid to a stop and transform in front of a relatively small hangar, accept for Ratchet who pulls up to Bulkhead and Jazz, popping open his canopy door. Carefully the pallbearers slide their fallen comrade out of the ambulance and lift the casket to chest level. Ratchet transforms and joins Bumblebee and Sari as they follow the procession into the hangar. Optimus stands firmly at the door, letting his team enter before he does.

Inside the Hangar

SENTINEL
I repeat! Explain what you and your team are doing at the Space Terminal!

OPTIMUS PRIME
(to Sentinel)
Exactly what we need to do.

SENTINEL
NO. What you need to do is get your chassis back here help prepare for a Decepticon invasion.

There's a shuttlecraft inside, only a fraction the size of Omega Supreme's ship mode. Wheeljack removes a fuel pipe from the craft's side and closes the panel where the pump was attached. The passenger compartment hatch is open.

JAZZ
(into comm. link)
With all due respect, sir. We greatly outnumber the Cons right now and it'll be a while before they can get their groove on for a battle.

SENTINEL
Jazz, if I wanted your opinion I'd...

RATCHET
(shouts into comm. link, interrupting)
Be wise to listen to it 'cause it's spot on, as usual!

Ratchet boards the shuttle, followed by Bulkhead and Jazz with their precious cargo.

WHEELJACK
You guys are good to go.

Optimus places his hand on Wheeljack's shoulder.

OPTIMUS PRIME
I can't thank you enough, ol' friend.

WHEEJACK
Ehhh, don't mention it. Security’s got more important things to worry about than a slight discrepancy with shuttle access permissions.

The Autobots start boarding the shuttle.

SENTINEL
I will not tolerate insubordination! Heroes or not, you bots are still under my authority and will follow my orders! Optimus! They're your team and each defiant action will reflect back onto your leadersh...

Optimus closes Sentinels communication frequency.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(annoyed)
Enough of that.

The Autobot leader is the last one to board the shuttle. As he enters, he does a head count, walking down the single aisle that separates rows of paired seats, similar in layout to small Earth passenger plane. A line of seats near the back has been folded down in order to accommodate the casket, which Jazz is securing in place with safety straps. Bumblebee and Sari are sitting together with Bulkhead directly behind, easily filling two seats and part of the aisle. The shuttle's helm is in the same room as the passenger area. Ratchet is in the pilot's seat already twisting knobs and flipping switches.

SARI
(impatient)
Can you turn the oxygen on already!? I'm tired of wearing this mask.

RATCHET
Calm yourself kid, I'm workin' on it.

BUMBLEBEE
Why does a Cybertronian shuttle have the ability to mimic Earth's atmosphere?

BULKHEAD
(in a matter-of-fact tone)
This is an intergalactic transport shuttle, little buddy, built with a state of the art atmospheric simulator. They use these to taxi around visitors from other planets.

Bumblebee gawks confusingly at Bulkhead.

BUMBLEBEE
How do you know this stuff?

The main hatch closes as the shuttle's engines hum to life. The roof of the hangar retracts and the little shuttle lifts off the ground into a wobbly hover.

The crew is slightly jostled from side to side. Optimus, who's the only one not seated, braces himself and nearly loses his footing.

RATCHET
Better take your seat, Boss. I don't promise this'll be a smooth ride. (under his breath) Never could get the hang of these new-fangled vehicles.

Optimus staggers toward Ratchet and takes a seat next to him at the helm.

The shuttles rises up through the open roof of the hangar, turns ninety degrees and tilts forty-five, then blasts off into the black starry sky.

ONBOARD THE SHUTTLECRAFT

Optimus sits quietly, ignoring the mass expanse of space which he has a front row seat for.

RATCHET
Now's not the time to question our actions, Optimus.

OPTIMUS PRIME
The Decepticons weren't in the picture before we planned this, though. You know as well as I do they'll want to collect the remaining All Spark fragments on Earth.

RATCHET
(slightly agitated)
Then we'll deal with them after we've properly laid our friend to rest.

Optimus looks over his shoulder to the back of the shuttle where Jazz sits vigil next to the casket. The Autobot leader’s spark sinks heavily inside his chest as he turns to face forward again.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Prowl respected that planet more than any of us, but is it really suitable to bury him there?

RATCHET
(even more agitated)
He died to protect that planet, Sir. I suggest you stop second guessing yourself for sake of everyone's processor stability.

Optimus looks up, taking the vast starry spectacle into his optics.

OPTIMUS PRIME
You're right, Ratchet...(sighs) You're right.

DINOBOT ISLAND - LABORATORY

Grimlock, in robot mode, enters the lab, carrying an unconscious middle-aged man dressed in a long white lab coat. Blackarachnia is fixed on images of human brain anatomy on the computer screen, but quickly shifts her attention to Grimlock. She leaves the computer, passing by the operating table where a colorless seeker's body lay, spark chamber open and glinting with a slight flicker.

GRIMLOCK
Here is squishy you ask Grimlock to bring you.

BLACKARACHNIA
Excellent!

She takes the man from Grimlock's grasp, showing no signs of gratitude toward her pet and briskly walks back to the operating table.

BLACKARACHNIA
Finally, all the components are in my possession.

Grimlock is slightly put off by her lack of interest in his achievements and transforms into robot mode in hopes that will draw more attention from the femme.

GRIMLOCK
Explain once more to Grimlock, why you want to bring evil Decepticon back to life?

She lays the human on the edge of the table, next the mech body's leg.

BLACKARACHNIA
Because, my dear, deep within this evil Con's incredibly resilient spark, there's a brilliant scientist imprisoned for far too long by delusions of grandeur. (running her claws across the human’s forehead) I intend to use one scientific mind to liberate the other.

GRIMLOCK
(confused)
How you gonna use human mind without hurting human?

Her two stingers violently impale the human's chest, his body immediately convulsing, but he remains unconscious.

BLACKARACHNIA
Who said I wasn't going to harm him?

Grimlock is shocked and backs away in horror. She pulls her stingers from the now limp and lifeless body.

GRIMLOCK
But, harming humans baaaad!

BLACKARACHNIA
Who told you that...Optimus Prime? (she reaches for a large scalpel from a tray next to the table) He's the last bot you should take lessons of morality from.

GRIMLCOK
No, you wrong! Optimus bossy but he not bad.

Blackarachnia snaps her focus to Grimlock, stiffly pointing the scalpel at him.

BLACKARACHINA
Then why don't go follow him around and leave me to my work, you overgrown iguana!

She unmercifully returns her attention to the corpse. Grimlock stands silently for a moment, stricken with confusion and disappointment, then turns and walks toward the exit.

GRIMLOCK
(quietly to himself, heartbroken)
Perhaps Grimlock do as Spiderlady say, one last time.


CYBERTRON - ELITE GUARD HEADQUARTERS

Chromia slides out from behind a door marked "Space Bridge Control Room". She looks left down the hallway then nearly jumps out of her chassis when Sentinel, who's on her right side, taps on her shoulder.

SENTINEL
Chromia, what are you doing here? You should be debriefing with the council.

CHROMIA
(processor racing)
I, uh..well I was...

SENTINEL
C'mon, spit it out.

CHROMIA
I...took pity on Optimus Prime and his team and agreed to deliver some supplies down to earth. I know we should be on high alert of any Decepticon activity, but...

She ceases her surprisingly convincing story once Sentinel relaxes intimidating stance. The gullible fool brings his hand up to her shoulder, lightly resting it there.

SENTINEL
(sighs with disappointment)
Look, I'm affected by their loss too, but am I the only level head around here who's trying operate by the book?

His hand gently shifts to her face and he lifts her chin with his fore finger.

SENTINEL
I would hope you, of all bots, would be getting my back right now.

She wants to cringe but forces a sympathetic smile.

CHROMIA
(pandering)
I do...my commander. But even you can't be expected to maintain absolute control over everything that happens during such tumultuous times.

SENTINEL
(offended)
Of course I can, I am acting Magnus!

She coercively grabs his hand with both of hers and begins leading him down the hallway.

CHROMIA
And a fine one at that, but even a Magnus needs to sit back once in a while and put a little faith in his subordinates.

SENTINEL
I did! I trusted Ironhide and Cliffjumper to a task which was obviously too much for them to handle.

He simmers down a notch as his confidence is boosted by the femme’s reliable adoration. She slider her right arm under his left, linking them as they walk side by side.

SENTINEL
Is Brawn awake yet? Has he shed anymore light as to what went wrong?

CHROMIA
Unfortunately, no. Thank Primus he's still online, though.

SENTINEL
Thank Primus, YOU'RE online! That's the last time I let you play soldier.

She smiles and gazes up at him, a twinkle glinting from her optics.

CHROMIA
Why don't you rot in the inferno already.
I promise, it won't happen again, sir.

He satisfyingly smiles back down at her, pleased that his companion is willing to acknowledge the traditional roll of a femme.

SENTINEL
So, what supplies did you send to Optimus and his team?

CHROMIA
Ohhh, just a stack of energon and other odds and ends.


EARTH - LAKE EERIE SHORE - NIGHT

Four large silhouettes and a stack of cubes materialize onto a secluded beach of Lake Eerie. They are surrounded by tall trees and dense shrubbery. From across the lake, city lights twinkle but their glow is soon overwhelmed by the pink radiation of energon.

MEGATRON
Blitzwing, Lugnut...pack up these cubes.

LUGNUT
(eagerly)
Yes, my Lord.

Lugnut obligingly transforms and opens the hatch to his cargo hold.

ICY BLITZWING
(not so eager)
Vis all due respect, my Lord, vhy must ve continue our operations on zis primitive planet? Zer are ozer sources of energy in zee universe.

LUGNUT
(annoyed)
Stop questioning our leader and load the cubes!

Blitzwing's face swishes to Hothead as he picks up a cube and chucks it through the opening in Lugnut.

MEGATRON
(dismissive of their actions)
This primitive planet is still harboring pieces to the All Spark. Those ninja bots were only able to harness the shards within the city, but several lay in the outskirts, possibly within this very forest.

SHOCKWAVE
(looking across the lake)
I assume that's Detroit.

MEGATRON
Correct. The Autobots will undoubtedly base there again.

SHOCKWAVE
Where do you suggest we station ourselves?

Megatron squats down next to the stack of energon and picks a device up from the ground.

MEGATRON
Ideally, among allies.

He switches the device on, small lights beaming to life which illuminate the sharp features on the Decepticon leader's face. He rises from the undignified squatted position and adjusts some settings on the devices’ interface.

SHOCKWAVE
Splendid, she didn't forget to include the energy signature tracker, not that I doubted her...she's quite the remarkable femme.

MEGATRON
Deceiving the Autobots isn't what I consider a glorious achievement, but I am impressed by her perseverance. Only time will measure the extent of her loyalty.

A small dot flashes on the tracker's screen.

MEGATRON
(focused on tracker)
Ahh, there you are.

DINOBOT ISLAND - LABORATORY

Blackarachnia hovers over the seeker's body, delicately grasping the All Spark fragment in one hand and a human brain in the other. She slowly lowers the fragment into Starscream's spark chamber, his faint spark growing brighter as the fragment gets closer. Suddendly, a electric jolt bursts from his spark and wraps around her hand as if it were reaching for the fragment. She releases her grip on the powerful trinket, dropping it into the open chest cavity of her patient. The electricity begins surging throughout the dormant Decepticon’s body and his colors slowly fade in through the hues of gray.

BLACKARACHNIA
(in a state of awe)
I guess it's now or never!

She gently places the brain into the blinding glow, then steps back to marvel her creation. The fleshy tissues slowly disintegrate as blue jolts continue to race throughout the seeker's body, heavily concentrating on his head. The familiar metallic red features of Megatron's deceitful are now vibrant. Starscream pops his optics wide open then cuts loose a shrill screech of agony. Blackarachnia's eye's widen and she back ups even more, practically tripping over the instrument tray.

BLACKARACHNIA
(worried)
I hope I don't regret this.

He fiercely grips the edges of the table, growling through gritted teeth. The electricity has shifted its full concentration to his head. He painstakingly sits ups, drawing his hands to glowing chaos surrounding his face.

STARSCREAM
(shrieking)
What is happening to my processor circuitry!!??

He shifts his legs off the table turning his back to the techno-organic, still unaware of her presence. He then falls in a heap on the floor, hidden from Blackarachnia's view by the table. She inches forward, straining to see more than just a blue glow, but afraid to get any closer.

The electric jolts start retreating until they are merely sputtering flashes in the seeker's spark chamber. Blackarachnia cautiously inches forward. A black arm slams down on the table, shortly followed by the other and the weakened but fully conscious winged Decepticon pulls himself to his feet. He slams his spark chamber shut and locks his glowing red optics onto the techno-organic.

STARSCREAM
(voice crescendo's from whisper to scream)
Blackarachnia, will you please explain what, in the name of everything holy worth giving a spark for, IS GOING ON!?

Her fear morphs to joy.

BLACKARACHNIA
You...you know my name. But I need to make sure you have more than just your memory. Quickly, what discovery was made by the German scientist, Friedrich Wohler?

STARSCREAM
(without a second thought)
In 1828 he synthesized urea by reacting together ammonium chloride and silver cyanate, therefore unveiling the first conclusive evidence that organic compounds could be produced outside of living systems, but what has that got to do with...(he pauses, confused)...Why do I know Earth‘s history of organic chemistry? (he brings his hands to his cockpit). Why does my spark chamber feel...impure?!!

Blackarachnia springs over to him, grabbing his hands and bouncing up and down like a hyper child.

BLACKARACHNIA
It worked! IT actually worked, I can't believe it!!

Starscream stares at her with absolute confusion, then yanks his hands from hers, raising his fists above his head, priming his temper its grand entrance.

STARSCREAM
FOR THE LAST TIME, TELL ME WHAT'S GOING...

His tantrum is interrupted by a deep voice coming from the femme's comm. link.

MEGATRON
Blackarachnia, are you there?

Starscream freezes a moment, then relaxes.

STARSCREAM
(quietly)
Megatron!? (a grin spreads across his face)

Blackarachnia’s excited state is replaced with puzzlement.

BLACKARACHNIA
Megatron, is that you? But I thought you were...

MEGATRON
I WAS...but now I'm back on Earth and in need of sanctuary. (Starscream leans in curiously) Rumor has it your current residence is more than accommodating for a fractured Decepticon army, in need of rest and reformation.

STARSCREAM
(whispering)
Interesting...

She quickly slaps her hand over the mouth of the strangely calm traitor.

BLACKARACHNIA
(questioning)
Ummm....who told you...

MEGATRON
(agitated)
I have my sources, now are you willing to redeem your vigilante activities or shall I apprehend your facilities by force?

BLACKARACHNIA
(filling with paranoia)
What is your location?

DINOBOT ISLAND

Megatron and his followers hover above a dense jungle. He's still holding the tracking device, which flashes it's green light excitedly like a bloodhound barking at a foxhole.

MEGATRON
(into comm. link)
Hmmm, I assume your hidden underneath all this accursed organic material.

INSIDE LABORATORY

Blackarachnia freaks out.

BLACKARACHNIA
Oh maternal unit of Primus, he's on the island!

STARSCREAM
(rubbing his hands together)
This should be fun.

She darts behind Starscream and attempts to shove him toward the main entry hallway.

BLACKARACHNIA
You need to disappear!

STARSCREAM
(barely budging)
If he's already in the area, then it's very likely he's found your little hideout and will be making his grand entrance any moment now, most predictably emerging from that hallway directly in front of us.

BLACKARACHNIA
Blast, you're right! Quickly then, find someplace to hide.

She frantically dashes to the computer and starts closing windows containing diagrams of seeker blueprints. Starscream casually wanders across the lab to a tightly-sealed double doorway. He reaches for the "open" button, but stops when a two sets of green fingers pry through the seam where the doors meet in the middle. The fingers separate the doors with ease and Lugnut appears behind them. His large circular optic widens at the figure before him and he wastes no time snatching Starscream by the neck and slamming him into the wall in a chokehold.

LUGNUT
Traitor! You shall pay for your defiance!

Blackarachnia pops her head out from behind the massive monitor, gaping at the emergence of Megatron, Blitzwing and Shockwave through the back doors of her lab. Blitzwing and Shockwave are both carrying arm loads of energon cubes. As Megatron enters he calmly glares at Lugnut's captive, sickened by the all-too-familiar grin.

STARSCREAM
(classic smirk)
Surprised, oh mighty Megatron?

MEGATRON
(wearily)
It takes far more than your predictably invasive and annoyingly eternal presence to surprise me anymore.

Blackarachnia fires a web stream to the ceiling and swings toward the drama, landing between Megatron and Lugnut.

BLACKARACHNIA
(to Megatron, desperately)
Please, you must hear me out before you do anything rash. I can explain everything.

MEGATRON
(empowered by her submissive state)
I have no intention of wasting my reserves on that sniveling snake right now. You can drivel your pathetic excuses at me once we've all fully recharged with a proper helping of energon.

Megatron proceeds into the lab as if it were rightfully his.

MEGATRON
In the meantime, enlighten me to the origins of this place and how you obtained it.

ABANDONED FACTORY - AUTOBOT EARTH BASE - MAIN ROOM

Sari is trying to wrestle the gaming controller out of Bumblebee's hands. "Game Over" flashes across their big screen TV.

SARI
Let go, Bumblebee, it's my turn!

BUMBLEBEE
Stop it already, you made me lose.

SARI
You did that on your own.

BUMBLEBEE
Shouldn't you be contacting your dad or something?

Ratchet hollers from across the room.

RATCHET
Knock it off you too! Yer makin' my processor ache.

Sari loses her grip and falls back into the seat made of tires. Ratchet slowly wanders over to them, fed up with the young bots' addiction.

SARI
I already talked to Dad and he said we can move into the tower whenever we're ready. Now gimme that controller!

Ratchet steps in front of the TV screen, hands planted on his hips.

BUMBLEBEE
Ah c'mon, Ratchet!

RATCHET
Both of you need to remove yourselves from the spell of this idiot box! Bumblebee, why don't you take Sari to visit her dad.

Sari springs from the tire stack and tugs Bumblebee's arm.

SARI
Oooo yeah, we can get milkshakes too.

Bumblebee scoots to the side, straining to see the screen behind the annoying medibot. Ratchet bends over, lining his face up with the defiant juvenile.

RATCHET
THAT WASN'T A REQUEST!

Bumblebee falls into a backward somersault, quickly transforms, and fires up his engines.

BUMBLEBEE
Alright! Alright!

He zips backward into the tire seat, sending tires bouncing in every direction, then pulls forward, popping open the driver's seat door.

BUMBLEBEE
Oops, I'll clean that up later.

RATCHET
(building up steam)
How many times do I gotta tell ya...

Sari hops in the compact yellow bug and they speed off.

RATCHET
(deflates)
...not to transform indoors.

PROWL’S ROOM

Optimus and Jazz stand next to Prowl's casket which is bathed by moonbeams breaking through the room's broken roof. Jazz reverently places his hand on the unbounded tree,

JAZZ
Nature jives all around this city, we just gotta pick a place where he'll be safe from human discovery.

OPTIMUS PRIME
I've already obtained permission from the humans to use the preserved land on Belle Isle.

JAZZ
Solid…You figure out your speech thang for tomorrow?

OPTIMUS PRIME
The eulogy, as Sari called it, and um...no, not entirely. I mean, I have a general idea...What about you?

JAZZ
(solemnly)
I’ve got some words.

Grimlock's voice interrupts from the Autobot leader's comm. link.

GRIMLOCK
Grimlock calling Optimus Prime.

Optimus looks at Jazz with confusion. Jazz shrugs.

GRIMLOCK
Are you there, Optimus Pr...

OPTIMUS PRIME
(into comm)
Yes, Grimlock, I copy.

GRIMLOCK
Me Grimlock no like being bearer of bad news, and Grimlock know he and truck bot not exactly best of friends, but Grimlock feel this news should be told to truck bot, even though it is bad news...

OPTIMUS PRIME
(squeezing his brow)
Okay, just spit it out already.

GRIMLOCK
Impatient Autobot will stop interrupting Grimlock if he want to hear about Blackarachnia.

Optimus pops his eyes open with concern.

OPTIMUS
Blackara...is she okay?

GRIMLOCK
No, she not okay. Blackarachnia, BAAAAD!

DINOBOT ISLAND - LABORATORY TURNED DECEPTICON BASE

Megatron stands on the platform, which houses the mega-computer, and addresses his five followers with confident authority. They're all standing attuned to their leader, except Starscream who's toying with the disassembled pieces of the energy tracker strewn across the operating table.

MEGATRON
Our objective is simple. Collect the All Spark fragments and avoid interaction with the Autobots, as much as possible. Starscream claims that tracker can be upgraded to seek out All Spark energy which means our time on this organic wasteland should be much shorter than the last visit.

SHOCKWAVE
Permission to speak, my liege.

MEGATRON
Granted.

SHOCKWAVE
We must assume the Autobots have already anticipated our return.

MEGATRON
Hmmm...yes, but are they able to locate us?

BLACKARACHNIA
Maybe not right away, but Optimus Prime knows about this place and it's only a matter of time before they come sniffing around here again.

ICY BLITZWING
Zee solution is simple, vee need a vay to distract zem.

MEGATRON
(almost afraid to ask)
What do you suggest we distract them with?

Hothead aggressively engulfs Icy.

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
VIS MY FISTS!

LUGNUT
(snapping at Blitzwing)
Megatron just said NOT to engage the Autobots!

Random replaces Hothead.

RANDOM BLITZWING
Vhy would I engage zem? I don't even like zem! AHH-HAHAHAHAH!

Before Megatron can respond with chastisement, Starscream's voice arises through the madness.

STARSCREAM
(not bothering to look up from his project)
I have a suggestion.

Blackarachnia cringes with paranoia as Megatron shifts his attention to the pompous seeker.

STARSCREAM
You're little spy bot on Cybertron said the Autobots were bringing their fallen comrade here, correct?

MEGATRON
You heard the transmission as clear as I did, GET TO THE POINT!

STARSCREAM
Well, why don't we put a little spring back into the ninja-bot's step, courtesy of the same vulgar procedure performed on yours truly. (raises his glance, wraps his claws around his chin and leans into his arm) If we merge him with, let's say, a rather unstable human personality, that would make quite a disturbance in the Autobot operations.

MEGATRON
(simmering down)
Hmmm...intriguing concept.

Shockwave runs a brief search on the internet then brings up a Detroit News Broadcast on the screen.

NEWSCAST
...the convict, also know as the Motor City Murderer, is being transported from the Federal Correctional Institute in Milan, Michigan to Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago.

Shockwave mutes the broadcast and looks over at Megatron, who returns the glance with a wicked smile.

SHOCKEAVE
(to Starscream)
Is that personality unstable enough?

STARSCREAM
Yes, quite. (to Blackarachnia) Wouldn't you agree?

Blackarachnia becomes very uneasy with the situation.

BLACKARACHNIA
You all need to be aware that my experiment only worked because Starscream's spark wasn't completely extinguished. If you merge that psychopath's brain with an Autobot who's been offline for days...

MEGATRON
(still smiling)
Then we potentially create a monster...the perfect distraction for our foes.

BLACKARACHNIA
(horrified)
But...but what if we can't control him? What if he's a threat to us as well?

LUGNUT
One puny Autobot is no threat to the mighty Megatron.

MEGATRON
(one optic brow raised)
He has a point.

BLACKARACHNIA
But what if Prowl's personality engulfs the human's?

MEGATRON
I'm trusting it won't, given the simple fact that I haven't been blasted in the back from a set of null ray cannons yet. (he glances suspiciously at his former second-in-command, briefly doubting the logic of his argument) Starscream, how long do I have to wait for that tracker to be functional?

The reborn scientist still doesn't bother to look up at Megatron, but is quick to respond.

STARSCREAM
Patience, oh great one...you must not rush genius.

BLACKARACHNIA
(now pleading with Megatron)
We can't do that to Prowl...it's...it's just not right. There's no honor in it.

Megatron loses his patience with the femme and abruptly raises his arm cannon, aiming directly at her head. Flinching, she staggers back a couple steps as all other optics in the room are locked onto the unfolding drama.

MEGATRON
(speaking to everyone)
A true Decepticon finds honor in following their leader. Tell me Blackarachnia, is the Decepticon cause your top priority or do you care only for regaining your original Autobot form? That symbol you bear isn't a mere fashion statement, and it can easily be removed with one blast.

BLACKARACHNIA
(relenting)
Megatron please...the only reason I want my true form back is so I can serve the Decepticon cause with all my spark. This organic burden inhibits my potential as a powerful soldier in your ranks.

Megatron lowers his weapon and turns away with waning interest.

MEGATRON
Spare me your mindless praises...I hear it enough from Lugnut.

Lugnut straightens his posture, unsure if his leader's reference was flattery or mockery. Blackarachnia shamefully regains her composure and catches a smirk from Starscream, who resumes his attention back on the energy tracker, which is now fully assembled. He switches it on and makes a few adjustments.

STARSCREAM
(boldly shattering the tense silence)
Anyone game for the human sport of golf?

Megatron is sapped of patience at this point and snaps at Starscream.

MEGATRON
Unless you have something constructive to contribute, keep your mouth...

STARSCREAM
(dismissively interrupting)
There appears to be a strong reading of All Spark energy radiating from the Detroit Golf Club.

Shockwave immediately open a satellite map of Michigan on the large monitor.

SHOCKWAVE
Bring that device here so I can pull up a visual on the fragment's exact coordinates.

Starscream rises and proudly strides to the mega-computer, flashing a told-you-so expression at Megatron who can't suppress his curiosity at his antagonizer’s discovery. He hands Shockwave the device then leans back against the console, crossing his arms with a look of satisfaction. Megatron and the other Decepticons advance toward the computer, eyes locked on the screen.

SHOCKWAVE
Assuming Starscream's invention is working properly, we will find our fragment at the bottom of this small body of water...

STARSCREAM
It's called a pond.

SHOCKWAVE
(annoyed by being corrected)
...within the human's sporting grounds which lie approximately 8.5 miles north of Detroit's city center.

MEGATRON
Excellent work, Shockwave.

Starscream glowers at his leader’s misplacement of praise

MEGATRON
Lugnut! Blitzwing! Take the tracker and retrieve that shard.

LUGNUT
We do as we are commanded, oh mighty Megatron.

Lugnut and his partner head toward the exit.

MEGATRON
Blackarachnia and Starscream, I want you to bring me the Autobot Prowl WITHOUT engaging the Autobots. Can I depend on you for such a task or do I have to send Shockwave along to insure your obedience.

Shockwave cringes at his leader's threat, insulted by the mere idea of being a chaperone.

STARSCREAM
(just shy of sincere)
Oh, you can depend on us, Megatron.

The seeker strolls down from the platform and heads toward the exit.

STARSCREAM
We won't let you down. (shifting focus to the predacon) Let's go...partner!

Blackarachnia reluctantly follows her strangely eager creation. Megatron interrogative glare follows the two until they leave the room. The Decepticon commander sets aside his warranted doubt in order to focus on the next issue at hand.

MEGATRON
Once we've found a way to produce energon from the All Spark fragments, we will return to Cybertron and rebuild the forsaken city of Kaon into a grand staging ground of our uprising. The bitter, downtrodden population, discarded by the Autobots, will gratefully join my ranks, and together, we will conduct the finest Decepticon comeback in all of Cybertronian history.

SHOCKWAVE
It's a solid plan, my liege.

MEGATRON
Yeeees, but first things first...you and I must return to prison.

Shockwave sits puzzled for a moment, but quickly solves Megatron's riddle. He averts all attention back to the computer.

SHOCKWAVE
Of course, my Lord. I will locate the exact whereabouts of this "convict" at once.


ABOVE DETROIT - NIGHT

Starscream flies high above the tall buildings and twinkling lights, but not in his preferred jet mode. He's forced to carry Blackarachnia, neither of them pleased by the situation.

STARSCREAM
You know, I have an aero-dynamic alt-mode FOR A REASON.

BLACKARACHNIA
This was your idea! I am perfectly capable of transporting myself.

STARSCREAM
Your little web swinging acrobatics are slow and primitive. I just want to get this mindless mission over with.

BLACKARACHNIA
We wouldn't be on this mission if you'd kept your processes to yourself. I haven't seen you bend to Megatron's will so eagerly in...well, ever!

STARSCREAM
You can blame yourself for that. I can no longer justify a personal uprising against Megatron due to this organic's logical influence on my neural processes.

BLACKARACHNIA
So, what you're saying is...you've finally learned from your past mistAAAAAHHHHHH!

Starscream drops his passenger before she can finish her thought, screams of anger dissolving as she nearly disappears in the glare of city lights.

After a long and satisfying moment, the prankster transforms with lightning reflexes and speeds in her direction.

Blackarachnia frantically prepares for the ultimate web swinging stunt as the skyscrapers menacingly increase in size, but suddenly, a familiar blur of red and gray appears beside her.

Starscream transforms out of jet mode and valiantly catches the falling femme.

BLACKARACHNIA
(raging)
That wasn’t funny, you…!!

STARSCREAM
Shhhhh! We mustn’t alert the humans to our presence.

BLACKARACHNIA
What!!? The entire city can hear your slaggin' engines for miles!

STARSCREAM
Your opinions do not interest me. Now, where's this factory?

BLACKARACHNIA
(voice wavering, teeth gritting)
About two miles east, but we need a plan. If Prowl's body is even there, they'll most likely have it securely guarded.

STARSCREAM
Then you'll just have to lure them out of the building while I sneak in and find the body.

BLACKARACHNIA
(simmering down)
That shouldn't be too difficult. My last encounter with Optimus Prime wasn't completely hostile...in fact, we even helped each other out a bit. (she lets a dopey smile sneak across her cheeks).

STARSCREAM
(disgusted by her display)
Could you be anymore transparent?

BLACKARACHNIA
What are you talking about?

STARSCREAM
You should really learn to hide your treacherous intentions if you want Megatron to allow our little procedure to take place.

BLACKARACHNIA
You're one to talk!

STARSCREAN
My treacheries never involved flinging myself back into Optimus Prime's embrace once I became pretty enough for his standards. Megatron can forgive attempts to overthrow his command because that is the natural course of the Decepticon way, but he has zero tolerance for turncoats.

BLACKARACHNIA
How dare you assume...those aren't my intentions at all...my organic form is a burden, suppressing my true power.

STARSCREAN
I don't buy that story at all and I highly doubt our leader does either. If you want me to resurrect your true form then you'd better fabricate a reason that coincides with Megatron's energon-seeking agenda. Otherwise he'll keep me swamped with inventing gadgets and upgrading weapons and such.

Blackarachnia is left speechless by her creation's verbal slap in the face.

As the pair continue their steady course east, a dilapidated factory soon comes into view.

STARSCREAM
Is it typical for a tree to be growing out of the Autobot base?

BLACKARACHNIA
Yeah…that's the place.

Starscream cuts power to his turbines and glides silently down toward their destination. He zooms his optic sensors onto a object visible through the hole in the building's roof.

STARSCREAM
That can't be what I think it is.

He zooms in further and clearly makes out a black casket bearing a signature Cybertronian design. Next to it sits the Autobot leader, by himself, immersed in thought.

STARSCREAM
Oh, this is too easy. You ready to perform?

BLACKARACHNIA
I guess so.

STARSCREAM
Signal me when the coast is clear. After I grab the body, you need to make a quick exit, and I mean quick! No reminiscing over...

BLACKARACHNIA
(sternly interrupting)
Once I coerce him out of the room, I'll meet you by that billboard in five cycles.

Starscream drops his partner into the upper branches of Prowl's tree.

The rustling of leaves startles Optimus from his concentrative state. He springs up, instinctively equipping his axe.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Who's there!? Show yourself!

Blackarachnia slides down from the density of branches, snapping twigs and displacing leaves as she descends on a single silken rope, smile plastered across her face.

BLACKARACHNIA
At ease soldier.

OPTIMUS PRIMUS
(more disgusted than surprised)
What do YOU want? Haven't you done enough harm lately?

Blackarachnia is taken back by his hostile greeting, but maintains her cool as she touches down on the floor and retracts her web.

BLACKARACHNIA
Let me guess, Grimlock got to you.

The Autobot grows uncomfortable as the predacon brazenly sways up to him and breaches his comfort zone, but he forces himself to maintain the unwavering defensive stance.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Yeah, he told me all about your disregard for human life.

The femme slides her hand up and starts running her fingers along the axe's handle.

BLACKARACHNIA
It's sad really, the senseless lies that'll spew from the lips of the broken sparked. Poor Grimlock, I tried to break it to him gently...

OPTIMUS PRIME
(not budging)
Why are you here?

BLACKARACHNIA
(pauses for a moment of sincerity)
Prowl was a…unique bot…diamond in the rough, if you’ll pardon the cliché. I always admired his ability to rise above the relentless Autobot propaganda.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Which he did without replacing his Autobot sigil. You could learn a lot from him.

She fights back a spiteful response and curiously peers around the Autobot at the large black capsule behind him. Her sleek clawed fingers continue up the axe's handle until they reach the firm blue hand of the weapon's wielder.

BLACKARACHNIA
I would like to attend his memorial. Can't we just…(raising the corner of her mouth) bury the hatchet for one day and surround our dear comrade with an atmosphere of peace? (lightly tugs his hand) Let's take a walk...it's such a lovely nigh--

OPTIMUS PRIME
(still not budging)
You no longer have any concept of peace. I highly suggest that you leave this room, right now.

Blackarachnia’s spark drops in her chest. She scowls as the seductive semi-act fizzles away, saddened and irritated at what her former confidant's stubbornness is forcing her to do.

BLACKARACHNIA
Once again, Optimus, you assume the worst...

She bitterly turns her back to him and discretely raises her hand to the side of her helmet.

BLACKARACHNIA
(whispers into comm. link)
Plan B.

Sensing that the Autobot has slightly lowered his guard, she transforms in a snap and hurls a large circular web at him.

BLACKARACHNIA
...and once again, the WORST is what you'll receive!

STARSCREAM
(from her comm.)
We never made a Plan B!

BLACKARACHNIA
Just get in here and take the body, quickly!

OPTIMUS PRIME
(encumbered by the web)
WHAT!? NO!!

Optimus Prime's arms are pinned to his sides by the sticky silk, but he's still able to maneuver his axe and starts hacking away at the fibers.

Stingers cocked forward, Blackarachnia advances on her prey.
Optimus fires a swift kick at her, flipping the arachnid onto her back, her legs twitching and wriggling from the inconvenient position.

With one final stroke, Optimus frees himself from the webbing but is immediately slammed to the floor by Starscream's feet.

A single precise blast from the seeker's arm cannon springs open the casket's lid.

OPTIMUS PRIME
NOOO! Blackarachnia, you can't do this!

The predacon transforms and gracefully rises to her feet. She blasts a web into her assailant’s face, blinding and muting him in one shot.

BLACKARACHNIA
(wavering voice)
Sure I can. According to you, I have no concept of right from wrong anymore!

STARSCREAM
Quit your dramatics and get the body!

Blackarachnia reluctantly approaches the edge of the casket, spark shrinking in her chest as she peers down upon the surreal grey form.

Optimus Primes rages a series of mumbles from behind the webbed mask and struggles to free his arms from the pressure of Starscream's feet.

The seeker quickly averts his attention toward the door at the sound of stomping footsteps, growing louder.

STARSCREAM
Hurry it up before our advantage is lost!

The femme shudders as she slides her hands under the lifeless hero and gently lifts him into her arms.

Suddenly, a voice booms from behind the room's closed door.

BULKHEAD
Optimus! Is everything okay in there? (he casually opens the door) I thought I heard some... (he freezes, gaping at the nightmare before him) RATCHET, JAZZ, GET IN HERE NOW!

The hulking Autobot wastes no time in launching his signature weapon at Starscream, who anticipates the assault and barely evades the furious wrecking ball. He launches off Optimus Prime, inadvertently melting away his captive's blindfold with the blast from his jetted feet.

The nimble seeker snatches up both his partner and the ninja, igniting his thrusters to maximum power and zipping up and out through the gaping ceiling.

Jazz and Ratchet burst into the room. Bulkhead is retracting his weapon and Optimus Prime has already rolled over on his back, forearm aiming at the kidnappers. He launches his grappling hook but its speed is no match to Starscream‘s.

Jazz gracefully bounds up the tree, nunchucks readied, but all he can do watch as two burning turbines vanish into the night.

JAZZ
(suppressing panic)
Please tell me we have an energy tracker!

Ratchet gapes in heart-broken disbelief but somehow manages to keep an air of control.

RATCHET
The shuttle has an Autobot energy signature tracker, but it's useless for hunting Decepticons.

Bulkhead, still trembling with rage, helps his soot-blackened leader to his feet.

BULKHEAD
What could Megatron possibly want with Prowl?

OPTIMUS PRIME
(wiping soot from his face)
Was that Starscream or one of his clones?

BULKHEAD
That was the real deal.

RATCHET
Which tells us Megatron isn't the mastermind behind this. Starscream and Blackarachnia aren't exactly his typical errand-bots.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Yes, but since when do those two work as a team?

Jazz drops down from the tree.

JAZZ
(fighting to keep his vocals smooth)
Megatron’s lust for revenge is no doubt infecting all the Decepticons and they intend to hit us where it hurts the most.

BULKHEAD
(on the verge of breaking)
But...how does Prowl fit into that?

Jazz turns in disgust, stowing his weapons and retreating to the corner of the room. He slides into the Lotus position with an uncharacteristic wobble.

Optimus Prime rests a reassuring hand on Bulkhead’s arm, but can’t suppress his own trembling chassis.

OPTIMUS PRIME
I don't know, Bulkhead...but I know someone who may offer us a spark of insight. (activating comm.) Grimlock, come in!

Ratchet and Bulkhead look upon their leader with pondering optics.

There’s a tense moment of static.

GRIMLOCK
(from Optimus' comm.)
This is the mighty Grimlock speaking. Is that you, Optimus Prime?

OPTIMUS PRIME
Yes, it's me. Grimlock, I need you to explain in detail what scientific experiment Blackarachnia was working on.

GRIMLOCK
(saddened)
Ohhh, why Autobot have to remind Grimlock of sad experience. Me Grimlock no want to talk about that anymore.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Grimlock please, it's very, very important. Just, please, tell me everything you remember.

GRIMLOCK
(after a reluctant pause)
Okay, if it important than Grimlock will tell story.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(addressing the others)
Better get comfortable, this could take a while.

DETROIT GOLF CLUB - WEE HOURS OF THE MORNING

A shrill voice rips through the peaceful harmony of frogs and crickets.

RANDOM BLITZWING
Foooouuuuuurrrrr!

The deranged Deception has an uprooted tree raised above his head. With a powerfully graceful stroke, he slams the gnarled roots of it into a rock the size of a basketball. Lugnut stands knee deep in a small pond, one massive arm submerged, the other holding the tracking device which beeps frantically. He's minutely distracted but more annoyed by yet another splash from a basketball-sized projectile.

LUGNUT
Once again, Blitzwing, you make your worth vividly apparent.

The hulking mech pulls up a dripping claw, which opens up to reveal several muddy golf balls. He grumbles as he tosses the useless findings over his shoulder and plunges his claw back into the abyss. He fumbles around for a few moments then stops, optic widening with excitement.

LUGNUT
I think I got it!

A blue glow grows brighter from the pond's depths as Lugnut displaces gallons of water with the quick resurfacing of his massive arm.

LUGNUT
(ecstatic)
Yes, here it is! We must return...

A large rock strikes Lugnut in the head.

LUGNUT
OUCH!

RANDOM BLITZWING
(arms raised triumphantly)
FINALLY, A HOLE IN ONE! Or should I say a hole in your head. OOHH-HAHAHAHAH!

Lugnut is about to unleash a fit of rage, but he's distracted by new activity blinking and beeping from the tracker. He carefully studies the device, letting his jaw drop with surprise.

The absence of his partner's angry retort is reason enough for Blitzwing to call upon his Icy presence.

ICY BLITZWING
(approaching with curiosity)
Vhat is it?

LUGNUT
The tracker is reporting a second source of All Spark energy nearby.

ICY BLITZWING
Zen let us retrieve zat one as vell.

Lugnut stows the newly found shard in his storage compartment and merges all attention onto the tracker.

LUGNUT
Yes, YES. Guide us! Megatron will be so pleased. (he powers up his turbines) Come, Blitzwing. The tracker is pointing us southwest.

Lugnut blasts off, all attention glued to the tracker. Blitzwing follows, pleased that the mission has taken a turn for the entertaining, allowing his hyperactive alter-ego to remain sequestered.

ICY BLITZWING
It vill be nice for a change to actually exceed Megatron's expectations. I know he hasn't been very pleased with our previous escapades on zis planet.

LUGNUT
Speak for yourself! My failures of the past are no fault of my own and are partially due to your erratic behavior.

ICY BLITZWING
Don't blame me...blame zis dreadful planet and the curse it's afflicted on us. I vill be so happy once our experiences here are noszing more zan a distant memory.

LUGNUT
For once, we can actually agree on something.

DOWNTOWN DETROIT

Optimus Prime, Jazz, Ratchet and Bulkhead speed down the expressway, sirens blaring. Captain Carmine Fanzone's voice barks through all the Autobots' dashboard comms.

FANZONE
This darn well better be an emergency if yer wakin' me up at four in the morning!

OPTIMUS PRIME
More than you can imagine, Captain.

BULKHEAD
The Decepticon's took Prowl to Dinobot Island and their gonna do some freaky science stuff on him.

FANZONE
What? Prowl? But he's...

OPTIMUS PRIME
(interrupting)
We need access to a police boat.

FANZONE
(still shocked)
Um...sure thing.

OPTIMUS
How soon can you get us on the water?

FANZONE
Uh...gimme an hour at the most.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Thank you, Carmine. We'll meet you at the harbor. (switching frequencies) Bumblebee, do you copy?...(silence)...Bumblebee, come in!...(silence)...Ugh, his stasis mode is unbreakable sometimes!

SUMDAC TOWER

Sari and Bumblebee are passed out in front of the big screen TV in Sari's room. Bumblebee is seated in an oversized beanbag chair, still gripping a gaming controller. Sari is face down at the foot of her bed. Their duet of snoring is rudely overwhelmed by a loud, gravely voice booming from Bumblebee's comm. link.

RATCHET
(scolding)
Bumblebee, get your processor outta dreamland and answer your comm!

Bumblebee and Sari burst to life, instilled with a fear that only a Decepticon attack could provoke.

BUMBLEBEE
Yow!! 'Oly Primus, where‘s the fire? I'm up!

SARI
(groggily sitting up)
Jeez Ratchet, what's the big deal?

OPTIMUS PRIME
The Decepticons have...well, done something…bad.

BUMBLEBEE
How is this breaking news?

OPTIMUS PRIME
Just, meet us at the harbor, I’ll explain everything there.

Bumblebee and Sari look at each other with worry, both of them sensing the uneasiness in their leader’s voice.

SARI
C’mon Optimus, what’s the story? They find another piece to the All Spark or something?

The Autobot leader can’t seem to muster the courage to break the news. He himself could barely swallow the pattern of incessant tragedies they were facing, but withholding such information from his young friends wasn’t going to make it any better.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(solemnly)
The Decepticons have outdone themselves this time, sinking to a depth that even a Quintesson might shudder at…and I was unable to stop them.

BUMBLEBEE
(anxiously intervening)
Prime, for the love of the Matrix, just tell us what happened.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(dripping with shame)
They took Prowl’s body.

Optimus' news paralyzes the young bots into a state of disbelief.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Just get to the harbor, I'll fill you in on the details later. Prime out.

Sari's checks out, sinking deep into a dark corner of her mind.

SARI
(barely audible)
Bumblebee, how could this happen?

The girl‘s voice prevents Bumblebee from losing himself to a rush of emotions he didn‘t know existed. He can see a crippling despair in the glowing blue optics of his friend, but can’t remember ever witnessing her in such an extreme state of helplessness. This overwhelms his spark with a dark feeling, one that he’s not used to experiencing but immediately acknowledges as vengeance. Still holding the game controller, he wraps his fingers around it, completely engulfing it in his grasp until its casing cracks from the sheer pressure.

BUMBLEBEE
(under his breath)
Now they’ve gone too far.

His cooling systems instinctually kick in, jolting the small bot from his uncharacteristically enraged state.

He looks down at his hand and releases his grip on the controller, letting its pieces slide out down to the floor. He shamefully raises the destructive hand up, knowing too well there are better uses for it at the moment, and reaches out through the thicket of despair to his friend in need.

BUMBLEBEE
Come on, Sari. We gotta go.

Her eyes are still glazed over but she instinctively grabs his hand.

SARI
This is a nightmare...it's gotta be.

BUMBLEBEE
It is a nightmare, but it's also our reality and the boss bot needs us. Both of us.

SARI
(coming to)
Both of us?

BUMBLEBEE
(optimistic)
Well ya, both of us. I need you too...I need you strong and sharp, like a ninja's blade.

Sari lets single tear escape down her cheek as she rises from the bed.

SARI
I can do strong…and sharp.

BUMBLEBEE
(guiding her toward the door)
Of course you can!

SARI
(vengefully)
I can serve up a fat plate of justice to anyone who dares defile the afterlife of our friend.

BUMBLEBEE
Now you're surfing my wavelength!

Sari tightens her grip on Bumblebee's hand and dashes for the door, dragging him along behind her.

SARI
Those cowardly ‘cons just opened a seriously pissed off can of worms!

DINOBOT ISLAND - DECEPTICON BASE - NEAR DAWN

Prowl’s hollow shell is laid out on the operating table, spark chamber open. A human brain, encased in a jar full of liquid sits on the instrument tray next to the table.

Starscream picks up each tool from the tray, one at a time, closely inspecting their quality.

Blackarachnia leans bitterly against the mega-computer next to Shockwave, who’s diligently tapping away at the keys.

Megatron is standing tall on the other side of Shockwave, pressing the spiderbot with a disapproving glare.

MEGATRON
Exactly what part of "do not engage the Autobots" was unclear to you?

BLACKARACHNIA
(firmly defensive)
It was unavoidable, Megatron. Trust me.

Megatron grits his teeth at the suggestion of trust, but he's distracted by the emergence of his own visage on the monitor, illuminated with flashing red and blue lights, accompanied by Shockwave who carries a man in an orange jumpsuit.

STARSCREAM
(peering up at the monitor)
Apparently, engaging the human law enforcement and their television cameras is acceptable protocol.

MEGATRON
(glancing down at Starscream)
I don't need to justify our actions to the likes of you. (shifts his optics to the contents in the jar and growls) I'm grow tired of waiting…Shockwave! Track the whereabouts of those two unreliable glitches.

SHOCKWAVE
I cannot, my liege, they have our only tracking device.

The Decepticon leader slams his fists on the console.

MEGATRON
Blast it!…(sharply points to the science bot) Starscream! You're next project is to build me another tracker.

STARSCREAM
(still lacking complete sincerity)
Whatever you say, Megatron.

MEGATRON
(into comm. link)
Lugnut! Report at once!

There's a long tense moment before Lugnut's voices booms through the main computer's comm. link.

LUGNUT
Forgive us, oh great leader, but our operation has been delayed by a series of malfunctions with the tracking device.

Megatron impales Starscream with a hateful glance.

LUGNUT
But rest assured, we will return to you soon with the shard and without anymore set backs. Lugnut out.

STARSCREAM
(offended by Lugnut's accusations)
Lies! My tracker is infallible. He's hiding something Megatron, I can hear it in his voice.

MEGATRON
Given both of your track records, I'm more inclined to believe him!

STARSCREAM
(snaps back with irritation)
That's because, as usual, your judgment is flawed…but suit yourself. Take his word over mine...

Each of Starscream's words threaten the stability of Megatron's increasingly volatile tolerance level. Shockwave and Blacharachnia wince at the familiar sounds of their leader's signature weapon charging up.

STARSCREAM
(continued)
...soon you'll find yourself sliding back into your classic pattern of one foolishly arrogant misjudgment after the other. Face it, Megatron, you…

Megatron raises his arm canon in a split second and fires a blast at the overly verbose science bot's head. The surge of firepower singes the side of his helm and the top edge of his wing, then continues it's path behind the seeker, blasting a gaping a hole in the lab wall.

Megatron storms down from the platform, snatches Starscream by the neck, drags the ingrate behind him and continues to fire massive explosions into the wall.

STARSCREAM
(genuinely frightened for his life)
Have you completely fried your sanity circuits?

Impervious to the cloud of dust and falling rocks, Megatron drags his captive into the opening. He aims his arm canon upward and resumes blasting a passage through the seemingly impenetrable earth and tangle of roots.

BLACKARACHINA
(face buried in her clawed hand)
It was only a matter of time.

SHOCKWAVE
(shaking his head)
Arrogant fool.

The barrage continues without remorse until a ray of sunlight infiltrate's the dark, freshly-carved passageway. Megatron fires one final shot into the light source, which causes it to expand ten-fold, showering them with one final pounding of dirt and rocks.

He flies into the blinding light, tosses Starscream face down into a heap of fallen leaves, then resolutely touches down on forest floor.

Starscream violently grasps at the leaves as he twists up into a shameful seated sprawl. He locks burning optics onto his attacker.

The powerful gladiator stands motionless, silhouetted by the morning rays, then vents a long exhale that seems to mimic the mood of his arm cannon as it powers down. He opens with a threatening, guttural voice.

MEGATRON
What is your major malfunction?

STARSCREAM
(hysterical)
MY malfunction!!??

Starscream was fearful, not of his attacker‘s potential for carnal retaliation, but because he couldn’t ever recall Megatron behaving in such a manner and therefore he couldn’t predict his next move.

MEGATRON
(uncharacteristically calm)
Is it really necessary to vocalize every passing impulse, without an ounce of tact, and under the false assumption that you're immune to my wrath simply because you can construct a few little gadgets?

STARSCREAM
(trying to hide his fear with disgust)
Constructing a few little gadgets is only a taste of what I'm capable of. You need me.

MEGATRON
Hardly. Your newly-acquired genius is conveniently useful for the time being, but mark my words, Starscream, you are replaceable and if you continue your current display of disrespect for me, especially in the presence of your fellow subordinates, I will exile you to the outer reaches of oblivion where even your relentless spark will be eternally imprisoned.

Starscream, for once, is left speechless, knowing well he’s been verbally outgunned but tries his hardest not to relay this acknowledgement of defeat.

The sunrise explodes behind the incalculable tyrant as he approaches Starscream and extends his hand out. The grounded seeker is too blinded to read Megatron‘s expression, but still grabs the offering, apprehensively.

Megatron pulls Starscream to his feet then purposely turns his back to the bewildered traitor. He pauses a while, fidgeting with the settings on his arm canon.

Starscream stands frozen in a puzzled mess of processes. He opens his mouth, fishing for anything to break the silent void, but Megatron’s gravely purr beats him to it.

MEGATRON
You blame our past failures on my caliber of judgment, and where that may hold merit in some instances, the true culprit in the Decepticon downfall is its internal instability.

The seeker is now thoroughly confounded, floored with near-flattery that Megatron would confide this confessional information during such a prickly encounter.

STARSCREAM
(painfully hesitant)
Y--You mean our…lack of teamwork?

MEGATRON
Exactly. The Autobots have succeeded where we failed because they have the advantage of trust...a luxury that I could never afford even to this day.

He turns to face his former second, staring deep into the seeker’s guilty optics.

MEGATRON
You witnessed it yourself, just moments ago. My most loyal soldier was able to blatantly lie to me.

Starscream grasps at the glimmer of dignity now presented to him by the tyrant’s acknowledgement of another’s underhanded actions, and begins to ease back into his comfortably foolish pride.

STARSCREAM
With all do respect, you don't give us much incentive to devote one-hundred percent loyalty. Fear is not a substitute for admiration.

MEGATRON
But fear keeps you inline. If I allow my army to believe their leader is subject to error and weakness, then I lose all credibility and the Decepticon forces crumble apart with internal squabbling and imbalance of proper authority.

STARSCREAM
There’s a gaping difference between weakness and open-mindedness. You lose credibility each time you wantonly punish the mere gesture of questioning your authority.

Megatron is obviously not pleased with the brash lecturing, but refrains from his instinct to react with the usual scare tactics.

MEGATRON
Then you feel your relentlessly condescending behavior is justified?

STARSCREAM
(knocked back down a notch)
I’ll-- admit that my attitude back there was…out of line, but I don’t regret putting your judgment on trial.

MEGATRON
(pessimistically)
So, by your logic, I’ll gain admiration from my soldiers if I encourage open discussion on my decisions and allow them to question the validity of my judgment?

STARSCREAM
(now unsure of his own logic)
Well…yeah.

MEGATRON
We’d never accomplish anything. We’d be nothing more than a bunch of bickering biddies, just like that ridiculous Autobot Council.

STARSCREAM
Then that’s where your ability as a leader comes into play, weeding out the morsels of wisdom from a forest of foolishness.

Megatron chews on the brazen words with apprehension then scowls at the seeker’s time-old ability to quickly restore his arrogant composure.

Their moment is interrupted by the roar of jet engines overhead.

MEGATRON
(looking to the sky)
Well it’s about time. (gestures to Starscream). Come! Let us see what “morsels” those fools have to offer me.

Megatron turns away under the scrutinizing stare of his soldier then drops down into chasm.

Starscream remains motionless, replaying their conversation in his mind, questioning how he’s able to walk away from this encounter with only a sore neck, a little dirt on the wings and most importantly, a renewed sense of hope for the Decepticon’s future.

MAIN ROOM - DECEPTICON BASE

Lugnut and Blitzwing enter the lab through main doorway, immediately commanding the attention of Shockwave and Blackarachnia.

SHOCKWAVE
Fools! You will explain your tardiness.

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
Vee don’t have to explain squat to you!

Megatron emerges in a cloud of dust through his personal doorway.

MEGATRON
But you will explain your incompetence to me!

Icy Blitzwing overtakes his hot-tempered self.

ICY BLITZWING
(groveling)
Um…vell, zee truse of the zee matter is…

Lugnut proudly steps forward, opening the hatch to his storage compartment which spills five glowing blue shards of variable sizes onto the floor. Shockwave and Blackarachnia are awe-struck.

Megatron approaches the scene, glancing back and forth between Lugnut and the shards with disbelief, compelling Lugnut to dutifully fall to one knee.

LUGNUT
Master, it pained me to deceive you but I was afraid to mention our discoveries over the comm, in case the Autobots found a way to listen in.

Megatron squats down next to the spilled treasures, mood lightening as he carefully inspects the shards. He could feel the immense concentration of power within each trinket, igniting his spark with a raw clarity, projecting images in his mind of victories unforeseen and unimagined by even him.

The Decepticon leader’s silent state brings an air of puzzlement to the scene.

Starscream enters through the crude hole in the wall, sweeping dust off his arms and cockpit, but freezes upon seeing the shards.

LUGNUT
(slightly worried)
Ma-Master…is everything okay?

Lugnut’s voice snaps Megatron back into the room.

MEGATRON
(rising up)
Your findings are impressive but they don’t alter the time-sensitive nature of your mission. (motions to operating table) You may very well have jeopardized the usefulness of that human component…

ICY BLIZTWING
Sir, vee had every intention to hastily complete our mission, but zee tracker vouldn’t quit.

The triple-changer is overcome with excitement at the retelling of their recent adventure.

RANDOM BLITZWING
It vas a vicious cycle! Vee vould collect a shard, head for zee base, then zee tracker would scream NO NO NO. So vee’d collect another shard, head for zee base, then zee tracker vould scream…

Megatron abruptly cuts off the maniacal ramblings.

MEGATRON
(squeezing his temples)
I get the idea! (glancing to the femme) Blackarachnia, you have everything you need to commence with the procedure.

BLACKARACHIA
(snapping to attention)
Yes Sir!

She hustles down from the platform and crouches next to the pile of sparkling treasure, hesitating before gently picking up the largest shard.

STARSCREAM
(standing at the table)
The smallest shard should contain more than enough power to resurrect this scrap heap.

SHOCKWAVE
Can you break them into smaller pieces?

STARSCREAM
Not under our current time constraints, but perhaps the additional All Spark power can compensate for the deterioration of the human’s brain.

Starscream carefully lifts the jar from the instrument tray and unscrews the lid.

Blackarachnia chooses the smallest shard of the five and brings it to the operating table, flashing Starscream a look of uncertainty. He raises an optic ridge to her paranoia but proceeds to lift the brain out of the liquid.

Megatron approaches the table with stern curiosity, but mindfully glances back over his shoulder.

MEGATRON
Lugnut! Pick up the shards and bring them to me.

LUGNUT
At once my liege!

Lugnut scrambles to the floor and collects each shard as carefully as his hulking claw will allow.

Shockwave is suddenly overcome with an epiphany of paranoia and quickly averts his attention from the science project to the mega-computer. He taps away at the console, bringing up multiple views of the island’s landscape. One video feed displays the expanse of lake from the viewpoint of the island’s shore, and in the lake is an object too large and fast to be a typical indigenous water foul. Shockwave zooms in on the image to reveal a black and white watercraft, carrying an all too familiar cast of invasive characters.

SHOCKWAVE
Megatron, the Autobots!

The video feed commands the attention of the entire room, everyone responding with frustration except for Blackarachnia who feels a sense of relief.

BLACKARACHNIA
What are your orders, Sir? I don’t think it wise to risk the Autobots interrupting our procedure.

Megatron rudely snatches the shard from the spider bot’s grasp and shoves her aside.

MEGATRON
I grow impatient of your excuses. (glares at Starscream) Can I depend on your assistance?

STARSCREAM
(unquestionable)
Yes, Megatron, but she is the experienced one here so I suggest you follow her instructions.

Megatron looks upon Blackarachnia with annoyed expectation, forcing her to relent to the inevitable situation at hand.

BLACKARACHNIA
(defeated)
Just place the shard in his spark chamber and a wait a few kliks before adding the brain.

Lugnut slowly approaches with his claw full of shards and Blitzwing is close behind him. Both them are fascinated by the long-anticipated events. Even Shockwave has averted his attention from the impending Autobot threat to the actions of his leader. Megatron hovers his hand over Prowl’s chest, then releases the grasp of his fingertips and the powerful gem drops into the lifeless cavity.

LAKE EERIE

The Detroit Police boat glides across the glassy waters of the waking lake with sense of urgency. Its aft deck is barely large enough to house the five Autobots. Sari is inside the enclosed cabin standing impatiently next to Captain Fanzone who proudly mans the helm. She does an about face and flings herself into the cabin’s door, letting a rush of cold wind disturb the warm calm of the enclosure.

FANZONE
Do you mind, kid?

Bounding onto the wind whipped deck, Sari joins her friends then slams the cabin door behind her.

SARI
What’s our plan?

The Autobots look expectantly to their leader who appears immersed in uncertainty.

OPTIMUS PRIME
I sincerely doubt we’ll have the element of surprise, so we’ll need to be on constant alert. We know for certain from this morning’s news that Megatron and Shockwave are in the picture, and we can almost guarantee Lugnut and Blitzwing are too.

JAZZ
I’m not diggin’ the numbers boss…that’s six of them, possibly more against five of us…

SARI
(sternly interrupting)
You mean seven of us!

RATCHET
Megatron could predictably send his two goons to deal with us, leaving himself and perhaps another behind to guard Prowl, but I say we’d still be wise to prepare for a full on strike from all of them.

BUMBLEBEE
Maybe they took Prowl simply to lure us into some kind of trap.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(rubbing his forehead)
I’m perplexed that Megatron would reveal himself so quickly after his arrival here on Earth. It’s not like to him operate with such carelessness, but then again, if he’s backed by the full power of all his earth based Decepticons, then he’ll have very little reason to fear our intervention.

BULKHEAD
Why don’t we get the Dinobots to help us? That’ll tip the scales in our favor.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Normally they prefer to avoid our warfare, but maybe Grimlock’s grudge against Blackarachnia will work in our favor. It’s certainly worth a try. (into comm.) Grimlock, do you copy?

DINOBOT ISLAND - DECEPTICON BASE

With weapons readied, the Decepticons encircle the operating table, its occupant now vivid with lively shades of black and gold. The remaining blue jolts light up the triangular optic visor of the familiar Autobot ninja, then fade away into the blinding glow of his spark chamber leaving an eerie stillness in the room.

The whirring of the Autobot’s ventilators breaks the tense silence, but Megatron moves closer, refusing to be intimidated by such dramatics.

MEGATRON
Welcome back, my friend.

The sinister voices rings all too familiar in the ninja’s processor as he frantically sits up and darts his attention across the curious stares that surround him.

PROWL
Decepticons!

He agilely springs from the table toward Lugnut’s head, using the cyclops as a launching pad to reach for the rafters above. Grabbing hold of a support beam, he spins around it before landing in crouch on its narrow surface. The animal-like bot peers down at his enemies then frantically searches the room for a means of escape.

MEGATRON
Get him under control at once, WITHOUT harming him!

Icy Blitzwing seizes his cue and fires a blast of cold at Prowl, who effortlessly leaps from the beam to the top of the mega computer.

Despite his bafflingly disadvantageous predicament, the ninja ventilates with an exhilarated thrill. He settles his optics on the glaring intelbot lingering below then flashes a taunting glance through his optic visor.

Shockwave instinctively aims his cannon at the Autobot, but gives no indication that he intends to fire.

SHOCKWAVE
I won’t fall for your trickery, Autobot.

Blitzwing unleashes another blast of cold which is easily dodged by the ninja, but not by the computer monitor, which cracks from the assaulting ice.

Megatron abruptly backhands the triple-changer, knocking him to the floor.

MEGATRON
Mind the equipment, you fool! Blackarachnia, could you please put an end to this nonsense.

The awe-struck predacon jolts at the request then springs onto the operating table. She fires barrage of webs at the ceiling, all of which Prowl dodges with ease.

She pauses her attacks, takes a moment to rethink her strategy, studying the decreasing number of safe spots for her target, then fires a tiny web at him quickly followed by a large web at his anticipated destination.

Prowl flails mid-air as his landing spot is covered by the sticky netting which he’s helpless to avoid. He falls into the glistening fibers, his weight stretching them out and encouraging their entrapment of him. He slams to the floor, writhing and struggling to free his encumbered limbs, but is unable to avoid Lugnut’s lumbering foot which heavily pins his body down.

Megatron approaches the defeated pest with quizzical irritation.

MEGATRON
You obviously recognize us, but do you know who YOU are…Jeffrey Simon?

The name causes Prowl to flinch, rebooting his processor with gouging confusion.

Exactly the reaction Megatron was fishing for.

MEGATRON
(pandering smile)
Lugnut, that is no way to treat our guest. Bring him to his feet. Bestow the renowned Mr. Simon with the dignity he deserves.

Lugnut is unsure of his master’s orders, but follows them unquestionably, removing his foot from the captive and pulling him to his feet.

The ninja looks upon his towering captors with a raging horror.

PROWL
(squirming under the webbing)
You call this dignity?

Starscream strides up to Prowl, slides the distinguished Cyber-Ninja helmet of from his head and happily joins the game of deception.

STARSCREAM
Allow me to relieve you of this burden. Such a brilliant mind shouldn’t be encumbered by silly symbols of foolish practices.

PROWL
No! Give it back! That belonged to my…um…my master…

MEGATRON
Mr. Simon, how dreadful it must to bear the curse of such useless memories.

PROWL
Why do keep calling me that?! My name is…

Prowl’s face washes over with a perplexed fear, his processor obviously working overtime, but without a desired outcome.

PROWL
What have you done to me? Why does my memory fail me?

MEGATRON
Because, dear human, you’re trying to access the wrong memories, but it’s understandable why you would want to block them out. Your fate was left to that of your fellow humans’ justice system, however, we took it upon ourselves to rescue you and give you sanctuary in this new body. A body more powerful than the unfitting flesh you were born with. Sure it has the residue of its former inhabitant, but that’s nothing a strong personality such as yourself can’t overcome with a little willpower.

Megatron’s words leave Prowl flustered and speechless.

Shockwave carefully peels chunks of ice from the screen of the monitor. He soon uncovers the video feed displaying the Autobots.

SHOCKWAVE
Sir, the Auto…(he cuts himself off) Our impending threat is closing in. They’re less than ten cycles from reaching the island.

Megatron growls at the annoying turn of events.

BLACKARACHNIA
I’ll go topside and divert them once they‘re on the island.

MEGATRON
No. I don’t want them to even reach the shore. Blitzwing! I want you to transport our guest into the city, preferable a well-known public location and make sure the both of you are in plain view to the watercraft’s occupants.

ICY BLITZWING
Yes, my Lord.

Blitzwing snatches the baffled ninja and tucks him under one arm

PROWL
You…You’re letting me go?

MEGATRON
(resuming his charade)
Of course, Mr. Simon. You belong in the city, amongst your fellow humans, who will no longer see you as a threat but rather a hero.

SHOCKWAVE
Isn’t that a rather risky diversion, my Lord?

Shockwave waits until Blitzwing leaves the room with the subject at hand before finishing his thought.

SHOCKWAVE
How do we know the Autobot’s memory won’t overpower the human’s?

MEGATRON
We don’t, but he’ll provide enough of a distraction while we collect more All Spark fragments. (gestures to Lugnut) We’re already up by four which is much farther ahead of schedule than I originally anticipated.

Lugnut straightens his posture with a sense of pride as he hands Megatron the remaining shards. Their glow once again captivates the Decepticon leader and he cracks a scheming smile.

MEGATRON
Starscream! I’m relying on your wily genius to devise a means of extracting energon from these.

STARSCREAM
Already drawing mental blueprints, however, I will need some supplies of both the earthly and Cybertronian sort.

Blackarachnia dispenses a blank stare to each of her colleagues, baffled by their apparent forgetfulness of the events that just took place.

BLACKARACHNIA
Before you all so eagerly move on to brasher endeavors, shouldn’t we at least track Blitzwing and Prowl so we have some idea if our plan even works?

Shockwave brings the video feed of the lake to the front of the screen but no one appears interested in it. Lugnut focuses on Megatron, who’s lost in the shard’s lure again and Shockwave immediately shifts his focus to the science bot, who‘s caught up in his own scheming.

SHOCKWAVE
I’m sure Chromia could arrange another transport of goods for us, but I caution against stretching her resources too thin. The Elite Guard is no doubt in much higher suspicion of their own these days.

Blackarachnia shakes her head with repugnance as she storms up to the mega-computer and stations herself next to Shockwave, assuming his role of monitoring the unfolding events on the lake.

LAKE EERIE

Icy Blitzwing confidently soars over the waters, carrying Prowl who’s still wrapped in silken rope. The triple-changer spies the police boat below and begins his descent, knowing well the roar of his jets has already raised the Autobot alarm, and hoping they’ll recognize the ninjabot before they launch an attack.

BULKHEAD
(optics to the sky)
That’s Blitzwing alright, but why is he alone? And what is he carrying?

Optimus, Jazz and Ratchet ready their weapons. Bumblebee zooms his optics in for a closer look and is shocked at a blurry black image pinned under the Decepticon's arm.

BUMBLEBEE
Hold your attacks! I think he's got Prowl!

OPTIMUS PRIME
Ratchet! Switch on my jet pack!

The medibot complies and powers up the winged device mounted on his leader’s back.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Jazz, grab hold of me and be ready for action!

JAZZ
(hooking his arm around Optimus’ neck)
Aye, aye, Cap’n.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Sari! Your jet pack in good working order?

SARI
(excitedly)
Of course! Why?

OPTIMUS PRIME
I want you to back us up.

SARI
Alright! I mean, yes Sir!

Optimus, with Jazz in tow, leaps from the edge of the boat then ignites his jet pack. Sari wastes not time following his lead, but doesn’t bother jumping before blasting off, leaving a blackened trail on the boat’s deck and across Ratchet’s feet. The old bot’s grumbles are quickly engulfed by the roar the ascending Autobots.

Blitzwing wasn’t expecting an aerial assault but willingly accepts the promise of violence and switches to Hothead. The Autobots in the boat are sitting ducks and since Megatron never gave the order NOT to attack, he wasn’t about to pass up this golden moment. He swoops down and fires a set of missiles toward the boat.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Oh no!

JAZZ
I got this.

He hurls a nun chuck at the projectiles, causing one to explode mid air which knocks the other slightly off course.

Ratchet’s optics widen at the threat closing in fast.

RATCHET
Take cover!

The missile strikes the aft, exploding on impact and sending splintered chunks of wood, fiberglass and three unsuspecting Autobots in every direction. The bow tips up and bobs unsteadily, tossing Fanzone out the cabin door and into the water.

Ratchet wades over to the police captain, grabs hold of him, then frantically looks around for his other two team members.

Optimus and Sari fly back down to survey the wreckage as Random Blitzwing flees the scene, cackling maniacally.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(shouting down)
Is everyone okay?!

Ratchet is relieved to see Bumblebee and Bulkhead emerge onto the lake’s surface.

RATCHET
A bit soggy but we’re all accounted for. Now make haste before that lunatic ‘Con gets away.

SARI
But what about you guys?

FANZONE
Don’t worry about us, I’ll radio back for help.

OPTIMUS PRIME
If you see any more signs of Decepticon activity, I want you on comms, instantly! You got that!

BUMBLEBEE
Yeah, we got it! Now go!!

Sari thrusts her jets to maximum power and zips off in Blitzwing’s direction.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Sari, Wait! We don't know if that's actually Prowl or just a decoy.

JAZZ
(quietly)
It's Prowl...for sure...I can sense it.

Optimus ponder's his passenger's implications as he tightens his hold on the elite bot and follows the girl’s lead.

DECEPTICON BASE

Blackarachnia is now seated in Shockwave’s chair at the computer’s console since its regular occupant has vacated his post to join the other three Decepticons hovering around the table. The shards are laid out in an orderly fashion next to an electronic pad which Starscream is filling with crude scribbles and sketches.

BLACKARACHNIA
(focuses on monitor)
Looks like the Autobots took the bait…well, the aerial ones at least.

She pauses for a moment, waiting for a reply, but Starscream continues to captivate the other Decepticons with his technical jargon.

The femme makes another attempt to fish some interest from mechs.

BLACKARACHNIA
Blitzwing bombed their boat, and now they‘ve enlisted the aid of the flying Dinobot to tow them back toward the city.

Another pause, still with no reply. She looks over at her colleagues with a grimace.

BLACKARACHNIA
(sarcastically)
Huh, would ya look at that! Primus himself just landed on the island, wielding the massive hammer of justice, ready to smite our blasphemous operations with his unforgiving retribution.

Starscream pauses his presentation, raising an optic brow and flashing a glance to the predacon.

STARSCREAM
Now that I’d like to see.

Megatron and Lugnut raise their attention to the monitor.

LUGNUT
(studying the capsized boat on-screen)
My liege, they are in a helpless position. Shall I go finish them off?

MEGATRON
No. It won’t be long before the law enforcement and news helicopters arrive and I’d rather we didn’t make the headlines twice in one morning. (looks back down at tablet) However, I would like for you and Starscream to start gathering these supplies while the Autobots are indisposed.

LUGNUT
Yes, my Lord, I will obey at once. (turns and walks toward the exit) Let’s go, Starscream.

Starscream pops his head up from his work.

STARSCREAM
What? Right now?!

LUGNUT
Yes, right now!

Starscream looks to Megatron for verification.

MEGATRON
(gesturing to Lugnut with a raised brow and half smile)
What he said.

The seeker vents a relenting sigh then shrugs with acceptance, stretching his arms and straightening his posture as he follows Lugnut into the hallway leading to the exit.

STARSCREAM
S’pose my wings could use a stretch…(tauntingly to Lugnut) plus this task requires a higher level of competence than your accustomed to.

LUGNUT
(glaring back at the seeker)
If you can direct me to the locations of your precious supplies, without the attitude, then I might look past my disdain for your past treacheries.

ABOVE DETROIT

Blitzwing clutches a bewildered cyber ninja as he soars over the rooftops of the city, studying each building has he passes over them.

ICY BLITZWING
No, zat one von’t do…No, not zat one eizer.

PROWL
Will you please tell me who you are and where you are taking me?

ICY BLITTZWING
Patience Autob…human. You’ll be amongst your peers soon enough.

The ninja is displeased with yet another unfulfilling answer and twists around to view the indistinct aerial figures tailing them.

PROWL
Who is that chasing us?

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
(growing impatient)
Zose are our enemies!

Prowl grunts as his captor’s arm clenches tighter, forcing the ninja to look forward again.

The triple-changer subdues his anger as a large glass dome catches his eye. He angles their trajectory directly toward it.

ICY BLITZWING
Perfect!

PROWL
That’s the mall. Why are we going to the mall?

Blitzwing’s untamed alter-ego takes control.

RANDOM BLITZWING
You know vhat zey say! Drop till you shop!

The prankster lifts the ninja over his head then hurls him down directly toward the dome. The sound of shattering glass and the Autobot’s hollers fuel the deranged Decepticon as he rockets up laughing hysterically at his own bad pun.

Optimus Prime’s passenger never once averted his visual-lock on their enemy and his despicable actions. The quick glance he got of Prowl’s falling form was enough to warrant a gasp of shock.

JAZZ
Holy Pri…You see that?!

OPTIMUS PRIME
(infuriated)
You mean Blitzwing’s utter disregard for…

JAZZ
No! I mean the colors…on Prowl!

Blitzwing whirls into jet-mode and flees the scene before the Autobots can get close enough to spoil his mood.

RANDOM BLIZTWING
(shouting back down)
Don’t overspend your limit!

Optimus Prime decelerate as they approach the shattered dome. Sari quickly catches up squinting into the morning sun as Blitzwing disappears from view.

SARI
Uuuughhhh, I hate that guy.

JAZZ
Get us down there, Prime.

Optimus reduces the power to his jet pack and lowers them down through the shard-edged hole in the glass dome.

OPTIMUS PRIME
C’mon Sari, and be extremely careful of the broken glass.

Panicked screams echo from all three levels of the mall, but nobody was injured by the falling Autobot as the main obstacle beneath the glass dome is a gigantic fountain, as tall as the three stories of the mall which encircle it.

The ninja lays motionless on his back, draped across the top tier of the fountain, mostly covered with frosted glass shards and metal framing, legs dangling down off the edges.

The Autobot leader hovers down to the fountain, letting Jazz step onto the second tier, then continuing to the ground floor and looking over dozens of bewildered faces.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(addressing the crowd)
Attention everyone! There’s no need to panic…the danger has passed. Now, is anyone injured and have you called the emergency, uh, three digit helpline?

Sari lands on the third tier of the fountain next to a pile of debris housing the ninja as Jazz hastily clears the rubble away piece by piece. She feels her spark grow twice its size as she beholds the visible gold and black limbs poking out from the mess.

SARI
Jazz…his colors…is he…?

Jazz gawks at the blue haze barely visible through the last obstructing piece of tinted glass. He flings the shard away, uncovering the ninja’s face. Nothing short of monumental astonishment freezes the pair as a familiar blue visor illuminates at the sight of them.

Prowl creaks his head toward Jazz, groaning as he comes to.

Sari leaps back, slapping her hands over her mouth as if to keep her facing from falling off in disbelief.

Jazz remains frozen, lingering in a void between denial and ecstasy and is barely able to keep his footing on the tier below.

PROWL
Ja…Jazz.

Jazz grips Prowl’s shoulders with a desperation he’s never felt. Paralyzed for speech, he simply slumps his head face down upon the black chest plate, releasing the ghost of torturous regret that has sickened his spark since the fateful event upon Sumdac Tower.

Prowl is now thoroughly confused and attempts to vocalize his bewilderment when Sari falls around his neck, sobbing heavily.

PROWL
Sari…wha-- what‘s the matter…what’s going on?

Despite the sounds of the crowd’s rumbling and the fountain’s rushing water, Optimus’ audio sensors instinctively tune into the familiar smooth vocals of a sorely-missed comrade. He turns from the crowd and is practically floored by the sight of a sleek black chassis rising up from the fountain’s peak.

Jazz attentively helps Prowl down to the pool at the fountain‘s base.

Optimus nearly warped himself to Prowl’s side, grasping the frail yet living black chassis and helping guide the unstable ninja out of the shallow water. They gently sit him on the marble wall of the fountain’s edge.

Sari is still draped around Prowl’s neck, streaming endless tears of joy.

Prowl flounders in exhausted ignorance, but manages to rest a consoling hand upon the anguished girl’s back.

PROWL
Sari…What happened? (looks to his leader for enlightenment) Did we defeat the omega clones?

Upon hearing Prowl’s words, Optimus is overcome with relief and falls into the ninja trapping him and the girl with a bear hug.

PROWL
(voice squeezed and desperate)
Wha…Would one of you please explain…

Prowl cuts himself off as he peers over his leader’s shoulder at the multiple uniformed guards and distant flashing red lights. The sound of approaching sirens is the final stimulus that engulfs his spark into a suppressed nightmare. The ninja gasps as he succumbs to a violent fear.

He aggressively pushes his leader away and springs to his feet, snatching the teenager from his shoulder and stepping back into the fountain.

JAZZ
Whoa, man! Chill!

Prowl’s fingers wrap tightly around Sari, as he steps back further, unaffected by the downpour of flowing water upon his head.

SARI
(with frightened denial)
Prowl…what’s the matter?

PROWL
(in deranged paranoia)
This is a trick! You’re just going to lock me up again!

Optimus Prime and Jazz reluctantly exchange glances of undeniable paranoia.

The Autobot leader attempts to wipe his mind of discouraging thoughts and steps into the pool. He slowly advances toward the anomaly, moving his hands in calming gestures.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Calm down, Prowl. No one here intends to harm you.

PROWL
(threatening)
Back off or I swear I’ll hurt her!

Sari’s tearful eyes widen and she gazes up to the contorted mystery that was her cherished friend only moments ago.

SARI
Prowl! It‘s…It‘s me…Sari…your frie--

A blade unsheathes from the ninja’s upgraded bracers, merely inches from her head.

She yelps and defensively surges electricity from her body, causing the impostor to release his grip on her. The jolt reacts with the surrounding water and massively electrocutes the ninja.

The frightful girl flies to safety but spins around with concern to witness the aftermath of her actions.

Prowl falls helplessly to his knees, moaning as he desperately cups his hands over his head.

Sari’s chest sinks with helpless regret.

Optimus and Jazz quickly emerge on either side of the fallen Autobot, lifting him up and wrapping each of his limp arms behind their necks.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Sari, are you okay?

SARI
(heartbroken)
Fine…but why did he do that to me?

OPTIMUS PRIME
I wish I had answer to that.

He gestures to Sari, instructing her to follow them and she reluctantly complies still shaken by the events.

Prowl musters enough strength to scrape his feet into staggering steps, but is barely able to lift his head as the two Autobots slowly walk him out of the fountain.

PROWL
(near whisper)
What’s wrong with me?

OPTIMUS PRIME
(with hesitation)
The Decepticons…resurrected your spark and I’m guessing they tweaked your processor functions as well.

The gathered crowd of onlookers and policemen clear a path for the Autobots as they guide their broken friend past the line of storefronts and toward the exit doors.

PROWL
Resurrected…You’re saying I was…offline? And the Decepticons…

JAZZ
(consoling)
Just take it easy, bro.

PROWL
But…I don’t understand any of this.

JAZZ
Neither do we, but frettin’ about it right now won’t solve a thang. (he rests his hand on the black arm draped over his shoulder) Just take five as we get you back to base. There’s some phat energon and healthy dose a’nature awaiting ya there.

CYBERTRON - IACON CITY - MILITARY HOSPITAL

Chromia advances down a white-walled corridor as if on a critical mission. Her expression is pinched with insult as a screechy voice barks through her comm.

STARSCREAM
…a portable power-cyphon, some cyber forceps, a circuit-linker, an exponential generator, an energon casing replicator, and one bottle of Poloniom Spritzer. Now, if any those items are a problem for you, then let me know immediately so I can figure out a substitution.

CHROMIA
The local hardware dealer should have all that stuff, except the spritzer, which I sincerely doubt you need, but will throw in anyway for good measure.

STARSCREAM
(patronizing)
Excellent…you’re shaping up to be quite the little asset, just as they said you’d be.

CHROMIA
(agitated)
And you’re quite the condescending blowhard, just as I expected. Chromia out.

She approaches a door marked “Rehabilitation Center” and pushes it open, revealing a room filled with various physical therapy and work out machines. Brawn lay on a bench, lifting a bar of weights nearly as big as him, guarded by the watchful eye of the medibot femme, Red Alert.
He replaces the bar back onto its support and tilts his head over to view his visitor.

BRAWN
Chromia! My partner in crime.

Chromia strolls up, tapping the nurse bot on her arm.

CHROMIA
Hey Red, may I have a moment alone with him?

RED ALERT
(obligingly)
Sure thing. (skeptically eyeballs Brawn as she leaves the room) Don’t even think about adding more weight. You’re already pushing it.

BRAWN
Pshhh…this is just a warm-up. (to Chromia) Your timing is impeccable. Here, spot me.

CHROMIA
(assumes spotting role at the head of the bench)
Yeah, why’s that?

BRAWN
(voice strained as he lifts the bar up)
Well…hmph…I gotta meet with the council here shortly, to debrief with them my account of our little adventure, and there’s one detail that I’m really foggy on.

CHROMIA
(fills with paranoia)
And what might that be?

BRAWN
(completing a rep)
Okay, so…according to your report, Shockwave took the stasis control device from you which allowed him to reverse the flow of energy in the chains and therefore boost the other Con’s with a super does of power, which allowed them to break through their cells.

CHROMIA
Yes, that’s correct.

BRAWN
What I don’t get, is how was Shockwave able to break his chains and his cell if the device was in your control at that time.

Brawn is about to place the barbell back on the rack when Chromia suddenly presses her weight down on it, dropping it on his chest, then cart wheeling over him and planting her feet on the bench on either sides of him. Her normally discreet wings have spread out to an impressive span, revealing animated swirling patterns which instantly hypnotize the unsuspecting Autobot. His eyes swirl with the same black and white patterns adorned on the captivating display, which resemble the wings of giant moth.

CHROMIA
(eerily clairvoyant)
Because, dear Brawn, when you so carelessly tossed me the device, its circuits were jogged causing an energy reversal in Shockwave’s chains which surged him with the strength to break free, grab me by the neck, relieve me of the device, then free the other Decepticons.

She retracts her wings and steps down off the bench. Brawn remains motionless, pinned by the barbell, and in a state of mesmerism.

CHROMIA
Now, are the events clear in your mind?

BRAWN
(dopily)
Crystal.

CHROMIA
(sliding her hands under the barbell)
Good. Now push!

Brawn begins to snap out of it as the weight is lessened from his chest. He immediately pushes the barbell back up on the rack, then sits up in a half-daze.

Chromia gives his face a couple friendly slaps, bringing him back to full awareness.

CHROMIA
Glad to see you got your strength back, but you should really listen to Red and don’t overdo it.

She slyly turns and heads toward the door as Brawn stands up and rubs his chest with an irritated confusion.

BRAWN
Yeah, yeah…whatever you broads say.

AUTOBOT BASE - MAIN ROOM

Bumblebee sits introspectively still on the couch, forehead leaning into his hands, staring wildly into the floor. Sari is tucked up beside him, face awash with too many emotions.

They can hear the murmuring voices of Optimus, Ratchet and Jazz from the other room.

BUMBLEBEE
(hardly able to process his own words)
Prowl’s alive…courtesy of the ‘cons…and Blitzing decides to kindly drop him off at the mall after blowing up our boat.

SARI
It wasn’t kindly.

BUMBLEBEE
There‘s some seriously big picture here, way beyond my level of getting.

Bulkhead, who’s sitting across from the two, looks to Sari with a sorrowful doubting.

BULKHEAD
Did he really take you…(chokes on the word) hostage?

Sari looks away and shifts uncomfortably, mind drifting a moment before replying softly.

SARI
Yes…but he…wasn’t himself. Didn’t you guys here what Optimus said? The ‘cons…did stuff to his processor.

BUMBLBEE
But he seems fine now. He’s sitting in his room, meditating and…stuff.

SARI
(saddened by the undeniable reality)
He’s not fine…he’s meditating to try and make sense of the…nightmare he just woke up to.

BULKHEAD
But do we know for sure that the ‘cons actually…merged him with a…demented human brain?

SARI
(shaking her head with sorrow)
All the evidence points to it.

BUMBLEBEE
We don’t know that for sure…all we have to go on is that dinodolt’s vague account of Blackarachnia’s tinkering with Starscream.

SARI
And the news footage of Megatron kidnapping that convict.

They all fall victim to silence, each one processing the cold facts with expressions of disgust and worry.

Ratchet trudges into the room, commanding the attention of the three disturbed faces. With a groan and creaking of several joints, he plops down next to Sari and brushes a weary glance across the three sets of curious eyes. He vents a long sigh and droops his focus to his lap.

BUMBLEBEE
(impatient)
Well? What’d you find out?

RATCHET
(reluctantly)
Found traces of organic material in his spark chamber…(lowers his voice) DNA matched the convict‘s.

The three onlookers can only refresh their rounded optics as they the grind over the information.

BULKHEAD
So…what does that mean?

RATCHET
(shaking his head)
Wish I knew, kid. He appears to have his memories, but he can’t sustain a conversation ‘fore his processor drifts off into an agitated state of Primus-knows-what.

Bulkhead and Sari sink into gloom, inviting every worst-case-scenario to gallivant into their minds.

SARI
That sounds really…

BULKHEAD
Bad.

SARI
I can’t even begin to imagine what that must feel like.

BULKHEAD
Not good.

Bumblebee fidgets his servos a moment, grinding his teeth and growing ever agitated by the pessimism looming around him. He snaps his head up and ventilates a few times before pinning each of his comrades with a look of disappointment.

BUMBLEBEE
Alright…I’ve had enough of these dark clouds foulin‘ up the joint.

The bright yellow bot rises and beams wide blue optics across the three long faces.

BUMBLEBEE
Our ninjabot is alive…against all odds, he’s come back to us. Sure, he’s not…perfect, but who is?

Sari tilts her head, questioning whether to accept the potentially heart-breaking nuggets of hope.

BUMBLEBEE
He’s here…functioning…all black and gold-like…doing his cyber-ninja thing…and no doubt, still pissed at me for the all pranks I pulled on him.

That comment pulls a chuckle from Bulkhead.

BUMBLEBEE
As far as I’m concerned, we’re the luckiest bunch of ‘bots this side of the universe. The powers-that-be coulda kept Prowl for themselves and forced us to carry-on with a gaping hole in our team…but they didn’t.

Ratchet raises an enlightened but sheepish brow.

BUMBLEBEE
Our time of mourning is over. It’s nothing but high spirits from here out ’cuz I’ll be slagged if our buddy emerges from that door into a base fulla sad-faces and boo-hooing.

The sunny yellow paint job seems to infiltrate every corner of the silent room. Sari blinks away her unwarranted tears and looks upon her valiant friend with adoring admiration.

Bumblebee pans over each hopeful stare with a sense of satisfaction, then cracks an inevitable smile as he locks optics on the girl.

BUMBLEBEE
There now. That wasn’t so hard.

He snags the remote control off the coffee table and switches the TV on.

BUMBLEBEE
Now…who’s gonna help me program a back-to-back nature show marathon?

Author's Note: The Starscream/Blackarachnia scene underwent more changes than any other scene I've written (my fangirlishness is to blame), so I hope it doesn't suck. Prowl is becoming way too fun to write so expect much more of him in future scenes. I also have plans to expand more on Chromia and what makes her tick. As you've probably noticed, I'm bias to Decepticons and will eventually grant them more success than the show ever did.

Thanks for reading and don't be afraid to toss me some critique. ^_^

****************************************

DECEPTICON BASE

Starscream is lost in concentration, soldering wires together on a small device that’s too early in development to be recognized as anything but an electronic jumble. His work table is piled high with iron two-by-fours, copper sheeting, spools of wire and various electrical supplies.

Blitzwing and Lugnut are covered head to toe in dirt as they clear out the extraneous rubble in Megatron’s newly-created tunnel, Icy scowling at his partner’s complacency at such a demeaning task.

Megatron and Shockwave are at the computer, engaged in conversation.

SHOCKWAVE
According to our forces in Cybertron’s outlaying territories, Swindle and Lockdown are the only potential allies in possession of starships adequately sized to transport all of us and a large quantity of energon cubes.

MEGATRON
Hmm…assuming we’ll have our desired quantity of energon we should also have enough to pay for our passage, but which self-serving reprobate do we distrust the least.

Hothead Blitzwing barges out of the tunnel, obviously bent out of shape over something.

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
I vould razzer individually fly each cube to Cybertron myself zan rely on zat double-crosser, Svindle!

As the triple-changer passes by Starscream’s work table, he slams his fist down on the end of a two-by-four, sending it and all the items stacked on its other end, catapulting across the room, crashing and clanging into the walls, each other and then finally onto the floor.

Starscream drops his head into his palms, quivering with frustration.

Shockwave and Megatron acknowledge Blitzwing’s bold request for an audience, ceasing their discussion and paying him full attention.

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
It vas his fault zee Autobots captured me and zee clones. Vee ver fighting zee Autobots and he vas suppose to simply guard our prisoners, but instead chose to retreat like a coward!

Starscream abruptly rises to his feet, knocking his chair over and gripping the sides of the table. With a swift yank, he lifts the table up, tearing the welded fixings at the base of each leg.

This outburst has overshadowed even that of Blitzwing and the other three Cons watch the display with bewildered amusement.

STARSCREAM
(temperamental)
How do you expect me to accomplish anything with this constant assault to my concentration!

Workspace in hand, he stomps toward a side door like a falsely-accused child being sent to their room, nuts and bolts bouncing and rolling off the edge of the table.

MEGATRON
(dismissive of the drama)
As you were saying, Blitzwing.

PROMETHEUS BLACK’S SLEEPING QUARTERS

Starscream bursts through the door and slams the table down on the lush carpeting. His repulsed expression melts into perplexity upon seeing the sorry state of what was obviously once a respectfully regal bedroom. Velvet tapestries in deep shades of burgundy are torn to shreds and cling shamefully to the walls. What little light shone from the flicker of gothic-style electric wall sconces reflects off a sea of jagged mirror shards, littering the floor and vanity surface. Infiltrating every dark corner and streaming from the walls to the towering bedposts, like the icing on the cake of affliction, is an immense tangle of purple silken web.

A sleek semi-metallic arachnid lowers from the ceiling on a single shimmering rope.

BLACKARACHNIA
(quietly threatening)
What are you doing in here? These are my private quarters.

Starscream is dismissive of her and turns toward the door to flip a switch on the wall. The room is bombarded by invasively white light.

She transforms and shields her optics from the blinding disturbance.

BLACKARACHNIA
(annoyed)
Hey, is that really necessary!?

He picks up the two tall bookcases in the room and sets them back to back by the table, creating a stool of sorts, then plants himself down and attempts to organize the clutter of materials strewn across his workstation.

BLACKARACHNIA
(still annoyed)
So…you’re gonna set up here, just like that, without even asking?

STARSCREAM
(not bothering to look up at her)
I need someplace I can work, undisturbed, free of Shockwave’s redundant ramblings and Blitzwing’s ludicrous lunacy.

Blackarachnia grudgingly bites her tongue, all too aware that any protests will just be shot down or ignored, but her irritation is suddenly enveloped by an epiphany.

BLACKARACHNIA
(swaying toward the table)
You know…in here, you’ll be free of Megatron’s watchful eye which means we can start working on my cure.

STARSCREAM
(still focused on his workstation)
Your cure, as you call it, is a waste of time and resources. I’m seriously considering backing out on the whole project.

All four optics widen as her lightened mood is overtaken with horror.

BLACKARACHNIA
(slamming her fists on the table)
What!!

The predacon lashes out with sheer rage, swiping both hands across the table, sending the science bot’s pile of supplies tumbling to the floor.

Starscream remains seated still looking down on the now empty workspace, accepting the reality that he wasn’t intended to make any progress on his current project today.

Her stingers are poised for attack, tips glowing with green venom.

BLACKARACHNIA
You snake! You owe me this! If it wasn’t for me, you’d be a rusting scrap pile buried under heaps of human trash!

Starscream defensively rises up, priming himself for the delivery of his next insightful thought, but the fitful femme raises her arm and fires a web stream directly at his mouth.

BLACKARACHNIA
Shut up! Just shut the scrap up! Your voice makes me want to vomit, and thanks to my organic half, I am fully capable of vomiting!

STARSCREAM
(ripping the webbing from his face)
I’m fully aware of your influence on my reality, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re a fool.

This disrespectful mockery causes Blackarachnia’s temper to reach critical mass, bypassing an further acts of outrage and instead sending her into a fit of cackling.

BLACKARACHNIA
(wild-eyed)
A fool!?…Really!? (getting in his face) Why am I a fool, Starscream? Please enlighten me!

Starscream takes pride in his demonstrated ability to provoke anyone to the brink of insanity, and gladly readies himself to answer her questions by casually sitting back down and crossing his arms.

STARSCREAM
(smugly)
I’ll tell you why you’re a fool. I’ll list off multiple reasons. First of all, you’re a fool because you assumed by resurrecting me, I would feel obliged to help you, completely disregarding my past history of helping only myself. The second reason you’re a fool is because you’re devoid of any insight beyond your bigoted Autobot programming, which prevents you from realizing the advantages of your techno-organic form.

Starscream’s lecture has robbed the femme of her laughter.

BLACKARACHNIA
You don’t know what you’re talking about. This body is…

STARSCREAM
(interrupting)
That body has given you powers that any Autobot and even some Decepticons can only dream of. Tell me, how would you have captured Prowl earlier without the use of your webs? Would you have hoped he’d ground himself long enough to be driven over? Megatron specifically called on you in that situation because even he is aware of the usefulness of your unique powers.

BLACKARACHNIA
Megatron, along with everyone else, sees me as nothing but a freak of nature, regardless of my powers. This…(gestures to herself) mutated mesh of metal and biomaterial is an abomination.

STARSCREAM
Why? Because it‘s looks different? (shakes his head) You let the opinions of single-minded morons taint your logic circuits, which is yet another reason why you’re a fool.

He bends over and picks up the largest shard of mirror from the floor, dusting it off before sliding down the tabletop.

It stops directly in front of her, coming to life with an elegant purple and black form.

She peers down at her reflection, silent, bewildered that the seeker’s barrage of mockery just took an uncharacteristic turn toward flattery.

BLACKARACHNIA
(skeptical)
You’re just saying that because you’ve been influenced by your human counterpart’s admiration of organic systems.

STARSCREAM
So what if I am? Does it make it any less factual?

BLACKARACHNIA
Make what less factual? Your opinions?

He shakes his head in disappointment and squats down next to the pile of debris on the floor.

BLACKARACHNIA
Why should your opinions hold any more merit than the opinions of the ‘moronic’ Autobots?

He begins fumbling with the debris, seemingly ignoring her question.

The frustrated femme throws her arms up with utter abnegation.

BLACKARACHNIA
That’s it? You’re just going to carry on as Megatron’s little techno-geek and completely scrap our project?

STARSCREAM
(continues digging through the debris)
My priority right now is figuring out how to harness energon from the All Spark shards so we can finally depart from this wretched planet. It just so happens I share the same agenda with Megatron, so it only makes sense that I work with him. Your agenda, on the other hand, serves only your misguided vanity. The only reason I ever agreed to help you was because the notion of combining my old Cybertronian engineering skills with my newly gained expertise with organic chemistry sounded like a fascinating endeavor. However, the more I studied the records of ‘Elita One’ and compared them with your current condition, the more I realized this endeavor would be nothing but a downgrade.

Blackarachnia skeptically crosses her arms, searching through the layers of frustration and confusion in her mind, only to find herself without a retort.

STARSCREAM
(continuing)
My opinions are unquestionably valid, but if you refuse to accept the truth then you can at least help with the necessary research of your transformation process and study the molecular composition of this.

He stands up and sets Prowl’s samurai helmet on the table, awkwardly avoiding optic contact with the predacon as she gapes in surprise.

BLACKARACHNIA
So that’s why you took the helmet.

STARSCREAM
(prattling on)
Replicating the Cybertronian alloy that constitutes an Autobot’s chassis is the first step in recreating your original form. I’m sure the quality of metals used for a Cyber-ninja’s armor is more than adequate for your needs.

She lifts the trophy up and runs her claws across it, her thoughts immediately engulfed with admiration of such pure Cybertronian material.

BLACKARACHNIA
It’s perfect!

Starscream can see clearly that her stubborn obsession is unyielding and returns to rummaging through the mess on the floor.

She carefully wraps the helmet in silken fibers and places it securely into one of her webs strewn between the bed posts, continuing to gaze upon it with reverence. Her thoughts are interrupted by the glint of a small electrical device at her feet and she kneels down to pick it up.

BLACKARACHNIA
Is this what you’re looking for?

STARSCREAM
(popping his head up)
Yes! Give it here!

She brings the device to demanding seeker who quickly snatches it from her hand.

STARSCREAM
You better not have damaged this with your little temper tantrum.

He carefully inspects his precious project, but suddenly becomes uneasy by the femme’s motionless presence.

BLACKARACHNIA
Starscream…

He can feel all four of her optics locked on him with curious contemplation, but he continues to focus on the device.

STARSCREAM
(irritated)
What.

BLACKARACHNIA
How much of that human scientist’s personality did you actually absorb?

Starscream vents a long exhale and sets the device down on the table, slowly lifting his optics to meet with hers.

STARSCREAM
(scowling)
Too much.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I remember everything. The academy, my Cyber-ninja training, our struggle with the Decepticons here on earth. But I also remember much more about this planet. A life not of my own. Memories that grow more vivid with each passing day. Events and interactions responsible for the shaping of my imposter, who’s name is best left unmentioned. These memories are horrendous. Far beyond anything I thought humans capable of, and not only his actions, but the actions of those who were suppose to love and nurture him in his developmental years.

Since we arrived on this planet, I have been fascinated by the delicate balance between all living things and their environments, but now I’m forced to see it through the eyes of one who made destroying life the very purpose to his. He is a monster, a degenerate, a toxic byproduct which should’ve been weeded out if natural selection still played significant a role with the human species. And now he is a part of me. He finds sanctuary in my disgust for him, feeding on every dark thought, patiently waiting for the next inevitable trigger I encounter. Processor over Matter keeps him at bay for the time being, but when I’m exposed to the various stimuli of the city, meditation is not feasible, and I certainly can‘t remain locked away in this room forever.

If I can’t find a means to control him, then he must be destroyed, by any means necessary.

AUTOBOT BASE - PROWL’S ROOM

Bumblebee bursts into room, causing every bird and squirrel inhabiting Prowl’s tree to flee for their lives.

BUMBLEBEE
Prowl! Buddy! Me and Sari wanna take you to someplace called the zoo.

PROWL
(optics abruptly illuminate)
Perhaps my imposter‘s violent tendencies have their time and place.
(venting a sigh)
It’s “Sari and I”.

BUMBLEBEE
No it’s not. Me ‘n her came up with the idea. (Sari enters the room) Right, Sari?

PROWL
Ugh, never mind. (rises up from the Lotus pose) Why in the universe would anyone find entertainment with imprisoned animals.

SARI
It‘s not like a animal Alcatraz, silly. Zoos have come a long way from the old days and they try to mimic each species natural habitat as much as possible.

Bumblebee starts backward-skating figure eights around Prowl and Sari.

PROWL
(optics nervously following the hyper yellow bot)
I don’t see how thick glass and metal bars are natural. Wouldn’t our time be better spent assisting Optimus Prime in figuring what to do about the Decepticons?

BUMBLEBEE
He said he wants to lay low until we can get some backing from the Elite Guard, which means we have the green light to go have some fun.

PROWL
I’ll admit it does sound fascinating to see such magnificent creatures up close rather than on TV.

BUMBLEBEE
That’s the spirit!

PROWL
However, we must be cautious of the effects a crowded public place will have on my…alter-ego.

SARI
Well, we figured the zoo would be okay since you feel most like you around nature.

PROWL
I hope you’re right, but I would feel much more at ease if we brought a pair of stasis cuffs.

BUMBLEBEE
(screeches to a stop)
What!? Are you yanking my drive train? Stasis cuffs? Can’t you just hum him away?

Prowl walks to door, passing his young friends without making optic contact.

PROWL
My imposter is uncanny and can easily catch me off guard with the slightest trigger to his memory. I have no idea what could happen so it’s imperative you…keep a close watch on me.

The somber ninja leaves the room, leaving Bumblebee and Sari to look at each other with concern.

BUMBLEBEE
Poor guy…admitting you need a babysitter is not an easy thing to do, especially if you’re Prowl.

SARI
I know, Bee. As much as I love having him back, I worry that he’ll never…be himself again.

BUMBLEBEE
(shaking off his doubt)
Don’t say that. Prowl’s strong. This infestation to his processor is just another hurdle in his Cyber-ninja training. He’ll beat it…I hope.

I gotta say, I LOVE this. Great writing, and Animated seriously needs a fourth season. The only thing it's missing is Waspinator, I really can't wait for more!

Thank you Armorock! Your feedback means a lot to me, seriously. I even took you up on your request for this next scene. Hope you enjoy!

FYI- Vibes is a real character from War Within: http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Vibes

I took some liberties on her personality as the comic provides very little insight to her character. Her dialogue is inspired by Tia Dalma (Calypso) from Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3.

One more thing, here's a rough sketch of Chromia's TFA redesign: viewtopic.php?f=145&t=59049

-----------------------------------------------------

CYBERTRON - DESERTED HIGHWAY

Ironhide, Cliffjumper and Brawn cruise down Cybertron’s equivalent of Route 66. The road stretches far across the planet’s southern hemisphere, dispersed with ghost towns, deserted recharge stations, and a few decrepit novelty diners still clinging to the hope of business from tourists. The Autobots pay no mind to these landmarks as they speed by, letting the partially lit neon lights shrink to merely a passing thought in their rear-view mirrors.

BRAWN
This blows. How much farther till we reach Kaon, Ironhide?

IRONHIDE
We’ll be able to see it just over the next rise, then it’s only a dozen kilometers or so from there. Haven’t you been to Kaon before, Brawn?

BRAWN
Not since before the war. I used to go there to watch the fights.

CLIFFJUMPER
You mean the gladiatorial fights?

BRAWN
(sarcastic)
No, I used to drive all the way out here just to watch drunkards brawlin’ in the alleys.

CLIFFJUMPER
Lucky son-of-a-glitch…you ever see one of Megatron’s fights?

BRAWN
Nah…only ever saw the pirated vids of him…that filthy slagger’s no joke in combat.

IRONHIDE
Don’t remind me…my chassis still aches from that punch. How’re yer injuries treatin‘ ya?

BRAWN
I‘m fine…but had I known Sentinel would be sendin’ me on mindless missions, I woulda figured out a way to stay in rehab longer.

CLIFFJUMPER
Frag that frequency, I’ll take scouting work any day over my maddeningly dull desk job.

IRONHIDE
So Sentinel thinks he’s punishing you with this assignment when he’s actually doin’ you a favor?

CLIFFJUMPER
You got it!

BRAWN
One would think your name might enlighten him on how your prefer to spend your time.

CLIFFJUMPER
(laughing)
Not when your chin is larger than your processor.

IRONHIDE
Cool yer carburetors you two, there’s something…or someone up ahead.

As the Autobots drift over the rise, a red and grey femme sitting lazily on a old rusted oil canister comes into view. Her colors dulled and her chassis in desperate need of some body work, but she'S obviously not bothered by such trivial downers as dings and scratches because she sports a carefree smile and waves casually at the three Autobots as they slow to a stop and transform before her.

BRAWN
Vibes?! Is’at you?

IRONHIDE
You know her?

BRAWN
Pit yeah, I know her. We fought together in the great war.

VIBES
‘Ello Brawn! ‘Ow ya dooin’?

BRAWN
Confused! What in the All Spark you doing out here?

She points her thumb at the run down building behind her.

VIBES
Am ‘elpin’ me cousin reopen da ol’ club, what wit da tourists comin’ roun’ again.

CLIFFJUMPER
What tourists? Nobody comes out here anymore.

VIBES
(crossing arms in a told-you-so manner)
I guess dat make you a nobody.

Cliffjumper opens his mouth in attempt to protest, but the femme continues before he can utter a word.

VIBES
Dee arenas of Kaon come to life with da sounds of clangin’ swords and cheerin’ crowds as of late. We see a new kine of ‘con fightin’ der just da udda day.

IRONHIDE
The ’cons? Who? Did you recognize any of ’em?

VIBES
Just da arms dealer playin‘ Master of Ceremonies.

BRAWN
Figures Swindle would have his slimy servos in on this. Where’s Blaster? He around?

VIBES
Him buying supplies in Iacon.

IRONHIDE
He left you here alone? Don’t you worry about the leaching empties trickling over from Kaon?

VIBES
Dat is why I stay behind, country bot,…to protect club from squatters such as dem. Dey don’t dare mess wit me while I have dis beauty.

She pulls a blaster from her hip holster and holds it up to her optics which widen at its visage. The weapon shines in blatant contrast to her aged chassis.

All three Autobots are captivated by the alien weaponry.

BRAWN
Slag me sideways! Is that a Quintessonian piece?

VIBES
(handing the blaster to Brawn)
You betcha skid plate it is. Fresh off da factory line.

Brawn carefully slides the blaster from her grasp and inspects with it sheer reverence.

CLIFFJUMPER
Impossible! They stopped making those after the Great War ended.

VIBES
You call me a liar, shorty?

IRONHIDE
(elbowing Cliffjumper)
No, he’s not. Where did you get that?

VIBES
Is peace offering from Swindle.

BRAWN
(handing blaster back to Vibes)
Irony at its finest.

IRONHIDE
Why? What’s that dirty dealer up to?

VIBES
(makes a shooing motion with the hand holding the blaster)
Why don’t you go into city and ask him yourself?

CLIFFJUMPER
(grinds his fist into his palm)
I think we may just do that.

The old femme is not pleased with the scrapper’s insinuation and she quickly impales him with a threatening finger tip.

VIBES
Do not trow your military weight on him! (each of her words driven in by repeated pokes from her finger) Witout him, der’s no arenas, and witout arenas, ders no club. Peace is da way of da future.

IRONHIDE
How is an illegal fighting ring peaceful?

VIBES
Nobody die from fights. Is not like the past.

BRAWN
(grinning)
I’m starting to like this mission more and more. C’mon guys. Sentinel ordered us to monitor any unusual activity in Kaon, so let’s get a move on. (he transforms) Great to see ya, Vibes. I’ll be back to check out the club once it’s in full swing.

Ironhide and Cliffjumper respectfully nod at Vibes before transforming. She returns their courtesies with a halfhearted salute and crooked but genuine smile.

VIBES
Remember da truce between Iacon and Kaon, me bruddas, and keep da fighting in da ring.

IRONHIDE
This is simply a scouting mission, ma‘am. We have no intention of engaging in battle.

The Autobots pull onto the highway and speed off toward the city.

The old femme sees them off with the same wave as when she greeted them.

VIBES
Scouting mission my mud flaps.

(Insignia Transition - Autobot to Autobot)


KAON - GLADITORIAL ARENA

The three Autobots roll up to the massive scaffolding-lined walls of the large circular structure, which appears to be undergoing a massive makeover. They transform and cautiously walk up to the makings of a main entrance, uneasy by the absence of any sign of life.

CLIFFJUMPER
Why isn’t anyone here?

BRAWN
My guess would be their all passed out in the alleys…it’s pretty early in the day for the types attracted to a place like this.

They wander past the run down admission booths and come upon a large corridor that splits circularly down either side of the arena. Evenly dispersed along the corridor walls are towering arched doorways that lead to row after row of graduated stadium seats. Also lining the corridor walls are black and white images of past gladiators, which instantly captivate Cliffjumper.

CLIFFJUMPER
(strolling past several photos)
Wicked! And I mean literally! Most of these gladiators are Megatron’s current-day cronies.

IRONHIDE
Makes sense. He used this place to recruit his army.

CLIFFJUMPER
Whoa, check out this photo!

Ironhide and Brawn wander up to their hyper comrade to inspect his discovery.

IRONHIDE
Quintessons? How in blazes did they get involved?

BRAWN
Are you kidding me? There’s good profits to be made from fights. (he points at the photo) Speaking of profits, there’s Swindle looking greasy as ever. (squints in confusion at the photo) Who’s the femme next to him?

IRONHIDE
(taking a closer look)
It can’t be...

CLIFFJUMPER
Chromia?!

A familiar smooth-talking voice emerges from behind them.

SWINDLE
It most certainly is.

The three Autobots practically whiplash to see the arms dealer strutting down the corridor followed by a tall cloaked mech.

SWINDLE
How’s she doing these days? Still slee-- I mean working her way up the ladder of justice.

Ironhide steps forward, holding his palms out to signal his non-hostile intentions. Swindle acknowledges with a nod and crooked smile.

IRONHIDE
Your grim reaper there better not be packin’.

SWINDLE
(elbowing the mystery mech)
Oh he’s harmless…well, at the moment anyway. C’mon buddy, take off the cloak…they can’t do scrap to you as long you’re in the city limits.

The stranger pulls his hood back to reveal a pair of beady purple optics and long green pincers lined with jagged teeth.

CLIFFJUMPER
Wasp?!

WASPINATOR
It’s Waspinator now, Cliff!

IRONHIDE
Swindle, you do realize the bounty Sentinel put on his head.

SWINDLE
Of course! I’m no fool, but he’s worth much more as my prize fighter rather than a lump rotting in the stockades.

IRONHIDE
But I thought he was on Earth.

WASPINATOR
Dealerbot find Waspinator on Earth and give Waspinator free ride to Cybertron.

SWINDLE
I don’t normally dish out free rides to anyone, but I took pity on him after realizing we shared a common disdain for a particular backstabbing femme. So how about it fellas!? What say you give my partner here a little warm-up before this evening events. I’ll even let you team up against him.

Brawn fearlessly steps up in front of Ironhide.

BRAWN
Pffff…I’ll take him solo!

IRONHIDE
No Brawn, we’re suppose to be on a mission.

Swindle glides up to Brawn, placing his hand on his back and guiding him toward an arched doorway.

SWINDLE
Come on, no one will ever know. You’ll be back in Iacon before the dinner bell and I know a great little place along the way that’ll pound out your dents and wax your chassis in a jiffy.

BRAWN
That won’t be necessary.

WASPINATOR
Thick littlebot talk big game. Waspinator will enjoy this.

Swindle, Brawn and the predacon make their way down the stadium steps toward the fighting grounds in the center.

Cliffjumper flashes a huge grin at Ironhide and eagerly follows the other three.

Ironhide reluctantly follows, shaking his head with skepticism.

AUTOBOT BASE - MAIN ROOM

Optimus Prime stands over the computer console looking over satellite images of Detroit and Lake Eerie. He taps away into the keyboard and the map images switch to a loading screen with a progress bar that doesn’t appear to be making any progress. He slams his fists on the keyboards.

OPTIMUS PRIME
C’mon, how hard is it show me an map of the zoo?! I really miss Teletran One.

Ratchet curiously peers up in from his welding project.

RATCHET
You realize brute force has no effect on the speed of the human’s communication networks.

The medibot watches his leader step down off the monitoring platform and start pacing while squeezing his temples.

RATCHET
Somthin’ on yer processor?

OPTIMUS PRIME
Just…everything…Prowl, the Decepticons, Ultra Magnus…

RATCHET
(shaking his head)
You need to learn to tackle our current issues one at a time and stop being so…“emo” as Sari would say.

Ratchet’s earthly language brings Optimus to a halt and he looks questionably at the old bot.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Emo?

RATCHET
Yeah, as in get over yourself and be more proactive! You've been sulking around here all day. Go for a drive! Soak up some solar rays.

OPTIMUS PRIME
But…

RATCHET
No buts! As your medical adviser, I strongly suggest you follow my orders.

The Autobot leader is in no mood to argue with his stubborn colleague and raises his hands in surrender as he walks toward the exit.

OPTIMUS PRIME
You’re the docbot. Is there anything you need from town?

RATCHET
Yeah...more information about the procedure performed on Prowl.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(confused)
How...do you expect me to get that?

RATCHET
From a comm call to your "inside connection."

OPTIMUS PRIME
(he does an about face)
What do you mean “connection”? You can’t be referring to Blackarachnia?

RATCHET
No, I mean, phone up your old pal Megatron and request in writing how the experiment went down. OF COURSE I MEAN BLACKARACHINA.

OPTIMUS PRIME
She’s a lost cause, Ratchet. She put her own ambition over the value of human life, not to mention she’s responsible for Prowl’s unstable condition.

RATCHET
Seeing how Prowl’s able to get out and enjoy himself, I’d say his condition is better than yours.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Aren’t you the least bit worried about him? I mean, he threatened Sari’s life back at the mall.

RATCHET
Sari’s a big girl, she’s quite capable of handling herself, but don’t change the subject! If you’re not gonna get Blackarachnia on the comm, then I will.

Ratchet huffs over to the computer and starts tapping at the keypads.

RATCHET
I know you have her frequency stored in here somewhere.

Optimus worriedly raises his hands in a stop-motion at Ratchet.

OPTIMUS PRIME
No! Fine, I’ll do it, but you know we can't trust a word she says. For all I know, she could request a meeting in person then ambush me.

RATCHET
Don’t gimme that load a’scrap. You know her well enough to detect any sideways intentions. If she sounds insincere, don't agree to meet her.

Optimus stands silent for a thoughtful moment then reluctantly turns and heads to the exit door again.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(irritated)
You know something, Ratchet? You could indulge me once in a while and stop being so…right all the time.

Ratchet smiles as he watches his leader leave the base.

RATCHET
Why quit now when I’m on a roll.

Optimus steps outside and takes in the encouraging sunshine before transforming and revving up his powerful diesel engine. He pulls forward across the unkempt lawn and stops before reaching the street, sitting idle, even though there is no oncoming traffic.

STARSCREAM’S “NEW LABORATORY”

Starscream and Blackarachnia are seated at the table working on the energon converter. The seeker is lost in computational thought, scribbling various equations on the electro-tablet while the predacon mindlessly strips wires of their plastic insulation.

Her tedious task is interrupted by the Autobot leader’s emerging voice through her private comm frequency.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Blackarachnia, this is Optimus…is it safe to talk?

All four arachnid optics widen as she glances over at Starscream then quickly rises from the table and exits the room without saying a word.

Starscream raises an optic brow enough to watch her leave, but shrugs his curiosity away and resumes his problem solving.

(Insignia Transition - Decepticon to Autobot)

DOWNTOWN DETROIT

In the less populated outskirts of the city, a familiar red and blue rig pulls into an empty alleyway then transforms into the stately Autobot leader. Blackarachnia watches him approach from her stealthy nook in the rickety fire escape above. Upon seeing that he’s unarmed, the large spider lowers herself into view.

BLACKARACHNIA
What took you so long? You only had to travel across town. I had to cross a great lake!

Optimus senses the playful sarcasm in her voice which relaxes his tension toward the unpredictable meeting.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(cracking an awkward smile)
Apparently you haven’t dealt with Detroit‘s midday traffic…(expression eases to concern) Have I put you at risk of Megatron’s scorn by requesting this meeting?

She transforms and touches down on the concrete, slightly amused by his nervous tone of voice.

BLACKARACHNIA
Megatron can go slag himself.

This comment catches the Autobot off guard.

OPTIMUS PRIME
What do you mean? Are you no longer operating under his command?

BLACKARACHNIA
Yes, I’m still (mimicking his voice) ‘operating under his command’ but it doesn’t mean I agree with methods.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(disappointed)
But you’ll still carry out his abominable experiments at the expense of human life and Prowl’s dignity.

She defensively plants her hands on her hips.

BLACKARACHNIA
Look, if you called me here just to lecture me then I’m gone.

She turns her back to him and points her wrist upward.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(stepping toward her)
No, wait…please, that’s not why I contacted you…Blackarachnia, I’m really worried about Prowl and I want to know as much as possible about the experiment. What exactly did you do to him?

The concern in Optimus’ voice stops the predacon from retreating as she looks back over her shoulder and lowers her hand. She takes a moment to simmer down before responding.

BLACKARACHNIA
(sincere)
I know you don’t trust me anymore, but you must believe that I never wished this on Prowl.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Then why did you kidnap his body?

BLACKARACHNIA
Have you ever disobeyed a direct order from Megatron? It’s not a pleasant experience.

OPTIMUS PRIME
I don’t imagine that it is, but you don’t have to work for him.

BLACKARACHNIA
It’s better than being tried for treason and rotting in the stockades, which is exactly what’ll happen if I turn myself over to your cause.

OPTIMUS PRIME
If you turn yourself in now, the repercussions will be much less severe then if the Elite Guard captures you as an active participant in the Decepticon army.

BLACKARACHNIA
You paint such a pretty picture. I can just see it now…the scientists hovering over me, garbed head to servo in protective suits, poking and prying…

OPTIMUS PRIME
(interrupting)
I won’t let that happen!

BLACKARACHNIA
You won’t have the power to stop it, Optimus…You and I both know this.

He turns away, frustrated, searching his processor for a valid argument to prove her wrong, but comes up dry, knowing too well that she’s right.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(desperately)
I’ll help you restore your original form. I know a lot of good science bots on Cybertron, not to mention Ratchet…

BLACKARACHNIA
I don’t need your help…I’ve already found someone capable of curing me.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Who, Starscream!? Come on Blackarachnia, you’re smarter than that. (turning to face her again) Didn’t your mishap with Meltdown teach you anything?

BLACKARACHNIA
(crossing her arms)
You’re lecturing again…Now what exactly do you want to know about Prowl’s procedure that you haven’t already figured out?

Optimus reluctantly bites his tongue and vents a sigh before returning his focus on the reason for the meeting.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Is there a way to undo the damage?

BLACKARACHNIA
(almost offended)
What do mean by damage? The fact that he’s alive or that he’s infused with organic material?

OPTIMUS PRIME
Don’t go there…you know what I mean.

BLACKARACHNIA
My experiment wasn’t intended to be damaging and I certainly never expected Megatron to show up on my doorstep and glom onto my research for his own misdoings, so, to answer your question, no. I never bothered to invent a method of undoing the procedure.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Is it still possible to reverse it?

BLACKARACHNIA
Yeah…extinguish his spark.

OPTIMUS PRIME
No! There must be another way! (he paces in frustration) I can’t imagine Starscream is pleased to be melded with a human. How does he deal with it and is he working on a cure for himself?

BLACKARACHNIA
(she observes his mannerisms with slight amusement)
Starscream is using his human counterpart to his advantage, so he doesn’t want to be cured. He’s able to access the human’s scientific genius and somehow suppress the less desirable aspects such as emotions.

OPTIMUS PRIME
How can he do that?

BLACKARACHNIA
I’m guessing his mutated, inextinguishable spark was able to overpower the professor’s personality during the synthesizing of the two, which is why Starscream is still…(cringing) Starscream. Prowl, on the other hand, was completely offline to start with, so the convict’s brain may have left a deeper scar.

OPTIMUS PRIME
That’s not what I want to hear.

BLACKARACHNIA
However…I slaughtered the convict and removed his brain pre-maturely…

Optimus looks at her with disappointment.

BLACKARACHNIA
Oh come on, don’t try to guilt trip me for that…he was a disgrace to the human species.

The Autobot leader maintains his look of disapproval, which slightly morphs into pity.

BLACKARACHNIA
As I was saying, the convict’s brain sat around decaying for a while before we…before Megatron carried out the experiment.

OPTIMUS PRIME
What are you saying?

BLACKARACHNIA
I’m saying, Prowl may very well be the dominant personality.

OPTIMUS PRIME
But even the slightest trigger to the convict’s memory drastically disrupts him.

BLACKARACHNIA
Then he needs to avoid experiences that cause such triggers. The human brain is a creature of habit and it prefers to travel on familiar paths. The more Prowl accesses that convict’s memories, the more prominent they’ll become.

OPTIMUS PRIME
He definitely acts peculiar whenever the convict’s name is mentioned.

BLACKARACHNIA
Oh, you think? (Optimus scowls at her sarcasm) You need to take him to Cybertron where there‘ll be very little stimulation to the human‘s memories.

Optimus looks away and shakes his head in disagreement.

BLACKARACHNIA
What’s that? You think I’m wrong?

OPTIMUS PRIME
I’m not leaving Earth until we‘ve captured Megatron.

BLACKARACHNIA
Puh-lease! Your past triumphs over Megatron were always aided by one of Starscream’s treacherous stunts. You don’t stand a chance. For you own safety, I suggest you leave Megatron alone.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Was that a threat?!

BLACKARACHNIA
No, Optimus, it’s a recommendation because I don’t want to see you get slagged!

The Autobot is surprised by her display of concern, wondering if she meant to let her spark‘s true nature surface for a moment or if it acted against her will. Regardless of the cause, he wasn’t about to let it retreat without a fight.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(steps closer to her)
Then why don’t you help me take him down? You’re in a perfect position.

BLACKARACHNIA
Nu-uh! No way!

OPTIMUS PRIME
(frustrated)
Why!? You aren‘t one of them, Blackarachnia! I know you’re not!

BLACKARACHNIA
Why don’t you let me decide where my loyalties belong. Are we done here?

She turns to walk away but Optimus firmly grabs her hand and pulls her close to him.

BLACKARACHNIA
What are you doing?

In protest of his actions, she pushes her free hand against his chest and tries to yank the other from his hand.

The Autobot maintains a firm grip on her, but his demeanor is gentle as his hand calms the restless techno-organics claws by pressing them firmly against his chest.

She stops struggling but refuses to look the Autobot in the face.

BLACKARACHNIA
(nervous and unconvincing)
Don’t do this…please! I need to get back to base. Shockwave’s going to tattle my absence…

OPTIMUS PRIME
(smiling lightheartedly)
Then go.

He shifts his hand to the small of her back while the other presses her hand tighter against his chassis. This action pulls her in even closer and she awkwardly staggers her feet so as not to step on his. The warmth of his spark drifts up her arm and seeps into her chassis, melting away her apprehension and sending her back to a time when such intimacy could wear the guise of innocence. She musters the courage to meet his captivating gaze with her own. The sincerity in his optics seems to guide her movement as she reaches her free hand up and starts tracing his chin with her claws.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Is this the part where you sting me?

She lightly chuckles at this comment and continues to stare speechlessly into his face, but her smile quickly fades at the blaring contrast between her tainted claws and his noble face.

Optimus can sense her spark slipping back into the layers of darkness and pulls her tighter against him hoping to retrieve it with his own optimistic life force.

BLACKARACHNIA
This is a futile dream.

OPTIMUS PRIME
It doesn’t have to be.

She brushes her thumb across his mouth before stiffening her arm and firing a silken rope into the fire escape above.

BLACKARACHNIA
If only I shared your rose-tinted perception on reality.

The Autobot leader accepts the inevitable demise of the moment and reluctantly releases his hold on her. She lingers for a long nano-second then launches upward, leaving a gush of cold wind in her place.

He turns to watch her soar up several stories, searching for the right words to redirect her misguided loyalties, but not a single desperate outburst meets the standards set by his pride and he remains silent as she reaches the rooftop and vanishes from view.

A/N: Poll for upcoming plot elements: Quintesson threat? y/n; Unicron threat? y/n; Quints/Unicron alliance threat? y/n; Do you give a scrap? y/n

Thanks again for your love, my few loyal readers. ^_^

CYBERTRON - KAON - GLADITORIAL ARENA

Waspinator buzzes and growls under the strain of Brawn and Cliffjumper wrapped around each of his gangly arms like burdensome stasis chains.

BRAWN
(through gritted teeth)
Back off Cliffjumper! I said I don’t need your help.

CLIFFJUMPER
(talking between grunts)
You’re…delusional. This…freakish organicon…is five times your size.

Waspinator effortlessly yanks Cliffjumper up to impale him with a glare from his threatening insect optics.

WASPINATOR
Bouncybot not wanted here. Waspinator even the odds.

The giant predacon hurls Cliffjumper toward the arena benches with the controlled style of a major league pitcher. The scrappy red bot soars across the combat pit, directly toward the two occupants of the front row, who each cast their own unique expression upon his aerials: Swindle smiling contentedly and Ironhide cringing with disappointment. Cliffjumper braces his landing with shock-absorbing arms then springs over the spectators, each acrobatic landing upon the bleachers whittles down his momentum until he gracefully plants down on his feet a few rows back from Swindle and Ironhide.

The predacon let his guard down to watch Cliffjumper’s actions, and Brawn seizes him by the ankle, disrupting his balance and causing the overgrown insect to slam down on his side with a buzzing grunt of surprise. Gripping both his ankle and wrist, Brawn drags his opponent along the ground as he winds up to prepare for a powerful spinning throw. A couple revolutions is all the husky Autobot needs to summon his reliable buddy, Centrifugal Force, then he releases his grip, sending his opponent hurdling through the air, sentencing him with a verdict decided by gravity and the pit floor.

Waspinator slams face first into the ground with an undignified yelp.

SWINDLE
(genuinely impressed)
Not bad! I underestimated the gruffy ol’ bot.

CLIFFJUMPER
(arms crossed in protest)
He couldn’t of pulled it off with my help.

SWINDLE
I venture to disagree. Your comrade there is star material, the perfect addition to my evening line-up of capable entertainers.

IRONHIDE
Forget it, Swindle. Autobots have never played a role in this sideways sport and I intend to keep it that way, even if I have to drag Brawn out kickin’ and screamin‘.

SWINDLE
(mockingly chuckles)
Autobot ignorance is so priceless, it’s almost cute.

Waspinator peels his face from the floor and snaps to his feet with a vengeance.

WASPINATOR
Surlybot pay for cheap shot!

Waspinator charges the Autobot like a raging bull, further infuriated by the satisfied smile smeared across his opponent’s face. Brawn firmly stands his ground like a rugby goalie, servos splayed in anticipation. The collision inevitably pushes Brawn back a several meters, serenaded by the harmony of grunts, growls and the scraping sound of the Autobot‘s feet along the ground. Each fighter leans into to the other, fingers interlocked, but Brawn’s able to regain some lost ground after Waspinator’s initial momentum wears off, and the unbreakable Autobot pushes forward with slow and powerful steps.

Waspinator quickly bores of the intimate deadlock and decides he’d rather view his opponent from a distance. With a preparatory crouch followed immediately by a wrenching half twist, the predacon flings Brawn along the same trajectory as Cliffjumper just a few cycles prior.

Brawn flails through the air, on a direct course toward Ironhide’s confounded gape. Swindle flinchingly balls up, wrapping his arms protectively over his head, while Cliffjumper dives behind Ironhide. The thick red Autobot valiantly rises and coats himself with the metallic safeguard that earned him his name, and not a moment before his airborne comrade slams into his chest plate and drops to his feet like a limp protoform.

After the dust settles, Cliffjumper peeks out to survey the damage and upon seeing Brawn painstakingly sit up, the scrapper bursts into mocking laughter.

BRAWN
(wearily rubbing the back of his neck)
Cliffjumper, I swear to the creator…

Swindle unfurls from his shameful cowardice and quickly regains his charismatic composure, flipping his attention to the triumphant but obviously exhausted predacon.

Waspinator advances on his spectators with drudging strides, dismissive of the drain to his energon levels.

WASPINATOR
(breathless)
Who’s next?

Swindle signals his prize fighter with a halting gesture.

SWINDLE
That’ll do, bug. I don’t need you wasting anymore valuable energon unless I can charge admission for it. (shooing him away) Now go recharge on some low-grade…

Waspinator drops his shoulders in discontent and turns away, plodding toward the nearest of several corridors edging the pit floor.

SWINDLE
…and don’t willingly dish out my energon to the repair femmes this time. I pay those girls to make you pretty, not leech off your luxuries.

WASPINATOR
(under his breath)
Puh, luxuries…Waspinator fall over dead if dealerbot actually spring for luxury.

Ironhide hooks his hands under Brawn’s arms and helps him to his feet.

IRONHIDE
You fought well buddy, now let‘s get outta here!

SWINDLE
Not so fast Ironhide, let the courageous mech kick back and revel in his achievement for a moment.

CLIFFJUMPER
What achievement? He lost!

Brawn pins his antagonist with a mortally threatening glare, enough to make Cliffjumper step back in near regret.

SWINDLE
Are you kidding me? He gave my prize fighter a serious run for his energon. If matched against one of the run-of-the-mill gladiators in my arsenal, he would’ve mopped the floor with their skid plates then taken their maternal units to dinner.

IRONHIDE
Enough Swindle, we’re leaving now.

Ironhide tries to guide Brawn toward the exit, but he’s met with resistance.

BRAWN
Ease up, Ironhide. I wanna hear about these other gladiators. (turns to Swindle) You can’t mean the drunken empties populating Kaon? Anyone could defeat those sorry excuses for sentient beings. Who have you managed to wrangle into this?

SWINDLE
I’m so glad you asked. My gladiators are a fine collection of mechs, ranging from academy dropouts to undecideds to Decepticon deserters, all with a unified distaste for that pretty little symbol on your chassis.

Brawn’s optics light up with a deranged craving and he grinds his fist into his servos.

BRAWN
Ain’ nothing like making an undecided’s mind up for him.

SWINDLE
And you’re just the mech for the job, brimming with battle experience and feats of strength packaged deceptively in that small but sturdy chas…

BRAWN
Enough with the four-play, Swindle, what are you trying to peddle on me?

SWINDLE
(dramatically gestures like a stage performer)
I offer you…the spotlight!

IACON - SPACE BRIDGE CONTROL ROOM

Chromia taps the side of her helm as she strolls to the stack of various engineering supplies on the transwarp platform.

CHROMIA
(into comm)
Shockwave, it‘s Chromia.

She removes a small data pad from her hip and meticulously compares the contents on the platform to the written list.

CHROMIA
Oh slag, I forgot the spritzer.

SHOCKWAVE
I copy. What is the status of our shipment?

CHROMIA
Just about ready to transwarp.

SHOCKWAVE
Excellent work. I’m impressed by your procurement of space bridge permissions yet again,

CHROMIA
Well don’t be, ‘cause I didn’t get any this time.

She approaches the control panel and diligently taps the transwarp coordinates into the keypads. The warp pad hums to life with a sliding pitch and the room gradually illuminates with a blue glow.

CHROMIA
The powers-that-be are aware you guys hitched a bridge ride after the escape, so they limited access permissions to a meager few a top the food chain.

SHOCKWAVE
So you’re using one of their access codes?

CHROMIA
You betcha. If they bother to trace the signature stamp of this delivery, it’ll point them to Sentinel.

SHOCKWAVE
What if Sentinel Prime is questioned about it?

CHROMIA
Pff…did Longarm ever bother to interrogate Sentinel on potentially questionable matters?

SHOCKWAVE
Of course not. I’d rather have short circuited than subject myself to any unessential conversing with him.

CHROMIA
Exactly, most bots here…

She’s interrupted by the echoing of voices and two pairs of footsteps drawing closer to the closed door of the control room. She springs over the control panel and ducks behind it, optics nervously darting side to side. The uninvited clamor ceases upon reaching the door, obviously distracted by the familiar mechanical song of transwarp energy.

SHOCKWAVE
Chromia? Are you still there?

She gasps as one of the intruding bots starts tapping a code into the security panel next to the door. The desperate double-agent frantically searches the room for a last minute solution but the glow of transwarp energy is now blinding and just when door latch becomes one less barrier between her and an awkward explanation, she dives upon the dematerializing stack of supplies.

Wheeljack and Warpath enter the room just as the transwarp luminescence retreats into a singularity above the warp pad, leaving the room in a dead silence. Wheeljack looks questionably at his partner then approaches the control panel, tapping a few commands into the keypad.

WHEELJACK
Huh…Sentinel must’ve accessed it from a remote location.

WARPATH
Why would he do that?

WHEELJACK
(shrugs)
S’beyond me? You wanna ask him?

WARPATH
Slag no!

Wheeljack dismissively turns away from the control panel and heads for the door, followed by Warpath who’s equally unbothered by the events.

WHEELJACK
No doubt he’s scrappin’ up the system again with his divine technical ineptitude.

CYBERTRON - KAON - GLADITORIAL ARENA

Brawn lounges across a stadium bench gripping a can of oil, grinning contentedly as a pair of trashy but sprightly repair femmes pound out his dents and wax his chassis. Swindle is perched on the bench one row up, performing a sales pitch with his vivid facial expressions and dynamic hand gestures. Cliffjumper is captivated by dealer’s ramblings as he sucks down a can of oil, but Ironhide stands a couple rows up, impatiently tapping his foot.

IRONHIDE
Let‘s get a move on you two!

Everyone ignores his bubble-bursting voice of reason.

SWINDLE
Only two evenings a week, all travel and repair expenses covered, and you get the pick of the litter from my glamorous line-up of sponsors. I’ve got some excellent companies on-board from top-notch refiners to cutting-edge mod manufactures.

CLIFFJUMPER
What about Quintessonian weaponry?

Cliffjumper’s question robs Swindle of his seemingly permanent smile and the dealer glares down at the impetuous Autobot.

SWINDLE
What about it?

BRAWN
(chiming in with a lazy voice)
We saw the pretty peace offering you gave Vibes…where’d you get it?

Swindle pauses for an uncharacteristically silent nano-klik then revives his signature smile, which is now wider than before.

SWINDLE
Oh, that ol’ thing was just a prototype than never found its way to the Great War frontier. I got it in a trade centuries ago, back when the Quints used to run this operation.

Ironhide shifts a concerned glance to Cliffjumper who returns a look of skepticism.

SWINDLE
Primus forbid those miscreants get their tentacles into the arena scene again. They brought shame to the business, equipping the gladiators with their war-grade blasters and stripping away the brutal dignity of servo-to-servo combat.

CLIFFJUMPER
I’m amazed Megatron allowed them to deface his precious sporting events.

SWINDLE
That tunnel-visioned warmonger didn’t give two scraps about the arena once he and his army gallivanted off to war.

Ironhide adamantly approaches his wayward companions, grabbing each of them by the arm like a scolding parent and tugging them up the bleacher steps toward the exit. The repair femmes pout with insult as Brawn is ripped from their pampering.

IRONHIDE
C’mon guys, let’s get back on track. If you wanna learn about Megatron’s history then I’d be glad to direct you to the Hall of Records. Swindle, I’m sure my colleague appreciates your generous offer, but being an active member of the Autobot army, he must refrain from such worldly temptations.

Brawn yanks his arm free, offended by Ironhide’s brash assumptions.

BRAWN
I’m quite capable of making my own decisions, Ironhide, especially in regard to how I spend my free time.

The stout Autobot reaches his stubby servos out to the dealer.

BRAWN
You have a written contract I can take with me?

Swindles obligingly slips a data pad from the inventory drawer on his chest and presents it to Brawn with an endearing grin.

Ironhide opens his mouth to protest the exchange but remains hopelessly silent, realizing his attempts are futile against the old bot’s stubbornness.

SWINDLE
No pressure to commit.

Brawn lightly chuckles as he snatches the data pad and turns to follow his comrades.

BRAWN
Yeah, right.

The Autobots continue up the bleachers and through the arched doorway.

SWINDLE
(serenading their exit)
You have my comm frequency, don’t hesitate to use it if you have any questions.

Once the Autobots are out of ear-shot, the dealer slips off his mask of sincerity and assumes a comfortably befitting, sleazy smirk.

SWINDLE
So, ladies, how ‘bout buffing up the ol’ chassis?

With fingers strumming across his chest plate, he twists around with anticipation, then immediately glowers at the sight of the femmes strolling away, dismissive of his request and gleefully treasuring two salvaged cans of oil, left behind by the Autobots.

SWINDLE
Typical.

EARTH - DECEPTICON BASE - MAIN ROOM

Starscream bursts through the door from his lab and wastes no time before unleashing his impatience at the single occupant of the room, who’s dutifully perched at the computer console, looking over the large monitor with his single red optic.

STARSCREAM
Where are my supplies?!

Shockwave refuses to acknowledge the obnoxious seeker with anything but an apathetic response.

SHOCKWAVE
They’re en route as we speak…not that it wouldn’t kill you to exercise a little patience.

STARSCREAM
I have no time for patience. (ponderingly surveys the room) Where has everyone else gone?

SHOCKWAVE
Megatron and Lugnut are seeking more All Spark fragments and Blackarachnia’s whereabouts are, in her words, none of my slagging business.

The dull atmosphere is suddenly filled with the familiar sound and light show signature to transwarp energy. The two ‘cons narrow their optics at the beaming silhouette that materializes on the expanse of floor between them and the hum of energy is gradually overtaken by feminine vocals drumming out the same word over and over.

CHROMIA
Slag, Slag, Slag…

The blinding glow retreats in a flash, leaving Shockwave and Starscream to questionably stare upon the stack of engineering supplies draped with their double-agent.

She springs up in a rage and stomps around the supplies like a temperamental sparkling.

CHROMIA
Vector slaggin’ Sigma and a bucket of scrap!

Her narrative entrance has sparked amusement from Starscream, but the ever logical Shockwave rises up, aghast.

SHOCKWAVE
Chromia! Explain this at once!

She snaps herself from the tantrum upon hearing Shockwave’s voice and glides up to base of the elevated platform, gazing desperately upon her interrogator.

CHROMIA
Shockwave, you must believe…I was between a rock and hard place…if those two bots caught me, my cover would’ve been blown for sure. I had no other choice.

SHOCKWAVE
(unconvinced)
Only two Autobots? I was under the assumption your mesmerizing abilities were quite powerful.

Starscream starts fumbling through the stack of supplies, scrutinizing each object with a skeptical optic.

CHROMIA
(pleading)
They are powerful…on a single target…I can’t take on more than one bot at a time.

STARSCREAM
Then what good are you?

Her pleading is momentarily silenced by the seeker’s insult, but she fights the urge to retort and continues fishing for pity from her mentor.

CHROMIA
Please Shockwave, don’t let Megatron catch me here…he’ll scrap me for sure.

Starscream continues to rummage through the supplies but with increasing irritation.

STARSCREAM
I’m liable to scrap you if I don’t find my spritzer in the next nano-klik.

Chromia grits her teeth then inevitably succumbs to her frustration, popping her wings open and vengefully rushing the prodding seeker, who steps back with shock and amusement.

CHROMIA
To the pit with your spritzer!

Shockwave springs up and advances upon the heated femme, forcing her wings closed with his clawed servos.

SHOCKWAVE
Please refrain from processor-fragging other Decepticons, Chromia, (pins Starscream a glare) regardless of how deserving they are of it.

Random Blitzwing emerges from the lab door, jagged red grin cheerful as always.

RANDOM BLITZWING
Did someone say sprtizer? OOOoooOOoo, Vhat are vee celebrating?

Shockwave’s intervention combined with the triple-changer’s bold entrance is enough to snap the femme from her fit of rage. She vents of a long stream of hot hair and desperately tries to ignore the incessant smirk of her antagonist.

CHROMIA
You’ll soon be celebrating my execution at the hand of Megatron.

STARSCREAM
Now that sounds enterta…

SHOCKWAVE
(snapping at the seeker)
Enough jeering, you tactless protoform.

He releases his grip on the femme and gestures toward the supplies.

SHOCKWAVE
Now remove your precious supplies and your infuriating presence from this room.

Starscream’s amusement melts into offense, but he calmly scoops up an armload of supplies and sneers at the power-tripping cyclops.

STARSCREAM
You have no authority over me. (he proudly turns and saunter’s toward the lab door) You’re just lucky I’m in a hurry to make use of this stuff. Blitzwing! Gather the remaining supplies and bring them to my lab.

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
Do it yourself, girlymech!

SHOCKWAVE
(nearly mad from aggravation)
Silence! All of you!

The frustrated intelbot gestures to the femme to follow him up onto the computer console’s platform.

SHOCKWAVE
As far as Megatron’s concerned, this slip-up never occurred. I will show you the location of the Autobot’s space bridge and you will depart this base before he returns.

She follows Shockwave, still shocked at the juvenile exchanges that appear to be routine Decepticon behavior and disgusted that she let herself participate in it.

SHOCKWAVE
Are you capable of devising a convincing alibi that accounts for your inability to transport yourself back to Cybertron?

CHROMIA
Um…I could tell them I slipped out from under Sentinel’s radar to visit Prowl. He and I were in the academy together, so it’s believable that I would break protocol to visit him and marvel in his resurrection.

SHOCKWAVE
(doubtfully)
Hmmm…

CHROMIA
(questioning)
What, hmmm?

SHOCKWAVE
The effect of a past kinship coupled with the influence of Optimus Prime’s nobility will weigh heavily on your Autobot programming, jeopardizing your ability to continue this deception.

CHROMIA
A little faith, Sir. I can handle it.

SHOCKWAVE
Logic is much more reliable than faith.

CHROMIA
Okay then, here‘s a logic bender for you, I don’t have any Autobot programming at risk of a moral reboot. The Quintessons were my creators and they were ones I imprinted on, not the Autobots.

Despite the casual delivery of her words, the rooms goes silent as Shockwave and Icy Blitzwing gape at her with bewildered repulsion.

The silence is shattered as Starscream bursts back onto the scene.

STARSCREAM
I’ve done it!

He snatches the remaining supplies and scurries back into his lab, leaving a trail of mumbles about tweaking this and adjusting that. His presence temporarily captured everyone’s attention, but the two cons quickly return their stares upon her.

HOTHEAD BLITZING
How is zat possible? Zee Quintessons are disgusting creatures and you…(switching to Icy) are not.

CHROMIA
Simple. A few rogue Quints stole a couple pre-sparked protoforms, toyed with designs inspired by both factions‘ models, and, bam, there I was.

SHOCKWAVE
A couple? Who else did they create?

CHROMIA
Swindle.

The mention of the dealer’s name recall’s Blitzwing’s hot temper.

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
(balling up his fists)
Zat explains his complete lack of moral fiber! (switches to Random) And all zis time I zought his diet was to blame!

Shockwave flashes the triple-changer a look of death then slowly returns his focus on the femme.

SHOCKWAVE
What were their intentions in your creation?

Chromia leans back on the computer console, pleased to offer more enlightenment upon the pair of questioning optics.

CHROMIA
Condensed version, the Quints needed a couple pretty faces to handle the PR aspects of running the Gladiatorial Arenas, and Primus knows they were too stingy to hire any bots for the job, so they created a pair of ideally faithful, yet underpaid, employees. They trained us in the fine art of underhanded business, putting me in charge of negotiating contracts with the fighters and Swindle in charge of merchandising, and by merchandise, I mean…

Her words are rudely cut off by Starscream’s sudden reemergence into the room. He excitedly advances on the annoyed three, clutching a piecemeal device in one hand and an energon cube casing full of purple silken mesh in the other.

STARSCREAM
Drop whatever conversation you were having, THIS is much more important.

Chromia crosses her arms with offense and Blitzwing is on the verge of punching the pompous invader off the platform.

Starscream flips a switch on his device and it hums to life and builds an electrostatic field around the All Spark fragment positioned in its center. The ecstatic seeker places the cube atop the device and holds the strange invention out for everyone to gaze upon.

The three skeptical faces morph to awe as they witness the silken fibers within the cube slowly melt into pink radiating liquid.

STARSCREAM
I…am…a genius.

SHOCKWAVE
(skeptical)
You crafted an invention that transmutes spider webbing into energon? Of all the useless…

STARSCREAM
Bite you tongue, I’m not finished.

SHOCKWAVE
I don’t have a tongue.

The seemingly mad scientist grabs the cube and shoves it into Blitzwing’s chest.

STARSCREAM
Drink this!

The triple-changer calls upon his random persona to carry out the pleasurable request.

RANDOM BLITZWING
If you insist!

Starscream gently forces his invention into Shockwave’s claws, then soars down across the room to the recently-blasted emergency exit. He crouches down and starts eagerly collecting heaps of dirt.

Chromia observes Starscream with perplexity and Shockwave impatiently waits for a verdict from Blitzwing as he finishes every last drop of energon.

SHOCKWAVE
Well, is it pure or not?

Random Blitzwing is miraculously left speechless and retreats to his Icy form to report his outcome.

ICY BLITWING
Zat is..zee purest…smoozest…most satisfying energon I have ever ingested.

SHOCKWAVE
Surely you’re joking.

Starscream pops back onto the platform, trailing dirt everywhere, and dumps his armload into the cube still clutched in Blitzwing‘s hand.

STARSCREAM
He speaks the truth. My transmuted energon laughs in the face of the highest high-grade in all the universe.

He takes the cube from Blitzwing and places it upon the device still resting in Shockwave’s grasp.

After a second round of mechanical humming and electrostatic energy, the dirt miraculously converts into rich, enticing pink liquid. Shockwave immediately lowers a spiked antennae into the liquid.

The other three look upon him with anticipation as his red optic shrinks in disbelief.

SHOCKWAVE
Un-slagging-believable!

I am enjoying this! I quite like TFA nice to see a good fan fiction finally in the genre! Interested to see where it's going.

Definitely agree though, should definitely be a series 4

Hey, I'm totally a fan!

I say Quintesson threat. Unicron is a bit...overused, and he's like the Big Gun. Once you pull him out, you have nothing bigger in reserve. Quintessons also have a lot more ways you can spin. Unicron just...eats. Quintessons are way more fun for you to write. Well, I mean, I think from what I've seen you do with these TFA characters you would have a lot MORE fun with the Quints.

HK, ...sharkticons?!?!

hellkitty wrote:Hey, I'm totally a fan!

I say Quintesson threat. Unicron is a bit...overused, and he's like the Big Gun. Once you pull him out, you have nothing bigger in reserve. Quintessons also have a lot more ways you can spin. Unicron just...eats. Quintessons are way more fun for you to write. Well, I mean, I think from what I've seen you do with these TFA characters you would have a lot MORE fun with the Quints.

HK, ...sharkticons?!?!

Sharkticons, woot! Kup: "I think the problems on this planet will be solved very shortly"

So, as of yesterday I was planning an untidy wrap-up of my story over the course of a few chapters so I could move on to bigger and better things, but then the idea pixies slapped me up screeching "no! this can be bigger and better!" Naturally, Unicron reared his head at the mention of bigger, but the more I stewed on his role in my little 'verse, the less I liked it. It was reassuring to wake up and see our opinions match up in regards to the Quint's potential for fun.

I hope what I'm doing with the TFA characters is acceptable, as that is my priority over a story arc. Granted, it's fun to see a slight break of character here and there, but overall, I want them consistent with the show (aside from the whole brain-meld thing). If you or anyone has opinions and/or suggestions on the characterization so far, please lay 'em on me.

Thanks again HK & <3 to Carriemus!

I love your work, excellent job.
I gotta say, the Quintesson thing was unexpected but it'd be really awesome. Quintessons are much more underused than Unicron, it'd be cool to see them (maybe the Vok even, I'm a huge Beast Wars fan )

I love your work, TFA needed a season four, and the banter between the Cons is classic.

Your welcome Toys. I think your characterisations for Optimus and Ratchet are spot on for TFA also liking the hint of relationship going on between OP and Blackarachnia...

Don't change them! I think you're doing great

I also vote for Quintesson threat over Unicron threat. I like the whole Unicron concept but I think there's a lot more to work with regarding the Quintessons.

EDIT: I forgot to mention how pleased and happy I am you brought prowl back too, he's becoming one of my overall fav tf characters. Love him and you write him well. ( I don't get obsessed honest)

Carriemus Prime wrote:Your welcome Toys. I think your characterisations for Optimus and Ratchet are spot on for TFA also liking the hint of relationship going on between OP and Blackarachnia...

Don't change them! I think you're doing great

I also vote for Quintesson threat over Unicron threat. I like the whole Unicron concept but I think there's a lot more to work with regarding the Quintessons.

EDIT: I forgot to mention how pleased and happy I am you brought prowl back too, he's becoming one of my overall fav tf characters. Love him and you write him well. ( I don't get obsessed honest)

I am stupid for Prowl right now, so much that it's intimidating to write him for fear of dishonoring the holy name and I'm nearly regretting what I've already done to him. (nearly ^_~)

I finally have a story arc worked out with a clear end in sight, but let it be known, my biggest drive is picking apart characters in unexpected ways as they surf along, what will most likely be, a cliche series of events.

Thanks again for the comments!

WTF action scene! Thank Primus this beast-of-c*ckblock scene is finally done. Now onto some really juicy stuff (mwhahahha).


DETROIT ZOO

Prowl & Bumblebee stand at the edge of the outdoor Giraffe habitat. Sari is seated atop Bumblebee’s shoulders and the three of them, each with a unique expression, look upon the towering animals.

PROWL
Fascinating.

SARI
Tall.

BUMBLEBEE
Boooring.

PROWL
So graceful…and elegant.

The ninja is lost in innocent captivation as a giraffe looks upon him with only a fraction of interest.

PROWL
Look at that…it’s watching us. I wonder what it’s thinking?

Sari’s turns to watch Prowl ogle the animals and lightly sighs a quiet smile.

BUMBLEBEE
Same thing I am. Is it closing time yet?

The girl bonks the sarcastic bot on the head.

SARI
Knock it off, Bee! The zoo staff gave us special-hero-after-hours access so Prowl can stay as long as he wants.

BUMBLEBEE
(flat)
How generous of them. (suddenly hit with epiphany) I wonder if this hero pass works at the amusement park?

Sari cups her hand over Bumblebee’s mouth.

SARI
Aren’t you glad you came, Prowl?

PROWL
(attention still locked on the giraffes)
Yes, quite. The diversity of creatures on this planet continues to astound me…so rich with complex ecosystems yet guided so simplistically by the goal of survival.

Bumblebee leans against the railing, resting his chin into his palm and strumming impatient fingers across his face.

The ninja stands still and silent, chewing on a flood of thoughts and growing distant in contemplation.

PROWL
(to no one in particular)
It’s truly a shame the human species has resorted to such detached and negligent methods of survival.

After processing the ninja’s words a moment, Sari furrows her brow with uncertainty.

PROWL
(almost in a trance)
They’re hardly deserving of such…

Prowl’s suspicious rambling is interrupted by the roar of jet engines overhead, invoking gawks of surprise from the three.

BUMBLEBEE
What’re military aircraft doing so close to…wait a klik!

A frighteningly familiar grey and black helicopter accompanied by a purple bomber burst out of the clouds.

SARI
Is that Megatron?!

BUMBLEBEE
And Lugnut!!

The infamous aircraft roar over the Autobot’s heads, sending frightened Giraffes galloping to the edges of their habitat.

PROWL
(at a loss of words)
This is…not good.

The Decepticons transform and touch down in the mimicked plains of Africa.

Megatron takes quick notice of his onlookers and anxiously bounces his attention between them and the tracking device in his grasp.

MEGATRON
(angered)
There is no fragment here at all. The energy readings are coming from that wretched little half-breed.

The gladiator averts his focus from Sari to the resurrected ninja and his anger dissolves into cunning as he cracks a devious smile.

Bumblebee slides Sari off his shoulders and onto the ground, then steps in front of her and nervously readies his stingers, never once removing his optics from their enemies.

Prowl crouches down, hands hovering over the shuriken-bearing wheels on his feet.

SARI
(discretely into comm)
Optimus Prime, come in! Megatron and Lugnut are at the zoo!

She gasps as Lugnut boldly steps forward, readying his missile launchers.

LUGNUT
I will end you, Autobots, in the name of the mighty…

Megatron snaps his arm out in front of the eager giant.

MEGATRON
(still smiling)
Wait! Why waste your energon when a secret weapon is at hand, bearing the name…(raises his voice) Jeffrey Simon.

The forbidden name jars Prowl’s processor like a crashing wave and he drops his head into his hands, cringing and growling in resistance.

Megatron steps forward, smirking with accomplishment.

MEGATRON
Tell me, Mr. Simon, do these pseudo-allies truly understand you? Do they share your aspirations of vigilante justice or are they, once again, brainwashing you with delusional propaganda?

BUMBLEBEE
(slowly turns in confusion toward Prowl)
What the spark is he talking abou…(shocked at Prowl’s condition) Prowl, no!

Sari latches onto to Prowl’s leg, tugging and jerking in desperation.

SARI
Prowl, look at me!

The distressed ninja breaks from his writhing for just a moment to painstakingly peer down at the girl.

PROWL
(helpless whisper)
Run…Sari…I can’t…control this.

SARI
Yes you can! Don’t listen to Megatron, he’s trying to trick you!

MEGATRON
(pursuing with pride)
Lies, Mr. Simon, that’s all they have to offer you. They merely shove you on the sidelines to sit idle while heinous crimes are committed in the name of progress. Worldwide suffering, millions in poverty, landscapes demolished, and they expect you to protect the gluttonous lives of those responsible.

Prowl slowly raises his head up and looks upon Megatron with near-revelation.

PROWL
(strained)
He’s…he‘s right.

SARI
No, Prowl!

She darts her optics around, desperately looking for means of distraction, then locks upon Bumblebee‘s signature weapon!

SARI
Sting’im, Bee!

The ninja’s foot is yanked from the girl’s grasp as Prowl’s drawn into his deceiver.

BUMBLEBEE
(double-takes with shock)
Say what!?

Sari stumbles back a few steps, watching Prowl with horror as he stops advancing and stands shuddering in resistance at the incessant neural assault.

SARI
I said sting him! Snap him out of it!

BUMBLEBEE
How do you know that’ll…

SARI
(screaming)
Just trust me!

Bumblebee fearfully cringes at the task presented to him. He freezes for undecided moment, optics bouncing from Sari to Prowl to the Decepticons, then thrusts forward with a defiant cry, averting his optics away and plunging his weapon into Prowl‘s back.

Prowl stiffens up, hollering in pain then crumbles down to his knees.

The panicked yellow bot remorsefully falls to his aid, clutching the wounded ninja’s upper body.

Megatron spews a sinister chuckle at the events, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Sari. A deluge of anger wells up inside her as she pins Megatron with a despising glare.

SARI
You monster!

The temperamental teenager transforms (suits up) in a flash and rockets toward the towering antagonist, firing blasts of energy one after the other, aimed directly at his conniving smirk.

BUMBLEBEE
Sari, no!

Megatron eagerly accepts the pathetic challenge, deflecting her attacks with his sword with mocking laughter.

Lugnut beholds the attack, festering at the blasphemous actions upon his leader.

LUGNUT
You will pay for attacking the glory of…OUCH!

Sari blasts Lugnut in the mouth before he can finish. The monstrous mech reacts with a roar and ejects a vengeful set of missiles at her.

She twists, dives and jerks through the air, clumsily avoiding each missile except for one that grazes the metal plating on her arm.

With a frightened scream, she grasps at the exposed circuitry on her upper arm.

Bumblebee is still attending to Prowl, but watches the event plays out with terror.

BUMBLEBEE
Sari! Back off!

PROWL
(weakened whisper)
Grab Sari and get out of here, Bumblebee.

BUMBLEBEE
No way, I’m not leaving you behind!

The girl is left hovering breathlessly and quickly regretting her impulsive attack.

She turns to flee but is unable to prevent the massive black hand that snatches her from the air.

MEGATRON
(marvels at his captive)
Ahhh, the offspring of the mighty Sumdac empire.

Bumblebee is now pushed to near hysteria, torn between aiding his injured comrade and attempting a rescue of his beloved companion.

MEGATRON
(beckoning)
Oh Mr. Simon…

The rattled yellow bot feels Prowl’s limp body jerk in reaction to Megatron‘s words.

BUMBLEBEE
Oh no, not again. C’mon, Prowl, fight it! You’re too weak to take another sting and I sure as scrap ain’t puttin’ you in cuffs.

MEGATRON
(continuing)
Are you familiar with Sumdac Systems? Leading manufacturer of consumer robotics? Imagine the irony if the company’s heir was killed by the very seed of its existence.

Megatron clenches his servos around the girl and she yelps in fear.

Bumblebee leaps up in panic.

BUMBLEBEE
(desperately pleading)
No, Megatron! Please, take me instead.

MEGATRON
Just say the word, Mr. Simon and together we can teach those greedy capitalists a hard lesson of life.

Prowl has been reduced to a shuddering heap, doubled-over in an undignified crouch, clutching his head tight enough to warp the golden decal upon his helm.

BUMBLEBEE
(with determination)
Look at me, Prowl!…Forget Megatron, forget your…imposter. Think happy thoughts. Find your…zen place, with trees and stillness and…(sheepishly) not me.

Megatron scowls at the little yellow bot and turns to Lugnut.

MEGATRON
Silence that overly-verbose annoyance.

Lugnut perks up to the command and instantly fires a barrage of missiles.

LUGNUT
With pleasure, my Lord!

MEGATRON
(gasping)
Not like that, you fool. You’ll harm the ninj…

Megatron and Lugnut are instantly puzzled by the lack of explosion from Lugnut’s assault.

Bumblebee is frozen in utter disbelief as four missiles stare him in the face. In his periphery, he can barely make out a tan and black hand steadily splayed next to his head. His optics follow down the arm of the eerily still hand and meet the narrow blue optic visor of his friend.

Even Sari, despite her situation, gapes in awe at the miraculous events.

The missiles drop one by one to the ground.

Afraid to move, Bumblebee just stares in reverence at Prowl as the graceful ninja assumes his signature Lotus position.

A deep hum, barely more than a vibration from Prowl’s core serenades his outstretched arm as he steadily guides it to point at Lugnut.

Lugnut growls in frustration, jerking his arms in small, awkward movements.

LUGNUT
What’s happening? Why can’t I move!?

Megatron grumbles through gritted teeth at the unexpected events and squeezes Sari until her jet pack creaks and bends, then continues to squeeze until she releases a frightened scream.

Her cries do not go unnoticed by the ninja.

The cruel Decepticon is suddenly confused by his inability to crush the girl as a mysterious tugging sensation loosens his lethal grip. His attention snaps to Prowl.

MEGATRON
It can’t be!

Prowl sits with legs crossed and both arms stretched out, servo-splayed hands pointing at each of the Decepticons.

Megatron, now brimming with anger, powers up his cannon and raises his arm toward the Autobots.

MEGATRON
This ends now.

Sari desperately reacts and electric jolts surge from her body into her captor’s hand, which successfully throw off the aim of the blast.

BUMBLEBEE
(gawking at Prowl)
Whoa! You’re controlling both of them?

Both Prowl and Bumblebee are startled by the rush of firepower from Megatron’s cannon that whizzes by, deafeningly close the ninja’s audio receptor.

PROWL
(flinching)
Hardly!

Lugnut roars under the maddening strain, stretching Prowl’s supernatural grasp to its boundaries.

PROWL
(strained)
Could you…please…distract Lugnut.

BUMBLEBEE
(without a second thought)
Sure thing!

He dives over the railing and transforms mid-air, tires instantly kicking up grass and dirt once he hits the ground.

Prowl releases his hold on Lugnut and focuses completely on Megatron, who viciously growls at the ghost force restraining his limbs.

Bumblebee speeds toward Lugnut, blaring his horn.

BUMBLEBEE
Hey, you sorry skid plate kisser!

He zips between Lugnut’s legs and flies into a ground-shredding turn.

Lugnut enlightens at regaining control of his body and savagely darts his attention to the ground around him, searching for the screeching annoyance.

BUMBLEBEE
(jeering)
I’m curious…does Megatron hold your pistons when you spring a leak!?

MEGATRON
(jabbed by the Autobot’s comment)
Do you honestly think you can stop us with mockery and mind tricks!

Lugnut rears his shoulder up, clenching his claws into a ball, then releases with monumental force, striking the ground with his signature punch.

The earth crumbles under Bumblebee and the little car slides backward, tires spinning out in futility.

The shattering impact breaks Prowl’s concentration and he loses his hold on Megatron.

Megatron is jostled by the quake and Sari slips from his grip, screaming as she falls.

Her cries beckon a second wind in the ninja and he springs over the railing, propelling into bike-mode.

Bumblebee catches a glimpse of her fall in his rearview mirror and slams himself into reverse, curving down into the crater’s pit then launching out, b-lining for the girl.

Prowl transforms mid-air and barely catches Sari with outstretched arms. They both gasp helplessly at the sight of a little yellow car barreling toward them.

In panic of the collision, Bumblebee pops into robot mode and hollers as he inevitably slams into Prowl.

The three tumble to the ground with series of gripes and grunts and end up in a heap at Megatron’s feet.

The Decepticon leader smiles at the visage of his enemies directly in the crosshairs of his arm cannon. The signature weapon hums to life with its ominous power-up song.

MEGATRON
I will enjoy this.

Megatron’s moment is shattered when a red and blue axe gouges forcefully into his neck, provoking a holler of painful shock.

Optimus Prime, with jet pack equipped, soars over Megatron’s head then quickly turns over and fires a foam blast into Lugnut’s face.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(directed at the Autobots)
Get outta there!

The Autobots transform in a blur with Sari placed atop the bike, then speed toward Optimus Prime, who’s just planted valiantly down to the ground.

Megatron writhes in pain and reaches a shuddering hand to the axe impaled in the vital circuitry of his neck.

The three Autobots ready themselves for attack. Sari takes refuge behind Prowl’s foot, trying to stand tall despite the sting of her superficial injuries.

Lugnut wipes the foam from his largest optic just in time to witness the ambush upon him by a pair of shuriken and streams of electricity.

Megatron painstakingly raises his cannon toward the Autobots only to have it snatched off his arm by a grappling hook.

Optimus Prime quickly retracts his hook and arms himself with the cannon as if it were a baseball bat. He fires up his jet boosters and launches forward, plowing the cannon into the Decepticon leader’s leg.

The impact reverberates through Megatron‘s damaged circuitry, and reduces the gladiator down to one knee .

Optimus, resisting the temptation to marvel at his accomplishment, drops the cannon and grips the handle of his axe, yanking it out of Megatron’s neck with one swift pull aided by the boost of his jet pack.

An explosion of fluids gush from the fallen tyrant’s wound and he howls in agony.

Lugnut’s distracted by his leader’s cries and drops his jaw at the horrendous gore as it rains down on him. He half-heartedly fires a set of missiles at his multiple attackers as a means to busy them, then continues to gape in disbelief at the severity of his leader‘s injury.

Optimus watches his teammates dodge the missiles with scattered panic.

Enraged, Lugnut knocks the distracted Autobot leader into the ground with a vengeful punch, then attempts to help Megatron to his feet.

Megatron grips his gushing wound, energon leaking from between his fingers. His optics blaze a malicious crimson and his teeth practically crack under the clenching pressure. He slowly rises to a wobbly stand, shunning the helping claws offered by his faithful soldier and mustering a painful surge of strength that enables him to blast off of the ground and creak into copter-mode.

MEGATRON
(weakly)
Retreat, Lugnut. We’ve lost the upper hand.

Lugnut growls in frustration then dutifully complies to the order, grabbing his leader‘s weapon off the ground and launching upward.

LUGNUT
(shouting while transforming)
Mark my words, Autobots. Megatron will be avenged!

His booming voices trails off with the roar of turbines and copter blades.

Bumblebee raises a stinger over his head and bellows in retaliation.

BUMBLEBEE
Take your clichés and shove ‘em up your waste port, Jugnuts!

Optimus Prime peels his upper body from flattened ground beneath him and sighs with relief as he watches the enemy disappear into clouds.

Prowl staggers down to a collapsed crouch, slumping his weight into his arms and releasing a gust of air from his ventilators.

Sari slides out from behind his the ninja’s foot, wraps around his arm, and gazes worriedly up into his dimming visor.

SARI
Prowl?

PROWL
(after a series of ventilations)
That was…exhausting. Megatron knows exactly what buttons to press to summon my imposter.

SARI
Not even! You totally overpowered him.

Optimus groans as he rises to his feet, assisted by Bumblebee‘s helping hand.

BUMBLEBEE
You shoulda seen Prowl in action, Prime! He juggled those losers like pea sacks.

SARI
(rolling her eyes)
Bean bags.

BUMBLEBEE
Whatever! It was amazing!

Prowl regretfully looks upon Sari’s mangled jet pack and various cuts and scrapes.

PROWL
You’re hurt.

SARI
(shrugging)
I’ll live. (tilts head in concern) I’m more worried about you.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(approaching Prowl and Sari)
As am I. How‘re you feeling, Prowl?

PROWL
Like hammered scrap.

BUMBLEBEE
Whoa! Did you just curse?!

Optimus kneels next to Prowl and rests an calming hand upon the ninja’s shoulder.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(addressing everyone)
What happened? Why did the ‘cons attack you?

PROWL
(voice wavering in weakness)
I believe they mistook Sari’s energy signature for an All Spark fragment.

Professor Sumdac’s panicked voice bursts through Sari’s comm.

PROFESSOR SUMDAC
What is happening out dere?! Sari, are you alright!?

SARI
(into comm)
It‘s okay, Dad. Everyone’s fine…well, almost.

PROFESSOR SUMDAC
But...what happened?

OPTIMUS PRIME
Bumblebee, take Sari to her father.

BUMBLEBEE
(with a quick and formal salute)
Yes sir!

He whips into vehicle mode and zips over to the girl, popping the driver‘s door open.

Sari releases her hold on Prowl’s arm then slowly backs away, bestowing him with a beaming smile before she climbs into the little yellow car.

SARI
(to Prowl)
You were awesome!

The ninja reciprocates with a weary but appreciative smile.

Bumblebee slams his door and bounds off over the rough terrain of the simulated African plain.

BUMBLEBEE
Next stop Sumdac Tower…I can’t wait to tell your dad about Prowl’s awesomeness.

The girl grasps for her seatbelt as she’s jostled by the bumpy ride.

SARI
Yeah, no kidding…but, let’s leave out the bit about Megatron nearly crushing me. Dad is waaay better off not knowing that.

The hyper yellow car speeds off, blaring his painfully cheerful horn.

Optimus maintains his vigil at Prowl’s side.

OPTIMUS PRIME
You don‘t look so good. What happened here?

The ninja struggles to stand up, but his strength is completely sapped and he wobbles back down to a crouch.

After a self-loathing pause, the ninja replies in a near whisper.

PROWL
I failed to protect her.

OPTIMUS PRIME
I find that hard to believe.

PROWL
If you hadn‘t shown up when you did, the evidence would be overwhelming.

OPTIMUS PRIME
It wasn’t your responsibility to keep her, or Bumblebee, from harm. If anything happened to any of you, it would be my fault.

Prowl grips his leader’s shoulder and uses it to boost himself to his feet with a wrenching grunt.

Optimus rises and reaches his hands out to stabilize the ninja, but Prowl refuses his help and turns away, shaking his head with shame.

PROWL
What an absolute disaster. I am nothing more than a liability.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Stop it, Prowl.

PROWL
It’s the truth…I no longer posses the disciplined skills of a true cyber ninja.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Again, I find that hard to believe. Judging by the young bots‘ reactions, you must’ve done something pretty amazing here.

Prowl stands still and silent for introspective moment.

PROWL
I used to be capable of so much more.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(consoling)
Prowl...I can’t begin to understand what you’re going through, but I know enough to say this...You can and will rise above this. It's a battle of the processor, something you, of all bots, are undeniably qualified to fight.

The Prime’s words spark a curiosity from the ninja.

OPTIMUS PRIME
But first things first...you need to stop being so emo.

Prowl furrows his brow and attempts to digest the term.

PROWL
What did you say?

The Autobot leader fires up his jet pack and offers his hand to the troubled ninja.

OPTIMUS PRIME
C’mon. We’ll take about it on the ride home.

Already R & R on FF so I just want to say this. I love Prowl!

Good work! Looking forward to more TFA (Prowlie) goodness

I also like how you've written Sari too she is a LOT less annoying in this than in other TFA fics. Your decepticons are cool!

A/N: I have been DYING to write these scenes! They're probably my favorite yet, I mean, how can you go wrong with drunken Decepticon debauchery??

DINOBOT ISLAND - DECEPTICON BASE

The floor of the main room is littered with empty energon cubes. There’s a thick trail of dirt leading from the new tunnel to a circle of four Decepticons sloppily seated on the floor. The focus of the four is an empty cube, spaced strategically centered among them, which offers them the apparently challenging task of bouncing a nut, bolt, or any other small object within reach into that centerpiece of simplistically endless entertainment.

Starscream’s precious new toy sparks and hums as he fills up another round of cubes and distributes them generously to his fellow participants of debauchery.

STARSCREAM
So I says-- I says to him…“Whas your escuse this time, Megatron!? You lethee emeny get away!”…and t’make a long story short, s’how I got this (barely manages to point to the back of his head)…scar, righ’here…can ya see, this’n right here.

SHOCKWAVE
Sounds to me like you had it -hic- coming.

ICY BLITZWING
He alvays has it coming.

Starscream snaps an accusatory but wavering finger at the triple-changer.

STARSCREAM
As if you’re a shining ecsample, Blisswing. What about th’time on Alpha Nine when we’re aboutta ambush Rodimus’ team and you compleely blew our cover.

SHOCKWAVE
I remember that -hic- mission. We were -hic- perfectly stealth until that petrorabbit scampered out--

RANDOM BLITZWING
(awakened by the alien term)
Oooohhhh-hee-hee, I almost had zat little robobunny in my servos until zee Autobots attacked me!

Starscream raises a disapproving brow to Shockwave.

STARSCREAM
You had to say it.

Shockwave drops his face into his claws.

ICY BLITZWING
(now calm and nostalgic)
I couldn’t transform into my ground-vehicle mode for nearly a veek after Megatron finished wiz me.

SHOCKWAVE
(shaking his head)
I’m amazed you’ve lasted -hic- this long.

Chromia looks upon the three, overjoyed to be temporarily broken away from her dull existence and she basks in the tomfoolery with a heavy optics and a lazy grin. She tips a hefty gulp down her neck then pokes a flirty finger into Shockwave’s leg.

CHROMIA
What about you Shawgwave…whas th’wors punishment you taken from Megatron?

STARSCREAM
(rolling his optics)
Pff…

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
Zis’ll be a yawner.

SHOCKWAVE
I-- can’t recall…

CHROMIA
(prodding)
C’mon, you can’be tha-stiff.

STARSCREAM
Yes he can.

SHOCKWAVE
I honestly can’t remember ever -hic- receiving a severe punishment. My service to Megatron has been -hic- unfaultable. (he looks upon the interrogative femme with a questioning optic) You, however, raise many suspicions.

CHROMIA
(innocently)
How so?

SHOCKWAVE
For starters, why did you join the Autobot aca-hic-demy after the Quintessons departed the arena scene? You could have joined the Decepti-hic- ranks back then, especially since we were pistons-deep in the Great War.

CHROMIA
(shaking her head in protest)
Ther’re no ‘cons in Kaon back then…you guys’r strewn ‘cross the gal’xee on a chaotic course to nowhere n’particular.

SHOCKWAVE
What about Swindle?

CHROMIA
He bought a starship with all tha’was lef’of the ‘rena profits a made off with a heffy supply o’Quin-weaponry t'sell t'he highess bidder, r'gardless of faction…

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
Typical!

CHROMIA
…so I was leff with noth’n butta bunch of disor’drly drunkards.

Her words take a moment to sink in before the irony warrants a thoughtful pause and a few awkward glances from the group.

CHROMIA
(continuing)
The Autobots’re winnin’ th’war an’the Elee Guard’s draftin’ call spread far n’wide ‘cross Cybertron…ope‘nrollment fer all ‘bots..naw jus vehicle-bots. So…for a lack-a-better-opshun, I went wi’them.

Starscream, with debatable concentration, successfully bounces a bolt into the center cube.

STARSCREAM
HA! Drink up, Blitzy.

Hothead grumbles and tilts his cube into the gap-tooth mouth, losing himself to a neurotic jagged grin once tasting the unfathomably pure liquid, then promptly switching to Icy to give his two cents in the conversation.

ICY BLITZWING
Zen you had no opinion on cause or creed, you just vent vis vichever faction had zee upper hand?

CHROMIA
A’the time…well…ya.

STARSCREAM
(fishing the area around him for another bolt)
Then what n’spired you to b’tray the Autoboss? They’re still the ones wi’the most power…(deviously smirks as he pats his invention) for the time being.

The femme is contented to finally receive a shred of civility from the seeker and she dreamily slides down to rest her head upon the gangly arm of Shockwave.

CHROMIA
(romantically sighing)
Mmmmegatron inspired me.

STARSCREAM
(raises a brow)
Interesting.

CHROMIA
(daydreaming)
T’say the least. His legacy carried on so vivi’ly in th’rena scene. I w’spen-hours watchin’ his ol’ gla’iator vids, n’during the academy, I w’slip away when I could t’watch the ol’ war vids of’m. (sighs again) What power…

STARSCREAM
Anyone else feel nauseous?

CHROMIA
(continuing)
M’spark jumped nearly outta m’chassis when wor’spread of his re’pearance. Affer so many boring stellar cycles a’service in, what I quiggly learn was a poin’less cause, I wan’d t’act irrationally…ditch the Elee Guard and fin’a passage t‘Earth, but logi’circuits toll me t’lay low...wait for the prrfect opportune’ty to prove m’self to Megatron. An’then ther’he was…gif’wrapped and d’livered t’me…in stasis cuffs.

STARSCREAM
(unimpressed)
Such delusional loyalties.

Chromia pops her head up with offense and flicks a stray bolt at the seeker.

CHROMIA
Whashur prollum, Starscream! Why d’you hate Megatron s’much!?

The accused seeker dodges the projectile with innocent surprise.

STARSCREAM
Wha? I don--

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
Yeah, traitor! Vhy do you continually try to slag our leader!?

Starscream holds both hands up to his cockpit with innocent gesture and bestows his accusers with a sickeningly sincere expression.

STARSCREAM
(protesting soberly)
Have I done anything remotely harmful since you all got here?

SHOCKWAVE
(matter-of-fact-like)
It has only been a few solar cycles since our arrival.

STARSCREAM
Yes, but in that time I have uncovered a means of limitless power for Megatron. Don’t you think if I had sideways intentions, I wouldn’t be sitting here with you lot, intoxicated off my ailerons?

The attention of the room shifts to the sliding sound of the side door as a black and purple predacon beholds the scene with a conflicting expression of disgust and dumbfounding.

BLACKARACHNIA
What the spar-- (locks onto Chromia) What’s she doing here?…(gestures to empty cubes) Why are you all wasting our-- Shockwave?! How could you let this…

The predacon cuts herself off with a slapping realization and refreshes her optics a couple times before continuing.

BLACKARACHNIA
Starscream!…Di-- did you figure out the formula?

STARSCREAM
(snapping with pride)
Whassit look like…you wanna drink?

BLACKARACHINA
(wide-eyed)
Slag yeah I wanna drink!

The seeker starts scooping up meager traces of dirt then pauses his actions, unsatisfied with the limited resources around him.

STARSCREAM
I have an idea. Let’s take this up top…see if plant-based energon differs in taste from soil-based.

DINOBOT ISLAND - SURFACE - NIGHT

Starscream blasts a charred line into the ground directly in front of two tanks, who drastically differ in design to each other, as does their bug-like femme riders, and sit side by side with their engines rumbling.

The seeker jets up a short distance to position himself in respectful viewing distance of the events and raises his hands out in showman’s fashion.

STARSCREAM
Ladies, Gentlemen, Dinobots. (looks over his shoulder questionably toward the cricket chirping forest)…This is Dinobot Island, right?

BLACKARACHINA
I’m pretty sure our ruckus has frightened them off.

STARSCREAM
(shrugging carelessly and continuing his announcement)
Please, bring your attention to me as I present to you a feast for your sensors. An event like nothing you’ve ever seen before…an evening of cataclysmic proportions boasting the grandest--

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
(shouting upward)
Do zee countdown already!

Chromia pushes an antagonizing grin to Blackarachnia.

CHROMIA
You’re going down, Elita!

BLACKARACHNIA
(equally reciprocating)
Dream on, flutterbot…my ride’s designed for earth terrain, not like your silly Cybertronian model.

SHOCKWAVE
Excuse me?

STARSCREAM
On my mark! Three-two-one…(pauses for effect) GOOOOOO!

The tanks grind out mechanically guttural growls as they slowly plow their tracks over the starting line, femmes slapping them with vicious cheering.

STARSCREAM
Oh c’mon, this is pathetic! Where’s the initial boost of acceleration? Don’t you buffoons know how to race?

HOTHEAD BLITZWING
Can it, broken brain, and wait for us at zee ozer end!

STARSCREAM
Broken br-- that’s it! You and I are racing aerial-style next!

Starscream zips ahead toward the designated finish line then freezes mid-air as his audio receptors fill with the roar of familiar turbines above.

STARSCREAM
Oh slag.

A stream of energon trails from the silver and black helicopter as its rotors sputter and jerk with uneven revolutions. The bulky and ever-watchful purple jet flies close behind.

LUGNUT
Hang in there, Master. I can see the base from-- What the!!

Lugnut, aghast with fury, transforms and soars down to hover directly over the inexcusable sport playing out below. He’s further enraged at the visage of discarded, empty energon cubes and wastes no time unleashing his disapproval.

LUGNUT
Our leader is in dire need of what little energon we have and you reckless imbeciles are…

The monstrous mech barrels into the ground with a furious fist and a roar that Unicron himself might shudder at. The punch sends the four tipsy ‘cons helplessly bounding off the ground, ripping riders from their tanks.

The tanks transform and the femmes holler as they each fall with a humble thud to the ground around the towering punisher.

Megatron wearily transforms and touches down at the edge of the crater, still leaking energon profusely from his gaping wound, but too enraged to care at the moment.

MEGATRON
Shockwaaaaaave!

The guilty intelbot creaks up from his dent in the ground and quietly vocalizes to the winged femme beside him.

SHOCKWAVE
(scared stiff)
I believe we’re about to experience first-hand the most severe retribution I’ll ever receive from Megatron.

MEGATRON
(building from a growl to raspy roar)
I left you in charge and this is the outcome!?

Shockwave doesn‘t budge from the safe distance at the base of the crater, but Starscream sheepishly approaches his leader from behind and attempts a stuttering explanation.

The taxed tyrant simply snatches the glutton for punishment by the wing and lances him with a bone chilling glare.

STARSCREAM
(pathetically)
Ow-Ow, not the wing.

Starscream’s pitiful expression drops to confused concern as he watches the gladiator’s crimson optics dim to a dead burgundy and feels the powerful grip slide off his aching crinkled wing.

STARSCREAM
Me-- Megatron?

The impressively broad silver chassis, stained with layers of its own energon, collapses onto the confounded seeker, who buckles at the sudden lifeless weight.

Lugnut beholds the scene with horror.

LUGNUT
Master!!

STARSCREAM
(straining to support the lumbering load)
Little help, Lugnut!

Lugnut warps to his fallen mentor, carefully sliding the holy chassis into his unworthy claws then promptly back-handing a predictably apathetic seeker into the crater.

LUGNUT
Don’t worry Master, I will take you inside.

DECEPTICON BASE - MAIN ROOM - ONE MEGA-CYCLE LATER

The revived Decepticon leader occupies the chair at the computer console, leaning forward against his stained legs, and watching with contented exhaustion as his subordinates transmute cube after cube of rich brown earth into energon.

Starscream stands at his leader’s side, diligently welding a freshly-cleaned gouge of severed wires on the humbled tyrant‘s neck.

MEGATRON
Any organic substance will suffice?

STARSCREAM
That’s correct.

MEGATRON
Must it originate from Earth?

STARSCREAM
Nope. I was able to transmute Blackarachnia’s webbing which we know is native to Archa Seven.

MEGATRON
How much energon can a single shard produce?

STARSCREAM
I haven’t measured the deterioration rate of the shard in-use yet, but judging by the looks of it, I’d say each shard, taking into consideration their varying sizes, should be able to churn out…

The seeker pauses his welding to mumble some calculations and mathematical jargon.

Megatron glances up with anticipation.

STARSCREAM
…a good, solid metric spark-ton of energon.

MEGATRON
(forming a tiny, satisfied smirk)
Hmm…excellent work, Starscream.

The pompous seeker manages a genuine smile as he resumes his role of medibot.

Megatron, forming an expression of scheming, averts his attention to the newest member of his motley crew.

MEGATRON
Autobot!

Chromia freezes in wide-eyed attentiveness.

MEGATRON
Come here.

Without hesitation, the doting femme expands her wings and soars up to the platform. She nervously taps down with a straightened posture directly in front of her muse, who’s height still rises above hers, despite his seated position.

Before she can fully retract her wings, Megatron snatches each of them at the bottoms and stretches them out to by studied with curiosity.

The slightly stinging pinch of his servos on her delicate appendages is unmatched in sensation to the exhilaration of his touch and she desperately tries to suppress her thrill with squeaky ventilations.

MEGATRON
I understand you have processor-altering abilities?

CHROMIA
(breathy)
Yes sir.

MEGATRON
Good…I have an assignment for you.

CHROMIA
I will oblige with utmost honor my liege.

Starscream roles his optics at her pathetic groveling.

MEGATRON
When you meet with the Autobots here on Earth, I want you to ‘interact’ with the ninja before traveling back to Cyberton.

CHROMIA
(already knowing the answer)
Interact, sir?

MEGATRON
(sinister)
Yeeesss….distort his neural processes.

STARSCREAM
(slightly confused)
Didn’t we already do that?

MEGATRON
(voice raised slightly with agitation)
He’s learned to override his human influence with…(scowling) Processor over Matter. I underestimated the powers a trained cyber ninja is capable of. (voicing calming down) Tell me, Autob-- Chromia, are you capable of breaching such spiritual barriers?

CHROMIA
(pondering)
Processor over Matter…that’s uh…that’s no joke.

MEGATRON
(irritated again)
Then you are unable to assist in this matter?

CHROMIA
(back peddling)
No! Absolutely not, I mean, yes!…I can assist.

MEGATRON
I simply require that he remain unstable enough to keep the Autobots distracted. Is that too much to ask of you?

CHROMIA
(confident)
Not at all. He has a defiant spark by nature so if I focus on unearthing that aspect of his personality--

MEGATRON
Whatever, just get it done. (changing gears) Do you have any information to report regarding the Elite Guard’s intentions toward recapturing us?

CHROMIA
Sentinel Magnus and Optimus Prime are in the early stages of planning an Elite Guard intervention here on Earth.

MEGATRON
Any idea as to when?

CHROMIA
Um…I haven’t gathered enough information to make such a prediction yet.

Megatron glowers at the inadequate response and pulls the femme by her petite neck into his threatening glare. He’s minutely distracted by her suddenly subdued level of fear and warm rush from her chassis dancing past his gripping servos, but dismissively files the observation away as unimportant.

MEGATRON
Then I suggest you attend to your assignment and return to Cybertron as quickly as possible.

The strangely relaxed femme basks in the intimate proximity before the glorified hand releases its grip. She takes a few unstable steps backward, catching herself before nearly tripping off the edge of the platform, then meeting the penetrating red optics again with a regretfully silly smirk.

CHROMIA
Yes sir, I will depart at once.

She expands her wings once more and flutters down toward the tunnel, turning to gesture a farewell nod to Shockwave, then fully transforming and disappearing down the passageway.

Starscream watches her exit then resumes focus on his leader’s wound, shaking his head questioningly.

STARSCREAM
(accusing)
Why do you do that?

Megatron responds with an uninterested growl.

STARSCREAM
Why is it, the instant anyone gives you a unsatisfying answer, regardless of whether they’re capable of supplying your informational needs, do you assume bully-mode, grabbing and pulling and threatening…

Without fail, Starscream’s prodding has, once again, aroused annoyance from his leader, who reaches up and snatches the antagonist by the neck, forcing him down to optic level. The unfinished patch-job on Megatron’s wound cracks under the sudden strain, squirting energon into Starscream’s face and cutting the tyrant’s intended chastisement off with a jabbing pain.

Both mechs grumble a duet of irritation and Megatron releases his hold from its familiar berth on the seeker’s neck.

STARSCREAM
(wiping liquid from his pinched face)
Take it easy! Your welding hasn’t fully hardened yet. (huffing as he attends to fixing the split wiring) Who did this to you? Was it the ninja? Is that why you’ve sentenced him to a severe processor-fragging?

MEGATRON
(bitterly)
Optimus Prime.

STARSCREAM
Oh-- well, better him then one of his flunkies.

MEGATRON
That pathetic excuse for a hero has interfered for the last--

STARSCREAM
(interrupting)
Don’t start with the vengeful rhetoric, you’ll raise your energon pressure and undo everything I just did here.

Megatron’s taken off-guard by the seeker’s questionable expression of concern and diverts his irritation from the stinging memory of the Autobot leader's assault back onto his incessantly unpredictable air commander.

MEGATRON
Since when do you find anything but amusement from my misfortunes? You’ve no doubt planted a bomb in my neck and intend to make off with the energon converter to use for your own failure-fated scheming.

STARSCREAM
(with a playful smirk)
Tempted…at the very least, but unfortunately, at this moment in time, I lack the necessary nanotechnology for an explosive of that caliber.

Megatron sighs with a relenting grumble.

MEGATRON
You are…an enigma.

STARSCREAM
Flattery, my liege? Wh--

MEGATRON
(abruptly)
It’s not flattery, you…(unable to formulate a proper insult). Has that human influence on your processor truly inhibited your mutinous ambitions?

STARSCREAM
(passive)
Perhaps.

MEGATRON
(frustrated)
Don’t play coy with me. The Starscream I know wouldn’t remotely consider sharing a discovery of this magnitude, especially not with me. Do you not fully grasp the significance of your invention?

STARSCREAM
(still calm)
No, I’m quite aware of its potential.

MEGATRON
(demanding)
Then why are you still here?

STARSCREAM
Ah, Ah-- Watch the temper. (shifting uncomfortably) You…already know the answer to that question. You said it yourself…it’s the human influence. (prattling on) He was a rather sickeningly moral man, an esteemed college professor no less, who highly valued the importance of teaching his students…(hesitates with uncertainly)

MEGATRON
(simmering down)
Teaching them what?

STARSCREAM
(meekly)
Teamwork.

MEGATRON
(slightly nauseous)
Hrrnnng…must it always resort to that?

STARSCREAM
Inevitably, yes.

Megatron pauses a moment, welcoming a scheming yet far-fetched idea into his processor.

MEGATRON
Then you would be willing to teach me the energon conversion formula?

Starscream bursts with a hearty laughter that catches the temporary attention of the ‘cons across the room.

STARSCREAM
Even if your limited processor could grasp the concept, I’m not THAT far gone.

Megatron scowls at the mockery he just invited.

STARSCREAM
Do you honestly think I’d so willingly relinquish my only bargaining chip?

MEGATRON
I suspected not, but you cannot fault me for trying.

Starscream accepts the logic with a shrug.

MEGATRON
Which brings me to my original question, Starscream…

The comment and vocalization of his name sends the seeker back to his uneasy state.

MEGATRON
Why are you still here?

With a closing click of his patient’s neck panel, Starscream finishes his task and tries to ignore the burdening question hanging overhead like a swollen rain cloud.

STARSCREAM
(nervous)
Okay, stand up…test out your stabilizers. That leg wound is superficial so there shouldn’t be--

MEGATRON
(insistent)
Answer me, Starscream!

Megatron rises up casting an intimidating shadow over the cornered seeker.

STARSCREAM
(relenting with cowardice)
Because I…at this particular moment in time, given our circumstances in combination with your current plan to return us home…have gained a minimal level of…and quite possibly debatable…(mumbles in quiet retreat) respect…for you.

For a brief, time-suspended moment, the Decepticon leader allows a sincere smile to creep across his face, intended exclusively for his admittedly-tamed shrew-of-a-soldier, then turns slowly away to marvel at the quickly-multiplying supply of energon cubes. He steps down from the platform, his every movement gliding with satisfied dignity, which further jostl's the seeker's wounded pride.

Starscream is left to fidget discouragingly at yet another processor-tweaking and painfully enlightening encounter with the mech he can no longer, to his utter frustration, label as “Arch-Nemesis.”

I like it well done

A/N: Beware! Back-to-back scenes of fangirly touchy-feelies. (You knew it was bound to happen )

CP, don't hate me for the second scene ::readies shield again::


BLACKARACHNIA’S ROOM / STARSCREAM’S LABORATORY

Starscream sits hunched on his makeshift stool, fussing and wincing as Blackarachnia hammers out the crinkled handprint of their leader from his wing.

BLACKARACHNIA
Would it kill you to hold still?

STARSCREAM
Well stop pounding so hard! One would think you’d be a professional at this by now.

BLACKARACHNIA
Cut me some slack, it‘s been a while. Besides, I’m tired…been a long night.

STARSCREAM
(agreeable)
No argument there…(he relaxes his posture as she eases up on the hammering) Where’d you disappear to earlier?

His question takes her off guard and she pauses in guilty hesitation. Her encounter with the Autobot leader had been gnawing away at her processor all night, but she wasn’t sure what the seeker would think of her behavior. Too exhausted to think too deeply on the matter, she sighs in concession to the fact that if anyone could relate to breaking protocol for personal needs, it was him.

BLACKARACHNIA
Can you keep a secret?

STARSCREAM
(pauses with a little self-loathing)
Probably not.

BLACKARACHNIA
I met with…Optimus Prime.

The seeker’s optics brighten in disapproval.

STARSCREAM
Why the spark would you do something like that?

BLACKARACHNIA
(defensive)
It was his idea. (she carelessly pounds out the last crinkle, invoking a whimper from her patient, then tosses the hammer down)…He wanted to know more about Prowl’s condition.

STARSCREAM
What did you tell him?

She kneels down to pick up a sham and a container of wax. Her reply bursts out before she can even stop to question the repercussions of it.

BLACKARACHNIA
The truth.

The jet twists around to clearly display his discontent for her answer.

STARSCREAM
Who’s side are you on? You realize your little stunt may have cost Megatron the upper hand today?

BLACKARACHNIA
Don’t start…(she forces him to face forward again then layers the sham up with wax) I don’t care what Megatron says. He had it coming. We had no right to do that to Prowl.

Starscream feels the cloth glide along the back of the his wing, working in a soothing, circular motion. It’s been eons since he received a proper waxing, and being in no mood to look a gift horse in the mouth, he inevitably surrenders his frustration at the femme.

STARSCREAM
Hmm…well you better explain that to our double-agent, because she’s been sent to “deal with” your beloved little ninja.

BLACKARACHNIA
(shocked)
What?

To Starscream’s disappointment, the sham‘s motion abruptly stops.

BLACKARACHNIA
(near whisper)
I should warn Optimus.

STARSCREAM
(protesting)
You should do no such thing!

He gestures to her to continue the waxing.

STARSCREAM
Let it go, Blackarachnia…(nearly purring once she resumes her task) Besides, I doubt she’ll be able to breech his Processor over Matter…Come to think of it, that silly cyber ninja practice might actually do ME some good.

The predacon doesn’t have the means to process anymore guilt toward the Prowl situation at the moment, and forces herself to accept his reassuring logic on the matter. However, his last bit concerning his own condition warrants a whole new set of worry from her. She assumed he was in control of his human influence, but taking into consideration their previous conversation, plus his uncharacteristic loyalty to Megatron, she realizes her assumption was incorrect.

BLACKARACHNIA
Are you…mad at me?

STARSCREAM
For what?

BLACKARACHNIA
What I did to you…saddling you with human emotion. You must think I’m such a hypocrite the way I carry on about Prowl.

Her sudden display of concern nearly blind-sights him, but as always, he’s quick to regain his vain composure.

STARSCREAM
I just made the most pivotal discovery in all of Decepticon history thanks to you. A few unsavory emotions are a small price to pay for such unsurpassed genius.

She cracks a smile and is again reassured by his optimistic logic.

BLACKARCHNIA
I see your ego’s still intact...Has Megatron decided yet when we’re going to leave?

STARSCREAM
Very soon. He’s already hired that seedy bounty hunter to give us a lift to Cybertron.

BLACKARACHNIA
Lockdown?…Lockdown agreed to taxi us. He must be hard up for work.

STARSCREAM
His asking was price was steep (slips a devious smile) but we can afford it.

BLACKARACHNIA
Did Megatron tell him about the converter?

STARSCREAM
Of course not! Megatron’s no fool.

The sham stops moving again as the predacon snickers to herself.

STARSCREAM
What!?

BLACKARACHNIA
You actually just said that…out loud.

STARSCREAM
Shut up!

She moves out from behind him and positions herself alongside his body in order to get at the front of his wing. She reapplies some more wax on the sham and resumes her task, starting with an inappropriately dulled Decepticon symbol.

The purple badge comes to life, brighter and brighter with each pass of the sham. Her contented smile slowly drops at the symbolism staring her in the face. Her processor starts juggling a mix of emotions, such as pride and comfort from acceptance, then ultimately…confusion.

Starscream can’t help but notice her change in mood. If the waxing didn’t feel so good, he would probably be extremely uncomfortable in this situation. He also can’t deny the significant role this wayward femme has played in current existence. Regardless of her selfish intentions, she recognized the value of his time-lost engineering mastery, something all the other ’con discarded since his promotion to second-in-command so long ago. The least he could do in the moment was attempt some friendly conversation.

STARSCREAM
So…how was your…meeting?

Once again, the waxing stops.

She drifts into spark-sinking silence then drops down to a defeated slump on the floor next to his legs.

STARSCREAM
(optic brown raised)
That good, huh?

She remains speechless and distant for a moment. He looks upon her with a loss of words. Sarcasm wasn’t going to cut it here. He leans over the lightly pulls the sham from her hand, grimacing shamefully at the residue it apparently picked up from his illustrious wings, but quickly stowing his vanity as he refocuses on the femme and takes stab at sympathy.

STARSCREAM
Come on now…spit it out. It’ll only eat away at your spark if you keep it pent up.

He’s pleased to see her slightly relax at his offering of wisdom, then instantly tenses his own body when the she lightly leans into his leg and rests her helm upon his knee.

BLACKARACHNIA
I should hate him…I want to hate him…it’d be so much easier.

Not in all their experiences together has the seeker witnessed her so fragile. It almost angers him that this normally shrewd and feisty femme has reduced herself to a pathetic heap at his feet, and over what. An Autobot?

BLACKARACHNIA
He said he’d help me find a cure…that I’d be a fool to trust you to do it.

STARSCREAM
(offended)
Optimus Prime dare cast judgment on MY intentions? That bigoted fool needs to work out his own issues before offering to aid with another’s.

Again, more logical reassurance. She could’ve predicted that response but it felt good to hear it out loud. She brings her hand up face-level and starts introspectively tracing plating seams on his leg.

BLACKARACHNIA
I can’t even remember what it feels like to be all ‘bot.

The seeker, still ruffled by thoughts of the Autobot leader, is unable to empathize with the femme. He instead calls on his alien passion for all that is organic and focuses his attention to one of the stingers protruding from her back. He raises a curious hand and lightly grasps the arachnid weapon, rolling it between his fingertips and studying it with fascination.

BLACKARACHNIA
(taking note of his action)
Do you really think my cure will be a downgrade?

The question surprisingly stings him with regret.

STARSCREAM
That’s not my call to make.

BLACKARACHNIA
(lifting her head up)
What?…But earlier you said--

STARSCREAM
I know what I said, but I was taking the viewpoint of what’s good for the Decepticon cause…which clearly isn’t your priority.

BLACKARACHNIA
(unsure)
That’s…not necessarily true.

STARSCREAM
Really? (ventures into interrogation as he continues to study her stinger) If I were to cure you tomorrow, what would stop you from reuniting with your precious Optimus Prime and scampering off to live happily ever after.

The predacon shakes her head in denial and shifts her gaze back down.

BLACKARACHNIA
(bitterly)
Sentinel will try me for treason regardless of my form. There’s no happily ever after for me with the Autobots.

STARSCREAM
Hypothetically, lets say there was…is that what you ideally want?

Her brow furrows at the suggestion and she slightly shakes her head before laying it back upon his knee.

STARSCREAM
You don’t even know what you want!

The seeker immediately regrets his sharp accusation. Primus knows he had no right to chastise her for her confusion. Even though he never questioned his factional allegiance, he could certainly relate to her anxiety of separating from ones peers.

His fingers cease their curious fidgeting on her stinger and gradually assume a slow and comforting petting.

She accepts his empathy with a sigh, not bothering to care that for the second time this evening, she’s let herself to succumb to the warmth of another’s touch. She sinks further into his leg, dimming her optics. This is the last ‘bot she ever thought she’d bare her affliction to, but she learned long ago, for the sake of her own sanity, not to question the cruel and unusual kicks fate got from her.

BLACKARACHNIA
(somber whisper)
You’re right, Starscream…I don’t…not anymore.

AUTOBOT BASE - PROWL’S ROOM

Chromia lounges as the base of the tree, leaning her back against the arc of a protruding root, legs curled underneath her body. Her restless fingers tease the angular golden decal attached to a sleek black helm resting in her lap as she stares questionably at a poster of a dangling puppy captioned with an inspirational cliché.

Prowl lay with hands folded across his chest, basking in the careless aura created from this nostalgic intimacy.

PROWL
How do you do it?

She lazily looks down upon her old flame with and raises a questioning optic brow.

PROWL
Don’t give me that look. You know what I’m talking about.

She smiles slyly and returns her gaze back up at the silly poster, tilting her head in disapproval.

CHROMIA
What the spark is the point of that?

Prowl peeks up just enough to peer at the item on trial, then resettles back upon her lap.

PROWL
Its simplicity is humbling.

CHROMIA
(rolling her optics)
Pfff..

PROWL
I wouldn’t expect you to understand such an attribute.

CHROMIA
Oh I understand humility, but it’s beyond me why you’d invite it.

PROWL
Then you don’t truly comprehend its significance.

She meets his optics again with a skeptical smirk.

CHROMIA
(shaking her head)
Holy slagging Pit of Primus, you’ve really changed over the cycles.

He challenges her smirk with a genuine smile.

PROWL
And your language still puts space pirates to shame.

She acceptingly shrugs at his comment, then washes over in a realization and begins tapping inquisitive fingers against his forehead.

CHROMIA
What’s the deal with you anyway? Shouldn’t you be plotting your next human massacre?

With lightening quickness, he snatches the hand hosting her antagonizing fingers before she even comprehends the annoying effect of her actions, causing her optics to illuminate with intrigue.

PROWL
One would think, but strangely, my imposter hasn‘t reared his ugly head since the zoo incident.

CHROMIA
(disappointed)
Pity.

He rises to his knees with a smooth twist of his body, keeping a firm grip on her hand so her palm now faces upward.

PROWL
Your sympathy for my condition is flattering. Did the academy fail to teach you any ethics?

He works her captured hand with both of his, uncurling each finger from her palm, one at a time.

CHROMIA
Don’t you remember? We used to ditch that class to join the protests for the liberating the petrorabbits from science labs. Now, what in the All Spark are you doing to my hand?

With her fingers splayed, he begins persuasively massaging her palm with his thumbs.

PROWL
I’m curious if you still have that magic touch.

She glances down at her patronized hand and ponders his inquiry with skepticism..

PROWL
(raising on optic brow)
How about it? You up for a little spark reading?

CHROMIA
Oooh I see…(shoots him an accusing glance) now that your processor has gone to pit do you respect my, what’d you call it, ’silly supernatural nonsense’.

PROWL
I find it best to keep an open processor in light of its current condition.

With optics expectantly locked on hers, the ninjabot eases his hands to her lap, slowly sliding down her thighs and greeting her knees with a firm squeeze.

She always admired the liberties Prowl could take with his hands and was pleased to see that death itself coupled with bizarre resurrection couldn’t strip him of such irresistible subtleties.

CHROMIA
(shrugging a “why not” gesture)
Okay, but I warn you, I’m a bit rusty. Autobot Intelligence doesn’t honor Spark Reading as a valid technique of diplomacy.

PROWL
(slipping a chuckle)
Hmmm, I don’t suppose the sensuality of this procedure factors into the equation.

CHROMIA
(erotically squinting at him)
Oooo…I love it when you talk mathematics.

The ninja retorts with a lighthearted sneer.

The femme’s seductive expression lingers as she glides her fingers around the seams of his chest plate. With a gentle click she slowly opens the panel to reveal his spark chamber which instantly casts a majestic glow around them.

CHROMIA
(optics widening)
You ready for this?

PROWL
(inhaling)
Do your worst.

She flexes her fingers a couple times then dims her optics once making contact with the edges of his spark chamber. She delicately traces the outside of the hallowed chasm, enthralled to be practicing the art of her juvenile cycles.

Prowl watches intently as her varying facial expressions tell a cryptic story.

CHROMIA
(optics fluttering)
You should really cut back on the Circuit-su…I can’t seem to find the devious little scrapper who originally caught my optic.

PROWL
(stern)
I will do no such thing. Circuit-su is second best experience of my functionality.

CHROMIA
(inquiring with hope)
And the first?

PROWL
Joining a space bridge maintenance crew.

CHROMIA
(disappointed)
Ah come on, don’t I at least score in the top five?

The ninja relaxes his shoulders and dims the glow of his optic visor, allowing a light moan to relay the arousing effect of her touch and responds by tracing patterns on her knees with his thumbs.

PROWL
Perhaps…You never answered my question.

His liquid vocals are mercilessly distracting but she continues to navigate his life force, straining to focus on the random impulses greeting her fingers with eagerness.

CHROMIA
What question?

PROWL
How do you do it?

CHROMIA
How do I do what?

PROWL
How do you completely remove me from whatever reality we meet in? It feels as though a single cycle hasn’t passed since our academy days.

CHROMIA
I’m just that good.

PROWL
Or a succubus.

CHROMIA
Shhh, I need to focus

She continues to journey through his being, tilting her head with each stimulating tidbit encountered. His random surges cause her to slip a giggle here and an introspective hum there.

Prowl’s optics illuminate at her nonsensical vocals and he looks upon her array of flighty expressions with curious desire.

Her mission is to call upon this proclaimed alter-ego buried within her old acquaintance, and where this may have sounded like an easy task, the more she explores his spark, the more she realizes there’s no one in the room but her and Prowl.

Time to improvise.

She rolls her head back a quarter-turn, quivering with an obvious change of reaction.

PROWL
What is it?

She snaps her head upright, drops her dopey smile, then yanks her hands from his chest as if they were being nipped at.

Prowl looks over her face with impatient expectation and leans his weight into her knees as if to push the words from her mouth.

PROWL
What’s the matter?

He tries to analyze her expression as it showers him with revelation and a breeze of amusement, and his curiosity is now on the brink of breaking character beyond his comfort level.

PROWL
Well!?? What!!?

CHROMIA
Holy spark-sucking Primus, that’s some seriously glitched-up madness you’re rollin’ there.

Prowl leans in and tightly grips his hands around her legs, prepping to explode with interrogative questioning, but his thoughts are interrupted by the creaking of the door.

Chromia and Prowl casually turn their glances to see an embarrassed medibot frozen in the doorway.

RATCHET
I’ll just…come back later.

The old bot grumbles something about door locks as he exits the scene.

PROWL
(grimacing at the events)
Fantastic. If he mentions this to Bumblebee, I’ll never here the end of it.

Shaking off the foreseeable drama, he intently returns his focus back on his reader.

PROWL
Now, for the love of the All Spark, tell me what you felt.

She bestows the desperate ninja with a pompous grin as she gently closes his spark chamber and slides her hands up his shoulders, leaning in close enough to feel the anticipation in his ventilators.

With optics firmly locked upon hers, the ninja’s hands glide unpretentiously up her legs, thumbs trailing behind to study every groove and detail of her form, sending surges throughout her chassis that that threaten her prided ability to keep the upper hand in situations like these.

After a deep inhale, she accepts the dual of seduction and leans in to hover her lips within millimeters of his audio receptors.

CHROMIA
(flirting whisper)
I’m not gonna tell ya.

Prowl straightens his posture and pulls back just enough to look down upon her with disapproval.

PROWL
Don’t toy with me.

CHROMIA
(pulling herself close again)
A little late for that.

PROWL
(not budging)
I’m serious.

CHROMIA
(replaces her flirting smile with admonition)
So am I.

She leans back and retreats her arms to cross in stubborn protest.

CHROMIA
I’m not going to tell you what I felt because it would only invite your imposter to mess with you.

PROWL
I disagree, the more I know about him the more I can control him.

CHROMIA
(rises to her feet with protest)
Then hire some single-credit gypsy who doesn’t give a spark about your well being to tell you, because I refuse to.

Prowl follows her lead and stands up, but quickly closes the gap between them as his hands wrap around her waist and pull her up against him.

Her thoughts of refusal quickly diminish with an inevitable giggle as she feebly tries to push away.

PROWL
(points up to branches of his tree)
Did one of my little birds just whisper that I’m a gullible fool, because I could’ve sworn you just tried to pass yourself off as a caring individual.

She gazes at him in bemused perplexity.

PROWL
(on the playful side of lecturing)
You haven’t changed a bit. Your spark still reeks of foul programming, even more so with the deceitful layers piled on over the cycles. I’m continually astonished by how such low quality character continues to earn high ranks in the Elite Guard.

CHROMIA
(with a crooked smile)
Your hypocrisy is almost too much to bear, academy dropout. You’re lucky your imposter hasn’t buddied-up with the skeletons in your closet. The noble Prowl would be nothing but a fond memory.

PROWL
How do you know he hasn‘t.

CHROMIA
(scheming)
Because he’d probably rip my spark out for doing this.

She snakes her hands under his arms and slithers her fingers into the circuitry beneath his back panels, applying pressure in just the right spots to make his ventilators power up.

Prowl abruptly releases a helpless moan as her fingers creep down his back to a circuit whose existence was nearly forgotten to him.

PROWL
(breathless)
Don’t…make me ask again.

CHROMIA
(pauses in satisfaction)
Alright, fine. You wanna know what’s under your hood?

She abruptly fans out her wings which animate with their signature hypnotic patterns and snare the blind-sighted ninja into helpless awe.

CHROMIA
(menacing)
You are! There’s no evil human to blame your faults on, there is only Prowl. Prowl the cunning. Prowl the deviant. Prowl the narcissist…Prowl the loner. You don’t belong on a rag-tag team of wannabe heroes who don’t even appreciate you. Look what happened! You sacrificed you spark for them and they couldn’t even get you a spot in the Hall of Heroes.

PROWL
(completely dazed)
Is…Is that true?

CHROMIA
Sadly, yes…Release yourself from their curse, Prowl. Cast aside your delusional dogma give into your true spark. Your imposter is a closer reflection of who you really are, not this cyber ninja façade you’ve fallen victim to.

The femme pauses as she hears footstep outside the door growing louder.

CHROMIA
(resuming fiercely)
Give into your lust for violence, Prowl…(lowers to a whisper) and attack me.

Without hesitation, the ninja flips her over, pinning her neck with his knee and reaching for his shuriken.

She cuts loose a scream of terror as she retracts her wings.

Prowl slowly comes to, but not enough to budge from his threatening stance and the door bursts open to reveal a horrified space bridge technician.

CHROMIA
(desperately)
Bulkhead, help me!

She scrambles out from under the perplexed ninja, as he rises to his feet in disbelief.

BULKHEAD
(in heartbroken denial)
Prowl…what’s going on?

Prowl has regained his senses but can only behold the scene with a loss of words.

Chromia’s now pathetically sprawled at Bulkhead’s feet, grasping his leg like a storybook damsel in distress.

Optimus Prime and Ratchet burst into the room.

OPTIMUS PRIME
What’s happening here?

CHROMIA
Everything was fine. We were reminiscing over old times, then he just snapped!

The Autobot leader advance on Prowl with skeptical concern.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Prowl, is this true?

Prowl turns away in bewildered and shameful defeat and leans into his tree.

Chromia’s aided to her feet by Bulkhead then met with a stinging glare from the medibot.

RATCHET
Looked like more than reminiscing, to me.

CHROMIA
I shouldn’t have come. It was…too much for him. Please Bulkhead, just take me to the space bridge.

Bulkhead looks to his leader who responds with an approving nod, then the lumbering mech escorts the femme from the crime scene and into the hallway.

They pass by Jazz who greets them with worry.

JAZZ
Th’spark’s goin’ on?

BULKHEAD
I think you should talk to Prowl, like ninja to ninja or something.

JAZZ
Why? What happened!?

The large mech gestures to the door of Prowl’s room then continues down the hall, coddling his quivering victim with care.

Jazz rushes onto the scene to behold a room full of crushed spirits.

JAZZ
(near frantic)
What just went down?

Prowl inches a shameful glance to the elite bot he once equaled, then once again turns his back to the room‘s occupants.

PROWL
I wish to be left alone.

OPTIMUS PRIME
I don’t think that’s--

PROWL
(viciously)
Please!

A disheartened silence falls on the room and the Autobot leader backs away from his troubled friend.

JAZZ
(respectfully)
C’mon guys. Let’s do as he says.

The three mechs leave the room with heavy hearts. As they slowly drift down the hallway, each one chewing over disturbed thoughts, Ratchet grumbles uneasily.

RATCHET
Somethin’s not right.

Ha ha ha I have already reviewed this on FF but because I didn't goosh soo much there and you know what I'm like...

You had me melted down into a big puddle of fan girlishness delight *squeaks*

Then the way you twisted the mood of the chapter towards the end, was actually really well done, very sneaky, very like Chromia... I didn't see that coming in all honesty. I have said it once and I'll say it again... poor Prowl...

*throws red foam ball*

For my serious comment, I actually think this is the best continuation of TFA I have seen so far and there are quite a few.

Had any ideas regarding names?

::cheers:: I got the CP approval, woot! I was worried I wouldn't do our ninja justice in your eyes. I actually wrote that scene about a month ago just to experiment with a Prowl in a casual *sexual* situation and I was pleased enough with the outcome to work it into the story.

I know you've written teh kink with Prowl and I intend to read that very soon ::eyeballs the taunting stack of printed fanfiction:: My reading/comp goes to sh!t when I try to do it on the pc, plus I like to read big chunks at a time, so I print out the CP & HK good stuff and take it to my happy, cozy reading spot.

"For my serious comment, I actually think this is the best continuation of TFA I have seen so far and there are quite a few."

Awwwwww thanks! I try to keep up on the other continuations on FF. The good ones I've seen move the story along much slower, whereas I'm just like /Warpath voice BAM, POW! /end Warpath- prison break, resurrections, ooo shiny thing, how about some romance!

Title is still in the making. I know my theme (trust & teamwork conquers all, blah blah blah) but can't seem to pull a non-cheesy title from that yet.