Work Text
TALES OF CYBERTRON
INNOCENCE SHATTERED
ELITE GUARD ACADEMY
B-127, a young Cybertronian joined the Academy to fulfill his dream of becoming an Elite Guard. On his first day he meets Bulkhead, a gentle giant Cybertronian whom is a former construction worker and the happy go lucky and peppy RC-687-040, or Arcee for short, a miner whom tries to make something different of herself. They are greeted by their trainer and superior, Kup, an older bot whom doesn’t take scrap. Training is grueling but necessary as only the best of the best became Elite Guards. Initially the trio fall behind to the rest. They are also mocked by several other recruits, including the arrogant Stinger. B-127 can’t sleep and decides to take a nightly stroll and finds Arcee also awake practicing some combat moves. Arcee says she is working hard to make something of herself. Cybertron isn’t doing so well with divide between the classes and tales of the so called ‘Decepticons’ rising against the corrupt High Council…normally miners weren’t allowed to ascend, but they Council allowed it to placate some rebellious miners. So she has to make it work, to show people they can rise beyond the caste they are assigned to since activation. B-127 admits that he was a former scavenger and only got this chance at the Academy because he lucked into finding something valuable the Council wanted. Though he knows they don’t expect him to make it, and again, it was probably to look good they did. But he is bumbling his way through the Academy and has trouble with his stingers. Arcee says if he doesn’t mind foregoing sleep she can help him train with his stingers. Bulkhead has also woken up and overheard the two. He said he once worked to build physical constructs, but now he wants to build a better tomorrow. He said he got in a bar brawl by accident but he actually stumbled over his own feet and got lucky and mistaken for competent. Hence he was recruited. He was afraid to say no to the offer. But it was a chance he couldn’t pass up but finds he may be in over his head. The three decide to stick together. Their nightly training pays off, and B-127 and Stinger, during some target practice, tie. Stinger actually shows respect to the young yellow bot and asks him to hang around with the ‘cool crowd’. B-127 is actually delighted to be recognized and starts doing that, but starts to neglect Bulkhead and Arcee. B-127 is guilty but the fact he is able to hang with the big bots on campus starts to get to his head and strain their friendship. Though he doesn’t like the comments Stinger and crew made behind the backs of Arcee and Bulkhead about them, but only makes a minimal effort to nip it. It results in a blowout between B-127 and his other two friends. Next big event is an obstacle course, with Kup instructing the class to make it through. During the obstacle course B-127 gets overzealous and gets tied up in an obstacle. He asks Stinger to help, but he and his buddies leave behind B-127. However, Arcee and Bulkhead come to his aid and save him. B-127 apologizes and says Stinger was a lousy friend, and so was he. But he’s done with Stinger. Though last, the trio make it to the end of the course. However, they are praised by Kup, for going back to save their own. A good bot should leave no one behind and admonishes the rest, mostly Stinger for putting winning over doing the right thing. Stinger snaps and says that ‘Bumblebee’ only would have slowed them down. Kup says think of that the next time he would get into trouble and he would get left behind. B-127 says he may bumble and his sting doesn’t bite like he does, but if that is at the cost of his dignity and pride, he’d rather be a ‘Bumblebee’ than a jock bot like him. Also he notes that bumblebees are real heroes. They only get one chance to sting and it’s game over, but they are willing to do it for their hive. So yeah, call him a Bumblebee. He vows to put the life on the line for those whom saved him despite being mad at him and those are his true friends. Stinger says that’s a lot of scrap, but Kup said he can’t trust anyone in charge of saving lives if they don’t value them. Stinger says he has connections and will never be thrown out or denied. Kup says that he still has a few cycles left to beat that mindset out of him. The three friends have reconciled. They may not be the best, a B-team at best, but they will stick together, struggle together and vow to somehow make it together. The three call themselves siblings. Bumblebee, Arcee and Bulkhead. Later on there was the fall of the corrupt Council, which disbanded the Elite Guard. Now various factions fought over Cybertron, the two biggest were the Decepticons and the Autobots. The trio decides to join the Autobots as the group aligns with their ideals the most, as the Decepticons had gone from peaceful protestors to terrorists. They meet Optimus Prime and told about themselves. Optimus welcomes them in. Optimus also has a moment with Bumblebee. He told that once he had a friend whom he considered close as a sibling. But their differing ideals drove them apart, and his former youthful recklessness and follies may have invertedly drove his friend further down the wrong path. So he reiterates to Bumblebee to not take those closest to him for granted. Bumblebee promises he won’t.
A JUNX AND A FUNERAL
The B-Team would slowly be known as the Bee Team because Bumblebee has grown in a capable leader of this small group, having grown since his academy days. Also because of the punny name. But they work with other Autobot sub-groups and get close to them. A newer Autobot Tailgate was a low-rank Archivist, basically a glorified librarian, whom joined the Autobot cost. He may be actually quite reserved and shy but somehow got along with the outgoing Arcee. Tailgate said he got his name because he always felt behind. Arcee says the name isn’t too bad as having someone behind them means they can trust him to have their backs. Bumblebee also said that his moniker was an insult he appropriated as a badge of honor. It makes tailgate feel better about himself. Arcee tutors him like he did to little Bee at the Academy. The two would grow close. At one point Tailgate takes a blow for Arcee during a fight with the Decepticons, whom was about to be shot in the back. Luckily he survived and ended up in the med bay and Arcee asks what that was about. Tailgate says he lives up to his name, he has her back. The two confess they love each other. Ratchet the medic says ‘Can you please not use my med bay as a dating spot?’ The two would become Conjunx Endura (Cybertronian equivalent of marriage) officiated by Optimus himself, the two were happy. One day Arcee and Tailgate were on a mission to take down a Decepticon space station. They successfully infiltrated it, and defeated the Cons inside. However, the station was badly damaged in the fight and headed for Cybertron. If it crashed, it would cost countless lives. So they had to detonate the station manually before it could crash. However, Groundbridges are down and aside from one, the escape pods are damaged too. Only room for one. The couple bickers on whom should stay behind and whom should escape, Arcee wanting Tailgate to live and vice-versa. Tailgate suggest let chance decide. He pulls out some Cybertronian currency to play some ‘Head or Tailpipe’. However as he tosses it up, and Arcee’s optics are on the Cybertronian coin, he pushes the distracted Arcee in the pod. He tells her he loves her and apologizes. Arcee tears up as the pod is shot out to safety. Tailgate detonates the station inside saying ‘Until all are one!’ Arcee makes it back to the Autobot HQ, when Bumblebee and Bulkhead ask what happened and where Tailgate is, she breaks down crying in her brothers’ arms. After the funeral and eulogy held for Tailgate, she becomes moodier and more snarky, and switches her pink and white color scheme out for primarily blue like Tailgate’s, and keeping little pink accents from her former form. Bumblebee and Bulkhead note she has changed. Arcee says they have all changed, none of them are whom they were at the Academy, for better or worse. They have to finish this war…to have no more Tailgates.
UNDER FIRE
The Bee team is sent out on a new mission, to investigate an abandoned Cybertronian outpost off-world. They are joined by a new recruit, a femmebot called Aileron, whom has dreams of becoming a hero. The three sibs note she reminds them of themselves before the war. They find the outpost is not as abandoned as they thought it was. A trio of Decepticons known as the Firecons have set up base here. They consist of Cinder, Sparkstalker and Scorchmark. They were put in charge of the Outpost by Megatron. However, they haven’t been heard of in a long time, with the Bee team concluding Megatron forgot about them. The communication systems are badly maintained so they haven’t been able to send out a signal. Sparkstalker and Cinder think that they should leave, there is little worth defending and their Energon reserves are going down. Scorchmark though believes Megatron will come for them and praise them for their diligence, for never wavering…It will be pretty soon. The Firecons take note of the Autobot’s presence and confront them. Bumblebee faces Cinder, Sparkstalker goes up against Bulkhead and Scorchmark goes after Arcee. Arcee holds her own but Aileron interferes in the fight, but gets her tailpipe handed by the more experienced Predacon fighter. Arcee continues to fight but has to juggle that and keeping the newbie safe. A moment of distractions allows Scorchmark to knock Arcee down. He says that Megatron will praise him even more bringing back the heads of four Autobots. However, Aileron gets a good shot in and blasts him in the spark chamber. As he fades Scorchmark hallucinates Megatron and saying ‘My liege…I did my duty…I awaited your…’ before off-lining. With Scorchmark’s demise Cinder and Sparkstalker flee, not finding the facility worth protecting anymore. Aileron though is shocked she had to shoot another Cybertronian, even a Decepticon, dead. She throws up some Energon and mutters ‘I had to, he would have killed…I had to, I had to, I had to…” The Bee team return home and Arcee brings Aileron to the med bay. Aileron apologizes for not having taken it as seriously. She thought it would be like the stories, but…in reality war is horrible. Arcee says she’s sorry that it happened, but it was inevitable. They all lost their innocence. Aileron asks if it gets any easier. Arcee says it gets easier to kill, but it doesn’t make you feel better. Aileron breaks down and cries with Arcee comforting her. Aileron tires out and thanks Arcee for looking out for her despite everything. She falls asleep. Bumblebee and Bulkhead ask how the young one is doing. Arcee says she’s shocked but she’ll…manage. Just like they managed. Bee says that Arcee always looked out for the newbies, like her and Tailgate…Arcee says that unlike last time, she doesn’t plan to get that close to the newies. She is just going to be a good mentor, nothing more. Cinder and Sparkstalker have rejoined the Decepticons on the surface of Cybertron. When reporting, Megatron seemed to indeed not remember them. He gives faint praise for holding the fort and says to wait reassignment to a new task. The two Firecons feel empty, as their friend Scorchmark basically died for nothing.
TRIVIA
My latest Kivaverse of Transformers had only counted one chapter, and when I tried to revisit it much later, I forgot which direction I wanted to take it. And for my Sonic crossover I am still struggling with the sequel due to the managing of the larger roster of both Transformers and Sonic the hedgehog. Though while I figure that out I still wanted to do Something Transformers-related after rewatching my fav Prime episodes. So I try this. I don’t expect it to go anywhere but it is something. Over the past few days I tried a concept, which I tossed out several times, and the bits and pieces I saved made it here.
Bumblebee and Bulkhead meeting at the Academy is reminiscent of Animated. Bumblebee would start out like that version, a bit hotheaded and brash, but nowadays he is the more calmer and good natured Bee we know like in the Prime series or the Bumblebee movie.
Arcee starts off with her original G1- design but after Tailgate’s demise would remodel herself closer to her Prime counterpart. Her relationship with Tailgate also is derived from her Prime counterpart.
Bulkhead starts at the Academy like his Animated counterpart, but is a construction worker like the Prime Counterpart of him formerly was.
Optimus has a small role but what he hints at is that like his Prime and Transformers One counterpart he was friends with Megatron before their ideals started to differ and drove them apart; I didn’t show that on screen since I didn’t want to rethread Prime and One, and try to focus on the more original story.
Stinger is a stand in for the Animated version of Wasp though Stinger doesn’t become Waspinator.
The Firecons are very minor Decepticons whose alternate modes are fire breathing monsters. These versions still have the power over fire but they have vehicle alternate modes. I also changed two of their names. Sparkstalker is no longer the leader; Scorchmark is created in place of Flamefeather and is the leader, and Cindersaur is turned into the femmebot Cinder. (No RWBY jokes!)
I have no overarching story idea, just moments focusing on various Transformers characters among the war for Cybertron. In the same universe and connected but no overarching plot yet.
The focus is on the war of Cybertron and I will avoid human character…for the moment. I want to start fleshing out several Transformers characters first that are actual Transformer robots.
As you notice, the main inspiration are Transformers Animated, Transformers One and Transformerd Prime. I will also eventually move on to more Cyberverse and Beast Wars elements over time.
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TALES OF CYBERTRON
BIRTH OF DARKNESS
SOUND OF REBELLION; MAKING WAVES
Soundwave is a simple street musician whom had trouble getting by. Under the corrupt council, life was not ideal. One day he tried to spend his meager earnings on some sustenance as a small Mini-Con pickpockets him. Soundwave chases the Mini-Con until he meets the Mini-Con’s master, Dirtbag (really there is a Decepticon with that name). He scolds the Mini-Con, as well as the other Mini-cons and Cyber-Animals under his employ for not being able to steal him much and is ready to strike them down. Soundwave makes himself known and beats Dirtbag to a pulp. Soundwave admonishes Dirtbag, for as much as he struggles himself, he would not sink to the lows of exploiting others like he did. He says to the little ones they can go. However, the Mini-Cons, Rumble and Frenzy, and the Cyber-beasts Ratbat, Ravage and Laserbeak, stay with him. He doesn’t have much, but he shares the little Energon he purchased with his earnings among them. The little bots clung onto Soundwave, whom had nowhere else to go. And Soundwave had grown attached. Though it strained his already meager earnings. Luckily as a street musician, people often overlook him. He started to observe, learn, and spy a little; It’s surprising what bots will tell if they think no one important is listening.He and his little bot friends started to spy and gather information, becoming an information broker to earn the Energon for him and his small family. Eventually he was approached by Megatron. The Decepticon cause could use someone of their skill. They promised to fight for reforms. Megatron also says that like Soundwave he was a bot whom struggled at the lower caste and started to fight his way up and make something of himself. Soundwave accepted the offer. He would perfect his craft over the years, becoming better at hacking and gathering intel. He also trained in combat to not be a liability to Megatron, whom trusted him with the task. Though he was mocked by a few cons like Blackwing and Dreadwind, for his weird voice and for his affection to his ‘pets’. But he ignored them. They weren’t important. He grew better. A rally led by Megatron himself led to problems with the Elite Guard. Some cons wanted to leave Megatron behind to save himself. But not Soundwave, whom took charge. When Blackwing and Dreadwind refused to follow his lead, he showed his training paid off and readily beat them down with little effort. He asked them ‘Whom is superior?’. The two gulped and they said ‘Soundwave superior!’ Soundwave had hacked some communications to distract the Elite guard while mobilizing some other protestors to get Megatron to safety. Megatron said that Soundwave has shown what he saw in him ages ago and has grown. He welcomes Soundwave to his inner circle, which Soundwave readily accepts. Soundwave has started speaking less. He let his actions do the speaking for him. That and some voice clips. After earning his spot at the table, he wanted to make sure that other Cons didn’t get any ideas, and that he proves he deserves to be there. It also helped with his intimidation factor, which helps him greatly. He is trusted by the leader he looks up to, he is in a good spot…and he and his little bots are happy.
DIFFERENT WAVELENGTHS; SHOCKING RESULTS
Shockwave and Wheeljack are two Cybertronians whom joined the Cybertronian Ministry of Science, in charge of development. Shockwave is…emotionally closed off, going by logic alone as he has trouble expressing himself. Wheeljack is brilliant in his own right but he is much more open, emotional and outgoing. He tries to befriend Shockwave, whom is only interested in his work. Shockwave was methodical while Wheeljack tried to take more risks and sometimes things blew up in his face. But through trial and error he got a lot of things right in the end. While Shockwave preferred to work longer on one subject before he could perfect it from the start. Despite their differing views, the two often had debates and good talks about their works. Shockwave could admit that while Wheeljack’s methods were illogical, he often was on the right track with his subjects and recognized his skills. One day they needed someone representing the Ministry of Science to speak to the council. Wheeljack suggested that Shockwave do it. He is logical and he himself is way too informal and more concerned with his experiments to care about the higher ups. Shockwave notes it was the logical solution. Though it didn’t go right as Shockwave’s logic, during a talk with the Council made him decide the Council were not a good choice for the future of Cyberton. His logic dictated they had to go. And sabotaged security on the inside which gave the Decepticons a chance to get in and do some heavy damage. However, several innocent got hurt or killed in the attack. Wheeljack approaches Shockwave. Shockwave deduced that the losses are ‘unfortunate, but the outcome was the most preferrable’. Wheeljack asked if his so called ‘logic and facts’ are the only thing that mattered, if he didn’t feel anything for those lost or hurt. Shockwave notes that emotions are a hindrance in getting things done. That is why he discarded the concept of them. Wheeljack says Shockwave didn’t discard them, he was afraid of them and ran. He agreed the Council needed to go, but as much as Shockwave thinks the lives at stake were small statistics, they aren’t worth the price. He asks if Shockwave ever saw him as a friend. Shockwave says he doesn’t form attachments. He respected Wheeljack’s works and their debates allowed him to work his wit, but no, he doesn’t have friends. Wheeljack leaves and would go on to join the Autobots. Shockwave became the top scientist of the Decepticons. Wheeljack tells the story of his ‘friendship’ with Shockwave. It shows that no matter how hard you reach out to someone, you can’t always reach far enough. In his lab, Shockwave thinks back on Wheeljack and tries to wonder if there was some logic in their final words…he quashes those thoughts quickly and continues his research.
LOOK AT THE STARS AND SCREAM
Starscream became active one day once his Protoform was infused with a spark. He awakened at the same time as a group of similar Cybertronians, whom were given alternate jet modes. They were born to act on behalf of the High Council, being their eyes in the sky, the Seekers. The High Council said that they are among their most important and most valued enforcers. A young and naïve Starscream thought they really cared. And that he would need to work hard to earn their respect. Starscream and Seekers would be mentored by the High Guard, their predecessors, with Starscream mentored by Jetfire. Jetfire became an older brother to Starscream. And they worked hard to keep the peace as was their role. Starscream though was trying way too hard to impress others and got reckless sometimes. All for some recognition. Jetfire tried to convince him that recognition isn’t the most important, it is helping people. Though Starscream wanted to believe that, he thought the recognition would be a nice bonus. When Starscream did have a few successful missions, another of the High Guard, Bitstream, took credit for them. Starscream wanted to confront him, but Bitstream said that he won’t be believed and that Starscream isn’t smart or cunning enough to pull it off. That angered Starscream. Starscream decided to do something reckless, but he could pull it off by playing it smart. He pretended to defect to the Decepticons. His planned to infiltrate them, take them out from the inside and get the recognition he wanted. He was very close one day until he accessed a database which showed some really horrible stuff about the Council he didn’t know about. And right after Megatron found him. But he didn’t punish Starscream. He said he was on to Starscream, though Starscream was very convincing. Very cunning and sly. He wanted Starscream to find the files about the Council to show him he is working for the wrong team. The Council doesn’t care. Megatron offered something better for Starscream, a place among the Decepticons where he would get recognized. Starscream agreed. Starscream managed to convince a majority of the Seekers and High Guard to defect to the Decepticons with him, the silver tongue that earned him a spot even convincing Jetfire (by exploiting his desire to help others). Starscream has managed to work his way up. Some backstabbing was involved but he was an excellent schemer, charmer and cunning thinker. When talking to Megatron, Shockwave asked if Starscream among their inner circle would be a wise idea due to his ambition, and easy to switch loyalties. Megatron says that there are several reasons. One, he has to keep his mind sharp and Starscream may challenge and at times amuse him. Also Starscream believes in their cause even if he one day decides he should lead. If Starscream fails overthrowing him, it was a good test. If he succeeds…then it means that he has been bested and the best bot for the job has claimed his place. No matter what, Megatron is the one whom gets what he wants in the end. Jetfire though doesn’t like what Starscream has become. He has stuck around with the Decepticons out of loyalty for the Seekers he was friends with but he feels their minds are being poisoned and he can’t talk them out of it. Jetfire even planned to leave with a few Seekers and High Guards whom felt uneasy. And it seems he was even getting through to Starscream. But Starscream sold them out, to Megatron, whom doesn’t take kindly to traitors. Only Jetfire and a few escaped with their lives. And Jetfire knew his little brother was lost to him forever. And he is ashamed that he couldn’t save him. With the fall of the Council, Bitstream of the former High Guard grovels to be spared by Starscream, whom has led the Seekers into defeating his aerial unit. Starscream lets him live but he has to answer to him now. Bitstream turns out to be all bark and no bite, and has no problem falling in line. For his role in the fall of the Council Starscream became Megatron’s second in command. Starscream is capable and useful, and Megatron is confident that it is worth the risks, and he can handle anything Starscream throws at him should things go too far. Also, keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
TRIVIA
Soundwave has a design inspired by his classical look, but would slowly evolve to have the mannerisms of his Prime counterpart.
While not mentioned, Frenzy is female like her Earthspark counterpart.
Darkwing and Dreadwind are a pair of siblings whom can combine into Dreadwing in the original G1, but Dreadwing will be inspired by his Prime counterpart, and Darkwing and Dreadwind either will not combine or their combined form will be renamed.
Bitstream in Starscream’s backstory is a very minor Seeker character whom I could afford to rework.
Like many continuities, Jetfire is a former Decepticon here.
High Guard was a term used in transformers One as being enforcers for the Primes, but here they are predecessors of the Seekers.
Shockwave’s former ‘friendship’ with Wheeljack is inspired by Cyberverse.
I originally wanted Dirt Boss as the minor crime boss whom owned Soundwave’s pets, as his name would fit a minor crime boss. But I went with Dirtbag as I want to use Dirt Boss for the Constructicons.
I wanted to see the different falls to darkness. Soundwave’s was climbing his way up from the bottom. Shockwave was already troubled and sometimes people are bad regardless of what you try. Starscream embodies corruption by their own ambitions. Three different falls to darkness.
I really should give name to the Council members at one point…
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TALES OF CYBERTRON
TO BUILD TOMORROW
PRE-BUILDING
Bulkhead, prior to going to the Academy, was a mere construction worker. He and his buddies Scrapper and Mixmaster worked hard every day, building whatever was needed, and earn their oil and Energon for the day. But it was meager. They wish an opportunity came along. Going down to a cheap Energon bar a couple of Cybertronians whom hit the hard oil a bit too much start making trouble. Bulkhead’s attempts to diffuse led to a chain of events and a cavalry of comedic timing and errors that caused Bulkhead to accidentally beat the thugs. He gets praised by his fellow construction buddies. It also drew the attention for a recruiter, for the Cybertronian Elite Guard Academy. Scrapper and Mixmaster convince him to join, to leave their dreary life behind and take the chance. They would if they did. So Bulkhead did. Bulkhead would visit his old construction buddies whenever he could. But for them life didn’t improve and the social caste system widened. Bulkhead wondered why he was picked then. Scrapper and Mixmaster say probably to look good. Though they acknowledge Bulkhead has genuinely grown into a powerhouse fighter, you can’t fix the system by hitting it hard. Things get worse with each visit. Though they initially praised him, they grew distant and more jealous of Bulkhead that he got a way out and they were busting their tailpipes for the bare minimum, causing some tension. Even more so when the duo start to get swayed by Megatron’s words. He would need people to help build stuff. Though Bulkhead tries to convince them otherwise, they join Megatron. They were tired of earning cruddy oils and low quality Energon for chassis-breaking labor while they could get some of the good stuff and live a good life. They just take a chance like Bulkhead’s. Bulkhead wouldn’t see his buddies in a long time.
DEVASTATING
Mixmaster and Scrapper were put in a group with other Cybertronians whom are tasked with helping build things for the Decepticon clause, from weapons to bases. Alongside Scavenger and Hook they are put under the command of Dirt Boss, a Foreman with an ego and attitude that is unlike his small size. Despite the little respect they get from Dirt Boss, Mixmaster and Scrapper went along with the other ‘Constructicons’ and did what they did best: build. They got the quality oil and Energon they wanted. And if they didn’t actively use the weapons, just make them, it would all be right. That’s what they thought. There was a bit of unease in making the weapons and the oil and Energon they craved started to taste off, though there wasn’t any tampering. Even more so when the Decepticons obtained the Enigma of Combination and started to work on their first Combiner. The Constructicons were first. Mixmaster and Scrapper didn’t want part, but were forced into it. And they became uneasy about it. When they first formed Devastator, they didn’t like being bent to the will of Dirt Boss, whom formed the head and forced to being lugged around, and slammed into other Bots as they formed limbs. It was an awful feeling. And they started to think their old pal Bulkie had the right idea.
TURNCOATS
Scrapper and Mixmaster would get into contact with Bulkhead and would try to get away form the Decepticons. However, their first rescue mission went badly as the Constructicon upgrade that allowed them to become Devastator came with a special restraining bolt so that they could be tracked, immobilized and reclaimed at any time. Though not before they gave the Enigma of Combination which they snatched to the Autobots. It took several tries, but after a successful mission the Autobots were able to disable the restraining bolt in Mixmaster and Scrapper’s body and save them. They were able to reunite with their old friend Bulkhead. Originally when brought in, some Autobots said they could be put to work. However, the two former Cons didn’t want to build any more weapons or fight. Bulkhead spoke up and Optimus agreed. Everyone on their side chose to fight, but these two weren’t given a choice. So he won’t force them to fight or to build something they don’t want. The war has left many Cybertronians without a home, and they could work on building new homes instead. Though Bulkhead is happy for them, he himself has grown into a warrior and won’t construct buildings anymore, not until the war is over. His two buddies understand and ask to give their former boss a kick in the tailpipe if he sees him. The trio are able to repair their friendship. And are happy.
A NEW GENERATION OF COMBINERS
Though Mixmaster and Scrapper are gone, Devastator is too valuable an asset and Megatron orders two Decepticons forward to join the Constructicons. Bonecrusher and his sister Gravedigger have now taken their place, which they aren’t satisfied with but can’t go against Megatron so have to suck it up. Meanwhile the Autobots are working on a Combiner themselves, but unlike with the Decepticons, they want to give the choice to their fellow Bots. However, five former High Guards volunteer. Powerglide, Firefly, Air Raid, Skydive and Slingshot would become the first Autobot Combiner team, the Aerialbots. Together they can form Superion. Both Autobots and Decepticons are back on even footing for now, but it won’t be the last combiner team any of the groups will have. But for the moment, Bulkhead is drinking with his old construction buddies and brings the rest of the Bee Team in so his old and new friends can properly get introduced. The two Construction Buffoons try to hit on Arcee, but she has none of it. Bulkhead says she is still reeling from a heavy loss. The two apologize to Arcee as they notice she still wears her Conjunx Endura Band. Once that bit of awkwardness was out of the way, the whole group had a good time. Jetfire talks to Optimus. As a former High Guard he should have volunteered for the Superion project. His former fellow High Guard members had to go. Optimus says it was still their choice regardless. Jetfire says that he was once a commander in the High Guard, but he was afraid of volunteering because he doesn’t trust himself to lead them properly. After all, he couldn’t save his Seeker buddies from falling to darkness. Optimus talks to Jetfire about his own inability to save the one he called a brother, whom became Megatron. Though Megatron always had a lot of rage in him, Optimus admits he was once reckless and dragged others in his crazy schemes, which may have attributed to his resentment. Jetfire asks why he leads, then. Optimus says that sometimes the best leaders don’t seek that position, but are chosen by others. The fact he initially didn’t want it, but he stepped up because others needed him, showed humility and responsibility that the Autobots appreciated. Jetfire says he was probably put in charge of the High Guard by the Council because he was too soft, would care too much about those under him to ever want to climb higher and leave those he mentored or protected behind. Optimus says it was not a weakness, it was a mistake from the council to think otherwise. Even if Jetfire is not among the Aerialbot team, he is still an Autobot pulling his weight and should be proud. And while not an Aerialbot, Jetfire as the former commander of the High Guard can still teach his fellow flying Autobots a lot. This lifts Jetfire’s mood. He says he won’t dwell on past mistakes and regrets and will work hard and fight for a better tomorrow.
TRIVIA
Arcee got her story expanded post-Academy days, so Bulkhead should have too.
Mixmaster and Scrapper are much less evil and their friendship and demeanor is inspired by Transformers Animated. From the same series, I also have Dirt Boss as the leader of the Constructicons.
The Constructicons often have six members at the time, but I reduce it to five. I ended up with Seven though after Mixmaster and Scrapper need replacing.
Bonecrusher and Gravedigger are siblings in G1, so brought them in as the replacements. I genderbent Gravedigger as she seemed like the character I could reimagine in a femmebot the easiest. Think of this femmebot with a huge shovel…which can unfold in a scythe.
I wanted to use the Build Team from Robots in Disguise 2005 as the Autobot’s heroic first Combiner as a counterpart to the Constructicons. But I went with the Aerialbots since Jetfire and the High Guard were already established and allowed another Autobot’s story to unfold some more.
The fact Jetfire gets a peptalk from Optimus and the fact this is a chapter about Combiners, may also built up towards the fact in some continuities Optimus and Jetfire are able to become Combiners.
Silverbolt (G1) is normally the leader of the Aerialbots. But I associate the name Silverbolt with the Beast Wars version so instead I have Powerglide, whom is often an auxiliary member of the Aerialbots.
Fireflight is normally an Aerialbot but at times uses the moniker Firefly. I picked Firefly since it is a cute bug name like Bumblebee, and because the name sounds like I could make this particular Aerialbot female. So yeah, another combiner member whom I have genderbent.
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TALES OF CYBERTRON
THE VOICE OF THE AUTOBOTS
THE CYBER-IDOL
Flipsides is the most popular idol on Cybertron, it is thought her voicebox was crafted by Primus themselves. She enjoys the fame, the recognition and the love of her countless fans. She enjoys the life of luxury and recognition, aided by her manager Payload. Flipsides one day catches up with her old friend Jazz, whom she was in a band with together. She asks how Jazz’s little robo-samurai thing works out. Jazz said it’s Cyber-Ninja and he has joined the Autobot movement. Flipsides says they’re a bunch of ruffians stirring up trouble like the Decepticons. Jazz says the Autobots actually care for the people of Cybertron, and while Flipsides still sings beautifully, it is sparkless and her music has been censored and used as a mouthpiece by the council. She has lost herself. The two bicker and argue. Jazz says Flipsides has become blinded by her fame. She claims to care for her fans, but there are some among the lower cast. He offers to let Flipsides see, so she can come to her own conclusion. The part of her that has become spoiled wants to refuse, the Flipsides that cares for her old friend Jazz goes with him, in disguise. There she sees the state of Cybertron and how the lower classes are overworked, underpaid and mistreated. Jazz said he’s sorry he had to show that. Flipsides says in a serious tone ‘No…It is what I had to see.’ She visits some miners whom drink their misery away in a dingy bar with low quality hard oil. Their spirits haven’t been lifted for ages. Flipsides starts to sing again, this time from her spark, and lifts their spirits for a bit. Flipsides optics have opened as she realized she can do more. On her way home she is guided back home by Jazz. On the way she sees a bunch of hungry Minicons and Cyber-Beasts for leftover oil and Energon in the trash. And Payload is very surprised when he visits Flipsides to talk about her next concert and finds the Minicons and Cyber-beasts wrapped up in Cyber-blankies and happily indulging in quality Energon. Payload wants to kick them out but Flipsides says they’re her guests. Payload lets it go and shows her new song texts. She takes the texts and rewrites them. Payload says they won’t pay for this, the Council wants songs that put the people at ease and learn to be content in life. Flipsides says the people aren’t content, they aren’t even happy and Payload and the Council both can shove it up their exhaust. Payload says he made Flipsides famous, she belongs to him and raises an arm to strike her. Jazz grabs Payload’s wrist and says to back down. When Payload asks him how he got in, Jazz replies ‘Ninja’. Later on Payload is quietly asked to leave…which means he’s tossed in the garbage. Flipsides says she’ll be practicing her new rewritten songs. Put a message out to the people. Jazz asked if the Council will not be too much trouble. Flipsides says: ‘As if you’re not looking out for me’. And that she is too popular, there will be an outcry. Also, she has a lot of fans and connections through her career, and people are willing to spill the Ro-Beans if she asks nicely. She can gather info for Jazz and his Autobot buddies. Jazz is glad to have his old friend back.
A CHANGE IN STYLE
When Flipsides takes the stage at her next concert, first thing she does is introduce her new ‘babies’: the two Minicons and the three Cyberbeasts she adopted of the streets. Second, she starts singing her new songs. They are subtle enough that the Council can’t prove there are subliminal messages in it, though some of the texts could be interpret by others to break away from their chains and rise up. Later we see Flipsides talk to some Elite Guards whom are fans of her and by acting cutesy, ditzy and friendly, they become a bit loose-lipped. Shortly after Flipsides sends the info to Jazz and the Autobots. She does this for a while, spreading a new message across Cybertron, and gather info for her friends. On her way from her latest gig she is attacked by a hitman called RoughEdge and it nearly is the end of her until Jazz saves her once again. Jazz got the info out of RoughEdge he was hired by Payload whom is mad for being fired and also because the Council start catching on to what she’s doing. Flipsides says she can’t always rely on Jazz to protect her. She knew she can’t be in the spotlight forever. Jazz asks if she wants him to help her hide. Flipsides says no, she wants to fight and he and his friends can teach her.
FROM IDOL TO HERO
The Council fell but the war waged between Autobot and Decepticon. And Flipsides is now among the Autobot trainees. And things are not going well. Training with the other Autobots causes her to get knocked on her tailpipe all the time; Training with firearms knocked her on her tailpipe again since she underestimates the recoil. And finally when trying to climb the obstacle course she got tied up in some wires. She feels like she is not up for it. Jazz said she just needs to catch up, unlike other bots whom have been training more cycles then her. And nothing says being an Autobot was easy. She cheers up a bit. Later at the Autobot Boot camp’s bunks she sings again, to lift the spirits of her fellow recruits. We cut to montages of Flipsides training every day and getter better over time. She uses her old dance training as an idol allows her to move quick on her feet and incorporates it in her battle style. She is finally able to keep up with the other bots, and during a sparring match, she finally manages to knock an opponent onto the ground. She sheers but is knocked down as she was distracted. Though she and her opponent Moonracer, can laught about it. She later is shown getting better with target practice and crossing the obstacle course. At the med bay, she is getting patched up after a rough training session. She meets with Jazz and she says she may go out in the field soon. So they are going to be fighting side by side. It has been a long time since they were together like that, not since their band days. It was a silly dream back then…but she got to live her life of fame. But that doesn’t seem important anymore. Jazz says she at least go to fulfill a dream, and even if she no longer is an idol, she can say she got to get everything she ever wanted. Flipsides says she still hasn’t got everything. Jazz asks what that is as she leans in closer towards him… And Ratchet ruins the moment: ‘You Sparklings! I told you if you want to Powerlinx, do it in your own room and not in my med bay!’ Afterwards the two get out awkwardly, but they are holding servos. They are happy to be together.
BATTLE BUT NOT OF THE BANDS
The Flipsides from before and during the Autobot-Decepticon wars are two different people. Flipsides is the information and communications officer. Networking in her old life has allowed her to get some training done to get in that position. She has been given new Sonic weapons, which she can use in combination with her voice. Along her dance battle style she is known as the Battle Performer. As she takes to the Battlefield against the Decepticons. She locks optics with…a kindred spirit. Soundwave and Flipside star each other down. Both of them have their babies, their Mini-cons and pets (whom also trained for battle) stare one another day. The two have a fight, where they exchange blows, they exchange blasts of soundwaves and their wards trade blows. The battle ends as both sides retreat. The two give each other a nod in respect and a rivalry has been formed. Flipsides retreats to her quarter, which is now shared with her boyfriend Jazz. She mentions she set a life long rivalry on the battlefield. Jazz says with a chuckle that tends to happen. Flipsides says she’s tired as she cuddles up to Jazz, with her babies joining the cuddle pile.
TRIVIA
Soundwave is known for being the dad if the Mini-Cassettes for the Decepticons. However his and his wards’ Autobot counterparts are far lesser known. So I wanted to change that with this chapter.
Flipsides is a composite of three characters: Blaster, Flip Sides and Rosanna.
Blaster was the Autobot keeper of the Mini-Cassettes. Though Blaster is far less interesting then Soundwave.
Rosanna was an idol, but Rosanna is not a very Autobot or even Cybertronian sounding name, so I moved that aspect over as well.
Flipsides is normally a sleeper agent for the Decepticons, hence her name. But her name refers to something else here, how she made the switch from a rich gal idol to a hero in her own right. Which is also meaningful.
Another reason I settled on this new version of Flipsides is due to how her story makes an interesting contrasts to Soundwave’s. Soundwave came from nothing and rose up the ranks. Flipsides lived the high life but wasn’t afraid to lower herself and become a warrior to fight for what’s right. They have opposite journeys but they ended up in a similar place on opposite sides.
I at first wanted Jazz to be the counterpart to Soundwave but Flipsides made for a great story but I included him still here as the friend that helped Flipsides be grounded.
I did not plan the romantic subplot but it came to me as I wrote.
Jazz’s status as a Cyber-ninja comes from Transformers Animated. Because ninjas are cool and giant robots that are ninja even cooler!
Payload was a very minor Decepticon and his name sounded like something that would work for a greedy Manager. Though at the moment he is now a member of the Decepticons and Flipsides and Jazz tend to gun for him when they see his ugly mug.
RoughEdge is an Autobot turned Bounty Hunter, very minor character from the Robots in Disguise cartoon whom fits as a very minor hitman. He, like his counterpart joins a bounty hunter crew and will also get his tailpipe kicked by Autobots on a regular basis in this universe.
Flipsides’ ‘babies’ are Eject, Rewind, Sonar, Sundor and Steeljaw.
Eject and Rewind are counterparts to Frenzy and Rumble in that they are the humanoid Cassette-Formers.
Sonar isn’t a Cassette former in canon but turns into a bat, so I made Sonar a counterpart to Ratbat. Also this version of Sonar is female.
Sundor is a Bird Mini-Cassette, so he will be the counterpart to Laserbeak.
Finally, Steeljaw is a cat-like Cyberbeast whom will be Ravage’s counterpart. I like the RiD Steeljaw but he is nothing like the original version, and that version of Steeljaw will get a different more fitting name. Like Wirewolf or something.
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TALES OF CYBERTRON
DINO THUNDER
LIGHTNING STRIKE
Optimus Prime is a honorable leader, an idealist, ever hopeful and optimistic. However, war isn’t pretty and despite doing his best, sometimes you need to play dirty. And no one is more willing to play dirty then the Lightning Strike Coalition team, led by Grimlock. His team does the jobs that other Bots are unwilling to do, or are not in a position of doing. However, their brand of destructive energy is needed to destroy a facility that produces a Cyber-plague, which is too dangerous to let go unchecked. And they delivered, razing the facility to the ground so utterly it has become a glassed crater. The Decepticons were not happy with that news, it was a valuable resource. However, Megatron says that he doesn’t need a new one. A Cyber-Plague would have been an asset but he gains more satisfaction in destroying an enemy with his own hands, and it would also not risk leaving large parts of the planet uninhabitable. He felt it was a moment of weakness on his part to approve it. However, the Autobots still took away one of their facilities, they need to retaliate. Grimlock and his team report to Optimus that the deed is done. Grimlock mentioned he and his team had the time of their life and Optimus should allow them to run rampant more often. Optimus says that the facility was too much of a risk, but that he can’t send out the team all the time. He’d rather avoid too much Energonshed. Grimlock says Optimus could do with taking things further more often. Optimus says he will not be like Megatron, whom is justifies his horrible actions. Optimus has to own his sins to not go down the same path. Grimlock says Optimus may too soft in his eyes sometimes…but he’d never become like Megatron. They may not see optic to optic about things all the time but they have respect. Later on Grimlock and his crew celebrate at their favorite private shooting range, blowing more stuff up. However, they pick up some Decepticon signals and decide to check it out and find a small group of lower ranked Seekers. They decide to beat them up…but step into a trap set by Shockwave.
THE BEASTMAKER
The whole crew of the Lightning Strike Coalition team are tied up in Shockwave’s lab. Megatron wanted them dealt with as they do great deals of damage. But a scientist like Shockwave doesn’t like to waste resources and they’d make good test subjects. If the experiments are successful, the Decepticons gain an asset, if they go off-line, the Decepticons lose a pain in their exhaust. Shockwave explains that he himself, as a seeker of knowledge doesn’t limit himself to only on what he sees on Cybertron. For many cycles he has observed other worlds and their developments and a planet in the past was once home to titanic prehistoric reptiles. If that ferocity and sheer strength could be recreated with a Cybertronian, the Decepticons would have a very powerful pack of attack dogs. Grimlock notes that for someone claiming to be run by logic, the idea he goes after seems crazy and Shockwave may not be as cold and boring as he presents himself as. Shockwave says the Lightning crew doesn’t have the logic or processor power to see the possibilities. He also mentions that he is currently out of any pain numbing substances so the next procedure is going to incredibly painful, and apologizes beforehand for the inconvenience. The Lighting Strike team didn’t know how long they were inside that lab but they all suffered. They remained defiant but they still were in great pain. However, one day it became too much and it was a blur…They were busted out when their fellow Autobots finally found the lab. However, as they got loose, they rampaged across the lab, attacking friend and foe alike. Until they were finally able to be calmed down. However, they were changed for good. They were no longer the Lightning Strike Coalition Team. They were the Dinobots. Grimlock shouts at Optimus for being too late and they have suffered under Shockwave. Optimus says he’s sorry he wasn’t able to be there in time. He doesn’t argue or make an excuse. Grimlock realizes this and just shrugs him off. The Dinobots say they are going after Shockwave to make him pay. And that Optimus shouldn’t be calling them up to help unless it involves the mad scientist. The other Autobots ask Optimus to ask the Dinobots to stay, but Optimus says he has no right if he failed to help them. He vowed that everyone on his team would be there willingly. Ratchet said they are going to get themselves killed. Grimlock asked if Ratchet can reverse what Shockwave did. Ratchet has to reluctantly state that he cannot, what the mad scientist did was irreversible. So Grimlock says that they are basically dead already, their old selves at least. They will leave and get even with Shockwave. Optimus asks what they’ll do when they do succeed in taking out Shockwave. None of the Dinobots can answer, so they say they’ll figure it out. Arcee speaks to Grimlock. Grimlock always had a soft spot for her. Arcee says she won’t say they can’t have revenge for what they lost, as she lost Tailgate and knows how they feel. She just asks them to not get any innocents hurt. Grimlock says he’ll try.
I GET MAD AND I GET EVEN
The Dinobots would strike out on their own. Still going against Decepticons, but only working with their fellow Autobots when they can even remotely spite Shockwave. Despite attempts to reach out from Optimus and the other Autobots they still mostly worked on their own. They corner the Decepticon Sparkstalker about the whereabouts of Shockwave. Sparkstalker says he doesn’t know too much. The Dinobots consider just off-lining him. However, fellow Firecon Cinder shows up and spills the beans and asks to spare Sparkstalker. The Dinobots consider destroying them both. But Cinder goes down on her knees and begs and find the two are too pathetic to off-line. They say that if they found out she lied, they’ll hunt them down and turn them into two slabs of molten metal. As they leave Sparkstalker asks why she did that. If Megatron or Shockwave found out, they are dead. Cinder says they already lost Scorchmark and she won’t lose another brother. Sparkstalker thinks that maybe they should leave Cybertron, get away from all the fighting. Cinder says that Megatron forgot about them before, he’ll forget them again. The info was correct and the Dinobots find Shockwave’s laboratory. Shockwave was expecting them though. The Dinobots were reckless like usual and far from subtle. There are countless ways he could destroy them but decides to put them to use…against his new Predacons. A series of Decepticons, whom have animal-like alternate modes (instead of Dinosaurs it is more modern animals), show up. Shockwave introduces the Predacons. The Dinobots were the first draft, the Predacons are the final product. Like the Dinosaurs died out and modern day predators rose up, his Predacons will prove their superiority over the Dinobots. The Dinobots just say they give them just more ‘Cons to work out their aggression on. Both teams charge at each other and start to fight.
FIZZLED OUT
The Dinobots, badly wounded arrive at the Autobot base and get treatment for their wounds. The battle with the Predacons was difficult but they survived and it ended in a stalemate. Shockwave just treated it as a means to get data and escaped with the Predacons. Ratchet chastises them for being reckless, more so then usual. But they’ll live. If only because he plans to chastise them more. Arcee also visits them and tears Grimlock a new one. She knows it’s their thing to get into the really messed up and dangerous stuff but it doesn’t make it ok. She asks if they try to get themselves killed. Grimlock said it’d be a relief, it’s not like they have a lot left to live for. Arcee says what about her. Grimlock is one of her oldest friends, from before the Elite Guard Academy. Didn’t he think she would be worth living for? There are other Autobots whom care? Their old friend form their mining days? The friends they made on the battlefield? Grimlock and the Dinobots have the decency to look sheepish. Arcee says that Shockwave has to be dealt with, he is a madman whom cannot be redeemed and the Dinobots have the most claim to his head. But she also begs them to find something to worth keeping alive for. The Dinobots promise to keep that in mind. But that they cannot be the Lightning Strike Coalition team again. Though maybe they are willing to do a few jobs on the side like before, even if they don’t involve Shockwave. Arcee mentions a Wreckers initiative that they may call that off if Grimlock and company are back. The Dinobots say to still go through with the Wreckers, because they know they can’t always be reliable since their transitions. After the Dinobots are recovered, they meet Optimus again. Optimus won’t make them stay but the Dinobots manage to make a sort of peace with them. They can still assure they are on the same side.
EVOLUTION
The Predacons also have healed their wounds and Shockwave noted that the Dinobots were strong then expected, but the first test run of the Predacons was successful. Megatron says that they can hopefully finish the job one day. Razorclaw, the Predacon leader, assures the hunt has only begun and they won’t stop until they get their prey. Shockwave says that despite losing the Enigma, he still has a lot of data from the Combiner technology and thinks that the Predacon’s sturdy build not only allows them to become a Combiner, but their strongest one yet. Megatron smirks and says that Shockwave is always reliable and knows how to put him in a good mood. The Dinobots though are not through yet. They have some data copied from the Autobot Combiners and they take it to an underground neutral party whom can help with the modifications, a seedy scientist called Vertebreak. The Dinobots say they are willing to pay big bucks if Vertebreak can make it work for them. Vertebreak looks at the data and says that it is difficult, but doable. And he is excited to get started on it.
TRIVIA
I really liked the Dinobots and wanted to work with them. No other reason I wrote this chapter.
The Dinobots here are a lot smarter then most incarnations, its just that they still use their broken speech due to whatever Shockwave put them through.
Arcee’s friendship with Grimlock is a reference to their Cyberverse counterparts, where they were really buddy-bud.
The Predacons, the Combiner versions, are brought in as they are in a way counterparts to the Dinobots. I originally wanted to rename them to differ them from the Beast Wars Predacons but decided against it.
Predaking and Volcanicus, the combiner form of the Predacons and Dinobots are in the works. And yes, I will include the Prime!Predaking as a separate renamed character in the future.
Shockwave has been responsible for the Dinobots’ current states is inspired by the Aligned continuity, where their original name of the Lightning Strike Coalition also hails from. Though there are other continuities like the IDW comics where they have major beef with the one-eyed mad scientist.
The Predacon lineup and the Predaking whom debute in the future will be inspired by the Cangtoys version of Predaking (aka Thunderking) because that’s the coolest looking toy version ever.
Check this stop motion animation out to see it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af_E_iEg7uY The lineup based on this are the core five; Razorclaw (lion), Divebomb (eagle), Headstrong (rhinoceros), Rampage (tiger), Tantrum (Buffalo). Plus the new ones whom I give designations to: Groundpounder (Gorilla), Wolfang (one of the wolves), Fangblade (the second wolf) and Clampdown (the little crab thing whom becomes the hands of Predaking). Also, Fangblade, the second of the ‘wolf twins’ is a femmebot.
Since Predaking, due to association with that expanded toy version, has a larger lineup, the Dinobot lineup will be larger too, though I’m still trying to work out the lineup. It will have for certainly the core five of Grimlock (Tyrannosaurus), Slug (Triceratops, and renamed from Slag due to the word being a slur in another country), Snarl (Stegosaur), Swoop (Pteranodon) and Sludge (Brachiosaurus). Swoop will be female like in Cyberverse.
As for the rest, I plan to use Skar (Ankylosaurus), Scorn (Spinosaur) and Slash (Raptor). I just seek a ninth final teammates, maybe a good counterpart to the little hand crab thing, but future chapters may allow me to switch up the roster.
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TALES OF CYBERTRON
HUNTERS
APEX
In a part of Cybertron known as the Wilds. It is a savannah of Cyber-fauna and Cyber-Flora. A herd of quadruped herbivores are eating the cybernetic grass peacefully. Until a pack of humanoid Cybertronians leap out. The herd goes on a run, but a single member of the herd is isolated, and captured by them. They roar out in victory for a successful hunt. They serve the Cyber-beast later that night, and the Tribe leader, Razorclaw speaks to the four young ones whom had joined them. Due to being part of their first successful hunt they are now recognized as fully Fledged Hunters; He gives Groundpounder, Clampdown, Wolfang and Fangblade the metallic skulls of hunted Cyber-Beasts to wear as a mask and to complete their initiation. They are approached by a stranger and they hold out their weapons, before the stranger introduces himself as Megatron. The hunters at first want nothing to do with Megatron, as they are Wild Ones, and want nothing to do with the people of the City and its regime. Megatron said the Council has fallen, and so has civilization. There is no rule other then to take what they can. Megatron said that the Wilds came under the threat of the old Council and its corrupt Prime leading them. The council fell but there is still a Prime left and he wants the Hunters to chase down this Prime. In exchange he will provide thme with all the riches they want. Razorclaw says they don’t need riches, they are inhabitants of the Wild. They live for the hunt, which makes them richer than any physical treasure. They accept the challenge, but they don’t want payment except the thrill of the hunt. Megatron says they are quite peculiar but he likes the cut of their jib.
HUNTING THE PRIME
During a fight with the Decepticons, the group manages to split Optimus off from the rest of the Autobots, putting him straight into the path of the hunters. Optimus is able to hold his own against the whole pack, but he is eventually overwhelmed. He tries to run and is able to evade the hunters for a long time. But eventually he is cornered and at their mercy. Razorclaw says that Optimus has been their most difficult hunt yet, and thanks him for granting them such a great challenge. A worthy prey like him will live on in the stories they’ll tell. However, some other Autobots are able to catch up and save Optimus, sending the Hunters running. The Hunters report back to Megatron and express their shame at the spoiled hunt. However Megatron said the Pack have done a better job and came closer than a lot of his Decepticons and they deserve another chance. However, they deserve a little something that will allow them to even the odds, allowing them to become greater hunters and able to go after even bigger prey. The pack love the sounds of that.
PREDACONS RISING
Shockwave uses an improved version of the process that allowed him to create the Dinobots, though this time he uses more modern day animals instead of the prehistoric beasts. The Predacons enjoy their new forms and now feel they are the truest of predators. It allows Megatron to dub them ‘Predacons’. They had their first test run against the Dinobots, which ends in a stalemate though is considered an astounding success. However, they can become even better. Shockwave, on Megatron’s orders, modifies the Predacons to become even more powerful by creating their best Combiner yet…
CLASH OF THE TITANS
The Predacons seek out the Dinobots for a rematch. The Dinobots are eager to destroy the Predacons, like they do with all of Shockwave’s creations. The nine hunters combine into a massive titan known as Predaking. And Predaking is just tossing the Dinobots around like ragdolls. The Dinobots weren’t able to test it yet, they decide to bring out the big guns. The Dinobots combine into something as big and strong as Predaking, they become Volcanicus. At that point the two Titans clash. The battle was devastating and several city blocks was utterly wiped out. It would not be their last clash as these two Combiners would gun for each other, every time the Autobots and the Decepticons would clash. And both sides knew when the Titans clashed, they get the Pit out of dodge. It was the most destructive rivalry ever that was born in the war. Dinobots vs. Predacons.
TRIVIA
The Predacons in this backstory, I took inspiration from Kraven from the Spiderman franchise, and the Imakandi from Samurai Jack.
Its not often shown but Cybertron has wildlife and plantlife that is cybernetic just like the heroes and villains themselves.
And now for some extras, the full final roster of the Predacons and the Dinobots
PREDACONS
Razorclaw – Transforms in a lion, forms the upper torso and head of Predaking. Ever-patient and the Alpha of the pack. Divebomb – Transforms into an eagle, forms the wings and left arm of Predaking; Cheerful and always giddy when it’s time to hunt. Headstrong – Transforms into a rhino, forms the right leg of Predaking. Stubborn and unwilling to give up. Rampage – Transforms into a tiger, forms the right arm of Predaking. Single-minded when it comes to achieving his goals. Tantrum – Transforms into a buffalo, forms the left leg of Predaking. Easy to anger and eager to brawl. Groundpounder – Transforms into a gorilla, forms the upper legs and lower torso of Predaking. Former gladiator whom went into the Wilds to find bigger and stronger prey to test his strength against. Wolfang and Fangblade – Brother and sister, transform into wolves, becoming the feet of Predaking. Found as young sparklings by Razorclaw whom they look up to as a father figure and fight in synch like a deadly tag team. Clampdown – A small Crab Transformer whom forms the hands of Predaking. Ventured in the Wilds long ago to try and overcome his cowardice and skittish nature. And under Razorclaw’s tutelage, he has succeeded.
DINOBOTS
Grimlock – Leader of the Dinobots, transforms into a Tyrannosaurus. Forms the head and upper torso of Volcanicus. As leader of the former Lightning Coalition he is much more willing to get his hands dirty and do the difficult jobs other Autobots may not have the stomach for. Slug – Transforms into a Triceratops. Forms the left arm of Volcanicus. The most violent and hot-tempered of the Dinobots and seeing as they all are violent and hot-tempered, that means something. Sludge – Transforms into an Apatosaurus. Forms the right leg of Volcanicus. The Dinobots have a perhaps undeserved reputation for being dimwitted, but Sludge is the genuine article. He makes the others look like scholars in comparison. Snarl – Transforms into a Styracosaurus, and forms the left leg of Volcanicus. The most antisocial and least vocal members of the Dinobots. Swoop – Transforms into a Pteranodon, and forms the right arm and wings of Volcanicus. She is the most pleasant and friendly of the Dinbots and she is their technology expert. Skar – Transforms into an Ankylosaurus and forms the right foot of Volcanius (and his back armor becomes part of Volcanicus’ shield). A quick thinker and improviser, as well as the team medic. Slash – Transforms into a Velociraptor, and forms the left foot of Volcanicus. She is the team’s resident hunter and tracker, and the most sociable of the team. Scorn – Transforms into a Spinosaurus. Forms the upper legs and lower torso of Volcanicus (and his sail becomes part of Volcanicus’ shield). Demolitions expert of the team. Skram – Transforms in a Pachycephalosaurus. Forms the fists of Volcanicus. Tends to punch first, and ask questions later.
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TALES OF CYBERTRON
A DAY IN SEEKER LIFE
Starscream wakes up and decides to get his morning Energon and mutters it is going to be the same morning routine. It begins when his sister Skywarp teleports in front of him and scares the bejeezus out of him. Starscream scolds her saying if she put as much effort in using teleportation in combat as in pranks they’d win the war. Skywarp notes she tried that. She has a flashback where she warps across the battlefield and starts shooting. However, when she teleports behind Elita, she just throws a backwards punch to knock her out. In the present Skywarp rubs her jaw and said the Autobots have some damn good reflexes. She blows a raspberry and warps off. A few other Seekers are talking and the meek Thundercracker asks if anyone else feels like they can’t do this anymore, the whole war, the fighting. Starscream scolds him and Thundercracker whimpers. Starscream sighs and says that his attitude may get him killed either by the Autobots or Megatron so don’t say it out loud. Thrust starts boasting about himself again, until Starscream points out that when he came face to face with Bulkhead he screamed like a femme sparkling. Thrust says he was generous in letting Bulkhead live that day. Starscream says Bulkhead is behind him and Thrust jumps in the arms of Starscream and gets unceremoniously dropped, while the cowardly Dirge hides behind a couch. Starscream rubs his temple and says it is going to be a long orbital cycle. Starscream bothers Bitscream and Hotlink, the data cruncher and weapons expert of the Seekers and asks if they are working on something good. They show their works and Starscream asks if they can whip up something before Soundwave and Shockwave do and the two Seekers laugh. Starscream grumbles again and says that he can’t count on his own Seeker siblings to get anything done. Starscream checks out the training grounds and another Seeker Nacelle crashes into him. Nacelle apologizes and says she is still working on her flight. Starscream dusts himself off and Ramjet knocked him down again. Starscream says he thought Ramjet knew how to fly better. Ramjet just states he loves to ram into things. Starscream says his fist is going to ram his faceplate. Then Chemtrail crashes into Starscream, and she says she was trying out a new trick but hadn’t mastered it yet. Starscream yells they are not Stunticons, they are Seekers. Chemtrail says he’s boring. Starscream finds Sunstorm just staring into the distance. Starscream knows he is going to regret but asks what is on his mind. Sunstorm says he is wonder whom puts the alphabet in alphabetical order. Starscream blinks, drinks all of his remaining morning Energon at once and decides it is still not enough to put up with his fellow Seekers. Starscream sees Acid Storm play a game. He first asks them what their pronouns are today. Acid Storm switches to a femmebot body and says ‘she/they’. Once that is out of the way Starscream says if she is going to get anything else done today she says no. Starscream berates her and says at least the other Rainmakers are responsible. He gets knocked over immediately by Ion Storm running into him. He asks what his deal is, Ion Storm saying he is pumped up and energized. He notes Ion Storm has a can of electrolyte liquid and asks how many he had. He said he stopped counting after the seventh, before getting up, babbling and running around again. Duststorm just stands there, unmoving, just waiting. Starscream is a bit freaked out. Then Nova Storm, bouncing around like an eager puppy if she can do anything. Starscream just says to wait until he has checked on the others. As Starscream leaves Nova Storm asks the never-moving Duststorm what she can do for him. No answer… He runs into Arrowhead running away from Blazewake. Arrowhead says Blazewake is picking on him again. While having Arrowhead in an armlock and giving a noogie Blazewake says he’s not, completely serious. Starscream asks them to stop fighting, and he doesn’t care whom started it, he’s ending it. Cloudcover is beginning a stream for her fellow Cybertronians on her streaming channel. Starscream bursts in and says its no time for that, they have to get ready. Cloudcover says ‘dear watchers, today we are talking about how stupid my brother Starscream is.’ Starscream lets out a cry of frustration and says her views won’t prevent her from being killed on the battlefield. Starscream decides he needs more morning Energon and sees Blackout getting some. Starscream asks why he is in the Seeker quarters. Blackout says he was invited. A very smug and satisfied Avia comes in and says ‘Oh me and Blackout had a little rendezvous. And it was fantastique.’ Starscream asks to keeping bringing her conquests in. Avia says it’s a free country. Blackout says he and Avia should do it again sometimes. Starscream says he’s surrounded by idiots. His sister Slipstream takes a sip of Energon she knows how he feels, she has that same feeling every time she steps in a room with him. Starscream takes another sip of morning Energon and spits it out as he yells ‘Hey!’ Finally Starscream sees Redwing, which will brighten his day. Ever since the early days, when Redwing took credit, Starscream had knocked the flying bot of his high horse and Redwing was never able to recover. And loves to rub it in his face that Redwing now works under him. After getting under his skin for a bit, Starscream feels a bit better. Starscream goes into a meeting with Megatron and the other higher ranked members. Megatron says Starscream looks like scrap, and Starscream says he wished he was an only child sometimes. After the meeting the Decepticon troops are gathered due to an Autobot attack. Starscream goes to the barracks and this surprise finds each and every one of his Seekers ready to depart and follow his lead. Starscream doesn’t show but in that moment he thinks he doesn’t mind having siblings.
TRIVIA
I researched and there were a lot of Seekers in the lineup over the years. And this chapter was all about seeing how much Seekers I could give a personality and use them to torment Starscream. He is like the one brother in a big family trying to keep sane and order and getting neither.
Skywarp is female in some recent continuities, Nacelle is genderbent because her name sounds feminine, and Cloudcover because she is a streamer and thought of Iono.
Thundercracker in the original series was considered the one with their spark the least in the Decepticon cause and most likely to reform himself if given the chance.
Acid Storm is genderfluid because they appeared with both male and female models in Cyberverse. And since Transformers can…well, transform they tend to shift their body depending on which set of pronouns they go to by that day.
I got most of these Seekers’ personalities from their bios, small details or appearances from cartoons or whatever I thought would be funny.
Cloudcover is a streamer…I got the idea when her original counterpart’s bio worked for Toxitron…toxic…yeah…
Blackout was only in one continuity a Seeker. Though he isn’t here his appearance here is a small ref.
Also Avia having a French accent, if Blitzwing can be German she can be French. Now an excuse to use a Scottish accent for a Transformer.
I had no idea what to make of Sunstorm’s personality so I have him be the…spacy one.
Duststorm not doing anything was because there isn't much to the character in the few incarnations he has and thought it'd be funny.
Arrowhead is a renamed Wheezing Arrow, which was a non-character. I just included him to give Blazewake someone to pick on, he’s the meek one.
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TALES OF CYBERTRON
THREE FACED
KERFUFFLE
Bumblebee is cornered by the Decepticon Blitzwing, whom beats him down and tries to force him to reveal Optimus’ location. Bumblebee says Blitzwing can shove it up his tailpipe. Blitzwing growls in anger and delivers a bigger beatdown on Bumblebee. Blitzwing says Bumblebee has spark. No brain processor, but spark. He’ll at least give Bumblebee a warrior’s death. Bumblebee says he still got scrap to do, grabs one of Blitzwings missiles and shoves it in his face, blowing it up in his face, as he badly damaged, staggers and falls of a cliff to his doom. Bumblebee pants as Arcee and Bulkhead finally catch up, apologizing for the delay. Bumblebee says its ok. At the bottom of the cliff, another Decepticon called Lugnut finds Blitzwing badly hurt, and takes him in for medical care. Blitzwing is brought before Megatron. After being looked over by Knockout, the latter says ‘Yeah, that paintjob is ruined forever, he needs new armor…oh, and he’s close to joining the All-Spark.’ Megatron says it’s a shame because Blitzwing is a valuable and skilled soldier. Lugnut says he will honor his friend, whom would lay down his life for Megatron’s ambitions like he would have. Another Decepticon comes in and introduces herself as Flatline form the Decepticon Science Division. She normally works under Shockwave, but she mentions that she has her own independent project she has been working with. She had wanted to wait a bit to perfect it, but she thinks she can save Blitzwing’s life. She can not only repair him, but upgrade him with her new Triple Changer technology which would give him an additional mode, able to transform into two vehicles. Megatron says that it would be a lot of trouble replacing someone capable as Blitzwing, and if he can come back a stronger soldier to fight for him, he’ll gladly approve the experiment. Flatline gets to work and manages to save Blitzwing. There is a side effect and Blitzwing now has a split personality, one cold and calculated side, and a hotheaded and violent side. Since Megatron sees that both sides of Blitzwing still are devoted to the Decepticon cause, he declares the experiment to be good enough and approves of Flatline further developing and perfecting the technology independently. Flatline is only not satisfied due to gaining approval but she also doesn’t have to work under Shockwave anymore (he creeps her out).
MEETING AGAIN
Shortly after the Enigma of Combination fell into the hands of the Autobots, Bumblebee and Blitzwing meet each other again. Bumblebee is surprised to see Blitzwing online. Blitzwing says he wants the Enigma. If it can unify Transformers into a bigger power, it could mend his split personality. He managed to make his condition work, but the inability to control himself and his mood swings starts weighing on him. Despite Bumblebee sympathizing and feeling a bit guilty that he led to Blitzwing’s condition, he can’t let the Decepticons have the Enigma. Bumblebee fights him again, but Blitzwings’s ability to assume three forms and his personality and fighting style changing along his fighting style gives him an edge. He takes the Enigma from Bumblebee. Arcee and Bulkhead catch up again, Bulkhead mumbling that those Decepticons seem very keen to always splitting them up. But Blitzwing uses the Enigma on himself…However, it goes wrong. Blitzwing’s personalities don’t merge, instead his psyche fractures further, creating a third random personality. Arcee notes that even the Primes’ relics aren’t all-miracle cures. They can do as much damage as they can heal in the wrong hands. Blitzwing starts rapidly switching personalities, each of them in their own way lamenting their situation and expressing anger. Blitzwing fights the B-Team, his personality and fighting style switching throw the trio off as he’s hard to predict. However, Bumblebee notes that Blitzwing shifts modes alongside personalities. By exploiting his angry persona, Bumblebee makes Blitzwing crash as he turns into his tank mode mid-air. Bumblebee said Blitzwing’s state is a sad one. He is an enemy but he can’t imagine living in pain and feeling no longer in control. Arcee says to Bee that he’s kinder than the likes of Blitzwing deserves. Blitzwing survives as he picks himself up. His random personal addresses his other two saying ‘buckle up, I’m along for the ride’ before laughing maniacally.
FLATLINED
Flatline is working to perfect her Triple Changer technology. She plans to make a version that would not only remove the mental side-effects, but maybe upgrade it a Six-Changer…Or possibly more. She goes through her storage, and finds a disc that projects a holographic picture of herself in a different color scheme, with the Autobots. She was in the arms of an Autobot recruit called Hotshot. She flashes back to the past. She was caught up in a collapsing facility. She saw Hotshot, and Hotshot saw her, but didn’t come to her rescue. She was left for dead. But she was found by the Decepticons. Feeling she can’t go back to the Autobots, she joined. She doesn’t even care about the Autobot cause. She wants recognition, to belong. She wants to crush the disc and the picture forever, but every time she holds the disc, she always chickens out and puts it back in storage, cursing herself for not being able to move on. Meanwhile at the Autobot base, Hotshot has an identical disc with a picture on it with Flatline, back when she was known as Lifeline. During that same mission. There were two choices he had to make, and time was running out, and only had time for one. Either rush in to save his sparkmate Lifeline, or to stop a meltdown at the collapsing facility which would cost several lives. It would tear Hotshot’s spark out, but the need of the many outweighed those of one. And if he had been a second later, the worst would have happened. But he wonders every day if it was worth losing Lifeline over… Both think back on how they met when Lifeline was just an Autobot nurse, studying on the side to become a scientist as well and had to patch up Hotshot in the med bay. Both break down crying over the memory.
TRIVIA
Wanted to do a little bit about Blitzwing, whom is one of my favs. Mostly due to the Animated incarnation, and that is the version that inspires my version of the character as well.
Blitzwing’s first confrontation with Bumblebee is inspired by that of the Bumblebee movie.
Flatline is a composite character. Flatline is a Decepticon scienstis/medic, Lifeline is a very minor Autobot medic whom is an Arcee recolor. Though her storyline is inspired by the version of Blackarachnia from Transformers Animated (whom in tie in material is revealed to have rebuilt Blitzwing as a triple changer to save his life) and Wheeljack from Armada (in being left behind and joining the Decepticons).
I didn’t intend to put a lot of focus on Flatline , just letting Shockwave do the triple changer thing. But even Shockwave cannot do all the science-y stuff for the Decepticons so I went with Flatline. And afterwards I just wanted her to be the creator of the Triple Changer technology, but it became more. Thank you weir brain of mine!
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TALES OF CYBERTRON
TEAM ATHENIA
THE TEAM FORMED
Hot Rod appears to Optimus Prime. Having taken charge during a successful rescue mission Optimus feels Hot Rod is worthy to be the leader of his own squad. Hot Rod, whom admires Optimus, accepts the promotion. He takes on the new name of Rodimus Major, a combination of his own name and Optimus to signify he wants to grow in a leader as good as Optimus one day. Hot Rod, now Rodimus, approaches his little brother Hot Shot, whom has been out of it. The incident with Lifeline still weighs on him and it grew even worse a few days ago…
FLASHBACK
Hot Shot finds Lifeline, now Flatline. Flatline says that he hates Hot Shot since he left her to die. Hot Shot admits to it and says it eats him up every day. He does bring up he had to choose between her and stopping a meltdown. Flatline didn’t know about that but she is still angry. And Hot Shot says that despite knowing the needs of the many came first, he will still never forgive himself. He asks her if she was there, and had to choice to save many over him, would she have done it. Flatline says she doesn’t know. She cannot bring herself back in an Autobot mindset again since that day. And despite everything, she feels expandable in this war. Hot Shot says that she isn’t expendable, others have mourned her. And like the Pit that the Decepticons would mourn her. Flatline says she has proven herself invaluable to the cause thanks to her Triple Changer technology, she has made herself valuable. Hot Shot says what made her valuable to him was not what she could achieve with her technology. And if she had forgotten that, then Lifeline is truly dead. Flatline flinches but says that at least Hot Shot has accepted it. She gives him a freebie to get away without a scratch, but next time they meet, she’ll have to try and kill him.
FORMING THE TEAM
Rodimus says it’s a bad time for him to get a promotion. Hot Shot says that Rodimus had proven himself and deserved it, don’t put his life on hold for his. Rodimus says that a special mission is assigned to the team he is going to lead and is willing to plead for Hot Shot to be on his team. He feels his little brother shouldn’t be alone and may need a different view. Hot Shot agrees to it. Optimus calls in Rodimus and introduces himself to his new squad, team Athenia. He is introduced to the short but strong Brawn, the honest country bot Ironhide, the strict and disciplined Chromia, and the odd Medic Red Alert. They are given a mission. They need to check out Cybertronian outposts and colonies to recover lost Cybertronian relics and tools before the Decepticons get them. They were already able to come up with Devestator and several other Combiners, so other relics of that power and cannot fall in the wrong hands. Team Athenia is eager to get started. They are getting their ship ready for the road. The brothers get to know more about their team. Brawn is foul-mouthed, boisterous and ready to throw fists, even if there is no reason to throw them. Chromia is a stickler for the rules and administration. They hadn’t even gotten started and already she is compiling a list somehow. Red Alert is a doctor and wants to do a first checkup and ready the team for any space travel. Including shots for any space disease that Cybertronians can catch…and she pulls out a syringe that is the size of a bazooka. She says it’s for their own good, and she doesn’t enjoy doing this. Hot Shot points out she’s smiling and without missing a beat she says: ‘Oh, that’s how my face gets when I do stuff like this.’ They all realize she’s Ratbat exhaust-insane. Ironhide is relatively normal, just a friendly bot hailing from the Energon Farms having worked his way up. He has brought some Energon brew for everyone. Brawn starts chugging and singing drinking songs. Chromia freezes. When it’s time to get serious she is hyper focused but when things get casual…she locks up due to anxiety. Ironhide says he’s sorry if he put her in a position she is uneasy as he doesn’t like to see a purty lady sad. Chromia blushes and freezes up some more. Brawn bumps into Hot Shot. Hot Shot accidentally mentions the word ‘short’, and it was not in the context to the size of Brawn. Though Brawn, sensitive about his sight flies off the handle. However, Hot Shot has his own weakness in his hot-headedness and temper and they get in a fight, which Rodimus breaks off. Red Alert says it is the hard Energon and she has a cure. She mixes something up…and the can of whatever smells so foul, and is green and bubbling. Rodimus says he may not like drinking that. Red Alert says if the medicine is foul, it means it works. At Optimus’, Elita asks if it was ok to put Rodimus in charge of that group. Optimus says each member has their flaws, but they are good at what he does, and he feels that they can come together like a good team. When he first started the Autobots they also had a ragtag team. He just needs to have faith that they can do this. Cut to Rodimus on his ship saying he’s not sure he can do this as he witnesses the shenanigans of his teammates.
FIRST MISSION
Despite that, Rodimus still tries to do a good job as a leader and their first mission starts on a small abandoned world without sentient life. They track down a signal down a cave. In the cave they are ambushed by a large hive of arachnid/Reptile hybrids that try to devour them. Rodimus leads the team to successfully fight off, evade the beasts, and cause a cave-in to trap them. They all cheer. Rodimus realizes that they may all be different and bonkers, but he can count on them. They also unveil the object they tracked down in the hive and recovered; It is an ancient key of sorts, maybe one of the fabled Cyber Keys though they have to get it checked. They call this first mission an astounding success.
TEAM CHAAR
Megatron gets notice from Soundwave Optimus has mobilized Team Athenia for recovery missions. So Megatron should be sending out his own team. He forms a group called Team Chaar. It is led by Strika, and also has Oil Slick, Obsidian, Blackout and Cyclonus. Flatline overhears Megatron ordering Team Chaar to obtain the relics and to destroy Team Athenia if they get in the way. Flatline has learned Hot Shot is part of Team Athenia and she starts to choke up. She offers to join team Chaar. They need a medic/Scientist (Oil Slick is one but is more capable with chemical warfare than healthcare) and the relics they may uncover may also help in the research. Megatron thinks but she feels she has merit, and she still should be able to work on her projects during missions. She does expect process on her research. Because after all, her services are valuable, not irreplaceable. Flatline masks her emotions and says she’ll be sure to remain valuable, then. Strika says goodbye to her Conjunx Endura Lugnut before rallying the rest of the team to go on their mission. Flatline wonders what she has gotten herself into…
TRIVIA
Hot Shot and Hot Rod are brothers here…their names are similar, and Hot Shot, after seeing his Sparkmate has gone Decepticon, needs a big support. Whom better then big brother?
Team Athenia is from Transformers Animated, this lineup is inspired. Plus the addition of Chromia because she and Ironhide are a couple.
Chromia is the serious one, so I amped it up and made her a bit inept in anything but her job, including socializing. And Ironhide, the kind farm boy with the southern charm (or Cybertronian equivalent) would help her get out of his shell.
Yes, I imagine the cast to have their weapons and powers from their Animated incarnation too, so Hotrod has the bow with Cyber-Arrows, Ironhide can turn his skin in impenetrable alloy and Hot Shot has flamethrowers.
Red Alert is a female Medibot like animated. Though I did something else with her. Unlike the more caring and nurturing types, she is sadistic and loves to mess with her team. She makes sure they’re healthy and taken care of…but she scares the bejeezus out of them. XD
I imagine Brawn to have the energy and voice of Samurai Jack’s Scotsman crammed into him. Thought it’d be funny.
Team Chaar is also from Transformers Animated. I also keep faithful to the lineup for the most part, only with Obsidian instead of Spittor and the addition to Flatline.
Team Athenia also serves a sort of role of the Autobots roster in the Unicron Trilogy as they are going after valuables that are lost in the war like the Mini-Cons, Cyber Keys and other relics.
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TALES OF CYBERTRON
THE BALLAD OF SKYLYNX
TALES OF EGO
Sky High was part of the High Guard, the predecessors of the Seeker. He was skilled to a fault and had a bright future ahead of him. Sure, he was boastful and arrogant, but Sky High was the type of guy whom could back up his boasts as he was one of the best. Deep down though he was a swell guy and honestly had the best for Cybertron in mind and hence he started to doubt the High Council. Under Sentinel Prime, the Council worked to improve themselves. However, under Nova Prime, things went downhill as he was an inadequate inheritor. Though still Sky High worked his job on the High Guard well since someone had to look out for the people. And honor Sentinel’s memory. Soon it was revealed Nova wasn’t a true Prime, and never had the Matrix, just a fake one. The true one was held by Alpha Trion, the elderly archivist, whom sought the next inheritor. Sky High wanted to honor Sentinel, whom mentored him and he became whom he was in life thanks to him. He thought he could receive the Matrix as he felt he embodied Sentinel’s teachings best. However, Alpha Trion didn’t give it to him. Alpha Trion said that they needed someone with new fresh ideas if Cybertron were to move into a new direction, away from where it is now. Sky High wanted to believe Alpha Trion, whom held the respect of many including Sentinel but his ego was bruised in that he was refused. Even more so that it was not a warrior like him, but a simple archivist called Orion Pax. Sure, Orion learned some moves form his gladiator friend D-16 but would he really be able to pull it off? Sky High was asked by Alpha Trion to help Orion after his transition to Optimus. Sky High still liked Alpha Trion and agreed to the favor. He would not held back. Though Optimus picked up anything he taught him really quick and overtook him in a short amount of time. Sky High was even more frustrated then before. And he would feel guilty because Optimus was so damn nice and humble about everything. He may dislike where Optimus was in life…but couldn’t hate the bot himself. When the Autobot movement came, he joined it because he felt they fought more in the spirit of Sentinel then the Decepticons. Though he was still a great fighter, his gloryhog tendencies and ego grinded others’ gears, and they only put up with him due to the fact he was useful. But Sky High would still be second banana to Optimus and some frustrations he held down to try and be respectful would eventually pent up. He wasn’t worthy of the Matrix…so he needed to become worthier. In his mind he thought he had to be stronger. He once treated the Dinobots to some drinks, some harder oils and Energon and got to know about the mad unaligned scientist Vertebreak. Thanks to the Dinobots, he had some information about the combiner and beast-like alternate mode technologies. And thought those would make him great. And after making Vertebreak a good offer, he went through the mods.
A NEW NOM DE PLUME
Sky High got his mods done. His alternate forms…were vastly different to what he was before. His main mode was more beastial, but he could split into two beings with both a beast and vehicle mode, controlled by one mind. Vertebreak said he had to improvise a bit since unlike with the Combiner team there were ‘less parts to put together’. Sky High needed to get used to his new form, however, he felt that the benefits of this powerful new form outweighed it. He would take the new name of Skylynx. On his first outing in his new form he took on Predaking and was able to hold his own rather well. And he was proud of his strength, which made his ego even bigger if that was possible. Optimus says he wished that Skylynx didn’t need to feel so inadequate that he had to have this modifications done, though he appreciated Skylynx actions in helping to defeat and sent the Predacons running. Despite his new power, Skylynx felt that his position within the Autobots hadn’t changed. He would go to challenge Optimus for leadership of the Autobots when his frustrations reached a boiling point. Skylynx had the advantage in sheer power, but Optimus had the edge in everything else. Optimus said he didn’t wish it had to come to this and reached out his hand for Skylynx. After everything Optimus acted like the perfectly kind and understanding leader. And he grew mad at Optimus, asking why he doesn’t hate him. Why he’s the leader, despite Optimus never wanted to be but took on the role anyways. Elita stuck up for Optimus and says that those whom seek power are often those whom are least worthy. Skylynx batted Elita away in rage and he tried to grab at the Matrix in Optimus’ chest. But the Matrix refused him and blasted him back. Skylynx felt hurt that after everything he sacrificed he isn’t worthy and would fly off. They tried to stop him but he was already gone. He would go straight down in the middle of a Decepticon facility. Soundwave happened to be there and he didn’t flinch. Skylynx couldn’t resist the chance to defeat one of the Decepticon higher-ups. Big mistake. Soundwave trounced him. Skylynx only grew more frustrated and sloppy. His actions caused him to do damage to the facility, especially the Ground Bridge generator, which randomly started creating portals around the facility. Soundwave decided to end it quickly and used one of his own Ground Bridges at the same time another opened behind Skylynx…and he just vanished when the portals crossed. Though Skylynx wasn’t dead…
SHADOWS
Skylynx found himself in a weird place. Everything felt…wrong, dark, dreary. Normally Skylynx can overcome great fear and despair but he found it hard. Then he hears a voice. It was jolly and happy, which contrasted the zone. He meets a Cybertronian. He calls himself Astroscope and he seems…odd, not in his right mind. Astroscope when he finally pulls himself together after doing much happy ranting about finding another living breathing Cybertronian, tells his story. He was once a scientist, long before the Autobot and Decepticon conflict. It was during Cybertron’s era of exploration, when they went beyond their planet and the stars to discover new worlds and set colonies. Instead beyond the stars, Astroscope went beyond realities. He admits that in hindsight he was haughty and foolish, chasing a dream. He was once a passionate scientist but he started to care more for recognition rather then advancement. And when he got over-eager in his research, he and his crew ended up here. Skylynx asks what here actually is. Astroscope says it is a world that has been given many names. The Shadow Zone, the Dead Universe, the Pit aka Cybertron Hell. Skylynx says he can believe in other zones and Dimensions but actual robot hell? He doesn’t see demons or anything. Astroscope says that their core the Allspark gives them life despite defying the preservation laws of energy and a spark is much more complex then science can explain? There are going to be things that go beyond our imagination. And demons…often there are horrible Cybertronians whom were called that but no one in hindsight could doubt they were living physical beings. Some things either are beyond our comprehension or perception, or we give it faces so they have to fear anything but the unknown and unseen. Astroscope says this whole zone eats away at you, your mind, using your darkest impulses and regrets. His crew hasn’t survived. He only lasted as long as he did because he keeps segmenting and rearranging his mind using his intellect, but he can’t do it forever, surely when his sanity is eroding. Skylynx asks how he gets out. Astroscope asks if he knew you’d think he’d still be here? He doesn’t have the tools and if he could, it’s pretty damn difficult. The two get attacked by monstrous beings. Skylynx tries to fight them off but whenever he destroys one, another takes its place. Astroscope says it won’t work, they have to run. Skylynx says he is a warrior, he doesn’t back down. Astroscope says fighting an unwinnable battle doesn’t make him a warrior but a fool, show some self-preservation. Skylynx reluctantly agreed. After getting to safety Skylynx asked what those things were. Astroscope says they are what he dubbed Terrorcons and they are the remnants of people trapped here…or at least what’s left of them, they are ferocious dark beings that attack everything that isn’t them. Warped and gone mad by this place. It may be their eventual fate. Skylynx says Astroscope can use parts of his body, he is pretty advanced and maybe Astroscope can help. Astroscope says its worth a try. He didn’t get a chance to address but wonders what Skylynx was thinking altering himself like that. Skylynx shares his tale, of wanting to be strong, to be recognized. Astroscope says it sounds like his tale, losing sight of what is important for their self-importance. Cybertron hasn’t changed that much in his absence, some bots get too big for their boots but pride cometh before the fall. And they fell pretty deep. Over the next few cycles Skylynx had to battle nightmares in which he is tormented and confronted by his worst aspects and regrets, a dark reflection of himself which he isn’t happy to see but recognized it was him. Astroscope says he had to go through that too, it is never pretty though it did humble him. Finally they were able to make a weak signal with some of Sky Lynx’s spare parts. They are able to pick up signals. Skylynx hears they are still looking for him. Despite everything he put the others through, his fellow Autobots seek answers. To bring him back if alive, and if not to give him the proper rites. Skylynx is touched and finally acknowledges his flaws. Astroscope says he can maybe jury rigg something with parts of Skylynx and his own, to give Skylynx a chance to get home. Though it requires a power source. Astroscope says he’ll sacrifice his spark. Skylynx says that he doesn’t need to. Astroscope says he lived long enough with his mistakes, and there is nothing for him left to go back after all this time on Cybertron. But there is for Skylynx. And he wants to die on his terms instead of being warped into a Terrorcon. They build and start up the device, with Astroscope ready to pull out his spark, Skylynx thanking him. Astroscope thanks Skylynx for giving an old coot like him some company in his final moments, and some levity. Despite Terrorcons advancing on him, Astroscope’s sacrifice works and Skylynx is warped back home.
NO LONGER FAR FROM HOME
Skylynx is back on Cybertron, and found by the Autobots. Humbled, no trace of the arrogance he once held. He apologizes and accepts his faults and will put the Autobot cause above others. He also makes sure that Astroscope will be recognizes and gets his rites, even if few remember him or mourn him. Optimus holds no grudge, just happy to have his old friend back. Skylynx says Optimus is too nice for his own good…and he missed that naïve idiot. Though in the brief opening of the gateway to the Shadow Zone, something has leaked through. Nothing physical but it awakens something. On Cybertron, on several other worlds and colonies they had a hand in, several Energon Crystals glow, but the glow isn’t light and breathtaking, the venom purple light glows with an aura of dread. And something darker and more powerful is out there…stirring.
TRIVIA
The War for Cybertron trilogy inspired this version of Skylynx. Only this time we get to see him go through his story of being humbled and acquiring wisdom.
Before becoming Skylynx he was Sky High, which was a separate Cybertronian but here repurposed as a different moniker.
Sentinel here is mentioned to be closer to his G1 counterpart and an actual supportive and kind mentor like he originally was. Unlike future incarnations which made him more villainous with each adaptation.
The evil Prime qualities are instead transferred to Nova Prime, whom would go on to become Nemesis Prime in several incarnations and it finally allows me to give a name to one of the members of the corrupt Council.
The Shadow Zone, the Pit and the Dead universe were different dark or alternate zones form various continuities, which I merged here.
Terrorcons are not combiner monsters here or zombies…Or not in the same way as in Prime…yet. Things still are up in the air, and if you know enough about Purple Energon, you should know what kind it is and what it may bring for the future.
Astroscope was a very minor scientist, so he could portray the role I needed for him.
I forgot to address Vertebreak in the past. He is a scientist from the Robots in Disguise 2015 cartoon as a snake-like mad scientist. He is still mad scientist here but more neutral and less beastly.
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TALES OF CYBERTRON
INJUSTICE
RUNAWAYS
Sometimes in the conflict Autobots and Decepticons alike switch sides. Either due to ideals changing, necessities or disenchantment with the way things are. It isn’t infrequent and that’s why Megatron has a division made especially to deal with traitors specifically. In the aftermath of two Constructicons defecting and taking the Enigma of Combination, he set up the Decepticon Justice Division. A group of Decepticons whom want to abandon the war have been running for days. Currently the group consists of four runaways. The Firecons Cinder and Sparkstalker, the bulky femmebot known as Beatdown and her best friend Chainclaw. They have been keeping a low profile for days. They used to have a bigger party but they are all that’s left. A Cyberbeast bat known as Wingthing flies in with something. Cinder asks if where Circlesaw is. The beastie just chirps mournfully as they realize they lost another. Beatdown is nervous as she feels like they will not be able to escape with their lives. They had tried to reach out to an Autobot unit, they lost three of them. Sparkstalker takes whatever Wingthing brought them. It is a map. The DJD may expect them to reach out for Autobots, but there is an abandoned Spacebridge facility that fell in disrepair. They can use it to get off Cybertron. It is a one way trip but…as things are now none of them feel like going back. Beatdown smiles. Saying no more fighting… Chainclaw says its still risky if they can’t get the Spacebridge back up. Cinder says that unfortunately it’s the best shot they have. They make plans to move out in the morning.
FINAL RUN
The group sneaks out at dawn, thinking the DJD would expect them to move at night. They come close to the facility in question. However, they are greeted by a horde of Executioner Vehicons, a subtype used by the Justice Division. They somehow knew what they were going to do. They fight through the horde but they are overwhelmed. Wingthing pushes Chainclaw out of the way as one of the executioners lashes with its axe, slicing the Cyberbeast on half. An angered Beatdown uses her Sonic Clap to wipe out the remaining Vehicons. Though she has used up most of her power, which they could have used against the big guns. However, due to the grief, no one blames her. However another group of them shows up, led by a trio of the fiercest DJD members: Tarn, Grindcore and Nightbird. Beatdown says she’ll hold them off. Chainclaw says she doesn’t have to do it. Beatdown says she’s the strongest and has the most chance, they will need all the time they can get to get the Spacebridge operational, since it has been out of order for a while. Whether she survives and able to come with them or having to fall…at least she doesn’t have to fight anymore. The others, with tears in their eyes move on. Beatdown makes a final stand. Tarn says its cute they thought they were being clever. Of course after the failure to reach an Autobot outpost he knew they weren’t going to make that mistake again. He knows well enough if something doesn’t work, people resort to using the least obvious solution as a follow up. Tarn says that Beatdown has two choices, fall back in line, or perish. Beatdown says after so many of her comrades were killed by them, or fell in battle for Megatron’s useless war, she won’t. Tarn says its admirable. Beatdown puts up the fight, but she is outmatched. Eventually Tarn decides to end it. His throat glows as he says: ‘Die!’ A pulse comes form its mouth and as it reaches Beatdown, her Spark self-destructs, the electric impulses being purged form her body, reducing her to an empty gray husk which collapses into itself. Tarn rubs his sore throat and says he’ll need to recharge, and have to deal with the others the old fashioned way…the fun way. He gives one last poetic speech for Beatdown before moving further. Chainclaw realizes Beatdown is gone when she doesn’t answer her communicator. Chainclaw tells the Firecons to get the portal running as he uses his namesake Chainclaw to pull down parts of the ceiling to try and create a roadblock. It may not hold them for long but will give them time. As Cinder and Sparkstalker get to work, Chainclaw does his best to put up the blockade. However, the blockade starts vanishing as Grindcore of the DJD has assumed its vehicle form, that of a massive circular grinder that sucks in and…well, grinds up all the debris. Chainclaw desperate tries to throw as much as he can at Grindcore, but eventually his grapple arm gets sucked in the core. Chainclaw tries to cut off his arm, but isn’t fast enough as he dragged inside of Grindcore’s body and killed. Cinder and Sparkstalker are forced to put the room they are in on lockdown, as there is no more help they can offer to Chainclaw. They get the portal going. However, it seems that the Cyberninja Nightbird has managed to sneak in and she runs through Cinder with her blade. Cinder coughs up Energon, and grabs onto Nightbird. She tells Sparkstalker to go through. He doesn’t want to leave Cinder behind but Cinder says if they all die…all is for nothing. Live…for her. Sparkstalker jumps through as Cinder wrestles Nightbird before smashing the control, causing the Space bridge to become unstable and blow up the room with Cinder and Nightbird in it.
REPORTING
The Decepticon Justice Division reports to Megatron and saying they managed to track down the group of defectors and eliminated all of them, though at the cost of Nightbird and many Executioner Vehicons’ lives. Megatron says that their sacrifices won’t be forgotten and they will be honored. But It will have to wait after the Cybertron he’s after will be built. He tells the DJD to await their next assignment. Thundercracker listens in. His fellow Seeker Slipstream says to not get any ideas. She is aware Skywarp doesn’t like to fight…but he better do it if he wants to live, because there is no escape except death, or the victory over the Autobots. Slipstream sighs and just asks to stick close to her. Thundercracker just nods before looking at the floor sadly. Sparkstalker finds himself on an alien world that has been yet uncharted. It has Energon. He is free, as with the Space Bridge destroyed there is no way of tracking him. However, he has lost his comrades…his sister Cinder. But he promised her he’d live. He just has to figure out how to live now.
TRIVIA
The Decepticon Justice Division is from the IDW comics and they are brutal hunters and executioners of traitors to the Decepticon causes. And there are more members in the comics that have equally horrible ways of eliminating traitors whom may appear in the future.
Tarn’s power really is using his voice to cause sparks to self-destruct. I gave it a charge up to nerf it a bit but it is a powerful weapon.
Grindcore is known as Tesaras and Scissorsaw in the comics, but I used the name Grindcore because…well, that’s what he does, his power is to grind up things. Grindcore is a separate Decepticon but it was fitting for the type of character.
Nightbird in G1 was a random non-Cybertronian robot whom was reprogrammed by the Decepticons. Though in later incarnations she has been a Cybertronian. Here she is part of the DJD, as the silent assassin, the ninja.
Beatdown and Chainclaw are not based on any Decepticons and I came up with them to be sacrificial lambs. Though they are inspired by the Cyberverse versions of Clobber and Lockdown.
Wingthing was a palette swap Cassette from the Decepticons. But Soundwave already has Ratbat. And Circlesaw was supposed to be another Cassette Buzzsaw (a Laserbeak redeco) but I used the name Circlesaw instead because while I don’t know yet how, I could use the name Buzzsaw in the future for something else.
It’s definitely a darker chapter. However, as we know…war isn’t pretty. And it shows consequences of previous established plotpoints, like the defection of two Constructicons and the Firecons.
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TALES OF CYBERTRON
CROSSING THE BRIDGE
The Swordsman
A Decepticon traitor known as Drift (formerly Deadlock) just has defeated a whole squadron of Executioner Vehicons from the Decepticon Justice Division. He sheathes his sword and departs. He comes across the Rusted Bridge, the highest and longest bridge on Cybertron, which has fallen in disrepair since the era of the Primes. Knowing it is a matter of time before the DJD would send more agents after him, he decides to risk crossing it. He walks across the Bridge for days. He could never sit still for more then a few moments as the rusted bridge would collapse under his feet. However, Drift finds someone else coming from the other side and cross the Bridge. It is an Autobot known as Brawn, whom also has been walking for days. However, both want to pass each other to get to the other side, but neither is willing to turn back and the bridge is too narrow to cross normally. Drift suggest he’d just jump over Brawn. But being overly sensitive about his height, Brawn goes on a long tirade of insults before he starts a brawl. Drift and Brawn fight for a few days, until both are exhausted to the point they can barely stand. However, they suddenly hear engine revving. They see two large members of the DJD coming from both ends of the bridge and tearing it up. They fire a weapon that cuffs the two of them together. The two jump off the bridge or risk being run over by the massive Cybertronians. They land into the abyss below, which leads to the Detritus Swamps. They are wet and filthy, but alive. They decide to stay in a cave for the night. They are not happy still being cuffed together. However, they are now both targets of the DJD and agree to work together. Drift tells about himself, on how he used to be part of a clan of Cyburais (Cyber Samurai) whom became rogue Robonin (Robo Ronin) after the fall of their clan’s head. They have been taking paid work from the Decepticons, which often involved hunting down targets and bring them in…off-line or not. It wasn’t always a clean job but they needed it for survival. And for all that they did, Drift though he and his fellow Robonin still had a code of honor. But not for long as the others abandoned their honor and crossed lines he never thought would get crossed. So he thought it was a good thing to pack up and vanish, but they won’t let him. Brawn says he admits that he knows what Drift went through. He is a former Wrecker. The Wreckers did the jobs that weren’t the cleanest. He is the last one of his old squadron. In the final outing, most didn’t make it back. Fell in battle which they thought glorious. But one of them, Roadbuster…he became so overcome with Energonlust in battle, he could no longer differ friend from foe…and when in his frenzy he wouldn’t calm down…he had to make a tough choice. After that, he was the last. He has been wandering, picking fights, drinking hard oils and in general wandering aimlessly. The two agree they are both a bunch of sad-sockets. Brawn pulls out a bottle of Hard Energon they share, while Drift shares his ration of edible Energon pieces.
The next day
The two wake up and traverse down the Detritus Swamps to try and find a safe haven. However, they find members of the Decepticon Justice Division waiting for them. They meet the two squad leaders they ran into on the bridge: Razorback and Skullcruncher. They are new but dangerous members whom like the Predacons have received an animalistic alternate mode. They and their squad of Executioner Vehicons swarm the heroes. Drift and Brawn are still stuck and it hampers their fighting styles. However, they get the idea by luring Razorback and Skullcruncher into firing at them, using their weapons’ shots to break the cuffs. With the two free, they tear through the Vehicons and fight the DJD members. It ends when Brawn tears Razorback in two, and Drift beheads Skullcruncher with his blade. The two agree to leave the swamp, and join up with the Autobots and turn their lives around for the better, a chance to make right.
Several Cycles later
Drift keeps the art of the Cyburai alive, and is training his students Skystorm and Airstream to uphold the code Robushido (Robo Bushido) Brawn is visiting his old friend saying he has gotten on a team that is departing for outer space soon. It is not a Wreckers’ team, but he is part of it. The two decide to drink one more big mug of Hard Energon before they may not be able to see each other for a while.
Headmaster
By some miracle, the beheaded Skullcruncher is alive though reattaching the head has proven problematic due to several vital parts being cut and unable to be repaired. Shockwave says that he has several projects waiting to be approved and executed. The one he suggest is Project Headmaster. They just need an additional member of the team, preferably a Mini-Con, to be part of it. But they’ll need to find someone fast to prevent Skullcruncher from fading… At that point, almost comical timing, a Mini-Con called Grax comes in and asks if he has to be here to apply for a job among the Decepticons. Megatron notes they found a volunteer before he says he’s hired. Grax is relieved that was easy, and asks when training starts. Megatron says after his mods are done. Grax says ‘Wait, what?’ before Shockwave knocks him out with an electric shock. Shockwave says the operation can begin.
TRIVIA
This chapter is inspired bya Samurai Jack episode, the one where we meet the Scotsman for the first time. Since I already mentioned thinking of Brawn using his Scotsman voice for Brawn, and we got a Cyber Samurai in Drift, we got to complete the lineup.
And since in that episode Jack and Scotsman were chased by croc and pig-themed villains, I introduce Skullcruncher (whom is known to have alternate mode of a croc) and Razorback (original Transformer, named after the type of boar).
The Headmaster bit came to me after I thought of Samurai Jack slicing foes. Transformers get limbs and even heads removed in various continuities but survive that so Skullcruncher could hold on long enough for the procedure.
Grax is in canon a human-like alien bonded to Skullcruncher after mods. Here Grax is a mini-con and I probably do something similar with other Headmaster and Targetmaster partners. They aren’t modified organics, they are modified Mini-Cons.
Drift’s student in Robots in Disguise (2015 tv series) are Jetstorm and Slipstream. But the names are reserved for different holders of the name (I mean we got Slipstream as a femme-Seeker) so I use the names SkyStorm and Airstream for his students.
Roadstorm the Wrecker is mentioned as the Wrecker whom lost his life due to being overcome with murderous rage. His bio states he has no life out of battle so it seemed fitting as the guy whom only lives for it and would go murder crazy more easily.
I got this idea from talking with my buddy Ri2
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THIRTEEN BOTS ON AN OFF-LINED’S POD AND A BOTTLE OF OIL
Many cycles ago…
In the Oily Ocean, two crews of naval Cybertronians are locked in battle. One is the crew of the dashing Seaspray. The other is that of the Cyber-Pirate called Scourge. These two old enemies clash like they never clashed before. In the battle, Scourge’s ship and crew would sink beneath the oily waves. Scourge would curse his enemy with his dying breath that he’d one day rise back to the surface to get revenge, he’d return from the Well and get his revenge. Seaspray and crew’s own ship was badly damaged and they washed up on an island in the Oily Ocean. Seaspray and crew looked on the island and found something, an ancient temple from the time of the Primes. Seaspray interacts with large, segmented disc with ancient Cybertronian runes, and they are engulfed in the light.
Present day…
Ever since the return of Skylynx from the Shadow Zone, a crack with glowing dark purple energy has appeared, and the crack has been spreading. It has reached the Oily Ocean. From the bottom of the oily ocean, with a dark purple glow, which once was off-lined found itself active once more. Scourge and his crew rose back to the surface with an evil laughter. He commands his crew and the reanimated corpses of several others whom drowned in the Oily Ocean. They would rise to the surface and the main land and start plundering Energon and resources. And his undead army, when slain would shed more Energon which would make normal Cybertronians feel ill. Autobot and Decepticon alike has to face the danger of Scourge. The Autobots and Decepticons make a truce to deal with Scourge. Scourge would face both Optimus and Megatron. He is not a match for either of them either on his own, but whatever darker variant of Energon flows through him, it is much more concentrated in him then with the rest of his army and he is unable to die, always getting back up and healing. However, soon Seaspray’s crew comes in. Scourge ignores Optimus and Megatron for him. Seaspray is able to lure Scourge’s crew into a trap which sent them launching over the horizon, but it is a temporary measure.
A living legend
Seaspray and his crew find out they have been flung into the future many, many years. Whatever they found on the island it was nothing normal. As he describes what he found, both Autobots and Decepticons realize it was a relic of Vector Prime. The very first Bridge, the portal that connected the universe. But as Ground and Space Bridges only make portals in time, Vector’s Bridge could make one in time as well. The Portal could help them though. Scourge is undefeatable with the Dark Energon inside him. So they plans to set up a trap using the portal and disperse Scourge. Seaspray and crew offer to lure him out, as Scourge could never resist going after him. In the Oily Ocean Seaspray’s crew calls out Scourge’s and they engage in a naval battle. Scourge raises more ships from the Oily Ocean’s floor but the naval forces of Autobot and Decepticon alike arrive to aid against the fleet. Wheeljack and Shockwave work on the portal, while several Autobots and Decepticons cover them to protect them from the undead Cybertronian army, which have been dubbed Terrorcons. They use the portal and create a giant whirlpool with a portal at the bottom it sucks in Scourge’s ship, the Sea Slag, into the whirlpool. However, it fires a grapple and tries to drag the ship Optimus is on with it. Sea spray uses his own ship the Maelstrom to sever the grapple, and plans to push in Scourge’s ship at the cost of his own life. He asks his crew to get out, but they loyally stay behind. As both crews of the past are pushed at the bottom of the whirlpool, they vanish in a burst of light.
Truce
The Autobots and Decepticons keep the truce a bit longer, cleaning up the remains of the now inactive Terrorcons, and give them proper burials. The Dark Energon they found they put into a storage unit which they blast into space, as it doesn’t mean anything good. Optimus and Megatron greet each other again. Megatron says the truce ends with the ends solar cycle. Optimus says they don’t have to fight, they have shown that they can work beside each other. They saved Cybertron together. Megatron says that one act of working together doesn’t mean he has forgiven or forgotten and he’ll fight until the end. Optimus asks to reconsider for their old friendship. Megatron says bluntly to Optimus’ face D16 is dead and cannot be saved, if he really wants to save Cybertron like he believes he will, he has to kill Megatron. Optimus knew it was a small hope, but it still hurt that it was dashed. He knows that tomorrow the war begins anew and it seems that more violence needs to happen before it ends. Vector Prime’s Bridge had vanished after its use, and as it is something that can exist beyond time and space, no one knows when and where it will pop up again.
Aftermath
Seaspray and his crew find themselves alive. Though their ship has crashed on a world that is not their own. They don’t know where they are. Their own ship, which was also made for naval use and not spacefare, will not get them off from here. They are greeted by the rogue Decepticon Sparkstalker. He offers them some Energon, saying it has been a while since he has company and they look like they have stories to tell. Scourge and crew’s offline bodies and inactive ship are stuck on another world, that is dead and barren. Scourge’s eye flicker purple briefly as we hear a voice that is not Scourge’s. ‘You have bathed in my blood, you belong to me. And only I determine when you will live or die…’ We also cut to Megatron, whom secretly has kept a piece of the Dark Energon. He’ll bring only select few people including Shockwave in the know, but he thinks he can use it to turn the tide in the war.
TRIVIA
This chapter went through revisions. First I wanted to space pirates, then pirates and somehow that fused together with some ideas I had for the rise of the Terrorcons. So now undead robot pirates. My brain is weird.
Scourge is depicted as either being created by Unicron from remains of dead Decepticons or a Decepticon entering his service. So him being revived as the head of the Terrorcon army while also embodying various Pirates of the Caribbean villains if they were transplanted on Cybertron…and he and his crew embodies multiple incarnations of the Terrorcons, the version from the movie and the Undead ones from Prime.
Scourge’s name also sounds pirate-y. How many pirates have referred themselves as ‘the scourge of the seven seas’?
Scourge’s crew consists of himself, his right hand Battletrap, the brutish Cannonball, the Energon-thirsty femmebot Blight and the seductive Thunderblast. He also has two ‘pets’, the Cyberbeasts Squawktalk and Beastbox.
Squawktalk and Beastbox are a bird and monkey-themed Decepticon Cassette beast, but they are the parrot and monkey you see often used by pirates as pets, so they are the pets of a Cyber-pirate here.
Scourge’s crew combines the lineup of the Terrorcons from the Rise of the Beasts movie with several other Transformers whom have been pirates in continuities. Except Blight but her name fits somehow.
Seaspray was a very minor Transformer whom transforms in a small hovercraft. But here he is a dashing swashbuckler like the ones you see in classic movies or novels. The handsome rogue…and whom hits on every bot that could be interpreted as a femmebot.
Seaspray’s crew consists of himself, the femmebot Lightbright, the old but tough High Tide, the brilliant Nautica, and knife expert Sea Dagger. They also have two cyberpets, the Cyberdog Servo and the Cyber-bird Jacknab.
Lightbright feels a name out of place for a naval crew but if you know your mythology and see whom the crew ends up meeting at the end, you’ll know why.
High Tide and Servo hail from the Rescue Bots cartoon.
Nautica is from the IDW comics, and her name invokes Nautical, and she is the tech expert of the crew.
Sea Dagger is original since I didn’t find a transformer I liked for the final slot on the crew.
Jacknab was a crow-themed Cybertronian from RID 2015 but here he is a cyberbeast, to be precise based on a seagull.
The title refers to the pirate song 'thirteen men on a death men's chest and a bottle of rum'