Author's note: This fic was inspired after watching the episode "Victory". I wondered…what would have happened if Megatron's plan had worked? And that Dinobot was the only one to stand in Megatron's way? I would hope this fic answers those questions. Also for the G1 references and the parts of the G1 characters, Mitchell AKA Double Spy Punch helped me. ^_^
All characters I use are from the show, Beast Wars and Generation One, are Hasbro, Marvel, Sunbow, and Mainframe property. God bless them all. ^_^ Enjoy the story!
The Rest Is Silence
By DarkBlacknoid
Silence. The ever-conquering king of nothingness and solitude filled the receptors of a lonesome warrior. The wind, the sands, the rocks all fell silent. All dormant in this forbidding land, the warrior silently trudged. What would become of him? Where was he to go…all alone? The Enemy violently searched for its inevitable prey. But the Prey will not submit without a fight to the end…
Reflection. The end came too soon for his lost comrades. Courageous fighters, for their very existence, lost against the same Enemy that pursued him now. It obvious the Enemy prevailed.
Determination. Perhaps now, old times must be pushed behind and a new war must be fought. One-man army IS possible…
Dinobot lifted his makeshift scanner to the sky, transforming into oranges and reds in the early evening hours. The scanner frizzed slightly, Dinobot growling in disgust and hammering it with a scaly fist. The contraption refused to obey his beatings finally defeating him to discontinuing use. It hardly functioned for it consisted of salvaged parts of the fatally sentenced Axalon. However, optic sensors were sufficient at this range. The mahogany velociraptor blended well in the rocks of the barren wasteland he had detected the falling stasis pod in, thus giving him a sliver of security. Fortunately, the Maximal Predacon roamed this land numerous times while searching for a new base in which he could conduct surveillance of the Enemy. One small spy camera had been set up in the area and revealed the stasis pod that could be his salvation or another nail in the cross.
Fire and smoke blazed from the pod's back thrusters with nose down towards the blue Earth. Waiting silently, patiently, Dinobot stood with his snout to the horizon, his reptilian eyes taking in each tilt and movement in its decent. Imperative was it to reach the pod first, for he had no companion or helper in this lonely, secret war.
Enemy programmers and scouts endangered his presence. Megatron's forces offered efficiency and accuracy for recovering pods. Dinobot's programming skill was primitive compared to the once expand of knowledge in the processor of the once gentle giant, Rhinox. However, one must try.
The rocks lay silent with only the murmur of the pod engine echoing faster towards the surface. His footsteps hushed with each lingering step towards the projected crash site, according to the angle of its decent. All things considered, events went by lacking stress or jumbled fear in the velociraptor. For he, steady in his steps, flinched not when the roar of the flaming engine swallowed everything in the resounding sector. A thrill of ignored victory slithered through his joints softly with no interference yet.
Dinobot's servos stiffened with urgency of his silent alarm signaling of Predacon activity nearby. Swiftly, his eyes darted around for multiple presence finding none, however slipping under a ridge of rock. Defeat sank dreadfully fast into the mind of a hopeless warrior. He could not be captured; he was the last chance. From his crouch, scratchy voices floated across his receptors. He identified them as Blackarachnia, the widow and Scorpinok, the scorpion. Most likely the recovery team for the pod. What could he do that was effective? CR chambers were no longer a convenience or available. Making transformation to robot mode limited. Perhaps surveillance is the best option at the moment. Find the strengths and weaknesses first, and act upon them later. With sensors on high resolution, Dinobot stayed behind the rocks, waiting…
"Get a move on slow poke, the pod can't wait forever."
Blackarachnia scowled at Scorpinok clicking his pinchers provocatively at the spider.
Dinobot dared not to sneak a peak at his enemies. He knew full well where they were. His receptors keen and experienced; he could see their every move in his mind's eye. He followed them silently and eavesdropping on their conversation.
"Don't talk to me like that witch, I'M second-in-command. And since the war with the Maximals is over, he wouldn't think twice about getting rid of a few disloyal Predacons."
Ignoring his statement, Blackarachnia neared the pod and rubbed her legs together in delight.
"Blackarachnia, Terrorize!"
Transforming into her sleek robot mode, she winked at scorpion turning to the pod. Scorpinok quickly followed suit to watch over the spider's shoulder. She was known well for treachery and if he did not watch her closely he would pay for her deceit. Megatron had changed a lot since the defeat of the Maximals. He became less merciful when it came to mistakes. He was not sure exactly what Megatron was working up to but whatever it was, it was important. And if Megatron believed it to be important, so did he. Being second-in-command also meant great risk. You were in charge of most missions and if you failed…
Scorpinok shook his head to clear it and pay attention. He could not waste time like that thinking of the "what ifs". Blackarachnia pressed a button, running a diagnostic on the protoform.
"Computer start scanning and replication program."
The pod frizzed as the computer sputtered.
"Unable to comply. Scanning program offline. Spark will extinguish in eight point four cycles."
"Oh, this is useless. Just let it die. We don't need it. It's beyond repair. We're just wasting our time."
Blackarachnia stood up with a sour look and kicked the pod with the liquefied form glowing inside.
"Megatron ordered us to get the protoform online and that's exactly what we're going to do! Let me take a look at it."
Scorpinok shoved past her and surveyed the damage.
"If we can't get the pod's program running then we'll just have to download our own datatracks to get it running."
"Are you malfunctioning? That could damage your own circuits permanently. And if you haven't noticed, you can't do that until you replace that chip."
"Well, don't just stand there. Sit down and I will take one of yours to replace it with."
Taking a small tool from subspace, Scorpinok came closer. In disbelief Blackarachnia stepped back.
"Take one from your own, Shell-head. You're not touching any of mine."
With a scowl, Scorpinok opened his pincher and pointed a missile at her.
"Either you shut down and let me extract the chip, or I'll just blow your head off and take it anyway!"
Blackarachnia knew she could dodge Scorpinok's missile but then she would only get in a bigger fight and it would eventually lead to her destruction by Megatron's order. That she could not do. Someone halfway smart had to survive this dirtball.
Reluctantly, the she-spider moved over and sat on a rock near the pod.
"Make it quick, Shell-head. If you touch anything BUT what you need, I swear--!"
"Save it for later, witch, just shut down. We don't have all day!"
Scorpinok quickly got to work removing the component of importance while Dinobot, still debated with himself silently.
Sitting as still as the rocks around him, Dinobot wondered if it would be worth it to try to stop Scorpinok and Blackarachnia. He wished he could save the pod himself. If he could, he would take this opportunity to blast them both to scrap. But even after hearing the conversation…it was too risky for him to try to repair the pod. It could destroy both the pod and him. But if he did nothing, the pod would surely be repaired and Megatron would have yet another trained and skilled advantage against him. Either way, it would be a disadvantage to him. The only one he has had since his comrades were destroyed was that Megatron did not know where he had been hiding. Not once did Dinobot engage any of Megatron's troops for several weeks now. If he struck now, they would know for sure that he was watching them…and waiting for an opportunity to strike them in their heart. And he was not ready yet for such an attack.
Snarling in the softest frustration possible, Dinobot closed his reptilian eyes. The best chances for him to survive…were for him to leave the scene and let the enemy continue in their mission. There's nothing he could do…for now. But at least he should stay long enough to get a profile on the new Predacon.
"There! Got it."
Scorpinok replaced the fried chip inside the pod as Blackarachnia came back online. Watching closely, the spider came up behind Scorpinok, tapping her foot impatiently. Soon, her comrade had a cable connected between him and the pod.
"Well…here goes nothing. Computer download datatracks scanning and replication alpha."
"Warning. Download may cause damage to subject's circuits permanently."
"Just do it!"
With a sudden jolt and shriek, Scorpinok was thrown back as the pod accepted the information. The pod's computer came to life as the scanning mechanism activated and began scanning the barren land for anything living. Blackarachnia watched with interest as the yellow field passed over a high-flying falcon. To her right, she heard a screech reflexively pointing her missile launcher in that direction. Seeing whom it was, she lowered it.
"What are you two doing here?"
Terrorsaur and Waspinator transformed almost simultaneously as the fiery bot poked at Scorpinok.
"Megatron thought you might need some help retrieving the pod so he sent us."
"We're fine. Can't you tell?"
She chuckled along with Waspinator.
Behind them, Dinobot tensed. The situation could become complicated if any of them notice him there. He would have to split before too long. Nervously, Dinobot inwardly cursed at the pod to hurry up in its replication.
In that instant, a bright white light engulfed the Predacons and a shrill screech was heard as the new Predacon flew into the air. Terrorsaur soured seeing it as a bird…and a flyer…a very skilled flyer at that.
The peregrine falcon landed near Waspinator as he gaped.
"Oooooo…new bird bot. Megatron will be very pleased with Wazzbinator. Since Wazzbinator take new bot back to Megatron."
"Not if I get to it first!"
Terrorsaur got in Waspinator's face with a challenging look. Blackarachnia just rolled her optics.
The falcon gave the group a weird look then turned its head to see Scorpinok still lying in a heap barely conscious.
"I'd say THAT is not really what's important right now."
In a silent shock, the three Predacons looked at the falcon as she approached Scorpinok.
"Airazor, Terrorize!"
Taking a chance, Dinobot slipped a small piece of a mirror he salvaged, around the rock to take a glance at the new Predacon. Ah, another treacherous female. And what makes that worse is the fact she lives with some of Blackarachnia's personality. Recipe for treachery, he thought. Dinobot narrowed his optics trying to get a clear picture of the new bot. She appeared strong and completely able to defend herself. It would seem her best skill would be reconnaissance for her beast mode is of a peregrine falcon. This one, for sure, was one to look out for. Inhaling deeply, he pocketed the mirror and waited silently until the Predacons left to make his way back to his hiding place.
"Our second-in-command could use some help over here."
Airazor knelt beside Scorpinok then gave a scowl over her shoulder at the other three. Terrorsaur raised his brow and crossed his arms in front of his chest. His infamous smirk told the old tale of his arrogance and selfishness.
"Well, well, just woke up and already barking orders? Who died and made you queen fem bot?"
Blackarachnia transformed to beast mode, her beady eyes smiling in their own sort of way.
"Scorpinok's second-in-command…he can take care of himself. Right guys?"
Airazor narrowed her deep green optics in hatred towards the other three bots that were now her comrades. They agreed and sneered at her and Scorpinok while transforming to their beast modes leaving them alone. She had a sense of defeat as she looked at them with their ignorant smiles and treacherous actions. First impression was always the most important impression of all…and the spider and flying lizard would live to regret it. Airazor looked back at Scorpinok. His optics were on and watching her.
"Can you transform?"
"I'm…not sure…"
"Try."
Grunting somewhat, the scorpion mustered most of his strength to revert to beast mode. He inhaled deeply and closed his optics momentarily.
"Why did you not stop those three, Scorpinok? You are their superior officer, they should have helped you."
"Don't worry, they'll get what's coming to them. Just you wait 'til I report back to Megatron, our leader. He'll have something to say about it."
Airazor nodded then transformed into her falcon mode.
"I can fly you back to…uhh wherever we're supposed to go. You shouldn't risk damaging your circuits anymore."
Scorpinok looked at her strangely but nodded in agreement. He was barely able to move his head; it would be a miracle if he would be able to walk in beast mode.
"Our base is the Darkside…I'll point out the way."
Airazor consented and flapped her wings lightly. Her strong talons clutched at his shoulders securely as she, with little heave, lifted him off the ground and off in the direction he pointed out.
The raptor lay still until he could no longer hear the flap of the bird's wings. He lifted his head high to make sure no one else was left to keep him from venturing out. Seeing no one and sensing no hostilities, Dinobot walked out from his place behind the rocks. Dinobot almost let a scaly grin reach across his lizard lips as he looked upon the abandoned stasis pod. Even if it was damaged and would never be able to fly again, he could use the parts. Perhaps even study it so that if another pod were to fall, he might have a chance to program the Maximal inside himself and have an ally. That would be the day…but for now, he must keep on top of things. He must subdue his tendency to just run out there in a blaze of glory. Everything depended on him. He was not ready to just lay down and die while Megatron takes over the universe. Dinobot gagged at the thought of Megatron on his throne destroying the galaxy left and right just because he felt like it. Megatron may be incompetent…but he was still very dangerous…and secure. But somehow…in all of this…he MUST find Megatron's weakness. No matter how LONG it took. And for the sake of his sanity and for the memory of his fallen comrades…no matter how hopeless it might seem in the future…Dinobot will never give into the enemies' threats. He will never ever be a part of Megatron's diabolical plans again…
*************
Disturbing thoughts…they surround me…entice me…challenge me…why is this so? Why should I, leader of the Predacon force on this Primus forsaken planet, think that such a pitiful yet strong warrior could stand in my way of complete and utter victory against the universe as I know it? It should never even be a THOUGHT. But it is…and driving me mad…
I can't even imagine what he could even try against me. He would be gladly gunned down immediately by my solid guard. Why is he attempting to EVEN live? I know he is…otherwise he would have surrendered the moment he found out the fate of his…old comrades…how disgusting that is. He's watching me…waiting for me to mess up in some sort of way and strike. What could he possibly DO against me? I have more troops, more resources, more intelligence…he MUST be mad. I must hunt him…find him…and ELIMINATE HIS VERY EXISTANCE!
However…he is doing a very good job of…making it seem he does not exist…but one day, HE will be careless…and I will be waiting for that moment…my troops will bring him out for the slaughter…ohohoho…yesss…
*************
It was a wonder that with those little reptilian clawed hands, Dinobot was able to secure the pod in his underground base. In the past, Dinobot had went on many solo missions patrolling perimeters and scouting the land for battle strategies…just in case. On one such inspection, he had found an energon source…but strangely enough it was not visible. From where he stood, on a rolling hill, it seemed to be right under his feet. It was soon discovered that an ancient slowly hollowed cave ran a labyrinth inside the hill and out many miles. Back in those days…Dinobot still viewed the Maximals as being just…a convenience. So he had never reported the energon source or the cave to the Maximals. It was his best secret. For now it served as his lonely base. Dinobot had few materials to work with. So, in his solitude, he'd made several primitive tools and accessories, including a rope made out of bark from a type of tree called cedar. With the rope, he used it to drag the pod behind him in a harness.
Far into the day, Dinobot finally reached the opening to his roost. With some difficulty, he shoved the damaged pod into the small opening to his cave. It was a great place to stay; he had to admit to himself. The opening, even though small, was hidden in the shadow of the rock that hung over it. Easily missed by a scouting Predacon who was not really looking in the right place.
Now, the trek to the real heart of his lair took approximately twenty cycles. He did not wish to be too close to the entrance. It would be too obvious that was where he stayed. Besides, last week, he had found an exit…just in case any of the Predacons happened to find his base. They at least knew he was still functional…and would be looking for him. However, he knew Megatron well. The pompous Predacon would not treat him as a significant threat…THAT was Dinobot's only advantage.
Inside his new living quarters, Dinobot shoved the pod into the main room of his cavern. He chose a notable sized room that was in-between the entrance and the new exit he had found. Many rooms surrounded it as well, giving him many places to stage ambush or even a place to hide. In one of those rooms, was the energon source that had brought him to the cave in the first place. A considerable amount of energon as well. A nice place for a lonesome warrior against all odds, he thought. Some might even call him crazy…and perhaps he was. But what did it matter to anyone else?
Finally concentrating on his prize, the Predacon turned Maximal looked at it with a disgruntled face. How could he ever make something out of this wreck? Shaking his head, Dinobot knew his mind was carrying off again. He would find something to do with it…perhaps even convert it into a radar of some sort. He could try to fix the guidance system to detect Predacon activity in the area…if at all possible. But first…he should study it. Find out how it works so that maybe…just maybe if another pod falls…he can recover the Maximal inside. Dinobot snarled at himself. It was so easy to get lost in your thoughts on your own. He could handle it but it was so hard to control at times.
There had been a disturbing thought that had crossed his mind more than he wanted it too…The idea of approaching the Predacons…and rejoining them. He growled and hit his fist on the glass of the damaged pod. But every time he thought that, Dinobot imagined himself crawling back to Megatron and groveling at the feet of that spineless braggart. That was something he just could not do. It would betray everything he was everything he was trying to be. Either he would find a way to defeat Megatron or he was destined to die at his hands. Dinobot's yellow eyes narrowed while viewing the pod. Grumbling, he turned swiftly with tail lashing. He had to get his mind on the battlefield. He needed to collect more information on Megatron and this planet. There was, of course, the situation about the aliens that are present on this world. Their "fingerprints" are all over the planet in strange formations and plants. Somehow, even with little resources to work with, Dinobot must keep on top of things…no matter how hard it was…no matter if he died trying…