I have just posted the first episode of the Transformers: Alternatives. You
can read it below. But first, let's go through the usual stuff.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Transformers. All names, characters, logos etc. are trademarks of Hasbro Inc. yada yada yada
A few words about the fic: After the end of the G1 cartoon, there have been many other TF shows (eg. BW, BM, RiD and Armada-Animorphs don't count as Transformers, they don't even count as a show). Most of these cartoons, either sucked or they just couldn't reach the G1 cartoon level, although they had potentional. So, I decided to make a G1 continuum, with all our favourite characters, using other shows and toylines' footage. For example, you might see RiD Sideburn as a G1 character. Since there was no real G2 Cartoon (G1 episodes CGI slaughtering doesn't make a G2 cartoon), the story will start from Generation 2.
IMPORTANT: The fanfic is based on the TV version and NOT the comic version. Also, I am aware of the Beast Machines finalle and I know that my fic doesn't apply to it, but that will be explained in another episode, so don't start on me.
Don't forget to review it and pretty much let me know if you liked it.
......................................................................................................... Millions of years in the past, on a planet hundreds of solar systems away from the Earth, a planet called Cybertron, there has been a war. A never- ending civil war between the two races that share the planet. Two races of metallic masters, huge robotic lifeforms beyond all imagination. They could covert themselves in vehicles, animals or other objects. They called themselves the Transformers®.
Autobots versus Decepticons, Good against Evil, metal against metal, Titans clash with Earth's fate hanging in the balance.
The new Golden Age of Cybertron has ended the war... for a while. Today, in the year 2506 the battle wages on in the Transformers: Alternatives!
From the ashes... Part 1
-Planet Cybertron, refuel station.
Grapple is supervising Transformer workers packing the last boxes of Energon Cubes, as the night falls on Cybertron's sky. He notices a worker standing steel, refusing to work. He walks to him.
"What's the matter?", Grapple asks.
"You know very well what's the matter, Grapple!", the worker with the sling voice answers. "I'm sick of working for you and for any other Autobot!"
"You're not working for us. You're working for Cybertron.", Grapple says.
"The Hell with Cybertron! I'm a warrior, not a worker!", the transformer says. Grapple goes closer to him, threateningly.
"Get the packages to the warehouse cargo, Starscream.", he says.
"Very well", Starscream decides to end the argument. He grabs the packages, transforms into a transporting plane and flies away.
"It has been 500 Earth years.", Starscream is thinking while flying. "After the New Golden Era of Cybertron the Autobots have tried to live peacefully with the Decepticons. But Megatron proved again why this war began in the first place. This time the Decepticons were outnumbered." Starscream lands and transforms into his robot form in front of a huge building that most likely it isn't the warehouse cargo. "Here it is. The ancient Autobot laboratories. Also known as... the Decepticons Graveyard." He enters a password and the enormous gate opens. "Access in here should be impossible, but the Autobots are so naïve. When the Decepticons attempted to restart the War, Prime ordered his scientists to find a way to neutralize the Decepticons once and for all. What an idiot. He didn't want to kill us all in cold blood. He didn't believe in war and violence. He did anything possible to help Peace prevail. He even destroyed all the weapons he possessed. Cybertron's only defenses are some sentry guns and flak cannons." He keeps walking further inside the hall until he reaches another door. He enters the next room. Sentry guns pop out of the wall and take aim at him. "Autobot Worker Starscream, of the west refueling station.", he says.
"Identification positive", a computer voice can be heard.
The sentry guns shut down. "Not long ago, Iacon's Council decided to give some Decepticons amnesty for their crimes, on the condition that they would help Cybertron as workers. That's the same deal I had with them. They gave me new body, following the technology used in the construction of Maximals and Predacons. They made me a worker in a weak body that couldn't even hold a weapon. But now things are going to change. Here. Behold the tomb of the Decepticons." He is in a big room. The room is filled with computers and glass tubes containing robotic endoskeletons. "Surprisingly enough, there's much more than meets the eye on Optimus Prime. He had his greatest scientists force the Decepticons into stasis lock, alive and yet dead, without bodies.". He walks to the computers and starts pushing buttons. "The passwords in these computers change every 2 hours. I stole the last one from the security chief. It's a good thing they couldn't replace my brain like they did with my body." Suddenly the room lights up like a Christmas tree. The tubes with the endoskeletons fill with energy and open. From the tube in the middle of the room, Megatron's endoskeleton rises, screaming.
"Where am I?", Megatron asks obviously shocked.
"You are in the Autobots laboratories great Megatron!", Starscream replies.
"Starscream? Is that you? What is happening to me Starscream?", Megatron yells frightened, looking at the remainings of his body.
"The Autobots did this to you almighty leader. But I can fix you and our comrades.", Starscream assures him.
"Then do it, you idiot!", Megatron says laying back in his tube.
"Prime destroyed all the weapons, but not long ago I discovered the highly developed, yet unfinished, Generation 2 program. It would upgrade all Transformers abilities. Part of this program has been made for the upgrade of military hardware. Like I said, there's more than meets the eye on Optimus Prime.". He loads the program in the computers of the room. He makes a few adjustments to the equipments installed and initiates the installation sequence. Soon, the computers are going berserk. "No! This equipment is too old to handle the new program!", Starscream runs and hide behind a steel counter. Some of the computers explode, along with most of the tubes. Starscream leaves his hiding place, searching for life signs.
"Starscream...". Starscream hears Megatron's voice and tries to find him, when suddenly and army of robots walks through the thick smoke. Megatron leads them. Starscream is nearly speechless.
"Incredible...", he says.
"You did a good job Starscream." An entirely new Megatron (G2 Megatron) walks to him.
"Thank you, Master! Now, there's one thing left. I will get in one of these tubes and you will push this button..."
"Well, that's not what I had in mind." Megatron cuts short Starscream's phrase.
"What do you mean?", Starscream asks.
"I don't know how you returned from the dead, but I know that you should have stayed this way.", Megatron replies and moves to him threateningly.
"I don't trust you Starscream. And I won't risk fighting alongside with a backstabbing scrap like you."
"But I have changed!"
"You know what's the thing Starscream? I don't believe you." Starscream looks at Megatron frightened when his former leader blasts him into pieces with his shoulder cannon. When the smoke from the blast clears, Megatron turns to his new warriors. "Decepticons. The time has come to reclaim our empire. Judging by Starscream's appearance, I doubt if our enemies have enough firepower to resist. First we have to find some Energon supplies. Death to all Autobots!", Megatron yells and his comrades join him. They all fly out of the Chamber.
-Iacon's Palace, next morning.
Optimus Prime is being informed by Jazz and Tracks about last night's incidents.
"Why wasn't I told any of these earlier?", Prime asks.
"I had Ultra Magnus to contact you as soon as we found out what happened, but all our communications have been cut off. They said something about lack of Energon supplies in the Communication Center.", Jazz explains.
"Are you sure they all left?", Prime asks, hoping for a negative answer.
"Some must have been destroyed from the explosion, but most of them left. I can't understand how"
"Starscream. I'm sure he did it.", Prime realizes.
"But Optimus, why are you so concerned? An army of endoskeletons can't hurt us.", Tracks says.
"No, they can't.", Prime answers still concerned. A robot enters the room.
"Optimus Prime, we have received news. There is a massive attack in the suburbs of Iacon. All our defenses are down!", the robot says.
"Activate the Global Alarm. We are in a new war. Jazz, Tracks run to the Vault. It's time to fight back.", Prime orders.
"Yes sir!", Jazz yells as he and Tracks transform and leave the Palace.
Prime walks to a small vault on the wall. He dials a password and the vault opens. In the vault there is a small gun, which Optimus grabs with no hesitation.
"It's not as powerful as my old gun, but it might be of some use.", he says. Suddenly a beam destroys the gun.
"It'll do no good Optimus Prime.". Prime recognizes the voice.
"Megatron...", he says before turning to face his old nemesis. "I knew it was a matter of minutes for you to show up."
"We didn't face much resistance. If you look out of your window, you will realize the weakness you brought to your Autobots."
"It's been 500 years and still you use the same lines. You're repeating yourself Megatron, awfully lot.", Prime answers.
"It's a nice discussion, but I don't have much time. So...", he fires at Prime with his gun. Prime dodges.
"Nice! Age hasn't slowed you down a bit. Too bad you don't have a weapon.", he fires again and again. Prime keeps dodging, running behind surfaces that resemble tables. He transforms in his tractor mode, without the trailer, and drives as fast as possible in the room. He surprises Megatron and crashes on him, making him collapse and drop his gun. Prime transforms again and immobilizes Megatron on the floor.
"Who said I need one?", Optimus says. Megatron shoots Prime on the chest with his shoulder cannon.
"I did", Megatron says. He stands on his feet again, grabs his gun from the floor and targets at the kneeling Optimus.
-The Vault.
Jazz and Tracks drive fast, trying to survive the attack of the Decepticons. The city is being trashed. Everywhere can be seen scared Transformers feeing in panic, buildings collapsing, Autobots being slaughtered by Decepticon warriors. The two Autobots reach the Vault. Jazz digitally unlocks the gate and they get in. The Vault is full of weapons, like Sidearms, fusion cannons, grenades and other kind of explosives..
"What the? I thought our weapons have been destroyed!", Tracks says.
"You didn't think Prime would leave us unprotected, did you? He locked all the weapons in 150 Vaults around the planet. But with all these reformed Decepticons among us, he couldn't risk telling everyone about it.", Jazz says. Both Autobots are soon fully equipped with weapons.
"Let's kick Deceptibutt!", Jazz yells, while they both leave the Vault.
On their way back to the Palace, Jazz contacts Ultra Magnus.
"This is Jazz! Ultra Magnus, do you read me?"
"This is Ultra Magnus. Go ahead Jazz.", Magnus can be heard through Jazz's transmitter.
"Me and Tracks have emptied Vault 1. What about you?"
"All Vaults have been emptied, but it's difficult to fight back. We are too late. They have the upper hand. And there's more."
"What is it?"
"We tried to contact the Palace. Not Optimus Prime, or any other Autobot responds. There's something wrong.", Magnus says worried.
"We're on our way there. But if Megatron is already at the Palace..."
"I know. I'll get Kup, Windbreaker and Bluestreak and we'll be there A.S.A.P. Magnus out." With that Magnus terminates the connection.
"Come on, hurry Tracks!" Both Autobots accelerate.
Back in the Palace, Prime is on his knees and Megatron is standing in front of him, aiming at him.
"I will miss you Prime. Things won't be the same without you ruining my plans.", Megatron says.
"I won't let you wreck Cybertron again.", Prime says with the last of his strength.
"Cybertron is already at my mercy. Soon my forces will control every corner of the planet. My plans, however, have nothing to do with our home. I was thinking of establishing a power plant on Earth."
"What? Leave the Earthlings out of this.", Prime says upset.
"After all these centuries, can you imagine how much energy Earth might have stored?"
"Why are you doing this? Cybertron is full of energy already. You don't need Earth's energy."
"You're right, I don't. But in all these years of the Great War, I hated Earth and its inhabitants as much as I hate you. Utter destruction is my plan for the miserable organic planet. But I would be a fool not to drain its energy reserves before I trash it.", Megatron says, with an evil grin on his face. Megatron can see Jazz, Ultra Magnus, Tracks, Kup and Windbreaker (G2 Windbreaker- Zap in Europe) accelerating at him. He turns to Optimus.
"Now, I am afraid that I ran out of time. Unfortunately so did you.". With that he blasts Optimus' head with his gun. Prime collapses dead, with no distinguished features on his face. The five Autobots transform and aim at Megatron.
"Hold it right there Megatron.", Magnus says. He looks at Prime. "You..." Megatron blasts a computer next to the Autobots, causing a huge explosion. When the air becomes clean again, the five Autobots stand back on their feet, while Megatron is nowhere to be seen.
"Is everybody ok?", Magnus asks. "Optimus isn't", Windbreaker says running to his fallen leader.
"Call the Paramedics of the Palace.", Magnus orders Tracks. Tracks doesn't respond.
"Roll for it!", Magnus yells. Tracks leaves the room.
"Optimus, can you hear me? Optimus, please respond... somehow.", Magnus tries to revive his leader. Soon the paramedics rush into the room and start taking care of Prime.
- Autobot Mausoleum, same afternoon.
Autobots are standing above a steel coffin, grieving. Hot Rod, Ultra Magnus, Kup and Jazz are in the first line of grieving Autobots.
"I was hoping I wouldn't have to see this again.", Magnus says.
"Yeah... He returned from the dead once. He seemed so invincible.", Jazz replies. "I should go check on our other losses. Just to make sure they're being respected as they deserve.", he continues.
"I'll go with you.", Kup says. Hot Rod and Magnus nod while Jazz and Kup leave. Magnus walks closer to Hot Rod.
"The Matrix will be passed the following morning.", he says.
"I don't know if I want to take this responsibility again, old friend.", Hot Rod replies.
"It's our tradition. After a leader falls, the next chosen one must be the keeper of the Matrix. You are the next... One.", Magnus explains.
"I'm not sure if I can. Maybe you want the Matrix.", Hot Rod says.
"You know that that's not possible, Hot Rod.". Hot Rod slightly smiles. "What is it?", Magnus asks.
"We should get me another name. I'm too old to be a "Hot Rod".", he replies. Magnus slightly smiles as well.
"Don't worry. This will change tomorrow.", Magnus assures him. More and more Autobots pay a moment of respect to Optimus Prime, before they leave the Mausoleum.
-Colonel Thunder Clash, commander of the TurboMasters, cabin, same night.
Thunder Clash (G2 TurboMaster Thunder Clash/ recolor Machine Wars Optimus Prime in US), is sitting, looking at some maps. The door of his cabin suddenly opens and Hot Rod walks in. Thunder Clash immediately stands on his feet steel.
"Sir, how can I help you?", he asks.
"Knock it off, Colonel. I'm not the leader yet.", Hot Rod tells him waving his hand. "I hope I'm not bothering you."
"No, I was just looking at some maps.", Thunder Clash answers sitting again. He nods to Hot Rod to take a seat himself, But Hot Rod refuses.
"I didn't see you in Optimus' pay of respect ceremony.", he says.
"I couldn't come. I had to finish the plans for our route and establishment on Earth. Plus I had to figure out a plan to take the Decepticons away from there as soon as possible.", Thunder Clash replies.
"I see. The Decepticons back again. It's strange they let us even put the bodies in the coffins.", Hot Rod points out.
"They may enjoy our grief."
"I'm sure they do." Silence for a while. "So, who are you taking with you?", Hot Rod asks.
"I'm thinking of Jazz, Windbreaker, Smokescreen, Bumblebee, Deluge, Manta Ray Ironfist, a few Sparkabots and my TurboMasters. I hope it's fine with you.", Thunder Clash replies.
"Sure it is." Thunder Clash stands up and opens box. He removes the Matrix of Leadership from the box and hands it to Hot Rod.
"The Ceremony is set for tomorrow, but I'm afraid we will have to leave in a few hours in order to find Megatron in time. Since you are our next leader, I think you should..." "Why can't it wait till tomorrow?", Hot Rod asks.
"I told you, we might have to leave tonight and I need authorization from the One for such action.", Thunder Clash explains. Hot Rod is hesitating. He finally opens his chest and places the Matrix in. Thunder Clash smiles.
"At your commands Rodimus Prime.", he says.
"I... I am not Rodimus Prime.", Hot Rod answers.
"What are you talking about?"
"I feel no change at all."
"Is that possible?", Thunder Clash wonders. Hot Rod removes the Matrix from inside his chest.
"I'm wondering... The Matrix is still alive while Optimus is dead. Isn't that strange?", Hot Rod says.
"I figured it survived because it was removed from Prime before he passed away.", Thunder Clash explains.
"No. Prime died instantly after Megatron's blast."
"Then maybe ever since it was refilled, it's working differently."
"Are you listening to yourself?". Hot Rod passes the Matrix to Thunder Clash. "You keep the Matrix, Thunder Clash"
"I can't! You are the One. You are the keeper of the Matrix."
"Yes I am. And as the Keeper I can give up my right and pass the Matrix of Leadership to somebody else. To you". Thunder Clash is ready to speak but Hot Rod stops him.
"Listen to me. You're after Megatron and the Elite of his warriors. You will need as much help as you can get. I trust you to be the new leader of the Autobots. I know you won't let me down. Good luck. We'll all be waiting for your arrival back home.", with that, Hot Rod watches as Thunder Clash places the Matrix in his chest and then leaves the room.
- Secret Underground Space Station, a few hours later.
Some Autobot civilians and warriors are watching as Thunder Clash and the Autobots that follow him on Earth are ready to board to a shuttle. Ultra Magnus nods to the crowd to keep quite. Thunder Clash stands in the center of the room.
"I know that is one of our darkest hours. I wish I could stay here, but we must stop Megatron before he destroys Earth.", the new Autobot leader says. "You all realize, that Cybertron is at Decepticon hands. They will be tyrants, dictators. There will be times when you'll have the strong wish to give up, to stop this war you are not responsible for. Some of you haven't lived the Great War, but I have. And I can assure you that nothing deserves the ultimate sacrifice more than freedom. So, I'm counting on each one of you to free Cybertron. I know I'm leaving behind a planet full of heroes that will fight until the Autobots can live again in the surface without fear for anything. This Space station isn't in the map of the city. Nobody else knows the existence of it. May this be our new base of operations here on Cybertron. Till all are one!", Thunder Clash yells. The Autobots join him yelling "till all are one" and "Hail to our leader!" Thunder Clash and his team board the ship. The shuttle blasts off and leaves Cybertron, digging a hole through the ground, so that Decepticons won't trace it.
- Autobot Shuttle, a few hours later.
All the Autobots aboard are resting. Two or three are looking at the monitors, making sure there's no danger near them. Inside Thunder Clash, deep inside the Matrix, a voice can be heard, saying weakly: "I... am... alive..."
............................................................................................................
To be
continued...
Disclaimer: I don't own the Transformers. All names, characters, logos etc. are trademarks of Hasbro Inc. yada yada yada
A few words about the fic: After the end of the G1 cartoon, there have been many other TF shows (eg. BW, BM, RiD and Armada-Animorphs don't count as Transformers, they don't even count as a show). Most of these cartoons, either sucked or they just couldn't reach the G1 cartoon level, although they had potentional. So, I decided to make a G1 continuum, with all our favourite characters, using other shows and toylines' footage. For example, you might see RiD Sideburn as a G1 character. Since there was no real G2 Cartoon (G1 episodes CGI slaughtering doesn't make a G2 cartoon), the story will start from Generation 2.
IMPORTANT: The fanfic is based on the TV version and NOT the comic version. Also, I am aware of the Beast Machines finalle and I know that my fic doesn't apply to it, but that will be explained in another episode, so don't start on me.
Don't forget to review it and pretty much let me know if you liked it.
......................................................................................................... Millions of years in the past, on a planet hundreds of solar systems away from the Earth, a planet called Cybertron, there has been a war. A never- ending civil war between the two races that share the planet. Two races of metallic masters, huge robotic lifeforms beyond all imagination. They could covert themselves in vehicles, animals or other objects. They called themselves the Transformers®.
Autobots versus Decepticons, Good against Evil, metal against metal, Titans clash with Earth's fate hanging in the balance.
The new Golden Age of Cybertron has ended the war... for a while. Today, in the year 2506 the battle wages on in the Transformers: Alternatives!
From the ashes... Part 1
-Planet Cybertron, refuel station.
Grapple is supervising Transformer workers packing the last boxes of Energon Cubes, as the night falls on Cybertron's sky. He notices a worker standing steel, refusing to work. He walks to him.
"What's the matter?", Grapple asks.
"You know very well what's the matter, Grapple!", the worker with the sling voice answers. "I'm sick of working for you and for any other Autobot!"
"You're not working for us. You're working for Cybertron.", Grapple says.
"The Hell with Cybertron! I'm a warrior, not a worker!", the transformer says. Grapple goes closer to him, threateningly.
"Get the packages to the warehouse cargo, Starscream.", he says.
"Very well", Starscream decides to end the argument. He grabs the packages, transforms into a transporting plane and flies away.
"It has been 500 Earth years.", Starscream is thinking while flying. "After the New Golden Era of Cybertron the Autobots have tried to live peacefully with the Decepticons. But Megatron proved again why this war began in the first place. This time the Decepticons were outnumbered." Starscream lands and transforms into his robot form in front of a huge building that most likely it isn't the warehouse cargo. "Here it is. The ancient Autobot laboratories. Also known as... the Decepticons Graveyard." He enters a password and the enormous gate opens. "Access in here should be impossible, but the Autobots are so naïve. When the Decepticons attempted to restart the War, Prime ordered his scientists to find a way to neutralize the Decepticons once and for all. What an idiot. He didn't want to kill us all in cold blood. He didn't believe in war and violence. He did anything possible to help Peace prevail. He even destroyed all the weapons he possessed. Cybertron's only defenses are some sentry guns and flak cannons." He keeps walking further inside the hall until he reaches another door. He enters the next room. Sentry guns pop out of the wall and take aim at him. "Autobot Worker Starscream, of the west refueling station.", he says.
"Identification positive", a computer voice can be heard.
The sentry guns shut down. "Not long ago, Iacon's Council decided to give some Decepticons amnesty for their crimes, on the condition that they would help Cybertron as workers. That's the same deal I had with them. They gave me new body, following the technology used in the construction of Maximals and Predacons. They made me a worker in a weak body that couldn't even hold a weapon. But now things are going to change. Here. Behold the tomb of the Decepticons." He is in a big room. The room is filled with computers and glass tubes containing robotic endoskeletons. "Surprisingly enough, there's much more than meets the eye on Optimus Prime. He had his greatest scientists force the Decepticons into stasis lock, alive and yet dead, without bodies.". He walks to the computers and starts pushing buttons. "The passwords in these computers change every 2 hours. I stole the last one from the security chief. It's a good thing they couldn't replace my brain like they did with my body." Suddenly the room lights up like a Christmas tree. The tubes with the endoskeletons fill with energy and open. From the tube in the middle of the room, Megatron's endoskeleton rises, screaming.
"Where am I?", Megatron asks obviously shocked.
"You are in the Autobots laboratories great Megatron!", Starscream replies.
"Starscream? Is that you? What is happening to me Starscream?", Megatron yells frightened, looking at the remainings of his body.
"The Autobots did this to you almighty leader. But I can fix you and our comrades.", Starscream assures him.
"Then do it, you idiot!", Megatron says laying back in his tube.
"Prime destroyed all the weapons, but not long ago I discovered the highly developed, yet unfinished, Generation 2 program. It would upgrade all Transformers abilities. Part of this program has been made for the upgrade of military hardware. Like I said, there's more than meets the eye on Optimus Prime.". He loads the program in the computers of the room. He makes a few adjustments to the equipments installed and initiates the installation sequence. Soon, the computers are going berserk. "No! This equipment is too old to handle the new program!", Starscream runs and hide behind a steel counter. Some of the computers explode, along with most of the tubes. Starscream leaves his hiding place, searching for life signs.
"Starscream...". Starscream hears Megatron's voice and tries to find him, when suddenly and army of robots walks through the thick smoke. Megatron leads them. Starscream is nearly speechless.
"Incredible...", he says.
"You did a good job Starscream." An entirely new Megatron (G2 Megatron) walks to him.
"Thank you, Master! Now, there's one thing left. I will get in one of these tubes and you will push this button..."
"Well, that's not what I had in mind." Megatron cuts short Starscream's phrase.
"What do you mean?", Starscream asks.
"I don't know how you returned from the dead, but I know that you should have stayed this way.", Megatron replies and moves to him threateningly.
"I don't trust you Starscream. And I won't risk fighting alongside with a backstabbing scrap like you."
"But I have changed!"
"You know what's the thing Starscream? I don't believe you." Starscream looks at Megatron frightened when his former leader blasts him into pieces with his shoulder cannon. When the smoke from the blast clears, Megatron turns to his new warriors. "Decepticons. The time has come to reclaim our empire. Judging by Starscream's appearance, I doubt if our enemies have enough firepower to resist. First we have to find some Energon supplies. Death to all Autobots!", Megatron yells and his comrades join him. They all fly out of the Chamber.
-Iacon's Palace, next morning.
Optimus Prime is being informed by Jazz and Tracks about last night's incidents.
"Why wasn't I told any of these earlier?", Prime asks.
"I had Ultra Magnus to contact you as soon as we found out what happened, but all our communications have been cut off. They said something about lack of Energon supplies in the Communication Center.", Jazz explains.
"Are you sure they all left?", Prime asks, hoping for a negative answer.
"Some must have been destroyed from the explosion, but most of them left. I can't understand how"
"Starscream. I'm sure he did it.", Prime realizes.
"But Optimus, why are you so concerned? An army of endoskeletons can't hurt us.", Tracks says.
"No, they can't.", Prime answers still concerned. A robot enters the room.
"Optimus Prime, we have received news. There is a massive attack in the suburbs of Iacon. All our defenses are down!", the robot says.
"Activate the Global Alarm. We are in a new war. Jazz, Tracks run to the Vault. It's time to fight back.", Prime orders.
"Yes sir!", Jazz yells as he and Tracks transform and leave the Palace.
Prime walks to a small vault on the wall. He dials a password and the vault opens. In the vault there is a small gun, which Optimus grabs with no hesitation.
"It's not as powerful as my old gun, but it might be of some use.", he says. Suddenly a beam destroys the gun.
"It'll do no good Optimus Prime.". Prime recognizes the voice.
"Megatron...", he says before turning to face his old nemesis. "I knew it was a matter of minutes for you to show up."
"We didn't face much resistance. If you look out of your window, you will realize the weakness you brought to your Autobots."
"It's been 500 years and still you use the same lines. You're repeating yourself Megatron, awfully lot.", Prime answers.
"It's a nice discussion, but I don't have much time. So...", he fires at Prime with his gun. Prime dodges.
"Nice! Age hasn't slowed you down a bit. Too bad you don't have a weapon.", he fires again and again. Prime keeps dodging, running behind surfaces that resemble tables. He transforms in his tractor mode, without the trailer, and drives as fast as possible in the room. He surprises Megatron and crashes on him, making him collapse and drop his gun. Prime transforms again and immobilizes Megatron on the floor.
"Who said I need one?", Optimus says. Megatron shoots Prime on the chest with his shoulder cannon.
"I did", Megatron says. He stands on his feet again, grabs his gun from the floor and targets at the kneeling Optimus.
-The Vault.
Jazz and Tracks drive fast, trying to survive the attack of the Decepticons. The city is being trashed. Everywhere can be seen scared Transformers feeing in panic, buildings collapsing, Autobots being slaughtered by Decepticon warriors. The two Autobots reach the Vault. Jazz digitally unlocks the gate and they get in. The Vault is full of weapons, like Sidearms, fusion cannons, grenades and other kind of explosives..
"What the? I thought our weapons have been destroyed!", Tracks says.
"You didn't think Prime would leave us unprotected, did you? He locked all the weapons in 150 Vaults around the planet. But with all these reformed Decepticons among us, he couldn't risk telling everyone about it.", Jazz says. Both Autobots are soon fully equipped with weapons.
"Let's kick Deceptibutt!", Jazz yells, while they both leave the Vault.
On their way back to the Palace, Jazz contacts Ultra Magnus.
"This is Jazz! Ultra Magnus, do you read me?"
"This is Ultra Magnus. Go ahead Jazz.", Magnus can be heard through Jazz's transmitter.
"Me and Tracks have emptied Vault 1. What about you?"
"All Vaults have been emptied, but it's difficult to fight back. We are too late. They have the upper hand. And there's more."
"What is it?"
"We tried to contact the Palace. Not Optimus Prime, or any other Autobot responds. There's something wrong.", Magnus says worried.
"We're on our way there. But if Megatron is already at the Palace..."
"I know. I'll get Kup, Windbreaker and Bluestreak and we'll be there A.S.A.P. Magnus out." With that Magnus terminates the connection.
"Come on, hurry Tracks!" Both Autobots accelerate.
Back in the Palace, Prime is on his knees and Megatron is standing in front of him, aiming at him.
"I will miss you Prime. Things won't be the same without you ruining my plans.", Megatron says.
"I won't let you wreck Cybertron again.", Prime says with the last of his strength.
"Cybertron is already at my mercy. Soon my forces will control every corner of the planet. My plans, however, have nothing to do with our home. I was thinking of establishing a power plant on Earth."
"What? Leave the Earthlings out of this.", Prime says upset.
"After all these centuries, can you imagine how much energy Earth might have stored?"
"Why are you doing this? Cybertron is full of energy already. You don't need Earth's energy."
"You're right, I don't. But in all these years of the Great War, I hated Earth and its inhabitants as much as I hate you. Utter destruction is my plan for the miserable organic planet. But I would be a fool not to drain its energy reserves before I trash it.", Megatron says, with an evil grin on his face. Megatron can see Jazz, Ultra Magnus, Tracks, Kup and Windbreaker (G2 Windbreaker- Zap in Europe) accelerating at him. He turns to Optimus.
"Now, I am afraid that I ran out of time. Unfortunately so did you.". With that he blasts Optimus' head with his gun. Prime collapses dead, with no distinguished features on his face. The five Autobots transform and aim at Megatron.
"Hold it right there Megatron.", Magnus says. He looks at Prime. "You..." Megatron blasts a computer next to the Autobots, causing a huge explosion. When the air becomes clean again, the five Autobots stand back on their feet, while Megatron is nowhere to be seen.
"Is everybody ok?", Magnus asks. "Optimus isn't", Windbreaker says running to his fallen leader.
"Call the Paramedics of the Palace.", Magnus orders Tracks. Tracks doesn't respond.
"Roll for it!", Magnus yells. Tracks leaves the room.
"Optimus, can you hear me? Optimus, please respond... somehow.", Magnus tries to revive his leader. Soon the paramedics rush into the room and start taking care of Prime.
- Autobot Mausoleum, same afternoon.
Autobots are standing above a steel coffin, grieving. Hot Rod, Ultra Magnus, Kup and Jazz are in the first line of grieving Autobots.
"I was hoping I wouldn't have to see this again.", Magnus says.
"Yeah... He returned from the dead once. He seemed so invincible.", Jazz replies. "I should go check on our other losses. Just to make sure they're being respected as they deserve.", he continues.
"I'll go with you.", Kup says. Hot Rod and Magnus nod while Jazz and Kup leave. Magnus walks closer to Hot Rod.
"The Matrix will be passed the following morning.", he says.
"I don't know if I want to take this responsibility again, old friend.", Hot Rod replies.
"It's our tradition. After a leader falls, the next chosen one must be the keeper of the Matrix. You are the next... One.", Magnus explains.
"I'm not sure if I can. Maybe you want the Matrix.", Hot Rod says.
"You know that that's not possible, Hot Rod.". Hot Rod slightly smiles. "What is it?", Magnus asks.
"We should get me another name. I'm too old to be a "Hot Rod".", he replies. Magnus slightly smiles as well.
"Don't worry. This will change tomorrow.", Magnus assures him. More and more Autobots pay a moment of respect to Optimus Prime, before they leave the Mausoleum.
-Colonel Thunder Clash, commander of the TurboMasters, cabin, same night.
Thunder Clash (G2 TurboMaster Thunder Clash/ recolor Machine Wars Optimus Prime in US), is sitting, looking at some maps. The door of his cabin suddenly opens and Hot Rod walks in. Thunder Clash immediately stands on his feet steel.
"Sir, how can I help you?", he asks.
"Knock it off, Colonel. I'm not the leader yet.", Hot Rod tells him waving his hand. "I hope I'm not bothering you."
"No, I was just looking at some maps.", Thunder Clash answers sitting again. He nods to Hot Rod to take a seat himself, But Hot Rod refuses.
"I didn't see you in Optimus' pay of respect ceremony.", he says.
"I couldn't come. I had to finish the plans for our route and establishment on Earth. Plus I had to figure out a plan to take the Decepticons away from there as soon as possible.", Thunder Clash replies.
"I see. The Decepticons back again. It's strange they let us even put the bodies in the coffins.", Hot Rod points out.
"They may enjoy our grief."
"I'm sure they do." Silence for a while. "So, who are you taking with you?", Hot Rod asks.
"I'm thinking of Jazz, Windbreaker, Smokescreen, Bumblebee, Deluge, Manta Ray Ironfist, a few Sparkabots and my TurboMasters. I hope it's fine with you.", Thunder Clash replies.
"Sure it is." Thunder Clash stands up and opens box. He removes the Matrix of Leadership from the box and hands it to Hot Rod.
"The Ceremony is set for tomorrow, but I'm afraid we will have to leave in a few hours in order to find Megatron in time. Since you are our next leader, I think you should..." "Why can't it wait till tomorrow?", Hot Rod asks.
"I told you, we might have to leave tonight and I need authorization from the One for such action.", Thunder Clash explains. Hot Rod is hesitating. He finally opens his chest and places the Matrix in. Thunder Clash smiles.
"At your commands Rodimus Prime.", he says.
"I... I am not Rodimus Prime.", Hot Rod answers.
"What are you talking about?"
"I feel no change at all."
"Is that possible?", Thunder Clash wonders. Hot Rod removes the Matrix from inside his chest.
"I'm wondering... The Matrix is still alive while Optimus is dead. Isn't that strange?", Hot Rod says.
"I figured it survived because it was removed from Prime before he passed away.", Thunder Clash explains.
"No. Prime died instantly after Megatron's blast."
"Then maybe ever since it was refilled, it's working differently."
"Are you listening to yourself?". Hot Rod passes the Matrix to Thunder Clash. "You keep the Matrix, Thunder Clash"
"I can't! You are the One. You are the keeper of the Matrix."
"Yes I am. And as the Keeper I can give up my right and pass the Matrix of Leadership to somebody else. To you". Thunder Clash is ready to speak but Hot Rod stops him.
"Listen to me. You're after Megatron and the Elite of his warriors. You will need as much help as you can get. I trust you to be the new leader of the Autobots. I know you won't let me down. Good luck. We'll all be waiting for your arrival back home.", with that, Hot Rod watches as Thunder Clash places the Matrix in his chest and then leaves the room.
- Secret Underground Space Station, a few hours later.
Some Autobot civilians and warriors are watching as Thunder Clash and the Autobots that follow him on Earth are ready to board to a shuttle. Ultra Magnus nods to the crowd to keep quite. Thunder Clash stands in the center of the room.
"I know that is one of our darkest hours. I wish I could stay here, but we must stop Megatron before he destroys Earth.", the new Autobot leader says. "You all realize, that Cybertron is at Decepticon hands. They will be tyrants, dictators. There will be times when you'll have the strong wish to give up, to stop this war you are not responsible for. Some of you haven't lived the Great War, but I have. And I can assure you that nothing deserves the ultimate sacrifice more than freedom. So, I'm counting on each one of you to free Cybertron. I know I'm leaving behind a planet full of heroes that will fight until the Autobots can live again in the surface without fear for anything. This Space station isn't in the map of the city. Nobody else knows the existence of it. May this be our new base of operations here on Cybertron. Till all are one!", Thunder Clash yells. The Autobots join him yelling "till all are one" and "Hail to our leader!" Thunder Clash and his team board the ship. The shuttle blasts off and leaves Cybertron, digging a hole through the ground, so that Decepticons won't trace it.
- Autobot Shuttle, a few hours later.
All the Autobots aboard are resting. Two or three are looking at the monitors, making sure there's no danger near them. Inside Thunder Clash, deep inside the Matrix, a voice can be heard, saying weakly: "I... am... alive..."
............................................................................................................
To be
continued...