DISCLAIMERS/NOTES

1. This is a fan fiction based on a property owned by Hasbro. I DO NOT OWN IT. This is just for fun.

2. This is set in the continuity of the original Generation 1 cartoon. It is intended to try and patch up the continuity errors between Dark Awakening and The Return of Optimus Prime Pt. 1. I acknowledge this story has quite a few leaps in logic, but so did the series itself. Hopefully, it'll still be enjoyable.

PART 1

"... and we're getting reports of small spatial anomolies on the edges of the planet. However, astrologists have given assurances that there's no cause for alarm: the anomolies are so small, they are almost undetectable... "

Aron looked up from his work. "Can you turn that newsfeed off?"

"Ah, lighten up, pal," Marty said. "This is interesting."

"In a possibly-related note, a meteor shower is expected tonight," the newsman continued. "Though nothing will come close to penetrating the atmosphere, the sky should be quite a sight."

Aron shrugged. "It's distracting me." Grumbling, he returned to his work. This experiment was not going to conduct itself.

Marty shrugged as he turned off the newsfeed. "Aren't you at all interested in what goes on outside this lab?"

"Of course I am," said Aron. "But right now, we have work to do."

"We always have work to do," Marty snorted. "There's a party next week at the club, and you're the only one not going. You used to be fun, Aron."

"And you used to be a jerk, Marty," Aron paused. "Or at least... a jerk in a different way. Now come and give me a hand here."

Marty went upto him. "Years ago I would've clocked you for that." He chuckled. "Maybe I should... at least it would be something interesting."

At that, Aron looked up. "How can you say this isn't interesting? Dammit, Marty, I've been working on this since I was a teenager."

"Not all of us are fascinated by microtech, Aron," said Marty.

Aron paused... then snorted himself, before returning his attention to the microprocessor on his desk. "If this works, it could have worldwide applications. A myriad of possibilities."

"Like what?" Marty asked. "I've told you a million times, Aron - people don't want small things. They want bigger. Bigger, bigger, bigger. That's progress, buddy."

"That's always your problem, Marty," grumbled Aron. "You've always thought 'bigger means better'. Can't you see the advantages of microtechnology?"

"No one wants a tiny communicator, Aron!" yelled Marty. "Small things get lost... remember all the toys you lost as a kid?"

Aron paused, and a smirk crept on his face. "Yeah... 'lost'." His mind wandered back to when he was younger... and the group of little friends he met. The self-proclaimed "Autobots". Aron remembered their leader, the red-and-blue Optimus Prime. He had explained how he and his Autobots were not merely toys, but living beings. Aron had been astonished and, once learning of their need to return home to "Earth", did all he could to help them. It had taken alot of work - obstacles existed in his parents, scientists and even Marty - but eventually the boy had sent the small robots on their way.

Aron oftered wondered what happened to them. He nor anyone on his homeworld had heard of small, transforming robots before. But then, space was vast: there was so much out there that was unknown. For all Aron knew, the universe was full of tiny species.

Since that day, Aron had been fascinated by microtechnology. As he grew, he researched the science, hoping to copy his shapeshifting friends from when he was a child. Not literally, of course; he could not create life. But nearly everyday for the past twenty-or-so solar cycles, Aron had strived to learn all there was about microtech.

Unfortunately, his goals had turned into abit of an obsession. He was certainly no longer the fun-loving boy who had first encountered the Autobots, much to his parents' chagrin. While Marty had changed for the better - from heartless bully to close friend - Aron had to admit his change had its disadvantages. But he was so close to a breakthrough: just a little more work, and his first fully-functioning microtech gadget would be complete.

Aron's thoughts were interrupted by a purring sound. He looked down to see Nitro on his hind legs, trying to get his master's attention. "Not now, Nitro," Aron said to the aged cat. "Marty, can you let him outside?"

"He's not my pet, Aron," replied Marty. "If he wants to go do his business, I'm staying way clear."

Sighing, Aron looked back at Nitro. No longer as vital as he once was, the cat needed help in his necessities. "Fine," grumbled Aron. "Make yourself useful and keep this warm while I'm gone," he said to Marty, nodding to the experiment as he got to his feet.

"Yes, sir," drawled Marty. "Anything for you, my friend."

Aron rolled his eyes. "Sure - 'anything'." He led Nitro to the door. "Come on, old man."

Soon, Aron was in the field outside the observatory he worked at, waiting for Nitro to finish with his needs. Looking up, he tried to find any trace of the expected meteor shower in the sky. He sighed as he saw nothing. It must have already passed this part of the planet. Grumbling again, he returned his attention to his pet. "Come on, Nitro - hurry up!" When the cat did not appear, he shook his head and ventured further into the field. "Nitro, where are you?" It was pitch black, save for the illumination from the observatory, barely enough to light up the field. Aron did not have time to hunt for Nitro in the dark grass. Where was he? So much for years spent studying microscopic objects having had any positive effect on Aron's visual aquity.

After what seemed like days, Aron found Nitro, huddled close to the ground. He was pawing at something. Aron shuddered: he did not relish the thought of the cat playing with his... business. "Come on, Nitro, quit it!" Reaching the feline, Aron cautiously looked down... and gasped. Whatever it was that Nitro had found... was certainly not what he was expecting.

It was small, bright in colour, nearly in a million pieces, and smoking... and upon further inspection, was sitting in an impact crater.

Aron's eyes widened.

It was the remains of a small ship...

TO BE CONTINUED