X - Armada
The Butterfly Effect
Written by Morbid Sonne
Note: This is an alternative ending to Transformers Armada written as a fanfiction. This is not cannon and is purely based off of inspiration drawn from my own imagination and transformers lore.
Start: After the events in episode 47 inside Cybertron's moon aka Unicron. Alexis asks Starscream if he'd like to join the Autobots for a second time.
Hotshot: "How about joining with us?"
Starscream: "I'll have to pass, I don't want to risk betraying you a second time. It wouldn't be fair."
Alexis: "You wouldn't do that. You wouldn't betray your friends would you?"
Starscream thinks for a moment, he knows he will never be tricked again into betraying the Autobots and more importantly his friends. However, he knows his roots are with the Decepticons. There isn't a lot of time to make this choice. He has to decide, and there is no going back once he's made it.
Time's up.
Starscream: "You're right. It would be much more beneficial if I join the Autobots again. This new enemy only grows stronger, and we won't stand a chance unless we work together."
Alexis nods in approval, innerly celebrating how much Starscream has grown as a person. Hotshot is surprised and even excited about the prospects of Starscream becoming a possible permanent member of the Autobots.
Jetfire then assembles Hotshot, Starscream, and the kids as they all make their way to return to the Autobot ship. The hatch opens and they walk inside, Starscream following last with Alexis close-by. The Autobots turn and face the squadron in anticipation.
Optimus: "Starscream! Glad to see you had a change of heart."
Scavenger: "I hope this time it's permanent."
Starscream ignores the remark, and simply turns to Optimus, "Optimus, sir, as you may have noticed, we have a new threat."
Optimus: "Yes. I can already tell by the looks of it, that 'threat' is Unicron."
Everyone stares in awe, "Unicron?" They all wonder out loud.
"Unicron is a transformer just like the Autobots and Decepticons, a very large transformer. There's actually two giant transformers; Unicron and Primus, brothers if you might say. A good one and a bad one. Unfortunately, and as you may have guessed, Unicron is the bad one."
Shock ripples throughout the Autobot ship, as they were all unaware of the existence of both beings. Many presumed it was just fiction, but everyone except Optimus were not around at the time when both giants were active. After Primus and Unicron went into a dormant state, the war had begun since there were neither to stop it from occurring.
Red Alert: "Well, what do you propose we do now sir?"
"I'm not exactly sure. This will be no easy task, and I don't know where to begin. We're going to have to start working on a plan right away."
Jetfire: "How do we put this guy back into some hibernation-mode?"
"I assume, just like with any transformer, is to detach him of his energy source."
Scavenger: "Energy source? You mean his spark?"
"That would be the place to look. I don't think we can extinguish it, but we may be able to cut off the flow of energon."
Starscream: "I think I know what's going on here." Everyone directs their gaze at Starscream. "I saw Thrust running off with the Requiem Blaster. He already has the shield, and I bet he needs the Starsaber."
Jetfire: "And when they all came together they made that huge ball of energy."
"Precisely, and that's how we made the Hydra-cannon. I'm sure there are other ways to use the Mini-cons, and my bet is on waking Unicron from his slumber."
A certain panic begins to sweep across the others. The Autobots look amongst themselves with worry and the kids let out whimpers of fear.
Optimus: "Alright, I suggest we send out a group to check for weak spots in Unicron's armor. Once we've analyzed him we can develop a method to get inside and stop him. I need those who can operate the space pods, to equip themselves with high-grade explosives and the two of you with wings: so, Jetfire, Starscream, Hotshot, and Sideswipe, come with me and I'll explain the plan. The rest of you should get to work assembling the bombs we need and preparing the pods for launch, and in the meantime I'll attempt a meeting with Galvatron."
A loud "yes sir!" can be heard in unison as the Autobots rush to work.
Rad: "I don't know how to feel about this, what do you guys think?"
Carlos: "Ah man! This is going to be the end of us!"
Billy: "Quit your whining! I'm sure they'll figure something out."
They look at Fred, who is frantically stuffing his face with potato chips, "If I'm going to die, I'm going with a full stomach!"
Alexis had ventured away from the others, peering up at the stars, "This won't be easy for them, and I have a bad feeling about this 'Unicron.'" The kids all agree and split up in attempts to help the Autobots with their plan.
Alexis and Grindor make their way toward the launch bay, to see Optimus clearing up the final part of his plan. They then catch up with Starscream to chat with him before he departs.
Alexis: "Hey Starscream! Is there anything we can do to help?"
Starscream: "I don't think so, but you really should stay here. This is a dangerous mission. You could risk your necklace falling off for a second time." Starscream smirks.
Alexis clutches her necklace and looks down at it. 'He hasn't realized yet. Should I tell him?' She wonders.
"Just come back safe, okay?"
"I'll try, but I can't promise you that."
Alexis smiles sadly. Starscream tilts his head confused, "You worry too much about me."
She chuckles lightly. "You see how much my necklace means to me?"
"Of course. Few would risk their lives for one."
"You're right, but it's not just 'any' necklace. I made this pendant from the stone you brought back from Mars. I felt so honored that you thought of us and because of that it means a lot to me."
Starscream's eyes widened, "Such a small thing means that much to you? I guess I should be the one who feels honored here, and I do."
A signal sounded as Optimus could be heard over the loudspeaker, "everything is in place men, time to roll out!"
Hotshot and the others ran and took their places. "Good luck guys!" Alexis wished them all and watched from afar. As Starscream waits for the door to open, he looks back at Alexis and gives her a small two-fingered salute. She waves and the door opens. Jetfire and Starscream spring out and transform as Hotshot and Sideswipe start the pods and lay into the throttle. The doors close behind them, leaving an eerie silence.
The team split into groups of two, Hotshot with Starscream and Jetfire with Sideswipe. Both pods were armed with the strongest explosives they could carry, while the jets were sent out with handheld scanners. As a pod dropped an explosive, the other would then seek out a seperate spot on Unicron, which may appear weaker than the rest, and scan that spot while Unicron is distracted. It's important to note that at this point Unicron had fully transformed into his default mode.
Half an hour later, a very unsuccessful team had returned. No bomb had even managed to put a dent in Unicron's armor, and the scanners didn't really show anything promising. Jetfire had managed to take a small scan of Unicron's face before almost being sucked into its mouth. As Unicron can't react very fast due to his immense size, the rest was fairly uneventful. The scan of the face was also corrupted because it was unable to finish due to the danger of staying for any longer. Jetfire was really bummed out, and slammed his fist into a wall, "Scrap! That could have been the info that we needed!"
Optimus: "Don't be too hard on yourself, Jetfire. Your safety is much more important than a possible lead."
Sideswipe: "Maybe I can help. I could attempt to gather as much info from the corruption as I can so we can make something out of it. The only problem is, it could take me days to go through that much data."
Blurr: "How about looking at the most promising part and leaving the rest out?"
"It's a good idea, but what part would that be?"
Red Alert: "What about the eyes? Every operation I've performed on or around the optics has always been very demanding, since they're the most sensitive part of our bodies."
Brows raise and the group nods agreeing that this would be the only possible weak spot on Unicron's body. Sideswipe can now look into data taken from around the eyes and see if it differs from a separate sample taken from the face.
Sideswipe: "I'll let you all know as soon as I find something! So take it easy, I got it from here."
Hotshot: "You got this bro! I know you won't let us down."
A short while later, Starscream can be seen flying down to Cybertron. "What is he doing now?" Billy snorts. Optimus from behind him, "Relax Billy. I'm sure he has some unfinished business with the Decepticons."
"I hope you're right Optimus."
After leaving the ship Starscream recruits again with the Decepticons to discuss Unicron's demise in hopes of convincing Galvatron to join forces with the Optimus Prime.
Starscream: "Galvatron, why do we have to fight? For just this once can't you put aside your petty argument with Optimus?"
Galvatron: "That's enough! How dare you question me Starscream."
Starscream: "But if we don't join forces with the Autobots chances aren't good that both sides will survive the wrath of Unicron."
Galvatron: "You're testing my patience!"
Starscream: "I'm just worried there won't be a second chance before Unicron destroys the Universe as we know it."
Galvatron growing frustrated, "Enough about Unicron! I'm sick and tired of listening to your pathetic whining, and the day will soon come when Unicron is defeated!"
Starscream pleading, "It will be too late!"
"You simpleton, Optimus and I are sworn enemies!"
"But Galvatron, sir, I don't think Optimus would make this offer unless he truly believed it."
In one swift motion, Galvatron backhands Starscream against a wall, tired of hearing his pleas.
"Let me give you fair warning, Starscream, don't you dare cross me again!"
"I would never - you've got to believe me!"
Seeing his second in command in this much distress over a seemingly non-existent threat, he takes a moment to hear Starscream out.
"I beg of you sir, listen! You and Optimus must put aside your differences right away or there will be nothing left to defend on either side. Don't you realize the gravity of this?"
Cyclonus cackling, "Would you give it a rest? Galvatron knows what he's doing!"
Demolisher agreeing, "Yeah, unless you're ready to jump ship again you useless traitor."
Tidalwave laughs in agreement.
Starscream: "Go ahead and laugh! But soon that pea-brain of yours will be sorry."
Galvatron: "Oh I think Optimus is the one who will be sorry as soon as I defeat him, and that goes for Unicron as well."
Starscream is appalled as Galvatron continues with confidence, "You see my dear Starscream, there can only be one supreme commander of the universe and trust me, in due course I shall eliminate my competition."
"I can't believe you still think you can defeat Unicron all by your-"
Galvatron interrupting him, "I don't care what you believe, I will destroy Optimus first and then I'll worry about Unicron."
Starscream hysteric, "That's insanity! The only way we can survive is if our two armies joined forces Galvatron!"
"Enough!" Galvatron takes a hefty swing at Starscream with the Starsaber.
Starscream merely avoiding it, "You can't do this sir!"
"But I must give you credit for seeing through Thrust and his attempt to advert my plans, in that regard, I was quite impressed. However, I require once full loyalty. Is any of this sinking in, Starscream?"
Starscream giving in, "I understand sir."
Galvatron battle-ready, "Gentlemen! It appears we have a date with destiny! Follow my lead!"
All Decepticons except Starscream follow with an unanimous, "Yes, Sir!"
As the minutes lapse, Optimus Prime decides it would be best to head down to Cybertron in attempts to persuade Galvatron to temporarily join sides and unite to bring down Unicron. Optimus, alone, confronts a war-hungry Galvatron, power-linked and ready to exterminate the Autobot leader. Instantly, Optimus realizes Galvatron has no intention on listening or cooperating, he then power-links with Jetfire and flies to a more appropriate battlefield. Galvatron then shoots him down, and declares that, 'There can only be one leader in this universe.' Both unpower-link and fight one-on-one. Galvatron attacks Prime with the Starsaber, leaving Optimus only with his bare hands to defend himself.
As it seems that all hope is lost, an explosion shakes the ground behind Galvatron, leaving a large cloud of dust and debri. A red saber-sword parts the smoke and dust, and a winged figure stands in the distance. Once the debri settles, the commanders can finally detect who this new opponent is.
Optimus Prime: "It's…!"
Galvatron: "I don't believe it!" In outrage, "Starscream!"
Starscream: "The game's over Galvatron!"
Starscream enters onto the battlefield, confronting Galvatron.
"I hope you realize you're playing a very dangerous game, Starscream."
"I've made my choice Galvatron, there's only one path to survive Unicron and that's to follow Optimus!"
Galvatron in utter disbelief, "Why you..!"
Optimus Prime: "Stay out of this Starscream, this is between Galvatron and me, now just back away!"
"I don't mean any disrespect Optimus, but I'm not going anywhere."
Optimus is taken aback, as Galvatron threatens him, "You understand you'll pay for this. No one defies my command and gets away with it!"
"Sorry, I don't work for you anymore. I've made up my mind to bring this to an end, and once all is said and done, Unicron will be destroyed and the universe will be at peace!"
Both drawing their sabers, "May I suggest that you have lost your mind! I'll destroy-"
Starscream interrupting him, "Come and get a taste of my blade, Galvatron."
Swords clash together as the fight commences. Galvatron trying to avoid this battle with his once right-hand man, "I'll give you one last chance to save your neck, Starscream."
Starscream repeating himself from earlier, "My only chance is to see you unite with Optimus."
Optimus worried, "I hope you know what you're doing Starscream."
Swords part and a fury of blades slices through the air as the fight to the death begins. Galvatron maintains his confidence although both struck damaging blows. Unicron senses this extreme tension and begins to awaken further, sending lightning bolting to the planet beneath him.
Sword to sword, Starscream expresses how he's wondered what a fight of this magnitude would be like. As he slowly pushes Galvatron's saber downward he mocks him, "But your words are stronger than your fighting abilities. I'm very disappointed."
This invokes a strong reaction from Galvatron, "You insolent fool," and he retaliates with enough strength to throw the saber-sword out of Starscream's hands. As he precedes to swing with rage, Starscream swiftly jumps up to retrieve his weapon.
"Oh no!" Galvatron spurts out, barely missing Starscream's aerial attack. Impressed, he compliments the soldier, "An 'A' for effort, but unfortunately your misguided aspirations are about to end in failure Starscream."
Playing along, "This battle's far from over Galvatron."
Galvatron mocking him further, "Oh right! I forgot who you are: a mere Decepticon soldier whose programming has gone haywire. I admire your moxy, but sadly I must inform you your brave attempt to overthrow me is about to end in failure!" Giving him one last chance, Galvatron shows a little mercy, " Unless, of course, you decide to turn and walk away right now, and maybe if I'm still in a good mood I might spare your miserable life." Starscream doesn't move or say a word. "This is my final offer Starscream." No response. " Alright then! I believe you've made your final decision, haven't you. Well now it's time to pay the consequences, soldier!"
The battle continues and with it Unicron's wrath as he throws the planet Cybertron into a thundery chaos. In the midst of it, Galvatron and Starscream are at a standstill, interlocked arm-in-arm. Galvatron amazingly still showing mercy, "So do the smart thing and back down while you still can!" Starscream shows no sign of weakness. "Better hurry and decide Starscream!"
They break apart as Starscream jumps back. Galvatron laughs, "time's up!"
Starscream charges and a sword can be heard piercing through armor.
The Starsaber pierces through the air on Starscream's left flank, missing as he swerved right. The red saber swung from above, slicing into Galvatron's horns sending them flying onto the ground beside them. Starscream lay his red saber-sword on Galvatron's shoulder, sparing his life. Galvatron kneels to the ground, defeated, "Starscream, where in the universe did you get all this power?"
"Right now that doesn't matter, does it Galvatron?"
"Then do it, Starscream, finish me."
Starscream ignoring him, "I remember a very long time ago I swore an oath to you, Galvatron, and I could never break that oath." Voicing his betrayal, "I tried to gain favor from you, but nothing was ever good enough. No matter how many battles I fought, you always found fault. Then I saw how Optimus treated his men and I realized he was a leader of integrity, unlike you." Drawing his sword back as he finished and replacing it.
Galvatron glaring angrily from below, "I'll offer you one favor, so name your price. If you want command of the Decepticons, now's your time to take it."
"That doesn't matter to me anymore. What matters is the future of the universe. From this moment on, you will unite with Optimus Prime and defeat Unicron. The Decepticons are to cease-fire and join forces with the Autobot army until he is destroyed."
Galvatron nods and rises once again, "As you wish, Starscream." A brief moment is spent glaring into each other's optics, then Galvatron turns to Optimus, "And once Unicron is out of the way, you're next Prime." He then repower-links with Tidalwave and blasts away. Starscream and Optimus return to the Autobot ship to strategize an assault on Unicron.
