X - Armada

Heir to the Throne

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.

The warpgate activates and particles shift, Galvatron articulates in the center with Tidalwave flanking him, in his hands are Galvatron's severed horns.

Cyclonus: "Whoa! Who turned you into scrap sir?" The other Decepticons speechless.

Galvatron, ignoring Cyclonus' idiocracy, makes his way to the energon showers with Tidalwave still following close by. As he steps in, Tidal Wave hands him his amputated horns and leaves the commander to himself.

Galvatron places both back into place and activates the shower. As the energon rains down, it quickly heals his wounds and reattaches his severed horns. Within a few minutes, the mighty Galvatron is back in fighting shape. He exits the room and re-enters the main hall to face the troops and stations himself front and center, acting as if nothing had ever happened. He knows better than to admit defeat to his men, especially at the hands of Starscream. Clinging to his leadership, he announces his next plan of action: "Gentlemen, it's time to do the unthinkable and merge with the Autobots in pursuit of Unicron."

The men are silent, processing what they'd just heard and wondering if they'd been teleported to an alternate dimension, when finally Demolisher speaks up, "In all due respect sir, may I ask why? This seems like a very unusual thing for you to do."

"I realize now that Starscream's warnings were indeed correct, and we don't have any other options. Plus, once Unicron is destroyed, Prime is my next target and I have no doubt in my mind that he will fall! Then I, Galvatron, will be crowned supreme ruler of the universe!" Breaking into a roar of demonic laughter.

Cyclonus peers over at Demolisher and waves a finger in a circular motion by his temple, signalling their leader's insanity. Demolisher sighs and wonders, 'Something must have happened to change his mind! This makes no sense."

Over on the Autobot ship.

Blurr: "Okay Optimus, sir, I've connected you to Galvatron's network. All you have to do is initiate the call."

"Well done, Blurr." Optimus comments as his finger reaches for the input. Taking a deep breath, his finger slowly pushes against the key. The command station runs through layers of coding as it requests response from the Decepticon ship.

The display lights up the hall as Galvatron turns to see the incoming transmission from Optimus Prime. The Decepticons grit their teeth in disgust as Galvatron makes his way to the podium, returning contact with the Autobot ship. "Prime." Galvatron greets the Autobot leader. "Galvatron." Saluting the Decepticon commander out of respect, "Can you prepare a fleet of warships and aim all of your artillery at Unicron?" Galvatron smiles, "My army will annihilate him within seconds. On your mark, Prime."

The armada of spaceships, large and small, Autobot and Decepticon, fill the space surrounding Unicron. Every one of them fixated on a various part of the giant transformer's body. As the final ship maneuvers into place, the leaders connect once again.

"My army is ready Prime! Why isn't yours?"

"Our final unit has just informed me that they're in position and ready to fire."

"Then be my guest. It's time to blow this bastard to smithereens!"

Galvatron and Optimus project themselves on each monitor in every ship. "Sights locked. Lasers charged. Ready to fire."

"On the count of three." Every gunman is in position, focused and anticipating his leader's command. "One." All eyes focus on Unicron. "Two." All fingers are on the triggers. "Three!"

Optimus and Galvatron together: "Fire!"

Triggers pulled and guns blazing, lasers and bullets blast through space and thunder towards Unicron. Unmoving, they collide against him with unprecedented force. His armor then submerged under fire and flames, smoke protruding as the heat reacts with the dust particles.

Anticipation filling every inch of every bot and human as the smoke clears. All optics and eyes are baffled by the sight of a completely undamaged Unicron, his armor shining in the light of distance stars with defiance. All damage was immediately repaired through his advanced defense mechanism, like a cold-blooded beast regenerating its limbs.

Galvatron gasps in utter shock, Optimus' optics widen, speechless, and the others react with a mix of swears and screams. "We didn't even scratch him!" Hotshot shouts. "Unbelievable! " Red Alert mutters. The kids huddle together and the bots feel helpless.

Jetfire: "Great, what are we going to do now!?"

Just then Sideswipe comes dashing in, data transcript flailing in hand, "Guys! The results are in!"

Blurr: "Your timing couldn't be better, Sideswipe."

Optimus Prime: "Perfect timing, indeed. Let's see what it says."

Sideswipe hands the paper to Prime, trying his best to conceal his pride, as the commander feeds it into the scanner. The main monitor switches to a diagram of Unicron's face, mostly covered in indestructible armor.

Scavenger, unamused, "Sideswipe, this is no game. Now get to the point because this isn't convincing anyone at the moment.

Sideswipe pounding away at the keyboard, "Just hear me out, if you look here there's a slight vulnerability in Unicron's optics."

"Then why didn't our ships damage them? You're going to tell me that out lasers aren't powerful enough?"

"Unfortunately, that's exactly what I'm going to tell you."

Hotshot growls and throws his hands behind his head in frustration, "Ugh! And where are we going to find a stronger weapon?"

Galvatron still in the transmission over-hearing the heated bot, " Ah, I have just the thing."

"Yeah, and what's that supposed to be?"

The Autobots turn to the monitor confused. Galvatron then responds, "Foolish Autobot, I believe you recall the Hydra-cannon?" Starscream butting in, "Galvatron, you do realize we need all three Mini-con combinations to use it?"

"In terms of planetary destruction, yes. However, the weapon can still be activated with a single Mini-con trio," smirking as he lifts the Starsaber into view. "The only problem, as you may know, Starscream, is the cannon takes time to recharge."

Optimus cutting to the chase, "I request your permission to board, Galvatron."

"What!" Confused, "Why do you desire access to my ship?"

"We have important data concerning a 'weak spot' in Unicron's armor. I strongly recommend you look at it and focus the Hydra-cannon at its exact coordinates."

A heavy frown consumes Galvatron's face, "Request granted."

Thrusters ignite and the Autobot mothership maneuvers toward the Decepticon's. Cutting the rockets and igniting the forward boosters, both ships float parallel, aimed at Unicron's head.

Optimus, Starscream, Jetfire and Hotshot are chosen to board the Decepticon ship, but before they can leave the kids come running all suited up, "Take us with you, please!" Their curiosity obviously getting the best of them.

Jetfire: "Absolutely not! This is an 'all bots only' mission."

"We may be small but we can help too!" Rad adds, "My connection to the Mini-cons might come in handy." The others nod and beg and hope to change Jetfire's mind.

Optimus turns to Starscream, "Do you think it would be safe to bring them along?"

Starscream: "I don't see why not."

The kids cheer but Starscream puts a stop to the celebration, "However, I think it would be best if we only take Rad, Carlos, and Alexis."

Billy and Fred in unison, "What! Why? What's so special about Carlos and Alexis?"

Hotshot: "Not trying to upset you two, but we need the help of them and their Mini-cons. Plus, Alexis has a knack for befriending Decepticons," laughing, trying to lighten to mood.

Alexis blushes as Starscream looks over at her and shrugs in agreement. Meanwhile, Billy and Fred storm off in disappointment.

Optimus Prime: "Alright team, let's get going."

They enter the bridge and open the hatch. Using momentum they kick-off into space and glide towards the door of the Decepticon ship. The door opens upon arrival, while the bots wait on the three kids and the three Mini-cons. Once the kids have landed safely, they board the ship where they are greeted by Cyclonus and Demolisher.

Starscream: "What are you two doing here?"

Cyclonus: "We're here to escort you to Galvatron, you traitor." Cyclonus has to hold himself back from lunging at Starscream, enraged that Galvatron hasn't yet destroyed him.

Demolisher on the left and Cyclonus to the right, they flank the group as they lead them through the ship. The kids look into the different rooms as they walk by; prison cells, followed by a room full preserved alien specimens, and finally through the barracks. At the end of the hall was a large locked door which Demolisher opened by allowing it to scan his image. Through the door and at the end of the room, stands Galvatron spectating the universe through the windows of the helm. Turning around, his face dark, "That data better be of use to me."

Optimus steps forward meeting Galvatron face to face, he then extends his arm, handing over the transcript . Galvatron's optics fixate on it and he slowly reaches toward it, clenching his fingers onto it then walking toward the computer.

Starscream silently makes his way toward Galvatron and stations himself at the control panel. Galvatron slides a glance at his former soldier, but Starscream refuses to exchange eye contact. The silence is broken as Galvatron enters the data into the large maschine, which loudly processes each line of code and finally translates the coordinates for the Hydra-cannon.

The monitor lights up, as the crosshairs line up to the center of Unicron's left optic. "Interesting," Galvatron comments, seemingly unsurprised. Opening the heart of the cannon, he then places the Starsaber into the reactor core and closes the hatch. Starscream then types the startup command into the cannon's input. "Hydra-cannon will fire in 10 minutes."

Hotshot: "Optimus, what's your plan?"

Optimus Prime: "If all goes as planned, we need to send someone in through Unicron's optic. They will then travel downwards toward his spark, and attempt to destroy or heavily damage it. I'm just not sure how."

The bots look around, many unsure faces fill the room, looking to Optimus or Galvatron for answers.

Galvatron turns to Optimus, "Well, Prime? This is your idea, you better have a solution."

"I'm thinking and currently I believe the best possibility would be to retrieve the Requiem Blaster from Thrust." Starscream shoots Optimus a glance, knowing he almost lost his life to Thrust trying to do just that. "It should still be somewhere inside Unicron, and if we can manage to fire it at his spark, it might stop him once and for all."

Jetfire: "It's a great idea sir, but that would be suicide!"

"I'm well aware of that Jetfire, but I firmly believe it's our only option." The entire ship is silent, until Alexis breaks that silence, "Optimus, there's got to be a better way!" Carlos, "Yeah, we just have to find it!" Highwire lets out a series of beeps and robot noises at Rad, who translates, "The Mini-cons are powerless against Unicron, I'm sorry guys."

Galvatron shocked, "You can understand that Mini-con, human?"

"Yes, but I think it's a gift I received after reactivating him back on Earth." rad responds. Galvatron huffs, slightly impressed.

Starscream steps forward, "I will go and face Thrust, and I will destroy Unicron." The Autobots and Decepticons are taken aback by his bravery. "Don't do it Starscream!" Alexis screams, eyes large and starting to tear up. "Somebody has to do it, Alexis." He says coldly, trying not to show his emotions.

Hotshot also steps forward, "I'm coming with you." Starscream turns to him, "You should spare your life and stay here. I can do this on my own."

Demolisher: "Yeah, go and take him on by yourself. The universe will be better off without you." Cyclonus laughing and joining in, "Yeah, he's right! Stand alone; die alone!"

"Enough!" Galvatron jumping down from the control panel and approaching them, "You cowards have no honor, and should learn to shut your mouths before I shut them for you!" Just as he prepares to blast their brains out, they both scatter like mice into the ship's darkness.

"Are you sure you want to sacrifice yourself, Starscream?" Optimus questions, wondering if Starscream is making the right decision. "I am, sir."

Jetfire: "One minute to go. Good luck, Starscream." He then salutes him with Optimus and Hotshot following suit, showing their respect. Alexis begins sobbing, Rad and Carlos trying to comfort her, "Why does it have to be him?"

"That's just the way things are sometimes, Alexis." Rad responds holding her in his arms.

But as Starscream makes his way to the door, a hand grabs his shoulder from behind. Turning his head, he gasps seeing who it is, "What are you doing!?"

Galvatron pulls him back, "You're not going anywhere, Starscream." Blocking the door, he looks his ex-second-in-command stern in the optics, "I am."

Starscream backs up, his mouth gaping open, "I, I can't believe you. You're going to sacrifice yourself?" Almost stumbling, "You're the last person I would expect!"

Galvatron smiles and laughs softly, "Demolisher and Cyclonus were right. The universe would be better off without you, Starscream, but they failed to realize one thing."

"What is that, sir?" Starscream realizes he'd called Galvatron 'sir' again by accident, but plays it off as a sign of respect.

"The universe would have long been at peace without me. You were only a mere distraction, I am the real enemy." He smirks, "And I wouldn't want it any other way." Starscream shakes speechless in newfound respect for his former commander.

"One more thing, Starscream, I relinquish the leadership of the Decepticons. It's yours now, I just wanted to make sure I didn't raise a coward."

"Raise? We are not blood.. We don't share energon..?" Starscream's head spinning from Galvatron's strange use of diction.

"I will not repeat myself, soldier." His smile dissipating, "Do you truly believe I would have made you my second in command otherwise?" His eyes narrowing and without hesitation, " Absolutely not." Galvatron then turns and heads for the door.

The entire spaceship is dead silent, the shock is immense. Not only did Galvatron spare Starscream, but he is even heir to throne of the Decepticon army. Alexis has stopped sobbing, her tears staining her face from behind her glass helmet, as she turns her gaze to her friend.

As the initial shock settles, the Autobots also turn their gaze to Starscream who stands in the center of the room shaking. The seconds count down on the monitor and with them Starscream's emotions. When the timer strikes zero, everything explodes.

The Hydra-cannon shoots its ray of light, which engulfs the spaceship, illuminating the entire helm with a blinding white light. Starscream snaps in that moment, silently screaming, as the sound of the cannon is deafening. He falls to his hands and knees, energon flowing out of his optics and spilling onto the ground beneath him. There is no more holding back, as his emotions consume him, crying he clenches his chest. His spark feels like it's going to explode, as he has never felt such an extreme wave of emotions. A combination of betrayal, disbelief, and misery swirl through his head. They collide with the force of a collapsing star as his mind breaks in two. His senses fade to black as he loses control of his sanity.

The light fades and Starscream's emotions are on display, but he realises this and bolts out of view and through the doorway. Shortly thereafter, he can be seen through the helm windows transforming and blasting off with a sonic boom. His trajectory pointed at Unicron.

No one has time to react, or even think, so instead they all drift their gaze through the windows and at Unicron. Hotshot smiles and Jetfire ho in Victory, Optimus' plan had worked! There was a large gaping hole in Unicron's optic, and with that the kids celebrate.

Optimus heads over to the monitor and zooms into the hole, watching as Galvatron flies in with ease. However, a few seconds later Starscream can be seen flying in close behind while tailing Galvatron as the hole regenerates itself, sealing them both inside.

Optimus debates if he should tell the others what had just happened, but decides against it and is relieved to see them still celebrating the success of his plan.

"Galvatron has entered Unicron as planned," Optimus informs the group.

"And Starscream?" Alexis asks, concern plaguing her.

"I'm not quite sure, Alexis," Optimus curses himself for lying to her, but he'd hate to see her even more hysterical than she already is.

"Oh.." she whispers under her breath, and points her head toward the ground as she walks slowly toward the Autobots with Rad and Carlos by her side. It's not hard to see how much the events of the last hour have affected her, but she certainly knows that Starscream is far more broken than she will ever be. Her only hope is that he will return unharmed, wherever he may be. Optimus secretly hoping this as well, reading Alexis' face with precision. What she doesn't know is he's likely secured his fate in the heart of Unicron.

To be continued.