Transformers: Sins of future's past
by JupiterJones aka J.A. Franks
Disclaimer: All things Transformers belong to Hasbro and Takara-Tomy. I own nothing but the plot and Ocs.
Setting: G1/beastwars/beast machines continuity, except where it isn't. Divergent time-line, AU.
Chapter 9:
War Angel did not like what she was seeing at this moment. That she was certain. Three of the four bots in her command were currently passed out on the floor. Only Jinx was still standing and coherent enough to answer. Ratchet vented in annoyance behind War Angel and Jazz was doing everything in his power to try and not laugh. "Jinx.. Report! What in the Hell is going on here?" War Angel growled, her turbines revving angrily.
"Sorry.. Ma'am... Joker said -hic!- some yellow an' red bots showd him this.. awesome drink.. called it high grade.. an' -hic!- he had ta share..." Jinx swayed a bit as she turned to look back at the others. "I think Wyld went down first. Then Joker tried to challenge me an' -hic- Slam to see who can drink the most.. Joker went down next.. and then Slam fell down right after... tha's -hic!- when I called.. Ma'am."
Ratchet groaned. "I'm going to kill those two fraggers when I get my hands on them. Come on Jazz, help me drag these three idiots off to their quarters, they can sleep it off in there." Ratchet frowned as he noticed something odd. "There are enough containers here to get six bots intoxicated.. but they're all empty.. did you four drink all of them?"
"Oh.. no sir. Joker, Wyld, and Slam only had about one each before they hit the floor." Jinx noted, smiling oddly. "I just though it would be a shame ta' let it all go to waste. -hic!-"
Ratchet silently stared at Jinx for a full minute before speaking. "Go directly to your quarters and take a stasis nap. Doctors orders, then come see me later."
War angel frowned and shook her head as Jinx wobbled off before muttering, "I used to think that was just a stereotype... I'm not so sure anymore."
"What stereotype?" Jazz asked as the three bots started to drag the other three bots. "an' you sure you got Slam, Angel? He's pretty heavy built."
War Angel managed a slight chuckle as she hefted the tank. "The ones where the Irish are known for handling their drink and for their temper... and yeah, I got him. I have half a mind to try and come up with a punishment for their stupidity... but I figure they'll probably regret what they did enough when they wake up."
Jazz chuckled. "Right you are, Angel. High grade is hard on a system that's not used to it. Though that might not stop them from drinking it again, its good stuff.. they'll just have to learn not to chug a whole cube.. well not in one go anyways."
Ratchet grumbled as they neared the trio's quarters and shoved them onto their berth's. "And ya'll keep coming to me for your hangover cures when you do. Now lets go find those two fragging glitch heads. My wrench and I want a word with them before we let Prowl toss em in the brig."
"Before or after I ream them and hang them from the rafters for pulling that shit on my men?" War Angel snorted.
Ratchet considered it for a moment. "After. I always wanted to hit a pinata." He grinned sadistically.
Jazz laughed. "I'll get the cables for the stringin'.. this'll be a site to see!"
Starscream frowned at the strange thing sitting on the table in his newly built lab. According to his notes, it used to be a tree. But now it seemed to be some sort of self replicating solar array. It converted sunlight to Energon, but far in excess of what it needed to function. Meaning it actually served to feed the rest of the strange cyberfauna that thrived around it. For several days he'd requested the new bots bring him live samples of the creatures, and now he had quite a collection. Unlike Shockwave, he didn't see any value in torturing the beasts that inhabited the world, but they were fascinating to study. Doubly so for the one that could actually think and speak on its own.
As Starscream carefully analyzed a sample from the tree, comparing to the the sparse notes they had from before, a low growl came from the cage behind him. "He's coming back again." Riptracker, as Starscream named him, snarled.
Starscream glanced back toward the door, idely counting the seconds before Soundwave entered. Soundwave had been irritatingly persistent in getting reports from Starscream in base metals, rather than asking for him to transmit the data, like every other bot did. The strange cyberhound didn't like Soundwave either, though when pressed, he couldn't give an answer why. Soundwave, however, never showed any sign of how he felt about the beast at all.
It was fifteen and a half seconds later, that Soundwave entered the lab. "Starscream: Report."
Starscream grumbled for a moment before he pulled up a few files on his monitor. "My research has uncovered a fair bit of potentially useful data. The plant fauna has been transformed into a sort of self replicating Energon factory, acting like a sort of solar array. It could potentially be useful in the revitalization of Cybertron!" Starscream paused as Soundwave stood there silently. "But no, Megatron doesn't care about the future, does he? He wants weapons for his impending conquest. Fine. I also found that some of the native species have a form of cybervenom of varying potency. Most of it wouldn't do much to a Cybertronian, or larger cyber life form. But I am working on improving its potency, as well as waiting for additional samples from the more venomous life forms on this planet. Thundercracker and Skywarp have been dispatched to Australia for that purpose."
Soundwave nodded. "All Research: Important. Future planning: Important. Decepticons: must endure." Soundwave retrieved a data disk from his subspace and handed it to Starscream. "Latest security and software updates.
Starscream arched a brow ridge at Soundwave's curious statement as he accepted the disk. "Yes, I'm glad you understand that. Now, tell Astrotrain to come here, I need him to deliver an experiment to a couple of isolated locations while I work on refining this cybervenom."
"Affirmative, Starscream." Soundwave quickly turned and exited. He knew that Starscream would never suspect he tampered with the software updates, adding an update of his own. It was remarkable in its subtlety. It didn't do anything a normal medical program wouldn't. Quite the opposite. It was a slight behavior modification program, normally used to curb the insane or impulsive behavioral quirks that sometimes occurred. Most Cybertronians would of balked at the use of such programs. They've always been regarded with a healthy amount of suspicion and worry, as they were dangerously close to mind control. But in Starscream's case, it would serve the Decepticon cause better, if he were a little more.. balanced. The effect would be cumulative and slight enough that Starscream shouldn't notice.
Starscream huffed once he was certain Soundwave was gone and eyed the data disk. "You know he's up to something, don't you?" Riphunter inquired.
"Of course he's up to something." Starscream revved his turbines before inserting the data disk. "The question is what. Ever since he got fried by that energy surge he's been acting strangely. Too specific to be some random glitch from the damage." Starscream paused and shuddered as a few programs rebooted. "Eventually I'll find out. He may be good at keeping secrets, but eventually he has to let something slip.. if he hasn't already." Starscream frowned. "He knows something... something he doesn't want to share."
"Something worries him." Riptracker added. "I can almost sense it, buried beneath his exterior."
Starscream grinned. "I knew there was a reason I kept you around. Now.. what do you say to a little experiment after Astrotrain picks up my package. Let us see if a primitive lifeform like you can be upgraded to Decepticon standards. I'm sure you will appreciate the results."
Riptracker grinned a canine smile. What predator wouldn't appreciate being stronger?
Prowl scowled at Sunstreaker and Sideswipe as they sat in the brig, dented up and covered in confetti of all things. "So, what did we learn today?"
"Don't get caught by the new bots' CO after you got all her troops plastered on high grade?" Sideswipe offered with a grin while his brother quietly grumbled in the corner.
Prowl groaned as he tried to ignore the processor ache. "Close, but no. How about letting someone responsible teach the new bots about high grade. Like Ratchet."
"What about Jazz?" Sides asked.
Prowl nearly glitched at the thought of Jazz being 'responsible' but he quickly shook it off. Jazz did know better than t get someone overcharged for their first time without careful supervision. "Jazz would be.. acceptable.. But no one else!"
"Its not like we told them to drink a whole cube in one sitting." Sunny snarled.
"They didn't know they shouldn't either!" Prowl snapped at Sunny before venting a sigh. "I suppose I should be relieved you two didn't do anything permanent this time."
"I heard that Jinx femme was still standing." Side's supplied helpfully.
"Yes, she was.. barely. And I should remind you to keep your hands to yourself, concerning her. She's got a mate and youngling back at home. Plus my records show I should remind you that Regulation 4.48 section B applies to her quarters as well." Prowl grated out in an almost bored tone.
Both twins perked up. "But thats the same reg you wrote of for Wheeljack's lab!" The both said in unison.
"Yes. Exactly my point. If you want to keep your servos attached to the rest of you, I suggest you don't touch. There is a reason she went into demolitions." Prowl supplied.
"Aww maaan. Way to take the fun out of things, Prowl." Sideswipe whined.
"That's what I'm here for.. or so I hear you tell every new bot you meet."
"You still sore about that?"
"Yes."
Elsewhere, Blaster and Red Alert were busy compiling the massive amounts of data being updated from around the world when Optimus Prime stepped in to check on them. "Any updates on the situation?"
"Numbers are still coming in Prime. Getting some conflicting reports, but I think I can straighten them out once I get confirmation on a few things." Red Alert responded.
"The local economy is faring better than I expected. Those who were suddenly without jobs found themselves needed for construction and manufacturing work. The least affected were artists, authors, and musicians. Not much changed for them. Seeing a boom in science related work and in the medical field. Hollywood took a massive hit, only voice actors seemed to get away relatively unscathed. If it required physical actors, the movie more or less got scrapped or put on hold for the time being. Food service is all but gone as well... with the exception of bartenders.. someone let slip how to make mixed Energon drinks and they're doing pretty well for themselves." Blaster added.
"Thankfully, Energon is plentiful now and beyond medical needs and shelter, most bots don't have as great a financial burden. I just wish these death reports matched up with the population reports." Red Alert groaned.
Prime nodded and glanced over the notes. "Perhaps the population numbers are including new births? I noticed that some of the humans had sparklings with them that appeared to be recently born."
Red Alert looked up at Optimus in surprise. "Of course! How could I've missed that! I had forgotten that humans normally don't count their children as part of the population until after their birth... Hmm.. I wonder if this also includes the symbiotes that have popped up as well.." He pondered aloud.
"On the upside, rioting has gone down significantly, and crime has dropped as well. Attempted suicides are still high, but few are successful." Blasted noted. "There's some chatter about finishing the live action movies in CGI, with the original actors doing voice acting instead... not a whole lot of people are thrilled about the idea of mixing the two. Planned sequels might go the CGI route as well, that's going over a little better for some. Others think they should just continue on and find a way to cope with the new forms and body style. All in all, it looks like a good sign for recovery."
Prime nodded again. "That is good news indeed, keep me posted on further developments. I will be going out to Jasper to check on the reconstruction there. Anything else you would like to share?"
Red Alert quirked a brow ridge as he spoke. "Its not particularly important.. but the humans are referring to the incident as 'C-Day' there's a bit of chatter of holding vigils for the lives lost and whatnot. Jazz suggested it might be a good idea to attend one when it happens."
"An excellent suggestion, let me know when and where and we shall gather together and attend the ceremony." Prime stated as he headed out the door.
"Will do Prime!" Blaster called out before going back to work.
arcon Transwarp drives aren't something that humans have ready access to to study and reverse engineer. Currently they only have access to the Decepticon developed space bridge technology, which will be enough to get them around the solar system once its set up. Remember that the Ark didn't have an on board FTL system, and instead relied upon the ground based space bridge portal that we saw used in Fall of Cybertron. It'll likely take several centuries before any serious colonization effort outside of Mars and the Moon will be made.
And as always, Read and Review please! =D