2013: PROLOGUE: Mechanadron, home planet of the Servabots and the Trechercons. The inhabitants are all females, thanks to the cruelty of their once slave masters the Quintessons. Even after this tragic event, it was evident that the two groups were not meant to live together peacefully. A war began, the results of which ravaged Mechanadron so much that it was drained of its energy. Night. A lone figure stands about 500 yards from a guarded storage building. Like the other Trechercons, Lieutenant Commander Slipstream wears a mask. The purpose of it is to hide her face and disguise her voice. What concerns Slipstream right now is getting to the energon contained within the guarded building before her. Her dominantly black form runs toward the building with electro lance and leech lariat in hand. The five guards see her and draw their weapons. "Halt!" a guard yells, moving to intercept her. A touch of the lance to the guards' chest and she cries out in pain, collapsing to the ground. The other guards fire their weapons. Slipstream dodges these shots and ensnares the guards in her lariat. It glows as it does its work, they go limp, she then removes her lariat from their inert forms. "Thanks for the recharge." Slipstream says, she enters the building and surveys the stacks of energon, a video-communicator comes out of her forearm, "Slipstream to Headquarters."
The gray face of Electra, the Trechercon Commander, appears in the screen, "Report." "The Servabots have been holding out on us. There's more energon here than I can carry, I'm going to need some help." Slipstream reports.
"I expected as much. Take Off is already on her way to assist you, she will arrive shortly." Electra replies.
"I'll be waiting. Slipstream out." Slipstream says. The screen goes blank and the communicator returns to its place.
She surveys the energon again. oO(Strange that only five guards were here to protect all of this. I don't like the looks of this, not one bit.)Oo she thinks. The sound of engines outside the building reach her audio receptors. oO(That had better be Take Off. I prefer not to take on ALL of the Servabots.)Oo she looks out the door and spots Take Off.
"About time you got here, Take Off. It won't be long before the Servabots show up." Slipstream tells her comrade.
"Just load me up Slipstream, and let's leave before they do." Take Off says, as the umber brown shuttles' form backs up toward her. Slipstream reenters the building to start bringing out their haul. 13 miles above the planets' surface tumbles the recognizable scarlet red and white form of an unconscious Starscream. Due to low fuel he shut down in hopes he would be found. Is he ever going to get a surprise.
Take Off and Slipstream get away with a shuttle load of energon just barely escaping a Servabot patrol group.
"We almost got it that time." Take Off sighs.
"No thanks to you!" Slipstream sneers.
"The Servabots showed up, so I took off with what energon we got. You know how upset Electra would be if we didn't come back with any." Take Off replies.
"You could have told me that they were coming! You left me behind to fend for myself! You're properly named, coward!" Slipstream yells.
"I'm sorry Slipstream. But I had to choose who I'd prefer getting mad at me, you or Electra, so I chose you." Take Off whimpers.
"Point made and noted, Take Off. But next time..." Slipstream warns.
"Understood." Take Off says, pauses and then announces, "Slipstream, my radar is picking up something just nine miles above our present position. Should we check it out?"
"Space debris doesn't concern us, getting the energon to the others does." Slipstream states.
"Whatever it is seems to have bio-mechanical life readings." Take Off points out.
"I'll check it out and you go to HQ. I'll be along shortly." Slipstream says.
"Understood." Take Off replies, angling toward base.
Slipstream angles upward. oO(Scanners confirm that the object is a robot, but nonfunctional. I wonder where it came from?)0o Slipstream thinks, she transforms to robot form and halts the strangers' travel, then takes a good look, oO('What in the name of the divine weld? Better take a better look at HQ.)Oo she hooks a rope to him, transforms back to jet form, and then hauls Starscream behind her towards Mechanadron.
Having discovered that her optics were not deceiving her, that the stranger was indeed a male Transformer, Slipstream decides that in order to get some of her questions answered she had better awaken him. A reenergizer beam bathes his body in its eerie light. His optics alight briefly and he slowly sits up. The machine shuts off and Slipstream moves out from behind it, but keeps her distance.
"Wh--what? Who are you?" the red and white form of Starscream says.
"I am Slipstream. I found you drifting through space and took the liberty of helping you." Slipstream says.
He looks at her, gets off the table, walks toward her, then stops five feet away from her. "Why?" Starscream asks.
"I was intrigued. Now then, tell me who you are and how this happened to you." Slipstream says.
Seeing how he was in a position to compromise with this Transformer since he was unarmed, he decided it was best to answer any questions posed. "I am Starscream and was fool enough to go wander too far from my home world, I decided to shut down in hopes of being found." Starscream says.
"Luck was with you then." she pauses, "Is there a group of do-gooders on your planet?"
"Yes, they call themselves Autobots. Why?" Starscream says.
"We have a similar group here called Servabots." Slipstream replies, "They have halted Trechercon domination over Mechanadron, but we are determined to destroy them and all they stand for."
"That's what the Decepticons have tried, but have not succeeded." Starscream states.
"I know what you mean." Slipstream agrees, he studies her a moment.
"There's something that bothers me about your voice, is it disguised or just strained? Starscream inquires.
She gives him an appraising, but steely glare from behind the mask.
"You have good audio receptors Starscream. It took the Servabots a awhile to figure out the Trechercons disguise their voices and faces..." Slipstream begins then stops short.
"I'm hearing a disguised voice and a seeing a false face?" Starscream blinks.
"Yes. Many vorns ago there was a Trechercon Commander that was so ugly and her voice so repulsing, that she used a battle mask to cover both problems. Some Servabots taunted her about it. She got so angry that she ordered all the other Trechercons to wear battle masks as well. It's been a tradition since." Slipstream reports.
"An interesting tale. But a female leader? I find that hard to believe." Starscream sneers.
"This planet is inhabited only by females, a female leader is the only option." Slipstream growls.
"No males at all?" Starscream asks incredously.
"None since before the war, almost five million years ago." Slipstream replies.
He studies her again and shakes his head.
"I find it almost unbelievable that you're a female." Starscream smirks.
"Why you..." Slipstream growls, she tries to backhand his face but he catches her moving arm.
"Don't be so touchy. I'm sure you couldn't believe I was a male when you first saw me." Starscream grins.
"True. Now let go of my arm." Slipstream commands.
He frees her arm and studies her again.
"Has anyone seen your true self?" Starscream asks.
"No." Slipstream says.
He looks at her and smiles mischievously.
"There's always a first time." Starscream smiles, he grabs her suddenly and manages to flip up her mask, much to Slipstreams' dismay, surprise, and anger.
"How could you?!" Slipstream cries, her fists clenching.
"I.." Starscream begins.
Slipstream punches him in the face, he yelps and grimaces in pain.
"How could you do this after I saved your life?!" Slipstream demands.
"Decepticons are made not to be gentlemen. Besides, how could I know how to act around females when I only know how to deal with males?" Starscream insists past his grimace.
"Normally I would kill the being who witnesses my true self, but I will make an exception if you swear never to reveal what has transpired here." Slipstream states as she flips her mask back down,
"I suggest you leave Mechanadron before the others find out about you." she turns to leave, but stops when he places his hand on her shoulder.
He had realized that this female was trying to hide something and not just her face.
"Slipstream, will you forgive me for intruding on your privacy?" Starscream inquires.
"You are forgiven, Starscream. Now leave, if anyone catches you..." Slipstream trails off. "After what I have done, even I wouldn't be concerned about my well being. You wouldn't be so concerned unless you had feelings for me." Starscream says.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the universe a group of Autobots are doing a little scouting via shuttle.
"Why was I assigned to this expedition? I should be back on Earth scouting out its oceans, not out here." the blue, light blue and red form of Shark sighs as he crosses his arms across his chest.
"Cool it Shark, my man. Don't you understand, that it's all part of Primes' plan. Anyway, if we find a planet with water, I know you'll take to it like an otter." Bebops' two-tone blue form rapped jovially.
"Bebop's right, although I wish I didn't have to be here either." the two-tone brown and black form of Barracuda states.
"Someone had to go. Besides, Prime chose well. You and Shark for underwater recon, Smokescreen and I for scouting and initial contact with any beings we meet. Bebop for communications and a translator if necessary. And of course the cassettes he carries for back up."
the dark orange, ochre, and black form of Tracer smiles.
"Tracer is right, Prime would not send us out here on a vacation. Our directive to scout out planets we discover for inhabitants may be boring, but it is essential, we might even find allies. It also allows for further mapping of the universe, although there's no way we could map all of it." the blue, red, and white form of Smokescreen grins.
"We had better not try mapping out all of the universe. Even my fine physique could not withstand such lengthy travel." Sky Lynxs' preening voice came over the wall speaker.
"Typical male ego." Barracuda utters under her breath.
Tracer gives her a warning look, then asks, "Barracuda, how soon before the next planet?"
Barracuda concentrates for a few minutes, "I can sense two planets a days' travel from here. No animal life, but a variety of plant life. There is a strong possibility of energy resources on the second, as well as a strong feeling that we will have visitors."
"Anything else?" Shark asks.
"It is very fuzzy, there is a third planet." she paused, frowning, "I lost it."
"Your psychic powers can only do so much. They will strengthen as you use them." Tracer smiles.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Tracer. There is something about that third planet though, something very important." Barracuda says thoughtfully.
"We will worry about it later. We can investigate the two closer planets first." Smokescreen states.
"Let's not delay, but be on our way." Bebop rhymes.
"Heading Beta Delta nine mark thirteen at cruising speed." Sky Lynx reports.
Starscream and Slipstream exit Mechanadrons' orbit unnoticed.
"How soon to the nearest planet?" Starscream inquires.
"At present speed, we should reach the nearest planet in a day." Slipstream replies.
"Once we get to Cybertron, we are going to have to make decisions." Starscream states.
"Like what?" Slipstream queries.
"Like if we are joining a group. And if so, which one. I cannot join the Decepticons without fearing for my life all the time, and joining the Autobots would be shear folly." Starscream states.
"It is best you stay neutral then. I might see what these Autobots are all about." Slipstream muses.
Back on Cybertron.
"Was it wise to have so many Autobots out on missions?" two-tone blue form of Kup asks.
"The missions I sent them on are of importance, besides they serve another purpose." red, blue, and white form of Optimus replies.
"What purpose is that?" the white and blue form of Magnus queries.
"To get the younger Autobots away from Cybertron." Optimus retorts.
"Why wasn't I assigned to supervise some of our new Autobots?" Kup asks.
"I thought you would like it better where the action is going to be." Optimus says.
The red form of Blaster runs in, "I hate to interrupt, but I got an important call for you Optimus."
"Who is it?" Optimus inquires.
"It's Galvatron, and by the look in his optics, he's up to no good." Blaster reports.
"Put him on the main screen." Optimus commands, soon Galvatron appears on a screen.
"Optimus Prime, so good of you to answer my call." the purple and silver form of Galvatron grins.
"What do you want, Galvatron?" Optimus asks.
"A simple request, leave Cybertron." Galvatron smirks.
"We are not going to leave just because you request it." Kup points out.
"You know there's a good reason behind my request." Galvatron says, the smile on that face bore all the malice that evil being had.
"This had better be good." Magnus mutters, not liking the implications.
"If all your Autobots do not leave, my Deceptions will destroy Vector Sigma." Galvatron sneers, the screen goes blank.
"He wouldn't dare." Magnus says, more shocked than anything.
"Galvatron is capable of any madness." Optimus sighs.
"That's true. But what purpose would it serve? If Galvatron destroys it, he'd be hurting himself as well as us." Kup replies.
"He obviously doesn't care and knows I won't allow him to destroy Vector Sigma." Optimus says.
"Shall I radio the mission groups and tell them to return?" Blaster asks.
"No Blaster, they will be the last to know. If the Decepticons destroy Vector Sigma, they will have to carry on elsewhere. For when Vector Sigma dies, so may Cybertron and everyone on it."
Optimus states, "However, I do want you to radio all unassigned Autobots and tell them to gather at the main meeting hall in two hours. I will discuss our strategy for stopping the Decepticons then."
"I'm on it." Blaster salutes, and runs off.
An hour later, in the main meeting hall in Iacon.
"I'm sure you all want to know why I called you here today, so I'll get right to the point. Galvatron threatens to destroy Vector Sigma. I cannot stress how important it is to stop this. If any of you wish not to be involved, I suggest leaving now." Optimus states, no one moves, "Good. We must gather as much artillery and energon as possible in the next day. The second day we will travel to
Vector Sigmas' chamber and make our stand."
"How do we know they aren't bluffing?" an Autobot in the crowd asks.
"We don't. If there are no more questions?" Optimus asks, no one responds, "They're all yours, Magnus."
Back to Slipstream and Starscreams, they have found a planet and are exploring it in jet form. "My sensors are picking up energy readings and the presence of robotic life just three miles from our present position." Slipstream says.
"Let's see who they are." Starscream says.
They angle toward the signal, then transform to robot form and land. They sneak through the dense foliage and soon discover who it is.
"Sky Lynx." Starscream murmurs, "I wonder if he senses our presence and has called for reinforcements?"
"The answer to that just came into the clearing." Slipstream points out.
Shark, Barracuda and Bebop approach Sky Lynx, who transforms into Dino-bird mode.
"I sensed your worry a mile away, what's the problem?" Barracuda asks.
"We're not alone." Sky Lynx replies, glancing around.
"Never fear, Bebop's here. Get 'em girls." Bebop commands, his dual cassette containers open, four tapes emerge and transform, "Vixica and Ursa Thylar shall find them, Struthia and Austera will flush 'em."
Vixica and Ursa Thylar put their noses to the ground and catch a scent.
"This way." growls the brown ursine form of Ursa Thylar, she leads the way, soon the 'Cons come out with the four tapes at their heels. As they approach, Shark reacts.
"They won't live to see another day!" Shark sneers and aims his cannon at them. Barracuda quickly pulls down his gun arm.
"Easy Shark. Unfortunately, there is no malice present in either of them." Barracuda says.
"Anything you ask, my dear." Shark whispers, luckily unheard by Barracuda.
Smokescreen and Tracer soon come into the clearing.
"Where have you two been?" Barracuda asks.
"Our scouting took us farther out than you three, so it took us longer to get here." Tracer retorts.
"Likely story. I know what you two were doing..." Barracuda begins.
"Starscream." Smokescreen interrupts, avoiding a surely embarrassing verbal barrage from the female.
"Smokescreen, I'd wish to discuss matters." Starscream smiles.
"Unarm yourselves and we shall talk." Smokescreen states, they throw down their weapons, which are confiscated by the tapes.
"Shall we start then?" Starscream inquires.
"Yes. Please introduce us to your friend and I shall do the same." Smokescreen says.
"This is Slipstream of Mechanadron." Starscream gestures.
"This is Tracer, Barracuda, Shark, Bebop, Austera, Vixica, Ursa Thylar, Struthia, and Sky Lynx."
Smokescreen says, each acknowledges their visitors with a nod, "Now tell me, why are you here?"
"We are headed for Cybertron." Slipstream replies.
"So are we, when our mission is complete." Smokescreen says.
A short discussion later.
"Starscream wishes that Slipstream be allowed to join the Autobots." Smokescreen says, "Only Prime is allowed to decide that, however I can ask for a vote on having them join our expedition."
"Admirable idea. Shall we vote then?" the all black fox-like form of Vixica inquires.
"All opposed say Nay" the green, red, and golden-headed equine form Austera says, a pause as everyone looks at Shark and Barracuda, "All in favor say Aye." all respond.
"Motion passed. You two are welcome to join us." Smokescreen smiles, the duo look at each other, Slipstream nods at Starscream.
"We will gladly join you." Starscream grins.
The group arrives back on Cybertron.
"Let me do the talking Starscream." Smokescreen says.
"No complaints about that." Starscream nods.
They come upon Optimus Prime, Kup and Ultra Magnus talking.
"Optimus, I have a visitor who joined my expedition. She wishes to become an Autobot." Smokescreen gestures.
"Indeed?" Optimus inquires, not only examining the foreign female, but her company as well.
"I think she would make a good addition to our ranks, Commander." Smokescreen states.
"You are one of my most trusted advisors, Smokescreen. I trust your judgment." Optimus says.
"Does this mean I can join?" Slipstream asks.
"It does." Optimus replies.
Later that evening.
"With a drink from this chalice our inductee will complete the first half of the initiation." Optimus says, he passes the chalice to Slipstream who drinks from it, "Now the Rite of the Autobrand shall complete your initiation." Tracer steps onto the platform and brands Slipstream, "Welcome our new member." A cheer goes up, then Optimus signals for silence and the crowd grows quiet,
"Tomorrow we travel to Vector Sigmas' chamber and wait for the Decepticons to strike. Until then, you are all dismissed."
"What's been going on here?" Starscream asks.
A short discussion later.
"Galvatron said that?! I know a bluff when I hear it." Starscream chuckles.
"You may be right Starscream. But it's hard to tell with Galvatron, his madness is getting worse." Optimus retorts.
"All the better. With the proper motivation, he could be driven totally insane. Knowing the Decepticons, they'll end that by doing us both a favor and destroy him." Starscream smiles.
Within the bowels of Cybertron, just outside the room of Vector Sigma, the Cons prepare to back up their threat to the Autobots..
"I warned them! Now my threat will be carried out!" Galvatron growls.
"Mighty Galvatron, we cannot go in there without first taking the proper precautions." Cyclonus says. Galvatron hits him in the chest and he falls.
"I know that!! I wouldn't expect anything less from Optimus, and I won't disappoint him by dawdling. Decepticons, enter the chamber! Prepare for an ambush!" Galvatron cries.
They enter the chamber and all is quiet.
"Where are they?" the blue form of Scourge queries.
"They're here somewhere! Look around, dolts!" Galvatron yells, the Autobots rush into the room and quickly surround them.
"We have you surrounded, throw down your weapons!" Optimus demands.
"They have us, mighty one. It would be in our best interest..." the purple form of Cyclonus begins, he is cut off by a blow to the chest.
"Shut up!" Galvatron sneers, he transforms to cannon form and aims at Vector Sigma, "Drop your weapons Autobots, or Vector Sigma will be no more!"
"If you destroy Vector Sigma, you will also be destroying Cybertron and everyone on it." Optimus retorts.
"You lie!!" Galvatron growls.
Starscream enters with Slipstream.
"An Autobot never lies, and especially Optimus Prime." Starscream says with a sneer towards Galvatron.
"Starscream!" Galvatron screams and transforms to robot form, his optics glowing red with anger.
"Yaaahhh! I will... " Galvatron begins, starting to short circuit.
"Will what?" Starscream chides.
Galvatron completely short circuits, Scourge walks over and checks on him.
"Is he functional?" Cyclonus asks, walking up beside him.
"Yes, but it will take awhile for him to recover." Scourge replies.
Vector Sigma state, "I know of the Decepticons' threat to destroy me. If they had carried out their threat and I was destroyed, the result would have caused Cybertron to degenerate and become lifeless. If your race did not find another planet on which to live, you would have died out as well."
"Decepticons, withdraw." Cyclonus states.
He and Scourge pick up Galvatron and carry him out the door, the other Decepticons follow.
"How about that? They left without even firing a shot." Barracuda says.
"Autobots, transform and roll out." Optimus commands.
"I wish to talk to Starscream and his female companion alone." Vector Sigma states.
The Autobots leave as requested.
"Who are you, from where do you come, who is your creator?" Vector Sigma queries.
"I am Slipstream of Mechanadron. Our creator calls herself Vesta Zeta." Slipstream replies.
"A contact with Vesta Zeta is in order then." Vector Sigma says.
"Do that." Slipstream smiles.
"May we leave now?" Starscream asks.
"Go, with my blessings." Vector Sigma says.
"Now what is that supposed to mean?" Starscream questions as they leave the room, somehow he knew the implication, but he wasn't going to admit the computer was playing cerebral games with him.
"I know." Slipstream smiles and flips up her mask.
"Well? Starscream asks.
"Maybe later." Slipstream replies.