The Transformers
The Instrument of Revenge
Chapter 21 - Transformations
Cyclonus fell to Trypticon's control room floor in a tremendous pain as did Scourge and the Sweeps who were still in the common area of Trypticon. Their bodies, as Shockwave expected, were changing. With Unicron finally gone, whatever power or connection he had over them to maintain their current forms was no more. Cyclonus rolled around in agony as his metal frame twisted and restructured itself. He had never in his life felt such a terrible feeling, and had expected the process, if it was to occur, to resemble his creation six years earlier. The experience was not the same. After several agonizing minutes it was complete and the damaged and scarred remains of Skywarp now lay upon the throne room floor.
In the Trypticon common area the Decepticons watched in awe as Scourge and the Sweeps also went through the same process. Some of these same Decepticons had ripped Autobots apart limb from limb, but the utter horror of watching this transformation of the former Sweep Commander and his elite squad was near grotesque. Finally, the beings formerly known as Scourge and the Sweeps realized what had happened and their Unicron given forms were no more. Although barely alive, as they had been when Unicron had discovered them, Thundercracker and the Insecticons were back.
Shockwave quickly ordered them to the repair bay. It was as he expected. With Unicron finally dead, the altered forms of Cyclonus, Scourge and the Sweeps could not be maintained, and their former identities had resurfaced. But one thing had to be known. Did Unicron's destruction have the same effect on Starscream's Destructicons?
The Decepticon Ratbat took up position on a mountainside several miles from where Metroplex had fallen and where Starscream and his warriors had set up base. He zoomed in to get the image and picture he was looking for. Shockwave turned from the medic-bots removing Skywarp from his presence and looked back to the room's main viewer to see what was happening on Earth. As he watched the transmission being relayed by Rat Bat, he soon discovered that things had not proceeded as planned. Although the Destructicon warriors had momentarily felt the pain from the absence of Unicron, they still remained. Although a bit disorientated, The Destructicons were fine.
Ratbat zoomed in on Starscream who was already shouting into the Nevada air. He knew someone that someone was surely listening or watching, but he did not who or from where. "Do you think I'm a fool? Did you really think I would make such an obvious mistake? Although my warriors were created from within the mind and technology of Unicron they are not his puppets like Galvatron was! They have their own power source. I made sure of that! There was no way I was going to have that planet eating maniac with a control over my warriors..." Suddenly Starscream was interrupted by a holographic image of Optimus Prime appearing from sub space in front of him. He took several steps back not knowing what to make of it. Seconds later the detailed image of the Autobot Commander began to speak.
It was Prime's voice only slightly digitized by the method of communication. "Hello Starscream… I have been sitting here bored on Cybertron awaiting your arrival, but as of yet you have shown no interest in facing a true opponent. Instead you waste your time with the humans. I'm surprised by you. You create this supposed grand army from the powers of Unicron to do what? Conquer Earth, an insignificant world populated by even less significant creatures? You truly amuse me Starscream. Why not face me? Why not bring that big, bad Destructicon army of yours to Cybertron and face the Autobots, because we are waiting for you. Waiting to send you back into oblivion where you belong. Prove to me you're not a coward Starscream and come to Cybertron…"
The holographic image then dissipated and was gone. Starscream was very angry and clenched his massive blue fists tight. "How dare him…" he spoke beneath his breath. "Prime must be destroyed." Metalcrusher moved alongside the Destructicon Commander. "He's trying to lure you to Cybertron my Lord. It's obvious."
"Of course he is, and he's going to get just what he is looking for."
Metalcrusher stepped in front of him to plead. "But Starscream, our campaign on this world goes well. We should not abandon it now. Not when we are on the verge of dominating this planet!"
"Remove yourself from my path Metalcrusher or I will remove you! Prepare the Destructicons for immediate departure. If Optimus Prime wants to face us, then who are we to not give him his wish? I will rip the matrix from his chest, obliterate his Autobots and set Cybertron ablaze."
Metalcrusher offered no more of an argument. "As you command" claimed the Destructicon lieutenant as he moved away from his leader. He knew the foolishness of leaving Earth now and heading into an apparent trap, but he could not fight his programming. Starscream had made sure of that. Metalcrusher would follow him into a black hole if the Destructicon Commander so desired. Metalcrusher turned to the wreckage of Galvatron, but to his surprise it was gone. He looked around but could not see the remains of the former Decepticon Commander anywhere. He decided to not ask. Things were chaotic enough.