TRANSFORMERS: CYBERTRON SAGA
NOBLE DEMON Special #2: Rejection.
byline: Anubis C. Soundwave

Scene: 1

Turbo pulls a TV monitor from subspace, then sets it on a table in Mitarai's office.

"Hey," says Mitarai, annoyed. "No games today."

"Relax," says Turbo. "I assure you, this is work-related."

"And therefore stressor-related," says Mitarai.

Turbo nods. "I think that if you watch this with me," he grins, "you'll begin to see why I would much rather rescue digital princesses from fire-breathing turtles."

"What are we about to watch?" asks Mitarai, taking out a datapad.

"A Senate session. Hopefully, it will be boring and uneventful," Turbo says, "which would reduce my stress greatly."

"Why?" asks Mitarai.

"Everything discussed at these sessions," says Turbo, "directly impacts my job."

Mitarai enters a note in his datapad. "I can imagine that with only Senator Zeemon and your grandfather presenting Guardian perspectives on the matters discussed on the Senate floor," he says, "your job is made a bit harder."

"Eh?" grunts Turbo.

"Your grandfather: Senator Nanatsuro," says Mitarai.

Turbo scowls briefly. "While it's true that he sired my mom," he says, "that doesn't mean we have that kind of relationship. We never did."

"But that was because your mother never allowed it when you were a child," says Mitarai.

"You...just don't know when to let something go, do you?" says Turbo, annoyed.

"I'm not doing my job unless I help you confront these issues," says Mitarai, sighing.

"In the course of doing my job," says Turbo flatly, "I killed the good senator's daughter-because she broke Gobotron law along with her bondmate, my father. Frankly," he continues, "I don't deserve the vaunted title of 'grandson'."

"Fundamentally," says Mitarai, "you don't think you deserve any happiness, do you?"

"Not answering that," says Turbo, turning up the volume on the TV monitor.

Mitarai shakes his head. I know he's smart enough to recognize that in his efforts to punish himself, he muses, reviewing his notes, he'll only end up making the same horrendous choices his parents made: fulfilling his worst fears.

Turbo mutes the TV monitor. "Why don't you just give up already?" he asks.

"I don't care what you think of yourself in there," says Mitarai, a determined look in his optics. "You're a good person."

Turbo shakes his head. "Wrong. You're the good guy, and you have an impossible job," he says.

"Good guys are heroes," says Mitarai, "because they do the impossible."

Turbo studies Mitarai.

"I won't give up on you, Shichigorou Taichirou-san," continues Mitarai.

Turbo rolls his optics, then un-mutes the TV monitor...as a senator speaks: Senator Nanatsuro.


Scene: 2

"The first order of state business," says Nanatsuro, a bored, irritated expression on his face, "is the matter of the Shichigorou Brothers versus Yasuragi Yugi: a non-issue which the lesser lights of the Shichigorou clan leadership have insisted be brought before this elected body through me."

Jigsaw: seated in the side row with Crasher, Crossword, and the Yasuragi family, sighs.

"It's okay, Yugi," grins Hiroko. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"To be fair to those fellows, young lady," says Crasher primly, "'Yugi' did go a bit overboard. They might be Guardian-class, but none of them are even close to Turbo in fighting ability."

"They shouldn't have picked on Akira like that," says Hiroko, frowning at the group of young Mold-7s glowering at Jigsaw.

"Yugi only did what I would have done in his place," says Seto, the eldest of the Yasuragi children, smirking at the group of Mold-7s, "if they were stupid enough to attack any of my younger siblings."

"You were supposed to be at the Academy," says Hans-Cuff.

"True, father," says Seto, "however, I was the nearest active Guardian in the area. Situational assessment is part of a Guardian's duty."

"That's your excuse," says Hans-Cuff. "That doesn't excuse the rest of you," he continues, frowning at Hiroko, Hiroto, and Katsuya.

"My sincere apologies-on behalf of the Shichigorou, Nanatsuro, and Mifune clans-for wasting time, which should be devoted to the people's business," continues Nanatsuro, glowering at the five Mold-7s, "instead judging the merits of complaints from a pack of bullies who have clearly received their comeuppance, and managed to convince their parents to whine for them."

The group of Mold-7s stare at Nanatsuro in shock.

Nanatsuro locks his optics onto a Mold-7. "You seem to be offended by my comments, Shichinosuke," he states to the youth. "Please explain to me, old cousin Mamoru," he continues, "why this stupid matter is even before the Senate."

Shichinosuke squares his shoulders. "That guy," he spits, jabbing his finger at Jigsaw, "tried to kill us."

Crasher shakes her head. "If they had tried any scrap on your uncle Spoiler," she whispers to Jigsaw, "they wouldn't be able to move."

"Your ploy to move the people's sympathy is extremely hollow," states Nanatsuro.

Shichinosuke stares at Nanatsuro.

"If I pull up your criminal records to compare them to the records of Yasuragi's mother and uncle-Mazaki-san and Matsumoto-san-and theirs compare favorably against the five of you," says Nanatsuro, "how dare you expect the people of Gobotron to care?"

"I can't believe that their rap sheets are longer than mine," mutters Crasher.

"Until recently, Mom," says Jigsaw, "you were an enemy of the state, so you were a higher priority for the Guardians."

"There is that," smirks Crasher.

"Be that as it may," says Nanatsuro, "the matter is before us, so let it be put to a vote. All who agree with me that this incident, a clear act of defense of a sibling from aggressors, be dismissed, say 'aye'."

A chorus of 'ayes' echoes throughout the Senate hall.

"All opposed?" asks Nanatsuro calmly after the chorus fades.

"Nay," says Senator Karakawa.

"Head Senator," says Nanatsuro, "you are within your rights to present your dissent."

"Thank you, Senator," says Senator Karakawa.

Leader One sighs. It's going to be one of those sessions, he groans silently. I'm just glad I astrobeamed Sunstreaker off Gobotron before this started.


Scene: 3

"What kind of fucked-up bullshit is that!?" spits Sunstreaker, monitoring the Senate session through Teletraan. "Jigsaw did what any brother would have done for his own."

"True," says Optimus, "however, Senator Karakawa is apparently accustomed to opposing whatever Senator Nanatsuro proposes."

"To be fair," snorts Sunstreaker, "the frag-wit did give a reason related to the fact that Jigsaw was a Renegade-along with his brothers: one of whom is my son," he continues, nodding his head to Pocket.

Pocket shakes his head.

"You ain't getting rid of him that easy," grins Ironhide. "He likes you too much."

"Sunseeker's being stupid," mutters Pocket.

"You're a miniature version of him," says Smokescreen. "Your very existence strokes his ego like a skilled detailer buffing him to a perfect shine."

"Sunny can't help himself," adds Sideswipe.

"I'm not humoring him," pouts Pocket. "He's not my father."

Optimus places a hand on Pocket's shoulder.

Pocket looks up at Optimus.

"I can understand," says Optimus quietly, "and in some ways, even relate, to your confusion. However," he continues, "even-as his commander-knowing Sunstreaker's flaws, I'd much rather have him for a dad."

"We...more or less beat your dad to death and melted him," says Pocket.

Optimus chuckles. "Keep that cheeky Gobot sense of humor," he says. "You'd all fit in great here."

Tic-Tac shakes his head. "We would all be subversives again," he says.

"Fine by me," says Optimus. "We'd all get to bug Leader One."

"He's being so seductive," says Rube.

"Mama would say 'no'," counters Pocket.

"We'd get to kick some Stunticon tailgate!" grins Zigzag.

"You am natural Autobots already," smirks Slag.

"That's right," adds Sunstreaker. "No matter what," he continues, "you have a place here. Am I right, Optimus?" he asks Optimus, serious.

Optimus nods gravely.

"Oh, yeah; just what this outfit needs: more car mecha," snorts Slingshot.

"C'mon," says Air Raid. "You have to admit that the Puzzler makes a better Menasor than Menasor."


Scene: 4

"To summarize the matters addressed thus far today," says Senator Karakawa, "we have noted on the public record the importance of guiding young Guardian-class mecha in the appropriate use of their enhanced strength," he continues with a look to Jigsaw.

Crasher gives Jigsaw a mock-reproving look, wagging her finger, then draws Jigsaw close in a friendly hug. Hans-Cuff and his bondmate both shake their heads.

"Also, we the people have finally heard the grievances of the Renegades," continues Senator Karakawa, "and it is with cautious hope that the specter of their chaos will never rise again as we stand to the arduous challenge of balancing their concerns: now acknowledged to be the poorly-expressed concerns of the people."

"'Poorly-expressed'?" mutters Crasher inaudibly.

"The bulk of your massive laundry list of Gobotron's societal problems can't be done away with in one day," says Hans-Cuff. "None of those mecha on the Senate floor have magic wands."

"Maybe we ought to get one from that Rock Lord planetoid," says Crasher.

"'Rock Lord', Mom?" wonders Crossword. "That sounds weak."

"It was weak," sighs Crasher, "and best forgotten."

"We also extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the family, friends, and comrades of Hane Goichi, codename: Ace," says Senator Karakawa, "due to his untimely passing."

In the Governor-general's box, Leader One squares his shoulders as he sets his face in a determined frown.

Nanatsuro grimaces as if in pain. "What a waste," he whispers to himself. "A stupid waste."

Hans-Cuff bows his head. "Be at peace, my troubled brother-in-arms," he says quietly.

"What's the point of praying to a dead person?" wonders Jigsaw.

"'Ask not for whom the bell tolls', Yugi," says Seto soberly. "'It tolls for thee'."

"And don't ask what John Donne has to do with it either," adds Hiroko.

"I suppose I have no choice," says Jigsaw, "except to exercise my right to remain silent."


Scene: 5

"Sovereign Typhonus," says Jameson to Ultra Magnus, the human and Autobot on a return trip to Earth. "She's given us a lot to think about."

"Hopefully not enough to convince you to advocate throwing in your lot with Shouri-sei," says Ultra Magnus.

"Not even if I had that kind of power," says Jameson. "You don't want to overestimate the 'fourth estate'."

"If I'm wrong, I just look stupid," says Ultra Magnus. "But I'm right in all likelihood, Mr. Jameson. The power of a free press," he continues soberly, "can never be overestimated."

"You think so?" muses Jameson.

"You're keeping your sector's government as honest as governments get," says Ultra Magnus.

"I take it you've worked in government," says Jameson.

"With it," says Ultra Magnus, "but not in it."

"Military, then," says Jameson.

Ultra Magnus stares at Jameson. Damn, you're good, he says to himself. No wonder you're able to brush elbows with business leaders and live.

"If you don't mind me asking," Jameson continues, "how long have you been trying to get Skywarp to defect?"

"Since the War started: about sixty times before the Vilnacron Massacre," says Ultra Magnus, "and today marks my second post-Massacre attempt."

Jameson sighs. "A straightforward Autobot officer," he says, relief in his eyes. "See how much easier the truth is?" he adds, grinning.

"How much of this do you intend to publish, Mr. Jameson?" asks Ultra Magnus.

"How much can I get away with?" asks Jameson.

"Frankly, sir: we need our story out there," says Ultra Magnus.

"You want me to get it out to Burning?" asks Jameson, referring to BURNING! The Seventh District Times, a daily newsreader published on Gobotron.

"Is there another Gobot reader?" groans Ultra Magnus.

"None of them have Mifune's intergalactic subscriber base," says Jameson. "That guy really knows how to market his paper."

"The problem is," says Ultra Magnus, "Mifune Hiroshi is Senator Nanatsuro's brother-in-law. And while he'd be happy to continue boosting for us on the good senator's behalf," he continues, "that's going to be a problem for Gobotron as a whole."

"Damn Beta Cygnus II Pact," mutters Jameson.

"I've heard that from him, too," chuckles Ultra Magnus, grinning.

A white Mold-7 enters the passenger chamber.

"He and I disagree about Spider-Man," says Jameson.

"A rich appetite for healthy, spirited disagreement is the mark of a free and honest man," says the Mold-7. "Never lose your stomach for it."

"Lose it, Hiroshi?" scoffs Jameson. "I love my job."

Ultra Magnus sighs, standing.

"Sit," orders Hiroshi. "Optimus has you overthinking matters again."

"Where are we headed?" asks Ultra Magnus as he complies.

"I'm escorting the two of you to Earth as part of business," says Hiroshi. "After all," he continues, turning to Jameson, "I'd love to hear your impressions of Shouri-sei."

"The planet's lovely," says Jameson, "the people are polite, and the Sovereign's a fair and honest gynoid. They're all going to hate me when I finish my report."

"Because you're going to stand up for Optimus," says Hiroshi.

"I'm going to stand up for Earth," says Jameson, "and that requires me to stand up for Optimus."

"Is this related to that 'food for thought' Typhonus gave you?" asks Ultra Magnus.

Jameson nods. "She's right-when she says that we need to look out for our best interests," he says, "and if she continues to be fair to us, then she'll realize that our self-interest is what we're protecting by picking your side."

"In the interest of fairness," says Hiroshi, "the people of Earth are fortunate that the major sectors had allied with the Guardians first."

"Had St. Hilary erupted any earlier..." says Jameson, shaking his head. "One week..."


Scene: 6

"Now wait a moment, young lady," says Andrews with a kind-yet-stern frown. "I distinctly recall a video broadcast where you were held captive and about to drown."

Carly scowls; Graydon gazes at Andrews, a bland expression on his face.

"Why don't we let Miss Banas speak?" asks Gates. "She's worked closely with the Autobots for five years since then, and is a grad student at MIT."

"Thank you, Dr. Gates," says Carly, relaxing her face. "The concern I discussed with Mr. Creed and Dr. Trask," she adds, "really needs to be addressed."

"If I may interject," says Trask, squaring his shoulders. "I am as convinced as Mr. Creed that mutants remain a threat to mankind," he continues, "so I believe that TORQ-III's data should be analyzed."

"Not until I can ensure that it's tamper-proof," says Gates, cross, "and that goes double for your pointless mutant genocide machines."

"I'm not here to debate the merits of mutant registration," says Carly. "I'm worried that, like TORQ-III and Nightbird, the Sentinels could be hijacked and repurposed to serve Megatron."

"Strong data encryption could secure the central control unit-to make it 'tamper-proof'," says Graydon, "along with more rigorous security measures for your personnel."

Andrews and Gates blink at Graydon.

"It's understandable for Soundwave to successfully sneak inside through your company's Lost and Found," Graydon continues, "but not Megatron: who transforms into what appears to be an accurate replica of a Walther P-38."

"The gun-as far as our guards knew," says Andrews, "was lost..."

"To be blunt, doctor, it was a fucking gun," says Graydon sharply. "That would be reported immediately to the police at the least. If it suddenly grows and unfolds into Megatron," he adds, "then the Autobots would've been alerted a great deal sooner, and TORQ-III would never have been compromised."

Trask writes notes.

"There's a bigger question," says Carly, glancing at Trask.

"You're going to tell me not to build a Turing-complete AI that can control and manufacture the Sentinels autonomously, aren't you, Miss Banas?" sneers Trask.

"My concern is twofold," says Carly, "with both involving the Terminator movies."

Trask rolls his eyes; Andrews snickers.

"What will stop the self-aware-and thus sapient-central control module from going full SKYNET on its own?" asks Carly.

"Our native tech is too primitive to pull off that Hollywood nonsense," scoffs Trask, "so the central control module would have to work within those strict limitations."

"Which leads to the second question: what if the Decepticons removed those limitations-like they did with Nightbird?" asks Carly.

"A salient point," says Graydon. "I'd think a kill switch or override would be needed," he continues, "though-to prevent organizations opposed to mutant registration and management from obtaining that information-strong security measures would need to be in place."

"Or we could avoid developing AIs for machines which will not only cause major property damage whenever they appear," says Gates, "but by their nature and purpose will infringe on Americans' civil liberties."

Graydon narrows his eyes.

"More to the point," says Carly, "Megatron might just convince the AI to ally themselves with the Decepticons: to properly ensure that humans submit to the Sentinels' new robot order."

Trask smiles. "You sound like Larry," he says. "Perhaps as part of the control module's learning program, I could include Mr. Berger's failed attempt at an alliance with the Decepticons. After all," he adds, "Megatron's just as likely to double-cross our primitive robots as he is to double-cross us 'puny organics'."

"Both Megatron and this prospective AI would wait to double-cross each other until after humankind was fully-subjugated," say Carly and Graydon in unison.

"Have a kill switch or manual override in place, Trask," adds Graydon.

"Or better yet," says Gates, "follow Dr. Richards' advice and scrap the Sentinel project altogether."

Carly sighs.

"Dr. Richards, while a brilliant man," says Graydon, "is very naive regarding the mutant issue: owing to his organization's ties to the Avengers."

"Now I'm going to interject," says Stark, grinning. "I've had an X-Man in the Avengers, who is a genius mind in his own right: Dr. Henry McCoy."

"Mr. Stark," says Graydon, "you have two members of a mutant terrorist group in the Avengers now."

Wanda and Piotr, sighs Carly, the ones who defected from Magneto's group to join the Avengers.

"The overwhelming majority of mutants just want to be left in peace," says Stark, "to be free to live with the rest of us on equal terms. Organizations like the Avengers and Xavier's school give them avenues that they can pursue-if they choose: because we're the United States, not Genosha."

Graydon laces his fingers together, glowering at Stark.

"If I owned Quantum Labs..." continues Stark. "Oh, wait: I do."

"When?" wonders Andrews.

"Since about fifteen minutes before I boarded my plane to Oregon," says Stark.

"No, you don't, Mr. Stark," says Graydon. "It was ruled by the NSC to be too great a security risk."

"Shit," hisses Stark inaudibly. "Forgot about Gyrick."

"Wait," balks Carly, glaring at Graydon. "It's a business deal between two companies. I don't think it's the NSC's job to oversee that."

Stark sighs, setting his cellular phone base on the table. "Hello, Jarvis..." he says into the handset. "...yes, I've just been made aware that my deal with Quantum Labs fell through..."

"That was crooked, Mr. Creed," Carly whispers to Graydon.

"It's fair to fight dirty," says Graydon quietly, "when dealing with ignorant people who side with your enemies."


Scene: 7

Graydon struggled against his bonds.

Megatron touched his chin, then skimmed through a datapad. He smiled. "Are you aware, human," he asked, "that you have a remarkable degree of durability? Most of your species, regrettably," he added, revealing a pile of human corpses, "could not survive our battery of experiments."

"I'm too stubborn to die, I guess," said Graydon, concealing his fear with an air of irritation. "If I'm your prize lab rat," he continued, "then it only makes sense to grant me a name."

"I'm aware of your name, 'Graydon Creed'," said Megatron, "though it is of no real importance. We usually assign our lab specimens alphanumeric designations. Yours," he stated with a grin, "is X-23."

Graydon scowled.

"Does the letter 'X' bother you?" asked Megatron, glancing at Soundwave.

Soundwave gazed at Graydon.

"As I'm aware through my sources that you have individuals in your army that can read minds," said Graydon, "there's no point to lying to you. The letter 'X' reminds me of an abberation in the human genome that needs to be eradicated."

"Ah, the X-gene," said Megatron, chuckling, "a benign and at times beneficial genetic mutation that works like binary code: on or off."

"Mine is off," hissed Graydon. "I'm a normal human in peak physical health for my age."

"Perhaps," mused Megatron, flicking through the datapad. "Your readings intrigue me."

"Query for specimen X-23," stated Soundwave.

Graydon narrowed his eyes at Soundwave and Megatron.

"Have you ever fucked?" asked Soundwave, in a voice familiar to Graydon.

Graydon blinked. "R-ron..!?" he blurted, trembling.

Soundwave studied Graydon.

"Why the hell are you mimicking Ron's voice, you asshole!?" demanded Graydon.

"To gauge your reaction," said Soundwave, still using 'Ron's' voice.

"Who is 'Ron'?" asked Megatron.

"Shortened 'nickname' form of 'Ronald'," answered Soundwave normally, "which is the given name for human enemy: Ronald Witwicky. Subject also possesses alternate designations for Witwicky: including known designation, 'Sparkplug'."

"You're committing war crimes," said Graydon.

"Who will prosecute us?" scoffed Megatron. "Even you flesh creatures have the saying 'all's fair in love and war'."

"Tell it to the Hague," countered Graydon, "and the Guardians."

"The Guardians...?" drawled Megatron.

"The US has entered a treaty with Gobotron," said Graydon. "I'm a public figure," he added, "so I will be missed."

"All we have to do is ensure that you're returned to your dwelling with no physical signs of harm," said Soundwave in Leader One's voice. "Your heightened healing factor serves the purpose perfectly."

Graydon stared at Soundwave.

"And you are correct," continued Soundwave in another voice familiar to Graydon. "I am the Decepticons' 'mind reader'."

"I'd imagine that a skill like yours," said Graydon, "makes you the most hated machine in your group, just as Professor Xavier is hated even among his kind: mutants."

"I am not one to care," stated Soundwave, still using Xavier's voice, "regarding others' opinions."

Ravage snarled at Graydon.

"X-23 will prove to be an excellent test subject, I take it?" Megatron asked Soundwave.

"Affirmative," said Soundwave, reverting to his usual monotone.

"You are just one piece to a puzzle that Soundwave's working on," said Megatron to Graydon, "related to that genetic 'aberration' in your species."

"...and thus," finishes Graydon, "in the end, it's just another reason to remove mutants from among us. Megatron sees those freaks as potential bioweapons to turn against mankind."

"He saw Sparkplug and Spike as 'weapons'," snorts Carly, giving Graydon a confused, wry smile.

"From what Ron told me, Sam was in a robot body temporarily while his real body was being fixed," says Graydon, "because his mind was getting in the way of his recovery. I'm amazed he survived long enough for hospital treatment."

Carly touches her chin, studying Graydon. "What you want..." she begins.

"Genocidal, bigoted, evil, the second coming of the Third Reich?" Graydon rolls his eyes. "I've heard them all."

"Futile," says Carly flatly.

Graydon blinks, in shock.

"Where we all are, as humans," Carly continues, "is the result of many successive generations worth of genetic trial-and-error. We all have the X-gene, Mr. Creed," she adds, "because frightened people's efforts to stamp it out violently over the millennia only made it a necessary survival trait."

"Mutants fuck like rabbits, then," says Graydon glibly.

"Yes," grins Carly. "If your group, the Church of Human Potential, and the third one: which is an insult to every conservative political faction on Earth-*"

"Hodge's a damned Democrat-a Democratic Socialist at that," sneers Graydon. "I have even less use for that pretentious lemming than I do for Stryker's hyperreligious crusade. The Friends aren't left or right," he adds, "but forward: to progress us into a safer world-one without mutants."

"What I'm asserting," says Carly, "is that nature doesn't give a damn about human intent. If people with active and inert X-genes continue to pass them on to new generations of people-with your Friends, Stryker's Church, and Hodge's 'Right' making these mutants more determined to survive," she adds, "then you're just increasing the likelihood that in a few thousand years, half of Earth's population will be mutants."

"That's not going to be due to human evolution," counters Graydon, "but idiotic human governments who want to weaponize mutants. Magneto alone was a living tactical nuke for the Nazis," he adds, "and I'm sure he's already sired children."

"Magneto? The Holocaust survivor!?" balks Carly.

"He wasn't a supervillain, or called 'Magneto' back then," says Graydon. "He was just a teenage boy who could crumple tanks like empty soda cans: which he eventually decided to do to various Panzers."

"You do your homework," says Carly.

Graydon nods. "The disturbing thing is that there's no record of the boy's name-at all," he says. "The Nazis: the most meticulous record keepers in human history," continues Graydon, "has no record of their ultimate living weapon."

"The Reich was supposed to last a thousand years," says Carly.

"The Allied forces knew what brand of leberwurst that the Red Skull ate for breakfast each morning once we won World War II," says Graydon, "but the Nazis don't have a record of the one Jewish kid who was more valuable to their stupid 'master race' alive!?"

"Considering that 'kid Magneto' killed a lot of German officers and tank operators," says Carly, "Magneto probably had those records wiped."

"What if Megatron and his cohorts decide to plug hypnochips onto mutants?" asks Graydon. "That thing made Ron point a gun at his own son..."

"What if Megatron creates a non-violent anti-mutant group as a front to lure in hapless mutant teenagers and people who want to remove their mutant powers to live normal lives," asks Carly, "only in reality, they have modified hyp-*"

Graydon interrupts Carly by kissing her.

Carly gently breaks the kiss.

"Hush," hisses Graydon. "You never know if Decepticons could be listening in."

A white Lamborghini vibrates nearby.

"You're starting to sound like Breakdown," laughs Carly.

The white Lamborghini-actually Breakdown-transforms. "I knew it!" he shrieks! "I knew they'd notice me!" He curls into a ball.

Carly yelps, then stops Graydon from reaching for his pistol.

"Who ordered you to follow me?" asks Graydon.

"M-my boss," says Breakdown.

"In other words, Motormaster," says Carly, regaining her composure. "Megatron would order Soundwave to send Laserbeak or Ravage if they wanted to spy on him," she adds, nodding towards Graydon.

Breakdown shudders, his body sparking with electricity.

"Hey," says Carly, her voice gentle. "Can we take you to a gas station: for a refuel and car wash? My treat."

"But...you're our enemy..." wonders Breakdown.

Graydon smiles. "As a show of goodwill, since you were so forthcoming," he says slowly, "we won't report you to the Autobots, and we'll get gas cans for your whole unit."

"That's eight gallon jugs," says Carly. "Extra for Motormaster, of course." She pats Breakdown's arm as Breakdown nods.

"I'll cover that," says Graydon, as a nervous waiter hands Graydon a receipt, "along with the check for our lunch."

"We were splitting the tab," pouts Carly.

"You're a grad student," says Graydon. "You're not made of money."

"Show-off," says Carly.

Graydon pays the waiter; he and Carly leave their outdoor table and head to Graydon's car.

Breakdown transforms.

Carly and Graydon enter Graydon's car; Graydon starts the car as Carly beckons to Breakdown. Graydon's car drives off.

Breakdown follows Graydon's car...followed by Dead End, Wildrider, Drag Strip, and Motormaster.

Continuing to drive, Graydon notes the Stunticon convoy with confusion.

"Gestalts have separation anxiety," says Carly, touching Graydon's arm. "They're like twins-or in the Stunticons' case: quintuplets."

"You handle this shit so well," says Graydon, exasperated awe in his voice as he chuckles.


Scene: 8

"Parker," says Jameson, standing with Skyfire and a tall, muscular man holding a camera, "this guy is Eddie Brock..." Jameson continues his introduction.

Peter stares at Brock, shaking Brock's hand. You got a live one for me, J. J., he says to himself. I think I might've gotten this guy fired from the Globe. And he's got a vise-like grip, he muses, rubbing his hand.

"You remember what we're doing, Parker?" asks Jameson.

"Yes, Mr. Jameson," says Peter. "You've got the main editorial page to yourself, and the usual syndicated opinion columns will be replaced with a whole page devoted to 'Letters to the Editor': because you're expecting a rain of letters."

"Fate of Earth and mankind at stake," says Jameson; he looks up to Skyfire. "Before we head to Cybertron," he says to Skyfire, "I've got to ask: since I've heard reports that you were once a Decepticon, and at one point were neutral on your planet's war, what made you turn to the Autobots?"

Skyfire refreshes his optics. "My answer's fairly long," he says. "Could we discuss it on the trip to Cybertron?"

"We won't have much time on the trip," says Jameson. "Through some channels I know," he continues, "I secured safe passage to Cybertron through a spacebridge, and got clearance for us from Darkmount."

"So Shockwave's going to let me through alive!?" balks Skyfire.

"Hiroshi will be on Cybertron," says Jameson, "backed by tough Guardians to keep Shockwave honest...along with you."

Pathfinder exits Guardian Headquarters; she approaches Skyfire and the three humans.

"I volunteered to shuttle these three-at the request of Lieutenant Jameson," says Skyfire, smiling down at Jameson, "so that we don't have another starshuttle hijacking."

Jameson's eyes widen.

"You got out of prison ten months ago, sir," says Pathfinder.

"The food on Shouri-sei's way better, Pathfinder," says Jameson. "Now," he continues, turning to Skyfire, "please try to give me the short version."

"Very well, Mr. Jameson," says Skyfire. "For the record, I was politically-neutral before any of this started..." Skyfire continues his discussion with Jameson.

"Hey, Parker," says Brock, an intense look in his eyes. "I'm curious."

"About me?" wonders Peter.

Brock nods. "Those photos: of Spider-Man and the Thompson kid with the Aerialbots against that Decepticon...Flashpoint," he asks. "How'd you get those?"

"Normally," says Peter, wary, "I'd just say I'm resourceful. But in this case," he continues, truthfully, "I wanted to make sure I did my part: to help humanity fight the Decepticons any way we can."

"So you got Spider-Man to take the photos for you?" asks Brock sharply.

That's the real answer-which I can't give him! says Peter to himself, struggling to keep calm. But I don't want to lie to him either; I get the feeling that he'd catch on to that quick: because he was a real reporter once. "I got Spider-Man to install cameras where I told him," Peter tells Brock, "and shot the photos from remote."

"Something doesn't add up..." mutters Brock inaudibly. "We'll figure out the truth soon enough," he hisses.

"We...?" asks Peter.

Brock smiles, the expression distorting his face. "My partner," he says. "We're very close. Anyway," he continues, gripping Peter's shoulder, "this opportunity for Eddie Brock is arguably thanks to you, Parker."

"I'd thank Mr. Jameson, sir," says Peter. My spider-sense is tingling around Brock, but it's just a low hum, he muses. It's like he's trying to determine whether to attack me or not.

"Confused?" asks Brock softly. "Jameson brought me on because he saw my article series on Spider-Man in a black costume," he adds. "Worked real hard on that: triple-checked my sources-but Spidey's back to the red-and-blue."

Peter nods. Brock learned about my 'black costume' period...? he wonders.

"Why do you think Spidey switched back?" asks Brock.

"I couldn't tell you, Mr. Brock," says Peter, masking his unease with a shrug. "My freelance bylines are for photos."

"Just Eddie," says Brock. "No need for us to be formal," he adds.

Peter steps back.

"We're going to be really close," says Brock. "Got a sense of knowing you pretty-well already."

Skyfire transforms.

"Parker, Brock!" barks Jameson as he steps aboard Skyfire. "I don't pay you to stand around!"

"Let's get a move on, Pete," says Brock, slapping Peter's back; he boards Skyfire.

If Brock learned about my black costume, says Peter to himself as he follows Brock aboard, then my spider-sense has a penchant for understatement if it's just 'hinting' at danger. That costume nearly drove me crazy.

Skyfire takes off; Pathfinder transforms and follows Skyfire.

END SPECIAL TWO