TRANSFORMERS: CYBERTRON SAGA
NOBLE DEMON Special #3: Partners.
byline: Anubis C. Soundwave
Scene: 1
Leader One sighs, then presses the entry request panel at Karakawa's flat.
An irritated Karakawa opens the door, then silently drags Leader One inside.
"You stated this was related to the security cameras, Karakawa-san," says Leader One evenly.
"I know that at the beginning," says Karakawa, struggling to remain calm, "that one of your officers installed cameras into my home as a security precaution."
"Yes," states Leader One. "In fact, it was Turbo who installed the cameras."
"I see. There are more cameras than I anticipated, sir," continues Karakawa, "in places I would never think to store confidential patient information-which I'd never bring home in the first place, as I value my clients' privacy...and my own."
"As you stated during your initial objection to having the cameras installed," says Leader One. "However, as I stated-along with Turbo-everyone in your practice has cameras installed due to the fact that two of your clients are senior officers in the mamoributai, and one of those officers," he continues wryly, "is Gobotron's head of state."
"I'm well-aware of this fact, Governor-general. I recognize and accept the necessity of this intrusion," says Karakawa, "due to being the daughter of a state official myself."
"However...?" asks Leader One.
"I've also detected voice bugs," says Karakawa curtly, scowling.
"Guardian Intelligence," says Leader One, handing Karakawa a small communicator. "If you want to argue with the Intelligence Director, feel free."
"Don't you outrank the Director, sir?" asks Karakawa.
"Yes," says Leader One. "However, in this case, he is not wrong. I would cripple his ability to do his job if I countermanded every order he issued out," he continues, "and Guardian Intelligence has a degree of autonomy from the standard Guardian chain of command: a separation done out of necessity."
"So basically, you've more-or-less authorized all of the cameras Turbo installed," says Karakawa, "and all of the bugs the Director had installed-hopefully under Turbo's supervision," she continues, "as he's the Intelligence Liaison."
"I'm relieved to know that you trust Turbo," says Leader One.
"I trust him, and I trust your judgment, Governor-general," says Karakawa coolly as she heads to the washroom. "I don't believe the Guardians are in the business of installing cameras and other monitoring devices..." she continues, opening the door to the washroom, "...in here."
Leader One's optics widen. "I...agree with you, Karakawa-san," he says after a moment. "This is a concern."
"There are quite a few cameras in my berth-chamber as well," Karakawa adds, entering the washroom.
Leader One follows her inside. "I can confirm that we did not install these," he says, noting four poorly-concealed cameras. "Turbo was nowhere near the washroom or your berth-chamber; he has to report to me exactly where he installed the cameras."
"What about the Director?" asks Karakawa glibly.
"Frankly, Karakawa-san," says Leader One, "he would never have done such a poor job." He tugs at a strip of adhesive. "This looks like Earthian duct tape."
Karakawa touches her chin. "I suppose I do bear part of the blame," she sighs, "as the Renegades would likely spy on me as well."
"And, to be fair to Snoop, who handled this type of operation," says Leader One, "she's much better at hiding cameras-and wouldn't install them here."
"So...this is likely the work of a creepy pervert from the Renegades," hisses Karakawa, rubbing her arms as she shudders.
Leader One scans the washroom, frowning.
"I don't like that look," says Karakawa.
"There are more cameras than the ones you've located," says Leader One, marking various points with a red chroma mark, "which have been professionally concealed. This is a problem."
"You have a penchant for understatement, sir," says Karakawa.
"There aren't many individuals in the Renegades who could pull this off," says Leader One. "Snoop's the only one who could have been paid off by her cohorts to do this, and Crasher would stop them and her in their tracks. Cy-Kill wouldn't do this for any reason."
"Is there a chance-however remote-that a rogue Guardian Intelligence operative opted to join the Renegades?" asks Karakawa.
"If this occurred," says Leader One, "I wouldn't be able to confirm or deny that-for reasons of planetary security." At least not until the bastard is sanctioned, Leader One glowers silently.
"Then it's a good thing they've disbanded," grins Karakawa wryly. "They don't have any reason to spy on me anymore." She exits the washroom.
"Indeed," says Leader One as he follows Karakawa out. "So obviously, you want all of the cameras in the washroom and your berth-chamber deactivated and removed."
"I want all of the devices out, period," spits Karakawa, "from you and from the Renegades...but that's unreasonable," she continues, calming down.
"Some of these," says Leader One, noting cameras in Karakawa's kitchen, "weren't installed by us or the Renegades. A few cameras are Cybertronian," he continues, "and I sincerely hope it was the Decepticons."
"Why!?" balks Karakawa.
"Because then it's a violation of your dad's treaty with Cybertron," says Leader One glibly, "and thus, a clear act of war."
"Don't tell me that you actually want to go to war with Cybertron," says Karakawa.
"I would be free to act to protect the people of Gobotron from Megatron's naked acts of aggression against our allies without crippling rules of engagement," says Leader One. "I have no wish or desire to wage war."
"Senator Nanatsuro sure does," counters Karakawa. "He's been demanding the dissolution of the Beta Cygnus II Pact since I was a tin pet. Hell, I think my first full query string was 'When shall we see reason, and rescind this foolish treaty?'" she adds, mocking Nanatsuro's vocal cadences.
"You're not making it easy to avoid unfair comparisons between you and your father, you know," says Leader One. "Though this does prove Senator Karakawa's fundamental dedication to Gobotron...and to you."
Karakawa sighs.
"Which also indicates that he had individuals install cameras in your home as well," continues Leader One. "He takes your well-being very seriously."
"You're also going to pin this on me, aren't you?" says Karakawa.
"No," says Leader One, "because you'll redirect the blame back onto me, due-admittedly-to my dereliction of duty. And that's all I have to say on that matter."
"That's fine," says Karakawa. "I told you: I don't bring my work here. I just want these cameras out of my home."
"Removing the ones your father had installed is simple," says Leader One. "If the Head Senator wants to take issue with that," he says into a camera, "I'll have him arrested for invasion of privacy."
"He'll make you pay for that one on the Senate floor," says Karakawa.
"I look forward to the invigorating challenge he'll provide," says Leader One.
"The duct-taped cameras I think I can remove myself," says Karakawa, "but those concealed ones in my washroom-and likely in my berth-chamber..."
"Those are the tricky ones. In order to ensure no forgotten dead mecha switch shenanigans from Cy-Kill," says Leader One, "I'll have to have a Renegade operative remove their cameras."
"Just make sure it's not the perverts who installed them," says Karakawa. "Please."
Leader One nods.
Scene: 2
"I'm going to take Brock to Elba, Spider-Man," says Pathfinder, stern. "You don't need to contend with an enemy who knows your civilian identity."
"I'd agree," says Peter: as Spider-Man, "except he's a US citizen."
"I've already reported the pertinent details to Leader One," says Pathfinder. "The Pact is more trouble than it's worth regarding the Decepticons," she continues, "but it can help streamline issues like those symbiotes from Klyntar."
Peter tenses his fists. "What are your plans for the symbiote?" he asks.
"To try and destroy it," says Pathfinder. "Those things are a threat to the whole cosmos."
"No!" counters Peter. "They're living creatures: painfully-sapient," he continues, "and I'm from a species that's learning to be really sick of genocide as a solution."
"So I have to respect the American sector's due process rights of an Earthian who tried to kill you," says Pathfinder, "and the sanctity of a species created to wipe out life in the universe."
"They may have been created for that," says Peter, "but if they're sapient, they can think for themselves; they have the power to change."
"What makes you say that?" asks Pathfinder.
"I'm a rather-goofy specimen of Homo sapiens, lady," says Peter.
"And I'm from a race of cyborgs: once just as human as you," says Pathfinder, "who have a few M-cycles-millions of years-of civilization on you. It's naive to hope that the creatures of Klyntar will 'see the light'," she adds, "as the damned things were born entirely of darkness."
"We don't know that!" counters Peter. "For all you know, most of the symbiotes might be like you and me: deciding long ago that they wanted to live in peace, but there are a few psychos like this captive symbiote and Brock."
Pathfinder places her hands on her hips, impassive.
"Even with that, we don't unilaterally kill our enemies-or imprison them on penal asteroids that couldn't even hold Cy-Kill," continues Peter.
"Cy-Kill was a rogue Guardian," says Pathfinder.
"If he had a special trick up his sleeve to escape," says Peter, "then what makes you think that Brock won't?"
"Without that symbiote," says Pathfinder, "Brock's just an ordinary human."
Peter shakes his head. "Not anymore," he says. "Earth has the highest concentration of humanoids with the X-gene. Mutants are 'Earthians' born with their X-gene active," Peter continues, recalling a lecture from Richards at Empire State University, "while the rest of us normally have the X-gene switched off-unless a mutagen activates it."
Scene: 3
I can't believe this thing is still alive, says Turbo to himself, studying the symbiote. Worse, it discovered Earth: a planet of biologically, culturally-diverse humans, he continues, and bonded with two of its inhabitants.
"What are you going to do with it?" asks A. J.
"Honestly, I don't know," says Turbo. "It didn't do any harm to Pathfinder until it tried to get her to summon its friends from Klyntar to bond with the rest of us on Gobotron."
"When...?" continues A. J.
"About ten cycles ago: Earth year 1979," says Turbo. "For now, the best thing to do is to keep 'Venom'-that's what it called itself with Brock-isolated. By Gobotron law, we can't terminate it."
A. J. stares at Turbo in disbelief.
"It's spawning," says Turbo. "Try to imagine a pregnant human serial killer."
"'Sins of the father'," muses A. J., nodding.
"Also, while it had Spider-Man and Brock as its hosts," Turbo adds, "it didn't kill. Really violent, but the hosts kept it in check."
"'With great power comes great responsibility'," hisses Brock, in his cell. "Where is it: Venom?" he asks.
"In another cell, Eddie," says Turbo.
"You won't kill it, will you?" asks Brock. "It'd be like me losing my skin if it died."
It was hell for Pathfinder, too, muses Turbo. She'll want 'Venom' destroyed because I had to fry her body from the inside out to get it out of her.
"Revenge, then," says Brock in Japanese, staring at A. J. "Pathfinder will use bushido-go to justify her will to kill Venom. We have to stop her, or Eddie Brock will die without just cause."
"I understood the 'bushido' part," says A. J., "and I'm wondering when Brock learned Japanese."
"Venom picked it up from Pathfinder's Gobou-go," says Turbo, "and Brock learned enough Japanese to conduct interviews in Little Tokyo; he did some good reporting for the Globe-until the Sin-Eater thing fragged him over." He narrows his optics, worry on his face.
"What's wrong, Turbo?" A. J. wonders.
Turbo sighs. "Rest-Q's suspicions are confirmed," he says. "There's still a bit of Venom inside Brock. And inside Spidey. And inside Pathfinder."
Scene: 4
"Are you sure you're not just jealous?" sneers Peter, back in his civilian role.
"Of Brock, or the symbiote?" asks Pathfinder, confused and irritated.
"Yes," grins Peter.
"What 'symbiote'?" wonders Skyfire.
"A parasite that got into my systems ten cycles ago," says Pathfinder.
"There's still a bit of Venom inside you, Nijukyufo-kun," continues Peter, grinning.
"Nihongo isn't a one-to-one Gobou-go analogue," counters Pathfinder, "so I suggest you learn the difference if you intend to speak in anything other than Univers-or, considering that you're Earthian," she continues, "just stick with English."
Peter sighs, shuddering. "A bit of it's still inside me," he says, apologetic, "and still angry at both of us for rejecting it."
"The concentration level's high enough between the two of us," says Pathfinder, "that the symbiote-*"
"Venom!" cries Peter, indignant.
"Peter," says Skyfire, "be grateful that I chose to take Jameson home to New York City first."
Peter shakes his head. "Yeah," he says, collecting himself. "Brock more-or-less named it."
"I don't care," says Pathfinder, cross.
"Because Turbo's efforts to drive Venom out of you," says Peter, "destroyed your ability to..."
Scene: 5
"We can cut a deal!" says Brock, his eyes bright. "Yes, let us atone..."
"Rest-Q," spits A. J., pointing at the Venom symbiote, "why did you bring that thing!?"
"I did so at a certain pair of scientists' behest," says Rest-Q, glowering at Von Joy and Herr Fiend.
"This creature is an ancient find," says Herr Fiend. "One good benefit of the amnesty is that I can work on real science again."
"Ja, zeragutto!" adds Von Joy.
Rest-Q shakes his head. "It appears that there's merit to sparing this creature's life: and its species," he says. "Its damage to Gobotron ten cycles ago was minimal."
"Its damage to Pathfinder was permanent," counters Turbo, cool, "and the prevailing understanding is that the symbiotes exist to destroy life."
"That 'understanding' had evolved at least three M-cycles ago!" spits Herr Fiend. "Bike Hero had found a colony of the symbiotes, and they-through a few intermediaries I crafted-*" he starts to add.
"Illegal jinzogigai that you let the symbiotes latch onto," says Turbo curtly.
"So that they could communicate!" says Herr Fiend. "Without a host, the Klyntar-as the symbiotes took on their planet's name as a species' name-can only act as amorphous blobs of black ooze. Difficult to declare their sapience or build a culture," he adds, "which they don't want, anyway."
"What happened to the jinzo?" asks Turbo.
"Cy-Kill ordered Fitor to destroy them both," says Herr Fiend. "Complained that the Klyntar would be useless as allies, so he exploited their aversion to fire to drive them out of the jinzo."
"I see," says Turbo. "So you're saying that there are different factions within the 'Klyntar'?" he asks.
Von Joy nods. "There's a peaceful faction," he says, "who have repudiated their original purpose, and a feral faction who are loyal to it."
"What purpose are the 'loyalist' Klyntar loyal to?" A. J. asks.
"One centered around an entity called 'Knull'," says Rest-Q.
"Some of us became a cage to seal our lord Knull," says Brock, "and some of us reject this, for the cage is a lie."
A. J. touches her chin. "You're saying that the symbiotes who rejected Knull are liars," she says.
"Yes," Brock hisses, rocking his body. "Those of us who serve Knull do not call ourselves 'Klyntar': the artificial prison for our god," he continues. "We are 'Venom', the All-Black, the shadows of Knull."
"If that's what you all really wanted for yourselves," says Turbo, his tone casual, "then we shouldn't be having this conversation."
"If Knull is worthy of your worship and devotion," adds A. J., "then Knull should be able to free itself. No need for mystery cults or your hard work."
"You all wouldn't need to fight pesky creatures like us Gobots," says Turbo, "deadly nomadic space heralds, and the worst of them all..."
"Us crazy 'wise ones' from planet Earth," A. J. finishes. "Because you all bonded with two of my planet's males, you want to get back to your host...probably more than you want to fulfill Knull's will."
"Can we trust it?" asks Rest-Q. "It may try to subvert Pathfinder again."
"Emptiness," says Brock, a singsong lilt to his voice. "We can fill...heal and renew..." he continues.
Turbo strokes his chin, a smile forming.
A. J. stares at Turbo. What are you up to...? she asks silently.
Brock quotes snatches of biblical verse.
"That's from Genesis: the second chapter," says A. J.
"From my wedding," says Brock; he laughs bitterly. "Venom and I have a problem now."
"What?" A. J. scoffs. "Venom doesn't want to marry Pathfinder?"
"I'm a devout-if severely-lapsed-Catholic," says Brock. "I take the vows I made to Anne seriously," he continues, "even if she renounced them in the divorce."
"And 'thou shalt not kill' is a big problem for Venom," says Turbo, "who will see Ms. Weying as an obstacle to the plan."
"I love Anne," says Brock.
"Have you considered a three-way?" asks Turbo.
"No!" fumes Brock.
A. J. kicks Turbo's leg.
"That was Abraham's temporary solution," says Turbo. "Trust me; you don't want mine."
"Nor do I," says Rest-Q. "Merging Anne Weying with Pathfinder is stupid and violates several Guardian ethics codes."
"Genocide of a sapient race because of the actions of one individual is an even greater moral hazard," says Turbo, "but the easiest choice is for Mr. Brock to accept Ms. Weying's departure from his life with grace: as there's no material evidence of your deity."
"Your friend needs more percussive maintenance at his leg," says Brock to A. J.
"A. J., don't: please," says Turbo. "I'll rephrase my assertion," he continues, "by resuming my presumption of your god's existence."
A. J. sighs.
"His biblical depictions are unclear, okay?" says Turbo. "I'll chalk that up to several K-cycles of translation issues with the written holy text," he adds, "so I'll have to risk being wrong by leaning to my own understanding."
Brock massages his temples.
"My concern is for the living: for Pathfinder, Anne, you, and Venom," says Turbo. "You'll agree with me that however angry he gets with you about your 'remarriage', your god's in no danger or distress."
"He'll just send me to hell," says Brock, exasperated, "and you for leading me astray."
"My cultural discipline dictates that I'm hell-bound because of my duty," says Turbo, "and I accept my fate with grace: knowing that Gobotron and Earth will be safe because of my soul's sacrifice."
"Do you even believe in a soul?" asks Brock.
"I don't believe; I know," says Turbo. "I have a will and a consciousness: a mind of my own, and emotions. Those are invisible, yet material."
A. J. shakes her head. Of all the things I guessed would happen here, she says, a theological debate from Turbo wasn't on that list!
Scene: 6
A few days later, Karakawa approaches her flat with Fitor. She opens the door, then starts to enter the flat.
Fitor abruptly grabs her arm. "Karakawa-san," he asks, "you've just finished work, correct?"
"Yes," says Karakawa as Fitor enters her flat.
"Then don't enter just yet, please," says Fitor.
Karakawa stares at her open doorway; her optics widen as a camera falls to the ground.
Fitor picks up the device, then deactivates it. "It's safe to enter now," he states. "This," he adds, rolling his optics, "was the only device with a 'dead mecha switch'."
"Why?" asks Karakawa.
"Because it was experimental," says Fitor. "It has a miniature brainstormer attached, so it would scan your mind as you entered the flat."
"And you were worried about me being a spy," snorts Karakawa.
"When I consider the results," says Fitor, a wry smile on his face, "I feel vindicated somehow."
Karakawa blinks. "You...look weird," she says.
"How?" asks Fitor.
"This is the first time I've seen anything resembling a smile on your face," says Karakawa.
Fitor stares at Karakawa a moment, then laughs. "Allow me to remove our other cameras, Karakawa-san," he says.
Karakawa sits on her couch, watching as Fitor works. I don't think "weird" was the right word, she muses, scanning Fitor's body. Jet mecha age so nicely...
"Do you trust me to enter your berth-chamber?" asks Fitor after he finishes his work in the living room.
"You have my permission, Choufunsha-san," says Karakawa. "I'm oddly-relieved that it's you and not your cohorts."
"I apologize for the stupidity of my cohorts," says Fitor. "Leaving aside the perversion, what possible intel could they have hoped to gather in here?"
"They'd probably know that I...really like jet mecha," says Karakawa, blushing.
"That's hardly a surprise," says Fitor, "considering that you're a jet gynoid yourself."
"It's still embarrassing," says Karakawa inaudibly, rubbing her arms.
"I can imagine," says Fitor, "that you anticipated enjoying privacy in your berth-chamber, and that you certainly wouldn't bring confidential work-related information in here." He gives an exasperated sigh.
"A part of you is glad for the amnesty, Choufunsha-san?" grins Karakawa.
"The part of me that hates working with complete idiots," says Fitor, leaning his head out of Karakawa's berth-chamber.
Karakawa picks up a stray databook on the lounge table, opening it at random.
Finished with removing the cameras inside, Fitor exits the berth-chamber.
"And now, the most egregious waste of intel-gathering resources," quips Karakawa, pointing to her washroom.
"Agreed," says Fitor. "Technically, their actions are a sanctionable offense," he adds as he enters the washroom, "and it's not covered by the conditional amnesty, as the cameras in your washroom and the ones in your berth-chamber were definitely not authorized by Yukimaru-san or myself."
"So legally," says Karakawa, "I could send the Guardians after them."
"If I were still a Guardian," says Fitor, "I'd kill them myself. In fact," he continues, "if you agree not to report me, I could still kill them."
"No; just tell me which of those jerks did it-besides Yotsuba-kun," seethes Karakawa. "I just know that beak-faced heli-bastard was stripping me with his optics."
Fitor sighs. "He's all that's left of the Yotsuba line other than his grandmother, you know," he says. "I'll just feed him to her."
"A fate worse than death?" muses Karakawa.
"Oh, yes," says Fitor. "He's terrified of his grandmother."
Karakawa giggles.
"I remember my father telling me that when she was young, she truly had a will of iron; she was no less deadly for being delicate," continues Fitor.
"And I imagine that will only strengthened with age," says Karakawa.
"She would be pleased to hear you say that," says Fitor, "if she could get past your name."
Karakawa sighs. "A member of the Immortal Seven would probably not be fond of the Head Senator," she says.
"Especially since your father is constantly picking political fights with her closest comrade," says Fitor.
"Ah, Turbo's grandfather," says Karakawa. "Any more than that...is bringing my job home."
"Are you receiving governmental hazard pay?" quips Fitor, glancing outside the washroom.
Karakawa laughs.
"You're right," continues Fitor. "Your firm would clean out the planetary treasury; then you and your colleagues would likely own Gobotron."
"Quit making me laugh!" gasps Karakawa, removing her visor.
Fitor stares at Karakawa a moment. She's...quite beautiful, he muses. While I can't honestly blame the jack-afts for these damned cameras, Fitor continues, scowling as he continues his work, it still doesn't excuse their idiocy.
Karakawa calms down, then refits her visor; she approaches the washroom. "You're serious again," she pouts as she notes Fitor scowling.
"I suppose you think I secretly enjoy being the big, serious, scary fellow," says Fitor, "but truthfully, no. I was a lot more fun in my youth."
"I don't know what to think, Choufunsha-san," says Karakawa. "My earliest memory of you involved kidnapping myself in your starskimmer."
Fitor's optics widen. "That...was you, wasn't it?" he grins ruefully.
"You had a cool starskimmer at the time," says Karakawa, leaning in the doorway.
"We pretty much had to develop a working cloaking device because of you," says Fitor. "There was no escape for us from the combined determination of your father and Leader One," he continues, "but considering that they and you are Mold-25s, that can't be helped."
"That's presumptive," says Karakawa. "That's like assuming all Mold-7s are belligerent firebrands."
"All of them are some variant of belligerent firebrand," says Fitor. "Stereotypes do have a basis in fact."
"Actually," counters Karakawa, "Nanatsuro Taiko had the reputation of being cool-tempered, and Shichigorou Kaoru was cold."
"They weren't loud about their bellicosity, if that's what you mean," says Fitor, removing the last camera. "But neither is Senator Nanatsuro outside the Senate floor."
"Turbo's parents were serious about their jobs," says Karakawa, "and...the rest is work-related."
"Damn!" balks Fitor. "I went to the Academy with Turbo's parents, young lady," he adds, a thin smile on his face.
"You, of all people, should know how serious the Guardians are about their duty," says Karakawa.
"That discipline has kept me sane for the past six M-cycles, Karakawa-san," says Fitor as he subspaces all of the deactivated cameras. "But feel free to mock Yukimaru-san," he continues, exiting the washroom. "I do it to his face all the time."
"You're his friend," says Karakawa. "You can get away with it."
Fitor chuckles.
Karakawa sighs. "You...thank you, Choufunsha-san," she says.
"You're quite welcome, Karakawa-san," says Fitor. "Would you be kind enough to grant me a courtesy?"
Karakawa studies Fitor.
"Please," continues Fitor, "quit calling me 'Choufunsha-san'. You make me sound old."
"With all due respect, sir," says Karakawa, "you are old. You're older than my father in fact."
"By how many K-cycles?" scoffs Fitor.
Karakawa rolls her optics.
"Oh, he'd love to market himself as a bold, visionary young leader," Fitor continues, "but in truth, your father's only popular with the elderly."
"Ah," counters Karakawa, "and that's why my father has a massive political coalition standing between Senator Nanatsuro and his dream of refighting the Cybertronian Second War."
"Sakura-san," says Fitor. "May I call you Sakura-san?"
"I'm young enough to be 'Sakura-chan' in your optics," says Karakawa quizzically.
"I'm not going to trifle with you." Fitor smiles. "'Sakura-san'."
"If we're going to be on a more familiar basis," says Karakawa, "then I suppose I have to call you something as old-fashioned as 'Daizaburo-san'?"
"That is my given name," says Fitor, "as I certainly won't let you call me 'Sanji-san'-which is my father's far more fashionable name."
"Who stuck you with your name?" asks Karakawa.
"My late mother," says Fitor simply.
"I stepped into a slag pile..." says Karakawa.
"Don't pity me," says Fitor. "I've never met her. I'm the result of an emergency chipset ejection."
"That tends to have an increased risk of metaru-jin syndrome," says Karakawa.
"Incidents of metaru-jin syndrome are low with established molds," says Fitor, "and I had developed enough neuromatter to function independently in a tin pet frame."
"I see..." muses Karakawa.
"So, 10.3 M-cycles later," continues Fitor, "I'm alive, I'm well, and I'm in no danger of becoming a mechanized zombie...or worse."
"Worse...?" wonders Karakawa.
"I might have become...a robot!" gasps Fitor, his optics wide with horror.
"You're making fun of the idiotic prejudice against metaru-jin, aren't you?" asks Karakawa.
"Yes," says Fitor, a teasing smile on his face. "Aren't we stupid to have these imaginary fears?"
"'Stereotypes do have a basis in fact'," quips Karakawa.
"And what fact have I failed to accept?" asks Fitor.
"The fact that there's an entire race of robots warring against each other only a few parsecs away from Gobotron," says Karakawa.
"So?" asks Fitor.
"That's what the people of Gobotron are afraid of becoming," continues Karakawa. "They don't want to lose their humanity."
"What does that even mean, Sakura-san?" asks Fitor.
"That's not something we can clearly define, is it?" says Karakawa.
"Do you think the Cybertronians are asking themselves scrap like this?" scoffs Fitor.
"No," says Karakawa, "because they were always machines; they don't have a mass existential crisis to grapple with. We do," she continues, "because we were once like the Earthians and other organics, and now we look more like Megatron: the jerk who blew up our sun eons ago."
"Bah. Wouldn't it be easier to confront our crisis," says Fitor, striding towards the couch, "if we simply beat the scrap out of said jerk?"
"Instead of honoring non-aggression treaties with him," says Karakawa, rolling her optics.
"I don't like Megatron very much," says Fitor.
"Nor do I," says Karakawa, "but he has his fans. My father, though, isn't one of them."
"Of course not," says Fitor. "The Head Senator and those who support him are simply the people whose fears override their common sense. Were I still a Guardian, I'd be dead by now."
"Except you will always be a Guardian. You'll always feel as if you have to do whatever it takes to protect us," says Karakawa.
Fitor studies Karakawa.
"The only problem: you can't protect us from ourselves," continues Karakawa. "We have to solve the crisis in our own way."
"No matter how stupid and suicidal," says Fitor.
"We don't need your protection on this," says Karakawa. "We need your patience."
Fitor smiles. "That's what my friend would say," he muses.
"Leader One?" asks Karakawa.
"You mean the Governor-general, who seethes during every diplomatic visit to UNECOM from the Decepticons," grins Fitor, "and who-if he didn't fervently believe in rule of law-would cram every datapad copy of the Beta Cygnus II Pactup your father's exhaust port?"
"He's not that bad," snorts Karakawa.
"Indeed. He's worse," says Fitor. "Only his contempt for Optimus Prime regarding the Vilnacron Incident has saved Gobotron from the frag-off declaring martial law."
"That would make Leader One a renegade," says Karakawa.
"He's done it before, you know," says Fitor.
"I think that a certain incident involving Leader One's power suit had something to do with that," says Karakawa.
"Your idealism is infectious, Sakura-san," says Fitor.
"And you're about to dig into my dad again," says Karakawa.
"Forgive me," says Fitor. "I know that it can be tiresome to be the child of a notable Gobot."
"At least your dad's a major character on a cartoon," smiles Karakawa, "though you're probably going to whine that he's not the star."
"Obviously not," says Fitor. "That would be our belligerent firebrand, Senator Nanatsuro," he continues, displaying his old Guardian badge.
"I'm aware that he's a retired Guardian," says Karakawa.
"This was something he'd adopted during the Second War," says Fitor, picking up a datapad on the lounge table; he draws a series of symbols, leading to familiar sigils.
"The Consumeroid and Militron designators became the Autobot and Decepticon insignias," says Karakawa.
"Study the sigils closely," says Fitor. "Let me know if any familiar faces appear."
Karakawa leans close to Fitor as she complies, to get a closer look at the sigils. "The Decepticon sigil does look like a stylized form of Soundwave's head, when you stare at it too long. And the Autobot emblem looks a bit like Prowl."
"Actually," says Fitor, "The Autobot sigil is based on the face of one of the Autobot Liberators, Datsun. Prowl just happens to have that fellow's make, model, and color scheme. Soundwave, of course," continues Fitor, "is a direct descendant of the fellow depicted in the Decepticon sigil: Ten, or Sephiroth-so of course he has a stylized form of his own head emblazoned on his chest."
"With that in mind, then the sigils that look like Turbo and Cy-Kill...are actually based on others with their molds," says Karakawa.
"On their respective grandfathers, in fact," says Fitor, presenting his Renegade badge and setting it next to the Guardian badge.
"Yukimaru Isshin: the most popular and revered Governor-general of all time, and Senator Nanatsuro," muses Karakawa.
"Cy-Kill essentially scuttled the plans to merge the two sigils when he coopted the hogosha-tai emblem for Bike Hero," says Fitor.
"Why not just modify the Zero sigil that Wing Zero had?" asks Karakawa.
"Bike Hero's full name was Kakumei Shin Hogosha-dan BIKE HERO," says Fitor. "You know Cy-Kill's flair for the dramatic would allow for nothing less. Also," he continues, presenting the Zero sigil, "a sigil based on Zero's head is uninspiring and dull."
"I'll admit that the sigil's a bit generic..." muses Karakawa, studying the sigil.
"And when you're trying to light a fire under the aft of a society," says Fitor, "generic won't cut it."
"Yet six M-cycles of violent theatrics haven't moved our society one iota," quips Karakawa.
"You're fun," grins Fitor wryly. "What would you have done?"
"I won't be pulled into that inquiry," says Karakawa.
"Seriously: what would you change about Gobot society," continues Fitor, "and how would you convince the people that these changes need to be made?"
"I wouldn't put the burden of protecting Gobotron solely on the shoulders of Guardian-class mecha," says Karakawa. "That's the fundamental reason the Guardians are so...intense."
"What is your basis?" asks Fitor.
"For a comparison, there's the most powerful military on Earth, the United States military. Their personnel is culled from the sector's general population, and as long as an American is in good physical health, they're in."
"That's how it works in theory," says Fitor, "but in practice, there is a degree of discrimination. You don't want just any individual in your military," he continues, "but a person who reflects your nation-or in our case-your planet's values: a physical emblem of your homeworld's best and brightest."
"Then explain how Cop-tur got in," quips Karakawa.
"I suspect a gross clerical error," says Fitor, pouting, "though to be fair, he's not a complete idiot."
"What would you say to having civilian Gobots join the ranks of the Guardians-ordinary and Guardian-class?" asks Karakawa.
"Given my experience during the past six M-cycles," says Fitor, "I'm not as hostile to the idea as I would have been during my Guardian days. Sajiko-san is actually competent and capable-if shy, for example."
"But I'm sure there are barriers preventing this change," says Karakawa, "which likely needs to occur."
Fitor nods. "You don't want to join the Guardians as it is right now," he says, grinning. "You wouldn't be able to survive the entry fitness tests: they're designed for Guardian-class mecha."
"What about Mazaki-san?" asks Karakawa.
"She missed the cut: barely," says Fitor. "If you're a Guardian, you sometimes have to obey orders that don't make any damned sense-and she wouldn't be able to do that."
"She's served Cy-Kill faithfully for six M-cycles!" says Karakawa.
"And you've observed Guardians discussing their day," counters Fitor. "No order Cy-Kill has issued as Bike Hero's leader could possibly match any of the deranged orders from our superiors. And that's to say nothing of the rules of engagement handed down from our beloved Senate-which sometimes makes it impossible to carry out our orders."
"You're exaggerating," says Karakawa.
"I dare you to ask Leader One tomorrow," says Fitor.
"I won't accept that dare," says Karakawa.
"You're just saying that because you know the Guardians are listening to this conversation," says Fitor.
"They'd be very bored," snorts Karakawa, "especially the poor soul in Guardian Intelligence who has to monitor my flat."
"But you-the Head Senator's daughter-are having a chat with a former subversive," muses Fitor. "I'm definitely a person of interest that the Guardians have every reason to monitor."
"On what basis do you make such an assertion?" asks Karakawa.
"If I were still a Guardian," says Fitor, "I'd be damned sure to monitor my movements."
Karakawa touches her chin. "Have you and the other former Guardians thought about asking forgiveness," she asks, "and rejoining?"
"What message does that send to the new recruits training at the Academy?" asks Fitor.
"While I'd guess that you're thinking it would send the poor message that it's okay to engage in violent revolt against your society," says Karakawa, "I'd also think that it shows that we as a society value you, and accept your willingness to atone for your past transgressions: as you've shown your fundamental desire to protect and improve Gobotron."
Scene: 7
"What about Cop-tur?" wonders Fitor, a mischievious glimmer in his optics.
"Frag him," scoffs Karakawa. "Clerical errors can't carry him forever."
Fitor laughs.
Karakawa smiles, admiring Fitor.
Fitor's laughter trails off as he studies Karakawa. "Am I an impressive father-figure?" he asks.
"You're an impressive figure, sir," says Karakawa, blushing slightly.
"And you're an honest young lady," muses Fitor.
Karakawa sighs, squaring her shoulders.
"Because of this," Fitor continues, "you're understandably guarded about your own feelings. I can imagine that gets pretty lonely for you."
"At times," says Karakawa.
"Ah..." says Fitor, studying Karakawa.
Karakawa rubs her arms, confused by Fitor's steady gaze.
"I can open the door, Sakura-san," says Fitor, almost inaudibly, "but you alone have the power to fly out."
Karakawa blinks.
"The choice is yours," says Fitor.
Just as Karakawa starts to respond...the videophone rings.
Fitor notes the caller display. "It's from the Head Senator's office," he says.
Karakawa sets the videophone to handset mode, then answers. "Moshi-moshi, Karakawa residence. Watashi wa Sakura desu," she says, smiling as she straddles Fitor's lap.
Fitor refreshes his optics, then stares at Karakawa, optics wide.
"...yes, Dad, I'm well..." continues Karakawa. "I'm entertaining a guest at home... I-*" she starts, her words cut off in a sudden burst of delighted giggles as she quickly mutes the videophone.
Fitor grins, gently stroking Karakawa's back.
"What are you doing?" gasps Karakawa.
"Ensuring that you don't lie to your father," quips Fitor.
"I just wanted to teach Dad a lesson about spying on me," Karakawa hisses into Fitor's audios.
"And I want to teach you a lesson about straddling me," whispers Fitor, tapping Karakawa's aft plate.
Karakawa touches her chest, tense as her fuel pump races. She places an index finger over Fitor's lip components. "Do you have a nickname?" she asks quietly as she switches the videophone-still mute-to video mode.
Fitor lowers his visor, obscuring his optics from Senator Karakawa's view; he grins as he notes the shocked, confused look on Senator Karakawa's face.
"You're already enjoying this too much," whispers Karakawa as she unmutes the videophone.
"Who is your associate...?" asks Senator Karakawa over the videophone.
"What do you call yourself, silly?" asks Karakawa, stroking Fitor's faceplate.
Fitor smirks. "'Daiza'," he drawls, kissing Karakawa's neck column.
Karakawa trembles, muting the videophone again. "That can't be a real nickname!" she spits. "Who would call you that!?"
"My closest friend," says Fitor.
"Really?" says Karakawa quizzically, unmuting the videophone. "And who is your closest friend?"
"Ichiro," says Fitor, grinning as he grips Karakawa's aft and begins rocking his hips.
Karakawa smiles thinly at Fitor. "You're very naughty, Daiza-kun," she says airily. "You're also an aft port," she mouths inaudibly.
"Get your jack-aft of a father off the phone," says Fitor over internal radio, "so that I can properly clean out your mouth."
"Are you going to use soap?" quips Karakawa via internal radio.
"That's what this is for," says Fitor through internal radio, briefly waggling his oral sensor array, "although it can do a great deal more with your other, more...sensitive components."
"You probably say that to all the ladies," radios Karakawa as she turns to the videophone. "Dad, I'll call you later," she says to Senator Karakawa. "We need to have an honest discussion about boundaries."
"I look forward to the conversation, Sakura. Please take care," says Senator Karakawa.
"I will, thank you," says Karakawa. "Good bye."
Senator Karakawa nods, then ends the call.
Fitor licks Karakawa's neck column.
"You are wicked..." hisses Karakawa, pulling herself away from Fitor and sitting down on the couch.
"Are you saying your past boyfriends were boring?" asks Fitor.
"I've...never had a boyfriend," says Karakawa, blushing.
"You've never interfaced, either," says Fitor quietly as he retracts his visor, a bemused smile on his face.
"While that's true," says Karakawa, calming herself, "what would make you reach that conclusion?"
"If you'd had any experience with men-especially men from our planet," grins Fitor, "then you'd know my behavior was quite tame. Your father has guarded you well."
Karakawa pouts, grabs Fitor's hand, and stands, pulling Fitor towards her.
Fitor stands, a whimsical smile on his face.
Karakawa escorts Fitor to the front door, then nudges him out.
Fitor chuckles.
Karakawa kisses Fitor briefly, then pulls away. "Thank you for being my hero, Daizaburo-san," she says. She shuts the door before Fitor can respond.
Fitor smiles. "I'll pay you another visit next week, Sakura-san," he says aloud, "so don't try to avoid me." He takes off into the sky, transforming in midair.
Scene: 8
Turbo finishes his presentation to the Senate, during a closed hearing.
"I thank you, Shichigorou-san, for your report," says Senator Karakawa.
"You're welcome, Head Senator," says Turbo, bowing.
"It is rather sobering: these numbers," continues Senator Karakawa. "The dedication of the mamoributai to the security of Gobotron-especially under such conditions-is truly appreciated."
"It is our honor, sir," says Turbo.
"What can be done to ease this burden on you," asks Senator Karakawa, "and to assure our allies of our steadfastness?"
Turbo hides a grin, thinking on his comical remix of a recording of General Newcastle's voice. "Truthfully," he says after a moment, composing himself, "I have to avoid being flippant when I say this, but frankly, Head Senator: we need more active Guardians. Our numbers are not enough, as the evidence shows most dramatically."
"If I may interject, Head Senator," says a senator. "What would be the purpose, Lieutenant Senior," he asks Turbo, "in this sudden increase in active troop strength, given that the rotating active force of 7500 has served us well thus far?"
"Indeed," adds Senator Nanatsuro. "You have my sympathies," he continues, "however, you are not the first Guardian hailing from the Shichigorou clan who has proposed an increase in active troop numbers."
"Acknowledged," says Turbo. "While two of the Guardians who made this proposal, Shichigorou Kaoru and Shichigorou Taiko, had proven themselves unfit to serve as Guardians," he continues calmly, "that doesn't make them any more wrong than it made the other 285 active Guardians who have made this proposal before me, including the former Governor-general of Gobotron: the late Yukimaru Isshin-whose conduct as a Guardian is beyond all reproach."
"You speak truly," says Nanatsuro. "Taiko referenced my own speech to this body," he continues, "from when I stood where you stand now. In fact, this is one of the reasons I am sitting in this dais, so that I may be a voice for my comrades."
Turbo smiles briefly, looking towards Zeemon. "So," he says to the Senate. "I've given you the facts, and you've heard the rather colorful opinions of the personnel serving in Earth's military forces about the facts. It's up to you," he adds, "to determine whether our Earthian allies are within their rights to feel insulted by our seeming unseriousness."
"I suspect that you agree with our allies," says Senator Karakawa, "whose shared history, sadly, has been one of war and conflict amongst themselves."
Turbo nods. "Earth is known for a vast variety of proverbs, adages, and other words of wisdom carried through their generations," he says. "One of those is that the price for peace is eternal vigilance. The other, given earlier by the Earthian philosopher Plato, was restated by Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus succinctly. Si vis pacem, para bellum: to secure peace, prepare for war."
Senator Karakawa nods.
"We are not prepared, sir," says Turbo. "If the Cybertron Empire opts to disregard the Beta Cygnus II Pact," he continues, "then, to be blunt, there's not a damned thing we can do about it."
A senator studies Turbo a moment. "I believe that rescinding our alliance with Earth," she says, "may be the wisest course of action, given the circumstances."
Turbo stiffens, his entire body tense.
"Earth's political situation is volatile," continues the senator, "as it lacks a single, central authority. Also, it's clear that Cybertron's subversive elements will not leave Earth."
"While that's true," says Turbo slowly, carefully, "Earth's internal politics, and its alliance of necessity with the Autobot subversives, are irrelevant to the issue at hand: Gobotron's security," he adds, "in which, madam senator, I am the active expert: as a ranking officer in the mamoributai."
"While we would certainly defer to your expertise, Lieutenant Shichigorou," says another senator, "you must understand the political situation we are in. The Beta Cygnus II Pact, while not an ideal solution, does secure the peace for Gobotron and its allies-and has for six M-cycles. It is only Earth's recalcitrance in securing unity for its many nations and regions, and each nation's atomistic resistance to a centralized governing power, which creates this problem."
Turbo grins crudely. "Not for lack of trying from various defunct regimes and empires during Earth's history," he says glibly, "with the most recent effort orchestrated by a fellow named Adolf about sixty cycles ago, in Earth year 1939. Millions of Earthians died."
"That fellow you refer to," says Zeemon, "was a dictator reviled by Earthians across the globe. We have no such analogue in our history," he adds, "as the worst human-generated disaster on Gobotron was authored by the Master Renegade."
"Yep," says Turbo. "Formally, Adolf was elected chancellor via democratic vote by the people of Germany after the fall of the Weimar Republic."
"What about the United States?" asks Nanatsuro. "Its military is preeminent, and its economy is robust and healthy relative to the rest of Earth. That country has de facto rule of Earth," he continues, "so what are the obstacles preventing that rule from being de jure?"
"I...was going to ask that question," says another senator, smiling at Nanatsuro.
"My apologies," says Nanatsuro. "Experience has taught me to anticipate the concerns of my junior colleagues."
"Playing 'devil's advocate', then," says Turbo. "As you wish. While the United States has great political hegemony backed by its military might-and keep in mind that the bulk of the reaming I received from Earth's forces came from US military personnel," he continues, "the US isn't the only major power on Earth. There's China, the United Kingdom-which was once the British Empire-and there's a small confederacy of sectors referred to in aggregate as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or the Soviet Union. Two of those three sectors are allies-against the US; the remaining sector, the UK, is like an obnoxious, condescending older brother to the US. None of those sectors want Earth to fall under the rule of the US."
"Yet you recognize under the present political realities," says the young senator, "that unifying Earth's myriad sectors in a unified government is the only way we can properly cover Earth under the Beta Cygnus II Pact."
"The non-aggression pact is worthless now," says Turbo flatly. "We have, several times during the course of our time on Earth, been forced to allow the soldiers of the Cybertron Empire to act freely without reprisal. This situation is unsustainable. We're supposed to be Earth's allies," continues Turbo, "so the only way we can act like allies and protect Earth-without violating the Beta Cygnus II Pact by supporting the Autobot insurgency effort-is to increase our numbers in the Guardians' active roster."
"Have you considered how a sudden spike in the number of active Guardians will look to the leader of the Cybertron Empire?" asks a senator.
Turbo's optics widen.
"May I please interject?" asks Leader One quietly, seated in the Governor-general's box.
"Governor-general," says Senator Karakawa, nodding to allow Leader One to speak.
"The Cybertron Empire is not our ally," says Leader One firmly, "and thus, we need not concern ourselves with Megatron's opinion of any changes in our numbers. Earth, however, is our ally," he continues, "and will remain thus in spite of the fact that we have treated its many sectors poorly."
The Senate is silent.
Leader One continues. "It's true that Earth's political and technological situation differs from that of the bulk of our other allied worlds," he says. "But make no mistake: these other worlds are depending on Earth-the only world in the universe able to make a decisive stand against the Cybertron Empire-to win the day against Megatron. Our other, long-standing allies are watching how we treat Earth," continues Leader One, "and their opinion matters far more to me: the Governor-general of Gobotron and commander of the mamoributai, than Megatron's."
Another young senator responds, touching her chin. "Governor-general," she says, "you and the lieutenant senior say that we have been poor allies to Earth. Please understand," she continues, "that we gain little from aiding Earth, and we stand to lose a great deal. We certainly gain nothing by adding more Guardians to your ranks except increased scrutiny from the Cybertron Empire."
Leader One chuckles quietly. "A salient point, if minor," he says. "It appears that you're leading to a question."
"Yes," says the senator. "The Earthians are far behind most of our other technologically-capable allies, in spite of their remarkable progress towards spaceworthiness given the primitive tools at hand. Their documented intelligence and exceptional ability to adapt to a multitude of situations," she continues, "means that it has not been us, the people of Gobotron, who have failed them as allies. Our reason for securing the alliance was due to the Renegades' incursions on Earth, and as the threat from the Renegades-at least for now-has abated, we no longer have any compelling objective reason to maintain this alliance."
Turbo squares his shoulders.
"However, the Autobot insurgency effort requires Earth as the staging ground," continues the senator, "and Earth needs the strength and technological advancements of the Autobots to ably fend off Cybertron Imperial forces. The Autobots have provided minimal proactive aid to Earth's militaries, being largely reactive to Megatron's efforts; Earth's alliance with the Autobots is unequal."
Nanatsuro smiles. "You are correct, young colleague," he says, shaking his head. "The Autobots, who stand in far greater need of Earth as an ally, have proven to be worse allies than Gobotron in this vital respect."
"Indeed," says Leader One, "Optimus Prime has been rather shortsighted."
"Not so," counters Senator Karakawa. "Given Earth's well-documented history of war," he adds, "it would be unwise to give Earth technology it is not yet mature enough to wield responsibly."
Nanatsuro strokes his chin; Leader One frowns.
"It took two global wars for Earth to consider the ramifications of its own technologies," Senator Karakawa continues, "and even now, using their own conventional weapons-and with the Cybertron Empire as their present adversary-they still war with one another. Though I'm not in the habit of defending subversive leaders," he says, "Optimus Prime does have my respect for his decision to avoid blindly trusting Earth as an ally."
"I will concede that Optimus' decision-a reactive decision based on poor planning in the past," says Leader One, "is a logical one. However, this decision of his is shortsighted and flawed, and your junior colleague, Head Senator, has pointed out one of the greatest ones."
Senator Karakawa touches his chin.
"Thus we, the leaders of Gobotron, can't irresponsibly abandon Earth and expect the Autobots to recognize their error in time," continues Leader One. "We must act to protect Gobotron and Earth-who is our ally."
"Gobotron has never abandoned her allies," says Nanatsuro, "and we must not allow that foul habit to even be considered. If Earth is weak," he continues, "our very purpose is to protect the weak."
"Earth's...a really young world," says Turbo. "It's filled with smart, adaptable people who will learn quickly with guidance," he adds, "and it has a great deal of potential."
"But Earth chooses to squander its own potential due ultimately to its own shortsightedness and arrogance," says a senator.
"Ah," grins Turbo wryly. "How arrogant of these technological primitives," he adds, "that they dare to presume-given the bulk of available empirical evidence until Earth year 1984-that they were alone in the universe. What the hell were they thinking?"
"Even now, Lieutenant," counters the senator, "the Earthians cling to childish superstitions. Had they relinquished them far sooner," he adds, "then the truth of alien worlds would have been self-evident."
Turbo stares at the senator a moment, then walks out of the Senate hall.
"Why did Lieutenant Senior Shichigorou leave, Governor-general?" asks the senator.
"He left," says Leader One, briefly touching his head, "because he was aghast due to the abject stupidity of your words. I," he continues, rising from his chair in the Governor-general's box as he turns his head to face Senator Karakawa, "will now also take my leave-if you will permit, Head Senator."
Senator Karakawa nods, mute from the rebuke delivered to his colleague.
Leader One leaves the Governor-general's box.
Scene: 9
Optimus enters a toy store with Turbo, the latter grinning brightly. He stares at Turbo, confused.
Turbo walks to the electronics department, scanning the handheld game section. "Go ahead and give me the question," he says after a moment.
"Why did you request a meeting inside Toys R'Us?" asks Optimus.
"While the kids are bugging you for autographs," says Turbo, "I can shop for games in peace."
Optimus studies Turbo as the red car mecha picks up a Game Boy display unit.
"Hm..." Turbo muses in Gobou-go. "I believe Yokoi-san said 'lateral thinking with withered technology'."
"'Yokoi-san'?" wonders Optimus.
"Yokoi Gunpei," continues Turbo. "Gunpei Yokoi in Univers name order."
"Which is the closest language cognate we both have on file to this sector's language: English," says Optimus. "Who is 'Gunpei Yokoi'?" he continues. "A Mold-45 Gobot philosopher?"
Turbo chuckles. "Far better than that," he says. "He's the Nintendo employee who made the D-pad, created the Donkey Kong and the Mario Brothers arcade games, and he had hired Shigeru Miyamoto."
Optimus stares at Turbo a moment, then laughs. "You got me, Turbo," he says, mirth in his optics."
"I had only stated facts," says Turbo. "You're the one that jumped to uninformed conclusions."
"Indeed," says Optimus wryly. "How dare I presume that a Gobot would be thinking about his homeworld?"
"I only think about my home as much as you think of yours, Optimus," says Turbo.
"I doubt that," says Optimus gravely. "As a soldier, your homeworld's well-being is at the forefront of your thoughts-no matter what you're doing."
"Yeah," says Turbo, "but that's my job. The best cure for any scraps of homesickness is for me to go home to District Seven," he continues. "Gone: just like that."
"What's wrong with District Seven?" asks Optimus.
"The bulk of the mecha there have inanimate carbon rods permanently wedged up their aft ports," scoffs Turbo, "with no hope of extraction. Especially when it comes to me."
"Because you're the head of the main branch of the Shichigorou clan," says Optimus.
Turbo winces. "I don't like to mention that in polite company," he says. "The only time I let anyone address me by that name is either during Senate briefings, or various diplomatic meetings-though it gets annoying if it's one at UNECOM."
"I take it there was an impromptu meeting called by Skywarp," says Optimus.
"Yep," says Turbo. "If I'm going to violate the non-aggression pact, I won't waste good blaster fire on Skywarp."
"Actually, he's the ideal target," says Optimus. "You wouldn't have to worry about Small Foot's continued insubordination."
"Ah, come on-that happened once-and only because your guys kidnapped Spay-C and later damn-near murdered Frenzy," says Turbo, "which would have led to us going to war with Cybertron."
"The 'guys' in question were the Dinobots!" balks Optimus.
"Shame's on you for having child soldiers," quips Turbo, "though that's typical for subversives."
"Be serious, Turbo," says Optimus, grave. "You're better than that."
"I don't have any compelling interest to be 'better'," says Turbo coldly.
"To hell with the jack-afts in your outfit," continues Optimus. "They can either get over themselves or choke on a rusted input cable."
"They're good soldiers," says Turbo. "You're demanding that they 'get over' eons of cultural conditioning."
"The society which initiated that conditioning issued the amnesty," says Optimus. "Those 'good soldiers' must defer to their will."
Turbo faces Optimus, his body tense. "What do you expect of me, Optimus Prime?" he asks.
"No more than what Leader One would expect of you-and of himself," says Optimus.
"Leader One has a compelling interest in maintaining the amnesty," says Turbo evenly, crouching down as he notes a game of interest.
A clerk approaches the counter, then sighs; she shakes her head. "I see you've outdone yourself today, Turbo," she says, noting Optimus.
"I'd like Super Mario Land, please," says Turbo to the clerk. "He's here to keep me on my best behavior," he adds, nodding to Optimus with a grin. "You know I need adult supervision."
"That's the display copy only, I'm afraid," says the clerk.
Turbo touches his chin. "I see," he says after a moment, then shrugs. "Maybe I'll get it next time." He walks away from the electronics section after handing the clerk back the Game Boy display unit.
Optimus shakes his head, then follows him out.
Scene: 10
Optimus sighs as he and Turbo continue their walk to Oregon. I still don't see the point of this, he says to himself.
"I never knew," says Turbo, "that you could fall in love."
Optimus refreshes his optics, but remains silent.
Turbo continues. "With a planet, I mean. I'm aware of falling in love with a person," he adds wryly, "though that's a new experience for me, too."
"I see," says Optimus. "Is Earth the planet you're in love with?" he asks.
Turbo nods.
Optimus chuckles. "I saw her first," he says.
"The thing about Earth-if we're personifying the planet-is that she can take on multiple lovers without betraying any of them," quips Turbo.
"Her beauty is quite apparent," says Optimus. "It's understandable why humans-sorry, Earthians," he continues after a look from Turbo, "once worshipped their planet as a goddess."
"I'm not too offended," says Turbo. "Out of the Milky Way alone," he adds, "at least forty percent of the active solar systems in it have some species of sapient life that identifies themselves with a word that translates in Univers to 'human'. We managed to crash-land on a planet with sectors that can communicate in thirty different dialects of Gobou-go, and twenty of Univers."
"Earth is amazing," says Optimus. "I'm glad you appreciate this world."
"Yeah," says Turbo. "And Earthians are the best part of the planet-warts and all. This planet couldn't ask for a better sapient apex predator."
"What makes you say that?" asks Optimus.
"You know how Braxis was talking trash about a second Tower of Babel during our adventure with the Devilspawn?" says Turbo.
Optimus touches his chin.
"Earthian curiosity is without limit," Turbo continues. "They hunger after and seek after truth and knowledge-they want to know everything there is to know. Nothing frightens them more than the unknown: and they either want it to be known and understood..."
"...or destroyed," says Optimus gravely.
"That's part of the dark side of human nature in general," says Turbo. "In that respect, Earthians are struggling to rise above that impulse-especially with regard to themselves."
"How do they fare against the other 'humans' in the galaxy?" asks Optimus.
"The humans of Earth...are the best," says Turbo with conviction.
Scene: 11
"The same species that foisted the likes of Braxis and Chumley onto the universe?" scoffs Optimus.
"Hey, nobody's perfect. It could be argued that my planet foisted the likes of Cop-tur onto the universe," says Turbo, "and your world fobbed Skywarp and Starscream onto the cosmos."
"With regard to those two, I place the blame squarely on the shoulders of their creators," says Optimus. "Cybertron is not responsible for those guys."
"Even Earth's deranged evil maniacs can do some good," quips Turbo. "Hell, Hitler built the Autobahn."
"Just don't let Sergeant Katzenbogen hear you say that the next time his unit visits UNECOM," says Optimus. "By that logic, I could correctly argue that Megatron has done great things for Cybertron."
"Yeah, and had he not destroyed everything that he'd helped to build," says Turbo, "we wouldn't be walking to your volcano base in Oregon. You still have a great deal of respect for him, don't you?"
"Yes," says Optimus. "Our failure as a people to remember his make's contributions to Cybertron," he continues, "is the greater factor which led to our war...which even now continues."
Turbo is quiet, even as he and Optimus continue walking.
"I...had dared to hope that our work together to defeat Prime Nova-our mutual enemy-would be the common ground we could work with, to build a road to peace," continues Optimus.
"Hey," says Turbo. "He was considering it. He just wanted you and your guys to stand down and let him conquer the universe."
"Come now," says Optimus. "Had I surrendered, Gobotron would be the first planet I'd want on the hit list. The Beta Cygnus II Pact would not have been able to save you or your allies."
"I'll take that in the tone you had intended, Optimus," grins Turbo. "The treaty's barely worth anything now."
"What will it take to compel Senator Karakawa to rescind it?" asks Optimus.
"I don't know," says Turbo. "Much like I don't know why Leader One insisted that I be Guardian point guy number 288 to basically beg the Senate to let us round out our roster a little."
"Because you're an intelligent and knowledgeable planetary patriot," says Optimus.
Turbo refreshes his optics.
"Who better to make the case," Optimus continues, "than the mech who-with one impromptu speech at a town hall meeting in a Ku Klux Klan-friendly town-convinced a group of people openly hostile to African-Americans to make Dr. Martin Luther King Junior's birthday a state holiday?"
"All I did was point out that Dr. King was a great American who exemplified the values that Americans believe in, and want their children to learn," says Turbo. "I had to render their thoughts of him as a 'coon' or 'nigger' irrelevant in their minds."
Optimus nods gravely.
"I do the same thing to myself every morning to stop referring to some of my colleagues as 'merties'," continues Turbo. "Those recalcitrant town folk...are better than I am at taking my hint."
"What makes you say that?" asks Optimus.
"The Klan was there-in full regalia," grins Turbo, "and those people kicked them out."
"Senator Nanatsuro was quite proud of you," says Optimus.
"Please," Turbo snorts. "He could have burped out a better speech than mine in his rest cycle."
"To a group of hostile alien organics?" asks Optimus.
"They weren't hostile to me," says Turbo. "If the good senator had the advantage of being a known friendly element to those people, he would have convinced them to pay reparations to every random black American they met on top of celebrating Dr. King's birthday."
"Of course," says Optimus. "And much like him, you are a fighter-in word as well as in deed."
Scene: 13
"Now that we're closing in on your home base," says Turbo, "it's time to get to the reason I wanted to meet with you."
"Leader One sent you to meet with me," says Optimus wryly, "because meeting with me himself is beneath him."
"Nope," says Turbo. "Ain't that at all. Leader One's as down-to-earth as jetwarriors can get. He just didn't want you to think that he wanted to take your job," he continues.
"An understandable precaution, then," says Optimus, "considering that I've heard reports that Leader One had tried to take over the Renegades at one point."
Turbo gives Optimus a rueful smirk. "Just...don't get me started with that one," he says. "Let's remain on task."
"What's your concern?" asks Optimus.
"Our concern," says Turbo, "is your contact with Fitor."
"So what?" scoffs Optimus. "You're not going to use him-your planet's politics won't allow it."
"Really?" snorts Turbo.
"Yes," Optimus continues. "All of that combat experience he has will just go to waste on Gobotron. He needs to be with us."
"Come on," says Turbo. "You can take Cy-Kill and Cop-tur, and we'll even let you have Fly Trap."
"I have no shortage of officers trying to think for me in my outfit, so Cy-Kill's out," counters Optimus. "And no one wants Cop-Tur."
"Damn it, you ain't getting your dream draft picks either," quips Turbo. "No Snoop, no Fitor, and definitely not Crasher."
"Draft picks..." mutters Optimus.
Turbo chuckles. "In all seriousness," he says, his laughter subsiding, "we can't allow it. Against the non-aggression pact-and more importantly, Gobotron law-to let our civilians pick sides in your fight."
"Good choice of words, Turbo," says Optimus. "If Mirai Heitai no Seigi is remotely accurate, six Gobots picked sides in the Second War."
"And Senator Nanatsuro's side-your team's side-won that time," says Turbo. "The fallout from that led to a non-interference treaty which precedes the Beta Cygnus II Pact."
"That was to prevent more instances of the Guardians playing chess with our lives if another civil war on our planet had ever broken out," says Optimus.
"The thing is," grins Turbo, "that treaty with Sentinel Prime was the foundation for our favorite treaty-and the only reason Senator Nanatsuro had initially signed onto it."
Optimus sighs. "Six M-cycles ago," he says, "the terms of the Beta Cygnus II Pact made sense. That sense died five M-cycles ago-let alone now, when your ally is clearly threatened by Decepticon aggression."
Turbo pinches the bridge of his nose.
"The Earthians only picked our side because we're the ones protecting them from the Decepticons," continues Optimus.
"Poor Earth," says Turbo. "One of the few useful bits from my senators in that sad excuse for a hearing is that you guys are-to put it in the most blunt, Earthian manner possible-the shittiest allies to have."
Optimus' optics widen.
"Yeah, we're horrible allies, too," continues Turbo, "but at least our reason for being pitiful makes political and military sense."
"We lost a planet of allies to a global civil war when we shared technology with societies unprepared to deal with its ramifications," says Optimus. "You're as much of a history buff as I am," he continues, "and you know damned well that the bulk of Earthian history can be summed up as-*"
"-the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," grins Turbo. "War, famine, pestilence, and death. Most planets have one mythological god of war," he adds. "On Earth, the megasector Europe alone has three, with two of them in the same region."
"And you want the Autobots to give them the means to annihilate themselves," says Optimus.
"I have faith in them," says Turbo, conviction in his optics. "The race of humans that produced people like A. J. and Spike," he continues, "is incapable of annihilating themselves: their will to survive is too strong. They landed a poorly-constructed star shuttle on their moon with nothing but their primitive mathematical calculations and a slide rule. They haven't even been able to blow themselves to smithereens with their own nukes."
Optimus sighs.
"Have you seen War Games?" continues Turbo.
"'The only winning move is not to play'," muses Optimus.
"This sector we're in," says Turbo, "is the most powerful one on Earth, the preeminent global superpower. It got that way because the people here fraggin' hate war: every conflict the United States was ever embroiled in, the sector was dragged in kicking and screaming."
"How can you say that," counters Optimus, "when the southeastern US was once saturated with the blood of millions in a civil war?"
"That lasted less than four cycles," says Turbo. "And the US was dragged into that one, too."
"What are you saying?" asks Optimus. "Shall I rely on the goodwill of the sector with a vast military apparatus constructed in part to bankrupt its rival: the Soviet Union?"
"Hey," shrugs Turbo, "this way, the US won't have to fire a shot."
"Not counting the numerous proxy wars between various client states of the superpowers," says Optimus.
"The Earthians will figure it out," says Turbo, "and they can be trusted with your technology."
"...you first," says Optimus after a moment.
"Give me a way to do it that doesn't break the non-aggression pact," grins Turbo.
"Excuses are unbecoming of you," says Optimus.
"Look," says Turbo flatly. "We know that we'll have to confront Megatron. The Beta Cygnus II Pact-in all of its idiocy-is our kludged-together societal tool we're using to decide when we'll do it."
"The problem," says Optimus, "is that the 'Cybertron Empire' is also making impressive use of your tool-to force you to do its bidding."
Turbo glowers. "I don't need to be reminded of this," he says, narrowing his optics. "What I-what we need," he continues, locking his optics onto Optimus' own, "is for you so-called 'freedom fighters' to start acting like a fraggin' army."
Optimus studies Turbo. "What kind of army do you want?" he asks quietly after a moment.
"The kind that can win against the determined enemy you have," says Turbo, grim.
"In order to do so," says Optimus, "we'll have to become what we're fighting against."
"'He who fights monsters...'" muses Turbo, mulling over an Earthian proverb.
Optimus touches his chin.
"Get over yourselves, Prime," says Turbo curtly. "You're already monsters."
"And what are the Guardians?" asks Optimus, unfazed by Turbo's comment.
Turbo gives Optimus a rueful smile. "Demons," he says.
END SPECIAL THREE
