Journal Entry

June 13, 1987

Scrapper

I almost had a nervous breakdown twice today. The first was the worst. It happened when I took Aviator to be introduced to Lord Megatron. Oh my poor fuel pump had its work cut out for it, I was so afraid, one slip up would spell disaster.....

Scrapper and Aviator were on their way to the  main control room, where the young Constructicon jet would finally meet the Decepticon Commander in Chief Megatron.

Aviator was practically bouncing down the hallways with excitement, while Scrapper was a nervous wreck quickly briefing Aviator on what he should and should not say or do.

".....And most importantly, be honest. Lord Megatron does not mind if you lie or deceive others around here, but he minds very much if you deceive him. And his Communications Officer, Soundwave, he has powers, he knows what you are thinking, and he knows when you are lying and he will tell Lord Megatron that you are doing so. Please be honest". Scrapper spoke quickly and nervously even though he was trying to remain calm and confident.

"I will I promise." Scrapper relaxed slightly at Aviator's confident smile.

The door opened.

Soundwave must have heard the sound of unfamiliar footsteps, for he turned in his chair at the main computer to look at Scrapper and the newcomer. Aviator nodded and smiled politely at the Communications Officer, who only narrowed his optic visor in return.

"I'll be with you in a moment Scrapper." Megatron said not looking up from the plans he was explaining to Starscream and Onslaught.

Aviator took the opportunity to look around the room he was in, but his optic visor almost immediately fell on the thing sitting at Soundwave's feet. He could tell it was a transformer, but it was unlike any he had ever seen before. It had apparently noticed him staring because it emitted a low growl of warning.

Once the meeting had ended Onslaught picked up his plans and headed for the door. As he past he by he stopped and looked at Aviator.

"A seventh. Curious. I don't think that's ever been done before with a gestalt team, but I suppose if there was a team to do it, it would be the Constructicons." Onslaught mused then turned on his heel and left.

"So this is the new one I've been hearing so much about." Megatron smirked and gestured for Aviator to come forward. The young Constructicon did so.

"I am Aviator, Lord Megatron."

"At ease, Aviator.  I'm sure you've heard of my commanders, but in case you haven't, I'll make the introductions."

Aviator nodded as Megatron motioned toward the blue robot sitting in the main control chair.

"This is my Communications and intelligence officer, Soundwave. Oh and this is one of his "children", Ravage." The cat Cassette shared the same expression as his father in regarding the new Constructicon before them.

"And this is my Aerospace Commander, Starscream."

The aforementioned commander was standing casually with his arms folded across his chest and a smirk upon his face. Even with the casual stance he still managed to make himself look superior. For a moment Scrapper thought he saw Aviator's optic visor glow a hateful red as he faced the person he was built to defeat. Apparently Starscream had taken notice of it too, for the smirk upon his face quickly faded.

"It seems Aviator, you have been busy the past few days." Megatron folded his arms and began to slowly circle the young Constructicon like a shark waiting for the time to strike..

"Yes, what an adventure," Aviator answered pleasantly.

Scrapper was relieved to see Aviator was far from being unnerved under Megatron's scrutinizing gaze. It was common practice for the commander to test the new recruit's nerve under the pressure of being judged. Sure it doesn't sound like a lot, but when you are there in person staring into the optics of Megatron "The Slag Maker," as he was popularly known, it is not an experience to be taken lightly.

"Ah, yes. Everything is an adventure when you're young." Megatron smirked and stopped circling at Aviator's right just to the side of Starscream.

"All right now on to formalities. What is your function and loyalty?"

"My function is protector of the Constructicons and....."Scrapper was relieved even more when they moved onto formalities, that meant Aviator passed the scrutinizing test. At least he was relieved until he heard Aviator state his loyalty....

".......and my loyalty is the Constructicons." Aviator stated without hesitation or fear.

"Excuse me?" Megatron's voice was mixture surprise and anger, while the smirk returned to Starscream's face as he looked over at Scrapper who had the appearance of a bot about to suffer a nervous breakdown.

"Did you say the Constructicons?" Megatron's tone was almost a growl.

"Yes, sir." The confusion on Aviator's face indicated recognized he had said something wrong, but that he didn't know what.

"Not to me? Not to the Decepticons as a whole?" Megatron demanded.

"Well, I--" A now frightened Aviator looked over to the other end of the room at Scrapper.

Megatron noticed this and stepped in between them, blocking Scrapper from Aviator's view.

"No, cheating. I want to hear the words from your mouth not his." Megatron's face was cold and angry.

"Well, the Constructicons are my creators and my team, I owe loyalty to them first. However, since they are Decepticons, I am loyal to the Decepticons as well and I will fight with all the strength I have." Aviator tried to stay calm as he answered, but that was nearly impossible.

"And me?" Megatron seemed less angry after hearing Aviator's last statement.

"I-I don't not know you sir. I cannot yet form a fair opinion of you for myself. Either good or bad. But you must be a great leader, if you have Scrapper's respect and loyalty."

"I see." Megatron had gone from angry to almost pleased at hearing Aviator's words. "So, per say if Scrapper said for you to be loyal to me, you would be."

"Undying sir." Aviator was less frightened now, but still tense.

"Despite what opinion you formed of me?"

"Yes sir, if Scrapper says to me loyal, you shall have it full and complete."

"Well, as I fully intend to keep the loyalty of the Constructicons, that's good to hear. At least I won't have to worry about you conspiring with Starscream behind my back." Megatron's anger had completely subsided by this point. He moved out of the way so that Aviator could see Scrapper again and stood next to Soundwave. "So, Scrapper until now Aviator's actions have spoken for themselves, but do tell what other skills he might have."

"Oh, well um." Scrapper was still recovering from the intensity of the pervious few minutes, so he was a bit caught off guard when Megatron addressed him.

"Under Hook's supervision he was able to repair his own hand after the Motormaster incident and Bonecrusher has been showing him the various tools we use to build and fix. Also, he would be a good bodyguard of sorts for Longhaul when he is transporting energon cubes and materials, like when they had that run in with Powerglide. Plus we we've been clearing out a small storage area we had almost forgotten was there. Scavenger's been mainly using it as a place for his 'collection', but we figured once cleared out we'd give Aviator some plans and tools to work with, just turn him loose and see what he can do in fixing up a room for himself." Scrapper managed to say all of that in one air intake.

"Sounds like a good idea." Megatron approved, and Scrapper relaxed a bit more. "And it sounds like Aviator is here to stay."

"Yes, yes he is." Scrapper said quickly. Aviator smiled at that.

"Very well, you may go." Megatron stated.

"Wait a minute, I have yet to pass judgment." Starscream stood up tall, arms still crossed over his chest. Despite having a faceplate, Scrapper still managed to convey an exasperated "Aw, slag!" look on his face.

"Not that it matters Starscream, but it is your right as one of the commanders."

Starscream casually walked up to Aviator and slowly circled him. However unlike with Megatron, Aviator was tense and his facial expression was like ice. Then Starscream stopped behind the young jet and took hold of one of his wings. It was common practice for an experienced seeker to check the wing quality of the younger ones. Apparently nobody told Aviator that.

Don't touch me!" Aviator hissed pulling himself away from the Air Commander.

Megatron raised an optic brow, half in surprise, half in amusement. "Well it seems the youth has more fire in him than he puts on."

Starscream's usual his sour sort of irritated look had been replaced by a deadly seriousness. There was a moment of tense silence, while Aviator and Starscream just glared at each other.

"With all do respect." Scrapper walked up and put his hands on Aviator's shoulders. "Since there seems to be nothing more to be said, Aviator and I will take leave, there is still much needed to be done."

Megatron nodded. Scrapper gently pulled Aviator toward the exit, but even still the young Constructicon's ruby band never left Starscream's optics. Scrapper could feel Aviator shaking with anger as his visor glowed with a terrible red hate. It didn't stop glowing until the doors shut and Starscream was forced out of Aviator's view.

***********************************************

Scrapper was working on some blue prints on a solar tower. It was based on Grapple's original plans, but he was making some improvements. Namely, more durable, but not take more materials or energy to run, but still have the same energon output. It was a daunting feat, but not insurmountable. However Scrapper found that the only way to pull off what Megatron wanted was to use a special Cybertronian alloy that was extremely strong, but did not require any layering to get it that way so to use it was quite material efficient. However, there was a catch to this. The metal to more materials to properly smelt it than what the output produced, thus making it material deficient.

What really needed to be done was to figure out either a more efficient way to smelt the ore or find a way to artificially create the special Cybertronian alloy. There was only one bot alive Scrapper knew could solve this puzzle.

Mixmaster.

In truth Mixmaster was already packing up his chemistry books, notes and disks for a trip to Cybertron to begin work on the alloy project. In fact in Scrapper's mind this project couldn't come at a better time. Mixmaster had been acting very strangely lately, strange for Mixmaster that is.  Mixmaster usually ignored the jibes against him by Motormaster and Starscream. Sometimes even if he didn't he would go into his lab, experiment with something and often times blow that something up then feel as right as rain, but this time he didn't. The Constructicon Chemist had instead gone into a full blown depression. In all of the time since their creation Scrapper had never seen Mixmaster act like this. Strangely enough this was more frightening than hearing him cackle over a bubbling vat of acid. To add to Scrapper's fear Mixmaster started stuttering again, not just in nervous situations, but all of the time. Like he had before the formation of Devastator, which told Scrapper something was terribly wrong.  Also the coldness Mixmaster displayed to Aviator was even more perplexing, since it was Mixmaster who convinced the others to build Aviator.

Scrapper hoped that having an assignment to do would help snap Mixmaster out of it.

There was a knock at the door.

"Enter." Scrapper said wearily, not looking up from his work.

"Scrapper?" Aviator slowly stepped into the room.

"I'm very busy at the moment Aviator, I can't talk with you now." Scrapper answered still not looking up from his work.

"I know I'm sorry for interrupting, but could you tell me where Soundwave's quarters are? No one else was around and Mixmaster wouldn't talk to me." Aviator spoke with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Sure, but why would you want to---?" Scrapper stopped when he looked up and saw the answer to his incomplete question sitting in Aviator's arms.

Ravage had quite a content look on its face as Aviator gently scratched him between his audio receptors.

"I caught him just as he was trying to sneak into one of the dark corners in my room, while I was working on it." Aviator chuckled, moving his hand to give Ravage a scratch under the chin.

Scrapper felt his anger flare. Not at Aviator and Ravage, but at Soundwave who had the audacity to send one of his children to spy on his creation. However Scrapper managed to swallow his loathing and speak calmly. " Actually I could use a break, so I could show you there myself."

Aviator nodded happily.

By the time they arrived outside Soundwave's room, Scrapper was ready to punch something. He gently knocked on the door when he really just wanted to knock it down.

The door opened to reveal Frenzy.

"Yeah? Whaddya want?" The little cassetticon demanded.

"Where is your creator?" Scrapper almost hissed.

"I am here." Soundwave turned in his chair to face Scrapper.

"Good I wish to talk to you alone."

Soundwave looked past Scrapper at Aviator standing behind him, with Ravage still in his arms. Ravage had an apologetic look on his face as if to say, 'I'm sorry I got caught.'

"Rumble, Frenzy, Laserbeak, exit now." Soundwave said.

Rumble looked up from his "Playbot" magazine, let out an overly exasperated sigh and exited the room dragging Frenzy away, as Laserbeak followed. Buzzsaw and Ratbat were out on spy missions. Aviator followed suit, still holding on to Ravage.

"What the hell was Ravage doing in Aviator's room!?" Scrapper practically screamed out after the door closed securely behind them.

"I sent him there." Soundwave answered calmly.

"Why?!" Scrapper roared. "What did you think you would find there!? Aviator has nothing to hide! How dare you try to pull one of your tricks on him!"

"I sent Ravage to protect him."

Scrapper stopped, a bit startled at Soundwave's response.

"I saw Starscream's face. Aviator is a threat. Starscream may try to frame his threat to turn Megatron's anger to your creation. Ravage could verify Aviator's innocence." Soundwave stated calmly, but seriously.

Scrapper was less angry, but still suspicious. "And what is the catch for this service? What do you want from us in return?"

Soundwave's monotone voice suddenly became a vicious hiss. "I want Aviator to grind Starscream into the dust...!"

***********************************************

Scrapper's faceplate seemed to smirk as he walked out of Soundwave's room. 'Perhaps that cassette deck isn't such a bad lot after all. At least we can work together toward a common goal.'

"Ya' done yet?" Frenzy huffed indignantly.

"Quite." Scrapper looked around. "Where's Aviator?"

"Meh. Longhaul came by, talked to him for a bit then the kid took off." Rumble got up.

"Oh? That's odd Scavenger is supposed to be on Cybertron. Well Scavenger is still there. Which way did Longhaul go?"

"Down that way." Rumble pointed down the hallway to Scrapper's right. "Wait where did Aviator say he was going?"

"I dunno, I'm not his creator." Frenzy sneered.

"Watch it small fry!" Scrapper hissed as he headed down the direction Rumble pointed.

He finally located the Longhaul in the Medbay getting his leg fixed by Hook.

"Longhaul what happened?" Worry immediately crossing Scrapper's place.

"Meh. A little accident at the mine with half of the thing falling on my leg. Most a' the bots with us got crushed. Those who didn' got shipped off ta' Shockwave an' his drone bots to get fixed. Not me, I hitched a ride with Astrotrain back here to get some real help."

"Damn right." Hook huffed, reconnecting some wires in Longhaul's knee.

"And Scavenger?" Scrapper raised an optic brow.

"His tail got busted and in an panic attack he ran 'ta the nearest Constructicon who could fix him. A.k.a. Mixmaster." Longhaul explained.

"Oh good. Mixmaster's not alone." Scrapper sighed in relief.

Scrapper's relief was short lived, for an 1 hour later Hook and Scrapper had almost finished with Longhaul's leg, the Constructicon miner walked with his tail dragging limply behind him.

"Scavenger?! What are doing here?!" Scrapper yelled a little louder than he intended.

"Well, I---" Scavenger was quite scared at being yelled at.

"Why aren't you with Mixmaster?!" Hook almost gaped in surprise.

"Mixmaster said he couldn't fix my tail." Scavenger shivered.

"Ya' left him there alone?!" Hook's optic band widened.

"Well, no--"

"Oh good."

"---Aviator is with him."

"WHAT!?" Scrapper, Hook and Longhaul called out at the same time.

"Awww, hell! Ya' left the kid with the loony bin." Bonecrusher walked in at that moment, strapped up with a whole bunch of explosives and his Scream64 detonator in hand.

The other Constructicons looked at him with exasperated faces.

"What are ya' lookin' at me for?" Bonecrusher demanded indignantly.

********************************

The Constructicons looked everywhere the minute they arrived on Cybertron. The Labs, the smelting pits the factories, the lounges, everywhere. Except one.

The Medbay.

They feared the worst as they approached the aforementioned room, but as they neared it they heard familiar voices.

"That didn't hurt too much did it?"

It was Mixmaster. He was not stuttering.

"No I'm all right. Thank you."

The Constructicons quietly peered into the Medbay. Aviator was sitting on one of the med tables, while Mixmaster seemed to be patching something up on the young jet's forehead.

"I'm sorry I've been rather indisposed lately. I haven't tried to get to know you. And I'm really sorry I didn't do it sooner, it could have changed everything." Mixmaster spoke barely above a whisper.

"I'm just glad I came before it was too late." Aviator said tiredly, but happily.

"Yes, thank Primus for that."

Scrapper turned back to the others. "Let's leave them alone, they have a lot of catching up to do."

....................Who would have thought? One minute Mixmaster is cold and indifferent, the next he is calm and approachable. All I can ask is, what the slag happened?! And what did Aviator mean when he said, "I'm just glad I came before it was too late.......?"

*******************************

Phew! That took a while to write.

Just a few announcements.

1. I'm back from Whistler, Canada

2. Wayward, your request picture is done, I just have to scan it in. ST I just have to scan and color yours.

3. Lady Shera, CybladeSilver just reminding you have the option of making a request for art as well.

4. That's it.

Till Next Time

     -Vega Sailor