Chapter 20 – No Matter The Cost
As the Optimus Prime stands outside the Ark many hours later, he gazes out into the night sky and views all the stars as they shimmer and glisten in the vast darkness of space. Bumblebee suddenly reappears from his long walk alone, and as he returns to the Ark he notices the large robot staring at the heavens above. He curiously walks over to Prime and looks up at the sky just as he does, with out even noticing the small yellow robot beside him, the Autobot leader lets out a sigh and a prayer.
"For all things worth life and death...let them still be alive and on a world that remains to us as our home."
"What was that Optimus?" Bumblebee says to him.
Prime flinches slightly as he was unaware that the small yellow mini bot had stepped up beside him.
"Oh...Bumblebee. Nothing. I was just thinking aloud. Actually...that's not true, I was just hoping that Cybertron still exists and that those that were left behind are still alive and safe."
Bumblebee sighs.
"Yeah...I do that sometimes too. You know Optimus, being here has really changed me...not so much with the terrible things I saw...but rather being with Spike, Carly and Sparkplug. Out of all the humans that have been trying to use us non-stop those three really have gone out of their way to be our friends and treat us as one of them. It makes me feel so angry that everything that we try to do for them always ends up hurting their kind. I feel so out of place on this planet that I don't know if we'll ever be accepted by all of them."
Prime continues to look down at the small low ranking Autobot and agrees.
"Indeed. Since the day we were reawakened our troubles have seemingly blended into this world's as well. These humans will study our every action, in the past and from this moment on...if we're not careful, we could be jeopardizing our very relationship with them. Which is why I've come to a decision, one I knew I'd have to make some day, I just didn't think this would be the place it would happen."
Bumblebee looks up at him with curious eyes.
"What? What decision?"
Prime lets out a large sigh and looks at the stars one last time. Without even looking back down at the little yellow robot, he gives him an order.
"Call everyone to assemble Bumblebee...I want a line up and a role call of all Autobots out here."
The mini transformer nods slightly and begins walking into the Ark. As Prime lowers his head deep in thought, Ratchet drives up the side of the mountain and comes to a stop near him. Both Spike and Carly step out of his Ambulance doors and look at Optimus Prime.
"Well, we're back Prime. We told the local hospital what happened and they're taking care of him now."
"What do their doctors say Spike? Will he be alright?" Prime inquires.
"They say if Ratchet hadn't operated when he did...well...he might not have made it."
The giant leader turns front ward to face them and looks down at them all. Ratchet quickly transforms into his robot mode and folds his arms together.
"It took some time to explain about how I managed to do it so quick, but they seemed very impressed with my knowledge and skill. Even if I did kind of scare them a bit as I transformed before their eyes. While Spike and Carly took Sparkplug in, I managed to help a few other medical emergencies...naturally they had to bring them out to me since I couldn't go inside..."
Prime places his hand on Ratchet's shoulder and looks at him proudly as he interrupts the chattering medical robot.
"You did that? That was very thoughtful of you Ratchet, these humans need to know we're not here to conquer or even destroy them all. If there is one thing I want this world...these people to understand...it is the Autobots who come in peace and we are in no way like our destructive kin the Decepticons."
"It will take a lot more then that to convince them Optimus." Ratchet says with some hesitation. "With every attack the Decepticons make on them, the more they seem generally afraid of us all, despite our help every now and then."
Prime's bright glowing blue eyes flash as Ratchet points that out to him.
"That's why this war has got to end...and end it will."
The entire Autobot group now comes running out of the ship and begin to line up single file. Each Autobot looks at the humans and Prime as they join together and nod at all of them as they go rushing by. As Prime gazes at Ratchet, the medical robot quickly catches on and joins the others in the line up. Carly and Spike look at the various robots creating a formation that are now all standing at attention.
"What...what's going on?" Carly says curiously.
Prime walks over to the robot soldiers and stands at a point where they call all see him clearly. Spike watches the meeting with great confusion, but as he looks over at Bumblebee, he notices the small robot is trying not to look in his direction.
"Soliders! Comrades! My Autobot Brothers....", Prime announces to them all in a proud voice. "Megatron and the Decepticons have no doubt repaired themselves by now and are ready to blast off at any given moment. Telatran One confirmed the fact that their ship is ready and set to launch at any time."
A great buzz among the group began to slowly rise; all whispered to each other about the announcement and seemed generally worried. As the looked at one another and chatted, Optimus began to speak again and as he did, they all quieted down and listened.
"There can be no more mistakes this time my friends. We set out on a mission to liberate Cybertron and return home with enough power to end the tyranny of Megatron's rule. Our mission almost failed had it not been for some brave souls that reawakened us to finish what we started."
Carly and Spike both felt honored to be praised by the leader as he spoke, and as they were mentioned in reference, the Autobots all nodded to them and smiled. Bumblebee lowered his head in shame and again avoided eye contact with Spike. Once again, Prime continued his speech to the Autobot soldiers.
"Earth has become as dear to us as Cyberton, for it is here that our friends have made many a sacrifice for all of us...some gave their very lives to stop our greatest enemy. I will not let them die for nothing, their determination, strength and friendship have shown us that they are also willing to do whatever it takes to end evil...no matter what form it comes in. Which is why I believe we must strive to do the same. We brought this curse to these fragile beings; we are responsible for their lives and their world just as much as ours. If Cybertron is gone, and our Autobot brethren are no longer...then let us make the final stand here once and for all."
As the leader begins to pace up and down the line of robots standing at attention, he gazes on each face as he passes; all of them seem to be showing a proud look as they listen to his every word.
"Megatron must not be allowed to leave this planet alive. His wave of chaos would be damaging to not only this planet, but other star systems he would surely try to dominate as well. I know I am asking a lot of many of you, to give your very life if need be to stop the Decepticons, but I ask you not to do this for me, nor for Cybertron, Earth or even each other...but for the sake of the galaxy and all life where ever it may be found. As our dear liberator and greatest leader once spoke, 'Let justice and freedom always be protected and do whatever it takes to stop the darkness that spreads beyond. Always value honor and life and let nothing destroy it...no matter the cost.'"
Stopping at Bumblebee at the very end, the leader stares down at him and put both his hands on his shoulders, giving him a small nudge as he says his final thought.
"We should do whatever it takes...and not let evil men get away with such evil."
Bumblebee un-slouched himself and looked at the massive leader with pride. A quick nod from Optimus gave him a notion that he was glad to see he understood his words and soon Prime walked back to where he was originally standing and looked at all of them again.
"I say it's time to give Megatron and his unwelcome bunch a big goodbye. Not just for now, not just for tomorrow...but for all time! Who's with me?", he shouts at them.
The entire group steps forward in unison, the sound of their feet tromping the ground makes Carly and Spike shiver with awe as the Autobots show the greatest act of loyalty they've ever witnessed. Jazz steps out from the group, salutes the leader and raises his voice.
"Autobots! Sound off!"
Each Autobot gives his name and salutes.
"Hound, ready."
"Sunstreaker, ready."
"Cliffjumper, ready to kick some Decepticon ass!"
"Ironhide, ready...and so are my fists."
"Prowl, ready."
"Bluestreak, ready. Just try and stop me."
"Mirage, ready."
"Gears, ready. I may be old...but I've still got some fight in me yet."
"Smokescreen, ready."
"Trailbreaker, ready."
"Windcharger, ready."
"Brawn, you bet your sweet behind I'm ready."
"Sideswipe, ready."
"Silversteak, ready and pumped!"
"Huffer, ready. Just give the word Prime."
"Wheeljack, ready."
"Ratchet, ready."
"Bumblebee...er...oh, ready. I guess."
Jazz salutes the leader again and shouts out like a drill sergeant to a superior officer.
"Jazz, ready for battle Prime! We await your orders, sir!"
Prime clenches his fist and raises it half way.
"By Primus...we'll make them all wish they were never assembled. Autobots...Transform!"
The entire group transforms in unison at his command, each one converts into their car mode like bunch of dominos falling one after the other. As Spike runs over to Bumblebee before he transforms, he looks at him and holds his hand.
"Spike...I...I..." the yellow Autobot says trying not to look at his face.
"I'm not mad at you anymore Bumblebee. I know now you were only trying to protect him, I still think of you as my best friend and wanted you to know...if I could still be yours."
Bumblebee smiled at him, he took his hand and shook it with great care.
"I'll always be your friend Spike. Just so long as you forgive me for what I've done...tell Sparkplug...I'm sorry."
Spike chuckles and can see the spark of friendship between them coming back.
"You don't have to say it buddy. He knows...he just wants you to do him a favor, go clean their clocks. And give them hell for me too."
Bumblebee giggles and lets go of his hand. Transforming into his Volkswagen yellow beetle mode, he opens both his doors and shouts at both him and Carly standing not too far off.
"Get in guys, I'll drop you off before we get to the Decepticons and you can watch the fight at a safe location."
Spike smiles and signals Carly to join him.
"Now you're talking! Come on Carly, let's cheer them on!"
Carly runs over and gets into the drivers side. Spike hops into the other seat at looks at her with shock as she steals the spot wanted to be in.
"Sorry Spike, but I've seen you drive. Trust me...I've got better handling of the wheel."
Bumblebee laughs.
"Ooooh you just got burned. Bzzzzzt!"
"I think I should have left you on the road thumbing for a ride." Spike says back to her sarcastically.
She winks at him and both share a laugh as Bumblebee closes his doors. Optimus Prime looks out at all the Autobots revving their engines and ready to drive out. Such a sight makes him proud of them all and he quickly transforms into his tractor-trailer mode. All turn on their headlights and await his command.
"Till all are one!" Prime shouts in his cab mode.
"Till all are one!" They all respond back to him.
The red and grey rig pulls out past them and begins to drive down the mountainside road.
"Autobots! Roll out!!"
The entire fleet of cars moves with him and drive down together at high speed. As the group of Autobots rush down though the dirt road and on to the paved highway beyond the area, Optimus Prime once again gives an order that they can all hear.
"Trans-boosters online! Activate scanners!"
Jazz speaks up and gives the command they all want to hear.
"HIT IT!"
With one massive green flash, the whole driving fleet warps down the road and nothing is left but smoke, burned tire marks on the asphalt and a massive scoop of wind that sends wild brush flying down the road.
â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢
Snoring away in his large empty room, Doctor Archeville is soundly asleep as he still clutches his rather tattered photo of his days as a Nazi officer. On his table sits a nearly empty bottle of whiskey and a glass that sits on it side. The man has been drinking the night away thinking of his old life and trying to blur away those memories with liquor. The man is totally unaware of the hour, as the constant sound of the female computer voice tries to ask him if Agent West can enter the room. The Doctor's sound sleep is disturbed once the voice is accompanied by the thumping of someone's fist upon the door. The banging echoes in the room and forces Archeville to awaken in a most foul mood.
"Alright..." he says as he start to stir at the growing noise. "I said ALRIGHT!! Computer open the door, over ride procedure 117 and just let them in already!"
The door swings open and West rushes into the room in total panic. His out of breath gasps suggests he's been running for some time and that he's in a hurry to tell the Doctor something.
"Doctor Archeville! It's...it's...."
The old man wipes his face with his hand as he tries to sober up.
"Oh for Pete sakes! Just spit it out already!"
"Sir! The Autobots have left the Ark and are on their way to launch a major attack on the Decepticons!"
Archeville quickly rises to his feet in shock and drops the photo on the floor beside him.
"WHAT! My god...what time is it? Sweet Jesus, why didn't you wake me earlier? It's nearly dawn!"
Calculating the distance and time it would take the Autobots to reach the destination, Archeville's eyes become a flutter as he works it all out.
"They'll be there in a few minutes...and the Decepticons will blast off the moment they spot them. We have no time to waste anymore...I want that technology and I want it at all costs Commander West!"
The agent nods agreeingly to the raving old man as he helps him try to stand up, Archeville seems wobbly as he tries to compose himself and smacks the agent's hands for even helping him.
"Get off of me! I'm fine...I SAID I'M FINE!! Damn my stupidity for slacking off in a crucial time..."
Archeville tries to fix his hair, or what little he has left on the sides, and quickly runs out the door with the Agent.
"Sorry sir, but I was trying to get you to open up the door for nearly ten minutes!"
"That's no bloody excuse...come on lets fire up the weapon and set the base on alert one!"
As the door shuts behind them, all that is left in the room is a desk with spilt liquor on it and a picture of the young Nazi Archeville on the floor. The picture is being slowly destroyed by the dripping alcohol as it taps down off of the table, the image becoming soaked and absorbing the continued drips hitting it each time.
As the Optimus Prime stands outside the Ark many hours later, he gazes out into the night sky and views all the stars as they shimmer and glisten in the vast darkness of space. Bumblebee suddenly reappears from his long walk alone, and as he returns to the Ark he notices the large robot staring at the heavens above. He curiously walks over to Prime and looks up at the sky just as he does, with out even noticing the small yellow robot beside him, the Autobot leader lets out a sigh and a prayer.
"For all things worth life and death...let them still be alive and on a world that remains to us as our home."
"What was that Optimus?" Bumblebee says to him.
Prime flinches slightly as he was unaware that the small yellow mini bot had stepped up beside him.
"Oh...Bumblebee. Nothing. I was just thinking aloud. Actually...that's not true, I was just hoping that Cybertron still exists and that those that were left behind are still alive and safe."
Bumblebee sighs.
"Yeah...I do that sometimes too. You know Optimus, being here has really changed me...not so much with the terrible things I saw...but rather being with Spike, Carly and Sparkplug. Out of all the humans that have been trying to use us non-stop those three really have gone out of their way to be our friends and treat us as one of them. It makes me feel so angry that everything that we try to do for them always ends up hurting their kind. I feel so out of place on this planet that I don't know if we'll ever be accepted by all of them."
Prime continues to look down at the small low ranking Autobot and agrees.
"Indeed. Since the day we were reawakened our troubles have seemingly blended into this world's as well. These humans will study our every action, in the past and from this moment on...if we're not careful, we could be jeopardizing our very relationship with them. Which is why I've come to a decision, one I knew I'd have to make some day, I just didn't think this would be the place it would happen."
Bumblebee looks up at him with curious eyes.
"What? What decision?"
Prime lets out a large sigh and looks at the stars one last time. Without even looking back down at the little yellow robot, he gives him an order.
"Call everyone to assemble Bumblebee...I want a line up and a role call of all Autobots out here."
The mini transformer nods slightly and begins walking into the Ark. As Prime lowers his head deep in thought, Ratchet drives up the side of the mountain and comes to a stop near him. Both Spike and Carly step out of his Ambulance doors and look at Optimus Prime.
"Well, we're back Prime. We told the local hospital what happened and they're taking care of him now."
"What do their doctors say Spike? Will he be alright?" Prime inquires.
"They say if Ratchet hadn't operated when he did...well...he might not have made it."
The giant leader turns front ward to face them and looks down at them all. Ratchet quickly transforms into his robot mode and folds his arms together.
"It took some time to explain about how I managed to do it so quick, but they seemed very impressed with my knowledge and skill. Even if I did kind of scare them a bit as I transformed before their eyes. While Spike and Carly took Sparkplug in, I managed to help a few other medical emergencies...naturally they had to bring them out to me since I couldn't go inside..."
Prime places his hand on Ratchet's shoulder and looks at him proudly as he interrupts the chattering medical robot.
"You did that? That was very thoughtful of you Ratchet, these humans need to know we're not here to conquer or even destroy them all. If there is one thing I want this world...these people to understand...it is the Autobots who come in peace and we are in no way like our destructive kin the Decepticons."
"It will take a lot more then that to convince them Optimus." Ratchet says with some hesitation. "With every attack the Decepticons make on them, the more they seem generally afraid of us all, despite our help every now and then."
Prime's bright glowing blue eyes flash as Ratchet points that out to him.
"That's why this war has got to end...and end it will."
The entire Autobot group now comes running out of the ship and begin to line up single file. Each Autobot looks at the humans and Prime as they join together and nod at all of them as they go rushing by. As Prime gazes at Ratchet, the medical robot quickly catches on and joins the others in the line up. Carly and Spike look at the various robots creating a formation that are now all standing at attention.
"What...what's going on?" Carly says curiously.
Prime walks over to the robot soldiers and stands at a point where they call all see him clearly. Spike watches the meeting with great confusion, but as he looks over at Bumblebee, he notices the small robot is trying not to look in his direction.
"Soliders! Comrades! My Autobot Brothers....", Prime announces to them all in a proud voice. "Megatron and the Decepticons have no doubt repaired themselves by now and are ready to blast off at any given moment. Telatran One confirmed the fact that their ship is ready and set to launch at any time."
A great buzz among the group began to slowly rise; all whispered to each other about the announcement and seemed generally worried. As the looked at one another and chatted, Optimus began to speak again and as he did, they all quieted down and listened.
"There can be no more mistakes this time my friends. We set out on a mission to liberate Cybertron and return home with enough power to end the tyranny of Megatron's rule. Our mission almost failed had it not been for some brave souls that reawakened us to finish what we started."
Carly and Spike both felt honored to be praised by the leader as he spoke, and as they were mentioned in reference, the Autobots all nodded to them and smiled. Bumblebee lowered his head in shame and again avoided eye contact with Spike. Once again, Prime continued his speech to the Autobot soldiers.
"Earth has become as dear to us as Cyberton, for it is here that our friends have made many a sacrifice for all of us...some gave their very lives to stop our greatest enemy. I will not let them die for nothing, their determination, strength and friendship have shown us that they are also willing to do whatever it takes to end evil...no matter what form it comes in. Which is why I believe we must strive to do the same. We brought this curse to these fragile beings; we are responsible for their lives and their world just as much as ours. If Cybertron is gone, and our Autobot brethren are no longer...then let us make the final stand here once and for all."
As the leader begins to pace up and down the line of robots standing at attention, he gazes on each face as he passes; all of them seem to be showing a proud look as they listen to his every word.
"Megatron must not be allowed to leave this planet alive. His wave of chaos would be damaging to not only this planet, but other star systems he would surely try to dominate as well. I know I am asking a lot of many of you, to give your very life if need be to stop the Decepticons, but I ask you not to do this for me, nor for Cybertron, Earth or even each other...but for the sake of the galaxy and all life where ever it may be found. As our dear liberator and greatest leader once spoke, 'Let justice and freedom always be protected and do whatever it takes to stop the darkness that spreads beyond. Always value honor and life and let nothing destroy it...no matter the cost.'"
Stopping at Bumblebee at the very end, the leader stares down at him and put both his hands on his shoulders, giving him a small nudge as he says his final thought.
"We should do whatever it takes...and not let evil men get away with such evil."
Bumblebee un-slouched himself and looked at the massive leader with pride. A quick nod from Optimus gave him a notion that he was glad to see he understood his words and soon Prime walked back to where he was originally standing and looked at all of them again.
"I say it's time to give Megatron and his unwelcome bunch a big goodbye. Not just for now, not just for tomorrow...but for all time! Who's with me?", he shouts at them.
The entire group steps forward in unison, the sound of their feet tromping the ground makes Carly and Spike shiver with awe as the Autobots show the greatest act of loyalty they've ever witnessed. Jazz steps out from the group, salutes the leader and raises his voice.
"Autobots! Sound off!"
Each Autobot gives his name and salutes.
"Hound, ready."
"Sunstreaker, ready."
"Cliffjumper, ready to kick some Decepticon ass!"
"Ironhide, ready...and so are my fists."
"Prowl, ready."
"Bluestreak, ready. Just try and stop me."
"Mirage, ready."
"Gears, ready. I may be old...but I've still got some fight in me yet."
"Smokescreen, ready."
"Trailbreaker, ready."
"Windcharger, ready."
"Brawn, you bet your sweet behind I'm ready."
"Sideswipe, ready."
"Silversteak, ready and pumped!"
"Huffer, ready. Just give the word Prime."
"Wheeljack, ready."
"Ratchet, ready."
"Bumblebee...er...oh, ready. I guess."
Jazz salutes the leader again and shouts out like a drill sergeant to a superior officer.
"Jazz, ready for battle Prime! We await your orders, sir!"
Prime clenches his fist and raises it half way.
"By Primus...we'll make them all wish they were never assembled. Autobots...Transform!"
The entire group transforms in unison at his command, each one converts into their car mode like bunch of dominos falling one after the other. As Spike runs over to Bumblebee before he transforms, he looks at him and holds his hand.
"Spike...I...I..." the yellow Autobot says trying not to look at his face.
"I'm not mad at you anymore Bumblebee. I know now you were only trying to protect him, I still think of you as my best friend and wanted you to know...if I could still be yours."
Bumblebee smiled at him, he took his hand and shook it with great care.
"I'll always be your friend Spike. Just so long as you forgive me for what I've done...tell Sparkplug...I'm sorry."
Spike chuckles and can see the spark of friendship between them coming back.
"You don't have to say it buddy. He knows...he just wants you to do him a favor, go clean their clocks. And give them hell for me too."
Bumblebee giggles and lets go of his hand. Transforming into his Volkswagen yellow beetle mode, he opens both his doors and shouts at both him and Carly standing not too far off.
"Get in guys, I'll drop you off before we get to the Decepticons and you can watch the fight at a safe location."
Spike smiles and signals Carly to join him.
"Now you're talking! Come on Carly, let's cheer them on!"
Carly runs over and gets into the drivers side. Spike hops into the other seat at looks at her with shock as she steals the spot wanted to be in.
"Sorry Spike, but I've seen you drive. Trust me...I've got better handling of the wheel."
Bumblebee laughs.
"Ooooh you just got burned. Bzzzzzt!"
"I think I should have left you on the road thumbing for a ride." Spike says back to her sarcastically.
She winks at him and both share a laugh as Bumblebee closes his doors. Optimus Prime looks out at all the Autobots revving their engines and ready to drive out. Such a sight makes him proud of them all and he quickly transforms into his tractor-trailer mode. All turn on their headlights and await his command.
"Till all are one!" Prime shouts in his cab mode.
"Till all are one!" They all respond back to him.
The red and grey rig pulls out past them and begins to drive down the mountainside road.
"Autobots! Roll out!!"
The entire fleet of cars moves with him and drive down together at high speed. As the group of Autobots rush down though the dirt road and on to the paved highway beyond the area, Optimus Prime once again gives an order that they can all hear.
"Trans-boosters online! Activate scanners!"
Jazz speaks up and gives the command they all want to hear.
"HIT IT!"
With one massive green flash, the whole driving fleet warps down the road and nothing is left but smoke, burned tire marks on the asphalt and a massive scoop of wind that sends wild brush flying down the road.
â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢
Snoring away in his large empty room, Doctor Archeville is soundly asleep as he still clutches his rather tattered photo of his days as a Nazi officer. On his table sits a nearly empty bottle of whiskey and a glass that sits on it side. The man has been drinking the night away thinking of his old life and trying to blur away those memories with liquor. The man is totally unaware of the hour, as the constant sound of the female computer voice tries to ask him if Agent West can enter the room. The Doctor's sound sleep is disturbed once the voice is accompanied by the thumping of someone's fist upon the door. The banging echoes in the room and forces Archeville to awaken in a most foul mood.
"Alright..." he says as he start to stir at the growing noise. "I said ALRIGHT!! Computer open the door, over ride procedure 117 and just let them in already!"
The door swings open and West rushes into the room in total panic. His out of breath gasps suggests he's been running for some time and that he's in a hurry to tell the Doctor something.
"Doctor Archeville! It's...it's...."
The old man wipes his face with his hand as he tries to sober up.
"Oh for Pete sakes! Just spit it out already!"
"Sir! The Autobots have left the Ark and are on their way to launch a major attack on the Decepticons!"
Archeville quickly rises to his feet in shock and drops the photo on the floor beside him.
"WHAT! My god...what time is it? Sweet Jesus, why didn't you wake me earlier? It's nearly dawn!"
Calculating the distance and time it would take the Autobots to reach the destination, Archeville's eyes become a flutter as he works it all out.
"They'll be there in a few minutes...and the Decepticons will blast off the moment they spot them. We have no time to waste anymore...I want that technology and I want it at all costs Commander West!"
The agent nods agreeingly to the raving old man as he helps him try to stand up, Archeville seems wobbly as he tries to compose himself and smacks the agent's hands for even helping him.
"Get off of me! I'm fine...I SAID I'M FINE!! Damn my stupidity for slacking off in a crucial time..."
Archeville tries to fix his hair, or what little he has left on the sides, and quickly runs out the door with the Agent.
"Sorry sir, but I was trying to get you to open up the door for nearly ten minutes!"
"That's no bloody excuse...come on lets fire up the weapon and set the base on alert one!"
As the door shuts behind them, all that is left in the room is a desk with spilt liquor on it and a picture of the young Nazi Archeville on the floor. The picture is being slowly destroyed by the dripping alcohol as it taps down off of the table, the image becoming soaked and absorbing the continued drips hitting it each time.