Summary: 4 million years ago, the Autobots were preparing to leave Cybertron. Starscream's ambitions were failing and soon the Autobots would leave and Energon would be wasted in a pursuit of them. But an unexpected visitor meets Starscream and gives him the knowledge to defeat the Autobots and Megatron in one fell swoop. How is this possible? (An Alternate timeline story.)
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or anything of the transformers brand. All rights belong to Hasbro.
Hey guys did you enjoy the last chapter, if you did then thanks. Anyway here is the start of further character development. Those such as Onslaught, Starscream will be expanded upon further and the future they forge will become their salvation, but also their curse.
The newest character I will introduce to the story is the often fan favourite, Thundercracker. His role will become major towards the end. But for now he will be used to get an idea of how the Decepticon cause under Megatron and under Starscream affected him. His personality and unfortunate ability to not fit in or find a cause worth being part of is quite relatable to me and that is why I love his character. He will, most likely get a few chapters all about his journey.
If you are further interested in Thundercracker or any character don't hesitate to ask.
I will introduce skywarp as another way of getting a Decepticons eye view of what is to come and personal experiences. He was loyal to Megatron but how will he cope now?
700 views? Oh yes this stories more unstoppable than Tornedron... you get it cos 'call of the primitives' had Tornedron and he was unstoppable. Yeah definitely my most obscure joke. Sorry
Reviews:
Storymaker01-(chapter 7: T.R.O.S.H.B) About the whole what happened to Megatron thing no info will be revealed yet. MWA HA HA HA. As to what you have stated about TC and Skywarp. I agree that Starscream is hardly the con for them to trust etc. But the idea is not exactly about who they follow, but rather how the loss of Megatron has changed everything and they have too fit in this new world. Both their characters are taken from G1/IDW so that we can see how their personalities and beliefs cope in world without Megatron, One feared him and felt the cause was losing its way the other was loyal and insane, but he only followed Megatron as you said so he will have trouble coping. They would probably have served Megatron on the nemesis but Starscream ensured they couldn't. Thanks for reviewing, again; I do enjoy getting tested and receiving info/advice so thank you once again.
(recommended soundtrack to play, any of the live action transformers (1, 2, 3, 4) soundtracks. I find they helped me write this chapter. Every chapter needs something different. One in the future would require tracks from TF the movie (1986) OST for example).
Transformers: Reign of Starscream
Chapter 8:
Two Factions Fall
Location: Kaon, everywhere
2 cycles after bridge collapse
There was a silence, not a natural one due to weather, but rather the many moving bodies, the many drop ships zooming between the buildings, the workers and soldiers. They all just stopped.
The monitors were hooked up to the space bridge; this allowed them to show long distance vids, like the nemesis travelling towards the space bridge portal. These were broadcasted across the entire city-state, large public screens were on many of the buildings/bars which the cons simply stared at and watched.
The last vid was certainly interesting for them, not one con got bored when they saw it. What that vid entailed was something which crushed the sparks of many a con, figuratively. The very last thing they saw before the transmission was the image of the most powerful ship in the universe getting drawn in to the portal. They saw the ship spiraling out of control and desperately trying to escape, but failing. Then he ship finally entered the portal and the ship being torn apart. Before it vanished into the closing portal and disappeared. It seemed like an eternity before anyone said anything, when they did it was cries of despair, anger, guilt and more. Within mega cycles chaos was on the streets, fights began over energon or property. Protesters appeared to call out the commanders to demand them to explain the situation. Riots and small scale civil wars appeared on the streets.
As for the remaining command chain they remained in safe places like Kolkular or Shockwaves Tower till something happened. No one had stepped up as of yet and the waiting for control was agonising. The situation was dire, word reached every Decepticon controlled city, and so the problems in Kaon became Tarn's, Karn's, Vos's etc. The situation was so noticeable that word soon reached the Autobots themselves, who could relax a bit more knowing they might have even more time to conduct he exodus.
p.s. yes I figured I'd do a bit of the Autobots, not much but enough to satisfy for the next couple of chapters).
The Autobots efforts to complete the Ark were delayed by a small amount, as some of the Autobots relaxed when they heard the news. While others increased their efforts, because they feared uncontrolled rioting Decepticons. The Autobot command chain was left divided on the situation. Some arguments involved the Ark's completion. Other involved staying on Cybertron to fight the cons, as there were still those unwilling to leave. Others questioned the ideas of the exodus. These were setbacks especially just 14 solar cycles too projected launch.
Optimus prime of course was all for the launch, they needed energon and Cybertron was not producing enough deposits to refine. It was the will of the primes and primus himself for him and his free Autobots to leave and survive.
Prowl 'AKA' the prick, (IDW/G1) was a bit torn he did believed in the exodus, but also his calculative mind was at work. He was thinking about exploiting the current Decepticon disarray. He believed the logical thing to do with the Autobots resources is to utilise strike teams too infiltrate the Decepticons cities during their chaos, and assassinate their commanders. They would continue this till they wiped out all their command chain. This would terminate the Decepticon threat within a matter of solar cycles,
however he would have to bring this forward to the others, this brought much debate on ethics. Prowl simply saw it as completing the five million stellar cycle war, and bringing Autobot victory.
Autobots such as Optimus, Mirage, ratchet, Wheeljack, Bumblebee didn't agree with this. Whereas some Autobots e.g. scouts like Hound/Jazz, Huffer, Warpath, Cliffjumper, Springer did agree in some ways. Thus started endless debates over whether to leave Cybertron and lose, or fight while the cons backs are turned and have an 88.97% of wiping out the cons leadership effectively putting the cons out of commission, according to Prowl.
Ironhide for example was on a two way street. His spark told him to follow prime. He is his bodyguard and one of his oldest friends, and has always followed his decisions even if he could not understand them. He even taught Prime a thing or two every so often, like self defence. And prime taught him values that he had not realised in his many millennia. But he was also facing his itchy trigger finger, if wanted to join prowl and take one last fight too the Decepticons and turn them into Decepticrumbs. And so he was torn, he would continuously bring the subject too prime who and a long argument would engage. He usually would take primes word till the next time his, trigger finger itched.
Ratchet didn't want to leave Cybertron but Optimus has been one of his closest friends and wherever he went, ratchet would be needed, and he would do his duty no matter the situation. It was his oath, an oath he has kept for many, many stellar cycles.
Huffer complained about all of the situations, they all gave him a bad feeling.
Bumblebee didn't agree with assassinations but enjoyed the thought of scouting, as he felt he still wasn't on par with other Autobots.
Cliffjumper was itchin' for a fight, he had never agreed with the plan to leave. With his glass gas he would kick some con hide somehow, even if he had to do it himself. He is an open supporter of Prowls strategy.
The Autobots division was severely affecting their progress with the Ark, and no plans were being made till everyone was on one page. The ship was still being built, but there was no idea how long the delay would last.
Location: Kaon, unknown location
Looking through a hole in the roof at the stars, Starscream's ally was grinning his face off. His millennia of planning had come to an end. Megatron and the loyalists were gone for good and Starscream would rule the Decepticons.
'Provided he can gain control of them' he thought, 'I came back a long way just to watch him create chaos within his own ranks'. He frowned it seems the task he set himself was harder than anticipated, not because of his actions no not that but he overestimated Starscream's abilities a bit too much.
'At least that fool Megatron is gone...finally I can be spared the 4 million stellar cycles of torture. I hope Starscream starts taking over soon. I can't stand this waiting and waiting and waiting...it's driving me insane.' He thought. He couldn't take it anymore and decided to exit.
He took a disused service tunnel, it was dark and dirty but he had been used to such conditions. Upon using a ventilator shaft to exit, he entered the world outside. He remembered the beauty of Kaon. 'One of the only good things about this city... it is certainly a symbol for the Decepticons'. We walked around a bit, the area was deserted a bunch of side streets that were cordoned off after an elite guard attack some 5 million stellar cycles prior. He spotted the old rusted head of a cybertronian in some rubble. He decided to find some form of clear area.
He transformed and flew to a building nearby. On a balcony he looked out upon the city. He saw what Starscream had to deal with, riots, protests fights over nothing in particular. 'Hurry up and do something about it... I need Starscream to succeed otherwise my plans can't. He sighed.
He thought about his future, well his past, he future/ past that will never will not be? He wondered if anyone would try and follow him. He was the only link to his previous timeline that he occupied, as far as he knew. 'If Galvatron/ or Optimus found a way to this timeline... what would happen, there would be two Optimus' and a Galvatron to ruin everything. I need to conduct my plans in case that does happen' he noted to himself.
he opened his cockpit and took out a data pad, their was an update from Starscream... he is organising a ceremony. 'Interesting... I was at a ceremony once it did not end well, but I'm still here and now events have come full circle, I have a chance to start things over, to end this absurd war forever. Am I not a true leader?' he asked.
Upon reading further he concluded that, he should watch this ceremony, while staying away from the cons of course. Something told him it was going to be a good day.
Location: Kaon, Gladiatorial pits.
5 mega cycles later
Starscream had picked the arena, this was of course for cultural significance. This is partly where megaton became who he was today and about half of what the cause was about came from. Their as an excitement in the air, the place held many good memories for some cons, others appreciated the location. Some loved it as they felt it as a memorial yo their leader.
The once historic pits had been unused for eons. They were simply used perhaps as a place of execution every so often. But it is often just a place for Megatron to go and relieve old memories. The arena remained the same. It could hold about 20-30'000 cons. The stands were full of chassis. The most important cons had seats here, whether commanders or cons with reputations, they were all here exited. With the chaos on the streets they need leadership now, would they get that today?
The arena was hooked up to the vid network. The monitors across nearly every city state owned by cons could see the transmissions from the pit. The cameras recorded the action in the pit. A stand had been erected. On it stood shockwave, he had received a bit of prejudice regarding Megatron's demise. So today was also partly to 'pardon' him for hi failure. On shockwaves far right stood another con, he was bulky, heavily armored and had a visor. On his back was a backpack which had twin cannons. He stood there with a kind of bored, annoyed kind of face with his arms crossed. Shockwave stood still, like a purple sentinel. He showed no emotions as he never can.
Behind those two stood a pair of seekers, one black/purple/grey with a mischievous/crazy grin. The seeker moved around a lot, not seeming to be able to stand still long without getting bored. The other blue, black, grey seeker stood with almost immobile stance. His body was straight except his arms were crossed. His face showed no excitement at the situation. Instead his only expression appeared to be stoic. He looked at the floor, trying to avoid the sight of every con around him.
The first seeker was Skywarp. He is the only con to possess teleportation ability. He is one of the jokers of the cons. His personality requires him to make fun of the cons around him. Mostly Starscream or 'screamer' as he calls him. He often would use his warp ability to play practical jokes on his 'friends'. These are enjoyed by his comrades but not the victim. Skywarp also requires mayhem or fun, his version of fun are messing up Autobots, using his abilities to disorientate his enemies. He relished in killing his enemies brutally. He looks u to Megatron and is extremely loyal. When Megatron slags an enemy you can bet skywarp is their having the time of his life. He follows the way of the seeker as well, and is bound to it by honor. Seekers are elite warriors/officers. The seekers under Megatron loyally follow the Decepticon cause. They have several pacts and almost a religion based upon the heritage of seekers.
Thundercracker is a seeker bound by the same principles. He regards being a seeker as one of the only important things in his life; he follows the codes with honor. He loves flying and also has a bit of a superiority complex when it comes to those who cannot. Most likely due to his life as a seeker making him superior to most cons in beliefs, regards to them. He is in a trine with Warp/scream. He finds it hard to function in societies; he can't really fit in as he often cannot find the right one for him. The Decepticons original ideals however were a cause that he follows with absolute loyalty. He respected what they were/are trying to do to Cybertron. Especially after the caste system. He cannot often fit in with or even like the other cons. Seekers; he feels more of a connection with, due to their shared heritage. Often only specific personalities are acceptable. Those who are cowards, betrayers, logical and cold, thuggish and generally unlikable are not what he has for friends. His only real friend is Skywarp. This is through their trine and possibly due to his personality being acceptable, e.g. the both loyally serve the Decepticons. They both in their own ways hate a lot of the cons. The main difference is that Skywarp gets over it by making fun of them etc. While TC is stoic, and therefore bottles up and does not show his emotions. He has done this throughout his life, as he has no one to confide in. Even Skywarp has a limit because some of the things TC believes e.g. Megatron is becoming corrupt/losing his way could be taken as heresy by Warp. His jet mode has the ability to create intense sonic booms that can destroy facilities/machines and majorly damage enemies.
Suddenly a large door opened ad a figure walked towards the stage. It was Starscream but he had a different look. First upon his head he wore a golden crown, with what appeared to be red crystals. His stance and walk was that of someone with majesty or a superiority complex. He wore a light purple cape attached to pieces of Armour that attached to his shoulders. Starscream has gotten the idea from a story his ally told him. His cape dragged behind him gracefully. The cape was created by Shockwave. By using cybermatter in its purest form he was able to program it to serve the function of a cape. It would move about/be blown in the atmosphere/winds. Shockwave did not see the logic behind this 'cape' but he obliged so Starscream would leave his tower.
Starscream passed his wingmates and stood in the middle of Shockwave and Onslaught. His face beamed with a grin. 'This is it...the moment I've been waiting for, now to rally the Decepticons, with what I do best' he smiled to himself. In the streets the cons were intrigued at what scream would have to say. They had only just gotten over the shock of losing their leader, and now they waited to see if anything could be salvaged from the biggest disaster in Cybertron history.
'MY fellow Decepticons... We are at a dark time. Earlier this solar cycle, we had an incident which shattered our hopes and dreams' he said showing 'genuine' grievance on his face. Luckily Starscream is a good manipulator/actor. 'The nemesis the pride and glory of our race, was destroyed in an unfortunate and unforeseen accident. Soundwave, the constructicons, many of our seekers, hundreds of Decepticons and of course our Glorious leader perished in the most horrible way'.
The cons nodded in agreement.
Skywarp appeared sad, his usual self was overshadowed by his dependence n Megatron, he was unsure how to live his life without his guidance. Even if someone could take over, could they offer what he wanted? Thundercracker knew an act when he saw it, he knew of Starscream's ambitions when he first spent a few cycles with him. He did not know what Starscream was up too, and he did not care he just wanted to salvage something from the mess of operation: ascension. He respected what Megatron was, and fights on for what the Decepticons stood for, though now he was unsure of what, would happen now and if he could enjoy the experience of the new movement that will be forged, or will it be doomed to failure. All this he kept a secret behind his stoicism.
Starscream had waited a while before he continued. The room finally went into silence. Starscream sighed, the cons were still too loyal, and this would take some time. 'My fellow Decepticons I agree we should grieve...but we will still have accomplished nothing. Already now the Autobots are getting ready to leave. Megatron gave us the task of destroying them. Ask yourselves are we not going to oblige, these were the final orders he gave us remember?
The Decepticons agreed with noises and conversations with each other. Starscream was beginning to see it, he knew he was an eloquent speaker but this was his best triumph yet. 'It took a lot to convince Shockwave and Onslaught. But now my ascension is at hand' he thought.
'The Autobots are leaving and not only that laughing behind our backs... do you want to lose your honor...the one our great leader gave you? The cons shook their heads. 'Of course not, now we have the resources, the weapon the troops to mount an assault on them. If you want to honor our leader's memory perhaps you will ask yourself this, will you fight, with all your might? Is this not why we are here to prove we are worthy to exist, Megatron once said we are only as weak as we think we are. Do you believe this, or are you no better than an Autobot constantly running and hiding?'
Starscream let his words sink in; the cons were pretty much silent they truly asked themselves these questions. They had never thought about this much before, they often just did things because Megatron said so. Now they had the chance to honor their leader, this is what every con dreams for every solar cycle.
'I can see it in your optics; you want to serve your cause. I do too, Megatron might be gone but we can carry on his cause. We are Decepticons, but I've looked around and I see losers... you all rioted, fought and killed each other. For what because your leader is dead or you were without leadership for a day? Pathetic, you are Decepticons, start acting like it, but don't worry I can help you. I can give you purpose' he stated.
'He turned to Shockwave, 'Shockwave here might be blamed by you, and you might say he is an idiot for letting our leader go through that portal. Megatron did it for us to save us. Shockwave only did as he was told'.
'Affirmative, the space bridge is based on ancient technology it is quite astounding that it could be built it at all. There was no guarantee that the portal would have remained or been stable. We took a calculated risk and it cost us dearly' stated Shockwave. Lying was logical at the time.
The Decepticons grieved again, the situation was still dire.
'Thank you shockwave' said Starscream. 'He's lucky what he said hasn't ruined everything' he thought 'that was hardly a winning speech, but at least suspicion is of him'.
'Now if you have gotten over yourselves. Perhaps we can focus o the big picture. We have lost a large amount of our command structure. Therefore a new one would have to be formed, on this podium stands our answer. To my left stands Shockwave, I have chosen him to be second in command, his skills in science, programming, hacking and politics will become a valuable asset for the change that now have to be made. He will fill the roles left by Soundwave, the Constructicons and more'. The cons were surprised at this it had only been a solar cycle and thee commanders were being chosen. They had less faith than they thought in their command.
Starscream smiled, he knew what they though, their confusion, their loss in faith with themselves. He had experienced all those things before and after his ally arrived. Now came the harder part, explaining the Combaticons.
He walked near Onslaught. Onslaught was getting tired of this 'ceremony', he wanted to get too the part where he is praised for his tactical capabilities. 'This over dramatic idiot really needs to get on with it. The sooner he finishes brainwashing these idiots, the sooner I can create a plan to destroy the Autobots' he thought impatiently.
'Now this is onslaught, he is the leader of the Combaticons'. The cons were confused some have never seen him, others sort of heard of him, some remembered something about him, some recalled being near him or being around the time they were.
'Some of you might have second thoughts. But they are here for a large purpose in our plans. Onslaught here is a tactical genius, in his time he has generated countless strategies that have won many a battle. I myself have seen his strategies in action and they are certainly no less than brilliant. The Combaticons as a unit can take on fifty or more enemies with these tactics. I am proud to announce Onslaught as our chief tactician and ground commander' he stated.
Onslaught was pleased of the compliment, he would have been ecstatic if Starscream was totally honest. Never the less, he accepted he cue to speak. 'Perhaps you know of our exploits or legends. I will tell you that most of them are true. He Combaticons are the greatest warriors in this galaxy. We have wiped out hundreds of enemies. As your future strategist for the war effort, I say only that you will succeed when you have me leading you. All hail Megatron and glory to the Decepticons' he shouted.
The cons all cheered now they had something to rally behind. Across the planet the thousands off cons cheered as well.
Onslaught was not too bothered. He was simply here for the glory and praise he will receive by working with the cons. Though he no longer cared for any cause other than his own desire to strategize and ensure his team's survival and betterment. He walked back to his place, the cue for Starscream to speak once more.
'Thank you onslaught...now Decepticons you might ask what we might do next. I will answer. According to the chain of command I am next in line to lead you. I have been discussing with your new commanders and we have come to a conclusion. The best thing for us to do is attack the Autobots as soon as we are able. We will amount a full assault as Megatron ordered, in his memory of course. With onslaught and Shockwave a cunning plan will be devised, to destroy them all. Megatron will have his peace in the Well of All sparks, and the Decepticon victory will be assured. GLORY TO THE DECEPTICONS' he screamed out to the crowds. The cons rejoiced they had their new leadership. And they could finally achieve their goals. Although they still doubt Starscream a little bit.
'Now Decepticons return home, stop all this violent nonsense and prepare. Tomorrow we start planning for our ascension. ALL HAIL MEGATRON' he shouted to them, although he hated saying it.
'ALL HAIL Megatron' they all shouted. They were all genuinely excited, to complete his work.
Starscream/Shockwave and Soundwave, left the arena and eventually so did all the cons. Those left were Skywarp and Thundercracker. Skywarp was unsure how to feel at the situation. He relished the fact that they were still going to be trashing the Autobots. But he also still did not know how to function without Megatron. He served him for 4 million stellar cycles. He depended on him for his daily routine or tasks. He needed something to balance out his desire to entertain himself. Starscream might have been his trine leader, but was e really Megatron material? Not really, but he was carrying out his work. He was torn in many directions and in the end decided to serve the Deceptions anyway as he swore an oath.
'Hey TC I think I'm gonna follow screamer, well at least a little bit. I mean surely he will still mind me having the odd laugh, right?'
'Sure Skywarp, this is Starscream we are talking about. Our so called 'LORD', has constantly blasted or attacked you, for your idiotic jokes. The only reason I'll follow him is because he is still our wingmate, and there might be a change in the way things are run bow for the better. Though It is unlikely' he said with a constant stoic expression.
'Whatcha' mean by that TC? He is doing it in honor of Megatron'
'What he is doing 'Warp is taking advantage of the situation to acquire his desires. He is not honouring him, he is just doing that to stop all that stupid rioting and proclaim himself leader' he stated stoically.
'Oh but check out that Onslaught guy, he seemed like the kind of con to help us crush the Autobots' said Skywarp.
'Yeah he did seem like that, if he did lead us to victory within a matter of solar cycles like it seems Starscream is planning it would certainly be a big change. I wish I knew what Starscream plans for us in the future'.
'It's weird that Megatron's fragged it seemed impossible. I miss his speeches and boasts; they certainly did help us fight. You think anything will be the same'
'With Starscream? No his leadership will be either better or worse. Plus I can see his act; he doesn't really care about us. All he desires is Cybertron. That's why he's working with that slagger Shockwave. Though I'm sure you'll end up saying something annoying and Starscream would say shut up'. He gave a small chuckle
Skywarp laughed, 'yeah screamer was always easy to wind up, that's why it's funny.
'Don't let it go to your head though, he's LORD Starscream now. Who knows what stupid arrogant rules he'll make up?'
Thundercracker hides his emotions by talking with Skywarp; he was always guaranteed something to laugh about. Even if it was just how idiotic some cons could be, like Skywarp. 'What will Starscream do now? Will he lead u to victory over the Autobots? Will he become better than Megatron? Will the future be any better? If only I could know. I think I'll need to investigate and find out for myself. I'm sure several solar cycles will be enough. I'm sure he does not have our best interests in spark. I served Megatron willingly once and I still serve the cause. But Megatron I once knew was dead about 3 million years ago. Before he died this morning, he lost his way over revenge, rather than seeking peace and a new society. Now we only know war. Now Starscream has a chance to make things tight. He could have just left the Autobots. They have lost anyway. But now we have to slaughter them. There is no honor in it. Killing an enemy while they run is not what I should do. I'm a seeker for slag sake. Now I still have to fight this pointless war. Starscream's no Megatron; I hold no loyalty to him, no matter what. Unless he can become what he can never be. A true leader, I have ti find out for sure' he thought.
Skywarp said he was gonna go for a fly. Thundercracker could have used it so he followed. He still asked many questions to himself. Now even more stoic in jet mode.
Starscream's ally was at a vantage point. He had watched all of it. He was pleased.
'Finally that idiot has become leader. Now once he destroyed the Autobots and cements his leadership. I can out my plans into action. AND MY ASCENSION CAN FINALLY BEGIN' he thought excitedly, before he Transformed and returned to his hideout.
Tomorrow was going to be a new dawn. But at the end of the day, for who?
Hey guys thanks for reading. i hope you enjoyed.
I introduced a lot of views, on the whole Megatron dead thing. How it affected the whole army, and personally the characters.
I hope you liked the small Autobot segment too. Their wont be much of that till the infamous battle scenes and when i can reach the point create Autobot chapters.
I hope you liked my description and dialogue i created for Tc and warp, TC is one of my favorite characters. I will improve on them in the future, but now was the rime to introduce them and starts to see how this affects them. Tell me in the comments how to improve o them if you wish it will help a great deal , especially with skywarp i might need a bit more detail to write him in the future, but i'm confidrnt i can do the Trine justice.
Next time plans are in te making, war is coming and suspicions are raised. see you then
Till all are one
