14.Sept.07

EPISODE 1: Conflicts of Interest

By: SilverfromOZ

The large domed ceiling of the vast amphitheatre was shrouded in the shadowy gloom of the room. Only the dull glimmer of the photoreceptors belonging to the countless Cybertronians seated around the room gave a true indication of its size. The circular floor area situated in the centre of it all was strongly illuminated by a single large downlight. It was in this area that a lone figure stood. His sheer size was dwarfed by the scale of his surroundings. His stance however was one of strength and pride, however he was quite nervous of the scene before him.

“Optimus Primal, you have been called before this council to answer for your failure to retrieve the golden disc.” The voice echoed around the hall, emanating from vocal amplifiers dotted around the vast chamber. Optimal Optimus Primal looked up from the round arena to the council of elders sitting at the large raised panel above. The Council were lit in the same manner of the central dais. As the optics of all those around centred of Optimus, it made the Maximal feel as though he were standing before the pit awaiting execution and didn’t entirely discard this as an inevitability.

“As you well know,” the voice continued “the Golden Disk was one of the most treasured artefacts which remained from the great war.” Optimus looked up at the fearsome visage of the speaker. Mindwipe. The most manipulative and slimiest member of the Predacon ruling body, not to mention primary orator for their faction. “You were entrusted with the important task of retrieving and protecting it and now you stand before us with a fantastical story about our ancient ancestors and how you let the disk itself be destroyed!”

At this, Ultra Magnus, leader of the council and strongest representative of the Maximals and the few remaining Autobots, rose from his seat. “Now Mindwipe, we are here to receive young Primal’s report, not sentence him over the loss of a dust-covered trinket.” Optimus grinned slightly at the gasps which emanated from the crowd. No doubt, the more fanatically inclined followers of the word of Primus would lodge a formal complaint at this statement and he greatly appreciated the support displayed by the old Autobot. He had spoken to Ultra Magnus briefly on two other occasions and was greatly impressed by his direct approach and desire to avoid getting bogged down in political technicalities. It was ironic that he wielded the most powerful position on Cybertron.

“Also, let us not forget that the disk itself was stolen by a Predacon and according to Optimus’ report destroyed by yet anoth..” Mindwipe angrily broke in to this speech “Megatron was acting under his own agenda, had already formally declared that he was no longer a part of the Predacons here on Cybertron and thus was no longer our responsibility. As for the disk’s destruction, we merely have the word of a group of Maximals who obviously have a negative perspective towards anyone bearing the Predacon badge.”

Magnus was clearly irritated at being interrupted by the stuffy Predacon but managed to keep the peace “Yes, and that is exactly why we are here. To find the truth not point blame. Additionally, we have Megatron in captivity and we are calling in the best spark operatives from around the planet to put things right again.”

“You will of course allow our own medical expert to assist in the operation, especially with everything that is directly at stake for the Predacons. We wouldn’t want any… mistakes by Maximal hands…” Shouts from offended Maximals throughout the crowd echoed about the hall.

“ORDER!! ORDER!!” thundered Magnus as he hammered down on the table repeatedly. “Yes. We would like to invite a representative of the Predacons to assist in the procedure,” answered Ultra Magnus when the crowd had settled somewhat “however, the operation will be handled by First Aid our Chief Medical Tech. He is the only living Cybertronian with the extensive experience to at least give us a chance of pulling this off. The important thing is that we get everything back in order as soon as we can.” This is something which everyone agreed upon and seeing a chance get away from things, Magnus declared a break in the proceedings “To reconvene in 23 standard hours.” At which point the crowd, council and guards dispersed leaving Primal and Magnus in the auditorium.

______________________________________________________

“Off the record, I just wanted to say good work Primal.” Declared Magus as he shook Optimus’ hand. Even in his new Optimal mode, Ultra Magnus towered over the Maximal. They now sat in the Planetary Leader’s quarters. The surroundings befitted a role of this importance being large, spacious and decadent. Holoart hung on various walls throughout the quarters, an energon fountain had been placed towards the entrance and a personal CR chamber covered in ornate ancient Cybertronian carvings was situated behind the common room they currently occupied. Magnus hated the quarters. It was obvious that he had tried to move a great deal of the artwork out, but had only succeeded in eliminating one or two.

“I’m sorry you have to go through all of this.” The large bot continued. “But believe me when I tell you that if we don’t, things will get much worse.”

“I understand sir. We had to deal with a few ‘political’ issues during the Beast Wars and that was child’s play compared to this.” Explained Optimus.

“Yes. The bad thing is that the Preds are claiming to be the victims in this circumstance.” Magus added wearily. “Sure they have a great deal at stake with the original Megatron’s spark located in this new one, but something doesn’t smell right about the games they are playing. If the spark was their major concern, then why not just let us take care of it safely? I don’t like it.”

“I agree. Megatron always thought three steps ahead when we were fighting him and I’m willing to bet a Pred politician has more sides than one of the mythical six-changers of old. The real question is.. what are they up to?”

“Well, all I know is that it's bound to be something bad. However, the other issue at the moment is the rift in transwarp space and the direct link to our ancestors on ancient earth. We need to ensure that nothing happens to them until we restore Megatron’s spark to its rightful body.”

“Unfortunately, this mucking about with the council is slowing things down and if we don’t send someone soon, we are leaving the Ark and its occupants completely vulnerable.”

“Agreed, which is the main reason I called you here. I am arranging for a covert team to be sent through the transwarp rift to ancient earth. Their mission will be to erect a perimeter around the Ark to ensure its safety. The team would be completely off the record and we won’t be able to contact them directly. Once they are there, they are on their own until we get this business sorted here on Cybertron. Now because you are currently in the hot seat, I’ll need you to stay here, however, are there any other members of your crew you would send to give this team the necessary knowledge of the area?”

“I’ve got just one in mind and I think a command of his own is just the thing he needs right now.” Optimus replied with a smile.

__________________________________________________

The three members of the top-secret Tripredacus council, Ramhorn, Cicadacon and Seaclamp, sat within their dimly lit secret staging area. “Tripredacus council in session.” Declared Seaclamp. The shadowy trio sat around the suspended round table and pondered their next move. Previously, they had gathered in this room to send covert agent Ravage to destroy the renegade. This mission was an obvious failure but now they had a new opportunity to achieve their overall victory.

“This new development concerning the renegade Megatron, gives us an excellent opportunity to rid ourselves of one of the key obstacles in our path.” Seaclamp began. “With the original Megatron’s spark located here and its vessel in captivity we cannot waste this chance of destroying him for good.”

“Of course, he is under heavy guard at all times..” interrupted Ramhorn.

“Yes, which is exactly why we must tread carefully and make it a surgical strike.” Cicadacon added with a chuckle.

“Has your operative been informed of the situation?” Seaclamp asked.

“He has been given his directives and he knows that we will claim no knowledge of this mission. To anyone who may discover this, he will appear to be a renegade seeking revenge on an ancient vendetta.”

“Excellent…. Within a cycle, both Megatrons shall be no more.”

_________________________________________

“GET UP THAT RIDGE SCATTORSHOT!!!” Cheetor bellowed over the resounding weapons fire. “ ’TREAD, ‘BOLT AND ‘FANG GIVE HIM SOME COVER FIRE!! THE REST OF YOU WITH ME!!”

At that, the maximal leapt over the charred barricade he was using for cover and charged towards the enemy. A bright green bolt tore past the left side of his face, narrowly missing him, yet still he charged on. Razor sharp talons clutched around the grip of his gun as he continued to press forward. Grindor who was running to Cheetor’s left went down to a purple laser round and Blades was taken down by a projectile round to the chest. No time to help them now.. he had to get to the objective. He saw the enemy pop up over the cover and take aim with his rifle. In mid run Cheetor screamed “BEAST MODE!!” The transformation saved him as the shot whizzed past the place where his robot head had been a second before. The land became a blur as his powerful beast mode accelerated forward rapidly shortening the distance away from his opponent. He could see the shock on the enemy's face and ginned to himself as the bot frantically tried to reload his weapon. Too little too late. Cheetor bounded over the cover and pinned him to the ground, fangs wide open. Ready to deliver the fatal blow…. “Gotchya again didn’t I?” The cat joked at his enemy.

“Eh… you’re just havin’ a lucky day pussy cat and it ain’t my fault these guys think cover fire is a cosy little energon bath.” Rattrap indicated to his fallen comrades in stasis lock on the floor around him.

“Say what you want Rat-face I beat you fair and square.” Cheetor replied as he released the fellow Maximal and reverted back to his robot mode.

“Hey kiss my skid-plate hairball. I’m just here until the boss-monkey gets back from this Pred propaganda, then I’m back to checkin out the servo bots in my favourite hole in the wall.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the roar of a jet tearing by overhead. “Heh, speak of the Gorilla….” Optimus landed in robot mode in front of them with a resounding thud. “You’re not going too easy on him Rattrap, are you?” quipped the large Maximal.

“I figured you’d be back here too soon for me to even bother so why not give the kitty a little taste of glory?”

“Yeah, right, Rat-for-brains. I tasted the glory and it was all prepared, cooked and served up by yours truly.”

“Oh yeah!! Well scan the empty space you just ran across and see if you pick anything up.”

Cheetor turned and surveyed the area. He picked up some slight irregularities on the ground and his spark sunk when he realised that he had sprinted across a live minefield. If Rattrap has detonated those mines, Cheetor and his team would be in stasis lock on the ground like Rattrap’s comrades. He turned back to the other two with an open mouth and shocked expression.

“Heh, heh. Don’t let it get to ya kiddo. I’ve been in this game for a long time AND I’m a rat. Simulation off.” At this, fallen comrades, trees and rocks flickered and returned to the grey cybertronian metal which made up the simulation room. “So Boss-monkey,” Rattrap continued, turning towards his commander “how’s the trail goin’?”

“Slowly..” was all Optimus could say “But I’m here for something more important right now. As you both know, the rift in Transwarp space which we used to travel to ancient earth is still open. While this is the case, our ancestors and our very existence is at stake. Now this is completely off the record and to be considered top secret. Ultra Magnus is sending a team to protect the Ark until we are able to return the original Megatron’s spark to its body. This team will be out of contact until that time and I need to send someone who has been there before to lead them. I can think of no one who is more ready for the role now than you.” Optimus turned to Cheetor as he said this last word, which surprised the young Maximal.

“Me! You sure Big-bot? I mean, you just saw how badly I blew this training mission.”

“Cheetor, you have to realise that we are all here to experience grow and learn. I thought I’d seen it all and then we fell into the Beast Wars. Now we have a new war to fight, but it is on many fronts, each just as important as the next. No one can teach you or prepare you for these things. You just have to get out there and do your best. You have grown stronger and wiser from your own experiences within the Beast Wars and I have every faith that you will prove yourself in your ability to command.”

“And if you screw up, then it’s not like we’ll be around to yell at ya… heh heh.”

“Shut up Rattrap.”

“Eh.. I’m gonna die hearin’ those words.”

Silverbolt stared longingly into the eyes of his beloved. Her beautiful, feminine features seemed accentuated as she straddled his manly frame. Every move she made drove him crazy. She was gorgeous, she was breathtaking… she had won.

“Look Silver, if you don’t start putting up a fight in these sparring sessions I’m going to start thinking you’re enjoying this.” She reprimanded him with a smile.

She was lying on Silverbolt’s chest as he lay in the centre of the sparing room. During the day it was quite empty which was perfect time for them to enjoy their own personal methods. The mirrored walls reflected the image of the two lovers in their compromising embrace and the vid-recorders captured the scene for them to review later.

“I’m sorry dearest, but perhaps you have just stumbled across my secret shame.” Grinned the pinned canine.

She let out a sigh, which was exaggerated just enough for him to know that it was done in jest, and rose up off the torso of her lover. She waited for a few moments, giving him ample opportunity to observe her curvaceous form before offering her hand to help him up on to his feet.

She began to walk towards the door when Silverbolt grabbed her arm and pulled her into his embrace. They stood there frozen in the kiss for a few blissful moments before the tell-tale bleep of Blackarachnia’s comm.-unit broke the happy scene.

Blackarachnia let out another sigh, this time considerably more heartfelt. “Fear not dearest,” piped up Silverbolt “the remainder shall be waiting for you when you return.”

“Thanks Bowser.” She replied before activating the comm.-link “Blackarachnia here.”

“Blackarachnia, this is Ultra Magnus. I need to speak with you in my quarters about a special mission.”

“Uhh.. OK.” Was her stunned response “I’ll be there in a few clicks.”

“Thanks. I’ll talk to you then.” Said Magnus before deactivating the connection at his end.

Blackarachnia was somewhat surprised. She had briefly met the large Autobot upon their return. Well “met” would be a rather large exaggeration of actual events. There had been a large welcoming party waiting for them when they returned to Cybertron, however the Predacons within the ruling body were outraged when they saw Megatron tied to the hull of the Autobot shuttle and started yelling which prevented Magnus from saying anything more than “Welcome back” to the overwhelmed Maximals as they retreated from the crazed crowd. That was the beginning of the little circus Optimus was currently involved in and Blackarachnia had no doubt that this “mission” had something to do with it too.

She turned to Silver and saw a slight look of concern pass over his features but then he quickly snapped back to his usual optimistic self. “You had better be off, for the sooner you complete this meeting the sooner I can gaze upon your heavenly beauty once again.”

Another sappy comment. She smiled every time he spoke and this time was no different. She didn’t even need to expect the romantic statements, he was always going to be her Silver and that was more than fine with her. “Thanks Rover. I’ll try not to get into too much trouble. Last time I got my nails done it nearly killed me.” She smiled, winked and then headed off to the unknown prospect which lay ahead.

_____________________________________________

“Fascinating… quite fascinating…” murmured First Aid as he sat looking at the schematics.

“With any luck we can use it to redesign standard cybertronian protoforms.” Replied Rhinox. He stood in the center of a scanning platform as the sensor arrays danced about his stocky augmented form taking readings of his overall superstructure. The image was projected into a three-dimensional model which hovered before First Aid revealing a complete cross-section of the Maximal.

“We haven’t seen anything like it.” continued the Autobot tech “Back during the great war, we had the Dinobots, but that was nothing compared to this. Even though they were impressively powerful, their forms were large, inefficient and clumsy. Had Cybertronians continued down that path, we would have drained our resources and faced extinction a long time ago. These Beast modes you brought back have a very neat balance of organic reserves and technological augmentation and endo-structure. The electro-chemical reactions that are inherent within your beast mode are almost the equivalent of a mobile CR chamber. Not to mention the limited amount of energy consumed by them as well.”

Rhinox dropped down from the scanning platform with a loud thud. “Yeah, not too shabby. If we can refine this process, we could reduce or even eliminate our reliance upon energon. We could enter into a new Golden Ag…”

“OK, Rhinox let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. For one thing we need access to Beast forms and since the humans disappeared a few thousand years ago, earth has been devoid of life and the other alien races have not been so accommodating. We could potentially travel through that time rift but something tells me the universe won’t like us messing with the time stream… well no more than we already have.”

“Alright. Well we’ve got to get back to working out this procedure for Megatron…. Hmmm… don’t like it. Feels like the whole place is gonna go to slag as soon as you cut him open.”

“Well if anything looks fishy just make sure your doomsday cannons are at the ready, just try not to get me in the firing line.” Joked the Autobot as he acknowledged his partner with a friendly nudge. “Let’s go.”

______________________________________

“I am MEGATRON!! I Demand you release me at once!!” the deep, powerful voice echoed around bare-walled cell. Energy rings pinned him to the furthest wall and the energo-bars glimmered menacingly at the opposite end. He struggled vainly against his restraints, which had been set to maximum and tripled to prevent his powerful limbs from breaking free. His dragon-head arm had been equipped with a Predacon power suppressor which had been hardwired to his system to send a painful jolt directly into his spark when he activated his primary weapon.

“Keep it down in there.” Yelled the maximal security guard.

“Listen to me you insignificant little transducer. Your spark will be the first I claim when I am free from this cell.” Responded the captive despot.

“Yeah. Yeah. I’ve heard it all and I’ve kept bigger things than you at bay. Dragon breath.” Retorted the guard.

“You have no concept of what I am,” explained Megatron. “however I will take great pride in teaching you this fatal lesson.”

“Keep talking scales. You ain’t doin a thing while you’re behind those bars.”

A growl was the only response he would get.

________________________________________

“Ah Blackarachnia.. welcome. Please come in.” said Magnus in greeting to the born-again Maximal. Blackarachnia awkwardly stood in the doorway of Magnus’ quarters feeling uncomfortable about the mystery behind the coming mission.

“Nice place.” She quipped as she entered the quarters.

“It’s yours if you want it.” Joked the large Autobot. “I’ve never really been interested in pomp and posture.”

She chuckled at this which helped her relax somewhat. Moving gracefully across the room, she seated herself down in the common room to join Ultra Magnus to commence the discussion.

“Now I’m sorry to tear you away from your partner so soon from your return.” Apologized Magnus. “But I would not have called you unless it was absolutely necessary.”

“That’s fine. Silver’s not the type of guy to hold a grudge, plus I think he sees it as a chance to make a few new friends in the Maximal camp.” Replied Blackarachnia.

“Well… unfortunately, the situation may end up being the exact opposite.”

“What do you mean?”

“Now you have to understand that anything that we discuss here was never said and this mission does not exist.”

“OK…?”

“Have you ever heard of the Tripredacus council?”

“The Tripredacus council? Back when I was a Predacon, I remember overhearing Megatron speaking about it sometimes, however I never got any real information about it… from what I can tell, they are ghosts. No-one knows who they are, or if they truly exist.”

“Exactly. We need to locate this group and find out what they are up to. There is a suspicion that they may be planning something big but every Maximal spy we have tried to send after them have completely vanished without a trace and at the exact point where they thought they were on to something.”

“So who better to infiltrate a nest of preds than a former pred themselves?”

“Like I said. If there were any other way….”

“No I get it. I’ve been in the dragon’s den and I can handle myself with them. Besides, if there’s something big happening, then regardless of where Silver and I go, there’s always going to be trouble.”

“So.. you’ll take the mission?”

“Not only will I take it. I’ll tear it apart with my bare claws.” She added with a confident grin.

“Thank you. You don’t know how important this is to all of us. We will send one of our undercover operatives to contact you soon with the full details of the mission. In the meantime I have a council to preside over.”

“Good luck Magnus.”

“Thanks. And to you covert-agent Blackarachnia.”

___________________________________________

“Bring in the prisoner.” Echoed Magnus’ voice around the council chambers.

The proceedings had convened hours before and the discussions had been just as fruitless as the previous round. Accusations, cro-examinations, back-stabbings and every other commonplace occurrence with Predacon-Maximal politics.

Now they had come to the most important part of the meeting. The examination of Megatron.

A great hush came over the room as they waited for the grand entry. Powerful footsteps echoed down the dark corridor leading into the auditorium. Gradually, they increased in loudness until the large red figure entered the bright circular dais in the centre. He was flanked by the guard from his cell and various snipers were positioned in the darkness with high-powered rifles trained on the large Predacon preventing any thoughts of escape from surfacing.

“Ah I see you are busy. I can return at a more fortuitous time if that is preferable.” Quipped Megatron.

“You will speak when spoken to!” bellowed Mindwipe from his seat.

“Ahh.. yes.. the so-called Predacon ruling body. Still kissing the skid-plates of the Maximals.” Megatron responded, spitting the last word with as much distaste as he could muster.

“You are accused with your obviously treasonous acts and…” Mindwipe began to yell, however Ultra Magus hammered and interrupted him.

“It is true that this Megatron will stand trial, but that is not the issue before us. We must agree now that we have to start the procedure to remove the spark of the original Megatron.”

“So you called me here to ask for my permission to carve up my perfect Predacon exostructure. Well I can assure you that I would rather..”

He was hastily interrupted by Magnus “And I can assure YOU that we are not so gullible. Your permission is unnecessary because of the greater ramifications of this circumstance and we understand that you would never give this authorization. Unfortunately, your rights are completely revoked.”

“So speak your mind Autobot. What do you want?”

“Because of the delicate nature of the procedure, there is the chance that you will emerge from the operation with damage to your spark. If that is the case, then we must try to obtain as much information from you beforehand as we can.”

“I see. Well let me tell you that you can take your questions. Combine them into a large spiked ball and insert them directly into your thermal exhaust ports.”

Magnus sighed and said “I thought you might say that. Let us begin.”

They then entered into four pointless hours of banter and wordplay which shone no new light on the subject of the Beast Wars.

At the conclusion of the proceedings, Megatron was escorted away with a large smirk on his proud face and it was time to begin the operation.

_________________________________________

Megatron lay upon the operating table, tied down with the tri-powered energo-shackles and kept sedated by the power suppressor lowering the catalytic processes within his spark. His only company were First-Aid, the guard from the cell and Scalpel the Predacon surgeon.

First Aid had tried to complain about having the Predacon in the room with him, however the complaints had fallen on deaf ears and now he had a “surgeon” who he could not rely upon to follow his lead and orders. This didn’t feel right, but he understood that it was a hugely political issue and that Magnus felt as badly about this as he did. The best way was to get it over as quickly and smoothly as possible.

“Alright let’s get things started.” Declared First Aid as he activated the energo-blade. Scalpel stood away from the table and nodded silently.

First Aid brought the knife up and cut a clean line down Megatron’s chest. He was surprised at the ease with which the wound opened. The surface was not like the standard Cybertronian metal he was used to operating on, it seemed somewhat more organic.

Coolant fluid began to ooze from the cut and First Aid used a tube-like instrument to vacuum it up and clear the operating area. After peeling away the outer layers of skin, the spark was exposed. It was absolutely amazing. He had never witnessed anything so beautiful and so disturbing. Two unholy sparks mingling within a single containment field. The red glow emanating from the two slightly changing in brightness showing the exact areas occupied by each respective spark. Theoretically, it was a simple procedure, carve off as much of the new Megatron as possible, leaving the original spark intact. This would then be removed completely and the separate components of the new Megatron’s spark would be restored in his body which would hopefully restore themselves. Like he had said, theoretically.

He place a small cut at the top of the spark, to destabilise the containment field in that area. After this, he would be able to cleanly cut the areas around it. An additional leak of coolant appeared in the base of the larger cut and First Aid placed the energo-blade on the table and picked up the suction device again.

At that, all hell broke loose. In one swift move, Scalpel had hit the Maximal guard knocking him to the floor, scooped up the energo-blade and pushed First Aid aside. He raised the blade upwards and screamed “Predacons forever!!” before plunging the blade into the exposed spark. Ethereal energy shot forth from the exposed spark and lightning danced across the walls engulfing the entire room and its occupants. First Aid was struck by one of the bolts knocking him into stasis lock and the Maximal guard had clambered to his feet and was struggling with Scalpel, attempting to retrieve the deadly energo-blade.

During the rampant chaos, there was an extra surge of power from the spark. The pulse knocked the combatants over once again. On the operating table, the dragon awakened. Fiery red eyes shot open and the figure tore through the restraints and leapt to his feet. At this point, the maximal guard had picked himself up and had Scalpel in a headlock. Megatron let out a scream at the power-suppressor exploded at the end of his arm showering the area with glowing shrapnel. The maximal guard looked up horrified at the large Predacon. Megatron emanated a low growl as his eyes shone brighter and a glow began to grow in the dragon’s head. The guard screamed “Noo…” as he was engulfed by the elemental fire at the Predacon’s command. Both the guard and Scalpel were reduced to a bubbling puddle of liquid metal and their screams appeared to echo about the room long after the tyrant had fled.

____________________________________

“So are there any more helpful actions we can expect from the Preds?” ironically enquired Optimus Primal.

“They are denying any knowledge of Scalpel’s actions. It sticks because this guy’s record is clean. No previous convictions, no military record, nothing. They couldn’t have foreseen this any more than we could.”

“Still smells like Rattrap after lunchtime.”

“Well that may be, but it's going to take time to sort this mess out. We are entering into this new era for Cybertron and there any many new battles to be fought. Not to mention your new Beast Modes have brought us so much valuable information which First Aid has only just begun to decipher and the rift in transwarp space. Yes this is a very strange time as we enter into this time of… Beast… Machines.”

“So Megs is out there somewhere and still carrying the original Megatron’s spark and we have no idea where he has gone.”

“Yeah, he could be anywhere.”

_______________________________________

He hid in the shadows of the back alley, as the maximal sentinel floated by the entrance. They were looking for him. He was dangerous and it pleased him to know that they were afraid. All of them. He needed to search. He needed to find that information he had located those millions of years ago and to do that he needed to go down. Once the sentinel had left, he reached down and lifted the lid to the sewer system. If this was the way he had to go, then he gladly take it, for there was a power far greater than any being knew of waiting for him at the end of his journey. With that, Megatron disappeared into the shadows. Swallowed up by the darkness within Cybertron’s core.

-End of Episode 1