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Curse of the Devilspawn!	By : acsoundwave Category: Transformers > G1 > Crossovers Views: 1033 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers, Gobots, Spider-Man, X-Men, GI Joe, Iron Man, The Black Panther, The Fantastic Four, nor The Avengers. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
TRANSFORMERS: CYBERTRON SAGA
CURSE OF THE DEVILSPAWN! Special #5: AFTERBIRTH.
byline: Anubis C. Soundwave
Scene: 1
Several weeks pass.
"It's out." Small Foot stares at her ejected Devilspawn as it writhes in the Deathwater. "What a perversion of life," she continues.
Optimus places a hand on her shoulder. "It's ended for you, at least," he says.
"Thank you," says Small Foot. "Now I've got a question for you."
"For me?" asks Optimus.
Small Foot nods. "Why are you clinging to this intellectual lie?"
"That the forebears of these people may have wrought this havoc?" Optimus asks. "It is within reason. I've seen it before, even on Earth."
"There's no evidence that it's the case here," counters Small Foot as the Devilspawn finishes its death throes. "Damn; these things take forever to die."
"The Deathwater's losing its potency," says Optimus. "No more radiation from above to dredge the pool."
"I'm certain that the radiation affected this lichen," says Anya. "Perceptor, Ratchet, and I have almost narrowed down the enzyme."
Perceptor reverts to his root mode. "I can replicate the effect," he says, focusing the sun's rays through his lens cannon onto the Deathwater. "However, the long-term solution requires the termination of this invasive species."
"The Devilspawn's DNA markers are native," adds Ratchet, "but the actual creature was initially grown in a lab--then purposely unleashed on the natives. I can't sign on to your theory, sir," he continues.
"Who else would commit this atrocity?" asks Optimus. "We have to rule Megatron out."
"Megatron's not smart enough to pull this off without getting caught," says Leader One, "even with characters like Soundwave under his command."
"Besides," adds Small Foot, "for him to play god, there'd have to be hideous statues of Megatron everywhere, along with Decepticon logos marring the landscape."
"And the planet has to be more advanced than this," adds Braxis. "How else would Megatron expect them to mine for resources?"
Optimus seethes. "I...don't know."
Braxis notes Anita, doubled over. "I don't think that Mrs. Newcastle is taking any of this well."
"Nobody's taking this well, doc," scowls A. J., watching Turbo transform.
Turbo pulls up to A. J. "Hop in," he says, "before I change my mind."
A. J. folds her arms. "How kind of you." She steps inside Turbo.
Scene: 2
"I would have killed the fragger," states Slingshot, boarding Omega Supreme.
"Kill Starscream?" asks Skydive, following Slingshot in. "Why?"
"He fragged the mission!" says Slingshot. "If your actions endanger the mission--*"
"Knock it off!" Skydive punches Slinghshot's arm, then gives Slingshot a meaningful look. "That's not how Autobots do things," he adds in a lowered voice.
Slingshot scowls. "Let's go, 'Dive."
Fireflight squints at the pair. What was that about? he wonders.
Silverbolt, already aboard Omega with Air Raid, peeks out of the doorway. "Today, 'Flight," he says.
"Uh, sorry," says Fireflight, boarding Omega. "Slingshot's in one of his moods," he adds with a grin.
"I'll take care of that," says Silverbolt, returning the grin as the two join the other three Aerialbots at Omega's main bridge.
Outside, Spay-C sees Omega off. "Take care," she states. "I expect your return."
"Acknowledged. Take off: imminent," says Omega.
Spay-C nods and backs away from the Guardian Sentinel, bumping into Pathfinder.
Omega lifts off.
Pathfinder places a hand on Spay-C's shoulder. "Don't you think he's a bit old for you?" she asks.
"You're being highly presumptive," says Spay-C.
Scene: 3
Skywarp scowls at Starscream. "You don't deserve these," he says, handing Starscream two small energon cubes.
Starscream hands them back. "Then don't give them to me," he spits. "I don't regret what I did."
"I don't care about the organic's suicide by stupidity," says Skywarp. "I care about the fact that you fraggin' blew my mission to hell."
"You gave me fair warning," says Starscream with a smirk. "If our situations were reversed," he continues, "you'd be dead by now."
"I wouldn't have wasted my time trying to strong-arm the fragger's authority," Skywarp counters.
"The Nzundans don't have a ruling authority now," says Starscream. "The one person who was in our corner," he continues, studying a scowling Sun-Bright, "won't work on his map or help us anymore."
"You killed his fragging chief, moron--who was also his relative," says Skywarp.
"Just kill me now," says Starscream tiredly. "I see no way to fix this."
"I never threatened to kill you," grins Skywarp. "You ain't gettin' out of this scrap without helping me fix it."
Starscream trembles.
"Drink your slaggin' rations," says Skywarp. "That's an order."
"I must obey," says Starscream, downing one of his cubes. "May I ask what your plan is?"
"Simple. I ain't a diplomat, so I won't try to be," says Skywarp, standing.
Starscream stares at Skywarp.
"Keep on the lookout for the Aerial-frags. When they get here," continues Skywarp, walking towards Nzunda, "head back to the host village."
Starscream salutes Skywarp, then drinks his second cube.
Scene: 4
"...what is Your plan, Lord?" Anita cries quietly, on her knees in prayer.
Braxis crouches down. "I hope you're not asking N'vabu Rim," he says wryly as he offers Anita a hankerchief.
Anita looks up at Braxis, tears streaking her face. "That's a violation of the First Commandment," she says, accepting Braxis' hankerchief. "Please let me finish praying."
"Why bother?" Braxis scoffs. "Where was this character you worshipped when you needed him the most?"
Anita laughs. "He's here now," she answers. "He is everywhere. Otherwise," she continues, "I'd crack."
"I haven't cracked," Braxis shrugs.
"Turbo says you're already crazy," says Raleigh.
Braxis smiles thinly at the boy. "Turbo isn't very smart," he says.
"Maybe," says Dewey, "but you're usually in jail. Please leave Mama alone; she's praying."
"It's rude," adds Raleigh, trying to whisper.
Anita grins at her sons. "He thinks that God's imaginary," she says.
"So does Leader One," Braxis smirks.
Leader One drops to his haunches, behind Braxis. "I also think that everyone's entitled to practice their beliefs without exposure to inane ridicule," he says.
Braxis shakes his head and walks away.
"Come on, boys," says Leader One to Dewey and Raleigh. "Let your mom finish her chat with God. If he is real," he continues, "we could use all the help we can get." He leaves, with Dewey and Raleigh following behind.
Fifteen minutes pass, and Anita finishes her prayer. She stands, then turns to meet Moelgru.
Scene: 5
Sun-Bright notes the Aerialbots as they transform and land. They all have the Shaman Symbol, he notes to himself. He sighs. But it has nothing to do with me anymore.
Skywarp teleports in front of Sun-Bright, startling the Nzundan youth.
"What? You're not going to kick the gate down?" Sun-Bright asks as he calms down.
Skywarp laughs. "You really think if we wanted you all dead," he asks, "that we'd stop with your chief?"
Sun-Bright scowls.
"Look. Your chief panicked; Starscream panicked. Starscream was stronger and killed him. Get over it," continues Skywarp. "We have work to do."
"I've resolved not to help you," says Sun-Bright.
Skywarp shrugs. "Fine. Nzunda's doomed, then."
"We were well--and our chief was alive--before Starscream came here," says Sun-Bright.
"And if you'd just done what he said--track the damn ohwiemo," says Skywarp, "your chief would still be alive, and there would be less Devilspawn to worry about."
"We've survived the Elysyn Curse for generations," says Sun-Bright. "Some of us more than others."
Skywarp watches as a beam of light hits the Deathwater resevoir in Nzunda. "I take it your people kowtow to N'vabu Rim."
Sun-Bright stares at Skywarp. "'Kow-tow'?" he asks.
"You worship him, right?" Skywarp asks.
"Yes!" says Sun-Bright, agitated. "N'vabu Rim is the god of this world. I explained this to Starscream."
"Okay," says Skywarp, grinning. "Starscream told me everything," he continues, "but as you can tell, I'm kind of dense."
Sun-Bright eyes Skywarp.
"Dense. Thick. Stupid," Skywarp clarifies.
"So?" asks Sun-Bright.
"So," says Skywarp with a drawl, "I don't get why N'vabu Rim's your god."
"He...always has been," says Sun-Bright.
"Did he create your world?" Skywarp asks. "Did he rescue your people from your enemies, or teach you the secret of fire?"
"Where are you getting all of this?" Sun-Bright demands. "Are you truly a fool?"
"No; there's a world called Earth where there's a whole bunch of stories about gods," says Skywarp. "Several of these stories claim that their god created the universe."
Sun-Bright stares at Skywarp again.
"Hey; I'm just as confused as you are," Skywarp continues, "but this is common throughout the cosmos."
"Universe? Cosmos?" asks Sun-Bright.
Skywarp points at the sky. "See the stars up in the sky?" he asks.
Sun-Bright nods.
"Those are all suns," says Skywarp. "Some are brighter than others," he continues, "and some of them keep planets just warm enough to support life."
Sun-Bright drops to his knees. "Planets? Suns?"
"Look--I didn't come here to give you a science lesson," says Skywarp. "I just want you to kiss and make up with Starscream--who can explain what I was telling you a lot better than I can, by the way--so you can finish your map."
Sun-Bright glares at Skywarp. "Even if I wanted to help you," he says, "my people won't. You killed our chief."
"Then pick another chief," scoffs Skywarp. "If our 'chief' were to die--which ain't likely," he continues, "then everybody would be fighting to replace him."
"Would that include Starscream?" Sun-Bright asks.
"Include?" Skywarp snickers. "You'd do better to ask Starscream about it," he says.
"As a people," says Sun-Bright, "Nzunda won't cooperate with you."
"They will. Once I make everything clear to them," says Skywarp.
Scene: 6
"Are you all situated?" Starscream asks Silverbolt.
"Yes," says Silverbolt.
"Where's Sun-Bright?" asks Slingshot.
"He's heading back to Nzunda," says Starscream, "and I'm returning to the host village."
"Yeah." Air Raid grins. "We heard that Skywarp had to send you to time-out after you had a tantrum," he continues.
"If you have another one," says Slingshot, "I'll kill you."
"You sound like a few old Academy classmates of mine," says Starscream as he transforms. "I'd save any death threats," he continues, "until you learn how to write a damned intelligence brief."
Starscream takes off, leaving Slingshot fuming.
Silverbolt pats Slingshot's shoulder. "Your reports are kind of dry," he says.
"Military reports...are supposed to be dry," states Slingshot, tensing his fists.
"You're cute." Silverbolt gives Slingshot a brief kiss. "Don't let Starscream get to you."
Slingshot stares at Silverbolt. "Are you malfunctioning?"
"No," says Air Raid, "but you two needed to take care of all that in 'Bolt's quarters before we left."
"He rebuffed my advances back home," says Silverbolt, pouting. "This was my only chance."
"Focus!" says Slingshot. "Because Starscream fragged our ties with the Nzundan kid," he continues, "we'll have to start with our top map and work from there."
Silverbolt scowls. "Will you let me command my unit?" he asks.
"You," says Slingshot, "have an odd command style."
"Shut the fuck up." Silverbolt kisses Slingshot again; breaking the kiss, he turns to the other Aerialbots. "As usual, we will ignore Slingshot," he continues, "and wait. We need to keep all of our optics on Skywarp."
"Will you quit kissing me?" sputters Slingshot, blushing.
"Can we all kiss him?" asks Air Raid. "He needs some lovin'."
"If any of you touch me again," says Slingshot, "I'll kill you, slowly."
Scene: 7
"You have two fine sons," says Moelgru, rubbing Anita's back. "Both of them strong and healthy."
"I know," says Anita. "My husband and I...were planning on a daughter."
"If you want to have a daughter," Moelgru says, "then you'll have to tough out the Devilspawn until you can birth it into the Deathwater. Can you do that?"
"It was quite difficult for the women of my village," says the council leader of Women's Village. "It is the least stressful way on a woman's body."
"Drinking the Deathwater will give her peace of mind now," counters Moelgru. "Those younger women--A. J., Anya, and Small Foot; they haven't had children yet."
Anita stares at Moelgru.
"But you've brought two wonderful children into the world," continues Moelgru. "They loved you enough to follow you here."
"I almost lost my youngest," says Anita, trembling. "Something was wrong with Raleigh's heart...when he was a baby."
"But he's healthy now," says the council leader.
"That's because we put another person's heart inside Raleigh's chest when Raleigh was two years old," whispers Anita. "He gripes about taking his medicine normally," she continues, watching as Dewey makes Raleigh swallow a pill.
"So you use medicine to trick Raleigh's body into accepting another person's heart?" asks Moelgru.
Anita nods. "The spirit is willing," she says, "but the flesh is weak."
Scene: 8
"I'm worried about Optimus," Ratchet says to Perceptor. "He's not being reasonable."
"Agreed," says Perceptor, covering a sleeping Anya with a blanket. "His logic is highly irrational."
"Not really." Ratchet sighs. "It's easier to believe that these poor people brought this catastrophe onto themselves," he says, "than to think there's some malevolent external force in the heavens who can torment innocent worlds at will."
"What do you think?" asks Perceptor.
"That Soundwave's holding out on us for a maximum payoff," grins Ratchet. "That's also what Optimus is thinking, and truthfully," he continues, "that's what I'd do if I suspected external malfeasance."
"Please clarify," says Perceptor.
"Soundwave knows what's in that damned anomaly. Even Skywarp was able to suss that out," says Ratchet. "My guess is that it has something to do with us."
"What has led you to this hypothesis?" asks Perceptor.
Ratchet walks over to an elderly host villager, eating a bowl of stew.
"This fellow is from the Elder Hut, another log cabin at the foot of the Seer's--the late Dr. Edelstein's--hill," he says. "The good doctor built a nursing home for the host village."
Perceptor joins Ratchet and the elder.
"Please examine the back of this guy's neck," says Ratchet. "Tell me what you find."
Perceptor complies; his optics widen with shock. "This individual has a neurotransmitter embedded within his brain stem," he states. "His skin has an odd marking--for this planet."
"Yeah; Swoop asked me if our friend here was an Autobot," says Ratchet.
"Excuse me, sir," says Perceptor to the elder. "May I ask when you received this mark on your neck?"
The elder stirs. "When I was a lad. Twelve years of age. My father had this mark," he continues, "and his father before him. For many generations."
"Did you inform Optimus of this?" Perceptor asks Ratchet.
"Optimus informed me when Swoop pointed it out to him," says Ratchet. "We can't let the Decepticons or the Guardians know about these neurotransmitters."
"Why not?" asks Perceptor.
Ratchet smiles, turning to the elder. "My boy Sludge," he says to the elder, "heard a story about 'N'vabu Rim'."
"That story?" says the elder, chuckling. "It's just an old folktale," he says, "explaining how the Devilspawn got here."
"I know," says Ratchet, "but did you ever hear any stories about people worshipping N'vabu Rim?"
"I...think so. My neck stings a bit when your friend touches it," the elder says.
"He's sending a light jolt into you," says Ratchet. "Percy," he continues to Perceptor, "let's leave him to his stew."
Perceptor nods; he and Ratchet leave the elder. "We must discuss this matter with Optimus. This confirms external interference."
"The problem," says Ratchet, "is that this interference...is from one of us."
Scene: 9
"You let him go?" says Pumper quizzically. "Just like that, we're going to let Starscream run free?"
"I told you," says Skywarp. "I'm responsible. I sent Screamer back to the host village--who aren't nearly as...adamant...as the Nzundans when they're dealing us with metal giants."
"Fragging blinkered, you mean," says Pumper.
"I'd be blinkered too," counters Road Ranger, "if someone killed my head of state."
"Your head of state is Leader None," scoffs Skywarp. "He'd have taken over Nzunda."
"You're out of line," says Road Ranger.
"Hate to admit it," says Slingshot, "but Skywarp's right."
"Leader One likes to be in control of every situation," adds Pumper. "He wouldn't have killed Nzunda's chief," he continues, giving Skywarp a pointed look, "but he would have locked the chief away and made the Nzundans do what he wanted."
Skywarp strokes his chin. "...yeah. That is the best idea," he murmurs.
"What are you up to?" demands Silverbolt.
Skywarp grins. "You'll see," he says before teleporting away.
Silverbolt rolls his optics. "Air Raid," he says, "keep tabs on that idiot. We don't like reruns."
"Roger." Air Raid rushes in front of Nzunda's gate.
Scene: 10
"How are you holding up after Rest-Q confirmed...." Turbo trails off, scowling up at the sky.
A. J. rubs the back of Turbo's hand. "I'll pull through," she says. "You're the one I'm worried about."
"I know. That's why I took you with me," says Turbo. "I don't want you to worry about me," he continues. "I'm the last moron you should waste concern on.""Turbo...." A. J. winces.
"My mistakes...did this to you," says Turbo.
A. J. glares at Turbo. "Quit being a jackass," she says.
Turbo stares at her.
"Didn't I stay in that quarantine chamber with you?" A. J. continues.
Turbo nods.
"Neither of us anticipated that this would happen," A. J. says, her hands hovering over her belly. "Not from burning alien worm blood."
Turbo laughs. "I can think, offhand, of eight more pleasant ways to impregnate you," he says.
A. J. giggles.
"That is," he continues glibly, "if you haven't sworn off motherhood after this."
"Have you sworn off fatherhood?" A. J. responds in kind.
"My father," says Turbo with a bitter smile, "was the worst example I have to follow in my memory. I have no clue how to be a dad," he continues, "but I think I can do better than him."
"Are you and Leader One touching base with your psychologists?" A. J. asks.
"Yeah. Either Mitarai nags me once a day," Turbo says, "or I bug him just before he turns in for his rest cycle."
"You're horrible," A. J. says.
"No; our civil legal system is fragged," says Turbo. "Mitarai's just an unfortunate casualty."
Scene: 11
Leader One contacts Karakawa's inbox. "Leader One, reporting in," he says. "Status normal."
"Could you elaborate?" says Karakawa over Leader One's video commlink. "I've received all of your messages to my old college inbox. When will you quit trying to blow me off?"
"When will you cut me some slack?" says Leader One. "I'm working to protect you from something nasty," he continues, "and you don't want to know what it is."
"I understand, and I appreciate you contacting me before you went on this mission," says Karakawa. "However, the hour-long duration of our sessions still apply. Anything frustrating you today?"
"No more than the usual," Leader One scowls. "I contacted you," he continues, "so that you wouldn't convince your colleagues to do something reckless and try to find us."
"Oh, no--I'm not risking my neck again to chase after you," Karakawa says. "Dad's got my flat under surveillance thanks to you."
Leader One smiles.
"But enough about me, Governor-general," Karakawa continues. "Let's talk about 'the usual' stressors you have to deal with."
"You're pushy," says Leader One. "Has anyone told you that?"
"No more than you, sir," Karakawa grins. "We both have jobs to do."
Scene: 12
"Want to talk about your old boyfriend today?" asks Midorigawa.
"No," says Small Foot. "I'm working with his cousin on this damned mission."
"Hm. Kawashima Jurogorou, right?" Midorigawa asks.
Small Foot nods.
"You like him?" Midorigawa continues.
"As a comrade," says Small Foot, "he's great."
"If he weren't a Guardian," Midorigawa asks, "would you date him?"
"Why?" asks Small Foot. "I dated his cousin."
"Because he's an older, more experienced version of your late boyfriend," says Midorigawa, "and he doesn't mind being a placeholder until you work through your grief."
"I wouldn't do that to Kawashima-senpai," says Small Foot. "Using others as placeholders is disgraceful."
"And then there's Skywarp," muses Midorigawa.
"Don't even talk to me about Skywarp--especially right now," says Small Foot, scowling.
"How much of it is classified?" asks Midorigawa.
"I can safely say that I know why he jokes around so much," says Small Foot. "When Skywarp's serious," she continues, "he's a rotten mech to deal with."
"So I take it that both Pumper and Skywarp are on this mission with you," grins Midorigawa, "stupidly sizing up each other's cables."
"Yep," says Small Foot, rolling her optics.
Scene: 13
"Why did you contact me, Shirogane-san?" asks Road Ranger.
"I don't like our previous arrangement, Kuwari-san," says Shirogane. "This mission of yours may kill you if it's as dangerous as you say."
"It is," says Road Ranger.
"Going to talk to me about that Guardian girlfriend today?" Shirogane asks.
"What Guardian girlfriend?" Road Ranger grins. "I've told you repeatedly that Guardians can't fraternize; it's against protocol."
"What would you like to talk about, then?" Shirogane asks.
"I'd like to cut this session short," says Road Ranger. "I can't devote my court-ordered hour to you until this mission is over," he continues. "All future contacts will be disregarded. I've already reported this to the magistrate."
Shirogane glares at Road Ranger. "Kuwari-san, you bloody--!" she starts.
"Road Ranger out." Road Ranger ends the transmission.
Scene: 14
"Are you alright, Anita?" asks Major Newcastle over the comm link.
"I...I will be," says Anita. "I'm...."
"I'll come over there if you need me," says Major Newcastle. "I know how to operate the Guardians' astrobeam."
Anita grins wryly. "Dewey knows how to work the astrobeam," she quips. "That's why you need to watch those two."
Major Newcastle laughs. "Dad has their stowaway caper as the big Thanksgiving dinner story to embarrass me with this year."
"Right now, honey," says Anita, "you need to get back to work."
"You come first, Anita," says Major Newcastle. "That would be the case even if my father weren't in charge of UNECOM. Now," he continues, "what's bothering you?"
Anita winces. "I have a decision to make," she says, "and it's not right to make it without you."
Scene: 15
Sun-Bright sits on a bluff overlooking Nzunda, lost in thought.
Starscream lands behind him. "This is a nice view," he says to Sun-Bright.
"I wasn't aware we were on speaking terms," says Sun-Bright, frowning.
"I know you're upset about your chief. Not only that," Starscream continues earnestly, "but I failed you--after you extended your hand to me in honest friendship."
"Do you believe what you're saying to me?" asks Sun-Bright.
"Skywarp ordered me to speak with you," says Starscream evenly. "I choose which words to say. And I told you before, Sun-Bright," he continues, "that I only lie to my enemies."
"I was informed then that you've made many enemies," says Sun-Bright. "Now I see how and why."
Starscream cocks his head to one side.
"You are bitter and vengeful, vindictive and petty; your heart is filled with malice and wrath," says Sun-Bright. "Only someone that hard and cruel would think nothing of killing a man that couldn't harm him."
Starscream's optics narrow.
"You didn't even hesitate, Starscream. It didn't even occur to you to turn and walk away," Sun-Bright continues in a cold tone.
"That's right," says Starscream, returning the cold tone. "I won't have ignorant fools stepping all over me, when I know I'm superior to them." He smiles thinly.
"I'm glad that I'm not like you," says Sun-Bright, shivering. "You're lonely and broken."
"Perhaps," says Starscream, "but I'm not a coward who shirks his obligation to his ambitions at the least resistance."
"Are you referring to my map?" says Sun-Bright, glaring at Starscream.
"Don't you want them," Starscream continues, "to acknowledge you as their equal?"
"That's not what my map was for," says Sun-Bright.
"Or your sun catchers, or your glider. You did it for yourself," says Starscream. "But your goal is ultimately to gain the respect of your tribe. Why turn your back on that because of me?"
Sun-Bright stares at Starscream.
"Do you have any idea how many times I've nearly died in pursuit of my goals?" Starscream continues.
Sun-Bright grins at Starscream. "I suspect one of your goals is to replace your chief," he says.
Starscream smirks at Sun-Bright. "That's no goal; replacing that worthless fool is my duty as a warrior," he says.
"But you're doing that fool's bidding right now by submitting to Skywarp's authority," says Sun-Bright.
"Skywarp," says Starscream, "has earned my respect--and my obedience for this mission. He proved himself to me long ago."
"So?" asks Sun-Bright. "What does this have to do with me?"
"I won't fail him." Starscream drops to his knees. "We don't need you to complete the boundary map," he says. "The Aerialbots and I can complete the process ourselves."
"Then why demand help of me?" asks Sun-Bright.
"The only thing I demand," says Starscream, "is that you embrace your destiny. This map was your dream," he continues, "and you must see it through to the end."
"My destiny?" scoffs Sun-Bright. "I think you're deluded."
"You must bring your people from fear to knowledge," says Starscream with conviction. "Nzunda can't lean on N'vabu Rim forever," he continues. "Only you yourselves can break the Elysyn Curse, the Devilspawn."
Sun-Bright, startled by a disturbance in the village, grabs his staff. He turns it into a glider and descends to Nzunda.
"And Skywarp has his way of forcing the issue," says Starscream, following after Sun-Bright.
Scene: 16
"Why am keep secret so long?" Sludge demands. "Perceptor no am fry brain chip well enough."
Ratchet sighs. "He fried the 'brain chip' fine, Sludge," he says. "Whoever's up in that subspace pocket orbiting this planet just fixed it while we weren't looking."
"Dewey and Raleigh am almost get killed," says Sludge. "Mrs. Newcastle," he continues, upset, "am angrier than me Sludge--and Sludge no blame her."
"Sludge," says Optimus, staring into Sludge's optics. "Mrs. Newcastle has good reasons--and every right--to be upset. You however," he continues sternly, "must calm down."
Sludge glares at Optimus. "If Autobot am responsible," he states, "then we am need to smash stupid Autobot before Decepticons find out."
"If reasoning with him proves impossible," says Optimus.
"Me Grimlock say that reasoning am impossible," asserts Grimlock. "Rogue Autobot am play god with planet for most of inhabitants' history."
"Too late to reason," adds Sludge.
Optimus scowls at the two Dinobots. "We have to draw him out of the spatial anomaly first," he says, "and we have to do it without the Decepticons or Guardians finding out."
"Why it am matter if Decepticons know?" says Slag. "Them am enemies anyway; smash them too."
"Decepticons am use rogue Autobot against us in propaganda," says Swoop. "Turn human allies against us."
"No am care about Decepticons," scowls Snarl, "but Snarl no like lying to Guardians."
"Me Sludge no like lying at all," says Sludge. "Me say that us Autobots take backlash like mechs."
"We will disclose all of this," says Optimus. "But only after we've neutralized all of N'vabu Rim's avatars."
"Then we shall have to contact Hound," says Perceptor. "He's monitoring the situation in Nzunda."
Scene: 17
The humans meet at the Seer's cabin.
"There's...some kind of stupid cover-up going on," says Anita, trembling.
Braxis looks through the Seer's journals. "Likely the Autobots," he says. "Most of them are a pack of paranoid, self-righteous hypocrites."
"With the Decepticons as their enemies," says A. J., "paranoia is rational."
"Look," says Braxis. "My sympathies go out to honest fellows like the Dinobots and the Aerialbots; they have to deal with their leader's pompous declarations daily."
"What do you think?" asks Anya.
"It has something to do with the anomaly, and whatever's hiding in it." Braxis hands Anya one of the journals. "That one's dated through the first group's visit."
Anya reads through the journal. "Bozhe-moi," she gasps. "He has notes about a radio transmitter in an elder's neck, and a mark on the neck...." She trails off, dropping the journal.
Dewey picks it up. "It looks like the Autobot symbol," he says. "We need to tell Leader One if a bad Autobot's doing all of this to the people here."
"Dewey," says A. J., "Leader One's just going to rub this in Optimus Prime's face. It won't solve the problem."
"Quite frankly," counters Braxis, "it would do Optimus some good to have his faction's own shit rubbed in his face."
"Language, Dr. Braxis!" says Anita, covering Raleigh's ears.
"I'm certain your sons have heard worse, Mrs. Newcastle," scoffs Braxis.
"Anyway," says A. J., "we're going to have to let the Autobots play it their way--no matter how stupid it is."
"I've never been good at playing dumb," counters Braxis, "and as for you, Ms. Foster," he adds with a thin smile, "Turbo knows you too well."
A. J. glares at Braxis. "I'll ignore you."
"The Guardians are going to find out," says Anya.
Scene: 18
Leader One and Turbo are in space, near the planet.
"The people here will die out in about 200 K-cycles," Turbo snorts. "This whole business is pointless, in the end."
"No," says Leader One. "We'll help them. We'll undo what that character in the anomaly did to them," he continues, "and get them up to speed so they can be a spacefaring race."
"Why?" says Turbo.
"They asked for our help," says Leader One.
"No; Dr. Edelstein asked for help," says Turbo. "We, of course, haven't been much help. He's dead, the natives are scared and restless, and we're relying on the goodwill of galactic conquerors."
"You know as well as I do that our job is hard and dirty," says Leader One.
"Do we have to save every doomed, remote hellhole in the universe?" asks Turbo.
"Hell spreads if we don't fight," says Leader One.
"Does this also apply to the SNAFU on Cybertron?" asks Turbo.
"Eventually," says Leader One, "we'll have to take the civil war out of Optimus Prime's incapable hands. He can't even manage a cover-up properly."
"Prime thought he could manage Braxis." Turbo laughs heartily.
"He could barely restrain Mrs. Newcastle," scoffs Leader One.
"Earthians are not to be trifled with," says Turbo.
"They have narratives of defying their own gods," says Leader One. "I'm sure they won't tolerate some hack robot pretending to be one."
Scene: 19
Hound struggles, restrained by Pumper and Road Ranger. "Let me go!" he demands.
Skywarp snickers, then turns to the terrified Nzundan shaman. "You okay, old man?" he asks the old alien gently.
"I...am well," says the shaman.
Skywarp turns back to Hound. "Why are you trying to kidnap this decrepit fragger?" he asks.
"I'm not. I'm under orders from Optimus to retrieve him," says Hound.
"Why?" Skywarp asks.
"Prime didn't tell me why," says Hound.
"You're lying, frag-wit," grins Pumper. "What's so special about the shaman?"
"I was just told to bring the old guy to the host village," says Hound. "He might have info and old stories on how to drive out the Devilspawn."
"Actually," says Glad Tidings quietly, "it's because of the Shaman Symbol on the shaman's neck."
"My mark of blessing from N'vabu Rim?" asks the shaman, revealing the back of his neck.
Hound winces.
Skywarp grins. Then he laughs.
Road Ranger stares at Skywarp. "I see the Autobot sigil on the man's neck," he says, "but I don't get the joke."
"Screamer and I are the Decepticons," Skywarp says, "but the Autobots are doing all the fraggin' lying."
Hound glares at Skywarp. "Choke on Megatron's rusted cable and die!"
"Ah, shut up. I'm going to actually make use of you," says Skywarp to Hound as he picks up the shaman.
"Please put him down," says Glad Tidings. "You'll scare him."
"We'll be gentle," says Pumper.
Scene: 20
Glad Tidings enters the tribunal hall with the shaman. "We have guests," he says calmly.
"We won't like this, will we?" asks a tribunal elder.
"No, you won't," says Skywarp, striding into the tribunal hall; Pumper and Road Ranger follow him in with Hound.
"What is the meaning of this?" demands the tribunal elder.
"You all," begins Skywarp, "will do exactly as I say."
"Why should we?" says another tribunal elder.
"One, because it will benefit Nzunda--not that I care. Two, if you don't obey me, you won't have to worry about the Devilspawn or the Elysynese--I will personally reduce your pathetic village to nothing."
Pumper stares at Skywarp in shock. This bastard is channeling Megatron.
Hound grins at the two Guardians. "You Gobot morons are going to hear this fragging stump speech yourselves one day," he hisses, "so listen well."
"If we do," says Road Ranger gravely, "it will be due to the Autobots' failure to trust in us."
"Leader One hasn't given us much confidence in the past," says Hound.
"You can't expect to secure our cooperation with threats!" spits a third tribunal elder.
Skywarp picks up the elder. "Don't trifle with me, fool," he says coldly. "Unlike Starscream," he continues, "I am fully fueled, and invincible to your primitive weapons."
"What...do you want?" asks the first tribunal elder.
"I want to kill the Devilspawn," says Skywarp. "That's the only way to fix all of your problems, and more importantly," he continues, setting the third elder back down, "the only way for me to protect my home."
"N'vabu Rim," cries the second tribunal elder, "preserve us!"
"N'vabu Rim can't save you," says Skywarp, grabbing Hound and throwing him onto the ground. "Here's why," he adds as he pins Hound with his foot.
"The green metal giant has the Shaman Symbol," explains Glad Tidings.
"Is he an emissary of N'vabu Rim?" asks the first elder.
"No, he isn't," says Skywarp. "He's just a 'metal giant' like me. In fact," he continues, "N'vabu Rim's not a god at all."
Air Raid charges into the hall, noting Hound on the ground. "How'd you sneak past me, you frag-off?" he says to Skywarp.
"I am the chaos master," grins Skywarp, "and out of that chaos," he continues, speaking to the elders, "comes order and freedom."
"Dude," Air Raid demands, "what are you doing? Why are you scaring the Nzundans?"
"The Nzundans need to be scared," answers Skywarp. "Playing nice with their fears and conceits led to their chief's death," Skywarp continues, "when Starscream became fed up with their blinkered vision."
"I can't let you do this," says Air Raid, cocking his rifle.
"I will kill Hound if you act against me, Air Raid," says Skywarp.
Air Raid looks to the two Guardians. "Pumper, Road Ranger," he says. "Come on: back me up."
"We can't," says Pumper. "We have to make the Nzundans see reason."
"By force?" asks Air Raid.
"So far," says Road Ranger evenly, "only Hound has been harmed."
"You say that N'vabu Rim isn't a god," says Glad Tidings. "If he isn't a god," he continues, "then what is he?"
"N'vabu Rim is another 'metal giant'," says Hound, rising to his feet. "He's a rogue from my tribe," continues the Autobot tracker, pointing to his sigil, "and my chief, Optimus Prime, was working to stop him from deceiving your people further when that maniac jumped me." Hound glares at Skywarp.
"Starscream and I are from a rival enemy tribe," adds Skywarp, "hence my hostility towards this green fellow. Those two without symbols," he continues, nodding to Pumper and Road Ranger, "are from a neutral tribe."
"Impossible," says the third tribunal elder. "N'vabu Rim smote all peoples with the Devilspawn. What you say...is unthinkable."
"N'vabu Rim is your enemy, my enemy, and Hound's enemy," says Skywarp. "So, instead of throwing away your people's lives trying my patience," he continues, "let's all work together to destroy our common foe."
"I can't believe this guy," mutters Air Raid.
Scene: 21
"I've found the enzyme," says Anya. "It will take a few weeks for me to develop the medicine that will purge these damned worms from our bodies," she continues, "as the best equipment available is on the ship."
A. J. hugs herself. "We've waited this long," she says quietly.
Anya boards the Guardian shuttle.
Anita studies A. J., comparing her and the Deathwater pool.
"How are you holding up, Mrs. Newcastle?" A. J. asks.
"I...admire your fortitude, Ms. Foster," says Anita. "I don't think I can take much more waiting."
"It doesn't help that the Autobots are too busy fighting the Decepticons to work with them," spits A. J. as she scowls at Turbo. "They ostensibly struck up a truce."
"Why are you upset with Turbo?" asks Anita.
"I'm annoyed with him," A. J. says. "He and Leader One already knew about the neurotransmitters."
"Maybe he thought you didn't trust him," says Anita.
"Turbo is not in a position to gripe about trust issues," A. J. counters.
Anita smiles sadly. "Keep up the fight, Ms. Foster," she says, walking to the Deathwater with a plastic cup. "I'll dance at your wedding."
A. J. nods. "Do what you have to do, Mrs. Newcastle," she says.
END SPECIAL FIVE
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Curse of the Devilspawn!