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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
- 5
- 6
- 7
TRANSFORMERS: CYBERTRON SAGA
CURSE OF THE DEVILSPAWN! Special #6: RECKONING.
byline: Anubis C. Soundwave
Scene: 1
Four hours have passed.
Optimus sits at the base of the Seer's hill, lost in thought.
The Decepticons know now, he muses to himself. They know that an Autobot is the source of this misery.
Optimus' optics narrow as he watches Braxis discuss something with Anya.
Except, Optimus continues silently, this isn't our way. Autobots were never hostile toward organics, not even during the pre-Overthrow period.
"What about the post-Overthrow period?" asks Turbo, pulling Optimus out of his thoughts.
Optimus checks his datapad with his intelligence brief on Turbo.
"I can't read your mind," Turbo grins as Optimus' optics widen. "You're just predictable."
"My medic says the same thing," says Optimus. "In any event, that was when our Diasporans came to Cybertron from across the galaxy, before the Second War."
Turbo sits next to Optimus. "That was over eleven M-cycles ago," he notes.
"What are you after?" Optimus asks.
Turbo locks optics with Optimus. "Your reason for pushing the post-apocalyptic thesis long past its sell-by date."
Optimus raises an optic ridge.
"You're not a stupid guy, and certainly not the type to cling to comfortable lies," continues Turbo. "What's bothering you?"
"It's true that I willfully ignored the mounting evidence that an external force is responsible for the natives' plight. It disturbed me that an advanced being would think so little of other beings' freedom."
Turbo studies Optimus, nodding for the Autobot leader to continue.
"When I learned that an Autobot was and is the author of this evil," Optimus continues, "I wanted--believed it to be the Autobots' duty--to deal with it ourselves: leaving aside the fact that if the Decepticons learned of this--which they have, anyway--they would use it against us as a propaganda bludgeon."
"It's unfair to judge all Autobots based on the sins on one," says Turbo, "and you wanted to forestall that. But that's not what's bothering you about this."
"You're right. What does bother me is private emotional turmoil. As we both bear the burdens of command," says Optimus, "we both recognize the importance of detaching our private selves from our work."
Turbo gives Optimus a grim smile. "In my line of work, I can't simply confide in people," he says, watching A. J. as she walks past the two mechs, "least of all the ones closest to my heart. I doubt that you feel the same way I do."
Optimus stares at Turbo.
Turbo stands. "In any event," he says, "we need to find out which of your misguided compatriots is up there in the anomaly, don't we?" With that, Turbo leaves Optimus alone.
Optimus winces. I know, in the core of my being, he says to himself, that I won't like the answer.
Scene: 2
"Sun-Bright," says a Nzundan warrior quietly as he assists with the map, "with your map and your flying device, we could deal with the Elysynese without the giants."
"I don't see how," whispers Sun-Bright.
"You're not the only tinkerer in the village," grins the warrior. "I made a short bow."
"Why?" asks Sun-Bright.
"Originally," says the warrior, "to improve our success in the hunt. The short bow is easier for a novice to use...."
A short distance away from the two Nzundans, Slingshot frowns while standing next to Starscream.
"What's your problem today?" asks Starscream.
"Did you show any of these guys how to make gunpowder?" Slingshot asks.
"No. The Nzundans can figure that out on their own," says Starscream.
"Good," says Slingshot, "because that character working with Sun-Bright has already invented a crossbow."
"And he's itching for war with the Elysynese." Starscream grins. "With air advantage, the Nzundans may even win."
"This ain't what we're here for," says Slingshot.
"Ultimately," says Starscream, "we're here to restore this planet's natural civilizational development--if only to rid the cosmos of the Devilspawn."
"So it doesn't bother you that some vengeful idiot could start a war that would kill off what's left of this planet's population," notes Slingshot.
"Are you saying that the Nzundans were better off worshipping N'vabu Rim and tearing themselves apart with prejudice?" asks Starscream.
"You're twisting things," spits Slingshot.
"No, I'm not," counters Starscream. "Do you think the Nzundans would have wasted 'generations' ostracizing the 'outsider-born' if they had the tools to make the Elysynese themselves pay?"
"I...I don't know," says Slingshot. "I'm just thinking that between nine M-cycles of war for us and generational war and strife on Earth," he continues, "I'm kind of sick of the 'we will make you pay for what you've done' scrap."
Starscream smiles thinly at Slingshot.
"Besides," Slingshot continues, "Sun-Bright doesn't want revenge. I don't think any of the Nzundans do, really."
"Then what do they want?" Starscream asks.
Scene: 3
"Justice," says Skywarp, speaking to the Nzundans in the village square. "That's what you want, right?"
"But you want the Elysynese to live," says the lead warrior.
"For generations you Nzundans have persecuted your own children," Skywarp says with a rueful smirk. "Their only crime: sharing the blood of your enemies. The 'outsider-born', as you call them, have long atoned for your enemies' sins. Thus," he continues, "you have no moral ground to stand on."
"We can't fight N'vabu Rim--even if you say he isn't a god," says a tribunal elder. "For generations, our people have witnessed his power."
"Alone, you Nzundans can't. Nor can the Host Villagers, or even the Elysynese," says Skywarp. "But if all the peoples of this world," he continues, unfurling Sun-Bright's completed world map, "unite as one, then no one--not even N'vabu Rim--can cow you."
"Why should we trust what you say?" sneers a second warrior, who presents his short bow. "Aren't you at war with the ones who bear N'vabu Rim's mark?"
"Yes," says Skywarp, "yet we decided to put our differences aside to destroy a common foe."
The second warrior is unimpressed.
"As to your little toy," continues Skywarp, "do you think you're the only one who thought of it? Don't you think the Elysynese already have a better one?"
The second warrior's eyes widen.
Skywarp chuckles. "Don't get me wrong: figuring out a way to use a glider to gain air advantage against your enemies is a smart idea. Of course," Skywarp continues, "the Elysynese can still move faster than you on the ground, and they can find cover to escape your arrows."
"We can learn to tame kae-phals as the Elysynese did if we must," says the lead warrior.
Skywarp laughs. "Let me speak from experience," he says, grinning at Air Raid. "Even if you do this," he continues, returning his attention to the lead warrior, "the Elysynese already have generations of experience with kae-phals."
"Yeah," adds Air Raid. "We joined with our tribe to do battle with his tribe on even terms in the heavens--after his tribe culled together five sorry warriors to attempt to match my earth-bound brothers on the ground."
Silverbolt shakes his head. "Air Raid's having way too much fun with this," he says to Skydive over the LAN.
"Oh; I'm sure Drag Strip and Wildrider will make Raid pay for that crack," Skydive grins.
"I'll have to save his aft from the fire again," says Slingshot.
"Save your own aft from the fire first," quips Fireflight.
"Anyway," says Skywarp, "you don't need to go to war with the Elysynese to get justice. Your purpose would be best served," he continues, "if you join forces with them."
Scene: 4
"I'm...done." Slingshot grins as he makes the final stroke with his stick of charcoal. "Just call me Gusto Gummi," he says.
Silverbolt laughs. "There are quite a few Gummi Bears who sound like Autobots: the big grizzled one sounded like Optimus."
"Especially Brawn's ursine counterpart," says Slingshot. "Earth keeps me flush in comedy material."
"May I go now?" asks Sun-Bright.
"After Starscream forks over the credits for your portrait," says Slingshot. "My time is valuable."
Sun-Bright sighs as he walks over to Starscream.
Silverbolt studies the portrait. "It's very good."
"I guess," says Slingshot. "I had a good subject."
"You did him justice," says Silverbolt.
"It's thanks to Mirage, actually," says Slingshot. "When I started branching out from pencils, I jumped straight into acrylic paints."
"I thought your attempt at Tracks was...unique," says Silverbolt.
"It was awful!" spits Slingshot. "Couldn't get the colors right, my perspective was off, the lighting was all over the place...." Slingshot trails off.
Silverbolt smiles gently at him.
"You ain't following any of this, are you?" Slingshot asks.
"I'm just surprised that you're so critical of yourself," says Silverbolt, "especially since you're still learning art."
Slingshot shrugs. "Anyway," he says, "Mirage told me that I needed to work on my value studies, and charcoal is a good medium to master it."
"He was an artist back on Cybertron, before the War," muses Silverbolt.
"Yeah; part of the lesser nobility in Hikage City--which is why he's so hoity-toity," says Slingshot.
"Here comes your 'client'," says Silverbolt, watching as Starscream and Sun-Bright approach the two Aerialbots.
Starscream looks at the portrait. "A fine likeness of him, Slingshot. Not bad work--for an Autobot," he quips, handing Slingshot some credits.
"I do my best works of art in the skies," says Slingshot, "when I transform Decepticons into trendy abstract art sculptures."
"And...you're back to normal," scoffs Silverbolt over the LAN.
"Ah, give it a rest," says Slingshot to Silverbolt. "Let's leave these two to look at the portrait."
Scene: 5
"Why is this portrait necessary?" Sun-Bright asks Starscream. "It seems vain."
"The Elysynese need to know who made the map," says Starscream. "What better way to show them than with a portrait of its author?"
Skywarp joins Starscream and Sun-Bright. "Air Raid and I are about ready to set off for Elysyn," he says.
"Sun-Bright's portrait is ready," says Starscream.
"I'm still not sure this is needed for your trip, Skywarp," says Sun-Bright, blushing.
"Are we embarrassed?" grins Skywarp.
"Spare me your modesty," says Starscream. "It's high time that you receive the credit you have richly earned."
"This ain't just for the Elysynese," adds Skywarp. "It's for the Nzundans, too. Once we're through," he continues, "they won't be able to shove you in a corner anymore."
Sun-Bright blushes. "I didn't do anything for recognition," he says.
"So you say," says Starscream.
"What do you gain from this, Starscream?" Sun-Bright asks.
"Personally? Nothing," says Starscream, "except a sense of vindication."
Scene: 6
Back at the host village, the rest of the party convenes outside the Seer's cabin.
"We need to find out who this rogue Autobot, N'vabu Rim, actually is," says Leader One.
"Feel free to contact all of my field commanders--again," says Optimus. "Every Autobot under my direct command is accounted for."
"Guardian Intelligence has already ruled out Ultra Magnus' and Elita's teams," says Turbo. "That leaves Pointblank, Liokaiser, and Ginrai."
"Pointblank is outside Proxima Centauri, and was only there for the past M-cycle," says Optimus. "Liokaiser's not even near this part of the galaxy, and Ginrai is two galaxies out."
"Those guys have their faults," adds Ratchet, "but none of them can list 'god complex' as one of them."
"You're approaching this problem from the wrong trajectory," says Braxis.
"Really?" asks Optimus, optic ridge raised in skepticism.
"Us play 'What do we know' again?" asks Sludge.
Braxis nods to Sludge.
"Okay," says Turbo. "We know he's an Autobot," he adds with a grin.
"We know him am inside anomaly," adds Swoop.
"We know he's over eleven million years old," says Braxis, "which rules out anyone in Optimus' troop except Kup."
"And at that point," says Leader One, "I'd just call Senator Nanatsuro out of retirement to hand Kup his aft."
"Kup was part of the Liberation," says Optimus. "He would never think to do this."
"The only other functioning Autobot we know of who is over the eleven M-cycle mark," says Turbo, "is Miss Bee. I have unassailable intel that confirms she's not even involved."
"She was also part of the Liberation," says Optimus, "and a close friend of my mentor, Alpha Trion."
"Where is Alpha?" asks Leader One.
"He is no longer with us," says Optimus sadly.
Turbo notes Dewey and Raleigh, both boys jumping up and down with their hands raised. "So," he grins, "what do you two know?"
"We know his name," says Dewey.
"It's 'Noh-ba boo-reem'!" adds Raleigh, excited.
"Are there any Autobots named 'N'vabu Rim'?" asks Braxis.
"I think I read about--*" starts A. J., only to be interrupted.
"We should conduct a search," says Optimus abruptly. "If there's an Autobot by that name at all," he continues, "we should be able to find it."
"Take it easy," says Turbo, glaring at Optimus. "What were you going to say, A. J.?" he asks the human.
"Not 'N'vabu Rim' exactly," she says, "but kind of close. Still," she continues, "this isn't a game of horseshoes. We can't afford any mistakes."
Leader One studies A. J. a moment, while also observing Optimus. "I agree. It's good to follow your hunches," he says, "but at the same time, we must use caution."
"It'd be helpful," says Turbo with a pointed look at Optimus, "if some of us would quit attempting cover-ups."
"I share A. J.'s hunch," says Optimus, returning Turbo's glare, "for what it's worth. However, as Leader One says, we can't jump the gun with assumptions."
"Then let's get to work, everyone," says Leader One.
Scene: 7
Skywarp and Air Raid fly to Elysyn. Air Raid abruptly banks right, then barrel-rolls to the left.
Skywarp teleports out of Air Raid's path. "Slingshot can get away with those maneuvers because of his design, runt," he says.
"Hey--he ain't the only showoff in our unit," says Air Raid. "Slingers is just an attention hog."
"Why'd you agree to come with me, anyway?" asks Skywarp.
"Thought it'd be fun," says Air Raid. "Ever thought of switching sides?"
"Hell no," says Skywarp. "I'd have to share airspace with that traitor Skyfragger."
"You share airspace with the Lord of Traitors on a regular basis," scoffs Air Raid.
"Screamer betrays Megatron," says Skywarp, "not me. He warned Thunder and me from day one of our alliance to stay the hell out of his way. Starscream's golden as long as he doesn't betray the Cause," Skywarp continues, "and he's committed to that."
"What about Rammy, Dirge, and the Thrustmonster?" asks Air Raid.
"Who gives a flying frag about those three?" snorts Skywarp.
Air Raid chuckles.
"How about you and your unit?" asks Skywarp after a moment.
"You goons blew your shot when you sent us back through time," says Air Raid. "Not that you ever had a chance with me," he continues. "I've been an Autobot my whole life."
"What life?" asks Skywarp. "You've been effectively online for all of 1.1 M-cycles."
"I'm an Autobot, my dad was an Autobot, and his creator was an Autobot," says Air Raid.
"Considering that you're an Arwing Two-A," says Skywarp, "your pop's creator probably defected."
"If that's so," says Air Raid, "then it had to be before the Golden Age. My dad would have been about as old as you."
"He ain't around?" asks Skywarp.
"One of your buddies killed him during the Vilnacron Massacre," says Air Raid, landing. He transforms outside a stone castle.
"That happens during war, kiddo," says Skywarp as he transforms and lands next to Air Raid.
"Wouldn't have happened if I'd been there five M-cycles back," Air Raid grins. "As you know, I'm a crack dogfighter."
"Oh," drawls Skywarp, "so that's what your group and the Skyfrag calls those sorry triangle formations? Dogfighting?"
"We beat you, didn't we?" says Air Raid. "By the way: his name's Skyfire, and he's a nice guy."
"He's a fraggin' unreliable traitor," counters Skywarp as he touches the wall. "Pretty decent construction," he continues, analyzing the castle. "I'd say late Middle Ages if this were Earth."
"Then let's knock on the gate and see who's inside," says Air Raid. "And Skyfire's still a nice guy."
"Whatever, runt," says Skywarp. "You and your pals had better watch your backs if you run afoul of the nice guy's precious 'principles'."
"We're Autobots," says Air Raid. "We're made of principles."
Skywarp snickers. "If you say so, kid."
Scene: 8
Optimus conducts an internal search of Cybertron's archives as Braxis works at his portable computer.
Optimus' internal search engine returns a result. "Possible spelling error. Search initiated for 'Nova Prime'. Results: one. Forward to archives on 'Prime Nova'."
Optimus' optics widen. Impossible. It can't be....
Braxis looks up from his monitor. "It'd be nice if you'd actually do something," he says.
"I am," says Optimus. "I have Cybertron's historical archives installed on my hard drive."
"Don't you have a search function?" asks Braxis. "Even my primitive machine can do that."
"I haven't found any results for 'N'vabu Rim'," says Optimus.
"What results are you turning up?" Braxis asks.
"None yet," says Optimus testily. "I have to search through numerous archives stored in my head, which stretch back millions of years."
Braxis gives Optimus a sardonic, skeptical look.
"You think I'm holding out on you, don't you?" asks Optimus.
"Given your history with me and your actions throughout this mission, Optimus Prime," says Braxis, "yes, quite frankly, I do."
Leader One, Turbo, and A. J. watch the Autobot leader and the criminal scientist argue.
"I feel sorry for Optimus," says Turbo.
"I don't," counters Leader One with a smirk.
"You're both horrid," A. J. says.
"First of all," Braxis continues, "your brain is far faster than any supercomputer on Earth, so don't hand me that 'millions of years' garbage."
"My brain may be more sophisticated than an Earth computer's," says Optimus, "however, my brain also has to perform far more simultaneous functions while running the query string."
Braxis snickers. "Do I hear tiny violins?" he asks.
"I have heard suspicions from various Guardians that you hear voices," says Optimus.
"I left myself open for that one," sneers Braxis. "Be that as it may," he continues, "that doesn't excuse your dithering."
Optimus stares at Braxis.
"Unlike our computers," Braxis continues, "you and other Cybertronians would ace the Turing test. Thus, you are indeed sophisticated enough an artificial intelligence to lie to me."
"I'm a sapient life form," says Optimus, "not a simple artificial intelligence. No one programmed me to be the way I am."
"Someone programmed your ancestors," scoffs Braxis, "but that's not even relevant. May I please have your search results," he continues, "no matter how nonsensical they seem to you?"
"The search results aren't only nonsensical, they're irrelevant," says Optimus. "What motive would I have to lie to you?"
Braxis sighs. "I don't know. I can't say that you even have a true motive--I refuse to give you that much credit," he says, showing his search results on the portable computer.
Optimus stares at the monitor, noting that the computer's search results match his own. "You accessed Teletraan One's archive," he says.
"Yes. I figured that Teletraan One, even if it is sapient like you," says Braxis, "doesn't have any personal agendas to wrestle with; it would do its job."
Optimus tenses his fists.
Braxis looks up at Optimus. "Now, do the names 'Nova Prime' or 'Prime Nova' hold any meaning to you?" he asks.
In response, Optimus transforms and drives away.
A. J. stares in shock. "That's the ultimate non-answer," she says.
"In Prime's defense," says Turbo, "it's fragging Braxis."
Scene: 9
"Nobody's home," says Skywarp after an hour of hails without any answer.
"Then let's head back," says Air Raid.
The two jetwarriors transform and take to the air.
Scene: 10
Below the pair of jetwarriors, a lone armored knight emerges from thick grassy undergrowth.
I doubt they're gone, says the knight silently. These giant knights certainly know of the kingdom, and they're allied with Nzunda.
The knight looks up. "A pair of large black...birds?" the knight asks aloud. "No; their wings aren't flapping," the knight muses.
One of the airborne "birds" changes to the form of a man, then disappears.
"Spawn's blood!" spits the knight.
"You're Elysynese," says a voice behind the knight, "am I right, miss?"
The knight turns to face the speaker, Skywarp. "How do you take me for a woman?" the knight asks.
Grinning, Skywarp picks up the knight, then removes the knight's helmet; the knight is indeed a woman.
"So," says the knight, "you're the giants in league with the Nzundan savages."
"We are neutral emissaries, madam knight," says Skywarp as Air Raid rejoins him on the ground. "I am Skywarp of Cybertron, and that fool beside me is Air Raid."
"Also of Cybertron," says Air Raid. "Take us to your leader."
Skywarp hits Air Raid on the back of the head, scowling.
"What? Aliens always say that to humans in the movies," says Air Raid, pouting.
"We're not invaders," says Skywarp. "Besides," he continues, "we already know who her leader is."
"State your business," says the knight, "and I'll decide if you may enter Elysyn."
"Woman," Skywarp says, "we can bring down your kingdom at any time we wish. I am bound to spare your lives," he continues, "but that is all I will leave to you and your people if you toy further with me."
"I am not at liberty to grant you entry into Elysyn," says the knight.
"You don't have a choice." Skywarp kicks down the gate, then nods to Air Raid.
"This is how your invasions normally work, huh?" scoffs Air Raid.
"Nope. Usually there's more screaming." Skywarp enters Elysyn.
Air Raid stares at the broken gate. "I could not be a Decepticon." He follows Skywarp and the captive knight into Elysyn.
Scene: 11
"Alright, I'll set you down," says Skywarp, "and I expect you...." He grins as the knight flees.
"You expected 'madam knight' to bravely run away?" says Air Raid.
Skywarp nods.
"Now what?" Air Raid asks.
"The locals can't hurt us," says Skywarp, "so let's take a look around. We don't need her to find her leader."
Scene: 12
"We haven't seen activity from the Nzundan tribals in generations," says a knight. "This worries me, High Chief."
"We await the report from Sir Galahdri," says an elderly woman seated next to the High Chief. "Once she returns, we may act."
Sir Galahdri enters the Chief's hall. "My chief," she says, kneeling. "Two of the metal knights that were near Nzunda are in the Kingdom. I...failed to halt their entry."
"It is well, sir knight," says the High Chief.
"Step forward," says the old woman quietly, "and be silent."
Galahdri nods and obeys, walking towards the old woman.
The old woman plucks off a small purple badge, studies it, then calls to a page. "I give you this, youth, in recognition of your service and devotion," she says.
"Thank you." The page bows as he receives the badge.
"You may go," says the High Chief.
The page nods and leaves.
"Let us eat," says the High Chief. "I'm famished." He, the old woman, a confused Galahdri, and the other knights fall to their meal.
After eating, the old woman dabs her mouth with a napkin. "Now," she smiles cannily, "we may speak freely."
"I...don't understand," says Galahdri.
"I did not trust the badge on your shoulder," says the old woman. "It is too close in resemblance to the Spawn Mark for my taste."
A wall explodes, and Skywarp enters the hall, carrying the now-terrified page. "Don't insult me, old one," he says. "N'vabu Rim is my enemy."
"Astonishing," says the old woman.
Air Raid enters the hall through the door, then notes the hole in the wall. "Dude. There was a door," he says.
"Yeah," says Skywarp, "but I had an extra bouncer bomb."
Scene: 13
"You say that N'vabu Rim is your enemy?" says the High Chief. "Splendid! We can be allies."
"I'm glad we're reading the same book," says Skywarp.
"On the same page, you goon," hisses Air Raid.
"We ain't there yet, frag-off," Skywarp whispers to Air Raid.
"I take it there are conditions to your aid," says the High Chief.
"Of course," says Skywarp. "As I'm sure your lovely knight will tell you," he continues, "we are also on cordial terms with Nzunda."
"That would explain your associate with the Spawn Mark," says a knight, staring at Air Raid's Autobot sigil. "To our knowledge, the Nzundan savages have worshipped our collective tormentor for generations."
"Actually," grins Skywarp, "they're having a crisis of faith at the moment. And given their past grievances with you," he continues, unfurling Sun-Bright's world map, "they're thinking of paying you a visit to resolve their crisis."
Galahdri stares at Sun-Bright's charcoal portrait. "This youth. Did he make this map?" she asks.
Skywarp nods. "He's worked on it for years," he says. "The rest of his tribe helped him finish once they realized its worth."
The old woman touches her chin in thought.
"If the Nzundans threaten war," says a knight, "we welcome it."
Air Raid glares at the knight. "Listen, genius: if you trifle with Nzunda again," he says, "then you trifle with us. We have friends."
"Are you attempting to cow us?" asks Galahdri.
"You think too highly of yourselves," says Skywarp. "But even if we chose to leave Nzunda to themselves to exact vengeance," he continues, "they would be able to subdue you."
"We're warning you," says Air Raid. "No threats."
"The Nzundans are willing to pursue peace," adds Skywarp, "in order to drive out the Devilspawn from the land."
"Then they must renounce N'vabu Rim," says the High Chief.
"That's the crisis of faith they're having, chief," says Air Raid. "Because your forefathers kidnapped their ancestors' women and enslaved their progeny generations ago," he continues, "the Nzundans need to see a sign of your goodwill."
"We understand why you needed their women back then," adds Skywarp. "If you want the Nzundans to bury their grudge with you," he continues, "then you, the Elysynese, must abide by these demands." Skywarp hands the old woman a letter.
The old woman reads the letter, then hands it to the High Chief.
The High Chief's eyes widen in shock. "Certainly, we will release the descendants if that is the Nzundans' wish," he says after a moment. "As to the other demand: you ask a great deal of us."
"We must have your ruler, the king of Elysyn," says Skywarp. "No harm will come to her," he continues, fixing his optics on the old woman, "if she comes of her own will."
Air Raid radios Skywarp. "Wait--she's the king?" he balks.
"Ain't no rule that says a woman can't be a king," grins Skywarp. "Although her formal title is High Chieftess," he adds, "the old glitch is clearly in charge here."
The High Chief stares at the letter.
"We'll be outside," says Skywarp, "and we expect to see all of the captives' descendants outside when we get there. Give us your answer regarding Madam High Chieftess in one hour," he continues.
Skywarp starts to leave through the hole in the wall, but Air Raid drags him out through the door.
Scene: 14
Slingshot paces around in the grasses outside Nzunda. "They're taking too long." he spits.
"Air Raid and Skywarp have been at Elysyn for less than four hours," says Silverbolt. "If Road Ranger's intel there was solid, then those two shouldn't run into any major surprises."
"But what if an Elysynese mouths off to Skywarp?" wonders Slingshot. "We don't want another broiled organic on our hands."
"Quit worrying," says Silverbolt. "To be honest," he continues, "I don't think the Elysynese are nearly as blockheaded."
"I hope not; they've been spying on our team ever since Starscream showed up here the first time," says Slingshot. "So says Pumper, anyway."
"Exactly; they've seen what we're capable of when we're torqued," says Silverbolt.
"And our limits," adds Slingshot. "If the Elysynese are anywhere near as ornery as humans," he continues, "then they'll just try to wear Raider and Skywarp down until they run out of energy."
"Even Skywarp's not that fucking stupid," says Silverbolt, taking Slingshot's hand and walking further from Nzunda.
"Where are you taking me?" Slingshot asks.
"Not far," says Silverbolt, pulling a blank canvas out of subspace. "I want you...to take your mind off the mission for a moment."
"Why the canvas?" asks Slingshot.
"Let's draw," says Silverbolt. "Now's a good time for you to teach me charcoals."
Slingshot retrieves a stick of charcoal from subspace. "I only have one piece left," he sighs, "and there's only one canvas."
"I was thinking," Silverbolt drawls as he draws Slingshot close, "that we could draw a combined self-portrait. Like we're a couple or something."
Slingshot blushes slightly, unsure of his proximity with Silverbolt.
"Just remember," Silverbolt continues, "that we have to draw what we actually see."
"We're already cheating by using the solid-state holomirror," says Slingshot.
"Shut up and draw, Rembrandt," quips Silverbolt, placing his hand over Slingshot's hand as the latter begins to draw their mirrored holoimages.
Scene: 15
"What shall we do?" Galahdri asks the High Chieftess. "You are Mother of All Life."
"If we yield to the Nzundans' demands, and they slay you," adds the High Chief, "what shall become of us?"
The High Chieftess studies Sun-Bright's portrait. "And what shall become of us if we futilely strive against a mighty current?" she asks.
"Did we not strive against N'vabu Rim when his petty tyrannies grew too great for our people to bear?" counters a knight.
"N'vabu Rim claimed godhood," says the High Chieftess. "His enemies do not," she continues, "but those two alone could lay waste to the kingdom."
The knights and the High Chief stare at the High Chieftess.
"The Nzundans were never our enemies," continues the High Chieftess. "If we are ever to bring N'vabu Rim to account for his sins against us, we must atone for our own sins against them."
"You intend to go then, my liege," says Galahdri.
The High Chieftess nods.
"Then be well, my chieftess." Galahdri bows to the High Chieftess.
Scene: 16
Pumper notes Silverbolt and Slingshot lying on the grass, entwined in each other's arms. "Logically, I understand," he says to himself, shaking his head, "but emotionally, I want one of them to be a damn femme. It...just ain't right."
"Unlike you cyborgs, who can't let go of their weak organic flesh," grins Starscream, "we have no need for sexual dimorphism."
"That flesh doesn't seem to bother Skywarp," says Pumper.
"And the fact that Skywarp can carry chipsets doesn't bother Small Foot," says Starscream, sneering at the Aerialbot couple in their rest cycles. "We'll have to wake these lovebirds."
"You're just jealous," says Skydive as he transforms and lands along with Fireflight.
"Of what?" scoffs Starscream. "Slingshot's still green-lit."
"They're taking it slow," says Fireflight, studying Silverbolt and Slingshot's charcoal portrait. "Slingshot has a hard time trusting others."
The four mechs' chatter rouses Slingshot, who yawns. "Who spoke my name in vain?" he asks tiredly.
"Look, pal: you're no more a god than N'vabu Rim is," says Pumper.
"I ain't up for that kind of responsibility," Slingshot grins, rubbing Silverbolt's head gently. "Taking care of my wingmates is enough of a full-time job."
Skydive and Fireflight look at each other a moment.
Silverbolt stirs, trying to pull Slingshot close to him. "I'm not done with you yet," he murmurs.
"Yes, you are!" says Pumper. "Skywarp and Air Raid are on their way with the Nzundan captives and Elysyn's High Chieftess."
Silverbolt refreshes his optics. "Great. I'm getting artificial outrage from the Gobot who wants to bond with and fuck two femmes."
"I have enough cable to satisfy them both," says Pumper.
Slingshot stands, to Silverbolt's chagrin. "Where's Road Ranger?" he asks. "I'd think he'd protest your plans for bigamy."
Silverbolt rises to his feet.
"He's on another recon run with Hound," says Pumper. "Road Ranger thinks he may have found the primary source of the Devilspawn. As to his objections to taking Small Foot as a bondmate along with another," he continues, "he'd better mind his own less-than-aboveboard affairs."
"My stupid wingmate," says Starscream, "would also object: Small Foot is his."
"Subcommander Skywarp can go frag himself, or you," scoffs Pumper. "I've courted Small Foot for M-cycles; we're practically betrothed."
"I wonder if she tastes as good as Slingshot," says Silverbolt, licking Slingshot's faceplate.
Scene: 17
Sludge touches Small Foot's shoulder. "Me Sludge need your help," he says, scowling. "No am want to smash Optimus."
Small Foot sighs. "I'll come then. We can't smash our leaders every time they do stupid things," she says, nodding towards Leader One.
The Dinobot and Guardian leave the Host Village to locate Optimus.
Scene: 18
It can't be. It mustn't be. Optimus trembles, in shock. He can't be here, plaguing these people, he continues silently.
Sludge and Small Foot land behind Optimus.
"Don't you think that character Braxis is full of himself, Leader One?" says Optimus.
"Leader One does think so," says Small Foot, "but you're the one who insisted on bringing Dr. Braxis along."
"I did, didn't I?" says Optimus, still not facing Small Foot or Sludge.
"No am matter if him am Nova Prime or not," says Sludge. "Sludge glad to smash."
"His name is 'Prime Nova', Sludge," says Optimus. "And if that is our ancient shame lurking in the stars," he continues, "then even you and the other Dinobots couldn't smash him. He's invincible."
"Three of us smash you before," counters Sludge. "Me am ready to smash you again."
Optimus glares at Sludge.
"Get in line," adds Small Foot. "Leader One and Turbo get second and third crack."
"Who am first?" asks Sludge.
"Me," says Small Foot, glaring at Optimus. "How long have you suspected Nova Prime?"
"'Prime Nova'," says Optimus.
"I don't care!" says Small Foot. "Whatever you choose to call him," she continues, "he has wrought utter havoc on these people."
"One," says Optimus, "don't presume that Prime Nova is the deranged Autobot up there. We've established, to my grief," he continues, "that it is an Autobot committing this evil; let's make sure we know it's the right Autobot before we go charging in without a plan."
"We can make better plans when self-righteous frag-offs don't attempt stupid aft-covering operations," counters Small Foot.
"You would take Skywarp's word over mine," scoffs Optimus.
"Skywarp told me what you did to a former comrade," says Small Foot, smiling thinly. "Hackwrench was her name, wasn't it?"
"You're just as stupid as she was," sneers Optimus. "Skywarp's playing you like a fragging synzithar."
"Ratchet's sister am irrelevant to mission," says Sludge. "Need you to be good, smart leader: to fight bad Autobot. You Optimus am being stupid right now."
Optimus stares at Sludge. "You are questioning me?" he asks.
"Yes: me Sludge question stupid leader," says the Dinobot.
"Then propose a workable solution," says Optimus. "I left because I didn't want to lose my temper and terminate Dr. Braxis in a fit of rage."
"It's not like you were going to rip him in half," grins Small Foot crudely.
Optimus narrows his optics. "Hardly," he says. "Turbo would fight me for the honor of killing him."
"Am need him Braxis alive," says Sludge. "It not matter how obnoxious him am."
"Then let's go back," says Optimus, resigned.
"Me Sludge go. You two follow," says Sludge. "If Optimus no am come," he continues, "All Dinobots return to practice smashing." With that, Sludge takes to the air.
Optimus laughs harshly.
"I fail to see any humor," says Small Foot. "You're not a very funny joke."
"No Guardian," says Optimus, "is in any position to judge me. No matter the weight of my sins," he continues, "I at least honor my word." Optimus transforms and drives off.
Small Foot snorts, then transforms and follows behind the Autobot leader.
Scene: 19
Sun-Bright stands to one side, with Skywarp and Starscream, as the Nzundan tribunal council addresses the High Chieftess of Elysyn.
"Our people, whom you have long held captive, have returned to us," says a tribunal elder, "and we receive them with joy."
The High Chieftess nods.
"Now, only the matter of restitution for generations of suffering remains," continues the elder.
"As ruler of the Elysyn Kingdom, I bear responsibility," says the High Chieftess. "What would you have of me?"
Skywarp snickers. "The Nzundans never thought of what they'd do if their adversary yielded without a fight," he says to Starscream.
"We Nzundans are, or once were, a kind and open-hearted people," says Sun-Bright. "We only wanted to shield ourselves from more pain and sorrow."
"Your hearts cry out for vengeance," states the High Chieftess. "If that is your wish," she continues, disrobing before the tribunal council, "then do with me as you will."
Starscream winces at the now-nude High Chieftess. "Ah! My optics!" he hisses to Skywarp via radio.
"Knock it off, Screamer," says Skywarp, grinning.
"Let me suffer as your women have suffered at our hands," the High Chieftess continues.
Sun-Bright scowls, then approaches the High Chieftess and the council. "Please permit me to dispense the punishment," he asks the council.
The elders confer briefly.
"We defer to your judgment, Sun-Bright," says a second elder.
"Thank you," says Sun-Bright. After handing the High Chieftess a plain robe, Sun-Bright takes her by the hand and leads her out of the tribunal hall.
Starscream grins. "He'll become their chief yet," he says.
"And hopefully, you won't kill him," hisses Skywarp.
Scene: 20
Sun-Bright leads the High Chieftess to a small chamber underground. "Please enter, High Chieftess," he says coldly. "You will remain here, until you've rid yourself of your insufferable pride." Sun-Bright leaves the High Chieftess alone in the chamber.
The High Chieftess studies children's drawings and scribbles, which detailed great sorrows as only a child's simplicity could.
After a few hours, Sun-Bright returns, finding the High Chieftess on her knees.
"You wished to show me that Nzunda's sorrow did not end with your ancestors," says the High Chieftess, "but has continued even to your generation. Your lesson does not fall on blind eyes or deaf ears, youth."
Sun-Bright is silent.
"I do indeed seek forgiveness for the evils we have subjected you to," she continues. "For our sins against Nzunda are so grievous that I cannot begin to atone for them."
"We've become a hateful, insular people," says Sun-Bright, "and it all stems from your ancestors' sins against ours. But ultimately," he continues, "it began with your ancestors' folly: in their pride, they defied N'vabu Rim, and brought the plague of the Devilspawn upon us all."
"Tyrannies must be defied. If that is pride," says the High Chieftess, "then Elysyn shall never relinquish it."
Sun-Bright's eyes widen.
"For this is not my pride alone," the High Chieftess continues, "but your pride, which dared you to pursue your ambitions; and Sir Skywarp's pride, which compelled him to put a large hole in my castle gate and my throne hall."
"According to Starscream," says Sun-Bright, smiling slightly, "that would be stupidity, rather than pride."
"There is a certain calculated audacity in his stupidity," says the High Chieftess. "I sense that I am not the first ruler he has thumbed his metal nose at."
"From what Slingshot has told me," says Sun-Bright, "the Decepticons are ransackers of kingdoms."
"What strange allies we have, then," says the High Chieftess.
"Stranger still is Slingshot and his friends, including his chief, Optimus Prime," says Sun-Bright. "Though they and N'vabu Rim share a connection," he continues, "they see N'vabu Rim as an evil to be destroyed."
"Good for them. Now, I can no longer discount the existence of a god," says the High Chieftess. "A true deity of consequence--like any great ruler--would want a pretender such as N'vabu Rim removed from the throne of heaven at once."
Sun-Bright studies the High Chieftess.
"Perhaps this speculative providence has brought us all together for such a purpose," she continues.
"Who can say?" muses Sun-Bright.
Scene: 21
"Please understand: Prime Nova was the author of one of the darkest periods in Cybertronian history," says Optimus. "He was considered a menace on par with Megatron himself."
Braxis strokes his chin, studying Optimus thoughtfully. "Ah. But let us forget about the egotistical fool sitting on his throne in the Pacific for a moment," he says. "My understanding of Teletraan's file on Prime Nova--as you call him--was that he was a rogue Autobot."
"Correct," states Optimus. "We call him 'Prime Nova'," he continues, with looks to Sludge and Small Foot, "so that the designation 'Prime' is not associated solely with Nova. Otherwise, his noble successors--my predecessors Artemis and Sentinel--wouldn't have been able to do their jobs."
"So this Prime Nova is their--and your--predecessor," says Braxis.
Optimus nods.
"Now it all makes sense. In order to protect the organics of this world from their own baser impulses," continues Braxis, "one should limit their progress and development to only the minimum needed to survive."
Optimus glares at Braxis, optics glowing. "You are twisting my position on Cybertronian tech proliferation on Earth to this?" he balks. "What the hell is the matter with you?"
"I admit that it is a rather crude extrapolation," says Braxis, "but your position with regard to Earth isn't that far removed from N'vabu Rim's conclusion regarding this benighted world," he continues, pointing up at the starry night sky.
Optimus tenses a fist.
Leader One grins sympathetically. "You wanted to bring him along."
"As Small Foot kindly informed me already. For the record," counters Optimus, "we had to bring him along. Why aren't you and Turbo backing me up against this guy?"
Leader One and Turbo grunt and mutter nonsense in response.
"Why won't you two defend my honor?" Braxis demands haughtily. "You know I'm right--again."
"Because you're you," the two Guardians answer in unison.
"Oh, I'm sure there's worse than me," says Braxis as he rolls his eyes at Leader One and Turbo's antagonism. "My obvious point is that if N'vabu Rim is an Autobot from the post-Overthrow period of Cybertron's history," he continues, "he may still harbor hostility towards organic lifeforms, and would want to eliminate us 'puny flesh creatures' as a threat to his race."
"Granted. May I suggest Megatron again?" asks Optimus sardonically. "As a first-generation Sigma Class Cybertronian, he's a living artifact from the pre-Overthrow period--let alone the post-Overthrow period. His hostility toward organics is well-documented."
Starscream lands in the host village, about to report progress in Nzunda. "As much as it pains me to do so, Prime," he says, "Megatron doesn't want primitive slaves too dimwitted to understand and obey his orders."
"Why aren't you over in Nzunda?" asks Optimus.
"In addition to a favorable report from the Nzundan front," says Starscream, "I returned to refuel properly--only to hear your sad attempt at Autobot propaganda." Starscream smiles thinly. "I must counter such slander--even against such a deserving and worthy target as Megatron--with facts."
Optimus sighs, folding his arms. "What kind of facts, Starscream?"
"Megatron has never intentionally targeted organics for genocide, for one," says Starscream.
"Oh, please!" Braxis scoffs. "Megatron was licking his robotic chops at the thought of using the Devilspawn as a weapon. Why else would the Autobots bother with so much clumsy subterfuge?"
"No. Megatron's plan--albeit stupid--was to use the Devilspawn as a deterrent: a tool to cow insolent flesh creatures into submission," counters Starscream, grinning crudely at the human scientist.
Braxis sneers wordlessly at the Decepticon jetwarrior.
Starscream turns to Optimus. "Objective history logs will note that only Nova Prime has ever committed acts of genocide. Because of him," he continues, "many organic races during the post-Overthrow period--including the Zentraedi--are extinct."
Optimus' optics narrow at Starscream.
"So! Can we cut the scrap and just acknowledge that it's Nova Prime up there?" asks Starscream.
Optimus speaks slowly. "I must acknowledge, to my dismay," he says, "that N'vabu Rim is a misguided Autobot from the post-Overthrow period."
Ratchet stops processing A. J.'s blood work.
"But as for that guy up there being Prime Nova?" Optimus continues. "That's impossible."
Mechs and humans stare at Optimus skeptically.
"Megatron and other Militrons during the post-Overthrow period sealed Prime Nova away in a dimensional pocket," finishes Optimus, tired of the conversation, "long before any of us here were alive."
"On that," says the village elder, who had escaped confinement in the Seer's cabin, "you are mistaken, child of Cybertron. It is true that the people of Cybertron have forsaken me in the past," he continues, "but I have planned my rightful return to power within that dimensional pocket for eleven M-cycles."
The group stares at the elderly alien, noting his changed manner and expression.
Optimus scowls. "Whether N'vabu Rim is Prime Nova or not," he says in resignation, "he must be stopped--for all our sakes."
END SPECIAL SIX
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Curse of the Devilspawn!