Vernoverse

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Originally Posted by Verno

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Ooh...
I like this, a very powerful and wise Enemy Leader finding himself in a situation of feeling quite the lesser and being utterly frustrated by that fact; very powerful imagery Verno dude and I like where it leads...

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Originally Posted by Verno

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...To an awesome hand to hand battle that has clearly left Megatron as the victor but the details of said event have been left tantalisingly absent! :D

You really know how to write for BW Megatron man, as soon as you start reading you can immediately visualise the seen whilst mentally having David Kaye speak the lines to you - I love it and only want more! :cool:
I like how you've ended the scene with a bang, but on who's end is the bang? - With the Tripredacus Council or with Megatron?; Curiouser and curiouser! ;):cool:

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Originally Posted by Verno

Here are a couple of pics that I've managed to wring from my brain.

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The accompanying text is still very much a work in progress, and come from Transformers: Loyalty and Transformers: Ambition respectively, both part of the overarching VernoVerse.

Comments and derision are most welcome.

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Man, those are some fairly good pics dude, especially the 1st pic of Galvy and Megs; The pic of BW Megatron looking on as the Axalon is taking off? - It is quite decent too, I think you've done rather well to etch those mental images mate. ;):)

Cheers Hursty, and thanks again for being a continuing reader. I'll be sure to get you a signed copy once it's published.

The stuff with BW Megs, Magmatron and the Tripredacus Council I wrote after IDW put The Gathering out, but before The Ascending was released. Thus the mention of Magmatron's attempt on Megatron's life.

The first pic I basically copied from Megatron Origins and Spotlight: Galvatron. Drawn by hand, but copied by sight.

The second is actually BW Megs looking at the Ark, just after he dug the tunnel in BW Season 1 (which we never actually see him do). With some darker black, more lava and more rock it would look more like the cave in the volcano/St Hillary.

I dislike humans in TF comics, but couldn't resist writing this little scene, which is part of the Golden Disk backstory. Enjoy.

Earth. 1976 AD.

The door was ajar. Samuels knocked before poking his head through, unsure of being in the right place in this rat warren. "Hello?"

"Ah, Director, yes come in", said Leslie, sitting behind his desk, standing to greet him. "Please, shut the door."

Samuels was already unimpressed, and made it clear as he said "This better be good."

"Yes, I understand this must be a busy time for you and everyone at the agency"' said Leslie, retaking his seat as Samuels sat opposite.

"Too busy to be making pointless trips to Washington", said Samuels, studying the contents of the office.

"Best then to not keep you any longer than necessary", said Leslie, with a polite smile. "I understand you've voiced some concerns about the input Washington has had on your current project. I wanted to personally speak to you to allay your concerns."

"You couldn't have put it in a letter instead of dragging me in here?" asked Samuels.

"I'd prefer to keep the contents of our discussion to remain confidential, instead of warming a bottom draw somewhere in NASA", said Leslie, keeping his polite tone.

"Sure" was the reply from Samuels.

"Let me get straight to it. Director, you're an intelligent man, we live in a world, or should I say on a world, whose mysteries are solved seemingly daily, which is why men like you and I have turned our attentions skyward, to the bigger mysteries that remain unsolved, and namely, the biggest question mankind has ever asked itself - 'Are we alone?'. While the discovery of life on other planets isn't NASA's prime directive, it is a pursuit that that we cannot afford to overlook. If there are Klingons out there, we'd like to know before before they arrive."

"Cute", said Samuels, not enjoying the attempt at humor.

Leslie studied him for a moment before continuing. "The fact of the matter is that we already have an answer to the question, and have done for close to two thousand years, we simply didn't know it."

Samuels was starting to get annoyed. "What are you saying? That we've found little green men?"

"Not quite"' said Leslie, "but evidence of their visitations to Earth however, that we most certainly have."

Samuels couldn't believe what he has hearing. "Well I'll be damned", said Samuels, shaking his head. "I thought all the wackos spent their time wearing tin foil hats and watching the static on their television for messages from outer space, but apparently they've infiltrated the corridors of power and are now running this country."

Hehe, I like this guy Samuels sense of humour! :p:D
Very intriguing stuff here dude, you'll have to collate all of your Golden Disk work into a single Spotlight thread too - Your brain must be going crazy with all of this story built up within it! :eek::cool:

It was the only way I could think of to open the story. I'm sure it will see a lot of changes over time, but it's a base to build on.

The Samuels guy is somewhat based on Depth Charge, a no nonsense kind of guy with a dark sense of humor.

Optimus Prime and Hound sit in a command room. In front of them are 2 view screens; one showing the torso of Ultra Magnus, the other that of Rodimus.

Magnus' face was one of concern as he began.

Magnus: The Preds are attempting to recruit Decepticons.

Rodimus: Attempting? You mean succeeding. They started that long before the Decepticons folded.

Magnus: As such we really don't know the strength of their forces. Estimates from Maximal survivors vary, but the way it's shaping up - they might have us.

Hound: So what do we do?

Rodimus: Nothing. I say bring 'em on! We can handle them.

Magnus: It may still come to that. But there is another option.

Rodimus: No way. Decepticons?! They'd shoot us as soon as our backs were turned!

Hound: Many Decepticons hold a grudge against Razrclaw for splintering. That was clear when we fought with them at The Hub.

Magnus: And as it stands, that truce is still in place.

Rodimus: It became obsolete the moment they did - they'd never honour it. They'll just sit by as us and the Preds duke it out, then knock over the winners while their heads are still spinning.

Magnus: I don't think so. No one could unite them.

Rodimus: Shockwave!

Magnus: They won't trust he and his logic again.

Hound: So what do we do?

Magnus: We put the call out.

Rodimus: And what? Open our doors to Ex-'Cons turned Pred spies? That's just asking for trouble. We've done it alone up until now, we can see it through to the end!

Magnus: This is your call, Prime.

Prime: The dream of a united Cybertron is one that many of us gave up on long ago.

A smile stretched across Rodimus' face.

Prime: But if it's ever going to come to pass, it has to start somewhere. The Hub assault brought us together with the Decepticons, let's see how close we still are.

Rodimus' smile had vanished.

Ok, here we go.

This is where the VernoVerse begins.

It picks up where the Marvel G2 comics left off all those years ago.

What better way to pick it up than with a monologue from Optimus Prime. And what better way to start it than with Optimus ironically quoting himself.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the story.

"A choice must be made, for only together, united as one race, can we truly survive... and prosper."

How did it go so wrong?

It seemed that peace was within our grasp. Some, however, we're all too keen to see that we never reached it.

Razorclaw. Talk of his death proved to be false. Like the beast he is, he just kept coming. He feasted on the growing disdain for our alliance emanating from the Decepticons. It was hoped a mutual enemy in the Cybertronian Empire would keep a lid on the derision. We were wrong.

While still flying the colours of the Decepticons, the Predacons began to see through their own agenda.

Targeting our off-world installations, these renegade Predacons began to stockpile Energon and resources. In the interests of continuing the alliance, Autobots weren't to fire upon these rebellious Decepticons unless fired upon first.

But this couldn't continue. We had to be proactive in response to this burgeoning enemy. If we couldn't fire upon them, we had to find someone that could.

The Maximals were born.

All off-world Autobot troops were rebranded, and we could now fight back, within the terms of the alliance.

The war was now being fought on two fronts. The Maximals countering the Predacons, and the Autobot-Decepticon alliance battling the Cybertronian Empire, who were continuing to launch attacks on Cybertron.

They were the greater enemy. Their true size - unknown. Their true ambitions - likewise. As little as we knew of them and the Liege Maximo, we knew they were coming. But it wasn't they whom destroyed the Earth.

Humans had long been our allies, and the Earth a base for our operations in that part of the galaxy. It was also home to labs built for the development of new technologies, namely the continued experiments with Micromaster technology.

Dwindling resources had long been an impetus for improved efficiency. Our, now Maximal, scientists delivered us an incredible advantage: Proto-Matter Technology.

New recruits brought online were outfitted with these new, smaller and vastly more efficient bodies.

It was at this point that the war changed, again.

Megatron requested that the technology be shared with the Decepticons, in the interests of defeating the Empire, who we were hearing, we're moving towards something big. I refused his request, and this gave Razorclaw the final bit of momentum he needed to act on a larger scale.

Megatron, who years earlier would have simply taken the technology by force, accepted my decision, much to the surprise to the majority of his troops.

In contrast, Razorclaw launched an all out attack on Earth; one we never saw coming.

They destroyed the Earth, and in doing so, announced their separation from the Deceptiocons. The Predacons had truly arrived.

Losses - Catastrophic. 7 billion dead in one day, and any human survivors scattered amongst the stars.

Decepticons left in droves for the greener pastures that was the Predacons. Megatron was impressed by the ferocious act, but outraged by the betrayal.

As terrible as this all was, it was about to get much worse.

The Hub, home of the Liege Maximo, had been found. We now knew the what and the where of their forces, but the greatest surprise was the terrifying why.

With a contingent left behind to protect Cybertron from the new Predacon menace, an army was amused. Made up of Autobots, Maximals and those Decepticons still loyal to Megatron, he and I led the assault to destroy The Hub and deny the Liege what he saw as his destiny.

The day was won. The casualties great. None greater than that of Megatron himself.

Magnus has since described Megatron's final stand to me as Magnificent. Coming from Magnus, that's saying something. I wish I could have seen it.

I'd taken heavy damage and was drifting in stasis amongst the debris of battle. I was offline for many cycles. When I awoke, the Decepticons were no more.

With the heavy losses from both the assault on The Hub and desertion to the Predacons, the Decepticons were a mere shadow of their former glory. Shockwave, to whom the leadership had fallen, had little choice than to declare the Decepticons defunct. It was only logical after all.

So here we stand. The war has changed again, as has the enemy. That sense of peace that had been so strong has faded - but isn't gone. This war will soon be at an end.

Absolutely delightful Verno, especially the previous post; I like where you're intending to start things and your characterisation is remaining to be superb. ;):cool:
I know you're probably getting sick of hearing it from me but, more more! :D

Cheers as always Hursty. Just for you, here's another draft of a previous scene. Since writing it this arvo, I've changed the direction of it again, but it's coming along. Enjoy!

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Csirac came back online and his sensors screamed. He groaned as he tried to move.

"Ah excellent, you're awake", said a wraspy voice.

Csirac tried to focus his optics but everything was still a blur. Details started to whir back into his processors.

"Peh.. Prehh..." he slurred.

"Give it a moment. You're vocal subroutines are still coming back online", said the voice, whose form was becoming clearer, then suddenly came into sharp focus. Spindly, creepy, most definitely...

"... Predacon..." Csirac finally managed to get out.

"Of sorts", replied the slender, purple Predacon, before giving a metal-chilling cackle. "I am Taranachus."

"The lab... How did you know..." said Csirac, pulling himself up, as the details of the raid came back to him.

"Oh, we know a lot of things", replied Taranachus, "but that should be of no concern to you now. What you should be asking is..?" he posed, playfully. Csirac knew where Taranachus was going with this. "What do you want with me", he said. Taranachus cackled, gleefully. "Yes! A much more interesting question! One with an easy answer, really..."

Csirac was now sitting upright and again knew exactly where Taranachus was leading him. "A TransWarp cell." Taranachus cackled once again. "Yes." Taranachus turned from Csirac and returned to a control panel.

"And supposing I refuse?" Csirac asked futilely.

Taranachus gave a blunt answer. "Then I'll extinguish your Spark and extract the information I require from your data-tracks."

"We have a problem then", said Csirac. "Unless you hadn't noticed, we haven't got one to work yet."

"Yes, we watched the last launch with great interest. The finale was spectacular!" Taranachus' comment cut Csirac in what was an already open wound. "I didn't say we needed the cell to work though, did I?" he asked with a small laugh. "The explosive potential of such a device was reason enough to bring you in."

Only now did Csirac begin to worry. The Predacons had proven themselves more than proficient in the use of explosives before now. What could they possibly want to destroy with such an explosion?

Taranachus moved from the panel towards to doorway. "You have two options, the latter of which is death. I think we both know which you'll choose." The door closed solidly behind him as he left, leaving Csirac alone with his thoughts, in something of a makeshift lab.

The rest of their conversation was cut short by the sound of the chamber's door unlocking. Two heavy-set goons entered, the same ones that had dumped Silverbolt in earlier. They said nothing as they stood either side of the doorway. Csirac wasn't sure if he and Silverbolt were meant to exit, but he soon had his answer, as the enormous figure of Razorclaw filled the doorway.

Csirac had only ever heard stories of the Predacon leader, but now standing before him, they seemed more like nightmares.

Silverbolt tried to stand but was still recovering from his violent capture. "Don't do it on my account", Razorclaw said to Silverbolt. "You've earnt a rest". Silverbolt's hatred towards Razorclaw was clear, but he said nothing.

"We are in the presence of our own future, Silverbolt", Razorclaw continued, but now staring squarely at Csirac. "We're no longer the pinnacle of technological wizardry. Never could we have imagined that our fate would look quite like this", Razorclaw finished, clearly in reference to Csirac's Maximal protomatter body.

"I take it you're not a fan?" asked Csirac, attempting to sound as in control as possible, but failing.

"On the contrary", came the reply. "Why else would I have tapped the rich supply of protomatter on Earth?"

"Tapped?!" Silverbolt yelled. "You blew the planet up! Killed billions of humans in the process!"

"It was a brutal planet. Always had been and was until its end", Razorclaw said simply. "And the humans? Nothing more than savages. I watched them scramble over each other, trying to get aboard evacuation ships, hoping to escape - only to be shot down by our fighters waiting in orbit".

Csirac was shocked by the casual tone of Razorclaw's words.

"Our intelligence says that you were stationed there", Razorclaw continued to Csirac. "Given your talents, and appearence, it's easy to summise that you had a hand in the creation of the protomatter technology".

"Right so far", said Csirac, uneasy under the extreme focus. "What else does it say?"

"You're a... Pacifist?" Sniggers came from the bulky Predacons at the door. Csirac was surprised they knew what it meant. "Excuse my mentioning it but we have a different name for bots like you: Target Practice". The sniggering at the door continued.

"Is that what I'm here for?" Csirac asked, gaining confidence as he became more incensed.

"No. I have a greater task for you". Csirac now knew what prey felt like. Razorclaw's stare was hypnotizing.

"And what about me?" said Silverbolt. Csirac had almost forgotten he was in the room.

"You're here just so I can see the look of terror on your face". Razorclaw gave no clarification as to what that meant as he turned to face his troops at the door. "Bring them", he said, then exited the chamber. Csirac went without a fuss. Silverbolt, however, was scuffed and paraded through the corridors of Predacon onlookers, all glaring at the captured enemy. Whatever and wherever this facility was, it was big.

"Tell me", said Razorclaw, whom Csirac found himself walking next to, "Did you ever attempt to construct a protomatter combiner?"

Answering would usually have been considered an act of treason, but given Csirac's current situation, he felt he had little choice but to answer. "No", Csirac said truthfully. "The priority was production once we'd perfected the technology".

"Pity. It will make your task all the more difficult". Csirac made to enquire about just what this task was, but Razorclaw continued. "I thought of entrusting it to one of our engineers, but to have it built by someone who knows the full capabilities of the technology, then all the better for us".

"Have what built?" asked Silverbolt before Csirac had the chance to, who was still fending off evil looks as they continued through the seeming labarynth of corridors.

"We are brothers, Silverbolt", he replied, puzzling him. "Brothers in loss. You took away mine, I took away yours".

Word of the defeat of the four other original Predacons had reached even those working in the TransWarp lab. It was met with great cheer. The death of the other Aerialbots however, that was news to Csirac - terrible news. He turned and looked at Silverbolt, who had a look of pain and anger on his face.

"I wish I was there to see them burn! A big Predacon roast!" spat Silverbolt, who earnt a solid punch to the torso for his efforts, but his head came back up with a smile on it. "We celebrated that night! Four Preds down, one to go!"

"And yet here I am, alive and well - and also the bearer of bad news", Razorclaw said as he turned to face the Autobot. They had arrived at a heavy set of doors, guarded by two enormous Predacons, so big they put the two Predacons scuffing Silverbolt to shame. Whatever was behind this door was incredibly important.

"Perhaps instead of celebrating you should have been more thorough in your work", said Razorclaw, coldly.

"What do you mean?" asked Silverbolt, who'd momentarily stopped wrestling in the grip of his handlers.

Razorclaw smiled. Csirac really wished he hadn't. "Open it", he commanded to the enormous guards.

The doors swung back to reveal a vast chasm of what seemed endless blackness. But as they entered and Csirac's optics attuned to the light, there began to emerge a blue hue to the light. They approached two vast cylinders from which the blue light was emanating. Their contents couldn't yet be made out clearly.

"While Rampage and Tantrum are lost to me..." said Razorclaw, as Csirac approached the cylinders, whose contents were now clear to everyone.

"No... NOOOO!!!" screamed Silverbolt.

"The Sparks of Divebomb and Headstrong pulse on!" boomed Razorclaw.

There, suspended in the blue liquid, we're the damaged forms of Razorclaw's two surviving Predacon brothers, hooked up to all manner of tubing and life support equipment.

"You want a new body", said Csirac, stunned by the sight.

"I want to fight beside my brothers again! I want... PREDAKING!" roared Razorclaw.

:)Very Well written Verno, It took me a little while to get through it all but thoroughly enjoyable;):)

Thanks for your time mate! They're all drafts and ideas that needed fleshing out. The stuff that I'm writing at present is closer to final drafts of the individual scenes. I'm pretty happy with the last one, it only needs a few little tweaks.

Oh man Verno,

That chapter with Csirac & Silverbolt in the custody of the Predacons - pure awesomesauce dude! ;):cool:
The exposition, the utter frustration and helplessness all comes across superbly; I love how Razor Claw comes off wild as hell yet tempered and focussed... And poor old Csirac thought Taranachus was bad! :D

I also really liked Taranchus' rebuke: "Of sorts", coupled with his eye for differing applications of Technology - He's every bit the 'mad' scientist he was/is. :cool:
(Never really bought Scorponok as the engineer/scientist, he was a little bit lacking in... dexterity? :p)

Once again man, you've got me sold! :)

Sorry to post stuff out of order, but here is this arvos offering. Enjoy.

The door of the chamber burst open and several Predacons poured in.

"Maximal! Come here!" yelled one of them.

Csirac was weary as he approached. "What's going on?" Two Predacons dumped a smoking wreck onto the floor before him.

"There's a war on! Help him!" the Predacon yelled again.

Csirac examined the body but looked at the Predacons and shook his head. "The damage is too extensive. There's nothing I can do."

"You better think of something!" came the reply, accompanied with a blaster being pointed at Csirac's chest. Silverbolt limped closer but was greeted with blasters too.

Csirac tried to explain. "His body can't support his Spark. It's beginning to rejoin the Matrx."

"Then move it!" yelled the Predacon, not taking no as an answer.

"Where?" asked Csirac.

"Those!" suggested one of the other Predacons, pointing to the three Protomatter pods against the wall.

"No", said Csirac quickly.

"Do it! Or I'll rip your Spark out and put his in!" threatened the Predacon, continuing to yell.

"Skeeto, they 're for Razorclaw, I heard him say it himself", said another Predacon. Csirac recognized him, he was at the first body display.

"What about that one?" came the suggestion, this time pointing to the pod Csirac had been working on.

Csirac began to panic. "It's... Corrupt", he lied. "I used it for parts on the first body." He hoped his ruse would be believed.

"Use that then! Where is it?" questioned Skeeto, not yelling for the moment.

"Its in storage. I'll get it!" said the Predacon from the display. He grabbed a cohort and ran from the room to retrieve it.

"Hurry!" Skeeto yelled after them.

"That won't work", said Csirac. "It needs three Sparks to function, so unless you're volunteering to get in with him..?"

Skeeto cocked his gun. "I'm not gonna tell you again, Maximal!"

"It won't-" Csirac began, but a blast narrowly missed his feet. "...Ok", said Csirac, who knew the next shot wouldn't miss.

The Predacons returned carrying the monstrous form and lay it beside the lifeless form of Magmatron. "Careful now, Maximal", sneered Skeeto in Csirac's ear as he made to open the chest cavity.

With all the delicacy he could, not helped by his shaking hands, Csirac transferred the Spark from the tattered body to the new Protomatter form. He closed the lasercore and stepped back.

Suddenly the form began to convulse wildly. Limbs flew in every direction as the Spark tried to integrate into a form that would probably tear it in three.

"What's happening? What's happening?!" demanded Skeeto.

"I don't know!" Csirac replied, he'd never seen anything like this before.

A terrifying, tormented scream came out eminated from the body's mouth. Then silence.

"Magmatron? Magmatron?!" Skeeto lent over the deathly still body but received no reply.

"I'm sorry", said Csirac.

"Sorry? Not as sorry as you will be." Skeeto was enraged at having just witnessed his commander die in front of him. He encroached suddenly on Csirac.

Silverbolt, still bearing the scars of his last fight, jumped in to protect the Maximal. "He did all he could!"

Skeeto smashed him aside. "Shut it!" he roared. He was not in a good frame of mind.

"Skeeto, I'm picking up heavy chatter", reported one of the Predacons.

Skeeto, still staring at Csirac, took a moment before answering. "Let's hear it."

The Predacon on the comms turned it up. A voice broke through the static. "...sshhhzzlaw is missing. His squad is non-responsive..."

A different voice came through. "Scouts are reporting the Autobots have launched a ship into orbit. Cinder has scrambled fighters to intercept..."

Another new voice broke in. "Where's Magmatron. I ain't taking order from that bast-..."

The communication was cut as a clear signal broke through.

"This is General Rampant. Razorclaw is dead..."

"What?!" gasped one of the Preds.

"Shut up!" yelled Skeeto.

"I am assuming command. Predacon forces are to regroup at the incoming coordinates before we restart the push. General Cinder has ordered a strike on the Autobot ship. I repeat, Razorclaw is dead. I have taken command of the Predacon forces..."

"Shut it off", barked Skeeto over the top of the transmission.

"We gotta get back out there", said a Predacon.

"Shut up!" was the reply from Skeeto, his processors racing.

"Magmatron is dead, Skeeto", another continued.

The events were unfolding too quickly for Skeeto to keep track of. "I said Shut up! Shut AAARRRRRGGGHHHH!!"

*Booom!*

In his frustration, Skeeto took aim at the fourth Protomatter pod and blew it to pieces.

"Noooo!" screamed Csirac.

Skeeto turned back to Csirac. "This is your fault! You killed him!"

"Get away from him!" yelled Silverbolt who was having trouble getting back up.

"You killed him, but he ain't gonna die alone down here!"

*Booom*

Csirac crumbled to the floor, half his torso missing.

"Get out of here! Go!" he yelled to the Predacons, before turning back to the carnage. "Enjoy watching another pal die, Bolt!" he yelled, before running from the room.

"You fracking piece of slag!" Silverbolt yelled after him."Csirac!" Silverbolt crawled to him and turned him over.

"A ship... They've launched a ship"' Csirac muttered, cradling his wound.

"Don't move. I'll get you patched up", said Silverbolt, looking around for anything that could help.

"Don't... worry", said Csirac, with a grimace.

"Csirac... The pod. Venus..." said Silverbolt, looking at the debris.

"It's alright. I think it's time we got you into your new body."

The next post is a bit trashy, but not bad for a 1st draft.

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Optimus Prime found himself on the frontline once again. Ion blaster in one hand, Energon Axe emanating from the other, Optimus was in close combat, shredding Predacons big and small. He locked his axe with the sword of an approaching Predacon, as a voice yelled from behind a pile of rubble that was once a building.

"Suck this, Prime!"

An Energon grenade landed at the feet of the two locked in combat. Prime disengaged and dove for cover as the grenade exploded, obliterating the Predacon. Prime was hurled away by the detonation and landed in a shattered mess of his own parts and those of others. He was heavily wounded.*

The left side of his body had worn the brunt of the damage. His left leg in tatters, his left arm completely gone, and great chunks of metal torn from his chest and head. The only grace was that his blaster had landed within reach. He grasped its handle but didn't have the strength left to lift it.

A band of Predacons encroached, laughing as they saw the mess that was the Autobot leader.

"Watch him die, boys..." said one of them. "Nice and slow."

From behind where Optimus had landed, a voice yelled.

"PRIIIIIIIME!!!"

A small Maximal vehicle launched overhead, transformed mid-flight and landed between Optimus and the Predacon, unleashing a barrage of firepower at the Predacons. The Matrix pulsed within Prime's chest.

The small Maximal scattered the Predacons who had no cover out in the open, but then his weapons jammed. The Predacons returned fire. The Maximal turned, and seeing Prime's blaster, lifter the great barrel.

"Pull the trigger, Prime!" he yelled. The blaster unleashed blast after blast, killing the Predacons as they ran.

When they had gone, only then did the Maximal drop the barrel of the blaster, revealing heavy Energon burns to his arms and chest. He couldn't feel them. He turned to look at Prime and only really saw him for the first time. The damage was extensive.

"Medic!.. Medic!" he yelled to the shattered battlefield. No reply came. He tapped his comm.

"Command, Prime is down! Requesting medical assistance."

A voice crackled back. "This is Command. First Aid is making for your position."

The Maximal crouched down beside Prime to see if he could patch anything up himself.

"What's your name, Maximal?" asked Prime.

"Maxim, Sir", he replied, surveying the damage.

"It's no accident that we met, Maxim. The Will of Primus is-"

"Yeah, I bet", he cut across him. "Listen, we can talk beliefs later. Right now we've gotta get you out of here."

"Prime?" came a yell from a distance away.

Maxim stood at the top of the bunker.

"First Aid! Here!" he signaled.

The Protoectorbot raced over and quickly began assessing the damage.

"Old friend", said Prime to First Aid.

"Not your best look, Optimus", he replied.

"Can you save him?" Maxim asked.

First Aid's expression was stern. "Not here. We have to get him to cover."

Maxim's comm broke in.*

"Maxim, picking up a large Predacon movement inbound to your location."

"Open my chest", said Prime, attempting to move his arm.

"I think the Preds have done a good enough job of that already", replied Maxim with a smile. "Can you move him by yourself?" Maxim asked First Aid, as he collected his weapons and went about unjamming them.

"Perhaps. Where are you going?" First Aid replied.

"Incoming Preds. I'll go and meet them, give you time to get him out of here", said Maxim, his eyes scanning the surrounds as the blasters came back online.

"That's suicide", said First Aid, his expression sterner than ever.

Maxim looked at Optimus. "Not today."

Maxim made to move away but Prime caught his arm. "The Matrix..." began Prime.

Maxim looked straight into the optics of the great Autobot. "You hold onto it. It's the only thing keeping you alive."

Prime held his arm and *looked straight back. "Take it", said Prime. Maxim held his gaze. "What was bestowed to me I bestow to you.*Take it."

"I can't, Prime. I'm not worthy", said Maxim, unable to believe what he was hearing.

"Neither was I." Prime released his grip on Maxim and opened the remaining intact panel on his chest. With one hand he removed the ancient artifact and passed it to the Maximal.*

Everything was consumed in a white light.

"A new Age needs a new Prime", Optimus' voice echoed.

"Arise, Maximus Prime, and usher in the Peace."

A commlimk broke in.

"Maxim, report! Reading a massive energy discharge at your location."

As the light vanished and the world returned, Optimus and First Aid looked at the new Maximal.

"Everything... Is just Prime", said Maximus.

"I'm only borrowing it, Optimus. You'll have it back soon." He turned his head to address First Aid. "Get him out of here safely."

"Yes sir", said First Aid, who began to haul the form of Optimus back towards the Autobot line.

Maximus turned and looked towards the Predacon front. "Alright Maximus Prime - let's see what you can do!"

Man; poor old Csirac really, really can't catch a break! :o
The picture that formed in my mind when the Protoform now baring Magmatron's Spark, began to emanate a terrifyingly tormented scream put a smile on my face from ear to ear; knowing what is occurring within that Lasercore... Maybe I'm a little twisted but I really dig that sort of thing! :D:cool:

I also like how we get to see Skeeto (Transquito?) make the sought of rash but rabid decisions that his toy really seems to imply; having the radio call come over that did I think really helps to add both gravity and action to the situation whilst also illustrating that a hell of a lot is going on outside of this room. ;):)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Verno

Maximus turned and looked towards the Predacon front. "Alright Maximus Prime - let's see what you can do!"

---

Squee!!! :eek::D:cool:

I think when you've refined this passage some more, it'll end up being far superior to the scene in the '86 movie, of which I'm certain you've drawn inspiration from, but I like how it's mixed with a little more of a young and wild feeling to it; if you know what I mean. ;):)

The description of Prime's mangled chassis also put a big grin on my face, it's always nice to se the big guys cop it but just hold in there - spewing arterial energon everywhere, internal injuries physically exposed to the world... yeah - Hursticon happy! :D:cool:

You're one sick, twisted puppy, Hursty :p I do worry that the story is somewhat action-less, so when it does pop up, it has to be good! It's way too wordy as well at present.

Yes, Skeeto is an earlier version of Transquito, nicely picked up on! I was attempting to throw in a few of his loyal troops from The Gathering. I figured they'd have been around for a while.

1 Spark, 3 bodies... Ouch.

Yeah, I've only ever seen a Prime pass the Matrix on once, so I had to try and make the situation grave enough in order for it to warrant passing on.

I wrote the scene with Ratchet as the medic, but then remembered he didn't survive TF:TM, so had to change him. First Aid kent really roll off the tongue that well so I'll see if I can find another Autoot medic, but if I can't, I'll just make one up.

Maximus Prime is my, western, version of Big Convoy. He needs a bit of work, he's a bit too chatty at present where as he should be a little more quiet and stoic.

But beating the piss out of Prime was fun :p

It's extremely entertaining stuff Verno so keep it up! :D:cool:

Indeed I'm a little twisted but as a kid, those scenes were very akin to the scenarios I'd play out with my figures - I wouldn't actually break them physically, all the damage was mental (In more ways than one :p), but this image has remained in my head since I was about 4. :cool:

Magmatron's scene just really plays to my Sci-fi interests in 'souls' and the digitising of them; the Spark is very much a physical manifestation of this and the idea of it being split over 3 separate entities I find to be really engaging, very much like how Rampage's spark was split then genetically modified with Dinobot's DNA in order to give rise to Dinobot II. ;):cool:

The whole subject of Sparks and their biological, mystical & physical make-ups fascinates me greatly and there is such rich tapestries of lore that could be woven from them that have yet to be really explored IMO - That's why I really like your tying of them to the G1 reference of Laser-cores. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hursticon

but this image has remained in my head since I was about 4. :cool:

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Believe it or not mate, but I had the same image in my head when writing the scene!

Quote:

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Magmatron's scene just really plays to my Sci-fi interests in 'souls' and the digitizing of them; the Spark is very much a physical manifestation of this and the idea of it being split over 3 separate entities I find to be really engaging, very much like how Rampage's spark was split then genetically modified with Dinobot's DNA in order to give rise to Dinobot II. ;):cool:

The whole subject of Sparks and their biological, mystical & physical make-ups fascinates me greatly and there is such rich tapestries of lore that could be woven from them that have yet to be really explored IMO - That's why I really like your tying of them to the G1 reference of Laser-cores. :D

---

It's still a pretty ambiguous subject, Sparks, but we can make some connections to G1 and some of its terminology. I see laser cores as some kind of housing or conduit for the Spark, through which information is passed back and forth, as well as energy and personality.

I'm an atheist myself so the idea of souls is a foreign one to me, but I can understand the connection.

They're shards of Primus' essence according to something I read, but the interesting bit is that Larry and Bob intended to make Sparks some kind of shard of the Vok instead. I would love to know what they intended with that idea.

In the episode Other Visits part 1 or 2, when anyone Transmetal wasn't recognized as a foreign object by the ship, I think that was the beginning of this idea for them. In the Transmetal process, something occurred to their Sparks as well. But that's only guessing on my part.

But yes, Sparks are a delicious subject and have been far from completely covered in the fictions this far.

Oh the horror, Prime can't go up in a grenade explosion it's not Heroic enough, He should be overwhelmed, Maxim could take them by suprise to explain being able to overrun the Preds where Prime couldn't;):) Still enjoying the read though:D

Don't worry, Optimus lives to fight another day. Do you have any ideas for a better name for a medic?

While you're thinking, here's an unrelated but equally as important scene.

----------

Csirac placed a hand upon the device propped up against the wall. "I'm sorry", he said quietly.

"For what?" asked Silverbolt, who seemed far too cheerful for someone who'd just lost a limb.

Csirac hadn't been directing his apology to him, but answered anyway. "Many things."

"Are you going to tell me what that thing does?" queried Silverbolt, looking at the device.

"Nothing, now", said Csirac. "Without the Protoforms it's useless." Csirac took a seat at the table as Silverbolt lay on the floor looking skyward.

"I'd give anything to be out there right now, flying circles around some ex-'Cons", said Silverbolt. Csirac only realized for the first time how cramped Silverbolt must have felt in this room.*"You said Venus was a pilot", Silverbolt continued. "I bet she's out there kicking some Pred exhaust. Those Maximal Fighters are-"

"Venus is dead", said Csirac, surprising even himself. "I killed her."

"What?" said Silverbolt, sitting up.

"She'd volunteered to be the test pilot for the Lexor. I couldn't dissuade her - she had complete faith in my work and it cost her everything", said Csirac, staring into nothing. "She died in the TransWarp explosion that consumed the ship. And it was my fault."

"You can't blame yourself for an accident - a tragedy", assured Silverbolt.

"I can if you can", said Csirac.

"That's different. I gave an order, they followed it and they were killed", said Silverbolt, sternly. "Their deaths are on my account."

"And hers is on mine", Csirac replied, finally looking at Silverbolt. "And I couldn't live with that. That's where the ..." Csirac gestured to the device, "thing, came in."

"What are you saying?" asked Silverbolt, concerned.

"TransWarp technology works, however it's far from efficient. The firing cell tears a hole in the fabric of Time, leading to what we've named 'TransWarp Space', but in reality, is something much more. TransWarp Space is home to the many who are of the one. We'd touched the very edge of the Allspark."

"Incredible", said Silverbolt, captivated.

"The device is a... Laser Core Amplifier", said Csirac, "allowing me to stretch the link between Spark and core consciousness. Utilizing a *wave of Trans-Ions, I'd travel through the tear, find her Spark and bring it back. But now I'll never know if it would have worked."

Silverbolt's face fell with the realization. "The fourth pod. It's for her."

Csirac nodded. "The tear. That was the flaw in the plan."

"You need another ship to fire a cell", said Silverbolt, now comprehending the sheer scale of Csirac's plan. "But that could still happen! They could be doing it right now!" he added, excitedly.

"But I'm in here, how would I know for sure?", said Csirac, bursting Silverbolt's bubble. "That part was always in the hands of Primus."

The door of the chamber unlocked and opened. A Predacon rushed in and dumped four Protopods on the floor. "With compliments of Razorclaw. Something to help take your mind off the death of your friends", he said with a sneer across his face. He turned and ran to join his comrades.

"Maybe Primus is listening", said Silverbolt with a smile.

"Maybe he is", agreed Csirac, unable to believe what he had just seen.

I'd love to get people's thoughts on Csirac's last scene.

----------

(30?)
[From Spotlight: Csirac]

The new body was incredible. Though now dwarfed by most of the enemy combatants, the body’s twin swords and wingtip-mounted launchers had proven themselves an ample armoury to cut down the Predacons who had tried to enter the chamber; aided in no small part by the sheer speed of the form. The shoulder-mounted jets could propel the form up to head height for an attack, and then swiftly carry the form around to avoid the counterblows. The bodies were beginning to pile up in the doorway.

As Silverbolt engaged a poorly designed Proto-sized Predacon, a burst of ions hammered into the amplifier. The Predacon was distracted by the spectacle and Silverbolt didn’t require a second invitation. He cut the Predacon down with ease, scattering limbs to all parts of the room.

Csirac had returned from his journey and was struggling to open the amplifier’s hatch. Silverbolt helped it up as Csirac tried to stand but fell to the floor. Silverbolt sat him up against the machine.

“They’re coming”, said Csirac, with pained smile.

“They?” asked Silverbolt.

“Friends”, said Csirac. “Soon.”

“We’re going to get you out of here”, said Silverbolt, moving to lift Csirac up, but a Decepticon-sized Pred thundered into the room. Silverbolt turned and engaged him with full force.

Csirac could feel his Spark fading, but had more to tell Silverbolt. He looked up to see a Proto-Pred enter the room, but Silverbolt had his back to the door, still battling the larger enemy. The small Pred ran up behind Silverbolt with an axe in both hands raised above his head ready to bring down on him, but suddenly felt his own skull disintegrate as a laser blast ripped through it. Silverbolt heard the noise just as he brought down the larger Predacon, and turned to find the source of the blast. There, at the foot of the amplifier, was Csirac, unsteadily holding a blaster, plucked from the hand of a dead Predacon. Csirac’s arm fell back to the floor, the blaster falling from his grasp.

Silverbolt stood there, stunned by Csirac’s actions. Silverbolt sheathed his swords and went to Csirac’s side. “We’re even”, said Csirac, without looking up.

“That’s twice you’ve saved me now”, said Silverbolt. “If I’m to keep us even I’ve gotta get you out of here.”

“I said I wanted to die looking at the stars”, said Csirac. “I can see them. I’ve seen what’s beyond them. I can see Venus. I’ll be with her.”

“Csirac…” began Silverbolt, but he didn’t know what to say.

Csirac looked up and deep into Silverbolt’s optics. “After they come through, promise me you’ll destroy it.”

“I will”, said Silverbolt.

“Thank you, Silverbolt”, said Csirac, his Spark flickering. “You’re the bravest Maximal I’ve ever met.” With that, Csirac’s head dropped slowly to his chest and he went offline for the last time.

“Thank you, Csirac”, said Silverbolt, bowing his own head. “Be at peace.”

Csirac's last scene dude is great, I think it'll have even greater impact when it is actually placed at the end of his Spotlight novel. ;):)

It has the right amount of action, drama, dialogue & atmosphere, knowing what has transpired previously to this scene, I think it is quite cool that in his final moments he uses a firearm to blow a Pred's head to smithereens! :D
(Wouldn't this be the only time he actually uses a firearm or violence towards another? - I don't recall him doing that before :o)

I think the only thing I'd consider changing is Silverbolt's last line from:

• “Thank you, Csirac”, said Silverbolt, bowing his own head. “Be at peace."

To:

• “Thank you, Csirac”, said Silverbolt, bowing his own head. “Till all are one". :o

I think that'd reflect the new Maximal Silverbolt's Autobot roots, draw reference to the fact that Csirac really wanted to be reunited with Venus one way or another (Silverbolt considering this plight), whilst also making use of what I reckon is a pretty common Cybertronian expression; I'd like to hear what you think of that dude. :)

She needs a bit of work, but that's the skeleton of the scene. I think the firing of the gun has to play more of a part in the scene, because Csirac is in essence going against his own morals in killing the Predacon.

You're probably right about the 'at peace' line. I've always found the 'Til all are One' line a tad corny, but I'm could always use 'be at One' or something like that.

As a bonus, here is the scene directly after the previous. The arrival of some old friends!

----------

Ions began to hammer into the amplifier once again, and two bursts rocketed down, following separate conduits before each slamming into a pod.

The two figures stepped from their respective recepticals and were greeted by a huge figure, grinning menacingly down at them. The two new Maximals instinctively drew their weapons.

*Shha-shunk*

The expression on the face of the large Predacon warped into one of confused pain, as he began to topple forward - dead before his hulking form hit the ground, throwing up a plum of dust into the air.

There, crouched on the back of the hulking mass, with his two swords plunged up to the handles in the dead Predacon, was Silverbolt. He stood up, drawing out his swords as he did so, each dripping with mech-fluid. He stared through the resettling dust at the two forms before him.

"Bolt?" asked a large (by Maximal standards) grey and red 'bot.

"Ironhide?!" replied Silverbolt, sheathing his swords and stepping off the Predacon to greet his old friend. "Haha! By Primus it's good to see you!" he said, shaking the new Maximal's hand.

"Most impressive", said the other Maximal, studying his form.

"Prowl?" asked Silverbolt.

"It's nice to see you too, Silverbolt", replied Prowl, shaking his hand warmly.

*Boooooom**

An explosion shook the Predacon complex, cracking the walls and bringing down some of the ceiling.

"I've missed that sound", said Ironhide, grinning.

"The war continues?" asked Prowl.

"Yeah", said Silverbolt, sadly. "Some things don't change."

Prowl shook his head. "I'd say things have changed quite a lot since we left", he said, taking in the surrounds, his optics falling onto the amplifier and the small robot at the foot of it.

Silverbolt followed Prowl's gaze. "His name was Csirac. He brought you back to help end the war. Let's not let his sacrifice be for nothing."

"Just point me at them", said Ironhide, lifting his two large cannons.

"My sentiments exactly", said Prowl, arming his own weapon.

"They can wait", Silverbolt said in reference to their armaments. "There's something I want to try first. MAXIMIZE!"

The three figures began to transform and combine into the immense gestalt for the first time.

"Incredible!" said Prowl, now sharing the consciousness of his two fellow Maximals.

"That sure is something else", said Ironhide.

"Welcome back, Maximals", said Silverbolt. The combiner's right arm reached over the missile-clad shoulder and drew out a great sword. "Let's go shred some Pred!"

"That's got a nice ring to it", said Ironhide, commanding the legs of the form to power out the door and into the battle.

Here's the final chapter in the Csirac story.

-----------------

(35?)
[From Spotlight: Csirac]

A contingent of Maximal security forces accompany a group of allied analysts into the Predacon bunker, followed by the forms of Ironhide, Silverbolt, Prowl and, to his own surprise, Rhinox.

“You won’t find me in a cockpit again anytime soon”, said Rhinox as he entered the ruins of the chamber. “I wasn’t built for flying.”

“I know the feeling”, said Ironhide, as he left to help some other Maximals remove debris.

Rhinox looked around the dilapidated room. “Is he still here?”

“No”, said Silverbolt. “I had his body moved to the temporary Mausoleum.”

“He is most deserving of a statue”, said Prowl, also removing debris, “but the full details of what he did, and how, must remain secret.”

“We’re told you worked closely with him on the TransWarp technology. Therefore you have the best chance of understanding his work here”, said Silverbolt, who nodded to an Autobot who brought forth the amplifier. Rhinox began to study it.

“I promised Csirac I’d destroy it – a task I now pass to you”, said Silverbolt. “Pull it apart, melt down its components. But in doing so, I want you to figure out how it works.”

Rhinox looked up from the device to Silverbolt. “No offence, but I don’t think that’s exactly what he meant”, said Rhinox.

A Maximal analyst was scanning the room and came to a large pile of rubble. His equipment started to beep. “Sir, I’m detecting a large Predacon energy sig-“

An immense form erupted from the pile of rubble, sending the small Maximal flying. Magmatron had somehow survived the Spark Transfer process, and announced his return with an enormous scream.

“RRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!!”

Hic circuitry burning and unsure where he was, his optics fell to those in the room, all of which his sensors detected as Maximal.

“Predacon, stand down!” ordered Prowl. Ironhide, with weapons drawn, stepped in front to protect his fellow Maximals.

Magmatron was outnumbered, which left only one option: fight!

“The Predacon Generals have signed an official notice of surrender!” shouted Silverbolt.

Magmatron smashed Ironhide aside with one swipe.

Everyone watched Ironhide crash into the wall. Prowl gave him one last warning. “Any further actions will be in direct violation of the ceasefire! Stand down!”

Magmatron’s processors were still whirring, his Spark still in incredible pain. He didn’t know who these ‘bots were but they wouldn’t stand in his way. He drew out an enormous sword and made to engage the remaining Maximals. He took one step forward, but suddenly began to take heavy fire. His optics couldn’t focus on the attacker, and the sound of the weapons-fire was echoing around the room, disorientating his sensors. Unable to protect himself, he lashed out wildly, but the damaged began to toll on his body and he fell back to the ground in a smoking heap.

Maximal security troops surrounded him with weapons drawn, but it had not been them that had fired. All optics looked for the source of the torrential gunfire.

There, with a large, smoking Chain gun in each hand, was Rhinox, who had a look of surprise on his face, which gave way to a cheeky smile. “Not too shabby.”

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Verno

She needs a bit of work, but that's the skeleton of the scene. I think the firing of the gun has to play more of a part in the scene, because Csirac is in essence going against his own morals in killing the Predacon.

You're probably right about the 'at peace' line. I've always found the 'Til all are One' line a tad corny, but I'm could always use 'be at One' or something like that.

As a bonus, here is the scene directly after the previous. The arrival of some old friends!

*snip*

---

That's the very thought I got out of Csirac's firing of that weapon, it's significance is certainly there (Having read previous scenes ;)) and whilst I think you'll probably find a way of writing it with a bit more 'bang' perse (Not that it necessarily needs it though IMO :)), I think this sort of scene probably lends itself better to a visual conveyance but again that's not to say that it does work in writing either; The moment has a power and weight to it that's for sure. ;):)

Yeah, 'Til All Are One' may sound a little corny nowadays but it still works IMO but I think you are right in that you might be able to put a more modern twist on the phrase; sort of like an evolution of it like 'Hi' is to 'Hello' if you catch my meaning. :cool:

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I'm assuming this chapter is another skeleton? :o

I like how it plays out and I think it serves it's purpose wells but my only concerns are that the arrival of Ironhide's and Prowl's sparks into their new forms and the later subsequent initial merging of the 3 old blokes feel a little... flat? - I think that's the word I'm looking for. :)

I think these 2 areas need a little more bolstering to their weight, in that I feel that the Sparks arrival should have a little bit more of a description of the scene - Like how you described Magmatron's spark being placed into his new bodies and the subsequent stress, strain and awakening that occurs...

I hope I'm getting across what I'm trying to say here, like, at present it sort of reads like boom - sparks come floating down, enter their new bodies, done; like a microwave heating noodles you hit start, a bit of whirring, 'ping' and done you know what I mean?

The 1st combining of the 3 seems sort of abrupt and 'Righty-'o let's go' too, especially as they're 'fresh out of the oven' so to speak but more to the point it sort of feels like the moment needs more gravity to it as well, like again more of a description going into the actual process of combing and how it feels for 2 out of 3 old guys who've never known/experienced the sensation/process before. ;)

Also, how do they know that they can combine?

Do they get a feeling like another sense when they're near each other or is it like an icon sitting on their HUD saying 'Execute Magnaboss'?, but also how are you looking to tackle the whole gestalt thing? - i.e. do their consciousnesses merge to form an new individual comprised of the melding facets of each component spark?

At present, the way they talk to each other after the process sort of comes off a bit 'Voltron-y' if you know what I mean; sort of like how one pilot controls the arms, another the legs and the last controlling the head and finishing move. :o:p

But this is why I get the feeling that this is only a skeleton/draft of the scene and not the finished product. ;):o

Also, I think you've got a great opportunity to explore the whole combining thing in a new light with the newer, slightly more biological aspect of a Maximal/Predacon gestalt.
In that one thing that has never really been ventured into (as far as I know), when it comes to a Combiner forming a new entity comprised of more than 1 individual, is what that exactly does to the individual's psyche and mental state after the separation; having shared the thoughts, knowledge, memories and emotional differences from each other and then suddenly having all those things literally ripped away once reverting to individuals but also how physically taxing it could be to perform the 'Higher' function.

I'd imagine that a great many of the flaws would've been ironed out since the original Autobot/Deception combiners and that the inheritance of the original Predacons unification of Predaking being so fearfully perfect could be manifested in a sort of biological fashion, possibly in an evolutionary way with the whole Autobot-Maximal/Decepticon-Predacon upgrading, or in a technological way whereby Csirac 'off-screen' perfecting the process and hence implementing it; but because it's such an insanely effective and ludicrously potent weapon now, the Tech/Ability is then limited to only Magmatron (Though derivative), Magnaboss and Tripreducs (Who I'm really lokking forward to seeing how that whole thing comes about! :D) - from which point it's banned or lost/destroyed.

...Sorry Verno, I meant to just give you my thoughts on this chapter and have ended up going on a total tangent :rolleyes::p - I also hope I haven't been scathing on what appears to be a draft of this chapter. :o

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Verno

Here's the final chapter in the Csirac story.

*snip*

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That, was friggin' awesome man! and an absolutely perfect way to cap off an excellent and entralling story! - With the beginning of a new one! :D:D:D
(Don't change a bloody thing with it! ;):cool:)

I very much like how the last chapter brings to a forefront the major factors to come out of Spotlight: Csirac, In:

• The Amplifier
• Transswarp Tech
• Magmatron's tortured resurrection
• The Rebirth of Prowl, Ironhide and Silberbolt; resulting in bringing about the fabled Magnaboss
• The rise of Rhinox!

Not having read any of the 'Official' spotlight series of comics myself, although I know they're 'in continuity' short stories focusing on specific characters - I'm not sure if this is a technique used at the end of them but regardless I think you've penned an excellent capping to a wonderful script. ;):)

So, although I know you've got multiple threads leading from this that could go in many directions and following many characters, I get the feeling that the next Bot of focus that'd lead on from Csirac's story is Rhinox yeah? :D

See, this is what I'm after - Critical Feedback!

Quote:

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That's the very thought I got out of Csirac's firing of that weapon, it's significance is certainly there (Having read previous scenes ) and whilst I think you'll probably find a way of writing it with a bit more 'bang' perse (Not that it necessarily needs it though IMO ), I think this sort of scene probably lends itself better to a visual conveyance but again that's not to say that it does work in writing either; The moment has a power and weight to it that's for sure.

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You have no idea how much I wish I could draw, Hursty :p The facial expressions and relationships between characters are hard to get across just in text, though good writers do it easily and make the rest of us look fools, but the scene does need work, as do they all. I've slipped a line into one of the scenes that 'warriors win wars' for Csirac, as he comes to accept that his passive attempts at ending the war have failed.

Quote:

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I like how it plays out and I think it serves it's purpose wells but my only concerns are that the arrival of Ironhide's and Prowl's sparks into their new forms and the later subsequent initial merging of the 3 old blokes feel a little... flat? - I think that's the word I'm looking for

---

Definitely flat. It needs a bit of vim, and again I'm probably relying on the imagery in my head to do the hard work in adding the spectacle to the scene, but for the readers at home, they don't have that.

Quote:

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Also, how do they know that they can combine?

---

I'm not going to lie, it's an issue I've not given a lot of thought to. I've been too preoccupied with actually getting to this part of the story and finishing it off to actually come up with a coherent and logical explanation for how they operate. But it is definitely an issue that needs resolving.

I'll have to hit the Wiki up for info about previous combiners, but at the end of the day, being a new technology and a new type of combination (ie non-Scramble city style) I'll most likely have to write my own rules here.

They are all skeletons at present, but I'm hoping the crux of the story is communicated at present. Having said that, some scenes really need trimming down, and some need fattening up.

Don't worry about tangents mate, I go off on them all the time when I'm writing. That's how I've ended up with Optimus Primal in this story meeting Rhinox. Stay tuned for that.

Quote:

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So, although I know you've got multiple threads leading from this that could go in many directions and following many characters, I get the feeling that the next Bot of focus that'd lead on from Csirac's story is Rhinox yeah?

---

Believe it or not mate, apart from Rhinox flying with the MAD Wing during the final battle of the Great War (which I'm about to write), that's it for the big guy until we see him in BW.

I've got plans for a couple more Spotlight-esk stories. (I only called them Spotlights because I was hoping people might see the title and give it a read). They are:

• Dinobot
• Depth Charge
• Tarantulas

Once they're written, the plan then is to kill Primus and usher in TransTech. After that, I can rest.

Having said that, I started writing these stories in 2007. So give me a decade and I'll hopefully be done :p

The following scene follows Csirac first being shot.

It contains Time Travel. I hope it makes sense.

Enjoy:

----------

The MAD Wing burst through the thin atmosphere of Cybertron and found a safe orbit. The ride up had been turbulent to say the least.

“I was crazy to put my hand up for this”, said Rhinox, his large form snug in the Maximal fighter cockpit.

“The word you’re looking for is MAD!”, said Primal.

“You made your case quite clearly”, said a voice over the comm.

“Some would say he argued his way into the cockpit”, said another, ribbing the newest member of their Wing.

“Cut the chatter”, said Spiral, with authority. “Looks like we’ve got the jump on them, let’s make the most of it. Wide perimeter on the Xelor. Rhinox, we are a GO!”

“Roger”, said Rhinox. “Powering up the TransWarp engine.”

“MAD Wing, optics sharp. If this works the ship could pop out anywhere”, said Spiral. “Prepare for defensive evac or fast recovery of the Ball.”

“Primal to Rhinox. How’s it coming?”

“Lights are green. TransWarp cell to 78% power.”

“This is it ‘bots”, said Spiral, addressing the Wing. “You all know what happened last time, and you’re all here voluntarily. You’re the bravest pilots I’ve ever had the privilege to fly with. Let’s see this through to its end.”

“MAD Wing!” came the call from the pilots over the comm.

“Cell to 100%. Engaging TransWarp Drive in 3… 2… 1… Now!” A rippled window in Space opened up and engulfed the Xelor.

**2 minutes earlier**

“I was crazy to put my hand up for this”, said Rhinox, his large form snug in the Maximal fighter cockpit.

“The word you’re looking for is MAD!”, said Primal.

“You made your case quite clearly”, said a voice over the comm.

“Some would say he argued his way into the cockpit”, said another, ribbing the newest member of their Wing.

“Cut the chatter”, said Spiral, with authority. “Looks like we’ve got the jump on them, let’s make-“ *Woom Woom* The rest of Spiral’s words were cut off by an alarm. “Detecting an anomaly, Sector 159!”
“Energy signature matches the Xelor!” came a voice over the comm.

“This is Rhinox, reporting successful test! But systems are beginning to short out. The Cell must have overload…” Rhinox was suddenly plunged into darkness. The whole ship had lost power. “Oh no…”

“Blue Feathers, stay with the Xelor until entry, then regroup”, commanded Spiral. “All remaining Feather, recapture the Ball!”

Ships broke off and headed for Sector 159 at full steam.

“Spiral to Autobot Command. Reporting a successful TransWarp Test. Awaiting further orders?”

“This is Command. Maintain safe orbit and stay out of troub… Scratch that. Receiving reports that Cinder has diverted a squad of fighters to intercept. They’re in bound, and fast. Protect that ship with your Sparks!”

“Roger, Command. You heard the ‘bot downstairs: Nothing gets through us!”

Rhinox sat in the Xelor, now with only the four Blue Feathers for company, but his optics were glued to the dial, watching the power climb upwards, until it reached the top. “Cell to 100%. Engaging TransWarp Drive in 3… 2… 1… Now!” A rippled window in Space opened up and engulfed the Xelor, again.

“This is Blue Feathers, he’s away!”

“Roger that. Regroup and prepare to engage incoming Predacon ships!”

The following scene comes after Csirac dies.

It also contains Time Travel so I hope it makes sense.

Enjoy:

----------

“They’re drawing us away from the Xelor”, came the voice of Scuttle through the comm.

“Dammit, he’s right”, said Spiral, looking out the cockpit’s side window. “Break off pursuit and reform.”

“Single Predacon fighter, emerging from the atmosphere. He's making for the Xelor!”, came a worried voice.

Inside the Predacon fighter, the figure spoke to itself in a deep, calm voice. “I have target lock. Terminator, firing.”

“Single missile inbound!” yelled Scuttle on the comm.

“I can get there!” replied Primal, whose engines were burning flat-out to try and intercept. “I can… get… there…”

*Boom*

Primal’s ship collided with the missile, saving the Xelor.

“Primal!” yelled Rhinox, who had both the best and worst view of the whole thing. “Alright you damn piece of slag, let’s get you back online”, Rhinox said to the ship.

Back inside the Predacon ship, the figure smiled. “Maximal ship intercepted my missile. Scratch one for Terminator. Coming back around for another attack.”

Scuttle had left his comm. channel open. “I can’t shake him, I can’t… Aaarrghhh…” came his cries as his ship erupted in a ball of momentary flame.

“Dammit, they’re picking us off like flies”, said Spiral. His computer gave a warning. *Enemy Lock* “Great”, he said as he pulled on the stick, attempting to break lock. “Can anyone cover me? Anyone?”

“Look who’s back…” said a familiar voice over the communicator.

“Wha…? Primal?” said Spiral, jerking his head around to try and get a visual.

“And feeling Prime!”

*Boom*

The Predacon ship that had been tailing Spiral was blown to pieces, as another Predacon ship flew through the smoke. There, sitting in its cockpit, whose windscreen was shattered, was Primal, alive and well.

“How in the Pit..?” began Spiral, pulling alongside Primal’s new ship.

“Later”, said Primal. “Let’s give these Preds something else to think about!”

“Roger that”, said Spiral, taking the lead. “Form up on my wing.”

The two ships re-entered the fray. Somehow the Xelor was still in one piece.

“Primal to the Xelor. Rhinox, if you’re there, we’ve bought you some time, but we won’t last much longer, so whenever you’re ready, kick it!”

In the cockpit of the Xelor, Rhinox was busily trying to do whatever he could to get the ship back online. “Damn it”, he said as the controls sparked. “Would you just work!” he yelled, and smashed the control panel with his fists. Suddenly the ship roared back to life. He didn’t know how long it would last so he quickly re-entered the information into the on board computer. “Xelor to whoever is left. Ship is back online. Engaging TransWarp Drive in 4… 3… 2… 1… Now!” A rippled window in Space opened up and engulfed the ship.

*5 minutes earlier*

“They’re drawing us away from the Xelor”, came the voice of Scuttle through the comm.

“Dammit, he’s right”, said Spiral, looking out the cockpit’s side window. “Break off pursuit and reform.”

“Single Predacon fighter, emerging from the atmosphere. He's making for the Xelor!”, came a worried voice.

Inside the Predacon fighter, the figure spoke to itself in a deep, calm voice. “I have target lock. Terminator, firing.”

“Single missile inbound!” yelled Scuttle on the comm.
“I can get there!” replied Primal, whose engines were burning flat-out to try and intercept. “I can… get… there…”

*Boom*

Primal’s ship collided with the missile, saving the Xelor.

“Primal!” yelled Rhinox, who had both the best and worst view of the whole thing.

Back inside the Predacon ship, the figure smiled. “Maximal ship intercepted my missile. Scratch one for Terminator. Coming back around for another attack.” As he turned the ship, something collided with the windscreen of the ship, lodging itself there. The debris, which seemed to be a Maximal, turned its head to look in.

“Permission to come aboard”, said Primal, with a smile, before drawing a sword from out of his back.

Scuttle had left his comm. channel open. “I can’t shake him, I can’t… Aaarrghhh…” came his cries as his ship erupted in a ball of momentary flame.

“Dammit, they’re picking us off like flies”, said Spiral. His computer gave a warning. *Enemy Lock* “Great”, he said as he pulled on the stick, attempting to break lock. “Can anyone cover me? Anyone?”

“Look who’s back…” said a familiar voice over the communicator.

“Wha…? Primal?” said Spiral, jerking his head around to try and get a visual.

“And feeling Prime!”

*Boom*

The Predacon ship that had been tailing Spiral was blown to pieces, as another Predacon ship flew through the smoke. There, sitting in its cockpit, whose windscreen was shattered, was Primal, alive and well.

“How in the Pit..?” began Spiral, pulling alongside Primal’s new ship.

“Later”, said Primal. “Let’s give these Preds something else to – Whoa!”

A temporal anomaly opened up directly in front of Primal and Spiral’s ships. They turned sharply to avoid it.

“Xelor to the Xelor. Give the panel a good talking to. Worked for me.”

A thud was heard over the comm. “That seems to have got it. See you on the other side. Engaging TransWarp Drive in 4… 3… 2… 1… Now!” A rippled window in Space opened up and engulfed the ship.

:confused:Time Travel is confusing me:p:D

I'll draw you a diagram.

http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h357/Rh1n0x/TT.png

Ok, so the black lines represents the inevitable passage of time, both before and after the successful TransWarp test.

If we take the 2nd successful test as the example:

The black line ("They're drawing us away from the Xelor" etc, up to “Let’s give these Preds something else to think about!"), carries on into the green line (“Roger that”, said Spiral, taking the lead. “Form up on my wing.” to “Xelor to whoever is left. Ship is back online. Engaging TransWarp Drive in 4… 3… 2… 1… Now!”).

The red star at the end of the green line represents the point which Rhinox left the time-stream he was in and the beginning of his voyage backwards.

The dashed grey line are events which never in fact happen, as no one ever remembers them, except perhaps Primus.

The orange line is the unseen passage of Rhinox traveling back a few minutes to the first red star (his point of re-entry into the timeline and altering future events).

His re-entry causes the black line to shift, so instead of Primal saying "Let's give them something else to think about, we get his interrupted sentence as the ship emerges in front of he and Spiral.

So it's basically a loop-de-loop, if you follow me.

Is that any clearer?

That diagram might indeed help dude; I really need to find some time to read the final 2 entries here. :o

Doesn't cure senility though:p:D and I'm talking about me :D

Once she's in comicbook form, I promise it'll make sense ;)

I suppose many of you have been wondering how my creative endeavors have been going of late (Ha, who am I kidding...). The 1st Issue of TransWarp: Csirac is chugging along slowly. Here's a link to the Gallery of amassed Artwork for Issue #1 thus far. I'm sure you'll agree that the artwork is wonderful, and if you have a DA account, please let the artists know what you think of their work!

So with that somewhat out of my hands atm, and with my move to Sydney not going as well as I'd planned (basically unable to get approval for a place up there) I've had plenty of time for writing. So I thought I'd share some of what I've been working on, namely my Deicide story, which takes place post-Beast Wars and negates Beast Machines, Woo!

Here we go:

Tarantulas, deep in his lair, studied the fluctuating data on the screens in front of him as the beam emitter continued to fire on the now offline form of Tigerhawk suspended against the wall. “Something is wrong”, said Tarantulas, who turned to see the dual-skulled form of the Vok advancing on him. He gave a scream as they snaked closer.

“No! Stay away from me!” he cried, firing his shoulder-mounted cannons. The blasts passed through the Vok and struck the emitter, which was knocked off its target and spun towards Tarantulas. Tarantulas continued to fire as the Vok entered his body.

Tarantulas screamed, only to look up and see the emitter swing to face him. The beam reengaged and fired, sending him hurtling into his own equipment. Pinned by the energy beam, Tarantulas wailed as the Vok attempted to depart his body, but they too were pinned.

With one final blood-curdling scream, Tarantulas was overwhelmed by the energy pulse and exploded!

(If you're wondering why that's so familiar, it's from Other Victories, Beast Wars Season 3, Episode 11, but it's a very important scene in the scheme of the story. Read on!)

-----------------

The entity felt itself pulled in every direction; buffeted, pushed, until landing squarely on what appeared to be nothing at all. Looking up, it was greeted with an endless sheet of black, flecked with colour.

“Location?” it asked. “Unknown”, was its own reply, as it studied the sea of ink.

“That…” said a voice, surprising the Entity, who spun around to discover a golden figure standing with its hands folded behind its back, “… is the breadth of all creation”. The figure was smiling whilst looking out into the speckled blackness.

“You are…“ began the Entity. The golden figure met its gaze. “Yes, I am Primus. It is a great honour to finally meet you, my Son.” Primus studied the figure before him. “Your form has changed repeatedly since your creation, and drastically so – as such I know not what to call you now”, said Primus, still smiling.

The Entity took in its new guise – solid, yet not a physical existence. “We are the Vok”, it said, unsure of its own words.

“We?” asked Primus. “A single voice, for a single mind; no longer divided but united into one Being.” Primus moved up beside the figure, returning his eyes to the dark expanse. The Entity was still grappling with itself. “A name will come”, Primus said with assurance. “The more important matter is why you are here.”

Primus brought his hands from behind his back. Cupped in them was a single glowing orb. “This is the Spark of the one you know as Tarantulas”, said Primus, now studying the pulsating globe.

The name snapped the attention of the Entity away from its own form and onto the Spark. “A vile creature”, it said with disdain.

“From the moment of your creation you have sought an answer to the greatest of all questions. My hope was that you would discover the answer on your own, but Time, and circumstance, have been against us.” The Entity’s eyes were transfixed on the Spark. “Tarantulas’ demise provided me with an opportunity to bring you here, to fulfil your quest for understanding.”

To the Entity’s surprise, Primus handed it the Spark.

“Tarantulas walked a difficult path, made so by the abuses of subsequent and ever darker masters.” The Entity was uncomfortable with the Spark in its hands. “Their influence twisted his perception of the Universe, and thus his own attempts at understanding were as equally warped.”

“His fate?” asked the Entity.

“Lies now in your hands”, said Primus simply. “Destroy him. There is no denying that his actions have been to the detriment of many others.”

“Or?” the Entity asked, returning Primus’ stare.

“He will return to the Allspark, unable to harm again”, said Primus.

“The Allspark – the eternal refuge for your creations”, said the Entity, handing the Spark back to Primus, but clearly not liking the limited options.

“Refuge, perhaps. But eternal? No”, said Primus, shaking his head. With a roll of his hand, Tarantulas’ Spark vanished.

“Why have you brought us here?” the Entity asked.

“I have fought Unicron for an immeasurable time, but I believe the battle is coming to an end”, Primus replied, looking out at the cosmos.

“You wish us to join your fight?” queried the Entity.

“You have been a part of this fight your entire life. It gave rise to your creation, and will answer the question that has defined your existence”, said Primus, whose optics were once again lost in the ever-stretching expanse.

“Why were we created”, said the entity, who also turned to look out once more.

“I have seen life burst from rock on a world scorched by three suns, emerge from a planet drenched in perpetual darkness, and seemingly spring forth from the very fabric of Space itself. For countless eons I have studied these phenomena and I am still amazed by the arrival of life from nothing; with no agenda or purpose beyond simply being alive.” Before the Entity rose a metallic planet.

“But you, and your Cybertronian siblings are not of this kind; you were no fluke or accident. As much as it may appear otherwise, your creation was purposeful, and it is your seeking of purpose, your search for ‘why’, which has driven you from your blind beginnings to this very point.” Primus turned back to the Entity.

“To truly understand your place in the Universe, you cannot be told a story from halfway through – we must start at the beginning.” With this, a blinding light consumed everything.

(And so begins Primus’ monologue. Eventually it will be accompanied by a montage of images, but let your imagination do some work for the moment)

“Much like you, my genesis was engineered”, came Primus’ voice, echoing in the whiteness. “The One, an entity of immense power and understanding, had long resided here. He sought an answer to the only question remaining to him: What lay beyond existence?”

“In order to seek this answer in the next, he severed the link between his consciousness and his body of energy that radiated below in Trans-Dimensional Space. But instead of allowing his amassed energy to dissipate and return to the breadth of this reality, he split it in two, and crafted each half into a new entity.”

“Unicron and I were born with great power and intellect at our disposal, but The One did not share with us his wisdom – that we would have to find for ourselves. With this final act of creation, The One moved beyond existence.”

“Left to seek out the answers to our own questions, we soon became aware of a second reality, one unlike our own, and while I was happy to observe it through the cracks between the two realms, Unicron wished to experience this plane of physicality firsthand.”

“I attempted to dissuade him, arguing that we couldn’t know what repercussions would result from such an action, but he would not listen.”

“I was left with no choice but to attempt to restrain him, which ended in a violent battle between us, and his subsequent escape.”

“I watched on as he shifted his entire existence into the neighbouring reality, but unaware of its strange laws, Unicron was paralysed, and powerless to return.”

“He cried for help. I was unwilling to help him, and ultimately unable due to the injuries I had sustained. Even after the tear between the realities closed, his voice still echoed here. In need of time to recover, as well as to block out his screams, I slept, hoping time would silence him.”

“When I awoke, I found myself no longer in Trans-Dimensional Space, but here, on a higher, Astral Plane. What’s more, Unicron’s cries had ceased, but were now replaced by others – billions of screams, all crying out for help. I found the source of their fear, and found it to be one I soon shared with them.”

“Unicron.”

“Time had indeed silenced him, but it had also delivered him an understanding of the foreign reality, and a mastery of its laws. Now a being of true darkness, he wasn’t simply destroying life, he was wiping away creation itself.”

“He had to be stopped.”

“At the centre of a lifeless, barren planetoid I created a node; a machine through which I could act and influence the Physical reality. Because my consciousness now resided on the Astral Plane, I discovered I could transfer small portions of my Energy from Trans-Dimensional Space into Physical Space via this mechanism without fear of the paralysis that greeted Unicron.”

“The planetoid was reformatted into a world of metal, and from its surface were carved thirteen forms. Releasing small shards of Energy from my being, Sparks, they brought the forms to life. These were the first warriors in the battle against Unicron, and those I hoped would force his retreat back into Trans-Dimensional Space.”

“During the course of the War, Unicron kidnapped one of the Thirteen: Megatronus. He tortured him, turning him into a servant of Unicron’s will, then sent this twisted being, who history remembers as The Fallen, to destroy its Brothers. This betrayal, which left only one of the remaining Thirteen alive, coincided with something I had never considered possible – Unicron arrived on the Astral Plane.”

“His growing power and strength in the Physical realm catapulted his consciousness into this higher reality. So as the sole survivor, Prima, battled The Fallen below, I fought Unicron here.”

“I was still no match for my Brother. All I could now hope for was a temporary removal of his consciousness from this realm, which would only come about by the dispersal of his power below, but there, things were not going well.”

“Prima lay strewn on the ground, preparing himself to meet the end, when a light burst from his chest, enveloping everything.”

“When it subsided, Unicron had been vanquished and The Fallen had fled, both of which surprised Prima greatly, but not as much as the fact that he was still alive. He looked down to see a strange glowing artefact grasped firmly in his hands: the Matrix.”

“Through it I spoke to Prima, and told him of what had been, and of what was to come. Unicron was still alive in some fundamental form, but if he was able to regain enough power, he would once again return to the Astral Plane. A new plan had to be devised to remove Unicron from existence entirely, as it was clear that he would never stop until all of creation was wiped clean.”

“With The Matrix, Unicron’s physical form could be destroyed, but his consciousness could only be defeated here. I knew I would never be his superior in battle, so I had to create someone that was.”

“I guided Prima through a process that would release a great number of new Sparks into reality. Bodies carved from the planet’s surface were once again brought to life. Prima handed down to them my teachings, in the form of a Covenant, to guide them, and the Matrix, to defeat Unicron should he return. The process had created a second entity – a small mass of pulsating energy that drifted off into Space.”

“Prima then departed this newly populated world, upon my instructions, leaving the new beings to construct a home. They called themselves Cybertronians, and their world Cybertron – and for a time there was peace.”

“You may ask why Prima’s reward was a solitary exile from his home. I had already asked too much of him, but still I asked for more – one final task; a task that you would be well aware of had it gone to plan.”

“Having read the Covenant, Prima knew of the Xal: a warrior foretold to rise from among the mortals to pass judgement on Creation at a time called ‘The Transcension’. It was Prima’s task to guide the burgeoning entity on its way to ascension.”

“However, far from Cybertron, The Fallen had tracked down the diminished form of his Dark Master, and after nursing him back to a sufficient level of strength, was instructed to find Prima and do that which he had failed to do previously – destroy him.”

“Sadly for the Swarm, The Fallen succeeded, for it was at this stage that it was meant to meet Prima, and add him to its collective nature, guiding it towards its intended fate.”

(End monologue)

The white light subsided and the Entity was returned to the present. Primus’ golden form was once again staring out into the cosmos.

“The Swarm?” it asked, seeking certainty. “But we were the Swarm.”

Primus smiled. “Yes, you were. And you remained the Swarm for a long time to come, longer than I had planned. Only upon your meeting with Optimus Prime and the Matrix did you finally take a turn towards becoming something more, towards what you were meant to be.”

The Entity grappled with the meaning of these words.

“We…” it began, still unsure, “are the Xal?”

“Yes, and no”, said Primus, now turning to face the Entity again. “You still have much to learn, and time is short.”

“Shorter than you think, Primus”, boomed a dark voice. The Entity was shaken, but Primus face was stern.

“Unicron?” asked the Entity, looking around as if expecting to see him.

“He is close”, sighed Primus. “The Transcension is upon us whether we are ready or not.”

-End Excerpt-

As you can see, I'm rewriting the creation story of the Transformers Universe, but doing so by mixing all existing elements with a bit of my own stuff.

It's far from a polished gem, and I'll no doubt change it quite a lot before it's done, but it's an update on what I'm currently working on.

I hope you enjoyed.

Nice job Verno :cool:...gave me goosebumps reading that...hope you get to finish it!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ravagecat

Nice job Verno :cool:...gave me goosebumps reading that...hope you get to finish it!

---

Cheers mate, thanks for reading! Haha, and so do I!

It's the end of my Transversal Continuity story, leading into a TransTech future on Cybertron. The trouble is, the story has evolved into this War and Peace type epic. I didn't want to detail the events/battle on Cybertron that occurs concurrently with this story, but I can't help but write it!

But like all my other stories, I'll finish them off eventually, even if most of them are half finished atm :cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Verno

Cheers mate, thanks for reading! Haha, and so do I!

It's the end of my Transversal Continuity story, leading into a TransTech future on Cybertron. The trouble is, the story has evolved into this War and Peace type epic. I didn't want to detail the events/battle on Cybertron that occurs concurrently with this story, but I can't help but write it!

But like all my other stories, I'll finish them off eventually, even if most of them are half finished atm :cool:

---

What ever you do though dude, just don't stop writing whatever comes to your mind - All the pieces can be put together at a later time, just make sure you keep adding to this awesome puzzle! ;):D

Issue #1 of TransWarp: Csirac is still (very, painfully) slowly coming together, but I thought I'd share with you all a revelation I had last night about my TF writings as a whole:

If you watch Episodes IV, V and VI of Star Wars, you would be very safe to assume that the story is about Luke Skywalker and his journey to becoming a Jedi.

However, if you watch Episodes I through to VI, you suddenly realise that the story, the saga as a whole, is about Anakin Skywalker, not Luke.

So with a grand perspective over all my writings, I've written individual stories in the Transformers Universe that are about Transformers, but the saga as a whole is actually about Primus, Unicron and the Xal.

If you're wondering what the Xal is-

From the TF-TVC:

Quote:

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The Xal, or the Great Xal, is one prophesied to ascend from among the mortal in the time known as the Rectification, or the Transcension - a day when all Cybertronian life stops for an instant, and in that instant, the Xal must declare it worthy of continuation, or else strip it from Existence.

This day is foretold in the final pages of the Covenant of Primus, but it gives no insight into the outcome, as that is beyond the eye of even Primus himself.

The Xal is also a constellation of Stars in the shape of a Sword in the Ancient Cybertronian Zodiac.

---

The Xal isn't something I created. It was mentioned in G2, but I've run with and expanded the idea.