Spotlight: Csirac

[Verno]

Prologue:

A temporary truce has been declared between the Autobots and Decepticons to battle the new threat facing Cybertron - The Cybertronian Empire and its leader, the Liege Maximo. A fighting force of ‘Bots and ‘Cons has left Cybertron for The Hub, the centre of the Empire’s power, to tackle this new enemy at its heart.

With so many troops gone, Autobot security on Cybertron is stretched to protect the vulnerable targets (research facilities, troop training centres etc), as not only are the Decepticons likely to break the truce at the first chance, but they’re not the only enemy on Cybertron anymore. The Predacons, under Razorclaw, announced their separation from the Decepticons with repeated assaults on Earth, simply to cause as much destruction as possible, with no interest in utilising the planets rich resources - Megatron was impressed, but outraged by the betrayal.

The Autobots stationed on Earth took up a new name - the Maximals: A new, more bestial name to battle a new, more bestial opponent. The Maximals were able to counter the attacks for some time, but couldn’t have seen what was coming for them next.

The Predacons amassed their full number into an enormous Armada, bolstered by troops leaving the Decepticon ranks to join this new faction, and attacked Earth. The Maximal forces were overwhelmed, but that wasn’t the end. Explosive charges of immense power were shunted deep into the planets crust - and detonated.

The planet was torn apart by the force of the explosions. Billions died, unable to escape the planet in time.

While the Autobots continued their War with the Decepticons on Cybertron, all Autobots stationed off-world took on the new Maximal title in respect for those lost on Earth, and began to fight this new Predacon army - who have now taken territory from the Decepticons on Cybertron, and refused to join the alliance fighting the Cybertronian Empire.

Scene 1:

Optimus Primal, in his new Transmetal form, stands in the doorway of a room onboard the Axalon. An odd-looking table with arms can be seen in the room. The figures of Rhinox and Rattrap approach.

“They’re impressive new forms”, said Rhinox as he entered the room.

“They’ll certainly take some getting used to”, replied Primal, briefly looking at his new body - his old one currently littering space in a million pieces. “Thank you, old friend”, he said to Rhinox, who simply shook his head at the gratitude. “So, what is it, exactly?” asked Primal, looking at the table.

“You mean besides ugly?” snorted the small Transmetal Maximal.

“Shut up, Rattrap”, Primal replied.

“I don’t know what he called it; it may not have even had a name. But now that you’ve seen what it can do, you understand its danger”, said Rhinox, gathering tools.

“Danger?” questioned Rattrap. “Are you kiddin’? We could bring back anyone! The Beast Wars would be over tomorrow!”

“But if the Predacons got hold of it, they could do the same thing”, said Primal, studying the device.

“Exactly”, said Rhinox, taking a seat at the foot of the table. “Until the tear in Space-Time has healed, feats like this remain possible. The sooner I dismantle it the better.”

“What?!” protested Rattrap.

“Agreed”, said Primal, ignoring Rattrap.

“You just gunna throw away our best hope of endin’ this war anytime soon, huh?” continued Rattrap in his protestation. Optimus and Rhinox simply looked at Rattrap - they didn’t have to say anything. “I know, I know, ‘shut up Rattrap’…” he said, rolling his optics as he left the room, carrying on his complaints to himself.

“Who was he?” asked Primal.

“His name was Csirac”, said Rhinox, beginning the disassembly. “He was a Maximal Scientist at the end of the Great War, and a good friend of mine.”

“Well, I owe him my thanks”, said Primal.

“We all do”, said Rhinox, as Primal left the room. “More than we know.”

[Verno]

Scene 2:

300 Years Earlier...

A secret Autobot/Maximal research facility on Cybertron is the centre charged with developing and testing TransWarp Technology. The finest minds have been brought together to try and master it before the Decepticons or Predacons do. The facility and its hard-working engineers and scientists have already launched one test ship, the Lexor, but it ended in disaster, with the engines malfunctioning and the ship being destroyed and all crew onboard killed.

Three Maximals are working on an engine, but keeping an eye on a forth, who is working alone.

“I don’t know how he keeps going”, said the first Maximal to his colleagues.

“His work is all he’s got left. If he stopped, he’d probably go mad”, replied the large brown and green robot beside him, who seemed to be built more for the battlefield than a laboratory.

“He hasn’t already?” questioned the third Maximal. “It started with muttering, I thought he was just working ideas through, but now he’s having full on conversations with himself!”

The scene cuts to the Maximal working alone.

“They’re talking about me again”, he said aloud, his optics not moving from his work.

“They’re just worried about you”, a female voice replied.

“I’m fine”, he said, still working feverishly.

“Darling, your hands are shaking. Rest. Let your friends carry more of the burden.” Her words calmed him slightly. “You used to trust them.”

“And look how that ended up”, he said, bitterly.

“I know the next flight will be a complete success. But Primus has another task for you.”

His face broke into a sour smile. “Oh really, Primus. And when is he going to give me the time to do it?” he asked the bodiless voice.

The scene cuts back to the three other Maximals.

“All I’m saying is that if he goes on like this he’s gonna burn himself out.” The third Maximal was continuing his chain of thought. “I know there’s a war on, but everyone needs to cool their processors every once in a while. Right, Rhin…”

*BOOOOOOOM!*

A massive explosion rips through the facility.

Predacon troops swarm into the lab with weapons drawn but everyone inside is offline. A large red Predacon is barking order to the Predacons. They identify Csirac and bundle him up. They fire at the consoles, destroying the Maximals’ research, laughing as they leave.

The large brown and green robot rolls onto his back and surveys the damage after the Predacons have left.

“Oh no…”

[Verno]

Scene 3:

Csirac came back online, but instantly wished he hadn’t, groaning with pain.

“Ah, excellent, you’re awake.”

Csirac’s optics couldn’t focus on where the voice came from.

“Where… How…” he murmured, his vocal subroutines were still recovering.

“My name is Taranachus, I’m a big fan of your work. And as for where - consider this your new home. See”, Taranachus pointed, “we’ve already adorned it with some of your belongings.”

Csirac’s vision had returned enough for him to follow Taranachus’ gesture towards a great hunk of metal, which suddenly came into sharp focus.

“Where did you get that?” he demanded, but already knew the answer.

“We found it; there were pieces scattered everywhere. You Maximals really should be more careful with your toys.” Taranachus cackled and made Csirac even more uncomfortable.

“You’ve got an engine, why do you need me?” asked Csirac, fearing the answer.

“The engine is scrap - we’ll need another one. Oh, and a TransWarp cell to power it with.” He cackled again, clearly enjoying the unease he was causing.

“I can’t help you”, Csirac said resolutely.

“We have it on good authority that you can”, Taranachus replied.

“What I mean is that I won’t help you.” Csirac could now see the slender purple Predacon clearly. His form matched his unnerving voice.

“You will - we have ways of making you… comply”, said Taranachus, approaching Csirac for the first time.

“If you mean the little Shell Program you Predacons have been working on, forget it. I helped design the Protoform Technology - all you’ll end up doing is corrupting my mainframe, and you’ll be no closer to getting what you want.” Csirac was confident, but it was still a bluff, only having heard speculation about the success of the overriding programming.

“Then let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, for all our sakes.” There was no joke in Taranachus’ voice.

“Do what he says”, said the female voice in his ear. Csirac reacted without thinking.

“Are you crazy?!” he said, aloud.

Taranachus cocked his head sideways at the odd outburst, but answered nonetheless. “So they say.” He laughed again, but Csirac wasn’t listening to him.

“Everything will be fine”, the female voice continued. “Just agree to do what he says. You asked Primus for time to do his task - this is it.”

“What task? And why here?” asked Csirac, angrily. His head was still very sore from the explosion and nothing was making sense.

“This place has a certain charm, don’t you think?”, said Taranachus looking around the chamber. He was taken aback by the odd outbursts coming from his guest. “But enough chitchat, lets put you to work, Maximal. One TransWarp cell, please…” He cackled again, making Csirac’s metal crawl.

[Verno]

Scene 4:

Whatever and wherever this place was, it was heavily protected. What was worse, however, was that Csirac had very high security clearance within the Autobot army, and although he wasn’t privy to all their intel gathering, he was certain the Autobots had no idea this place existed; Csirac was on his own - apart from the voice in his head of course. But her haunting tones were the worst company he could’ve asked for, though they weren’t always so.

The voice belonged to his partner, Venus. A Maximal, as beautiful and she was intelligent. She was a pilot, and with full confidence in Csirac’s work, volunteered to fly the first TransWarp test ship: The Lexor. Something went wrong however, and the ship rained down as fiery debris on Cybertron. Csirac had killed the love of his life.

He threw himself into his work like never before, shunning his friends and those he worked alongside. He would get the technology to work to make amends for his deadly failure; only then would he have peace.

Not long after this tragic event, he began to hear her voice when no one else could. He put it down to stress, grief and the long hours of work - the voice only got louder. Csirac gave up trying to ignore the obvious manifestation of the trauma he’s suffered, and began to engage the voice in conversation. There was something calming about the exercise, it was like having her back again in some small way, but could never touch her. Although the voice urged him to believe she was more than a figment of his imagination, Csirac never let himself believe it - she couldn’t be real.

So as not to appear mentally imbalanced, Csirac waited until he was alone to question his over-active subconscious but this apparent task.

“So Primus wants me to help the Predacons?” he asked bluntly to the air around him. “That’s just great. I’ve really cracked now.”

“He doesn’t want you to help them. He wants to help you, and I’m here to help you too”, replied the voice.

“Help me… How many times, you’re not real!” The depressive nature of his situation was beginning to hit home.

“I was once. And I can be again”, the voice said calmly.

Taken aback by the prospect, Csirac changed his tone. “What does that mean?”

“You once showed me a prototype of a TransWarp cell. It collapsed when charged and disappeared in a flash of white light. You said it had cut a small hole in Space-Time, but didn’t have the power to cut through from the other side. But the hole was there, a hole into the hereafter - a hole into the Allspark. It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.”

Csirac remembered it vividly, but was lost for meaning. “I don’t understand.”

“Primus wants you to build a device that will let you traverse the Allspark, find my Spark, and bring it back.”

Csirac paused for a moment, letting the idea wash over him. Finally, he shook his head and laughed. “That’s madness! The explosion must have corrupted some hardware…”

“You’re fine”, the voice pleaded. “Primus knows you can do this.”

“Does he?” he answered bitterly, returning to his negative tone. “Well Primus is forgetting one thing - even if I was to try anything as stupid-sounding as that, I haven’t got a chance of creating a TransWarp cell with the resources the Preds have given me. So creating the explosion necessary to create the window is impossible!”

“Leave that to me”, the voice said politely.

“Oh, yes, leave it to the voice in my head to create a hole through to the Allspark”, Csirac said sarcastically. “The Preds should just wipe my memory banks and be done with me. But that’s the least they’ll do to me when I can’t build them a cell!” Csirac collapsed into a chair.

“You have to believe me”, pleaded the voice. Csirac shook his head in his hands. “I’ll prove to you that I'm real."

Csirac was lost in fear of having his hard drives erased.

"Give my regards to Razorclaw.”

“Oh, like the leader of the Predacons is just going to walk through the…”

There was a loud bang on the chamber’s large door and it swung open.

“…door.”

There stood the enormous figure of Razorclaw, flanked by several other Predacons. Csirac froze as the huge Predacon leader approached him.

“Csirac”, Razorclaw said, his great, battle-scared form towering over the small Maximal, “it’s a pleasure to have you in our company.”

[Verno]

Scene 5:

Inside an Autobot Command Office:

“Losses from the Hub assault were heavy”, said Magnus. “In fact, we still don’t know the full number. So until we do, we can’t make any offensive plans; for the moment we’re on the back foot.”

“There’s gotta be something we can do”, pleaded the brown and green Maximal.

“There aren’t the resources for what sounds to be a futile rescue mission.”

“Futile?” The Maximal was offended by the old Autobot's refusal to see any hope.

“From what you’ve told me, he didn’t sound like the type that would start helping the enemy, even with a blaster aimed at his head. Your friend is dead.” The Maximal refused to believe it. The Predacons had taken Csirac for a reason - more than just target practice. “It’s a great loss, but because of what he knew, his death is a better outcome for us than the alternative. Try to take some solace in that.”

“Solace? A Spark going out shouldn’t be a comfort to anyone.”

“No? Tell that to those who’ve been fighting Megatron for so long”, Magnus spat. “But now he’s dead, and the Decepticons look set to fold.” Magnus was pleased, but clearly thought the war would be over after such an event. “Their troops are abandoning ship for the Predacons, who are thankfully quiet at present, but they won’t stay that way for long. Our priority is regrouping our numbers against a resourceful new enemy.”

“What if we…”

“I don’t have time for this, Rhinox”, said Magnus, cutting him off. Magnus reached for something beside his console. “If you want to chase his ghost, and get yourself killed - fine. Take these…” Magnus produced two Maximal-sized chain-guns and placed them upon the console, “and may Primus be with you.”

Rhinox was stunned by the weapons. “I’m a scientist…”

“But you’re built like a soldier. Go find your friend.”

[Verno]

Scene 6:

“I apologise for the manner of your arrival.” Csirac could do little but stare at Razorclaw. “I’m sure you’re now aware of why I’ve brought you here.” Csirac nodded feebly. “Your research is of great interest to me. But I haven’t overlooked the value of your work on Earth.”

Earth: where the Predacons announced their separation from the Decepticons.

Csirac was shocked that Razorclaw could mention Earth so casually. It was a very sore point for the Autobots and Maximals: they’d dragged Earth into their War, and it had cost the humans everything.

“I was sceptical of these Protomatter bodies”, Razorclaw continued, “but having seen them in operation, I soon became a great admirer, and have been stealing them as often as possible, as you can no doubt tell”, he said with a wry smile, gesturing to the smattering of smaller Predacons amongst the larger bots. “But my admiration goes further - I want one for myself.” Csirac was finding Razorclaw to be full of surprises; perhaps that’s what made him such a formidable leader and warrior.

“But not just any body - one unlike any seen until this point.” Csirac was unsure as to what this might mean, and Razorclaw seeing this in his face, lent down close to him. Csirac felt miniscule, as Razorclaw seemed to emanate power. “I want one that can combine!” Razorclaw stood back up to his full height and turned from Csirac. “Bring him”, he said to two of his troops. Csirac was escorted from the chamber by two bulky Predacons.

[Verno]

Scene 7:

Csirac was being escorted amid Razorclaw’s entourage through the Predacon facility. Bots were in reverence of their leader, but sneered or smiled at Csirac, perhaps wishing to rip his optics out themselves. Csirac was shoved forward to walk beside Razorclaw, who looked down at him.

“You Maximals never created a working combiner?” Razorclaw asked.

Csirac didn’t know if this was considered passing information on to the enemy, but with his current company, it didn’t seem optional.

“We never tried. Our focus was getting the basic technology to work. Maybe if we had a bit more time before you blew up the Earth…” Csirac couldn’t stop himself from saying it, it’d just slipped out, but Razorclaw simply laughed.

“It was a brutal planet - had been from its beginning and was until its end. My Predacon brothers and I felt more at home there than most Decepticons. So don’t think for a cycle that I don’t regret its destruction.” Razorclaw had bitterness in his voice - genuine remorse for the planet? Or perhaps from the mention of his four fallen brothers - the original Predacons: Divebomb, Rampage, Tantrum and Headstrong.

“What you’re about to see, no Maximal has set their optics upon, nor will any after you.”

The entourage decreased in number as Razorclaw and Csirac entered a well protected chamber. Inside was something Csirac could never have expected.

“Rampage and Tantrum are lost to me - but the Sparks of Headstrong and Divebomb still pulse!”

The chamber held two huge cylinders, each holding a battle-damaged form, surrounded by a fluid, and connected to all manner of cables.

“The Autobots believe them dead, and I’m happy to let them.” Csirac approached the cylinder containing the tattered body of Divebomb. “But the battlefield will shake once again at the sight of PREDAKING!”

[Verno]

Scene 8:

Csirac sat silently in his chamber, staring at three blank Protoforms in Stasis Pods.

“We better get started”, said a female voice. Csirac kept staring.

After a long pause, Csirac finally said “Well, I’m dead.”

“We have a lot of work to do, but you’re not dead yet”, replied the voice.

“Three bodies isn’t enough! Devastator, Superion, Menasor… All had five or more. It just doesn’t work!” Csirac got up and began to pace the room.

“It’ll need to be an intricate combination, with some creativity in its design”, the voice said, optimistically. Csirac remained silent as he paced. “Let me worry about that”, the voice said. “You should do what you’re good at.”

Csirac laughed. “At the moment, that’s passing information on to the enemy”, he said bitterly.

“How did you first identify the hole in Space-Time?” the voice asked, changing the topic. It threw Csirac, who was still stuck between combiners and court-marshalling.

“Wha… Er, Ions, charged Ions left a trail to the hole. Why?” said Csirac in his confusion.

“With a positive or negative charge?” she continued.

“What’s this got to do with…” Csirac stopped, his face fell blank with realisation. “Negative.” Csirac’s mind was now racing - could the voice actually be onto something? “By riding a wave of negatively charged ions into the hole, somehow inverting their polarity, then riding the current out, leaving a trail behind for your Spark to follow.” Csirac stared wide-eyed at the floor but not seeing it. “By Primus, that might actually work.”

“I always loved watching you work”, said the voice.

Csirac carried on thinking the problem through, oblivious to the voice. “Manipulating the ions mid-stream will be the tricky bit - and then the question of what to send through on the wave…”

“Only one thing can exist in the Allspark”, the voice said softly. “You have to come and find me. I’ll be waiting for you.”

“No, this is crazy!” said Csirac, suddenly losing all positivity.

“You know it will work”, the voice pleaded.

“Theoretically, maybe. But I’ll only get one shot, and if I get it wrong my Spark could drift anywhere!”

“Then I’ll come and find you. Don’t think about the risks, start with the obvious problem: getting the ions to transition between charges.”

Csirac slumped back into the chair. A force pulled him back up to standing.

“Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get to work!” the voice commanded. Venus had always had a hard edge when she needed to. It came with the job of training flight recruits. Csirac lent over the small desk in the room and began to scribble equations, unsure as to what had just pulled him up.

[Verno]

Scene 9:

Csirac was concentrating on his work and didn’t see the creepy figure enter.

“How interesting.” Csirac was startled. “I often talk to myself as well; the conversation is always enlightening.” The Predacon cackled to himself. “Now, what are you building?”

“It’s… err…” Csirac’s mind raced to find a believable lie. “A device to create and observe small TransWarp cells. Once they’re stable, I’ll compile them to make one large enough to power the engine.” Csirac thought it sounded plausible. These Predacons knew nothing of TransWarp technology after all.

“Which is where?” asked Taranachus, needling the Maximal.

“I…” Csirac squirmed. “…haven’t started its assembly yet”, he said, which was entirely truthful. “I thought the cells would be the priority.”

“This exercise would be much easier if Razorclaw allowed me to extract the information from your data-tracks.” Csirac didn’t like the sound of that at all. Enjoying the obvious discomfort he was causing Csirac, Taranachus continued with his interrogation. “Now, what of the other little job Razorclaw gave you? I see the Stasis pods remain untouched.”

“Again, the cells have priority”, replied Csirac.

“Really?” Taranachus chuckled. “I was under the impression you needed a new body for him promptly.”

“I have a design”, Csirac lied.

“Excellent. Show me.” Taranachus had called Csirac’s bluff.

Csirac moved to the desk and picked up an etcher, not knowing what he would do next. But he felt his hand being guided by an invisible force. On the back of some schematics, he drew a broad-winged fighter, an assault vehicle and a tank. Then, the massive combined form. Taranachus was clearly impressed - as was Csirac. He stared wide-eyed at the drawing.

“Try not to look so surprised, you’ll give the game away”, the female voice said.

“Impressive, most impressive.” Taranachus turned to leave. “I suggest you start programming the design into the Protoforms and stop tinkering with whatever you claim that to be.” Taranachus left the room, leaving Csirac unsure if he’d gotten away with it.

“Where did this come from?” he asked the empty room.

“I’ve designed things before. The Maximal fighters, if you’ll remember.”

“I know you did - but you’re not you.”

“What will it take for you to believe me?” asked the voice, but Csirac wasn’t listening; he was still staring at the design.

[Verno]

Scene 10:

Csirac had achieved many great feats in his work, and under different circumstances this would have sat alongside them. But as he marvelled at the incredible creation before him, it was with a large tinge of fear and regret - he had created a machine to kill his own kind.

The Predacons in the room where nervous. Razorclaw was silently considering the mew gestalt, and until he gave an opinion either way, the other Predacons didn’t know how to react.

It soon became clear however.

Csirac was struck with immense force and sent hurtling into the wall; Razorclaw did not approve.

“I’m beginning to think your Spark isn’t in this, Csirac”, said Razorclaw, as he walked to the small crumpled heap on the floor and stood over him. “Maybe I should turn you over to the Brotherhood’s pet, get him to delve into your circuits and get what we want from you - he’s been quite persistent.”

Csirac tried to stand, but couldn’t.

“But because I wouldn’t wish that upon anyone, I’ll give you one last chance to make amends.” Razorclaw turned to leave, but couldn’t resist one last jibe. “Don’t disappoint me again or I’ll scatter your remains the way I scattered Earths.”

With that, the Predacons departed, leaving Csirac wounded on the floor.