The Intergalactic Highway

Hi all, this is my first fan fic post so be gentle

This is the beginning of what I hope will be an ongoing series which will give purist Beast Wars fans an alternative to Beast Machines. We'll see how we go. I'm posting this at the moment to get some feedback on the feel of it and see who enjoys the concept. It's still a little unfinished and some characters may change. But this is what I've got so far. So without further delay, I give you the beginning of Beast Machines.

Epsiode 1: Welcome Home

“Optimus Primal, you have been called before this council to answer for your failure to retrieve the golden disc.” The voice echoed around the hall, emanating from vocal amplifiers dotted around the vast chamber. Optimal Optimus Primal stood in the round arena in the centre of the room with the council of elders sitting atop the large raised platform above. Only the areas the council and Optimus occupied were brightly illuminated, the rest of the hall was shrouded in a greyish darkness. Countless Cybertronians were seated in the areas lining the walls, the dim glow of their optics delivered an eerie image in the gloom. The scene made the Maximal feel as though he were standing before the pit awaiting execution, although he didn’t entirely discard the thought.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The three members of the top-secret Tripredacus council, Ramhorn, Cicadacon and Seaclamp, sat within their dimly lit secret staging area. “Tripredacus council in session.” Declared Seaclamp. The shadowy trio sat around the suspended round table and pondered their next move.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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pretty cool silver (shivers)
can't wait till ur next issue...so far it is sounding better than beast machines as a whole...i love that uv got three (was it?) plots happening and intertwininat the same time...its gona be really interesting.
i want to b the first to know when ur next one is out...

Ok here's a little bit more of episode 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Heh, heh. Don’t let it get to ya kiddo. I’ve been in this game for a long time AND I’m a rat. So Boss-monkey,” Rattrap continued, turning towards his commander “how’s the trail goin’?”

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

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

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

“Shut up Rattrap.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YEEHAW! keep 'em coming

ps...very explicit imagery there, Silver...

Thanks.. and yeah.. it was rather descriptive, however it needed to be for the gag to truly work

Just interjecting a little bit here, wasn't Megatron's spark removed by Optimus prior to the bots leaving Earth and starting Beast Machines?

But regardless, its an interesting premise thus far. Keep it up!

Why do you keep picking on me ? Lol nah tis cool. I want any feedback I get. If anyone has any negative views feel free to air them because this is still in the creation phase and constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated. I think I need to describe the surroundings a bit more to give the story a bit more substance, however #insert rant about no time here#. Fortunately, Sapph gave me the idea of taking my writing with me while I am doing the travelling thing in the coming months. With any luck we can get a couple of episodes out.

As for Meg's spark, I'm going with what we saw in the series. Because the footage of the spark return was so dodgy and it was not in the original series I never really accepted it. Additionally throughout the entire series nothing was ever that simple. Things always happened to interrupt even the most foolproof plans (ask Optimus he's been killed from a plan gone astray at least once). Besides, based on the way Larry and Bob worked, I'm sure they intentionally left it ambiguous so they could get more episodes out of it I won't say too much, however I am interested in exploring the more possessive qualities of a Megatron.

Alrightalrightalright already! Geez. But if the original Megs spark hadn't been removed, then wouldn't Cybertron be kinda...eh...eaten by Unicron? Sure, Prime is the main defense but he had help from Galvatron.

Can't wait to see the next chapter btw!

Lol you're funny #in Stewie voice#

Again with the not wanting to give anything away but lets just say I'm a fan of continuity however it will be a fun journey to maintain said continuity.

Thanks dude. I appreciate the feedback.

Just remember that I never said you had to rewrite the entire story or some such. Just pointing out a technicality. I, for one, would be interested in seeing this situation play out with the Tripedicus Council and all.

..and what their secret agenda has been all along. #chuckle# Now all I need to do is write it properly.

Being a considerable G1 fan I prefer to maintain continuity anyway (especially because Beast Wars performed so well in this area) and plus it gives us an excuse to bring out a few old friends.

Ah, cool. What "old" friends might these be? Or are you keeping that under wraps for the moment?

Well we have already seen one in the script thus far... or have we?

Let's just say I am following the continuity of the G1 Transformers series (possibly with a few things from Season 3 and 4 ignored I mean Primacron... seriously. Planet Cybertron created by a weedy little nerd on a space-faring orb as opposed to the life giving nobility of Primus? I think not) and a few references to the work that DW did before they dissolved. Massive conspiracies, shadow games, robots in disguise in disguise.

The amount of ground I need to cover to properly tell this story is about two seasons worth of writing with a neat cliff hanger at the end of Season 1 in true Bob and Larry style. I have just recently received my marching orders from work (they are cutting out alot of staff and overpaid uni students who are fixing all their major problems appeared to low priority). Plus side, I am cashed up and ready to travel internationally.. even more importantly is that I will have time to work on the script throughout said trip and potentially when I get back if nothing has eventuated on the work front, I could complete it.

Could've sworn I've replied to this already...guess not. Sounds awesome, wonder what'll happen next!

Yeah I hate when that happens. Then you rock up a couple of days later and you wonder what happened to taht msg you were sure you sent.

Thanks for the support. I'll try and churn a complete epsiode out as soon as I wrap stuff up here at work.