Lithone: Chapter 4

By now, Thesys had expected that the main conference room on the Lithonian command ship would feel comfortable. But he realized this was not the case when he saw Cyclonus seated at one end of the long table, in front of the Lithone seal. Four Sweeps stood by him, glaring at everyone else in the room in turn, but lingering a bit longer on the Autobots in particular. Kup and Perceptor noticed something that the younger Autobots did not: Cyclonus looked different. Before, he was not clearly distinguishable from the Armadans he led, just as Scourge pretty much looked like any other Sweep. But Cyclonus certainly stood out now. Overall he was larger, taller than Rodimus Prime but not quite as large as Ultra Magnus, Kup guessed. His smooth lines were interrupted now by blocky protrusions and jagged spikes, as if he were mutating into something else, becoming corrupted from the orderly form Unicron had given him. His guards did not appear much different, however, from the typical Sweep. The Autobots were fortunate to be in the room at all. Kup had to lean hard on Krellix to allow their attendance; apparently Tarsen, the security chief, was very much against it. The director sat at his usual place on one of the long sides of the table, keeping his composure surprisingly well, while Tarsen sat next to him, trying to appear significant within Cyclonus's shadow. Remaining seated, Cyclonus began. Director Krellix, I am pleased that you have chosen to resolve this matter in a diplomatic fashion, in order to find a solution which is ... advantageous to both yourselves and the Decepticons. I am sure we both see that conflict between us is fruitless, when there is so much for us to gain by working together. Starstreak was already starting to fume, and Kup was doing his best to keep the Decepticons from seeing him roll his optics. We of course have been monitoring your ambitious project for some time, and have marveled at your success thus far. Since this reconstruction effort does not endanger the Decepticon Regime in any way, we have allowed it to proceed without interference heretofore, despite our rightful claim to the Selezen system. However, with the advent of our ... estranged brethren the Autobots ... to this system, we were obligated to act now in order to protect our interests. Now, I am pleased to tell you that we do not intend to evict you from this system, nor do we wish to impede the progress of your project. That would devastate your people, and put a stop to all the 'enhancements' that you are making to this system. Cyclonus smirked a little at this. And so this is my proposal. You may continue your work, reconstructing your homeworld here. And after its completion, it may be a new home for your people. In return for the Decepticons facilitating your noble effort, we ask only two things. First, that you provide us access to some portion of the resources that you are recovering from the leg of Unicron, as a sort of 'rent' for your occupation of this system. Second, that you reveal to us the techniques that you use to perform this miracle, so that its rewards can be shared by your benefactors, and, perhaps, refined with our own techniques for your betterment in turn. I believe that this is a generous offer, and I hope that you accept it. Finished, Cyclonus reclined and interlaced his fingers, but where he should have looked satisfied, his countenance became suddenly stern.

Krellix stood up. General, I cannot sufficiently express to you my gratitude for the opportunity to meet with you calmly over this situation. As you know, the Project is the most important effort ever undertaken by my people, and your endorsement of it is a great comfort to me. I am also comforted by the fact that you have permitted our Autobot guests to attend this important congress. They have also expressed their support for the Project. The director paused, as if gathering his bravery. And so, in the best interests of the Project, which is my primary and sworn responsibility, I would ask that the Autobots be permitted to express their opinion ..., he faltered, "... so all concerned parties ... may have their voices heard ..." Krellix stopped, looking beseechingly at Cyclonus, perhaps not so much begging permission for the Autobots to speak as begging him not to blast him apart right then and there. Somehow Cyclonus managed to become even sterner. Silent, he looked at the Autobots. Then he spoke. Very well. I shall defer to your judgement on what is best for the Project. An Autobot may speak now. Krellix nodded gratefully and sat, visibly relieved. Kup stood up. Thank you, Director. Now, I think we all agree that Cyclonus's offer here sounds very generous. It is a much better deal than I would have expected. However, the whole thing hinges on the claim that this system is actually under Decepticon jurisdiction. The Cybertronian government doesn't recognize most Decepticon claims, including this system. And even if this claim did have some merit, there's been no established Decepticon presence, except for spying on the Lithones. In the meantime, the Lithones have pretty much colonized this system. If the Decepticons really had a valid claim here, they should have immediately contacted the Lithones when they showed up. Kup now was addressing Krellix. Instead they have allowed you to get stuck here, committed, undertaking a crucially important project involving valuable resources and advanced technologies. And all of a sudden, the Decepticons decide to enfore their 'claim' with a fleet of ships, when you have no way to bargain. All this is is extortion, plain and simple. He now looked straight at Cyclonus. The Decepticons have no right to be here, and should leave you alone to pursue the Project without interference. Cyclonus stood up, and his new height was working wonders for him. An even taller shadow seemed to form against the wall and seal behind him. He held Kup's gaze and spoke, darkly. Director, you must be reasonable at this critical juncture. The Autobots may have your best interests in mind, but they also have a price. They may not ask for resources, but they certainly will try to cajole technologies from you. And, as a condition of their protection, they will seek to entangle you with pacts and agreements that will strain your overburdened government, and only benefit the Autobots. We, on the other hand, plainly state our terms, which simply allow your continued presence here and provide you with the benefit of our technologies and our protection while you rebuild your strength. I am sure even now the Autobots are rushing to bring a fleet of their own here, to 'protect' you from us. What you must ask yourself, Director, is: Who poses the greater threat? Kup and Cyclonus carried on their staring contest into an uncomfortable silence. Starstreak was ready to leap out of his seat. Natalie was slowly looking around to see where she might jump for cover. Krellix looked like he

wished he could be anywhere else in the galaxy right now. Fortunately for that at least, his comm began beeping wildly. Yes, what is it? he snapped. Director, an object has just emerged from the leg and is heading for the planetoid at high speed. It is outpacing the cruisers stationed here. The fleet at the planetoid is moving to intercept it, which should be in about one hundred kilocycles. Everyone in the room heard the message. Director, Cyclonus said, in light of this sudden development, I suggest we conclude our meeting for now. I will direct the fastest of my fleet to follow and monitor this object. We will take no action until you approve it. Consider this a gesture of our willingness to work together with you. The general flipped open a hatch on his forearm and rapidly punched in orders. Meanwhile, the Autobots huddled. Starstreak, Kup said, you are the only one of us who can get to that thing in time. We can't let it get to the planetoid, no matter what. Wait as long as you can, but once it gets too close, blast it! Right! Starstreak barked, and he was off. While the Lithones rushed out of the room on one side, the Decepticons calmly walked towards the doorway on the other side, near the crew of the Alafex. They turned to face their foes. Cyclonus glared down at Kup. This system is ours. You should have left when you had the opportunity. I do not think you will get another chance, except as spare parts. The dark robots left, while the others watched in silence. Starstreak was out of the ship in less than a minute, transformed and on full afterburners chasing the mystery object. His sensors detected ahead of him ten Sweeps and Armadans, who had broken off from the main fleet and were gaining on the quarry. The readings of the object itself were nothing out of the ordinary; it was a simple pod shape with one engine. It was moving at a breakneck speed, though. The Autobot pushed his thrusters beyond their nominal limits and initialized his targeting systems so that as soon as he had a shot he could take it. All the while he listened for orders from the captain. The view of the planetoid was expanding rapidly as Starstreak approached. He had nearly caught up to the Decepticons, but they had still not caught up to the pod. He could not get a lock on the pod since the other ships were shifting formation continuously. He would have to pass them in order to get a clear shot. The Lithonian Prometheus cruisers were now in scan range, having set up a gauntlet along the pod's projected path. There was still no word on what to do, and time was running out. Starstreak drew closer to the Decepticons, but the pod was still just out of his range. Finally his orders came. Starstreak! Perceptor commanded over the comm. The Director has ordered that the pod be destroyed! Fire at will! Captain, the Decepticons are in my way. I don't think I can get a shot in without hitting one of them! Should I go for it? Hold on, Perceptor replied, which didn't help. At this point, though, the

Decepticon craft opened fire on the pod. Most of their shots missed, but those that hit seemed to have no effect. Starstreak decided to go all out and force his way past the Decepticons, then show them how to aim. He accelerated towards the middle of the cluster of ships. Meanwhile the pod and its hunters had entered the Lithonian gauntlet, and those ships began firing. The entire space was filled with purple energy bolts flying in all directions. A few of those shots hit the pod, and it began swerving around to avoid the intense crossfire. That struck Starstreak as odd. Why hadn't the pod begun evasive maneuvers when the Decepticons hit it? This distraction came at a bad time; he was right next to one of the Armadans, and somehow they clipped wings. Both craft wildly veered off in opposite directions, each colliding with other Decepticons. All the affected craft transformed to robot mode to stabilize themselves, which only left three Decepticons still in the chase. Clumsy Autobot oaf! yelled one of the Sweeps. You should stay on the ground where you belong! Then, oddly, he chuckled. He and his cohorts, having regained their equlilbrium, transformed back to vehicle mode and resumed the chase. Starstreak was upset. There was no way that was his fault. Sure, he was focusing on the pod but he knows where his wings areand the Decepticons should know where theirs are. Well, never mind. He wasn't going to worry so much anymore about hitting them while he tried to destroy the pod. Back in starfighter mode, he took off again. The pod was through the Lithonian gauntlet and about to strike the planetoid. Starstreak could not get a lock on it with the Decepticons and orbiting planetary material, left behind by the Lithonian arrangers, all around it. The Decepticons still close to the pod had been continually firing at it, but to no effect. The pod plummeted in toward the surface of the planet. The pursuing ships broke off and headed away, most likely to avoid any potential catastrophe when the pod made impact. The Lithonian ships likewise began drawing back. Starstreak continued straight in. Starstreak! Break off your pursuit and move away from the planet! There was a rare urgency to Perceptor's orders. No way, Captain! I won't give up until that pod is scrap! Lieutenant, it's too late. Get away from the planet now! Orders are orders. Slag! He converted to robot mode, flung his legs over his head, and immediately switched back, so he was now barreling towards Lithone backwards. He fired his engines, and slowed, stopped, and finally started moving away from the planetoid. A moment later, as Starstreak continued climbing away, the pod impacted silently on the planetoid, making a flash across its dark surface. It seemed eerily quiet as the Lithones, Decepticons, and Starstreak continued their retreat. The next flash was millions of times more intense, and engulfed the planetoid

and everything nearby. All of Starstreak's telemetry, guidance and propulsion systems were knocked out at once as the brilliant glare filled the Selezen system. After the light faded, Starstreak was left floating in space, along with all the nearby Decepticons and Lithonian ships. He drifted, stunned, for some time. Eventually his comm began to crackle, and it sounded a little like the captain. Starstreak tried to respond but couldn't quite formulate words. Soon he was able to get his gyros online, and he turned himself to face the planet. Where the pod had hit there was a discernible glow, but otherwise the surface seemed intact. He maintained his orientation as his systems slowly rebooted. Soon his vocal amplifiers reengaged, and he could speak, although hoarsely. Captain, this is Starstreak. Come in. It took effort to send the signal. The comm dinged a few times, and then the response came. Starstreak, thank Primus you are still functional. What is your status? Most of my systems are still down, but as far as I can tell I should be able to fly again in a couple of breem. What's going on at your end? We took quite a beating, although not as badly as you did, I imagine. We ourselves were shielded from the blast by the command ship and the Alafex herself, although the Alafex is probably in need of some repair. All the Decepticons and the Lithonian ships seem to be adrift as well. Hopefully his signal broke up. Captain? I can't read you. Captain? Crackling static was all he heard. He listened, waiting for the interference to pass. The white noise was somewhat rhythmic: a swelling up, then down, a rest, then up and down again. Growing impatient, Starstreak increased power to the comm, and the noise quieted, but still not enough to hear the captain. He could not make any more adjustments until his systems were further along in autorepair, so he brought the power back down. The slow electrical breathing returned. He looked at the planetoid again, and noticed a pair of protrusions now on the surface, on either side of the glowing impact site. They seemed to be moving. In addition, a radial sunburst pattern was forming around the glow. Either these were optical illusions or the impact site was changing shape. All the while, the interference continued, and became more refined, with longer rests, and more distinct swells. Starstreak's long-range sensors switched on at last. He immediately zoomed in on the impact zone. The pod had left a deep, glowing crater, which was now overhung by large jagged prongs. The two protrusions were actually growing, developing points of their own and starting to arch over the crater. Some of the rocks and clumps orbiting the planetoid were now falling out of orbit and swirling across the surface of the planetoid. The interference started to take on a vocal quality, almost like a repetitive groaning. "Rrrrrrrrrh. Rrrrrrhh. Rrraaahh. Rraaah. Aahhh. Ahhh. Aaah. Aai. Ai. I. I. I. I." Starstreak drifted and listened, unable to move, unable to act. The interference stopped. Then it spoke.

"I ... AM UNICRON."

Lithone: Chapter 4 2005, 2011 Bill Havanki Transformers and related terms are trademarks of Hasbro Inc. and Takara Ltd. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercial-ShareAlike License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA.