THE TRANSFORMERS: GENERATION ONE UNIVERSE

THE STORY CONTINUES....
CHAPTERS 19 & 20
CHAPTERS 21 & 22

THE PROJECT N CRISIS

By JEFF WALKER - (aka- JETPLAGUE)

This Page Contains Chapters 13 & 14

To See Other Chapters Please Go And Click On The Chapers Beside The Generation One Universe Logo.

CHAPTER 13 - THE NEW RECRUIT
Starscream hovers over the massive robot Skyfire, a few of the robot's chest panels are open as the Decepticon commander uses his scientific knowledge to repair the large robot. Watching his work carefully, Megatron stands at the back of the room and taps his hand on the side of his leg.

“Well Starscream? Will this friend of yours live again?”

Starscream gives a sigh as he places the panels back on again.

“Some of the circuits were fried, but I believe he will reactivate.”

Megatron smiles and approaches the table where the massive robot lies.

“Excellent. A new recruit into our Decepticon army.”

“Not quite Megatron.” Starscream interjects. “Skyfire was once a scientist of Cybertron, much like I was before the war. He was loyal to no faction. He left our world just as the Decepticons began the strike against Iacon citadel…he felt a war was an un-necessary need and sought to seek out the origins of our species.”

“An intellect is he?” Megatron says with disappointment. “Another self proclaimed 'Origin theorist', marvelous…”

Starscream becomes lost in thought as he rubs his chin and continues to talk of his friend.

“He's an idealist mainly. He was always trying to convince me and the others on the science council that our species should be rid of our faction emblems. He always felt they were a reminder of the past, of which he believes is that we were once slaves of another race of beings. Naturally the council disagreed on his theory, there was no proof that Cybertron ever was occupied by another race in our history records.”

“With the many wars of our past…” Megatron now adds. “Information like that would have been lost millennia ago. Besides, who cares about the past…Decepticons only look towards the future and beyond.”

Starscream leans over and closes the large robot's chest and steps back wiping his hands.

“That should do it. He should be coming online at any second.”

Megatron stares at the massive robot with a greedy smile. A few clicks within the massive being and the sound of a high-pitched whine of the power, the giant transformer awakens as his red eyes flash with energy again. A slow sound of his voice groaning gives both Decepticons a moment of pride as they realize they've brought him back to life.

“Where…” Skyfire says as he stirs awake. “Where am I?”

“You're on a planet called Earth.” Starscream responds to him.

“That voice…” Skyfire rises up off the table and glances over to him. “I know that voice…”

“Welcome back to the land of the living my friend.”

“Starscream? Starscream is that you?” He suddenly smiles and hops off of the metal table with joy. “It is you! Starscream, my friend!”

The massive robot runs over and gives Starscream a huge hug, unknown to him; the overjoyed hug was crushing the jet commander.

“Uhh…ackk.” Starscream sputters. “Skyfire! Let go of me immediately!”

Skyfire lets out a deep booming laugh at him and ends the embrace.

“Still the same ol' Starscream. You never did like displays of emotion. How did you find me? More importantly…how did you get here? Earth did you say?”

Starscream brushes himself off as if he's been wrinkled and clears his throat.

“Yes…it's a long story, we crashed here a long time ago much as you did, but we'll go into that later. I want to introduce you to someone.”

Megatron now steps in closer as Skyfire suddenly notices him there.

“This is Megatron, Leader of the Decepticons.”

Megatron smirks as he stretches out his hand in friendship. Skyfire looks a bit hesitant to shake his hand, but soon gets a comforting nod from Starscream as if to get his approval to do so.

“Decepticons? A faction group much like the Autobots…I see nothing has changed in my absence.”

The Decepticon leader now paces around him to eye this new potential recruit.

“Factions are what defines us Skyfire. But yes, you're right…nothing has changed. At least…not yet anyway. The Cybertronian War continues to this day, but with your help, we might just be that much closer to ending it.”

“My help?” Skyfire recoils suddenly. “I don't understand what you mean.”

“To aid the Decepticons of course. You may not know this, but the war still rages on to this day. The Autobots are our greatest nemesis and are trying to destroy all that we've accomplished.” Megatron smiles as he steps back in front of Skyfire. “A warrior like you would do well in our…faction.”

“I…I can not help.” The massive transformer says backing away from them both. “I'm not a warrior…I'm just a scientist.”

“So was I before the war my friend.” Starscream quickly responds. “But all things change in time. You left Cybertron just when we needed you most.”

“Yes, do tell me.” Megatron now adds as he strokes his chin and glares at the sizable robot. “I find it curious that you left our world when it was in a time of great crisis.”

Skyfire sighs and tilts his head back as he becomes lost in thought.

“As I said, I was a scientist. On Cybertron, before the war, I had made some significant findings that might implicate that our species was once enslaved by another during our origins. I tried to get permission from the Science Council to let me leave so that I might go and seek out the answers in deep space. But they of course denied me and found my research to be rather flawed. Starscream tried to convince the others to let me go, but they also denied his request and even stripped him of his seat on the council for supporting my wild theories.”

Megatron looks at the air commander. “Is this so?”

“Yes.” Starscream nods in frustration. “I stood up for a colleague and they took away my position on the council. The Council was always trying to find a way to remove me; there wasn't anything against me to do it…until I supported Skyfire. Fools that they were…I told them they would regret that day.”

“I'm sorry for that my friend.” Skyfire says lowering his eyes. “But after that incident and the talk of a new war on the verge of beginning, I had to flee Cybertron. I wanted to find my answers out in the stars and not on our world struggling against each other.”

Megatron keeps his eyes locked onto the giant robot and begins to scowl.

“So…you are a coward.”

Skyfire quickly looks up after his harsh words.

“I am no coward! I chose not to fight! I am a Cybertronian scientist…not a warrior.”

“So you keep professing.” Megatron scoffs. “But if you truly were a loyal subject of Cybertron you would have joined the battle to end the conflict once and for all. You may keep telling yourself you were only doing what was right…but in the end you betrayed your own kind by turning your back on them all.”

“Not True!” The giant robot shakes his head.

“It is true.” Starscream growls at him shaking his finger at him. “You and I could have been there together fighting back to back. But instead you left; after all I did to defend you, after the great sacrifice I took because I believed in you…wasn't I your best friend? You're only friend? Why did you leave our world when you knew what was about to happen?”

“Starscream…” Skyfire whispers in disgrace. “I…I couldn't face what was coming. The war meant set backs and I couldn't have that happen. I needed to find the answers to my theories, so I went into deep space to search for them. It was the only way I could prove myself to the Council…and to you my friend. But it had to be done.”

“Don't kid yourself Skyfire…” Megatron continues. “To this day you are still regretting that action deep inside yourself. Our world is burnt out and on the verge of death itself. One more soldier could have been the difference that turned the tide, you could have been the one that helped to bring about the end to the conflict.”

Starscream nods in agreement. “The Decepticons could have won by now…all they needed was another soldier…another scientist like you. Working together to end the Autobots tyranny and bring about a new world order…a lasting peace for all time.”

“Did you hear the voices of the many that died in this war while you were out there in the stars?” Megatron stares at him intensely. “Could you not hear the millions of Cybertronians shouting your name to help them as you traveled through deep space? Don't you feel ashamed that while our planet was engulfed in flames, you were out cruising the galaxy for you so called theory?”

Skyfire broke down and dropped to the floor on his knees. If tears could pour of his eyes, they would have streaming down his face. The giant was quivering and holding his face in sorrow.

“Yes!” He shouted back in a sad voice. “I do regret that decision long ago. But I was no fighter, I wasn't someone who could kill another…I am no murderer. To fight or flee was my only option….and I took the one that seemed right to me at the time.”

Standing back up and gazing up at the ceiling, Skyfire calmed down and gave a sigh.

“I did hear the voices…calling to me in the darkness of space. I could almost hear them begging me to return and save them. My research gave me no comfort as years dragged on, in my mind I thought of our people embroiled in a savage battle with one another and it made me wonder if I could have helped them some way…some how. I was a scientist…I could have used my knowledge to end the war, what a fool I was to leave.”

Starscream stood beside his contemplative friend and put his hand on his shoulder.

“All is not lost my friend. You have a second chance to redeem yourself and to aid our people.”

“Yes.” Megatron now smirks. “You have returned to help you fellow Cybertronians once again just when they need your help the most. Join with us…and peace will follow. I promise you. The Decepticons will welcome you as our own and strengthen our forces.”

Looking at both Starscream and Megatron, Skyfire gives in to their combined persuasion and nods reluctantly.

“Yes. It is time for me to stop running away from the problems and do my duty to help our planet. I will serve under the Decepticons…but what is the difference between you and the Autobots? Why are you at war with them?”

Megatron smiles and gives a slow chuckle under his breath.

“Let me start at the beginning and tell you about all the evil they have done.”

• CHAPTER 14 - ICE SHIELD •
“Admit it Trailbreaker…we're lost!”

“We are not lost Cliffjumper.”

The two Autobots bicker in the freezing cold as they and the others all huddle around one another in their robot modes. In the center both Spike and Sparkplug shiver as they helplessly watch the robots talk back and forth. Both roll their eyes and give a sigh as they're standing out in the cold having to listen to all of this again.

“Alright, if we're not lost…then where are we?” The bitter mini-bot shouts.

“We're in the Arctic stupid.” Brawn snickers as he taps the small red robot's head. “You know…cold, snow, ice…ringing any bells in that crampt space in there?”

Cliffjumper quickly smacks his friend's hand off his head. “Cut it out Brawn! I know we're in the Arctic…but this is nuts! We can't just keep heading out deeper into the north without knowing if we're actually getting closer to the source or further away.”

“I'm the one in charge here Cliffjumper.” Huffer soon interrupts as he points to himself with furor. “It was my call to keep going and if you've got anyone to say somethin' to…it's gonna be me!”

“Ok then.” Cliffjumper says folding his arms. “Tell us…Leader! What's our next move? We've gone as far as we can…do we turn back or continue on looking for something that may or may not be out there?”

“I told you we are going to look didn't I?” Huffer now points at him. “I only wanted to stop here so Trailbreaker and I could get our bearings. So zip that mouthy lip of yours or head back home and wait for Prime to comeback to lock you into that room of yours!”

Remembering that he was stripped of rank and supposed to be confined to his quarters, Cliffjumper finally took the hint and pouted without saying another word.

“Now then…” Huffer states trying to relax his tone. “Are we lost Trailbreaker or what?”

Trailbreaker gives a sigh as the same question hits him again.

“Alright…alright we're lost, ok! I can't get an energy signature or even get the dang compass to work for that matter. Its like were….”

“In a dampening field.” Wheeljack suddenly speaks.

“What did you say Wheel ol' buddy?” Brawn glances up at him.

“It all makes sense…no magnetic or energy signatures…that's not a natural occurrence.” Wheeljack continues to say as he looks at all of them. “Only a dampening field could mask those types of energies, it's a perfect way to keep someone literally out in the cold from being detected. But I wonder…where would someone project that kind of field within such a large distance?”

“I bet I know…” Bluestreak says as he looks up into the sky. “Where have all of our problems with Archeville been most of the time.”

Everyone gazes up into the dark, snow filled sky and give a wide-eyed expression of realization.

“Satellites!” Spike gasps. “But I thought we took care of them all in orbit…didn't we?”

“I wouldn't put it past Archeville to invent one that can't be seen Spike.” Wheeljack says rubbing his chin. “For a human, he's pretty damn crafty…I'll give him that much. But we don't know how many he still has in operation…we may have only taken out a few out hundreds still hanging in space.”

Sparkplug gives a shiver and tries to bring warmth to his feet as he starts to walk out of the huddled group.

“Where are you going off too?” Trailbreaker snickers at him.

“Hey…when a human guy has to go….he has to go.”

“Go? To do what?” Bumblebee questions as he scratches his head.

Spike taps on his leg to bend the yellow robot down and whispers the answer in his ear.

“Oh.” Bumblebee says with surprise.

Spike just smiles as he watches the robot friend bend straight back up again with a look of disgust. Brawn, looking somewhat curious about what he said, leans over to Bumblebee and asks quietly.

“So…what did he say? What did Sparkplug mean by going?”

“He's….got to drain his oil.”

Brawn gives a little chuckle and raises his hand. “Say no more. I think I get the picture.”

The group continues to talk as Sparkplug continues to walk out in the stormy snow laden climate and tries to find the right distance to do his business. The icy conditions make his breath visible as he gasps for air from the long strides through the snowy tundra. Looking back he could see his friends in the distance, the walk was further then he'd like but preferred that it was far enough away so that he didn't have all those Autobots staring at him as he 'drains his oil'. A few flinches and a unzipping of a fly, Sparkplug let out a sigh of relief and gazed out into the north wild. The dark storm seemed to mask the entire area from anything a human eye could make out. White was the only thing he could see, not even an outline of a snow bank or an ice ridge was visible to him. It wasn't until he had finished having his pee break that he started to see a dark shape through the misty snow blanket beyond.

Peering out and full of curiosity, the construction worker walked out further to see what the dark mass was. It was moving towards him, that much was certain, and it was getting larger as it approached. Unsure as to what he should do, he lowered to the ground with hesitation and continued to look at it coming closer and closer.

“I can't see a darn thing in this snow Ravage!”

Ravage, the name was all too familiar to Sparkplug. The man let out a gasp as he soon saw the large Decepticon appear out of the curtain of white with the black panther transformer walking by his side. The voice of the large robot was familiar too…as was the name on his lips as he utter to say it.

“Thundercracker!”

Suddenly Ravage froze in his steps and looked out towards Sparkplug's direction. He should have remembered those keen ears of his; a simple whisper and the cat heard him. Ravage growled as his eyes flashed red, he began surveying the area and tried to hone in on where the sound had come from.

“What is it?” The other decepticon asks as he turned around. “You smell something Ravage?”

Sparkplug remained on the deep snow covered ground, his gloved hands covered his mouth as he tried to remain silent. The wind and blowing snow made it hard for Ravage to gaze through; even Thundercracker was having trouble as he used his right hand to shield his eyes from the cold.

“Bah!” He snarls. “It's nothing. Just the wind carrying sounds….come on…we've got to circle back to the ship.”

Ravage agreed and followed him as they both casually walked away into the snowy mist. Sparkplug remained where he was until the coast was clear. He rose up out of his spot, full of the icy cold snow on him, and blinked as he heard Thundercracker's words.

“The ship?” He questioned with concern. “The Decepticons are still alive? This is bad…very bad for us all.”

Sparkplug began running back through the snow and then suddenly stopped. His previous tracks were gone. The howling wind and the snowstorm did its job by covering all traces of it. No matter where the construction worker looked, the direction looked the same. Frustration in his face crept in as he frantically looked and ran in every direction. He was totally lost. He dare not yell out to the Autobots, incase the Decepticons heard him and came over. For now, he was a lost soul trying to find his way back. He chose a path to take and began walking swiftly; he had to reach the Autobots before it was too late.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

“The Autobots are responsible for the war?”

The large white transformer questioned, as he stood there confused.

“Yes, they were the very reason we fled Cybertron.” Megatron replied as he turned around to smirk as he lied to the robot. “They've drained the planet of all the natural resources and killed many innocent Cybertronians with their petty lust for power. We had to leave to search for a new source of energon before our entire world dies out.”

Together both Skyfire and Megatron walk out of the room he was found in and back onto the bridge of the ship where the other Decepticons were working. Chip Chase and Doctor Archeville watched the duo come out as Starscream soon exited after them.

“But I don't understand Megatron.” Skyfire says rubbing his head as the walk. “Why would they do such a thing? Surely they would have realized draining the planet of energy would result in hunger?”

“They're own hunger for more power is what drove them to do it.” Starscream now adds to the lie. “Think about is Skyfire…the more control over the flow of Energon they had…the more they could control the people of our world.”

Skyfire stopped walking and rubbed his chin in thought.

“Yes…that…that does make some sense. I suppose.”

As he turned his head and looked down to the ground, he saw the two humans standing there looking up at him. The scientist within him began to spark again as his eyes grew wide with wonder at the sight of them.

“Bi-ped humanoids! Astonishing…where did they come from?”

“Huh?” Megatron says as he looks over his shoulder to see Skyfire staring down at them. “Oh pay those creatures no mind. They have little intelligence…the Autobots have been using them as their pets and fodder for war here on Earth.”

“Earth?” Skyfire says trying to remember. “Ah yes…you told me that is the planet I am on. So these are Earthlings then? Interesting…what is their culture like? Have they grown into industrialization yet?”

Starscream stood in front of Chip and Archeville and blocked them from his friend's view, he points at him and gives him a stern look.

“Forget about these creatures Skyfire! You're here to serve Megatron and concentrate on winning this war.”

“But Starscream…” The giant transformer says as he tries to peer around him. “Aren't you the least curious on the developmental process of these beings? Perhaps they have the capacity to learn and too…”

“SKYFIRE! ENOUGH!” Starscream shouts at him as he pushes him back. “You are a soldier…nothing more. You're scientist days are over. Got that?”

Shocked by his gruff attitude, the large white robot kept back and shook his head in disappointment.

“There was a time you were a great scientist like me as well Starscream. Does that mean you do not stay in practice even in war?”

“There is no time to be analytical when the Autobots still live. Besides humans are a waste of our talents. There's nothing interesting about them…they're mindless, stupid animals that are nothing more then an amusement.”

“I resent that remark Starscream!” Archeville now speaks as he listens to them argue. “True, the rest of my kind are mere mindless shells…but I, Archeville am the most brilliant human of them all.”

Chip rolls his eyes and folds his arms in disgust.

“Yeah right…”

Moving Starscream aside carefully, Skyfire looks down at them and smiles.

“They can talk! And they have a grasp of humor…see didn't I tell you Starscream? I've always said that the biological evolution of species would result in higher brain functions and the ability to adapt. Humor seems to be a universal concept on every world…well…except maybe Taraxian four…a boring species to say the least.”

Megatron looks at Starscream and signals him to straighten is his friend out.

“Skyfire. Its time you began your patrol duty.” The air commander sighs at him.

“Huh? Patrol duty?” The bulky cybertonian questions.

“Yes…you are a Decepticon soldier and you are required to do your duty. So do it! NOW!”

His bitter scream made Skyfire look over at Megatron. He could see the leader getting frustrated at him and giving a rather grim look. The large white robot nodded to both of them and walked away from the two humans he was fascinated in meeting.

“What are…your orders, Megatron?” He simply asks.

“Proceed outside of the craft and take over for Thundercracker and Ravage, do a sweep of the area until someone relieves you. Is that understood?”

“Understood…” He nods.

“Then get going…and welcome to the Decepticon faction.” The silver leader grins as he places a faction symbol to his chest.

“Long live the Deceptions.” Megatron adds proudly.

“Long live…the Decepticons.” Skyfire says with a bit of hesitation.

The bulky robot walks out of the bitterly cold looking bridge and cocks his laser rifle as he steps out. Megatron shakes his head with disappointment and looks at Starscream.

“Keep an eye on your so called 'Friend' Starscream…the minute he shows disloyalty, end his life. He is now your responsibility…”

“Understood, Mighty Megatron.”

The leader now walks over to Chip and Archeville and hovers over them as he rests his hands on his thighs.

“Now then Doctor…where were we? Ah yes…Project N. Tell me more about it.”

“What's to tell Megatron…” He scoffs at him. “You're standing in it.”

“Indeed.” The leader frowns.

Suddenly Soundwave approaches Megatron and whispers in his ear. The low muttering of the robots synthesized voice makes Archeville curious as to what he's saying to the leader. Megtron's face soon becomes contorted with anger, his eyes peer down at the human below and scowls at him as soon as Soundwave finishes and backs away.

“So…there is an energy barrier over us.”

“What?” Starscream inquires. “An energy barrier?”

“Yes…” Megatron growls under his breath. “Tell me good Doctor…why is the entire north cap covered with one of your energy barriers?”

The Doctor laughs sheepishly and folds his arms defiantly.

“I don't know what you mean…energy barrier? I know nothing about it.”

Now the Leader bends down to him and brings his face closer.

“Oh but I think you do. It is twice the size since the last one you tried to use against us when we first encountered you. But it seems this one is much stronger as well…one that can block magnetic readings.”

“Doctorrr….” Chip says with fear as he leans over to him.

“Be quiet you fool.” The old man snaps.

Megatron sensed the tension between them and quickly scooped up Chip Chase in his hands. Chip gave a scream as the robotic hand of the leader slowly tightened around him. As he was lifted up, Archeville watched as the young man trying to pry himself out of the silver leader's hand as he stood back up.

“I think there is more to this Project then meets the eye.” Megatron states. “Tell me what it is doctor…or watch your friend here slowly die in my clutches.”

Chip let out a sharp yelp as the leader gave a slight squeeze of his hand. The pressure was slowly getting worst as Megatron closed it like a trash compactor. Archeville just stood there without any expression. The emotionless eyes of his gave no signs he cared one way or the other.

“I have nothing to say to you Megatron. This is the Project…this is all there is.”

Chip screams again as the pressure once again increases.

“Reconsider that last thought doctor…” Megatron growls as his eyes burn red. “Or watch your friend die!”