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SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND

Beyond The Beast Wars:
In the Spark of a Clone

by
Ian Brazee-Cannon

    "So this was Tarantulas' base of operations," Sea Clamp remarked as he entered the ruins of what had once been a Predacon's lab.  "I can only guess at what experiments he was working on."
    Ram Horn, Cicadacon, Waspinator, Quickstrike and Iguanas were each searching through the ruins.
    "Yes, spider-bot spent much time here alone," Waspinator replied.
    The floor of the cave was littered with the remains of hundreds of small spider-drones which Tarantulas had used as his helpers.  Several pieces of what had been Tarantulas' body were fussed with the main computer console, which had been reduced to junk by the explosion.  Many of the smaller work stations had also been damaged.
    Ram Horn sat at one of the work stations.  He plugged the controls into one of the portable generators the Predacons had brought with them.  He keyed in several series of code once the monitor came back to life.
    "It would appear that this console has a very limited access," Ram Horn stated. "It was Tarantulas' way to make sure no one but himself would be able to gain full access to his works.  I could spend countless cycles here and get no where.  We need his codes."
    Sea Clamp looked to Waspinator.
    "Spider-bot not tell Waspinator anything."
    "As would be expected," Sea Clamp remarked. "And you."
    "I never cared much for the scoundrel myself," Quickstrike remarked. "Seemed a might crazy to me."
    "Two-head lies.  Two-head worked with spider-bot.  Two-head should know something."
    "Is this true Quickstrike?"
    "Well...he didn't tell me nothing though."
    "None the less, you still might have seen some of the codes he used to access his files."
    "Well now, once I saw him type the word 'Phoenixsong'.  Don't reckon I know what the program was about.  But he spent a lot of time work'in on it."
    Ram Horn smiled as he tried the possible code word.
    Sea Clamp froze. "Cicadacon has found something."
    "Yes, something interesting," Ram Horn replied.
    The two of them shared a unique mental link with Cicadacon due to their merger to be the host body for Tripredacus, the physical embodiment of the Tripredacus Council
    "It's spooky when they do that," Quickstrike remarked quietly to Waspinator.
    "Three-bot scares Waspinator as well."
    The group of Predacons headed father back into the cavern.  They found Cicadacon and Iguanas waiting at the opening of a chamber.  Inside there were four stasis pods hooked up to the various contraptions.  Three were linked together around the same set of computers and equipment.  The forth was sat back by itself in a corner, where a stone covering had fallen off to reveal its hiding place.
    "The place just suddenly came to life moments ago," Iguanas mentioned.
    "Phoenixsong," Ram Horn laughed.  He looked at the three pods, none of the computers there were on.  The system in the corner however was buzzing away.  A power failure light was lit up on the console.
    "Quickly, hook up a generator to this unit," Ram Horn commanded.
    Waspinator and Quickstrike hurried over and did as Ram Horn said.
    A series of lights flashed on in no particular order.  The hum of a program running its course filled the room.
    After several minutes the familiar hiss of a stasis pod opening caught everyone's attention.  All six Predacons pointed their weapons at the pod as steam filled the air.
    A gray and black form with hints of green, slowly emerged from the fog.
    "I think this color scheme might work for me," Tarantulas laughed. He then looked around at the other Predacons. "Sea Clamp here on Earth?  I must have been dead for some time now."

    Magnaboss stood in front of the gathered Maximals.  He had never enjoyed the duty as commander of performing memorial services.  Although he had not served long with Wolfang, it was still not an easy task.  The Maximal leader looked to each of his team members.
    "He was a loyal and brave warrior," Magnaboss remarked solemnly. "The Maximal cause has lost a great asset and we have lost a friend in arms.  I hand picked all the members of my team.  Wolfang was chosen because of his perfect record of field combat.  He was the perfect soldier in every way and he will be missed."
    The other Maximals lowered their heads as Magnaboss triggered the disrupter.  Wolfang's body was soon reduced to its base molecules and the energy produced fired into space.
    "May his life force rejoin the Matrix and be one with the universe," the gathered Maximals said in unison.
    As soon as the ceremony had ended Powerglide ran off into the forest.
    "Poor kid,"  Nightglider said. "She blames herself for his death."
    "This is the first time she has been in real combat," Prowl replied. "She has never had to deal with death like this before."
    "The little lady will be grove'in just fine after she gets some R and R," B'Boom added. "From what I've been told the jamm'in here has been crazy and freak'in since you guys hit this rock."
    The other Maximals nodded in agreement.  This seemed the first break they have had since landing on Earth.  So much had happened in such a short time.  They were all in need of rest.
    Magnaboss split into the three other Maximals which he now shared a body and mind with. Silverstreak transformed to his eagle mode and took to the skies. Pride headed inside the ship and went to his quarters. Ironhide joined in the group that remained.
    "You seem to be handling this new merger better than the others," Prowl remarked.
    "It's no a big deal. Sure Magnaboss is roaming around in my mind.  I trust him and I got nothing to hide. And  I rather enjoy being able to talk to the Boss-bot whenever I need to."
    "What about picking up stray thoughts from the others?"
    "That can be a little confusing, but I can block it out for the most part. I'm a soldier, I'm not used to complete privacy."
    "Why would one want to be alone?" Asked Cybershark
   "Being 'Newly Born' you've just not had the time to learn that some times people need their space," Nightglider replied.
    "I forget that you were a new protoform," Prowl remarked. "I get the impression B'Boom here has been around."
    "You ain't talking no jive master blaster," B'Boom responded. "I've been here, there and everywhere.  Just part of Brutius Prime's merry little band."
    "You worked under Brutius?" Nightglider said in shock.
    "We was hitching along on the Axalon in case the mix-master Optimus decided he didn't like the gig and not send 'X' flying through the void."
    "You don't come off as ruthless as I would expect a member of Brutius Prime's team to be," Prowl stated.
    "B.P. ain't the proto-bomb his rep. flips him into.  He gets the jive done, just sometimes he's gotta bang the heads of the party crashers a little harder than the big boys of Prime Council like."
    "Please tell me more," Nightglider requested.

    "Yes," Tarantulas laughed. "Megatron would not let me use the Transmetal Driver.  He had no idea of the possibilities.  Now we can see what the fool missed out on."
    Ram Horn laughed as well as he placed the alien device in question with in Tarantulas' machine.
    "And just who are we going to clone?" Sea Clamp asked.
    "I will leave that as a pleasant surprise for you.  But both of them are well worth cloning."
    "Only two clones?  What's the third stasis pod for?"
    "An extra.  Just in case another worthy subject came along."
    "I believe we may have a worthy subject for you then," Sea Clamp produced a case from the assortment of supplies that had been brought to help repair Tarantulas' lab. "Use what you can from this scrap for the third clone.  It may contain some important information."
    "Oh, you'll have to tell me the story behind this one," Tarantulas replied as he pulled a mangled pile of metal from the case.

    Silverstreak perched high on the cliff wall of a canyon.  He looked towards the horizon.  A thick mist was rising above the landscape.
    "Something is troubling you," Magnaboss said in Silverstreak's mind.
    Silverstreak tensed up, but made no reply.
    "I am not trying to pry.  It is just hard to ignore such strong feelings."
    "I have been thinking about Polarclaw," Silverstreak finally replied.
    "That doesn't surprise me.  I've been thinking about him a lot myself."
    "In the future you break one of our strictest rules to send him here.  What is so important?"
    "I have no idea what any of it means right now.  I have been trying to access the program he down loaded, but I get nothing.  I can only assume that it will all make sense in time.  At least we know we survive this mission."
    "We only know you survive.  There are ways you can survive without the rest of us.  I do not like this idea of having a small glimpse into the future when it leaves us with so many questions."
    "That is the most I have ever heard you say.  This really must be bothering you.  I find it makes little sense to say I am sorry for what I do in the future.  I am sure that at that time it must be done.  We can only wait and see what time has in store for us."

    Three hisses, just slightly out of sink with one another, signaled the opening of the three stasis pods.  From out of the flowing steam slowly three forms emerged.  Each of the new Transformers were a twisted mix of organic material and robotic components. Before the Predacons there now stood a beetle, a bat and a monkey.
    "I have named out bug friend here Scarem. He is cloned from Rampage," Tarantulas explained. "Hopefully I was able to generate an eternal spark in him.  Next we have Sonar. He is cloned from that piece of junk you gave me.  I have no idea what you were trying for, but it should be a treat to see what he can do.  And finally we have Optimus Minor. He is cloned from Optimus Primal.  I am hoping to find a way to access The Matrix and use its power for our cause."
    "As you can see these clones should give us a new edge," Ram Horn added. "We will be able to use what we have gained here and wipeout the Maximals once and for all."
    "Let us take them into battle," Sea Clamp ordered. "It should be educational to see them fight."

    Powerglide sat perched on a tail tree. She had a perfect view of the volcano that would some day be known as Mount St. Hillary.  She knew that the Autobot ship The Ark lay inside, waiting to be awoken in several millions.  Inside the Ark rested the legendary Autobots and Decepticons, all of whom were also waiting to be woken from their death like sleep.  Powerglide was tempted to go and explore the ship closer, but knew she should not.
    Lost in thought Powerglide did not notice the movement below her on the tree.  Nor did she notice the three forms that were flying towards her.  Several hands grabbed her feet and pulled her from her perch.  The pure surprise of it left Powerglide unbalanced and confused as she hung there in mid ir.  She tilted her head up to see an ugly small ape like being holding her with two hands while its feet clenched tightly to the tree.
    "Hello," Optimus Minor said. "I do believe you are our prisoner now."
    Powerglide beated her wings at their maximum speed.  She was able to pull Optimus Minor from the branch.  She then flew, barley scraping the tops of the trees.  Optimus Minor soon gave up his grip on her legs as the branches scraped his body.
    Powerglide transformed to robot mode and drew forth her sword. A gray creature flew past her.  She turned towards the creature.  Sonar had perched himself on a tree and looked at Powerglide.
    "Do I know you?" Sonar asked.
    "Sorry, but I don't make friends with Predacon scum," Powerglide replied as she flew towards Sonar.
    Scarem jumped from the tree tops behind Powerglide.  His large pincher arms caught her around the waist and he started to squeeze.
    "If I can no longer fly, we both fall," Powerglide was able to say as she struggled.
    "Then the suffering will be all the greater," Scarem replied.
    Optimus Minor, now in robot mode, swung his tail whip out and caught Powerglide's leg.  He pulled her into the trees.
    Scarem let go his grip as Optimus Minor pinned Powerglide to the tree. Scarem took much pleasure in pounding on Powerglide until she fell into stasis lock.

    Waspinator and Tripredacus hovered watching the battle.
    "Our new warriors are doing well," Tripredacus' three voices said as one. "Although we am wondering why Sonar is just sitting there."
    "Bat-bot coward," Waspinator replied. "He must not like combat."
    "We'll have to talk with him and make sure that is all it is.  If this were a real battle there would be no tolerating such inaction."

    Silverstreak heard the commotion as he was headed back for base.  He caught a glimpse of the Predacons hovering above where the fight was happening.
    "This can not be good," Magnaboss remarked. "Who's down there?"
    "It's Powerglide," Silverstreak replied as he turned towards the battle.
    "Silverstreak stop," Magnaboss commanded, the frustration clear in his voice. "We won't do her any good if we get captured as well.  I have already signaled Ironhide and Pride.  We need to hold back and be ready to follow as soon as back up arrives.  Believe me, I don't like this any more than you do."
    Silverstreak cautiously followed the Predacons back to Tarantulas' lair.
    "Looks like they set up a  new base," Magnaboss remarked. "If they're branching out that will only make it harder to keep track of them."
    Silverstreak made no reply as he flew a wide circle of the base, impatiently waiting for backup to arrive.

    Tarantulas smiled as the Predacons returned from the mission.  Waspinator and Cicadacon carried Powerglide and chained her to the wall.  Sonar, Scarem and Optimus Minor took off into the deeper passageways of the base.
    "You seem in a good mood," Sea Clamp remarked.
    "Yes, hee, hee, hee...I have figured out how we shall wipeout the Maximals once and for all," Tarantulas replied.
    "Sounds ambitious," Ram Horn remarked.
    "Yes, yes, it is hee, hee, hee. I am now positive that our little Optimus can tap into the power of the Matrix.  If that power were directed through the Transmetal Driver, anyone struck by the resulting energy would reformat  so quickly and violently that they would be torn apart from the inside. "
    "I like it," Sea Clamp stated. "But how would we be able to protect our own people from the effects?"
    "I am working on that problem right now.  Once the device is complete we will have our victory here and then we can take back Cybertron."
    Unseen by the gathered Predacons as they laughed over their new plan for destruction , Sonar moved from the shadows in which he had been hiding and headed deeper into the darkness.

    Optimus Minor hung upside down in the corner of one of the smaller caverns.  His feet gripped tightly around the rock structures as he got lost deeper and deeper in his thoughts.
    "You didn't like it, did you?" Sonar said, disturbing Optimus' concentration.
    "What?"
    "The battle.  You were uncomfortable with the way they do things here. I say the way you shied away while Scarem attacked her."
    "I...I...just flinched.  That's all."
    "We are not like them.  I don't believe we belong here."
    "Just go away.  I want to be alone."
    "They were talking about you."
    "What?"
    "Something about you using the power of the Matrix to destroy the Maximals.  I didn't understand very much of it, but they seemed to believe that you could tap in to a great power. It is a power that I believe they wish to abuse."
    Optimus Minor just looked at Sonar for a moment before curling up deeper into his corner.
    Sonar realized that there was nothing more to say and went to find his own area to be alone.

    Silverstreak flew down to join Ironhide, Pride, Prowl and B'Boom as they approached the Predacon base.  Without a word being said B'Boom and Prowl backed away to give the others room to merge. A moment later Magnaboss stood, sword in hand.
    "Let's do this," Magnaboss said as he turned and headed for the cave.
    B'Boom and Prowl transformed to their robot modes and followed.

    "We have company," Tarantulas said looking up from his work station. "It would appear that you upset the Maximals by capturing their teammate."
    "Come Predacons, we have battle to attend to," Sea Clamp said as he rushed to Ram Horn and Cicadacon.  The three of them quickly merged into Tripredacus and headed for the entrance to the cave.

    Magnaboss and the Maximals stood ready as Tripredacus and the Predacons emerged from the cave.
    "You will return our teammate to us now," Magnaboss demanded.
    Tripredacus made no reply as he charged forwards.  Magnaboss swung his sword up to catch the charging Predacon leader.  Tripredacus swung his weapon to block.  They found themselves face to face with their weapons locked together.
    "Waspinator will destroy all Maximals that get in his way," Waspinator announced as he emerged from the cave. His flight was cut short by a blast to his chest which caused him to crash back into the mountain side and burst into dozens of pieces.
    "Flyboy, you've got a messed grove going here," B'Boom said as the pieces of Waspinator fell to the ground.
  Iguanas and Quickstrike came out of the cave and together leaped onto B'Boom and wrestled him to the ground. Prowl swopped in and latched onto Iguanas' tail and pulled him into the air.
    Optimus Minor and Scarem emerged together.
    "Can't you just taste the sweet essence of pain in the air," Scarem remarked as he rushed into the chaos of battle.
    "No," Optimus Minor replied after Scarem was out of hearing range.

    Inside the cave Tarantulas sat at one of the control panels working on his project..
    "None of the defense systems are working," He mumbled.
    While the Predacon was distracted with his problems, Sonar approached the barely conscious form of Powerglide.  He stood and looked closely at her.
    "I do know you," Sonar said softly. "And I know you as a friend.  Let's get out of here."
    Sonar quietly freed the female Maximal from the chains. Powerglide slipped to the floor, unable to stand on her own.
    "Why are you doing this?" Powerglide asked.
    "I know I am not a Predacon.  I belong with you and your teammates."
    Sonar helped Powerglide to her feet and the two of them started for the cave entrance.  Sonar paused and rested Powerglide against a wall.
    "I'll be right back.  There is something I need to retrieve."
    Powerglide watched as Sonar disappeared back the way they had come.

    Magnaboss had backed off for a moment.  He looked Tripredacus in the eyes.
    "You will fall before us Maximal," the three layered voice of Tripredacus boasted.
    Magnaboss charged in low.  As Tripredacus lowered his weapon to block, Magnaboss threw up his left hand and punched the Predacon right between the eyes.
    "No I won't," Magnaboss replied. "Not today, not ever."
    Tripredacus latched on to Magnaboss' arm and threw him to the ground.  Magnaboss rolled over as Tripredacus stomped down on where the Maximal had just been.  Magnaboss jumped to his feet and struck back with a forceful blow.

    B'Boom had pinned Quickstrike's snake head to the ground but found that Quickstrike's other arm could do a fair amount of damage.
    Prowl had dropped Iguanas a fair distance from the fighting and flown back to continue.  AS he neared the ground Scarem jumped on his back and forced him to crash in the mountainside.
    "I feel your pain," Scarem announced. "And it is good.  Let's see if we can make it more intense."
    Scarem ripped in to Prowl's wings with his pinchers.  Prowl transformed into Robot mode, causing Scarem to be thrown to the ground.

    Out from the cave two flying forms shot out at full speed.
    "What? Sonar?" Tripredacus said as he noticed the escapees.
    "Looks like we have no more business here," Magnaboss replied. "Maximals return to base."
    Tarantulas came running out of the cave, "He took the Transmetal Driver!"
    "Predacons regroup," Tripredacus commanded. "We must stop the traitor."
    Magnaboss and the Maximals had gained only a small lead as the Predacons rushed after them.

    Sonar and Powerglide landed in front of the Star Skimmer.  Before they could do anything more Cybershark appeared with his tail blade pointed at Sonar.
    "Is this not one of the new Predacons that Magnaboss saw attacking you?" Cybershark asked Powerglide.
    "Yes, but he's on our side now," Powerglide explained.
    "Let's wait until Magnaboss returns.  I'll not let a possible enemy into our base."
    "It's my ship and I say he posses no risk."
    "No, it's all right," Sonar said softly. "He is just being cautious.  If we do stay out here we must be ready for the Predacons though.  They will come for this."  Sonar held the Transmetal Driver in front of Cybershark's face.
    "What is it?"
    Before Sonar could answer Iguanas' tail swung around and caught Sonar around the neck.  Sonar was lifted of the ground
    "Now I'll take back the Transmetal Driver," Iguanas said as he turned Sonar around to face him
    Without saying a word Sonar unfolded the blade that was attached to his left arm and swung.  The blade caught Iguanas square in the face.
    "My optic," Iguanas screamed as he dropped Sonar.
    Sonar hot he ground and lost his hold of the Transmetal Driver.  The alien device rolled for several meters, finally coming to rest at the feet of Optimus Minor, who had been watching the conflict.  The small Transformer picked up the Transmetal Driver and looked at it.
     Magnaboss came flying down carrying the wounded Prowl. He looked to Powerglide and Cybershark in hopes af a quick explanation as to what was happening.  The roar of wind signaling Tripredacus' approach left no time for an answer.
    "Good job Minor," Tripredacus said as he landed. "Now focus your energies through the device towards the Maximals and we can be done with all this."
    "No!" Sonar yelled. "You know you are better than that Optimus Minor."
    Optimus Minor looked up at Tripredacus and then back to Sonar.
    "Destroy the Maximals!!" Tripredacus commanded.
    "No, I won't" Optimus Minor said in a quiet voice.  He then threw the Transmetal Driver to Magnaboss.
    "NO!!!" Tripredacus yelled.  He fired at the Transmetal Driver.
    Cybershark jumped into the air and caught the alien device as Tripredacus' beam hit it.  The Maximal shrieked in pain and rolled into a ball, clenching the Transmetal Driver tight against his chest.
    Optimus Minor turned to face Tripredacus.  The Predacon Leader swung up with his weapon, tearing deep into Optimus Minor's body and throwing it several meters away.  The small Transformer's body was ripped beyond repair.
    Tripredacus stared towards the prone form of Cybershark.
    "Stop where you are Predacon," came Nigthglider's voice over the ships external intercom. "I have just finished reactivating our defenses.  If you take another step towards him, you will find that your body can separate into more than just three pieces."
    Tripredacus moved his left foot slightly forwards.  A blast from hidden guns tore off the very edge of the foot.  The Predacon leader pulled his foot back quickly.
    "This is not over," Tripredacus said as he took flight.
    B'Boom emerged from the woods and looked around at what was happening.
    Iguanas turned to beast mode and quickly vanished into the dense trees.
    The Maximals gathered around the broken form of Optimus Minor.   The small Transformer's body was ripped beyond repair.  There was no doubt he was dying.
    "You did right," Sonar said. "I knew what was in your spark."
    "I ...didn't want...to hurt...anybody," Optimus Minor struggled to say.
    "Even though we did not know you well," Magnaboss said. "You are one of us and we will morn your passing."
    Optimus Minor looked up at Magnaboss. "I sense...an incomplete...ness to you."
    "What?"
    "I am hearing...voices...Ancient voices...telling me to give you..." Optimus Minor reached up with his weak arm and touched Magnaboss on the chest. "The Matrix...connection."
    A flow of energy shot out from Optimus Minor into Magnaboss.  For several minutes all around them remained silent.  The air was aglow with an electric blue light.
    "I must join them now," Optimus Minor said as he closed his optics for the last time.
    Magnaboss stood up straight.  His face solemn.
    "You okay," Powerglide asked.
    "I feel just fine," Magnaboss replied. "I don't understand any of this.  How could he transfer the Prime connection to the Matrix?"
    "The program Polarclaw downloaded into you,"  Sonar said without thinking.
    "How do you know that?"
    "I'm not sure.  I think you told, or someone very similar to you."
    "Should we start calling you Magnos Prime now," Prowl asked jokingly.
    "Let's just stick with Magnaboss for the time being."
    A moan brought the Maximals attention back to their injured teammate Cybershark. B'Boom had already moved over there to help.
    "No get away from me," Cybershark said as he got to his feet.  A gruesome transformation was obviously in effect as his body appeared to be melting away.
    "I only wish to help you my man," B'Boom said calmly.
    "NO!!" Cybershark said as he struck B'Boom and dived off the cliff into the waiting ocean below.
    Magnaboss ran to the cliff edge and prepared to follow.  Nightglider flew in front of him.
    "Let me go after him," Nightglider asked. " I think you could use a little rest."
    "Okay, but be careful.  You know how much pain he is going through."
    Nightglider took to the air.  Without asking for permission Powerglide transformed to Beast Mode and followed.
    "Powerglide," Magnaboss said frustrated.
    "They'll be fine boss-man," B'Boom remarked.
    "Yes, I'm sure you're right.  I need to rest for a bit.  Everything is moving too fast right now.  Too many changes in such a short time."
 
 

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