NOVEL WEB Chapter 2: LOG-01
[BEGINNING: CORE PROCESSOR INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE.]
[WARNING: MAJOR DAMAGE INCURRED.]
[BEGINNING SELF-DIAGNOSIS.]
[INITIAL DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS:]
[HELM: DAMAGED.]
[OPTICS: OFFLINE.]
[INTEGRATED FUSION CANNON: OFFLINE.]
Oh wow, I actually have a cannon.
[SYSTEMS: STABILIZING SERVOS OFFLINE.]
I can't feel my legs... Why?
[VOICE MODULE: 75% FUNCTIONAL]
[CHEST PLATE: 0% INTEGRITY]
[MID-SECTION PLATING: 0% INTEGRITY]
[IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION REQUIRED]
Well, that explains why I feel so terrible, as if I've been through brutal beating.
But who am I? And where am I?
[ACCESSING PRIMARY PROCESSOR.]
[ACCESS GRANTED: DISTRIBUTING PERTINENT FILES.]
Oh... I was engaged in a battle against someone of great importance. So much so that I allowed the fight to halt, allowing my opponent to recover and fight back, instead of simply taking them down with my cannon. That was incredibly foolish.
As I review my memory files, I let the onboard system do its work.
I recall going to sleep after watching YouTube.
Yet, I also remember engaging in a life-or-death struggle with a significant figure.
My identity... it's something crucial. Recent events seem to be scrambled in my files. However, after going through backups and previous data, I stumble upon a name that could serve for now.
Megatron.
The name carries different connotations within the two sets of memories.
In the first set, the name conjures multiple memories with varying opinions and emotions, but the most common theme is that Megatron serves as the antagonist to the hero.
In the second set... well.
At that point, a mix of thoughts floods me. A few examples include "frag," "scrap," "goddammit," and even mentions of the All-Spark.
I am Megatron.
Strangely, I don't feel furious or upset; well, that's not entirely true, but my emotions and anger are oddly distinct. It's a cold sensation, frigid even. I find myself contemplating potential upgrades and redesigns for my damaged body. This current form won't suffice any longer.
Hold on a moment. Why did my processor glide over that, and the system highlight the logic processor and associated programs?
[LISTING REQUESTED PROGRAMS]
[HUMILITY PROGRAMMING: 5%]
[LOGIC PROCESSOR: 100%]
It's baffling and sensible all at once.
I gather that this version of Megatron, following a clash with Optimus, inflicted severe damage, and that strike from his blade must have impacted something within my processor.
Well, perhaps I can use this to my advantage. As I refuse to act as the Megatron of before, I can play my damage to my processor up.
Moving forward, the memories I now possess are enlightening but also perplexing.
Not the human memories; those span two decades, but the Cybertronian recollections... they contain numerous irrelevant emotions and baggage that I neither want nor need.
Thus, it appears I must delve into my mindscape to sort through this chaotic mess.
____
It has taken a considerable amount of time, much more than preferable, but now my mind resembles a fortress that Megatron planned to construct but never did.
With a few modifications, it's rather impressive. The fortress stands as the most fortified point within my mindscape.
Oh, and I've successfully purged the associated emotions linked with the memories of Megatron. I now know the universe I inhabit—the Transformers Prime Universe. Well, it's not a bad scenario.
The presence of numerous Decepticons is evident; we established a moon base, and the explosion of energon triggered by my duel with Optimus likely alerted all Cybertronians across the galaxy.
They're likely en route to Earth.
I must awaken system. How soon can I forcibly initiate that?
[BEGINNING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES]
[APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH]
System: If I shut down all non-essential programs, how long then?
[ESTIMATING]
[15 DAYS. CONFIRM THIS ACTION? Y/N]
Yes, power down and wake me up in 15 days' time to engage in mental sparring with fictional characters.
____
15 days later
[AWAKEN]
Right, sure thing. I was awake, just working on stuff, you know.
Alright, it's time to force my optics open. Let's hope nobody is about to perform surgery on me.
As my optics activate, a red mech—Knockout, if I recall correctly—yelps and scratches his finish. His cry alerts the guards, and by now, everyone significant is aware of what's happening.
Knockout: "Lord Megatron, you're operational. I, of course, ensured top-tier medical care. Ah, yes, your systems are at 50%, but I recommend remaining here until you're at full capacity."
I tune out most of what he says except for the state of my healing.
Then I rise from the stretcher and exit the med bay, with Knockout trailing behind.
I transmit to Knockout the plans for my new body, complete with exact specifications.
Megatron: "Knockout, begin working on this immediately."
Naturally, Knockout agrees and hurries off to his medical lab.
I continue walking towards the bridge, with the Vehicon soldiers observing me in awe.
I can feel the memories of Megatron, how he loved the awe and fear he would get from his soldiers. Honestly, it's quite pitiful. I refuse to ever be like him.
Stepping onto the Nemesis' bridge, everyone halts and gazes at me.
Starscream appears fearful, Soundwave disengages Laserbeak from him, and the drone perches on my shoulder. I give it a pat and commence the next phase of my strategy.
Megatron: "Decepticons, I have returned. Optimus Prime resorted to a cowardly tactic to secure victory, much like the corrupt primes before him. Did you witness his troops celebrating as they obliterated the lifeblood of our race? There's little reason to remain on this planet. We depart for Cybertron to rally any loyal Decepticons we encounter. A token force will remain to defend the moon base. Prepare for departure in 10 hours; activate the warp drives. Soundwave, Starscream, follow me."
I barely register the cheers from the crowd. Many are likely eager to return to Cybertron, having been abandoned on various worlds. But we'll need their strength. Our race teeters on the brink of extinction, and numerous schemes take shape within my processor.
Optimus can have Earth along with the Chaos Bringer; I will claim the All-Spark and utilize the Omega Lock on Cybertron. Should Prime and his Autobots stand against me, I will show no restraint to end them in pursuit of a New Cybertron.
____
Guiding Soundwave and Starscream to a conference room on the Nemesis, I take a seat and gesture for them to do the same.
They settle in, and Starscream is the first to break the silence.
Starscream: "Lord Megatron, it's an honor to witness your revival. We all believed you had fallen in the wake of Prime's assault. May I inquire as to why we are departing Earth and returning to Cybertron after spending a millennia chasing the Autobots across the Universe?"
After allowing a moment of silence to amplify Starscream's apprehension, I begin to speak.
Megatron: "I have expended far too much energy pursuing the Autobots. My recent confrontation with Optimus has illuminated their insignificance. Our paramount concern is Cybertron; nothing else matters. I will no longer tolerate petty quarrels and internal strife within our once-mighty faction. I will not abide traitors any further. Take heed, Starscream. If even a whisper of treason reaches my audio receptors, I shall extinguish your spark without hesitation. Now leave me be; I have matters to discuss with Soundwave."
A wary look from Starscream, and he promptly departs the room. Soundwave tilts his helm, his visor locked onto me, awaiting my directives.
Megatron: "Soundwave, our ceaseless war with the Autobots has wrought havoc upon countless galaxies and worlds. This Great War, as it's been dubbed, has obscured our true objective. It's time we shattered this cycle and reclaimed our rightful dominion over Cybertron."
Soundwave, utilizing his synthesized voices, responds: "*Your will, Lord Megatron, is our guiding light.*"
Megatron: "Good. As we journey back to Cybertron, we shall amass those Decepticons who remain operational. The All-Spark and the Omega Lock shall be mine—tools to reconstruct our world according to my vision for a renewed Cybertron."
Soundwave (through synthesized voices): "*As you command, Lord Megatron.*"
Megatron: "Soundwave, release yourself from this silence once and for all. You've demonstrated your loyalty repeatedly. It's time your voice resonated, not only with me but with all who follow our cause."
Soundwave: *Switches to his original voice* "As you wish, Lord Megatron."
Ah, I almost forgot to mention the Iacon relics and the omega keys. Also, the Harbinger; I remember the approximate location of them.
Megatron: "Before you depart old friend, I have a mission of extreme importance. I require you to travel to these locations and pick up the relics and keys. There is also Skyquake on this planet; bring him here also, and an Insecticon hive buried beneath the surface of this planet; bring them here as well. If the Decepticon ship, the Harbinger, is too damaged, I expect it to be destroyed. No Decepticon technology will be left for the Autobots to find. This is to be done by the time we depart for Cybertron."
Soundwave nods his head and departs immediately. As he leaves, I lean back in my chair, contemplating the path that lies ahead. The All-Spark and Cybertron will be mine. In due course, any ancient technologies of the ancients.
I'll eventually crack the secrets of the ancients and the original thirteen.
But first, I must secure Cybertron and unite with any Decepticons adrift in the cosmos.
___
After Speech:
After Megatron left the command bridge, every Decepticon went ballistic with cheers.
They are finally going home and leaving Autobots.
Vehicon soldier 1: "We're finally going home."
Vehicon soldier 2: "Don't you think it's dangerous to leave the Autobots alone?"
Vehicon soldier 3: "Nah, it's not like they can do anything to stop us."
All three soldiers nod and get back to work.
____
Starscream, who left the conference room with a shaken expression, can't escape the implications of Megatron's return.
Starscream: "Megatron survived and is different, more determined than ever before. I need to be careful and not do anything to arouse his suspicion."
___
Hallways of the Nemesis:
Some Vehicons are talking about Megatron's return from near death
Vehicon soldier 4: "Come on, you saw Lord Megatron walk by. He looked so cool."
Vehicon soldier 5: "Nah, I don't believe it."
Vehicon soldier 6: "No, Lord Megatron walked by us. We heard Knockout scream and entered the room, and Lord Megatron just walked by and ignored us. Honestly, it was badass."
Vehicon soldier 7: "Why are you using Earth words? We're Decepticons, not Autobots."
Vehicon soldier 4: "You have to admit even though the planet is primitive and the organics are squishy, but their datanet is pretty interesting."
Vehicon soldier 5: "Yeah, their datanet or the Internet as they call it is pretty interesting. Listen to this."
The Vehicon soldier then plays the video.
"Never gonna give you up,"
"Never gonna let you down,"
"Never gonna run around and desert you,"
"Never gonna make you cry,"
"Never gonna say goodbye"
They all stand there confused.
Vehicon soldier 7: "What in Primus did I watch? You know what, just get back to work."
They all go back to their duties.
A/N
(Sorry for the chapter not being as long as usual but let me know if you guys enjoyed it.)