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ayngelcatTitle: Bombshell’s 'Procedure.'
Universe: G1
Rating: PG
Characters: Megatron, Swindle, Shockwave, Bombshell and much talk of other Combaticons
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers, or any of the characters or scenarios from the series within this story.
Notes: This is sequel to this. It’s a fic with a few chapters which explores the incarceration of the Combaticons, with a bit of my own headcanon.
Other than that the ‘Bats were in ‘the Box’ for – apparently – millions of years, we have little information, and I enjoy speculation. This fic suggests that 1) Megatron didn’t perform the incarceration/separation procedure, 2) They didn’t all go in at the same time, (Swindle was caught later) and 3) There were slightly ‘different’ arrangements with Swindle, who could be semi rematerialised in holographic form and have ‘visitors.’
BOMBSHELL’S PROCEDURE
“I have some more information for you, Megatron!”
The leader did not answer Shockwave straight away. Instead, he continued to stare at the large iron box on the table, seemingly unable to keep his optics from it.
“We know who it was that provided the cash reserves which made possible Onslaught’s little ‘rebellion.’”
Megatron looked up. “Oh?” He said. “And? ”
“One ‘Swindle,’ Megatron. A legitimate businessmech, seemingly operative at a somewhat high level, who appears to have conducted a substantial degree of illegitimate business on the side.”
Megatron nodded. “He is quite well known,” he said, “and clever. Although obviously not so clever if he was connected to ...” he glared at the box. “That rabble in there!”
“We have him in custody.”
Megatron’s faceplates hardened. “Very well!” he said. “You had better bring him in.”
...........................
Megatron could not help but admire the gall of the yellow mech, and the lengths he was seemingly prepared to go. He had to admit, it was an admirable effort.
“So Megatron,” Swindle was saying as he bounced up and down the interview room, his purple optics aglow. “Have you ever heard of – surprise parties?” He seemed remarkably unconcerned about his predicament, and yet Megatron noted that he eyed the box on the table uncomfortably.
“I can’t say that I have!” the Decepticon leader replied smoothly.
“It’s kinda like – when somebody really special’s got something really special to celebrate, and they don’t think they’re gonna celebrate it, cos they don’t think anyone gives a toss. But then folks do – and they come up with something really cool to celebrate it, and then the mech’s all chuffed and it’s much better than if he’d known about it all along.”
Megatron’s optics narrowed. “You had better make your point, Swindle!”
“Well this – what was goin’ on – it was a bit like that, y’see. Onslaught – he like really respects and admires you. Megatron. And he said to us: I’m gonna do what I can for the Decepticon Cause, but I wannit to be like a really big surprise. Like – Megatron’s gonna get something he really didn’t expect and it’s gonna bolster up his spirits, cos it ain’t an easy job leading the Decepticons and this – well, I just wanna make him feel real good about himself! So yeah – it was - like that!
Megatron’s optics flared, and he smiled a most dangerous smile. “Really?” he said.
“Yeah! So all that stuff you found hidden away, it was hidden away for a reason, see? At the right time, Onslaught was gonna tell you all about it. Like a big surprise party.”
For a moment, Megatron looked as though he might buy it – almost to the point of seeming quite benevolent. Yes, it really was amazingly well delivered. And another lesser mech may have been convinced. But not Megatron. A long black hand reached out and grabbed Swindle by the helm jerking his head back.
“Let me just say this,” he said, his optics flaring again. “In all my time as leader, I can honestly say I have never heard such a crock of pit!”
He yanked the yellow mech with the now staring and terrified optics closer to him. “The very notion that you would expect me to entertain such a notion is an insult to my intelligence!” he roared. “And believe me I am tempted to just put an end to your miserable existence right this astrosecond.”
Letting go suddenly, he gave Swindle a shove back so that the yellow mech collided with the table. Can you give me one good reason why I should not do so?” he thundered.
Swindle shook, trying to give the appearance of recovering, but failing abysmally. The purple optics looked pleadingly at the Decepticon leader.
“Uh --- yeah!” he said. “Of c-course !”
......................
All in all, Swindle decided it was not a good idea to proceed along the previous line. Which had - he had to face it - been a long shot. But what now?
Swindle swallowed hard, gripping the edge of the table, shrinking back as he was uncomfortably aware of the Decepticon leader’s red optics glaring into his. “It’s uh - a mistake,” he croaked. “A misunderstanding. Yeah – that’s what it is.”
Megatron’s lips curled into a growl. “You are pushing it Swindle!” he hissed.
“P-perhaps we should have a t-trial,” Swindle went on. “Then Onslaught’ll can – uh - tell you what a big – uh – misunderstanding it is.”
Megatron glared at him for a few moments before turning away, a look of disgust on his faceplates. “There will be no trial!” he said.
He turned back, and at the fury which had returned to his face, Swindle cowered. “This is my Decepticon outfit!” he roared. “Not some puny Autobot ‘truth and justice’ shindig. The only trial is the one this is having on my patience! Well here’s a suggestion Swindle …” a long black finger extended in the yellow mech’s direction. “The trial is now. I am the judge and the verdict is guilty!”
In a sudden move, he grabbed the yellow mech again and and pulled him around so that Swindle was unable to avoid looking at that box on the table, the one which had turned his processing chamber inside out at first sight and gave him a sickening lurch right now. “ And the sentence is right there! “ he rasped, “in that - receptacle in front of you, with which your colleagues are already making themselves acquainted!”
Swindle felt the energon drain from his conduits as all the rumours echoed through his processor: …. some insecticon ..... he did a personality segregation thing .... makes you sorta dead and yet you’re alive …. No body ….. weird! And then there were the snickers of the guards who brought him in. “Check out that nice little yellow frame! Seems a shame it won’t be a part of him for much longer!”
Swindle had not at first understood what anyone was on about; then had not wanted to understand. And now the thing sitting there on the table chilled him to the depths of his spark.
Megatron saw that it did and he smiled. “Swindle!” he said. “Now you can see this is not a game, can you give me one good reason why you should not either cease to exist or join your ‘colleagues?’”
This definitely called for a change in tactics. Despite the feeling that his whole frame felt like it was about to fall apart, Swindle made a brave attempt at putting on his salesmech veneer.
“Well you see, Megatron – with all due respect - you got one thing not quite right.” Megatron’s optics ridges furrowed. “Y’see - Onslaught and the others – they’re not really, strictly speaking my colleagues. Well – not in the conventional sense. And I just simply – well, I didn’t really know, you see, did I? What I was getting myself into …..”
The Decepticon leader glowered and, raising his arm, opened a com. “Shrapnel!” he barked. “Would you come and render some assistance please!”
................
“Nooooo ....... Megatron you can’t!” yelled Swindle as the insecticon proceeded to drag him towards the door. ”Megatron don’t! All right – I admit it! I wasn't one hundred per cent on the level. But I will be! I’ll be a valuable asset. You can have my exclusive services – on the cheap. Pleeeze !!! . You’re making a big mistake.”
Megatron regarded the ranting form with his arms folded. Then slowly, the leader walked around so he was standing in front of the hapless prisoner. “I will consider your fate!” he said. “But in the meantime, if you do not shut up, Shrapnel here will have no hesitation in putting about two hundred thousand volts through you Swindle! So I suggest that you do!”
He looked sharply at the antlered insecticon. “Take him away!” he said. “And if he arcs up - do it! Then when you have locked him up, come back here ad bring Bombshell with you. Understand?”
Megatron was not unaware of the less than revering look the insecticon gave him. Nevertheless, Shrapnel complied, hauling Swindle forward.
“Megatron!” Swindle wailed. But the haunted, hunted look in the purple optics had no impact on the silver leader whatsoever.
........................
“The trouble is, he’s probably the most useful out of all of them!” Megatron was saying, crossly. “You said yourself, Bombshell, he has an extraordinary level of intelligence. If he’d put his talents to the true cause and not to this foolhardy rebellion he would not be in the predicament he is in! And the Decepticons could well have benefited greatly.” He shook his head. “It’s a waste!” he said, pacing. “Another damned annoying waste!”
Bombshell cleared his throat. “So I take the decision is not to terminate Swindle then?” he said.
Megatron paused, and then nodded, slowly. “Is it actually possible to add him to the others?” he asked.
“Oh – quite possible,” Bombshell said. “The wisdom of it however – that’s another matter.”
Megatron frowned. “The wisdom?”
Bombshell took a deep breath. “I have, as you requested, conducted a full psychological evaluation, Megatron,” he said. “Swindle is - different from the others. Not a military model, and sparked in a far more sentient manner. This already made their working relationship – difficult, sometimes. Now - it is quite possible that they think he is the one who sold them out. In which case – depending on their level of consciousness and ability to communicate - things could get very uncomfortable for him in there.”
Megatron looked confused. “But surely that is neither here nor there, Bombshell!” he said. “And anyway – it’s not as though they could harm him physically. Is it?”
“Ahh, but the psychological damage could be just as great,” said the insecticon. “And given what you have said about the usefulness of preserving him – a view with which I am inclined to agree - I suggest that you don’t take that risk. No – I propose, Megatron, a slightly - different situation in there for Swindle.”
Megatron’s optics widened. “Why - pray tell, Bombshell!” he demanded.
.....................
“So there you have it, Megatron!” Said the insecticon. “The others have been completely cut off from this realm and will remain so until the procedure is reversed. Swindle. However, would – remain in touch with it.”
The leader nodded. “Yes - if I understand you Bombshell, you’re going to make it possible to bring Swindle back as a holographic projection if and when I so request it.”
“Yes, Megatron! That way I can check on his status - and - it will be a means of checking the status of the others.”
At this point Starscream, who had been tinkering with datapads at the end of the room and pretending to be preoccupied when he was, in fact, listening to every word, froze. Check their status? And what if that meant – a chill went through his circuits - that one day they decided to blab about his part in it all?
The Seeker cursed. Damn this insecticon and his procedures! Why couldn’t Megatron have just deployed a good old fashioned trusted and true firing squad?
He could not help himself. “Do you think that’s wise, Megatron?” he piped up.
Megatron turned his head, an irritated expression on his face, and regarded him coldly. “And why should it not be? I think it’s an excellent idea, as it happens!” he snapped. “Just in case our friends in that box have any intention of plotting against me again, Starscream!”
Bombshell nodded. “Indeed, Megatron. That is quite right – and such future conspiracy would be revealed, enabling a decision to be made about the wisdom of their continued maintenance in that – condition.”
Starscream looked on helplessly as Megatron’s face registered more and more approval. “And not only that,” the insecticon went on, “but Swindle will remain aware of the physical realm in other ways. He will be able to perceive goings on outside the chamber. Especially - audially. Hence if anyone else should be suspect, it may be possible to ‘set them up’ in the detention room. We have a perfect invisible spy!”
Megatron now looked delighted. “Brilliant, Bombshell. Brilliant!” Starscream rolled his optics. But inwardly, he died inside again. Regular reports! And never mind the others – Swindle was the one with whom he had had the most dealings. So far for whatever reason the yellow traitor had kept his mouth shut. But he was quite capable of giving Megatron a wholly damning rendition at any time - without so much as mentioning the others.
“Of course there’ll be no guarantee that his information is accurate of course, is there?” he blurted out. “I mean – this process. It could do anything to a mind, couldn’t it? And Swindle could make up – you know – any old stuff! To try and get himself out ...”
Now Megatron darkened. “Starscream if I want your opinion I will ask for it!” he roared. “Now if you don’t shut up then remember what I said. You will be in there alongside Swindle.”
As before, the Seeker did indeed ‘shut up.’ He continued with his previous task, shuffling datapads, although inwardly his processor worked overtime. He would just have to find a way of manipulating this situation. Yes – and doing it soon.
Universe: G1
Rating: PG
Characters: Megatron, Swindle, Shockwave, Bombshell and much talk of other Combaticons
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers, or any of the characters or scenarios from the series within this story.
Notes: This is sequel to this. It’s a fic with a few chapters which explores the incarceration of the Combaticons, with a bit of my own headcanon.
Other than that the ‘Bats were in ‘the Box’ for – apparently – millions of years, we have little information, and I enjoy speculation. This fic suggests that 1) Megatron didn’t perform the incarceration/separation procedure, 2) They didn’t all go in at the same time, (Swindle was caught later) and 3) There were slightly ‘different’ arrangements with Swindle, who could be semi rematerialised in holographic form and have ‘visitors.’
BOMBSHELL’S PROCEDURE
“I have some more information for you, Megatron!”
The leader did not answer Shockwave straight away. Instead, he continued to stare at the large iron box on the table, seemingly unable to keep his optics from it.
“We know who it was that provided the cash reserves which made possible Onslaught’s little ‘rebellion.’”
Megatron looked up. “Oh?” He said. “And? ”
“One ‘Swindle,’ Megatron. A legitimate businessmech, seemingly operative at a somewhat high level, who appears to have conducted a substantial degree of illegitimate business on the side.”
Megatron nodded. “He is quite well known,” he said, “and clever. Although obviously not so clever if he was connected to ...” he glared at the box. “That rabble in there!”
“We have him in custody.”
Megatron’s faceplates hardened. “Very well!” he said. “You had better bring him in.”
...........................
Megatron could not help but admire the gall of the yellow mech, and the lengths he was seemingly prepared to go. He had to admit, it was an admirable effort.
“So Megatron,” Swindle was saying as he bounced up and down the interview room, his purple optics aglow. “Have you ever heard of – surprise parties?” He seemed remarkably unconcerned about his predicament, and yet Megatron noted that he eyed the box on the table uncomfortably.
“I can’t say that I have!” the Decepticon leader replied smoothly.
“It’s kinda like – when somebody really special’s got something really special to celebrate, and they don’t think they’re gonna celebrate it, cos they don’t think anyone gives a toss. But then folks do – and they come up with something really cool to celebrate it, and then the mech’s all chuffed and it’s much better than if he’d known about it all along.”
Megatron’s optics narrowed. “You had better make your point, Swindle!”
“Well this – what was goin’ on – it was a bit like that, y’see. Onslaught – he like really respects and admires you. Megatron. And he said to us: I’m gonna do what I can for the Decepticon Cause, but I wannit to be like a really big surprise. Like – Megatron’s gonna get something he really didn’t expect and it’s gonna bolster up his spirits, cos it ain’t an easy job leading the Decepticons and this – well, I just wanna make him feel real good about himself! So yeah – it was - like that!
Megatron’s optics flared, and he smiled a most dangerous smile. “Really?” he said.
“Yeah! So all that stuff you found hidden away, it was hidden away for a reason, see? At the right time, Onslaught was gonna tell you all about it. Like a big surprise party.”
For a moment, Megatron looked as though he might buy it – almost to the point of seeming quite benevolent. Yes, it really was amazingly well delivered. And another lesser mech may have been convinced. But not Megatron. A long black hand reached out and grabbed Swindle by the helm jerking his head back.
“Let me just say this,” he said, his optics flaring again. “In all my time as leader, I can honestly say I have never heard such a crock of pit!”
He yanked the yellow mech with the now staring and terrified optics closer to him. “The very notion that you would expect me to entertain such a notion is an insult to my intelligence!” he roared. “And believe me I am tempted to just put an end to your miserable existence right this astrosecond.”
Letting go suddenly, he gave Swindle a shove back so that the yellow mech collided with the table. Can you give me one good reason why I should not do so?” he thundered.
Swindle shook, trying to give the appearance of recovering, but failing abysmally. The purple optics looked pleadingly at the Decepticon leader.
“Uh --- yeah!” he said. “Of c-course !”
......................
All in all, Swindle decided it was not a good idea to proceed along the previous line. Which had - he had to face it - been a long shot. But what now?
Swindle swallowed hard, gripping the edge of the table, shrinking back as he was uncomfortably aware of the Decepticon leader’s red optics glaring into his. “It’s uh - a mistake,” he croaked. “A misunderstanding. Yeah – that’s what it is.”
Megatron’s lips curled into a growl. “You are pushing it Swindle!” he hissed.
“P-perhaps we should have a t-trial,” Swindle went on. “Then Onslaught’ll can – uh - tell you what a big – uh – misunderstanding it is.”
Megatron glared at him for a few moments before turning away, a look of disgust on his faceplates. “There will be no trial!” he said.
He turned back, and at the fury which had returned to his face, Swindle cowered. “This is my Decepticon outfit!” he roared. “Not some puny Autobot ‘truth and justice’ shindig. The only trial is the one this is having on my patience! Well here’s a suggestion Swindle …” a long black finger extended in the yellow mech’s direction. “The trial is now. I am the judge and the verdict is guilty!”
In a sudden move, he grabbed the yellow mech again and and pulled him around so that Swindle was unable to avoid looking at that box on the table, the one which had turned his processing chamber inside out at first sight and gave him a sickening lurch right now. “ And the sentence is right there! “ he rasped, “in that - receptacle in front of you, with which your colleagues are already making themselves acquainted!”
Swindle felt the energon drain from his conduits as all the rumours echoed through his processor: …. some insecticon ..... he did a personality segregation thing .... makes you sorta dead and yet you’re alive …. No body ….. weird! And then there were the snickers of the guards who brought him in. “Check out that nice little yellow frame! Seems a shame it won’t be a part of him for much longer!”
Swindle had not at first understood what anyone was on about; then had not wanted to understand. And now the thing sitting there on the table chilled him to the depths of his spark.
Megatron saw that it did and he smiled. “Swindle!” he said. “Now you can see this is not a game, can you give me one good reason why you should not either cease to exist or join your ‘colleagues?’”
This definitely called for a change in tactics. Despite the feeling that his whole frame felt like it was about to fall apart, Swindle made a brave attempt at putting on his salesmech veneer.
“Well you see, Megatron – with all due respect - you got one thing not quite right.” Megatron’s optics ridges furrowed. “Y’see - Onslaught and the others – they’re not really, strictly speaking my colleagues. Well – not in the conventional sense. And I just simply – well, I didn’t really know, you see, did I? What I was getting myself into …..”
The Decepticon leader glowered and, raising his arm, opened a com. “Shrapnel!” he barked. “Would you come and render some assistance please!”
................
“Nooooo ....... Megatron you can’t!” yelled Swindle as the insecticon proceeded to drag him towards the door. ”Megatron don’t! All right – I admit it! I wasn't one hundred per cent on the level. But I will be! I’ll be a valuable asset. You can have my exclusive services – on the cheap. Pleeeze !!! . You’re making a big mistake.”
Megatron regarded the ranting form with his arms folded. Then slowly, the leader walked around so he was standing in front of the hapless prisoner. “I will consider your fate!” he said. “But in the meantime, if you do not shut up, Shrapnel here will have no hesitation in putting about two hundred thousand volts through you Swindle! So I suggest that you do!”
He looked sharply at the antlered insecticon. “Take him away!” he said. “And if he arcs up - do it! Then when you have locked him up, come back here ad bring Bombshell with you. Understand?”
Megatron was not unaware of the less than revering look the insecticon gave him. Nevertheless, Shrapnel complied, hauling Swindle forward.
“Megatron!” Swindle wailed. But the haunted, hunted look in the purple optics had no impact on the silver leader whatsoever.
........................
“The trouble is, he’s probably the most useful out of all of them!” Megatron was saying, crossly. “You said yourself, Bombshell, he has an extraordinary level of intelligence. If he’d put his talents to the true cause and not to this foolhardy rebellion he would not be in the predicament he is in! And the Decepticons could well have benefited greatly.” He shook his head. “It’s a waste!” he said, pacing. “Another damned annoying waste!”
Bombshell cleared his throat. “So I take the decision is not to terminate Swindle then?” he said.
Megatron paused, and then nodded, slowly. “Is it actually possible to add him to the others?” he asked.
“Oh – quite possible,” Bombshell said. “The wisdom of it however – that’s another matter.”
Megatron frowned. “The wisdom?”
Bombshell took a deep breath. “I have, as you requested, conducted a full psychological evaluation, Megatron,” he said. “Swindle is - different from the others. Not a military model, and sparked in a far more sentient manner. This already made their working relationship – difficult, sometimes. Now - it is quite possible that they think he is the one who sold them out. In which case – depending on their level of consciousness and ability to communicate - things could get very uncomfortable for him in there.”
Megatron looked confused. “But surely that is neither here nor there, Bombshell!” he said. “And anyway – it’s not as though they could harm him physically. Is it?”
“Ahh, but the psychological damage could be just as great,” said the insecticon. “And given what you have said about the usefulness of preserving him – a view with which I am inclined to agree - I suggest that you don’t take that risk. No – I propose, Megatron, a slightly - different situation in there for Swindle.”
Megatron’s optics widened. “Why - pray tell, Bombshell!” he demanded.
.....................
“So there you have it, Megatron!” Said the insecticon. “The others have been completely cut off from this realm and will remain so until the procedure is reversed. Swindle. However, would – remain in touch with it.”
The leader nodded. “Yes - if I understand you Bombshell, you’re going to make it possible to bring Swindle back as a holographic projection if and when I so request it.”
“Yes, Megatron! That way I can check on his status - and - it will be a means of checking the status of the others.”
At this point Starscream, who had been tinkering with datapads at the end of the room and pretending to be preoccupied when he was, in fact, listening to every word, froze. Check their status? And what if that meant – a chill went through his circuits - that one day they decided to blab about his part in it all?
The Seeker cursed. Damn this insecticon and his procedures! Why couldn’t Megatron have just deployed a good old fashioned trusted and true firing squad?
He could not help himself. “Do you think that’s wise, Megatron?” he piped up.
Megatron turned his head, an irritated expression on his face, and regarded him coldly. “And why should it not be? I think it’s an excellent idea, as it happens!” he snapped. “Just in case our friends in that box have any intention of plotting against me again, Starscream!”
Bombshell nodded. “Indeed, Megatron. That is quite right – and such future conspiracy would be revealed, enabling a decision to be made about the wisdom of their continued maintenance in that – condition.”
Starscream looked on helplessly as Megatron’s face registered more and more approval. “And not only that,” the insecticon went on, “but Swindle will remain aware of the physical realm in other ways. He will be able to perceive goings on outside the chamber. Especially - audially. Hence if anyone else should be suspect, it may be possible to ‘set them up’ in the detention room. We have a perfect invisible spy!”
Megatron now looked delighted. “Brilliant, Bombshell. Brilliant!” Starscream rolled his optics. But inwardly, he died inside again. Regular reports! And never mind the others – Swindle was the one with whom he had had the most dealings. So far for whatever reason the yellow traitor had kept his mouth shut. But he was quite capable of giving Megatron a wholly damning rendition at any time - without so much as mentioning the others.
“Of course there’ll be no guarantee that his information is accurate of course, is there?” he blurted out. “I mean – this process. It could do anything to a mind, couldn’t it? And Swindle could make up – you know – any old stuff! To try and get himself out ...”
Now Megatron darkened. “Starscream if I want your opinion I will ask for it!” he roared. “Now if you don’t shut up then remember what I said. You will be in there alongside Swindle.”
As before, the Seeker did indeed ‘shut up.’ He continued with his previous task, shuffling datapads, although inwardly his processor worked overtime. He would just have to find a way of manipulating this situation. Yes – and doing it soon.
