Chapter 11 Instruments of Destruction
The next day went on much like when they arrived although it was more in a hurry since Megatron’s date of his next attack was tomorrow. All of the army was outfitted with Duke’s firearms and most were becoming proficient with them as well. Duke Hoof’em himself watched over their training and made sure he received his weapons back. Other similar weapons were being looked into but since time was limited, they mostly just focused on weapons that Duke provided.
Most of the weapons were being created deep inside the palace, only officers of the Royal Guard and the Princess’ themselves were authorized to go do here on most cases. But because of the urgency, many of staff, including the Mane six and Starscream were now authorized to go here.
There was a main room that was full of equipment with aisles of various firearms. There were a team unicorns using a duplication spell to make various firearms and mostly ammunition. Throughout the aisle there were pegasus putting the weapons and ammunition on crates and Earth ponies pulling the crates into a nearby armory.
“There should be enough guns and ammo.” Duke said to the three ponies behind him as well as the young dragon on his back “The Royal Guard should be able to hold their own if they stay in groups.”
The ponies behind him were Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Starscream following close by. They were walking through the active assembly line of tried unicorns constantly trying to rapidly making ammunition for the guns to be used. They were all heading to a work bench that Starscream requested so he could work on his own arsenal with the help of Twilight.
“And this will be the primary force to combat the Decepticons?” Starscream asked.
“Yeah, I’ve dealt with aliens before and kicked their asses.” Duke then stopped and turned to him “Something bother you about our weaponry?”
“Not exactly I’m just concerned. The weapons you are using are similar to Earth’s. Not to insult your efforts but that will have little effect against the Decepticons.”
“It did well against you last time.” Duke argued as he glared at him.
“We never had a confrontation Stallion! You should be happy I’m now on your side, our only hope now is if you are the others are able use the information I have provided and defeat the Decepticons!”
“Do you want to make this ugly?” Duke said stepping closer to the slightly smaller pegasus.
Starscream growled “I may not know your credentials Duke Hoof’em but I assure you I am not without backing.”
“Alright enough!” Twilight interrupted “We’re preparing to fight the Decepticons not ourselves.” She turned to Duke “Thank you Duke.” Duke nodded with an annoyed look and started to walk way. She turned to the pegasus “Starscream, I know that you’re always around this stuff back with the Decepticons but you need to understand this is all we have.”
“I didn’t say that you had bad artillery, I’m concerned! Knowing Megatron he’ll probably send in more than reinforcements.”
“What are you so worried about anyway? You told us all that was needed to be able to fight Megatron. So what are you concerned about?” Rainbow asked curious.
“I…I really don’t know.” Starscream shook his head “I asked Celestia to bring me back to Cybertronian form, she tried but she didn’t know how she did it. Not to mention she doesn’t know a spell on how to make a Cybertronain again.”
The blue pegasus sighed. She had to admit, it would probably help if he could return to his original form, but that wasn’t possible. “Eh, we won’t need it. All of us, the Elements of Harmony, the Royal Guard and all of them, we’ll be able to stop them.”
“Elements of Harmony?”
Rainbow raised a brow for a second “Twilight didn’t tell you about the Elements of Harmony?”
“No.” he said turning away and started walking toward a vacant workbench with Rainbow Dash following. It was a typical metal slab and hutch on it hanging various tools. He looked at the available tools and materials and then tried to reason everything. “What are they?”
Rainbow chuckled “Well believe it or not, you’ve been talking to them since you’ve been turned into a pony.”
Twilight joined in “She’s right. Honesty, Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, Loyalty, and Magic.”
Starscream put a large metal tube on the work bench and Twilight went next to him and then he turned to her “What?”
“Well you see all of us, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and myself are the Elements of Harmony.” Starscream only raised a brow showing he was still confused. Rainbow Dash sighed but chucked again “We’ll explain.”
--Cantorlot Library--
Princess Luna was in the library by herself for a change. During most of her time since being freed from Nightmare Moon, she usually left in the library with most of the subjects ignoring her or fearing her. The only exception of this was her own sister and Twilight as well on occasion she didn’t often have them as company. This made her feel lonely most of the time and it actually made her feel uncomfortable of utilizing her authority. It made her think of Nightmare Moon again.
But being alone actually left her a little more joyous. She didn’t feel like she was a burden or something that should be feared. While she usually hated being alone, after going through all that, she learned the difference between being alone and lonely.
She was at a small table that was in the middle of the rather large library of many books of many genres and studies. She had all of the notes that Twilight took of Starscream and had various books about magic. She was most curious of the Cybertronian’s immunity to magic, she knew her sister and Twilight weren’t lying when they said it didn’t work.
But she couldn’t shake the feeling that Starscream was telling the truth as well. She’d seen great lairs before and after her imprisonment on the moon and she couldn’t help but feel that Starscream was in fact telling the truth, not to mention that the elements themselves seem to confirm that he was in fact at one point a Transformer.
But it didn’t add up. It was confirmed that they were immune to magic, and yet this particular spell that was casted on him not only had an effect, it transformed his entire being. There had to be an explanation for this.
Luna closed one book and opened another and laid it on the spine of another. She began to read aloud.
“Magic is an entity, while possible that variants of this entity exist elsewhere, it will always remain unique to one planet.” She paused then continued “It order for it to be utilized properly it must be one with the nature of said planet.”
“One must be with that nature…” Luna quickly went back to the notes Twilight made “Hmm…”
“Starscream states that he is from another planet known as Cybertron, a mechanical Alien race from a different planet.”
“A different Planet…” she said to herself “One being with nature of an entity.” She pieced it together “They are not of the planet…therefore they are not part of our entity of magic.” Luna for the first time smiled genuinely during this whole situation “That’s it, since they are not of our planet, they are not with the nature of it, and therefore magic has no effect on them.”
She didn’t praise herself yet however “But that doesn’t explain what happened to Starscream…”
Luna closed the book and tried to clear her head. She closed her eyes and went into deep thought. Magic was an entity that could only be used by those that are one with that nature. If one with that nature is not possible for them to utilize magic, or to be used on them, therefore spells are ineffective.
“Wait an entity…” She said aloud “An entity can be fused with one…all things…” she remember being told by her guards that they had problems using duplication spells on Duke’s weapons. She was later informed that they were also of alien origin. But within time they were able to successfully duplicate them.
“Prolonged exposure to the entity…” she thought “Was Starscream here longer than the other Decepticons…is it possible that it was merely powerful magic and time on this planet was all it took…”
--Nemesis 2--
“What are conditions on Cybertron?” Megatron asked Shockwave through their video transmission. It was a three-way channel and it was also connected with Blitzwing.
“We’ve been able to keep our ground Megatron. Fortunately, that last energy run you sent before you went on your way has been rationing us well. According to Blitzwing, he should be sending another run soon.” Shockwave answered.
“Excellent. This planet is far so it may take some time for energy to be transported from here.”
“What is the status of the reinforcements?”
“Astrotrain has informed me they are still on schedule. You should be in comlink communication range now.” Blitzwing added. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to construct another space bridge to connect the planet with Cybertron like we did on Earth.”
“This will all take time.” Megatron said “But right now I have a planet to exterminate.” He sat up and was about to turn off the feed.
“Megatron if I may.” Shockwave interjected quickly. Megatron stopped “What if the primitives of the planet give in and allow you to take the planet?”
Megatron smirked “Then they will receive a more merciful death.”
--Canterlot Underground Armory--
For the rest of the day Starscream, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash all worked diligently trying to make a weapon, to which he explained was his own design. Since returning to his original Cybertronian form was not an option, he would have to improvise. Fortunately, being a scientist, this was an easy task. With Twilight’s magic, all things that required an actual hand for could be accomplished.
“So what exactly are we building anyway?” Rainbow asked yawning afterward. Usually she had long naps but that was not the case now, they’ve been working on these almost all day.
“Since returning to my Cybertronian form is not possible. I’ll have to make an alternate method in using my weapons.” Starscream responded as he watched Twilight carefully put a redish, pink object inside the long tube like weapons.
“What are we making anyway? I mean what is the alternative weapon you’re talking about?” Twilight asked as she then used her magic to close the two openings.
Starscream went over and put a welder in his mouth and quickly welded them both in quickly. “A weapon that Rainbow Dash is quit familiar with.” He smirked.
Rainbow smirked to “Oh the one you couldn’t even hit me with.”
“Perhaps, but they were effective were they not?”
“Yeah if you aim!”
The two chuckled for a moment and Twilight only smiled at them. She had to admit it was cute sight seeing the two become so close that even bad memories from their first encounter could be turned into a laughing matter for them. She could tell that Rainbow Dash was getting close to Starscream fairly early but now she was seeing it in full view to how much it had evolved in just a few days.
“At any rate” Starscream began turning back to their completed work “With my newly modified Null Rays, I should be able to add more relief on the battle field.” The design of the actual guns looked similar to his original weapons, but they were smaller now and put in the design of a saddle. It also had an advanced targeting system that worked by the motion of his forelegs. “It probably won’t have the same effect that my original ones did but should do fine.”
“Well that’s good.” Twilight said then stretched her back “I’m going to go check on Spike and talk to Celestia. Have fun you two.” And with that Twilight left the hanger.
“What did she mean by that?” Starscream asked.
“I have no idea.” She said dismissively. “Come on, let’s test these things.”
“I agree.” And with that two of them left with Starscream putting on his new weapon they just constructed. The two of them quickly went to field that currently was only occupied with Fluttershy having a much easier time taking care of the animals than her pervious encounter at the Grand Galloping Gala.
“Oh, Rainbow Dash, Starscream, what are you doing here?” Fluttershy asked.
“We’re here to test Starscream’s Null Rays.”
“Null Rays. You’re not here to-”
“No he’s not going to shoot at any of the animals.” Rainbow Dash and Starscream only rolled his now-organic eyes.
“Oh okay…” was all Fluttershy said and then went next to Rainbow Dash as they watched Starscream prepare the weapon.
Starscream decided just to aim up in the sky and fire. Trying to perfect accuracy was a chore that could not be performed yet. Not to mention time was of the essence. It was late afternoon and shortly would become evening so they had little time to do anymore tinkering.
“Alright, let’s see if these things can be put together with this magic…” he said under his breath.
He put his hoof up and motioned the left Null Ray up in the air in a diagonal direction in the air. He paused for a moment when he noticed a strange bird fly into the trees. It landed on a thick branch and watched over them. He squinted at it and then it turned into a glare.
“Laserbeak!” he fired laser at the bird and it bit the branch off as the bird quickly flew away screeching.
“Starscream! Don’t-” Fluttershy was cut off
“Don’t let that bird get away!” The stallion yelled as he flared his wings up and flew into the air. Rainbow Dash quickly followed.
“What’s going on?” she yelled as she caught up with Starscream.
“It’s Laserbeak! Primus knows how much that bird has recorded!” He explained then fired his new weapon at the bird once again but it was avoiding it.
“That thing’s spying on us? Well, I’ll take care of that!” Rainbow Dash then flew fast toward the escaping bird and within time she caught up with it. “Alright you little buzzer it’s time I-”
When she tried to grab it but it did a loop under her and then went straight into the sky. Rainbow was going too fast to be able to get it now. Starscream attempted to shoot him down and while able to hit it, it didn’t stop him and at this moment, it was far into atmosphere, no pegasus would be able to survive that.
“For the love of Primus…” he said annoyed at this as he just hovered in the air.
Rainbow Dash flew next to him “Sorry Screamer, the bird gotta away.”
“We can only hope that the information he has to offer is not much. Otherwise, preparing for battle will all be for naught.”
--Nemesis 2--
“Laserbeak has returned Megatron.” Soundwave said to his leader next to him.
Both of them were waiting in the launching bay awaiting Laserbeak’s latest report. They been mostly sending Laserbeak to Ponyville since that was they attacked but when they realized that they were not putting up defenses, he decided to send him to Canterlot since it was what they believe their government. Megatron turned to the launching bay opening and saw the bird come in.
“Excellent.” The leader said as it landed on his arm “I can always guarantee that you’ll return safely.” He smirked as he thought of Starscream’s demise. He then pulled out his arm and the bird flew off “Soundwave, playback Laserbeak’s findings.”
“As you command, Megatron.” The communications officer opened his chest as the bird transformed into its cassette form and slid in. Soundwave then walked over to a computer, transformed and then connect himself to the computer to show video footage.
At first the video was disoriented and most of it seemed impossible to view. “What is happening?” Megatron said annoyed.
“Laserbeak has been damaged from the encounter. Most footage has been corrupted.” Soundwave explained.
Megatron growled but then noticed a clear picture. It was three winged ponies with one with cannons on his back. Megatron looked interested and then noticed of firepower of it. The rest was of Laserbeak’s escape.
“Hmm…it seems that the ponies may have an effective arsenal after all…”
“Megatron!” a voice yelled as he ran through the launching bay doors reviling it to be Skywarp “Reinforcements have arrived!”
--Cantorlot--
Starscream and Rainbow Dash informed Luna and Celestia of their run in with Laserbeak and immediately had to send in a more strict patrol and had many pegasus waiting carefully in the clouds as watchers. Everyone was still concerned but they also had to worry about the actual attack.
Both Starscream and Rainbow Dash were given their own rooms in the palace but Rainbow and Starscream decided to spend time in the ex-seeker’s room on the bed lying on side above the covers. They were both practically the same; a large bed, a fancy wardrobe which seemed entirely pointless, a window over looking everything, and rug, all simple but also elegant accommodations.
“So, you worried about the attack tomorrow?” Rainbow asked. While earlier she was saying she had no concerns, the closer the time came, her confidence started to fall.
“I can’t say I’m looking forward to it…but it’s the only option we have. If you surrendered your planet Megatron would annihilate your race while you let him take it…”
Rainbow sighed…she couldn’t take this like she could before. She was…scared. This was the fight for their planet. If they lose, it’s the end of their race. So much was on the line now. Her friends, her family, their planet, Starscream…”
“Starscream…”
He looked up at her “Yes…”
“Tell me about yourself…Not the Decepticons! Before then…”
“It doesn’t matter.” He said turning away.
“It matters to me!” she said angered but there was a hint of sadness…which also showed her fear of the attack and the possible consequences that my come from this conflict.
“…I…I was scientist for Iacon City” it was the first time in millions years has he ever talked or even thought back in great detail. He always talked about the Decepticons otherwise. He told her about his sparklinghood and the many different adventures he had with Skyfire when he was an explorer.
It felt different talking about this than his time with the Decepticons especially with someone like Rainbow Dash. He spoke for more than an hour explaining his entire life as Rainbow Dash listened with interest. Within that time she nodded off to a peaceful sleep just as he finished.
He smiled, not smirked, smiled at this moment. He looked at the female blue pegasus, he never felt so comfortable with any being before. He never shared things about himself to anyone except her. The thought of being part of her species seemed like a blessing now from Primus. A beautiful creature he would always want to be a part of.
He carefully got closer to her and lied his head on top of her and nodded off to sleep as well. Rainbow Dash smiled in her sleep.