Loader Drones are Terrifying

A G1 AU fanfic.

Disclaimer: I own naught but the plot and OC. Flames will be ignored.

Lets face it. No matter how Wheeljack could spin it, every bot who saw the dilapidated old loader drone in the back of his shop was either creeped out or massively unnerved by the thing. He's fixed it up and repainted it at least a dozen times. But it still scared some bots right down to the spark.

Even Optimus Prime tried not to look at the thing. Wheeljack figured it was a combination of things that did it. Its strange, squat body.. heavy duty arms and legs.. the long pincher type manipulators... and most of all the single optic mounted on a swivel turret in the 'nose' of the oblong thing's torso all contributed to its 'look.' It had even unnerved some of the humans that have seen it.

Wheeljack supposed Spike said it best. "It has all the makings of a soulless killing machine. Huge crushing claws, strange double jointed legs, weired proportions and no discernible face. No wonder it gives some bots a bad case of the horrors."

Sadly, there wasn't much Wheeljack could do about most of that. It was optimized for its job. And the one attempt to give it a face.. even though was just a fake one.. did not help AT ALL. Bluestreak still got nightmares from that attempt.

Still, it was a very useful tool. Strong enough to carry heavy loads and durable enough to withstand more than few unstable or simply toxic experiments. Such things had made it incredibly useful for the few times Wheeljack had it in working order. And he wasn't even counting the one time it glitched when a Decepticon intruder bumped into it. They hadn't seen Thundercracker for weeks after he ran screaming out of the Autobot base. When they did see him again, he still wasn't himself for quite a while.

On the bright side, whenever Wheeljack had something that he absolutely did NOT want the twins messing with. He only had to set it behind the drone. The two seasoned warriors, who were also renown for their pranks and scare tactics, would NOT go near the thing. It was perplexing to him, to say the least.

::Wheeljack, if you aren't too busy, we need you in the monitor room:: Came Ironhide's voice through the comms. ::We got something that could use your... expertise.:: He drawled.

::Be there in a moment..any hints on what I'm walking into?:: Wheeljack questioned as he started to wind his way through his lab.

::You got me... all this technobabble is way over my processor.. some scientist talking about something to do with nuclear waste and the environment.. he's babbling and I need you to make sense of it.:: Ironhide responded.

::Was there an accident?:: Wheeljack asked again as he quickened his pace down the hall, alarm creeped into his voice, his vocal fins turned pale green with worry.

::What? No! Well.. not yet.. or there was and it sold news from decades ago..:: Ironhide paused. ::We really need you up here.::

Wheeljack smiled behind his faceplate as he skidded around the corner and into the room. "I'm Here I'm here!"

Optimus turned to look at Wheeljack and then to the man on the screen. "And here is our chief inventor, Wheeljack.. he might be able to help you.. Wheeljack, this is Maxwell Thompson, a prospective grad student with some.. interesting ideas." Optimus said as he introduced Wheeljack to the smallish young man, with 'dirty blond' hair.

"What's he need help with? I just got here, so fill me in?" Wheeljack asked as he grabbed a seat next tot he screen.

"Well... let me start at the beginning.. and.. just to assure you.. Like I told Optimus Prime.. I'm not asking for Cybertronian tech" Maxwell stated. "I'm working on a project revolving around disposal of nuclear waste.. as we got a lot of it and no real practical way of getting rid of it. And storing it is an environmental hazard waiting to happen. Erm.. Long story short I came up with an idea that I sent off with my application to the grad program... and its bounced around a bit.. and now a lot of people want to know if it could work.. the US government being one of them.. and they suggested I get with you and see if you guys think its viable.. and if so.. they don't want to wait till I've graduated to start working on making it real... they kinda want me to see if you would be willing to collaborate with us on building one." Max rambled. "I mean.. you probably never really had this problem.. considering you don't use nuclear power... but you might know some things we don't?"

Wheeljack paused, glancing at the others, seeing an almost universally pained look from each of them. "Why don't you send me the specs you're working with and I can go over them? I can contact you later to go more in depth after I see what you propose doing? I can see you already tried to explain it to my colleagues."

"That would be great! I really hope we can work together on this!" Maxwell smiled.

"Just send it to my forwarding email.. Blaster can give that you.. so it doesn't get eaten by the spam filters." Wheeljack informed.

"Right-o... heh.. guess you get a lot of junk mail... erm.. it was nice talking to you.. Wheeljack!"

"Just call me Jack if you like." Wheeljack cheerfully supplied.

"Right! Call me Max!... I'll go send that off to you now!" Max nervousely stated before the screen switched off, transferred to blaster's smaller screen as he handled the rest.

Wheeljack stood, and whispered to Prowl. "Was it that bad?"

"It.. seemed.. sound. However, most of us got lost after he mentioned Nuclear waste.. and the rest when he started breaking down the difficulties of disposal and information about half life of isotopes." Prowl noted even as Blaster turned and gave Wheeljack a thumbs up. "Keep in mind, most bots don't bother knowing more than 'radiation is bad' and 'nuclear weapons are dangerous.' He is right to consider that we haven't really dealt with nuclear waste before, however."

Wheeljack un-subspaced his datapad and checked his email. Sure enough a massive file awaited him. "Hmm.. it should be an interesting challenge, to say the least. I suppose I have a new reason to get the loader drone up and running again if we get to the testing phase."

"... that would be a good use for it." Prowl slowly replied.

Wheeljack slowly raised an brow at Prowl, briefly surprised that even the most stoic of the Autobots seemed to regard the drone with trepidation. "Alright, if you need me, I'll be in my lab." He stated before quickly heading to his workspace.. already eagerly pouring over the mathematical proofs that made up the bulk of the proposal.

By the time he had sat down at his work bench, he already had a general idea of what Max's idea was. In effect, if the device could be built, it would break down matter into progressively simpler components, while extracting the raw energy released for other purposes... such as feeding the power back into the local power grid. In fact, Wheeljack surmised it could be extended to be used for all manner of toxic materials that are otherwise expensive or difficult to dispose of... with a few minor tweaks. Surely the human wouldn't mind a few extra improvements? Why limit it to nuclear waste when there were so many things it could be used for!? Wheeljack cackled as he started going to work on his proposed modifications. It was good to have a real challenge again!

Her name was Maxine, well as far as anyone who asked knew. And she had just finished a rather exciting night of celebrating as she entered her tiny little apartment. Things were going her way! Life was looking up! She thought as she tossed the Black wig aside, kicked off her heel and slipped out of the carefully padded dress and corset. Within a few minutes, Maxine was once again the barely noticeable Maxwell. Future grad student and well on his way to achieving the lifestyle he quietly craves.

He didn't know how his little idea, and carefully crafted design got pushed up to where it deserved the attention of the Autobots.. but frankly.. he didn't care. If it worked then his future would be secured, and he would not have to worry about affording all the difficulties of transitioning into 'Maxine.' Hell, he could probably pay cash for it all.. if everything went according to plan.

Max had barely settled down in front of his computer when he noticed the new mail message icon in the bottom corner of his computer screen. Probably just spam, he thought even as he clicked the icon. It took longer to load than normal, which probably should have been his first clue as to what it was. Upon loading, his jaw dropped. Wheeljack had not only just responded.. he even had suggestions.. improvements! He could just about jump for joy! Quickly he started to read through the lengthy suggestions and diagrams Wheeljack had provided. Carefully noting where Wheeljack had pointed out mistakes and made small alterations to his proofs.

Max laughed out loud as he started to draft a response and a proposal. The idea was foolproof! Nobel Prize worthy even! If he and Wheeljack could make this work other countries would surely clamor for this technology! Heck, even the Autobots might have a use for it elsewhere! He couldn't wait to get started.

Little did Max know, he wasn't the only one who couldn't wait for him to get started. Across from his apartment window, Laserbeak watched from a nearby rooftop. Quietly transmitting his data to his master, Soundwave.

Back on the Nemisis, Soundwave turned to Megatron to forward his report. "Lord Megatron. Autobot Wheeljack has agreed to work with the human. As expected."

"Excellent. Soon, I imagine they will have a working prototype built.. one that will suit our needs perfectly. And when they finish it.. we'll steal it right from under them! Then we'll have all the power we'll ever need!" Megatron declared.

"But Megatron, why are we even allowing them to build it, surely we can spare the resources-"

"But nothing Starscream! Why should we risk our already scarce resources on developing such a risky endeavor? Especially when we can get the Autobot's most brilliant inventor to help build it for us?" Megatron bellowed. "We were fortunate to discover this piddling human's little breakthrough, but I will not allow us to waste any resources on what may just be a waste of time!" He fumed. "Besides, better for them to work out all the kinks in the design for us."

"I do not question the wisdom of allowing our enemy to do the work for us. Oh mighty leader, I just think it would easier to steal the design and build it ourselves, to avoid a resource intensive conflict" Starscream hissed.

"Have you lost your taste for battle Starscream?" Megatron demanded. "Are you afraid of the chance to destroy a few unsuspecting Autobots as we seize the object that will take us to victory?!"

Starscream took a step back. "I-.. No Lord Megatron. I'm sure your plan will work.. flawlessly as always." He replied.

Megatron glowered at Starscream for a moment before turning back to face the monitor. "Mind your tongue, and see to it that it does. I grow weary of your treacherous remarks."

Starscream remained silent. Once more Megatron refused to listen to reason. Which suited Starscream all the better. It would be one more failed plan that he could lord over Megatron when it inevitably goes wrong.

Weeks later, Max was waiting outside his apartment, waiting for the person who would be taking him to meet the Autobots in person. He was nervous, unsure what to expect.. to talk to them through cameras or email was one thing.. but to meet them in person.. and to be invited to their base?! Thats entirely different! He could hardly believe Wheeljack had invited him over to his lab to help him work on getting the prototype built!

Max was so lost in thought he almost failed to notice the exotic looking sports car that pulled up in front of him, before announcing in a familiar voice. "Max! You ready to go? Its me, Wheeljack! Hop on in!" Wheeljack insited to Max's utter surprise, opening a door and waving at him with his holomatter avatar.

Max blinked before nervously getting into Wheeljack's altmode. He had heard they could make realistic projections of having drivers before.. though he had never seen it before. "Uhm.. thanks.. I thought someone from the government was going to pick me up?"

"They were but I wanted to do it myself! Besides, it means we can talk more on the way.. and its safer! Not that you wouldn't be safe letting the Government guys bring you in.. but you can never be too careful with Decepticons about." Wheeljack's avatar grinned as he accelerated. "When we get to the checkpoint, we'll pick up your pass so you can come and go as you like.. we used to not have one but..."

"Ah.. yeah.. I remember that fiasco with the reporters..." Max chuckled. "Did.. Grimlock really eat a news van?"

"Whaat?" Wheeljack blinked. "No no! Well.. he did pick it up and shake it around in his teeth.. and in his defense.. they rammed his leg... and we did have signs posted to keep them away from the Dinobots's stomping grounds."

Max chuckled. "So its their own fault. Figures." He paused as he considered a question that was plaguing his mind. "So.. why your lab? Usually when the government funds a project, they buy out a building and equipment for it."

"Well.. part of it is the cost.. its cheaper to do it at the ark, since I already have all the equipment and the space to build a prototype.. which we can refine into a mass production model later. The other is security. General Morshower has.. expressed.. his desire to not let the Con's snag or destroy this one. The potential benefit is too large to risk that happening.. again. And lastly, its because I'm the one helping out! My lab is big enough for me to work in and several other bots! So it makes sense to use my lab! Its efficient even!"

Max chuckled and facepalmed. "Of course.. dunno why I didn't think of that earlier."

"Plus you'll get to meet the other bots.. and the Witwicky's!" Wheeljack laughed. "It'll be great!" Wheeljack's avatar paused.. going eerily still for a moment before he spoke again. "Ah! I almost forgot.. open the glovebox.. there should be a datapad in there.. Prowl's got a bunch of stuff he wants you to read.. just general safety stuff.. mostly."

Max arched a brow as he opened up.. and pulled out a datapad.. that in no way should of fit in the glovebox it was in. "How did that fit in there?"

"Subspace! Its kinda like a pocket dimension.. we use it to store things or extra mass.. some bots have expanded subspace systems that allow them to size change to a significant degree when transforming." Wheeljack explained. "There are some severe drawbacks to those systems though, which is why most bots don't have them.. and the limitations generally mean that it can only be used when the T-cog is engaged... because it works off the lesser known functions of it."

"Lesser known?" Max arched a brow.

Wheeljack grinned, his voice becoming almost giddy as he went into further detail. "Well the base function of a T-cog is that of a mass shifter. It literally shunts mass around subspace to facilitate transforming... though not as much as older designs used to. Whenever you see a bot transform in a way that one part of his altmode vanishes and reappears on another part of his body, thats what is happening. Newer models save energy simply by governing the realignment of physical transform joints and circuitry, which are incorporated into adult frame protoforms. The side effect of that was that theres usually a little extra 'storage' leftover where we can place equipment or other items."

Wheeljack paused to let that sink in a moment before continuing. "The other limitation is more of a complexity problem.. the T-cog has to map out what needs to go where and how much needs to be moved.. You also can't simply add mass to make a bigger bot.. that mode has to be built that size before you can subspace any part of it... long story short, you can make a bot smaller, but not actually larger... and power considerations limit how small you can get."

"Huh.. that.. actually explains quite a lot about what I see on the news.." Max nodded and then looked at the Datapad. "Stick to the sides of hallways and don't linger in doors... In an emergency, bots may not be see you and you could get hurt or killed by accident." Max blinked. "Has that.. actually happened?"

"No.. but there were few too many close calls. Your passcard will have an RFID transponder.. which will help... but its not the same as a spark signature.. and even with those.. bots on the run still manage to collide with other bots... and those bots didn't even have shielded signatures." Wheeljack explained. "Err.. if you want to know more about Sparks.. we can ask Ratchet. He explains it better than I can.. I mostly just know the technical details..."

Max nodded and peered down the list in his hands. Most of it was common sense stuff and basic regulations. A few had pictures and names associated with them. "If you see the twins, Sunstreaker and/or Sideswipe, running and there is no alarm.. contact Prowl and Ratchet ASAP."

Wheeljack chuckled. "Those two are troublemakers.. good bots.. but a bit too fond of pranks. Prowl just wants to get the jump on them.. and Ratchet needs to be ready to accept injuries."

Max chuckled. "Ah.. I get it." When he looked up he noticed the checkpoint in the distance. "I thought we were farther away than this? How fast are we going?"

"Oh... about 90.. ish... sometimes." Wheeljack smiled sheepishly. "We did get kind of.. carried away talking."

".. Figures. If I was to drive that fast.. I'd get a ticket... I always get tickets when I speed." Max lamented as Wheeljack slowed.

"Well... I've gotten a few..." Wheeljack started.

"Oh now I got to hear this..." Max grinned. "After I get my passcard though..."

".. and so 'Bee's speeding around the town with Mario as his holomatter avatar... the local cops were going nuts cause he kept evading them..." Wheeljack laughed as Max fought to hang on to his shoulder, while laughing himself. "And then.. out of the blue... Drag Strip, of all the cons, shows up on the scene! He had set his avatar to Luigi.. and every time 'Bee would go out he would zip on past him.. giving him that death stare from Mario Kart!" Wheeljack explained as he walked into the Ark.

Max grinned widely covering his face with a free hand. "Oh my god.. and both sides kept letting them do this?"

"Well Prowl did put a stop to it when he found out... and Megatron really.. only barely controls the Stunticons... though I'm not sure what started it." Wheeljack noted as he waved to Jazz. "Hey Jazz! This is Max. Max, meet Jazz. he's the complete opposite of Prowl."

"Well not complete opposite." Jazz grinned widely. "Nice to meet ya' Maxy! I hear you're the one who wants to turn the world on its head by gettin' rid of all that toxic waste by turnin' it into energy!"

"Heck yeah!" Max smiled back. "I can still hardly believe I'm actually getting a chance to do it!"

"I hope it works! I think it'll be good fer all of us if it does." Jazz nodded. "Prime'll want to meet ya in person at some point, but he's a bit tangled up with Ratch' right now. He dun pulled a Prowler and skipped the last half dozen checkups. Ratch' was not amused in tha' least." Jazz chuckled.

"Prowl is a workaholic, I take it?" Max asked before glancing at the near sudden appearance of several other bots. "Whoah... I feel like the new kid in school again..."

Wheeljack glanced around as other started to gather. "Heh, its always a bit of a spectacle when someone new comes here." He mused. "And yeah.. Prowl's notorious for working too hard... and Ratchets the one who usually has to fix him because of it."

Prowl, spoke up as he rounded a corner. "I work that hard because nobody else can do my job, Wheeljack." He scolded. "And Max.. it is good to see you've arrived in one piece, have you read the regulations I sent along?"

Max nodded. "Yeah.. a few of them seemed a bit odd.. but I gather there must be good reason behind them."

"Good. Wheeljack, try to keep the explosions to a minimum while you and our guest are working." Prowl warned.

"Prowl? What do you take me for? Never once has any human been harmed by an explosion in my lab.. I do try to be cautious." Wheeljack shot back.

"Is that why it is usually the left hand that Ratchet needs to repair?" Prowl arched an eyebrow while other bots barely restrained their snickers.

"Well of course. That hand has the least sensitive equipment in it." Wheeljack deadpanned. The snickering stopped as they processed the logic of the source of what had been a long series running jokes on the Ark was revealed. "Why did you think it was usually that hand?"

"Well. To be honest..." Ironhide drawled. ".. I kinda thought that you had a glitch somewhere that caused that hand to.. twitch.. or somethin.' .. I guess I never.. really thought about it."

"Ya'know... dis... implies.. ya know when an experiments is goin' ta be unstable.. righ'?" Jazz noted aloud.

"Jazz, I'm working with recycled components most of the time to keep costs down.. I have to expect them to be slightly unstable. Though I usually only have at most a few seconds warning when they actually become unstable." Wheeljack paused and looked at Max's worried expression. "We're not using recycled parts.. most of its going to fabbed from raw material or shipped in by your government."

Max breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay.. good... but why don't they know that already?" He gestured to the.. mostly shocked crowd.

Arcee piped up first. "Because they're almost all warriors who really don't think about things like that.. they assume a particular reason and move on. Most Mechs aren't very good at lateral thinking outside their function... some femme's aren't either. Humans, male and female have us all beat in that department... usually.. there are some fairly dim ones out there.. but you have dim bots and bright bots.. the same for humans can be said. And some can be bright on certain things and dim on others."

"Fair enough.." Max nodded as the other bots sheepishly affirmed Acree's remark. "So onward to the lab?" Max grinned.

"Yes onward.. for science!" Wheeljack exclaimed!

"It was nice meeting you all! And I look forward to talking to you more later.. but now.. Science!" Max grinned widely.

The group chuckled as Wheeljack and Max left for 'jack's lab. "We're in trouble aren't we?" Ironhide asked when the pair were out of earshot.

"Wheeljack's excited, the new guy is excited and they both seem to like each other. Yeah.. we're in trouble." Arcee nodded.

"My estimations, after reviewing Max's file indicate that.. whatever the outcome.. it should be good for Wheeljack." Prowl noted.

"What he has a file already!?" Bumblebee exclaimed.

"Red Alert handled the compilation during his last visit before returning to the garrison on Cybertron." Prowl affirmed. "No, you cannot look at it." He gave Jazz a warning glance. "I handed the relevant data to Ratchet and sealed the rest of the files."

"Leave it ta Red ta be thorough." Jazz noted, ignoring Prowl's glance. "Guess tha' paranoia glitch of his comes in handy time ta time.. he's got a knack for picking out tiny details tha get overlooked."

"That is an accurate summation of why I had him do it. However, Max's personal data is not up for discussion... and I believe you all have things you should be doing? Or do I need to adjust the schedules again?" Prowl stated.

All but Jazz quickly and abruptly vacated the hallway. "... speaking of bots with too much free time.. ya got anythin' in store for the twins to keep em away from 'Jack's lab? Or you gunna leave that up for me ta work on?"

Prowl smirked. It was slight, ever so tiny crook of a smile.. but he did. "I am sure you will think of something.. creative."

"Aww Prowler. Ya know just what ta say ta warm my spark." Jazz grinned before heading down the hallway.

"You mean bots are actually afraid of that thing?" Max asked in surprise, pointing to the freshly painted loader drone. It was largely now eggshell blue in color, save for a few spots of silver and dark blue.

"Some.. yeah.. most are just creeped out by it.. I really don't understand it." Wheeljack confirmed before handing Max a smaller control pad for the drone. "It bothers a few humans too, but to a lesser extent."

"Have you tried asking them why?" Max asked as he fiddled with the controls.. finding it surprisingly easy to direct to do simple tasks.

"I've asked a few, but most of them didn't want to answer. The younger bots just say its unnerving because its sparkless. Which unnerves most bots until they get used to the idea.. but they've known about the drone for long enough to have pushed past that." Wheeljack paused. "And I'm reasonably certain that Thundercracker, a Decepticon, is blindingly terrified of it for some reason."

"Maybe you just haven't asked the right person?" Max stated as he directed the bot to move some raw material to Wheeljack's fabricator. "It sounds like theres more to the story.. probably something you weren't privy to for some reason or another."

"I don't see why that would matter.." Wheeljack replied as she started laying out parts on the table to start building the frame of the device.

"Shame can drive people to keep all sorts of secrets. Shame of their fear.. or shame regarding something involving them, maybe?" Max suggested, knowing all to well about why he hides his own secrets. "Its kinda hard to guess what else it could be... without knowing much about your history..a nd the history of the use of drones."

"Well... hmm... I.. suppose.. some of it might stem from bots knowing our history.. the older bots anyways.. it would remind them of the time we were enslaved by the Quintessons.. but that would only explain the reactions of our oldest bots." Wheeljack paused. "I'm not counting the Dinobots when I mention the younger bots.. they're different.. cold constructed on Earth. They have sparks.. so they don't bother the others.. but they're not afraid of the drone.. Grimlock has made the comment that the drone is 'weird,' however."

"Well it does have weird proportions." Max affirmed. "But its optimized for its job.. so thats probably why it looks like that."

"See? You understand!" Wheeljack laughed as he started t weld bits together as Max directed the drone to remove a few parts from the fabricator and put in more material. "Hmm maybe I should ask Kup... he's the oldest bot I know.. and not afraid to to talk about some of the things he's seen in his time. Kinda acts like its a badge of honor to be able to claim to have seen and lived though as much as he has."

"Sounds like an old grandfather type.." Max mused. "So after we get done fabbing the assembly.. what do you need me to do next?"

"Ah well.. next you can help me solder together the smaller components and install them into the framework. You've got much smaller hands than I do, so it should be far easier." Wheeljack chuckled. "I require special equipment to do what most humans can do with a soldering iron and wrench... most of it is stored in my finger tips... but you get the point."

Max laughed. "Why am I suddenly reminded of the mouse and the lion?"

Wheeljack shrugged, but laughed anyways. "Frag if I know.. but its a good comparison!"

End Part 1 R&R please!