User:Bumblevivisector/Sandbox/Multipath

Dinobots Strike Back

(PAGE_1) The five Dinobots are on lookout duty in Hidden Valley, all in robot mode. Bored with sitting by the river, Slag and Sludge start a fight. None of them notice the Insecticons Kickback and Bombshell sneaking up on them until Bombshell fires a mortar shell. (PAGE_2) The blast knocks down all of them but Swoop, who sees the shell coming in time to transform and dodge. Although one of his wings in injured by the explosion, he makes it to a nearby tree. Swoop watches in horror as Bombshell transforms into his tiny insect mode and uses his stinger to inject the other four Dinobots' heads with cerebro-shells. As Kickback reports back to Megatron, Bombshell orders the Dinobots to attack the Autobots and their pathetic Earth friends. The four of them transform. (PAGE_5) Bombshell thinks that the Dinobots will cause enough trouble to allow the Decepticons to get on with the next step of their plan without interference. He doesn't care that his cerebro-shells allow them to hear all of his thoughts, because they're under his control now. Swoop worries that with his bad wing, by the time he flies back to Autobot headquarters to warn Optimus Prime, the other Dinobots will have caused a lot of damage. Should he:

Fly back to Optimus Prime at Autobot Headquarters? (>>PAGE_10>>)

Stay and fight Bombshell? (>>PAGE_12>>)

(<<From_PAGE_5_OR_PAGE_6<<) Swoop takes off for the Ark (>>PAGE_10>>) Swoop flies north and arrives at Autobot headquarters. There he finds Optimus Prime in the war room discussing Hound's report of Dinobots tearing up farmland near Hidden Valley. Upon hearing Swoop's report, Optimus announces that the Dinobots must be stopped. (PAGE_19) Optimus turns to Prowl for advice on stopping the Dinobots without destroying them. Prowl notes that a quick and direct attack may be necessary to stop the Dinobots before they reach populated areas, but taking time to consult the memory banks of the Ark's computer might produce a better plan. Should Optimus Prime:

Consult the Ark's computer? (>>PAGE_26>>)

Destroy the Dinobots immediately with a massive attack? (>>PAGE_30>>)

(<<From_PAGE_19<<) Optimus consults the Ark's computer (>>PAGE_26>>) After a few minutes, the computer suggests having Windcharger remove the cerebro-shells with his magnetic field. However, it cannot calculate the exact power of the magnetic force necessary to remove the shells without ripping the Dinobots apart. Prowl warns that the Dinobots are approaching Bandit's Bluff, 15 minutes away from the nearest city. (PAGE_27) This gives Mirage an idea for an alternate plan: using his electro-disruptor to cast an illusion of Optimus Prime on the edge of Bandit's Bluff, tricking the Dinobots into charging it and falling into the ocean. The fall should knock them out, allowing the Autobots to take them back to base where the shells can be safely removed. Should Optimus:

Go with Mirage's plan? (>>PAGE_45>>)

Go with the computer's plan using Windcharger? (>>PAGE_66>>)

(<<From_PAGE_27<<) Optimus chooses Mirage's plan (>>PAGE_45>>) The Autobots arrive at Bandit's Bluff, and Mirage casts the illusion. The Dinobots take the bait and charge... (PAGE_71) ...over the cliff and into the ocean, where Seaspray is waiting. Ratchet, Sunstreaker, Huffer, Sideswipe, and Bumblebee haul the unconscious Dinobots aboard the destroyer and head back to the Ark, where Windcharger will be able to safely remove the shells in a controlled environment. Ratchet observes that this Decepticon plan, "was all wet!"

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_27<<) Optimus Prime chooses the computer's plan, with Windcharger (>>PAGE_66>>) Optimus has Windcharger lead a small convoy of Autobots to Bandit's Bluff, staying behind to confer with Skids about some urgent business. Upon arriving, Windcharger knows he'll definitely be able to pull the cerebro-shells out from 40 feet away, but worries that might harm the Dinobots. Should Windcharger cast his magnetic field from:

40 feet away? (>>PAGE_54>>)

Further back? (>>PAGE_50>>)

(<<From_PAGE_66<<) Windcharger stands 40 feet away (>>PAGE_54>>) As Windcharger releases his magnetic field, the Dinobots stop dead in their tracks. They then begin to convulse like crazed wind-up toys going through the same repetitive motions. Prowl realizes that the field was too strong, but there's nothing Windcharger can do to stop it as Dinobot parts begin flying through the air. (PAGE_32) The Autobot shield themselves from a tremendous thud, then look up to see the four Dinobots reduced to pieces. Prowl somberly collects the cerebro-shells for study. Except for Swoop, the Dinobots are now just as extinct as the real dinosaurs.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_66<<) Windcharger stands about 100 feet away (>>PAGE_50>>) He transmits a magnetic field which pops the four cerebro-shells off one at a time. The Dinobots stop short and look confused, but quickly remember that the Autobots are their friends. That night, there's a big celebration at Autobot headquarters to welcome the Dinobots back. After struggling to remember something important that Bombshell said, Grimlock runs and tells Optimus Prime... (PAGE_59) ...that controlling the Dinobots was just part of a bigger Decepticon plan. Optimus wonders if the plan is related to the strange electromagnetic activity that Skids detected around Dolphin's Bay, where Decepticons were spotted just a week ago. Optimus tells Skids to scout around the bay, and take Bumblebee since he can explore underwater. Wheeljack has been working on a new mini-submarine, and offers to program it by remote control to meet the two Autobots at the bay. (PAGE_13) Bumblebee likes the plan. Then Sludge volunteers to help, since he considers himself the best water figter. Optimus knows Skids and Bumblebee would rather not have him along. Should Optimus send Skids and Bumblebee on the mission:

With Sludge? (>>PAGE_24>>)

Without Sludge? (>>PAGE_3>>)

(<<From_PAGE_13<<) Optimus sends Sludge, Bumblebee, and Skids to Dolphin's Bay (>>PAGE_24>>) Bumblebee and Skids can drive faster than Sludge can walk, so the two go ahead after telling the Dinobot they'll probably just be tracking electromagnetic waves until he catches up. As he follows them, Sludge takes a wrong turn that's actually a shortcut, arriving at Dolphin's Bay first. Just offshore, he decides to take a nap, curling his head and tail out of sight so that he looks like a big gray rock in the water. (PAGE_17) Skids and Bumblebee arrive and start exploring the cove in Wheeljack's mini-sub, mistaking Sludge for a small island not noted on their map. This mystery is quickly forgotten as the sub's instruments detect the same signal Skids found earlier. Skids traces the signal to an underwater tunnel on the coast which connects to a series of chambers inside Mt. Lomas. Skids moves the sub in as close as he can, then Bumblebee steps out to investigate. (PAGE_28) Bumblebee swims into the tunnel, which slants upwards until he's merely waist-deep in water, facing a doorway. He hears Megatron on the other side making a speech about finishing an energy plant to process black coral into a superfuel which will make the Decepticons invincible. As other Decepticons cheer, Bumblebee moves to radio Skids before returning to the sub, only to be stopped by a deep voice booming behind him. (PAGE_4) Bumblebee sees Soundwave and Frenzy behind him, realizing the former intercepted his transmission to Skids. He dives into the water, only to be frozen by Frenzy's circuit-scrambling sonic attack. Frenzy proposes leaving the Autobot there in the water as a rusty warning to any future spies. When Bumblebee fails to return, Skids knows something awful must have happened, and won't risk radioing the Ark for fear of the Decpticons picking up the transmission. Should he:

Return to the Ark for help? (>>PAGE_57>>)

Attempt to rescue Bumblebee himself? (>>PAGE_68>>)

(<<From_PAGE_4<<) Skids drives back to the Ark (>>PAGE_57>>) He tells the Autobots of Bumblebee's disappearance and Operation Black Coral. Windcharger opts for an all-out land and sea attack, but Prowl thinks a mountain fortress is impossible to storm via brute force. (PAGE_8) Prowl claims the Dectpticons believe the Dinobots to still be under their control. He suggests contacting Sludge and having him claim the four of them have succeeded in killing many Autobots, convincing Megatron to allow them into their base. Behind enemy lines, the Dinobots can turn against their hosts when the Autobots attack. Windcharger complains that Prowl's plan will take too long, especially considering Bumblebee might not survive until then. Should Optimus take:

Prowl's advice? (>>PAGE_11>>)

Windcharger's advice? (>>PAGE_22>>)

(<<From_PAGE_8<<) Optimus takes Prowl's advice (>>PAGE_11>>) He explains the plan to the Dinobots, and sends Swoop to relay it to Sludge. Swoop fails to see his sleeping teammate, but lands on what looks like a rock, awakening Sludge. Swoop explains everything, and tells Sludge to attack the 'Cons when he sees the Pteranodon fly a loop in the sky. Swoop flies off, then rendezvous with Topspin and Seaspray in the channel. As the sun sets, Seaspray relays Prime's order to start the attack. (PAGE_40) Swoop flies low towards shore, spotting the Decepticons and Dinobots having a victory party around a bonfire atop Mount Lomas. Swoop flies a loop-the-loop, and Grimlock sees the signal, ording the Dinobots to attack. (PAGE_64) The Dinobots transform and strike before the Decepticons can attack. Sludge stomps Soundwave, and Grimlock breaks Frenzy in two. Starscream fires a laser at Slag which bounces off the Triceratops' armor and back to the gun, melting it. Thrust transforms into jet mode and takes off, only to take a missile from Swoop. As Megatron tries to fire his nuclear fusion cannon at Swoop, Snarl tail-strikes him, redirecting his aim down to blast a hole in the side of Mount Lomas. A platoon of Autobots arrives and enters the hole, descending into the underground lab. In minutes, Bumblebee is freed and the fuel generators destroyed. That night, the Dinobots are unusually merry at the Autobots' victory party.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_8<<) Optimus takes Windcharger's advice (>>PAGE_22>>) Optimus realizes that if Ravage or another spy has reported the Dinobots' recovery, Megatron will see through Prowl's plan. Optimus forms an attack plan with his commanders. Powerglide will attack from the air, Seaspray and Topspin will attack from the bay, and Optimus will lead the main force in a land attack. They arrive at sunset, spying Megatron, Starscream, Frenzy, Rumble, and other Decepticons confidently awaiting the attack atop Mount Lomas. (PAGE_44) Megatron orders his warrior jets to attack Topspin and Seaspray. Skywarp drops a heat-seeking missile on Topspin, and an enraged Seaspray responds with a barrage of lasers and missiles. Tracks shows up to provide air support with Powerglide, who blasts the jets with his thermal beam. The land-based Autobots storm the entrance to Mount Lomas. Jazz uses his flamethrower on the fuel-producing equipment while Ratchet pulls Bumblebee out of the tunnel. As the Autobots retreat, the raging fire turns Operation Black Coral into Operation Black Ashes.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_4<<) Skids tries to rescue Bumblebee himself (>>PAGE_68>>) He steers closer to the tunnel and sends out the weakest radio signal he can, hoping Bumblebee is closer than the Decepticons. Suddenly the radio goes dead, the control console blacks out, and a high-pitched squeal is heard, telling Skids that Frenzy's attacking. It's far enough away not to harm Skids, but the sub goes haywire, speeding every which way. (PAGE_52) Skids considers short-circuiting the sub with his electron blaster in order to stop it, but doesn't know what will happen if the blast is too strong. Activating the emergency backup systems might also allow him to regain control. Should he:

Short-circuit the sub? (>>PAGE_31>>)

Activate the emergency systems? (>>PAGE_9>>)

(<<From_PAGE_52<<) Skids zaps the controls (>>PAGE_31>>) This stops the sub, but also breaks a window, filling the sub with water. The rush knocks Skids against the wall and shorts him out as the sub sinks (PAGE_67) Suddenly, Sludge lifts the sub out of the water in his jaws. He places it on the deck of Seaspray, who came to investigate when the Ark lost radio contact with the sub. On-board, once Ratchet repairs him, Skids tells them of Operation Black Coral, and they radio Autobot headquarters. Optimus Prime launches a full-scale assault as Ratchet and Skids use the repaired sub to pull Bumblebee out. The Autobots hit the seaward wall of Mount Lomas with a hail of firepower that crumbles it, allowing seawater to crash into the Decepticons' lab. Good thing you decided to have Sludge along, since Operation Black Coral is now a total washout!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_52<<) Skids tries activating the emergency systems (>>PAGE_9>>) ...but Frenzy's scream has ruined them. The sub does a backflip through the air, then bolts for a huge gray rock. It hits, but the sup just bounces off of...Sludge! The Dinobot and sub are each dented but okay, and the sub has finally stopped. (PAGE_65) Skids disembarks the sub and climbs on Sludge's back. On the way to shore, he tells Sludge that they must rescue Bumblebee and stop Operation Black Coral, because if the Decepticon computer was telling the truth, the 'Cons will soon be super robots. (PAGE_51) Sludge drops Skids off at a dock, then wades back into the bay to, "make big wave." As Skids hides in a nearby hut, Sludge goes to where Bumblebee was last seen and begins rocking from foot to foot. As his stomping churns up the water, Bumblebee is washed out and floats to the surface, allowing Sludge to grab him in his jaws and carry him back to the dock as well. (PAGE_16) From inside the hut, both Autobots watch as Sludge resumes his assault until he creates a giant tidal wave that pounds the mountainside, amplifying it by whacking his tail in the water to sweep it over the entire mountain. Finally, the side of Mount Lomas slides off, and the Dectpicons and their lab are swept out into the bay. Since this includes Frenzy, Bumblebee is back to normal. Skids tells Sludge that the 'Cons will never forget the day he crashed their party.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_13<<) Optimus sends Bumblebee and Skids to Dolphin's Bay, without Sludge (>>PAGE_3>>) As the two small Autobots drive to the bay, Skids daydreams and misses a sign warning of hairpin turns. He crashes into a hillside, folding his hood in two. Skids doesn't care though, because his detector is picking up the same electromagnetic waves as before, meaning he hit the landward side of Mount Lomas. (PAGE_18) Bumblebee moves a branch to examine Skids' hood, and notices a trail cleared into the woods within the last week, and giant footprints along it. Should Bumblebee and Skids:

Follow the trail? (>>PAGE_23>>)

Continue to Dolphin's Bay? (>>PAGE_25>>)

(<<From_PAGE_18<<) Bumblebee and Skids follow the trail (>>PAGE_23>>) With a little difficulty, Skids transforms into robot mode and takes the lead. The signal gets stronger, and Skids walks rapidly towards a cave, failing to notice a trip wire. The ground gives way, and the two Autobots fall right into a Decpticon trap. (PAGE_20) Bumblebee awakens in an underground prison next to the unconscious Skids, as Constructicon engineer Scrapper welcomes the first guests they've had in their supermodern lab. Bumblebee asks Scrapper what's going on, and Gravedigger answers that they've discovered a limitless supply of superfuel that makes Decepticons stronger than ever. (PAGE_39) Scrapper then reduces the two Autobots into scrap metal, which he uses to help finish the new energy plant. One by one, the Autobots come looking for their friends and fall into Scrapper's trap, allowing him to build the whole thing out of Autobot pieces. He names it the "Autobot Memorial Power Plant," and laughs at having made the Autobots look so fuelish!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_18<<) Bumblebee and Skids continue to Dolphin's Bay (>>PAGE_25>>) ...where the mini-sub awaits. They dive and head north along the coast passing a black coral reef which seems to be emitting the electromagnetic waves they've been detecting. Skids punches several codes into the sub's computer... (PAGE_42) ...attempting to break into the Decepticons' computer. Bumblebee suggests using the code word Black Coral, which brings up a file explaining how the coral can be converted into a superfuel that will triple current war capacity. (PAGE_60) The computer detects the Autobots' illegal entry, but before they retreat, Bumblebee exits the sub to get a sample of the coral. Passing some crimson coral and kelp, he's approached by a school of Dolphins wishing to play with him, and gives the boldest one a friendly pat. As he breaks off a chunk of the black coral... (PAGE_53) ...an explosion creates a whirlpool which tosses him every which way in the churning water. The coral was booby-trapped! (?) When the water clears, Skids sees that Bumblebee is trapped in a deep coral canyon, the now broken pillars of crimson coral blocking the sub from entering. (PAGE_61) The dolphins slowly return, one of which taps on the sub's window with its nose. Skids notices that their leader is swimming through the pillars to where Bumblebee is trapped, and wonders if he could use the sub's computer to decode the dolphins' language and ask them to rescue his friend. It's a long shot, so maybe he's better head for the channel to radio Seaspray. Should Skids:

Decode the dolphins' language and ask for help? (>>PAGE_46>>)

Head for the channel? (>>PAGE_49>>)

(<<From_PAGE_61<<) Skids decodes the dolphin's language (>>PAGE_46>>) ...with the computer in about five minutes, and asks them to go get Bumblebee. The three largest dolphins push aside the coral pillars trapping Bumblebee. Skids breathes a sigh of relief as his comrade swims back to and enters the sub... (PAGE_41) with the sack of black coral he collected. When they reach the dock, Skids taps out a message of thanks to the dolphins, a dozen of which leap out of the water as if to say goodbye. (PAGE_33) Back at base, the Ark's computer determines that the Decepticons' plant must be deep inside Mount Lomas. Optimus Prime maps out an attack strategy, and an hour later an Autobot convoy speeds back to Dolphin's Bay. Decepticon spy jets spot them, and Megatron is waiting when they arrive. Megatron shouts a strange challenge to Optimus: A one-on-one fight to the end! Optimus accepts to avoid risking the lives of his Autobots if possible. (PAGE_62) Optimus summits Mount Lomas in a few strides, and he and Megatron each wait for the other to make the first move. Their warriors stand respectful distances around them. Megatron finally fires his nuclear fusion cannon, but Optimus dodges by splitting into his three units, catching Megatron off guard and leaving him outgunned. Rumble impulsively jumps in to help Megatron, pounding the ground... (PAGE_38) ...which splits the hollow mountain in half. Both sides flee as the Dectpticons' lab is buried. Operation Black Coral is renamed Operation Earthquake Mistake in the Decepticon computer file.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_61<<) Skids heads for the channel (>>PAGE_49>>) ...using a giant kelp forest as cover. He sends an s...o...s to Seaspray, who transforms into destroyer mode to rush to Dolphin's Bay just as the mini-sub surfaces. Together they return to the coral canyon where Seaspray carefully uses his laser from the water's surface to cut away the coral. Bumblebee squeezes through and swims up to Seaspray with the black coral. They agree to sail back to the Ark on Seaspray, since his sonar can detect any more mines (the booby trap, apparently) (PAGE_34) But ten minutes later, as they round Sea Lion point at the bottom of the cove, Seaspray proves a nice, big target for one of Starscream's cluster bombs, which shatter him to bits. There's no stopping Operation Black Coral now, so the Autobots are truly sunk.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_19<<) Optimus decides to attack the Dinobots immediately (>>PAGE_30>>) ...since there isn't a moment to lose, as the Dinobots approach a big city. Tracks fires his black-beam gun into Grimlock's eyes, confusing the Dinobot and provoking a blind charge. Powerglide knocks Snarl to his knees with a small concussion bomb, then Slag attacks the Autobot plane with a jet of fire. Swoop hits the ground near slag with a missile, knocking the Triceratops over. The thud pops a cerebro shell off, and Slag asks, "What happen?" (PAGE_72) Optimus orders the Autobots to "Bring them down fast and hard." Warpath downs Sludge with a volley of explosive sonic shells, popping off his cerebro shell. Swoop missiles Snarl, who falls to the side and hits his head on the ground, rolling his shell out. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker down Grimlock with a series of high-energy electron pulses, freeing the final shell. All the Dinobots come to, and the Autobots explain what happened. Grimlock accuses the Autobots of enjoying the situation, and Snarl sulks, but the Autobots have a good laugh.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_5<<) Swoop stays and fights Bombshell (>>PAGE_12>>) ...launching a missile which misses. Bombshell flies over and hovers right above the other Dinobots so that any missile Swoop fires will hit them too. Swoop could try to lure Bombshell higher, but they both might have trouble with the wind given Swoop's injured wing. Should Swoop:

Try to lure Bombshell higher? (>>PAGE_70>>)

Fly underneath Bombshell to fire up at him? (>>PAGE_35>>)

(<<From_PAGE_12<<) Swoop flies higher (>>PAGE_70>>) ...but instead of following him, Bombshell orders the other Dinobots to attack the Ark and trample any human settlements along the way. They charge off, raising a dust cloud which temporarily blinds Swoop. Bombshell sees his opportunity, flies up, and stings Swoop's wing, shrinking him down to the size of a hummingbird! As he hops along the ground, not used to flying with such tiny wings, a lizard spots him. (PAGE_15) Swoop tries to fly away, but the lizard swats him down. He's saved by a breeze which gives him the boost he needs to get airborne. He flaps his wings furiously to try and catch up to the other Dinobots, who've left an obvious trail of destruction behind them. (PAGE_6) He catches up to them as their rampage destroys a farm, feeling tired and helpless. Just then, Bombshell's poison wears off, and he returns to normal size, flying back to the Ark.

(>>PAGE_10>>GO_BACK_^UP^)

(<<From_PAGE_12<<) Swoop flies lower (>>PAGE_35>>) ...but isn't sure whether to risk flying over the violent Slag for a better shot at Bombshell, or try a tougher shot from over Sludge, who's less likely to attack him. Should Swoop fly over:

Slag? (>>PAGE_36>>)

Sludge? (>>PAGE_48>>)

(<<From_PAGE_35<<) Swoop flies over Slag (>>PAGE_36>>) ...just as he begins to get up. Bombshell orders the Dinobots to attack, but Swoop drops his missile for a direct hit on the tiny Insecticon, who spirals to the ground as Slag jumps out of his way. With Bombshell out cold, his victims are just standing there blank, giving Swoop his opportunity to transform into robot mode and grab him. Swoop shakes Bombshell awake and orders him to make the Dinobots better. Bombshell complies and flies off. (PAGE_56) The Dinobots return to their old selves, but really confused. Swoop says they just had a bug in their circuits.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_35<<) Swoop flies over Sludge (>>PAGE_48>>) He can barely see Bombshell, but fires anyway, scoring a lucky shot and sending him to the ground shrieking. Swoop transforms and threatens Bombshell with his energo sword until he removes the cerebro-shells. Bombshell transforms into robot mode and limps away as the Dinobots return to normal. Slag and Sludge resume the fight they were having before the attack, accidentally clobbering Swoop in the head, making him black out. (PAGE_58) Five minutes later, Swoop wakes up with no memory of Bombshell and the cerebro-shells. Now you're the only one who knows what really happened!

THE END