Project Brain Drain

« Find Your Fate Junior #8 »
Sparkplug has bad dreams when he eats pizza too late at night.
"Project Brain Drain"
Publisher	Ballantine Books
Imprint	Find Your Fate Junior
First published	September 1986
Writers	Barbara Siegel & Scott Siegel
Illustrator	William Schmidt (interior pencils and cover painting)
ISBN	ISBN 0-345-33389-6 ISBN 9780345333896
Page count	74

Sparkplug Witwicky accidentally picks up a Decepticon transmission on his homemade radio. They plan to use their new Brain Drain device to drain the mental energy of all the attendees of a rock concert in Heywood Heights. Will the Autobots be able to save the day? The answer... is up to you!

Synopsis

(PAGE_1) Sparkplug Witwicky is in the process of building a new high-tech radio. He’s having difficulties getting the device to function, but tenaciously continues to work on his project. His son Spike offers some words of encouragement as he prepares to leave for a rock concert in Heywood Heights. (PAGE_2) As soon as Spike leaves with his friends for the concert, Sparkplug’s radio finally begins to function properly. Fiddling with the radio’s controls, Sparkplug is shocked to discover a secret Decepticon frequency. Listening in, he is privy to Soundwave making a top-secret report to Galvatron. Soundwave reports to his commander the completion of a device that drains the untapped energy of the human brain. He elaborates that once the device is used on a human, they become "incredibly stupid," before breaking into fiendish laughter. Galvatron shows little patience for Soundwave’s self-congralutory attitude, and asks what they will need to perform the device's test-run. Soundwave explains that all they require is a large enough gathering of people to drain the desired amount of energy. (PAGE_3) Galvatron is pleased, and decides to use the device at a gathering of approximately 500 000 humans happening tonight: the Heywood Heights rock concert! The device is to be activated six hours from now, unit which time it is to remain under heavy security. Upon learning all of this, Sparkplug rushes out to try and stop his son, but Spike is already long gone. Sparkplug realizes that his only hope is to warn the Autobots about this Decepticon plot. But which method should he use to get in contact with his Cybertronian allies?

Should Sparkplug set out immediately for Metroplex, the Autobots’ city? (>>PAGE_7>>)

Should Sparkplug attempt to contact the Autobots with his radio set? (>>PAGE_10>>)

(<<From_PAGE_3<<) Sparkplug sets out for Metroplex. (>>PAGE_7>>) He knows he’ll be able to reach the Autobot headquarters in three hours, and if he warns his friends fast enough, they’ll reach the concert before the Decepticons do any damage with their Brain Drain device. Jumping into his old, beat-up family car, Sparkplugs races off. Though the old vehicle manages to get him nearly all the way to Metroplex, a few miles short of his destination, his right front tire blows out, causing Sparkplug to skid out of control! (PAGE_34) The car crashes into a telephone pole, and is completely wrecked in the process. Sparkplug however is not hurt crawls out of his car’s remains. Undeterred by this turn of events, Sparkplug pushes on towards Metroplex. But should he play it safe and stick to the road, or should he attempt to take a shortcut through the hills?

Should Sparkplug stick to the road? (>>PAGE_12>>)

Should Sparkplug take a shortcut? (>>PAGE_17>>)

(<<From_PAGE_34<<) Figuring he shouldn’t push his luck, Sparkplug stays road-bound. (>>PAGE_12>>) A short walk later, he hears the familiar honking of Bumblebee’s car horn behind him. Delighted to see his old friend, Sparkplug climbs aboard, and informs Bumblebee of the situation at hand. Once Bumblebee learns of the Decepticons’ plan, he speeds all the way to Autobot city to report to Ultra Magnus. (PAGE_29) At first, Ultra Magnus is furious to see Bumblebee, decrying the little Autobot’s wanton disregard for Metroplex’s traffic laws. Sparkplug steps out of Bumblebee to defend his friend, and explain why they rushed so quickly to arrive before Ultra Magnus. Once Ultra Magnus is informed of the Decepticons’ plot, he devises two possible plans to thwart the Brain Drain plot. The first plan would involve the Autobots creating a distraction at the Decepticons’ base, forcing the Decepticons to return and defend it. Alternatively, the Autobots could set out for the concert now, and set up a trap for the Decepticons there. Which strategy to choose?

Attack the Decepticon base? (>>PAGE_33>>)

Set a trap at the rock concert? (>>PAGE_55>>)

(<<From_PAGE_29<<) The Autobots decide to attack the "secret" Decepticon base. (>>PAGE_33>>) The Decepticons’ headquarters stands near the peak of a mountain, and is naturally hidden by snow drifts on three sides. Reaching the mountaintop is time-consuming, but if this mission has any chance of success, the Autobots much reach their destination before Galvatron leads his attack on the rock concert. (PAGE_69) The Autobots edge their way higher up on the mountain, until the Decepticon base finally comes into sight. (PAGE_22) Sparkplug checks his wristwatch, and sees that the Autobots are almost out of time. Galvatron will launch his attack in three minutes. The Autobots need to force Soundwave hand and have him radio Galvatron for reinforcements before then. But Ultra Magnus is unfamiliar with the Decepticon base’s defences. If he does not send in a scout to evaluate what they might be up against, the base’s defences could easily defeat the Autobots, making it unnecessary for Soundwave to radio for help anyways. What should Ultra Magnus do?

Should Ultra Magnus should decide that there is no more time to waste, and attack immediately? (>>PAGE_27>>)

Should Ultra Magnus exert caution and scout the Decepticon defences first? (>>PAGE_30>>)

(<<From_PAGE_22<<) Ultra Magnus decides to attack the Decepticon base immediately. (>>PAGE_27>>) The Autobots begin to open fire on the Decepticon base, and rush forwards with Ultra Magnus leading the assault. Unfortunately, the attack goes a little too well. The Decepticons are so caught by surprise by the Autobots that they are barely capable of putting up a fight, and their whole base is destroyed, including their broadcast equipment! Although the Decepticon base is obliterated, the S.O.S. was never sent to Galvatron, leading the Decepticon leader to successfully carry out his own plan. Though the Autobots have won this battle, they have surely lost the war, as the Decepticons have a powerful new source of energy, one that will destroy the human race!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_22<<) Ultra Magnus decides to send out scouts to evaluate the Decepticons’ defences. (>>PAGE_30>>) But before he can do so, the Decepticon guards spot the Autobots, and open fire! Though a turn of bad luck, it does lead the Decepticons to radio their leader when they realize there are too many Autobots for them to fend off by themselves. The Autobots push the Decepticon forces to the edge of a cliff, but the evil robots fight back fiercely, and the firefight rages on for hours. Just as Ultra Magnus begins to doubt whether or not Galvatron abandoned the rock concert to answer his troops’ pleas for help, the mighty Decepticon arrives on-scene, followed by a squadron of Decepticon jets. Though the humans have been saved, now the Autobots themselves find themselves in a tight spot. (PAGE_67) Thrust, Dirge and Laserbeak flank the Autobots on one side, while Galvatron and Soundwave attack from another side. Though they are outmatched, Ultra Magnus is too proud to order a retreat. Especially since the Decepticons still possess the Brain Drain device. Galvatron holds the machine while firing on the Autobots, and Ultra Magnus is determined to destroy it. Suddenly, an idea forms into his head, and he fires upon the snow bank behind the Decepticons. An avalanched is triggered, and its impact on Galvatron causes the Decepticon to lose hold of the device. The device breaks upon hitting the ground, and is subsequently buried unto tons of snow. The Autobots have successfully put an end to the Decepticons’ energy-gathering plot!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_29<<) The Autobots decide to set a trap for the Decepticons at the rock concert. (>>PAGE_55>>) With Ultra Magnus in the lead, the Autobots drive towards Heywood Heights, reaching their destination with fifteen minutes to spare before the Decepticons are scheduled to begin their attack. Overlooking the concert’s set-up, Ultra Magnus formulates a plan. The attendees are all sitting in front of the concert stage, with their cars and trucks parked in a large circle surrounding them.Ultra Magnus orders the Autobots to remain in disguise, and spread out amongst the vehicles, so as to be prepared to defend the humans from every angle. (PAGE_42) The humans are blissfully unaware of their predicament, even as the night sky is filled with a full squadron of Decepticon jets. Fully immersed in the concert experience, none of them even notice Galvatron overlooking the scene from a distance. Ultra Magnus orders his Autobots to remain in disguise, even as the aerial Decepticons begin to dive towards the crowd below and the earthbound Decepticons stride towards the crowd unchallenged. (PAGE_46) Just as the Decepticons are about to reach their target, the Autobots spring into action and begin opening fire on their enemies. But the Decepticons had planned to set the parking lot on fire to prevent the humans from escaping while the Brain Drain device did its work. Galvatron is undeterred by the Autobots’ appearance, and sees an opportunity to rid himself of his enemies while still carrying out his original plan. The Decepticon jets begin to douse the parking lot in gasoline, and Ultra Magnus must make a decision. Having deduced what fate is awaiting them if they stay put, should he…

Order a retreat, avoiding a fiery fate for his Autobots? (>>PAGE_58>>)

Have the Autobots stand their ground, hoping they can defeat the Decepticons before they are set alight? (>>PAGE_48>>)

(<<From_PAGE_46<<) Ultra Magnus orders the Autobots to retreat. (>>PAGE_58>>) Hot Rod is all too eager to escape the parking lot, now drenched in flammable fuel. But Ultra Magnus doesn’t order the Autobots to retreat away from the rock concert. Instead, he instructs the Autobots to abandon the parking lot and run forward, into the human crowd, in order to better protect them. The ring of fire that surrounds the crowd works somewhat in the Autobots’ favour, as the earthbound Decepticons are now unable to attack them. But the aerial Decepticons are still incoming... (PAGE_24) Laserbeak, Thrust and Dirge begin the assault. As they rain down missiles and bombs, the humans begin to panic and seek shelter. The Autobots retaliate, and are able to drive off the aerial attack But just outside the circle of flames, Galvatron prepares to activate the Brain Drain device onto the humans. Bumblebee comes to the realization that the device is a bigger threat than any of the Decepticons attacking them. Despite the raging inferno, Bumblebee transforms, and dashes towards the Decepticon leader! (PAGE_36) Bumblebee takes on massive damage from the intense heat of the flames, but remains unnoticed by Galvatron, as the later is busy fiddling with the Brain Drain device. Bumblebee knows he possesses no weapons capable of harming Galvatron, and so knows he must opt to simply destroy the Brain Drain device. Should Bumblebee…

Crash into Galvatron, hoping to make him drop the device, breaking it in the process? (>>PAGE_38>>)

Transform into robot mode at the last second, and throw a flaming car at the Brain Drain device, hoping to destroy it while it’s still in Galvatron’s hands? (>>PAGE_45>>)

(<<From_PAGE_36<<) Bumblebee, now a blazing fireball himself, crashes into Galvatron. (>>PAGE_38>>) Though Galvatron spotted the Autobot before he reached his destination, his hands were busy with the Brain Drain device, making him unable to fire to defend himself. Bumblebee impacts Galvatron leg, causing Galvatron to stagger… (PAGE_63) but the Decepticon leader does not fall! Victory appears to be in the hands of the Decepticons as Bumblebee is smouldering at Galvatron’s feet… that is until Bumblebee’s fuel tank catch fire, causing the little Autobot to explode! Flying shrapnel tears the Brain Draine device apart, foiling the Decepticons’ plan. Though Bumblebee sacrificed himself, his heroic act was not in vain!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_36<<) Just before he reaches Galvatron, Bumblebee transforms and picks up a nearby truck to throw at his opponent... (>>PAGE_45>>) unfortunately, the truck Bumblebee picks up is an oil tanker. Just as he begins to lift it, the fuel within catches fire, and blows Bumblebee to smithereens! Now nothing can stop the Decepticons from seeing through their insidious plot!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_46<<) Ultra Magnus orders the Autobots to continue the attack. (>>PAGE_48>>) Ultra Magnus has decided that he wants the Decepticons to set the parking lot alight, as it may provide the humans with a protective ring against the Decepticons. As soon as Galvatron gives the signal to set the parking lot ablaze, Ultra Magnus signals his troops to charge forwards and attack the Decepticons! The two armies clash, and Ultra Magnus sees to it personally that Galvatron does not activate the Brain Drain device by engaging the Decepticon leader himself! (PAGE_64) Ultra Magnus puts up a struggle, and manages to make Galvatron lose his grip on the Brain Drain device. But Galvatron retaliate, gains the upper hand, and catapults Ultra Magnus into the bandstand. Once his opponent is no longer in close quarters, Galvatron is free to operate the Brain Drain device. As Ultra Magnus lays stunned, Galvatron takes aim towards his opponent with every weapon at his disposal. (PAGE_8) Soundwaves steps in before Galvatron can finish off Ultra Magnus, and urges his commander to use the Brain Drain device immediately instead of wasting time destroying Ultra Magnus. Galvatron heeds his minion’s words, deciding that the greatest victory against Ultra Magnus would be to destroy the humans he cares so much for. Both Hot Rod and Bumblebee see Soundwave retrieve the device in order to return it to Galvatron. Either one of them could be close enough to stop Soundwave, but which one should make his move?

Bumblebee, who is closest? (>>PAGE_6>>)

Hot Rod, who is fastest? (>>PAGE_18>>)

(<<From_PAGE_8<<) Bumblebee makes his move to stop Soundwave from handing the Brain Drain device over to Galvatron. (>>PAGE_6>>) But the Decepticons see him coming before he has a chance to do anything. Galvatron lifts his foot, and crushes Bumblebee into a pile of scrap metal. Then Galvatron proceeds to activate the Brain Drain device, turning off the minds of nearly half a million people.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_8<<) Hot Rod makes his move to stop Soundwave from handing the Brain Drain device over to Galvatron. (>>PAGE_18>>) Before either Decepticon can react, the speedy Autobot has appeared between the pair and plucked the Brain Drain device right out of their hands! But Hot Rod finds himself unable to stop at this speed, and plunges right into the ring of fire. His only hope is to continue through it at a high enough speed that he will receive minimal damage. Just as he is about to reach the inner edge of the ring, however, his tires explode from the heat! (PAGE_57) But even with four blown tires, Hot Rod’s speed carries him through to safety. Nonetheless, the fire has put him temporarily out of action, and the young Autobot skids to a halt near the bandstand. Galvatron proves that the raging inferno only serves to mildly inconvenience him, as he strides through it to retrieve the Brain Drain device. But Ultra Magnus is on the move as well, and the two leaders race towards the device. (PAGE_72) Galvatron is first to reach Hot Rod, and grabs hold of his energy draining machine. But Ultra Magnus grabs one of the large electrical cables leading to one of the speakers on the bandstand. Ripping off one end, he fashions it into a lasso and wrangles Galvatron around his neck. The sudden tug that Ultra Magnus gives, as well as the electrical current running through the cable causes Galvatron to thrash about, and smash the Brain Drain device. Infuriated by this turn of events, Galvatron orders a retreat, seeing no point in fighting after losing his plan’s lynchpin. As the Decepticons make their getaway, the concert-goers give their saviours, the Autobots, a standing ovation!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_34<<) Sparkplug decides to take a shortcut, reasoning that every second he spares is another he can use to thwart the Decepticons. (>>PAGE_17>>) Although the climb up the slope that separates himself and Metroplex is tough work, he soon reaches the apex, and is able to admire the mechanical city’s splendour. But upon his first step downhill into the valley before him, Sparkplug slips and falls, disappearing into a deep ravine from which there is no escape…

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_3<<) Sparkplug attempts to make contact with the Autobots through his radio set. (>>PAGE_10>>) While surfing through the frequencies, he receives a strange response; a voice exclaims: "I’m here with fast, fast, fast relief. What’s troubling you, bunker?" Thinking he’s simply picking up an old commercial, Sparkplug continues to reach the Autobots. But the voice continues to address him, and explains that it is Wreck-Gar, a Junkion ally of the Autobots! Though it is not the response Sparkplug wished for, it is the only one he receives. Relunctantly, Sparkplug explains to Wreck-Gar that he needs to speak with Ultra Magnus. (PAGE_11) Minutes later, the rusted, dental robot appears before Sparkplug’s doorstep and transforms into a motorcycle, egging Sparkplug to hop on, all the while peppering his speech with random pop-culture references. (PAGE_70) Sparkplug heeds Wreck-Gar’s advice, and soon the pair are roaring off towards Autobot City. While en route, Sparkplug notices a building in the distance, guarded by Decepticon goons. Realizing this building is just south of Heywood Heights, Sparkplug figures this is where the Brain Drain device might be kept! If he could sneak in and destroy the device, he could thwart Galvatron’s plan before it even begins! However, if the guards capture or kill him and Wreck-Gar, all would be lost. What should Sparkplug do?

Attempt to sneak into the Decepticon lab? (>>PAGE_19>>)

Continue heading straight for Metroplex and Autobot reinforcements? (>>PAGE_23>>)

(<<From_PAGE_70<<) Sparkplug decides to attempt infiltrating the Decepticon lab. (>>PAGE_19>>) He instructs Wreck-Gar to circle around the building. Once done, the two of them hide behind a long line of trees and edge closer towards what appears to be an unguarded back door. Fifteen yards from this entrance, the pair run out of cover. They will have to make a quick dash into the lab, and hope not to get spotted. (PAGE_25) Just as Sparkplug and Wreck-Gar make their move, Soundwave steps out of the building with a strange machine under his arm… The Brain Drain device! Soundwave immediately spots the intruders and opens fire on them. Though they are able to avoid Soundwave’s volley, Sparkplug and Wreck-Gar hear an alarm being triggered. The Decepticons are now on high alert, and it will be impossible to sneak into the lab. Attempting a hasty retreat, The human-Junkion duo find themselves facing a whole detachment of Decepticons blocking their escape route! (PAGE_68) Soundwave then announces that no harm will come to Sparkplug or Wreck-Gar if they surrender immediately.

Should Sparkplug surrender now, and hope to escape later? (>>PAGE_61>>)

Should Sparkplug attempt to escape despite all odds, and hope that luck will be on his side? (>>PAGE_37>>)

(<<From_PAGE_68<<) Sparkplug accepts Soundwave’s terms and surrenders. (>>PAGE_61>>) As soon as Sparkplug and Wreck-Gar show they are willing to cooperate, every Decepticon in sight, Soundwave included, take aim and blow them to oblivion! The lesson: Never trust a Decepticon!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_68<<) Sparkplug attempts a mad dash to escape. (>>PAGE_37>>) Hopping onto Wreck-Gar who’s once more transformed into his motorcycle mode, the two of them speed through the Decepticons and hope for the best. Ramjet attempts to stop them with a barrage of cluster bombs, but he miscalculates their speed, and the explosives detonate behind them. Wreck-Gar roars past Ramjet, and into the open. But Laserbeak and Thrust are in hot pursuit! These two fliers are much faster than Wreck-Gar, but the Junkion is not about to forfeit so easily. (PAGE_4) Laserbeak fires two laser blasts, and though he does not land a direct hit, the nearby impacts are enough to send Sparkplug and Wreck-Gar flying into a lake. Thrust then nears himself, making sure he’s close enough to not miss. (PAGE_40) Thrust launches two missiles, but they are shot down before they reach their target! Hot Rod, Kup and Jazz have appeared on the scene and are coming to the rescue! Seeing the incoming Autobots, Thrust and Laserbeak retreat, preferring to only fight when the odds are in their favour. Sparkplug and Wreck-Gar are ecstatic about this unforeseen rescue. (PAGE_41) Now that they have Autobot reinforcements, Sparkplug contemplates having another go at attacking the Decepticon lab. He quickly explains the situation, and the group contemplates their options.

Should Sparkplug, Hot Rod, Jazz, Kup, and Wreck-Gar attempt a counter-attack on the Decepticon lab? (>>PAGE_28>>)

Should they send Hot Rod, the fastest amongst them, to the Autobot City for reinforcements while the rest of the group head straight for the rock concert? (>>PAGE_9>>)

(<<From_PAGE_41<<) The small group decides to attempt a counter-attack on the Decepticon lab. (>>PAGE_28>>) Hot Rod explains to the others that if they can at least prevent the Decepticons at the lab from leaving, they will halt the Decepticons’ plan. In the best case scenario, they would manage to destroy the Brain Drain device before it leaves the facility. The rest of the group agree, and decide to attack the Decepticon base immediately. (PAGE_44) Sparkplug loads some rocks into Kup’s cargo area, so that he might fight alongside the Autobots too, despite not having any high-tech weapons. The squadron then speeds off towards the Decepticon lab, and catch their enemies completely by surprise! Before the Decepticons can get off a sign shot, they are mowed down by blasts from Hot Rod, Jazz, and Wreck-Gar! Smashing through the Decepticons’ defences, the Autobots are now nearing the lab itself. But for how long can the element of surprise aid them? (PAGE_14) Surely enough, the Autobots’ luck seems to have run out when they are confronted by a whole squad of Decepticons defending the lab’s entrance. The guards open fire, injuring Wreck-Gar. But the Junkion is able to reassemble himself and continue fighting! Meanwhile, Jazz and Hot Rod are simply too fast and agile for the Decepticons to land a hit. And Kup, in turn, is so used to battle injuries that he simply trudges forwards despite the hits he takes. (PAGE_13) Sparkplug then picks up a hefty rock, and throws it towards Thrust, who is leading the Decepticon defence. Sparkplug scores a lucky hit, scrambling Thrust’s computer centre. The Autobots then transform and begin to fight back against the demoralized Decepticons. But the Autobots see Soundwave exiting the lab through a side door, carrying a large box. It must be the Brain Drain device. Soundwave attempts to flee while the rest of the Decepticons keep the Autobots occupied. There are two ways for the Autobots to stop Soundwave:

Should Hot Rod attempt a difficult bit of sharpshooting, and blow the Brain Drain device out of Soundwave’s hands? (>>PAGE_52>>)

Should Jazz attempt to stun Soundwave’s sensitive audio circuits with a tremendous feedback effect? (>>PAGE_54>>)

(<<From_PAGE_13<<) Hot Rod attempts to snipe the Brain Drain device out of Soundwave’s hands. (>>PAGE_52>>) But just as he fires, Soundwave trips over a fallen Decepticon, and takes Hot Rod’s blast in the shoulder instead! The blast causes Soundwave to jerk up his hand, sending the Brain Drain device flying! (PAGE_56) Laserbeak suddenly sweeps down, and grabs ahold of the device! Laughing triumphantly, he takes off to render-vous with Galvatron! The attack on the lab has ended in failure, and soon nearly 500 000 people will have their brains drained of all energy.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_13<<) Jazz attempts to stun Soundwave with a feedback effect. (>>PAGE_54>>) Using all the electronic audio components in his body, Jazz directs the sensory blast directly towards Soundwave. The feedback wave is super effective against Soundwave, and reduces him into a broken mass of tweeters and woofers, crushing the Brain Drain device in the process. Humanity is saved from having its collective brains drained today!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_41<<) The Autobots decide to send Hot Rod towards Autobot city while the rest of them head for the concert. (>>PAGE_9>>) Though Hot Rod is hesitant in accepting his mission, as he doesn’t want to miss out on any of the action, he promises he will meet up with the rest of the group at the concert once he has the entire Autobot army with him. Sparkplug, Jazz, Kup and Wreck-Gar in turn head towards Heywood Heights, determined to stall the Decepticons. (PAGE_16) Once Sparkplug’s group reach the concert grounds, they realize the immensity of their task. There are nearly half-a-million people that must be defended from the Decepticons! (PAGE_66) The Autobots admit to one another that the task does indeed seem impossible. But they keep their wits about them, knowing that all that is needed for the tide to change in their favour is for Hot Rod to complete his part of the mission. Then, the sound of jet engines begin to fill the air… (PAGE_26) With the sound of the crowd and the concert, it is hard to determine from which direction the engine sounds are coming from, however. Sparkplug is able to narrow down the possible directions the Decepticons are coming from to be either west or south, but beyond that he is unable to tell. The Autobots are only going to get one chance to defend the concert goers, and must station themselves appropriately. From which direction should they anticipate an attack?

West? (>>PAGE_32>>)

South? (>>PAGE_62>>)

(<<From_PAGE_26<<) The Autobots decide to station themselves in anticipation for a Decepticon attack coming from the west. (>>PAGE_32>>) They arrive in position just in time for the Decepticon squadron to come into view! The robots prepare to fire, while Sparkplug stands at the ready to repair whatever damage might be inflicted upon them by the enemy. (PAGE_71) The Decepticons begin to descend onto the startled crowd, but the Autobots manage to expunge Dirge, and cripple Thundercracker with a few well-placed shots. The Decepticons are caught off guard by this turn of events, and veer off-course to regroup. Although the Autobots have forestalled the Decepticons’ attack for a few minutes, the evil robots circle around, and this time attack the Autobots directly! (PAGE_20) As the Decepticons unleash their firepower, the humans scatter and flee in panic. In the ensuing battle, Kup loses an arm, and Jazz takes a hit to his leg. Wreck-Gar is blown apart, but is able to reassemble himself with Sparkplug’s help. But the Junkion is hit again and again as the Decepticons continue their assault. (PAGE_60) Despite Sparkplug’s best efforts, Wreck-Gar’s pieces become scattered once more. To make matters worse, Galvatron arrives onto the battlefield, carrying with him the Brain Drain device. Yet, Sparkplug also spots a cloud of dust behind the nearest hill. Could it be the Autobot army arriving? If so, Sparkplug could attempt to signal them. Sparkplug could also focus his energy in trying to reassemble Wreck-Gar once more. What to do?

Signal whoever is behind the hill? (>>PAGE_47>>)

Attempt to reassemble Wreck-Gar again? (>>PAGE_51>>)

(<<From_PAGE_60<<) Sparkplug attempts to signal whoever is approaching the battlefield. (>>PAGE_47>>) It could either be the Autobots or Decepticon reinforcements. Sparkplug leaves Wreck-Gar to reassemble himself, and heads for the top of the hill. To his delight, it is indeed the Autobots racing towards them. Hot Rod spots Sparkplug waving his arms towards the Autobot convoy, and the Autobots change direction to head directly towards the battle. But Galvatron is in the process of activating the Brain Drain device… (PAGE_35) If the Decepticons activate the device, they will have the energy necessary to defeat the Autobots. But the Brain Drain device is a complicated piece of machinery, and before Galvatron can fully activate it, Ultra Magnus and his troops are upon him, unleashing the full force of their weapons. Though Galvatron is resistant to their missiles and bombs, the Brain Drain device is reduced to a worthless pile of scrap. Howling in rage, Galvatron orders his Decepticons to retreat. Once again, humanity has been saved from the Decepticons’ evil machinations!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_60<<) Sparkplug attempts to once more reassemble Wreck-Gar. (>>PAGE_51>>) After all, the sound of the battle should be enough to draw the Autobots to their position. Thanks to Sparkplug’s affinity with machines, Wreck-Gar is soon in one piece. Upon being reconstructed, Wreck-Gar immediately transforms into motorcycle mode, and uses a nearby broken speaker as a ramp to fling himself into the air, towards Galvatron! Wreck-Gar smashes his front wheel into the Brain-Drain device, shattering it into a million pieces. The Autobot reinforcements then arrive, and manage to drive back the Decepticons. Thanks to Wreck-Gar and the Autobots, the human race is safe once more!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_26<<) The Autobots decide to station themselves in anticipation for a Decepticon attack coming from the south. (>>PAGE_62>>) Making their way to the appropriate position, the Autobots startle the concert goers. Sparkplug looks for Spike, but is unable to find the boy. While all this happens, the band remains unfazed and continues to play their song. All the nearby sounds are bouncing in every direction thanks to the terrain, and though the Autobots know the sound of jet engines draw closer, they still don’t see any Decepticons. (PAGE_50) Too late do the Autobots realize that they guessed wrong, and that the Decepticons are in actuality attacking from the west! The Decepticons spot the small Autobot force first, and blow them apart before the heroic robots can even turn around. Galvatron then arrives, Brain Drain device in hand, and begins to rob the humans of their brain power. Sparkplug spots his son, who can only say as his intelligence wanes: "Hello! Lovely day, isn’t it? But who are you, mister, and why do you look so sad?"

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_70<<) Sparkplug decides to continue heading for Metroplex. (>>PAGE_23>>) As it is already late afternoon, and the Decepticon attacks is to take place soon, Sparkplug urges Wreck-Gar to go faster and faster. But Wreck-Gar overdoes it, and one of his parts wears down under the stress! The motorcycle comes to a skidding halt. Wreck-Gar is unable to repair himself without any spare parts around! The duo are stranded in the middle of nowhere. It’s a dumb thing to happen, but it’s not nearly as dumb as all of humanity will soon be.

THE END

Featured characters

Notes

• Spike wears two earrings in his left ear.
• Wreck-Gar makes his memorable only appearance in the series here. In true Junkion fashion he makes numerous pop-culture references, including ones to Bruce Springsteen and door number one.
• Metroplex is mentioned as Autobot City, but is not shown to be a Transformer in his own right.
• Ratbat and Cyclonus appear only on the cover.
• In one illustration, two jets with Thrust's distinctive wings and tail appear at once.
• The artwork is relatively toy-accurate. For example, Astrotrain is depicted with a visor and tail-fin chest armor and Thrust's nosecone points backwards from his head.
• The Dinobots and Insecticons are referenced, but do not appear.
• Yes, you read that attendance right. This would be one of the top ten concerts by attendance of all time.
• Despite the presence of characters such as Galvatron, Ultra Magnus, and Wreck-Gar, this story does not seem to be set in the future, given the starring role played by Sparkplug, who tends to be absent from such stories.
• Ultra Magnus is referred to as "the greatest Autobot of them all." Have they forgotten about Optimus Prime so quickly?

External links

• Review on Demian's Gamebook Web Page