Decepticon Poison

« Find Your Fate Junior #6 »
Made the toy design look so cool, you stopped caring that your Bumblebee didn't have his cartoon face. Of course, then you wished yours had that awesome chest sticker...
"Decepticon Poison"
Publisher	Ballantine Books
Imprint	Find Your Fate Junior
First published	1986
Writer	Judith Bauer Stamper
Illustrator	William Schmidt (interior pencils and cover painting)
ISBN	ISBN 9780345330734 ISBN 0-345-33073-0
Page count	73

Ramjet has poisoned the Autobots' new fuel shipment, leaving many of them crippled and unable to transform. Can Perceptor find a cure before the Decepticons attack? What will Prowl's mission to the Decepticon Poison Lab uncover? Can they stop the Decepticons from poisoning the human water supply with their mind-control potion?

The answers to all these questions... are up to you!

Synopsis

(PAGE_1) Within Autobot headquarters, Sparkplug is helping to refuel the Autobots. Sunstreaker is first in line, soon followed by Bluestreak, Cliffjumper, Brawn and Warpath. Just as Optimus Prime readies to receive his share of the fuel, Red Alert bursts into the room, his turret lights flashing. (PAGE_2) Red Alerts reports that he’s spotted Ramjet nearby. Optimus orders his troops to their command posts, but all of the Autobots who have just refuelled find themselves unable to transform to their robot modes. Mirage concludes that the Autobots’ fuel supply has been poisoned by the Decepticons. Optimus recognizes the dire situation the Autobots find themselves in; with half their troops trapped in vehicle mode, the Autobots are vulnerable to a full-fledged Decepticon assault. (PAGE_8) Perceptor steps forward, and proposes that he begin analyzing the fuel’s chemical contents in the hopes of concocting an antidote. Perceptor suggests that the healthy Autobots defend the base while he busies himself in his lab. But Prowl argues that the Autobots would be better off pursuing Ramjet, and learning how to cure their transformation paralysis by questioning the Decepticon. He suggests that the healthy Autobots refuel using their emergency fuel stash and go on the offensive. Which strategy should Optimus choose?

Go along with Perceptor’s plan? (>>PAGE_16>>)

Go along with Prowl’s plan? (>>PAGE_24>>)

(<<From_PAGE_8<<) Optimus voices his support for Perceptor’s plan. (>>PAGE_16>>) He also asks Sparkplug to fetch the Autobots’ emergency fuel supply to keep the Autobots defending the base functional. As Sparkplug speeds off, Optimus tells Perceptor that the Autobots’ fate rests in his hands. (PAGE_66) The poisoned Autobots begin to feel ill as Perceptor works feverishly in his lab. While Optimus attempts to keep his troops’ spirits up, Red Alert once more bursts into the room, with more dreadful news to announce; he’s detected a Decepticon attack force headed towards their location. Optimus inquires about Perceptor’s progress, who in turn tells him that though he has an antidote ready, it is still untested. Optimus tells him that they have run out of time, and will have to make do without test trials. (PAGE_33) Perceptor then explains that Optimus may have two choices to deliberate on; they can use the untested antidote on the Autobots, and though there is a high chance of success, there is no guarantee it will cure the Autobots, and the cure may have unforeseen side-effects. Alternatively, Perceptor has discovered that the tainted fuel will give off poisonous fumes when burned, which could be used against the Decepticons. This alternate plan does not come without risks either, as the fire could easily go out of control, and the fumes poison the Autobots further. What path of action should Optimus choose?

Dispense the antidote? (>>PAGE_41>>)

Use the tainted fuel against the Decepticons? (>>PAGE_19>>)

(<<From_PAGE_33<<) Optimus opts to dispense the antidote. (>>PAGE_41>>) But Perceptor has become nervous while working under pressure, and is unsure how much of the antidote he should give to each Autobot. One millilitre of the substance might not be enough to neutralize to poison, but should be safe from causing further harm to his friends. Alternatively, two millilitres would definitely counteract the poison, but might cause unforeseen side-effects. What amount should he give?

One millilitre? (>>PAGE_62>>)

Two millilitres? (>>PAGE_50>>)

(<<From_PAGE_41<<) Perceptor feeds one millilitre of the antidote into each of the Autobots' fuel tanks. (>>PAGE_62>>) Sure enough, their malaise soon disappears and the Autobots transform into their robot modes. His troops cured, Optimus orders them to be at the ready for the Decepticon offensive. (PAGE_18) Sunstreaker exclaims that he is ready to plunge into combat immediately, but Prowl suggests that the Autobots fight smarter instead. Instead of diving into the fray, he explains that the Autobots could trick the Decepticons into thinking they are vulnerable, and then catch them by surprise. With half his troops still running low on fuel, Optimus must make a wise decision.

Go charging into battle? (>>PAGE_21>>)

Attempt to ambush the Decepticons? (>>PAGE_46>>)

(<<From_PAGE_18<<) Optimus agrees with Sunstreaker that the Autobots should battle the Decepticons head-on. (>>PAGE_21>>) Sunstreaker, Warpath, Brawn and Bluestreak charge off to combat the Decepticons while the Autobots who are still low on fuel stay behind as back-up. (PAGE_15) Sunstreaker and company fan out in a line of attack before Autobot headquarters just as Megatron, Ramjet and more Decepticon jets fly into sight. The Autobots manage to hit Megatron with a burst of ground-to-air rockets, but the impacts merely stun the Decepticon leader. Megatron orders his troops to retaliate. (PAGE_17) Before the Decepticons can unleash their firepower, Ramjet is downed by a boulder thrown by Brawn, and Warpath fires a barrage of acid shells at the troops behind Megatron. Though things seem promising at first for the Autobots, the tables turn once Megatron fires his nuclear-charged fusion canon, reducing Sunstreaker to a heap of parts. Ratchet immediately darts forwards to try and reassemble Sunstreaker. Seeing that his troops are at a disadvantage, Optimus orders the rest of the Autobots into combat, while blasting Shockwave with his laser rifle. (PAGE_34) Though the battle is fierce, Optimus soon finds himself reeling on empty. He orders a tactical retreat, and Grapple manages to help many of the weakened Autobots back inside their base. Sunstreaker is the last one to return to the safety of the Autobots base, collapsing from exhaustion as he does so. Thankfully, the Decepticons have been also badly damaged during the battle, and retreat as well. Optimus is grateful for this reprieve, but knows all too well that the war is far from over.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_18<<) Optimus agrees with Prowl that the Autobots should attempt to ambush the Decepticons. (>>PAGE_46>>) The Autobots transform to vehicle mode, shut off their engines and lie in wait. Megatron soon enters the Autobot’s headquarters, followed by his evil comrades, and declares that the poison has worked and that the Autobots are dead. (PAGE_51) Ramjet, Shockwave, Laserbeak and many other Decepticons crowd around Megatron to contemplate their fallen foes. The Decepticons put away their weapons in order to carry the Autobots over to a cliffside to dispose of them. But once the last of the Decepticons’ weapons have been holstered, Optimus orders his Autobots to attack! Panicked, Megatron orders a retreat, but the Autobots open fire on the evil robots. The Autobots are victorious!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_41<<) Perceptor feeds two millilitres of the antidote into each of the Autobots' fuel tanks. (>>PAGE_50>>) Just as Perceptor and Ratchet finish feeding the Autobots their medicine, Red Alert once more charges into the room. The Autobot security officer announces that Ramjet is in the lead of an all-out Decepticon attack! (PAGE_43) The once-poisoned Autobots transform, but soon find themselves falling apart upon having changed into their robot modes! Ratchet scrambles desperately to reassemble the Autobots as they crumble into heaps of parts. Perceptor’s miscalculation has left the Autobots unable to fight, and the Decepticons will soon make short work of them.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_33<<) Optimus decides to use the Decepticons’ own poison against them. (>>PAGE_19>>) He tasks Grapple with hauling the Decepticons’ poison outside. Bumblebee can’t help but let out an excited "Wow!" as he sees the mighty crane lifting the large fuel tank, and heads for the door. Red Alert howls that the Decepticons will be on-location in approximately ten minutes! (PAGE_13) Optimus leads Grapple to a large pit just below headquarters, and reminds Grapple to treat the fuel tank as gently as a Lilleth egg. Once the tank is safely lowered in the pit, Optimus opens its valves, and orders Jazz to warm up his flamethrower. The rest of the Autobots are to stay put within the confines of the base, safe from the noxious fumes that the burning fuel will soon produce. (PAGE_31) Just as the Decepticons are about to fly directly overhead, Jazz unleashes a torrent of flames upon the pool of fuel before him, sending fumes shooting up skywards. Optimus then quickly grabs Jazz and retreats towards Autobot headquarters. Ramjet and Starscream vainly attempt to avoid the toxic cloud that heads towards them. While Ramjet crashes into a hillside, Starscream becomes ground bound near the inferno, and begins to melt into a putrid puddle. Victory seems assured for the Autobots, until two of the most dreaded Decepticons, Frenzy and Laserbeak appear on the skyline. (PAGE_58) These two Decepticon planes dive through the toxic cloud and begin to bombard the Autobots. Though fierce, Frenzy and Laserbeak soon also fall prey to the poison’s deadly effects, and tailspin out of control. Upon seeing this, the remaining Decepticons turn tail and retreat. The Autobots begin to cheer, and are soon joined by Sunstreaker who, to Optimus Prime’s amazement, appears to be cured of his ailment! (PAGE_63) Sunstreaker explains that Perceptor has finished his cure and that he is now ready fight the Decepticons. Optimus smiles and asks him to conserve his energy until they replenish their fuel supply.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_8<<) Optimus chooses to go with Prowl’s plan. (>>PAGE_24>>) He reasons that by learning the greater scope of the Decepticons’ plan, they will find themselves better prepared to deal with it accordingly. Prowl requests to be part of the information gathering party, noting that his brains would be more useful than Ironhide’s brawn. Optimus agrees, and chooses to also bring along Mirage and Bumblebee for their skills in espionage and intelligence gathering. Just then, Sparkplug pulls into the room with a truck hauling the Autobots’ emergency fuel supply. Optimus and his small squad refuel, and Optimus asks his human ally to find the Autobots more fuel while they are away on their mission. (PAGE_36) A hundred miles later, the four Autobots behold a disturbing sight; (PAGE_10) before them lies a scorched and polluted landscape. Silently scouting the desolate wasteland, the Autobots soon find a cave with a Decepticon symbol painted above its entrance, yellow smoke curls billowing from within. They have found the Decepticons’ Poison Lab. (PAGE_32) Now the four of them must decide wether it would be wiser to send in Bumblebee alone, or to trust safety in numbers and charge in all together?

Should all four Autobots go in together? (>>PAGE_25>>)

Should Bumblebee be sent in to spy first? (>>PAGE_39>>)

(<<From_PAGE_32<<) The Autobots decide to enter the cave together... (>>PAGE_25>>) with Optimus leading the way. But as they approach the lab’s entrance, Laserbeak steps forth out of the darkness and unshielded his laser guns. Before the Decepticon interrogator has the tim to fire, Optimus draws out his weapon as well, and disables the Decepticon. Laserbeak’s circuits shot, the Autobots creep within the cave. (PAGE_3) Inside, Prowl spots large mutated rats with neon green glowing fur. The filthy air the animals breathe in this environment transforms them into monsters! The Autobots continue to advance, and soon find themselves before the laboratory proper. Spotting the vial marked "Autobot Poison Antidote," Optimus tasks Mirage to retrieve it while the remaining Autobots hide from the Decepticons they can hear approaching. (PAGE_61) Mirage plans to use his electro-disruptor to take on the guise of Laserbeak, and steal the antidote without looking out-of-place to the Decepticons. But Mirage’s illusionary powers only last for six minutes, so he must act quickly. Just as Mirage grabs hold of the antidote, Starscream and Ramjet enter the room. Nonplussed by the image of their ally, Starscream and Ramjet turn away without posing any questions. Mirage begins to run out of time as he strides to reach the Autobots’ hiding place. (PAGE_26) Mirage reaches the cover of shadows just as his holographic projection fades away. Now safely hidden, he informs the other Autobots that he overheard that the Decepticons are planning something truly horrible! (PAGE_69) Creeping within earshot of the two Decepticon’s conversation, the Autobots eavesdrop on their discussion for their latest plot. The Decepticons are planning to poison the humans’ water supply with a mind-controlling drug. Human lives are now at stake! Including yours! What should the Autobots do?

Head to headquarters with the cure in order to return with a full army? (>>PAGE_5>>)

Take action now! (>>PAGE_11>>)

(<<From_PAGE_69<<) The Autobots decide to return to base with the cure before further foiling the Decepticons’ plots. (>>PAGE_5>>) As the Autobots are sneaking away, Mirage accidentally bumps into the cave’s wall, causing a rock to fall to the ground, and alerting Ramjet and Starscream that something is moving nearby. Fortunately, at the moment a mutant rat scurries past the Autobots and into the Decepticons’ view, leading them to believe that the creature caused the noise. (PAGE_20) The four Autobots drive back to base, but find their headquarters silent as a tomb. They are greeted by Ratchet, who informs Optimus that it may be too late for the poisoned Autobots, as they lie completely inert on the floor. (PAGE_44) Optimus and Ratchet go to work quickly, and distribute the antidote to their poisoned comrades. To Optimus’s relief, the Autobots recover, and soon the base is once more filled with the roar of racing engines. (PAGE_27) Sunstreaker is eager to claim revenge on the Decepticons, but Optimus informs him that though they will soon engage their enemies, it will be to save human lives. (PAGE_56) Sparkplug arrives with a fresh supply of fuel, and Optimus begins to plan a strategy with his top warriors. (PAGE_59) The Autobots come up with two possible courses for action. The first option would be to return to the Poison Lab, and use their familiarity with the area to ambush the Decepticons. But it may be wiser to drive to the humans' water reservoir, in case the Decepticons have already left their lab with the poison.

Head to the Poison Lab? (>>PAGE_7>>)

Head to the water reservoir? (>>PAGE_67>>)

(<<From_PAGE_59<<) The Autobots decide to return to the Decepticons’ Poison Lab... (>>PAGE_7>>) deciding it would be best to try and stop the Decepticons’ plot before it even starts. Soon the Autobot convoy is before the cave entrance leading to the laboratory. (PAGE_40) Exiting the cave are Ramjet, Skywarp and a rewired Laserbeak, hauling large black tanks marked with the Decepticon insignia. (PAGE_70) Windcharger suggests that he, as one of the faster Autobots, should speed down towards the tanks, and use his magnetic powers to destroy the tanks. The rest of the Autobots would then only need to cleanup the resulting mess. Ironhide argues that it would be better for all the Autobots to attack together in full force. Which plan should Optimus choose?

Go with Windcharger’s plan? (>>PAGE_64>>)

Go with Ironhide’s plan? (>>PAGE_53>>)

(<<From_PAGE_70<<) Optimus decides to go along with Windcharger’s plan. (>>PAGE_64>>) The Decepticons are taking a brief rest when Windcharger darts forwards, and lifts the tanks up in the air with his magnetic abilities. Next, Prowl steps forward and riddles the tanks with his corrosive acid pellets, causing the poison within the tanks to rain down onto the Decepticons. Optimus then orders Jazz to finish the job. (PAGE_72) Jazz unleashes his flamethrower onto the poison tanks, causing them to explode. The Decepticons are unable to withstand the heat resulting from the explosion, and retreat back into the Poison Lab. Next, Optimus signals that it is Warpath’s turn. Warpath takes aim with his sonic gun, and soon the air is filled with the sound of shattering glass. Every beaker in the Decepticons’ lab has been shattered, putting an end to this Decepticon plot permanently. The Autobots cheer in victory!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_70<<) Optimus decides to go along with Ironhide’s plan. (>>PAGE_53>>) Optimus orders his big guns, Brawn, Twin Twist, Ironhide and Hound to take aim and fire! (PAGE_49) With a mighty first volley, the Autobots cause the Poison Lab to collapse on itself, burying the Decepticons’ evil plan forever!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_59<<) The Autobots decide to head to the water reservoir... (>>PAGE_67>>) Optimus orders Brawn to take the lead, and the Autobots roll out. Though the road to the reservoir is fraught with danger, the Autobots soon reach the open plain surrounding the water facility. As they arrive, Red Alert spots a black horde of Decepticon planes above the water supply. (PAGE_38) Optimus realizes how vulnerable the Autobots are on the flat open terrain, and halts the convoy before the Autobots are put at risk. Powerglide, the only Autobot present with the ability to fly, recognizes an opportunity to show off, and declares that he will lead the Decepticons on a goose chase. Optimus objects as Powerglide speeds off. Should Powerglide be allowed to take off, or should Optimus stop his subordinate?

Powerglide flies up. (>>PAGE_29>>)

Powerglide’s engines cut out. (>>PAGE_37>>)

(<<From_PAGE_38<<) Powerglide becomes airborne. (>>PAGE_29>>) Pirouetting and zig-zagging through the air, he dodges Ramjet's and Ravage’s attempts to down him. Powerglide is able to drop a cluster bomb on Frenzy, sending the Decepticon into a tailspin, before disaster strikes! (PAGE_45) Two tanks of Decepticon poison stored under Fenzy’s wings explode into the reserve upon his impact on the crystal clear water. The poison quickly spreads into the humans’ water supply! The Autobots’ mission has failed! Unless, that is, they can concoct another antidote. Otherwise, this is…

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_38<<) Optimus loudly orders Powerglide to halt, and the Autobot plane cuts his engines. (>>PAGE_37>>) Optimus explains that Powerglide’s plan is brave but foolish, as he could not possibly take on all the Decepticon planes by himself. Bluestreak notes that the Decepticons are now moving towards them. Optimus explains that the Autobots need to divert the Decepticons away from the reservoir, and though they are vulnerable on the open terrain, if they can reach the nearby forest, they will have some cover. (PAGE_55) But before the Autobots reach the cover of trees, the Decepticons come upon them. Changing tactics, Optimus tells his Autobots to stand their ground and open fire. Though not all shots have the desired effect, Starscream, Thundercracker and Soundwave are sent to an early grave as they spiral downwards and crash. (PAGE_71) The Decepticons, with Megatron in the lead, expunge Bluestreak, Hound and Mirage in retaliation. (PAGE_57) Optimus takes aim for the poison tanks with renewed fervour. He downs two Decepticon bombers carrying the toxic substance. The two factions continue their battle until the fall of night, when the Decepticons finally retreat. The Autobots stand exhausted on the battlefield, and Ratchet begins to work on rebuilding his fallen comrades. The Autobots have won the day, and the humans will never know how close they came to being completely dominated by the Decepticons.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_69<<) The Autobots decide to spring into action immediately. (>>PAGE_11>>) Prowl suggests to use his Incendiary missiles to attempt and wipe out all of the poison in one shot. Optimus considers this plan to be a little too risky. He ponders if it would not be safer for the four of them to overpower Ramjet and Starscream first, then figure a way to get rid of the poison afterwards. Which plan would be the wisest course of action?

Should Optimus decide to go along with Prowl’s plan? (>>PAGE_9>>)

Should Optimus decide to go with his own plan? (>>PAGE_30>>)

(<<From_PAGE_11<<) Optimus decides to let Prowl blow up the poison with his incendiary missiles. (>>PAGE_9>>) The Autobots take cover behind a boulder, and Prowl takes aim and fires! (PAGE_48) Upon impact, the chemicals explode in a huge conflagration. The Autobots’ circuit overheat as a result, causing them to fall unconscious. As Mirage falls to the ground, the beaker containing the antidote shatters and the life-saving substance within is lost. When the Autobots reawaken, they find themselves before Megatron. He informs the Autobots that their plan has failed, they are now his prisoners, their Autobot friends will never be cured, and the humans will soon be under Decepticon rule. Prowl covers his face in shame at these revelations. Now you and the rest of human kind must drink from the poisoned, bitter cup of failure!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_11<<) Optimus decides to go with his own plan. (>>PAGE_30>>) The Autobots ready their weapons and sneak up on the Decepticons. Once behind them, Optimus orders Starscream and Ramjet to drop their weapons while holding them at gunpoint. Starscream refuses, and opens fire on the Autobots. Ramjet calls to Laserbeak for help as Optimus wrestles his weapons from him. Prowl and Mirage busy themselves with disarming Starscream, while Bumblebee stuffs a rock into the Decepticon’s mouth to keep him quiet. The two Decepticons are tied up securely, and Optimus goes to work to destroy their laboratory. (PAGE_4) The Autobots raze the laboratory equipment. Optimus declares that the Autobots will never give up the fight against the Decepticons, and the entire squadron leaves to cure the poisoned Autobots.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_32<<) The Autobots decide to send Bumblebee in ahead to gather information on the situation at hand. (>>PAGE_39>>) Although scared at first, the Autobot mini-car nonetheless does what is asked of him, and quietly creeps into the cave. He comes upon a sleeping Laserbeak, and sneaks past him into the Poison Laboratory proper. Looking through the beakers, he soon finds one labelled "Autobot Poison Antidote!" (PAGE_23) Grabbing the beaker, Bumblebee doubles back and attempts a quick getaway. Unfortunately, his exit is blocked by Laserbeak, who orders Bumblebee to stop at gunpoint!

Should Bumblebee try and make a run for it? (>>PAGE_12>>)

Should Bumblebee do as Laserbeak says? (>>PAGE_68>>)

(<<From_PAGE_23<<) Bumblebee attempts to make a run for the cave exit. (>>PAGE_12>>) Darting between Laserbeak’s legs, Bumblebee speeds forward as quickly as his wheels allow him. Though he is hit a few times by Laserbeak’s blasts, he manages to exit out of the cave and rushes to rejoin Optimus and the others. (PAGE_60) Optimus is rejoiced to see that Bumblebee has completed his task, and the Autobots head back to their headquarters. The Autobots are soon cured, and drink a high-octane toast to Bumblebee for his part in the mission!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_23<<) Bumblebee obeys Laserbeak’s order. (>>PAGE_68>>) Laserbeak then strides over to the mini-car and grabs the antidote from him. Laserbeak then snaps out his two laser cannons, and explain that he can make all his prisoners talk with their aid. Though Bumblebee is terrified, he defiantly exclaims that he won’t tell the Decepticon anything. (PAGE_54) Laserbeak blasts away at Bumblebee, who can do nothing but think of his hero, Optimus Prime, as Laserbeak tortures the little Autobot.

THE END

Featured characters

Notes

• The Decepticon cassettes are mistakenly described as having jet alt-modes, though the art gets things right, thanks to being toy-based.
• The way Mirage is described as holographically impersonating Laserbeak in order to walk right past the other Decepticons seems to imply that Laserbeak also has a humanoid robot mode. It's technically possible for a small cassette-bird to walk into a room and pick up a container as described, but it's really awkward if you try to visualize it, especially given the physical differences between Mirage and Laserbeak.
  • Still, this is one of the only times Mirage uses his holographic power as described by his Marvel TF Universe entry: impersonating a Decepticon (though here it's to gather antidotes rather than just intelligence).
• Best line of narration ever: Well, somebody's got to save the humans. It may as well be Powerglide.
• The picture of Powerglide shooting down Frenzy shows the underside of his A-10 mode, with his robot face clearly visible. The double-edged sword of toy-accurate artwork.
• Prowl and Ironhide bait each other at the staff meeting. (Prowl wins.)
• One of the few instances of Twin Twist among the Autobots on Earth, and the even fewer instances of him appearing without his fellow Jumpstarter, Topspin.
• Laserbeak snores.
• This book was available individually, or as part of a six-book box set with the other five "pre-Movie era" books in the series.

External links

• Decepticon Poison on Demian's Gamebook Web Page