Battle Drive

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"Battle Drive"
Publisher	Ballantine Books
Imprint	Find Your Fate Junior
First published	1985
Writer	Barbara and Scott Siegel
Illustrator	William Schmidt (interior pencils and cover painting)
ISBN	ISBN 978-0345341532 ISBN 0-345-34153-8
Page count	73

Bumblebee learns the Decepticons are destroying farmland to control the world's food supply. In reality, it's all a clever ruse to draw the Autobots into battle on flat farmland with no cover, and destroy them.

Meanwhile, Sparkplug has discovered a fatal weakness in the Decepticons' circuits, and is hiding from Decepticon search parties.

Will the Autobots be destroyed? Can Sparkplug be saved? The answer to these questions... is up to you.

Synopsis

(PAGE_1) Suspicious of the Decepticons' recent lull in activity, Optimus Prime has sent Bumblebee on a scouting mission in the countryside. But everything seems calm as Bumblebee observes the plentiful farmland that surrounds him… until an old pick-up truck pursued and a station wagon narrowly avoid Bumblebee as they tears down the road. (PAGE_2) Numerous other vehicles speed down the street, and Bumblebee is quick to realize what danger these humans are driving from: the Decepticons! (PAGE_8) More specifically, Blitzwing and Starscream. The two Decepticons are busy setting crops afire, destroying grain silos, and blighting the farmland in general. Should Bumblebee…

Transform and engage the Decepticons? (>>PAGE_18>>)

Pretend to be a damaged car on the roadside? (>>PAGE_22>>)

(<<From_PAGE_8<<) Bumblebee decides to confronts Blitzwing and Starscream (>>PAGE_18>>) …but knows to do so intelligently. As the two jets draw closer to the little yellow car, Bumblebee revs his engine in anticipation… (PAGE_30) and transforms to robot mode just as Blitzwing flies overhead, knocking the low-flying jet out of the sky! Seeing Blitzwing crash, Starscream panics at first, assuming to be under heavy Autobot fire, and radios for back-up. Doubling back to inspect his adversaries, he laughs as he sees Bumblebee standing alone. Though Starscream bombards the road with cluster bombs, Bumblebee takes cover behind bales of hay previously dropped from fleeing vehicles. (PAGE_67) As Starscream makes another pass, Bumblebee hurls a bale of hay into the jet's turbine, causing it to sputter. Just as victory appears close at hand, Bombshell arrives and joins in Starscream's attack. Realizing that the odds are stacked too highly against him, Bumblebee decides it would be better to run. Should he…

Make a run through the burning cornfields? (>>PAGE_43>>)

Make his way back to a small town he passed earlier in the day, and hide in a used car lot? (>>PAGE_60>>)

(<<From_PAGE_67<<) Bumblebee transforms to vehicle mode and attempts to escape through the burning cornfields (>>PAGE_43>>) but is hit by Starscream's null-rays before he can make it to cover. Temporarily paralyzed, Bumblebee is unable to stop Bombshell from puncturing all four of his tires. Unable to escape, Bumblebee is now at the Decepticons' mercies.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_67<<) Bumblebee decides to drive back to the small town in order to hide. (>>PAGE_60>>) Thanks to his skillful maneuvering, he is able to escape enemy fire until a thick cloud of smoke from the burning fields briefly blinds the Decepticons, allowing him to drive into town and hide in a used-car lot. Confused by the Autobot's disappearance, Starscream transforms and lands to receive a transmission from Megatron a few feet away from Bumblebee. (PAGE_14) Bumblebee eavesdrops on Starscream's conversation, discovering the Decepticon's latest ploy. They believe that by destroying enough farmland, the Decepticons will be able to control the humans' food supply, and force the humans into doing their biddings or starving. (PAGE_62) As soon as Starscream departs, Bumblebee begins to race back to Autobot headquarters to inform Optimus of the intelligence he has received. On-route he meets fellow Autobots Prowl, Hound and Swoop. Bumblebee informs his friends of what has occurred. Hound believes the best course of action is to continue to Autobot base, and inform Optimus of the situation, but Prowl believes it wiser to engage the Decepticons immediately, before they destroy more farmland.

Listen to Hound and return to base? (>>PAGE_26>>)

Listen to Prowl and drive into battle with this small group? (>>PAGE_29>>)

(<<From_PAGE_62<<) Bumblebee and the others decide to head back to Autobot base and relay their findings to Optimus (>>PAGE_26>>) …but they are caught in a violent storm before they arrive. With the roads flooded and the winds too violent for Swoop to fly, the Autobots are stranded in the middle of nowhere while the Decepticons destroy the humans' food supply. Because of you, mankind is doomed.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_62<<) Bumblebee, Hound, Prowl and Swoop decide to take on the Decepticons by themselves. (>>PAGE_29>>) They posit that if they can trick the Decepticons into thinking that the whole Autobot army is barreling down upon them, they will halt their attack and retreat. Unfortunately, Soundwave is lurking nearby, spying on the Autobots. The Decepticons' communications expert reports the Autobots' plan directly to Megatron. (PAGE_37) Meanwhile, as the Autobots travel deeper into rich farmland, they are surprised to find Buster Witwicky lying unconscious on the road. As soon as the Autobots revive the boy, he informs them that the Decepticons are after his father, Sparkplug. (PAGE_71) Buster explains that Sparkplug has discovered a fatal flaw in Decepticon circuitry. But the Decepticons became aware of Sparkplug's discovery, and are now pursuing him. Buster was struck by an unknown assailant when he attempted to head over to Autobot headquarters and inform Optimus of the situation at hand. (PAGE_38) The Autobots must make a decision…

Prioritize the Decepticons' attack on the country's food supply for now? (>>PAGE_49>>)

Postpone dealing with the attacks on farmland, and instead rescue Sparkplug? (>>PAGE_51>>)

(<<From_PAGE_38<<) Bumblebee, Hound, Prowl and Swoop decide to prioritize the risk of thousands of humans starving to death over the fate of one man, no matter how close of a friends he is. (>>PAGE_49>>) But because of Soundwave's information, the Decepticons anticipate the small task force, and quickly dispatch them.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_38<<) Bumblebee agrees to rescue Sparkplug, reasoning that any plot the Decepticons may have hatched can be halted if Sparkplug's discovery is legitimate. (>>PAGE_51>>) Buster points the Autobots towards mountains in the distance, explaining that Sparkplug intended to hide among them, rather than stay in the open of the plains. Hound attempts to reassure the boy, telling him the Autobots will rescue his father, but Buster pleads to come along and help. Impressed by his spunk, the Autobots allow him to tag along. (PAGE_52) Buster climbs on Swoop's back, and all five of them head towards the mountains. (PAGE_4) From his high vantage point, Buster is the first to spot the Decepticons attacking a cave entrance. Swoop dives back down to let Buster off, before being ordered by Prowl to fly ahead and distract the Decepticons while the slower Autobots reach the cave and rescue Sparkplug. (PAGE_9) Swoop takes off and is soon bearing down on Megatron, Laserbeak, a patched-up Blitzwing, Starscream, Bombshell and at least half-a-dozen other Decepticons. Focused on the cave's opening, the Decepticons do not see Swoop approaching. Using the element of surprise, Swoop takes out Starscream first with his air-to-air missiles. (PAGE_10) The Decepticons are quick to retaliate however, and soon every Decepticon jet is on his tail. Swoop has succeeded in distracting the Decepticons, but must now make a decision:

Stay and fight the Decepticons? (>>PAGE_25>>)

Retreat? (>>PAGE_20>>)

(<<From_PAGE_10<<) Swoop decides to continue fighting the Decepticons on his own. (>>PAGE_25>>) The Decepticons' aim is terrible, missing Swoop at every turn! Then, he sees Megatron flying towards him, and reasons that if he takes out their leader, the Decepticons will surely fall. Swoop dives towards the Decepticon leader… (PAGE_48) firing his last missile towards him! Megatron in turn readies his fusion cannon, and fires just as Swoop's missile enters his cannon's barrel. The resulting explosion tears Megatron in half! For a moment, the Decepticons are stunned, allowing Swoop to fly away unharmed. But the Decepticons do not sit idle for long, and decide to begin attacking those left behind. But Swoop soon returns with Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots. Without Megatron, the Decepticons are quick to fall. The Autobots are victorious!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_10<<) Swoop decides to retreat, hoping many Decepticons will chase him. (>>PAGE_20>>) His plan works, and half-a-dozen Decepticons give chase, making Bumblebee and the others' job much easier. Swoop looks back to see his friends entering the cave, and blazes forwards towards Autobot headquarters. (PAGE_21) Buster and Sparkplug are reunited as the other three Autobots prepare themselves to take on the remaining Decepticons. Prowl offers to take Sparkplug, and attempt to take him back to Optimus so they can use his discovery against the Decepticons. Sparkplug protests, unwilling to leave Buster and Bumblebee behind. But Buster agrees with Prowl's idea.

Keep everyone together, hoping Swoop will bring back reinforcements? (>>PAGE_34>>)

Send Prowl to reach Optimus with Sparkplug and his plans? (>>PAGE_41>>)

(<<From_PAGE_21<<) The Autobots decide to stick together and await Swoop's return. (>>PAGE_34>>) But as they wait, a blast from Megatron's fusion cannon causes an avalanche, which seals off the cave's entrance. (PAGE_39) Thankfully, Prowl is quick to act, and fires his high-corrosive acid pellets towards the cave's entrance, clearing the way. Their bravado redoubled, Prowl, Bumblebee and Hound decide to take the offensive against the Decepticons. (PAGE_70) Waiting for them outside alongside Megatron are Buzzsaw, Frenzy, Ransack, Shockwave, Skywarp and Thundercracker. Megatron and Prowl exchange some trash-talk, provoking Megatron to fire upon the Autobot, just as Prowl fires back. (PAGE_7) Prowl's missile blows up impotently against Megatron's chest. Prowl fares much worse, as his leg is blown to piece by Megatron's blast. Hound creates cover fire by targeting Thundercracker, while Bumblebee drags his wounded comrade back to safety. Sparkplug repairs Prowl's leg best he can. The battle between the two groups rages on for two days, with Sparkplug doing his best to patch up the Autobots as they are damaged in the stand-off. Eventually, Sparkplug's skills reach their limit, and the Autobots are left barely functional. As things look bleak, Sparkplug notices a flash of light coming from the back of the cave. Could this be a means of escape?

Attempt to escape from the cave by investigating this light? (>>PAGE_64>>)

Continue to wait for Swoop to arrive with reinforcements? (>>PAGE_50>>)

(<<From_PAGE_7<<) The Autobots attempt to escape (>>PAGE_64>>) …as Sparkplug urges the Bumblebee, Prowl, Hound and Buster to follow him to the back of the cave. Spotting a pinhole in the distance, they race towards it, unaware of the gaping pit before them in the darkness. Tumbling down into it, they realize it is...

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_7<<) The Autobots decide to stand their ground and await Swoop's return (>>PAGE_50>>) and their patience is soon rewarded! Swoop, Optimus and the rest of the Autobots are inbound, quickly transforming to take on the Decepticons. Windcharger, Tracks, Powerglide, and Topspin are amongst the rescue squad, blasting away at the startled Decepticons. (PAGE_58) Laserbeak, Shockwave and Starscream are the first to suffer the Autobots' righteous fury! Soon enough, the Decepticons are cleared from the area, and Optimus beams with pride as he overlooks Prowl, Hound and Bumblebee. He congratulates them on keeping the humans safe, and inquires about Sparkplug's discovery. (PAGE_40) But unfortunately, Sparkplug's blueprints were destroyed in the battle. The knowledge of the Decepticon's weak point has now escaped him, and he bemoans that all this was for nothing. Optimus disagrees, pointing out that the Decepticons do not know that the blueprints were destroyed, and that they will be in hiding until they've redesigned their circuitry, giving the Earth a reprieve from their warring ways for a while. "That," Optimus announces "is victory enough."

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_21<<) The Autobots decide to allow Prowl and Sparkplug to attempt to reach Optimus Prime. (>>PAGE_41>>) Sparkplug straps himself in, while Bumblebee, Hound and Buster attempt to stave off the Decepticons for a short while, allowing Prowl a head start. Prowl relishes the prospect of a good race. (PAGE_46) As Prowl emerges into the open, Hound uses his hologram gun to project two additional Prowls leaving the cave's mouth. All three Prowls take off in different directions, leaving the Decepticons confused as to which one they should pursue. Taking advantage of the situation, Hound blasts the wings off of Bombshell, while Buster and Bumblebee send a boulder tumbling into Megatron. Hound's illusions do not last very long, however, and Blitzwing and Laserbeak take off after the real Prowl as soon as his doubles vanish. (PAGE_54) Prowl knows his speed is no match for the Decepticon fliers. But unlike them, he can make quick stops and sharp turns. Prowl soon veers off the road and drives into a forest. Zig-zagging through the trees, he evades Decepticon fire until… (PAGE_56) You wake up. You must have dozed off while reading. But… if it was all a dream, what are you doing in the book, wearing your pajamas?

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_8<<) Bumblebee decides to pretend being a damaged car on the roadside. (>>PAGE_22>>) He manages to fool the Decepticons, even as they transform and land right next to him. (PAGE_23) After briefly summarizing their mission to one another, (PAGE_11) Blitzwing and Starscream take off. Bumblebee has learned that the Decepticons plan to starve the human race by destroying farmland. He rushes back to the Autobots' meeting room, and divulges his discovery to the rest of his team. Jazz, Hound and Optimus are all shocked by the news. Optimus asks for five volunteers for a mission to help him stop this Decepticon scheme. (PAGE_15) Though all of the Autobots are eager to join the mission, Optimus insists on a small group while the rest stand guard at the Autobots' base. Optimus nominates Jazz, Prowl, Hound, Wheeljack and Swoop, but Bumblebee objects to being left out. He quickly convinces Optimus to allow him to come along as well, who announces that they will drive into battle the following day. (PAGE_27) Meanwhile, Starscream and Blitzwing report back to Megatron, and the Decepticons' true scheme is revealed. There is no plan to destroy acres of farmland, Starscream and Blitzwing knowingly allowed Bumblebee to hear their story. In reality, Megatron plans to lure the Autobots into open farmland, where they will be at the Decepticons' mercy for lack of cover. Now that YOU know the truth, should you...

Attempt to pass the Autobots a warning message? (>>PAGE_32>>)

Let this plot play out without interfering? After all, the Autobots can take care of themselves, right? (>>PAGE_42>>)

(<<From_PAGE_27<<) You attempt to warn the Autobots of the trap awaiting them... (>>PAGE_32>>) by writing a message into the book! Hopefully it will catch our heroes' attention! (PAGE_35) As the Autobots race into farm country, Jazz suddenly slams on his brakes. He tells the other Autobot the he briefly saw a message addressed to them, and wants to double back and read it. Although Bumblebee is curious, Optimus suspects it's a Decepticon trap, and orders his troops to continue forward. But the true Decepticon trap awaits them around the next bend; a road covered with nails! The Autobots' tires go flat, leaving them at the Decepticons' mercy! If only they had read your message!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_27<<) You allow the story to play out without interfering... (>>PAGE_42>>) While Optimus drives on, he begins to doubt if he has made the right decision… Nevertheless, the resolute Autobot presses on, ever worried as to what fate might befall the humans if his Autobots do not succeed in their mission. (PAGE_57) Soon, the Autobots are deep in farm country, flanked on three sides by wide expanse of flat land, and by a river on the remaining side. Beyond a bridge over the river lies a mountain range. Wheeljack expresses concern about the situation. Optimus agrees that it is suspect that they have yet to encounter any Decepticons burning farmland. Just then, Wheeljack hears something… (PAGE_3) The Autobots turn off their engines to better hear what sounds like jet engines in the distance. The Autobots soon see the Decepticons flying in from all four directions! They're trapped! (PAGE_63) But Optimus recalls the mountain range that lies beyond the bridge they previously saw! The Autobots may yet save themselves if they manage to get to cover in the mountains!

Have the Autobots fight together and make a break for the bridge as one unit? (>>PAGE_33>>)

Have the Autobots divide their forces and make their way to the bridge separately? (>>PAGE_44>>)

(<<From_PAGE_63<<) The Autobots attempt to reach the bridge as a single unit. (>>PAGE_33>>) Jazz points out that without another team to cover them, it will be difficult to juggle Decepticons coming at them from all sides, but Optimus refuses to leave any Autobot behind. (PAGE_5) The Autobots head for the bridge at full speed, but meet Soundwave, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Frenzy waiting for them on the ground, while airborne Decepticons continue their descent towards them. Optimus is unfazed by this roadblock, and simply shrugs off Soundwave's shots as he continues to barrel down the road. (PAGE_69) Though Soundwave is forced off the road, Laserbeak ascends into the air and starts blowing holes in the road, forcing the Autobots to stop. Things look grim… (PAGE_28) because they are. The Autobots are completely annihilated by the Decepticons.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_63<<) The Autobots divide their forces. (>>PAGE_44>>) More specifically, Optimus decides to stay behind and provide cover while the rest of his troops make an attempt for the bridge. Jazz objects at the notion of leaving Optimus behind, but the Autobot leader insists that the other Autobots' safety is at a higher priority than his own. As Jazz drives away, he sees Optimus being attacked by no less than ten Decepticons!

Should Jazz disobey orders and go back to help Optimus? (>>PAGE_12>>)

Should Jazz respect Optimus's wish and continue towards the bridge? (>>PAGE_16>>)

(<<From_PAGE_44<<) Jazz decides to go back for Optimus... (>>PAGE_12>>) and asks the other Autobots to hold the bridge for them until they come back. As he draws close to his leader, Jazz transforms and is able to take down Soundwave with his photon rifle, and Bombshell with his flamethrower. Optimus in turn dispatches Starscream, leaving only seven Decepticons swarming over the duo. The Decepticons hesitate briefly at this turn of events, giving Optimus the opening he needs. After thanking Jazz for returning for him, he tells him to head to the bridge. This time, however, Optimus joins him, as he sees that the remaining Autobots have already made it there safely. (PAGE_45) Megatron orders his Decepticons to pursue the two Autobots, and Laserbeak manages to make Jazz spin out of control with a well-placed laser blast. (PAGE_68) Optimus slows to help out Jazz, but Jazz insists he is fine, and will catch up. Looking ahead, Optimus sees the rest of his Autobots attempting to defend the bridge rather than drive on to the safety of the mountains. Optimus does not want to abandon Jazz after the later refused to abandon him, but if the bridge is lost, neither of them can ever make it to safety.

Should Optimus stay with Jazz? (>>PAGE_55>>)

Should Optimus drive ahead and help hold the bridge? (>>PAGE_17>>)

(<<From_PAGE_68<<) Optimus stays with Jazz... (>>PAGE_55>>) unleashing a rain of laser fire onto the Decepticons until both Autobots are able to make a break for the bridge. Prowl, Hound, Wheeljack, Swoop and Bumblebee are facing certain defeat at the hands of the Decepticons, until Optimus and Jazz manage to rejoin them. The ensuing fight is ferocious, but ends with the Autobots finally breaking through the Decepticons' last defines, and make it to safety. Megatron's plan is a failure, and the Autobots live to fight another day.

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_68<<) Optimus drives ahead to help the rest of the Autobots... (>>PAGE_17>>) urging Jazz to follow him as fast as he can. Arriving at the bridge, Optimus joins his battle-worn Autobots in their fight to safeguard the bridge. Though the majority of the Decepticons are attempting to destroy the bridge, Megatron himself is blasting at Jazz with his fusion cannon. (PAGE_66) Thundercracker and Laserbeak are both downed by Optimus, but time is running short! Finally Jazz zooms across the bridge. All the Autobots now safely across the river, the bridge finally collapses after taking excessive punishment. Megatron is enraged but refuses to end his pursuit. (PAGE_72) But with the hills acting as a natural fort, the Autobots are able to fight off wave after wave of Decepticons. The confrontation ends with a great Autobot victory! A victory that will be forever remember… through song!

THE END

(<<From_PAGE_44<<) Jazz does as he is told... (>>PAGE_16>>) and soon joins Hound, Wheeljack, Prowl, Swoop, and Bumblebee at the bridge. Optimus is close behind, and all seven Autobots begin crossing the bridge. But before they can make it across the river, a blast from Megatron's fusion cannon vaporizes the structure's far end, sending them all tumbling down into the water. (PAGE_59) What the Decepticons did not take into account, however, is how powerful the river's current truly is. The Autobots are washed away from the battle by the torrent, soon finding themselves far out of harm's way! Though wet and a little worse for wear, the Autobots live to fight another day!

THE END

Featured characters

Characters in italic text appear in illustrations but are not mentioned in the text.

Notes

• The authors dedicated this book to their friend Steven J. Kleinman
• The Deluxe Insecticon Ransack is among Megatron's forces, one of his rare appearances during the original G1 era.
• One ending has the adventure stop abruptly, when you, the reader, wake up. It was all a dream... or was it?
• Sparkplug's plight goes unmentioned if you do not encounter Buster. This actually makes a good deal of sense if the Decepticons were unable to find him, since Soundwave overhears Buster explaining to you that Sparkplug went to the hills to hide.
• The Autobots compose a fightin' song to commemorate their victory over the Decepticons. Awesome.
• In one story path, the Autobots are about to walk into a trap, and the text asks the reader to warn them by writing on the page. Sadly, the fourth wall's sacrifice is in vain, as the Autobots notice the message(!) but ignore it.
• 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.
  • The cover art of "Battle Drive" was used for the box set's sleeve.
• Swoop is able to swoop down at 250 miles per hour.

Errors

• On page 53, the artwork depicts Buster, Bumblebee, Swoop, Prowl and Hound being amongst a much larger group of Autobot vehicles, including Optimus Prime, driving down the road. But this takes place down a path where the small group of Autobots are on their own.

External links

• "Battle Drive" on Demian's Gamebook Web Page