Cyberform AU Lore

by SotaInsect

Summary:

Human becoming Cybertronian?
What if it worked like an infection. If you are interested, check out this and learn more about my au, which I have been working on since February.
Note: The lore is still being written and new parts may not come out regularly (I do not have a schedule).

Notes:

This is a small AU I've been working on since February. Someone asked if I'd post it on AO3, so I decided to move all my lore posts here. Once I've created a separate series, I'll probably also post my character sketches and "personal stuff" here.
If you have any questions about my AU, feel free to check out my tumblr: https://spacemothsota.tumblr.com/

I often answer questions there as well and expand on my AU.
If you like my idea and want to write something about it, I'm fine with that. Just tag my work as an inspiration and send me a link to my tumblr so I can read it.

Chapter 1: "Idea"

So what is my cyberform au? It's really a simple "Humans into Cybertronians" trope at its core.
It's no secret that from show to show (comics maybe too, but I only remember one person from there) that transformers form bonds with humans.

Humans become an integral part of the bot's life, and the same thing works the other way around (just remember that many of the humans in the show met Cybertronians at a young age, the impact on their lives must be colossal). In many headcanons I see that the bots seem to forget that humans have a much shorter lifespan than their own, but I don't think that's the case. Transformers have a lot of memory and they probably understand better that their human friends and comrades are extremely vulnerable due to their organic bodies. If a bot is especially attached to its companion, this can cause stress (Just think that Bumblebee from all the shows is the same Bee and remember how many human friends he had: Sam, Spike, Sari, Raf and Charlie. Poor Bumblebee).

Humans are cyberformed due to the patronage of Cybertronians.

Their comrades/friends/mentors/enemies are sure that this is like caring for their less fortunate comrades in life expectancy. Decepticons perceive this as an investment in their own small species. The war has exhausted both sides, exhausted the number of bots, to restore Cybertron, bots will be needed that are full of strength, without harmful effects on their bodies, and people after cyberformation have this quality. They have a pure mind and their own internal potential for development. However, the Decepticons are too selective, they do not consider rewarding the left person to be their duty, that is why they look closely at the existing allies of the Autobots (Soundwave and Rafael, Lennox and Megatron, Alexis and Starscream).

The Autobots see more in people (you know "More than meets the eye"), they spend time to consider it and get to know humanity better, while the Decepticons already get what they have. People show themselves in the fight against them, this is a pretty big mistake, because they really value inner strength of spirit, as it seems to me.

In the end, the Cybertronians leave their nanites in the people they choose, infecting them, rather not obviously, since this can cause fear, rejection. Before infecting the chosen person, the transformer must get his consent. Bots naturally do not ask directly, they can rather ask the question "Would you like to see space?" or something similar, based on the interests of the person. As soon as the ward agrees, the transformer will calm down mentally and start giving him nanites. Everything is done secretly, the Cybertronian in his care begins to feed the person snacks or full-fledged food, the treat tastes slightly like pomegranate juice and much more. Of course, if the food has a rich taste, then the person will not feel the difference (the products have a rich taste of metals, not blood but something more favorable). Decepticons do it less gently, from which the person may think that he is being tortured - "We are doing this for your good, flesh, calm down." The only moment among the Decepticons Soundwave, thanks to his telepathic abilities, it is not difficult for him to make his objects of interest behave more submissively and give them everything they need without resistance (Because of this, people infected by him can behave sluggishly for some time and think that they are sick, not remembering that Soundwave fed them nanites)

The donation of nanites must occur regularly (several bots can participate in this), so that the process of cyberformation is fueled for the next stages.

It is similar to an infection that gradually changes the human body, at first glance it is not noticeable until the transformation reaches the middle of the stage. In the next post I will tell you about the stages of cyberformation.

By the way, depending on who was the donor of nanites in most cases depends on what transport mode the newly-made Cybertronian (former human) will have.

Chapter 2: The process of cyberformation

Summary:

Warning: this post was created in collaboration with my friend who is studying to become a doctor, so there are unpleasant descriptions. If you are sensitive to themes of blood, pain and body horror, better not read (I'm serious guys, this is not for the soul of a delicate organization. I love you, so I warn you)

1. Infection.
As I wrote in the previous post, the first stage is essentially the easiest. It is more of a cultural aspect and tradition, in which the Cybertronian gets consent from the person (or other organic being) of his choice. (In my opinion, the process of cyberforming representatives of organic species was formed during the time of Cybertron's space expansions. And although not many representatives underwent this, the tradition was recorded and accepted).

It is assumed that the Cybertronian knows the person well in order to guide him through this process. To some extent, the organic must be "worthy" of this, for outstanding deeds this can be either a desire to fight on the side of the Cybertronian, or simply unique skills such as intelligence, leadership, courage and much more. It is considered strange to make a complete stranger a part of your people.

The Cybertronian hides his question about joining with something that is probably of interest to his friend. Having received consent, he acts, starting to treat the person with food, in which nanites are added.

– Nanites in the infection stage are aimed at infecting bone marrow (various hematopoietic shoots)
– Capture by the human immune system (then the body does not perceive nanites as foreign particles, it perceives them as parts of itself)
– The blood shows a picture of acute leukemia (while the immune system and bone marrow are absorbing and capturing it)

2. The first stage.
At this stage, everything is quite harmless, in fact, the person does not feel any negative reactions from what is happening to him. The person may not realize that in principle something has changed.

The Cybertronian who is taking his friend through this becomes more protective, monitors the proper nutrition and sleep patterns of the ward. He also informs other willing Cybertronians (not enemies, but allies, of course) that they can participate by donating their nanites (besides, it looks less suspicious that several bots are taking care of their human friend).

The person noticeably feels healthier and more active, since the nanites improve the body for the subsequent stages. This is necessary so that there are no negative consequences for the health of the new body. This stage can last from 2-3 months, depending on the state of health of the person.

— Blood will be normal (the picture of acute leukemia disappears) + improvement of well-being (masking)
— Autoimmune diseases and other illnesses no longer bother a person, nanites work to improve the body. A person can be faster and more active during this period.
— Decreased hormone levels, minus vitamins and macronutrients
— Disappearance of menstruation

3. The second stage.
At this stage, the person begins to feel the effects of nanites on their body. The person still retains mobility, but may feel discomfort and tire quickly. During this period, care from a fellow Cybertronian is especially appreciated, as the person thinks that he is sick. Cybertronians give metals and energon, carefully hiding or disguising them (necessary for further development).

It is obvious that deterioration in health can be noticed by other people who are not very connected with Cybertronians, attempts at outside help will be perceived slightly negatively (an understatement). The Transformer knows what is happening and will be against human doctors trying to treat it, so they become more aggressive, territorial. They claim that they are able to help their ally and drive human doctors away so that their actions are not revealed.

The person spends most of the time at the base under the care of his Cybertronian friend. He usually tries to carefully prepare the person for the last painful stage, calming him down in various ways and preparing a comfort zone.

– Fatigue, weakness, lethargy, headaches appear (asthenic syndrome)
– Spark formation - damage to the heart and chest
– The first stage of cyberforming the brain into a processor
– Pain in the heart area and pain in the joints
– Potassium and calcium (rest in peace)
– Change in diet (distortion of taste preferences) + lack of urination
– There is practically no blood under the microscope.

4. The final stage (Body Horror).
At this stage, the Cybertronian usually isolates the person from other representatives of his species in a safe, closed and comfortable place. Due to the pain, the person is immobile, lying down most of the time. Obviously, he is afraid, reaches out to the one who provides him with comfort and is completely dumbfounded. The Cybertronians continue to give metals and energon, which are necessary for the human body at this stage (human food is no longer suitable and is not given).

Around this time, the cyberforming person begins to think that everything is happening in a strange sequence. People who stand out for their intelligence and logic usually understand what is happening at the second stage, this can lead to a quarrel with a friend and subsequent resignation to the situation (the process cannot be reversed).

The person does not have the strength to fight what is happening, he completely needs care and depends on the Cybertronian. People who are not close to the Cybertronians obviously keep their distance from them, so as not to injure either them or the cyberforming ones. The person "magically" disappears from the public eye, so to speak.

— Cramps, joint pain, fever
— Mental disorders (phantom sensations)
— Cyberformation of the intestinal tube (intestines, esophagus, etc.), teeth, the second stage of transformation of the brain into a processor.
— The exit of unnecessary organs through organs through natural openings, what cannot exit is devoured by nanites and divided into necessary elements (minus: liver, kidneys, pancreas and much more). The skin changes color.
— Vision problems appear due to the formation of the processor (cyberformation in optics)
— By this stage, the person is blind, deaf and dumb (a doctor friend said that the person goes crazy from this, so the Cybertronians rush to transfer the person to another place for the last stage)

5. Pre-bot (already practically a transformer).
The person is moved to a safe, protected area under the supervision of Cybertronian doctors, where there are all the necessary materials for the final stage. As a rule, the person does not remember this stage, he is in a state of sleep, very comfortable. Under the care and attention of doctors, he has nothing to fear.

Although there may be a kind of competition between Cybertronians (up to a fight), who exactly will be the subsequent guardian of the cyberformed. Even someone who did not donate their nanites can become a guardian, but this is usually not allowed (a person must trust his guardian, so that later it is easier to integrate into the society of bots).

- Moving a person into an environment saturated with energon, in the process a flask with energon + cybertronian metals are added (if they are absent - earthly alternatives)
- Exoskeleton growth, armor formation (flasks change during growth)
- Formation of the body according to the individual characteristics of the future Cybertronian (considered "forged")
- Completion of the formation of the brain module, processor (Completion of all processes of cyberformation of organs. Eyes = Optics, Ears = Audio sensors, etc.)
- Safe incubation
- The person does not remember the stage of blindness, deafness, dumbness and the feeling of discomfort from the process.

 

Awakening:
– The cyberformed one wakes up when he becomes a full-fledged bot, the first one he sees will be his guardian (Here, as with ducklings, the first parent, friend, relative seen. The main thing is that the person mostly trusts this Cybertronian, then the process of integration and socialization into the society of bots is simpler).

Chapter 3: Commune "Diego Garcia"

Summary:

Warning: Attention: in this AU, all human allies of the Autobots are in the same universe (reality), for the sake of their psychological well-being.

The human government is not particularly happy about the fact that Cybertronians can change humans. It is quite logical that this scares them, fortunately the Autobots and Decepticons are not very inclined to cyberform just anyone.

In fact, the government was largely unaware of this until 1984 (or later) when Sparkplug and Spike were reported "disappearing" (that's right, they were the first). Also, the Autobots became more protective and closed during the disappearance period, not allowing human agents into part of the ARC. This behavior and unwanted questions created a couple of unpleasant incidents (Optimus was not very happy, he had to regulate the resulting friction and calm everyone down, although he knew what was going on). Later, when the "new bots" appeared for special agents and later the government, the puzzle came together. It was not difficult, since the former humans were still less accustomed to the new realities of their lives, they willingly used human terms, concepts and names. In addition, the Autobots began to request human items, such as pillows and blankets, the size of a Cybertronian. (All in the name of adaptation, so that it would be easier for a person to gradually get used to the new, plus old familiar things were gradually replaced with Cybertronian ones, a slow transition did not allow the former people to get nervous once again).

This was shocking, but it was decided to hide this information, firstly, not to cause panic among the public, and secondly, there were few cyberformed humans, it was easier to turn a blind eye to the disappearance of a couple of people than to question a politically (and not only) advantageous alliance. In addition, the government believed that it could use former people against the Autobots themselves in case of danger (later this resulted in an extremely unpleasant situation for the cyberformed, due to which they quickly left Earth and moved to Cybertron).

It was decided to give the Autobots another place for this process, so as not to disturb the agents and not to cause unnecessary conflicts (the protective nature of the Cybertronians at some stages was quite unpleasant for the joint work of people and bots).

Diego Garcia Island: It is a former military base, but it was completely given to the Autobots to develop it and keep the cyberformed away from the public eye until they are ready to keep their secret. And so that the cyberforming process does not traumatize other people who are not so close to the Cybertronians ("What is not there, does not exist / there are no witnesses, no victims" - said the human government and pointed towards the island).

If a human ally gets to the island, then a special department cleans up all paper or other sources about this person, erasing them from the system as if such a person never existed, since he will not return to the world of people. Sometimes you have to bribe people, but usually threats and money are enough to make them keep quiet. The old data that is not deleted is sent to the island for the cyberformed themselves.

On Diego Garcia, the Cyberform Commune was created, they have their own leader, a management system, they also work to preserve important cultural parts of their lives. In the commune, former humans undergo final processes and treatment (they receive support from those who have already gone through this). They receive an education from the Autobots and a profession if possible (if their human profession has a Cybertronian equivalent). The commune is mostly subordinate to Optimus and other high-ranking Autobots (they mostly do not participate in combat missions, the Autobots collectively decided that their comrades are not yet mentally ready for such things, although some enthusiasts show a desire to fight side by side. However, there are exceptions). Diego Garcia, in a way, serves as a support function for the Autobots, there is also a large laboratory with a medical bay.

In a way, Diego Garcia is practically a Cybertronian city, a small settlement by human standards. Access there is mainly through the air, a ship or a space bridge.

Chapter 4: Commune "Deception"

Summary:

Warning: Attention in this AU all people are in one universe (reality), for their own psychological well-being. Also in this post real places on our planet are mentioned (they just have a different history).

Before the Decepticons took over the island, it housed a human research base for studying Antarctica (climate conditions, observing local fauna, as well as observing volcanic activity. Deception Island has one of two active volcanoes on the northern continent).

After the Cybertronians arrived on Earth in 1984, the Decepticons sought to gain a tactical advantage over the Autobots. Obviously, the Autobots had gained a lot of human support, and later the government gave them a military base in Diego Garcia, which was quite remote and secluded. Megatron knew that his forces needed such a secluded base more than enough, and over the next couple of years, he not only found a few human allies, but also had Starscream and his trine on research missions (this definitely made the Autobots nervous and on high alert). The task of these flights was to find a suitable place for Shockwave's new base, far from human eyesight, with the necessary energy potential and with a climate harsh enough that the Cybertronians themselves did not want to attack or engage in espionage. Oddly enough, there are quite a few islands on Earth that are not inhabited by people for one reason or another, but they were not suitable for the Decepticons' business. Some of them, like the Archipel Kerguelen, although they were remote, had zero population (as it later turned out in the second reconnaissance, there were researchers there, not so zero), had no energy potential, the second was Bouvet Island, it was an ideal place, there was no human population, a harsh climate, but the problem of the lack of a power source was not acceptable. The last option was Deception Island.

Besides the fact that the name was extremely ironic, the territory had everything necessary. The volcanic island had a power source (a volcano), no human activity and, most importantly, an unpleasant climate from the outside. The Decepticons did not even have to drive away human researchers, since after a series of eruptions in the 1970s, they simply left the territory alone, which the Cybertronians subsequently rushed to take advantage of.

Much later, when the scientific lab and base were built and protected, it became a place for cyberformation of the Decepticons' few human allies.

Deception Island: a former research island, now a Decepticon military and scientific base. Consists of several floors, the lower floors are used to power the entire base from heat generators powered by the island's volcanic activity. Then come the storage floors (energon reserves, parts, metals and weapons, as well as an archive of Shockwave's scientific works and other Decepticon scientists). Later come the laboratories themselves (the territory where the cyberformation process takes place belongs to the research part of the base), testing areas, archives. On the upper floors of the base are residential complexes and training halls, as well as a communication point with the main base of the purple-faction.

Usually, once a person gets to the Decepticons' island, there is a chance that he will not return to the world of people. The cyberformed ones of sorts become primarily a defense force against potential Autobot attack (however, as practice has shown, the Autobots avoid Deception Island as much as the Decepticons avoid Diego Garcia). However, Soundwave and the others are not inclined to erase information about their activities, so the human government is forced to figure out whether a human has become a victim or a willing ally. In either case, the information about him will be erased (this is done by the human government itself and the same secret agents who erase data on the Autobots' allies).

The commune of Cyberformed people on the island was formed spontaneously. They have no main leader, no management system or hierarchy, everyone does what is close to them and brings benefit to the cause. For the most part, Silas and Harold Attinger fight for control of the commune (you know how Megatron is always fighting with Starscream for leadership? Well, imagine that it is about the same, only these are two Megatrons). Silas uses military methods of management, iron discipline in his hands becomes a severe test for other cyberformed. Attinger uses the interests of others to force them to obey, this usually works more effectively than Silas's strict attempts (sometimes he can be even more frightening than Leland Bishop, not afraid to hurt an ally or threaten death. This is a cold calculation, not a business approach, Silas can simply threaten deactivation). Despite this, the commune reports directly to the Decepticon High Command, whether they like it or not Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave and Shockwave are their new bosses. Due to the lack of unity in the commune, it is not entirely clear whether the former humans share a common culture or holiday, for the most part they are consumed by personal ambitions, the desire to gain a certain position in the Decepticon hierarchy or to come to terms with the new state of affairs. (The only ones who care the least about this are Priscilla Pynch and Vince).

On the island, the Decepticon allies are trained in military affairs, Cybertronian sciences (only two of the former humans have received such an honor) and are trained. Unlike the Autobots, the Decepticons do not see anything wrong with taking new allies into battle. This creates a direct confrontation between the Autobot and Decepticon allies (Many of them have personal scores to settle, so if Silas is involved in the battles, there is a chance that he will clash with Fowler. The same goes for Harold Attinger and Cade Yeager). Deception Base performs primarily a scientific research function, but also treats wounded soldiers (as does Diego Garcia).

Access to the island is via spacebridge and airspace (probably by water, too, but due to the harsh conditions, none of the Decepticons and Autobots were stupid enough to try).

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Cyberform AU