Robot Trek III
A strange robotic device threatens the Universe and the Zapbots rush to encounter it before it reaches Gearatron.
Robot Trek IV - Next--->
Synopsis
Anthony participates in a public interview intended to explain the existence and actions of the Zapbots. As the interview unfolds, Anthony reflects on how the universe—and his role within it—has become far more complex and morally uncertain than he once believed.
‘‘Several weeks earlier…’’
Anthony records a log detailing rising instability in the galaxy. Vebox reports that a vast, unknown cloud-like entity has destroyed multiple outposts. As Fortress Misslemax investigates, Starbase 69 issues a distress call before being annihilated by the same phenomenon. With the threat approaching Gearatron, the Zapbots hold Anthony’s birthday celebration early, uncertain of what lies ahead.
Misslemax encounters a Nonocons ship commanded by Amphotron. Both vessels are rendered powerless as they are drawn into the cloud. A massive energy sphere approaches Misslemax, but Scan and Boaty successfully decode and transmit an ancient signal, revealing the phenomenon to be of Ancient Zapbot origin.
Anthony, Botimus Prime, Boaty, Flier, and the Super Changers investigate the cloud’s interior, discovering an ancient regeneration device designed as a contingency to rebuild Gearatron should the Matrix of Leadership fail. Before its purpose can be fully understood, a Nonocon operative steals the device. A running battle ensues, culminating in the Nonocons using the artifact as a devastating weapon before retreating. During the aftermath, Spacedust, brother of Soar, is mortally wounded and dies—marking the first true Zapbot death.
As Misslemax pursues the Nonocons, it is revealed that the ancient device is capable of reconstructing an entire planet. The Nonocons unleash its power one final time, crippling Misslemax and triggering a catastrophic detonation sequence. With warp offline and escape impossible, Boaty secretly enters the irradiated engine chamber, overriding safety systems and restoring power at the cost of his own life. Misslemax escapes moments before the device detonates.
The explosion results in the creation of a new metallic world, later named New Gearatron. Anthony rushes to the engine room and shares Boaty’s final moments, learning that his friend acted knowingly and willingly to save the ship and crew. Boaty dies shortly thereafter.
The Zapbots hold a funeral on New Gearatron to honor both Boaty and Spacedust. In the emotional aftermath, Anthony finally allows himself personal vulnerability, deepening his relationship with Mike Quartz.
Returning to the present, the interview concludes abruptly as the reporter, shaken by Anthony’s revelations, departs. Alone once more, Anthony records a log affirming that despite loss and uncertainty, life—and responsibility—must continue.
In the epilogue, Amphotron and the surviving Nonocons arrive at a hidden base, where they reunite with Shock, Tri-Star, and Secretish, revealing that the conflict is far from over.
To Be Continued...
Featured characters
| Zapbots | Humans | Nonocons | Planets |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Quotes
"Do not grieve Master, it’s your birthday…."
- Boaty to Shortstop as he is dying.
Notes
Versions
- First Version: 1990?
- Second Version: 2020 - this was the first of the covid rewrites.
- Third Version: 2021
Production notes
- As you can tell this story borrows a lot from Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn. These movies were a huge inspiration for me even still to this day. I took this rewrite in the direction of 'what would happen if the situation happened to the Zapbots?'
- Don't think any new characters appear here. Everyone has pretty much been established and I tried to focus on the core characters.
- Third pass to provide extra details and upgrades that happened in 2021.
Continuity notes
Real-life references
Continuity and plotting errors
Other trivia
- Dr. Howard is a reference to my Therapist of many years Dr. Howard Fradkin helped me immensely through my adult years.
