Disclaimer: Guess who's back, kiddies! I know I said that I was finished doing Transformers, but I honestly couldn't stay away. So I've returned to start a brand new story that I'm hoping will be the first of a new trilogy. I know I can do better than Michael Bay in terms of actual storytelling.

I don't own the rights to Transformers.

Prologue

There can be no life without death. This was a notion I did not understand until the final moments of my own life. As I lay upon my deathbed and looked to those who grieved for me, I understood that my time was ending. I looked to the one I considered a brother and passed the Matrix of Leadership to him, never knowing that Matrix had instead chosen the one I'd long considered a son. Then, I was one with the Matrix.

I watched from beyond as he led our brethren to an age of peace, only to be best by the wickedness of those who created our kind. What followed was the wrath of a revenge-seeking foe, but my successor turned those threats. Still, the burden of leadership had taken its toll. Meanwhile, those very creatures that made us, only to be used as their weapon, disturbed my seemingly eternal rest. But I was never truly gone. Soon after, a greater evil arose.

A forgotten warrior returned, bringing with him an even greater evil. But I also returned, brought back by the efforts of those I've considered a family. I fought against that warrior, and then I fought alongside him. In the end, he sacrificed himself to save a world he did not know. Now, I walk amongst my family once more and upon the world we've adopted as our home away home. Perhaps there is such a notion of life after death.

I contemplate the possibility that the forgotten warrior may yet live, somewhere out there… alone in the far reaches of the galaxy, waiting to be found. But I also feel a sense of dread; if he could find his way to this world, then others may find their way as well. The question is… who would they be? From where in the galaxy would they hail? Would their eventual arrival to Earth be one of peace… or of conquest?

TRANSFORMERS
THE GATHERING STORM

Chapter I

Deep Space
Location; unknown

He was alone in the farthest reaches of space. His reserves had dwindled to nearly nothing and it forced him to enter stasis lock in the hope that someone would find him. His body was mangled and littered with scorch marks that were the result of his final act of defiance again the Fallen, a former Prime defeated by another former Prime. But now he was alone and long before he'd entered stasis lock, he broadcast a distress beacon and a message. With a little bit of luck, someone would respond. The message was in a loop and it was about to play out again.

"To anyone within range of this distress beacon; my name is Sentinel Prime. I am alone, drifting and critically wounded. I am in need of assistance and currently await rescue."

The message looped back to the beginning frequently and on a time based function, but the critically injured but somehow still functioning Sentinel Prime had forgotten how long he'd set it. He didn't even remember how long he'd been adrift in the middle of space, He did remember the last image he'd seen before; he was sucked into a singularity above human city on Earth, then he was face to face with the Fallen. Moments later, a massive explosion followed. Sentinel didn't know what happened to Fallen. All he did know was that he was somewhere in space, lost and alone and slipping in and out of stasis lock.

Sentinel tried to study his surroundings, but there was nothing to study except for a distinct absence of sound and an endless sea of stars. Since his was drifting upside down, Sentinel didn't even know which was way up or down. Then for no more than a fleeting moment, Sentinel thought he'd seen a section of stars apparently moving toward him. Maybe his optics were playing tricks on him, but it didn't make a difference once he slipped back into stasis lock.

A bright light suddenly appeared around Sentinel Prime's husk, coming from the section of stars that were moving on their own. The stars weren't stars but lights, and the lights were a part of a massive ship. Its make was unknowable, but there were the telltale signs that it was the same species as Sentinel; Cybertronian. But Sentinel was nowhere near Cybertron. This great vessel of unknown origin hovered above him as ominously as the Fallen once did as the white light became flickered away. A slue beam appeared in its place, and Sentinel's husk began to drift toward the ship.

The ship was using some form of tractor beam to pull Sentinel toward it before a hatch opened underneath. Sentinel was pulled into the ship now and once taken inside, the hatch was closed behind him. The beam faded and Sentinel was dropped to a hard surface. The impact didn't wake him immediately, but he did come out of stasis lock for a brief moment. In the brief time he had to glimpse his surroundings, Sentinel thought he saw movement out of the corner of his optics. Then he slipped back into stasis lock, missing the image of four mechanical limbs walking by his husk.

A bizarre shark-like beast strolled into proximity, snarling at the mangled Prime before being joined by mole-like, foul smelling creature. Others soon joined; a two-headed dog creature, a winged beast akin to an extinct Earth lizard, likely a Pteranodon and finally, a large, two-headed dragon creature. They loomed over Sentinel as they had the intention of eating him. That was exactly their intention until they all backed away in separate directions. A sixth figured loomed, tall and menacing. The figure knelt down to examine the former Prime and displayed glowing green optics.

"Take him to the med bay and patch him up." The figure spoke in a commanding tone.

Two of the creatures responded and took Sentinel Prime away by his legs. Sentinel briefly revived and caught a glimpse of the apparent individual in charge. He was flanked on each side by the three creatures no dragging him away to wherever in the ship. Sentinel wanted to protest, but he once again slipped back into stasis lock before he could speak. There was no telling what the mysterious leader of these creatures had planned, but in no way was it good.

Sol System
Earth; Washington, DC

Earth, the home world of the human race, had seen an unprecedented time of peace and tranquility since the miraculous return of Optimus Prime over seven Earth months ago. It happened in Seattle, Washington; during a lengthy citywide battle that saw the Autobots joining forces with the Decepticons against otherworldly creatures that looked like they came straight out of a horror movie. The creatures, called Darkened by those who lived through the battle, poured from a massive hole in the sky above the city. All hoped seemed lost… until Optimus Prime made his triumphant return.

Optimus Prime roared into the battle and rallied the Autobots and Decepticons against the overwhelming hordes of Darkened. Eventually after a heated battle for all time, the mysterious hole in the sky was sealed. The Darkened immediately and quite literally dropped dead. The day was won, thanks in large part to Optimus Prime. That was seven months ago, and much had changed since then.

The Autobots were now enjoying the longest stretch of peace since the war for their home planet of Cybertron. This was the result of an immediate truce between Optimus Prime and the leader of the Decepticons, Galvatron. The remaining Decepticons that survived the battle in Seattle had disbanded while Galvatron had gone into a self-imposed exile somewhere on Earth. Despite the best efforts of the Autobots, no one had seen or heard from Galvatron since. Optimus Prime was certain that Galvatron had intended to stay true to his word that there would be no more fighting between the two factions. No conflicts had happened since then, so the Autobots busied themselves by assisting in solving human conflicts across the world.

In Washington DC at the White House, a large crowd of people were gathering upon the front lawn. Most of the gathered were from various News outlets from across the Eastern United States while others were broadcasting to the West Coast. It was the idea of President John Keller to make a public acknowledgement of the Autobot's continued assistance to the military, particularly Optimus Prime. Being invited to the ceremony, long time Autobot ally Spike Witwicky saw the whole thing as window dressing.

Chip Chase, another long time friend of the Autobots, had an obligation to attend the ceremony since he was the head of R&D at Langley. Walking among the crowds of people trying to get through the metal detectors, Chip rolled his eyes once he walked through. The detectors blared out loud for a couple of security officers to respond and stop the pair from entering the area.

"Could you empty out your pockets please, sir?" one officer asked.

Chip glared at the officer and replied, "Oh of course, officer. While I'm at it, would you like me to remove my metal leg braces and crawl across the White House lawn by my hands?"

Spike tried to keep himself from snickering when the officer said, "My apologies, sir. You may pass."

Chip huffed and pointed to Spike saying, "He's with me."

"Go ahead."

Chip went along with Spike following behind him. Spike spun around and told the officers, "You guys are lucky you stopped us."

Spike then caught up with Chip still chuckling, to which Chip asked, "What's so funny?"

"I'm sorry, buddy. I can't help myself sometimes." Spike said while he pushed passed a blonde woman in a military suit and missing her icy glare.

"You know, sometimes I can never figure out what Carly sees in you, Spike," Chip claimed. "At least you're only here voluntarily. I'm obligated to be at this thing."

"To be honest, I kind of wish I didn't show up at all. But at least we don't have to worry about the Decepticons ruining everything. It's been seven months since they last appeared." Spike said.

"Don't jinx it, Spike. I'd like to make the full year without one Decepticon sighting." Chip claimed, and Spike chuckled a bit more.

An announcer's voice chimed over the loudspeakers, "Ladies and gentlemen; the President of the United States."

The Presidential Anthem began playing over the loudspeakers as President John Keller made his first appearance at the ceremony. A considerable round of applause from the crowd greeted Keller, while Spike and Chip feigned adulation if only to keep up appearances. Keller's Cabinet was present on the stage as the President approached, along with numerous military officials. Spike caught sight of the woman he'd bumped into earlier. She had a scowl on her face that spoke volumes of distain. Whether it was for President Keller or the entire ceremony as a whole was anyone's guess. President Keller approached the podium and greeted the applauding crowd with a wave, though it was more to quell the applause than to greet it.

"My fellow Americans; today marks a moment in history three decades in the making. On this day in 1984, humanity discovered that it was not alone in the universe when a race of robotic beings arrived on our planet. While one faction attempted to take over our planet, the other faction vowed to protect it and its people. For thirty years, the Autobots have fought for the defense and preservation our way of life, and today, we honor them. So without further ado, please welcome the leader of the Autobots: Optimus Prime."

Another round of applause rose up from the gathered crowd, including from Spike and Chip, as a separate gate opened in front of a specially made pathway. A massive red and blue Peterbilt 386 truck slowly rolled across the path, keeping a perfectly straight and narrow form as it went. At first glance, the truck didn't look like it belong in the backyard of a suburban home much less the front lawn of the White House. But the small red and silver face on the grill that was the insignia of the Autobots made the truck an exception. Entering a wide-open area and rolling to a stop, the truck hissed plumes of white smoke into the air. Then there came the distinct sound of shifted metal.

The massive rig began shifting pieces of itself from one point to another. The grill pulled away and formed a pair of arms moving to each side. The rear end of the rig that was designed to haul a trailer shifted into a pair of giant blue and silver legs, and the front window formed a huge chest. The rapidly forming body took a stance before it even finished changing, with the smoke stacks positioned on the back. A head came into existence with a blue helmet and two antenna and a duel sided plate pulled back to reveal a face. Soon, the noble leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime, stood tall and proud before the humans that he and his brethren had sworn for so long to protect. His presence alone was met with thunderous applause, including from Spike and Chip that was more genuine.

"I never get tired of that." Spike said to Chip.

President Keller held his hands up to silence the applause so he could speak. "Optimus Prime, I'd like to take this moment to thank for attending as well as extend humanity's deepest gratitude. You and your Autobots have defended our planet from the Decepticons and many other threats from the first moment you arrived. Your selfless actions and devotion to the peace and security have earned you the respect of a species that has come to consider you as part of our world. On behalf of the people of Earth, you have my most sincere thanks."

Another round of applause came up from the crowd before it was Optimus Prime who silenced them. "Mr. President, it is a great honor to be here today. I am humbled by your gratitude and generosity for myself and my fellow Autobots. We have defended Earth for three of your decades and in return, you've treated our kind as citizens of what has became our home away from home. But as gracious as your thanks may be, I am still but a soldier like my fellow Autobots. And for however long you may wish, we will continue to defend Earth in the service of humanity."

"We couldn't ask for anymore more, Optimus." Keller replied.

"Excuse me…" a female voice called out, coming from one of the seats on the stage, particularly the military woman. "Excuse me for interrupting your little soft spell, Optimus Prime."

In the crowd, Chip grimaced under his breath, "Oh no!"

"Wait, you know that lady?" Spike asked.

Chip replied, "Unfortunately…"

The woman who spoke out was the same that Spike had bumped into earlier. Optimus had taken notice of her without displaying an emotional response negative or otherwise. "Ma'am, I do not believe we have been properly introduce."

The woman gave a swift military salute but the scowl remained. "No, we haven't. I'm Lieutenant Josie Beller, United States Armed Forces Science Division."

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Lt. Beller?" Optimus asked.

"Pleasure? Wow, that's awfully condescending," Lt. Beller said out loud, like she wanted Optimus and everyone in the crowd to hear her. "Well for starters, you can tell us the real reason you and your kind are still on Earth."

Optimus was taken aback but didn't show it. "I am not certain that I understand your meaning, Lieutenant."

"The Decepticons and their leader; Galvatron, wasn't it? Since the Seattle incident seven months ago, they haven't been seen or heard from. For all intents and purposes, the Decepticons may have very well left Earth all together. It begs the question of why you're still here."

"Let me stop you right there, Lieutenant," President Keller interjected. "The continued presence of the Autobots on Earth was vetted here at the White House and bolstered by the collective support of the citizens of our planet. The Autobots are just as much a part of Earth as humanity."

"With all due respect, Mr. President; since when has humanity ever known what it needs? I'm not the only person who thinks this ways. The Decepticons are defeated. They are gone, which means the Autobots should be gone also." Lt. Beller continued.

"That's quite enough, Lieutenant. Regardless of your opinions, the Autobots are in fact here to stay because the citizens of Earth wish it and because they are a part of this world. I for one wouldn't have it any other way."

The President's final statement brought yet another round of applause from the crowd, while Josie Beller promptly left the stage. She stopped at the bottom and looked back at Optimus Prime with an angry glare. Optimus returned the gesture without the emotional response, remaining stoic and calm. It occurred to the leader of the Autobots that this human woman harbored a deep-seated hatred for his kind, but he wasn't about to press the matter. Josie continued on her way from the stage, pushing passed Chip and Spike without glancing back.

"Lt. Beller…" Chip called out, stopping the woman.

Josie turned around still fuming. "Dr. Chase! You enjoying the undeserved adulation your alien friends are receiving?"

"I'd be enjoying it a little bit more if you hadn't made a sideshow of these proceedings, ridiculous as they may be." Chip stated with a hint of anger.

Josie simply smirked before looking to Spike. "You must be Spike Witwicky, the favorite human ally of the Autobots. You and your family have known the Autobots for the past 30 years or so."

"Yes, we have. Optimus Prime rescued my father and me from a Decepticon attack on the offshore oilrig we worked on. I was 17 years old then."

"Now, you're what? 47? 48 years old? I'm 32 if you can believe that. It's got to take a toll, though; being associated with… these things." Josie implied.

Spike's temper flared up then. "Okay, what exactly is your problem with the Autobots, Beller?"

Josie suddenly became cold and serious. "It's not just the Autobots, Witwicky, and it's not just the Decepticons either. They're the entire problem, every last damn one of them. They came to this planet, our planet bringing a civil war with them that caused the senseless deaths of countless humans, some of them very personal."

"Personal?"

"I had a fiancé in Seattle the day of the attack. As far as I'm concerned, your friends are just as responsible as the Decepticons." Josie explained angrily.

"The Autobots were trying to save the city." Spike pointed.

"That's doesn't matter. Good or bad, they're all aliens and they have no right to fight their war on our planet while we suffer and die for it." Josie snapped with even more anger from her tone.

A Secret Service member approached the trio from the stage. "Lieutenant Beller, the President has requested your presence in the Oval Office immediately following the proceedings."

Josie understood that when the President of the United States made a request, it was best to respond. "I wish I could say it was nice meeting you, Mr. Witwicky. But then, I'd be lying."

"Screw you, too." Spike snapped as Josie stormed off. He then looked at Chip and asked, "How do you know people like that?"

"Sometimes, I wish I didn't." Chip said as Optimus approached them.

"Is everything alright, Spike?" he asked.

"It could be better, Optimus. I think now would be a good time to head back to Oregon." Spike replied.

Optimus Prime nodded in response as he pressed his fingers to the side of his head. "Brianstorm, do you read me?"

From the other end of the call, Brainstorm answered, "Loud and clear, Optimus."

"We are finished here at the White House. Open the Ground Bridge."

"Stand by…"

A swirling mass of greenish-blue energy came into existence that appeared similar to a black hole in space, but it was unaccompanied by any sort of vacuum. Optimus Prime assumed his vehicle form and opened the doors for Chip and Spike to enter. Once inside, the giant rig started rolling into the Ground Bridge. Josie remained by the stage for a time to watch the truck disappear into the miniature wormhole in a bright light. Then the wormhole collapse from existence like it wasn't even there. In the back of her mind, Josie was thinking good riddance now that Optimus Prime was gone. Now she had to put up with President Keller, and she knew it wasn't going to a good time for her.

Author's Note: So there's the opening prologue briefly recapping the events of the previous story, revealing that Sentinel Prime is alive but not in a great state. Who are the mysterious characters that appeared at the start? I think you can guess. You can also take a guess at the identity of the shadowy main antagonist.

Speaking of characters, the Anti-Transformer villainess Josie Beller makes her debut. She was a computer genius in the comic; here, she's a USAF scientist, which isn't all that different, I suppose.

Anyway, that's the opening chapter so I hope to get some early reviews.