"Goooood morning New Cybertron! It's 7 o'clock meaning it's time to rise and put the pedal to the metal! It's a nice warm day here at our headquarters in Cybertropolis with not a single cloud in sight. Also, a big congrats to all you graduates today! We here at 94.7 The Mech wish you the best of luck in your life!"

Jace could hear no more before he hit the 'off' button on his alarm clock. Mornings were never his strong suit, even though he was in the military.

There was a knock on his door, but Jace ignored it and covered his head with his pillow. He heard the door slide open and someone walk in.

"Come on Jace, we have to get ready."

Jace ran a hand through his spikey blond hair. "The graduation isn't until noon, we have lots of time," he said.

Aaron Hide sighed and crossed his arms. "We also have a meeting with the new recruits to let them know what they're getting themselves into. And some are already arriving. So you need to get dressed!" he ordered.

"I'm the older one, aren't I?"

"But I'm the more responsible one, now move. The recruits are ecstatic to meet the son of two Primes," he said, pulling the sheets away. Jace moaned and finally sat up.

Aaron was already dressed for the day in his uniform- a sleek, all black outfit with red lines along the shoulders and bottom on his pants. He also had many patches on his vest- one Autobot symbol as well as the New Cybertronian symbol. His black hair was sleeked back.

Jace groaned and finally got out of his bed. Aaron left Jace to his dressing and went down to the large auditorium. Jace threw on his uniform and made his way down as well. The auditorium was filled to the brim with new recruits. New soldiers of both species were arriving every day and Cybertronians who were thrust into the war were finally given formal training. Also, with graduation season upon the planet, there was an influx of recruits.

Standing on the stage when Jace arrived was Aaron and a blond man in a similar uniform to Aaron but his was white instead of black. There was also a woman in a plain red uniform with black stripes. Her skin was an olive color and she had short black hair.

"About time you showed up," the girl said, crossing his arms.

Jace shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Oh calm down Anka, I'm here aren't I?" Anka rolled his eyes and looked out onto the crowd.

"They look pretty eager to begin. Shall we start?" the blond man asked. Everyone nodded, so he moved forward and cleared his throat. The crown instantly silenced. "Hello everyone, it's great to see such a large crowd. My name is Lucas Pax, and I am the second child of Optimus and Virimus Prime. I also serve as second in command for the New Cybertronian medical unit. Welcome to the New Cybertronian military. Since the planet is still developing, we still run the risk of allies to the Decepticon cause, as well as human anti-Cybertronian involvement, hence why we need a strong military presence. Now, let me introduce you to two other officers," he introduced, and gestured to Aaron and Jace.

Aaron stepped forward next. "Hello recruits! I am Aaron Hide, second in command of our weapons and tactics. I'm 24 years old and have been trained by my father and our chief weapons and tactics officer, Ironhide, since I was old enough to hold a gun. Needless to say, my mother wasn't very happy about that!" This prompted a few laughs from the crowd.

Anka came forward and crossed her arms behind her back. "My name is Anka Hide and I am the first born child of Ironhide and Akila Hide," she introduced.

"Older by one minute," Aaron commented.

Anka rolled her eyes and continued. "I am first in command when it comes to engineering. If you're with me, you will be inventing new weapons, new upgrades, and new innovations. The medical staff can go so far, but it is up to us to get an edge on our enemies," and with that, she was done. Anka was a very solemn woman and took her job seriously.

Finally Jace stepped forward. "Best for last, huh? I'm Jace Pax, the eldest child of Optimus and Virimus Prime. I'm third in command of the entire army, behind my father and Commander Bumblebee, respectively. Like plenty of you, I was born on Earth, so thank you all for being here and protecting this great planet. You won't regret it, I promise you," he said, and stepped back for Lucas to give orders. Lucas, though he was two years younger than Jace, was usually much more cool and collected.

"Now everyone, if you will go to your assigned bunkers, you may unpack. Any needs you may have will be addressed to your second in command, as we will all be out for the evening for a family event. Tomorrow, the real work begins. That is all," he said. Everyone began to stand up and leave the room.

Jace turned to Aaron. "This is what you woke me up for? Some five minute speech?"

"We're heading home as soon as you guys get dressed so we can help mom and Aunt Brooke set up a celebration dinner," Anka answered.

Lucas smiled and closed his eyes. "Oh, homemade cooking, how I've missed you! Synthetics just does not have the same taste," he commented. "Anyway, come on, let's go get on some civilian clothes, pack some nice clothes, and get out of here."

They all went separate ways to their rooms where they put on regular clothes. Jace wore a tee shirt and cargo shorts, Aaron wore a tee shirt and jeans, Lucas wore a white button up and cargos, and Anka put on black pants and a blue blouse. They met up near the entrance to the base, where a short blue mech was waiting on them.

"Thanks for giving us a ride home, Evac," Aaron thanked. Evac smiled and nodded at them. Since there was no immediate danger, Evac did not have to focus on his job, which was to take any important artifacts away from the enemy's attack. Evac transformed into his roof-less car self and they were off through the city of Cybertropolis. Their home was on the other side of the city and, with the morning traffic, it took about an hour to get there.

New Cybertron had only been established for 22 years and it was, surprisingly, growing very fast. Cybertropolis was a thriving city. Washington was once a pure human city to help Cybertronians adjust to living with humans, but now they were fully integrated. Two more cities popped up as well: the industrial city of Iacon and the peaceful, relaxation site of Tyger Pax. Axion Nexus was a travel site for all humans and refugees to come to Cybertron. Antihex was close to Iacon and served as a slum site and the area for underground trade. The police were closely monitoring it and deporting any humans who were breaking the laws as well as arresting any Cybertronians, but they were very sneaky and hard to catch. The Prime leaders were unhappy with the creation of Antihex, but with any world, it couldn't be helped.

"When's the last time any of us went home?" Jace wondered. Everyone thought about it but they couldn't think of a recent time.

"It's been at least six months," Lucas said. "But I mean I work with Ratchet all the time and he tells me how grandma's doing. And I see mom and dad, as well as Aunt Akila and Uncle 'Hide, around base all the time. So it's not like we never see each other."

The rest of the ride was relatively silent with the light hum of the radio and the sound of the wind blowing in their ears. At stoplights, people would stop and wave at the famous family, with which they would smile and wave back.

Finally the skyscrapers of new Cybertron were replaced with the large houses of the New Cybertronian leaders, both military and political. Finally they reached the gates that led to the wrap around driveway to three large mansions. Evac's holoform, who was in the driver seat, pressed the button.

"State your intentions," a young female asked over the voice box.

"I have some Pax's and Hide's ready for a party," Evac joked.

"Oh, come in!" the girl said, a smile evident in her voice. The gates opened and Evac zoomed to the doors of the largest mansion. Everyone piled out of the car and grabbed their clothes out of the trunk.

Soon the door opened and an older woman with wrinkles on her face walked out. Her blond hair was thin and down to her shoulders. She wore an orange blouse and white skirt.

"Oh, my boys! I'm so glad you could come!" she exclaimed as she walked up to them. Jace and Lucas dropped their bags and gave their mother a hug.

"Of course! So where's the graduate?" Jace asked.

When they broke the hug, he looked to see a girl in the doorway. She was older and had bright blue eyes with light eyeliner on. Her hair was thick and a bright blue color. She wore a red dress that stopped at her knees.

"Well, long time, no see!" she said with a smile at the two boys.

Jace walked forward and opened his arms. "Well what can I say, we're busy on base! Now, are you gonna give me a hug or what?" he asked. The girl smirked and ran into his arms. He gave her a tight hug and then ruffled her hair.

After they broke apart, Lucas gave the girl a tight hug as well. "It's nice to see you, Amarith," he greeted. "Congratulations on the graduation."

"Lucas, hush!" Amarith scolded. "Don't jinx it! Something could still go terribly wrong!"

"Amarith don't say that," Brooke said.

Amarith smirked and folded her arms. Brooke and Amarith then reunited with Anka and Aaron then the family went inside. Evac left the area to return back to base.

When they got inside, they were greeted by two mechs and two more women. The mechs, Optimus Prime and Ironhide, were still looking ready for battle, but they were looking a bit older. Meanwhile, there was an older looking woman with dark skin and her long black hair up in a bun. There was also an elderly woman sitting in a chair with a cane next to her. They all turned and looked when the new arrivals.

"Oh my, my, look at these grown people! Who are you again?" the elderly woman joked.

Jace smiled and lightly hugged the woman. "It's nice to see you too, grandma," he greeted.

The woman with dark hair, Akila, was hugging her two children as well. "About time you got here! Your father isn't exactly the best when it comes to putting on parties," she joked. Ironhide scoffed at that and crossed his arms.

Optimus, meanwhile, had transformed and activated his holoform, which was a middle aged blue haired man with a few graying spots and few wrinkles. He gave his sons a tight hug before wrapping an arm around his wife.

"It is great to see you all after such a long time," Optimus said. "I haven't been to base in a long time it seems."

"Yeah, why is that, dad?" Jace asked.

Optimus pointed at Amarith with his thumb and the blue haired girl looked stunned. "I've been working on getting her a job in politics. One month from now, she will begin shadowing me in politics," he explained

"Think of it like an internship," Brooke explained.

After chatting for a bit, the family began to get the home ready for Amarith's graduation party. Lucas, Amarith, and Brooke all worked on blowing up balloons and hanging them throughout the home. Akila and Aaron worked on cooking the grand dinner that was to be served while Optimus went out to buy plenty of energon. Ironhide and Anka, having no decoration skills, moved the extra chairs and tables from the storage area.

Finally it hit noon and the family got dressed. They all huddled inside of Ironhide and Optimus (and the extra, non-transforming car, which Jace drove) and they were off to the school.

New Cybertron had a developing school system. There was at least one school system in every major city (two in Cybertropolis) which taught the basics to living on New Cybertron. History was a major component of the curriculum, with Cybertronian as well as Earth history being taught. Students learned of the ancient tales of the Primes and the Fallen, as well as stories of events such as the French Revolution.

Amarith went to New Cybertron Academy, the same school Jace and Lucas graduated from. It was right in the middle of their district and it was where the children of New Cybertron's politicians and leaders went. Will and Sarah Lennox's granddaughter, Raine, was a freshman at the school.

They arrived and found their seats in the large auditorium while Amarith left to sit with her fellow graduates. The seats in the auditorium were Cybertronian-sized, so the family needed a bit of help getting onto the seats. But soon everyone was settled and the names began to be called.

After about 30 minutes, Amarith's row finally stood up.

"Amarith Pax," the principal, a man named James Gills, called. Amarith walked onto the stage and took the diploma in her hand. She sat back in her chair. After 30 more minutes of names, the ceremony was over and the graduates threw their hats into the air.

"You all go outside, I will go find her," Optimus said. Everyone agreed and left while Optimus made his way down to the auditorium floor. Many eyes were on the New Cybertronian leader and many smiled and nodded at him.

"Optimus, sir!" a voice called. Optimus turned to see a young mech with a diploma in his hands. "It is such an honor to meet you!" he said.

Optimus, always one for greeting the younger generation, smiled and shook his hand. "And what is your name?" he asked.

"Stormrunner," he said. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you, so thank you for everything you've done!" Optimus smiled at him then went to find his daughter.

He finally found the girl in the corner with her human boyfriend, a boy named Damian Jones. His father was involved in human relations and was a Marine back on Earth. The duo had been dating for a few months and Damian planned to join the police force.

"Amarith, it is time to go," Optimus told her. Amarith jumped at the sound of her father's voice. She then gave her boyfriend a quick peck and followed her father out of the auditorium. They then reunited with the family and returned home for the party.

There were only a few close friends invited to the party and Amarith had to make sure and do her rounds and visit every guest.

She started with the Witwicky's. Sam and Michaela were aged as well, and Sam had some balding, a sad trait given to him by his father. Michaela was still beautiful even in her age, and let her long black curls fall down over her shoulder. Ben was unable to come to the party, since he was on Earth studying to become a lawyer at Harvard Law School. Bumblebee came with them though and greeted the Pax and Hide children with huge hugs, as he had been their best friends as they grew up.

Next came the Lennox's. Will and Sarah sat with Brooke's mother and served as the elderly figures for the party. They both had light gray hair and Will found it harder to be physically active, a side effect of his years of military work. Annabelle was middle aged and stayed close to her parents, in case they needed anything. She didn't have to keep a close eye on her daughter, as the brown haired girl was sitting with her tablet in the corner. Annabelle's husband, Jason, was out of town on a business trip to Iacon.

Amarith also visited with her Uncle Ultra Magnus, but he was busy trading war stories with Anka, as the two shared many personality traits.

Soon the party came to a close and the family sat outside, listening to the waves.

"Well, I'm graduated," Amarith said, leaning against her father's leg. Optimus smiled and rubbing his finger against her back.

Brooke smiled and sat next to her two sons. The family was reunited, but only for the night. Tomorrow, the children would return to base and Amarith would relax a bit before following her father to the Capitol to learn politics.

But, at the moment, all was fine.


Welcome back everyone! I'm so proud of this chapter. Welcome to New Cybertron! This is set 23 years after 'A True Leader'. Review please!