Beast Wars: A Better World

Prologue

"The Beast Wars are over." Optimus Primal thought to himself. The transwarp back to Cybertron had been rough, but nothing the durable Autobot shuttle couldn't handle. The transmetal Maximal had no idea if finding the shuttle on the Ark had been fate, destiny, or just dumb luck. He had learned not to question these things however.

"So... who thinks old Mega-butt is enjoying the ride?" came a question spontaneously, accented with a snarky laugh. Looking over, Optimus saw Rattrap tapping on the hull approximately where Megatron had been welded. The laugh that followed was infectious to say the least. The Beast Wars had been long and costly, now the laughing, and even the ride home felt good.

"With the job Black Arachnia and Silverbold did on him, they'll be lucky to ever get him off." Rhinox added with a chuckle. "They might have to put the shuttle in prison with him.." He stopped to take notice of a warning light on his console. "We've just entered Cybertronian space."

"Sheesh, and not a moment to soon." Rattrap started. "I can't wait to get back home. I'm gonna head to this little place I know, all the fembots there musta been heartbroken to hear about me missin'."

"I'm sure they made do without you, or the.. scent you attract." Silverbolt jabbed, accented be a chuckle from Black Arachnia.

Rattrap just waved them off. As he turned he noticed a pair of sparkling specs in the distance. "Look like they're here, right on schedule."

"Yup." Rhinox stated simply. He tensed momentarily, then willed himself to relax.

"Unidentified Autobot shuttle." Came a voice from communications. "Slow your speed and identify yourself." The command was sharp and authoritative. The pilot was clearly a seasoned veteran.

"Maximal fighter," Optimus began. "I am Optimas Primal, commander of the Axalon." He watched the pair of fighters in front of them. They were in an escort position now, but they could easilt drop back and open fire if the command was given. He persisted, "If you scan our exterior, you'll find the renegade Megatron welded to the hull."

For a long moment the comm was silent, Just before Optimus would have given the order to prepare the defenses the pilot spoke. "Stand by." More waiting. Silently, he wondered why he was concerned, these were Maximals, in Maximal craft no less. "Welcome home Optimus." The pilot greeted. Optimus breathed a sigh of relief. "You're cleared for landing, transmitting coordinates."

"Thank you, Pilot." Optimus began. "Have an escort waiting for when we arrive, Megatron is highly dangerous."

"Aknowledged." was the reply, it was simple and clean. It felt good, everything about the Beast Wars had been messy, this was easy, sterile. It was even relaxing.

The runway came into view. "We're beginning our descent." said Rhinox. Even though no one could see him behind the controls. Optimus could hear him smiling.