Outside of ORB on a designated launch pad area the Wreckers ship was being outfitted for use of both Autobots, humans and for storing Mobile Suits. The best technicians both sides had were working hard and after a week were nearly complete.

"We should be ready to launch tomorrow, you picked your crew out yet kid?" asked Springer as he and Rodimus watched.

"Almost, we have a lot of potentials, Athrun apparently is doing the same" said Rodimus.

"You sure about the name of the ship?" asked Springer, "I'm okay with it but are you?"

"Yeah" said Rodimus, "tomorrow my friend the new Lost Light will take flight after Galvatron and find additional aid"

In one of the medical bays Athrun was with Ratchet as he had a metal arm cast around his broken arm which allowed him to move his arms freely.

"It still stings a little but I can move it now whilst the bones knit back a little more. You did a great job Ratchet" he told Dearka and Yzak as they watched him.

"You should wear it for another two weeks. Luckily I'm going on his trip with a handpicked group of ZAFT and ORB medics, I'll make sure you don't over do it" said Ratchet.

"So how goes the planning and preparations?" asked Dearka.

"I've managed to persuade the council to offer some supplies and troops as well as a few mechanics. Cagali has managed to do the same with ORB. But its getting too intense, we're at breaking point" said Yzak clearly frustrated.

"That won't be trouble soon" said Athrun, "I heard it from Kira yesterday, Lacus is considering returning to PLANT"

"As a councillor?" asked Dearka.

"No, Clyne agreed to step down temporarily and instated me as Chairman till she believed she was ready to return. If anyone can get the council to fully side with the Autobots its her" said Yzak.

"That just leaves another concern, who is going to lead ORB" said Ratchet.

Attha residence: Gardens

Cagali stared at the flower gardens as Kira joined her as the two stood side by side.

"I heard Rouge has been loaded onboard the Lost Light, that's a pretty big ship" said Kira.

"Yeah it is" said Cagali.

After a few more minutes Kira looked at her.

"I know your gonna hate me saying this, but as not only your friend but as your brother I have to say I am against this. I'm too damn worried about you and Athrun, if something was to happened to either of you I would never be able to live with myself if I didn't speak now. I just wish there was time too…"

Before he could finished Cagali turned and hugged him, clinging to him tightly as tears trickled down her face.

"I'm scared Kira, but I cant just sit by as we maybe threatened even more. I don't want to go, but I know this is the right thing" she said.

Kira held her, a few tears came from his face too.

"But while I'm gone I've made a decision, I want you too lead ORB in my absence" Cagali said as she looked at him.

"Are you sure?" asked Kira with surprise on his face. Cagali nodded and smiled.

"ORB maybe less political in the coming days, they need a strong leader with a good heart, like yours. Don't worry I'll make sure you get assistance in areas your not good at. With you leading ORB and Lacus leading ZAFT I know with Optimus' help you can keep tensions from rising and stop Megatron till we return" she explained.

Kira smiled and saluted her.

"Then I'll do my best" he said. Cagali nodded then started crying again as Kira hugged her again. Lacus watched with Tori on her shoulder, smiling at the two siblings.

BATTLESHIP SCORPONOK

Starscream came back online slowly as Decepticon foot soldiers were managing repairs. He slowly rose and shook his head.

"Well look whose back in the land of the functional" said Sunstorm who was propped up on the wall near Starscream with his arms folded.

"Sunstorm, been a while" said Starscream.

"Like wise" said Sunstorm.

"Where am I?" asked Starscream.

"The repair bay of Scorponok, most of the crew are foot soldiers. But Nemesis ordered a small hand picked group of us to board" explained Sunstorm as he walked towards the repairs bays entrance, "come with me, Nemesis wants a word"

Starscream followed Sunstorm through the ship with many giving him weird looks, along the way he spotted the Insecticons, Thunderwing, Barricade, Blackout and the Terrorcons.

"What is this? Has Megatron taken pity on me and ordered me onto this ship?" he asked as the two arrived on the bridge.

"Nothing like that, and Sunstorm never said Megatron's name now did he?" asked Nemesis as he stopped gazing out of the window at the front of the ship. Zarak and the Decepticon Headmasters were at command posts. On either side of Nemesis stood the Headmasters Snapdragon and Apeface, two of the most dangerous of the Headmasters. The rest of the seekers stood to attention as Starscream arrived.

"So the great Nemesis Prime has gone rogue, and managed to gather a little army and…wait, this is the edge of Earth's Solar System" said Starscream as he noticed them passing the planet of Pluto.

"Glad to see your optics are functional" said Nemesis as he turned and approached Starscream.

"What is this about Nemesis?" asked Starscream, "I have already had what you may call a bad day"

"It's simple Starscream; I want you to lead the Seekers again as their Sky Commander. I discussed it with the others and despite your…track record of betraying Megatron you are still one of their best. We're heading out into the Galaxy to find many of our lost Decepticon comrades. We can agree on one thing, Megatron's ways will not bring about control of Cybertron or end the war. Its time we set about fighting for the true Decepticon Cause. So that the strong rule over all with an Iron Fist, Megatron once called it 'Peace through Tyranny'" explained Nemesis.

"What's different now?" asked Starscream.

"I've watched Megatron, when I served him originally he was a leader of vision, you and I both respected him once. But its clear he's lost his way, he's become more like that Champion Gladiator of Kaon again. I wont lie Starscream many do not trust you, but you and I were there in early days. We both believed the Decepticons would save Cybertron from the injustices brought upon by the council" said Nemesis.

"So where Megatron lost his path we return to?" asked Starscream.

"Indeed, will you join me? Sky Commander?" asked Nemesis extending his hand. Starscream looked at Nemesis and grinned as he clasped hands and shook.

"Seekers, with me, I wish to see if we can still perform as a unit" he ordered as he headed out the door.

"When were we ever a unit?" muttered Ramjet.

"Dare you tell him that, remember the Null Ray" said Skywarp.

After the Seekers had left Nemesis turned to Zarak.

"Was the Spark Restraining Programme installed?" he asked.

"If Starscream even as much as tries to seize power, he'll learn his place" said Zarak.

"I see, so like me you want him under control is that it?" asked Overlord as he loomed over Nemesis, only to have Apeface and Snapdragon aim their guns at his head from behind.

"Stand down" ordered Nemesis, "Overlord is on our side, unless he wants an early grave"

Overlord snarled as he backed off.

"I know I promised to remove yours Overlord but only when you proved yourself loyal. Unlike Megatron I will succeed in completing the Decepticons ultimate goal" said Nemesis as he looked out the window again.

"Fine, just remember that Overlord is no puppet" said Overlord as he stormed out.

"Quite a rag tag team we have" said Zarak.

"Believe me Zarak, the best of the worst is yet to come" chuckled Nemesis.

AUTOBOT BASE-THE ARK

Optimus sat as he ran through the data files on those who had been reported missing from the Decepticon ranks when the Scorponok had left.

"Nemesis, what are you planning? Do you really think you can change the Decepticons?" Prime asked himself.

"We both know how he always wanted to be the best" said Magnus as he walked in and stood by his leaders side.

"Even so Old Friend, I feel as if I failed him. We were lucky, and Elita. He was not, he resents us" said Optimus.

"There is still hope, never forget that Orion" said Magnus with a smile.

"Haven't heard you call me that in a while" chuckled Optimus.

"Nostalgia, unfortunately I bring some troubling news a ZAFT patrol uncovered. Cosmos and Blaster went to investigate as well" said Magnus as he showed Prime on Teletran-1 images of a ruined space station and a large number of Murasames and a Black Gundam.

"That's ORB's Pillar of Autumn, Cagali mentioned it to me" said Optimus.

"And it tried to get in Galvatron's way. Its leader, a Rondo Sahaku challenged Galvatron. He destroyed the Mobile Suit Gold Frame with ease, whilst Metrotitan and the Destiny handled its troops. Then a final transmission reported seeing the Artemis dock into Metrotitan. Meaning now Galvatron and his forces have their own flying fortress. Optimus, I worry Rodimus may not be able to handle this, even with a crew under Athrun's command" said Magnus.

"Your going with them aren't you?" asked Optimus.

"Rodimus asked me to be his 2nd in Command, but if you need me…" said Magnus.

"No Magnus, you need to go with them. Whatever either enemy forces have planned, our friends and allies could use your skills" said Prime, "and don't worry, I'll make sure to stay alive"

The two shook hands.

"You damn well better" said Magnus with a smile.

24 hours later

BATTLESHIP LOST LIGHT LAUNCH PAD READY, SUPPLIES HAVE BEEN STOCKED FOR BOTH HUMAN AND AUTOBOT USE. SHIP HAS BEEN MODIFED FOR HUMAN USE AS WELL WITHOUT DISCOMFORT OR ANNOYANCE FOR AUTOBOT CREW

CREW MANIFEST: AUTOBOTS

RODIMUS: SHIP COMMANDER AND LEADER OF AUTOBOT CREW

ULTRA MAGNUS: 2ND IN COMMAND

DRIFT: APPOINTED 3RD IN COMMAND BY RODIMUS

RATCHET: SHIP MEDIC AND MECHANIC

PERCEPTOR: CHIEF SCIENTIST

KUP: CHIEF STRADEGIST

BLASTER: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, AIDED BY REWIND, EJECT, STEELJAW AND RAMHORN

JAZZ: SPECS OPS MEMBER

CLIFFJUMPER: HEAD OF INFILTRATION OPERATIONS

IRONHIDE: IN CHARGE OF WEAPONS DEPARTMENT

AERIALBOTS: AIR COMBAT FORCE, ALSO COMBINE TO SUPERION

HOIST AND GRAPPLE: HEAD OF SHIP AND WEAPON REPAIRS

RED ALERT: HEAD OF SECURITY

INFERNO: AID TO HEAD OF SECURITY

DINBOTS: HEAVY ATTACK FORCE, PLUS GRIMLOCK THREATENED TO BREAK RODIMUS IF NOT ALLOWED TO JOIN IN A DECEPTICON HUNT

ADDITIONAL SOLDIERS: JETFIRE, SUNSTREAKER, SIDESWIPE, POWERGLIDE, WARPATH, HOUND AND TRAILBREAKER

CREW MANIFEST: HUMAN ALLIANCE

ATHRUN ZALA: COMMANDER

CAGALI YULA ATTHA: POLTICAL ADVISOR

ANDREW WALTFELD: RETIRED MOBILE SUIT PILOT NOW ACTS AS SHIP STRADEGIST IN SHIP TO SHIP COMBAT.

DEARKA ELSMAN: GUNNER

LOWE GEAR: JUNK TECH, HEAD OF THE REPAIR TEAM WHEN NOT AWAY ON MISSIONS

GAI MURAKUMO: MERCENARY

LUNAMARIA HAWKE: 2ND IN COMMAND

STELLA LOUSSIER: NEWLY APPOINTED PILOT OF THE GAIA GUNDAM. HAS REQUESTED TO JOIN MISSION IN HOPES OF PERSUADING SHINN ASUKA TO LEAVE GALVATRON'S SERVICE. INCREASED ANALYSE REVEALS NO LONGER SUFFERS FROM EXTENDED PILOT WITHDRAWLS AND HAS A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT PERSONALITY TO ORIGINAL FILES. REQUEST WAS PERMITTED BY COMMANDER KIRA YAMATO.

WITH THE ADDITIONAL OF A SMALL MOBILE SUIT SQUAD OF 5 MURASAMES AND 5 ZAKUS THE LOST LIGHT ALSO HAS A MECHANIC TEAM OF 15 LED BY FORMER ARCHANGEL HEAD OF REPAIRS, MURDOCH.

As many came to watch the ships launch the crew began to board one by one, the new Saviour Gundam was brought on last as Cagali and Athrun prepared for their goodbyes.

"Be safe out there, do you know how long you will be?" asked Lacus.

"No idea, months, maybe years" said Athrun. Lacus looked saddened and was near crying as Cagali hugged her. Kira shook hands with Athrun but then watched as Tori hopped shoulders.

"I think he wants to go with you" chuckled Kira.

"I'll look after him and bring him back safe and sound" said Athrun, then after a moment the two friends hugged.

"Good luck out there" said Kira.

"Good luck being a leader" said Athrun.

As Gai said his goodbye Lowe was having trouble as Kisato refused to stop hugging him. Dearka meanwhile watched as Yzak called him a damn fool but sighed and shook hands. Luna hugged Meyrin several times with tears flowing.

As everyone was ready to leave Optimus stepped forward.

"I wont lie, what you are about to do is dangerous but yet brave. I am proud of all of you, Rodimus, step forward" he ordered.

Rodimus did so as he stopped before Prime.

"Rodimus, today you take to stars as a commander, but also as a leader. Which is why here and now I know in my spark you are ready for the greatest task. I hereby give you another duty, to safeguard something precious" said Optimus. He then slowly opened his chest and removed something that shined brightly inside a special form of casing.

"The Matrix…Optimus no I…" began Rodimus.

"You are worthy, you have been worthy since the day I met you. Though you were young I always sensed you were special. Gifted, but not yet ready. But now that day has finally come, for too long I have stood alone, it is time for another to rise, to begin a new line. Rodimus, you believed in the ancient ways of Cybertron, will you take the Matrix as I did, will you follow the Dynasty and never fall foul like those before me did?" asked Optimus.

Everyone looked at Rodimus as he stared at the Matrix. Then he slowly took it in his hands and held it close, he then opened his own chest and placed it inside before it closed. His eyes glowed bright blue as did his body.

"I accept the burden, with all that I am" he said as the light faded away and he fell to one knee.

"Then it is with great pride and honour I welcome you to a dynasty only a few maybe worthy to join. Arise…Rodimus Prime" said Optimus.

The Autobots stood and saluted then slowly the humans did as well. Rodimus nodded as he shook Optimus' hand and turned to Athrun.

"Its time to go" he said. Athrun nodded and saluted his friends as the pair boarded the ship. Looking back on last time before the doors closed the two commanders said their farewells.

On the bridge of the ship the Aerialbots had taken to the controls of the ship with Air Raid as the main pilot.

"Crew are onboard, all supplies are stored, we are green in all areas" said Silverbolt.

"All humans and mobile suits account for. We are good" said Waltfeld.

"Want to do the honours?" asked Athrun. Rodimus nodded as Ultra Magnus and Drift stood by his side as he pressed the intercom.

"Attention, this is Rodimus Prime, commander of the Lost Light II, today we set out into space on a mission. Our goals are simple, find allies, protect those where we can and do whatever it takes to find out or stop what Galvatron and Nemesis Prime are up to. We are one ship and a small hand picked crew. But you were chosen by Athrun Zala and myself for a reason. Because we are the best for this task, each of us has earned our place on this ship. Whilst we head out our allies on Earth and here in this solar system will fight Megatron with everything they got. We wont let them down and we will return here hundred times strong. The road ahead of us will be tricky at times, but we can do this, as a team. For Earth and For Cybertron, we will not fail. Prepare for launch"

"Well put" said Magnus.

"Thanks, I had Drift write it out for me, I'm terrible at speeches sometimes" said Rodimus.

"The Intercoms still on" said Drift, all round ship everyone laughed.

"At least their in good spirits about this" said Athrun.

"Indeed, Athrun, give the order" said Rodimus.

"Yes Sir, Lost Light, LAUNCH!" Athrun ordered.

With a roar of thrusters the Lost Light began to rise up and gain altitude before it moved slowly into space.

"We've past Earth's atmosphere, ready for Quantum Jump" said Silverbolt.

"Engage" ordered Rodimus, with a lever pushed down the ship shot off into space, leaving the Solar System behind it in seconds.

Back on Earth that night Kira and Lacus stared up at the stars when Optimus joined them.

"They will be fine, I know it" said Optimus.

"Are you sure?" asked Kira.

"My friend if I wasn't sure. I wouldn't have given Rodimus the Matrix" said Optimus.

"Is he truly worth of it?" asked Lacus.

"When I first met him I knew he was special. He shared a passion and love of Cybertron unmatched and was loyal to the ancient ways. And has the war went on he matured more and more and I knew one day, he would help me begin a new line of Primes" said Optimus.

"So how does it feel to no longer be the last Prime?" asked Kira.

"To be honest Kira, it's a relief" Optimus chuckled.

"Well don't worry, they maybe off adventuring in the Galaxy, but you can count on me to aid you" said Kira.

"I know Kira" said Optimus, "thank you"

NEXT CHAPTER: PRISON SHIP PESTS