Warnings: Character Death

Notes: Again, borrowed dialogue is marked.


Smokescreen could not stop grinning as he was led through the halls of the Autobot base. Everything was perfect! First, he'd been rescued from the Decepticon ship. Second, he's been rescued from the Decepticon ship by Wheeljack, a Wrecker. He'd spent most of the trip to this planet going over his code, making sure that this was real and not some some daydream. Now, he was in the Autobot base with Bulkhead, another wrecker; Ratchet, the best medic in the Autobot ranks; and Optimus Prime himself.

His smile slipped as he considered what had happened when he first arrived. Thanks to the phase shifter, he hadn't needed to undergo any procedures to have the key removed, but finding out that the mech he had considered a friend had attacked him and used him to smuggle the key off Cybertron had been unpleasant. He had been eager to do more in the war; he would have said yes if Alpha Trion had only asked. Why hadn't he asked? Had he thought Smokescreen would betray the Autobots and hand the key over to the Decepticons? Had he thought that Smokescreen just wasn't good enough to keep the key hidden? He wanted answers, but he couldn't bear asking Prime for answers.

And wasn't that a weird thought, that he could ask Alpha Trion questions through Optimus Prime now? The story sounded insane, and if it had come anyone other than the Prime, Smokescreen might not have believed them. The Thirteen Primes (minus one or two) communicating with the living through what was apparently the spirit of an alien sounded ridiculous. The Autobots had apparently used the information provided by the mech he had once guarded to locate him, though, so he guessed there was no arguing with that kind of evidence.

Smokescreen turned his attention back to the native showing him around.

"...and this is the immobilizer, and across the hall is the spark extractor, and over there is Arachnid. Annnd that's the tour, any questions?" Miko spun to face him.

"Yeah, actually," Smokecreen considered his words before plunging forward. "Could you tell me about Jack?"

Her face fell, "What about him?"

"Nothing, really, I just... Apparently, if it weren't for him, Optimus wouldn't have known about the keys or me or where to find me. I'd still be a prisoner of the Decepticons right now, and who knows if I'd ever get out? I just wanna know about him."

"Fine," she sighed and motioned for him to follow him back to the common area, "The first thing you need to know about Jack is that he was a ridiculous dancer..."


Optimus glanced up at the gathering. Miko and Smokescreen had returned to common area of the base some time ago, and when the others realized what the two were talking about they had all gravitated towards the discussion. Even Wheeljack, who had barely interacted with Jack, was on the fringes listening. Miko was telling the shadowzone story while Rafael split his attention between the story and his computer screen. Jack was torn between feeling moved and maligned. (Heh, I'd almost forgotten about that... Hey! Things did not happen that way! Optimus, tell them he's exaggerating!) Suddenly, Rafael drew the attention of the group to his laptop. Within moments, they were moving in his direction.

"Optimus, Raf found Red Energon," Bumblebee had been the closest to him and thus arrived first.

Optimus spoke while Ratchet quietly explained Red Energon to the two children, "We must have Agent Fowler clear the dig site of all human presence in the event we are not the only ones who have discovered its location.*"

Smokescreen perked up at the chance to work with his heroes, "Optimus, I could—"

"Given the circumstances, I believe that it would be best if you did not participate in this venture."

"Sir, with all due—"

Optimus held up a hand, "Besides your lack of field experience, there is also the matter of your lack of an earth-based vehicle mode."

"Also," Ratchet cut in dryly, "there's the small issue of you being a Decepticon prisoner for centuries. I still haven't given you a proper physical. You aren't doing anything until I've cleared you for duty."

Smokescreen seemed taken aback, "Yes, sir."

"Send me and Jackie," Bulkhead grinned.

Optimus nodded, "Wait for word from Fowler." With that, he turned away to contact the agent.


The two Wreckers ended up encountering resistance in the form of Starscream. The seeker seemed the worse for wear and soon retreated rather than face off with the two Autobots. They returned triumphant, and once they got back, Wheeljack started refining the Red Energon.

June Darby showed up that night while Smokescreen was being checked by Ratchet. "I heard from Bill that you have all the keys to the Omega Lock, now."

She's calling him "Bill" now?

"Yes."

Well, I guess I don't mind.

"So you all are going to be going back to Cybertron soon?"

I mean, it's not like I want her to be alone.

"Yes."

He better be good to her though.

She nodded, visibly steeling herself before continuing, "Will you be coming back?"

Optimus, I need your help giving Fowler the shovel talk! Wait, what's going on?

"Once our planet is restored, the battle will most likely move back there. Even once the war is over, there will be much rebuilding to be done." Seeing June wilting from disappointment, he added, "I would not be able to return very often."

Optimus... thank you.

"Thank you," She unknowingly echoed her son.

Hey, I don't know how good interstellar communication is, but could we still call or at least write?

"It's the least I can do," he spoke aloud while mentally replying. Writing would be doable.

Thanks.

"When will you be leaving?"

Solus says that a secure communication device would not be outside the capabilities of the Forge, in case that's an issue.

"Tomorrow evening." That should give everyone time to say goodbye, him time to modify the groundbridge, and Ratchet time to work in case Smokescreen needed any procedures done.

So soon?

"I'll be back tomorrow then."

"Until then." The longer we wait, the more time the Decepticons have to discover this.


Unfortunately, the next day Silas resurfaced. The Autobots did not learn of this until after he had stolen the Project Damocles satellite. June, who had taken the day off, had been very unimpressed by the title. "What, was Project: Death From Above already taken?"

It is an obvious name.

Is it? Optimus asked Jack while Fowler protested that Silas had named it.

If you're even vaguely familiar with the story behind it, yes. Look it up later if you have time. The phrase "sword of Damocles", which refers to a sword hanging over someone's head by a single hair, is used to convey impending doom, basically. It's kind of on the nose for a satellite that fires death lasers from the sky.

"The 'Cons may have the satellite, but they can't use it without the interface code. The only existing copy is stored on the secured servers at headquarters in Colorado.*"

"Then we will go there to protect that code," Optimus announced.

When they arrived at the military base Soundwave was already there, though he soon ran when Optimus came at him with the Star Sabre. Moments later, it was the Autobots retreating in the face of the Damocles satellite.

"We need to take the satellite down," Optimus said as he emerged from the space bridge.

"Already on it, Optimus," called Rafael from his stacks of homework and notes. His parents had almost prevented him from coming today due to his slipping grades, but given that his friend had recently died, they were a bit more sympathetic then they might otherwise be. It took some time, but between Raf and Ratchet, they eventually managed to cause the satellite to reenter the atmosphere where gravity and friction would destroy it.


Despite the unexpected interruption by Silas and the Decepticons, evening found the Autobots and their allies assembling around the space bridge. Miko and Rafael were disheartened to be seeing what may be the last of their guardians. Both of them were pressing the Autobots to stay in contact. Agent Fowler had already said his "goodbyes" and "it's been an honor to work with yous" and stood back watching the proceedings. June approached Arcee, and they spoke quietly for a few moments. Optimus didn't try to listen, even though Jack was both curious and concerned about the conversation. After Mrs. Darby finished speaking to Arcee, she came over to stand by Optimus.

"Goodbye, stay alive, and don't forget to write."

"Of course, Mrs. Darby," Optimus nodded.

Tell her goodbye. Tell her we'll see her again, and I won't let you forget.

"Jack says goodbye, and that he won't forget." I can't make that kind of promise.

June seemed to hear what hadn't been said because she pursed her lips and had a determined look in her eye, "I'll see you later, then."

Bye, mom.

Well, it seemed like everyone was done now. Optimus raised his voice, "Autobots, let's move out."

Everyone but Ratchet (because if Cliffjumper's death had taught them anything, it was that they should always leave someone to man the bridge, just in case) moved towards the space bridge. They were armed with all the relics they could carry. Arcee was a hulking figure in the Apex Armor. Smokescreen looked like he hoped that they would get into a situation where his phase shifter would get some use. Bulkhead had the immobilizer in one hand and the polarity gauntlet in the other. Wheeljack had declined any of the weapons, preferring his swords and explosives, but accepted the force field generator. Bumblebee had the resonance blaster mounted on one arm. Optimus lead the way with the Star Sabre on his back and the spark extractor under one arm. All of them were carrying a dose of Red Energon, just in case. None of them were expecting a Decepticon attack, but they'd come too far to get blindsided at the last minute.

They emerged from the bridge at the coordinates Alpha Trion had given Optimus. At first it seemed that they had been misinformed, but as they approached, four pillars rose from the ground and the Omega Lock revealed itself. Optimus moved forward and started inserting the keys. The Lock began to glow as it powered up. He set it to restore the planet and took several steps back to stand amongst his Autobots. For a few minutes there was a reverent silence as they all watched first the area around the Lock regenerate then as the effect traveled further outward.

"Wish I'd brought the Jackhammer," Wheeljack muttered, "I bet the view is amazing up high."

Bumblebee nodded in agreement and looked around, "There's a building over there. It looks like it's already been cyberformed; we could watch from up there."

While the others started towards the building, Jack spoke up.

Hey Optimus, tell Arcee that this is even more incredible than the first time, okay? And that I'm glad that I got to see her planet like—Whoa! Watch out!

Optimus probably should have expected something like this to happen. Things had been going very well for the Autobots lately; they were overdue for a stroke of bad fortune. So of course they would be attacked by a creature straight out of human myth and Cybertronian history. When Jack shouted a warning and he saw movement in his peripheral vision, he was already moving and calling out to the others. The beast slammed into the ground where he had been moments before and surged forward, jaws open. Optimus moved to the side, but before he could bring the Star Sabre down on its neck, Bumblebee hit it with the resonance blaster. The creature was stunned, and before it could recover, Bulkhead lashed out with the immobilizer.

What was that? Was that a dragon? You have dragons on Cybertron? Why did no one warn me about the dragons?

That's not a dragon, it's—

Yeah, getting a history lesson from Alpha and Onyx now.

Optimus turned his attention back to the Predacon, "It would seem that Cybertron was not as abandoned as we had thought."

Smokescreen had approached and was cautiously examining its frozen form, "I know that I'm pretty new and don't know all the players, but I can only think of one person who could create something like this."

"Shockwave," Arcee hissed, "I guess his death was too much to hope for."

"We need to guard the Omega Lock until the restoration is complete. Ratchet, open a space bridge; Bulkhead, take the Predacon to earth and come back."

"Optimus—"

"Bulkhead, Shockwave has had centuries to create new weapons, and counter old ones. We do not want the Predacon back in the fight."

"Yes, sir." Bulkhead seized the beast's body and hurried towards the now open bridge.

Optimus and the others returned to the Omega Lock and established a loose perimeter. All of them were on the lookout for Shockwave or another one of his experiments.

"You know, if he's not coming himself, he may be off calling for backup," Arcee murmured.

Wheeljack glanced over, "If he could contact the others, then he'd be with them right now."

"Maybe not," Bulkhead returned, going to stand between Wheeljack and Smokescreen, "That creep's in it for science, not because he believes in the cause. The Decepticons let him do all the stuff we'd never let him get away with so he works for them, but if he had a choice between doing whatever he wants for as long as he wants, and working on what Megatron tells him to on Megatron's schedule, do you really think he'd go to Megatron?"

"Huh, point, nothing we can do but wait, anyway."

As the Omega Lock was finishing its work, the sky above them darkened. About half his Autobots were tensed, ready to fight, while the other half joined him in recognizing the Iron Will.

"Autobots, stand down."

"Optimus, do you know who this is?" Arcee motioned to the ship.

"Yes."

Who is it?

Ultra Magnus, my second in command and leader of the Wreckers.

The ship landed a short distance away and soon Ultra Magnus had joined the group.

"Sir, I am glad to see you in good health."

"Commander, it has been too long," Optimus briefly rested his hand on his second's shoulder in greeting.

"Sir, I came here after my ship detected an energy surge on Cybertron. Sir, the planet is," he looked around and seemed to lose his words. "What's going on?"

Optimus gave him a very brief overview of the situation, ending with the Predacon attack, "...we believe that Shockwave or another one of his experiments may be about, would you return to your ship and search for Decepticon activity?"

"Yes, sir."

A short time later, the commander returned, "Sir, I believe that I have located Shockwave's laboratory."

"Good," Optimus considered his forces, "Arcee, Bumblebee, and Smokescreen, guard the Omega Lock until it finishes; when it is done, return the keys to earth and come after us." Smokescreen and Arcee seemed upset, but nodded along with the scout. "Bulkhead, Wheeljack, with us." He turned towards the Iron Will, the two Wreckers trailing behind.

When they reached the lab, they found Shockwave ready for them. The scientist had trapped the areas surrounding the entrances and fired on them from the safety of his base. Too bad that the Autobots had no intention of storming the place. Wheeljack used the force field generator to provide cover, Optimus destroyed the door and front wall from a distance using the Star Sabre, and Bulkhead used the polarity gauntlet to pull Shockwave out of hiding once his Prime had created a large enough hole. Shockwave's optic widened as he was dragged towards them. He was killed by his own traps before he reached the Autobots.

"Oops, hope you didn't want him alive, boss-bot."

"We don't have time to interrogate him properly, and this is better than risking Megatron rescuing him. Let's proceed with caution, who knows what Shockwave kept here."

Wheeljack gripped the force field generator and went in first, followed by Bulkhead, Optimus and Ultra Magnus.

"What are we looking for, anyway?" Wheeljack called back.

"Right now? More Predacons, we'll have Ratchet go over this place in more detail later."

"Well, I see what might be the equipment he used to make the one we saw, but no signs that he made more than one."

Ultra Magnus walked over to a console, "I'll see if I can find his notes." He frowned, "It seems that he's been alone so long that he's stopped bothering with security, sloppy. There is, indeed, only one Predacon."

"Good, let's leave this for now and return to the Lock. We need to send out the news that Cybertron has been restored, and prepare for the arrival of the Decepticons."


Given that the Decepticons had access to a space bridge of their own, the Autobots didn't have time to do much more than cyberform the area surrounding the Omega Lock to provide them cover. Optimus worked with the Lock for as long as he dared before he sent the Bumblebee to rush the keys back to Ratchet. Smokescreen had disappeared with the spark extractor. Bulkhead, assisted by Wheeljack, was gathering scrap to use as projectiles with the polarity gauntlet. Ultra Magnus lent Arcee an energy whip to use with the Apex Armor, and taken the Iron Will off in case they needed surprise aerial support. Jack was a tense, silent presence.

The Nemesis arrived.


Notes: Only one more chapter to go. It'll probably (hopefully) be shorter than this one, but I'll also include a few extra scenes that I really want to write but don't fit into the timeline.