Author's note: Thanks again to everyone who took the time to read and review. It's much appreciated. Specifically, it has been mentioned that everyone seems in-character in the fic so far. That's a relief to hear, I put quite a bit of energy into making sure what everyone says sounds right, or at least to me. Heh.


Ratchet, Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Jazz gently carried Prowl's pall down a torch-lit corridor. Sari walked by their side. They were heading for the Cyber Ninja Mausoleum to lay Prowl's body to rest.

The electronic torches tinted the walls with red light, revealing ancient Cybertronix inscriptions. Nobody said anything. Sari sobbed quietly in the shimmering darkness. Bumblebee gestured to Bulkhead, and the bigger 'bot shifted over and took Bumblebee's share of the weight as well, while Bumblebee leaned down, picked up Sari and carried her gently in his arms.

Eventually they reached a room at the end of the tunnel-like corridor. A dozen coffins, unadorned except for Cybertronix inscriptions and Master Yoketron's dojo's seal, lay by the far wall.

All of the cyber-ninjas who had trained at Master Yoketron's dojo were to be laid here after joining the Well of AllSparks. When Prowl had vanished after the attack on Yoketron's Dojo he had been assumed killed by Cybertron Command, and an empty coffin prepared for him in the crypt. Now it was going to be filled.

Bumblebee pressed a button on a panel next to the coffin and the lid slid open. The Autobots tenderly lowered the pall into the coffin. One by one, the five friends took one last look at the sparkless body of Prowl. Nobody said a word. The only sound was the muffled sobs of Sari that echoed in the ancient crypt.

Finally Bumblebee pressed another button and the coffin slammed shut. For a moment they all just stood there, lost in their own thoughts.

Ratchet raised his grizzled head, "Come on. We've got to go after Sentinel and the prisoners. We're not going to lose anymore of our friends today".


Optimus stood alone in the center of the Autobot High Council Chamber, deep in the heart of the Metroplex. The Chamber was cavernous, with many seats perched on podiums for Council members. Statues and engravings of ancient Autobots peered out from every corner of the room. Optimus looked about with wonder. The last time he had been in the Chamber was over one thousand stellar cycles ago, when he had been expelled from the Autobot Academy by Ultra Magnus. How times had changed.

The members of the Council were taking their seats. Optimus waited, Magnus Hammer gripped in his servo, the AllSpark chain around his neck. The central podium directly in front of him was empty; it was Ultra Magnus' seat.

Alpha Trion stood in the pedestal next to it, and it appeared he was temporarily heading the Council. He opened the meeting with the usual formalities, and then looked directly at Optimus.

"Optimus Prime, we are anxious to hear you report on the recent conflict on planet Earth. Would you please enlighten us?"

"Yes sir", Optimus replied. And so he told them at length of the Decepticon's successful cloning of Omega Supreme, Megatron's attack on Detroit, Ratchet's rescuing of Arcee and Omega Supreme, Prowl and Jazz's reconstructing of the AllSpark which had ended in Prowl's sacrifice, Megatron's capture, and the reforging of the AllSpark casing.

The Council listened in silence, never asking any questions, waiting for Optimus to finish. When they had accepted that he had Perceptor shifted.

"You have acted almost exclusively on initiative Optimus Prime, without the advice of your peers. This is something that the Council frowns upon" he declared in his blank, expressionless voice.

"And yet because of your actions Megatron is in custody and the AllSpark and Omega Supreme are returned to Cybertron", Alpha Trion said, "Truly all of Cybertron is in your debt".

"Yes", Perceptor agreed, "Much has been gained and we now have much to build upon. The capture of Megatron will shatter the faith of the Decepticons".

"Do the Decepticons know Megatron has been captured?" Optimus asked.

"Not yet", a 'bot with the same form of Bumblebee but slightly beefier and with a red chassis answered. It was Cliffjumper, the former Deputy of Cybertron Intelligence. Now with the head of the Intelligence division exposed as a double-agent, the Decepticon Shockwave, Cliffjumper had been temporarily assigned to replace him.

"But the 'Cons will know", Cliffjumper said gruffly, "We'll make sure of it".

"You have truly proved yourself as one of Cybertron's greatest heroes", Alpha Trion continued, "And worthy of bearing the Magnus Hammer".

"Ultra Magnus' condition is improving", Perceptor explained, "His spark has stabilized and we have begun work on repairing his body. However he is still in severe stasis and will not be fully operational for at least few lunar cycles. While he is recovering the Autobot High Council would like you to take over as temporary Magnus".

Optimus stood stock-still, jaw hung open in an undignified fashion. It took him some time before he could stutter a reply.

"But…but…Sentinel?"

"Sentinel Prime has been relieved of the role of temporary Magnus", Alpha Trion's look hardened, "For misuse of the power bestowed to him and overstepping his authority. We would like you to take his place".

A thousand thoughts buzzed through Optimus' processor, but for some reason there was only one coherent one.

Boy, Sentinel must be ticked.


Stupid Optimus, Sentinel Prime thought to himself as he marched. Stupid Council.

He strode through the darkened alleys of the buildings that led towards the Iacon Stockades, the infamous prisons of Cybertron. Around him were Bulkhead, Ratchet, Bumblebee and Jazz, who had just caught up with them. Directly in front of him were his two personal followers, Jetfire and Jetstorm, the two of them wheeling the stretcher that Megatron was strapped down to.

Further up ahead marched a dozen other members of the Autobot Elite Guard, marching with the stasis-cuffed and disarmed Lugnut and Shockwave.

Lousy Decepticons, Sentinel scowled, Can't even stop themselves from being captured and making Optimus the hero. Slaggin' Council with their stupid democratic loopholes. They're outghta be a law against just kicking an acting Magnus out of office. Just because of those little laws I enforced to root out potential Decepticons and because I tried to blast Omega Supreme. It wasn't like I did it for my own good, right? I did it for all of Cybertron.

He was feeling frustrated and bitter. More so than usual. He looked sidelong at Jazz, who pretended not to notice. Soon Sentinel snapped.

"I should have you court-marshalled!"

Jazz turned his head to look at him, "Whoa. Bad vibes. What'd I do anyway?"

"You deserted your post, soldier!" Sentinel pointed an accusing finger at the ninja bot, "You told me you were going to earth to retrieve the Magnus Hammer, not to defect to Optimus' crew!"

"Well, I figured you'd get all fired up if I told you".

"You..." Sentinel gritted his teeth, "You…you…insubordinate glitch! You are a member of the Elite Guard, and as the second-in-command of the Guard you follow my orders! Any further disobedience and you'll end up in the Stockades yourself!"

Jazz shrugged, "Whatever, man. I figure I'm ditching the whole Elite Guard scene anyway".

"You…you what?"

"Maybe. Cybertron's groove just ain't mellow to me any more. The way things are at the moment that is".

Sentinel went quiet. He was genuinely shocked at Jazz's revelation. He had known Jazz for seven hundred stellar cycles. While not exactly close the two of them had served together under Ultra Magnus for some time, and although Jazz was a frequent victim of Sentinel's ego when Ultra Magnus was absent, the cyber ninja had always tolerated it with good humour. The idea that he had been pushed to the breaking point bothered Sentinel, perhaps even saddened him.

So he did what he always did when troubled. Lashed out at someone.

The perfect target was right in front of him. The humbled leader of the Decepticons himself. Sentinel overtook Jetfire and Jetstorm so that he was level with Megatron. The twins were unusually quiet, not indulging in any of their usual pranks and wisecracks. In fact, if Sentinel didn't know better, he would almost say they looked scared, if that were possible.

Sentinel looked at Megatron and suddenly understood what was bothering the twins. It was the first time he had ever seen the fearsome Decepticon in the metal before. Until recently he had never encountered a Decepticon before, then in a short space of time he had confronted many, including the likes of the notorious Starscream, Lugnut and Blitzwing.

However those terrifying criminals paled in comparison to Megatron, even damaged and shackled as he was. His face was drawn and grim, his stare so intense that Sentinel immediately wished he hadn't approached the warlord.

But Sentinel wasn't about to back down and humiliate himself, not in the presence of his fellow Guardsbots or Optimus' cronies.

"Comfortable, my Lord?" he scoffed, "Sorry we couldn't provide you with some premium-grade oil and our finest energon cubes, but I think you'll find things have changed since you last set stabilizing servo on Cybertron".

Megatron didn't even look at him, "Indeed. The standard in Elite Guard officers appears to have declined exponentially".

"Oh-ho!" Jetstorm piped up suddenly in his strange accent and bizarre, broken dialect, "Surprise to see Decepticscum is to be comedian!" he and his brother chuckled.

Sentinel ground his teeth and eyed Megatron up again, "You may be surprised to see the accommodation we have set up for you, your Lordship. But you'll have plenty of time to get used to it. Plenty of time".

"Tell me; are you always this bold to chained prisoners?" Megatron sneered.

Again Jetfire and Jetstorm sniggered. Apparently no fear, however hardwired into them it was, would deter them from laughing. Sentinel decided to give up on mocking Megatron as a lost cause and fell back into line behind the twins. But he was even more determined to give somebody a hard time.

The group passed under the shadows of the Stockades. They consisted of several large buildings, some that also went deep below the surface into reinforced bunkers. They strode past the bulky, white and black Autotrooper guards, who saluted as they passed by.

It wasn't long before Sentinel looked back over his shoulder at the members of Optimus' team, "So congratulations, you glitches managed to do something right for a change. Don't let it get to your processors".

They didn't answer, apparently deep in thought.

"Hey!" Sentinel snapped, "I'm talking to you malfunctions! You know, technically I could still have you arrested. Your theft of the Magnus Hammer was a serious crime, old-timer", he directed the last remark at Ratchet.

"Yeah? Well you can bill me!" Ratchet waved Sentinel away with a dismissive wave of his servo.

Sentinel tried a softer target, "And you! I understand you have constructed an unauthorised space bridge!" he glowered at Bulkhead, "Do you have any idea how many regulations you've broken?!"

"Sixteen", was Bulkhead's immediate response, and he began ticking them off with his digits, "Constructing a space bridge without Autobot High Council authorisation, constructing a space bridge without planning permission, constructing a space bridge on an organic planet, constructing a space bridge that isn't linked to the Cybertron space bridge nexus, powering a space bridge with an unregulated power source, calibrating a space bridge without…"

"And you!" Sentinel decided to abandon insulting Bulkhead as well and rounded on Bumblebee, "You…you…"

"Yeah? Me what?" Bumblebee raised one optic brow sceptically, "What did I do?"

"You…erm…um…"

"Fire away, sir", the young 'bot was unperturbed, "Any time you like. Just…this solar cycle, okay? I got a planet to return to later".

As they approached the largest, most heavily fortified building Sentinel screwed up his face, "Eww! You can keep that dank organic planet. I don't know how you 'bots put up with that rock, crawling with humans! Eurgh!"

"Hey!" a voice cried, "What's wrong with humans?"

The group halted at the entrance to the prison. Sentinel looked around, "Who said that?" he asked.

"Me!" the voice declared.

"Huh? Who?"

"Down here!"

Sentinel looked down. Standing at Bumblebee's feet was the tiniest 'bot he had ever seen. It was slender and clad in pale armour and what appeared to be cloth, with a full helmet out of which peered two clear blue optics.

"Who the sludge are you?" he asked, "And where did you come from?"

"I've been here the whole time! You just pay me any attention".

"Well, can you blame me?" he leaned forward to inspect the tiny 'bot, "You're a midget! A pipsqueak!"

"Hey, back off", Bumblebee stepped forward protectively, "Trust me, you really don't want to…"

Sentinel didn't take the hint. He began prodding the 'bots helmet with one finger, "Wow, talk about fragile. Just one flick of my servo and you'd be nothing but spare parts. I asked for your name, Autobot".

The little figure straightened up, "My name is Sari Sumdac!"

Something startling happened. The little 'bot glowed with pale blue energy; parts retracted, the helmet vanished; within a moment, in the place of the 'bot was a human. Sari glared up at Sentinel and stuck her tongue out defiantly.

There was a brief moment of silence. Then chaos erupted. Sentinel shrieked and leapt backwards, crashing into one of his fellow Elite Guard members. Several more Elite Guard members panicked and leapt back from Sari. All drew back, except for Jetfire and Jetstorm, who stood there dumbly, apparently not understanding the fuss.

Sari grinned, pleased with the panic she had caused, and put her hands on her hips.

"Remember what I said about staying in robot mode? And about keeping a low profile?" Bumblebee asked, wagging his finger.

Sari shrugged, "Oops. Guess I got forgot".

"You…you're a…a technorganic?!" Sentinel pointed at Sari in horror, "Here?! On Cybertron!"

"I know! Isn't it great?" Sari exclaimed, "I've always wanted to go to Cybertron! Ever since I met the Autobots, and especially since I found out I was formed by a protoform merging with my Dad's DNA".

"A...a protoform? Merging with an organic?" Sentinel looked both sickened and scared.

"Yup!" Sari smiled sweetly.

"And yes, we're well aware of Cybertron's quarantine laws on organics", Ratchet growled, "But right now we don't care".

"Yeah. Besides, this isn't exactly the time and place to discuss it, is it?" Bumblebee observed.

Sentinel went from looking amazed to furious, "You do not give me orders, you insubordinate crankshaft! I am the only Prime present, and as the superior officer, I say…"

"I said, this isn't exactly the time and place, is it?" Bumblebee jerked his thumb in the direction of the Decepticons.

Sentinel looked up at the prisoners, who were looking back at them, "Oh…um…right. Yes, I guess" he gestured at the Elite Guard officers, "Don't just stand there with your faceplates hanging open, get the 'Cons inside, double time!"

He entered the necessary access codes and the great doors slid open. Hurriedly the Decepticons were ushered inside. But as Sari headed inside, she looked up to see Megatron watching her intently, just before he was wheeled away.


The black canvas of deep space was cold and merciless, all-encompassing save for the brilliant dots of light that were distant stars. The ebony shroud was endless and consuming, unforgiving and immeasurable in any way.

In the immense nothingness lurked a lone planet. A forbidding dead grey rock that hung in the darkness like a fortress, the glimmering light of civilisation within. A ring of jagged asteroids encircled it like a protective moat.

Darting between these rock behemoths were two sleek craft, rocketing past the asteroids and into the planet's atmosphere. The two vehicles were almost identical; both sleek, earthen Harrier jets with forward-pointing wings and long noses cones. All that distinguished them was the colour of their plating – one was dark blue and silver, the other black and purple.

They were in fact both clones of Starscream, like Slipstream. And just like Slipstream, they each were formed from a fragment of Starscream's personality.

"Hahaha!" Starscream's voice came from the blue jet, "This is too easy for the likes of me!" he dipped and banked between the asteroids with grace and skill.

Behind him trailed his companion, who was struggling to follow the first clone's path through the asteroid field and flinching and jerking away nervously at the shifting rocks before him, "Wait! Wait for me!" he pleaded.

The first clone laughed again, and then opened fire with his laser cannons, blasting the asteroids before him into splinters, "Why would I wait for an inferior glitch like you? You've done nothing but complain all the way!"

"Please don't get angry", the second clone yelped as he was showered by chunks of the obliterated space rock, "I have you to thank for not leaving me stasis-cuffed, all alone out there…"

"And don't you forget it! And it was my superior scanners that detected the energy signatures that led us to this planet! If we'd followed your pathetic idea we would have just sit there for all eternity".

"It's a big galaxy out there", the purple jet whined.

"If I wasn't so assured of my own brilliance, I would be embarrassed to be cloned in the same batch as you!" the blue jet led the way out of the asteroid field and blasted full speed towards the planet's surface, entering a veil of clouds.

"Where are we going? Are you sure it's safe?" the second clone asked.

"Of course it's safe! I found it. And even if it wasn't, I could handle anything any 'bot threw at us!"

As they sped through the grey clouds something rushed up to meet them. Missiles. Hundreds of them.

"Oh no! They've seen us!" the purple clone shrieked.

"Hah!" the other clone opened fire on the missiles, detonating several before they could impact, "Is that the best you can do against my…"

Four missiles struck him and exploded. With a howl of rage he plummeted directly towards the planet's surface, belching smoke.

"I surrender!" his fellow pleaded before also being struck by a salvo of rockets that sent him spiralling out of the sky.


"I can't accept that offer", Optimus Prime said.

There was a stunned silence. After a moment Alpha Trion shifted and leaned forward.

"You would turn down the title of acting Magnus and reject the Council's wisdom?"

"I'm sorry", Optimus replied, "But I just can't accept the responsibility. I still have a planet under my jurisdiction and a team to lead. The planet under my care suffered significant damage during our battle with Megatron and I promised I would return and repair that damage".

"We are able to send hundreds of Autobots to this organic planet to repair any damage done", Perceptor assured the young Autobot, "You need not concern yourself with this matter. You are needed here on Cybertron".

"I am needed on Earth!" Optimus said firmly, "One hundred strange Autobots arriving there won't heal the rift between Autobots and humans. The humans recognise me and my team. We have a duty to safeguard their planet".

"Your duty is here!" Alpha Trion cried, "Cybertron needs a leader, someone to look up to. That leader is you".

"I suggest you find someone else", Optimus replied.

"There is no-one else!" fumed Alpha Trion, then composed himself, "Young Prime, Ultra Magnus may be back online within a few solar cycles. It would only be a temporary post".

"If it's only temporary, may I suggest you reinstate Sentinel Prime".

"Sentinel Prime is not an option", Perceptor said quietly, "He endangered all of Cybertron by firing on Omega Supreme. He placed a military objective above the security of all Autobots. He has proven himself an unfit leader at all points".

Optimus' optics widened, "Are you going to remove his rank of Prime?"

"That is not something the Council has the authority to do", Alpha Trion answered, "Only Ultra Magnus, Supreme Commander of the Elite Guard, has rank authority over Sentinel. But it is certainly something we may recommend when Ultra Magnus recovers".

"If I may put in a good word for Sentinel, sir", Optimus silently cursed himself, wondering why he was sticking his neck out for Sentinel yet again, "Sentinel Prime is a good 'bot. He means well, even if he doesn't always express it in the best way, and even if he is hasty and stubborn".

The Council was quiet. After a moment Alpha Trion said, "We will take that under consideration".

"Is there nothing that will convince you to take upon the authority of temporary Magnus?" Perceptor asked.

Optimus shook his head, "Not while I still have a job to do. Earth is still vulnerable to Decepticon retaliation and every cycle my team and I are on Cybertron that risk increases. I will not let the humans suffer under Decepticon attack".

Alpha Trion and Perceptor looked at each other.

"It is a great shame you will not assume the mantle of Magnus, young Prime", Alpha Trion said wistfully, "You are wise beyond your stellar cycles".

"Thank your sirs", Optimus inclined his head.

"What do you intend to do now?" Cliffjumper wondered.

"Well, my team and I would like to return to Earth as soon as we can be certain the Decepticon prisoners are safely locked away and Omega Supreme receives treatment for the excess transwarp energy he has absorbed".

Perceptor nodded, "My top scientists are examining Omega Supreme as we speak".

"And the Elite Guard is escorting the Decepticons to the stockades", Cliffjumper clarified.

"Then I intend to return to Earth within a few mega cycles", Optimus said.

"So be it", Alpha Trion straightened, "The Council will have to assume the rule of Cybertron for now. We must discuss these terms now".

"If I am no longer needed, sirs", Optimus said quickly, "I will take my leave".

"Of course", replied Alpha Trion, "But one small matter. Leave the AllSpark and the Magnus Hammer".

Two sleek silver guard 'bots stepped out of the shadows of the Council podiums. They each extended a servo.

Optimus handed the Magnus Hammer to one, and then slipped off the chain around his neck and handed the AllSpark to the other. They took them silently. Optimus turned and walked out of the Council chamber.

Well, there is it Optimus, he mused, you were offered a chance to do something big with your lifecycle and you didn't take it.

Before him was the long ramp that led down from the Metroplex back to the surface level of Iacon. He transformed into his vehicle mode; still his Earth-mode fire truck cab, but he had managed to integrate his jetpack and his wings into the vehicle to form a fire truck trailer.

He accelerated down the ramp. Now that he was back on Cybertron for the first time in three hundred stellar cycles there were plenty of sights he could go see, old haunts he could visit. But he found he wasn't in the mood.

What he had said to the Council was true: it was the responsibility of his team to protect Earth. But he also cared for the strange, busy planet that was Earth as if it was his home. And in a way, it was now.

Not knowing where to go while he waited for his comrades to return, he headed back towards where Omega Supreme had landed. As he drove through the streets of Iacon various Autobots turned to look at him in interest.

"Eww! What a horrible foreign vehicle mode!" one giant 'bot named Grandus shrieked.

"Mind your manners, you buckets of bolts!" his femmebot friend Flareup scolded, "That's Optimus Prime! The hero of Earth! He's so dreamy! Yoo-hoo! Optimus Prime! Over here!"

"You're my hero!" another 'bot called out.

Boy, that's gonna take some getting used to, Optimus thought. He drove by quickly.

He rounded the last corner that led him to the open plaza where Omega Supreme stood, statue-like. The crowds had been dispersed and as Optimus neared the giant 'bot he could see a ring of Autotroopers around Omega. Various science 'bots were standing near Omega, deep in discussion.

The Autotroopers must have cleared the civilians to allow the scientists to begin their work. At Optimus' approach three stepped forward, but as he transformed into robot mode they recognised him, saluted and stepped aside.

"Thanks", he said as walked past.

The various science 'bots looked up at him. They all saluted. He half-heartedly returned the gesture. All of the excessive respect was becoming uncomfortable. Optimus found himself craving relative anonymity again.

One of the 'bots walked up to him. He was a stocky white 'bot with green and red adornment and a faceplate that covered his mouth. It was Wheeljack, the Deputy of the Ministry of Science.

"Optimus Prime sir", he enthused, "It's truly a pleasure to meet you. May I offer my congratulations on…"

"Um, yes. Uh…thank you", Optimus said quickly, embarrassed, "How is Omega?"

"Omega Supreme has absorbed so much transwarp energy that he's going to require immediate operation and decontamination. We'll need to put him into stasis to begin repairs".

"Have you told him that yet?"

"Not exactly. She did", Wheeljack gestured towards one of Omega Supreme's massive feet. Arcee was sitting on the floor, leaning up against it.

Optimus nodded his thanks to Wheeljack and tentatively approached Arcee. As she saw him coming she leapt to her feet and snapped off a salute.

"Sir!"

"Please, not you as well", Optimus sighed, "Take it easy".

"Yes sir", the femmebot relaxed a little, "They told you about Omega?"

"Yes. At least it's no worse than we expected".

"He took the news pretty well. I think he wants to sleep again", Arcee said, "He's half-asleep already".

Optimus smiled, "And how are you holding up?"

"Me, sir?"

"Yeah. And don't call me sir".

"Sorry", Arcee looked down at the floor, "I guess I'm alright. It's just going to take some getting used to, being out of stasis after all this time, having missed so much".

"I can't begin to imagine how hard it must be for you", Optimus said gently, "But if there's anything I can do for you…"

He let the statement hang in the air. After a moment Arcee looked up.

"There…there is just one thing".

"Yes?"

"If it's alright with you, that is. I would…I would like to join your team on Earth".

Optimus raised one eyebrow, "Oh? Why?"

Arcee's optics glinted, "There's nothing for me on Cybertron. After all the stellar cycles I've missed, all the students I taught who grew up without me there to watch over them, all the things that have changed…"

She drifted into silence. Optimus waited for her to finish.

"I…I want a fresh start, sir. I want to get away from Cybertron to somewhere new. Ratchet is the only friend I have anymore. All my old friends were either destroyed during the war or went offline while I was in stasis. If you would just give me the chance to join you, Prime, I will be forever in your debt".

Optimus placed one servo on her shoulder, "We will be honoured to have you join our crew, agent Arcee. I will make sure it's cleared with Cybertron Command".

Arcee smiled, "Thank you. I'm sure it won't be a problem. After all, they owe you a favour or two now".