For those of you waiting for our 'heroes' to join in, your patience has been rewarded. The Autobots make their entrance. Those who still want to hear from the 'cons, they're here too. You can also continue your debate upon whether Megatron is actually insane or what. Plus Shockwave enters the scene.

I am going to be using 3rd person from here on out. Please read, enjoy, and review if you want to.

Words in italics are inner thoughts

Disclaimer: You know the drill by now. I don't own, you don't sue.


The Autobot forces stationed just outside of Iacon patrolled diligently, keeping an optic out for Decepticon activity. The opposing faction had been pushed back, supposedly forced all the way back to Kaon, but one could never be too careful when it came to such conniving mechs. The shifts had switched about a cycle ago, not that there was much for the guards to do anyway. The war was supposed to be over by now, but the stubbornness of the Decepticons seemed to know no limits.

Indeed they had had nearly ten stellar cycles of delicate peace. A few members of the opposing faction had even joined the Autobots, if not just turned themselves in. Then rumors spread that some higher ranking 'cons had begun rebuilding their forces. Shockwave was still a problem on Cybertron at the time, so naturally many assumed it was his doing. Eventually it was discovered that many were returning to Earth.

The reformed Autobot Council had sent a small infiltration squad to investigate the activity. It had taken them many solar cycles to respond, and when they finally made contact not many were left. Later they had discovered that Shockwave had been just as clueless as they were about who was gathering the Decepticon army. That was when all of Cybertron's fears were realized.

Immediately the Council sent elite soldiers to Earth, hoping to end the fighting before it began. Needless to say, they failed. The flames of war were reignited by the malevolent gun former. Ultra Magnus' garrison had been fighting against Megatron for nearly three stellar cycles now. If any progress had been made in that time, it was in favor of the Decepticons.

Within the confines of the stronghold, Optimus Prime headed toward the command room for the latest updates on the second stage of the Great War. The truck former scanned the data pad he held, its contents informing him of the most recent battle on Earth. A heavy sigh escaped his vocalizer as he came upon the entrance to his destination.

The Autobot Council had sent Ultra Magnus to lead the fight on Earth. They had claimed it was because of the Prime's soft-sparked nature that the Decepticon threat continued. The Council believed that, unlike Optimus, his brother would be able and willing to deactivate Megatron. They were convinced the silver tyrant was only functioning because Optimus Prime had taken pity on him.

Optimus did blame himself for the continued fighting. It seemed he was the only Autobot able to hold their own against the Decepticon leader. Perhaps the Council was right though, Prime may not have it in him to end Megatron when, if, the time came. Even if he could, wouldn't it just prove that he was no better than his enemy? The Prime could still remember all of the times Megatron had taunted him about his 'petty' morals.

Prime sighed again as the door slid by to allow him access to the command room. The other Autobots in the room stood to greet him with a salute before resuming their duties. Prowl approached the truck former with the updates of their progress against Cybertron's Decepticon threat.

"Any good news, Prowl?" Optimus asked calmly as he scanned the latest casualty reports.

"I'm afraid not," Prowl's even tone came across with a hint of worry. This instantly got the Prime's attention. "The Decepticon forces are trying to push back again."

"So it seems," the truck former responded with a tired sigh. "Any updates from our apparent spy?"

For the past few decaorns an anonymous source had been updating the Autobots of possible future Decepticon activity. Supposedly it was some disgruntled 'con, but any attempts to discover the informant's identity had failed. In the long run, they could prove to be a valuable alley. Though the possibility of Megatron finding out about the mech was always a concern. Thus far the elusive mech had helped them to stop many attacks on Autobot and Neutral cities.

"Yes," Prowl began. "Though it isn't very uplifting."

Optimus prepared himself for what would most likely be a long description of the latest Decepticon plan against Cybertron's Autobot forces. The last one was easily taken care of, if simply due to the head's up their source provided. Hopefully this new plan would result with just as few casualties.

"It appears Megatron has grown tired of fighting Magnus," Prowl stated.

"Meaning he's coming to Cybertron for some catching up," Optimus managed to groan.

Perhaps this would make things easier on the Autobots stationed on Earth. Unfortunately the possibility that Cybertron would become dangerous territory was much more likely. All the Prime knew for sure was that once his adversary arrived, it wouldn't take long before they met in combat again. Optimus certainly wasn't looking forward to it.

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The Decepticon stronghold on Cybertron was as busy as ever since the arrival of their Commander. No one was willing to risk being the cause of even the slightest inefficiency with the infamous tyrant looming over them. The soldiers in Kaon could take a small break at the moment, though, as Megatron inspected other areas of their expanding base.

Underneath the hardened city the Decepticon leader impatiently followed Shockwave to the hidden Contructicon project, a new city built underground at Megatron's orders. The tall buildings making up the new dwelling rivaled those of Vos, or would if they could be seen above ground. A glowing force field surrounded the city, protecting it from possible cave-ins. The Constructicons had spent countless stellar cycles on it, beginning even before the departure that landed both factions on Earth.

Only drones worked down here, if simply to keep the city's existence a secrete. They carried energon to the upper levels for the soldiers. The energon refineries had only been up and running for half a stellar cycle now. This meant less contact between the Decepticon forces of Cybertron and Earth, much to Megatron's enjoyment. Shockwave didn't feel the same way though.

The cyclopean mech was rambling on about the purpose and efficiency of each structure, Megatron pretending to listen. It wasn't as if the silver mech didn't already know all of this information. This was basically just Shockwave attempting to catch up after being out of contact for so long. If the silver gun former were actually paying attention to Shockwave, he would probably just be more annoyed than bored right now.

Annoying sycophant, the screechy voice of Starscream commented. Soundwave isn't even this bad!

Megatron sighed in agreement with his disembodied Air Commander. It was Soundwave's fault he was here in the first place. After the incident with Ramjet the tape deck had insisted that Megatron 'take a vacation' to relax. Yeah, great idea Soundwave, this was exactly what Megatron considered relaxing. Starscream's sarcasm was contagious apparently.

"And here we have the energon refineries," Shockwave stated, motioning to the large building before the two Decepticons. He continued some explanation of the structure, much to Megatron's displeasure.

"Shockwave," the silver tyrant interrupted. "I know all of this, I know all about the city, I had it built. What is the point of dragging me here?"

"I assumed you wanted an update on our progress, my lord," Shockwave replied, appearing a little uncomfortable. "Soundwave suggested giving you a tour."

Of course he did,Megatron grumbled. "How much longer will this 'tour' take?"

"Well, Lord Megatron," Shockwave appeared to be fidgeting. "Would you like to see the tunnels?"

"Very well," Megatron followed the purple mech.

The tunnels were used to expand the Decepticon territory. They connected many cities under the faction's control, or at least that was their intended purpose, when they were finished. As it was, the tunnels still needed time to complete. With the Constructicons back on Earth, not many mechs on Cybertron were skilled enough to complete what they had started.

Inspecting the unfinished tunnels was just another waste of Megatron's time. The former gladiator didn't hide that fact from his supposedly loyal subordinate. The two Decepticons returned to the higher levels of Kaon's underground. Shockwave informed his leader of the progress they had made against the Autobot forces as of late, Megatron only seeming interested when Optimus Prime was mentioned as the one heading the opposition.

"Scourge and his Sweeps have been quite useful in out numbering the Autobot forces," Shockwave commented.

A low growl escaped Megatron's vocalizer at the designation. He didn't trust the mech half as far as Rumble could throw Devastator, though in retrospect that's all the more he trusted anyone, if at all. Basically the Sweeps were the only reason Scourge still existed, and the fact that he was smart enough to stay out of Megatron's way most of the time. Too bad the same could not be said for the other Unicron creation. Cyclonus' deactivation was more due to his out spoken loyalty towards Galvatron and a need for Megatron to put such things behind him.

Megatron wasn't even sure why Scourge was still with the Decepticons. The mech had always been, or at least claimed to be, loyal to Unicron. Why didn't he leave to seek out his precious god then? Not that Megatron would complain about keeping the Sweeps around, perhaps it was just paranoia on his part.

"Soundwave informs me you have yet to declare a new Second," Shockwave began. "Should you need assistance, my lord, I would be more than happy…"

"That won't be necessary, Shockwave," Megatron interrupted with a trembling calm.

I'm Second in Command, Starscream's screech could have shattered Cybertronian glass. Nothing will change that.

Good to know we finally agree on that, Megatron allowed a small smile to ghost onto his faceplates.

That's not what I meant you outdated glitch!

The imaginary Seeker fumed for a good klik before sulking in the darkness of his leader's processor. Megatron continued on with Shockwave through the corridors in a slightly better mood. Perhaps this vacation thing was a good idea after all.

Eventually he would inspect his soldiers to weed out any weakness, not much else to do really. Maybe a little sparring would cool his circuits. Then he could remind the other inhabitants of Cybertron who they were dealing with. The possibility of confronting Prime was certainly promising.