Transformers Prime: The Ties That Bind III
Chapter Ten
"It is as you requested, Jack Darby." Sentinel Zeta Prime observed, his voice like gentle thunder in the grand confines of the Council Chamber. "Your accuser stands before you. Have you nothing further to say in your defense?"
Still struggling to recover, weighing the options that were open to him, which weren't many, Jack stared up into the cold, calculating face of the assassin Coatzin. It was the mentally stricken Autobot that had drawn both Arcee, and in turn Jack, into the strange recreation of Cybertron around them.
The dreamscape, if that is what it truly was, might have been a manifestation of Coatzin's own memories. Even if this proved to be true there was no telling whether the being before him was in fact Coatzin, a self image much as Arcee's own, or something else entirely. Jack had not forgotten for a moment Ratchet's warnings of the Virus, the strange affliction that had twisted Coatzin and drove her to attempt to murder Optimus Prime, and the sinister intelligence which comprised it.
The Autobot medic had hypothesized that within the assassin's fragmented psyche the virus would do all it could to hinder Arcee's, and now Jack's, attempts to stop it. How it would accomplish that Ratchet had been unable to clearly deduce. Standing across from her now, Jack could see first hand the lengths the corruption might be willing to go and the depths of it's calculating nature.
His own presence, and the very fabrication he had created to conceal his true purpose within the world was being twisted, turned against him. What the consequences would be he could only scarcely imagine. Whatever he was going to do Jack knew it would have to be fast and, likely, drastic.
"This," Jack breathed. "Isn't Coatzin."
Around him, the room seemed to indulge a collective gasp. At his side, Jack could even feel Arcee's bewildered gaze.
"The Human Spy grows desperate it seems," croaked a voice from one of the hovering chairs high above. "It would seem deception is deeply ingrained in these organics."
"Be patient, Elders." Zeta Prime advised. "As you have openly done nothing to harm any of our people I am willing to give you a small measure of indulgence. Clarify what it is you mean, human. Why do you believe Coatzin is not who she seems or that she speaks falsely?"
For her part, the Cybertronian woman remained silent, merely observing. While he found her empty attention disturbing, Jack did his best to not allow his fear to show as he spoke.
"She's right. About one thing." Jack answered hesitantly. "My purpose for being here…it's not for the reason's I've said." Above him, the Elders whispered amongst themselves as Zeta Prime eyed him closely, waiting for him to continue.
"Except for the part about saving someone that I love. That is the truth." Jack told them, his conviction unquestioning.
"If that is, in fact, the truth of it Jack Darby, then why not approach us directly? Why would you breach Cybertron's defenses and attempt to conceal your presence in Iacon? Evade capture?" Zeta Prime asked. "Why not bring this fellow human to us? Do you think our kind devoid of sympathy? That we would watch another sentient being perish if we could do something to stop it?"
"No." Jack stammered. "I mean…if anyone knows about the honor of some of your people, I do. But…things are…complicated."
"How?" Elder Kudon inquired from above.
"If I tried to explain everything…you'd just think I was trying to fool you again. Or that I was insane." Jack sighed, feeling helpless. "But the one thing I can say without a doubt is that this agent is not who she appears to be." Jack said, certainty returning to his voice.
"She's corrupted. There's something inside her, twisting her mind. I don't know what she has planned but if you accept her lies she'll be the reason the woman I came here to save dies."
"Agent Coatzin would never take a life without the sanction of this Council, Human." Zeta Prime responded. "To my knowledge before today we knew nothing of your people. There would be no reason to have her take a human life."
"It's not a human life she'll take." Jack shot back. Above him the Council's whispering grew silent, with even the Sentinel's brow raising slightly. "And it's not a human life I came here to save."
"Whom then?" Zeta asked.
Jack nodded. "One of you."
Over head the Council's silence was replaced by murmurs of curiosity and harsh whispers. On either side of Jack, Arcee and Bumblebee exchanged glances, trying to decide whether or not anything their former prisoner was saying could be trusted. Across from Jack, Zeta Prime's gaze narrowed.
"The identity of this femme?" He demanded.
Jack could feel a dull ache in his chest, the desire to look up into Arcee's only slightly different features almost overwhelming in the hopes of seeing some sign of recognition or understanding. That she had yet to speak up in his defense, however, likely meant that she was still without her true memories.
"I…I can't say." Jack relented. "You wouldn't believe me. She wouldn't believe me."
The Sentinel seemed to take a heavy sigh, his disappointment clear. With a shake of his head, Zeta Prime looked to the Council.
"What say you, Elders, to these new turn of events?" He asked.
"We have heard much from the human. He has confronted his accuser and has failed to adequately rebuke her own testimony. I think it only fare to return this gesture in kind. Let us see if it will be different." The center most Councilor crooned. "Agent Coatzin? What have you say on these matters?"
Jack looked on anxiously as the assassin's cold patience seem to melt away, some modicum of life returning to her features. Her eyes, her very poise, seemed to change as she was called forward. As she gave him an almost knowing glance, Jack could not help but feel as though he was watching an actress readying her performance.
"Revered Elders," She answered demurely. "It saddens me deeply, as it has you, to see the sinister nature of these Humans confirmed so. From what I have learned from their intercepted communications they are not a completely barbaric race of organics. Given their success in penetrating our Homeworld it is clear they possess great skill and, perhaps, even an intelligence that mirrors our own." The Assassin turned her back on Jack almost dramatically. "Alas that their intellect is wasted on a predilection to War and Strife."
"I have presented this Honored Council with all decrypted data obtained from the transmissions these human spies have beamed to their own world. As you have seen they possess detailed grid layouts, as well as positions of planetary defensive emplacements. Most disturbingly, they even contain the names of possible sympathizers among the revolutionist movement who might aid an attack on Cybertron in the hopes of elevating themselves from our ordered Caste System."
Jack could feel Bumblebee suddenly tense behind him. Belatedly he wondered if that had something to do with the muffled, though heated, discussion he had tried to overhear from the confinement cell in the transport. Raf had told Jack, during their first year with the Autobots, that the yellow hued guardian had been one of the first to join with Optimus when the War began, having witnessed first hand the rise of the Decepticons from among the lower castes.
Optimus himself had spoken, on occasion, of the Caste system the Council had set into place long ago to maintain order and, as he had put it, "Keep everyone in place." Megatron's eventual rise to power was evidence enough that the actions of the Council had, essentially, sealed their own fate.
Almost at once Jack realized what the false Coatzin was doing. If the virus had as much control over Coatzin, and now possibly even Arcee's memories, it could play off of the recollections of those chaotic days, introducing new factors via neural code to reshape the course of events.
In dreams, a sound heard while sleeping could change what the dreamer was seeing or experiencing. The Virus was achieving the same thing, but from the inside. While Jack was himself an unknown variable, changing the course of Coatzin and Arcee's memories, he did not have the kind of control the virus did. He could only watch as the Puppet-Master pulled the cognitive strings, trying to invade and destroy yet another mind.
"The evidence is, indeed, most compelling." Zeta Prime observed. "While I do not sense any intention of deceit from this human, I can not refute what we have been shown." After a moment's contemplation the Sentinel looked to the raised Elders. "With what has been learned, and witnessed, first hand, what course should we take on behalf of our world?"
The Council mediated in near silence, exchanging only brief words among their number. Stoically, Zeta Prime looked on, waiting patiently. Despite the dire circumstances Jack at last stole a glance at Arcee beside him. She was turned slightly away, either avoiding his eyes or lost within her own thoughts. Crestfallen Jack looked away just in time to observe Coatzin eyeing him intently. The assassin's gaze held a cold satisfaction.
You haven't won yet asshole…Jack fumed silently.
"Has the Council reached a consensus?" Zeta Prime asked, his voice an echo in the chamber.
"It has, Sentinel Prime." Kudon declared solemnly. "The Council agrees that this Human has not attempted to, directly, harm any being upon Cybertron. Regardless of the actions it has taken to acquire information of a sensitive nature, it is merely a tool of it's masters."
"Indeed." Echoed yet another Councilor. "When a blade is used against another, the blade itself can not be held responsible. And while this Human has attempted to deceive us with delusions and tales of bewildering fiction, he is, alone, harmless."
"As such," Kudon continued. "We will not consider his presence here, nor the information he has stolen, an act of War. The decisive actions of Agent Coatzin has revealed the weaknesses discovered by these alien spies, and rest assured these vulnerabilities with be dealt with. We do not anticipate the humans of Earth to be a threat worth retaliation."
"Most wise, Elders." Zeta Prime approved.
"However." The centermost Councilor added quickly. "We can not simply permit this transgression against our world's security to go without some consequence. Therefore, it is our final judgment that the human Jack Darby be executed for his crimes against Cybertron and her people."
"What?" Jack exclaimed, eyes wide. "You…you can't do that!" No…It can't end. Not like this…
Beside him, the proclamation appeared to shake Arcee from her troubled reverie. Where-as she had avoided his eyes only moments before, the Autobot woman gazed down at him, her face a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. Jack's deceit had left her, strangely, wounded. Yet, hearing the call for execution from the Council had stirred something in her, rekindling the odd feelings which had been weighing upon her so heavily. At War with herself, Arcee took a step forward, drawing both the Council and Zeta Prime's attention.
"Elders," Arcee interjected. "I, respectfully, request leniency in this matter. As you yourselves have said, this human was merely a tool of his masters. Nothing was done by him to attack or directly harm a Cybertronian life. Despite his false testimonies, extinguishing his own Spark seems unnecessary. Surely returning him to Earth with a warning to his people would be the most prudent course of action."
"Peacekeeper," One of the various Councilors answered. "Your compassion is admirable, but misguided. Agent Coatzin has analyzed the human communications and has deemed this the most effective means of countering any future attempts. When they're spy does not return, and they find no vulnerabilities to exploit, they will see the error of what they have perceived of us. They will know we are peaceful, but firm."
"Elder Eronus, I must agree with the Peacekeeper." Zeta Prime added. "It it my place to both protect, and guide, the wisdom of this Council, and it is my belief that taking this human off-line will accomplish nothing save the further aggression of his people."
"As our Prime, we honor your judgment, Sentinel." Eronus replied. "However, this decision is unanimous. While you may object, this is the Will of the Council." Though it seemed the Prime wanted nothing more then to refute the their decision the Sentinel did nothing more then nod.
"So be it." Zeta answered solemnly. "Then let this matter be done. Though I will not see the floor of this Ancient Chamber desecrated." The Prime motioned to the shadows beyond Jack and the two Peacekeepers.
"Guardsmen, escort the prisoner to the High Tower. If he will perish, let him look out upon the stars that he may see his distant world one last time."
Heavy footfalls accompanied the massive shadows that suddenly loomed over Jack as both Arcee and Bumblebee were moved aside.
"Come, human." Rumbled their former escort, the Guard Captain Downshift. "Let this be done peacefully."
Jack's mind was a whirlwind as he tried to process what was happening. All too quickly his mission had spiraled into broken pieces, his hope to protect Arcee a failure. He looked back on all the dangers he had faced both at Arcee's side and even when separated from her, how he had overcome them, always knowing, somewhere deep within, that they would find their way back to each other.
Yet now, separated by only a few feet, Jack had never felt so hopeless.
No…this can't be it…He struggled internally. There has to be something…something else I can do. I can't fail her. Not like this.
"Arcee." He told her, stepping away from the armored sentries before they could silence him. "You can't let her do this. You have to believe me this isn't the way it's supposed to be. You have to remember. You have to remember the truth."
"Captain." Elder Kudon warned. "Remove the human. The Peacekeeper has surely endured enough."
"Remain silent, prisoner." Downshift told Jack firmly, moving his as gently as he could with the back of an armored hand. It was still enough to nearly send Jack sprawling. Despite the threat, Jack still tried to keep his eyes on Arcee as he was led away.
"Arcee, please, you have to listen to me!" Jack shouted around the armored hand trying to block his sight. "It's you! I came here to save you…" Before she could hear anymore Jack was through the reopened entry to the Council Chamber, his voice quickly receding.
"The Council honors you for your diligence in this matter, Peacekeeper." Elder Eronus told her from his elevated seat. "We will of course see you commended for your service. For now, you may return to your duties."
At that, Zeta Prime touched the massive pronged staff in his grasp to the polished floor, the sound reverberating. "The Council stands adjourned." One by one the Councilors disappeared into the shadows, followed at last by the Prime who exchanged only a brief sympathetic look with the two Peacekeepers. Other then the lingering presence of the Council Agent Coatzin, Arcee and Bumblebee stood alone.
"Arcee?" BB whispered after a moment. "Something about this…it doesn't feel right."
For her part, Arcee looked on in the direction they had taken Jack, her face once more a mask of varying emotions.
"Arcee?" Bumblebee tried yet again. "What do we do?"
In response, Arcee shifted her attention to the still figure of Coatzin who returned her gaze coolly.
"Our duty." Was Arcee's only answer.
. . .
The small procession escorting Jack to the Decagon's High Tower was silent, their focus set to the task given them. In the lead, Downshift maintained a steady pace through the grand concourse that wound it's way through the monolithic complex. Trying to keep up so as to not be pushed or prodded by the guards flanking him Jack tried to fight through the numbness overtaking him. Despite the staggering sense of defeat he had felt in the Council Chambers a part of him still struggled, trying to find a solution, some way to deliver himself from the pitfall which had befallen him. If he perished, the Virus which now seemed completely in control of whatever remained of Coatzin would pursue Arcee, twisting her own recollections, trapping her within her own mind while it took control. If Ratchet or Optimus sensed what was happening Arcee would never be allowed to wake and, eventually, her mind would be lost, her body an empty shell.
I won't let that happen! Jack swore, his fists clenched. Come on, Jack! Time for a Hail Mary pass. Think of something!
The Council Guards came to a sudden halt, another transforming door before them. From the other side Jack could hear a distant vibration, approaching quickly. As the doors slowly shifted aside Jack's suspicion proved correct as he was ushered into a elevator, the platform built within a glass tube built along the Decagon's exterior. Downshift keyed a sequence into the Holographic interface on the panel beside the doors and at the once the elevator rose, anti-gravity carrying it up and through the transparent confines.
It took only moments to reach the highest tier of the complex, the door parting to reveal a wide circular space and an almost 360 degree view of the capitol. Had Jack not been facing the imminent possibility of his death, he would have been mesmerized by the beauty of the nighttime cityscape.
Oblivious to the vista, the guards moved forward, forcing Jack from the elevator. The escort marched to the center of the observation deck only then stepping away, turning to face him completely. Looking down upon him with as much of an impassive quality as he could muster, Downshift motioned to the windows behind him.
"As the Council has decreed, I will grant you a moment to make your peace, human. If you have an All-Spark of your own, a Creator, speak to him or her now if it is your wish."
Jack felt a bitter laugh creeping up his throat. Don't think that's going to be necessary. If there is some higher power, I don't think I'm on their favorite's list…
His levity gave way to a mixture of near panic, then fury, as the Guards took another step away, giving Downshift ample room to aim his energy canon and vaporize the human. Jack entertained the notion of trying to flee, as he had down on the concourse, but knew it was futile. While he had dodged Terror drones and Vehicons on Earth, Jack could sense that the Cybertronians now charged with putting him to death were a different breed. He wouldn't get far. But neither could let himself be killed, not before he knew Arcee was safe.
"Have you made your peace, Human?" Downshift asked.
"No." Jack answered truthfully. "Not that it matters now."
"You have my sympathies, for what it is worth. This…is not something I wish to do. But we serve the Council before ourselves."
"Unfortunately for you, there's going to be a crap ton of others who don't think that way. Sad you never saw it coming."
That remark seemed to give Downshift pause. Whatever his thoughts, however, the Guard Captain dismissed them, producing his weapon. The sound of the canon charging was loud in the silence.
"Arcee." Jack whispered, eyes closed. "I'm sorry."
Downshift raised his weapon, taking aim.
"Captain?" One of the guards interrupted. "Sir, what is that?"
"What?" Downshift remarked, turning to look over his shoulder in the direction indicated.
Jack followed their gaze, seeing a bright light quickly approaching. Very quickly. The realization was not lost on the Captain.
"Great Primus…" Downshift breathed. "Open Fire!" The Captain bellowed, his own weapon already discharging, the energy blasts decimating the thick observation glass, the breach suddenly filling the tower with the roar of wind high above the city. Outside, the vessel which had been barreling towards them sustained multiple strikes, the Transport belching flame as it began to careen off course.
The would be attacker was barely within range before it's propulsion systems failed, dropping the craft like a stone to explode somewhere below the Tower. Jack momentarily forgotten the guards and their Captain rushed to the shattered windows, gazing down at the wreck far below.
"What was the point of that?" One of the Cybertronians asked bewildered.
"A distraction." Came a female voice from behind them. Whirling at the sound Downshift and the other guards tried to bring their weapons to bare, coming face to face with a football sized cylinder that landed between them. Before the Council protectors could evade it the grenade detonated, filling the room with light and sound enough to overwhelm even their sensors.
Having been left likewise disoriented Jack found himself on the ground, ears ringing, nearly blinded and his head swimming. Somewhere his mind willed him to run, knowing this was the best time. Before he could climb to his feet long fingers wrapped about him, lifting him easily. Though muffled Jack could hear the sound of weapons fire, his captors realizing that they had lost their prisoner. Through a haze Jack could only hold on to his rescuer as they descended on the elevator. They had made it more then halfway down before the lift came to a sudden halt.
"Well, that was quicker then I expected." The female voice told him.
"Nice…try…" Jack murmured, his hearing slowly returning.
"Not done yet." She answered. "Cover your head."
Jack did as instructed, feeling the white hot blast of an energy weapon over his head. Looking up, Jack watched as his rescuer leaned out of the makeshift exit, judging the distance, the blob that was her slowly coming into focus. Jack felt his breath give out.
"Hope you're not afraid of heights, Jack." Arcee told him, holding out her hand. Feeling as though the world had been set right once more, he took it.
To Be Continued…