Chapter 10-Conflict of Interest
"Hello Jack. How are you?" asked Airachnid while laying on her back while Jack entered the room and saw him without his mask.
"Good. You? How are the little ones?" asked Jack while leaping up to her berth and let the Spider Bot put him gently on her swollen stomach.
"They're fine. I think they are getting anxious to see the world. I can feel them moving about with excitement. I think they know their Father is here," replied Airachnid with Jack smirking at her.
"I'll bet. How have the other Autobots treated you?" questioned Jack with Airachnid giving a shrug.
"I can't complain. Though Arcee still has that look in her optics like I should be turned into scrap right now. She didn't take the news of our sexual union and what happened as a result of it very well," said Airachnid with Jack grimacing.
"I want to trust Arcee. I want to believe she won't do something stupid, but when it comes to that temper of hers...I don't want you provoking the femme anymore," stated Jack with Airachnid raising a metal eyebrow.
"Provoke Arcee? Me?!" questioned Airachnid with a sense of "hurt" in her voice while Jack gave her a "I know you do" look.
"Airachnid," Jack deadpanned with his tone matching his facial expression.
"All right! All right! I won't provoke Arcee...much!" said Airachnid with Jack sighing.
"That will do for now. Just...behave! Please Airachnid. For the lives that are growing inside of you," said Jack in a tired tone while Airachnid's optics softened slightly and she wrapped a gentle hand over him.
"I swear on the All Spark I'll behave Jack," whispered Airachnid while moving him down to like her torso around her breast plating.
"That's my spider girl," whispered Jack while dozing off slightly and Airachnid doing the same.
(With Optimus and the Others)
"Optimus this is a bad idea. To let Jack go to see Megatron without backup is stupid and downright suicidal!" exclaimed Arcee with Optimus looking at her calmly.
"Megatron is unpredictable right now Optimus. There is no telling what he will do with the information regarding the Omega Keys and the Omega Lock having the power to restore Cybertron to its former greatness before the war happened. A war that HE caused in the first place," Ratchet added in this conversation.
"I know just how volatile Megatron can be Ratchet. As for Jack's plan of action, I do not agree with him going to Megatron lightly, but at the same time I have no choice, and can only hope Megatron will see reason to ending the madness that is this war. The idea of uniting for the purpose of restoring our home planet and being made a Prime might be enough to sway Megatron's Spark," answered Optimus with Ratchet letting out a sigh.
"The Decepticon Warlord is too scarred from the past Optimus. I don't have the high hopes you do that Megatron will change for that. Sentinel Prime made the mistake of making that Pit of a Caste system that caused the inequality among the masses in the first place, not to mention the Councils unwillingness to oppose it like so many were doing, and prevent Megatron from using it to swell his ranks," replied Ratchet with Optimus sighing heavily.
"Add to the various scandals the Council caused with Airachnid's near death and the killing of Silkweb rallying the insect based Cybertronians to his cause didn't help either. I tried to fix it when I became a Prime, but I failed in that regard, and Megatron's hatred of me for taking what he felt was rightfully his for wanting to change Cybertron for the better has indeed made my old friend a bitter warrior," admitted Optimus and his eyes had a sad expression to them.
"So why are you agreeing to Jack's plan?" asked Arcee before hearing soft footsteps behind her to reveal Jack was there and judging by the expression on his face...the boy heard everything.
"Because like me, Optimus hopes Megatron will embrace the ideals he once had, and become the Prime he always wanted to become," answered Jack with Optimus smiling down at the boy.
"And if your wrong about Megatron?" asked Wheeljack with his arms crossed in front of him.
"If I'm wrong and things goes bad? I'll take my hits when Megatron sends them my way. I'll take them for everyone for as long as possible. Hopefully it won't come to that," replied Jack with the boy making a hand motion to the second floor and Raf activated the Ground Bridge.
"That's not very reassuring," stated Arcee while Jack headed for the portal of light.
"Look at it this way Arcee. If things go bad and we see each other again...you can just say 'I told you so' and rub it in my face later," replied Jack before he was gone.
(The Nemesis-The Bridge)
Megatron was in a angry mood on the bridge of his Warship. His surrogate son, his weapon, his diamond in the rough among the human species was taken from him! It had filled the Warlord with so much rage that he nearly lashed out at Soundwave in a fit of anger before barely bringing it in moments prior to doing something even Megatron himself would regret doing. Dreadwing had stayed at his Master's side, awaiting orders from him, and weathering the chaotic storm that was Megatron's fury. Primus only knew what would happen the next time Megatron decided to fight Optimus, as the Decepticon Warlord was in no mood to be merciful, and wouldn't hesitate to kill any Autobot caught in his line of sight.
Not that Dreadwing could blame his Lord and Master for feeling this way. Megatron had found Jack to be the perfect warrior among the humans. Molded into being his perfect creation, withstanding pain, suffering, and even death itself to become something truly remarkable! Only now he was back with the Autobots, injured, and possibly dead after that internal battle with Unicron from what Soundwave had shown on his visor of that moment involving Jack's "resurrection" by the Bringer of Chaos's manipulations.
"Lord Megatron, there is a communication signal coming in from below on the planet," said a Vehicon on one of the bridge consoles.
"Airachnid?" questioned Megatron since the Spider Bot and Starscream were the only two Decepticons who knew how to transmit a communication signal to the Warship.
"No sir! Its...Its Jack the Ripper!" answered the Vehicon with Megatron looking shocked and slightly hopeful.
"Open up communication with him at once and track the signal to locate his position!" commanded Megatron with Soundwave moving to a consol to take over.
"Lord Megatron," said Jack while sounding humble.
"Jack, where are you? How did you escape the Autobots?" asked Megatron while silence answered for a moment.
"I did not escape the Autobots my Lord. Recent events has changed perspectives in this war and with your permission I wish to speak to you personally about them onboard the Nemesis," answered Jack with Megatron frowning before turning to Soundwave and saw him tracing the signal to a remote location in the empty plains of the Nevada desert.
"What events? Are you saying that you no longer serve me?" questioned Megatron while trying to keep his temper from getting out of control.
"Its hard to explain my Lord. Even the Autobots do not fully understand it when I explained my need to see you about what I have learned. I need to speak to you in person. If you believe this to be some kind of Autobot trap, I will meet you at any location you deem fit, and Dreadwing can retrieve me after I relinquish my sword to Soundwave," answered Jack with Megatron thinking it over.
"Stay where you are Ripper. Dreadwing and Soundwave will open a Ground Bridge to your coordinates so they may detain you before seeing me," commanded Megatron while Dreadwing nodded and was already set to go.
"As you command Lord Megatron. I will be waiting," answered Jack before the line went dead.
"I do not believe it is a trap my Lord. The Autobots would never use the boy in such a manner," stated Dreadwing with Megatron nodding in agreement.
"I agree Dreadwing. Still, I do question why Jack wishes to speak to me so soon. Be on your guard Dreadwing. You too Soundwave. For all we know, this is a trap set by the Prime as retaliation for us turning to boy to our side. If there is one thing I have learned in my many years of fighting Optimus, it is to never underestimate the Prime, or his forces when it comes to a fight," commanded Megatron with his two high ranking officers giving a quick nod and a Ground Bridge opened up for the two to enter.
When they exited the portal, they saw Jack sitting on his knees, staring at the clear blue sky, his sword beside him, and they noticed his Decepticon symbol for a mask was no longer apart of his face. Looking around, they did not see any form of landscape that could hide the Autobots, and Soundwave was not picking up any of their energon signals to indicate they were even remotely close to their current location.
"You came to get me. I'm glad," said Jack while not looking at them from his current position.
"Lord Megatron wishes to speak with you Jack," stated Dreadwing with Jack nodding and getting off the ground with sword in hand.
"I know he does. I will answer them and answer them truthfully," replied Jack before he handed the sword in his hands over to Soundwave.
Without further words spoken, Dreadwing, Soundwave, and Jack casually entered the Ground Bridge back to the Nemesis where Megatron was waiting for the latter of the three. The Decepticon Warlord turned from his view of the outside world before him to the boy now standing several feet away. The boy's mask had been removed/cutoff, no doubt by the Autobot's Medic at the behest of the Prime, and saw Jack's slightly scarred face was seeable to all.
"Welcome back Ripper. Its good to see you again after what happened since we last saw you," said Megatron with Jack kneeling humbly before him.
"As am I Lord Megatron," replied Jack before standing fully to look into the optics of the Decepticon Warlord.
"What was it you wished to speak to me about? You mentioned recent events changed your perspective on the war with the Autobots. Care to elaborate?" questioned Megatron with Jack nodding while feeling some of the Vehicons were turning toward him with their right arms moments away from turning into a laser cannon.
"Yes. It all began after I was taken to the Autobot base after Unicron tried to kill me for my act of defiance. He doesn't take reject well," replied Jack while running a hand over his torso and felt the phantom pain from the sword piercing through his flesh.
"And?" asked Megatron while wanting Jack to explain further.
"As I recovered from emergency surgery Ratchet performed to save my life, I found myself meeting two of the thirteen Primes," answered Jack with Megatron's optics going wide in shock.
"Impossible!" stated Megatron.
"That's what the Autobots thought until I told them it was Solus Prime and the Liege Maximo," replied Jack with Megatron looking at him in disbelief.
"Why would two of the most influential Primes among the thirteen wish to speak to you Jack?" questioned Dreadwing with Jack turning slightly to look at him.
"Because they want the war between you and Autobots to end and they even told me how," answered Jack before turning to look back at Megatron.
"How?" asked Megatron curiously.
"You must make peace with Optimus Prime. You must call a truce," answered Jack with many around him protesting loudly before Megatron raised his hand and silenced them.
"Why?" asked Megatron though his tone told Jack to give him a reason that wouldn't result in his termination on the spot by the Warlord himself.
"Because they are sick and tired of this war being fought between the two sides and want it to end," answered Jack seeing Megatron snarl slightly in anger.
"I don't answer to the Primes. Whether they're living or dead," countered Megatron with Jack frowning slightly.
"They wanted me to talk to you about this. To at least consider it," stated Jack with Megaton looking angrier by the second.
"Consider it? Why by the All Spark would I wish to consider the idea of ending the war and declaring peace with the Autobots? With Prime?!" exclaimed Megatron angrily and saw Jack's feature soften.
"Because if you do what they ask and what I have yet to tell you...they will decree you a Prime like Optimus," answered Jack with Megatron looking stunned and everyone just looked shocked by this news.
"What did you say?" questioned Megatron while his tone told Jack that he better be serious and telling the truth or else.
"If you make peace with Optimus, a true truce between the two sides, and assist in a mission of the utmost importance...they will make you a Prime," answered Jack with Megatron grabbing the boy and holding up until they were staring each other at an equal optic level.
"They will make me a Prime? If I make peace with Optimus and assist my old friend in a mission of the utmost importance? Did you just say that?" asked Megatron with his optics staring right into the boy's eyes.
"Yes. They will make you a Prime, but ONLY if you agree to what they want," replied Jack with Megatron narrowing his optics.
"What does Prime and his Autobot followers think of this?" questioned Megatron.
"Optimus is hoping you will agree. The others are vary in their opinions, but some do not believe you have the Spark to agree to the terms set by the Primes," answered Jack with Megatron scowling.
"What are the terms?" asked Megatron since it was important to know what he had to do in order to become a Prime.
"In the Iacon relic data base their are coordinates to find a set of keys. Omega Keys they are called and they hold the power to revive Cybertron to her rightful beauty. If you help Optimus Prime find all these keys and use them to restore Cybertron back to its former greatness...you will become a Prime," answered Jack with Megatron looking at him with a shocked expression on his face.
In fact all the Decepticons were shocked to hear this.
"By Primus himself, are you saying there is a way to restore Cybertron back to normal to the what it looked like...before the war?" asked Dreadwing hopefully.
"Yes. The Omega Keys unlock a powerful device left behind by the Ancients. Its called the Omega Lock. If you make peace with Optimus, the Autobots, and assist in them in retrieving the keys to restore Cybertron...your Spark's desire will be granted Megatron. You will become a Prime and share in the ruling of Cybertron with Optimus to lead it into a new golden age," answered Jack with Megatron intrigued by the idea.
"And what's to stop me from ruling Cybertron by myself without Optimus? Why should I share my position of new found power with Prime?" asked Megatron with Jack scowling furiously at him.
"Because no one being should have all that power to rule over an entire planet. Why do you think Primus made the Thirteen Primes in the first place? He could have just defeated Unicron on his own, but where would that have left him? Primus would have gone mad and drunk with power so he made the Thirteen to ensure not only Unicron's defeat, but to ensure no one Prime had all the power to rule over Cybertron. Look what happened with Sentinel Prime and what he did to Cybertron in creating that unfair Caste system. He had all the power because he was the only Prime at the time so no one could challenge his decision until it came to the point where the unrest became so great that a war led by you broke out. You and Optimus keep the other balanced! That is what Cybertron needs when restored to its former glory and only you along with Optimus can make it happen! Who cares if you share the power and responsibility so long as the people prosper from it?!" argued Jack passionately with Megatron snarling slightly at the mention of Sentinel Prime, but knew the boy had a point.
"I care Jack. I do not share absolute power," countered Megatron with Jack looking at him with a disappointed face.
"Your answer is no I take it," stated Jack with Megatron snarling angrily.
"My answer is no. Dreadwing, take the boy to the brig, but do not harm him. He is to be kept there until I decide what to do with him," commanded Megatron with the Warlord handing Jack to Dreadwing.
"Yes my Lord," replied Dreadwing before he began to turn away.
"You are being foolish Megatron. You are throwing away your one and only chance to be called a Prime due to your own pride! You still hate the fact Orion Pax was chosen by the Council to become a Prime while you were cast aside and you blamed your old friend for taking what you wanted," Jack called out to Megatron with the Warlord now moving quickly grab Dreadwing's wrist to raise it so he could stare at the boy.
"My pride has nothing to do with my decision Ripper! I wanted to become a Prime to end the inequality Sentinel Prime caused for my people and the Council was too spineless to undo his actions. I had more then earned the right to be a Prime and they chose Orion over me simply because his course didn't involve bloodshed!" exclaimed Orion with the boy simply glaring back.
"Had you not let your anger get the better of you when the Council wounded your pride, you would have been worthy, and eventually become a Prime! Solus and Maximo told me that had you stayed the course the right to being a Prime would have been yours! Now after so many years of fighting the Autobots, you are given a chance to become a Prime, and bring about Cybertron's restoration only to throw it away due to your pride once more. Just this once, you just have to swallow your pride, and all that you could have wanted from the start before the war will be within your reach!" countered Jack with Megatron snarling at him.
"Enough! Take him away!" commanded Megatron with Dreadwing complying with the order.
"For the briefest of moments, I thought you had finally become the Cybertronian that Optimus always hoped you would be when it came to such a decision, and see reason instead of madness," whispered Jack sadly though it was picked up by Megatron and the fierce Decepticon Warlord looked away from the boy while trying to keep his face stoic.
"As if I want to become a Prime now. The Autobots are on the defensive, I now know of the Omega Keys, and the Omega Lock they go to exist for the single purpose of reviving Cybertron. I don't need the blessings of two dead Primes to make me into one like my old friend. I can just make myself a Prime once I have Cybertron is restored by my hands!" said Megatron to himself, but even then his words seemed hollow, and somewhat empty to his audio receptors.
Just this once, you have to swallow your pride, and all that you could have wanted from the start before the war will be without your reach!
"Now why would I do that Soundwave? I don't need Optimus or the Autobots to help revive Cybertron. I don't need dead Primes trying to broker peace with the losing side of this war. I don't need what they are offering!" exclaimed Megatron furiously at this loyal spymaster and intelligence gathering officer.
You are being foolish Megatron. You are throwing away your one and only chance to be called a Prime due to your own pride! You still hate the fact Orion Pax was chosen by the Council to become a Prime while you were cast aside and you blamed your old friend for taking what you wanted.
"And what do you suggest I do Soundwave? Simply swallow my pride? Make peace with Optimus and help him restore Cybertron to earn my rightful place in being a Prime so we can share our rule over our home planet? You of all Decepticons should know that is not possible!" countered Megatron while seeing his reflection in the visor.
Swallow your pride.
"Enough Soundwave! Decode the Iacon database and try to searching for the coordinates that will lead us to the Omega Keys," commanded Megatron with Soundwave nodding with a slight hesitation before obeying.
(The Nemesis-The Brig)
"Did those two Primes really tell you all those things you told Lord Megatron? That our home planet could be restored? That Megatron could become a Prime?" asked Dreadwing while holding the boy in his hand.
"Every word I spoke to him was true. Unfortunately, the sting to his wounded pride he got ages ago has turned into a scar that won't heal," answered Jack with Dreadwing finding himself conflicted on the matter.
"I fear that is the case. Much has changed in Lord Megatron since the last time I saw him during my time before I came to this planet," replied Dreadwing sadly.
"Dark energon will do that to you Dreadwing. Trust me when I say don't ever touch the stuff. Its bad for your health," stated Jack with Dreadwing nodding in agreement.
"What will happen when the Autobots suspect Lord Megatron has turned down the offer of the truce?" questioned Dreadwing with Jack shrugging.
"They'll keep fighting Megatron, you, and the rest of the Decepticons," answered Jack casually.
"And you? Will you fight beside us or has your allegiance to Lord Megatron left you as well?" questioned Dreadwing with Jack shrugging.
"The program Megatron created and had downloaded into my head thanks in no small part by Soundwave to make me loyal to him was purged by the Primes. At the same time, I can also feel sympathy for Megatron knowing things could have been different had he just stayed the course, and not betrayed his own convictions. I was hoping to call him Megatronus Prime, but now...that hope is lost," answered Jack before he was tied up in chains and left to hang there.
"Not as lost as you think. I will talk to Lord Megatron about this. Perhaps he will listen to me," countered Dreadwing since the idea of restoring Cybertron to greatness and seeing his Lord become a Prime was something he honestly wished to see happen.
"Perhaps," was the only thing Jack could say at this point and watched Dreadwing walk away.
(The Nemesis-The Bridge)
"Why is this creature here Knockout?" asked Megatron when seeing the mangled body of Breakdown standing before him and being piloted by a human surgically implanted there with the human in complete control.
It was disgusting.
"Lord Megatron, I am Cylas, which stands for Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis, and I have a proposition for you," answered Cylas, as he grinned at Megatron, and thus made the face of Breakdown grin too.
"Lord Megatron, this is the one who ordered Breakdown be surgically torn open. Allow me to return the favor!" requested Knockout with his buzz saw active in his right arm.
"And miss out on this golden opportunity I'm offering you? To miss out on the use of some seriously advanced firepower against your enemies? The same enemies who are my own?" questioned Cylas and saw Megatron stay Knockout's hand.
"And what is it that you want in exchange?" asked Megatron with Cylas smirk growing slightly wider.
"Merely a seat...at the table," answered Cylas humbly with Megatron not looking entirely impressed, but it was clear he wanted to see what was being offered before saying yes.
"Show me what you have and if I'm impressed...I'll consider it," replied Megatron with Knockout looking shocked.
"Lord Megatron be reasonable! This human is an abomination! He...," said Knockout, but his objection over the matter were squashed by Megatron's glare.
"Allow me to introduce you to my pet project that made me realize just how important technology truly is and the power behind using such technology. Project Damocles," said Cylas with pride in his voice and began to show Megatron what he had to offer with his satellite.
(Autobot Base)
"No news yet from Jack?" asked Arcee to Ratchet with the Medic shaking his head.
"No. And its been hours since he clearly made contact with Megatron. I fear Jack was unable to convince Megatron to change his ways for the good of Cybertron much less make a change for the good of himself," answered Ratchet while glancing over at the human charges of their group.
The two children were watching TV, but only to keep their minds occupied so they didn't have to think about their friend being ripped apart again by Megatron. June was talking with Janus about what seemed like old times and the smile on the woman's face meant it was one of those better memories she was recalling.
"He shouldn't have gone. Not without backup!" exclaimed Arcee with Ratchet shaking his head.
"No. As much as I didn't want Jack to go alone, it would have been worse if one of us went with him, and we were taken prisoner. A mere cortical psychic patch and the base would be compromised," countered Ratchet with Arcee looking away.
"Like they will with Jack...again!" Arcee shot back with Ratchet shaking his head.
"No. They can't do it a third time to him Arcee. Jack would not survive such a thing and I'm sure Megatron knows it too," replied Ratchet with Arcee looking shocked.
"And what if he does regardless?" asked/accused Arcee with Ratchet sighing and looking away from her.
"Then Jack will die and Megatron will get nothing except blank memories from the boy in the process," answered Ratchet with Arcee looking at him in horror.
"We have to find a way on the ship to prevent that!" exclaimed Arcee, as she was in the Autobot Medic's face, and it was clear her comrade was stumped on what to do.
"There is nothing we can do Arcee. Until we know otherwise, Jack is alive, well, and in working out the terms in which we can have peace with the Decepticons," replied Ratchet with Arcee scoffing and walking from him.
"The words 'peace' and 'Decepticons' aren't exactly thrown into the same sentence unless the word 'no' is involved," countered Arcee with Ratchet nodding.
"All the more reason to hope that Jack will succeed," came the voice of Optimus Prime with his two subordinates looking a bit more skeptical over this issue.
"Optimus, no offense to your commanding style, but even I can feel this mission has a slim chance of succeeding, and I'm the new guy here with little experience in dealing with Decepticons," replied Smokescreen with the newest recruit wondering what had happened on this planet to shift things completely off road.
"The rookie's right Optimus. Don't get me wrong, if genuine peace can be made, and Cybertron can be restored to normal I'll be the first to drink some high grade energon with a Decepticon. But you got to admit this whole deal is WAY out there and defies all reason. I mean...the odds of the Doc acting happy and dancing around from drinking too much energon are much better then this," remarked Wheeljack with Ratchet sputtering and letting out a small growl at the Wreacker's remark.
"The odds seem slim Wheeljack. I will not deny or ignore that simple fact. But if we do not make the attempt...then what does it mean to be an Autobot or to truly rise above ourselves?" questioned Optimus with Wheeljack looking away and Bulkhead let out a groan.
"I hate it when he mentions stuff like that," remarked Bulkhead with Wheeljack nodding with a smirk on his face.
"Do you ever get use to it?" asked Wheeljack with Bulkhead smirking.
"No really, but it does put things in perspective. Even if the truth is a pain in the moral aft," replied Bulkhead with the two laughing.
Before Agent Fowler came to visit and told them what happened at the base in Colorado with the body of Breakdown being revealed to them on the screen.
"That...looks like Breakdown," stated Arcee with a frown on her face.
"Breakdown? We haven't seen him for awhile. Didn't he go offline thanks to Airachnid?" questioned Bulkhead and saw Arcee's frown become a scowl at the mention of the Spider Bot's name.
"So she claimed when I fought her in that cave of empty stasis pods," answered Arcee with the image of Breakdown showing the Decepticon had been through quite a lot.
"According to what I was able to learn from the survivors of the attack, Silas was in the body, and used his real name with his military rank to try entering the base covertly. But he failed to realize that his time away had caused the Top Brass to blacklist his name and they attempted to detain him for questioning. Hence the destruction that soon followed when Breakdown's body went from his alt. mode to his true form and Silas decided to take the pet project he had created that the Top Brass swept under the rug," explained Fowler before Raf brought up the information provided by the former Ranger on what that pet project was that Silas coveted so much.
"A satellite weapon?" questioned Ratchet while looking over the specs.
"Yes. Its design, programming, and firepower allow it to do some serious damage from anywhere in space to the ground below. It could give each head on Mount Rushmore a Mohawk with pinpoint accuracy or carve the Decepticon symbol on the Moon with pure artistic style without breaking a sweat," explained Fowler with the footage of the dead Decepticon now turned into a puppet with a human puppeteer being confronted by the Decepticons before entering with them into the portal.
"So much for peace between us and the Decepticons," remarked Arcee with Optimus now sporting a grave look on his face.
"This footage was taken a few hours ago. Whether or not Silas can sweet-talk his way into Megatron's good graces is unknown. From what you told me about Silas being the same as Megatron, I'd say our enemies are going to at least hear his proposal Prime," explained Fowler with Optimus looking even more grave.
"We can only wait and see what Megatron's next move will be after meeting with Silas over this new weapon. Only then can we determine whether or not Jack has failed in his mission," replied Optimus with the others unsure how to handle this.
(The Nemesis-The Bridge)
"As you can see from what I've shown you Lord Megatron, Project Damocles is indeed a work of art in terms of weaponry, and can obliterate your enemies from extremely long range with little effort on your end," explained Cylas with Megatron looking over the design of the satellite in front of him.
"Its crude human technology. Hardly something worth the time of an advanced race such as mine Cylas. So why should I bother with it when I have an army under my command and a Warship capable of doing what this satellite can do at my disposal?" questioned Megatron while seeing the opposite in Cylas then what he saw in Jack.
It was like looking a pure polar opposites.
"Because this doesn't drain your ship of energon Lord Megatron. Pure solar power at its finest from the Sun itself is the source of energy needed to fuel it and channels that same fuel into the laser. A never ending supply of energy into a deadly weapon capable of literally carving your mark onto any planet's surface and melting your enemies on the spot," explained Cylas while sensing Megatron was not the happy "customer" he was hoping to talk to about this.
"I have know of countless Cybertronian weapons that can do the same thing. Several are on this Warship. So tell me Cylas. Tell me why should I even consider accepting this piece of human technology like it was their equal?" questioned Megatron with Cylas giving him an uneasy smile.
"Why not test it out for yourself if you doubt me! Once you go this military base and get the access codes, the satellite will be under your complete, and total control to use how you see fit. At least give what I'm offering a test run before you disregard it like a piece of junk," answered Cylas seeing Megatron narrowing his optics at him.
"Very well. Soundwave! Take a squadron with you to these coordinates for the base and download the codes for the satellite so we can have our 'test run' of this satellite to see if its really the work of art our guest claims it is in his eyes," commanded Megatron while Soundwave nodded and proceed to recruit the squad needed while the Warlord himself was leaving the bridge.
"Where are you going Lord Megatron? Surely you don't want to miss out on this grand show?" asked Cylas with Megatron shooting him a menacing glare.
"I have other business that I need to attend to right now Cylas. Do not touch anything or else you and Breakdown will have something very much in common," said Megatron before leaving the bridge.
(The Brig-With Jack)
Jack was held by chains, dangling almost lifelessly with his eyes closed, but in truth he was focused on the task at hand, and how to convince Megatron to see the truth. The Decepticon Warlord's pride had caused him to wage war on Cybertron and once more was blinding Megatron to the chance of a lifetime! He needed to convince Megatron that his pride was his weakness and forsake his pride just this once! Just once and everything his Spark desired would be within the Decepticon Leader's grasp. Cybertron restored, power to rule over the planet, and finally being made a Prime while sharing that rule with Optimus to ensure another golden age.
"I was wondering when you come see me. Though what your intentions are for me are up in the air at this point," said Jack when the door opened and Megatron stepped into the room.
"This is the first time I've held a prisoner I did not wish to hurt Jack. You're actions since coming here are a bit...disturbing. Considering I am your surrogate Father, it puts me in a position I am not familiar with, and this information about restoring Cybertron to its former glory takes precedence over all other things," explained Megatron with his tone light, gentle, and almost Fatherly.
"And you want me to tell you more," stated Jack with Megatron nodding.
"Yes. Surely you know more then what you told me earlier?" questioned Megatron with Jack shaking his head.
"No. I told you everything. I didn't see a reason to withhold information from you in this matter," answered Jack with Megatron frowning somewhat.
"Are you sure?" asked Megatron with Jack nodding.
"I am sure," replied Jack with Megatron shaking his head.
"How sad then that I have to leave you like this until later. Optimus will once again be devastated that the mission he sent you on was a failure," said Megatron with Jack letting out a frustrated sigh.
"Optimus didn't send me on this mission. I volunteered against his initial protest and the protest of the other Autobots. I wanted you to know about this and have a chance to become greater then yourself!" exclaimed Jack and saw Megatron frown and scoff at the notion of the idea.
"Optimus chose his side all those years ago boy. Do you know that I mentored him back before he was Orion Pax? That I helped set him on the path that led him to betray me? To take what was mine?!" asked Megatron with Jack surprising him by nodding.
"Ratchet told me of how Orion Pax became Optimus Prime. How you mentored him when you left the gladiatorial arena for the political one. How you two stood before the Council to propose a new era for Cybertron. I don't think the Council liked how you chose the path of violence and open revolution to remove the old guard," answered Jack with Megatron out a "Bah!" at the end.
"The Council were all loyal to Sentinel Prime! He was the one who created the Caste system that was the source of the inequality and refused to change it. The only way to change things at the time was through force since those in power didn't want to change things due to what they would lose in the end," countered Megatron with Jack absorbing this piece of information.
"Hence why they liked Orion's idea better then yours," replied Jack with Megatron nodding his head.
"Orion Pax always had his Spark in the right place. I'll give him that much. But his Spark was also too naive in all the wrong places too. The Council saw me as a threat, the fact I was right about the Caste system Sentinel Prime created, and how I could rally others on Cybertron to my cause because no one in power wanted to lost it. So they decided to play Orion against me by having him declared worthy of being a Prime after hearing his own version of things. Orion did nothing to dispute their claims, as he was too damn humble to protest, and stick up for me when he knew my way was the true path for Cybertron!" exclaimed Megatron passionately.
"Solus Prime and Maximo believed the Council was hasty in making their decision in their desire to make Orion the next Prime. They were wrong to exclude you just as you were wrong to let your pride take control after being scorned by them. Orion never meant to hurt you Megatron, in fact Optimus mourned your death after the Space Bridge exploded, and wished you had not followed such a violent path of destruction," replied Jack with Megatron stopping in his walking around the boy and took a moment to absorb this information.
"Perhaps, but the wound he left on my Spark as Orion Pax has yet to heal, and the fact Optimus mourned my death does not heal it despite what you may think Jack," countered Megatron with Jack nodding.
"I didn't expect it to heal your scarred Spark. I just thought that you should know just for the sake of knowing," stated Jack with Megatron smirking slightly while looking at the human with an appraising look.
"All for the sake of seeing things from a new perspective?" asked Megatron with the boy looking over slightly to see a slight glimpse of the Decepticon Warlord.
"Yes and no. I wanted you to know the truth that was not known to you. I wanted you to know that there is a way to have what your hearts desire without the need to kill the Autobots. Would it be so wrong to work with them again? It worked against Unicron so why not now?!" said Jack with Megatron pausing once again in his circling of the boy and the memory of him and Optimus fighting side by side within the very belly of the beast that was Unicron's inner body.
Moving in perfect harmony. Moving in anticipation of the others thoughts. Their actions mirroring the other down to the last action of movement. The trust they had in the other to fight side by side without a shadow of doubt the other would betray or backstab the other when the opportunity might have presented itself.
Even when Unicron tried to influence him, Megatron could tell Optimus had the utmost faith in his former brother in arms to not snuff out his Spark, and do the right thing in ending Unicron.
Would it be so wrong to do that one more time?
"We will talk about this later Jack. I have business to conduct with Cylas," answered Megatron with Jack looking at him in disbelief.
"The Leader of M.E.C.H. is here on the Warship? How did he get here? What business are you conducting with him?" asked Jack with Megatron pausing near the door.
"That is not relevant Ripper. He also doesn't know you are here. Something I intend to keep that way until further notice. Don't worry about the man's value in being worth my time since he's not worth much to my opinion. I'd sooner accept Starscream back into my ranks before I embrace Cylas as one of us. As for why he is here...Cylas wish for a seat at the table of power," answered Megatron with Jack scowling at him.
"He's not to be trusted. Ever! The man has no honor. He is the lowest form of human scum on this planet with an ego the size of Unicron to match his filthiness. Anything he offers you is not worth the scrap its made of!" exclaimed Jack with Megatron smirking at him.
"I know Jack, but amusing him for a short time into thinking he is worth it will be most enjoyable after I show the man in Breakdown's body what a fool he truly is to my optics," replied Megatron before leaving the room to handle his business with Cylas.
And eventually grant Knockout his request regarding the expressed desire of off lining the fool that dared desecrate a fallen Decepticon warrior.
(Sometime Later)
"I can we can rule out the idea of peace with the Decepticons now!" exclaimed Arcee, as she fired at the Vehicons with her comrades, and cursed how they were so blinded by the hopes of a human boy on a quest made by two dead Primes.
"Well its not like we didn't try and make the actual attempt. Megatron's loss if you ask me!" remarked Smokescreen before ducking a laser blast.
"Nobody did!" Arcee fired back.
(The Nemesis-The Bridge)
"The satellite has been launched Megatron," said Cylas with Megatron looking him over like an insect.
"And yet we do not have the codes for full complete control. A bit...premature to launch on your part since I never gave the order!" remarked Megatron with Cylas's "face" that was once Breakdown now showing nervousness.
"Not necessarily. While Soundwave is down there getting them, he has full access to the satellite, and can give you a proper demonstration of what will happen after we have it," offered Cylas with Megatron letting out a small huff.
"Let's see what this thing can do. Soundwave! Prepare to beta test," command Megatron to his loyal spymaster for a Decepticon.
And Megatron watched the screen with mild, yet still bored interest, and saw the weapon did have an impressive punch to it. Still, it was primitive human technology compared to Cybertronian tech, and while it did pack a punch...it was still flawed in its design. The Decepticon Warlord could give credit where credit was due regarding human ingenuity in making new things, but their imagination far outreached their technological ability to match up what their minds wished to create, and it what they did was always lacking in areas that they did not consider working on.
"Well...impressed?" asked Cylas with Megatron seeing it was indeed very accurate with pinpoint precision.
Even more so with Soundwave commanding it.
"Promising," answered Megatron while Cylas grinned further.
"With Soundwave in control, victory over our enemies is assured, and the world itself is one big firing range to make your mark," boasted Cylas while Megatron did not look as impressed like he hoped.
Rather Megatron was thinking of other things like what Jack told him about his current unwanted and unwelcome guest on his Warship. Cylas was a parasite that preyed on anything more advanced himself, hence the forming of M.E.C.H. to hunt for such things, what the organization did to Breakdown, and now using the corpse of that same fallen Decepticon to become this scarred abomination standing before him like some kind of equal! It was infuriating!
'And now I'm using human technology from this fool to attack them. The whole event seems...dull when compared to all the other times I've fought Optimus and his forces,' thought Megatron while he saw Optimus's force scatter to dodge the laser and scowled when some of his troops were destroyed by "friendly fire" in the process.
"Well...what do you think?" asked Cylas before the system told the two that there was a hacker in the system and was redirecting the path of the satellite.
"I think this has been a waste of my time," answered Megatron in a frustrated tone before they saw what this hacker (one of the human allies of the Autobots no doubt) was doing in moving the satellite into the atmosphere to burn the weapon up.
That was the problem with human technology, it could still be hacked by humans, and therefore was a liability if one such human had the skill. Based on what Megatron saw at the Autobot base when he gave them the coordinates to Unicron's Spark Chamber, he was willing to wager it was the little boy that had survived his attack with the Autobot Scout prior to that moment.
"Don't worry about this Lord Megatron. This is only slight setback. The only reason this failed was due to the Autobots having the 'human factor' for their group," said Cylas, as he saw Megatron glaring at him with burning red optics, and knew that might have been the wrong thing to say.
"I am well aware of the 'human factor' Cylas. In fact, I've recruited one of my own to the cause, and only now do I realize his advice on certain matters should have been addressed sooner. Regardless, the demonstration with your satellite was interesting to say the least, as it did provide me with some unique insight on my next course of action, and you Cylas have indeed earned yourself a seat at the table. Knockout's operating table to be more precise," replied Megatron with a grin and Cylas looked shocked while Knockout was looking happier then he had in Months and gleefully dragged the man within his former assistant away with the help of an Insecticon away.
"And what of Jack my Lord?" asked Dreadwing while ignoring the pleas from the fool in Breakdown's dead and scarred body.
"Bring Jack here Dreadwing. I wish to talk to him about his proposal in reviving our home planet," answered Megatron with Dreadwing looking shocked, but in the end was slightly pleased, and bowed humbly.
"I will bring him here immediately Lord Megatron," said Dreadwing before heading to Jack's cell to get the former third in command.
'I will swallow my pride this one time Jack. If only out of respect for you and Optimus in being true to your word when it comes to important matters,' thought Megatron, as he had recalled the days when Orion Pax would see him, talk in debate with how things should be done on Cybertron, and how to effectively bring about a new successful Golden Age on their home planet.
While they did differ on various things, they had both been right at the same time, and just saw different paths to walk to reach the same goal. One was through open revolution with energon spilling into the streets of those willing to destroy the Caste system while the other wished for a peaceful change internally without the need for bloodshed, but at the risk of one corrupt official being replaced with another. There was no guarantee that Orion's plans for the future would work just like Megatron's own and it was only now did the Decepticon Warlord realize his wounded pride was the source of his actions shortly after the Council had nominated Orion to be the next Prime. The only reason the Council even wanted Orion to be the next Prime was most likely to keep their own positions while slightly manipulating their newly made Prime (once the Matrix of Leadership was found) into keeping some of their own chosen officials after clearing them of corruption charges.
In Megatron's mind, sometimes in order to bring about a new Golden Age of Peace...you needed a Dark Age of War to flush out all the bad blood.
"You asked for me Lord Megatron?" asked Jack before kneeling on one knee to show he still respected the Decepticon Warlord.
"Yes Jack. I have thought over what you have told me regarding the Omega Keys and I have come to a decision regarding the offer to assist the Autobots in reviving our home planet back to its former glory," answered Megatron while looking down at the kneeling boy, who looked up at him, his eyes, and face filled with hope despite their last two talks.
"And?" asked Jack hopefully, yet with a hint of worry in his voice.
"I have decided that to swallow my pride for this important crossroads of an event at this stage in the war," answered Megatron softly with a smile on his face that was neither vicious nor terrifying.
"That's great! That's wonderful! I just need to contact the Autobots to tell them the good news!" exclaimed Jack happily before he looked down again and realized he had been a bit overzealous while Megatron let out a chuckle.
"There is no need to be ashamed Jack. While I felt the idea of siding with the Autobots was ludicrous, I see it was just like you said my boy, and my pride did stand in my way. I wish to give you and Optimus the benefit of the doubt if just this one time to see if the spirit of the two Primes from the original thirteen that stood before you will honor their side of the agreement," replied Megatron with Jack nodding.
"I hope so too. When they do honor the agreement, I wish to be first to address you as Megatronus Prime," stated Jack and saw Megatron's optics widen slightly and yet their was warmth in them at the memory of giving himself that name before refocusing on the task at hand.
"Since you have been here for so long and our most recent skirmish with the Autobots, I have no doubt that Optimus along with his comrades believe your talks with me have failed. To counter this notion we will open a Ground Bridge for you at a neutral location, and then having you make contact with them," explained Megatron with Jack nodding.
"I'm ready when you are...Father," answered Jack with a smile on his face and saw that Megatron was surprised to hear himself being called that.
Yet Jack could tell Megatron welcomed it all the same.
"Good to hear. Soundwave, open up the Ground Bridge to a secure location let Jack go make contact with the Autobots, and to calm their growing fear of what we do to him while on my Warship," commanded Megatron with Soundwave nodding before punching in coordinates and opened the Ground Bridge up.
"Thank you for giving this opportunity a chance Lord Megatron. It means the world to me," said Jack with Megatron nodding before looking over to see Soundwave produce something for Jack and handing it to the boy with one of his tentacle.
It was his sword.
"I'll be waiting to hear back from you soon my son," replied Megatron before Jack bowed humbly and then entered the Ground Bridge.
They were the first few steps in a new direction that would bring about new changes for both Autobots and Decepticons.
(A/N: YAY! I updated. Sorry it took so long. Been busy with so many things this past Month and they took priority over writing this and other fics. Hope this was worth the wait. Until next time...PEACE!)