Chapter 72 – Everyone Has a Dark Side

Prime P.O.V

Sentinel looked around him as if truly taking everything in for the first time. His optics alighted on my Autobots and he nodded towards them, acknowledging them. ''Rachet, Ironhide, Jazz it has been some time.'' Being the eldest members of my team, apart from myself, Sentinel clearly remembered my medic, my weapons specialist and special operations and second in command, as they served under him.

''Sentinel,'' Rachet, Ironhide and Jazz all intoned at the same time, returning the nod of acknowledgement.

Rachet continued, ''it is good to see you alive. I had feared the worst. When you are ready, I would request that you allow me to perform a medical examination to ensure you are indeed fully functional.''

Sentinel gave a brief smile towards Rachet, ''Ever the dedicated physician Rachet. Of course, I would expect nothing less from you.'' Rachet gave his own smile.

Noticing Sentinel's gaze shift to the remaining Autobots I spoke up, ''Come Sentinel, let me introduce you to the remainder of our team on Earth. You would likely not have had the opportunity to meet them yet.'' We stepped towards the group at the rear of the bay and I went along the line of my soldiers. ''This is Dino, Bumblebee and Sideswipe,'' they all nodded their helms as their name was announced.

A touch of awe radiated off Bumblebee as he beheld yet another Prime, especially one who had mentored me. I knew of Bumblebee's admiration towards me and I was humbled, if not a little unsure, of the faith he placed in me. I smiled fondly at the innocent and awestruck young scout.

Sentinel froze for a moment as his gaze came to rest on a figure at the back of the group. ''Who is that? I do not recall a femme such as her back on Cybertron Optimus. If I recall, there were not many of them left anyway, the few that did exist fought with Elita 1..'' His voice trailed off and his optics travelled over her form. I felt a surge of sadness and loss followed by protective jealousy burn through me all at once and I fought to keep them at bay.

I stood beside him allowing my gaze to willingly travel to Phoenix and I smiled, ''Sentinel, allow me to introduce you to our newest member of the team – Phoenix.'' My voice held a warmth to it that was not present when introducing the others and I made a silent note to myself to be cautious and guard my feelings more carefully. Sentinel, turned his helm towards me for a moment, raising an optic ridge.

Phoenix nodded her helm in deference to Sentinel. ''Sentinel Prime, it is an honour to meet you,'' Phoenix graciously acknowledged my mentor.

Sentinel inclined his helm briefly towards Phoenix, barely acknowledging her words. ''Tell me Phoenix, where were you stationed on Cybertron? What unit did you fight with? I don't recall seeing or hearing of you fighting with Elita 1's femmes''. Sentinel seemed to take an interrogative step towards Phoenix. If she was intimidated, she did not show it.

''I apologise for any confusion Sentinel Prime, but I was never stationed on Cybertron and I did not have the pleasure or privilege of meeting Elita 1 and her femme soldiers,'' I felt my spark both clench with sadness and swell with pride and appreciation as Phoenix so eloquently replied to Sentinel and so humbly referred to Elita.

''Not stationed on Cybertron?'' Sentinel struggled to comprehend where Phoenix could have come from. ''Where were you stationed? Where have you come from?'' Sentinel took another step closer towards Phoenix, his optics seeming to peer straight through her as he searched for answers.

I took this moment to speak as Phoenix threw me a quick glance that sought my help. Sentinel followed her gaze towards me and turned to face me, seeming to eye me with some suspicion as he folded his arms across his chest. ''Sentinel, Phoenix is,'' I sought the correct word to use, ''unique among us in that she was not always a Transformer.''

Sentinel's optics shuttered rapidly, and he unfolded his arms for a moment. ''What do you mean by that statement Optimus, explain yourself.'' Sentinel demanded. Sentinel was indeed an intelligent and scientifically minded Autobot though I had a feeling he was about to have his understanding and grasp on the truths in our universe shattered.

I nodded, ''Very well.'' I walked over to stand near Phoenix and turned back to face Sentinel. ''You see Sentinel, Phoenix was a human.''

''A HUMAN!'' Sentinel sounded both incredulous and shocked, as he had every right to be.

I continued in my explanation, ''Her name was Orianna Connors, or OC for short and she was one of the first humans to befriend us when we first arrived on Earth nearly five years ago.'' I watched Sentinel as he took in my words, a variety of emotions flickered acoss his optics. ''As the human OC, she fought bravely for us using a unique skill she possessed, demonstrating time and again that she possessed the spark, or heart, of an Autobot.''

I turned once again to face her and allowed a small smile to spread across my dermas, one which she returned. I heard Sentinel make a small grunt as he watched this interchange between us. I turned back towards him, undeterred, ''About three years ago an incident occurred that changed OC's life forever and led to the femme you see before you today being ''created''. You see Sentinel, OC somehow managed to touch a piece of the Allspark, a shard that had fallen out of another of our human allie's, Sam Witwicky's jacket. Unfortunately, Sentinel, we had to destroy the Allspark in order to defeat Megatron when we learned of his existence here on Earth.'' Sentinel flinched slightly at this mention of Megatron which seemed odd.

I pressed on, ''One of these remaining shards of the Allspark is what was used to bring Megatron back to life about three years ago and the other, is what OC, or Phoenix, touched.''

Sentinel interrupted, ''How was that even possible? How could a human become a Transformer? It should not be possible for so many reasons. It defies logic.'' Phoenix raised an optic ridge at Sentinel and his tone.

Rachet, weighed into the conversation then too, ''that is something I am still trying to figure out Sentinel. By rights it should not have been possible, and even more confounding is the fact she survived the process! Phoenix is, as Prime said, truly unique.'' He smiled at Phoenix.

Phoenix herself spoke up then, ''I understand your disbelief and shock Sentinel Prime believe me, I too have had difficulty coming to terms with this ''change'' but I assure you I am as much a Transformer as any of you and I believe fervently in the Autobot cause, as you do.''

Sentinel gave what could only be described as a scowl and sneer at Phoenix's words, ''You presume much Phoenix to think yourself as much of a Transformer as I, we shall see.''

I could not help but give a small start at Sentinel's tone and his distrust of Phoenix's heartfelt words. ''Sentinel, I can vouch for Phoenix's sincerity myself.''

Sentinel ignored my comments and instead turned to Rachet for an answer on what took place, ''Rachet, what happened when she touched the shard?'' I fought back a sudden rise of irritation at Sentinel's blatant dismissal. /Give him time, he has had to process much in a short time, he is overwhelmed and is not quite himself/.

Rachet looked from me to Sentinel before replying, ''Well, from what I can surmise there was a small amount of energon on the shard sliver which was absorbed into her bloodstream when she grasped it and the serrated edge cut into her palm. There were also miniscule pieces of the shard, fragments of the metals of the Allspark itself and our CNA that must have also been absorbed. When combined together in her body, it must have set off some sort of ''transformation process'' when her own immune system failed to fight off the invading alien substances.''

Rachet nodded towards Phoenix again, ''coupled with her gift, it led to a bizarre, unusual and amazing result. The femme you see standing before you right now. Who I would also like to state has demonstrated a remarkable adaptability and resilience to transition from human to Transformer, demonstrating all the hallmarks of a fine addition to our team and cause.'' I watched as Phoenix dipped her helm in embarrassment before giving Rachet a huge smile. Rachet nodded at her before returning his gaze to Sentinel, as if challenging him to rebuke his words. The other Autobots nodded in agreeance.

I also returned my gaze to Sentinel to see his reaction. He said nothing, he did not move. It was as though he was processing everything. After a moment Sentinel returned his gaze to Phoenix, '' I hear tell of a ''gift'' you have. What is this gift?''

Phoenix's gaze never left Sentinel's as she gestured with her servo and picked up a barrel that had been knocked over when Sentinel pushed me to the ground. She brought it before him, allowing it to hover in the air. ''This is the gift they refer to Sentinel Prime. Humans refer to it as ''psychokinesis'' the ability to move objects with our minds. There is not much known about it and many even believe it to be a hoax, not even possible.'' Phoenix's dermas curved into a wry smile as she stared at Sentinel, ''You seem to doubt much about me, so I shall leave you to form your own opinions on this matter.''

I only just managed to withhold a small, rather undignified snort at Phoenix's deliberate accusation and challenge towards Sentinel. She did not elaborate on her ''other gift'' so I followed suit and refrained from mentioning it. As did the other Autobots.

Sentinel, who had flinched in shock at Phoenix's revelation, his dermas dropping open in disbelief, recovered and schooled his features into neutrality, giving little away of his true emotions. ''Indeed Phoenix. You challenge one's perceptions and defy logic on many levels, especially for one who was a human. I shall indeed watch you with interest.'' Phoenix did not respond, merely nodded her helm and kept her gaze on him. There was a moment of unspoken tension between them both as they silently sized each other up. I would speak of her with this later.

I stepped back towards Sentinel, ''Old friend, you must be tired and somewhat confused by all that has been discussed and revealed just now. Please, allow Rachet to accompany you to the medical bay for observation, assessment and refreshment. Given your stasis for so long, I doubt you shall want to recharge, though please do so if your feel the need. Later, when you feel ready, you might like to accompany me on a trip so I can show you some of this new planet we now call home.'''

Though Sentinel gave a slight sneer at the last comment, he nodded in agreeance. ''There has indeed been much for me to take in Optimus,'' he cast a quick glance towards Phoenix, ''Perhaps it is a wise suggestion for me to head to the medical bay with Rachet. I would also very much like to accompany you to get a feel for this new planet I now find myself on.''

''As you wish,'' I replied. ''Rachet, would you please accompany Sentinel to the medical bay?''

''Of course, Prime. Sentinel, right this way,'' Rachet indicated for Sentinel to follow him and both mechs headed off to another area of the hanger.

Once out of audial range, Phoenix spoke again. ''Well, that was an experience. I'm sorry Prime, I know he was your mentor and friend many years ago, but I do not particularly like him. Something seems ''off'' about him''. Phoenix gave a visible shudder as she recalled her conversation and interaction with him.

Jazz spoke up, ''Yeah Prime, I know it has been millennia since we last saw Sentinel, but I don't recall him ever being so...''

''Arrogant, dismissive, judgemental and narrow minded?'' Phoenix supplied.

Jazz shrugged his shoulders, ''Well I wasn't going ta use those words exactly but, yeah, inna way. I mean tha way he cut ya off when ya went ta vouch for Phoenix and he jus' dismissed YOU - his equal, a Prime. That was not tha Sentinel I remember from Cybertron all those years ago.''

I turned to face Jazz and Phoenix, ''While I admit that Sentinel did seem not entirely himself just now, we must also take into consideration what he has been through and the fact he was awoken in a strange place surrounded by those he had not seen in millenia. He is bound to take some time to readjust to the present situation.'' While that whisper circled about my processor, I refused to believe my mentor and friend capable of such a change. It simply could not be true.

Bumblebee made a few whirs and beeps towards Sideswipe. ''Yeah Bee, I'm with you. For all the legends and talk of Sentinel being a great Prime, I think Optimus is far better.'' I felt myself heat up slightly embarrassed by the praise my troops were giving me, though I remained silent. ''Still, let's listen to Prime and give Sentinel a chance. Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves. I mean look at me! If Prime didn't keep giving me chances to right my wrongs, I'd have been out my aft vorns ago.''

Dino also spoke up, ''Well he certainly was inna bad mood today!'' Dino had started gesticulating with his servos as he spoke, waving them about to help explain and channel his emotions. ''I never met Signor Sentinel until now and I must say, I no lika him at the moment. I mean the way he talka to Singnora Phoenix and Signor Prime. He was offensivo, scortese.'' He shook his helm, ''Non ci credo!'' Clearly Dino was upset as he had started talking in his Italian accent.

''Thanks for the support Dino,'' Phoenix smiled at him before she turned to face me, her optics fixing me with a very serious stare, ''Prime I just don't trust him. His words, his tone, his demeanour, everything about him screams to me he is not who you once remembered him to be. You said he was carrying with him your last chance to win the war? Sentinel was your predecessor?''

I nodded my helm, ''Yes Phoenix, on both counts.'' I did not like where she was going with this and I felt myself tense up.

Phoenix nodded and continued, ''Prime, desperation can make people, and it would seem Transformers, act in ways they would not normally act, make choices they would not normally make and change in ways you thought they could not possibly change. What if the fear of losing his home world and his people has triggered changes within Sentinel that even you thought him incapable of? The weight of responsibility takes its toll on a leader, you know that more than anyone else in this room.''

I started to walk towards her, ''What is your point Phoenix?''

Phoenix took a small step towards me, bridging the distance. ''What if Sentinel Prime has allowed that weight, that burden, to get to him? The pressure of succeeding to ensure the survival of his planet and his people rising above all else, including his own sense of morality and his own code of ethics. Is it not possible that Sentinel has changed, you just don't want to believe it?'' Phoenix had folded her arms over her chest and was staring at me determinedly but without malice or self-righteousness. She was simply trying to put her point across.

I faced her and her alone, though what I had to say was for all Autobot audials I wanted Phoenix to hear directly. ''Phoenix, I thank you for your observations and your comments. However, I believe that they are unfounded,'' she closed her optics and brought her servos down by her sides, clenching them. I felt myself bristle slightly though continued to speak, ''While I agree with what you say about desperation and the weight of leadership, Sentinel is above that. He was my mentor, he taught me that freedom was the right of all sentient beings. Do you think a mech such as that capable of acting in a manner you just described?'' I raised an optic ridge at her.

Phoenix opened her optics again and a quiet fire burned in them. In a final hushed voice, she spoke to me, offering up a warning, ''Prime, I sense a darkness in him. Please, for your sake, for the sake of everyone, take what I say into consideration. Tread cautiously with Sentinel until we can be sure all is well with him.''

It was clear she would not yield on this matter, though neither would I. ''Phoenix, Sentinel was my mentor and my friend, two very good reasons to give him the benefit of the doubt. I believe your fears are unfounded. While you are entitled to make your own opinions and voice them, as an Autobot under my command,'' I felt myself wince inwardly at my tone though I had stand firm in my leadership in front of the others, regardless of the nature of our relationship, ''my decision is final, and I would respectfully request you accept it.'' I did not take my optics off her, watching the same determination dance within hers as I am sure was reflected in mine.

After an interminable moment, Phoenix gave an audible sigh and looked away, ''As you wish Prime, against my better judgement I will support your decision. I hope you are right.'' With that she turned and stalked off towards the personal quarters. I made no move to follow her though I desperately wanted to.

''Prime, what are your orders?'' Ironhide spoke up for the first time, choosing to ignore what had just transpired between Phoenix and me.

I continued to stare after Phoenix for a moment, torn between running after her and pleading with her to understand why I said what I said and wanting to punch a hole through the wall in frustration and annoyance. I turned to face Ironhide and the remainder of my team. ''Ironhide, Jazz, Dino and Sideswipe, you are to stay here on base with Phoenix. Watch her, protect her and await further instructions. Sam was here earlier due to a Decepticon attack on him. He may be in need of further protection. Bumblebee,'' I turned to face the yellow scout who stiffened in anticipation at my address, ''I want you to accompany Sam and Carly home. You are taking up primary guardianship duties. Report back any suspicious activity. You are to call in for back up immediately should you perceive a threat. Understood?''

Bumblebee saluted me and gave a few quick whirs and beeps, quickly scanning his radio frequencies, ''Of course... Sir… I'm on my way.'' With that the youngest member of my team turned and headed off in search of Sam and Carly. I watched in pride as he went about carrying out his task. Such dedication and faith.

I turned back towards the others, ''I will head off for some recharge myself for a few joors while Rachet is seeing to Sentinel. If Sentinel feels up to it, I shall take him for a short trip to see some of this beautiful planet. Jazz in my absence you will be in command. If Bumblebee calls in for backup, you are to coordinate support. Ironhide,'' I turned to face my seasoned warrior, ''you are to remain on base at all times with Phoenix. She is unable to leave given her lack of an alt mode so she will need both company and perhaps, protection.''

Ironhide gave a small snort, ''Protection? Prime, company I understand, but protection. Phoenix is in no more need of protection than I am.'' At my darkening look Ironhide continued, ''though I shall remain here as requested to carry out both roles if necessary.''

I nodded to them all, ''Very well, you are all dismissed.'' Dino, Sideswipe and Ironhide nodded back at me before heading off in various directions. Jazz remained behind.

''Prime?'' he asked tentatively.

''Yes Jazz, what is it?'' I asked though I had a feeling I knew what he wanted to know.

''Have…. Have you and Phoenix had that ''talk'' yet?'' he asked hesitantly, 'cause it sure didn't seem like ya had just now.''

I sighed, ''Jazz, I would appreciate you keeping this to yourself but, yes, Phoenix and I have indeed talked, and we have indeed confessed our mutual feelings towards each other,'' I allowed a small smile to form as Jazz's dermas split into a massive grin.

''Oh, hey man that's so cool! Finally! I never thought you'd get around ta it. I thought I'd have ta keep stirring ya for vorns yet.'' Jazz gave a small laugh.

''Well let's say the thought of that prompted me to act,'' and Jazz laughed a little louder. ''besides, I could no longer contain how I felt about her. I did not want to lose her. It was time to be honest with her and with myself.'' I shook my helm sadly, ''though ever since that amazing moment Jazz, I have barely had a moment with her and now, with what has transpired with Sentinel. It feels like we are slipping away from each other,'' my voice trailed off as I could not seem to find the words to describe how I felt and what had happened.

Jazz placed a reassuring servo on my arm. ''Hey Prime, don't worry man. I know it seems ya are both poles apart at tha moment but from what I have seen of ya both and how ya feel about each other, what you guys have is tha real deal. It would take more than a disagreement, more than an argument to break what ya have. Hell, even death could not separate ya both and keep ya apart! You'll see. Phoenix may not be happy with ya now and perhaps vice versa, but do not for an astro second think she does not love ya. It is because she loves ya that she challenges ya, questions ya and will call ya out. She only wants for ya to be safe just as much as you wish that for her and if that means second guessin' your decisions, she'll do it.''

I felt myself nodding slowly in agreement with Jazz, ''Thank you Jazz, you make a valid and wise point. I will take that into consideration.''

Jazz gave a small smile, ''Thanks Prime. However, Phoenix also made some valid an' wise points earlier.'' I felt my optics flick to Jazz's. ''I know ya feel ya cannot let your new relationship cloud ya judgement over ya leadership but jus' remember the reverse is true too Prime. Do not let your leadership cloud your judgement over what you know of Phoenix an' her intuition. While it's okay ta overrule her an' stand firm on your own decisions, it's also okay to concede ta her in front of ya troops if she indeed makes a valid point or argument. No one would think ya were giving preferential treatment. We all know ya too well ta think ya capable of that.''

I placed a servo on Jazz's and smiled at him, ''You do indeed know me well Jazz, and I thank you for trying to alleviate some of my concerns.'' I removed my servo as did Jazz. ''I will bear what you have said in mind. After I get back from my drive with Sentinel, I shall try and spend some time with Phoenix, alone and.. perhaps apologise to her.''

''There you go Prime! I'll run interference for ya. I'll get Sentinel ta tell me more about tha pillars and how they work. That'll give ya at least a few joors,'' and he winked at me conspiratorially.

I gave a laugh, ''I'll hold you to it Jazz, now if you'll excuse me, I must go and recharge if I am to be prepared for what the coming day shall bring.'' I tapped his shoulder once in friendly thanks and turned to head off towards my personal quarters, which happened to be in the opposite direction to Phoenix's. For a moment I stood in the hallway, torn between heading to my own quarters for some much-needed recharge or going in search of Phoenix for some much-needed discussion and time alone.

After a moment of indecision, I turned and walked slowly towards my quarters, opening the door and hearing it slide behind me. /When I return from my drive with Sentinel, I shall ensure Phoenix and I have some uninterrupted time alone/. As I felt myself drift off into recharge that whisper that had echoed through my processor earlier, returned. Only this time, it was louder, more demanding. /What if she's right? What if he has changed?/.

As I closed my optics, my final thoughts echoed in the darkness. /All of us have a capacity for darkness inside. I guess time will tell if Sentinel has allowed his to consume what was once the brightest of lights/.