AN: Well here it is everyone chapter 5 of Transforming Remnant. Sorry it took so long to get out, I've just been lacking the energy to write these last couple of weeks. But I'm back and will get more chapters out soon, since I will soon have a week off work. Again thank you so much to everyone who has been following me and leaving reviews. I means a lot, now enjoy.
Autobots roll out!
Chapter 5: Council meeting Part 1
Sleet picks up his scroll from the table and coughs slightly "According to James's report, your ship is embedded inside a mountain out in the tundra".
Optimus sits down on a shipping container that Ironwood requested for him and Perceptor. "That is correct, Councilman Sleet".
"Well….how on Remnant did that happen? Your ship The Ark had to have been going at a great speed to punch a hole into a mountain"
Perceptor speaks up "Our ship was low on energon during the descent to your planet's surface and during the landing process it became clear we would have to make a crash landing due to our speed, we put whatever power was left into the shields to try and prevent further damage and soften the impact. Ending up in the mountain was an unforeseen circumstance".
"So it really is true...you really came from another planet" Camilla leans on the table using her elbows "I'm sorry...this is just, alot to take in".
"That is a normal reaction, especially for a race who haven't reached space flight yet. But may I ask a question, Councilwoman?".
"Of course...Perceptor correct?".
The Autobot scientist nods "From what I have seen and been told by Dr Polendia, your technology is very unique and advanced. It's honestly impressive. However you are yet to achieve space flight. Why is that?".
Camilla leans back into her chair "It's because our main fuel source, Dust loses its power as soon as it leaves the atmosphere. Atlas has researched to figure out why...but sadly there has been no luck".
"I see...that is most peculiar" Perceptor cups his chin as he starts to think, a fuel source that loses its power as soon as it leaves the surface was an interesting thought.
"While we're on the subject" Ironwood looks to Optimus "What is Energon Optimus? From what our engineers have gathered at Ark camp, it's what you used to power the Ark".
"It is more than that General. Energon is the very life blood of our race".
This gets Ironwood curious "Your life blood?".
"Yes, Energon not only powers our ships, but our weapons, our cities, our equipment and even us. Without it we would no longer function".
The council goes silent at this revelation, an energy source that was also the very life blood of an entire race was just unheard of and it shook them to their core. Ironwood immediately stands up.
"Then we need to start looking for Energon".
Optimus raises his hand and motions for Ironwood to sit back down and speaks in a reassuring tone.
"While Energon is needed, General, it is not a pressing issue for the moment. We have enough to sustain us for now. So please calm yourself but I do appreciate your concern my friend".
Ironwood slowly sits back down and sighs, Optimus was right. But he made a mental note to speak to Pietro about finding Energon later. Sleet looks at Optimus.
"Optimus if I may ask. How did your ship get so damaged and why did you leave your home? There must have been a reason".
A sad look comes across Optimus's face "We left because our home planet of Cybertron became corrupt. Due to the actions of….Megatron and the war that has ravaged our planet for eons"
"Wait. You were fighting a war? Ironwood asks.
Optimus slowly nods "Yes we were and Megatron is the leader of the Decepticons who we were fighting against. He was also someone I once called a friend. But that...was a long time ago. Because of his lust for power and for the destruction of the Autobots, he used a forbidden energy source called Dark energon to corrupt the very heart of Cybertron, its core"
The council gasps with horror and sadness. For a war and a single person to corrupt the very core of a planet was a horrifying thought. How could someone be so callous or arrogant? Silence covers the meeting until Optimus speaks again.
"I understand if you will need time to process what I have just told you. General Ironwood, perhaps it's best we continue this meeting another time" he stands up.
"Yes...I think that would be wise".
The council slowly stands, all looking emotionally drained.
"We will continue this meeting tomorrow at noon. Is that alright Optimus?" Ironwood asks.
The Autobot leader nods "Yes that is acceptable, thank you for meeting us Councilman Sleet, Councilwoman Camilla" he gives them a slight bow with a hand over his spark.
The other council members give a nod back and are escorted by the soldiers to a nearby ship.
Optimus approaches Ironwood "General Ironwood, I have one last question for you. What is the name of the city below Atlas?".
-One hour later, Atlas council chamber-
Councilwoman Camilla leans back into her chair, a heavy look on her face. "I was...not expecting any of that today" she sighs and rubs her face, looking to Ironwood opposite her "Did you know about any of this James?".
Ironwood shakes his head "No I did not Camilla, today was my first time hearing about any of this. I was in the dark as much as you and Sleet".
Sleet taps his fingers against the table, a tick that he has had since he could remember "I can't imagine it, fighting a war for thousands of years. The death toll must be overwhelming and I am worried about Megatron and his Decepticons. What if they come to Remnant? We wouldn't stand a chance".
"It could be a possibility, but we won't know for sure" Ironwood says "That can be a question we can ask Optimus at the meeting tomorrow".
Worry was thick in the atmosphere of the council chamber, while some questions had been answered. Others had risen to the minds of the Atlas council. Sleet asks the question which is at the forefront of his mind.
"Can we trust what Optimus says James? Can we even trust him at all?" he looks at the general.
Ironwood slowly stands up, looking at both Camilla and Sleet.
"When I first met Optimus, I asked him a simple question. I asked if he was here to attack Atlas" he slowly makes his way to the nearby window that looks out to the skyscrapers of Atlas "he said no and to prove it, Optimus laid his weapon down in front of me and so did every Autobot on the bridge. No words were spoken, they just did it, Optimus has the full trust of every Autobot under his command and they trust him. When was the last time any of us had that?" he asks his fellow council members.
The room stays silent as Ironwood continues.
"Exactly. On our way to Atlas when we came under attack by the Grimm, Prime did not hesitate; he immediately leapt into action to protect the lives of every crew member aboard the Nautilus and fought to give us a chance to counter attack. He did not know any of them and yet he still fought to keep them safe, because of it he earned the respect of Nemo and his and everyone else aboard. I can understand your apprehension, but I urge you both to give Optimus and his Autobots a chance and trust me when I say this" he smiles "They are more than meets the eye".
Both Camilla carefully consider Ironwood's words and agree while they do not trust Optimus yet. They will trust James and give the Autobot leader a chance. There was still another meeting to be had after all and so they started to talk about what topics they would discuss.
-Down in Mantle-
Optimus slowly drives around the streets of Mantle in his vehicle mode. After the meeting he had asked Ironwood about the city below Atlas and that he'd be allowed to go see it for himself. Ironwood agreed but only if Winter would accompany Optimus and that he must stay in vehicle mode. To which Optimus obliged, not wanting to break the generals' trust. Now here he was slowly driving around Mantle's streets with Winter sitting in the driver's seat. His odd design and colours certainly attracted some attention but no one actually approached, they would just watch from a distance.
"Has Mantle always been like this Winter?" Optimus asks his passenger.
"What do you mean, Optimus?".
"We have been driving around the city for some time now and I have noticed that the citizens, while able to live, still very much struggle to survive".
Winter sighs "I know and to answer your question. No Mantle was not always like this, it used to be better and was at one time the only city on the continent" she looks out the window, at the people they pass on the street "Things have been tense between Atlas and Mantle for a very long time".
Optimus takes note of the sad tone in Winter's voice as he turns a corner.
"We had a similar situation on Cybertron long ago, it was part of why our war started. If I may offer some advice Winter. Try to bridge the gap between Atlas and Mantle, show that while you may be separate cities you are still one kingdom and offer to aid each other".
"That's easier said than done, Optimus...but thank you for the advice. I'll take it on board" Winter gives a small smile.
"That is all I ask Winter. Nothing in life is easy, but it is worth it in the end if you try".
As they drive through the dark factory district a faunus couple runs across the street, fear and panic clear on their faces as they are chased by a group of four humans brandishing some improvised weapons. They run into an abandoned dust factory, unaware of Optimus and Winter. Winter grabs the hilt of her saber and moves to leave her seat but Optimus keeps her inside.
"What are you doing?! That couple needs help and it's my duty as a huntress and soldier to aid them!" She struggles against the door.
"I know Winter and you will but we must still proceed with caution".
Winter composes herself. "I take it you have a plan then?".
"I do, I just ask that you hold on tight".