Transformers is owned by Hasbro. This is just fan work. Enjoy.
Kokullar Palace. Capital of the Decepticon Empire and home of the fearsome Decepticons on Cybertron. Any Autobot would be hesitant, even afraid of being near the grand symbol of Decepticon power.
Now, one lone Autobot was in there. Bravely pushing through the guards to meet with his target. His name was Ultra Magnus. And he just surrendered to the Decepticons.
News of this spread far out across the net. Almost every Autobot, Decepticon, and neutral on Cybertron heard or read the message had one question on their mind: Was this truly happening?
It could have been a trap. A fake surrender to lead in some group of soldiers. After all, Magnus was known for his tenues in the Wreckers, and they were known to rarely follow any honorable rules in warfare.
But, no. As any Decepticon that would get their optics on the situation saw as bright as day, Ultra Magnus peacefully and fully surrendered to Megatron. Another resounding victory for the Decepticons.
And a terrifying loss for the Autobots.
Inside Kokullar Palace, Ultra Magnus and Megatron sat opposite of each other in a long war table. Each had a data pad resting next to them. Guards were stationed at each door, waiting incase of some sudden move.
"I've taken that you have already notified Optimus about your surrender," Megatron said. "And that he is willing to concede to my rule?"
Ultra Magnus lowered his head. "As of now, no. He does not even know of my presence here."
Megatron clenched his fist in frustration. "Then what was the point of your little visit? Surely not to reminisce on old memories."
Magnus shook his head. "What Cybertron needs is peace, and the only way to achieve that is through a treaty. But the only way we can get all sides together is through compromise."
"Oh, and what issues are in need of compromising?"
"Article 5, section 8, sub-section 1984," Magnus gave an example.
It was a plan for what to do with any Autobots after the war. It stated that any Autobot that did not renounce their side or defect to the Decepticons would either face exile…or public execution.
"And what seems to be the problem with that?" Megatron asked almost rhetorically.
"The same as with many other 'proposals'," Ultra Magnus explained. "The people of Cybertron want peace, and we will not have it if more of our people are killed just for being on the opposite side."
"And peace can only be assured when those who threaten it are destroyed," Megatron retorted. "I will not sign any treaty unless Optimus Prime himself submits to me. His servos aren't clean in this conflict."
Yes, Ultra Magnus thought to himself, but did Optimus make the first declaration of war? Was he the one who murdered the Senate? Magnus kept those thoughts private, in order to not enrage his old friend any further.
"Optimus will not sign it unless we can make some sort of compromise," Magnus sighed. "All I am asking is that we sit down and talk this out. Like what we did with Alpha Trion. Back when he was still with us."
Megatron looked pensive and nostalgic. All three, Optimus, Megatron, and Magnus, were all students under the wise Transformer. The last of the Thirteen Primes saw greatness inside each bot and sought to cultivate their potential. However, Alpha Trion has long since ascended into the Afterspark. What would Alpha Trion think, Magnus thought, of his students in conflict with each other. Especially at the state of their home world.
"As much as I would enjoy it," Megatron finally spoke up, "I cannot. Optimus must admit his failures to me and the rest of Cybertron. Only then, shall this war would be over."
Magnus slammed his fist into the table and stood up, not caring about the guards who raised their weapons. "But more innocents will die if we keep this up! Can't you let go of your ego for once and think for the greater good?!"
Megatron's left hand slowly curled into a fist and stood up.
"I see now it's not only the Prime's ego, but yours as well, Magnus," Megatron said too calm. "I believe any sort of peace talk will never work in the long run until either one or all of us are dead. And believe me, I will make sure to be the last one standing as the Decepticons rise to take what is rightfully ours over piles of Autobot traitors."
Both bots stood there, neither one moving. Any guard was still keeping their sights on Magnus, afraid of what he might do.
"So, what will you do with me," Magnus questioned. "Kill me? Like so many others in your path?"
"No, you're far too valuable as a prisoner than a martyr," Megatron turned to Soundwave, who was hidden in shadows this entire time. "Take Magnus to the prisons. Make sure his weapons are confiscated and keep him away from others."
"Acknowledged, Lord Megatron," Soundwave said then motioned the guards to escort Magnus to the holding cells.
As they leave, Megatron faced Magnus before he left.
"You know, I was expecting some sort of armed resistance. At least before the trip to the cells." Megatron said. "I am ashamed to see you like this. If this is what has become of the mighty Autobots, then winning this war will be over far sooner than later."
Megatron turned back from Magus as he was escorted to the cells. More and more, Megatron knew that only his rule, his will, was the necessary thing Cybertron needed. Even if it meant burning the bridges of past relations.
Megatron's comm ringed. He raised his arm to see that is was from Shockwave.
"Yes?" Megatron answered.
"Lord Megatron," Shockwave answered in his monotoned voice, "Come to my lab. My team and I have found an object you will find quiet…intriguing."
"It better be, Shockwave, or you will know the consequences of wasting my time."
With that, Megatron made his way to Shockwave's lab, with Magnus squarely put away from his mind.
Autobot City stood in silence. Out of fear and worry. That one of the Autobot's greatest warriors willingly turned himself in to the Decepticons. In place of spoken word, inter-Autobot communications were wild. Most opinions were in disbelief, some thought that Ultra Magnus was planning something and that they needed to hold on to hope. Others thought that if Ultra Magnus was surrendering, then the war was already over for them and they should just surrendered.
Optimus Prime shut off his inter-Autobot communications to get away from the chattering voices of his troops. While it was important for a leader to know what their people were thinking, it was too much on Prime's brain module for him to concentrate. Besides, he had friends who were more connected to the Autobot troops.
What they actually say was less than pleasant.
"I can't believe Ultra Magnus is a stinking traitor!"
That was from Cliffjumper, a small red Autobot that looked almost identical to B-127.
"I say we don't even bother with the rescue operation! He should rot like the traitor he is," Cliffjumper angrily made his argument.
"It's not like that," Elita-1 tried to sooth the Autobot down.
"Then what is it like?! He sold us out! Plain and simple! In fact, I bet he was in cahoots with the Decepticons this whole time!"
That earned him a smack to the back of the head from Ironhide, who then said,
"That's enough out of you!"
Cliffjumper rubbed the back of his head and glared at the old Autobot.
"You know I'm right! Everyone does."
"Well, it's not like the whole Decepticon army has showed up on our doorstep," Cog spoke up. "Maybe he's still holding out."
"Yeah, sure, whatever. I'm outta here. I'll go defend for the inevitable army we'll be dealing with."
And with that. Cliffjumper left the group in a huff.
"At least now, things will be quieter," Ironhide scoffed.
Hound sighed, "I'll go calm him down. You all go on without me."
Hound left, leaving what remained of Prime's inner Autobot circle.
Prowl, the newly promoted second-in-command, offered his view on the subject, "With Ultra Magnus detained, the Decepticons have potential access to all of our defenses. Optimus, we need to take some sort of action."
The Prime stood there in silence, contemplating. He didn't want to believe that Magnus would just…give up. He hoped his old friend had some hidden reason for this. Ultra Magnus, as Prowl said, was one of the few Autobots with full knowledge about everything in Autobot City. If he broke, then the Decpeticons would have access to nearly everything on Cybertron. However, Optimus knew he had some hidden aces.
"Wheeljack," Optimus spoke up, "What is the status of the Spacebridge?"
"Oh, well," Wheeljack went through some reports he logged. "For now, there seems to be no Decepticon activity ever since we escaped. Even the Energon's untouched."
Optimus nodded. He then raised to his personal radio.
"Jazz, gather up a strike team and take command of that Space Bridge. It cannot fall into Decepticon hands."
"Will do, Prime." Jazz accepted.
As Optimus ended the short call, Elita-1 spoke up.
"Optimus, we don't have the botpower to make a successful assault like that. What about Ultra Magnus?"
"I trust that Ultra Magnus would keep strong," Optimus reassured, though he could tell that his words rang hollow to his men. "But now, we must focus on securing that space bridge."
An alert from Teletraan-1, the Autobot super-computer, had announced that something was trying to hail them. The Autobot Communications Officer, Blaster, let everyone know this.
"Yo, Prime! We got a broadcast signal coming from the Decpeticon's turf."
"Can you identify who it is," Optimus said.
"Yeah, and you're not gonna believe it," Blaster turned to face the table full of Autobots. "It's from Ultra Magnus."
Shockwave's lab is a source of fear and speculation among the general Decepticon ranks. Rumors of twisted experiments echoed throughout its halls. For Megatron, he did not care too much about what the one-opticed scientist did, as long as he gave the Decepticon leader results.
As he strode into the lab, Megatron noticed that several of his officers were already there. Jetfire and Starscream for the Seekers, Soundwave and Onslaught for the ground troops, as well as two new bots.
The first was dyed in a variety of purples. His alternate mode was not easily detectable on his chassis, but it could be assumed he turned into a floating weapon of some kind. His left arm did not end in a hand, but rather a nozzle that had a tube connected to his back. What stood out the most was his head. It was unlike most Cybertrionians; a black screen for a face and one yellow, glowing optic for sight. It was utterly cold and expressionless: traits that would describe Shockwave very well.
The other bot was also purple but had more blacks to stand out more. Her chassis was similar to the Seeker body-type, but a bit slimmer and not as well-armed. Her face was also structured differently as well, bearing closer to a feminine shape. This was Hotlink, Shockwave's assistant.
While Megatron approached the group, he noticed Ultra Magnus sitting in his cell off to Megatron's right. It ashamed Megatron to see an old friend reduced to this state. Ultra Magnus was a respected warrior, in the Decepticon leader's optics, and did not deserve a fate of rusting in a jail cell of a science lab. But, he did go against Megatron's will. A shame that their final meeting wasn't through combat.
Moving past his thoughts, Megatron approached the group.
"Shockwave," Megatron barked. "What do you have for me now?"
"Lord Megatron," Shockwave said in a completely emotionless voice. "What is your knowledge of the Allspark?"
"The life spark of the planet and all Cybertonians," Jetfire said in disbelief. "It's just a myth, like Primus."
"It was thought to be a myth. Until now."
With that, Shockwave opened a map of the planet. There it showed a glowing dot in the eastern part of the map.
"We have found the Allspark," Shockwave announced like it was the weather.
Most of the Decepticons just gaped dumbfounded. The Allspark was both an object of life and a place of death simultaneously. It gave Cybertrionas their Sparks, and it was where all Sparks go when they were extinguished.
"But how?!" Starscream sputtered.
Megatron, while annoyed at the interruption, nodded Shockwave to continue.
"After gleaming through the old Iacon records," Shockwave stated. "I noticed there was a unique energy pattern that repeated several times in history that was not a part of any know signature. My assistant and I scoured the planet for any resembling energy until we located the Allspark."
"It was actually interesting," Hotlink began to ramble. "You see, most energy patterns, like Energon, are picked up on 0.5 nanoclicks per pulse. But the Allspark operates on a higher frequency, so we needed to tune our sensors to the right wavelength without short circuiting our tech, and we solved that by-"
"That's enough, Hotlink," Shockwave scolded her. Hotlink tried not to look like a protoform that got told off by its caretaker.
"What do you plan to do with the Allspark, if I may so ask?" Jetfire questioned. Megatron nodded in agreement.
"As you know, the Allspark contains the source code for all life on Cybertron." With this, Shockwave pulled up a group of Transformers. They were a mixture of red, purple, and white. Red meant Autobot, purple meant Decepticon, and white meant neutral.
"With the Allspark, we can send out a pulse across Cybertron." As Shockwave continued, a digital wave swept over the screen turning the red and white bots purple. "It will reach into their personality core and alter them until they are in line with Decepticon ideology."
This stunned everyone involved, though few dared showed for it. However, there was one concern from the council.
"But wouldn't this eliminate their free will?" Jetfire asked. "Isn't freedom and right to choose what we have been fighting for some many vorns?"
"It will be the quickest and painless solution to end the war," Shockwave said calmly. "No casualties, no destruction, and no loss. It is simply logical."
Megatron posed like he was deep in thought, contemplating the moral justification of it.
"And if we were to put this plan in motion," Megatron asked Shockwave, "Where exactly is the Allspark?"
Shockwave pointed to a blinking dot on the map. "In there."
"What?!" Starscream shrieked. "But, that's the Sea of Rust! It'd be suicide to even enter there!"
"I'd hate to agree with Starscream," Onslaught added. "But he's right. We don't have the coating to handle the rust storms in there."
"Did the Seekers not map out a route to avoid such complications," Shockwave stated more than questioned.
"Yes," Jetfire answered. "But the Sea of Rust is still too dangerous to just send in a squadron. There must be another way or-"
"Lord Megatron," Soundwave interrupted. "There is a hidden signal relaying from Kokullar to an unknown location."
"Where?" Megatron demanded.
Soundwave pointed and said, "There."
It was coming from Ultra Magnus's cell. Megatron put the pieces together quickly. Magnus used his imprisonment to relay whatever information he overheard back to the Autobot base. Megatron saw how Ultra Magnus was just sitting there, acting like a defeated prisoner. And yet, he was the deceiver. His friend, who came with the promise of peace and surrender and failed to deliver. And now, Ultra Magnus couldn't even be a prisoner to Megatron.
The betrayal boiled Megatron's systems. Enough to open the cell and let his fury upon Ultra Magnus. Yet, he calmed himself, giving himself precious micro-cycles to think.
"Soundwave, jam his signal. Nothing gets out unless I say so," Megatron ordered.
"It shall be done," Soundwave replied.
"We should kill him immediately," Starscream offered. "He already knows too much."
"No, we won't," Megatron restored.
"Why not," crept Starscream's strained accusation.
"It is preciously that he knows too much that makes him valuable. He will feed whatever he hears straight to the Autobot base and to Optimus Prime."
"The signal has been jammed, Lord Megatron. The prisoner has not heard the last cycles of conversation," Soundwave informed the group.
"Excellent," Megatron approved.
"Lord Megatron," Jetfire asked. "What are you planning to do?"
"Since Optimus is willing to end the war with a decisive victory as much as I do, I'd figure we let him and his little band of Autobots retrieve the Allspark for us. Then at the right moment, we strike and reclaim what is ours."
Starscream turned his head away to not show that he thought Megatron's plan was somewhat sound in his mind.
"Soundwave, unjam the signal," Megatron declared. "It is high time that we end this war once and for all."
This took a long time to write. I'm just going to leave that there.
More changes: Like characters that weren't in the show. Because I want to make this feel like it encompasses almost all of the war.
Another major change was Hotlink. Hotlink was a cardboard cut-out of a character. Despite getting a promotional toy, he really didn't do anything in the show. So, in keeping with his gadgeteer bio, I made him Shockwave's assistant. I also made him a female because I wanted more female villains.
That's all I got for now. See ya later!