Transformers Animated: Waking the Titans
Chapter 1
It was a grand and glorious day on the cybernetic world of Cybertron, home to the miraculous race of transforming robots colloquially known as the transformers. Megatron, the heinous, murderous leader of the villainous Decepticons. For countless millennia, they and the heroic Autobots have fought in a war for what felt like an eternal stalemate. For a time, Megatron seemed to be little more than legend, a figurehead behind which the Decepticons rallied their cause, but today not only was he proven to be real but also soundly defeated. A team of what had at once time been simple maintenance bots carried him down the ramp of their ship in stasis cuffs, his chassis battered and broken and his signature fusion canon little more than scrap metal clinging lifelessly to his arm.
Behind him was the bot responsible for his capture, Optimus prime. A former cadet set on becoming a member of the Autobot Elite guard, Optimus had seen the highs and lows of life and in turn was forged into something stronger and wiser.
Joining him was field medic Ratchet, who had seen the worst that the war had to offer, but he wore a proud grin on his rusted faceplate as he and Arcee, a former prisoner of war, followed close behind.
However, there was a somber note to the little procession as Bumblebee and Bulkhead, also former cadets that were kicked out of the academy, ferried the sarcophagus of Prowl, a former student of the ninja master Yoketron who had died in the final battle against the Decepticon warlord. He was survived by his fellow ninja student and former elite guard member, Jazz.
But strangest of them all was a small shape riding on Bumblebee's shoulder. Organic were typically avoided like the plague on this robotic planet, but Sari Sumdac was an exception to the rule. She was a techno-organic born from a protoform that had attained genetic information of one Isaac Sumdac, a robotics baron from the planet earth. Yet she was far from the last of their group. As the rest of the team and their prisoners exited the ship, it revealed itself as a transformer, morphing into the awesome and awe-inspiring Omega Supreme, the greatest warrior ever crafted by Autobot hands.
Indeed, it was a time of celebration and light, and all were rejoicing. Or, rather, almost all. From atop the tower of the Metroplex, Sentinel Prime looked down from on the procession, ultimately detached. Behind him was Alpha Trion, head of the council and arguably the wisest of all Cybertronians. He was also the biggest pain in Sentinel's tailgate since he had assumed command. Always second guessing him, always berating him for abusing his station's authority, always trying to undermine him: just being in the same room as the sanctimonious old crankcase made Sentinel want to self-destruct. Alpha Trion peaked past the large chinned bot, and he cracked a tiny smile.
"My my, what a display."
Sentinel scowled. The old fart was enjoying this.
"I must say, this is quite the underdog story. Optimus Prime had more or less become the least known name in all of Cybertron, and now he'll likely go down in history as her greatest hero."
Sentinel scoffed.
"He just got lucky is all! Pure, dumb, stupid luck! Why, I could have captured Megatron a thousand times more than Optimus if I had the chance."
"Life is full of chances, dear Sentinel," Alpha Trion replied in that know-it-all tone that grinded his gears, "it just depends on how you make the most of the ones you are given."
He turned to Sentinel.
"Now don't be so intense, Sentinel. You are still the commander of the Elite Guard."
Sentinel frowned.
"I should hope to be more than that soon. After all, we'll need a Magnus to preside over the trial."
"That won't be necessary." Alpha Trion said. "Cup, Perceptor and I will be handling that matter. Preceptor has already created a special cell to contain Megatron whilst Cup ensures that security is at its prime. I'm sure you'll get your marching orders soon enough. As for me, I suppose some member of the council need mingle with our new hero. Optimus needs to give a report anyhow. I'm sure you don't mind if it were I that handled such a menial task as opposed to, say, you?"
"Well actually…"
"I'm glad you agree. Good day, Sentinel."
Alpha Trion morphed into his vehicle mode, and he drove off to leave the younger bot alone. Sentinel could only glare at his receding form, white knuckling the railing as he silently seethed.
…………………………
It took Optimus and his team several tense minutes to find a place where they could rest and recuperate. Prowl was in the middle of processing for his memorial, thus the Autobots made their way to the old Mccadams Oil House. While defunct, it was just out of the way enough that they could all vent their exhaust ports without being spotted. Sari Sumdac rested atop the mountain-like barstool as Bumblebee took the seat next to her. He was sporting some fresh dents from the mobs of bots that had been showering them with praise.
"You know, I had dreams about moments like that." He chirped. "The parades, the cheers, the femme-bots worshipping me at my feet: somehow it's not as fun as I imagined."
"I'll say." Bulkhead rumbled, flipping his large shoulder guards into a seat for his corner. "I liked it better when they didn't know who I was."
"Just bear with it, Autobots." Optimus said. "After all, it's not everyday you end a millennia long war. You should be proud of yourselves, because I sure as the All-Spark am."
"Well you won't hear me complain." Groused Ratchet. "Bout blasted time this stupid war ended. I'm looking at a long retirement, and I'm all too happy to put the worst stellar cycles of my life behind me."
"And I'm ready to put the best before me." Arcee piped in cheerily. "Maybe I'll go back into teaching, or maybe I'll travel the galaxy. I've been out of the loop so long that everything feels so fresh and new."
"It won't all be sunshine and rainbows, sweet-thang." Jazz said with a small sigh. "Sentinel's not gonna be happy about all this. He's already been making himself out to be the fool, and he's been talking smack about you OP. He's definitely not gonna look good around his subordinates now that you're the one taking down the big bad."
Optimus shook his head and rolled his optics. Too many times already, Sentinel had been a processor ache that no relief program could remedy: always trying to arrest him, always trying to make him look bad, and that was nothing in comparison to what had happened to Elita One. Optimus wasn't one to give into grudges, but he'd be remiss to say that the obvious humiliation he was suffering now was refreshing to him.
"It won't be anything I've not put up with before." He assured Jazz. "Besides, it's not like I'm trying to get into a position of authority or something."
Jazz shot him a look.
"You sure about that, OP? You got the hammer and the bling. I'd say you fit the part."
Jazz was of course referring to the Magnus hammer, a powerful weapon and a symbol of Cybertron's greatest authority. Not many could wield it, both in the figurative and literal sense, and Prime had never truly felt worthy of it. However, the second item Jazz mentioned was the object he now wore around his neck. All of this had started thanks to the crystal shards housed within; the last remaining remnants of the All-Spark. Optimus and his team had found it out of happenstance, and it had set off a series of events that would send them to a planet of robot dinosaurs, a molten man, a dork in a stupid hat that stole heads, and a would-be Robin Hood. But it had also introduced them to a number of friends that had gotten them through thick and thin, as well as turned them all into the heroes they were meant to be. The All-Spark might have only been a fractal fraction of its former glory, but it was now a symbol of friendship and peace rather than a would-be weapon of war.
"I know Ultra Magnus will pull through." Optimus said simply. "I'm just holding onto these until he does. Simple as that."
"Not that this isn't fun," Sari spoke up from her seat, "but this is my first time on an alien planet. I showed you guys around Detroit when you first showed up. So who's gonna give me the grand tour of your hometown?"
"And go back out there with that crazy mob?" Bumblebee exclaimed. "Oh slag no! They're worse than Decepticons!"
"Then perhaps I could help with that."
The assembly looked up to see Alpha Trion enter the bar, a welcoming smile on his face.
"Greetings, heroes of Cybertron, and allow me to be the first to welcome you home."
"You're far from the first." Bumblebee muttered. "But I'll definitely take you over them."
Optimus stood to attention, and he snapped a salute, though Alpha Trion waved him off.
"No need for formalities, Optimus. McAdams has always been a place of gathering for good bots looking to have a good time. No reason we can't honor that spirit. I say, do the injectors still function?"
"Just lemme at 'em." Ratchet chuckled as he made his way behind the counter. "Drinks are on me, guys."
As Ratchet got to work, Alpha Trion seated himself at a table where Optimus joined him. Sari, using her jet pack, zipped over and landed on the table's surface, looking up at the bearded Autobot. Alpha Trion took notice, and he offered a friendly smile.
"And a good day to you, my dear. You must be this organic I've been hearing tale of. I am Alpha Trion of the Autobot Supreme Command Council. It is an honor to make your acquaintance."
"Sari Sumdac, and likewise." Sari chirped, grinning from behind her mask. "Honestly, I wasn't expecting too much of a warm welcome on account of what most Cybertronians think of organics."
"I'm not so closed minded, I assure you." Alpha Trion replied.
Sari looked up to Optimus.
"The council, huh? So this guy must be pretty big around these parts."
"I should say so." Optimus said. "The Council's authority is surpassed only by the acting Magnus. It usually falls to them to settle Cybertron's affairs when the Magnus is unable to perform his or her duties."
He looked to Alpha Trion.
"Speaking of whom, how is he? Ratchet told me that he was in rough shape."
"Yes, not helped by Sentinel's…delegations." Alpha Trion said with a light growl in his throat. "Most medical nucleon is sent to Autobot troops out in the field; perhaps more than is actually needed if I'm being frank."
Optimus frowned.
"I know Sentinel's definitely been jumping at the chance to become Magnus, albeit temporarily, but you're not actually suggesting."
"I'm simply stating that the sooner Ultra Magnus resumes his authority, the easier I'll be able to assume sleep mode at night." Alpha Trion said pointedly before smiling. "But I will say this, Ultra Magnus will be very proud of you when he finally wakes. He always believed you were destined for more that simple repair work, and now here you are. The bot that defeated Megatron."
"With all due respect, sir," Optimus said, "it was a team effort. All of us put our sparks o the line, and it was only through our cooperation and trust that we managed to survive, much less defeat Megatron and not to mention saved Detroit from becoming an irradiated crater."
Alpha Trion nodded.
"Of course, Prime, forgive me. I was not wishing to undermine any of the brave sparks whose presences I now proudly share, nor do I less mourn the loss of the one that didn't make it."
By now, Ratchet had brought out some mugs of freshly brewed injects, and he passed them around. Alpha Trion took his glass and stood, holding it high.
"So let us start off this celebration properly, and give honor to the brave bot that didn't make it. To Prowl the Cyber-Ninja: a gifted student, a proud warrior, and no doubt a loyal and honest friend."
"To Prowl!" Ratchet declared, and he was joined by his fellow Autobots in a rousing cheer.
All that is, save for young Sari. Her thoughts went back to the greyed out form of the lifeless Prowl, which in turn brought her back to the first day she had known the Autobots. Back then, she had had a special key that could interact and manipulate technology. It's most prominent feature, however, was restoring damaged Autobots, even bringing Optimus back from near death. She had lost her key's power when she had discovered her Cybertronian heritage and upgraded herself. Had she of held back and not done so, could Prowl have been saved, guzzling down whatever injects were and laughing with the rest of them? It was a thought hanging heavily on her soul.
Just then, a finger reached down and touched her cheek, and it occurred to Sari she had started to cry. She looked up to see the gentle smile of the bulky chinned Bulkhead.
"Hey, none of that with the wiper fluid." He said softly. "Prowl wouldn't want ya feelin' down at a time like this. We won, and everyone is safe. That's just how Prowl woulda wanted it."
Sari ran an arm over her faceplate, removing the moisture, and she offered him a nod. Yes, she would smile for Prowl's sake, and she would forever be thankful to her friend. When everyone had drank, Alpha Trion arose.
"Now then, I do believe a tour was requested by our small visitor. Well, clearly none of you wish to wander the streets, so what say I take you all to the Metroplex? I just finished the new wing and the Cybertronian historical archives, and I think young Sari would be most interested by our vast history and culture."
"I dunno." Bumblebee grumbled. "Sounds like a school field trip. Something I would typically ditch."
Alpha Trion cracked a grin, and he walked over to the window, cracking open one of the shutters just slightly.
"There's Bumblebee!" a chorus of feminine squeals sounded from outside.
"Then again," Bumblebee squeaked, inching away from the front of the store, "learning never actually hurt no one. Let's book!"
"Allow me, men." Optimus declared. "Autobots, transform and roll out!"
One by one, the robots assumed their vehicular disguises, and with Optimus leading the charge they broke through the front door, past the scores of adoring fans, and up the highway towards Metroplex tower, though unaware of a small shape following amidst the clouds above.
