Sentinel opened his optics and found himself in the medical ward.

"W-why am I?" he asked.

"Ah, you'll wake," said a voice. Sentinel followed the voice and saw standing there was First Aid. "How do you feel, sir?"

"Confused," said Sentinel as First Aid scanned him.

"What's the last thing you remember?"

Sentinel was starting to get a little impatient. "I remember a bomb being strapped to my head and launched directly at our flagship. Now, will you tell me what happened?"

"Well, you were in critical condition; to be honest, it is surprising that you survived at all," said First Aid.

Sentinel narrowed his optics. "Are you like this with all your patience?"

"I'm just telling you how it is. Anyway, you immediately brought at the monitor your condition for over an orbital cycle."

Sentinel's optics lit up. "You mean out of commission for an orbital cycle? What happened to Megatron? What's going on on Cybertron?"

"Well, when Kaon took off, it took a huge of the planet as well. There have been a massive amount of quakes, not to mention a shortage on Energon. With only recently been able to stabilise the damaged sectors, but we still suffer from quakes from time to time."

"But who's in charge?" Sentinel asked. "Please tell me it's not Optimus Prime?"

"He did coordinate the relief effort as well as the pursuit of Megatron," First Aid admitted. "However, he and his team are now currently on Earth monitoring the Decepticons. Currently, Alpha Trion is in charge."

"That old rust heap?" Sentinel groaned as he got up. "I need to get to the Metroplex at once. Someone has to restore order, and I'm still Acting Magnus."

"You still need to recover," said First Aid trying to push him down.

"If I can walk, I can work!" Sentinel barked.

"I have strict instructions to keep you here under observation, and until the High Council says otherwise, I must follow those orders."

"And as Acting Magnus, I'm ordering you to belay those orders."

"I'm afraid the medical centre is not in your jurisdiction, and need I remind you that while the Magnus is the head of the Autobot High Council, they still need to answer to the High Council. I will inform High Council that you are awake, but I was strapped due to the table if I have to."

Sentinel growled furiously but reluctantly relented.


Sentinel remained in the medical centre for more solar cycles before he was finally discharged and immediately made his way to the Metroplex. Once there, he found the entire High Council in session; he also noticed that Rodimus Prime had taken his place as head of the Elite Guard.

"Sentinel Prime, it is a relief to see that you have made a full recovery," said Alpha Trion.

Sentinel narrowed his optics. "I would have been here sooner, but the High Council saw fit to have me restrained."

"It was nothing personal, but you did recover from an explosion that would have destroyed anyone else," Cliffjumper pointed out. "We simply wanted to make sure that you were still you and haven't suffered any processor damage."

"Well, now I'm back, and I would a much like you to tell me what's been going on in my absence!"

"We've been hard at work trying to stabilise Cybertron after the mass planetary shipped," said Preceptor. "My science team is working on a way to stabilise the entire planet, and we have at least found a way to ease the quakes, but we still have a long way to go until everything goes back to normal."

"Additionally, there is still quite a bit of panic," Alpha Trion added. "We have told our civilians to remain calm to proceed to evacuation points, especially the regions which have been most affected."

"And we have every ship in the fleet standing guard over Cybertron in case there is an attack, as world protect the remains of our Energon," said Rodium.

"And who are you?" Sentinel asked.

"I'm Rodimus Prime, sir," said Rodimus.

"He's the new head of the Elite Guard," Cliffjumper explained.

"Since when?" Sentinel demanded.

"Rodimus Prime has done an excellent job maintaining a defensive pattern over the planet as well as standing up to Megatron when he kidnapped you," said Cliffjumper.

"Oh yeah, he did a first-rate job allowing Megatron to use me like a living bomb!" Sentinel yelled sarcastically.

"Which raises the question of how Megatron managed to escape under your watch," said Cliffjumper looking at him suspiciously.

"Are you implying that I had a servo in his escape?" Sentinel growled.

"I'm just merely pointing out that a number of disasters happened when you were in charge."

"There were unavoidable!"

"Not according to Optimus Prime's report," said Cliffjumper. "Just before you launched your strikeforce against the Decepticon, he reported that you received the information from Megatron himself. You did not share this vital piece of information with me to verify Megatron's claims and, in so doing so, left our planet completely undefended."

"I was tricked!" Sentinel glared.

Cliffjumper raised an optic. "So you're saying that you trusted the word from a Decepticon?"

"I got that intel from advanced interrogation methods."

"Sentinel Prime, as Head of Cybertron Intelligence, I should have been brought in during interrogation."

"There is also the issue you will you lowering Cybertron's defences just before the Decepticon is attacked the Energon Farms and allowing them to steal a massive amount of it," said Preceptor.

"I had no idea they were going to attack!" Sentinel yelled. "And you were behind on the special project that I issued."

"Which had not been approved by the High Council," Alpha Trion added. "You even used it without further testing, which must result in the decimation of the entire Elite Guard."

Sentinel looked at all of them suspiciously. "Is this some kind of hearing? Because it sounds as if you're accusing me of being a traitor."

"Nothing of the sort," said Alpha Trion. "We're merely questioning your abilities to lead Cybertron in our darkest cycle."

Sentinel was utterly furious. "How dare you question my leadership! None of you has the right to judge me, especially considering that you haven't raised a servo to apprehend Megatron. Once the immediate threat had passed, you should've said the entire Elite Guard to Earth."

"The humans would no doubt seeing a massive fleet of ships as an invading force," said Alpha Trion. "And currently, we are working on trade negotiations will be techno-organic Energon on their planet."

"Why do we care about the sovereignty of an organic species?" Sentinel questioned. "This is a question of our own survival; we should take control of that site immediately."

"We Autobots believe in protecting life, and that also includes organic life," said Rodimus.

"What about the same organics that resulted in Elita's mutation?" Sentinel questioned. "Should we be protecting them?"

"Those organics are non-intelligent species incapable of independent thought," said Preceptor. "The humans, on the other hand, have proven they are able to build and understand science just as much as us. They may be less technologically advanced, but on the other hand, we are a robotic organism, so that should not be surprising."

"And regarding Megatron, our current intelligence indicated that he is indeed planning something; we still have no knowledge of what that is," said Cliffjumper. "In my opinion, it is better for us to wait until we have gathered as much information as we can before we act. Especially the will cause a diplomatic incident."

"I'm still Acting Magnus, and I say that we send the entirety of the entire Elite Guard and destroy Kaon city before Megatron is given a chance to destroy us!" Sentinel roared.

"I am sorry to contradict you, but I am afraid you are no longer Acting Magnus," said Alpha Trion.

"What?" Sentinel stared. "What do you mean no longer Acting Magnus? I'm next in line for the throne according to Autobots' right of succession."

"Which must be approved by the High Council," Alpha Trion counted. "Given that your actions have led us to this state of emergency, the Council has agreed that you are no longer fit to lead as Magnus. Instead, we have selected Optimus Prime to become the new Magnus."

"Optimus Prime!?" Sentinel roared. "He's not even a member of the Elite Guard."

"His handling of the Decepticons and as well as his leadership more than makes up for that."

"But he doesn't even want the position."

"Which, in our viewpoint, makes them perfect for the job," said Cliffjumper.

"But wouldn't that mean that he would have to abandon Earth?" Sentinel questioned.

"He can appoint someone to act in his place until his return if he so wishes," said Alpha Trion.

"But does that mean I have to take my old position as head of the Elite Guard?" Sentinel asked, looking towards Rodimus.

"Not at this moment," said Alpha Trion.

"Since taking over the Elite Guard in your absence, I have been doing some digging into your reports," said Rodimus. "It mentions that your trust passed on an organic planet while he was still a cadet in the Academy?"

"Yes, that's how Elita became a techno-organic mess, and Optimus took entire responsibility for that debacle," said Sentinel folding his servos. "I fail to see how this implicates me."

"Because there are some discrepancies in your report," said Rodimus. "Firstly, there was no testimony for Elita-1, despite the fact that she was a key witness."

"She was in quarantine, and according to the experts, she was right in the processor."

"Regardless, she was not given the testimony, but that's not the only discrepancy. There also comes the ownership of the shuttle you used to reach the said planet. According to records, you are the one who requisitioned it for a supply drop. Also, there was a statement from fellow cadets Dion and Moonracer, who made continued reference that it was your idea to go to said planet."

"Then how come none of these issues were brought to light until now?" Sentinel questioned.

"Because the head of Cybertron Intelligence at the time had disappeared," said Cliffjumper. "He was almost instantly replaced by Longarm, or rather Shockwave, and he chose not to share this evidence. When I took over, we were currently reeling from an invasion of Decepticons, not to mention our current troubles. We would never have discovered these discrepancies if it wasn't for Rodimus Prime going over these reports."

"Yes, I did find it strange that Optimus Prime, some with his technical scores, ended up commending a maintenance crew," said Rodimus. "My old Sergeant from boot camp actually trained him, and he found it surprising that Optimus would trust trespass on an organic planet."

"So until this investigation is complete, I'm afraid we cannot allow you to rejoin the Elite Guard until matters are cleared up," said Alpha Trion.

"This is an outrage!" Sentinel roared. "You can't expect me to sit around and do nothing while our planet is in danger!"

"If you wish to be useful, I suggest that you help with the evacuations," Alpha Trion suggested. "We will summon you to the Metroplex only until the investigations of your conduct have been completed, and only then."

Sentinel wanted to argue some more, but he had a feeling that they would not change their minds and reluctantly turned around and marched out.


The moment he exited the Metroplex immediately made his way over to the Steelhaven, where Jetfire and Jetstorm were.

"Jetfire! Jetstorm!" he baked.

"Sentinel Prime, sir?" they said in unison, looking stunned.

"What you doing here?" Jetfire asked.

"Never you mind, I just needed to follow my orders," he said.

"Sorry, sir, but we have strict orders not to follow you by Rodimus Prime," said Jetstorm.

"What?" Sentinel glared furiously.

"He said that you cannot board any Elite Guard vessel until the investigation is complete," Jetfire explained.

"He also said that no Elite Guard personnel must take no orders from you," Jetstorm added.

Sentinel clenched his servos. "Everyone turning their backs on me?"

"But sir, you always said we must follow the orders of our superior," Jetstorm reminded him.

"That was when I was your superior!" Sentinel barked.

"So it's okay to disobey orders if not coming from you?" Jetfire asked, confused.

"Never mind, and the two of you at least explained to me what has been going on in my absence?" Sentinel asked. "No one has given me a clear picture."

Jetfire nodded."Well, after you were taken prisoner, Optimus Prime took charge and started the rescue effort. He had the Cyber Ninja Corp read this barrier around the demolished areas of Cybertron with the powers of the AllSpark."

"Wait, you're saying that the AllSpark is no longer in the Cyber Ninja Dojo?" Sentinel asked.

"Yes, that is right," said Jetstorm.

"But, of course, it is under heavy guard," Jetfire added.

Sentinel smiled and began to walk away. "That's all I needed to hear."


Optimus and the rest of the Autobots were at the plant as they had just received a report from Alpha Trion.

"So Sentinel is awake," said Optimus.

Alpha Trion nodded. "Yes, and we had the unfortunate pleasure of informing him that he is no longer Acting Magnus."

"About time," Ratchet grumbled.

"I take it can take the news very well," Elita assumed.

"No, he also didn't take it well when we told him that he was suspended from the Elite Guard as he is now under investigation," said Alpha Trion.

"Investigation? What kind of investigation?" Optimus asked.

"Regarding the incident at that organic planet that you trespassed on. Rodimus found some discrepancies within the investigation and has now reopened that case. To that end, we would appreciate it if Elita-1 would give her testimony."

Elita was quite taken aback. "I would be more than happy to do so, but I thought that my condition prevented me from doing so."

"Not anymore, and your testimony would shed new light on this investigation."

"Sir, if I may ask, what will happen if Sentinel is found guilty?" Optimus asked.

"He would be severely reprimanded and no doubt loses his rank as well as be kicked out of the Elite Guard," said Alpha Trion. "Of course, the new Magnus may have different viewpoints."

"And who would be the new Magnus, sir?"

Alpha Trion gave a small smile. "Why, that would be you, Optimus Prime; the High Council voted unanimously on this."

Optimus looked a little startled. "With all due respect, I can't leave my position here on Earth, not with Megatron planning something."

"If you so wish, you can have a proxy run things until you return. At the moment, the situation on Cybertron is stable, we still have a number of quakes, but there no longer is frequent. How our Energon supply is extremely low. I would like to hear the updates on the situation of trade."

"I'm afraid that's going to be a long process," said Optimus regrettably. "While the mayor here does have controlled the city, he doesn't have control over the state or this country. For trade, we would have to speak with the President of the United States, but even that is a landmine."

"You see, Earth is made of numerous countries, and some of them are quite hostile," Moonracer explained. "The advancement of robotics in this country alone has shifted the power quite considerably. If we had trade talks with an alien species such as ourselves, who have a vast amount of superior technology, the other countries might feel threatened and do something drastic."

"Fortunately, this planet does have a sort of High Council called the United Nations," Optimus added. "If trade talks are going to happen, it will have to happen there with other countries present so that no one feels left out and benefits."

"But naturally, each country wants to have the upper hand on the other; it's a delicate balance, sir," said Elita. "

Alpha Trion nodded. "So it would seem, but while apprehending Megatron is your main priority establishing trade with this planet is essential. If the Decepticons find out about the techno-organic Energon on this planet, it will be disastrous for both Autobots and humans."

"Which is why Professor Sumdac is speaking to leaders of the world on our behalf," said Optimus. "He has a lot of pull with other nations, and he understands their pulses better than we do."

"I see; just keep us informed."


Sentinel had finally reached the demolition area where Kaon once stood. There he saw rescue teams still trying to pull Autobots out of the rubble, and he saw an edgy force field surrounding the entire crater.

He kept on driving until he reached the place where the Cyber Ninjas were meditating and transformed into robot mode. He walked up to them and could see the AllSpark hovering in the middle of the circle, but also surrounding the Cyber Ninjas was a squad of shock troopers.

One of them noted Sentinel approaching and immediately stopped him. "I'm sorry, sir, but I cannot permit you any further than this."

Sentinel glared at him. "Do you know who I am?"

"The former Acting Magnus," said the shock trooper. "Yes, I know who you are, sir, and you should know that you have no jurisdiction over the military anymore, at least until the investigation is over."

"Which could take solar cycles," Sentinel growled.

"Not my problem; I been given strict orders not to let anyone near the Cyber Ninjas or the AllSpark?"

"Speaking of which, why is the AllSpark out in the open? I understand that the Cyber Ninja site using it to create a force field to quell the quakes, but do they have to do it out in the open where any Yahoo can see them?"

"From what I understand, their meditation works better out in the open. And while the quakes have subsided drastically, they are still very much present, and we cannot take any chances."

"But wouldn't you bots be of better use trying to hunt down the Decepticons on Earth?"

"Optimus Prime and his team are already there; I mean, they did capture them in the first place, so I can't think of anyone better to catch them again?"

"You really want to put the fate of Cybertron in the servos of those who had failed to keep them locked up?"

"From what I understand, the Decepticons escaped under your watch, sir."

Sentinel narrowed his optics. "What are you implying, soldier?"

"I'm just saying you're halving the position of criticising others, especially considering it was your decisions that got us to this point. Now would you please leave, or do I have to escort you away myself?"

"I'll leave," Sentinel growled. "But you will live to regret this."

"I very much doubt that."

Sentinel then turned around and walked away, clenching his fists.

He soon reached a dark alley and immediately punched the wall with his fist as hard as he could, causing it to crack.

"Everything I have worked for my entire life is now down the drain!" he roared. "And what's worse, Optimus is getting all the credit! I need to find a way to get my life back and the only way to do that is by capturing Megatron myself. But none of that is possible without support, and I have none of it, but I will!"


Bulkhead and Arcee were still helping with the rescue team; even if the quakes had subsided slightly, there were still Autobots trapped in rubble and many more still missing.

"But my account, we have rescued about 956 Autobots," said Arcee looking at a datapad. "And we still have 323 missing."

"And how many have gone offline?" Bulkhead asked.

Arcee gave me a grim expression. "I don't think you want to know."

Bulkhead sighed. "So, you found anything in that data we took from the parallel universe?"

"There's tons of data to go over, but the Ministry of Science has expressed great interest in studying it. Not that I blame them, we are talking about a parallel universe one way we're the bad guys."

"Still gives me shivers," said Bulkhead.

"Bulkhead… Arcee…" said a voice.

The two of them turned around and saw a shock trooper driving towards them; he then immediately transformed into robot mode and approached.

"That's us," said Bulkhead.

"I'm here to inform you that Sentinel Prime has been spotted," he said.

"Sentinel is here?" said Bulkhead.

"I didn't even know he was out of the medical centre," said Arcee.

"From what I can tell, High Council is keeping quiet, but that's not why I'm here. Sentinel Prime seemed interested in approaching the Cyber Ninjas."

"Why would he be interested in the Cyber Ninjas?" Arcee asked.

Bulkhead looked at the trooper. "You are not suggesting that he wanted the AllSpark. I mean, I know that he disapproved of Cyber Ninjas guarding it."

"I don't know why, but I get this feeling in my processor that it can't be good. I have strengthened security, but I would feel better if you were also there."

"Why?" Bulkhead asked.

"Because you're part of Optimus Prime team," said the trooper as if it was obvious. "I mean, you have experience when it comes to guarding the AllSpark, and it would put my mechs at ease."

"Go, Bulkhead, I can handle things here," said Arcee.

Bulkhead smiled. "Thanks, Arcee."

"Follow me," said the trooper as he transformed to vehicle mode.

Bulkhead transformed as well and began following him.


Bulkhead was now with the shock troopers guarding the Cyber Ninjas as the shock trooper captain explained the situation.

"The Cyber Ninjas can't break their concentration, or else the shield will drop, which is why we been guarding them ever since they started," he explained. "So far, no one's made a big move; we do see several bots wanting to take a peek, but we can easily shoo them away. Sentinel Prime, however, is of greater concern; he does have to all have military training he may be arrogant enough to try something."

"You don't seem to like Sentinel," Bulkhead noted.

The trooper turned on him. "500 stellar cycles ago, there was a small Decepticon skirmish on our borders. The Elite Guard was sent to assist under the command of Sentinel Major, and I was part of a contingent. We engage the enemy, but what should have been an easy route turned into a massacre because of Sentinel's leadership.

We have been completely surrounded; we could have easily forced them to surrender. However, Sentinel decided to launch a full-scale attack on their base. I protested, but he was adamant that we launch the attack, which we did. The Decepticons hit us hard. Only a few of us managed to survive, and Sentinel somehow managed to capture the cons and took all the credit, giving him a nice little promotion.

Then, of course, he became Acting Magnus and issued martial law, which nearly caused riots among our populace. Then, of course, there is the disaster that happened after Megatron's capture. So yes, I don't like Sentinel Prime, and I do look forward to that time when he is stripped of his rank."

"Got it," said Bulkhead. "But no Autobot one in their right processor would try to steal the AllSpark."

Then seconds later, there was an explosion which knocked out a few troopers.

"But of course, this is Sentinel we are talking about," said Bulkhead.

Sure enough, flying out of the sky was Sentinel Prime in his Powermaster suit. He hovered above them, looking down at them as optics looked towards the AllSpark.

"I'll be taking the AllSpark, so I would appreciate it if you stand down," said Sentinel.

"When you do get the Powermaster suit?" Bulkhead asked. "Optimus has the only one."

"Which is why I had two built," said Sentinel explained. "I then hid it in a secret location that only I know of. Now hand me the AllSpark."

"Are you crazy?" Bulkhead yelled. "The Cyber Ninjas are using it to maintain the force field. If you take it now, there's no telling what will happen."

"I am not going to argue with a simple maintenance bot," said Sentinel dismissively."

"How about a trooper then?" the trooper asked, aiming his rifle at Sentinel. "What could you possibly want with the AllSpark."

"To destroy Megatron," said Sentinel simply.

Bulkhead looked at him in horror. "But the AllSpark is live. It's not meant to be used for destruction."

"Seeing as Optimus has failed to destroy Megatron and the High Council failed to see the sense of sending the armada to Earth, I have very few options. Now stand aside!"

Bulkhead pulled out his wrecking ball. "I can't let you do this!"

"Neither can we," said the trooper as his mechs rushed over.

"So be it," said Sentinel.

He then fired his cannons down at them, and the troopers immediately fired, but he pulled out his shield and protected himself. Bulkhead swung his wrecking ball at Sentinel, but it bounced off his shield and then he flew down straight towards them.

Bulkhead charged, but Sentinel easily knocked him aside and continued to make his way over to the AllSpark. The troopers continued to fire, but he continued using his shield to protect himself and firing his cannons, causing them to disperse. He eventually reached the Cyber Ninjas, who were still meditating despite everything.

"Do not do this, Sentinel," said Dia Atlas as he stood up.

"I must."

Sentinel then fired his cannons at the Cyber Ninjas, knocking them out and then grabbed the AllSpark. Bulkhead had just got back up in time to see Sentinel flying off with the AllSpark.

Bulkhead reached for his comm. "This Bulkhead to Cliffjumper Prime, we've got a situation."

Sentinel soon reached a shuttle and immediately sat in the cockpit. He pressed on several controls and took off. He knew he couldn't use the Space Bridge Network to get to Earth, so he was forced to take the long way around and fly there directly.

He also still had the authorisation codes to escape patrols; he knew he had little time before the military realised what he had done. Sure enough, patrol vessels appeared alongside him.

"Sentinel Prime, turn off your engine and surrender peacefully or be fired upon!"

"Sorry, but I have more important matters to deal with," he said before he jumped into FTL and vanished.


At around the same time, Optimus will on monitor duty when he was surprised to see Wreck-Gar had entered the plant.

"Wreck-Gar, what are you doing here?" Optimus asked.

"I am not Wreck-Gar; it is me, Prowl," said Wreck-Gar.

Optimus stared at him. "Prowl?"

"I can assure you it is me; my spirit has possessed Wreck-Gar so that I could speak to you. I seem to be only able to possess those who have been touched by a fragment of the AllSpark, and Wreck-Gar was the only one close enough to you. Don't worry, he's not in any kind of harm; in fact, it is known that I'm here."

"Okay, why are you here?" said Optimus, still a little bewildered.

"I came to warn you that Sentinel has taken the AllSpark in a misguided effort to destroy Megatron."

"He's what?"

"He will fail, and if Megatron guesses servos on the AllSpark, think you will use its power to enslave everyone. You must destroy him no matter the cost."