2013: A week has passed since the Decepticon attack on Vector Sigma. Since then he has been conversing with Vesta Zeta, the computer on Mechanadron. What he has learned will change the future of all Transformers. Optimus Prime stands before the inert Vector Sigma.
"Vector Sigma, it's Optimus Prime. What is it you wish of me?" the red, blue, and white of Optimus Prime inquires. Vector Sigma alights and rises.
"Slipstream told you that I was to contact Mechanadrons' computer, did she not?" Vector Sigma asks.
"She did." Optimus nods.
"I have conversed with Vesta Zeta at length and I have decided that the Transformers deserve to hear their true origin." Vector Sigma says. "There is still more I must tell you that has not been told."
At Decepticon HQ.
"Are you absolutely sure that Galvatron won't short circuit when we reenergize him? He practically blew every wire in his body." the lime green form of Hook queries.
"My expertise in this cannot be doubted, Hook. I'm the only one who could pull off such a delicate and precise operation." the lime green form of Scrapper retorts.
"I know you're one of few who could perform an operation like this successfully, Scrapper. Still, you have to think about the consequences of his short circuiting, it could have damaged his mind in many ways." Hook replies.
"I did everything possible to ensure that his mind was not damaged. I can state that it was unharmed physically, only reenergizing him will show what mental state he's in." Scrapper says.
"Let's get it over with then." Hook states. He steps behind a machine, pushes a few buttons, then mans the reenergizer. A beam bathes Galvatrons' body in its eerie light. The machine shuts off, Galvatron slowly sits up. Cyclonus and Scourge enter, Galvatron gets off the table and stares at them.
"Mighty one, are you well enough to hear of our present situation?" the purple form of Cyclonus asks.
"I don't need to be briefed Cyclonus, I already know what our situation is. It's a situation that has never changed since the war began, a losing situation! Those accursed Autobots will pay! And especially Starscream!" the silver and purple form of Galvatron snarls.
Later on a Con HQ.
"I will utterly destroy anyone who does not follow orders! Is that understood?!" Galvatron sneers.
"Yes, mighty one." Cyclonus says.
"Good. Gather ammo and fuel up. We attack Cybertron immediately!" Galvatron grins.
"Is this wise, mighty one? Maybe we should.." Cyclonus begins, he is cut off by a blow to the chest"
"Don't question my plan, Cyclonus! Now get moving!" Galvatron growls. The Decepticons scatter.
"I thought you repaired him." Cyclonus says to the fleeing Construction.
"How was I to know that his mental state would decay?" Scrapper sighs in reply.
"If he keeps up this madness the others will demand he relinquish his leadership to someone else." Cyclonus states.
"Then do something about him or we'll see to it that he does through brute force." Hook sneers.
"You know that Galvatron would rather destroy us all than give up his leadership, Hook. It would be foolish to mutiny against him." Cyclonus retorts.
"The very fact that he'd rather scrap us than look at us is reason enough to mutiny. He will relinquish his leadership, even if we have to destroy him to do it." Scrapper replies.
Back with Vector Sigma and Optimus Prime.
"When Slipstream told me of her world, I was positive that one of the Light Gods had somehow followed Primus. When I contacted Vesta Zeta, I was surprised to learn who it was." Vector Sigma says, "You see Primus and I are connected, we are one and the same. Vesta Zeta is my betrothed, Sequista. She, like Unicron and myself, became trapped in a planetoid. She formed it into a world she called Mechanadron, which she inhabited with Transformers. Neither I or Unicron noticed her presence, since I was so concerned about Unicrons' threat and he mine. The Quintessons, having been expelled from Cybertron, fled to Mechanadron and named their new slaves Servabots and Trechercons. When their rule ended, the Quintesson retaliated and destroyed every male on Mechanadron. The Trechercons rose above this and were intent on possessing Mechanadron. Since then, they have been at war." Vector Sigma says, "Optimus Prime, I ask you to contact the Servabot leader. She will be expecting your call."
"I shall do so immediately." Optimus agrees.
Vector Sigma darkens and floats to the floor. Optimus transforms and leaves. Shortly afterward, a cassette leaves a crevice and transforms into the black and white form of Laserbeak.
Later at Con HQ.
"Permission to speak?" the dark blue form of Soundwave asks.
"Given." Galvatron says.
"Laserbeak returns from his reconnaissance on Cybertron. He reports news that you might find valuable." Soundwave intones.
"We don't have time to delay, we leave for Cybertron this instant!" Galvatron growls.
"It concerns the Autobots." Soundwave replies.
"I will listen to his report, have him meet us." Galvatron says.
"Yes, Commander." Soundwave nods.
"Decepticons, to Cybertron!" Galvatron commands, they leave Charr. A large group of Decepticons lag behind, most being Headmasters, Targetmasters and Powermasters.
"Lord Zarak, I have required the necessary forces to overthrow Galvatron. When do we attack?" Caliburst inquires.
"As soon as Scorponok and I rendezvous with you. Galvatron won't suspect anything for even his most trusted warriors cannot tell him what's coming, thanks to Mindwipes' brainwashing techniques." Zarak grins.
After Prime has told the Autobots of the news a small group discusses it.
"What Optimus Prime has told us changes some of what the historical texts say. I will have to record what he said for future generations." the orange, ochre, and black form of Tracer sighs.
"Good idea. You might as well get started." the blue, red, and white form Smokescreen smiles.
"It can wait. You and I have some catching up to do." Tracer says, she kisses him on the cheek.
"Race you." Smokescreen grins.
"You're on." Tracer says, they transform to car form and speed away.
"Those two are impossible." the two-tone brown form of Barracuda sighs, stopping to watch them leave.
"Maybe if you distrusted males less, you would understand," the dominantly black form of Slipstream retorts as she turns toward her.
"Never!" Barracuda sneers, transforms to car form and leaves.
"Tracer and Smokescreen have a good idea. Let's go." Slipstream says.
"Go on, I have something to say to Shark." the white and red form of Starscream states.
"See you." Slipstream nods, transforms and flies off.
Starscream approaches Shark. "I think I know what's troubling you, Shark." Starscream says.
"Mind your own business, Starscream." the blue, light blue, and red form of Shark snaps.
"I have realized that there's a reason why to everything you do." Starscream presses.
"What reason is that, smart guy?" Shark asks.
"The reason is a female, is it not?" Starscream grins. Shark just glares at him."You have an interesting way of getting her to notice you." Starscream smiles. "In fact I'd say if she ever finds out why she has been spared damages, I could almost guarantee that she would take interest in you.
"I don't know, sometimes it seems so pointless to even try. Do you think she'll ever trust me?" Shark sighs.
"It's not that hopeless, Shark. Facts are that she distrusts you the least." the Con replied.
Later the two Con groups meet and it gets ugly.
"Relinquish your leadership Galvatron or we'll destroy you." the green and purple form of Scorponok says.
"Never!!" Galvatron cries.
"Very well then. Take him!" the green and purple form of Scorponok commands. The Masters attack in force, Galvatron manages to down a few before he's overwhelmed by their firepower.
"Stop! We might have use for him, as spare parts." Scorponok grins, he's answered by the laughter of his troops, "Decepticons, I am you new leader. Pledge your eternal servitude to me or die."
What's left of Galvatrons' troops reply, "Hail Scorponok, leader of the Decepticons!"
"Scorponok, have I permission to speak?" Soundwave queries.
"You have." Scorponok says.
"It is my duty to inform you that Laserbeak did reconnaissance on Cybertron and has news pertaining to the Autobots." Soundwave intones.
"Any news about the Autobots shall be useful, let me hear it." Scorponok states.
"Yes, Commander." Soundwave intones.
After hearing the playback, Scorponok states, "You have done a good job Laserbeak. I shall contact these Trechercons and see if they wish to join forces. Come Decepticons, we attack Cybertron later." Scorponok says.
Meanwhile, Optimus is ready to contact Mechanadron.
"That should do it. Now to contact the Servabot leader." Optimus says as he makes the last adjustments to the communications relay, he presses a button, "Mechanadron, this is Cybertron, come in Mechanadron." Optimus says, he's answered immediately.
"This is Mechanadron. To whom am I speaking?" the red colored Wasp inquires.
"Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots." Optimus replies, "I wish talk to the Servabot leader."
"Wait while I contact her." Wasp states, the screen blanks him out, "Tetra Reris, this is Wasp."
Tetra appears on the screen, "I have important call for you."
"Who is it, Wasp?" the aquamarine helmeted, orange faced Tetra asks.
"Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots." Wasp replies.
"The call I've been waiting for. Link me up to his frequency, but before you do Wasp. What's your first impression?" Tetra inquires.
"My first impression is that we should definitely become their allies." Wasp says.
"Link me up." Tetra nods.
Wasp does that and Tetra takes a moment to gaze at Optimus before speaking.
"Greetings, Optimus Prime. I am Tetra Reris, leader of the Servabots. I'm glad you were so quick to contact me, it seems we have much to discuss." Tetra smiles.
"Indeed we do, Tetra Reris. First, how bad is your situation on Mechanadron?" Optimus asks.
"Bad enough for me to put my warriors on strict rations. We don't know when or where we'll find more energy." Tetra sighs.
"Do you have transport?" Optimus inquires.
"We have several well maintained transport shuttles." Tetra replies.
"Your best choice would be to come to Cybertron then." Optimus states. "Since we have the energon and room to spare."
"I don't doubt that. However, you must understand how it feels to leave a place you call home." Tetra replies.
"I do understand, Tetra, more than you know. Do you need a stronger reason to become allies?" Optimus asks.
"No, Optimus. I have talked with my warriors about our alliance, and they are willing to join. We will come to Cybertron." Tetra smiles.
"Will you be needing a guide?" Optimus queries.
"A guide will be most appreciated." Tetra nods.
"Good. I will send Sky Lynx to escort you, he will arrive in less than twenty hours." Optimus says.
"We will be waiting. I shall look forward to seeing you in person, Optimus." Tetra replies.
Meanwhile, the Cons are trying to contact the Trechercons.
"Soundwave, you are sending my message to the right coordinates?" Zarak asks.
"I am, Commander. Obviously they don't want to..." Soundwave says, suddenly Electras' face appears on the screen, ".. answer."
"You are very persistent with your message, so you had better have good reason to bother me." Electra growls.
"I do. I have an offer to propose to the leader of the Trechercons." Zarak replies.
"I am Electra, leader of the Trechercons, you had best propose quickly." Electra sneers.
"I propose that we join forces and eradicate our enemies, the Autobots and the Servabots." Zarak smiles.
"An interesting proposal, but what else do you have to offer me?" Electra inquires.
"Energon for one." Zarak states.
"We arrive at nightfall." Electra says.
"Excellent, we are sending our coordinates." Zarak grins.
This exchange doesn't go undetected for Sky Lynx overhears it and immediately reports to Optimus Prime. Soon the Autobots are preparing for the 'Con attack as well as the Servabots arrival. That night the Trechercons arrive. Electra and a few of her troops are shown around by Lord Zarak.
"As you can see, we are well equipped." Zarak gestures.
"I'm impressed. Though I can't help but wonder why we have missed this one room." Electra sneers as she points at it, "What are you hiding?" .
"Nothing at all, that's only our spare parts room. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" Zarak asks.
"Yes. We should attack Cybertron as soon as the Servabots arrive, do you concur?" Electra queries.
"Indeed I do. I will have my Decepticons ready by noon tomorrow." Zarak states.
"Good." Electra says.
Later that evening.
"Not hiding anything, eh? I shall see for myself if that is so." Electra growls. The door opens to the spare parts room, she enters room and turns on the lights. The door closes as she walks further in and surveys the piles of parts. "Hard to believe that the human male was actually telling the truth. I am disappointed." she snarls softly and turns to leave, she stops when a groan is heard, "What was that?" she heads for the sound. In an unlit portion of the large room, crammed in a corner and half hidden by parts is Galvatron who groans again, "I knew Zarak was hiding something from me." she kneels before Galvatron, who looks at her, "Now why would a live Decepticon be in the parts room?"
"Traitors, all of them. Must regain.. my leadership.. Zarak will pay." Galvatron groans.
"Now it seems a bit clearer. You were the old leader?" Electra inquires.
"I am the leader. Who are you?" Galvatron asks.
"I am Electra, leader of the Trechercons. We came to assist the Decepticons. And you are?" Electra replies.
"I am Galvatron, rightful leader of the Decepticons. Y-you must help me."
Galvatron utters, grasping her arm, "Help me regain what is rightfully mine.
"I will help you, but only because I don't trust that organic." Electra states and casts the parts off his body.
Some repairs later.
"That should do it. You're as good as new, better even." Electra says, he gets up and walks around.
"You did a good job, Electra. I feel like new." Galvatron grins.
"I had to replace a couple of circuit boards, splice some wiring, and patch up the laser holes." Electra replies.
"What circuit boards did you replace?" Galvatron asks.
"A logic board and a emotions board, why?" Electra says.
"That's why I feel almost sane and..." Galvatron stops short.
"What?" Electra questions.
"Nothing." Galvatron waves it off.
"Predictable." Electra mutters and then says, "Let's give Zarak a nasty surprise, eh?.
The next day. The Servabots arrive on Cybertron.
"Welcome to Cybertron." Optimus says.
"We are glad to be here. Cybertron is certainly beautiful, Optimus." Tetra smiles as she steps off the landing ramp.
"Thank you. If you will come with me, we shall discuss upcoming events." Optimus states. In the meeting hall, Optimus stands before the throng, "I have bad news for you ladies."
"What news is that?" Tetra asks.
"We have learned that the Trechercons have allied with the Decepticons and that they plan to attack today." Optimus replies.
"I knew things were going too smoothly. What are we to do?" Tetra inquires.
"First get your weapons and then reenergize." Optimus says.
"We will need a guide." Tetra nods.
"I shall have one for you when you're ready." Optimus states.
"We're ready now." Tetra pulls out her weapon, the other Servabots follow suit.
A communicator comes out of Optimus' forearm, "Goldbug, I need you at the meeting hall immediately."
"On my way." Goldbug says.
"Blaster, Bebop. Radio the other Autobots and have them armed and ready within the hour." Optimus commands.
"No trouble, I shall do so on the double." the two tone blue form of Bebop rhymes.
"Ditto." the red form of Blaster replies. As the communicator returns Primes' forearm, Goldbug speeds into the room in car mode, he transforms.
"Got here as fast as I could." the golden colored Goldbug salutes.
"Show the Servabots to the energizing pods. I must oversee the preparations for the upcoming battle." Optimus states.
Not too long afterward Optimus returns to the Servabots.
"Where are your warriors, Optimus?" Tetra asks.
"The Cybertron-based Autobots will arrive shortly and the Earth-based Autobots are already on their way. How close are the 'Cons?" Optimus replies.
"They should arrive soon." Tetra states, a group of 40 Autobots approach the group, slow and transform.
"Kup, do you know when the others will arrive?" Optimus inquires.
"I saw them landing, they'll be here soon enough." two tone blue form of Kup replies.
"Good. As soon as they arrive, take your assigned posts. Tetra, have you instructed your warriors?" Optimus asks.
"They plan to assign themselves to an Autobot, if that's permissible." Tetra says.
"It is." Optimus nods, the other Autobots arrive, Wasp spots Slipstream.
"What is she doing here?" Wasp inquires. Slipstream approaches.
"I don't know, Wasp." Tetra says.
"Tetra Reris, I hope that our past differences won't interfere with your alliance with the Autobots." Slipstream states.
"It won't, Slipstream." Tetra smiles.
"To your battle stations! Incoming attack formation!" Optimus commands, they scatter as their enemies attack.
"Something's not right here, there's a 'Con missing." Goldbug says.
"One less 'Con is fine by me." Wasp retorts as she settles down next to him behind a bunker.
"Not when it's the Decepticon leader. I wonder what happened to him?" Goldbug ponders.
"Who cares as long as we send them packing." Wasp says.
Finally the battle begins, and it doesn't take long for old enemies to find each other.
"It has been too long since we last fought, Tetra Reris. The hiatus seems to have weakened your attack. I will conquer you yet." Electra growls.
"You're only fooling yourself, it is you who has weakened, not I." Tetra states.
"Enough talk, let our actions speak for us." Electra sneers.
Maximus and Scorponok square off.
"The mighty Fortress Maximus has finally decided to face his superior, eh? You shall regret that decision." Scorponok grins, transforms to robot.
"I shall never regret any decision concerning you Scorponok." the gray and white form of Maximus retorts.
Galvatron observes from above the battle before entering it himself.
"Some leader Scorponok turned out to be, my Decepticons are being slaughtered. The Trechercons seem to be faring better, but not by much. I can't watch this any longer." Galvatron murmurs and heads toward the battlefield, he lands near Electra, who still battles Tetra Reris.
"What are you doing here?" Electra asks, deflecting a punch.
"I am going to regain my leadership and take on my arch enemy as well." Galvatron replies and runs towards Prime.
"Galvatron, I knew you were still alive." Optimus states.
"Of course I am. We both have this uncanny ability to avoid oblivion. Someday it will catch up with us, maybe even today." Galvatron grins.
"Curses! Galvatron lives! As soon as I finish with you Maximus, I shall deal with him." Scorponok growls.
"You won't have a chance to do so." Maximus lifts him over his head, tosses him into orbit, fires two missiles, damages Scorponok badly.
"Very well Maximus, you win. Decepticons, retreat!" Scorponok cries, the Hive counterparts of the Masters leave their partners and head for Scorponok as do most of the 'Cons.
"If any of you leave, I will personally render you dysfunctional! That goes especially for you Nebulans, now get back here!" Galvatron yells, they pause and return.
"Even my own people have disavowed me!" Scorponok screams.
"Then I've reasserted myself as Decepticon leader. Decepticons, regroup and go in for the kill!" Galvatron grins.
"Trechercons, regroup and attack!" Electra commands.
They regroup and attack, but the 'Bots also regroup and repel them easily. Electra comes up to Galvatron, "I suggest we retreat."
"Unfortunately, you are right. Decepticons! Trechercons! We fight another day!" Galvatron calls.
They depart, a cheer rises from the victors as Tetra approaches Optimus.
"Their combined forces are going to make them difficult to beat." Tetra states.
"Indeed, but they will find that it is true of us as well." Optimus says.
"Let's hope so. Right now, I think we should tend to our injured." Tetra replies.
"Yes, the welfare of our warriors should come first." Optimus agrees.
Just after the Cons have left, Wasp is assisting Goldbug with some minor repairs.
"I tell you to watch our rear flank and what happens, you ignore me and get blasted." Wasp sighs.
"I was just busy getting those other 'Cons off our case. OUCH! That's the spot." Goldbug groans.
"Will you stay still, I have to apply the antiseptic." Wasp says.
"OW! That smarts. Are you almost done?" Goldbug moans.
"No, I still have to apply the patch." Wasp states as she does so, "That should do until your doctor can look at that wound."
"I appreciate your help." Goldbug replies.
"You're welcome, Goldbug." Wasp says.
"Come on, we should help the injured to medical bay." Goldbug gestures.
A bit later on, in medical bay.
"Wasp, are all the Servabots here?" Tetra inquires.
"All present and functional, Tetra." Wasp nods.
"Good." Tetra smiles.
"Kup, are all the Autobots accounted for?" Optimus asks.
"All except two, Prime. I haven't seen Shark or Barracuda since the battle began." Kup replies.
"We must look for them." Optimus states.
"There's no need for that." Barracuda says, all look toward her, in her arms rests a badly damaged Shark.
"By the Matrix, what happened?" Tracer gasps.
"I was fighting a couple of 'Cons, when there was this awful explosion nearby." Barracuda sighs, sets Shark down on a bed, "When I investigated the detonation site, I found Shark laying there."
"I see you did some minor repair work on him." First Aid observes, having opened Sharks' chest hull.
"I had to, he was a sight and with all the energy he was losing, I knew he wouldn't survive long." Barracuda reports.
"He looks hopeless, but I'll do my best." the white and red form of First Aid says.
"See that you do." Barracuda snaps, she leans against a wall and watches the procedure. Starscream and Slipstream overhear.
"I wonder if she knows that his injury was in fact a sacrifice to save her life?" Slipstream muses.
"You saw what happened?" Starscream asks.
"Enough of it, he must love her." Slipstream sighs.
"More than she'll ever know it seems. Look at her, she actually seems concerned about him." Starscream says.
"I'm going to talk to her." Slipstream states, she walks over to her and asks, "What's troubling you Barracuda?"
"Nothing, Slipstream." Barracuda replies.
"Let's go for a walk, maybe seclusion will liberate your thoughts." Slipstream gestures, they walk off into a hallway, once alone she inquires, "We're alone, tell me what's bothering you."
"Its, well, its Shark." Barracuda says.
"What about him?" Slipstream inquires.
"I left out part of the story." Barracuda sighs, "That 'Con missed me because Shark intervened. I can't understand why.".
"Even you can't be so blind that you can't see why Shark did that." Slipstream states.
"Enlighten me." Barracuda says.
"Shark loves you." Slipstream reports. Barracuda stares at her in disbelief.
"That's the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. This conversation is at an end, good day Slipstream." Barracuda snarls.
Sometime later, Shark awakes to the friendly face of First Aid.
"Is Barracuda okay?" Shark inquires.
"I think you should worry less about her and concentrate more on getting better. However, she wasn't hurt." First Aid states.
"Have you seen her lately?" Shark asks.
"I heard that she left in a big hurry six hours ago." First Aid says.
Later on that evening, there was a knock at Shark's door, the door opened automatically
"Who's that?" Shark inquires.
"Keep it down, will you?" Barracuda whispers as she enters.
"Barracuda?" Shark blinks.
"Yes, its me. I have to talk to you." Barracuda says.
"Where have you been? You had everyone worried." Shark sighs.
"I had to think," Barracuda replies, "about what happened during the battle."
"What happened?" Shark queries.
"You know very well what happened. You took a shot meant for me and I didn't understand why. I thought over what you did and finally came to a conclusion." Barracuda states.
"And that is?" Shark asks.
"That you had a very good reason but that reason is very confusing to me. I can't understand why you would sacrifice yourself for me." Barracuda sighs, "It soon became apparent that there was a theme to your persona. Then it all came together and it made sense. I want to tell you that I appreciate your sacrifices. And that I care about you Shark."
He had been on the verge of giving up, twenty years of persecution and pain had weighed heavily upon him, and all because he wanted Barracuda to trust him and perhaps even love him. But when she spoke those words that he had waited and longed to hear, it sent a new surge of hope and uncontrollable passion into his being. He sits up and gets off the bed.
"I love you, Barracuda." Shark smiles.
There it was, so plainly marked on Sharks' face, expressed with such conviction in his voice, and within the glow of his optics, that she knew it was true. She realizes it had been so since day one, when she had first laid optics on him and felt a totally alien feeling within her being. She loved and feared him simultaneously, not knowing why either was present. She had adopted her persona to ward off those attentions only because she didn't want to face that fact. That persona had been tested many times over as he proved his love. This last sacrifice a had finally won her over. And yet she still doubts.
"Shark, I have no idea how I should react to what you have said." Barracuda sighs.
"How about..." Shark says, wraps his arms around her, "...like this." pulls her in for a kiss.