I do hope people are enjoying this fic, still.

Also, yes, the title of this chapter is a bit of a joke. I thought it was appropriate- and a bit silly.


Megatron was not smiling as he read through the reports. He knew there would be no new communications with Optimus' battle group, not for at least another day, but he kept checking.

How other creators managed to send their creations out into danger, he would never know. And Optimus was surrounded by a fleet, and with a bodyguard just in case!

The Emperor of Cybertron vented and shook his head. Optimus was capable, and he would lead the fleet well, but Megatron couldn't help but remember those first few stellar cycles, before Optimus got his first upgrade. How small he'd been. (How small he still was, for Optimus was still a civilian in form.)

Megatron vented hard again and looked up at his secretary. Scribe wasn't a creator himself, but he'd certainly been around for much of Optimus' youngling years. Scribe was watching sympathetically.

"He is capable," Megatron said. "And he will make me proud, no matter what happens. But I still remember when I could fold one hand around him and hide him from the world."

Scribe smiled. "I remember when he was smaller than me," he offered. "And yes, your majesty, his highness will do well."

Megatron nodded at that. "Of course he will. I just want to know how he will do well."

Scribe didn't look fooled for a second, though it's obvious he tried, if only for Megatron's dignity's sake.

Megatron returned his attention to the reports. He was becoming one of those overprotective Creators he'd never understood. Optimus was full grown, and he was capable. He shouldn't be worried so much.

Forcibly, Megatron stopped that thread of thought and focused on the prison report. Even now, so long after they had taken Cybertron back from the Autobots, there were still diehards that refused to stop fighting. Most Autobots seemed to have accepted the situation, and many were even happy with it.

Megatron even knew some that had only laid down their arms because his own heir was a former Autobot and a civilianframe.

But some refused, and sometimes they attacked innocents in the attempt to destroy Decepticons. The latest group had done so twice before, and served lengthy prison sentences. And now they had attacked again. This time, two mechs and three femmes died. Megatron was of the opinion that they should never be released, but the courts would make that decision. They'd take his opinion into account, of course. But, the courts would decide.

He paged through some updates on other problem prisoners. One of them- a former Prime who had been considered Ultra Magnus' likely successor- had tried to escape. Again. Megatron scowled at the name. This Sentinel had once tried to attack Optimus, shortly after they'd won Cybertron and just before Optimus received his first upgrade.

For attacking a sparkling, and the Prince, he would likely never be released, and he knew it. Periodically, he'd attempt to escape, or to contact someone to attempt to kill Optimus again.

Megatron had listened to his rantings, but he'd never really understood why Sentinel hated Optimus.

Optimus had alluded to that hate in the message he'd recorded before he'd lost his memories, but…

Megatron smirked. He'd be able to ask Optimus, once he got back. If Optimus even knew why Sentinel hated him. It could be a one sided rivalry of course.

Megatron scowled again. He really should see if it might be appropriate to put a few of the Autobot guerilla fighters in spark prison at this point- to set an example for anyone else who might try.

It wouldn't be for all of them- only the worst. He sighed and made a note to discuss it with his advisors- and Optimus, when he returned.

For now, he picked up a different pad and started reading the report- energon production. He was far too familiar with all steps in the process, but that just meant that mechs would have a hard time slipping anything past him. Sometimes, they tried, of course, but no one had yet succeeded.

Megatron set that pad aside once he was done and continued his work. He only had a little while before he had to be out inspecting one of the reserve forces battle drills. Half of the fleet was gone, after all, and the other half was on alert after the attack. Morale would suffer if nothing happened, and a visit from the Emperor would help prevent that.

Someone pinged for entry. Megatron looked up and checked- it was his guards for the day, and he gave permission. Three familiar seekers were ushered in. They looked tired, and travel worn, and Megatron could see the residue from a hard spaceflight.

"Your Majesty, we've come from the Prince's fleet, on his orders," the lead seeker… Skysinger, that was it… said.

"Report," Megatron ordered. He had to be very careful not to betray his sudden worry. He wanted to hear how Optimus was doing, but not from a seeker flight sent back to inform him. He knew that the only reason they'd do that was if there was a battle and they had no other way to get in contact. Immediately, he stopped the train of thought that tried to tell him that Optimus was in danger. He did not need to think about that.


I hope everyone had a good Christmas, if you celebrated, and if you don't celebrate, I hope you had a good Saturday.

Next chapter will be posted next year. (Ok, granted, it'll also be next week, but still...) So, Happy New Year, and I'll see you all next Sunday!