Megatron tried not to pace. Surely Optimus and his fleet were almost beyond the dead zone, right?
He sighed. If he'd known how hard it would be to watch Optimus grow up… he'd probably still have adopted him. Optimus was worth it.
Someone pinged his computer, so he sat at his desk. "Yes?" he asked.
The mech on comm duty looked excited. "Your majesty, the Prince's fleet is contacting us!" he said.
"Put them through!" Megatron snapped. He sat up straight as the picture on the screen flickered, then revealed Optimus, with Strika at his right shoulder.
"Optimus," Megatron said. "It is… good to know you are still functioning."
Optimus smiled briefly, very familiar with both Megatron's manner, and the necessity of official reports. "We've had several minor skirmishes," he reported. "The casualty lists will be transmitted as soon as possible. So far, most ships had damage that was easily repaired, though we've lost two completely. We've managed to defeat all the organics we've faced, and we've pinpointed their homeworld. We're enroute now."
Megatron nodded. "Well done," he said. "Not that I expected any less," he added. "I knew you'd do well."
"Your majesty," Strika interjected. "The Prince has been leading us during the battles, and has come up with several strategies that are extremely effective against the organics. I'll be transmitting the strategies. In the event that another group attacks Cybertron, you can use them."
Megatron nodded. "Of course," he said.
Optimus was turning a slightly darker blue than normal. Strange, he wasn't usually this embarrassed by someone recognizing he knew what he was doing. He shifted, and then returned to business. "Additionally, we've hacked more information out of their computers. We had theorized that we were attacked by religious fanatics not typical of their world, but we were wrong. Their entire culture is structured around a divide between the organic and the technological life forms. They have created sentient technological forms and use them as slaves. Additionally, any organic that has any form of technology implanted in them, even for lifesaving measures, is immediately enslaved."
Megatron growled low in his throat. "I see," he said. And he did. "Very well. Prince Optimus, General Strika, you have my permission to conquer this species, and liberate their slaves."
Optimus smiled. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said. Strika nodded once in response.
"As for the organics…" Megatron trailed off.
"I have ideas," Optimus said. "For the leaders, for the elderly, it might be too late. But the younger ones, they can learn."
Megatron huffed, but he wasn't really surprised. "I suppose, if they can be taught that they are not innately superior, then they may make good subjects."
"I will make sure of it," Optimus assured him. "If they cannot, they cannot. But I will not kill their children for the sins of their parents."
Megatron sighed. "You spent far too long among the humans."
"Perhaps not long enough," Optimus countered, a sparkle in his optic.
Megatron sighed and waved his hand. "Very well, do what you like with them. But if they cannot learn, don't hesitate."
"I won't," Optimus promised.
"I won't let him," Strika added.
Megatron grinned sharply. "I almost wish I could be there with you, as you arrive over their home planet."
Optimus grinned in response. He didn't have the same fangs, but his grin was no less predatory.
Bumblebee looked up as Shockwave stopped explaining the math Bumblebee was struggling with, tilting his head in the universal "I have a comm" gesture.
Bumblebee could feel the communications back and forth, though he couldn't actually tell what was being said. He waited patiently. Shockwave was one of Megatron's most trusted advisors, and he often got comms like this.
Finally, Shockwave focused on Bumblebee. "We've heard from the Prince's fleet," he said. "They are doing well, and headed for the organic's homeworld."
Bumblebee vented hard in relief. He didn't say anything, too relieved to think of words to say.
Shockwave came around behind him and gently rested his claws against Bumblebee's back. "The prince is fine," he added. "He had some minor injuries, already repaired, in the first fight."
Bumblebee smiled slightly at that. "I'm glad he's alright," he said.
"I know you wish you were with him," Shockwave acknowledged. "But he is fine, and he will return."
"I know, he's the best."
Shockwave couldn't smile, of course, but his antlers flicked in the movement that Bumblebee knew meant he was amused.
"But someday, I'll be his spymaster, and I'll be right beside him no matter what," Bumblebee declared.
Shockwave flicked his antlers again. "Yes, youngling, you will," he murmured. "And the Empire will be better for it."
I hope you all enjoyed it. As you may have guessed, Optimus is still Optimus, but he isn't unaffected by his second childhood. He's still inclined to mercy, but he doesn't always act that way, not anymore. I really hope I've managed to portray that in this chapter.
