Prime and the Council Part 1 . . .
Maridun Upper Atmosphere, Venator-class Star Cruiser "Resolute"
At the immediate moment, Optimus was currently flying up to one of the massive ships that had entered Maridun's atmosphere in a gunship, the Resolute, Anakin Skywalker's Flagship. The other two ships were named the Redeemer and the Defender. He was told by Captain Rex the ship they were currently aboard was called a L.A.A.T. gunship, which was an acronym for the Low Altitude Assault Transport. Apparently, the transport could carry about thirty troops into battle, not counting the pilot and copilot that also acted as a gunner. While it seemed somewhat dangerous, having so many transported aboard such a small ship, the number of weapons this vehicle came equipped with more than made up for that fact.
Presently, the Prime was holding onto a handle above his head with his helmet tucked under his left arm. With him were the Jedi and Clone Troopers that crash-landed with them.
"I can't thank you enough for your help, Optimus Prime." Aayla Secura thanked once more as they neared the massive Cruiser.
"Think nothing of it, General Secura." replied Optimus with an even tone. "I know that in a similar situation, you and the others would have done the same for me." He then recalled something. "Aayla," she looked to him, "I was wondering if you could send a salvage team to recover my crashed ship, I would prefer not to let it go to waste." "Of course, Optimus."
Aayla nodded as they heard the LAAT's engine begin to power down. A sudden jerk was felt, letting them know the transport had landed inside the Venator. The side doors slid open and they saw two individuals waiting for them. One of them appeared to be a high ranking officer of some kind. This individual was wearing dark green clothing, with green pants tucked into knee-high black boots. He also wore black gloves. He appeared to be aging slightly with his brown hair having small streaks of gray in it. He also had a mustache of the same hair color, blue eyes, and caucasian skin tone.
"General Skywalker, General Secura." the man greeted.
"Admiral Yularen," Anakin greeted as he stepped forward, still holding his stomach due one of his wounds opening up again during the battle. "Glad to see you found us in one piece."
"Indeed General," the Admiral replied, "And it appears you are in slightly better health."
"Better," the Jedi Knight admitted before wincing slightly. "But not great."
"Of course." Yularen nodded as he gestured to the individual that was next to him, it appeared to be a droid of some kind, with pale green paint and white photoreceptor eyes. "I suspected as much when we spotted the remains of your ship. It is for that reason I suggest you all get to medical to have a proper evaluation for any injuries."
"Won't hear any objection from me." Anakin replied as the droid approached and gently assisted him to medical, however, he stopped for a moment to look back at his men, "Rex, Bly; make sure you and the others get patched up if you need it and get some rest: you men earned it."
"Understood, General." the Clone Captain replied as he and the other Clones went off to retire to their bunks. As the Clones left the gunship, it was then the Admiral noticed Optimus standing just behind Aayla Secura and to her left.
"You must be the one that Captain Rex mentioned in his report." the Admiral noted, "Optimus Prime, I believe."
"Yes, I am Optimus Prime," the Autobot Leader answered as he stepped towards Yularen and extended his hand to the Admiral, "It is good to meet you."
"Likewise, Optimus." the Admiral replied as he took the hand to shake it, "I am Admiral Wullf Yularen of the Republic Navy. In preparation for your arrival, I have set aside some accommodations for you."
"Thank you, Admiral." the Prime thanked him.
"I can show you around the ship if you want a little tour before going to your room?" Ahsoka offered, stepping up, "I figured it would be a good idea to get to know the place if you're going to be here."
"I agree with Ahsoka." Aayla said, stepping towards them. "It's best if you familiarize yourself with the ship and its basic functions."
"Very well," Optimus answered before turning to Ahsoka. "Lead the way, Ms. Tano."
"You know you don't have to be so uptight with me." the Togruta pointed out as she led Optimus away to start the tour, "Ahsoka is just fine."
"I apologize if I have made you uncomfortable." the Prime apologized.
"No, no it's okay!" the Jedi Padawan placated. "It's just I'm not used to being called that."
"Understood, but still I am sorry if I caused you any distress." Optimus spoke.
"It's fine," the Togruta smiled. "Come on, I'll show you around before we head to your quarters."
Watching the Padawan and stranger leave before disappearing down one of the many corridors of the ship, Yularen turned to Aayla.
"General, I have the Jedi Council on the line, requesting a report of your time on the planet." the Admiral reported.
"Understood." Aayla nodded, "Tell them I will be a moment, I just need time to clean myself up. But in the meantime, send a salvage team to recover Optimus' ship from the surface. He would prefer to not let it go to waste."
"I will inform them that you will be able to speak with them in a moment," the Admiral responded, "I'll also have a trooper lead you to your quarters and send a salvage team right away."
"Thank you, Admiral." Aayla thanked him, earning a nod from Yularen before he left to go back to the command deck of the Venator. A trooper then approached her.
"This way, General." the Clone Trooper requested before leading Aayla to her own quarters to freshen up, before her meeting with the Council. She knew she had so much to inform them of. Most of which, involving Optimus Prime.
Turning around one of the corners, questions swept through her mind about Optimus Prime and what she learned from observing him and interacting with him. For starters, she could immediately tell he was a very talented leader and took command so fast, despite only just meeting. It was odd, considering that Clones wouldn't follow the orders of any random individual, but after interacting with Optimus, they seemed willing to listen to what he has to say, trusting his judgment and decisions.
During the battle with the Separatist droids, Optimus led the charge against the droids. Despite the massive firefight, Aayla could see that Prime knew exactly how to position himself in the battle. Granted, he did say he served in a war and in this Autobot faction, but as what exactly? The Jedi Master's first thought was to believe he was some high ranking officer in this war, but it seemed more than that; like he was more than just a leader in his people's civil war.
"You are an interesting one, Optimus." Aayla said to herself as she and the clone arrived at her temporary quarters.
"I'm sorry, General?" the trooper asked, confused if she was speaking to him or not.
"It is nothing, trooper," she assured him as the door slid open. "Thank you for your help."
"No problem, General." the trooper replied before leaving to fulfill some other duties. Once the trooper left, Aayla turned to her temporary room aboard the Venator and she stepped in.
The quarters were much nicer than that of what the Troopers would be placed in, having her own bed, desk, a computer connected to the holonet, and her own private bathroom. Her first action was to place her lightsaber down on the desk and head to the bathroom, first removing the bands from her lekku and placing it on her bed before entering the bathroom. Taking hold of her top with both hands, she slipped the tank top with one left sleeve off as the door shut behind her.
Temporary Quarters, Venator-class Star Cruiser "Resolute"
"And that's everything about the ship." Ahsoka said as she finished her tour of the Venator for Optimus. The tour had gone pretty well and Prime had learned quite a lot about the ship. For one, this type of ship is referred to as a Venator-Class Star Cruiser. He also learned some statistics of the ship such as its length, width, and height; 3,730 feet for the length, 1,798 feet for the width, and 879 feet tall. He was told by Ahsoka that this was the main battleship of the Republic Navy, however, internally, Optimus felt this ship was more suited as a carrier than a frontline battleship.
While in the hanger, he could tell that its size was primarily this way because of its massive hanger. He also learned of the weapons that this ship was armed with and found that for a vessel this large, it was somewhat under-armed. While he had no doubt that ships of this class had seen some incredible victories, it was likely at great cost as well.
"You got any questions, Optimus?" Ahsoka asked as she and Prime arrived at his temporary quarters. During their tour, they had been informed of where Optimus' room was located and made their way to it once the tour was over.
"No, I believe that is all for now, Ahsoka." the Autobot leader replied. "Thank you for your guidance aboard this vessel."
"No problem, Optimus." the Padawan answered with a smile, "I was planning to get myself showered and then heading to the mess for something to eat, would you like to come?"
"Thank you for the offer, Ahsoka." Optimus thanked. "But for now, I'd like to have some time to rest and to myself. I require some time to settle."
"Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find the mess hall." the Torgruta replied as she headed off to her own quarters. Watching her leave for a moment, Optimus turned towards his own quarters and watched as the door slid open and stepped into the room. Like Aayla's quarters, Optimus had his own bed, a desk and computer connected to the holonet, and a private bathroom. The Prime removed his helmet and placed it on the desk.
Stepping away from the desk, the Prime sat down on the edge of the bed in the room and brought his hands together, closing one hand into a fist while the other went over that. He rested his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward and rested himself on his knuckles as he closed his eyes and began reviewing all that had transpired. From the Clones and the Jedi, Battle Droids and the Separatist commander, to the ships and weapons used by both sides, everything was taken into account by the Prime. So far, everything he had been told by the other Primes seemed to line up: the galaxy was consumed in a civil war and the Jedi were a part of that war.
The Jedi…
Optimus hummed to himself as he reviewed his interactions with the view members of the ancient order that sought to maintain peace. So far, the Jedi weren't as dogmatic or out of touch with the galaxy as he had been told by his ancestors, but that was based on his very brief time with them. It would be foolish to make an assumption of the Jedi now with so little information or interaction with them. However, that shouldn't be an issue if his assumption was correct.
During their brief time together, Optimus was able to notice the subtle glances Aayla had been taking of him. As a Jedi Master, it would stand to reason her connection to the Force would be much stronger than that of Anakin or Ahsoka's. It would follow that if she was as truly loyal to the Jedi Order as the Prime suspected, she would likely inform the Jedi Council of his presence and the way the Force seemed to respond to his presence, and in turn, the Council would want to know of his involvement and his connection to the Force.
And then there was the Republic…
Venator-class Star Cruiser, Bridge
After getting herself cleaned up and presentable, Aayla Secura entered the bridge of the mainline cruiser of the Republic Navy. Throughout the entire bridge, clone officers went around performing their duties to keep the ship in full running order. Walking towards the holotable at the back of the bridge, or right at the entrance to the bridge, the Twi'lek Jedi approached Admiral Yularen.
"Admiral Yularen." Aayla addressed as she stopped at the edge of the table, "I trust I haven't been keeping the council waiting for long?"
"Not at all, General." the human admiral replied, before he turned to one of the clone communication officers. "Put them through."
The clone nodded before turning back to his station and pressed several buttons. On the holotable, three holograms appeared of varying size and alien species. One appeared to be a bald human wearing standard Jedi robes and light armor on his forearms. His arms were folded.
To his right was another figure of the same height but was hardly human. He had an unusual skin texture and wore a mask over his mouth and a pair of glasses of some kind. His arms also folded, revealing he had three fingers and a thumb, with his middle finger having a very long nail. He also wore similar robes to the first.
Between the two was the shortest member of the three and had wrinkly skin, long ears, and large eyes. In his hands was a wooden cane which he rested both of his hands on. He also wore Jedi robes.
"Greetings, Masters." Aayla greeted, bowing for a moment while Yularen decided to step away to give the Jedi some privacy.
"It is good to hear from you again," the human said. "and in good health."
"It is good to speak with you as well, Master Windu." the Twi'lek Jedi replied. "There were moments we weren't so sure."
"Fortunate you were wrong then, at those times. Commended, you and the others, are." the shortest Jedi complemented. "Protecting the innocent, your priority was."
"Thank you, Master Yoda," Aayla thanked, "During our absence we encountered a prototype Separatist weapon capable of destroying all organic matter in a specified radius while leaving Separatist droids unaffected."
"Such a weapon could change the progression of this war." noted the second Jedi.
"Indeed, Master Plo," Aayla nodded, "It is for that reason we destroyed the weapon before it could be used on the local populace. The creator of the weapon is being held aboard the Resolute for further questioning."
"It is imperative we learn everything we can about this new weapon," Windu stated, "The more we know, the better we can respond to such a threat should it arise."
"Agreed." Aayla stated, however, she glanced down for a moment.
"There is something else, isn't there?" Master Windu inquired, taking note of Aayla's pause.
"Upon arriving on this planet, we encountered an individual who had also crash landed like us and helped destroy the weapon and save several of my men." Aayla informed.
"The name of this individual, if you would provide?" Yoda asked, cocking his head slightly to the left.
"His name is Optimus Prime." Aayla replied.
Temporary Quarters, Venator-class Star Cruiser "Resolute"
Optimus continued to ponder over what he knew of the Republic and so far, that was not much. While he had been told by the Primes the Republic was corrupt, much like the High Council was on Cybertron, he had no information to confirm this fact or if it was as corrupt as he had been told. While he did not doubt the words of his ancestors, he still must find out for himself just how dire the situation was for the galaxy at large. The Primes told him he had to learn of the nature of this war himself, Optimus had plenty of questions for himself, some regarding the Separatists.
Based on what he saw from the Separatist Commander, it would seem the Separatists were no better than the Decepticons, but that was only on the surface. In war, there is much more going on that you do not see. The politics of war can be a very complicated matter, and more often than not, heavily influence the outcome of such wars. So if the Republic was as corrupt as he had been told by his ancestors, that could provide some reason why the Separatists came into existence.
No one starts a war for no reason, and he had to figure out what that reason was. Understanding the nature of the war and how it is fought can be just as important as to why the war was started and what both sides are fighting for. So far, all he knew was that the Galactic Republic was corrupt and the Separatists were fighting the Republic and the Jedi took the side of the Republic. However, there was one more element to take into consideration: the Sith.
The Primes had informed him that the Sith were using the Separatist movement to further their own agenda. Which begged the question: what was the Sith's end goal? What did they seek? And if the Sith were using the Separatists, did that mean the Separatists intentions were good and were perverted by outside influence, which would explain the behavior of the Separatist General currently being held?
Optimus let out a hum as he continued to ponder over the war and its variables. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
Optimus opened his eyes and turned to the door before heading over. Heading over, he opened the door to see Ahsoka and Anakin standing on the other side. Ahsoka had taken a shower like she said she would and Anakin was in a fresh set of clothing and still had a few bandages but appeared to be in better health than he was before.
"Master Skywalker, Ahsoka." Optimus greeted, bowing his head slightly. "Is there something you require?"
"Not at the moment." Anakin replied as he folded his arms and gave a smirk. "I got discharged from the medbay to get something to eat when I ran into Ahsoka. We were just about to get some food when my Padawn suggested we bring you along."
"Hey!" Ahsoka spoke up, "You said you wanted to take a look at Optimus' weapons!"
"It's a little bit of both." Anakin explained, smirking as he enjoyed teasing his padawan from time to time. "So, would you like to join us?"
"Very well." Optimus replied as he turned back to grab his helmet and stepped out of his quarters.
"Great, let's go." the Jedi Knight concluded as he led his Padawan and the Prime to the mess hall. Optimus followed the two to the hall, however, during the journey, the Prime caught hints of some of the men aboard the vessel speaking of his feats while on Maridun. A few clones even thanked him for saving their brothers Lucky, Cameron, and Flash from the Mastiffs, saving Anakin from certain doom via his injuries, and destroying the prototype Separatist weapon.
Optimus' usual reply was that he only did what was necessary to protect the soldiers and to prevent the destruction of the Lurmen village. It wasn't long until the trio arrived at the mess hall and got some food of their own. Inside the mess hall, plenty of clones took notice of Optimus, commenting on his actions, some even complimenting him on his actions like in the hallways, to which Optimus gave a similar reply as before that he only did what was necessary.
"While it's not the fanciest meal." Anakin commented as he sat down one side of a table with Ahsoka taking her place at his left while Optimus sat across from them. "It fills you."
"Indeed." Optimus replied as he used a fork to take his first bite of Republic food and not Cybertronian. Safe to say, it wasn't the most intriguing of flavors, it was a certain improvement over the bland taste of refined Energon rations, but nothing could beat Maccadam's Energon. While he was on Earth, he had heard of the variety of flavors food can provide at one time or another, be it on the radio or from one of the human dignitaries.
"Not the greatest, huh?" Ahsoka suspected as she poked her food with her fork.
"In times of crisis, one cannot be too specific about what they need in order to survive." Optimus replied after he finished chewing his food.
"Agreed." Anakin stated, nodding at Prime's statement. "In times of war, we can't waste a single thing, otherwise we might come to regret it."
Ahsoka nodded as she returned to her meal. It was after a moment, Optimus recalled something the young Padawan had said while they were on Maridun.
"Ahsoka," the Prime spoke up, getting the Togruta's attention.
"Yeah?" She responded.
"While on Maridun in the Lurmen Village, I spoke of the state of my home planet and the civil war that began." Optimus recalled, "I told you of the caste system and how my people were divided into different castes."
"Yeah, what about it?" Ahsoka tilted her head to the left.
"You said that you could not believe a civilization as advanced as my own could be so cruel." the Prime reminded. "However, I do not recall speaking of or describing the technological state of my home."
"Oh," Ahsoka remembered, smiling sheepishly. "Yeah, I kinda assumed your people were pretty advanced, given your weapons and your ship. Both seemed pretty advanced."
Optimus nodded, "A fair assessment and yes, my people are incredibly advanced as you have witnessed in my weapons."
"Speaking of which, I'm kinda curious about those and how they work." Anakin spoke up, his attention falling to the bracers on Optimus' arms.
"May I ask why?" Optimus requested as he tilted his head to the left.
"Well, let's just say I'm curious about technological things," Skywalker replied, "and it's not everyday you get to take a look at technology from the Unknown Regions, let alone from another galaxy altogether."
"A fair reason," Optimus replied after a moment. "Although I may need to step back for this."
"Take as much space as you need." Anakin offered, a somewhat excited smirk appearing on his face. Standing up from the table, Optimus stepped back until he was a safe distance from all around him. First, the Prime converted the bracers into their gauntlet form, covering his hands in large metallic gloves. He then shifted them into their next form, his Ion Blasters. A few clones whistled in awe at the sight of the silver hand cannons. It was then he transformed them into their last form, his twin swords. However, he took one step further and extended them a bit more. Unlike before where the blades went over his hands, they actually disconnected from the bracer and formed their own handles. Optimus flipped the sword around his right hand for a brief moment before retracting the blades and reverted his weapons back into their bracer form.
"Gotta say, those are some interesting weapons." Anakin noted as Optimus sat back down once more, "Didn't realize you knew how to use a sword."
"It is a skill I learned during the war for my home." Optimus replied as he looked down at the devices on his arms.
"Where did you get them?" Ahsoka asked.
"They were given to me by my mentor." the Prime replied.
"I have to say, I'm gonna have to take a look at those sometime." Anakin said as he smirked.
"It's kinda his thing," the Padawan said, "Always tinkering."
"Not always, Snips." Skywalker admonished, though his smirk betrayed his tone.
"Given how much you "sometimes" work on the 'Twilight,' I'm gonna have to disagree with you on that, Master." countered the Padawan Togruta. As the Master and his student began chatting, Optimus watched and learned. Something told him that their relationship wasn't like most Jedi and their Padawans.
Bridge, Venator-class Star Cruiser "Resolute"
"What is it about this Optimus Prime that warrants such interest?" Master Windu asked as he, the other Council Members, and Aayla spoke together.
"Optimus Prime hails from the Unknown Regions, from a planet he calls Cybertron, in another galaxy altogether." explained Aayla, "He said his planet was consumed in a civil war that he claims killed his home, rendering it uninhabitable. Both sides of the conflict were forced to abandon their home and seek refuge elsewhere in the Unknown Regions, but the war continues on."
"If his people are still at war, why has he left the Unknown Regions?" Master Plo questioned, "Surely, he would have remained with his comrades in order to bring the war to an end?"
"I believed so as well." Aayla agreed with Plo before bringing up what Optimus had told her. "But the reason he left his home was to seek answers."
"Answers to what exactly?" Mace Windu inquired.
"Before leaving his home, Optimus was informed by the elders of his people, mystics, that there exists a way to restore his home." the Jedi Master explained.
"To restore his home for his faction?" Windu supplied.
"For all his people, regardless of their faction." Aayla corrected, "While he doesn't know where it is, or if he will ever find it, he believes he must find and retrieve whatever it is to restore his home, for all his kind."
"A great task he has been given." Yoda noted as he bowed his head for a moment before continuing, "But not all, there is to this him you believe, yes?"
"Yes, Master Yoda," Aayla nodded, "It is his connection to the Force."
"How strong is his connection?" asked Master Plo.
"It appears he is unable or unwilling to show any ability to use the Force." the Twi'lek explained.
"Would you explain in more detail what you mean?" Master Windu asked.
"While he doesn't appear to possess any ability to master the Force, the Force itself seems to be drawn to him." she explained, "It's as if the Force itself is welcoming him."
The Council members pondered for a moment on this revelation. While it was true that the Force would work in mysterious ways (Anakin being the most recent example of such), it did bring the man into unusual circumstances. While it may be worth looking into in greater detail, Optimus could also be the reason for the disturbance in the Force they sensed some time ago.
"Difficult situation, this is." Yoda stated after a moment, "Learn more of this Optimus Prime, we must."
"I agree." Master Windu agreed with Yoda before turning to Aayla, "It would be best if we speak with him in person. Bring Optimus Prime back to Coruscant, if his connection is as intriguing as you say it is, then it is in our best interest to understand in depth who Optimus Prime is."
"Yes, Master Windu." Aayla replied as the transmission ended. With the conversation ended, Aayla turned to Admiral Yularen who had returned.
"I trust the meeting went well?" the admiral inquired.
"It did, but now we must return to Coruscant," the Jedi Master answered, "The Council would like to speak with Optimus in person."
"Very good, General." Yularen acknowledged, "We should be underway shortly and arrive at Coruscant in good time."
"Good," Aayla nodded, "Now all that is left is to inform Optimus of the Council's desire to speak with him."
Mess hall, Venator-class Star Cruiser "Resolute"
Back in the mess hall, Optimus was still eating his meal with Ahsoka and Anakin, both of whom decided to put aside their banter to speak a bit more with the Prime.
"So, Optimus?" Ahsoka began as she held her cup in her hands as the Prime took a sip of his own drink. "What was it like on Cybertron before the war started?"
Optimus seemed to pause for a moment before answering, "To be truthful, it largely depends on your place in the High Council's caste system. For some, Cybertron seemed as though it was paradise, but for others, in the lower caste, it was almost constant abuse and the threat of punishment should you not perform your duty."
"Oh." the Padawan replied awkwardly.
"I was fortunate enough to be born into the middle caste," Optimus continued, recalling his time on Cybertron before the war. "At times the Council's corruption could be hardly felt, while at others it could be as clear as day."
"Still hard to believe a race as advanced as yours can be like this." Anakin says bitterly.
"It is not unprecedented, Anakin." the Prime replied, "As I said before, one can exist for eternity and still be cruel if their only interest is to cater to themselves at the expense of others, and to be honest, Cybertron came to be this way at the end of the Golden Age."
"'The Golden Age?'" Ahsoka repeated, picking up on that sentence alone.
"Years before my time, Cybertron had once been a prosperous civilization, when the Caste System did not exist. During the time which my people refer to as the Golden Age, Cybertron was at its height of glory. You see, my weapons are hardly considered the most advanced devices my people have produced."
"What do you mean by that?" Anakin asked.
"You see, my people were once far more advanced than you realize, creating machines and devices capable of great deeds, one such device being a method of intergalactic transport: the Space Bridges." Optimus explained.
"What's a Space Bridge?" Ahsoka asked.
"During the Golden Age, the Ancients prided themselves as Star Explorers, using either towers or rings built on Cybertron to create gateways between planets and Cybertron. Effectively bypassing the distance between worlds to explore and chart." the Prime explained.
"'A gateway between planets.'" said Anakin before he picked up on something, "Wait, if your people explored our galaxy, how is it you do not know of the galaxy?"
"As I had said, the height of the Golden Age was long before my time and had declined considerably when I was born." Optimus explained, "The Ancients believed their involvement in other galaxies should be kept a secret, fearing that such technology could have disastrous consequences in the wrong hands. Though they explored different worlds, they kept their presence on such worlds a secret, to avoid creating possible disruption. Over time, their feats began to decline and soon common knowledge of visiting other worlds had been lost, as did their technology."
"How is it you know so much about these things if everyone else on your planet seemed to forget?" Skywalker pointed out.
Optimus was about to answer the Jedi Knight when they were suddenly approached by Aayla Secura.
"Optimus, may I have a word with you for a moment?" she requested.
"I'm afraid we will have to finish our discussion another time, Master Skywalker." the Prime stated, turning to the Jedi Knight before directing his attention to Aayla. "Yes, General Secura? How may I assist you?"
"I spoke to the Jedi Council a few minutes ago and informed them of our time on Maridun." she explained, "I also told them of our meeting and your actions on the planet, as well as about you."
"I trust you only revealed to them as much as I have to you?" Optimus inquired as he stood up.
"Yes, and they would like to speak with you in person." the Jedi Master confirmed.
"I suspect this meeting is in relation to my mission in this galaxy; to restore my homeworld?" the Prime continued.
"Your suspicions are correct, Optimus." Aayla nodded. "The Council wishes to know more about you and your home."
"I understand," Optimus nodded, "Curiosity of an individual who originates outside the known galaxy claiming to be partaking in a crucial mission is guaranteed to invoke questions. I will answer whatever questions the council may have, but I request the right to refuse a question I deem irrelevant or of personal matters."
"I understand." Aayla nodded, "We are already enroute to Coruscant, it won't be long now."
"Understood." the Prime replied.
Later…
Like Aayla had said, the journey to Coruscant was not long. Apparently, in this galaxy, the main form of transportation between worlds is via interstellar transports equipped with what Optimus was informed was referred to as Hyperdrives. The hyperdrive allowed entry into what was referred to as hyperspace, a form of faster than light travel. The power and spend of a ship through hyperspace depended on the rating of the hyperdrive class. The lower the class, the faster the ship, a class 1 hyperdrive being the fastest current hyperdrive.
Such devices were not new to Optimus, Cybertron having its own variant, referring to them as Superluminal Space Drives. While he was not an engineer in the slightest, he had a basic understanding of how both drives worked and they seemed to function in much similar roles, however, a Hyperdrive requires a computer referred to as a navicomputer to plot courses between planets, similar to way points along a journey. It is ill advised to use a hyperdrive without plotting a course which could result in colliding with a planet, star, asteroid, or another ship.
Presently, Optimus was standing in the Venator's command bridge, looking out into Hyperspace. He would admit, it was rather mesmerizing to watch the blue glow surround the ship in a shining tunnel of light.
"We should be arriving soon," Aayla spoke up, who approached from behind. "I trust you have not been staring at hyperspace for too long?"
"I have not, General Secura." Optimus replied, turning towards Aayla to give her his attention.
The Jedi Master chuckled as she smiled, "It is perfectly fine to refer to me by my name, Optimus."
"My apologies, Aayla." the Prime answered, "It is a habit of mine to refer to those of higher power with their titles."
"I understand." the Twi'lek nodded before her attention was directed to Yularen.
"General, we shall be arriving shortly." the Admiral informed.
"Very good, Admiral." Aayla responded. Hearing that they will be arriving soon, Optimus looked forward to watch as the ship exited hyperspace and Coruscant suddenly came into view. Almost immediately, the Prime swore they had arrived on Cybertron, but he remembered that was not the case. He was in another galaxy and Cybertron was further away than it had ever been before.
"Is something bothering you, Optimus?" Aayla asked as she sensed some anxiety, if only for a second from Optimus.
"Yes," the Prime replied after a moment before turning to leave, "I believe the Council is waiting for us?"
"Indeed," Aayla nodded, though she took note of the slight hesitation before Optimus answered. Something about Coruscant reminded him of something, she didn't know what it was but she intended to ask him about it. But she would do so later as she led the Prime out of the bridge and to the hangar where they would take a shuttle down to the Jedi Temple.
Landing Pad, Jedi Temple, Coruscant
Standing at the landing pad were Masters Plo, Windu, and Yoda. They had been informed that Aayla and the others had arrived and were presently taking a shuttle to the Jedi Temple.
"Taken an interest in Optimus, she has." Yoda said suddenly, getting the attention of both Plo and Windu.
"If what she says is the case, then it would be understandable." Master Plo replied.
"Even so, she should proceed with caution." Master Windu warned, "She must not allow herself to grow too attached."
"Agreed." Yoda nodded, "Form attachments, a Jedi should not. Dangerous it can be."
"Let us see if what Master Secura says is true." Plo concluded as they saw the Nu-Class Attack Shuttle come into view.
*Insert Song; Transformers: The Score - Optimus*
Upon seeing the shuttle, Yoda reached out with the Force to sense all the passengers within. Sure enough, there was Master Secura, along with Skywalker and Ahsoka. Then there was the passenger who had earned the most attention. He could definitely sense the Force surrounding this individual. Not just the Light-Side, but the Dark Side as well. Initially concerned, what astonished the Grand Master of the Jedi Order was that both sides of the Force seemed to settle in harmony around this individual. In a way, he could hear the song of the Dark Side but what shocked the Jedi Master was the song of the Light Side was playing in tandem with the Dark Side. Creating a powerful orchestra of both sides of the Force.
In the face of the Dark Side's symphony of poisonous notes, instruments, and tempo, the Light Side had responded in kind with its own song. It was as if the Light Side had acknowledged the hegemony of the Dark and accepted it before entering its own chorus of melodies and sonnets.
The aging head of the Jedi Order was brought back to reality when the shuttle landed in front of them. The boarding ramp lowered and revealed Aayla Secura, Anakin Skywalker, and Ahsoka Tano. The three stepped off the shuttle and towards the Jedi Masters.
"Greetings, Masters." Aayla said.
"Glad for your arrival, we are." Yoda replied.
"Ko to ya, Master Plo." Ahsoka greeted as she smiled at Plo Koon.
"Ko to ya, little 'Soka." he answered.
"I trust you are recovering well, Skywalker?" Windu asked.
"I'll be better after a while." Anakin replied as he folded his arms. It was then, the group noticed Optimus had hung back in the shuttle for a moment before exiting. His helmet was tucked up underneath his left arm as he stepped off the shuttle. The Jedi Masters all sensed the Force surrounding the Prime and the song that followed.
"I assume you are the one called Optimus Prime?" Master Plo inquired.
"I am," Optimus replied, bowing to the Jedi Masters, "May I have your acquaintance?"
"Indeed, I am Jedi Master Mace Windu," the dark skinned man said as he stepped towards the Prime. "This is Master Plo Koon, and Grand Master Yoda of the Jedi Order."
"A pleasure to meet you all, Master Jedi," Optimus said.
"A pleasure it is, for us as well." Master Yoda replied, "Much to discuss, there is."
"Master Secura informed me you had questions regarding my identity?" the former archivist recalled.
"Indeed," Plo nodded as he gestured for the group to head to the temple, "Shall we proceed?"
"Very well," Optimus responded, "I will answer whatever questions you may have, but I request the right to refuse a question should I feel it is irrelevant or of personal nature."
"Grant you this request, we will." Yoda said, "Force you to answer our questions, we will not."
"Then let us proceed." the Prime stated.
With everything out of the way, the Jedi lead the group towards the temple where they would learn as much as they could about Optimus Prime and what he was willing to divulge. Little did they know, they were about to interview someone greater than they had ever encountered before.
To Be Continued…