Megatron tapped the arm of his throne, waiting.

At length, the doors of his throne room opened and the prisoner was brought in.

The mecha from the Institute had fallen into mainly four categories. Some had been completely, babblingly insane. Those had been put out of their misery. Some had been partially crazed, but still vaguely useful. These became soldiers or mine workers, depending on exactly how useful they were. Then there were those who had finished shadowplay, but hadn't graduated the next stage. They were downright creepy, and Megatron wasn't sure he trusted them, but Shockwave insisted that he could finish whatever process they'd been going through to bring them back from emotional oblivion. There were only a few like Shockwave, who had stayed with Neurosis after their reprogramming was complete. They were the most useful. They all had skills that Megatron could use. They did what they were asked, and they were good at it.

And then there was this prisoner who didn't fit into any group. He'd only been in the Institute for a few orns, and Megatron had no idea why the Council had put him there in the first place. Megatron wasn't complaining, though. Thanks to Soundwave, this mech had provided them with some useful information about the Council and the Autobots.

"So," Megatron leaned forward slightly in his throne. "Have you reconsidered your decision about whether to join my forces? We could certainly use your expertise."

"I have not," the mech deadpanned, meeting his gaze without even a hint of fear.

They knew this mech had recording devices in his helm sending information back to the Council. By all rights, Megatron ought to have him killed, but there was something intriguing about the mech's stubbornness.

And from what Megatron could gather, this was the last mech the Council needed to reprogram. Why had they sent him there?

"You still claim that you are loyal to the Council?"

"I do."

Megatron raised an optic ridge. "It doesn't seem like they've been very loyal to you."

The mech didn't answer. There was no way he could claim they'd treated him fairly.

"Surely you can't condone all that they do."

Silence.

"Speak."

He was still silent. Megatron watched him carefully, waiting as the quiet stretched longer. He ran out of patience quickly. "I would appreciate it if you answered my questions," he said. "I hope you know I have plenty of reasons to kill you. You're only online still because I'm generous and I wanted to give you a chance to join me."

The prisoner didn't seem impressed.

"If you won't willingly side with me, I could always hand you over to Shockwave. He might be able to work with you, maybe help you come to new conclusions about your loyalties."

He'd had a long conversation with Shockwave the orn he'd acquired the scientist. It was obvious he was somewhat unstable, and Megatron really hadn't understood any of the science the one-opticed mech had babbled at him. In the end, he'd just given up and told Shockwave that anything helpful toward the war effort would be considered an effective use of resources.

Even this threat, though, did not elicit a reaction from the prisoner. It was too bad—Megatron could really use this mech. If rumor held, he was an experienced leader and a formidable fighter. But he was stubbornly loyal to the Council. How could anyone be loyal to the Council?

"Keep in mind, this is your last chance to join with me willingly," Megatron said. "You have absolutely nothing to say?"

The other mech finally seemed to consider speaking. He frowned. Then shook his helm. "Not to the likes of you."

Megatron glared. "Fine. Take him and put him back in his cell."

The guards came to take him away, but then Megatron reconsidered, and stopped them.

"Ultra Magnus," he said. "What if the Council was gone? Who would you be loyal to then?"

The mech didn't answer.

"Well?"

"I took an oath to serve the Council," Magnus said. "I am not currently considering the possibility that they will ever be gone… but if they were, I would never again swear loyalty to a tyrant."

Megatron felt his back plating rise a little. "Take him."

The guards led the tall warrior away, and the door closed behind them. Megatron stood up, still largely confused. There was something too honest—too honorable—about Ultra Magnus. He was like the kind of mech Orion had pretended to be.

And so while Megatron ought to kill him for security reasons… he wouldn't. His own life was full of backstabbers and cowards at the moment, and it was refreshing to talk to someone once in a while who would tell him exactly what he thought.

Orion woke with a start and sat up. Where was he? He couldn't feel the transport moving… wait, yes he could, but they must be on a very smooth road. And this wasn't Landquake's interior. It was a much lighter gray and smelled different too.

Confused, he looked out the window to see that they were high above the ground. He could see the sun's bright reflection on the smooth metal plains below.

"Welcome back to the land of the living," Yoketron said. "You were out longer than I expected, but I think that's a good thing. How do you feel?"

"Good," he said. He was still a little groggy, but better-rested than he'd felt in decaorns. "Where are we?"

"We just passed the Toraxxis Plains," Yoketron said. "We'll be flying just to the east of Capitol City before too long."

Orion stared. "That's… more than halfway across the planet. Where are we going?"

"Simfur."

Orion blinked. "Simfur?"

"Yes."

Orion looked out the window again. "And we're in the southern hemisphere already? How long did I recharge?"

"I think you've been out for about twenty-five joors," Yoketron said. "It will be dawn in Iacon—and Simfur for that matter—in just six more. We'll probably arrive in about seven or eight,"

Orion shook his helm. "How did we… this isn't Landquake."

"Hello!" an ambient, feminine voice said. "I'm Tradewind. It's an honor to meet you, Prime, Sir."

"And you," Orion replied to the shuttle.

"If you're curious," Yoketron said. "Landquake managed to transform around you and carry you without waking you up. He has some experience with that, since his mechling seems to have a hard time staying awake even on short drives."

"I see," Orion said, slightly embarrassed at the idea of being carried around by Landquake like a recharging sparkling.

But he had other things to worry about. "Do you know how things are going back in Iacon?"

"Last I heard, they were going well," Yoketron said. "I spoke with Prowl shortly before he turned in for the off-cycle. He wanted me to pass on a few questions for you, and he sent me some things for you to look over. I told him I'd let you deal with that when you came online again. Of course, you have plenty of time for that, since he won't need them until dawn at the earliest."

Orion nodded. "So… will you tell me now why we're going to Simfur?"

Yoketron seemed to consider that for a few astroseconds. "Tradewind?"

"Yes?" the shuttle asked brightly.

"Is it all right if you turn your audios off for a while?"

"I… sure, I guess," she said.

"I'm sorry to exclude you, but knowledge of our purpose in Simfur could prove to be very dangerous in the future, both to you and numerous other mecha."

"Don't worry," Tradewind said, sounding more serious now. "If it's none of my business, then it's none of my business. I'll turn my audios off, and then try very hard not to be curious. Comm. me when I can bring them online again."

"Thank you, Tradewind," Yoketron said, then waited a few astroseconds, but she didn't respond.

Orion watched him carefully. "I… almost feel as if I should be worried."

"First of all," Yoketron said, venting a sigh. "You must know I'm not entirely sure this will work. I don't think anyone's ever tried it before."

"Tried what?"

"Simfur is home to the temple of the Allspark," Yoketron spoke as if he hadn't heard Orion's question. "What do you know about the Allspark?"

"Well…" Orion frowned. "After Unicron was defeated, Primus created the Allspark to give life to Cybertron. It… all of us come from the Allspark, and when we offline, we return to it to exist in peace and harmony with Primus."

Yoketron nodded. "That is a fairly accurate, but extremely simplified version of things, yes. The Allspark does more than make sparklings, and maintain the afterlife, though."

Orion frowned. "What else does it do?"

"I've been around long enough to see it do many things. I've seen it cure incurable diseases. I've seen it create life without protoform. The Allspark is not merely a tool of Primus's making, as is widely believed."

"Wait…" Orion said. "Primus did make the Allspark though, right?"

"We're getting a little bit off the subject," Yoketron said. "The bottom line is that I think the Allspark can help you."

"You think… it can help me complete Alpha Trion's trial?"

"No," Yoketron said. "I told you I'm not tampering with the trial."

"Then what..."

"I think it might be able to heal the bond between you and Elita One."

Orion stared at him.

"At least, it's worth a try," Yoketron said.

Orion's helm spun. "I… what?"

"Like I said, I'm not entirely sure it will work, but I asked a friend at the temple, and he agrees that sort of thing is within the Allspark's capabilities."

Orion… could be bonded to Elita again?

He had wished, of course, more than anything else, but he hadn't thought it was actually possible. "Are you… how likely is it that it would work?"

"Quite likely," Yoketron said. "I doubt the Allspark could help a Prime create a new bond, but since you had one before you were appointed, and it was broken… you have a much better chance."

Orion shuttered his optics, overcome with emotion. Did he dare believe this?

"Orion?"

Orion took in a deep vent but found himself completely unable to speak. Yoketron let the silence stretch out for a while, before continuing.

"I've already spoken to Elita about it. She will meet us in Simfur, at which point there are things we should discuss. I've talked with her about some of the associated danger and sacrifice, but there are items I thought would be better to explain with you present."

"Wait," Orion said. "Danger?"

"If you are bonded to her, she will be a target," Yoketron said. "You will have to do your very best to keep the bond a secret or, as the war progresses, her life will be in as much jeopardy as yours—perhaps even more."

He hadn't thought about that.

"Furthermore, when you receive the Matrix, it could have a negative impact on her. It might even break the bond again, or damage her spark in some way."

Orion looked down. Maybe this wasn't right. "Master Yoketron…"

"Yes?"

He didn't want to bring it up, but he had to ask. "Isn't it… Primus's will that Primes can't bond?"

Yoketron sighed. "Oh Orion, you're too good for this world," he said. "And no. You don't understand. The inability to bond is a side effect of becoming a Prime, not some sort of commandment. If you'll recall from your history books, the Thirteen Primes ruled Cybertron in the beginning of civilization, but eventually decided to step down. Primus created the Matrix of Leadership as a way to appoint surrogate Primes to power. Bearing the Matrix requires slightly different spark and processor parameters—parameters more like those of the Thirteen. Thus, when you were appointed by Councilor Halogen, who holds the key to Vector Sigma, the quality of your spark energy changed, which broke your bond. It's as simple as that."

Orion stared at him. "So… you don't think Primus would be upset…"

"No," Yoketron said.

"But it would put Elita in danger."

"It would," Yoketron said. "And she knows that, and she wants to go forward with this anyway. I haven't told her that you'll lose your memories when you receive the Matrix, or about the trials. We should discuss all of that with her before the two of you make your final decision on the matter—"

"I don't want her to be in danger."

"I know," Yoketron said. "Keeping your re-established bond a secret will help with that. I would recommend telling as few mecha as possible. Prowl knows already. And it may be hard to keep it from Elita's sisters. Since the Decepticons have a telepath, you should avoid telling anyone who will ever be in Kaon, or on the battlefield. Oh, and be sure not to tell Alpha Trion. I really do think he'd hunt me down and offline me."

"She'd be safer if…" He couldn't bring himself to say it though. He wanted the bond back so badly. He'd been trying to force himself to get over it, trying to convince himself he was fine.

"It's very noble of you to be so concerned about her," Yoketron said. "But imagine how she would feel if you take this choice away from her in order to protect her. I've only spoken to her a few times, but I'm sure she'd rather be bonded to you and die some orn because of it, than live alone for the rest of her life—and then possibly die in the war anyway."

Orion shook his helm, not sure what to say.

"You do want this, don't you?"

"Yes. I just… think I'm having a hard time believing it."

"Understandable," Yoketron said. "I'll give you some time to work through it. I should get a few joors of recharge anyway, before we land. Do you have any more questions right now, or can I let Tradewind know she can turn her audios back on?"

Orion probably had dozens of questions, but he was too stunned to think of any.

"I know this is a lot to think about and I'm sure you can understand now why I didn't want to tell you before you'd gotten some rest."

Orion nodded. "I… can't come up with any questions… I just need time."

Yoketron nodded. "Then by all means, take some time to ponder the situation. We have several joors before we reach Simfur."

Orion nodded, then looked out the window again, trying to process the idea that by the end of the orn, he might be bonded to Elita again.

Elita took in a deep vent and pressed the entry request. The home was large, and in a wealthier neighborhood, but nothing to Mirage's tower.

After a few astroseconds the door opened, revealing an unfamiliar mech.

"Good orn," he said. "Are you Elita One?"

She nodded.

"Welcome." He stepped out of the way so she could enter. "I'm Vanguard, one of Master Yoketron's former students. It's good to meet you."

"Thank you," Elita said. Yoketron was staying with former students in Iacon too. She wondered if he stayed in contact with all of his former students, or if he was just close enough with them to show up uninvited and stay with them. Either way, it was impressive. There was a reason—well, many reasons—that Primus had chosen him to train Orion. "Are they…"

"Yes, they arrived just before you did. Come in, I'll bring you to them."

Elita followed him through the well-furnished hallways to a small sitting room, where Orion and Yoketron were waiting. Orion stood when she entered, and she rushed to meet him, letting him enfold her in an embrace.

"Did he tell you?" Elita asked.

"Yes," Orion released her and she stepped back. There was some sort of concern in his expression.

Elita frowned. "Is… something wrong?"

He smiled, looking embarrassed now. "Well, I'm not happy about how much danger this will put you in."

She shook her helm. "Really?"

"Also…" he was troubled again. "There are some things that I should tell you. Things that I've been keeping from you…"

"Sit down," Master Yoketron said from the side.

Elita led Orion over to a bench and they sat down next to each other. She waited expectantly, watching his faceplate as he sat and studied his hands. She'd known he was hiding something from her, and since Yoketron had suggested that re-forming their bond was possible, she'd been hoping to ask what it was afterward.

Of course, telling her beforehand was preferable.

The silence lasted for several astroseconds, until Orion finally took a deep vent and spoke.

Elita listened intently as he explained about the training for becoming a Prime, and about the fact that he'd lose memories when he received the Matrix.

When he was finished, he still wouldn't look at her.

She wasn't sure what to say.

"I'm sorry." Orion shuttered his optics. "I… should have told you."

She put a hand on top of his. "I understand why you didn't want to." That must be so terrifying—to know you wouldn't remember… and the trials sounded awful too. Part of her wanted to be horrified and angry, but Yoketron had warned her that the experience of becoming and being a Prime was difficult. "I wish you had said something, though. Then I would have understood. You could have talked to me about it."

"You aren't… upset?" Orion glanced at her.

"Well, of course I am," Elita said. "But not at you. Why would I be? Orion, none of this is your fault, and it sounds like there's no way around it."

Primus… he would lose his memories of working in the archives, of starting Autobot, of meeting her. He would really, truly have to leave his old life behind.

She fought back the fear, caught his gaze and smiled at him. "And if you think all of that makes me want the bond back less, that's ridiculous. I want to be with you. I want to be part of everything you do. I want to be there to support you through all of it."

He smiled as well, and she knew she'd won.

"Good orn, Optimus Prime." The High Defender of the temple bowed slightly. He was an imposing mech, painted silver and gray to match the walls. His optics burned white, like Alpha Trion's. "And Master Yoketron. Welcome back, all three of you."

"I haven't been here before," Orion said, putting an arm around Elita's shoulders.

The other mech raised an optic ridge. "You were sparked here, as were we all."

"Oh," Orion said. He supposed that was true.

The mech didn't smile, but Orion could see thinly-veiled amusement on his faceplate for a moment before his solemnity returned. "Come with me—we must speak privately."

The three of them followed him through the halls of the temple. They had come in through a back door and Yoketron had led them to a sort of office or records room and had sent one of the lower Defenders to let this mech know they had arrived.

Orion looked around as they walked. He hadn't expected this place to be so beautiful. Crystal tiles and panels adorned the walls and the floor, and more hung from the ceiling—sky blue and silver and white. There was a hush, as well, and their pedesteps were quiet, as if some of the materials in the walls absorbed sound.

There was a feeling too—peace, but also a sort of animate warmth as if the atmosphere itself was alive.

"How are you, Venture?" Yoketron asked as they walked.

"Very well," the High Defender said, glancing at Yoketron. "Busy, as always, and still enjoying life. How have you been? It seems you never come visit us unless you have some sort of unusual question or request."

"Well," Yoketron said, smiling sadly at the white and silver of the walls. "It feels a little too much like home here, if you know what I mean. And I am sorry about this latest request."

"No, you're not," Venture said good-naturedly. "And I want you to know I have quite a few reservations about this."

"Noted," Yoketron said. "If things go wrong somehow, you can blame it all on me."

"Noted," Venture repeated with a smile, and touched a panel on the wall. A hidden door opened into a small room, and Venture gestured for them to enter. He stepped inside. "Please sit down."

They sat in the chairs that lined the walls of the room, but Venture remained standing. He met Orion's optics for a moment, and then looked to Elita.

"Yoketron has explained to you what the purpose of this visit is?"

Orion nodded, taking Elita's hand.

"Good," Venture said. "I do want to offer a few warnings about this, before we proceed. No Prime has ever been bonded before, but I also haven't heard of any who were bonded at the time of their appointment and had that bond break…"

"It hasn't happened," Yoketron said. "At least, not as long as I've been online. Normally the appointment is not so much of a surprise, and they have time beforehand to set their lives in order."

Venture nodded. "In any case, what we are about to attempt is something beyond the realm of anyone's experience. As such, we can't predict with any certainty what consequences or side-effects there might be. But I can share a few of the thoughts I've had as I've pondered the possibilities."

"All right," Orion said.

"First of all, there may be physical consequences, and complications later," Venture said. "Your spark, Optimus Prime, is intermediate between what it was before you were appointed and what it will be after you receive the Matrix. It is not the same as the spark of a normal mech and so, while I'm confident the Allspark can heal your bond, it is likely the bond will not be exactly the same as it was before. Furthermore, I can't predict what will happen to you, your bonded, or the bond itself when you do receive the Matrix. The bond could break again, or one or both of you could be damaged or even offlined."

"Do you think that's likely?" Yoketron asked.

"The likeliest scenario is that the bond will break a second time," Venture said. "But since no one's ever tried this…"

"If that happens," Elita said. "Could the Allspark heal it again?"

"Probably," Venture said. "Though repeated breaking and re-forming of bonds tends to weaken them."

Orion looked down. His own reservations about this were growing.

"In addition to potential physical consequences," Venture said. "Having a bond may affect your ability to act in your office."

"The situation is already affecting his ability to act in his office," Yoketron said. "He must complete the Primal Trials before he receives the Matrix and we don't have time on our side. His broken bond is hindering him. He will not have adequate time to heal spiritually enough to complete his trials before it's too late."

Venture seemed to consider that. "There is a risk, though, that this will further complicate things. Primes must put their calling before everything else, and being bonded may lead him to violate that."

"I think that's nonsense," Yoketron said.

"You would think that," Venture said, then looked down and spoke softly. "Forgive me Yoketron, but if I understand correctly, you have never had a spark bond yourself, and therefore do not know what it is like."

Orion looked at Yoketron to see his Circuit-Su teacher staring calmly at the High Guardian. "Perhaps you're right," he said with a bit of an edge to his voice. "But I am not the one making this decision. It's up to them. There are risks, and dangers, as you've explained. However, I firmly believe that two sparks are stronger than one. If they are bonded, they will be able to share the burden in ways that they wouldn't otherwise. They will be able to lean on one another, and rely on one another in ways that they couldn't otherwise. I don't think Optimus will have to choose between his calling and his bonded if they are working together to fulfill his responsibilities. I think it will help him focus on what's most important."

Venture nodded, and looked between Orion and Elita again. "You have heard both sides of the argument. It is time for you to make a choice."

Elita looked at Orion and he got an internal comm. request from her, which he accepted.

"Do you think it would distract you from what you need to do if we were bonded again?" she asked.

He thought about that. "I know it distracts me that we aren't, if that makes sense… I don't know. It might, but… it might help too."

"Good," she said.

"I still don't like the idea that it put you in danger."

Elita looked down with a thoughtful expression.

"What?"

"The thing is… This is a risk, but if we decide not to do this then nothing will change. And the way things are right now… isn't working out very well."

Orion nodded.

"I want our bond back, but I also want to do the right thing," she continued.

Orion shuttered his optics, thinking. Was this the right thing? Was this part of Primus's plan? Maybe… maybe he wasn't supposed to be alone. He looked at Elita again. "I'm terrified that it will hurt you."

"If we have to," Elita said. "If we're worried about it later on… we can break the bond again before you receive the Matrix. But until then…"

"Very well," Orion said.

Elita raised both optic ridges. "Very well?" she repeated. "That's no way to propose."

"My apologies," Orion said. "Elita One… I love you more than life itself, and I miss you more than I words can express. Would you do me the honor of being my sparkmate once more?"

She smiled up at him, faceplate glowing. "Of course I will. There's nothing in this world that would make me happier."

Orion held her gaze for a few moments, and then looked back at the High Defender. "We've made our decision."

He nodded. "I think I can guess what it is. I'll go and have them close one of the Allspark reflectors to the public so we can use it. I'll be back in a few breems." He turned and left the room.

Silence fell. Orion took a deep vent and let it out slowly. He wished he could feel whatever Elita was feeling. But he only had to wait a little longer, and that would be possible again. He glanced down at her, to see her looking over at Yoketron, who sat a few chairs down, wearing an unreadable expression.

"Yoketron?" Elita said.

He looked up.

"I… we can't thank you enough."

He smiled slightly. "I'm happy for you. And I hope this works out and doesn't blow up in all of our faceplates. I think… I do think it's what Primus wants, though."

Elita looked as if she were about to say more, but then she stopped, looking down.

Orion put an arm around her and looked up at the high ceiling, thinking for a few moments before he spoke. "I didn't realize the temple would be so beautiful,"

"I'd seen pictures," Elita said. "But… there's a feeling too. Maybe it's just how quiet it is."

"No," Yoketron said. "You can feel the presence of the Allspark here. Of course, the Allspark itself is kept somewhere deep beneath the city, but the Allspark reflectors manifest its power. Its energy is almost tangible here."

Orion nodded. "I'd heard you could feel it, but I didn't expect it to be like this."

Yoketron smiled. "It's comforting, isn't it? Peaceful."

Orion nodded.

"I lived in Simfur for a very long time," Yoketron said. "I was raised here, in fact. But the older I get, the harder it is to be here for extended lengths of time."

"Why?'

"If you ever get to be my age," Yoketron said, "Which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemies by the way, you'll understand. When I was young, I wanted to live forever, but the only thing keeping me here now is my responsibility to train you. When that's over…"

Orion was alarmed. "But… I hoped you would help us. Megatron and the Decepticons…"

Yoketron shook his helm. "Maybe it's selfish of me," he said quietly. "But… I don't want to fight in another war."

Orion looked down.

"Please forgive me," Yoketron said.

"Of course," Orion said.

"Thank you."

They sat in silence for a few more astroseconds.

"So…" Elita said. "How long do you think it will be before Orion receives the Matrix?"

"A good question," Yoketron said. "Often it takes a vorn or two, but in this case, it will need to be sooner—as soon as possible, really. There is something… happening in the world. Alpha Trion has asked me not to speak of it with anyone. Time is running out, though, and it's not just about the Decepticons or the impending war…"

Orion frowned. "What sort of…"

Yoketron shook his helm. "I shouldn't have brought it up. This orn is not an orn to worry about that sort of trouble, and this place is a place of peace. I don't want to bring fear within these walls."

Orion nodded.

The door opened and the High Defender beckoned them out into the hall. "Come with me."

The three of them followed the Defender through the hallways again.

"I hope this doesn't put you too far behind on sparklings," Yoketron said.

"Not that far behind," Venture said. "Though it has started looking like we'll need more Allspark reflectors soon. The population of Cybertron has grown a little over the past fifty vorns or so."

"Thank you again," Yoketron said. "For being willing to do this."

"It is my honor to assist the Prime," Venture said. "And if you all truly believe this is the right thing to do, I won't contest it."

He led them through empty corridors to a place where the hallway ended in a large, ornately-carved wall. Crystals and pieces of metal were intricately connected in a circular pattern that spanned the entire face of the dead end, from floor to ceiling. Orion had never seen anything like it before. The feeling of the Allspark was so powerful here it was almost tangible.

"I have not told anyone else of your request," Venture said. "I thought it would be best to keep it a secret."

"Thank you," Yoketron said. "That was wise of you."

"However, that means the two of us will have to open the door without assistance..."

Yoketron looked up at the wall. He had a distant expression on his faceplate. "I could do it on my own," he said in a hushed voice.

The High Defender hesitated, then nodded and stepped to the side of the hallway. He beckoned for Orion and Elita to follow him and they stepped to the side as Yoketron moved to the very center of the hallway.

He stared up at the intricate circular pattern for a few astroseconds, then shifted into a resting stance and shuttered his optics. He took a deep vent, and as he let it out, he raised his arms.

There was a clicking sound, and part of the pattern on the wall shifted. Yoketron smiled. Then he took half a step forward, frame moving smoothly into another stance. The pattern on the wall shifted again. Orion watched in awe as the pieces of metal and crystal seemed to come alive, twisting and changing as Master Yoketron stepped fluidly through a series of stances.

Shafts of light burst through cracks in the pattern and illuminated hidden carvings in the hallway's crystal walls. The light grew brighter until the entire pattern folded in on itself and the wall split and swung outward like a tall set of double doors.

Yoketron lowered his arms.

Orion's optics adjusted to the light.

"Come in," the Defender said, stepping out into the center of the hallway and beckoning them all to follow him as he walked through the newly-opened entrance.

Orion followed him into a vast, cavernous room. At the center of it, hovering over a crystal pedestal was the source of the light. The feeling of the Allspark grew as they approached it. It was overloading his optics just to look at it.

"Beautiful," Elita said quietly.

"Yes," The High Defender said. "It is. Yoketron, would you close the door on your way out?"

Yoketron met his optics, then nodded and turned to leave the room. The giant doors swung shut behind him, and the pattern spun back into its original place. On this side of the door the wall was completely smooth, except for a series of grooves where pieces of the pattern interlocked.

"What I want you to do," the High Defender said. "Is sit next to each other, just in front of the Allspark reflector. I don't want you standing in case you fall over. This might not be easy on your sparks."

Orion sat and Elita sat next to him, close enough that if they reached out to each other, they could hold hands.

The Defender stood on the other side of the Allspark reflector. Orion could barely see him through the blinding light. "Now," he said. "Follow my instructions carefully."