XIII

Orion leaned against the window, looking out over the night skyline. Lights littered the horizon and reflected into the sky. The stars seemed to dance like they never had before. Everything seemed filled with a new life, Orion thought with a slight grin. For the first time, he felt somewhat confident in what he was doing. For the moment, he could still feel the pulse of energy in his chest like his counterpart. He wanted to keep that pulse, that light.

"So…"

Orion glanced over his shoulder. Ratchet sat, scrolling through his data pad. Earlier, Knockout and Shockwave were in the same room. Knockout had left in search of a buddy, offering to bring the brute back to join their motley group. Shockwave, on the other hand, still seemed on the edge of his decision, leaving in order to collect research. This left Ratchet and Orion, as usual.

"Megatronus was supposed to go to the council. He was supposed to talk. An argument was supposed to break out. You were supposed to step in and settle everything," Ratchet mumbled. "That's when Megatronus changes sides and starts a battle for control…and due to your talk in front of the council, you show yourself worthy of a prime."

"Something like that," Orion sighed, stepping over to his friend. "I'm piecing a lot of it together. Inference."

"Right," Ratchet nodded. "So, this timeline failed because Megatronus was arrested instead of meeting with the council."

"And who called for his arrest?"

"Our mysterious councilman," groaned Ratchet, rolling his eyes. "So, what? He's a time traveler? He knew?"

"I don't know," Orion huffed, sitting across from Ratchet. "What I do know is that the matrix is still out there and I think I can find it…"

"Find it?" gasped Ratchet, leaning forward. "That's easier said than done, Optimus!"

Orion opened his mouth to continue but paused. Optimus. Ratchet called him Optimus. Orion moved his mouth but made no sound, eventually closing it and shaking his head.

"I don't think I'm Optimus Prime quite yet," he chuckled.

"I don't think there's a difference," Ratchet whispered. "With or without the matrix, you're technically the same person. You're still Optimus."

Orion sighed, shaking his head again.

"It still doesn't sound right."

"If I say it enough it'll sound right," shrugged Ratchet, getting to his feet. "So, matrix of leadership? Where do we even start with that?"

"Might I make a suggestion?"

Orion and Ratchet looked up, spotting Shockwave in the entrance. Orion got to his feet, trying to give off the confidence he had felt a few seconds earlier but found that the feeling was dwindling. It was leaving an empty feeling in his chest, like part of his spark was missing.

"What do you suggest?" Orion questioned.

"If you are correct about this alternate timeline, then it stands to reason that the original councilmen knew of the matrix and or its location," Shockwave nodded, hands behind his back as he walked into the room.

"We can't risk talking to the council," argued Orion, shaking his head. "It's likely our mystery councilman has corrupted the entire council."

"If you are correct, this corrupted councilman must have replaced a correct councilman," offered Shockwave. "We locate the original councilman who was replaced, we have a lead to the matrix. Hypothetically."

"We go looking into the council, we might as well walk back into prison," snapped Ratchet. "They'll be watching out searches and movements."

"Then I suggest outsourcing," Shockwave's tone was rising, reaching an irritated spot as he spoke to Ratchet. The lack of facial expression proved difficult to judge his mood but it was easy to tell he didn't enjoy talking to either of them.

"I might know a guy," grinned Orion, walking pass.

"Who?" Shockwave and Ratchet perked.

Knockout, still thinking about Ratchet and Orion, moved through the throng of people with some caution. He hadn't been considered a free man in a while but knowing the possibility of a conspiracy theory surrounding an alternate timeline and possible prime added a whole new level of paranoia to being on the outside. Every wayward glance or side eye he caught spiked the idea that someone was watching him, coming for him because of what he knew.

"Knockout!"

Knockout leaned against the fence of the construction site, looking up at the tower under construction. Why did his friend have to work in such a lowly occupation? Knockout lowered his optics, spotting the brand Wreckers leaving. Standing out in the pack was his friend Breakdown who looked to be saying goodbye to another Wrecker. The green Wrecker smiled and patted Breakdown on the back before they parted ways.

Breakdown laid a hard hand on the small bot's back. Knockout barely winced, having grown used to his friend's strength. This is the first time they'd really seen each other since his arrest. Knockout smiled, but Breakdown beamed, throwing an arm over the other's shoulder.

"Knockout! When'd you get out?" gaped Breakdown, not so gently leading Knockout toward the nearby bar.

"Few mega cycles ago," grinned Knockout, "but you aren't going to believe what I'm in."

"What'd you do this time?" Breakdown chuckled, patting his back again. "You only been out for a few mega cycles, how can you have gotten into trouble that soon?"

Knockout looked around, feeling the paranoia setting in again. The eyes. The voices. Even Breakdown's presence seemed heavier than usual. Seeing his friend quiet, Breakdown's smile faded fast as he looked around quickly. They stopped near an alley way.

"Can you keep a secret?" whispered Knockout, trying to smile.

"I'll trade you one," winked Breakdown, dragging his friend away.

Knockout followed Breakdown deeper into the alley. He trusted Breakdown, regardless of the paranoia seeping into him. They stopped halfway into the shadows. Breakdown looked either way carefully before lowering his optics to Knockout with a smile.

"Somethin' bigs goin' on," he whispered.

"Tell me about it," sighed Knockout, rolling his eyes.

"Council's up to something," Breakdown nodded, crossing his arms.

Knockout perked. Breakdown grinned.

"They came in these last few solar cycles," Breakdown explained, "talkin' to us Wreckers and askin' to join somethin' special."

"What?"

Breakdown leaned in close, hushing his voice as low as he could.

"An army."

Knockout stepped back, leaning against the wall. He thought of Orion, what he said about the council and the timeline. Breakdown nodded, looking either way. Knockout chuckled without reason, eventually breaking down into a cackle. Breakdown stood, arms crossed, watching Knockout laugh loudly.

"Well, things are coming together!" cheered Knockout, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"And your secret?" Breakdown winked.

"Oh, you'll love this," grinned Knockout, leading Breakdown toward the entrance of the alley. "Do I have a story for you!"