Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers!
A/N: A little prequel homage of the TF: Movie. The other 4 transformers left after the Ark did some breems later. So at this point, the main Autobots are not too far from reaching Earth, and experiencing what we already know happens in the movie.
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Long light years away, the Ark, which held Optimus, Ratchet, Bumblebee, Ironhide, and Jazz, was on it's hopeful course towards a planet named Earth. Jazz at the bridge, keeping an eye over any hints of a signal from the Nemesis or of the Allspark. Ironhide boredly observing the ship's functionality status and energy output. And Ratchet, assumingly, working on Bumblebee's voice capacitor in the Sickbay. What seemed only a little while ago, various types of stars and planets had zoomed passed their viewer screen ever since that fateful encounter with the primitive organisms that somehow got a hold of Cybertronian technology. Optimus Prime would never forget how the little carbon-based organisms, called humans, saved his spark by sacrificing themselves to Starscream's fury.
He recalled how he was pinned down by Bonecrusher and left vulnerable to Starscream's myriad of weaponry. But at the last minute, the little primitive ship, made from Decepticon technology, made it's last stand and shot a missile to a weakspot in Starscream's armor. This evoked a horrible screech of outrage from the merciless Decepticon leader, which led him to make a complete 180-degree turn and blow the ship, and it's travelers, out of existence with the same weaponry he had planned to use on Optimus Prime.
What had surprised Prime even more, was that instead of continuing to fight, Starscream sent a widespread comlink message for withdrawal[[Decepticons, fall back! I have induced serious damage and need immediate repair! With that said, the Decepticons reluctantly, yet obediently retreated and headed back to the Nemesis.
"They saved you, Prime..." Ratchet said from behind.
Even with the absolute knowledge that they would not survive Starscream's wrath, they still went ahead and fired. The memory reminded Optimus and brought him to the conclusion that there were courageous, sentient organics somewhere in this universe. And it was imperative that they looked for them since there seemed to be strong enough evidence that Megatron had visited their planet. Why? Only Primus knows why... for now. As the Autobots returned to the Ark, Prime contemplated in his processors that the Allspark could very possibly be on the human's planet. Which would mean that the Decepticons would eventually end up there, despite Starscream's intentions, and without a doubt destroy their civilization in the process of looking for the Allspark and Megatron.
"Hey Prime," Ratchet's voice penetrated thru Optimus' dense thoughts, and brought him back to the present day. "You haven't rested in a long time. Why don't you take a break or something? You look like you are going to worry yourself into stasis-lock with that look." He placed his robotic hands gently onto Prime's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Ratchet. There are just too many questions that are un-answered. Grave thoughts linger that I may have led Megatron to an innocent planet. Bringing death and destruction despite the fact that the Allspark was there or not. Even worse, he could already have the Allspark." Optimus was unquestionably the pillar that the Autobots looked up to for motivation, but even Ratchet knew that Optimus had his own doubts. He was a great leader, and yet still just a transformer like everyone else.
"Look Prime, whatever happens, it was not your fault. Megatron could have already had the Allspark in his possession if it wasn't for your selfless act to jettison it into the vast space. But enough of that; Go take a break. You can either do this of your own will, or I can order you on temporary leave for recharge." Ratchet responded to Prime as a friend, and as a Medical Officer.
"I know.. I know..." and with that Optimus left his position at one of the windows of the Ark, and disappeared into the corridors.
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A/N: Primus, writing a really long fic is tough. hehe. I could compile this with the last chapter, but I would prefer to keep them separate. I hope my writing is readable. And I really wanted a serious tone for this chapter. Nothing funny about death, moo. R&R, please! And still more to come!