Warning: character death in alternate universe

Note: some characters might sound a bit OOC, but since they are in an AU, it is intentional.

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[U 2 – Decepticon base]

At the agreed meeting point Megatron stalked angrily among his slowly arriving mechs. He was angry at losing the shard, losing the battle and as the latter went, he couldn't really imagine how the Autobots got there so fast. His anger built up slowly as time went on and Optimus didn't return, even well past the time it should have taken him to arrive. After a full joor of growling and snapping at Thundercracker, he sent the army back to the base, while he and the Seeker flew back to the battlefield to have a look. The humans probably found the shard already, because the place was fortunately devoid of them; the Autobots probably went away too so they could search for signs in peace. Optimus's footprints, and later the tracks were easy to follow, and showed clearly how he was boxed in by some Autobots, wore down slowly and at the end probably taken prisoner. Megatron cursed nastily for a full breem, not at least because he knew that back at the base he would have to listen to Starscream's 'I told you so' admonitions too. The Seeker was right, they shouldn't have taken him out of the base for any reason – his wish to see his Optimus in the other got the better of him.

When they got back, Starscream was awaiting him at the main entrance, sky-blue arms crossed over his cockpit, wings held high and tapping one heel on the ground with an accompanying annoyed sigh. He rarely did that these days any more but Megatron again felt like so many vorns ago when he was just an inexperienced, miner-just-turned-leader confronting his TIC, the noble-born Vosian Winglord after a blunder. Their roles changed so much since that time but the proud Seeker could still evoke that feeling in him when the warlord made a mistake; partly because he was usually right, partly he just… had a knack for it. The piercing red optics followed him in through the entrance and when he drew level with the Seeker Megatron stopped. He wished it was Optimus greeting him; his mate was so much more understanding about the mistakes that leaders sometimes made – probably because he was one on his own right. But he never scorned Starscream's criticism either and their friendship was older than his bond, going way back when they started conspiring.

"Yes, yes, you were right again, Starscream! Don't have to rub it in though." – he tried to look annoyed but the Seeker's continuing silence and haughty manner put him off as usual, and when he saw the wingtips starting to shake, they couldn't hold it anymore… and both of them burst out laughing at the old joke, despite of the situation, the mistake and everything.

"Sooo… they took the other Optimus. Not the best news but I already sent Laserbeak to gather intelligence with Skywarp to retrieve Optimus if he can. Until he returns I can tell you where I got with the portal that he will need."

They went to Starscream's lab, where he started to explain what he found so far. In a way it was good news, because he could recreate the necessary effect, but bad one as well because the exact method was outside their power. The fact that the portal actually pulled a mech from another universe not sent one back posed its own problem; they couldn't just randomly start pulling out Optimuses from random universes, hoping to find the right one and escalate the already tangled mess any further. They stood in front of the hastily made device, discussing the available options. Starscream didn't look very optimistic about their chances and he wasn't even hiding it from Megatron.

"We could wait for that other universe's mechs to build a device that sends instead of receiving; or we could recreate the original effect and exchange someone else and this way sort of communicate with them what to do. Neither would be easy or fast, but both would have plenty of risks."

"Is there no way we could identify the correct timeline with what we have now?"

Starscream stopped talking, and his optics dimmed as he was sorting through possibilities and trying to come up with a new idea. Megatron waited patiently while he did it; it was always unwise to disturb his temperamental TIC when he got deep in his thoughts. While he was not by nature a patient mech, Optimus tempered him enough that he knew that sometimes it paid more than going with his instincts; and with Starscream it worked beautifully, bringing out the best from them both.

"We might be able to use your bond with Optimus…" – he mused after a few, tense breems. – "If I can connect you to the device, you might be able to find him if you concentrate to the bond."

Soundwave chose this moment to enter the lab, the news he brought far more important to wait with until they came out of the lab; he knew that Starscream hated mechs to enter there and usually he accommodated the Seeker's preference, but not in emergencies. In his laconic voice he reported that Laserbeak and Skywarp have returned and brought news of the Autobots fighting among themselves, the enmity between Prowl's and Rodimus Prime's factions finally coming out explosively, as they had hoped for a long time, fuelling each mechs secretly, to achieve just this outcome. Skywarp also managed to warp in, get his servos onto an Autobot and take him as prisoner, so they had a chance of finding out where or how Optimus disappeared to. By pure chance – none of them thought it to be deliberate choice, not from 'Warp - he took one whom they didn't even have to interrogate, because Bluestreak's problem was not to be able to shut up ever, and from his incessant babbling it was hard but not impossible to piece together what happened. He tried not to tell anything to the enemy, Bluestreak really did; but he stood not a chance of a rust stick in an acid rain against Starscream's tactic of engaging him in seemingly small talk, inconsequentials, friendly conversation – and he revealed everything without having to resort to anything stronger, which none of them would be comfortable about to administer on the babbling youngster.

"So Rodimus managed to get rid of Prowl… I am actually impressed." – Megatron never thought much of the impudent, young Prime, but apparently with a Matrix's help he could overcome the formidable and ruthless tactician, Prowl.

"They lost probably dozens of mechs here, beside the ones they cannot fully trust. It might be our best chance to attack them before they get reinforcements or manage to organize themselves again." – Starscream was not energon-thirsty, but they were fighting a war and it was a one-in-a-lifetime chance to extinguish their enemies' leadership and turn the war to their advantage.

"Rodimus Prime: against Senate." – Soundwave interjected quietly. - "Objective of war: not to be forgotten."

They stood in silence for a couple of breems, the possibilities that suddenly opened up whirling around in their processors. Megatron acutely wished Optimus to be on his side besides his personal yearning for him; he understood politics the best out of all of them, himself being a politician before the war started. He wasn't sure he could negotiate with the obnoxious, young Rodimus Prime; Starscream was anything but a tactful negotiator thanks to his temper, and Soundwave… well, he just didn't raise positive feelings and trust in any mech. Still, if they considered their original objectives, as the telepath reminded them, the negotiations promised to be the best chance to attain them in the foreseeable future. To have both real Primes on their side – as by this time no mechs had any doubts about Sentinel being a puppet of Xaaron – and all the Earth-based mechs would be a real turning point in the war; much more so than destroying them would.

"Soundwave, try contacting the Autobots somehow. We cannot afford to miss this chance. Starscream, you work on that device too, but we will draft some plans in case we have to attack them. Ohh, and Soundwave… tell them they can have Bluestreak back as token of our goodwill. Might make them more inclined to listen – and tells them that we know what went on there."

Optimuses

[U 1 – Autobot base]

Optimus Prime was taken to the med-bay, while the 'Con Optimus remained in the lab, basically left alone while the Autobots all crowded about their Prime; at least until Ratchet started shouting at them and throwing wrenches to leave him alone to work on the repairs. He was interested too and fully intended to talk with his counterpart about the happenings in his own universe, but currently had another worry in his processor, one that he shared with the returning Perceptor.

"Now, if he is back here, to his universe… who will pull me back to mine…?"

Perceptor had no answer to that, only giving Optimus a blank look. Partly he didn't feel it his problem, as even if he found out the answer, it wouldn't help anyone on the other side; partly because he truly had no idea. He wasn't even sure of what he should do with him, so after comming to Prowl, technically still in command, he settled back to fiddling with the device, and – against his earlier sentiment – pondering on the problem presented.

"I heard you have a bondmate there…? A sparkbond should… or could provide enough of a link to find the correct timeline…?"

Optimus, when he onlined in the med-bay, couldn't help but be relived that he was apparently out of the torture cell, which was his last memory; and that he was being repaired by Ratchet… well, a Ratchet anyway. He was starting to get a processor-ache from the parallel universes. How to be certain where he was…?

"Ratchet…? Am I in the right place/time/universe for a change?"

"We sure hope so." – the medic's gruff voice held too much relief to be hidden – "The one we got here instead of you, is far too vicious for my tastes."

Optimus grinned, the torn battle mask for once not covering the gesture, as the answer held hope that he ended up in the correct universe. Still, when the door opened, and Prowl stepped through it, he tensed up and frowned again – so much so that the medic noticed it, and started to complain loudly.

"No, not you too! I won't have you trash Prowl again! Just deal with the fact that he is NOT a cold-sparked killer here!"

"Ratchet, I was told that my counterpart caused Optimus Prime's injuries in the other universe – and it happened just before we got him back. I quite understand his attitude. My apologies, Prime in his name." – Prowl's voice was even more emotionless than usual, doorwings stiffly held up high as inwardly he fought to remain calm. The whole situation in the last few orns has taken its toll on him too, and the knowledge of his counterpart's actions, and consequently the Autobot leader being wary of him was probably the last straw.

"The more serious problem is what to do with our surplus Optimus."

"He is still here? I thought we would be exchanged like the first time." – Optimus was shocked. While it was good to be back to his own place, he most definitely didn't want the other – his 'Con counterpart, his processor whispered and the big mech slightly shuddered – to be stuck here. – "Where is he?"

"I had him escorted back to the brig." – Prowl might be stressed but he was also quite annoyed by the 'Con Optimus to just let him go freely about in the base; although he was afraid that Optimus Prime would soon do just that, no matter his objections. – "It was our agreement in your absence, Prime that his violent nature is too much to handle easily."

"I will have to talk with… him." – Optimus didn't at all felt comfortable with the idea of talking to another version of himself, but they needed to sort this mess out. – "But not in the brig. I trust him not to make a scene now that he can see that we worked on solving this problem."

"Good luck with that Sir…" – Prowl for his part wasn't convinced about that but if Optimus was, he would have to go with it. – "As soon as Ratchet clears you from med-bay and I can relinquish command."

"I have to check your processor first, Optimus. I am sorry but it is regulation after being in enemy servos – we have to see that they didn't mess with you."

Optimus wasn't happy about it, but he understood perfectly; despite of their designation as Autobots he got back with enough damage so that they easily qualified as enemy. Ratchet was quick but professional about the link-up and as unpleasant as it was he didn't take long before reporting to Prowl that he found no sign of anything untoward or suspicious, and cleared Optimus Prime for duty. He left the med-bay with Prowl, who was glad to have him back in command, and they went to the brig. It was eerie to see the exact facsimile of himself sitting on the brig berth, arms crossed in front of his chassis; Optimus had hoped that there would be at least some visible difference to set him apart, but apparently he had no such luck. His shock must have showed, because as the other stood up and moved to the bars Optimus Prime saw the glint in his optics that he knew from his own reactions that it meant a smile or a smirk underneath the battle mask. As he uncrossed his arms though, Optimus Prime saw something he never thought of seeing on his armour; a purple Decepticon sign proudly proclaiming his allegiance. At least he wasn't growling at Prowl now, his attention fully on his counterpart…

"Don't worry, I don't like your Autobot sigil any more than you like mine." – the voice too was the same, although with tiny differences in the way he spoke; almost imperceptibly more aggressive, sharper and somehow… less friendly.

"We have to make concessions for separate timelines, I understand. It is still strange though."

"At least you are back to your universe, so the only strange thing for you is me. I, on the other hand am amongst enemies still."

"That is exactly what I want to discuss with you. Will you give your word not to attack my SIC if I let you out of here? My office would be a more pleasant venue to talk."

"Sure, you have my word. A Decepticon's word." – he was laughing mockingly, obviously provoking Optimus to see how he would react.

"I will take a Prime's word, even if he is a Decepticon Prime." – Optimus Prime answered slowly, taking his own measure of his counterpart at the reaction. The flash of the optics showed that he found a point worth investigating. A slow nod from the Con Optimus, and he was let out of the cell and Optimus lead them back to his office, arranging the chairs there so that he and Ironhide were between the other and Prowl. They talked for joors, discussing as it was two universe's worth of happenings that went on in their absences; the other one being in an uproar was of great concern to the 'Con Optimus. If the other universe's Autobots were in the midst of an infighting then his place would be there, with his side, even more so than his yearning for the bondmate. But it didn't help them with the method of getting him back there; building a new device working on different principles would take a long time to complete. Frustrated as he was, he had to wait for his universe's mechs to work out the way…

Changes

[U 2 – Autobot base]

The base was a mess. As Rodimus Prime stalked on the corridors, Ironhide shadowing him at every step, he was reminded the scene that he only saw on vid files as a youth, well before he became a Prime; the energon-soaked halls and corridors of the Senate after the Decepticon attack, strewn with deactivated mechs, broken parts and scorch-marks on the walls. Sideswipe reported a dozen mechs deactivated and another ten in the brig, whom they couldn't trust. From the command staff they had Prowl and Ratchet deactivated, Jazz in med-bay under guard, and Red Alert declaring for Rodimus unequivocally. He promoted Ironhide to SIC, First Aid as CMO and Sideswipe to TIC; it would have to be enough until he saw about Jazz. Some mech still stayed in their quarters, not daring to come out, not taking sides openly, only waiting to see how things would play out. It was a blow greater than the Decepticons ever dealt to them here on Earth, and Rodimus desperately hoped that they could keep it secret from them, at least until he can put his trusted mechs in order and sort out the rest. They were so much vulnerable right then that his tactical sense simply refused to consider the odds, had they got attacked. Still, he felt an exuberant relief at the thought that Prowl was deactivated for good – his body and the processor with the infamous battle computer was melted down completely as the first thing after the fighting stopped, by unanimous agreement of his newly appointed command staff – and that after so much time he could set his own plans in motion.

The Matrix gave his silent agreement to his musing, and Rodimus was glad that over the vorns he came to be in harmony with the ancient artifact. It was so strange, he remembered, the mad craving and the almost delirious charge when he finally gave up fighting with what he thought to be nightmares and literally fought his way into the secret chamber, where the Matrix awaited him. Afterwards, the pain as the relentless and terrible, but impersonal and far too wise sentience changed him and integrated itself into his spark… he wasn't an average Prime, that much he suspected; he didn't give up fighting the effects until much later. The Matrix had been trying to mold him into something he was not, nor did he want to become to and he resented it with every iota of consciousness and determination he possessed. At the end it was an uneasy compromise; the ancient sentience that was contained in the artifact stopped trying to change him outright and settled down to slowly influence his decisions – at least Rodimus hoped sincerely that they were his own decisions. He shouldn't consider the Matrix as an enemy, he knew; but it wasn't easy to consider it benevolent either.

He didn't mind the occasional insight or strange influence that he came to recognize as coming from the Matrix, and he could live with it as far as it didn't try to overcome him. It took them dozens of vorns and many mistakes to come to a strange harmony with it, and occasionally he wouldn't have minded another Prime's input either. Not that he considered Sentinel a real Prime – the mech probably didn't have an independent wire in his worthless chassis, Matrix or not – he was a creature of Xaaron through and through. No, when he thought of another Prime it was always the Decepticon one, Optimus, be it treason as Prowl would call it, like many others; Rodimus was no sympathizer of their cause, but Primes in his opinion should be above factions. And that was exactly what he planned in the long run – after he sorted out his forces here, dealt with the Decepticons and Xaaron, whom he considered his main enemy. Provided that Optimus would agree, of course; but the more he tried to learn of the mech the more he thought that their ultimate goals were not that far from each other.

"Ironhide, I want to speak to Jazz as soon as he is up again. We need his expertise, and we cannot lose any more officers."

"Prime… can we trust him? You know how he was with Prowl…"

"I think they weren't as close as they showed in public. I noticed him disapproving Prowl's actions at least a few times and it gives me some hope now that he is deactivated we might be able to reason with him."

"First Aid will have him up soon. But Prime… he is dangerous. Be careful."

"I will. I don't underestimate him – that's why I think that we need him and why I want to talk to him before he gets ideas. Let's go to the medbay then."