Chapter Seven

"Oh, god, I just can't believe it! I can't believe he's really gone."

Nova hugged Andromeda tight as the blue femme tried to wipe the streaks of fluid from her face. She looked absolutely wrecked. Nova shook her head. "I can only imagine what you're going through. I'm in shock that Optimus is gone, but I didn't really know him all that well. I know how special he was to you."

Andromeda hiccupped. Her emotional outburst had drained her, and she now felt weary but a bit calmer. "We knew that it could happen. We both have dangerous jobs, and it was very likely that one of us would die in the line of duty. We discussed it, but I could never truly believe that he would die. It was just unthinkable. He was just so strong, so powerful, so in control…. He'd been dead once, and I nearly lost him several times. Still, every time he's in danger, it's like it's all happening for the first time. I can never get used to it. Silly, isn't it?" she sighed self-reprovingly.

"No, it's not silly at all!" Nova said soothingly. "Rodimus and I haven't been together as long as you two have, but I feel exactly the way that you do. I'm terrified that something will happen to Roddy, but at the same time I can't bring myself to believe that it will. My fuel pump just about stopped when Primus possessed his body to fight Unicron. I was positive that he'd be killed, but I couldn't accept it. We want to believe that our men are invulnerable."

"And sometimes it's the opposite for them." Andromeda gave her a watery smile. "Optimus knows in his head that I can take care of myself, but his heart says that I need to be looked after. I had to scold him a few times for being overprotective until he backed off." Nova nodded. Her illness had evoked the same reaction in Rodimus. Just because she could be dying didn't mean that she was going to let life pass her by.

Nova had always been grateful for her friendship with Andromeda. They both had found themselves in the uniquely awkward position of dating Autobot commanders. Rodimus was flamboyant and a bit of a player, while Optimus was reserved, but they were still revered leaders. Andromeda ranked higher than Nova and had more responsibilities, but they were nowhere close to the Primes on the command totem pole. It had sometimes been impossible to separate the men's public and private personas. This had lead to some embarrassing and frustrating incidents. Nova had found Ani's advice and experience invaluable.

"Do you know what the worst part is?" Andromeda whispered, staring at her hands as another tear tricked down her cheek. "We had a fight just before we left. We didn't say anything too nasty or irrevocable, but it was bad enough for me to come here until it blew over."

Nova had wondered why Andromeda had shown up at Metroplex all of a sudden, but she had assumed that it had been on Kup's authority. She squelched a feeling of morbid curiosity. Optimus and Andromeda always seemed to get along so well, although they had their share of ups and downs. She desperately wanted to know what had sparked the argument, but now was not the time to ask. She could tell that Ani wasn't ready to rip open that particular wound so soon after Prime's death. "Andromeda, you know that Optimus cared about you. A silly argument won't change that."

Andromeda made an odd choking sound. "It's not the argument that bothers me. It would have blown over soon enough if we had given it a chance. It's just that I never had a chance to say a proper goodbye. My last words to him were that I couldn't stand to be around him at the moment. It's an awful way to part."

'Ouch,' Nova winced mentally. "When I was a little girl, my mommy would talk to me sometimes about the Autobots. The Lithonians didn't know a lot about the Autobot heritage, but they were able to pick up pieces here and there. My favorite tale was about the Matrix. Legend has it that when an Autobot dies, his spark goes into the Matrix to be at peace and to become reunited with those that came before. Is that right?"

The other femme nodded. "Yes, that's right. Primus watches over the sparks in the Matrix and protects them with his essence. They make each other stronger. And since Primus watches over his children, those inside the Matrix remain close to us as well. Although we cannot contact them, they are still with us, in a sense." She shook her head. "It's comforting to think that Optimus is still out there, but I'd give anything for just one more moment with him, to say I'm sorry."

"Maybe you can." Nova tugged on her arm. "Let's go to the Temple of Primus to pay our respects."

Ultra Magnus barely recognized his Autobots anymore. The change that had come over them was astounding and more than a little frightening. Andromeda had become little more than a wraith, haunting the Temple of Primus at night, leaving a sacrifice of tears. In the daytime, she drifted through her duties with an air of detachment. The quality of her work had fallen dramatically, but even Kup had not been able to find it in his heart to reprimand her.

The most blatant change was within Rodimus Prime himself. Rodimus worked like a 'bot possessed. No complaints, no jokes, no quips. Rodimus was at the height of production, accomplishing more than a day than Magnus and Kup combined. Kup approved of the productivity, but it left Ultra Magnus feeling uneasy. In the initial stint as Autobot leader, Magnus had found him to be unmotivated and occasionally sloppy, but Rodimus had made up for it with heart. Experience had worn down the rough edges, as Magnus had known it would, honing the young Prime into an exemplary commander. He had been the perfect foil for Optimus. Roddy was young, brash, and outgoing, while Optimus was more laid-back and cautious. Now the spark that made Rodimus so special appeared to be extinguished. Ultra Magnus hoped that it was only temporary. He had seen Rodimus bounce back from personal tragedy, but this was definitely a new low for them all.

Surprisingly, Kup was the one who needed a short leash. Many of his plans were logical and sensible, but the majority of his suggestions involved radical changes to the infrastructure in Iacon's Autobase and Metroplex on Earth. While it would undoubtedly make the Autobots stronger, they simply didn't have the resources to invest. Kup's solution was simple: cut the Decepticons off from sharing the Autobots' supplies. All well and good, if they were looking to start another war. Occasionally Magnus wondered if that was exactly what Kup wanted. Sometimes the old campaigner got an odd glint in his eye when he talked about the old days of battle.

As for him… Magnus wasn't sure how much more he could take. He was used to losing friends on the battlefield, people that he had cared deeply about. He had learned to work through the pain, and eventually he had stopped reacting. War had a way of sapping one's spirit. But Optimus had been different. He had been one of Magnus' oldest and most trusted of comrades, and he had been a shining beacon for them all throughout the darkest days of the war. When Optimus had disappeared on the fateful shuttle run all of those millions of years ago, the Autobots had been hard-pressed to hold the line without him. And when Optimus had resurfaced, it was as if a god had walked among them. Optimus made his people believe in the impossible, simply through his strength of conviction.

And now that he was gone… well, things didn't look so promising. The war was over, yes, but would it stay that way? Fingers were being pointed and accusations were flying. Mutters and angry glances could be observed from even the most pacifistic Autobots. There had been several skirmishes between individual Autobots and Decepticons looking to work out their aggression, but thankfully they had quickly been neutralized.

Magnus frowned as he passed by Iacon's command center. It was well past midnight, but the light under the door still shone. Rodimus needed to get some recharge in, or else he'd collapse and then the Autobots would have neither Prime to lead them.

Rodimus set aside the last datapad on a towering, haphazard stack and rubbed his optics. He had plenty of information, but precious little clues on what the Circle was and where it would strike next. If only he could find something that he'd overlooked; if only he could foil their next plot, then maybe lives would be saved. A tiny, nasty little voice whispered within, 'If only you'd figured it out sooner, then Optimus might still be alive.'

He shook his head, finding himself slipping into a recharge-deprived stupor. Magnus was right; he was no good to anyone like this. Next he might start falling into a depression like Optimus. He squelched the restless feeling that he should be doing something productive and blearily made his way toward his quarters.

He collapsed upon his recharge berth and flung an arm over his optics. The past few weeks, he had only been able to grab snatches of recharge here and there, with his over-stimulated mind refusing to fully shut down. At this point, however, he was too worn out to stay awake, and he gratefully slipped into the fog of slumber.

Balls of light. They were brilliant and dazzling to see. He knew instinctively that the brightness should be painful, yet he felt no discomfort. Three. One large and red, the others smaller and yellow.

Then seven. Seven round spheres, not bright like the first three. One brown, one reddish-yellow, one a vaporous green, one a vibrant hot pink (he paused to look but was pulled onward), one blue with yellow rings, one grey, and one a stripy blue-brown-yellow.

He was drawn to this last one, and as he came closer it grew until it filled his entire vision. Then there was darkness. No, not quite darkness. Someone was there.

A female. He did not know her. Had never met her kind. Though it was nearly dark, he could see her skin. Violet, with accents of lavender here and there. Avian, for he could see her wings. Sad. She was sad and troubled but trying to help. He reached out to touch her, and reality shattered.

Rodimus sat up with a small cry. His hand was outstretched, as if trying to touch the creature in his dream. He had had odd dreams before, but this was truly bizarre. What could it mean?

Nothing, of course. It was nothing but an assorted jumble of images that his fatigued mind was trying to catalogue and make sense of. Anyway, what did it matter? He had more important things to worry about. He rolled over and frowned at his clock. It was nearly 10h00. He was grateful for the lie-in, but he had work to do. Nose to the grindstone and all that. He smirked slightly as he dragged himself from his recharge berth. While disturbing, he couldn't deny that his dream had been a bit comforting as well.

He headed into the command center and gave a nod to Magnus. The red, white and blue Autobot came to join him. "Rest well?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. Thanks for giving me the extra recharge, though we shouldn't be making a habit of it." Rodimus nodded at the omnipresent tower of datapads. "Find anything new?"

"Unfortunately not." Magnus' frustration was palpable. Rodimus seconded it entirely. Somewhere out there was a terrorist threat, someone who had actually managed to kill the Autobots' most revered leader, and they were no closer to catching them. He was glad that he had gotten some extra recharge. He didn't handle stress nearly as well as Optimus did. He'd already shouted at Magnus a few times, primarily about forgetting to inform Andromeda of her beloved's fate. Nova had also torn a huge chunk out of the city commander as well. Magnus felt horrible about the situation as it was, and he had apologized to Andromeda several times. There was nothing to be gained about harping over it, but when tempers frayed, anything could spark a big argument.

"Look, Mags," Rodimus said heavily. "We've been over the data a million times, and I don't know about you, but my head is spinning. Let's give it a rest for a little while. I've got something crucial to discuss with you. I've been trying to avoid it, but I guess that's just silly and selfish of me. It's time to discuss a memorial ceremony for Optimus."

Ultra Magnus looked relieved. He had tried to broach the subject a few times, but Rodimus had curtly cut him off in the past. Magnus had known Optimus for over nine million years, but he hadn't felt the emotional connection to their fallen leader like Rodimus had, even thought he city commander had borne the Matrix himself for a short time. It was a wonder that Rodimus was holding up. "Tell me what you have in mind."

The young Prime opened his mouth to speak as the door slid open. Kup walked in, bringing a fresh stack of pads. He looked at both Autobots in curiosity, knowing that he had interrupted something important. "Something I should be concerned with, lads?"

Rodimus blinked. There was an edge to Kup's tone, as if he felt left out or felt that something was being kept from him. Kup was a control freak; his job as security chief demanded it. Well, now was as good a time as any to tell him. Roddy would have appreciated the chance to discuss his ideas with Magnus alone first, but speaking to both Magnus and Kup together would be more efficient. "I think it's time that we arranged a memorial service for Optimus. He meant so much to all of us, and we need a way to recognize that. We need a chance to find closure and say goodbye."

Kup nodded. "Well, I don't argue with that, son. Where were you thinking of holding it?"

"I think Cybertron would be best. It's where Optimus was created, and it's the place he fought for so long to protect. Earth was his second home, but Cybertron just seems more significant."

"I hear what you're saying, lad, but I don't know if it's such a good idea. Earth would be a better choice. We have fewer targets to defend, and it is easier to restrict Decepticon access."

"On the other hand," Magnus commented, "Metroplex is still recovering from the attack. He got up to operational status in record time, but he's not prepared to host an event of this magnitude. We know that both Iacon and Metroplex are both somehow vulnerable, but Iacon is in better shape at the moment."

The security chief's frown was evident. "Don't forget that the Decepticons are here. Cybertron gives them a perfect base for an attack."

"You're right that Earth is a less visible target," Rodimus conceded. "However, I trust Magnus' judgment about Metroplex. Plus, if an attack is imminent, we would be putting the humans in danger as well. Their defenses are immeasurably better than they once were, but I can't in good conscience paint a target on that planet again."

"I agree. Cybertron's the best option. We can always beef up security at the ceremony. The Decepticons and the Circle alike would be fools to attack if we brought out the big guns."

Kup sensed defeat. "All right, you two do have a point. However, we have to work out the duty rosters ahead of time. We need skeleton crews in certain strategic areas. It would be laughable to fight the Circle this far and then practically invite them in by leaving high-security areas undefended."

"I'm sure we can work something out," Magnus said in a placating tone. "We'll talk about it later in the day."

After that, the arrangements were surprisingly easy. Plans were made, schedules were rearranged, and it all fell into place. Luckily those that were stuck at their posts did not protest much. The ceremony would be televised for those who could not attend, and everyone understood the need for endless security. For someone who had been putting it off, Rodimus was relieved that it was finally happening. Maybe the finality of the ceremony would help to close the aching void in his spark.

Choosing the honor guard was a harder task. They had far too many volunteers and choosing the most able and deserving was a grind. He had hesitated to select Andromeda, but she actually came to him and requested it. For once she seemed alert and determined to do her duty. She was given the highest honor of all: to stand at the foot of the funeral bier as the primary guard. The bier would be empty, but its presence was symbolic. She would guard his memory in death as she had guarded him in life.

Cybertron did not have much in the way of weather. For this, Rodimus was grateful. He usually enjoyed the changing cycles of rain, snow, wind and sun on Earth, but today he wanted no distractions. A cheery, sunny day would have been unbearably depressing.

He took a moment to survey the gathering from a small alcove.

It always surprised him at just how big the Autobot army was. They jostled for position as quietly as possible, respectful of the somber tone of the event. Some of the larger 'bots were kind enough to give smaller ones, such as the Minicons, a boost. There was also a small, raised platform where other "vertically challenged" robots could assemble for a decent vantage point.

The honor guard was assembled around the funeral bier, weapons propped against their shoulders in ceremonial respect. Andromeda had been given a special place at the foot of the bier itself. Flags with the Autobot symbol fluttered at the outer corners of the amphitheater. Although the bier was empty, the guards were determined to protect it with their life. Rodimus knew without a doubt that nearly every 'bot would be packing heat. If the Circle dared to show its face, they would be confronted with Autobot vengeance. While Roddy had been working hard to discourage any vigilante acts, it made him proud to see his people ready to stand up for themselves and what they had lost.

Enough woolgathering. It was time. He headed towards the raised dais, and the crowd fell silent. For a mad second he wished he had a pin to drop, simply to see how loud it would be. Brushing the feeling aside, he stepped onto the dais and addressed the gathered crowd.

"Greetings, Autobots. I regret that it is a sad occasion that has gathered us together today. A time of celebration and unity has turned to one of tragedy and loss. Today we are gathered here to bid farewell to one of our own. Optimus Prime was very much the heart and soul of the Autobot army, and his passing has been a heavy blow. Not many beings have the dubious honor of being eulogized twice," there were a few nervous titters and he cracked a small smile himself, "but then again, Optimus was always unique."

He waved a data pad. "I came here with a prepared speech. I was going to tell you all about Optimus Prime the warrior, the noble leader who sustained us in time of doubt and defeat and led us to victory. But you all know that Prime already." He tossed the pad over his shoulder. "I'd like to talk about Optimus Prime the person. Let me tell you, it takes someone out of the ordinary to be Prime. It is a full-time job that is all-consuming with little time off. It is a responsibility that Optimus bore gladly. Few of us can remember back from the beginning of the war, but those that do will know that Prime had the same rocky start that I did. Some may say that great leaders are born, not made, but there is definitely a learning curve involved. Optimus faced the nearly impossible task of creating and training an army against the rising Decepticon threat. If not for him, we would have lost before we had even begun.

"For the past nine million years, we have depended on him for leadership and guidance. Prime had certain qualities that made him shine both as a leader and friend. He had genuine compassion and worried about even the lowliest cadet. I'm sure that some of you remember him pausing in his duties to trade a few pleasantries or to check up on progress. He judged people on their personality, not their rank. The major battles were certainly crucial, but it was the small things that he did that really made the difference. He often sacrificed personal time for the good of his people. It can be lonely at the top, but it was a burden that he bore without hesitation. He was all heart, and that is why we all loved him so much. When you think of Optimus, recall the major battles and victories, but also recall the personal touch. Remember Optimus Prime the person as well as Optimus Prime the leader."

He stepped aside to let others speak. The rest of the memorial service passed in a blur. Ultra Magnus had eulogized Prime the first time around. Rodimus had not known the elder Prime very well and had felt more than a little guilt over his death. Roddy had had no idea what to say, so his rehearsed speech had turned out stilted and not at all what he had wanted to convey about his closest friend. He knew that speaking from his heart had been the way to go. He had been able to restrain his emotions while delivering the eulogy, but as he now watched Magnus at the podium, he felt himself getting choked up.

The funeral made Prime's death all too real. It was a relief to acknowledge his passing, but the void within him ached all the more.

He jerked out of his reverie to realize that everyone was staring at him expectantly. He gave himself a mental shake and approached the dais once more. "Optimus Prime built this army from the ground up, with a little help, of course. There were times when all seemed lost. Through the worst of it, he boosted our flagging spirits and gave us the courage to carry on. He was a beacon of hope shining through our darkest hour. Just at the time of our triumph – unity of the Transformers race and peace in our time – darkness threatens once more. I beg you, do not let that darkness consume all that we hold dear. We must be strong and continue on in Optimus' memory, honoring all that he worked so hard to achieve. His spark has been extinguished, and it is now up to us to keep the light alive. Each of us have our own bit of light to give. If we all work together, we can light up the universe." He activated his headlights, the twin beams radiating into the crowd. One by one, the assembled Autobots followed suit until the amphitheater was flooded with dazzling brilliance. In the center of the lights, the funeral bier's engines ignited and the empty container launched into space. The assembled Autobots saluted as one, honoring the passing of their greatest leader into the Matrix.

On a distant hilltop stood a lone figure. As Iacon was illuminated with thousands of points of light, he saw the funeral bier reach for the heavens. The solitary figure saluted as he fired his fusion cannon in the air. A fitting sendoff for an honored warrior.