(GodoftheSeas21, wasn't aware of the copyright problem so thanks for the info. Also thanks to SunlightOnTheWater for pointing out my spacing problems. I'll try to avoid that in the future.)
Sentinel and Optimus led the Autobots on a convoy through the snow-covered fields with Ultra Magnus in the back. The two Primes were a little distance further away from the others so they could converse in private. Ironhide, Warpath, and Prowl all carried Sentinel's pillars on their backs.
Optimus spent most of the trip to the nearest airfield explaining what happened on Cybertron, how it was abandoned, when they came here and allied with the humans, their battles with the Decepticons and the death of the Fallen. "With the Fallen defeated and no energon for them to use to raise anymore Protoforms, their numbers have been significantly reduced. Engagements have become less frequent but the threat remains. As long as Megatron and his army are here, no one is safe," said Optimus.
"You give yourself too little credit. Destroying that traitorous Prime and defeating the Decepticons so many times is no small achievement. You have done well," said Sentinel.
"I only wish I could have done better, then Cybertron may not have been lost," said Optimus.
"Don't listen to Magnus. He was just upset and didn't really believe those words. I only hope you don't believe them," said Sentinel.
They came to a stop at an old landing stripe where three C-130s were waiting along with Chief Master Sergeant Robert Epps and several Special Forces of NEST. The Autobots came to a halt and transformed into their robot forms. "Wow, that's a lot of badass metal," commented Epps.
"Sergeant, I'd like to introduce you to the newest additions to the Autobots. Prowl, Cliffjumper, Air Raid, Silverbolt, Breakaway, Warpath, and Ultra Magnus." said Optimus, pointing to each one individually as he called out their names. "And this is our leader, Sentinel Prime," continued Optimus.
That comment caught Epps and the rest of the humans off guard. "Leader?" asked Epps.
"I assumed command of the Autobots only after Sentinel and the Ark went missing. Now that it has been found, I'm relinquishing command of the Autobots back to him," said Optimus.
Epps was silent for a moment before saying, "It's nice to meet you."
"Human, I understand that a treaty exists between our races. I wish to have a copy of it for review and I want Optimus and Ultra Magnus to ride with me on the same machine," said Sentinel. All the Autobots nearly gasped, knowing that was a powder keg.
"Okay," said Epps, not really understating what was going on.
"Then we should leave this place," said Sentinel, walking towards the plane. Not so much as another glance at any of the humans.
"Nice to meet you too," mumbled Epps. Sentinel could have been kinder to the human but he had a lot to take in after all that has happened. "And just what exactly is the big deal between you and that other guy riding together?" Epps asked.
"He attacked me," said Optimus.
"With friends like that, who need Decepticons?" commented Epps.
The trip to NEST Headquarters in Area 51 was a long and awkward one. Optimus and Magnus sat on opposite sides of the cargo compartment. The only other Autobots there were Sentinel, Ironhide, and Warpath. The latter two volunteered to be here since no one else wanted to and just in case Magnus attacked Optimus again.
The two Autobot generals sat in silence, none saying a word to each other. "So, how has things been with you?" Warpath asked Ironhide to break the silence.
"So and so. Less Decepticons mean less target practice unfortunately," replied Ironhide.
"Hmm, that wasn't a problem back on Cybertron. Sometime there would be miles of 'Cons all rushing around…" laughed Warpath before realizing that mentioning Cybertron started stirring up looks from Optimus and Magnus. "I'll shut up now," said Warpath.
"Sir, shouldn't you say something? Try and get them to talk to each other?" Ironhide asked Sentinel.
"It's not that simple. There are a lot of things unresolved between the two of them. They're going to have to solve this themselves," replied Sentinel.
Lt. Colonel Lennox was a little surprised on the reports they got. Eight new Autobots had arrived on the planet, including Optimus's former commander and mentor Sentinel. Having so many new Autobots wasn't a problem for him, it was Sentinel. Optimus said that his former mentor was taking command of the Autobots and that posed a little problem for Lennox. It's not that he didn't trust him, it's just that Lennox had worked with Optimus for years and developed a level of trust and understanding with him. But this Sentinel was a complete stranger to him and now the Autobots were going to be taking orders from him. Any Autobot that arrived on Earth before always took orders from Optimus but this was the first time Optimus was taking orders from someone else.
It was dark when the C-130s landed on schedule at Edwards Air Force Base. Funny how conspiracy buffs were always saying the US Government had aliens here and now they do. Ratchet, Arcee, Jolt, Wheeljack, Sideswipe, and the Twins (Skids and Mudflap) all waited near the runaways.
"Man, this is it. The big guy himself is here on Earth. Now Megs and the Deceptipunks are really screwed now," said Skids.
"Be quiet you two and be on your best behavior. Sentinel Prime deserves nothing less," warned Ratchet.
The back of the cargo planes opened and a large red Autobot stepped out first. Instantly all the Aubobots all stood up straight and slightly bowed their heads. Lennox guessed that it was their version of a salute. Optimus never wanted anyone to salute him and so the Autobots never used it. This Autobot was obviously Sentinel Prime.
"Sentinel Prime I assume. My name is Lieutenant Colonel Lennox, I'm the liaison between the Autobots and our government," said Lennox, introducing himself.
"Yes, Optimus mentioned you. He considers you a friend and worthy ally," said Sentinel. He then turned to face the waiting Autobots. "My friends, I come to you now with a heavy heart. Optimus has led you honorably and worthy of the name Prime. I accept command now only because it is my duty and I cannot forsake it. I hope I will be as good an example of leadership as Optimus is," said Sentinel. The Autobots began introducing themselves one by one to Sentinel as Optimus and the others disembarked from the planes.
"He's an…interesting character," said Lennox to Optimus. Sentinel barely even acknowledged Lennox's presence and he could understand that the Autobot wanted to talk to his old comrades but he could at least said nice to meet you.
"Sentinel has been through a lot. I apologize if he seems rude," said Optimus. Lennox then noticed a large white and blue Autobot moving away from the rest. He was about to call out when Optimus stopped him. "No, I will talk with him." said the Autobot. Optimus walked after him as Ironhide, Epps, and a green Autobot Lennox didn't recognize approached him.
"What's with the big guy wondering off?" asked Lennox.
"That's Ultra Magnus. One of the greatest warriors in Autobot history and one of our most renowned generals," said Ironhide.
"And he also attacked Optimus," pointed out Epps.
"He what?" asked Lennox, sure he heard wrong.
"Well it's a complicated situation. The two of them were like brothers at one point. Then the war happened and the two began to butt heads a lot. If you ask me, Magnus has always resented the fact that Optimus was born into leadership while he worked his way up the ranks," said the red Autobot.
"Oh, where are my manners? Colonel Lennox, meet one of my old sparring partners back on Cybertron, Warpath," said Ironhide.
Warpath lowered his head in respect. "Ironhide told me what you did to Blackout. You've got a lot of guts human and I admire that," he said.
"Yeah well, I don't plan on really trying that particular stunt again," said Lennox.
"Well if you ever change your mind, let me know. I'll gladly help out," said Warpath.
"Cool!" yelled an Autobot to the side. Three of them were inspecting the new F-35s that just arrived. "Let's try it out," one of them said to the other. The three scanned the fighters, transformed into them, and flew off.
"Hey! They can't just…Oh forget it," said Lennox, knowing they wouldn't be able to hear him anyways.
"Those were Air Raid, Breakaway, and Silverbolt. Don't worry, they shouldn't cause too much trouble," said Ironhide. That didn't really make Lennox feel any better.
"If you ask me, it's about time we got some flyers." said Epps.
Ultra Magnus found a place to sit alone behind a hanger. For the past few hours, he felt hollow. Protecting Cybertron was his sole reason for living and he lost it. Correction, he never even got a chance to lose it. One moment he saw it as they went through that wormhole and the next moment, it was gone forever. Magnus held up his fusion cannon and stared into the barrel, contemplating ending it all.
He heard someone approaching but didn't bother to look up. He already knew who it was. "I realize you must blame me for what happened and I understand," said Optimus.
"I don't blame you Prime, I blame myself," said Magnus.
"What happened to Cybertron was not your fault. Even if you were there, nothing would have changed," said Optimus.
"I could have died there, resting in peace forever on its surface. I swore an oath to defend Cybertron with my life and I've failed," said Magnus, still staring at his cannon.
"Cybertron is gone but this world needs you now. You fought with honor and distinction and the Autobots and humans could use your help. No matter how I felt about your decisions in the past, I always respected you. And I always considered you a Prime, no matter what you born as," said Optimus.
That Prime comment was certainly one of the greatest compliments Magnus had ever received. He always wanted to be one of the great Primes who could lead the Autobots to a better future. But Primes were born, not made. It was a dream he could never achieve. "Will you join us brother?" asked Optimus, holding out his hand. Magnus stared at it for a moment before taking it as Optimus helped him to his feet.
(Nice little bonding between Optimus and Magnus. I found that I could type out this story much easier and faster then I could with any of my other fics. Probably the childhood love of Transformers. Reviews are always nice.)