From the throne room of the former Prime, the now fully reborn Nova Prime lounged in silence as his servants redecorated the chamber with more lavish furnishings. The Cybertronian empire that he guided Optimus to conquer may not have been as expansive as his own, but he knew how to better reap the rewards of his imperialism. Plush, expertly crafted couches from Caminus, tables carved from various types of real wood from conquered organic worlds, and a large cabinet of various alcohol-based drinks, and countless other items filled this room and the whole palace.
Of course, he had to keep his identity secret at this point, still going by 'Optimus Prime' for the time being. If the Autobot masses learned about how their leader had been deposed, there would be riots across Cybertron the likes that have been unseen since the Autobot-Decepticon war first broke out.
So far, the official cover story was that Optimus Prime heroically faced down the deranged Warpath in a duel to the death, and has now begun to work along-side this "New Vanguard" faction.
"Lord Optimus," one of the workers said, breaking the Prime from his focus. "Where do you desire this to go?" they asked, as he and another bot held up a beautiful oil painting of Nova Prime in his original body, a long black cape billowing out behind him, with the Star Saber held high. He ached at the sight, as it was a reminder of what he once was. But he was not deterred in his ambitions.
"It would be preferred there, if you please." Nova said with a gesture to the wall to the right of where he sat on the throne, an empty space between a landscape painting, and the tapestry of Elita that hung close to the throne.
From the moment Optimus took the Matrix of Leadership, he had been able to see the world through his optics, especially Elita. She was a fierce and brave warrior, but a kind and scholarly soul at spark, much like her conjunx had been. Nova himself was never once for romantic endeavors, but even he had to admit there was never a more perfect match made. Every time Optimus so much as looked at that tapestry of her, a flood of misery and shame washed over him, so powerful that Nova felt it each time.
The chains around his neck jangled as he readjusted himself on the throne, as he looked down and saw the Matrix now clasped as a necklace. He had convinced the public it was because he wished to show a different side of himself, or some such lie, but in reality it was because he could not bear the relic anymore. Of course, he could have just hidden it somewhere for safe keeping, but the image of the Prime presenting the Matrix to the world was a public relations miracle he could not pass up, especially if he was to pass himself off as still being Optimus Prime.
He stood to his feet, and snapped his fingers and pointed to Jhiaxus, "I have something important to attend to, and shall be gone for some time. Should any problems arise in the preparations of my speech later, contact me at once."
"But of course, my master," the cloaked mech said with a bow as the Prime stalked out of the room.
Sealing the door shut, and double-checking the locks, Nova made his way to the terminal in his bedroom's office. Taking a seat at the desk, he typed in the multiple passwords needed; firstly to activate the computer, second to connect to the Autobots' vast interstellar communications network, and third, the secret passcode devised by Optimus and Prowl to ensure nobody else was able to sneak onto this line.
The video feed came online, and he saw Prowl snap to attention with a fist-over-spark salute.
"Greetings, your majesty. I am ready when you are," the police-bot said.
"It has been some time since we last spoke. We have much to discuss."
"Of course, lord Optimus. What is it that you wish to know?"
Nova grabbed a data-pad that he jotted down notes onto, and started from the top.
"You had made mention in your reports that a number of the Decepticons have developed, in your own words, 'strange and unnatural abilities, similar to that of a point-one-percenter.' Elaborate on that. What sort of powers?"
"Yes, my lord. We have observed these effects numerous times on the battlefield. Most notably being the triple-changer known as Blitzwing, formerly presumed K.I.A. during the final few years of the war for Cybertron. The Wreckers reported that during his fight against Springer, he utilized changed blasts of fire and ice, unlike any known ability he had prior to his supposed death. We also suspect Megatron has developed some form of advanced self healing capabilities, as he has suffered multiple near-death encounters during our time fighting on Earth, yet still manages to walk away from them all."
"Is there any indication as to what sort of procedure could have been done to cause such enhancements?" Nova interjected, trying to drive right to the point.
"Nothing from the native human technology could have done this. Brainstorm has some theories but nothing proven just yet. There appears to be a strange energon-like substance on Earth, very high-energy and volatile. He attempted to use it to fuel a portable generator, and the result caused a detonation that caused a mass fire hazard aboard the ship. He says he needs some time before writing up a proper report on it though."
Nova simply nodded in acceptance at this answer, and moved on.
"Next, I was curious if there has been any further developments with the MECH insurgency on Earth? While I may have called for a cease on all fronts, as long as Earth willingly hides the Decepticons, we must continue our efforts to destabilize and conquer so that Megatron may be brought home for justice." Nova felt the need to emphasize that last part, lest Prowl catch on to the contradictions between Optimus' calls for peace and his own ambitions.
"Yes, of course my lord. The crew here have not lost sight of the bigger picture in bringing down Megatron for his crimes against Cybertron in breaking the ceasefire. As for MECH, it seems that Arcee has taken on the role of liaison to them for the foreseeable future. After her last defeat at the hands of Airachnid and the Stunticons, she has taken to personally training the humans in how to effectively combat cybertronians. Their influence has grown significantly as well, with many new cells popping up in various nations' militaries. However, these newcomers have no idea that we are backing them. I've met with their leader, Dr. Arkeville, he seems more than willing to pledge his forces in your name in exchange for power over Earth should the time ever come."
"Good," Nova said, "A native ruler to oversee this new world could possibly put the humans at ease, and frees up Autobot forces for maintaining control over the worlds we have already laid claim upon." He then stood from his seat and began to pace back and forth, mulling over his options.
"Tell me Prowl, in your honest opinion as a tactician," Nova said, turning back to face the camera, "If I told you to give MECH as much access as you believe necessary to our own technology, how soon do you believe them to be ready to aid us in an invasion?"
For the first time since he had known Prowl, the mech almost looked surprised by the question posed to him, as if calculating an unexpected variable.
"I don't think I can say for certain. If we expect them to be a true asset to us, they would have to double, maybe even triple their organization's numbers. It is still just a small group of splinter cells, maybe ten-thousand strong if you count them globally. It could be done, and it would take much more time…" Prowl looked down at his hands, adjusting his digits as he thought about it all. His head snapped back up, and he gave an affirmative nod.
"Arcee will be very pleased to hear that she has free reign to continue this pet-project of hers in full force. I'll arrange new orders for her at once."
From his end, Nova could hear Prowl quickly typing something down.
"And I did have one final matter of importance to inform you of," Prowl said as he finished with writing down whatever it was. "During a much more recent excursion to the planet, within the past month or so, we encountered Decepticons hiding amongst the civilian population of the humans, and after having cross-referenced prior sightings…" a map of Earth appeared on-screen, with an area outlined in red. "We have determined this region to be where there is a high concentration of Decepticon activity, an area known as the south-western United States, a territorial hold of one of Earth's more militarily advanced nations." The map then updated, and images showing known Decepticons in their alt-modes in various public places.
"Hmp," Nova muttered, crossing his arms. "After all this time, they get caught out in broad daylight."
"I have upped the number of scouts in this region, and Blaster is closely monitoring human telecom networks for any local sightings."
"Excellent work, indeed…" Nova said, a shrewd grin forming under his battlemask. "One final matter, before you go," Nova said, sitting back down again.
"Of course, Prime. What is it?"
"If there is to be an invasion in full force, the Lost Light will need to return to Cybertron for repairs. I have had to create a new folder just to hold the damage reports I've received."
"Return to Cybertron? Within what timeframe?"
"Do not worry about time constraints, it will still be some time before preparations are done. I shall try to coordinate with you later about exact times."
"Then I shall keep the crew on alert for when the order inevitably comes down."
"This so-called "light energon" that has been discovered… try and see about harvesting some to bring back with you. I would quite like to see it for myself."
Prowl nodded to the screen. "It shall be done, lord Optimus."
With that, the video feed was cut.
Nova stood yet again, and stalked over to the windows that overlooked the city. Gazing across the expanse of skyscrapers, he looked past the battle-scars and saw the gleaming gem that Iacon had once been, the shining city at the heart of one of the most powerful empires in the galaxy.
One he intended to rule once again.
It was time to get back to work.
Standing atop the front steps of the palace, 'Optimus' Prime moved up to the podium, whereupon many microphones had been affixed.
To his right, he was flanked by Jihaxus and Windblade, and on his left was Smokescreen and Red Alert. Filling out the steps between them and the crowd that had gathered to hear him speak was a squad of the Elite Guard.
Before him was a vast sea of Cybertronians in the semi-rebuilt central plaza, many camera drones buzzing around trying to get a shot of him. Every so often he could catch a glimpse of flags being waved out in the crowd, the roar of the cheers almost overwhelming his senses.
With a simple raise of his hand, the masses of people began to fall still and silent, all glowing optics affixed on their emperor.
"Good people of Cybertron," his voice boomed into the microphones, "it truly is wonderful to see so many here in attendance today, given the recent schism in our ranks. However, now with the traitors Ironhide and Warpath dealt with, we may begin to rebuild anew."
"I understand that many are still wary of the New Vanguard, but I assure you, they are here for the protection of the empire, and under the leadership of a mech as wise as Jhiaxus, I have the utmost faith that they shall be stalwart defenders of our people."
Nova took a step back to look at the cloaked mech, and began to clap, followed by the crowd bursting into applause as well. Jhiaxus simply crossed an arm over his torso and gave a bow.
Stepping back to the podium, Nova began to speak again. "As I am sure many of you have seen, I have called for a halt to hostilities against independent solar systems. With this act, our resources will no longer be stretched thin, and we may now truly begin with rebuilding Cybertron and all the worlds that have been ravaged by this war. I make this promise to you as Prime!"
With a flourish, he lifted the Matrix from the chains around his neck, as he raised the ancient relic over his head, the crystals gleaming in the sunlight.
The crowd erupted, many screaming and cheering in glee.
"All hail the Prime!" was the chant that the crowd began to shout out.
"All hail the Prime!"
As the crowd's cheer washed over him, Nova knew they were all hooked on his lies.
And one day, it would be his name they all cheered.