Magnus Knows Best

Inside the Ark...

Optimus Prime sat and quietly accepted the fact that his long time nemesis was correct. "Very well," he sighed. "Prowl, X-Brawn, Rhinox, you and Ultra Magnus ready the troops for battle." Ultra Magnus nodded and turned towards Rodimus Prime. He paused, respectfully awaiting his commander's okay. Once it was given, they quickly exited the room. As they headed out, X-Brawn and Rhinox were heard comparing defensive strategies.

A frantic Perceptor burst into the meeting room. "Optimus!" he shouted, drawing plenty of attention from those in front of him. A collective "What?" forced him to single out the Prime he was seeking. "Combined Decepticon, Predacon, and Vehicon activity has been detected; they're everywhere!"

"So much for the pre-emptive strike," G1 Optimus Prime answered.

The remaining Transformers got to their feet and went their separate ways. Rodimus stayed behind and glared at Megatron, who had just dismissed Soundwave. "You have no idea how badly I want to blow you away."

Megatron held his ground, and clinched his fists in a display of annoyance. "Perhaps one day we'll have an opportunity to test our skills."

The Ark was filled with activity, as the combined forces began to form battle plans and set them in motion. While numerous commanders met with their respective soldiers and attempted to finalize mission rosters, in a dark and empty chamber stood two legendary Autobots.

The scene kept playing over and over. A scene not only burned into the memory of Rodimus Prime, but one that is well documented in future history chronicles. One day that forever changed the scope of the Great War. A young and over-zealous Autobot getting in between a brawl of two legends. His actions cost Optimus Prime his life and took away his own youth.

"He was right there, Ultra Magnus," Rodimus said, referring to the meeting held earlier in the day. "I would've had a clear shot, dead center."

Ultra Magnus understood the rage inside his friend. He had been and would always continue to be Rodimus Prime's closet confidant. In a way, Magnus took on a sort of father-like role, a trusted mentor always willing to listen and offer advice. "I realize you blame yourself for the future death of Optimus Prime. But with everything as tangled and distorted as it is, you taking Megatron off-line could make it much worse."

Rodimus had often fantasized about all that would be different had he not gotten involved in that one particular fight. Optimus Prime would survive and continue on as Autobot commander, while he himself would continue on as the free-spirited Hot Rod. Megatron would have been destroyed. No Megatron, Rodimus thought, no reformatting into Galvatron. Without Galvatron, a future peace could be attainable. But Rodimus realized he was dwelling on his time-line. A time-line yet to happen, a time-line that at the moment didn't exist. Perhaps even a time-line they would never return to. "Just because I know I shouldn't do it," Rodimus replied, "Doesn't make the urge to do it any weaker."

"You're not alone in your desire to destroy him, Rodimus," he answered. "Imagine how Kup feels, each time he looks at his old friend Ironhide. He wants nothing more than to tell him about the way he's going to die, but deep down he knows it best to remain silent. Or imagine how badly Springer wants to warn Wheeljack, one of the few Autobots he ever truly bonded with, of the carnage that waits for him in the Battle of Autobot City? But they say nothing, because that is how it must be. I realize that your hunger for revenge is greater than others; that your reasoning for action is more sound." Magnus paused before finishing. "But being able to withstand such urges is what separates followers from leaders," he stated. "And you, my friend, are a true leader."

Rodimus appreciated the kind words. "If it was you instead of me? What would you do? Would you have taken the shot?"

Ultra Magnus paused before answering, searching for the right words. In the end, he went with the truth. "I'd like to say I wouldn't do it. That I would rise up and take the high road and not give in."

Rodimus could sense some hesitation from the fearless soldier. "But?"

"But," Ultra Magnus confessed, "It'd be damn hard not to."

end of chapter 12

Thanks again to Alaskan Olive for beta-ing this chapter, and for everyone who's been following the story so far!