We now return to The Transformers...
Bumblebee and Wheeljack arrived back at Iacon just in time to see Jazz being debriefed by Optimus Prime. They waited until he was finished to show him the energy conductors.
"Good work, you two", the Prime said while patting them both on the shoulder, "Wheeljack, you install the conductors on the Ark. We're lifting off at 0500. Bumblebee, meet up with Ratchet and get a last-minute diagnostic." The two smaller bots saluted their leader before walking off. Prime stood in place for a moment, appearing rather sullen. "You alright, Optimus?", Ironhide inquired.
"This mission is our last hope, Ironhide", Prime said to his bodyguard, "If we can't find a new source of energy, there will be no hope for Cybertron."
Little did the Autobots know, their conversation was being spied on. Laserbeak's observation camera was capturing Optimus and Ironhide's conversation and beaming it back to Decepticon headquarters. Watching a large viewscreen in the command center, Soundwave sent out a transmission commanding Laserbeak to return to him. When the screen went blank, the communications expert turned to face his leader. "Autobots ready to launch, Megatron."
"As are we", Megatron said menacingly as he stepped out of the shadows, "Shockwave!!"
Standing atop a pedestal in the center of the room, the cyclopian Decepticon scientist turned to his leader. "What is your command, Megatron?"
"You are to stay behind", the former Gladiator of the pits of Kaon commanded, "I entrus Cybertron to you." Shockwave saluted and snapped to attention. "Fear not, Megatron, Cybertron shall remain as you leave it."
"Excellent. Now it's only a matter of time until Optimus Prime admits defeat."
Starscream sneered and turned to face his superior and rival. "The Autobots would have lost eons ago if I'd been calling the shots!!", he spat. Megatron chuckled like a scolding parent. "Starscream, only a select few ever lead."
"My time will come, Megatron."
"Never," the leader growled.
Back at Iacon, the Autobots were loading supplies onto the Ark, being directed by Ultra Magnus.
"Get the lead out of your axles!!", the commander shouted, "Prime wants liftoff in less than an hour!!"
It had been decided that the Ark's team would be made up of Optimus and 17 other Autobots, while Ultra Magnus would remain on Cybertron to keep up the fight as long as possible. Unfortunately, not all Autobots seemed to agree with this decision.
Optimus was on the bridge of the Ark, staring up at the vast expanse of space. Suddenly, the doors hissed open and he heard small, delicate footsteps.
"I thought I'd find you up here", a feminine voice called out through the silence. Elita-1 walked in front of him and crossed her arms, visibly upset. The Autobot leader stood up and walked over to her. "Elita, we talked about this."
"You're about to blast off into the unknown with no guarantee you'll return, and you won't even take me with you."
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I will return. Whatever it takes, I promise you, I'll be back."
"Why... why can't we all just evacuate and find a new home?", Elita asked, sorrow evident in her voice. "Cybertron is our home, Elita", Optimus responded, "It's my duty to protect it. If there is a source of energy that can be used to restore Cybertron, I have to find it. While I'm gone, you and Magnus have to keep up the fight."
Elita chuckled and placed her hand on the Prime's chest. "That won't be much of a change for me... your brother is just as stubborn as you." She moved her hand up to the side of Optimus' helmet and pressed the button that opened his mouthplate.
"Say it again", she said wistfully, "Promise me again."
Optimus leaned in and pressed his forehead against hers. "I promise... I'll come back, Elita."
"No... not Elita... my real name..."
The Prime froze for a moment but quickly obliged her. "Ariel."
"Orion", she sobbed as she hugged him.
The Transformers will return after these messages...