Well, got another short chapter updated today. Got to say, this episode is coming along quite nicely, even if the chapters are getting short. But I think this time you have to wait for the next chapter. See, it's going to be mostly action driven and it would take long to write. I know that there are some readers that wanted action into my stories. The thing is that I need to add some drama and characterization into this story as well. If I did mostly action, then the story could get a little boring, if not repetitive. So please understand that I want to make it feel like an actual episode being played instead of a huge explosion fest. Now on the last chapter, it was really busy as always. Eight reviews and over five hundred hits! You guys are really starting to make my day. Oh and for those that figured something out on my review. Yes, I put that Tron Uprising scene in that chapter for the guards to talk. I thought it was fitting being that both Optimus and Tron are brave leaders and never show fear and pain to their enemies. And if you think that is cool, got a really good idea from a Tron Uprising episode that would fit well into my third season ark. Time to see what's going to happen on the next chapter of Prime. Jack, Raf, and Miko prepare to leave and rescue Optimus from the clutches of the Cons. But at the same time, someone unexpected comes to the leader to deliver a message that would forever change this war. What could it mean?
Chapter Notes
I just wanted to add this one scene I saw in the Dark Knight Rises. It seems pretty interesting and would match the field in the chapter. I'm certain that when you read it, you know what it is. I've also wanted to add a little scene that came out of the very first episode of Red vs. Blue with a few alterations. I think it would be really funny, if not serious. Besides, I needed to flesh out the two Vehicons that are guarding Optimus's prison.
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Prime
Chapter Four: Prophecy
An hour later in the Lake Erie base, the team was fully prepared for their rescue mission. They got their blasters charged, their energon intake full, and their weapons sharpened as they prepared themselves for the coming battle. But before they could strike, the recruits needed to first reach the Decepticon fortress and enter the comm facility so they could then contact the base to let Team Prime inside. At the ground bridge controls, Raf was working feverishly, getting the energy field of the ground bridge to match that of the force field that was protecting the Decepticons. He was inputting codes left and right as the cables attached to him entered the modifications into the bridge. Ratchet looked at the screen and wondered whether he was finished.
Ratchet: "Well Raf, any luck yet?"
Firewall, his visor filled with streaming data, turned to the medic and answered him.
Raf/Firewall: "Just about, Ratch. I just need to add a little more code into the system so that the bridge exactly matches the shield's energy field."
However as he was doing that, Miko stood there feeling a little bored as she yawned in agony.
Miko/Kaosu: "That's what you said to us an hour ago! Can't you just finish already so we can go a bust some heads?"
The hacker turned to the wrecking cadet and sighed to himself.
Raf/Firewall: "Hacking into a system takes time and patience, Miko. I rush it too fast and it could lead to some serious and dangerous risks. Sometimes slow and steady wins the race."
Now Kaosu was annoyed as she reminded him about her style.
Miko/Kaosu: "Yeah, well, slow and steady isn't my forte. Just hurry it up already! I'm bored out of my processor here!"
Both Bulkhead and Wheeljack noticed their cadet feeling a little impatient as they tried to ease her.
Bulkhead: "Take it easy, Miko. You can't just rush into a battlefield without considering the consequences. I should know, I've been there."
Wheeljack: "Bulk's right girl. Sometimes you need to relax and enjoy the peace before the storm comes."
The wrecking cadet looked at the two and felt a little annoyed by this.
Miko/Kaosu: "Easy for you two to say. You're looking at a femme that had to suffer through every detention in school. Now that's a whole lot worse than the Cons."
While they were talking, Jack wasn't listening. He was standing against a wall looking at the Vector Sigma Key in his servo. Believe it or not, that dream he had with Vector Prime was still fresh in his processor, as he remembered every word of it. From what he could piece together, Rodimus has a destiny on which to embark, and it starts with rescuing Optimus from his imprisonment. Indeed it was a long stretch, but with the help of the team, he knew he could save him. There was, however, one issue he had to deal with. When he asked Vector why he delivered the message to him when he could have told the other Autobots about it. Vector's reply was that he already knew the answer. Jack had no clue what that meant and didn't get anything else out of it, as the dream ended. What did Vector mean by him already knowing the answer? Does this connect with the destiny he has to face? While Jack was pondering this, Arcee's voice interrupted his thoughts.
Arcee: "Feeling okay partner?"
Rodimus's audio receptors perked up, and turning to the right, he saw the femme looking at him with a slightly worried expression on her face. Taking a deep breath, the former teen started to respond to her as simply as he could, without revealing certain things Vector had told him.
Jack/Rodimus: "Um… Yeah. Yeah. I'm fine. Just a little nervous is all. I mean it's my first real mission right? Sometimes you got to be a little nervous when it comes to your first assignment."
Arcee gave a quiet chuckle and reminded him about her first time.
Arcee: "You know, I was like you when I went on my first mission."
Jack looked at her and was surprised by that.
Jack/Rodimus: "You were?"
The two-wheeler nodded and explained about her first mission.
Arcee: "I was hesitant about going into a mission because I had just graduated from my ninja training. But I had my sister with me at the time, and Elita watched out after me and protected me. But as I grew older I learned to defend myself and fight my way through thick and thin. Even with the death of Tailgate and Cliffjumper, I had to grow strong and move on with my life, even if it meant worrying about what's bound to happen the next day. Now I know you are nervous about all of this, but you have your friends that will help you out; we won't be far behind once you reach the citadel. You have nothing to worry about."
Jack smiled, knowing that what Arcee said is true. Sure, he's tense about the whole mission, but he'll have the Autobots at his side and his friends throughout. So with them, he can actually get through without any problems. While he was thinking about it, the femme placed her servo on his and held on to it, easing his concerns.
Arcee: "Hey, you will do fine, Jack. As long as you don't get caught by Cons, I say you have a chance of reaching the Con fortress in one piece."
Jack nodded at his partner and appreciated her advice and words of encouragement. But then Arcee noticed the key resting on Jack's very same servo that she was holding and asked about it.
Arcee: "Hey Jack! Maybe you should leave the key in the base while you rescue Optimus. The last thing we want is for Megatron to have it and do who knows what with it."
The young mech looked at the key and worried about leaving it. So he looked at her and told her that he wouldn't.
Jack/Rodimus: "Thanks for the advice Arcee. But I don't want to lose it like I did the last time."
The two-wheeler removed her servo from his and smiled, remembering that he lost that key during MECH's capture.
Arcee: "Duly noted…"
Just as she said that, they all heard the voice of Raf close by.
Raf/Firewall: "Got it! The last of the code has been input and we're ready to go into the bridge."
Ratchet looked at all of the programming that Raf had assembled and was hesitant.
Ratchet: "Are you certain that this will work?"
The hacker gave off a sly grin and responded as he typed a few keys to reactivate the ground bridge.
Raf/Firewall: "Watch this."
Once he hit enter, the bridge close to them started to hum to life and was activated. At the same time, the digital map for the bridge appeared with the one spot with the title, 'undetermined' over where the Decepticon dome was located. Once the bridge was fully charged, the two took a closer look at the spot to see the title blink a couple of times until finally it disappeared from the display. The medic looked at that and was in awe by the end result.
Ratchet: "By the all spark… You did it. You actually did it!"
Ratchet was excited that Firewall managed to do the impossible, and he responded with a smile.
Raf/Firewall: "What can I say? I can handle whatever's thrown at me."
The others looked on and were in awe that Raf could pull something off like that so easily. But being that he's now Cybertronian and can access any system imaginable, it's all pretty much a cakewalk for him. Miko then got up and sighed in relief knowing that he was just about finished.
Miko/Kaosu: "Finally! Now we can get into some real action."
The others look at her and could tell that no matter how much she has changed, she is still their Miko. The team then started to join in for the briefing, but Jack quietly opened a compartment to his side and placed the Vector Sigma key into it, just so he wouldn't lose it. As soon as the group gathered, Ratchet turned to remind everyone about the plan.
Ratchet: "All right, I'm pretty sure you all know the plan. But let me repeat just to give you a better understanding. Our mission is simple: to rescue Optimus Prime from the clutches of Megatron. The problem is that our leader is a prisoner in the very fortress the Decepticons have created thanks to the Omega Lock. Fortunately, we now have a way of bridging past their barrier and into their base. Still, there is the risk of bringing all of you into enemy territory, given that the Cons are still searching for you. That is except for you three."
He then turned to Jack, Raf, and Miko and continued on with the plan.
Ratchet: "Since you three are now Cybertronian, it will make it easier for you to sneak by and enter the fortress. Once you're in, find a communication outpost and contact us so we can bridge into enemy territory and rescue Optimus. Since the barrier could scramble your comms once you're inside, it would seem their communications are the only option we have left. Remember though, this is a recon mission, not a full frontal assault. As long as you stay clear of any scouting parties, I'm certain you will be all right."
Jack nodded and agreed with the medic.
Jack/Rodimus: "Don't worry Ratchet; we'll make sure we don't get into trouble."
Ratchet nodded and went back to the controls to lock onto the coordinates.
Ratchet: "Excellent! Now, I can't bridge you in or near the compound or you will arouse suspicion within the ranks. It could also mean trouble if the Decepticons go into the bridge and attack this base just like the last one. So I'm bridging the three of you just within the barrier wall borders where a road will take you to Jasper. But I have to warn you: once you enter the town, it's not going to be the same when you left."
The former young teen nodded and remembered how the great war of Cybertron destroyed the entire planet.
Jack/Rodimus: "I've seen what the war did to your planet, Ratchet. I know what we're up against."
Ratchet peeked back and nodded in approval.
Ratchet: "At least you know you're prepared for the aftermath. Coordinates are set. Preparing to bridge when you are ready."
Rodimus turned to the tunnel that will take them to Optimus and knew what to do. But looking back at the team, his friends, he decided to do one more thing before leaving. He turned back to Ratchet and asked if they would say something to the team.
Jack/Rodimus: "Actually Ratchet, you think it's all right if we say goodbye to our friends before we leave?"
The medic looked at the other Autobots and knew that the kids wanted to say their farewells. He then turned back to Jack and nodded in approval.
Ratchet: "Of course Rodimus, you can say your goodbyes. Just make it quick, time is short."
The young mech nodded as the three recruits went to their respective guardians and teachers, saying their adieus. Miko went to her Wrecker friends and said her final departure words.
Miko/Kaosu: "Well guys, this is it. Time for this cadet to go down and bash some metal heads. I just hope you two wish me the best of luck."
Both Jackie and Bulk looked at their friend and had smiles on their faces.
Bulkhead: "Wish you the best of luck? Miko, you've always had luck on your side when you came to us. You did save me on a couple of occasions, am I right? I'm certain you can save Optimus from those Decepticreeps with what we taught you."
Wheeljack: "Bulk's right kid. You've certainly got the Wrecker fire in you. Go out there and kick some Decepticon tailpipes. Just make sure you save some for us, all right?"
Kaosu smiled and knew that they were itching for a fight and followed his promise.
Miko/Kaosu: "Don't sweat it; I'll make sure there are some left over for you to scrap."
She then pounded her fists and had a devious smirk to her face. Meanwhile, Raf was with Bumblebee and said his byes as well.
Raf/Firewall: "Bee, I know I might be a little young for this. But I have to help the others in rescuing Optimus. Please understand I don't have a choice in the matter."
The scout nodded and understood where he was going with this.
Bumblebee: (I understand… I was like you when I was your age. Well, a certain age in Cybertronian terms actually. I was sort of afraid about going into war and I worried whether I would ever get out of a battle alive. I nearly paid a hefty price that one time.)
He then rubbed his neck and remembered the day that he lost his voice box from Megatron. But he sucked it up and told his friend some special words of advice.
Bumblebee: (But you shouldn't be afraid, Raf. You need to be brave for yourself. And you got others on your side to help protect you. As long as you have that, you got nothing to be afraid of.)
Raf listened to those words of advice and knew what Bee wanted him to do. He then smiled and thanked him for those words.
Raf/Firewall: "Thanks Bee for those words of advice. I'm certain they will be really helpful."
Bumblebee chirped with glee and wished him the best of luck.
Bumblebee: (Good luck out there, friend. Try not to get yourself hurt.)
Raf laughed a little and told him that it was all right.
Raf/Firewall: "Thank you Bee. I'll try to be careful."
As that was going on, Jack was with Arcee, Smokescreen, and his mother telling them that he was ready to leave.
Jack/Rodimus: "So this is it huh? My first real mission. I hope none of you are worried about me leaving."
Smokescreen and Arcee looked at each other could tell that he wanted to know if they were worried for him. The two-wheeler though looked at him with a pleasing smile and told him to not worry about it.
Arcee: "Now don't get too worked up over that, partner. I know that you can do what's right for the team. A little bit risky, maybe. But I know that you and the others can pull this through."
The Elite Guard member then turned to him and told him that everything will be fine.
Smokescreen: "Arcee's got a point, Jack. You and the others have saved our lives from the Director. I'm certain that you can save Optimus's as well. Just try not to rush in on the action."
Rodimus looked him and had a coy smirk on his face.
Jack/Rodimus: "Really Smoke? I'm going to listen to an Autobot that rushed into a battle just to retrieve the Star Saber sword?"
Smoke shrugged his shoulders and responded the best way he could.
Smokescreen: "Hey! I thought of it as a little learning experience for me."
Both partners laughed about that and couldn't help but to feel sorry for the Smokescreen's folly. But when Jack turned to his mother, he noticed that she was quiet throughout the whole thing and saw a small energon tear coming down her cheek. Feeling concerned for her, he approached her and placed his servo on her shoulder, trying to ease her troubles.
Jack/Rodimus: "Hey mom, is everything okay?"
June looked to her son and tried to be cool about it.
June/Altra: "Yeah Jack, everything's fine. It's just that… It's just that my only son is going to leave me. I mean I knew that it was bound to happen one day. But never in my wildest dreams would it be something of this magnitude. I just can't really believe that it's happening."
Jack stared at his mother and knew she was hurting at the fact that he was leaving to save the Autobot leader. But he knew that he was coming back and he knew that he will meet with her again. Knowing this, he told her not to be upset about it.
Jack/Rodimus: "It's okay mom! It's okay… I'm not going to leave you. It's just one mission, that's all. Once we reach the fortress and regain communications, we will see each other again. I promise."
June looked up to him with distressed optics and wondered if he was telling the truth.
June/Altra: "Are you sure about that? Because I don't want to lose you."
Jack just smiled at her and told her that it won't be a problem.
Jack/Rodimus: "Don't fret mom; I will be okay. You have my word."
June smiled a little and knew that her son will be fine. But there was still some worry in her. Arcee saw this and gave her a quick option.
Arcee: "You know June, if you want, you can go with Jack on the mission. A mission this serious could use a medic in the field."
Altra looked at the femme and didn't want to do that.
June/Altra: "Thanks for the offer Arcee. But after what happened back at the Morrison Dam, I would pass on that."
There was a slight chuckle from the two-wheeler as she couldn't help but feel sorry for her after the MECH incident. Just then, Ratchet looked at the team and told them to move.
Ratchet: "Are you all done with your farewells? Cause Optimus can't save himself! Let's go!"
The three turned to Ratchet and noticed that he was a little bit impatient. So they ended the talks and were about to leave. But before they could do anything…
Sari: "Hey guys! Wait up!"
The group looked down to see Sari rushing into the room with Sam and the professor close behind, trying to stop her. The team looked at her oddly and wondered what she wanted.
Jack/Rodimus: "Sari? What are you doing here?"
Professor Sumdac managed to get a hold of his daughter and told the others what happened.
Professor Sumdac: "I'm sorry everyone. My daughter left my sight the moment I turned away. I should've been more careful with her."
Sari though pulled her hand away from her dad and told him not to do that.
Sari: "Please dad… I'm sixteen! I'm not a little kid anymore! So stop treating me like one."
She then looked at the Autobots to say something important to them.
Sari: "You are going to rescue your leader right? Well I'm coming with you!"
There was a harsh silence within the group and they couldn't believe that this girl would want to join in on the mission. But being that the recruits were entering dangerous territory, they couldn't let any more humans get hurt. Arcee then stepped in and told her not to come.
Arcee: "Uh-uh Sari. Forget it. You're not going out there."
That got the teen upset as she looked at the femme and told Arcee her own two cents.
Sari: "What?! Oh come on guys, you've got to be kidding me! I've already helped you out on a couple of occasions back at the dam."
Arcee: "Yeah, but that was with the fight with Blackout. This is now a war! We can't let a human get dragged into our fight. It could be dangerous!"
Miko overheard that and snickered to herself, telling Arcee about her experience.
Miko/Kaosu: "I don't know Arcee. After what happened in the past, it's a little too late for that."
The two-wheeler turned to her and argued back.
Arcee: "Watch it Kaosu. What happened with you is in the past. When the cons attacked Jasper, it's clear that they wanted to exterminate humanity to the brink. If we bring humans into this mission, Megatron's forces wouldn't hesitate in adding them to their ever-growing list."
She finished her opinion by letting Sari know about this loud and clear.
Arcee: "Long story short girl, you're NOT going!"
Once Sari heard the femme bot's response, she crossed her arms and grunted to herself.
Sari: "Humph… Fine… Whatever…"
But then, she got a devious idea and cleared her throat.
Sari: "Would you excuse me? I need to go to the little girl's room."
She quietly walked away as she hid the smirk that was on her face. But Sam noticed her leaving and wondered what she was up to this time. So he followed her, making sure that she didn't get into any more trouble. As the two left, Smokescreen sighed in relief and knew they dodged a bullet on that one.
Smokescreen: "Phew… That was a close one. Is she always like that?"
He turned to the professor to get an answer. Sumdac looked right at the Elite Guard member and gave him an explanation.
Professor Sumdac: "Unfortunately, yes. She mostly takes after her mother's side, always the adventurous type."
Ratchet overheard that and peeked right at Miko.
Ratchet: "Really? I wonder who it reminds me of?"
The Wrecking cadet saw the medic staring at her and lifted her arms up in protest.
Miko/Kaosu: "Hey! Why are you looking at me like that?"
Ratchet rolled his optics around and decided to get back to the task at hand.
Ratchet: "Forget about it. Let's focus on our mission. We've already wasted enough time as it is. Setting coordinates for bridging. Stand by."
He started to input the coordinates that will take the recruits into the dome and away from any Decepticons. Once he had the destination set, he pulled the lever to activate the bridge itself. The bridge then started to hum to life as the rings around the tunnel lit up. In a matter of seconds, the blue and green vortex appeared before them and swirled around the white light in the middle. Ratch then turned to the recruits and told them to begin their mission.
Ratchet: "Ground bridge activated. Whenever you're ready."
The three recruits nodded and turned to their guardians and teachers, saying their final farewells. Kaosu and Firewall were the first to leave as they stood in front of the portal that would take them to Optimus. But before Rodimus would leave, Arcee looked at him to tell him to be careful.
Arcee: "Watch yourself out there, Jack. You are entering dangerous territory from here on out."
Jack shrugged his shoulders and told her that it was all right.
Jack/Rodimus: "Hey, I've been through scrapes worse than this right? I mean, it's a simple rescue mission. How bad could it be?"
The two-wheeler giggled a little and thought his joke was a little cute. She then placed her servos on both his shoulders and eased his troubled processor.
Arcee: "Don't worry about anything, partner. You came up with this plan, and until Optimus is saved, you're in charge of this mission. Don't you dare give up on our leader. He needs you now more than ever."
The former teen nodded and knew this was important for him to save the last of the Primes.
Jack/Rodimus: "After what I did for you and the team recently, I will never give up."
The femme smiled, knowing that she had complete faith in him. But just to be safe, she placed her servos to his helm and tilted his head downward, to give him a quick kiss to the forehead. Jack was a little surprised by this, but let it all slide just like she kissed him on the cheek that night. But the others were a little silent and didn't know that the strict cyber ninja had such sympathy for the recruit. Miko though just snickered about it and started to wonder if the two had a thing going right now. Still though, they ignored that as Arcee let go of the kiss and smiled to her partner.
Arcee: "That's for luck. Now go. Optimus is waiting for you."
Jack was a little flushed by that kiss, not more so than the first, but it felt very comforting. Shaking his head to regain his composure, he looked at Arcee with kind optics and thanked her for that.
Jack/Rodimus: "Thanks for that, Arcee. Gonna need all the luck I can get."
With that said, Arcee let go of him as he walked away from her to join the other recruits. Once he got in front of Raf and Miko, he started to give out orders and said the very words Optimus always said.
Jack/Rodimus: "All right! Kaosu! Firewall! Let's get out there and save a Prime. Transform and roll out!"
Almost immediately, the three transformed into their vehicle modes and revved their engines. Jack's is a black and gray trim Hummer H2. Raf's alt mode is an orange brown Scion XB. And for Miko, her car is a McLaren MP4-12C with a purple paint job and pink flame decals on the sides, hood, and trunk. The group watched on as the recruits were prepared to leave. What none of them realized was that something, or two something's, were hiding close by the three and came out of the hiding spot, trying to not get noticed by anyone. These shadows then opened the back door of the Hummer quietly and sneaked into the car. With the door closed, the three recruits pressed on the gas and the tires started spinning, creating smoke out of the back ends. In a quick second, the three vehicles sped out of the base and into the vortex. As the three disappeared, Ratchet turned off the ground bridge lever and the portal closed up, leaving behind a dark tunnel. Ratchet then looked back at the bridge and sighed in worry.
Ratchet: "Well, they're in. Now all we have to do is wait…"
That scared June as she looked at the tunnel and was already missing her son.
June/Altra: "I hope you're right, Ratchet. Because I'm feeling concerned about my son going into enemy territory with his friends."
Arcee turned to the nurse and could tell that she was concerned about her son. She placed her servo on the femme's shoulder and comforted her.
Arcee: "Easy there June. Jack is a strong kid. I'm sure he will take care of himself."
Altra turned to the two-wheeler and smiled slightly, knowing that she was right on one occasion. Just as she felt a little comfortable, Isaac looked towards the direction where Sari and Sam went to and felt a little troubled about something. Smokescreen saw this too and asked about it.
Smokescreen: "Something wrong professor?"
Isaac looked up to the Elite Guard member and was a little unsure how to say it.
Professor Sumdac: "On no. It's nothing really. It's just that… Sari said that she was going to the bathroom right?"
Smoke nodded at that question.
Smokescreen: "Yeah, I heard her say that. Why?"
The professor then pointed to the hall and answered the Autobot's question.
Professor Sumdac: "Well, the restroom is in the hallway down there. Not to mention that she already went to the bathroom an hour ago."
Smokescreen heard of that and thought that it was a little strange. Though as he was trying to figure it out, his optics grew wide and looked at the bridge's tunnel. Sumdac realized it too and knew where Sari really was.
Professor Sumdac: "Oh dear…"
Arcee looked at the two and noticed them feeling a little shocked. Before she could even ask, the she remembered what Sari said and realized where she was really going. She turned to the tunnel as well and uttered a few words.
Arcee: "Oh no she didn't…"
Soon enough, everyone looked at the bridge and realized what the femme was thinking. That's when Ratchet said what they were thinking.
Ratchet: "Oh yes she did. That girl just pulled a Miko…"
As the mission started, Darkmount was quiet. There had been no word of the Autobots being spotted. But there were whispers about the latest weapon Shockwave presented to the Decepticon leader; that the weapon was a huge metallic-like dragon called Predaking. There was some wariness among the armada, but Megatron told them that the dragon had been taken to a secluded place and was being kept under watch. At least, that is, until the Autobots were found, and then the creature would be released. Meanwhile, in the lower levels underneath the fortress, two Vehicons were standing guard at the entranced of the prison cell where Optimus was held. The first Vehicon was a little quiet as he had something in his processor. Ever since he saw the Autobot leader severely wounded, he began questioning his loyalty to Megatron. So he turned to the second Vehicon and asked him something.
Vehicon 1: "Hey."
The second guard turned to him and wondered what he wanted.
Vehicon 2: "Yeah?"
Vehicon 1: "Do you ever wonder why we're here?"
The second Vehicon thought about that question and came up with a serious answer.
Vehicon 2: "It's one of life's great mysteries isn't it? Why are we here? I mean, are we a product of some cosmic coincidence, or is Primus really watching? You know, with a plan for us and stuff. I don't know man, but it keeps me up at night."
There was an awkward silence between the two as the first Vehicon was a little confused by what he was saying.
Vehicon 1: "What?! No! I mean why are we right here, on this planet?"
The second Vehicon realized what he said and tried to keep his cool.
Vehicon 2: "Oh. Uh… Yeah…"
Vehicon 1: "And what was all that stuff about Primus?"
Vehicon 2: "Uh… Nothing."
Vehicon 1: "You wanna talk about it?"
The guard turned away and decided to ignore that question.
Vehicon 2: "No."
Vehicon 1: "You sure?"
Vehicon 2: "Yeah."
The first guard sighed to himself and went back to the question at hand.
Vehicon 1: "Seriously though, why are we here? Megatron promised us that when this war was over, then we would return to Cybertron to revive it. Now he changes his mind and says that we are conquering this planet now. It's kind of baffling."
The other Vehicon grunted and explained his reason why they were here.
Vehicon 2: "Well, blame it all on the Prime. He was the one that destroyed the Omega Lock and our only hope of restoring our planet. It's his fault he doomed all Cybertronians scattered across the stars. And now, look at the last of the Primes, a prisoner in Darkmount getting tortured for his actions. He deserves to be punished, and you should know that."
The first Vehicon looked back at the cell door Optimus was in and sighed to himself.
Vehicon 1: "I know that, but still… You think our leader is taking this a little too far? Attacking this planet, declaring war against the native species, torturing the Prime to the point of termination. I mean, this is not the promise we wanted."
The second guard stared at him and found his behavior a little off.
Vehicon 2: "Are you questioning your loyalty to our leader?"
The first one turned back and tried to reword his thoughts.
Vehicon 1: "I'm not questioning my loyalty to him. I'm just concerned about his actions as of late. I mean, just think about it. Megatron's got the Omega Keys and the Omega Lock to restore Cybertron. It is something he promised us a long time ago. To end this war and return our planet back to its glory days. But now, he's changed his mind and decided to conquer this planet as well. It's not like him!"
Vehicon 2: "Well, desperate mechs do desperate things. And since the Prime destroyed the Omega Lock, we're stuck on this dust ball of a planet filled with weak organics. It's how it is."
Vehicon 1: "But surely the Prime had his reasons for destroying the only salvation we had left. I'm certain that he wanted Cybertron back to when it wasn't plagued with war and he didn't want this planet to get dragged into it. This is all wrong, even for Megatron! I think that maybe-"
Almost immediately, the second Vehicon turned fully to him and told him to shut up.
Vehicon 2: "You think? Man, don't think of what should've been done! We are now stuck on this rock because of the Prime's selfish and criminal actions. And if Megatron wants to make this planet our new home away from home, then so be it. This is our new life, accept it. Now, not another word from you and your suspicions of our leader's decisions or you'll be court-martialed by our gracious leader himself! It that clear?"
The first guard remained silent as he decided keep his thoughts to himself.
Vehicon 1: "Fine… Whatever you say, man."
So the two went back to their guarding positions and waited for something to happen.
Back inside the cell, Optimus was still shackled and groaning in agony as he was recovering from the last interrogation. Looking down to his side, he noticed a freshly made scar under his left breastplate where Megatron struck him with his sharp digits. It was the newest of the many scars that he received while being captive. Turning his head away, he sighed and looked back at the events that have unfolded. Being taken to the citadel, punished and tortured, interrogated about his team's whereabouts. And for what? Because he made a valiant choice to destroy the Omega Lock and save Earth. Had he not done this, Earth would have been terraformed into a new Cybertron and the human race would have been exterminated in the process. Even more so, he split his team up while he stayed behind to prevent the Decepticons from knowing their locations. He made the ultimate sacrifices in saving this planet, if only for a short time. But why is he still alive? Indeed, he used his special ability to create a protective dome just seconds before Omega One was destroyed, but he didn't have enough time to make it strong enough. Plus, Megatron would've had the chance to finish him off while he was at his most vulnerable. Yet he kept him alive, just to demand answers of his team's location. Even if the Autobots managed to regroup and move to their new base in Michigan, they wouldn't function well without their leader. Closing his optics, Optimus knew that it was all fruitless. No matter the destiny that was placed on him, the war was over. The Autobots have lost. Just then, he heard a voice that was very familiar to him.
"Optimus Prime…"
Slowly the Autobot leader opened his optics and turned to the left where the voice was located. Standing close to him was a robot that looked older in appearance, with a white metallic beard, and was glowing blue like that of a ghost. It was obvious that this robot was one of the thirteen original Primes and Optimus's own teacher.
Optimus Prime: "Alpha Trion…"
Alpha nodded and started to talk to his former student. Thankfully though, the room was sealed off from the rest of the fortress, or the guards would've heard something from the other side of the doors.
Alpha Trion: "Indeed it is I, Optimus. I came here to talk to you, though I might not have enough time. The power of Primus is limited and I cannot stay here for very long."
Optimus sighed and looked down, wondering why his teacher would come at such a time. Alpha though, saw his student feeling worried as he asked about his behavior.
Alpha Trion: "I sense doubt within your spark Optimus. Is something wrong?"
Opening his optics, Optimus explained what happened to him.
Optimus Prime: "Tell me something my teacher, did you foresee any of this? The Omega Lock being used as a weapon, the Decepticons creating this fortress, the destruction of our base, and the death of the species of this planet. Have you known this was bound to happen?"
Trion slumped his shoulders and sighed heavily, knowing that Optimus would come to that question.
Alpha Trion: "No, I have not. The magic of the Primus works in mysterious ways and some futures are undetermined. By the time we knew the true purpose of Megatron's intentions, it was all too late."
Optimus heard this and sighed in despair, being that the original Primes would've been unable to prevent any of this from happening. So he lowered his head some more and apologized.
Optimus Prime: "I'm sorry…"
The teacher looked at him oddly and wondered why he was apologizing.
Alpha Trion: "For what Orion?"
That's when he admitted to the crimes he had caused in front of him.
Optimus Prime: "For the actions I have done. I was the one that used the Star Saber sword to destroy the Omega Lock. And for that I have endangered the lives of every Cybertronian across the universe. I failed them. I failed you. I failed the Prime council. I even failed Primus himself. I hope that you can forgive me for the crime I committed."
There was an eerie calm from the original Prime as he understood what his student was going through. But he also knew that his actions did not lead to the consequences, as he told him that it wasn't his fault.
Alpha Trion: "Listen to me, Optimus. What happened on Cybertron wasn't your fault. You never knew what your enemy was really planning until it was too late, and there was no way of avoiding this unexpected event. But what you did on Cybertron was the boldest of decisions. If you hadn't acted on instinct and destroyed the Omega Lock, then Megatron would've won and terraformed the planet you're protecting, killing all those humans in the process. You saved many lives that day and for that the Primes are thankful."
The Autobot leader looked to his teacher and was a little surprised that the Primes were thankful for his actions. But that didn't change anything, as Optimus looked down in shame and continued with the conversation.
Optimus Prime: "Even if I saved this planet, I only delayed the inevitable. The Decepticons have now made permanent residence on this planet and have killed off the humans in that small town. They have now declared war on this planet. There's no stopping them now."
The Prime just stood there and knew that he was wrong.
Alpha Trion: "No Orion. You still have a destiny to face. You have to end this war that plagued our planet."
Optimus looked to him and asked him how he could do that.
Optimus Prime: "And how can I possibly do that when I'm trapped in this prison. It's too late now. The war is over. There is no hope…"
Alpha Trion: "There is always hope, Prime. That is why I came here. To deliver a message."
Optimus Prime: "And what message is that?"
Alpha Trion: "That a new prophecy has begun."
That got Optimus's attention as he looked toward his teacher and was curious about this new prophesy.
Optimus Prime: "A prophecy?"
Alpha Trion: "Indeed… A new Prime will be born on this planet. Not much is known about him, but when he comes, he will change the course of this war. Even as we speak, he is coming here to save you from your imprisonment. You, Optimus Prime, will be his mentor and you will train him in becoming a leader. Though he is young, he is very powerful."
Optimus was surprised by this unexpected news. A new Prime? Here? He never really thought that it would happen. Still though, he has no idea who this Prime is or what he looks like. So he asked Alpha Trion about it.
Optimus Prime: "This new Prime you spoke of. Who is he and does he know of this prophesy?"
There was a slight chuckle of the original Prime as he answered the confused leader while fading away.
Alpha Trion: "Oh Optimus, have you forgotten? You've already met the new Prime…"
The moment he disappeared, Optimus looked down and was in deep thought. There is a new Prime arriving to save him, yet he already met him. What did his teacher mean by those words? Still though, he smiled a little, realizing that there is yet hope as he uttered the words before going into a deep recharge.
Optimus Prime: "A new Prime will come."
Done with the fourth chapter. I'm pretty sure most of you know where I'm going with this episode. I just hope you don't spoil anything to other readers that would take a quick guess as to who this new Prime is. Anyways, this will be the last short chapter for today as the next one will be long and action packed. Trust me when I say this, you're going to be surprised in what I have in store on the next chapter. Please Review.