(Please see all previous disclaimers)
After some time and a long trek back up through the multiple layers of the giant planet, Optimus and the rest of the Autobots soon return to the ship that had come to this world on. Optimus was concerned as he could not find his older brother anywhere. Fear started to rise in the Prime until Lancex merely appeared, having used his flash step ability. Optimus was relieved for at least Lancex hadn't completely abandoned Optimus once again. Lancex smiled when he saw his brother and the other Autobots, as he knew it meant that they had been successful.
But now that they had the last key that they needed, there was a new problem – getting back to the usual universe to given the fourth key back to Primus. The Auotbots wracked their processors trying to figure out a way, but only one had an idea that would work. Unfortunately, that idea would be very costly. Vector Prime offered opt turn back time to reopen the warp and then allow them safe passage, but in order to do,it would cost him everything. Seeing no other choice, Optimus and the rest of the Autobots, which now included Metroplex and his mates, boarded and headed out.
They soon safely returned to their usual universe, but the strange trip had cost Vector Prime everything. They were all saddened to lose the bot, but each knew that Vector Prime would want them to complete their mission, as he would be watching out for them from beyond the veil of time. Optimus and the others made a course to head for Primus. They just hoped that their visit to the giant planet and it's universe had been for a good reason, or else all would be for naught.
Meanwhile, as they made their way back to Primus, two different sets of bots were wondering just how soon they would hopefully be able to pursue the bots they sought. And while Scourge and Evac still had to convince Optimus to give his blessing, Landmine and Jetfire were just biding their time, knowing that once the opportunity presented itself, they already had the blessing to pursue Optimus. For now, though, they would concentrate on the mission at hand, for if that failed, nothing else would matter, including their feelings for their desired and hoped for mates.