—-IIn the Jasper base… half an hour after the events of chapter 5…

—-

The leader of the Autobots patiently and calmly waited and waited. And waited.

And waited.

And waited for his team to simmer down after asking a plethora of questions. Some he knew the answer to. Most of which he did not. But it all had a singular root. A subject matter that connects all of them. No matter how different each question is, it all had something to do with the only femme Prime to ever grace the universe.

How on earth is Solus Prime here on earth? How is she alive? And why was she fighting against the Decepticons when they found her. What does this mean to the war? To the Team?

Will she become an Autobot now that the 'Cons made an enemy out of her?

That last one was a question no one spoke out loud. Except for Miko who was about to ask that had it not been for Jack's timely intervention. The reason why Team Prime didn't bother to ask that question to Optimus was because of the fear that Solus might not be sympathetic to their cause. After all, the Primes that succeeded the Original Thirteen didn't do a stellar job in keeping Cybertron in pristine shape.

If Optimus, the last of these successors, couldn't save Solus' creator and father. How different was he from the failures that were Sentinel and the so-called High Council in her optics?

While Team Prime had every right to worry whether or not an extremely powerful being that belonged in the annals of legends and myth - who somehow was alive and kicking Decepticon rears - would become one of them. Their leader, however, did not spend a second doubting the stance his fellow Prime had taken. He was convinced the moment he saw her, she would side with him. No matter the cost.

Because they were siblings. And if Optimus was right. In human terms, that meant she would back him up in the same way he had done for her all those millenia ago.

A strange silence enveloped the room. No one had anything left to ask. No one had anything left to say. The rest of Team Prime simply basked in the realisation that, if things went right. The scales of war would tip massively in their favour. And that alone was enough to give them a newfound fire of hope. Hope that they can end this war. Hope that they can win.

Hope that they can go home and rebuild their long dead planet.

"Ratchet to Optimus. Do you read me?" Everyone looked to where the main console was and rushed as quickly as they could to answer the call. The senior and only medic of the group was with Solus at the moment. The two of them were in the medbay. With the former conducting medical tests as well as secretly verifying the identity of the Prime. The latter meanwhile was aware of these tests and simply allowed it. Because if Optimus trusted this medic, why can't she?

"I am here, Old Friend. How is our guest? Are there any injuries?" Optimus asked as neutral as possible. Sure, he let some worry and concern flow through his voice. But it was the normal amount. The kind everyone would expect from him. He was supposed to be impartial to everyone. And as much as it stung a bit in his spark, Optimus had to treat Solus like he just met her for the first time. (actually, that wouldn't be far off from the truth, but I digress)

Besides, how could he even begin to explain that he was secretly the reincarnation of the Thirteenth Prime - the 'youngest' brother of all the Primes? And that he knew Solus in a personal and intimate way due to the fact that they were - are - siblings? And how could he do that without breaking the processors and trust of his Autobots? Exactly. He can't. At least, not in the way that could satisfy both parties. Optimus could only hope that at this moment, Solus is quick to understand what he's trying to do here.

"I am alright, Optimus Prime. Your medic here has quite the talent. He has caused me no harm and is professional throughout his tests. Verily, I say unto him that he possesses a most admirable trait." Solus replied instead of Ratchet. Her genuine respect for the mech shining through her words like the rays of the summer sun.

She caught the hint her brother was trying to tell her. He would've called her 'Solus' instead of 'guest' in normal circumstances. But this time, it felt like he needed to call her his guest in front of his men. A strange detail she could not help but store in the back of her processor for later. Solus would get her answers, no doubt. But not now.

Meanwhile, Like what Optimus had done, the medic allowed the call to be in what the humans call 'loudspeaker mode'. There was no harm in letting everyone hear from their newest Cybertronian. Especially when that Cybertroanian was none other than Solus Prime. That provided the unintended consequence of showing the other Autobots and humans a first time glimpse of what a flustered Ratchet looked like.

"I-uh-uhm. Ahem. I thank you for the compliment Lady Solus. However, I am simply a medic of average renown. I am nothing special. Simply doing my job. That's all." Ratchet said. His optics wander about as he struggles to create a cohesive reply.

"Looks like Ratchet's got his due credit. From Solus Prime nonetheless." Arcee lightheartedly teased. Which caused the others to chuckle and the medic to become even more flushed. After a deep breath to gather his bearings, Ratchet returned to the matter at hand.

"Anyways. I have concluded that she bears no injuries and that she is as fit as she could be." Ratchet then looked towards the Prime sitting on the medtable near him and then said.

"You are free to go now." the medic then opened the doors that lead out of the medbay and into the hallway.

"Thank you. I suppose you will accompany me now to where my… successor and his team are?" Solus asked as she walked towards the door. Subtly avoiding calling Optimus anything that might imply that they knew each other. The leader of the Autobots better have a reason for all this.

"Yes, of course! I'll simply tell Optimus we will be there shortly." Ratchet said as he operated his monitor.

"We heard you loud and clear, Ratch. We'll be waiting for you here. Optimus went to the relic storage room to pick up the Forge, if you were looking for him." Arcee said in the other line.

"Well then, I'll turn off the commlink now. I'll see you soon." Ratchet said as he turned off his monitor.

—-

"There you are. I was starting to think that I might get lost in this base of yours."

Optimus' hand froze just inches away from the Forge's handle. His optics widened in mild surprise. But that surprise changed into exasperation as he turned around to address the owner of the voice. He expected that Solus would follow Ratchet to the main room where the rest of the crew and the humans were. Instead, she went to where he was. He already knew how she found him but he could not help but frown at the suddenness of her appearance.

"I see that our spark connection is still strong after countless millennia." Solus remarked as she looked down at the general direction of her spark chamber. Attempting to break the ice between them and open a conversation with the Autobot leader.

"A small blessing compared to what I have witnessed today." Optimus acquiesced as he turned around towards the Forge and lifted it up with relative ease. He then turned back to Solus and offered the hammer to her.

"I believe this belongs to you." Optimus said. The reply he got was a brief smile as Solus took the hammer out of his servos.

"Thank you." Solus said. She then looked straight at Optimus' optics and then downwards. Scanning his new - and strangely diminished - frame. It was not as powerful as his first body. But it is adequately built to be stronger than most bots. The most significant thing she noticed was the Autobot insignia on his shoulders and the red and blue paint. Quite the change from silver, she thought.

"You're shorter than I remember." Solus remarked. Optimus was easily a head's worth taller than her back then. Now, they are looking eye to eye. So why is his height different? Better yet, why was his entire frame different? Did something happen to him that caused him to change forms?

"You have not changed in the slightest as well." Optimus replied briefly. They were still standing inside the relic storage room for who knows how long. The others might be worried for them. He silently pinged Ratchet that he and Solus were conversing in a private manner and that it might take a while to finish. Hopefully, things wrap up quickly.

"You and I know that is not what I meant. Your entire being has become… lesser. You are weaker as well." Solus said. If there was one thing the lady Prime would be known for. It was her unabashedly frank way of speaking. Sometimes called out as arrogance by others. But to Optimus, she was simply being herself.

"Many things have happened while you were gone. I cannot tell you now. All I ask is patience, Solus." Optimus said. Subtly hinting that it would be best that they leave the room and go to the main area now.

"I understand. I have been gone for so long that the explanation would take so long, it seems. But answer me this. What were you trying to do when you called me your guest earlier? I heard the shift in your tone. It was minute, but there. What did you mean by that?" Solus asked. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Optimus meanwhile, knew that this is the one thing he cannot set aside. He decided that the simplest answer would be best for this moment. At least, he hoped. Solus was very much known for being quick to temper. His memories of her proved that much.

"I am no longer one of the Thirteen, Solus. I was once a data clerk under Alpha Trion named Orion Pax before I was given the Matrix by Primus himself. I chose to be reborn from the Well of Sparks not long after your death and Liege Maximo's disappearance. I decided that I wanted to become one with the children of Primus as equals. Not merely a revered figurehead that everyone worships. I wish to hide my identity as the Thirteenth Prime reincarnated. Because I fear that the Autobots under my command would look to me more as a distant legendary figure rather than a trusted comrade. A friend. " Optimus explained.

Solus was shocked. She knew that Optimus was humble, but to go so far as to wanting to abandon who he was in an attempt to be equal with his brethren! That was an insult to her. That meant that he was disregarding his heritage as the Son of Primus and brother to the Thirteen. Why would he throw that all away in exchange for living a second life? And also,

"Liege is dead? Alpha Trion lives? What happened to the others? What about Megatronus?" Solus asked. She cringed at the mention of the Fallen Prime who shot her with the very weapon she built for him. Optimus meanwhile flinched at the mention of that name. The memories of the day of Solus' death were going through his processors all of a sudden. It wasn't a pretty thing to remember for the two Primes.

"That. Is a story I cannot tell you at the moment. There are more pressing matters at hand. The others are waiting for us in the main area. They all know of you from Cybertronian lore and history. But none of them are aware of the connection between the two of us. I ask that you keep it a secret until I can find the most opportune moment to tell them." Optimus requested as he went out of the relic storage room.

Solus followed suit. Although she was clearly unhappy at the lack of explanation from her brother, she knew that Optimus was definitely unprepared for that right now. It's the only reason to explain his request to set that catching up aside for the future. She had to be patient with him. Which was fine, all things considered. Optimus always delivered with his promises after all.

—-

"WOAH! I WAS RIGHT! SHE IS SUPER HUGE!"

Optimus slightly winced as the two Primes entered the main area. The other Autobots visibly reacted as their audio receptors felt like they had been struck by a sonic blast from Soundwave. Solus was most affected of them all. The quietness of the base amplified the effect of the screeching voice of Miko. Who dragged Jack and Raf with her as she ran towards the towering femme.

"So these one of the 'natives' Megatron spoke of. They are… unusually loud." Solus remarked as she knelt down to take a closer look at the humans.

"Please, don't lump me into the same group as her. She's her own kind." Jack bemoaned as he grimaced at the chuckles of Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee who were standing near the main console.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Solus Prime. My name is Raf. The loud girl beside me is Miko. While the other guy beside her is Jack." Raf greeted.

"The pleasure is mine. I believe Optimus has told you much about who I am. Correct?" Solus then looked towards the Autobot leader who nodded in affirmation.

"Yeah, yeah. We talked about you and your history blah blah blah. But nevermind that. You met Megatron?! Did you fight him to the death? Did you win?" Miko exclaimed. The rest inside the room were exasperated with the girl's boisterousness. However, they commended her inside their heads. She asked the question everyone wanted to know.

"Hahahhaha… you are a strange one, I will give you that." Solus chuckled. "And to answer your question. Yes I fought him. He and his band of scoundrels. Though I should give them the credit of saving my spark all those weeks ago." Solus said. Casually dropping a bombshell like it was nothing.

"The 'Cons… saved you?" Bulkhead blurted. He was standing in the middle of Arcee and Bee when all three froze when the attention of the legendary figure was shifted towards them.

"Yes, they have. They claimed to have found me in my coffin underneath a mountain. They healed me and found a way to resuscitate my spark from near extinction. Pardon me, I haven't asked your names." Solus stood straight and walked towards the Autobot trio. Cautiously avoiding stepping on the humans as she walked.

"These are my Autobots currently under my command, Solus Prime. The blue femme is Arcee, second in command." Optimus said.

"It's an honour to meet you, my Lady." Arcee saluted. A small smile crossed the lips of the Prime as she looked down at her fellow femme. They are going to get along, it seemed.

"Please. I urge you to not call me with that title. For I am no one's Lady. However," cue the knowing look Solus gave to Optimus who frowned inside his mask in understanding. "I am willing to let you call me that. Only if it is born from a genuine respect for me and not to please me." She finally said.

"Wouldn't dream of sucking up to anyone, my Lady. You hold a special place in my spark. Like all femmes out there. You inspired me to be the fighter I am today." Arcee replied. She was still in salute at this moment.

"Then I am proud to call you my daughter." Solus said with a smile. Technically, Solus was the mother of all femmes. She was the framework all femmes were worked on after all. The Prime then raised her servo as if to command Arcee to drop the salute after she spoke. She then offered said hand in a means of meaning.

"Thank you." Arcee said as she shook Solus' servo. She secretly winced at the strength of the grip but kept a straight face throughout. Solus Prime was easily the strongest femme she had the pleasure to meet.

"Solus Prime. The green mech beside Arcee is none other than Bulkhead. A member of the commando squadron known as the Wreckers." Optimus said as he placed a hand on the female Prime's shoulder. She looked straight at the optics of the Wrecker. He couldn't help but chuckle nervously before starting his introduction.

"Hahahaha… It's good to meet you formally, Lady Prime. As for the Wreckers. We always go for the most difficult missions and always come back with our enemies in shambles. Really fits into our motto: 'Wreckers don't call for backup. They call for cleanup!'" He exclaimed in enthusiasm. Miko shouted in agreement in the background.

"I do not doubt that in the slightest. I have seen your prowess firsthand when you fought Airachnid and Soundwave on your own. It is an honour to meet a being of your calibre." Solus then brought forth her servo towards Bulkhead. Who gracelessly clung to it and squeezed. Hard. Fortunately, Solus was made of sterner stuff and shook his servo like a champ.

"The yellow scout beside Bulkhead is Bumblebee. His voice chip was damaged by Megatron's harsh interrogation during his captivity in Tyger Pax." Optimus briefly explained. Consciously stopping the mech and femme before one of their servos needs fixing.

"Oh? Yes, I know him. I fell on top of him when I attempted to defeat Megatron by taking a hold of his wings as he flew. Megatron twisted about in the air and caused me to lose my grip. Next thing I knew, I fell on him. How are you now?" Solus said as she shifted herself to face the scout.

"I'm -uh. I'm alright. Ratchet gave the good old patdown and scanned me for injuries. Nothing that couldn't be fixed." Bumblebee replied in beeps and whirs.

"That is good." Solus said as she frowned in dismay. Her gaze was directed at the general area where Bee's voice box is as she frowned. Something the Bee and the others noticed.

"Something wrong?" Bumblebee asked. His head tilted slightly to the right as he asked.

"No, not at all. I am simply ashamed that I cannot do anything to aid your lack of proper speech. The Forge can only create inanimate objects and enhance the powers of the Prime wielding it. This hammer of mind can only heal a Prime's wounds. Not a being such as yourself." Solus answered. Causing something inside Bumblebee to die inside. If even the freaking Solus Prime said she can't fix his voice. What can?

"Take heart, Bumblebee. We can not lose hope. We will find a cure for your voice. One way, or another." Optimus encouraged as he placed a hand on the scout's shoulder.

"Always the comforter…" Solus thought as she smiled at Optimus. Even in a different life, he was still the same.

"Okay, greetings over!" Miko, who was sitting on the couch waiting for the introductions to finish, shouted to the Autobots. All of whom turned towards the human in curiosity. What does she want to do now? They all thought.

"Now's the part where Solus gets an alt mode. Oh wait! Is she a flyer like Megatron? Or is she gonna be a big truck like Optimus? Bah, who cares. I wanna see her transform!" Miko exclaimed. However, the reply she got was something she never expected.

"Solus does not have a T-Cog to transform herself into a vehicle." Optimus said. Which caused Arcee and Ratchet to look at their leader curiously and then at the female Prime beside him. How did Optimus know that? Did she reveal it to him beforehand? Didn't seem like it when Solus looked at him incredulously.

"Optimus, you fool… you didn't have to say that." Solus thought as her mentally face palmed. Here he was, blatantly blowing the cover he asked her to maintain. It was a miracle that the other Autobots didn't see through his words.

"...What? Since when does a Bot not have a T-Cog." Miko could only ask confusedly.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that." Bumblebee beeped as he crossed his arms. The memories of his time with MECH souring his mood.