We begin with a Cybertronian newsreel showcasing Optimus Prime and his team escorting the captured Megatron, Shockwave, and Lugnut through the bustling streets of Iacon, greeted by a jubilant crowd of Autobots. Through narration and Sound Bite Interviews with Optimus, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Jazz, Arcee, and Bulkhead, we reintroduce our heroes not just to our audience but also to the wider Cybertronian populace.
In the quiet streets of Iacon, Optimus Prime stood tall, his demeanor as unassuming as ever, despite the weight of responsibility that came with bearing the Magnus Hammer, a symbol of the Autobot Supreme Commander, Ultra Magnus. Optimus offered a casual shrug, his voice steady as he spoke, "I haven't had the chance to return it to him."
Meanwhile, Bumblebee reveled in the admiration of the crowd, his vibrant energy palpable as he exclaimed, "And they all thought I'd never amount to anything in boot camp. In your faceplates, losers!" Ratchet, ever the grizzled medic, found solace in being back home, though his mood remained somewhat sour. Jazz, perpetually cool under pressure, maintained his composure without missing a beat.
Arcee, on the other hand, seemed slightly disoriented, her thoughts muddled by the millions of stellar cycles she had missed due to a memory core wipe. And amidst the bustling attention, Bulkhead found himself overwhelmed, a gentle giant amidst the jubilant throng.
Thanks to the relentless efforts of the bombastic mediabot, Uplink, Optimus Prime's crew has skyrocketed to overnight Cybertronian celebrities. Their journey from humble space bridge repair bots to planetary heroes is akin to a Cybertronian Cinderella story, captivating the press much like the Autobots' arrival on Earth once did for the Detroit media. The tale of their remarkable and improbable feat—the recovery of the Allspark, the long-lost wellspring of all Cybertronian life, along with a multitude of protoforms, those blank and sparkless liquid metal Cybertronian bodies pilfered by the Decepticons long ago—is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Autobot Council has entrusted the guardianship of the next generation of Autobots to their former protectors, the Cyber Ninja Corps, under the leadership of Sensei Dai Atlas, with Jazz among its members. However, Sentinel Prime, in his arrogance, publicly denounces the council's decision, questioning the wisdom of entrusting Cybertron's future to what he deems a bunch of superstitious individuals.
Uplink, the ever-observant media bot, highlights a couple of peculiarities within Optimus Prime's unconventional band of heroes. Firstly, their ship is none other than the formidable Autobot known as Omega Supreme, a legendary doomsday weapon believed to have been decommissioned and dismantled for spare parts following the Great Autobot Decepticon Wars.
Yet, as revealed through street interviews, there exists a palpable unease among the Autobots regarding Omega Supreme's presence, serving as a haunting reminder of their tumultuous history. Furthermore, among Optimus Prime's crew is the enigmatic techno-organic humanoid, Sari Sumdac. The mere presence of anything organic sends ripples of discomfort among the bots on the street, evoking a sense of deep-seated fear or, at the very least, profound unease.
Uplink hails Optimus Prime as the architect of the most significant Autobot triumph since the Great Autobot Decepticon Wars. He goes as far as to suggest that Optimus would excel as a Magnus, and the reactions from the bots on the street overwhelmingly favor Optimus as the successor to the gravely injured Ultra Magnus. However, in a brief Sound Bite Interview with Uplink, Sentinel Prime downplays his rival's potential for Magnus status and diminishes his recent accomplishments.
"I've had my fair share of encounters with 'cons myself," Sentinel declares to Uplink. "It's one thing to capture them, but it's quite another to ensure they stay captured."
Sentinel Prime boasts of his accomplishments, highlighting the brand new, state-of-the-art Trypticon prison located in the heart of what was once the Decepticon capital city of Kaon. Within its confines, Decepticon prisoners such as Megatron, Shockwave, Lugnut, Blitzwing, along with the sycophantic Starscream clones, are restrained, disarmed, and attended to by Minicons. These smaller, semi-sentient Autobots communicate through R2-D2-style beeps, buzzes, and flashing lights, ensuring the secure containment of the Decepticon threats.
Uplink raises doubts about the strategic wisdom of confining the Decepticons within their former capital city, but Sentinel dismisses such concerns with a scoff. "It's not just about defeating the enemy; you have to crush their spirit!" Sentinel asserts. "Sure, Optimus and his maintenance crew may have stumbled upon a stroke of luck, but we must remain vigilant, for the war is far from over." Sentinel proceeds to boast about the successes of his Elite Guard forces, claiming to have severed the remaining Decepticons' primary Energon supply. "A starving enemy is a weak enemy," Sentinel proudly declares, underscoring his belief in the importance of strategic superiority in wartime.
Uplink rebuts, suggesting that a starving enemy is also one with nothing left to lose. Sentinel meets the camera's gaze with a confident smile.
"Bring it on!" he declares boldly.
Yet, as with any conflict, casualties are inevitable. Uplink narrates the tale of a heroic sacrifice made by one of Optimus Prime's crew: the Cyber ninja, Prowl. The scene shifts to the Cyber Ninja Dojo, last seen in "Five Servos of Doom," where our heroes have gathered to honor their fallen comrade. Jazz takes the lead in the ceremony, paying homage to the courageous Prowl who met his end through selfless sacrifice.
"Prowl's shell may have been deactivated, but his spark continues to resonate among us, an enduring presence," Jazz declares solemnly. "His spark is intertwined with the very essence of the Allspark itself and his spark still grooves with us. Thanks to Prowl's sacrifice, a new generation of Autobots will emerge, shaping their destiny from the protoforms that once fell into Decepticon hands."
Amidst the solemn gathering, Arcee's optics linger on the rows of recovered protoforms, her thoughts drifting to her unfulfilled purpose. "In the meantime, I'm but a teaching unit with no young bots to teach," she murmurs with a hint of melancholy. Sari Sumdac, sensing Arcee's longing, turns to offer a gesture of companionship. "You could teach me," Sari suggests gently. "I have much to discover about my Cybertronian heritage."
Jazz, his tone reverent, recites the age-old mantra of transformation. "From protoform, this shell once sparked, and to protoform it shall return." With reverence, Prowl's lifeless form is lowered into the forge, where it melds into molten metal, reborn as a new protoform joining the ranks within the dojo's vault. As the ceremony concludes, Sentinel Prime makes a belated entrance, his attention scattered. "So, what have I missed?" he inquires casually.
"Everything," Optimus Prime responds, with a wry smile from Ratchet accompanying his words. Sentinel brushes off the significance of the ceremony, reminding them of his myriad responsibilities. "As usual." said Ratchet.
"I don't have time to commemorate every insignificant detail jockey that goes offline," he declares callously.
Unbeknownst to Sentinel, Uplink has captured every callous remark, prompting the Prime to swiftly shift into damage control mode. "That's why I make it a point to honor the memories of great Cybertronian heroes like Powwow," Sentinel attempts to amend his statement. Optimus corrects him gently, interjecting, "That's Prowl."
Perplexed, Sentinel queries, "What did I say?" Unaware of the implications, Sentinel pulls Optimus and Jazz aside, speaking in hushed tones beyond Uplink's audio sensors. "I get it. You bots are the greatest thing to hit Cybertron since cubed Energon, but some of us haven't forgotten about how some bots deserted my side." Sentinel murmurs pointedly.
Jazz's declaration echoed through the chamber, cutting through the tension like a sharp blade. "Then dig this!" he exclaimed, tearing off his Elite Guard insignia and presenting it to Sentinel Prime. "I'm Splitsville on the Elite Guard. From now on, I'm swinging a full-time cyber ninja gig." Sentinel's response simmered with barely contained anger. "Fine," he replied through gritted dentae. "As long as we're returning things, how about handing over the Magnus Hammer to its rightful owner?"
Optimus, ever the voice of reason, interjected calmly, assuring Sentinel of their intentions. "We were just planning to return the Magnus Hammer to Ultra Magnus," he explained.
Sentinel extended his hand expectantly, but Optimus, with a resolute gaze, turned away, clutching the hammer firmly. "I'm on my way to see Ultra Magnus immediately," he stated firmly, striding purposefully from the room, leaving Sentinel to simmer in frustration.
At Cybertron's Central Infirmary...
In the hushed corridors of Cybertron's Central Infirmary, Optimus solemnly returned the Magnus Hammer to Ultra Magnus, who lay tethered to spark support equipment. Flanked by Council Elders Alpha Trion and Perceptor, the fallen leader's form appeared frail yet resolute.
As Optimus placed the ancient artifact into Ultra Magnus's grasp, a surge of sparking energy coursed through the hammer, momentarily rousing the mortally injured warrior into a brief moment of clarity. Sensing the urgency of the situation, Ultra Magnus insisted on an immediate council meeting.
Optimus offered to summon Sentinel Prime, but Ultra Magnus waved off the suggestion, his voice firm with resolve. The time had come to name a permanent successor, he declared. While Sentinel's Elite Guard experience was undeniable, the council needed to weigh other factors as well. In the solemn atmosphere of Cybertron's Central Infirmary, Ultra Magnus's voice resonated with authority as he addressed Optimus Prime.
"We need a leader who can inspire all Cybertronians and guide us into the future," he declared. "Optimus Prime, I once told you that being a hero wasn't in your programming. I have never been so pleased to be wrong. Recent events have proven you don't need to try to be a hero. You are a hero. A hero that I would be proud to name as my successor."
With a gesture of reverence, Ultra Magnus handed the Magnus Hammer back to Optimus, insisting that he keep it. Taken aback by the unexpected gesture, Optimus found himself at a loss for words. Despite the accolades bestowed upon him, he still saw himself as just a bot doing his job.
Ultra Magnus's smile conveyed understanding as he remarked, "Humility. Something that would be refreshing to see in a Magnus."
"But, I'm not ready," Optimus protested, his uncertainty palpable.
"You're ready...to be my successor. I know you can do it," Ultra Magnus assured him with unwavering confidence.
Optimus's doubts persisted. "But what about Sentinel?"
Ultra Magnus's expression grew solemn. "I've come to realize that he is unfit to be my successor. You, Optimus, you were destined for greatness. From the day you were an infant sparkling, I vowed that I would honor your mother's legacy, by raising you as my ward and as my inheritor."
Optimus's optics widened in disbelief. "My mother? I have a mother?"
Ultra Magnus's tone softened as he began to unravel the secrets of Optimus's past. "You had a mother. Her name was Aquila Theta. She was a Prime known by the Autobot Elders as Thetas Prime. She was a legendary fembot who fought the forces of Unicron alongside your father, Solarguard, the knight of Cybertron. Your mother and father wanted to keep you safe when the Quintessons invaded our planet stellar cycles ago. You were an infant when your mother used the Matrix of Leadership to save Cybertron from the Quintessons. Your parents sacrificed themselves heroically and became one with the Allspark. That Allspark Matrix you wore around your neck. It reminded me of the Matrix of Leadership itself." The revelation of his lineage stirred a torrent of emotions within him.
"The Matrix of Leadership?" he echoed in astonishment.
"Alpha Trion will explain everything," Ultra Magnus assured him. "Your mother was a great heroine and she and your father died with honor. I took you in and I made a vow that one day, when you were old enough and worthy enough to be my successor, I would bestow the Matrix of Leadership onto you. You will be more than a Magnus. You will be a Herald of Primus himself."
"I don't understand. Why are you telling me this? Why didn't you tell me that I had a mother and a father?! If you knew that I was special, then why didn't you..." Optimus's voice trailed off, filled with a mixture of confusion and frustration.
"I wanted to test you to see if you were worthy to become my successor and to see if you were worthy to wear the Matrix of Leadership which belonged to your mother, Thetas Prime," Ultra Magnus explained solemnly. "Optimus Prime? Promise me one thing."
"Yes?" Optimus responded, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Promise me that you will lead Cybertron towards a new Golden Age. Promise me that you will keep our people safe. Promise me...that you will be the true Autobot leader that Cybertron needs. You are your mother's son, Optimus. You are the son of Solarguard and Thetas Prime, you are the chosen one, and you will carry the legacy of the Thirteen Original Primes."
As Ultra Magnus's optics flickered, his form slipping back into the depths of slumber to replenish his energies, Optimus Prime's voice cut through the stillness of the infirmary.
"Ultra Magnus? Alpha Trion, is he...?" Optimus inquired, his concern palpable.
"He's not offline yet. He's still recovering from his injuries. Let him rest," Alpha Trion replied solemnly, his gaze fixed upon the fallen leader.
Optimus's voice trembled with uncertainty as he grappled with the weight of recent revelations. "He...he chose me to become his successor. And he said that I had a mother and a father. Why didn't anyone tell me? That I had parents?! I'm not ready to become a Magnus."
Alpha Trion approached Optimus, his expression filled with paternal warmth. "Optimus. We knew that this day would come. Ultra Magnus and I...we wanted to wait until you were old enough to learn about your parents and your purpose. We've waited so long to tell you the truth."
"But why didn't you tell me?! Why?" Optimus's voice cracked with emotion, his optics searching Alpha Trion's face for answers.
"Optimus, listen. Your mother was a great heroine. She served the Thirteen Original Primes and Primus himself before she became one with the Allspark, and your father was a brave Cybertronian knight," Alpha Trion explained gently, his voice carrying the weight of millennia-old wisdom.
"The Thirteen Original Primes?" Optimus questioned, his curiosity piqued.
"They were the original Primes whose ranks were much higher than a Magnus," Alpha Trion elaborated, his tone tinged with reverence.
"But I thought that Primes are below the rank of Magnus," Optimus interjected, seeking clarity.
"The Thirteen were no ordinary Primes. They were the Primes of our creator, Primus, and our life-giver, the Allspark," Alpha Trion clarified, his words resonating with ancient significance.
In the dimly lit confines of Cybertron's Central Infirmary, Optimus Prime stood before Alpha Trion and Perceptor, his expression etched with uncertainty.
"I'm not ready to be Magnus," he insisted, his voice tinged with apprehension.
Alpha Trion regarded Optimus with a steady gaze, his wise optics reflecting understanding. "Optimus, you may have the Magnus Hammer, but that does not make you Magnus," he reassured. "You are a true Prime, like your mother before you. The council will ultimately decide, but the will of the Autobots will carry great weight in that decision."
As Optimus absorbed Alpha Trion's words, a shadow loomed in the corridor outside the infirmary. Sentinel Prime, having listened in on the conversation, seethed with anger at Ultra Magnus's decision to pass the mantle of leadership to Optimus.
"Not if I have anything to do with it," he muttered ominously, his optics flashing with determination.
With a purposeful stride, Sentinel Prime left the infirmary, his mind already concocting plans to thwart Optimus's ascension to leadership. But unbeknownst to him, the gears of fate had already been set in motion, and the true test of leadership lay ahead for Optimus Prime.
Later that day, The sleek form of an Autobot spaceship descended through the vast expanse of space, its hull shimmering with the familiar hues of purple and gold. Within the cockpit sat Zeta Maxus, a seasoned veteran of the Elite Guard, who had been absent from Cybertron for several eons. Now, he returned to his homeworld, his metallic frame pulsing with anticipation as he prepared to reunite with old comrades.
"Computer, contact Sentinel Prime," Zeta Maxus instructed, his voice resonating with authority.
"Affirmative. Contacting Sentinel Prime initiated," the ship's computer replied dutifully.
Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Iacon, Sentinel Prime stewed in frustration, his optics ablaze with anger at the recent turn of events regarding Ultra Magnus's successor. As he brooded over the state of affairs, a notification on the Autobots' main computer interrupted his thoughts.
"Hello? Who is this?" Sentinel Prime answered the call, his tone brimming with curiosity.
"Sentinel Prime. This is your old friend, Zeta Maxus speaking," came the reply, sending a jolt of surprise through Sentinel's circuits.
"Zeta? Is that you?!" Sentinel exclaimed, his disbelief evident.
"Yes, it's me. I have come back from my interstellar travels to return to Cybertron. Where is Ultra Magnus? I have tried to contact him to let him know that I'm on my way back home, but he wouldn't answer my calls," Zeta explained, his voice tinged with concern.
Unwilling to dampen Zeta's homecoming with grim news, Sentinel hesitated before delivering the troubling truth. "Uhh...I hate to be the bearer of bad news but...Ultra Magnus is gravely injured and hospitalized," he revealed reluctantly. "He's chosen Optimus Prime to be his successor. But the Autobot Council has yet to decide if he should be the new Magnus or if I should be the one to succeed Ultra Magnus."
Zeta Maxus's silence spoke volumes as he processed the unexpected turn of events. "I see. Who or what nearly killed our Supreme Commander?" he inquired, his voice betraying a hint of concern.
"It's kind of a long story. But still, it's great to see you again. Should I let everyone on Cybertron know that you're coming home?" Sentinel offered, eager to shift the conversation to a more positive note.
"Yes, Sentinel," Zeta Maxus replied, his voice filled with determination. With that, the stage was set for Zeta Maxus's long-awaited return to Cybertron, and the fate of the Autobots hung in the balance as old alliances were rekindled and new challenges awaited.
