Ch. 15

"I can't wait for you to see Iacon," Miara said as she slid from Optimus's hand onto the floor. Beside her, the three humans followed suit, looking a little more comfortable at being ferried to and from higher places in an Autobot's hand.

"I can't wait to see it." Bud frowned slightly. "Pity the only camera we have is attached to our ship."

"If you need pictures, we can send them to you no problem," Bumblebee assured him. "We're going to send them to NASA anyway, right, Optimus?"

"Indeed. And in return, they will provide us with visual depictions of Earth."

"Will we get to see your homes?" Miara asked, trotting beside Bud on all fours as the group headed out of the room.

"Uh, well, my friends and I live at NASA headquarters now, but if you'd like, I can send you some pictures of where I grew up."

"Please! I'd love to see it." Miara smiled up at the astronaut. "You said you came from a place called Nebraska, right?"

"Yes. It's a state in the middle of the country. Not a very exciting place, but my neighborhood was quite pleasant, all things considered."

"Do you miss it?"

"Sometimes. I've been back to visit and the place has barely changed. I'm actually kind of happy about that; the familiarity is nice. Although," Bud paused as the group passed by a window overlooking Iacon. "I've always wanted to see big cities and yours puts even New York to shame."

"New York?" Miara tilted her head. "Is that your capitol city?"

"No, that would be Washington D.C.," Lenny replied. "But when most people think of America, New York City is one of the first places that comes to mind."

"And each of your countries has a capital, right?" Miara asked. "How many are there?"

"A lot. And there are still parts of Earth we haven't discovered yet."

"There are parts of Cybertron that remain a mystery to us as well," Optimus said as he led the three humans farther down the hallway. "One day, I would like to learn more about our home, but for now, we must focus on the situation at hand. Iacon is the only major city that can stand against the Decepticons' attacks, as well as providing shelter and energon for any refugees."

"Refugees?"

"Some bots live farther away from Iacon and struggle to find energon," Miara answered. "If they didn't come here, they'd be in danger of attacked by the Decepticons and having whatever energon they did find taken."

"But if there are more people in Iacon, don't you have enough men to wipe out the Decepticons for good?"

"Not every bot on Cybertron has joined the cause," Bumblebee replied. "Some prefer to stay neutral and just live the best lives they can."

"Which, unfortunately, is getting harder these days," Optimus said. "If a bot chooses not to officially align themselves with the Decepticons, Megatron automatically views them as an Autobot and thus, an enemy."

"Thankfully, we've managed to house those in need of help," Miara said proudly. "And we can still shelter more bots if we need to, right, Optimus?"

"Iacon is open to all, so long as they mean no harm to the citizens of Cybertron."

"Which, unfortunately, the Decepticons do," Bumblebee said before adding with a chuckle,

"Unless they're headed for Maccadam's Old Oil House."

"I thought you said Decepticons wouldn't get past Iacon's gates," Lenny protested.

"No Decepticon soldiers," Optimus clarified. "Just as there are Autobot civilians in Iacon, there are bots who align themselves with Decepticon views, but do not desire to formally serve Megatron."

"So there are Decepticons who aren't all bad?"

"Indeed there are." Optimus's voice was heavy and he paused as the group reached the front doors of the Great Dome. Miara followed Optimus's glance to a good distance away, where a massive bridge stood gleaming in the sunlight. The little Teron gently nuzzled her head against the top of the Prime's ped in sympathy. Optimus snapped out of his thoughts, giving his sparkling a fond look before addressing the group once more.

"Right, Miara and Bud, you're with me. Lenny and Chad, you're going with Bumblebee."

"What do you-"

Miara covered her mouth to suppress her laughter as both Optimus and Bumblebee shifted into their alt forms. In the space of a few astroseconds, there stood a massive red transporter and a smaller yellow commercial vehicle where the two Autobots had been standing.

"C'mon!" Miara jumped into Optimus's cab, giggling as she felt the metal of the door bend to help her up. "This way, Bud!"

"You... you..."

"Pretty amazing, huh?" Bumblebee laughed as he swung his own front door open. "C'mon in; we don't bite!"

"But... how...?" Had Lenny's jaw stretched any farther, it would have been on the floor.

"The ability to transform is one every Cybtertronian possesses," Optimus explained. "It is a method of camouflage inherit to our species. Every bot selects an alternate vehicle form suitable to their body size. We can select different alternate modes of transport depending on our environment so long as our mass can accommodate it."

"I see," Bud said as he approached Optimus's open door. "So if you were to end up on, say, Earth, you would select an alt form that would blend in with our vehicles."

"Exactly."

"Oh boy, the president's gonna have a field day with this," Lenny muttered. Miara watched as he and Chad climbed into Bumblebee's interior and then scooted over to make room for Bud. Optimus's door shut as the astronaut settled in next to the Teron.

"Everyone ready?"

"Ready here, Optimus." Bumblebee's voice came in clearly through Optimus's radio.

"Hey, this isn't uncomfortable for you guys, right?" Chad asked.

"Why would it be?" Bumblebee asked.

"Uh, well, we're inside you."

"We are accustomed to carrying our friends, if needs be," Optimus answered in an amused tone. "And believe me, you're a lot lighter than an average bot. Now then." Optimus's engine roared to life. "Let's roll."

Side by side, the two Autobots drove away from the Great Dome and onto the streets of Iacon. As usual for an average day in the city, there were a good many Cybertronians hard at work, but Miara noted there seemed to be a greater sense of urgency in everyone's stride as the walked to and from the various buildings.

"Whoa." Miara turned to see Bud looking behind them. "Is that where we came from?" The astronaut's eyes were fixed on the massive curved structure settled in the city like a great orange moon hovering over the street. Even as Optimus and Bumblebee continued on their course away from the building, they seemed to put no distance between it and them.

"The Great Dome," Optimus clarified. "It serves not just as the Autobot military base, but as the home for most of Iacon's citizens. Thousand of bots have found refuge there and many more will likely come to us in time."

"And those are the Celestial Spires." Miara pointed at three spear-like buildings just visible though the textured surface of the Great Dome. "Before the war, that's where the Council of Elders met."

"Council of Elders? Oh, you mentioned wanting a new Senate, right, Optimus?"

"Yes." Optimus's voice grew heavy. "Our Council was part of the Autobot Elders who made up the Senate and for a time, they were the ruling body of Iacon."

"I'm guessing that didn't last," Lenny asked, his voice wary through the radio.

"Not once the war started," Bumblebee answered. "When Megatron began his attacks and the Decepticons showed how dangerous they were, the Council handed over control of Iacon to Prime and he's been our leader ever since."

"And because you hold the Matrix of Leadership, you're in charge of all of Cybertron," Miara added, nestling against her seat. As she did, Bud could have sworn he saw the material shift and stroke through Miara's fur.

"There's a bit more to the story, but yes, that is the general idea." Optimus's amused chuckle faded as he added,

"Believe me, being granted the Matrix of Leadership was an honor I never expected and one I never asked for. A heavy destiny to be sure, but it has granted me so much. I just hope I can give some of that back to my home and my people."

"You already do."

"Miara's right, Prime; I don't know where we'd be without you."

"Thank you, Bumblebee and you too, Miara. But don't sell yourselves short; you have both played a part in the history of Cybertron, as have all the Autobots. And the same goes to our human friends."

"Us? What did we do?" Chad asked.

"You have introduced us to the human race and the planet Earth, proving we have allies and friends among the stars. In times of war, the offer of friendship is just as precious a resource as energon."

"Yes, well, it's quite a relief to meet beings from a different planet who aren't planning on eating us," Lenny said. "I doubt the Vermicious Knids could do anything against you."

"Which is why I'm glad your president took me up on my offer to clear those creatures out from your hotel. Once we get you back home, we'll have to plan a mission to that location that won't attract Megatron's attention."

"Good idea." Bud sat up as the Autobots approached a new location. "Whoa, what's this?"

"Trion Square," Miara answered as Optimus and Bumblebee halted to allow their human passengers to get a look at the large expanse.

"Would you like a closer look?"

"Sure!"

"Optimus and Bumblebee opened their doors and Miara, Bud, Lenny, and Chad climbed out onto the warm metal ground. The two Autobots quickly transformed back into their default robot modes and the group walked out into the middle of the huge area. Aside from a good view of the Celestial Spires, two other massive buildings flanked the square with Autobots of various sizes hurrying back and forth into the buildings. Some paused to glance curiously at the humans or to gaze with slight reverence in Optimus's direction before returning to their tasks.

"Everyone seems pretty busy today," Chad noted.

"Iacon's always busy," Miara answered. "But yes, because of the planned blackout today, we're making sure our civilians are safe and have enough supplies to outlast a possible siege."

"How long do you think it'll be before he attacks Iacon?"

"Megatron's careful, but he won't wait too long," Bumblebee replied. "The Decepticons have some energon stores, but they don't have a reliable way to stockpile extra resources. Like Optimus said, the Decepticon army can't get past our gates, but every so often, one or two scouts manage to slip in and raid our supplies."

"Which ended up being a really bad idea for Starscream and Thundercracker," Miara said. "They'll probably be eager to settle the score. Starscream especially."

"Not that bright, is he?"

"Starscream is far from unintelligent, but he is very impulsive," Optimus said. The Prime crossed his arms, his optics narrowed as he gazed out across the square at one of the large buildings. "Perhaps it would be best to make it appear as though we were in the process of moving energon supplies when the Decepticons attack."

"Like we were caught off-guard, you mean?"

"Exactly, Bumblebee. Let Megatron think we were unprepared for the blackout rather than the cause of it."

"Will he fall for that plan?"

"I think he will, Bud." Optimus gestured at the building he was looking at. "That is the Iacon Medical Center. It's more of a training ground for our medics these days, but we have been able to store a good many supplies there, including energon. Allowing Megatron to catch us moving what he believes to be our backup reserves from the Medical Center will lend more credence to the charade."

"And will reinforce the idea that the only thing we're hiding is extra energon!" Miara's tail wagged exitedly. "Like Jazz said, they won't realize we're giving them fake energon until after they've retreated."

"Great, glad to hear it, the Decepticons are going to be furious." Lenny raised an eyebrow at the Autobots. "Don't you think that will encourage Megatron to come back for another attack?"

"You let us worry about that. I promise we are not going to let you return to Earth until we're certain we can do so without Megatron knowing." Optimus's tone was reassuring, but from the expression on everyone's faces, it was clear that the Prime had more in mind than just tricking the Decepticons. Miara moved a bit closer to Optimus, feeling a flicker of fear run through her at what she knew as to come.

"What's that building?" Chad pointed to the second structure overlooking Trion Square.

"That is the Hall of Records, where the history of all of Cybertron is kept." Optimus paused for an astrosecond. "I used to work there before I took on my role as Prime."

"Really?"

"Yes. Before the Great War began, we here in Iacon mainly concerned ourselves with the improvement of our lives and the lives of our people. I myself was lucky enough to directly contribute to Iacon's well-being."

Optimus turned to look past the buildings and further out into the city. Following his gaze, Miara once again saw the outline of the Benevolous Bridge stretching out to the Alpha Preserve. Though the beloved park couldn't be seen from their vantage point, the Teron knew that there were probably a good many Autobots enjoing the peace and quiet of the park while they could. Before Miara could suggest that for their next destination, the air currents thrummed around her ears and she jerked her head up sharply.

"Miara, are you alright?"

"Laserbeak. He's near." Miara stood a little straighter with the help of her sturdy tail. Her ears quivered as the Teron scout tried to pinpoint the Decepticon's location.

"Where?" Optimus maneuvered his massive form carefully around the three astronauts, ready to shield them at a moment's notice.

"He's... there!" Miara's ears twitched lightly against the side of her head. "By the east gates."

"Bumblebee, go and alert the guards. Miara, you go with him and monitor Laserbeak's movements, but stay out of sight. Both of you!"

"Yes, sir." Bumblebee was already in his alt form, deftly scooping the Teron into his front seat as he raced off.

"You three, with me." Optimus's tone brooked no argument as he too transformed and held his door open for Bud and his men to climb into.

"What's the plan, Optimus?"

"Getting you safely back into the Great Dome, to start with." Optimus raced back down the streets of Iacon, calling through his radio as he did.

"Laserbeak is close by. Report in, Autobots."

"Loud and clear, Prime!" Jazz called through the radio. "What're your orders?"

"This is our best chance to catch Megatron's attention. Ironhide, have your teams get civilians inside on the double. Jazz, report to the eat gate; Bumblebee and Miara should be there shortly."

"On our way."

"Wheeljack, are you ready on your end?"

"Sure are, Optimus. Say the word and the designated buildings are goin' dark."

"Once I get our human friends back to the safety of the Dome, switch off power. I'm going to meet Jazz and the others by the east gates and we'll maintain the guard there until the end of the solar cycle."

"Understood. Good luck, Prime!"

"Wait, what are-"

"It's alright, my friends. You'll be safe in the Great Dome. Ratchet will escort you to the safety of the Med Bay; you'll be safest there until the attack is over."

"Great. We just got outta that place."

"I'll take the hospital over being caught in the middle of a robot fire-fight. No offense, Optimus."

"None taken, Bud. You would be in great danger in the midst of one of our battles. The more I can do to keep you safe, the better."

"What about you guys?"

"We are used to the realities of war." Optimus pulled up to the front of the Great Dome. "Quickly now; I have to get back to my soldiers."

"I... good luck." Bud jumped out of Optimus's interior, turned, and threw the Autobot leader a quick salute. Optimus flahsed his headlights in quick succession before turning and speeding off. Already, Ratchet was waiting for the humans and the front doors and he waved at them urgently.

"Best hurry; half of Iacon is about to shut down and when that happens, it's only a matter of time before Megatron will attack."

"You seem awfully certain they're actually going to come running toward the gates," Lenn noted as he and the others followed the Autobot medic. "How do you know Megatron won't be fooled?"

"Iacon is Megatron's most coveted target. If he thinks we're weak, we won't be able to resist an attack," Ratchet answered. "And if Laserbeak shows Iacon running at what appears to be half-power, why, it'll be like inviting him to come try and blast our gates down."

"For our sakes, I hope it's an invitation Megatron won't ignore."

"Believe me, he won't."
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Back at the Decepticon base, the clear picture of Iacon's majesty suddenly changed. One astrosecond, Laserbeak's aerial view showed the city all, but brimming with power and the next, several buildings suddenly went dark. The lights in the windows winked out, electrical circuits ceased their humming, and several transport units remained frozen on their tracks. From his position at his monitor, Megatron watched as several Autobots gathered on the east gate and gestured at the now-darkened buildings.

"Well, well, what do you make of that, Soundwave?"

"It appears as though Iacon has experienced a sudden power outage, Lord Megatron."

"Indeed. How convenient for us."

"And look." Starscream pointed at the screen. "Optimus Prime has arrived. Looks like he's just as distressed about this sudden blackout."

Megatron watched his long-time enemy appearing to converse with the Autobots manning the east gate. His red optics narrowed as he searched the crowd.

"Hmmm, no sign of the yellow scout or the little dust devil. Excellent. Fall back, Laserbeak!"

The picture onscreen faded as Megatron left his computer and walked over to the window. Though farther away, the Decepticon Warlord could see the difference in Iacon even from a distance. Even with the sun's rays, Iacon looked a bit darker without the energon needed to power the city at full capacity.

Good.

"So, the Autobots are low on energon." Starscream joined his leader at the window. "So much for them finding more on another planet."

"Either way, we know they have reserves and now, they will have no choice but to tap into them. Pity we will not allow that."

"What are your orders, Lord Megatron?"

"Isn't it obvious, Soundwave? By failing to properly regulate his energon reserves, Optimus Prime has practically invited us to take control of Iacon away from the Autobots at last." Megatron turned back to view the city, where even more lights were failing. A cruel smile stretched across Megatron's gray face.

"And it is rude to ignore an invitation."