Rodimus's helm hurt. It really hurt. The first thought he had was, 'what did Springer dare him to drink last night?'. Then he remembered that he was now a prime, and didn't have the time to go drinking with his friend anymore. At least not without a crowd of adoring citizens and a few body guards following them. So, what was going on?

"Are they awake?" an unknown voice, whispered laughably loudly.

"How the frag should I know?" Spoke a second, unknown and failing to be quiet, voice, "Soundwave just dragged them in here."

Okay, so he was probably captured, rather than hungover. Great. Honestly, he'd rather be hungover, at least then he knew what he was doing. Someone behind him groaned, most likely Springer by the voice. Guess it was time to wake up and face who ever decided to kidnap him.

Opening his optics, the young prime was met with what looked like an interrogation room, from an old earth movie. A dark empty room, that was no bigger than a repair ship crew courters room that was devoid of furniture. He and Springer were tied back-to-back, sitting directly underneath the only light in the room. Rodimus looked round, straining to see through the far shadow's black. Was there a hallway at the other end of the room?

Springer groaned again. The lime mech shifted uncomfortably, "What happened?"

"My best guess? An alternate version of Soundwave zapped us and brought us here," Rodimus said.

"So, this buzzing in my head isn't from overcharge?"

"No."

"Dang it. It's always better when you wake up like this, knowing you had a fun time getting here."

Rodimus shook his helm, "Come on. We're alone at the moment, we need to get out of here, before Soundwave or whoever he's working with gets back."

"Alone?!" Spoke the first unknown voice, before laughing in an almost manic manner, "You hear that sis? They think they're alone!"

"Who are you, and where are we?" Rodimus said.

"You're asking two things. Is that a trick question? Cause it's pretty tricky!" Voice-one said.

"If it is, don't fall for it, you idiot!" Voice-two said.

"What the frag?" Springer said, turning his helm to look at Rodimus.

The young prime shook his helm before trying to call out to the voices again, "Come out. Me and my friend here are very confused. If you're in trouble, we can help you. We'd just like to ask some questions."

"OH! You'll ask US questions?" Voice-one said.

There were the sounds of light pedesteps, and two cybertronians stepped out of the shadows and into view. They were both this world's seekers, or at least looked eerily similar to this worlds Starscream. They had lanky bodies, sharp claw like digits, tiny heeled pedes, and giant wings on their backs. They were similar, but up close there were still major differences between them.

The one on the right, had a maybe grey based body, that was painted over with clashing bright red paint and forest green detailing. His silver face plate was thin, with lines that looked like indents going down it. Not like they were scars, but rather just part of his design. The crests on his helm were shorter than his companion, just three little small silver ticks on top of his red and green striped helm. His optics were odd as much as the rest of him, the right one being the classic angry decepticon red while the left was strangely a gleaming green. His large smooth wings seemed to flutter with excitement. Rodimus couldn't see a sigil on him.

His companion, the seeker femme on the left…Well at least Rodimus thought she was a femme, honestly this world's seekers could go either way, but her frame had slight curves to it that made Rodimus think she was one. Speaking of her frame, it appeared to be golden based that had an other-worldly shine to it. Painted over the gold was patterns of royal blue, and a green that matched the other seeker's forest shade. Her golden wings had these odd ridge patterns that made them appeared feathered. On her helm was a gold band with a long blue crest in the middle that sprung up from the forehead. While on the back of her helm were two smaller balls of shiny golden wires that took on the appearance of short human pigtails. Finally, her optics, they were like the other seeker's only swapped, right being green and left being red. She wore no sigil either.

While Rodimus continued to gape at the odd cybertronians in front of him the one on the right began to speak.

"We will be asking the questions here!" Said the femme on the left, who turned out to have been the second voice. It was rough, and strangled sounding but Rodimus could pick out the femme tone now.

"Yeah, either you start singing like a canary or we do!" The mech said.

This was an all-around weird situation, but what happened next turned it into straight up insanity. The seekers hooked their arms together, and began swinging each other around in a jig like dance. A cross between singing and screaming, all of which horribly off key, began to poor out of their vocalizers. But the sound was more annoying than actually painful. The seekers unlinked for a moment and looked back at the young prime and lime mech. The femme crossing her servos and smirking, while the mech leaned in closer, with a smile.

"And it only gets worse," he said.

Well, this was by far the strangest interrogation, if this was an interrogation in the first place, Rodimus had ever been a part of.

"Nyx'Lee! Wingnutt! What are you two doing?" Spoke another voice that didn't belong to either seeker in front of the young prime.

The seekers turned to the dark hallway that led out of the room. The sound of a larger bot's pedestep began to become audible; heavy, and metallic. Oh, and it had been a larger bot. A large sliver femme soon came into the light.

She towered over the seekers, their wing tips barely reaching her shoulders that were padded with black curved crests. The four black and purple propellers strapped to her back revealed her alt-mode, a chopper. A delicate flying mode, despite her bulky strong frame. A black, almost bucket shape (quite similar to a bob) was on her helm, framing her sliver faceplate, and with two smaller purple props fanned downward from the back of it. A pair of oddly rosy optics bore into Rodimus. Not quite the usual decepticon red. It was a softer, sweeter form of the color, not as menacing. But that fact didn't matter the moment the young prime laid optics on the large purple decepticon brand on her chest plate. He didn't even notice the fact that she was followed by an earth Cheetah.

"We're just talking to the prisoners," The femme said.

"Yeah, and trying to get them to spill their guts!" The mech said.

The decepticon gave a confused and concerned expression, "You're trying to do what Wingnutt?" Her odd English accent on full display as she spoke.

"It's an earth expression Zer," the cheetah said, drawing everyone's attention.

"What the flying frag?" Springer said.

"Language," The decepticon scolded, gently.

"You know that's was Wingnutt said when we first met him," the femme seeker said, before chuckling, "Dad was ticked."

"What?" the cheetah said.

"You don't remember?" The seeker mech said.

"I was a cub!"

"Alright, alright! That's enough…" the Decepticon, said before pausing and staring at Rodimus and Springer, "Wait, a nano-click, why are they tied up?"

"We weren't supposed to do that?" The cheetah said, his ear flicking as he titled his helm.

"You knew about this?" The decepticon said, gesturing at the scene in front of her.

"I mean yeah," the cheetah said.

"Come on, Zerlina. This is basic kidnapping and hostage situation 101," The seeker mech said.

"They're not hostages!" the decepticon said.

"Really?! I'll get the stake and firewood," The seeker mech said.

"We're not burning them at the stake either," The decepticon said.

"Zer's right," the femme seeker said, "Let's just throw them off a cliff."

The decepticon's voice box glitched out in disbelief, "Wha…at…hat…wha…a. NO! Did Nebbie even tell you to tie them up?"

"Well, not really," The seeker mech said.

"But she didn't say we couldn't!" the femme seeker said.

"How do you think she'd feel about you killing them, if she didn't want you to tie them up?" The decepticon said raising, an elegant curved black optic ridge.

There was no answer, though seeker mech opened his intake a few times, and after a moment the flyer did try to say something, "But what if they attack us?"

The decepticon groaned, and turned to Rodimus, no malice in her features, "Will you attack us if weuntie you?"

Rodimus stared the decepticon in the optic. As entertaining as the past few clicks had been, it didn't stop the young prime from noticing the decepticon's mannerisms. No angry ranting, maybe a slight raise of her voice, but Rodimus could understand her stress. He even had a hard time understanding these seekers and talking cat. He opened his intake to speak, but Springer jumped in before the young prime had a chance.

"What kind of question is that?!" Springer shouted, "You're a bloody Con!"

"Springer! Shut up!" Rodimus cut off his friend. Clearly the green mech hadn't noticed the number of scars etched into the decepticon femme's strong silver frame.

Rodimus turned back to the decepticon, "If you don't attack us, we won't attack you."

The decepticon, raised an optic ridge and stared for a moment. Then she raised a clawed silver servo up and reached behind her back. There was a sudden click, and she drew a gleaming black broad sword that had been attached to one of her props. Rodimus offlined his optics and flinched away when the blade came slashing towards them. However, there was no scream of pain or ripping metal, only something around his body loosening. Rodimus onlined his optics, finding his bindings had fallen to the ground limp; she had cut them off.

"I can live with that," The decepticon said, sheathing her sword and offering her servo.

Rodimus eyed the servo cautiously, but eventually accepted the help. The femme's grip was gentle, but her pull was strong, making Rodimus stumble slightly once he was on his on his pedes. She was just a little taller than him.

She turned to the pair of seekers, "Data is waiting for you in the lab, said something about one of your gizmos glowing."

The femme seeker's intake made and 'O' shape, and she grabbed the other seeker's arm before running off, "Come on Wingnutt I might need a blast shield."

"I'm sorry about the twins. They can be…" The decepticon said.

"Intense?" the cheetah said.

"Yes. Though, some of us do tend to encourage them more then others," the Decepticon said.

"Hey, we all have our hobbies," the cheetah scratched his ear.

The decepticon shook her helm, "I am Zerlina," she offered her servo, "and that is Cheetor," she nodded her helm towards the cat.

Rodimus took the servo and gave it a firm shake, "Rodimus Prime."

"Oh, we already knew that," Cheetor said, the words sounding like they hurt him to say.

"Cheetor, not here or now," Zerlina chided gently, before turning back to the young prime, "We have optical and auditorial sensors in places," she explained.

"Well, you do have a bunch of counsel members, in your coup group," Springer grumbled.

"In our what?" Cheetor asked.

"We heard everything! We know that you con! Are planning on over throwing Autobot government and taking over! You want to kill the Princess!" Springer accused.

Alright, Rodimus needed to get his friend under control. Sure, Zerlina seemed like a peaceful individual, but she also had a very large very sharp sword strapped to her back.

"Springer, cut it out," Rodimus said putting a servo on the lime mech's shoulder.

However, Zerlina, surprisingly, just waved it off, "Don't bother, Rodimus, I'm used to this prejudgment from 'passionate' autobots. Besides, I'm pretty sure he'll change his mind once we've explained everything."

"I'm not listening to anything you have to say con!" Springer shouted.

"Well, then it's a good thing that I'm not the one explaining it to you, isn't it?" Zerlina said with a smile, before turning around and staring down the hall, "Come, now."

"What?" Springer said, the confusion of the situation probably beginning to affect the triple changer.

Cheetor chuckled, "Boss Lady wants to talk to you," he took off after Zerlina.

Rodimus shared a glance with Springer, "We're not seriously doing this?" the lime mech asked.

"We don't know where we are, Springer. We don't really have a choice," Rodimus said, beginning to follow them.

"So, what are you?" Springer asked, Cheetor, after a few moments of stewing and awkward silence. The glare in his optics clearly stated he was not talking to Zerlina.

"I'm a technorganic cat, that basically means that my CNA was spliced with earth cheetah DNA when my protoform was still in a liquid state," Cheetor said.

"No, I mean are you an autobot or…?" Springer gestured towards the femme ahead of them.

"Uh, my dad is an autobot, but I'm more a neutral party kind of guy, considering," The earth cat suddenly switched modes and a short, thin, blue and gold spotty bot, with thin limbs was now walking beside them, "This," he gestured to himself, his yellow tail twitching.

Rodimus stared in wonder at the little catbot. The beast flesh melded with the cybernetics seamlessly. Cheetor could honestly just be taken for a realistic beast former if anyone hadn't asked him about his true origin. However, the explanation that the cat bot said was still very concerning. He had seemed detached from the explanation he gave, and there was certain bite to his words discussing his faction status. Had something happened to him? It must have been hard growing up as a technorganic, something many bots could consider a freak. At least he spoke the word 'dad' with a great deal of fondness, so that meant some one had been there for the catbot.

"So, you decided to become a traitor and start a coup club with a bunch of cons?" Springer said, clearly the young prime's friend didn't share Rodimus's concern.

"Alright," Zerlina stopped walking, "First off, the Nyx'Lee and Wingnutt, are both neutrals, meaning they don't take a side in a dead war. Second, just because I identify as a decepticon, that doesn't mean I'm evil. Thirdly, we are not trying to start a coup."

"Well, we kind of are Zerlina…" Cheetor said.

"No. No we're not," Zerlina said.

"We're trying to over throw a government power, that's kind of a coup," Cheetor said, a look of realizing horror.

"You know the situation is much more complicated than that. Besides, what we are trying to do is for the greater good," Zerlina said, oddly reassuringly.

"Said no one who was planning a coup, ever," Springer rolled his optics, him letting the sarcasm drip of his words juicily.

"He's got a point," Cheetor said, with a shrug of his shoulder.

Zerlina, sighed and shook her head, "You'll understand soon enough. Come now, we have no time to waste."

Zerlina continued to lead them through the hall. The lights were out, drenching the space in shadows, only the small purple and red lights on the decepticon femme's frame fighting against the darkness. Yeah, being led through a dark hall, unarmed, by someone who had very large swords. Fan-Fragging-Tastic! All things about this situation should've made Rodimus feel uneasy, but for some reason he didn't. In fact, he was honestly feeling the opptisite, completely calm and unworried. Something inside of him felt like it was being led to somewhere safe, and he hoped whatever it was, was right.

Eventually, they exited the hallway. The room they entered, just as dark as the hall.

Zerlina sighed, "Alright enough of this. What's with the lights?"

"Think power was cut off about halfway through the hall," Cheetor said.

"Seriously? Again? This is the fifth time."

"Yeah, we really need to fix that generator for Maccadam considering that Nebbie won't be around to kick start everything much longer. Not to mention, you look terrifying as heck in the dark."

"Thank you Cheetor. I never realized," Zerlina's voice was flat.

There was a bang! Rodimus's helm whirled towards the sound. In the black he carefully, started walking to it. Something drew him in. Soft voices began to carry themselves to his audio receptors.

"…Okay…can I start?"

"Give…a nanoclick…"

"Now?"

"Yeah, give it a jumpstart."

A bright crackle of lightning sparked, and lights flashed on once more. Rodimus flinched, his optics shuttering to adjust to sudden brightness. Once his vision cleared the young prime could finally see the scene before him. Three femmes, one of them being the golden seeker from before, were working on an oddly shaped piece of equipment.

The first femme, was short and stocky. The red and white paint job gave away her occupation as a medic. She held herself with great strictness, and discipline. Normal blue optic rested in her stern silver faceplate that rested in a white capped helm, with red crests on the front. A wrench twisting in the grip of her thin but blunt digits.

The second femme was taller, her blue frame slim, but strong. Rodimus couldn't see her faceplate.

"I still don't see why you couldn't just wack it with your wrench," The seeker said.

"Nyx'Lee, I've told you a thousand times," the medic said, "You as an engineer should know this. Just 'wacking' something doesn't always work." Irritation filling her voice.

"How do you know?" The seeker said.

"Because I hit you and brother with my wrench all the time and it does nothing," the medic said, with a strained smile.

"Alright knock it off," The blue femme chimed in, finally turning around.

Rodimus froze at the sight of her. She was mostly a brilliant bright cobalt blue, with ruby red on her torso, and yellow detailing on her shoulders and forearms. Her limbs rounded out, and decorated with lightly flaring plating and kibble at the joints. Sticking out of her pedes, which were larger then Rodimus had expected (seemed like only seekers had small delicate pedes here), were two scuffed yellow disks, one for each pede; were they some kind of wheel? Her helm was capped with a slightly darker shade of blue, with two identical parallel crests on the back of it that kind of resembled a high short pony tail, when she turned her helm to the side.

Finally, there was the feature that made Rodimus's spark stop, resting in her fair pale blue faceplate, were a pair of two stunning azure optics. Their shade of blue was unlike any other Rodimus had seen. So, vibrant, so full of life, so bright. They seemed to shine like newborn stars. They were beautiful, but they seem to flicker with shock once they made contact with his own.

"You're awake," she said, surprised before quickly composing herself, "I take it your name is Rodimus?"

"Yes," The young prime said in return.

"Are you hurt? I'm sorry if Soundwave was rough with you. Believe me, dragging you back here, knocked out was not part of anyone's plan tonight," she said.

"Oh, really?!" And there was Springer. Rodimus suddenly remembered that he hadn't been kidnapped alone, "I guess you're the one in charge of this conspiracy?" the lime mech continued.

She crossed her arms and tilted her helm, "Well I wouldn't really call us a conspiracy, but yes, I am the boss lady."

"So, you're the lead con, on this evil plan?" Springer said.

"I wouldn't call her that young bot!" A female voice called out from the right.

Rodimus turned his head to find on a raised platform that was attached to the wall, was a human. Well, Rodimus was pretty sure it was a human, the other worldly eyes that seemed to glow cyan made him question that assumption. However, the tiny human like creature, had a coffee complextion, and a head of auburn red hair in a short bob. Dressed in a lab coat and orange clothes underneath, she came to end of the platform. She seemed familiar for some reason.

The cyan eyes seemed to flash with pain, before the human spoke again, "Kiddo if Nebula's evil, then your paint is hot pink."

Cheetor and the seekers began laughing, "Nice one Mom!" The catbot shouted.

"Mom?" Springer mumbled.

"Wait," Rodimus looked back at the blue femme, the worn autobot sigil on the side of her upper left arm he was only just noticing was there, "Your designation is Nebula?"

A heavy silence fell over the room. The blue femme looked at the ground, grimacing, before her stunning optics met his once more.

"Yes," She sighed, "My name is Nebula Pax. Daughter of Optimus Prime and Elita-1, heiress to the autobot faction," she stated flatly, "Though, I do prefer to be called Nebbie," she smiled awkwardly, and gave a small shrug.

"Wait, wait, wait, how in the name of the matrix can you be the princess?" Springer said.

"Well, a bunch of older models decided my fate before I could understand what that even meant, and we have a lack of a better term for a child of a prime," said Nebula with a sassy smile.

Rodimus had half the spark to laugh, but he could hear the underlining spite in her words. There might have been some painful truth to them. He wasn't sure if he could trust her, yet, but he was getting there. She was charming, and he felt he could relax around her. However, the sassy grin quickly fell.

"But in all seriousness, the short answer is whoever is wearing that crown is not me," Nebula said.

"And how do we know you're telling the truth?" Springer said.

The seekers started laughing, "Believe us 'trip! We've known Nebbie since we were sparklings, and she'd never wear a dress like the one that clone has on willingly!" the Femme said.

"Clone?" Rodimus said.

"That's what we think she is, at least," the medic spoke up.

"So, a clone of you has kicked you out of the palace and took your place?" Rodimus asked, looking back at the blue femme in question.

"It's a little more complicated than that," Nebula said looking towards the ground, "How much has she told you about, her," she gritted her dente, "'immaculate' rise to power?"

Rodimus took a moment before answering, "Honestly not that much. She said that she took power after her…er…your father was killed in battle, and that the matrix was destroyed."

"Well, that's only half the truth," Nebula said, "Optimus Prime…my father…is dead, and the matrix is destroyed. That much is true. However, she left out very crucial details," she walked past them to the other side of the room.

"Such as?" Springer said, his optics following her every movement.

"Well, my father wasn't killed in battle. I don't actually know how he died. He was kidnapped," Nebula said, leaning against a table.

"Kidnapped?" Rodimus said.

"By quintessons. You familiar?" Nebula said.

Rodimus thought back, "We've met but I can't say we're well acquainted."

"What?" Springer said.

Nebula seemed surprised for a moment, but the expression flickered off her faceplate quickly, "Well in this world. They've been a pain in the rear axel for a long time. They once conquered and controlled Cybertron, keeping the natives as slaves. But like any oppressive rulers the people…"

"They kick their asses off the planet!" the seekers said in unison.

"Thanks, guys," Nebula said flatly, "Uhm, yeah, the people of cybertron revolted, and won. After a couple million vorns, of peace, war and everything else, came their next plan to take back cybertron. Project Progeny."

"Pfff! Yeah, that thing lasted long," Cheetor budded in.

"Cheetor is correct, Project Progeny was thwarted by Optimus Prime, Winglord Starscream, Ultra Magnus, Elita-1 and Commander Bumblebee, before it reached fruition," Zerlina said.

"Still, this didn't stop them and less than 19 vorns later the made another try at reclaiming cybertron," Nebula start speaking, "The abduction of Optimus Prime."

"The other you mentioned a party turning into an invasion?" Rodimus spoke.

"Not really a lie, they did attack on her birthday," Cheetor said.

"They didn't really need to know that, Cheetor," Nebula said.

"Hey, all I'm saying is that night turned from a dance party, to a slay rave," Cheetor said.

"He's not wrong! It was bad," the mech Seeker spoke.

"Alright!" Nebula said, "They had sent their troops into the palace that night as a diversion, and snagged Optimus Prime away during the chaos. At the time I believed that Cybertron wouldn't be able to function without a prime to lead it, so I petitioned to the council to go after him. By the time we found where the Quints were hiding him, we were too late."

"I'm sorry," Rodimus said.

"Don't be, we still learned about the true threat that the Quints posed, and we were in the position to do something about it. So, we did. It took a while, but eventually we took out their leader and left them to rot. We didn't realize they were following us back home."

"Let me guess, they got here before you and spun a sob story?" Rodimus said.

"More like we were going to get here first, and then they shot us out the sky. Then they took my place and spun a sob story using the crash they caused as ammo," Nebula said.

"So now you're trying to take out the fake you who's pretending to be the real you, after you took out the guys who made other you" Springer said, "This is complicated."

"You don't know the half of it."

Springer was exhausted. Oh, how familiar this state of existence was becoming. Even after he was knocked out and dragged to who knows where. That only added a helm ache to the already long list of recent problems he was making.

They had a corrupt ruler on their servos, and APPARENTLY, they just had to help this real Nebula reclaim her throne! Honestly, whether if them getting stuck here was fate or just a random coincidence, Springer couldn't see how this was their problem. This wasn't their world, and they didn't have much and attachment to it. If anything happened here it didn't affect him or world and loved ones.

"Hold still!"

Ah, there was another irritation that he had recently added to his list. Team Nebula's medic. After getting the rundown of what was actually happening in this alternate world and what they were up against, the stubborn little medic had dragged both him and Rodimus to their make-shift lab to "Make sure they weren't damaged internally".

"Stop struggling," the medic ordered.

"I wouldn't need to struggle, if you weren't trying to stick me with something!" Springer shot back.

"This is for your health! If I can't get a proper CNA sample, then we don't know your nanite could, which could leave you open to who knows how many of our diseases! Cybonic plague! Cosmic Rust! We have no idea if your bodies are equipped to deal with them," the medic said, the look on her faceplate sent a shiver through Springer's frame, although he didn't show it.

"I would listen to her, Springer," Spoke the one and only real Princess Nebula, at least that's what Springer was led to believe, "I've worked with Data for a long time, and you don't second guess her, at least if you know what's good for you."

The blue royal femme had followed them into the lab, along with the pair of Seekers they had. Springer hadn't been sure why, maybe she still didn't completely trust them and didn't want them out of her sight just yet, or maybe she was bored and found her medic shouting at them funny (the seekers went deeper into the lab to work on something). The smirk on her fair faceplate made Springer lean towards the latter option.

His initial thoughts on the real Princess, well he didn't really have much to go off of if he was comparing her to her supposed clone. However, he could tell right off the bat that this Nebula was more casual. The lack of fanfare and relaxed posture, compared to the straight formal shadow in the council room, made that very clear. Not mention the others around her, seemed to treat her as a friend rather then a superior; much like how he treated Rodimus in private.

Speaking of his friend, Springer could tell that the young prime trusted this strange blue femme completely, if he wasn't already smitten with her. Even if Springer was still unsure about her (seriously what kind of autotbot, the daughter of the faction leader no less, makes friends with decepticons?), he was glad that something in this crazy situation could put Rodimus to ease. Especially with how stressed the orange and maroon mech had been these last few quartexs. He didn't need to cause any more problems. So, to make this easier on everyone, Springer bore down, gritting his dente and let this unfamiliar medic do as she pleased.

"Thank you," The angry little, red and white Femme smirked.

"No, problem," Springer grumbled, as she attached something to his arm, "So, your name is Data?"

"Yes," Data answered, not looking up from her work.

"You're pretty stubborn," Springer commented.

"I have to be! Do you know how many times I've had to threaten to tied these people down! I mean Nebbie has tried more times than I can count to get out of recovery time!" Data griped.

"I can't help it if there's a world is ending situation, Data," Nebula said.

"And I can agree with you, but some of the things you claim are world ending situations are not that serious!" Data said.

"Really?" Nebula raised an optic ridge.

"Nebbie, researching yourself into exhaustion, whether it's actual research or a story book, and needing to get back to it is not an emergency!" Data said, while the blue femme looked to the floor.

There was a loud crash, and everyone looked deeper into that lab, suddenly remembering the two flyers in their presence.

"Oh, her majesty is a total bookworm!" the femme said.

Springer didn't miss the flinch on Nebula's faceplate at being called 'her majesty'.

"Why do you call me that?" Nebula said.

"Well, it's true! You've upgraded from 'her highness' territory. Once this whole clone debacle is over with, you'll be leader of Cybertron. Then everyone will be calling you by your title, Queen Nebula!" the golden seeker said, with a flourishing flutter of her wings.

"I'm not going to be a Queen," Nebula said, "And you know two can play this game right, Pixie?"

The golden femme, groaned, her wings pinching back angrily.

"Wait," Springer said, "Your designation is Pixie?"

"No!" the seeker femme shouted.

"Well technically it is," The mech seeker said.

"Oh, shut up!" the femme said, "Pixie is my real first name, but I prefer be called Nyx'Lee."

"First name?" Springer said.

"The twins have first, middle, and last names," Data said, "for some reason."

"it's not for some reason!" the mech seeker spoke up, "It's tradition!"

"Since when was that a vosian winglord tradition?!" Data said.

"When Dad married Mom and they had to name us!" The mech seeker said a matter-of-fact-ly.

"How do you get Nyx'Lee from Pixie?" Sprigner raised and optic ridge.

"Well, Nyx'Lee is just a mix of all my names," Nyx'Lee said, "Uncle Skywarp, got kind of confused with the tradition, and smashed them together. It just kind stuck after that."

Springer nodded.

"I'm just glad he didn't do that to my names," the Mech seeker said.

"Yeah," Nyx'Lee said, with a horrified expression, "I don't know what monstersity you could've ended up with, if he mixed Wingnutt with your middle name."

Wingnutt nodded.

"What your middle name?" Springer couldn't help but ask.

"Bartholomew," Wingnutt winced.

"That's bad," Springer groaned, feeling pity for the seeker.

"I know!" Wingnutt griped, "But it's a family name, and mom wanted to honor grandpa."

Rodimus could not recharge. No matter how hard he tried the young prime was pretty sure that he wasn't going to pass out. So rather then most likely keep up Springer, who was out like a light the moment they were brought to their room, he went on a walk. The base hadn't been too large, and probably was underground, so it was pretty hard to get lost in the orange and ivory walls. Too many thoughts were running through his processor. Honestly, he was surprised his helm wasn't smoking or just straight up on fire by now. Thankfully though these blank walls, made it easy for the mind to wonder.

After, confirming that neither he or Springer sustained any permanent or serious damages, they had been given a room to rest and recover in. Apparently, it would be a bit of time before they could sneak back into the palace. Something about waiting for one of their spies on the inside to get them an unassuming opening. In the mean time they would rest and ready themselves, and during this time Rodimus even got to know some of the other allies who were here.

The Seekers, Nyx'Lee and Wingnutt, turned out to be twins, but not just a regular set of twins. They were the twins of Winglord Starscream! Apparently, the part about their deaths was a complete lie, from the Nebula imposter. Which Rodimus was kind of happy about, he may not have known Starscream (in this world or his own), but he didn't want a creator to go through the pain of lost creations. The twins seemed to thrive on being the people who shut up the room with a single bizarre line or doing something completely unexpected. Nyx'Lee seemed like the smarter out of the two of them, having degrees in energon chemistry and organic biology, of course that didn't stop her from being just as crazy as her brother. Speaking of Wingnutt, while not as smart as his sister, was still a force to be reckoned with. The silver, red and green, seeker's body apparently had the ability to break apart and reassemble at will. A skill which Wingnutt demonstrated by pulling off his own helm in the middle of a conversation, and continued to talk while holding it in his right servo.

Data, while a little strict and hot-headed, was a good medic overall. She was efficient and didn't knock around the cube, but she never gave in impression that she didn't care about her patients. This attitude only made more sense, once Rodimus learned that she was Ratchet's daughter. She was just like an old bot trapped in a young body.

Zerlina was an interesting individual. She clearly served as Nebula's second, but at the same time was openly allied with the Decepticon Cause, even if the war in this world was long over. No bot seemed to mind this fact, actually no one even acknowledged it. Rodimus hadn't really interacted with her all that much, not with out Springer practically venting down his back struts. However, Zerlina seemed to be a well-mannered con; sweet and polite, even some times censoring her comrades' vulgarity. Nothing like what someone would think a decepticon would be like.

Speaking of Decepticons, Soundwave in this world was utterly terrifying. The slim mech, was completely silent. Never speaking or making any sort of noise. He seemed to appear out of nowhere; slipping through the cracks of the walls. Rodimus didn't know why, but that faceless helm seemed to always be watching, recording. He also seemed to be attached Zerlina. He took her orders with out question and seemed to hover over her whenever Springer or Rodimus were in the same room as her, as if to protect her from an incoming attack.

Cheetor was the member Rodimus found that he liked the most. He was young and energetic. He was like the little brother crossed with the stray cat they all decided to take in. The young prime had taken an instant liking to the technorganic mech. Wanting to protect the smallest member of this group.

Doctor Sari, seemed to act as the adult, or mom, of the group. It seemed like that smart motherly attitude didn't just extend to Cheetor, who was legally her son. Rodimus hadn't seen nor talked to her that much, she seemed to slip away, not wanting to be seen. However, he was pretty sure she was a technorganic like Cheetor was.

The young prime vented deeply; he didn't know what to do. This was way out of his cube field, and he hadn't even played cube since he was sparkling!

The sound of crashing metal echoed form down the hall, and was quickly followed by a murmur of voices. Primes probably shouldn't be snoops, but he needed something to get his mind off things and it had been forever since he had the chance for a little harmless mischief.

"You can't actually be serious!"

Well, judging by the accent that was Zerlina. Rodimus peaked through the cracked door and into the room where the voices were coming from. Inside were Nebula and Zerlina, both femmes engaged in a sparring match. The young prime would be lying if he said they weren't impressive to watch. He had been right about Zerlina and her skill with her dual swords. She was fast and deadly whirling in ways that made appear as if she was almost dancing.

Nebula's style was different. Not only was she fighting with nothing but a grappling hook, but her movements were much more calculated, compacted. Her strikes were to injure not kill. She used her slim flexible frame to her advantage. Slipping through swings, and flipping on to the walls to tangle up the decepticon.

"And what if I am?" Nebula said, her grappler wrapped around Zerlina's arm, the hook twisting the larger femme's servo until she dropped her sword.

"First, I'd ask if what you've done with my sister," Zerlina yanked the grappler's rope, flinging Nebula across the room. The blue femme released the grappler's hold, twisting her body so she landing in the crouching stance, facing Zerlina.

"Then," Zerlina picked up her fallen sword and sheathed it, ending the match, "I'd send you to Data to get your processor checked."

Nebula stood up, rolling her optics, "I'm just considering all the options here."

"I wouldn't call abandoning cybertron an option."

"We're not abandoning it!"

"You just suggested that we leave that quint clone in charge!"

"Well, look at what she's doing Zer! The planet is being well cared for; the populace is safe. Pit there's even a low crime rate right now and free health care. It's just…" Nebula said, "Maybe we shouldn't mess with a system that already is working."

Zerlina walked closer to the younger femme, "Nebula we both know that 'peace' won't last forever. Besides we both know that a system can always be improved."

Nebula shook her helm, "Peace never lasts, Zer."

"Where is this coming from? What happened to the spunky little femme who always had a plan I met back on that moon?"

"To be honest, I think she's dead. She died in that crash," Nebula sighed, "Zer, you didn't know me as a princess. Frankly I didn't know who I was as a princess. I was what someone else wanted and I hated it."

Zerlina didn't look convinced, "Truly? You know some would've traded their lives for your rank."

"And I would've traded my rank, for a life. A life outside of staying perfect for the camera, lessons I had already learned, and once round room that I hardly ever left. How can someone who once despised the power they were given, use it properly?"

"So, you finally want to be selfish for once?"

Nebula flinched, "You know I hate that word, and no, I tried that once and it ended with the leader of cybertron dead. Besides I have to put others before myself. Primes…"

"Aren't allowed to be selfish? I've heard you use the 'Primes are not allowed to' phrase over a hundred times. Nebbie, you are not a prime, no matter how many people say you are worthy of it or that's your destiny. You chose not to be one. It was your choice…unless you're regretting your actions?"

"No, of course not!"

"Then what's got you so worked up?"

Nebula sighed, running a servo over her face plate, "I'm not my father Zer. I never was. I was never the untouchable, stoic, strong leader he was. When we left the quintession home world, I honestly thought I had found another way. Another way to lead, and protect, but then we crashed and lost… I don't know what to believe anymore. Maybe they'll be better with her then with me."

Zerlina shook her head, "Oh, Nebbie, your always ready to do whatever it takes to make things better for everyone else. Even if it means removing yourself from the picture. When are you going to realize that's just reason why you're worthy," Zerlina sighed, "Get some recharge, tomorrow is going to be a long day."

With that the decepticon exited the room, out of another door that Rodimus couldn't see. Leaving the princess to her lonesome. Rodimus watched her growl in frustration, before leaning against the back wall of the training room, and slowly sliding down to the floor. Her helm in her servos. At that moment, the young prime thought it would be best to leave her to think, but it seemed as if the universe had other plans. The door squeaked when Rodimus tried to close it, immediately drawing the blue femme's attention.

Nebula looked up an exhaustion expression on her faceplate, "Come out, I can see you!" she called.

Rodimus obliged, opening the door and entering he looked at the ground uncomfortable, "Uhm, I couldn't sleep and went on a walk, I didn't mean to over hear your conversation…"

"You were snooping, weren't you?" Nebula cut him off.

"Yeah," Rodimus nodded, "Yeah I was."

Nebula snorted, a fond smile splitting her faceplate. She sighed, "You hungry? I think I need a midnight snack."

Rodimus was about to say no, but then he realized the only thing he had refueled on were the visco and too sweet old cake in the past primus knows when. He nodded.

Nebula stood up, "Come on, I have a stash in my courters."

Rodimus followed the blue femme through the halls of the underground base? Bunker? It hadn't really been clarified. The young prime looked toward her, taking notice of how she walked. Her steps quiet, and back straight, with her shoulder and helm held high. It was clearly a practiced posture, but once could mistake if for one if they did know her. Which was weird that Rodimus could tell this stance of calm confidence was fake, considering he barely knew her for a mega-cycle.

She turned to a door on the right, and nodded at him to follow as she went through. The door was like all the other in this place, old, cracked, squeaky and lacked a lock. As such it was noisy when they entered her courters. On the other side…well Rodimus didn't know what he was expecting, but it wasn't the modest room in front of him.

It was smaller and less fancy than what the clone was living in. Of course, that should've been expected. No flashy furniture, just a small berth in the corner, with a shelf and a weapons rack on the wall. The shelf was filled with what looked like puzzle boxes, datapads, and a picture frame that was lying facedown.

"You find anything interesting?"

Rodimus jumped, and looked towards the femme who was walking towards him with a small cup of energon in each servo. She handed him one.

"Uhm," Rodimus chuckled awkwardly, and took the cup, "I didn't mean to start snooping again."

She shrugged, "I don't have anything to hide up there. It's mostly just my notes, and some old stories and games to keep me busy."

"You like puzzles?"

"I like making things fit together, getting things to work."

"And the datapads?"

"I'm bookworm, according to the twins and Cheetor," she sat on her berth, "But you probably already know that."

"You let them call you a bookworm?"

Nebula smirked and raised her cup, "I embrace that title with pride."

Rodimus huffed, looking around the room. His optics fell on the weapons rack, specifically on a maroon and orange bow that hung on it. The golden handle, almost looking as if it was forged with flames, seemed to call out to him. It was strange, Rodimus knew that he had never seen this bow before, but it felt so familiar.

"You like that?" Nebula asked, nodded towards the bow.

"It's really nice," Rodimus said, "It yours?"

She shook her head, "No, it was a friend's," She looked at the ground, "He's not around anymore."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, you didn't have anything to do with it," she took a sip of her energon, "So, how much did you hear in the training room."

Rodimus felt his optics widened.

"Don't worry I'm not mad. I just want to know if you're disappointed."

"Disappointed?" He started walking towards her.

She huffed, "Well, I doubt that anyone would think that, me the daughter of the great Optimus Prime would be…well talking about what I was."

"Well, to be honest, you're better than your clone."

"Don't be so quick to judge. She may be fake but she's clearly doing something right."

"What makes you think that?"

"No, war. There's peace between the council members, sure it's a tense peace, but it's peace," she took another sip, and sighed, "Maybe I'm just not looking forward to playing around in that sharkticon tank."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, when everything goes sideways, they going to come to me. The one who's supposed to have all the answers. But just because your supposed to have all the answers, doesn't mean you do and the last I want to do is…"

"Let everybody down," Rodimus finished for her.

Nebula nodded, "Yeah," She patted the bed next to her offering for him to join.

"So, uh, how did this happen? You ending up here?" Rodimus said joining her.

"Didn't I already answer that?"

"Yeah, but I think I need a few more details."

She sighed, "It's a long story."

"How much time we got for it?"

"Not enough, but I'll tell you what I can. After the attack, there was an emergency council meeting. They formed quick everyone was already there. I think you can guess the main subject of discussion of that night."

"What to do next?"

"Pretty much," She took a sip, "No one really considered the possibility of him being kidnapped. Everyone thought it be me they'd take. Everyone thought that he'd die and then the matrix would choose me. I'd take over his job and everything would be fine."

"Clearly that didn't happen," Rodimus said taking a sip, the energon smooth and not to sweet. Vaguely he wondered what the mix was.

"There's the understatement of the vorn. The meeting was utter chaos, some wanted to go after Optimus prime, others said he was as good as dead and to just put me in charge."

"Sounds like a mess."

"Yep, the worse part was I wasn't supposed to be in the room. I mean it wasn't like it was my future they were debating over."

"What you do?"

"I did only reasonable thing that young rash me could think of, I crashed the meeting. Proposed my plan of taking a small team to go after their great leader. I knew an army would invoke a threat and I wasn't about to start a war when it could be avoided with a small team. Not only would we move faster, but we wouldn't draw as much attention in deep space."

"That's smart," Rodimus nodded approvingly.

"Yeah, not everyone thought it was at time."

"Hey, it worked right. I mean you couldn't just let your father die, right?"

Nebula paused, her optics saddening, "The reason why I wanted to go after him is not what you think it is."

"What do you mean."

"Uhm," she huffed, but there was no humor to it, "We were never close, me and my father. Not after mother died. After the attack…well, let's just say I grew up with strict tutors, and body guards rather than him. It might have been different before, but I can't remember. When I was younger, I used to work myself to the point of recharge with my training or studies to get his attention. But over time that desire for love, quickly turned into resentment. I started trying to sneak out of the palace. Every escape attempt failed."

"How many times did you try?"

"3716."

Rodimus stared in awe. His intake open and slack.

Nebula shrugged sheepishly, "Yeah, it was that bad. He just kept increasing security around my courters. In fact the last conversation we ever had was argument."

"It must have been hard for you going after him."

"In some ways it was, in others in wasn't. I had always wanted to see the stars, but my anger still lingered. And not just towards him, but to all primes and the matrix. I began to despise the idea of them. Of someone having to give up all they are to become this perfect individual."

"That becomes kind of awkward, considering the matrix was going to choose you next."

"Yeah, that's why I destroyed it."

"What?!"

"The matrix. I destroyed it. When it was about to pick me, I grabbed a pole and ran it through its core."

Rodimus looked at the femme in front of him. Disbelief wasn't a strong enough word to describe what he was feeling.

Nebula shook her head, "I know what you're thinking, 'how could anyone even consider destroying the matrix?', 'cybertron needs a prime to lead them'." she frowned, "Honestly anyone who says that hasn't looked at that hunk of metal's track record. I don't know your world's history, but here it was one of the reasons that the original thirteen primes fell into ruins."

It didn't take long for Rodimus to notice the golden oily tears, welling up in her optics. However, they didn't stay for long. Nebula steeled herself, wiping the tears away, and returning her faceplate to an unreadable expression. It looked practiced; like she had done this before.

"Then it tore my family apart," she continued, "It got my mother and father killed. Drove my brother to the brink of insanity…and then it took my closest friend from me."

Primus, those beautiful blue optics didn't just shine with light. As bright as they were, they were in no way subtle, giving away everything.

"I'm sorry. It must have been hard to lose all that..."

"You have no idea. I honestly believed I wasn't supposed grieve them at one point," She shook her helm, "There were so many things that they taught me, looking back now that I realize were so fragged up."

Rodimus looked at her concerned.

"Not like that. No one ever laid a servo on me. Ultra Magnus would've never allowed it. It was the rules that got to me. The rules of a perfect prime. The messed-up part was that they expected a sparkling to follow them."

"There are rules?" Rodimus said, before he could stop himself. Clearly this had been a sore subject for Nebula. It might have been selfish on his part, maybe even hurtful, to ask.

Thankfully, Nebula took it as a joke, and huffed, "You don't need them. There just things to hold up a standard that no one else but my father could've had. If anything, they were there to keep me in line," She sighed, "Well, I think that might be enough of my sob stories. How did you end up stuck being prime?"

"Well, Optimus…my world's Optimus, died due to battle wounds," Rodimus started.

"Let me guess, he had bad timing?" Nebula said, taking another sip.

"That's one way to put it. You ever hear of Unicron?"

Nebula's optics widened, "I wish I wasn't as a familiar as I am with him."

"Well, let's just say, that monster threatened cybertron, along with his follower, Galvatron. Uhm, Galvatron stole the matrix from Ultra Magnus…"

"Ultra Magnus?" Nebula chimed in, "Why did he have the matrix?"

"Well Optimus wanted him to be the next prime, but…"

"Let me guess, it didn't choose him when push came to shove?"

"Yeah, well first Galvatron stole it, and in the end, I managed to snag it off of him, when we fought in Unicron's body."

"And it chose you."

"It chose me."

"You were engaged in combat, it backed you into a corner," Nebula muttered quietly and paused before speaking again, "Are you happy with its choice?"

"Happy?" Rodimus raised an optic ridge, "Well, some bots didn't really approve of me, considering that I'm still pretty young..."

Nebula shook her helm, "I didn't ask what others thought, I asked what you think."

"Well at first shock, honored maybe. I mean who doesn't dream of being chosen by the matrix, but afterwards…" Rodimus sighed, "It was just uncertainty and anxiety, all the time. Like I couldn't do anything right. I just seemed to always frag something up…"

And with that the dam broke and everything that the young prime had pent up since his ascension. All of the doubt, embarrassment and fear, tumbled out of his voice box, in rambles. Nebula didn't say anything just letting him speak. Those stunning azure optics, filled to the brim with compassion, and understanding.

Rodimus sighed, "I can't even pull a speech off."

"Well," Nebula finally spoke, "I don't know if I can tell you much. I've never been a prime. I don't know what its like to have that hunk of metal bound to you. We all have to forge our own paths and the only one with the answers to your problems is you."

"That's seriously all you can tell me? You were raised with this stuff."

"Studying theory and actually practicing politics are two completely different things. And, honestly Rod, I'm still figuring things out myself. Some of the ideas I have, that I want to put in place for cybertron, many probably won't agree with them," she shook her helm, "I'm not my father, I never was, not matter how much they pushed me to be. Now, they have this perfect version of me, the version of me that they want. A version, who is currently caring for the planet like any prime should. Who's to say they won't side with her even after her true nature is revealed. We're in the same spaceship Rod, the same lonely shiny spaceship."

Rodimus looked at his cup and took another sip, "Well, I spoke to your clone in person, can tell you one thing. I like you better than her."

"Really?" She raised a skeptical optic ridge.

"You're honest, and frankly you seem more open to other people's ideals. I mean I don't know if I could work or trust a con. Not like how you and Zerlina do."

Nebula looked to the floor, "I guess are friendship could be considered special. Especially considering who her father is. I've never seen it that way though."

Rodimus nodded, "She, your clone, doesn't want anyone who's a con on the planet."

Nebula practically growled, "Sometimes I hate our depiction of the civil war. They make the decepticons look like energon thirsty monsters, which I'll admit some probably were, but we also had psychos on our side as well. I know there's a lot of soldiers who will disagree with me, especially considering I was born after the war, but after meeting Zer and seeing what's left of her people, I can't see them as monsters."

"That's very…"

"Different, weird, odd? I've never been one to go with the current. War is never black and white, both sides suffer. So, few remember that. That's why I became friends with Zer," she sighed, "When this is over, she's going to become a member of my council. She'll be leading a new colony of refugee decepticons who are too scared to come home."

Rodimus nodded, "I can see why a lot of bots might not like that, but I can understand where you're coming from. Without forgiving and welcoming them back, it could lead to more conflict in the future. I don't think you should question this decision, you doing what best for everyone. Both Autbots and Decepticons."

She nodded, and then smirked, "And you say your bad at speeches."

Rodimus backed off, "Whoa alright, first this is a pep talk, not a speech."

"Oh, they're the same thing! All you have to do, is project the sound more forward, and use more elegant vocabulary."

"Really?" Rodimus said not believing her.

"Yes!" She put her cup down and started to adjust how she was sitting; straightening her back, recrossing her legs, and gently folding her servos and laid them in her lap, "It's all about posture and presenting one's self. Trust me, Rodimus, once you got the technique down this is the easy slag. Okay first straighten your back."

Rodimus didn't really understand what was going on, but if it was going help him with the speech problem then he wasn't going to say no. The young prime put down his cup and did as the blue femme said.

"Okay, helm held high. You probably shouldn't cross your legs, I do that since it stops me from fidgeting," she looked at him intensely, "If you're given a chair with arm rests, use them. If you're standing either hold your servos behind your back, or if at the podium, you can hold the sides of it. Either with one servo or both. However, this is what I was taught, so don't take all of this as fact."

"Who taught you?"

"Ultra Magnus. Yeah. Don't worry about this too much, you'll figure out your own style eventually. Just act like you know what doing, and people will believe it. Now the actual talking part, there are somethings you can remember to help."

Nebula readjusted herself, and cleared her voice box, "Together is the only way to forward, through unity we shall prevail, and division will be our end bringer."

Rodimus stared, for a second the casual soldier vanished. In her place was a young but fair ruler. A person of power and command. The way she held herself, she radiated an atmosphere of safety, wisdom and protection. She looked young, but appeared aged, mature. This was the crown that she used to hide herself. The words she spoke, didn't even sound like they were said with her voice. They were loud, clear, strong and laced with pain. There was no demand or order in them, but they invoked a deep desire to follow her.

She dropped the high helm and let the rest of herself relax. The princess was gone, and the soldier had returned, "Your turn."

"Okay uhm," Rodimus started, feeling her optics brand him with anticipation, "What should I say?"

"Just repeat what I said."

"Okay," Rodimus reset his voice box, "Together…"

"Alright," she stopped him, "It needs to come from lower," She gestured to his abdomen, a gleeful grin on her faceplate.

"Together…"

"Lower!" She raised he voice, and shoved him hard enough he almost fell over.

They started laughing.

What was happening? Rodimus was laughing. He hadn't laughed in so long. The crushing pressure and insecurities of his new life hadn't really given him a chance too. Primus how he had missed it. Just laughing with a friend. A friend? Was that what he and Nebula were? That felt like the wrong word. He had barely known this femme for a day, yet it was so easy to talk to her. It was almost like they had known each other all their lives.

And her laugh, oh Primus her laugh. Rodimus loved it. It was hilarious. This wasn't a gentle quiet chuckle; one would think a princess would have. No, this was a full-blown manic cackle; filled with high squeaks and everything. Strangely though it fit her, the real her, not the leader she became for the others.

She quieted down, "What is it?"

"What?" Rodimus said.

"Well, you've been quietly staring at me laugh for the past few clicks," She snorted, "I know that my laugh is weird."

"Weird?! It's adorable!" Rodimus said before he could stop himself.

"Well, good to know I got one good thing from my father."

Rodimus's jaw dropped, "You don't mean…"

"Yes! I never heard him laugh, but according to Ratchet, I have his laugh. Which it kind of works for me with my voice, but for him…" she started to giggle, "Oh, Primus, its not inspiring, comforting, or even intimidating. For him it probably made him sound like an escaped mental patient."

That got Rodimus to laugh again.

A/N:

Alright this took forever! And turned out the be a lot longer than I planned, but what can you do? So, we've met the true princess. Nebbie. Certainly, different then her clone isn't she. Along with the rest of our new cast, The twins, Data and Zerlina are my OCs. And they have so many questions that need answering.

Who is Zerlina's father? What did he had to do with her and Nebbie friendship?

Why do the Twins have middle names? Who's their mom?

What's the story behind Cheetor and Sari?

We'll find out about this sometime in the future, not sure if it will be in this story or another transformers story.

And Yess, it is a personal headcannon that the true reason that Optimus does not laugh is because it would probably scare his own troops half to death. If you want a reference just looked up animated optimus's laugh.

Till, next time peace!