CHAPTER FOUR
Scribbling.
That was what people called his favorite past-time, despite how wrong it was. Every word he wrote took time, careful thinking, and every last drop of energon in his ancient body. He certainly did not do it in a hasty, clumsy manner.
Of course, in this time and age, the new generation looked down upon those who proceeded them.
"Alpha Trion?"
Well, not all of them.
"Yes, Optronix," the ancient historian said, setting down his Quill. "How may I help you?"
The red and black Autobot shifted his feet as he entered Alpha Trion's office at his School for Inquiring Sparks. "I... know it's been a while since we've last spoken."
"Has it? I can never keep track of time. Each day feels the same to me."
Optronix smiled. "Right. Anyway, last orbital cycle, I got promoted to the Elite Guard. I'm even in command of a team."
"Ah, congratulations." Alpha Trion eyed him carefully. "And yet, there's something else troubling you, isn't there?"
Mirth fading from his visage, Optronix sighed. "I... accidentally overheard Ultra Magnus speaking with some members of the High Council."
The sage nodded. "And?"
"They... believe I am to be the next Prime."
Alpha Trion raised an eyebrow. "Really? Was it Ultra Magnus or one of the councilors who brought it up?"
"I don't know. I just heard them mention my name and... they say there's already been a name chosen for me when- if I ascend to the position of Prime."
Alpha Trion stroked his metal beard. "And that would be...?"
"Optimus Prime."
The Autobot historian pressed his finger tips together. "I see. Well, I have heard much praise for your tactics and leadership skill on Athenia. If you are indeed to be Sentinel Prime's successor, I have faith that you will continue to preserve Cybertron's Golden Age."
Optronix smiled. "Thank you, Alpha Trion, for your wisdom. I'll be off now."
As the Autobot closed the door behind him, Alpha Trion picked up his Quill and continued to scribble.
* * *
"Move it, ya mooks!"
Sledge cursed under his breath as he and his fellow Constructicon Steamhammer carried huge metal crates towards an awaiting transport. "This would be a lot more faster if he made use of his alt mode and helped us out."
Steamhammer snorted. "It would. That's why he isn't."
"At least Drivetrain had an excuse," interposed Hightower as he walked alongside the two. "He turned into a... what did he turn into again? It was pretty useless...."
"Quit slackin' off!" Dirt Boss bellowed from his hovering platform. "If I catch yous mooks talkin' 'stead of workin', I'll-!"
"What? File a complaint to the Prime?"
All activity ceased as the Constructicons' attention was diverted from their work at the sound of a roaring engine. A green-colored bulldozer drove into their work site and converted into its robot mode upon stopping.
Several voices gasped in surprise. "Bonecrusher?" one Constructicon called out.
Bonecrusher grinned. "Know any other green bulldozers? It has been a while, I will admit. Fell free to clue me in."
Dirt Boss scowled as he descended from his platform. "I thought you were in prison."
"I was," Bonecrusher said. "And according to some, I should still be there. However, I was told by my... benefactor to rally you."
"Rally us?" the incredulous Constructicon foreman repeated. "For what?"
"For rebellion. Think about it; what has the High Council's caste system done for us?"
Dirt Boss raised an eyebrow. "Nothing? I mean, why should it?"
"Look around you." Bonecrusher gestured to the industrial field in which the Constructicons worked. "We perform all of this grueling labor in return for... what?"
"Nothing," Dirt Boss murmured.
"Exactly. We pour all of our innermost energon into our work to satisfy the needs of the higher-ups... and get nothing in return."
"Hey, he's right!" someone in the crowd called out. "Who gave 'em the right to boss us around?"
A loud murmur of assent erupted from the Constructicons. Dirt Boss then looked up at Bonecrusher and smirked.
"Congratulations," he said. "We're rallied. What's next on the agenda?"
Bonecrusher grinned wickedly. "That's where you come in."
* * *
"So, Bonecrusher's escaped."
"Are your audio sensors functioning properly?" Chief Switch Blade snapped. "Or do you always repeat what others say to you?"
Depth Charge ignored the sarcastic quip as he stared at the gaping hole through which the Constructicon prisoner had no doubt escaped. From the looks of things, it seemed like it had been created by a detonator of sorts.
Turning to the prisoner's two (former) guards, Barricade and Payload, he said, "Are you sure you didn't see what happened?"
"The door's always sealed and neither of us dare go in," Payload said bluntly.
"Shouldn't you have heard something then?" Switch Blade asked.
"There were a bunch of quakes going on," Barricade said. "Loud ones, at that. I guess we didn't notice the difference."
Switch Blade scoffed at the excuses and turned back to Depth Charge. "So, what do we do?"
"Got any security footage?"
"The cams were disabled for a few cycles. We'd figured it was just interference from the quakes...."
Depth Charge sighed as he pressed his forefingers against his right temple. "Great. Well, Kaon is known for its... reputable crime record. Perhaps we should send a unit to go undercover and whatnot."
"And who would you have in mind for the job?"
Depth Charge smirked as he activated his comlink. "Someone with experience."
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