CHAPTER NINE
"We never did get to the bottom of this all, did we?"
Prowl glanced at Tumbler as he poured himself some energon in the Steelhaven's distillery room. "You mean our initial goal?"
"Yeah, finding out why those Decepticons were all of a sudden free." He sighed. "I mean, I suppose we kinda guess... I'm ninety-nine percent sure that the warlords were behind this."
"Gee, you think?" Prowl replied. "The main question is: how and why? And what's with Trypticon Prison floating out in space?"
"That's two questions," Tumbler said. "And where did you hear that?"
"Warpath told me," Prowl said. After a pause, he said, "Flareup seems to fancy him."
"Whoopdee-doo, like I care." Tumbler sighed. "So now what?"
"I highly doubt the Decepticons would fall for another infiltration," Prowl said as he sat across from his partner. "I have no doubt investigations of the Trypticon Prison thing will be conducted, but it probably won't be much viable."
Tumbler nodded, staring at his full glass of energon. "How are we going to break the news about Optronix to Orion?" he finally asked.
Prowl groaned. "Frag, I forgot about that. Well, you know him better than I do, so maybe you should tell him."
"Thanks," Tumbler said sardonically. "No wonder you're my best pal."
* * *
Voices rang in Optronix's head. He tried to move only to find out that he couldn't even feel his nerve-circuits. He then activated his optics and found a grinning face staring down at him.
"Ah, good. He's alive."
"Raise him up, Flatline."
The Decepticon pressed a few controls and the table Optronix was restrained to slowly rotated up so that he "stood" face-to-face with the other Decepticon in the room.
Lord Trannis.
Optronix found it difficult to speak. "Why... why have you brought me here?"
Trannis smiled. "So you could be rebuilt."
Optronix struggled to focus on the black and red tyrant. "What are you talking about?"
"You are to be the next Prime, are you not? The true Prime."
Optronix blinked. "The true Prime?"
Trannis chuckled. "Haven't caught up on your history, I see. Tell me, have you heard of the Matrix of Leadership?"
Optronix slowly nodded. "It is the artifact carried by the Prime."
"That's what they say. There are some who don't believe in the Matrix, or see it as a mere trinket that the Prime carries to make themselves feel proud and powerful." Trannis stepped closer to him. "Do you believe in the Matrix?"
"Yes," Optronix murmured.
The Decepticon leader grinned. "Then we already have things in common."
He turned and began to pace back and forth. "But I digress. You have heard of the Covenant of Primus, correct?"
"Yes."
"Then you are aware that, in one of its many passages, it foretells the arrival of a Matrix-bearer who would light our darkest hour and bring unity to all Cybertronians."
"Yes, but I assumed that it referred to Sentinel Prime-"
Trannis cut him off with a harsh laugh. "And yet do you see unity, Optronix? Do you see Decepticons and Autobots standing side-by-side, as equals?"
Optronix did not respond.
"No, my friend. That Prime has yet to arrive," Trannis went on. "In fact, he is standing right before me."
Optronix stared at him coldly. "You plan on converting me to your cause. You plan on making me a Decepticon idol."
Trannis grinned. "Just an idol. Not of Autobot or Decepticon, but of Cybertronians in general... perhaps even beyond."
"And how does putting me in a Decepticon-ruled area help me-"
"Because then you'll be able to see both sides of the coin. As a member of the Elite Guard, you already know how well Autobot society works. Here, you will be able to understand the whole story of the Great War."
Optronix sighed. He knew that this wasn't much of a choice; it was to either accept Trannis' offer or die.
"Fine," he muttered. "I accept. And was it really necessary to restrain me to a table?"
Trannis smirked. "To keep you from escaping, yes. And, like I said, we decided to rebuild you."
Optronix looked down and saw that his body had been upgraded to be more well-armored and armed, the most prominent weapon being a large cannon on his right arm. Despite himself, he couldn't help but smirk. Nice touch.
* * *
Ultra Magnus stood solemnly before Sentinel Prime in the latter's office, having returned from Lucifer a mere hour ago. The Prime paced back and forth behind his desk, looking out his window to observe the magnificent city of Iacon.
After a moment of silence, Sentinel finally spoke. "Well, the good news is, there have been no more Decepticon sightings, at least outside of Kaon. The city is sure to be more unruly than before now that the presence of a security force is absent though."
"Red Alert is establishing a perimeter around the city," Ultra Magnus said. "The forces from the bordering cities will keep an eye on it."
Sentinel Prime nodded. "Very good. Any plans for investigating the 'prison debacle,' as some call it?"
"Not yet. It is more riskier than ever to enter Decepticon territory. It will take some time to devise a good enough strategy."
Sentinel nodded again. Then, after a moment's pause, said, "I hear that Optronix fell in battle with Straxus."
Ultra Magnus nodded mournfully. "Yes, presumably. None of us were present to witness it, though I'm sure he fought valiantly."
The Prime merely sighed, staring out the window.
Ultra Magnus cleared his throat. "Who are you planning to make your successor now?"
The old Autobot turned to face him, his metallic visage filled with sorrow and grief. "If it's all the same to you, old friend, I would like some peace and quiet."
Ultra Magnus nodded and left the room, leaving Sentinel alone to brood over his loss.
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