Transformers Regenerated: Unicron Saga VIII, Prologue & Chapter One

PROLOGUE

   The departure of the Ark II was without a doubt a defining moment in Cybertronian history. Hundreds of Autobots watched as the golden ship took off from its launching pad and vanish into the darkness of space. To some, it was a symbol of hope, a sign that one day, the war would end and Cybertron would be restored.

   However, there was a select few- in fact, only one- that derived distress from it.

   While the other Autobots marveled at the Ark's departure, the spy among their ranks secluded himself in an isolated alley before making contact with his superiors.

   "Lord Megatron, this is Agent Triple-Seven," he said. "This is urgent. Please respond."

   "What do you want, Makeshift?" a gruff voice growled from his communicator.

   "Lugnut, hurry up and patch me through to Megatron, now!"

   "Speak, agent," the voice of Megatron said smoothly.

   Forcing himself to calm down, Makeshift said, "My lord, I have urgent news. Optimus Prime and at least a hundred Autobots have set off to find the Allspark to restore Cybertron."

   There was a long pause preceding the Decepticon leader's response. "Do you have any idea on where there are headed?"

   "Not exactly, but I overhead something about the colony words established in Nova Prime's time."

   Silence briefly filled the communicator before Megatron said, "Thank you for this info, agent. In the meantime, I have a new task for you."

   "Name it, my lord," Makeshift said.

   "You are to abandon your position on Cybertron. Do whatever you can to avoid suspicion."

   "And then?"

   "Find a way to track down the Autobots' ship and sneak on board. Then, send out a signal so that we may take pursuit."

   "Understood, Lord Megatron. What of the Autobots left vulnerable on Cybertron."

   The shape-shifting spy could hear Megatron chuckle on the other end. "We shall deal with them accordingly. You need only be concerned with your own duties."

   Makeshift nodded. "It shall be done, Lord Megatron." However, the Decepticon leader had already ended the connection before he could even speak.

   The spy smirked to himself as he exited the alley. Today was indeed a defining moment in Cybertronian history.

   For it would soon see the victory of the Decepticons.

THE DARK AGE
Part 1: The Dark Dawn

CHAPTER ONE

   Optimus Prime watched the tunnel of hyperspace swirl before the Ark's front viewport. Cybertron was now light years behind them and it would be quite some time before they would be returning to their homeworld.

   He let out a quiet sigh. None of this- the Ark, the search for the AllSpark- would have been necessary had it not been for the Cataclysm. Thunderwing's rampage had left Cybertron a dead world and had also diminished the Autobots' resources, leaving their world helpless to a Decepticon attack. He could only hope that Ultra Magnus and the remaining Autobots could withhold such an assault.

   "We're getting close to the Velocitron system," Sideswipe said from the pilot seat. "Should we drop off there?"

   Optimus Prime considered the prospect for a moment. Velocitron was one of the first colonies established by Nova Prime during the Age of Expansion and recently suffered through the Asphalt Wars. The neutral natives of the speed-loving planet had not taken Autobots and Decepticons too kindly since then. Perhaps, even if they didn't find the AllSpark there, they'd at least be able to reconcile and bury old tensions.

   "Yes, Sideswipe," he finally said. "Take us to Velocitron."

   While the red Autobot prepared to bring the Ark out of hyperspace, Optimus heard a loud whoop. He turned around to look at a young Autobot with red armor and a flame deco on his chest. Catching Optimus' gaze, Hot Rod smiled sheepishly.

   Optimus smiled underneath his mouthplate. "I understand. Just try to keep in your excitement until we get there."

   From one of the bridge's monitor stations, Optimus' old friend Ironhide turned to face him, eyebrows raised. "You aren't seriously considering bringing that turbo-revving punk with you."

   "Velocitron is commonly known as the Speed Planet, Ironhide," Optimus replied. "I will be requiring some of the fastest Autobots to navigate it."

   Ironhide grunted. "And the fastest Autobots just so happen to be the least controllable."

   "Hey!" Hot Rod snapped. "I'm controllable!"

   "Settle down, Hot Rod," Optimus said. Turning to Ironhide, he said, "Don't worry, old friend. I can handle it."

   A doubtful look crossed the red and black Autobot's face, but he said nothing. Not long after, Sideswipe brought the ship out of hyperspace and the dusty red world of Velocitron appeared, its yellow sun blazing behind it.

   Seated near Sideswipe on the Ark's bridge, the Autobot scientist Perceptor leaned forward and frowned slightly. "That doesn't look good," he muttered.

   "What do you mean?" Optimus asked.

   "Well... do you want the full answer or the condensed-for-laymen answer?"

   "Condensed, please."

   "Very well," Perceptor said. "In layman's terms, that star is dying."

   "How can you tell?" asked Jazz.

   The scientist sighed. "That would be going into the fully detailed answer that no one wants to hear. Look, I've been with the Patterners since their founding. I know astronomy better than most."

   "So Velocitron's sun is dying," Sideswipe said. "I wonder if the natives know about it."

   "Only one way to find out," Optimus said. "Set us down."

*  *  *

   Grimlock was not in what people would call a good mood.

   Another meeting with Ultra Magnus had gone downhill. Grimlock had been insistent in tracking down those who had abandoned the war in the Great Exodus and coercing them to return so that they could withstand a Decepticon invasion. However, Magnus had rejected the very prospect, not wishing to sour already harsh tensions.

   The Dynobot leader snorted to himself. Sometimes he felt like the only one with their head screwed on straight.

   You are more special than you realize, Grimlock.

   Grimlock froze at the sound of the voice. He looked over his shoulder to where the Fortress Maximus stood and saw no one. He then looked to either of his sides, but still did not spot the source of the voice.

   So he looked up.

   And saw the fleet of Decepticon ships that were now entering Cybertron's sky.

   Cursing under his breath, Grimlock converted to his tank form and raced back to headquarters. Perhaps they wouldn't have had time to use his plan anyway....

*  *  *

   Shockwave's single optic whirred as the Victory and the rest of the Decepticon fleet approached Cybertron. This course of action had been a logical one that he could not argue with; the Autobots were nearly unprepared for an attack such as this and victory was thus ensured.

   This was partly why he had named his ship as such. So sure was he of victory that he had named the flagship of this invasion to represent that. It was a show of arrogance, perhaps... but among the Decepticons, that was hardly unusual.

   "The fleet is awaiting your orders, Commander Shockwave," said a Vehicon at the controls.

   "Tell them to commence the invasion in three cycles," Shockwave said. "I have one last thing to address."

   The mono-eyed Decepticon rose from his command chair and exited the bridge. Outside in one of the corridors awaited a team of five Decepticons, who all turned to Shockwave expectantly.

   "We will be attacking Cybertron in less than three minutes," Shockwave said. "Once we begin, you will land your dropship near Virtue's Forum, where our quarry is reported to being held. You will have to act fast before the Autobots notice your presence. Are we clear on that?"

   "Crystal," said the group's leader Nightracer.

   "Good. I hope to see our friend here on this ship- in one piece- soon."

   With that, Shockwave turned to leave while the five Decepticons- Nightracer, Landfall, Duststorm, Treadshot, and Crasher- headed for their ship. Once he was back on the bridge, Shockwave focused his single optic on the awaiting Cybertron before speaking.

   "Decepticons, attack."