Transformers Regenerated: Lost Light X, Chapter Eight

8: ONE GIANT LEAP

--Unidentified Titan--

    "Right then," Brainstorm said as he ended his call to the Lost Light. "We're meeting them on Velocitron."

    "Great," Quickshadow said dryly, standing behind him with Cerebros. "And just how are we going to get there? The 'Con ship we took isn't working and I doubt our Titan is going to be cooperative."

    "Two words, my friend," Brainstorm replied, holding up two fingers. "Space bridge."

    "And just how are we going to get that working for us?"

    Brainstorm stared at her as if she had grown an extra head. "Are you kidding me? Babe, I'm a scientist. I can get anything working."

    Quickshadow rolled her optics. "Fine. Let's go then."

    Using a map Cerebros was able to retrieve from the Titan's databanks, the three Autobots traveled to the location of the giant's space bridge. Once there, Brainstorm moved over to the control station and got to work.

    No more than two minutes had passed when Brainstorm said, "We have a problem."

    Quickshadow sighed. "Let me guess: it won't work."

    Brainstorm slowly shook his head. "No, it'll work. But... it requires a certain process to activate it."

    "And that would be...?"

    "Binary-bonding. Meaning one of us has to make a symbiotic relationship with the Titan in order to turn on the space bridge to keep it open."

    Quickshadow frowned. "So one of us has to stay behind."

    "Pretty much, yeah."

    "Are there any specific requirements to the bonding?"

    "It doesn't seem like it." Brainstorm fell silent for a moment before letting out a long sigh. "Look, since I'm the one with the dubious record, I'll be the one to--"

    "I'll do it," Cerebros said.

    The other two looked at him in surprise. "What?" Brainstorm said. "Buddy, you don't have to--"

    "No." Cerebros shook his head. "I'm sorry, Brainstorm, but this is my choice. Besides, you and Quickshadow are a lot more valuable to the cause than I am. I'm just... I'm nobody."

    "What are you talking about? You're Fortress frikkin' Maximus!"

    "Not anymore I'm not." Cerebros stepped closer to Brainstorm and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Look, I appreciate your concern for my well-being, but this is how it's supposed to be. You know it, I know it... this is just the way things are."

    Brainstorm started to protest but stopped himself, meeting Cerebros' gaze. There was something in it beyond mere altruism and self-righteousness. It almost felt as if Cerebros was pleading with him.

    Lowering his tone, Brainstorm said, "What did the 'Cons do to you?"

    Cerebros stared back at him blankly, not answering right away. After a moment, he finally said, "I think you already know the answer to that."

    Sighing, Brainstorm bowed his head. "Right. In that case, let's not waste any more time."

    "Hang on just a second," Quickshadow said. "Would someone bringing me back into the loop? I'm completely lost here."

    "You're not the only one," Brainstorm muttered as he turned back to the console. "Once we get to Velocitron, I'll try to explain it as best as I can."

    Frowning, Quickshadow turned to Cerebros. "You're sure you want to do this?"

    Cerebros nodded. "Call it cheap, but I feel that it is my destiny. Like I was meant for this."

    "I see...."

    At that moment, Brainstorm turned back around to Cerebros. "You ready, pal?"

    "As I'll ever be."

    "Then let's do this."

--Carcer--

    Sentinel Major stepped back as another knock sounded at his door. His grip around his gun tightened as he raised it towards the door. He had to admit, he was rather surprised it had taken them this long. Surely they would have detected the space bridge being used; it was a miracle they hadn't come right then and there.

    After killing the room lights, Sentinel finally spoke when the seventh knock came. "Come in."

    "It's me, Sentinel," came the voice of Obsidian. "We need to talk."

    "Please, come in. The door's unlocked."

    "You don't need to kill me, Sentinel. You and I share the same goals."

    "Of course we do. We are both loyal to Magmatron--"

    "No, you misunderstand me. I know your secret, Infinitus."

    Sentinel nearly lost his grip on the gun. "How--"

    "I deduced it long ago," Obsidian replied. "Anyway, you and I both know that Magmatron is no longer the ideal leader for our new Cybertron."

    "Yes..." Sentinel responded tentatively.

    "Well, I am affiliated with a secret order that is working towards a similar objective. Perhaps an alliance could be made to further our goals."

    "An alliance with the Covenant, you mean?"

    "No. Just you. And your superior, if they are willing."

    Sentinel frowned to himself. "What about Magmatron and the others?"

    "Let them go about their crusade. They'll succumb to their own destructive ways sooner or later."

    Sentinel fell silent as he mulled over these words. "What is this order you're affiliated with?" he then asked.

    "Now, now," Obsidian chided. "I can't tell you everything from outside."

    Lowering his gun, Sentinel moved to open the door. He was instantly greeted by a large fist slamming into his face. As he fell to the ground, he saw Obsidian and Strika loom over him through his grainy vision.

    "Welcome to the Secret Order, Sentinel Major," Obsidian said as Strika bent over to pick up Sentinel. "With your help, Cybertron will once again glitter like gold."

    Sentinel did not remember much more beyond that before shutting offline....

ALL THAT GLITTERS: CONCLUDED

THE ADVENTURE WILL CONTINUE IN

THE PRIME WARS

Transformers Regenerated: Lost Light X, Chapter Seven

    Disclaimer: This post contains made-up/fictional URLs. They're not supposed to go to anywhere.

7: THE BIG CONVERSATION

    Thread: Personal / Date: Cycle 9688

    <Tryptical> You should just break up with him.

    <CircuitsuMaster> Easier said than done. I mean, he's my commanding officer for spark's sake.

    <Starscream's Ghost> Yikes. How did you get yourself into that mess?

    <CircuitsuMaster> Well, we've known each other since before the war. We both trained at the Cyber-Ninja Dojo and... always kind of hit it off.

    <Tryptical> That long, huh? Has he always treated you like scrap?

    <CircuitsuMaster> No. He's only acted like this since he was promoted.

    <Tryptical> And this was...?

    <CircuitsuMaster> Ten years ago.

    <CassetteMan> Have you tried talking things out with him?

    <CircuitsuMaster> I have. Several times. It's... it's never ended well.

    <Starscream's Ghost> Sounds to me it's time for you to call things off. Maybe ask for a unit transfer?

    <CircuitsuMaster> Ha. Right. Not with who we're deployed under.

    <CircuitsuMaster> Look, I appreciate the advice guys, but I think this is something I'll just have to grin and bear. Best I can hope for is he gets demoted... or I go down in the line of duty.

    <Monstercon> Enlightenment is only a click away. ascendreapconquer.dnet

    <CircuitsuMaster> What?

    <Tryptical> Don't mind him. He's just some Mortilus-loving nutcase.

    <Monstercon> Mortals lie. Only gods speak truth. ascendreapconquer.dnet

    <Tryptical> Don't bother. It's just a bunch of malware-ridden nonsense.

    <CircuitsuMaster> Okay...

Thread: Higher Ups / Date: Cycle 9698

    <DrMadhouse> Is it safe to talk about commanding officers here?

    <Tryptical> Pretty safe. They hardly ever peruse these kind of things. What's up?

    <DrMadhouse> It's about Thunderwing. I'm... to be quite frank, I'm scared of him.

    <TillAllAreCon> Wait. Is this the same Thunderwing from the Ijurn incident of Cycle 9314?

    <DrMadhouse> Indeed. Funny you bring that up though, since the cause of that incident is the same cause of my current worry.

    <CassetteMan> You mean that nasty Dark Energon stuff? I thought that stuff had all been depleted.

    <DrMadhouse> He's been keeping secret reserves since then, using desolate worlds to farm seeds of the stuff. That's what he was trying to do on Ijurn -- replicate it -- but the planet's atmosphere made it too unstable. Since then he's found worlds with better environments to perform his experiments.

    <TillAllAreCon> So... what's he doing now?

    <DrMadhouse> He's... *sigh* He's trying to infuse himself with it.

    <Tryptical> Seriously? Is he mad?

    <DrMadhouse> Very. I honestly don't know what to do. Should I... do I even dare tell High Command of this?

    <TillAllAreCon> High Command heck. Megatron should be told about this. This is serious stuff. Someone get the D.J.D. on his aft. Anyone know Tarn's hailing frequency?

    <Tryptical> Where are you, DrMadhouse? You should probably tail out of wherever you're stationed before Thunderwing finds out you tattled on him.

    <Tryptical> DrMadhouse?

    <CircuitsuMaster> Enlightenment is only a click away. ascendreapconquer.dnet

    THREAD LOCKED. DELETION PENDING.

Thread: Coping w/Peace / Date: Cycle 9708

    <CassetteMan> Hey. Anyone else on?

    <Tryptical> What's up, CassetteMan? Been a while.

    <CassetteMan> Yeah, I haven't had the chance to log on lately. Been busy with relocating to Eta Kalos V. Signal here sucks.

    <Tryptical> I can relate. I was brought up in Triax, where the Nexis hogged up all the frequencies.

    <CassetteMan> Have you heard from the rest of the gang lately?

    <Tryptical> TillAllAreCon still logs in every now and then. I haven't seen Grumpybox since the... you know.

    <CassetteMan> You mean the Thunderwing thing?

    <Tryptical> Yeah.

    <CassetteMan> Were you there when it happened?

    <CassetteMan> If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine.

    <Tryptical> Could we... take this to private?

    <Tryptical> I just don't want to clog up this thread with....

    <CassetteMan> Sure, pal. No prob. I understand.

    <TillAllAreCon> So, anyone listen to Headbanger's new album?

Thread: Alien Cultures / Date: Cycle 9815

    <Starscream's Ghost> Wow, really?

    <TillAllAreCon> Yeah. Needless to say, they weren't happy about it and burned the whole place down. It was crazy.

    <Starscream's Ghost> Fannaxians have very strange taste in art.

    <TillAllAreCon> You're telling me? That's not even the worst of it. I've seen some of their Lithonian pieces.... it's disturbing, man. Weirds me out.

    <CONS4EVA> Hello.

    <Starscream's Ghost> Hey! Welcome to the cause, man!

    <TillAllAreCon> Welcome, CONS4EVA. Been a while since we've gotten any new members.

    <Starscream's Ghost> Especially with so many of the old guard gone. I don't think Tryptical's logged on in a hundred years.

    <Grumpybox> I'm still here.

    <Starscream's Ghost> Yeah, but you hardly ever post. Too busy hanging out with your "friends."

    <Grumpybox> Bah!

    <CONS4EVA> At least they have friends.

    <TillAllAreCon> Ooh! Sick burn, bro. You're gonna do fine, CONS4EVA.

    <CassetteMan> Hey, did someone bring up Tryptical earlier?

    <Starscream's Ghost> Yeah, why?

    <CassetteMan> He just signed in.

    <TillAllAreCon> Yo, Tryptical! Been too long, man! What's been happening?

    <Tryptical> I am broken.

    <TillAllAreCon> What?

    <CassetteMan> You okay?

    <Tryptical> I need to feel whole again.

    <Starscream's Ghost> Ouch. Ease off the edge.

    <CONS4EVA> It has been too long.

    <TillAllAreCon> What are you ta- DISCONNECTED

    <Tryptical> Ascend.

    <CassetteMan> What the scrap's goi- DISCONNECTED

    <CONS4EVA> My time has finally come.

    <Tryptical> Reap.

    <Starscream's Ghost> I'm freaking ou- DISCONNECTED

    <CONS4EVA> Cybertron's reckoning begins.

    <Grumpybox> This is not go- DISCONNECTED

    <Tryptical> Conquer.

    ALL TRANSMISSIONS DISCONNECTED

   THE BIG CONVERSATION IS TAKING TOO LONG TO RESPOND. PLEASE READJUST YOUR TRANSMITTER

Transformers Regenerated: Lost Light X, Chapter Six

HO HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS CHARLIE BROWN!

6: INTO THE FIRE

--Unidentified Titan--

    "Any luck yet?"

    Quickshadow huffed as she leaned over the comm station, working on getting a signal. "For the last time, I'll tell you when I get it working or not. Interrupting me with the same stupid question isn't going to get it done faster."

    Brainstorm rolled his optics as he stood against the wall of the Titan's control room. "Sorry. Just wanted to make sure everything was going okay."

    Quickshadow made no response. Sighing, Brainstorm looked over to Cerebros. The gray and blue Autobot was huddled in a nearby corner, cerulean visor cast to the floor. Frowning behind his mouthplate, Brainstorm walked over to him.

    "Hey. You okay, buddy?"

    Cerebros looked up at him, almost as if in surprise. "Huh? Oh. Yeah, I'm fine."

    "Translation: You're not." Sitting down to Cerebros, Brainstorm rested a hand on the other mech's shoulder. "Come on, pal. Tell me what's on your mind. It's not like we've got better things to do."

    Cerebros said nothing at first, staring at his thumbs as he twiddled them. Then, his voice quiet, he said, "Do you remember the Institute, Brainstorm?"

    Brainstorm blinked. "The Institute?"

    "Yes. You worked there, didn't you?"

    Brainstorm hesitated to respond. He glanced at Quickshadow, who did not seem to paying their conversation any head. Turning back to Cerebros, he spoke in a low voice. "How do you know about that?"

    "I heard your name mentioned in passing during my time there--"

    "Wait." Brainstorm stopped him, optics narrowed suspiciously. "You worked at the Institute?"

    Cerebros nodded. "Yes. Is there something wrong?"

    Brainstorm pinched the ridge of his faceplate as he shuttered his optics. "When did you start working there?"

    "Er, Cycle 8924. Why?"

    "The Institute was shut down a century before then. It was one of the first things Optimus Prime did when he took command."

    Cerebros looked at him in surprise. "Really? But... I was told that Optimus Prime had allowed operations to continue, provided that only Decepticons were worked on."

    Brainstorm shook his head. "That's insane. Prime would never allow such a thing to persist under his watch. Who even told you that?"

    "My boss. The Grandmaster."

    "The Grandmaster?" Before Brainstorm could ask Cerebros to elaborate, Quickshadow suddenly called out to them.

    "It's working!"

    Both Autobots launched to their feet and rushed over to her. The silver Autobot was hunched over the comm station, almost giddy as she sent out a signal to Autobot High Command.

    "Here's hoping they pick up," she said.

    "And if they don't?" Brainstorm asked.

    "We'll figure that part later."

    The three Autobots waited in silence as the console beeped intermittently. After several minutes had passed, Brainstorm was almost certain no one was going to pick up. He was about to say as much when a voice crackled through, accompanied by static and a fuzzy image on the viewscreen.

    "Hello?" came the hissed response.

    "Hello?" Quickshadow repeated. "This is Agent Quickshadow. Can you read me?"

    "Han- -n. Giv- -e a sec--d." A couple of seconds passed as the person on the other end worked on getting a better signal. Eventually, the image on the viewscreen cleared enough for the Autobots to see their contract.

    And it most certainly wasn't another Autobot.

    Quickshadow gasped while Brainstorm and Cerebros flinched at the horrifying visage that greeted them. The monstrous robot clicked its mandibular features as it cackled.

    "Sorry, did I startle you? Must be a habit of mine."

    "Who are you?" Quickshadow demanded, blue optics alive with anger. "How did you intercept this call?"

    "What interception?" the creature asked. "Were you not trying to call me?"

    "This is the number for Autobot High Command."

    "Indeed! So what is your situation?"

    Quickshadow did not respond, staring at the viewscreen mouth agape. The monstrous figure then snapped its fingers as if in realization.

    "Oh, that's right! You were expecting to see Prowl, weren't you? Here, just give me a minute...."

    Suddenly, the visual on the screen changed and the creature was replaced by an image of Prowl, wrapped up in a cocoon of some sort and suspended in some kind of web. As the three Autobots stared at the scene in horror, the creature continued to speak over the image.

    "As you can see, he is a bit indisposed at the moment. In fact, all of Autobot High Command is presently unavailable. I suppose you'll just have to make do with me." The screen then returned to the creature. "My name is Tarantulas, by the way. You could say Prowl and I have a history. It's a long and complicated one, so I won't bore you with the details. It's funny though; it seems like only yesterday--"

    The screen went black before Tarantulas could finish. Quickshadow vented heavily as she slumped over the comm station, holding her head.

    "We have to do something," she murmured.

    "Who can we even turn to?" Cerebros asked. "Seems like everyone we know is either MIA or turned against us."

    Brainstorm cleared his throat. "I... might know of someone... or some people rather."

    Both Quickshadow and Cerebros looked at him. "Who?" the former asked, while the latter had a knowing gleam in his visor.

    "Let me use the comm," Brainstorm said. "It's going to be a long shot, but it just might be our only hope...."

--The Lost Light--

    "Any luck?"

    Nautica frowned as she shook her head. "None of them are responding. Skids, Rung, Firestar... no one is picking up."

    Rodimus rapped his knuckle on the arm of his chair, trying his hardest to not look nervous. "Maybe we've just got a shoddy signal."

    "Trust me, we should be clear," Blaster said from his station. "Signal is golden on our end."

    All of the crew gathered on the bridge waited in dreadful anticipation as Nautica attempted to hail their friends on Carcer again, silently praying that nothing bad had befallen them.

    Standing to Rodimus' right, Minimus Ambus looked to the captain with a raised optic ridge. "If we fail to make contact with them... what then?"

    "Then we'll scour the cosmos until we find them," Rodimus replied curtly.

    "So I figured," Minimus murmured. "And if we don't?"

    Before Rodimus could answer, Nautica suddenly spoke up. "I've got a signal!"

    "Awesome!" Rodimus exclaimed over the cheers erupting over the bridge. "Put them on visual!"

    "Wait," Blaster said, holding a hand to his head. "I'm picking up another signal--"

    "Then put them both on. Minimus can handle the other one."

    Both Nautica and Blaster complied and soon, on two separate viewscreens, two faces appeared. On the first was Firestar, while the other one displayed a face the crew had not seen in a long, long time.

    A dead silence fell over the crew as Nautica stared in shock at the visage of Brainstorm. The Autobot genius stared back at her before sighing heavily.

    "Well... this is awkward."

Transformers Regenerated: Lost Light X, Chapter Five

5: OUT OF THE FRYING PAN

--Carcer--

    "Has anyone seen Sentinel Major?"

    Payback paused midstride. As the rest of her party continued marching down the hall, the green and brown Carcerian turned to see her comrade Wingblade approaching her, flexing his recently reattached arm.

    "No, I haven't," Payback replied. "Why do you ask?"

    "I haven't seen him since we started the jump," the winged mech told her. "I've been concerned about some of our Cybertronian guests and wish to speak with him about said guests."

    Payback shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine. Anyway, we should probably get moving; you know how the generals get when soldiers aren't punctual... especially Strika."

    "Right," Wingblade muttered, frowning. "I'm just worried that these bots will only give us more grief the longer they stay."

    "Hey, don't fret over it," Payback said. "I'm sure the big bot will have it all under control."

*  *  *

    "I really don't like this idea, Whirl."

    "Ah, quit being a wuss, Eyebrows," Whirl retorted. The ex-Wrecker was ahead of a group consisting of himself, Rung, Skids, and Ariel; the only Lost Light-ers that still remained on Carcer. They were currently sneaking through the inner corridors of the Titan, going past the resident Carcerians unnoticed. It helped that they all seemed to be off somewhere urgent and thus did not see the need to pay the four Autobots any mind.

    Of course, that didn't stop Rung from continuing to be a worrywart.

    "I'm being serious, Whirl!" the psychiatrist hissed back. "I'm beginning to doubt these Carcerians are even remotely trustworthy. Cyclonus is missing, Rodimus and the others aren't back yet, and we've clearly traveled to someplace but exactly where is anyone's--"

    Whirl shushed him, raising a claw as he brought the gang to a stop before a nondescript door. A single metal plate bolted onto the door read, in Old Cybertronian, the words "Space Bride Chamber."

    Rung frowned upon seeing this. "You're not actually thinking...?"

    "You bet I am, Eyebrows."

    "It's sure to be heavily guarded though. Who knows how many bots they have in there."

    "You think numbers mean anything to an ex-Wrecker like me? Besides, we've got Skids--"

    "Don't count on me to be of much use," Skids said grimly, rubbing his helm. "I'm not exactly in the best state of mind to fight or anything."

    "Ah, no worries," Whirl said. "I'll do all the hard stuff. I don't mind. I might need you to blast down the door though. 'Cos I've got no guns and I don't exactly have a Roadbuster kind of build, y'know?"

    Rung's eyebrows raised in alarm. "I do believe such an act would attract more attention than we don't need."

    "Well, what would you suggest we do instead, skinny?" Whirl snapped, turning on the smaller Autobot. "How do you suggest we get off this god-forsaken ship?"

    "Uh, Whirl...?" Skids started to say.

    "Shut up, I'm not finis--"

    "Ahem." 

    Whirl let out a yelp as he spun around. Standing in the now-opened doorway was Sentinel Major, who staring at the four Autobots with cool blue optics.

    "Scrap," Skids muttered.

    "I was wondering when you would get here," Sentinel said. "I almost began to think you were planning on staying."

    "Sentinel Major, please. We mean you no--" Rung was silenced by Sentinel with the raise of a hand.

    "Save it," the larger mech said. "We don't have much time."

    All four blinked in confusion. "We?"

    Sentinel stepped aside, revealing the room to be filled by the twenty-odd Camiens that had also been transported to Carcer with the Lost Light-ers. "I suggest that you come aside."

*  *  *

    "I'm impressed, Trion. I didn't think you had the guts."

    Ultra Trion said nothing as he stood beside Elitus. The both of them were watching Magmatron and his generals bark out orders to the Carcerians, who were mobilizing to head down to Eukaris.

    "I mean, I know you no longer claim to be an Autobot, unlike Sentinel, but what you did was very Decepticon of you."

    "Hardly," Trion grunted. "Perhaps if I had dumped them out the airlock, which I could have easily done instead."

    "True, but that would have been too easy." Elitus grinned wickedly at him. "I like a bot who takes the long way round."

    Trion glanced at her. "Your advances are flattering but unwanted. I do not wish to be anything more than mere acquaintances with you and the others." 

    Elitus scoffed. "Don't mistake my impression for anything beyond such, Trion. You're only flattering yourself."

    Both bots fell silent as Magmatron began to approach them. The Eukarian had his optics set on Ultra Trion, who shifted slightly under his gaze.

    "Old friend!" Magmatron said, grinning widely. "I have heard about what you've done with those Cybertronians. Excellent work, my friend."

    Trion bowed his head. "Yes, well, there wasn't much to it--"

    "Nonsense!" Magmatron rested a hand on his shoulder. "You have proven yourself a more than capable ally. It is no wonder the Autobots once held you in such high regard."

    Trion opened his mouth to respond but was cut off again. "Now then, I have an offer to make you," the Eukarian said.

    "An offer?" Trion repeated bemusedly. "Of what sort?"

    "I shall be heading down to Eukaris in five minutes time. While Sentinel and Elitus command Carcer in my absence, I want you to accompany me."

    Trion looked perplexed at this. "Accompany you? Me?"

    "Yes." Magmatron smirked. "Don't worry; I have an upgrade already set aside for you. I would be remiss to have you come as you are."

    Ultra Trion could only stammer in response. Without waiting for a clear answer, Magmatron slapped him on the back.

    "Glad to hear it! I'll have Elitus take you to go see Cogwheel."

    Before he could protest, Trion found himself already being dragged away by Elitus. The magenta-colored femme flashed him a devious grin as they left.

    "How does it feel to be coming out of retirement, Ultra Magnus?"

    Trion's only response was to stare off aghast into space.

*  *  *

    "Okay, what kind of game are you playing?"

    Sentinel Major looked over his shoulder at Skids as he worked the controls of the space bridge. "I beg your pardon?"

    Skids gestured widely at the gathered crowd of Cybertronians and Camiens. "What are we doing here? Where are you planning to send us to? And where the Pit are Rodimus and the others?"

    Sentinel sighed. "I wish I could answer your last question, but I honestly don't know. I haven't had the chance to speak with Ultra Trion and I don't want to raise any more suspicion than I already have with my absence. As for where I'm sending you... that's what I'm still trying to figure out."

    "What do you mean?" Rung asked.

    "There's not enough power to send you just anywhere in the galaxy," Sentinel explained. "However, I can send you to any world with a Titan of its own... provided their space bridge is still working."

    "Well, you can rule out Caminus," said Firestar. "I'm pretty sure the Decepticons have eliminated any chance of us going back there."

    "And you might want to rule out Animatron as well," said Whirl. "Call it a hunch."

    Sentinel rubbed his chin. "Right. That just leaves Velocitron... and Devisiun. Any objections to those?"

    "What about Metroplex?" another Camien asked. "I've heard that the Circle of Light have been commandeering him."

    "Yes, but we don't know if they still are," Skids pointed out. "Plus, they could be in the middle of something bad for all we know."

    Any further conversation was abruptly halted by the sound of Sentinel's comm going off. The orange Autobot's optics briefly flashed in alarm.

    "That's sure to be Obsidian, wondering where I've gone. We've got to make this quick." Turning back to the space bridge's console, Sentinel punched in a series of commands and in short time, a portal materialized.

    "There. This should take you to Velocitron. Hopefully you will find help there."

    Skids frowned. "How can we be sure we can trust you?"

    Sentinel sighed. "Look, there's no time to argue. The portal won't last for long, and there's going to be bots barging in here any moment now. I suggest you go now."

    Skids looked to Rung, who simply shrugged, then to Firestar, who nodded slightly. Without another moment of hesitation, they started moving towards the portal....

Transformers Regenerated: Lost Light X, Chapter Four

4: THICKER THAN WATER

--Cybertron--

    "Why do these things keep happening?"

    Elita-One stood in what used to be the office of Optimus Prime -- the same Optimus Prime who, just under twenty-four hours ago, had vanished without a trace. It hadn't even been a year since she had reunited with him on Earth and already he was gone again.

    Standing by her side, Jetfire scanned the room for any signs of break-in or struggle, but there were none. It was as if Prime had just gotten up and left. Without ever returning, which didn't really seem like something he'd do.

    Turning back to Elita, he said, "I take it you've already checked the security footage?"

    "Ironhide's gone through it. The footage gets corrupted around the same time he vanishes." Elita huffed as she folded her arms. "Which just figures."

    "What did the footage show before that? Did anyone visit him at any point?"

    Elita thought for a moment. "I know Metalhawk visited him to discuss his proposal for a Council of Worlds, but that was several hours earlier. After that... I think I was the last bot to see him."

    Jetfire raised an inquisitive optic. "When would have this been?"

    "At least five hours before he vanished. At least, that's when the footage cut out." Elita turned to meet Jetfire's gaze. "I assure you that--"

    "I'm not accusing anyone of anything," the Autobot flier said. "We're going to need all the facts and info we can get if we want to solve this through. What were the two of you discussing?"

    Elita looked away from him. "It's... a private matter."

    Jetfire nodded in understanding. "Did you notice anything off about him?"

    "What do you mean?"

    "He didn't act or look any different than normal?"

    The hesitation in her voice, as brief as it was, was telling. "No. He seemed fine."

    Deciding not to press the matter further, Jetfire turned to leave. "Well, I'm going to have Security Forces investigate this, have them question anyone they can. If anything comes up, just radio me."

    "Right," Elita murmured. "Thank you, Jetfire."

    Once the flier was gone, Elita stood alone in the room for a long moment, staring at the holo-image of herself situated over Optimus' chair. Before she knew it, she was losing herself to a sea of memories....

--Chaar, Cycle 8815--

    "Gear up, everyone. Ten minutes till touchdown."

    Elita-One hummed to herself as she loaded her gun. It was a tune she had known since she was forged, taught by her caretaker. It was known as the Cadence of Astronema, first orchestrated during the Silver Age. For all her life it had held a special place in her spark -- and right now, it was the only thing keeping her mind off what awaited her and everyone else on the ship.

    "This your first deployment?"

    Elita lifted her optics to see a large gray mech with an orange chestplate. She could have sworn she had seen a bot with his build before but her addled mind made it hard for her to pinpoint when and where.

    Still humming to herself, she managed a small nod.

    The mech smiled. "Mine too. I've spent most of my time on Cybertron trying to keep the riots down. Never been on the field before." He then elbowed a red and blue mech sitting next to him. "But Orion here, he's seen it all, haven't you, pal?"

    Orion glanced up at him. "I've only been on that one mission to Charrus. And by the time I got there, most of the 'Cons had already been dealt with."

    "So? That's still more action than I've seen."

    "Wait a second," Elita said, eliciting both bots' attention. "I know you two. You were both on that Stunticon operation last cycle."

    Orion and his friend blinked as recognition dawned on them. "Hey, that's right," the latter said. "You were there as well, with your sister. What was your name again? Elite One?"

    "Elita-One," she corrected, smiling. "And you're Roller, and he's Orion Pax."

    Roller laughed, which drew him a glare from the commander at the helm. "Hey, look at that! Someone actually remembers me! Told you I'd find one, buddy."

    Elita looked over to Orion with a confused look. "Am I missing something here?"

    Orion shook his head. "Ignore him. He's just being... well, him."

    Elita nodded before glancing around the compartment. Then, lowering her voice, she said, "So... how do you feel about... you know?"

    Orion stared at her but said nothing, silently inviting her to finish her statement. Taking a deep breath, she did so.

    "About your brother being the enemy?"

    Roller opened his mouth, likely to admonish her, but Orion cut him off. "I get by," he said. "It's hard, but I get by. He is my brother, so I still... it's just hard sometimes, you know?"

    "Yeah," Elita murmured. "I actually do...."

    "All right, enough chatter!" the commander hollered from up front. "We're dropping in five... four..."

    Roller lifted his gun and smirked at Elita. "How long do you reckon?"

    "Three... two..."

    Elita returned the smile but looked at Orion as she said, "Ten seconds."

    "One!"

    "Optimistic, aren't ya?"

    The floor gave way beneath them and they all fell to the barren planet below.

--Present--

    Elita was snapped back to reality by the sound of her comm buzzing. In her HUD, she saw the caller ID to be that of her sister Arcee. This surprised Elita; the two of them hadn't talked since their meetup at Maccadam's, and even then they hadn't spoke much to each other there. Why would she be calling her now?

    Answering the comm, Elita said, "Arcee?"

    "Hey, Elita. Are you in Iacon?"

    "Yes, actually. Why? What do you need?"

    "I need you to come down to the lab. There's something you need to see."

    Elita slowly nodded to herself. She couldn't help but feel slightly  disappointed that it wasn't a request for another get-together. Shaking the feeling, she responded, "I'll be right there."

    As she ended the call, Elita took a moment to look around the office one last time before transforming and driving off.

Transformers Regenerated: Lost Light X, Chapter Three

3: GREATLY EXAGGERATED

--Decepticon Broadcasting Network HQ--

    "Are we ready to roll, fellas?"

    "Uh, hang on." Viewfinder morphed into robot mode and took a step back, appraising the positions of his fellow Photons Spectro and Spyglass. He then gave a thumbs up as he returned to his camera form. "We're good."

    Zoom Out nodded before quickly putting on a cheeky grin as the trio of cameras turned on. "Greetings, fellow Decepticons! You are watching DBN, the one and only Decepticon news network. Really. All the others were shut down!"

    He paused for Flash Sentry to play the canned laughter before continuing.

    "I am your host, Zoom Out of Triax, and boy do I have a bombshell to drop on you today...."

--The Weak Anthropic Principle--

    "Megatron is alive."

    The five Scavengers -- and Spacewarp -- all stared at the viewscreen as Zoom Out continued on with his report. Fulcrum and Misfire's mouths were agape, Crankcase was scowling, Krok and Spacewarp had their arms folded, and Spinister... was staring at the ceiling.

    "Yes, believe it or not, our glorious leader has returned from the grave," Zoom Out went on. "Nobody knows how exactly this is possible but, hey, I'm not complaining. Anyone's better than Starscream, am I right?"

    Crankcase raised a finger. "Wait, didn't he write that book In Starscream We Trust?"

    Fulcrum shushed him, his optics glued to the screen.

    "Speaking of which," Zoom Out was saying, "according to those present in the Hall of Heroes, where our favorite screeching Seeker was holding a celebration for his seven month anniversary as Decepticon leader, Megatron allegedly 'crashed' the part and made short work of Starscream."

    At this, the scene changed to show two mechs, both done up to look like Megatron and Starscream respectively, standing on a crudely-made stage. The Megatron actor had their cobbled-looking "fusion cannon" aimed at the Starscream imposter.

    "Who disrupts my celebration?" the latter screeched.

    "Celebration, Starscream?" Not-Megatron responded woodenly. "This is bad comedy."

    "Megatron, is that you?"

    "Here's a hint." Not-Megatron mimicked firing his cannon and Not-Starscream responded by screaming out in faux pain, falling to his knees in an over-dramatic fashion. At that point, the cameras returned to Zoom Out, who had a look of embarrassment on his face.

    "Um, yes. As you can see, Megatron is, er, definitely not happy about the current state of his empire. But I'm sure with him back in command, things will get back to--"

    Without warning, Krok grabbed the remote control from Fulcrum and turned the viewscreen off.

    "Hey!" Misfire protested. "It was just getting good!"

    "What difference does any of this make?" Krok muttered. "This does not in anyway affect how we operate, how we live."

    "So? Who says it has to? I just wanted to see Megs beat up 'Screamer again."

    "Don't you already have that compilation video Wiretap gave you?" Fulcrum asked.

    "Yeah, but it only goes up to Cycle 8962. It doesn't even include the Mekhos beatdown, which was by far the best one of that cycle!"

    Krok simply grunted as he turned and walked away, tossing the remote aside as he left. The other Scavengers sat in awkward silence until Spacewarp cleared her throat.

    "We should probably get going. Agonizer closes his place in three hours."

    "You really think he'll give us a hundred grand for a transformation cog?" Fulcrum asked.

    "Once we show him it's the T-cog of Amalgamous frikkin' Prime, he will!" Misfire said.

    "I still think we should throw in the Requiem Blaster with it," Crankcase muttered.

    "I'd rather hold off until we find someone who can offer us more," Spacewarp said. "Agonizer can be stingy, even for items like these."

    "We could just shoot him and take his money," Spinister suggested.

    Spacewarp rolled her optics. "I'd rather not be an outlaw, thank you very much."

    Spinister grunted. "Wuss."

--Deathsaurus' Warworld--

    Tarn stared at the blank viewscreen, his masked face unreadable.

    The other members of the D.J.D., as well as Deathsaurus and his entire crew, watched him silently, waiting for him to speak.

    In his head, the words of the Decepticon newscaster rang, if a bit jumbled. He mainly focused on the keywords, or rather, the only two that mattered:

    Megatron. Alive.

    Megatron was alive. After six months of being dead, Megatron was suddenly alive.

    Glorious. Returned.

    This was not possible. How could it be? Megatron had perished with Unicron. There could not have possibly been anything to salvage from it. Not a body, not a spark.

    Grave. Better.

   No. This was some sort of hoax. This Megatron had to be some sort of impostor; a puppethead to be played by some other power, a power that had seized control of the Decepticons.

    Happy. Normal.

    Tarn rolled his hands into fists. This had to have been the worst offense he had ever seen -- even worse than Megatron's own "loss of faith." This impostor was tarnishing his Emperor's memory, making a mockery of the Decepticon throne.

    All. Hail.

    "Tarn?" Moving ever so carefully, Nickel rolled up to him, a look of concern on her small face. "Are you all right?"

    Tarn looked down at the Mini-Con, meeting her wide blue optics. Unlike the others, he had always appreciated her overt concern and almost doting personality. And also unlike the others, she always seemed to know what was going on behind his mask.

    "Aren't you... aren't you happy?" she asked. "About Megatron being back?"

    Tarn did not answer her and instead turned to Deathsaurus, who had his optic ridges raised at him. After a moment, the leader of the Decepticon Justice Division finally spoke.

    "Set a course for New Kaon. I wish to meet our reborn leader in person...."

--Decepticon Broadcasting Network HQ-

    "Uh, Zoom Out? We're experiencing some interference."

    Zoom Out frowned as he looked over to Boom-Stick. "Seriously? Already? I'm not even finished with the first report!"

    Boom-Stick's face contorted in consternation as she leaned over to study her monitor. "There seems to be a large... something over our radar."

    "A large what? A cloud? A bird? A plane?"

    "Try a Decepticon."

    Without warning, the ceiling was suddenly torn asunder, filling the stage with Charonian moonlight. Zoom Out's optics widened in horror at the towering blue and white Decepticon that loomed over the DBN newscrew. He was rather surprised with himself that he was even able to speak the terror's name.

    "O-Overlord?"

    The infamous warlord grinned. "The one and only."

    Before he had time to react, Zoom Out suddenly found himself trapped in Overlord's grip as he was brought face to face with the monster.

    "Now... what was it you were saying about Megatron?"

Transformers Regenerated: Lost Light X, Chapter Two

2: TITANS IN THE SKY

--Eukaris, present--

    "Do you see that?"

    "Indeed I do, Airazor," the white-furred tiger replied, frowning at the odd shape hovering in the sky. "Any idea what it is?"

    The dark-feathered falcon narrowed its eyes. "I think -- don't quote me on this -- I think it's a Titan."

    The tiger looked up at the bird in surprise. "A Titan? Like Chela?"

    "Yes -- well, not exactly like Chela. Most Titans, according to legend, had a more standard shape and turned into 'flying cities.' This one looks more like that instead of what Chela is -- or was."

    The tiger hummed as its eyes returned to the shape in the sky. "I think we should inform Leo Prime."

    "As always, Tigatron, you are a master of understatement." Airazor spread her wings as she prepared to take off. "Race you back."

    Tigatron shot her a disapproving look. "This is no time for light-heart--"

    "Oh, come on, love," Airazor chirped, a twinkle in her eye. "For all we know, we may never get a second chance to act like the cutesy couple we are."

    Tigatron stared at her for a moment before smiling. "Oh, very well. Last one there has to pick bugs off B'Boom's back."

*  *  *

    "This had better be worth my time, Terrorsaur."

    "Of course, sir," squawked the red pteranodon as it led the purple-colored Predacon general to the fortress' balcony. "I think you'll find it to be well worth your time."

    The two Predacons soon reached the balcony and Terrorsaur morphed to his robot mode. Landing right next to Gnashteeth, he pointed to something hovering in the sky. 

    Gnashteeth frowned as he raised a hand to shield his optics from the sun. "What am I supposed to be looking at?"

    "A Titan, sir," Terrorsaur replied.

    Gnashteeth looked at him incredulously. "A what?"

    "A Titan. Vessels of the Knights of--"

    "I know what they are," Gnashteeth snapped. "You're certain that that's what it is?"

    "Positive, sir. The shape is unmistakable."

    Gnashteeth rubbed his chin as he turned back to the Titan above. "Hm. Most intriguing."

    Terrorsaur cleared his throat. "Shall, er, shall we inform Cryotek?"

    "Not yet." Upon seeing the winged Predacon's confused expression, Gnashteeth grinned. "Let's wait to see what exactly this Titan has in mind. If it is to reign havoc, then we may inform Cryotek. And if not..." He chuckled. "We'll just have to play it by ear then, won't we? Yessss...."

*  *  *

    "Is that...?"

    "Yes."

    The mandrill-head bearing tiger craned its head to its bovine-faced bat companion. "So all that scrap about--"

    "Yes," Noctorro replied before Bantor could finish.

    "Huh. Now I kinda feel rotten for ever doubting him."

    "Don't feel too bad," the elder Fuzor said. "It is natural to lose faith after so much time has passed with nothing coming of it."

    "I suppose," Bantor muttered as he stared up at the sky. "Of course, this doesn't guarantee that--"

    "I know."

    Bantor glared at him. "Would you stop doing that?"

    Noctorro only smiled.

    With a sigh, the younger Fuzor rose to his feet. "So what now? Do we summon the others or wait for him to give out the call?"

    "I think it is wiser to wait," Noctorro said, flexing his wings. "For now, let us return home."

    "Ah, speaking of which... when do you think it'll be time to--"

    "That depends entirely on him."

    Bantor nodded. "Right. Of course. Sorry. Stupid question."

    "Even a stupid question is worth asking, for it is through recognizing our faulty knowledge that we grow wiser."

    "...Uh, I'm just going to pretend I understood that."

*  *  *

    "A Titan?"

    "Yes, sir," Airazor said, standing before a very bemused Leo Prime in the center of the Maximal fortress. Tigatron stood at her, looking like a protective guardian even though Prime was no enemy (and it wasn't like she couldn't fend for herself).

    The Maximal leader fixed her with a skeptical look. "Are you certain?"

    "Well, not a hundred percent," Airazor murmured, shifting her feet. "But I don't know what else it could be."

    Leo Prime hummed. "Regardless, we should be on the defensive, in case this Titan -- or whatever it is -- is hostile. Thank you for bringing this to my attention." 

    Airrazor bowed her head before leaving the chamber with Tigatron. Once they were gone, Leo Prime heard the footsteps of another Maximal as they approached him from behind.

    "Do you think it's him?"

    Leo Prime sighed. "You know I'm thinking that, Backstop."

    "If it is... what do you think it''ll mean for us?"

    "I wish I knew." Leo Prime turned on his heel to face the stocky gray and red Maximal. "In any case, keep this from the others until we know for sure what we're dealing with. In the meantime, we should concentrated efforts on the remaining Predacon domains."

    "Er, about that," Backstop murmured. "Sonar's unit has returned from their mission."

    Leo Prime gave him an expectant look. "And?"

    "Castle Preditron has been destroyed." 

    The Maximal leader's optics went wide. "Wasn't that the Raptoricons' fort?"

    "Indeed. No clear estimate on the casualties but Sonar's team spotted a lot of dead Dinocons. No sight of Thrashclaw and her pack however."

    "And I don't suppose you can tell me who was behind it?"

    "Afraid not. I doubt it was the Predacons, as they've had strong relations with the Raptoricons, and most of their numbers were from the pro-Predacon Scale Walker tribe."

    Leo Prime raised a hand to his chin. "This is strange. No, more than just strange -- this is plain bizarre. Whoever was behind this had to have been great power. Even all our forces united would have been no match for the Raptoricons, even with the Dinobots on our side."

    "Don't let Grimlock hear that," Backstop said wryly.

    Ignoring the comment, Leo Prime said, "Fetch Sonar for me. I want to hear her full report."

    "Will do." As Backtop turned to leave, he stopped and said, "You know, in case things get too--"

    "I know what you're going to say, Backstop," Leo Prime said curtly. "And I stand by my previous response: we will fight this alone or die trying. I refuse to turn to the Autobots for help."

    Backstop sighed. "As you wish."

*  *  *

    "It has begun."

    The red-colored feline growled under his breath as he pawed through the remains of Castle Preditron, looking for anything worth salvaging. "What is it this time?"

    "Look." His ebony-colored companion raised her arms at the sky. Cataclysm followed her line of sight to see a large shape in the Eukarian sky.

    "Okay?" he said. "What am I looking at?"

    "Chela's brother has come home," Antagony went on in that dull, monotonous voice of her's. "The prophecy is being fulfilled."

    Cataclysm rolled his eyes. "Oh, here we go...."

    "When the two brothers unite, chaos and order shall be brought together. The war of beasts will be brought to a close as the prince of chaos takes his throne. All shall become one under his rule. Those who oppose his will shall perish."

    "Uh-huh. What say we get back to camp? We've wasted enough time here."

    "Time is but of little importance--"

    "Oh, forget it," Cataclysm growled. "I swear, I don't know why I even keep you around...."

Transformers Regenerated: Lost Light X, Chapter One

1: ONE SMALL STEP
--Cybertron, during the war--

    "Mesothulas, we need to talk."

    A purple metal head poked out from a bunch of machinery as a hulking figure clad in black armor entered the lab. As the newcomer removed their helmet, revealing a blue-eyed faceplate, Mesothulas stood up from his work.

    "Ah, Prowl. You're just in time. I have something to--"

    "It can wait," Prowl said. "We need to talk."

    "About what? The weather? The latest Speedia results? What, Prowl? What do you want to talk about?"

    Prowl sighed, not meeting his gaze. "It's about... Carpessa."

    At this, Mesothulas' optics widened. "The neutral city?" He strode over to Prowl. "Did it work? Is the city...?"

    "Gone." Prowl said the word with great difficulty. "Carpessa has been destroyed."

    Mesothulas threw his arms up triumphantly. "Yes! I knew it would work! I told you it would, didn't I, Prowl?"

    "Fourteen hundred and thirty-eight."

    The scientist blinked. "Eh?"

    "Fourteen hundred and thirty-eight were killed by the Decepti-Bomb," Prowl said. "Fourteen hundred and thirty-eight innocent neutrals--"

    "No one is innocent in this, Prowl," Mesothulas coolly interjected. "Surely you're just as aware of that as I am."

    "Yes, but...." Prowl sighed again as he clenched his fist. "These were people, Mesothulas. Just like you and me. And we've killed them all just to make a message -- to show them the evils of the Decepticons."

    "It got through, didn't it? The message?"

    "Yes... all of the survivors have enlisted into the Autobots."

    "Then why are you so upset?" Mesothulas asked. "It's what you wanted, wasn't it? Is Zeta Prime not satisfied with the results?"

    "He is... which is why I'm here." Prowl looked back up at Mesothulas. "He wants you to make more."

    "Does he?" Mesothulas rubbed his hands together. "Let me guess: you're about to tell me not to."

    "Prime doesn't yet have full approval of the Council, so it wouldn't necessarily be considered a transgression. If it's all right with you, then--"

    "Prowl," Mesothulas cut him off, tilting his head. "What makes you think I don't want to do this?"

    Prowl stared at him nonplussed. "What?"

    "I've been inspired, Prowl. You've inspired me. The Decepti-Bomb, the stasis bullets, the spark extractors... all of this is progress, Prowl. Progress in advancing our technology to its optimum."

    "You're beginning to sound like Thunderwing." Prowl frowned in disapproval.

    "Bah!" Mesothulas spat. "As if that fool could ever hope to accomplish what I have." He then grabbed Prowl by the arm, ignoring his protests. "Come on. I want to show you something naughty."

    The scientist dragged him to a corner in the lab, where Prowl saw what looked to be some sort of gate. Before Mesothulas could say anything, the police bot immediately determined what it was.

    "No... I thought we--"

    "Yes, I know," Mesothulas said, letting go of Prowl's arm as he approached the portal. "But I just couldn't help myself, Prowl. I had to see if I could do it. I had to see if I could achieve the impossible."

    "Mesothulas, if High Command finds out about--"

    "Say hello to Ostaros."

    Prowl fell silent as Mesothulas pulled out a small green robot from behind the portal. The innocent, vulnerable-looking bot wobbled slightly on its two legs, as if it was still learning to walk. Upon seeing Prowl, the robot smiled sweetly at him.

    Prowl blinked in complete bemusement. "What is it?"

    "Not what; who," Mesothulas corrected him. "His name is Ostaros."

    "Yes, but... how?"

    "Your response is exactly the one I was hoping for," Mesothulas said, giddy. "Ostaros here is the very first artificial Cybertronian. His spark is held by a synthesized copy of the Matrix's energy field. Indistinguishable from the genuine article. This is the next step, Prowl. The next step to our race's evolution."

    Prowl stared at Ostaros, his face unreadable. Then, without any further acknowledgment to the robot, he turned back to the portal. "And this?"

    Visibly irked by his partner's lack of interest, Mesothulas sighed. "Yes. The Noisemaze. Like I said, I just couldn't help myself."

    "If Zeta Prime gets word of this--"

    "He'll be happy, won't he? I mean, something like this is right up his alley."

    "I know," Prowl murmured as he stared into the arch. "Which is why I don't like it."

*  *  *

    "Carpessa was a tragic loss for us all."

    The camera drones did a remarkable job in capturing Zeta Prime's image. Even through the small viewscreen one could see the sun gleaming off his gold faceplate.

    "Fourteen hundred and thirty-eight neutrals were killed by the Decepticons' weapon. This only strengthens the rumors that the Decepticons have sent down forces from Pyrovar to harbor in the city of Tyrest, southwest of Carpessa. The High Council has permitted me to send special forces to monitor the city-state."

    The sole patron of the Rust Bucket -- and the only one watching the broadcast -- started to feel drowsy. It was probably unwise of him to have downed ten tanks of Visco. Then again, it wouldn't be the first stupid thing he had ever done.

    He tried to refocus on the viewscreen, as Zeta Prime was still speaking, but by then the screen had already gone black.

    "Time's up," the barkeep grunted, the pistons in his arms creaking as he lowered the remote. "If you want to watch more, that's another fiver."

    The patron groaned but decided not to pay for another five minutes. It would just be more of the same scrap that Prime always spouted. The same scrap he had been spouting for the past four years.

    He didn't know what it was the others had seen in Zeta. Before the attack, they had been with him in being against the Autobots' grandstanding and empty altruism. But after Carpessa's destruction, almost everyone he knew was signing up for the Autobots. Even Rollout, who had to have been Zeta's most harshest critic, had said that the Autobots were a better alternative than the Decepticons.

    "At least the Autobots don't destroy cities," Rollout had said.

    Not yet, the patron bitterly thought to himself.

    As he continued to work on what was left of his drink, he heard the door to the bar open, followed by quick footsteps.

    "Evening, Rusty."

    The rusted barkeep only grunted while the newcomer took a seat next to the patron. It took the latter a moment to recognize the gray mech but when he did, he felt a sense of elation.

    "Take-Off?" he slurred.

    The red-helmeted mech turned to him and, upon seeing his face, smiled. "Oh, hey. It's... Skyjack, isn't it?"

    "Skyfall," he corrected. "I thought you had been deployed to the Salvvatan system."

    Take-Off blinked. "Huh? Oh. Yeah, I, uh... I'm on leave."

    "Really? I thought I just heard that Salvvatan Five had been taken by the 'Cons. Would think the Autobots would need all the bots they could get."

    "Right. Uh...." Take-Off turned to Rusty and made a motion with his hand. Without a word, the bartender vanished into the back. After a moment, Take-Off leaned towards a confused Skyfall.

    "I've... heard about Carpessa," he murmured.

    Skyfall blinked. "Um... okay? I mean, I appreciate the concern, but I'm already over it."

    "Okay, great, but you've gotta listen to me." Take-Off's tone was even more hushed now and he was looking over his shoulder, even though no one else was in the bar. "They're lying to you."

    "Who's lying to me?"

    "The Autobots, Zeta Prime, the High Council, everyone. The Decepticons did not destroy Carpessa."

    "What?" Skyfall exclaimed. "How do you know this?"

    Take-Off was silent for a moment. Then, carefully, he removed his Autobot badge.

    Beneath it was the Decepticon insignia.

    "I'm part of the deployment here on Cybertron," he whispered to a shocked Skyfall. "We have yet to make any tactical move against any city on Cybertron, so I know for a fact that Carpessa was not our doing. This is all just a ploy of Zeta Prime's to get more cannon fodder. Fearmongering taken to the extreme."

    Skyfall was too shocked to form any sort of response. After a moment, he finally cleared his throat. "How do I know you're telling the truth?"

    "About what?"

    "Everything."

    Take-Off hesitated before answering. "I can prove it to you, but it would be on one condition."

    "What's that?"

    "You see... I'm on a recruitment drive. For the Decepticons. That's why I'm here."

    "So you want to recruit me?"

    "If you say no, then I understand. I won't try to pressure you into it."

    "You won't kill me if I say no?" Skyfall asked.

    Take-Off hesitated again. "I won't, no," he said carefully.

    Skyfall fell silent as he considered the offer. While he had no love for the Autobots, he never had a reason to like the Decepticons either. But if what Take-Off was saying was true, then the 'Cons may very be the better alternative.

    "Okay," he finally said. "Count me in."

    Take-Off smiled. "Glad to hear it. I promise that you won't regret your choice."

    I sure hope not, Skyfall thought. Wouldn't be great if both factions were equally capable of deception....

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Coda: A Light That Never Goes Out