SEVEN: FUTURE GLORIES LOST
--The past--
"I just heard about Roller. I'm sorry."
"It's all right," Orion said, watching as Trailbreaker guzzled the last of his engex. "I'm getting by."
"So why did you call us all here?" asked Skids, setting down his own empty glass. "You said something about an undercover mission."
Orion nodded. "You've all heard about the murder of Hefter, correct?"
"The Decepticon from Uraya?" Windcharger asked, raising an optic. "What about him?"
"Anything you've heard in the news about his death is wrong," Orion said darkly. "He didn't die of Corrodia Gravis. He was murdered."
"By an Autobot?" Glitch asked, his single optic widening.
"Whoa now," Windcharger said, looking around the bar. "Not so loud about that kind of stuff."
"Relax, 'Charger. This is Maccadam's. We're fine." Trailbreaker leaned over the table. "Go on, Pax."
"I've since become aware that Hefter's death is not an isolated incident," Orion went on. "Other less-than-savory things have been going on within the Autobot ranks for years and still are, even under Zeta Prime."
Skids nodded. "Yeah, I remember helping Optronix on an undercover mission -- I think Glitch and Windcharger were there too -- and we found out that Sentinel Prime was merely a puppet under the High Council's thumb. Sounds like not much has changed."
"But that was when bots like Proteus and Halogen were in charge," Trailbreaker said. "Opt-- I mean, Megatron killed them both, along with most of the old guard. Wouldn't Zeta have replaced them with bots he could keep an optic on?"
"I know that Theseus is still a prominent member," Orion said. "I'm not entirely sure where his loyalties lie; I remember him being anti-functionist while also supporting the Regulation Act."
"Frankly, I don't think any of the old guard can be trusted," Glitch said, tapping his fingers together. "Doesn't matter if they're pro or anti-Functionist, they're still all self-centered and corrupt."
"I dunno," said Skids. "Crosscut seems to be a decent bot."
"The point is, Zeta Prime could very well be under the Council's thumb like Sentinel was," Orion said. "If that is the case, then more injustices like Hefter's death will continue to happen."
"So what would you have us do?" Trailbreaker asked.
"It's simple. We must expose the High Council."
--Now--
"Madam, we've--"
"Now is not a good time, Skursh," said the four-armed female, staring out the window of her office. "I'm in the middle of fuming right now."
The frilled advisor shifted slightly. "Madam, we've detected a ship entering out field."
"No doubt Vixus returning with another find. Direct him to pillar C-59. We obviously can't accept him here--"
"No, madam," Skursh interjected. "It's not Vixus. It's... it's the Benign Intervention."
The Madam Director whirled around to face him. "What?!" she screeched. "K'gard is here? But how did he--"
"I thought we taught you better than this, V'Tra."
All four of her hands curling into fists, V'Tra turned back to the window, which now bore the face of her hated superior.
"Captain K'gard," she said coolly. "What have I done to upset you this time?"
"The same thing you've been doing for the last five years," K'gard snarled back. "This game is getting tiresome, V'Tra. Why won't you just give up?"
"Why won't you just lighten up?" V'Tra retorted. "This is what the people want! This is entertainment!"
"It is also a violation of several intergalactic laws and a borderline violation of the Tyrest Accord. I may despise Cybertronians, but I despise legal violations even more. Cease and desist all of your 'entertainment' operations immediately or we will use force."
V'Tra felt her mouth twitch but she maintained her composure. "You are so cute when you try to be intimidating, K'gard. You and I both know General Neech only keeps you around because of how adorable he finds you."
K'gard's face twisted in fury. He opened his mouth to fire back only for V'Tra to end the call. She inclined her head to her aide.
"Skursh, would you be so kind as to deploy all pillar defenses? I think K'gard's about to get nasty."
Skursh, however, was looking petrified, the color gone from his face. "Madam," he croaked. "While you were speaking with Captain K'gard, Ras'noth just called and--"
"And what?" V'Tra snapped. "Spit it out, Skursh."
"There's a massive Cybertronian vessel coming from the surface."
V'Tra could only stand there in shock as, behind her, a giant ship flew past her window.
* * *
"Wow, I really do need to get out more."
Standing on Metrotitan's bridge, Optimus Prime grimaced as a large gray ship entered the Titan's range, resting on the edge of Theophany's orbit. Already, the comm indicator was beginning to flash.
Sixknight glanced at Optimus. "Should we respond?"
Optimus was not sure. The last thing he wanted was to risk a conflict with the Galactic Council. At the same time, he had no desire to deal with them. Ultimately, good conscience prevailed and he pressed the indicator. On the screen before him appeared a green organic face.
"Ah, Optimus Prime!" The alien captain smirked. "An honor to finally meet you. I am Captain K'gard of the Benign Intervention."
"Hello, Captain K'gard," Optimus replied. "Before you jump to any conclusions, let me assure you that we had no intentions in crossing paths with--"
"Oh, you needn't worry about that," K'gard interjected. "The situation is under control and no longer concerns you. You are free to go."
Optimus blinked in surprise. "Really?"
"Yes, really. Move along now."
With that, K'gard's visage vanished from the screen, leaving the bridge in a shocked silence. Standing near Optimus, Doublecross and Twinferno swayed both of their heads.
"I smell a trick," the former said.
"Maybe they're being genuine," the other said.
"No, definitely a trick."
"Says the guy called Doublecross."
"Metrotitan," Optimus said softly. "Take us away."
* * *
Slumped in her seat, V'Tra watched as the Cybertronian vessel jumped to hyperspace. Trapped in a state of shock, she did not bother to refuse K'gard's call and allowed his face to appear before her once again.
"Tell me, V'Tra," the captain said coolly. "Did you know there was a Titan on Theophany?"
She did not meet his gaze. "Yes."
"And did you know Optimus Prime was one of your prisoners?"
"Yes."
K'gard steepled his fingers. "I think you should come aboard, V'Tra. We have much to discuss."
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