EPILOGUE
--The Lost Light--
"Chromedome's gone back in time?"
"That's what Rewind believes," Ultra Magnus said, standing beside Rodimus on the bridge. Outside the viewport, the other ships were preparing to take off. In moments, they would all be leaving Necroworld for Cybertron, where they could better plan on taking out Shockwave.
"The briefcase is missing and Chromedome was the last one near it," Magnus went on. "My guess he's gone off to find Dominus Ambus, just like Censere found the rest of the Disappeared."
"Speaking of which," Rodimus said, "what are we going to do with them?"
"Nightbeat is staying behind to watch over them. He says he still has more research to perform in Censere's fortress. Plus, Chromedome could show up again."
"Right. And we have no means to chase Chromedome through time like we did Brainstorm."
"Unless you want Brainstorm to build another time machine," Magnus said.
"No," Rodimus said firmly. "I've had enough time travel for one week." He seated himself in his command chair. "Let's leave this rock."
* * *
"You were right to disobey my orders."
Skids stared at Prowl, who had his back turned. For a moment, he thought maybe he was talking to someone else, until the police bot turned back around and he saw that characteristic frown.
"You're shaking," Prowl pointed out.
"What? Oh, sorry." Skids made no effort to cease his tremors, still feeling that his head was going to get blown off at any moment. "Did I hear you correctly, sir? I was right?"
"Yes, you were. When I gave that order, I was desperate. Frustrated that these Decepticons -- and Autobots -- have been able to work under our sensors for so long. But now that they've been dealt with for the most part...." Prowl let out a wistful sigh. "Now our focus should be on rescuing Ariel and Protoform X."
"So you're not going to blow my head off?"
"No." Prowl smirked. "I disabled the chips months ago. Que wouldn't have been able to do anything if he had pressed that switch."
"Oh." Skids rubbed his head. "Well, I'm sure Getaway feels bad now for wiping his memories."
"That'll be sorted out, don't worry." Prowl walked over and put a hand on Skids' shoulder. "Believe it or not, Skids, I do care about my agents. I know I don't show it--"
"That's an understatement," Skids muttered.
"--But I do care. So if you ever have any misgivings about a given mission, feel free to air them out. It might not change anything... but I'm willing to listen."
"Right. Good to know," Skids replied. "So... about Viral...."
"Ultra Magnus has him locked up in the brig. I'll deal with him when we get back to Cybertron."
"Cool."
An awkward silence passed between the two bots. Skids continued rubbing his neck. Prowl cleared his vocal processor.
"In the meantime...." the police bot started.
"Yeah."
"I'll see you...."
"Yeah."
With that, the two Autobots parted company.
* * *
"So: Dark Energon."
Megatron dipped his chin as Metrotitan traveled through hyperspace. "Yes."
Optimus Prime glanced at him. "And you've known this whole time?"
"Yes."
"Is there anything else I should know about that you would like to share?"
Megatron was silent for a brief moment before saying, "No."
Optimus sighed as he returned his gaze to the expanded stars. "You're not making it easy to trust you. You realize that, right?"
"I do."
The stars began to slowly regain shape. They were starting to exit hyperspace.
"If you show the slightest hint of returning to your old ways...."
"You'll stop me," Megatron said. "I know you will."
Optimus looked back at him. "How?"
Megatron smirked. "Because, Optimus Prime...."
Before them, Cybertron came into view.
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you."
END OF THE GREATER GOOD
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