PROLOGUE
--Cybertron--
Dim neon signs flickered on the dark streets of Kaon, providing no more illumination than the broken street lights. Headlights beamed from the convoy of cars, trucks, and construction vehicles as they cautiously made their way down the deserted roads, destined for the derelict building up ahead.
Three bots stood under the glimmering sign of The Blue Deployer, patiently awaiting the convoy as the assorted vehicles gradually drove to a halt before them. The center figure, a tall bot in gray and green, stepped forward just as the largest of the vehicles -- a black truck -- opened up its trailer. A lithe purple bot emerged and the gray one bowed in reverence.
"Lord Ratbat," said Banzai-Tron. "It is an honor to finally meet you in person. I trust you had no difficulties in traveling here?"
Ratbat said nothing, merely regarding Banzai-Tron with the yellow visor which covered his face. Banzai-Tron blinked in confusion and looked to the rest of the Ultracons as they transformed to their robot modes.
"Is this all of you membership?" he asked the Constructicon leader Scrapper.
"At present," Scrapper replied. "It's been... greatly reduced in the past few days."
"I see." Banzai-Tron glanced again at the silent Ratbat before turning to the other two bots with him. "Prepare accommodations for our guests here. Then we can get down to business."
With that, Banzai-Tron led the Ultracons into The Blue Deployer and waited until all of them were seated at a large table. Only Ratbat remained standing, carefully observing Banzai-Tron as he set the table for the coming meeting. Once everyone had been provided with refueling options, the Director of the Decepticon Secret Service stood at the far end of the table, facing opposite Ratbat.
"So," Banzai-Tron carefully started. "Where are we currently at in terms of progress?"
"We are near completion in Operation: Gestalt," said Scrapper. "Motormaster and his Stunticons have already been successfully reconfigured according to the same schematics for Bruticus. We have also extensively studied the Duocon Battletrap and will be able to reconfigure myself and the Constructicons accordingly."
"Excellent. And, ah, what of our other past endeavors; concerning Trypticon and this... Emberstone?"
Scrapper hesitated as he looked over to Ratbat, who did not speak up. "Er... well, Trypticon's current whereabouts are unknown. As for the Emberstone... we have a piece of it but have yet to locate the others."
Banzai-Tron inclined his head. "And how exactly does the Emberstone relate to our plans?"
"What even is our plan at this point?" asked Squeezeplay, sitting across from Scrapper. "When I signed up, Ratbat was sayin' he wanted to oust the Autobots. But now we're collecting rocks? I don't understand."
Banzai-Tron fixed a quizzical gaze on Ratbat. "My liege? Care to elaborate?"
Ratbat finally spoke, but his voice lacked the charisma the councilor was generally known for. It was monotonic, devoid of personality. "The Emberstone is vital to the agenda. Without it or Ore-14, we will not be able to repel the Beast."
"The agenda? The Beast?" Banzai-Tron shook his head. "With all due respect, my lord, you are not making much if any sense. If you would care to elaborate...?"
"There is a threat approaching Cybertron," Ratbat went on. "This threat could endanger our rule, even if we do succeed in overthrowing the Autobots. This is why we must take the necessary precautions for when this threat finally arrives."
"And how do you know of this threat?"
"I was informed by powers whose knowledge is far more expansive than ours." Ratbat raised a hand to his helmet and projected a light from his visor. On the table, a gear-like symbol was displayed. "They will assist us in our endeavors as we will assist them in theirs."
"And just how do we know you're not off your rocker?" asked Motormaster.
"I don't think we're exactly in any position to question that now," Scrapper said. "Not when we're this far along."
"I must agree," said Banzai-Tron. "If what Ratbat says is true, then we mustn't waste time arguing. What is thy bidding, my liege?"
"See to Operation: Gestalt's completion as soon as possible," Ratbat replied. "In the meantime, I want you to send operatives to these designated locations."
As he said this, he transmitted a file to Banzai-Tron's processor with a list of five planets.
"Four of them are suspected locations for the remaining parts of the Emberstone. The last -- Earth -- is home to a device known as the Talisman."
"You want us to retrieve it?" Banzai-Tron asked.
"No, I want you to keep it safe, at least until our allies arrive to carry out the next stage of the agenda."
"Which is...?"
"Not for you to know at this point in time."
Banzai-Tron sighed. "Very well. I shall organize my operatives accordingly."
"And we shall continue our progress on Operation: Gestalt," said Scrapper. "I assure you that the project will be complete in no time, Lord Ratbat."
"Let us hope so, for your sake," Ratbat said darkly. "The Grand Architect's patience is wearing thin."
CONVERGENCE
Part 1: Journey's End
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