CHAPTER NINE
Far across the galaxy, aboard a giant Decepticon Symbol Ship, Amalgamous Prime paced in front of his brother Prime as the latter dangled from the ceiling on rusted chains.
"You put up a good fight, Vector," the Shifter said, studying the stolen Rhisling in his hands. "Or, should I say, you would have if I had let you."
Vector Prime groaned as he tried to lift his head. He had been swiftly offlined by Amalgamous before he could have even deliver a blow, and was only now just recovering.
"What... is the meaning of this, Amalgamous?"
"If I had a Shanix chip for every time I was asked that," Amalgamous muttered to himself. "I could give you the standard spiel of 'the greater good' and all that... but I'd be lying if I said I actually bought into any of it. Speaking for myself -- and only myself -- I'm only doing this out of loyalty."
"Loyalty to whom?"
"You'll meet him eventually. Maybe. If he's up to it. Or if you're still alive by then."
Vector growled in annoyance. "You're just as bad as Liege Maximo when it comes to elusiveness."
Amalgamous laughed. "Ah, Liege Maximo! How is he doing these days?"
"Nexus, Onyx, and the Arisen are pursuing him and his Titan. I have not heard from them in a year."
"Well, if you do, give them my best." Amalgamous turned to leave, still carrying Rhisling. "You're allowed one call every other century, so better make it count!"
Amalgamous' laughter was the last thing Vector heard before the door closed and plunged him into a dark silence.
* * *
"Sir." The lieutenant bowed as Amalgamous Prime strode past him. "The Grand Architect has called for a conference."
"Very well." The Shifter handed him Vector Prime's sword. "Put them on, then."
As Amalgamous took position, the lights in the room dimmed and a set of holograms materialized before him. To his left stood Chief Justice Tyrest, as well as the ex-Autobot Flame. On the right was the Dire Wraith hybrid Vexus, possessing the body of Thunderclash. The center space was taken up by the emblem of the Grand Architect himself, representing the enigmatic figurehead in these proceedings.
"I must commend you for your efforts, Amalgamous," the Grand Architect said. "While we may have lost Dark Scorponok, the amount of Ore-9 recovered should be sufficient for our needs."
Amalgamous bowed. "Many thanks, my liege. I trust the other generals were successful on their parts as well?"
"The ores for Caminus and Eukaris are accounted for," said Tyrest. "That still leaves us with ten other worlds to deal with, and it would appear the Autobots are catching up to us."
"Naturally they would prioritize their own colonies above all others," said the Architect. "Velocitron, Caminus, Eukaris, and Devisiun were all expected to be a hassle given their populations. The uninhabited colonies -- Tsiehshi, Prion, LV-117 -- will not be nearly as challenging."
"And then there's the matter of Earth," Tyrest murmured.
"I have already assured you, Chief Justice, that Earth is already accounted for. I have faith that Ratbat and his Ultracons will do their job well."
"Perhaps I should mention that my fleet have located the Titan Trypticon," said Vexus. "He shall soon be in our grasps once more."
"Trypticon, you say?" Amalgamous inquired.
"Yes," the Grand Architect replied. "I had the Ultracons liberate him from the Autobots' control so we could use him against any colony Titans that may have stood in our way. Unfortunately, the Titan Masters had already made their claim on him as well and tried to use him for their own efforts."
"They are a nuisance that should be exterminated," Vexus hissed.
"The Destructons have seemed to have made use of their resources. But I agree that their usefulness has come to an end."
Flame shifted on his feet. "So... what's next on the agenda? Shall we target Devisiun next?"
"Not yet. Focus your attention on the lesser colonies for now. The Autobots are sure to be fortifying Devisiun's defenses and we will need time to prepare an appropriate approach. I will assign you to your worlds shortly."
"And when would you like us to commence the Drilling?" asked Tyrest.
"Only when the Benzene has been cleared and all of the ores have been retrieved. Try not to be so hasty, Chief Justice."
"Will that be all, my liege?" Vexus rumbled. "I believe we are nearing Trypticon's location."
"Yes," the Grand Architect said. "Meeting adjourned."
One by one, the holograms dissolved... save for the Grand Architect's. Amalgamous bowed his head in reverence to his master.
"Your patience is commendably, my friend," the enigmatic figure said. "For well over nine millennia have we been at this."
"I owe everything to you, master," Amalgamous murmured. "I am forever indebted to you."
"Indeed. Perhaps that is why I find you to be the only one who I can trust."
The Shifter lifted his head. "Master?"
"I am growing wary of the Destructons and their devices. While they have done well in following my orders -- particularly in procuring Omega Supreme -- I cannot help but feel that they have plans that extend outside of my own."
"Was it not Lord Imperious who told you of the Beast?"
"He merely confirmed what I had seen for myself through the Warren all those eons ago. Yet I cannot shake the feeling that he is merely trying to manipulate me for his own gain."
"But... you are the Grand Architect."
"I am not omnipresent, my friend. The Destructons are... anomalies. They are not Cybertronian like us. They are unpredictable."
Amalgamous bowed his head again. "What would you have me do, my liege?"
"Nothing... for now. I merely needed to confide in someone I could trust. Regardless, I advise you to be wary when dealing with them."
"I shall heed your wisdom, master, as I always have."
"Good," the Grand Architect said softly. "The convergence is close at hand, my friend. Everything is falling into place."
Amalgamous Prime allowed a grin to spread out on his ever-shifting face. "I can hardly wait."
TO BE CONTINUED
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