Transformers Regenerated: Prime Wars VI, Chapter Two

TWO: AMONG THE CHOSEN

--The past--

    "Ah, Orion! I'm glad you could make it. Please, come in."

    Orion tentatively stepped into the office of Zeta Prime. The whole room was in disarray, with datapads littering the floor, statues laying against the wall, holo-murals switched off... it was rather unbecoming of a place resided by someone who called himself Prime.

    "Don't mind the mess," Zeta said, seated at his desk as he studied a set of holograms. "I'm in the middle of renovations."

    Renovations? At a time like this? Keeping his comments to himself, Orion carefully made his way over to Zeta's desk. The silver and gold bot did not once lift his gaze from the holograms.

    Orion cleared his throat. "You, ah, asked to see me, sir?"

    "Yes, I did. I heard you had returned from Chaar recently. How was it?"

    "How... was it?" Orion blinked. "Well, I mean... we were victorious."

    "Yet you seem troubled." Zeta Prime lifted his optics to meet Orion's. "Did you suffer many losses?"

    "No, sir. Except...." Orion hesitated, unsure of how open he should be with the Prime. "I did lose a good friend of mine."

    "Shame. What was his name?"

    "Roller. I used to serve with him in the Security Force."

    "Yes, I am familiar with that name. He was friends with Optronix as well." Zeta glanced at him. "Sorry to open up old wounds."

    "No, no. It's fine. Sir." Orion shifted uncomfortably. Surely the Prime hadn't called him here to talk about Chaar. That had been nearly a month ago. "Was there something you needed from me, sir?"

    "Not from you, no, but of you." Switching off the holograms, Zeta Prime rose from his seat. "I've heard you've returned to the Security Forces."

    "That is correct, sir."

    "But why? Why would you return to something so... mundane?"

    Orion tilted his head. "Pardon?"

    "You come from a prestigious lineage, Orion Pax. Your progenitor Magnum helped Sentinel Prime establish the Elite Guard. The namesake of your city, Tyger Pax, served as one of Guardian Prime's closest confidants. Even Nova Prime himself is said to have once been a Pax."

    Orion raised an optic, picking up the theme in Zeta's words. "It sounds like the Paxes have always been closely connected to the Primes."

    Zeta smiled. "Exactly. Your name has a great heritage to it, Orion. You'd be remiss to not take advantage of it."

    "What would you have me do then? Did you have something in mind?"

    Zeta placed a hand on his shoulders. "Your brother now leads our sworn enemies. A great stain on your house's name. I can help you remove that stain."

    "How?" Orion asked.

    "Become what Megatron has for the Decepticons: a face to rally behind. A name to swear under. A beacon of hope."

    Orion frowned. "You want me to be your poster bot?"

    "Ah, I would not use such... understated terms. But yes, that is what I am suggesting." Zeta Prime flashed him a grin. "Think about it, Orion; with you at my side, we can erase the Decepticon stain and clear your name. You would be a hero, Pax. You would be the greatest Autobot in the world."

--Now--

    Optimus Prime snapped back to reality to find himself being hurled into the air. Below him, the dragon was unleashing fire from both of its mouths, ready to scorch him upon descent.

    Thinking fast, Optimus twisted his body so that he would land behind the dragon. Before the beast could react, he raised the end of his axe and slammed it into the back of its heads, knocking it to the ground.

    "That was good!" the Twinferno head said as the dragon rose back up. "But you're supposed to kill me. Kind of blew your chance here."

    "I don't want to kill you," Optimus said. "I don't even want to fight."

    "Too bad," the Doublecross head growled, turning back around. "The choice is out of your hands."

    "Also, you were looking pretty eager before," said Twinferno. "Up until we threw you in the air."

    "What are you talking about? I never--"

    His sentence went unfinished as he dodged to avoid the advancing dragon. Taking flight on its wings, the beast lunged at the Prime, tackling him to the ground. Optimus' axe fell out of his hand and it was knocked out of his reach.

    "Too easy," Doublecross chuckled. "I don't know why, but you seem to be a weaker fighter when you have blue optics."

    Optimus grunted under the strain of the dragon's weight on top of him. "Blue... optics?"

    "Yeah, he didn't get those until you kicked him." Twinferno glared at his twin. "You always ruin everything."

    "Shut up. No, I don't."

    "Yes, you do."

    "No, I--"

    Taking advantage of the dragon's distraction, Optimus mustered the strength to kick the beast off of him. Scrambling to his feet, he retrieved his axe and struck both of the dragon's faces with its end.

    Staggering back, the beast rubbed either of its noses. "He's getting good again," Twinferno muttered. "Guess he doesn't need the purple eyes."

    "Yup," Doublecross said. "Think one of us should take control?"

    "That would probably be wise. You can have this one."

    "Thanks, bro."

    With that, the dragon began to change shape. Its tail split and unfurled to form feet and legs. Both of its necks stretched out to make arms, its heads becoming hands. As its chestplate slid down, a single white head emerged to take the beast heads' place. From its back, the newly-formed robot pulled out a pair of guns.

    A savage grin twisted on Doublecross' face. "Bet you wish you hadn't come with an axe, don't you?"

    "I don't even know why I have an axe," Optimus said, wishing this nightmare would end.

    "No worries. I'll make this quick."

    Doublecross then raised his guns at Optimus... before spreading his arms and pointing them at the arena's audience.

    "Show's over, meatbags!"

    He let out a cackle as he unloaded his guns. The crowd of organics screamed in terror as they scrambled to avoid their certain deaths.

    "Stop it!" Optimus cried out. "Don't hurt them!"

    "Why not?" Doublecross asked, not letting up. "They're the ones who subjected us to this barbaric fate."

    "It doesn't matter! They don't deserve this! Just find a way to get us out of here!"

    "Isn't that what I'm already doing? I don't know what else you want me to shoot at."

    Optimus frowned behind his mouthplate as he racked his brain. "You can fly, can't you?"

    "Yeah."

    "Blast an opening and fly us out of here."

    Doublecross finally ceased his onslaught and he lowered his arms. "Fly us... both?"

    "Yes. I can ride on top of you."

    "On top of...? Buddy, do I look like a load-bearer? Do you really think I can carry you?"

    "You would only need to take me straight up, through the ceiling. I'll then dismount and get onto the roof and... we'll figure things out from there."

    Doublecross was silent as he mulled over this. He looked around the arena, ignoring the fleeing crowd. He then smiled as he looked back at Optimus.

    "You can turn into a truck, can't you?"

    "Uh, yes?"

    Doublecross grinned. "I have a better idea."

Transformers Regenerated: Prime Wars VI, Chapter One

ONE: MY BLEEDING BACK

--Cybertron, 1,000 years ago --

    "His name was Hefter."

    Standing in front of his monitor, Orion Pax looked over his shoulder at the small red mech standing behind him, arms crossed. "I'm sorry?"

    "Hefter," Tappet repeated, sneering at him. "You keep calling him Lifter. It's Hefter."

    "Oh. My mistake. I apologize." Orion returned his attention to his screen. "Were you friends with Hefter?"

    "Does it matter? The point is that he died, in your custody!" Tappet pointed an accusatory finger to the third bot in the room, a visor-wearing brown mech. "And he killed him!"

    "No I bloody didn't, mate," Outback protested. "How many times do I have to say it?"

    "You were his cell guard!" Tappet yelled. "You were the only one who could have--"

    "Settle down, both of you." Orion turned around to face Tappet. "I assure you that Hefter's death will be investigated."

    "You don't need to investigate! The murderer is standing right in front of you!"

    Orion raised a hand to his comm. "Chromia, Spin-Out, please come and take the citizen away."

    "You're no better than them!" Tappet cried as the two Autobots entered the room. "You are the real oppressors! Trannis was right!"

    The small bot's protests continued to ring out even as he was carried out of the room. Once the door was closed, Orion was left alone with Outback. Turning his head to the brown bot, Orion said, "You didn't kill Hefter, did you?"

    Outback sighed. "Of course I didn't. You know I didn't. But what does it matter anyway? He was a Decepticon."

    "No, he wasn't. He was just an ordinary bot like Tappet. His only crime was spraying pro-Decepticon graffiti."

    "And gun-running," Outback added. "That's kind of a big no-no."

    "Even so, he didn't deserve to die." Orion looked back at his screen, frowning in thought. "Do you have any spark-brothers or sisters?"

    Outback inclined his head. "Why do you ask?"

    "The bot in the footage shared your body-type--"

    "The footage?" Outback said in surprise. "I thought you couldn't get access to that."

    "Not via orthodox means," Orion replied. "As far as I can tell, they share your body-type but without a visor. No indication on the color yet...."

    "Well, the only sibling I have is Fastback," Outback said. "And he has a visor like me."

    "Fastback...." Orion rubbed his chin. "I know a Fallback. Is she...?"

    "Heh, I get that a lot, but no. She's Blastarm's sister. Same colors but different body-type."

    "Either way, it's a possible lead,"Orion said, starting to leave. "See if you can get into contact with your brother, I'll try to find Fallback."

    Outback frowned. "Er, no offense, Pax, but is this really necessary? I mean, I understand that Hefter didn't deserve to die, but are you really gonna try and paint a 'Con in a positive light? Won't that... make you look suspicious?"

    "Perhaps," Orion said. "But we need to prove to people like Tappet that we Autobots are not oppressors; that Hefter's death was an exception, not the rule."

    "I admire your motivation, but let's be real here: This isn't going to change anything. Bots like the Decepticons and Tappet aren't going to stop hating us. You can't unite the world just like that."

    "I can at least try," Orion murmured.

    Outback sniffed. "Come on, Pax, let's face it. You may be a good Autobot, but you sure as hell aren't a Prime...."

--The present--

    "Is he alive?"

    "I dunno. Check his vitals."

    "I am! I'm not hearing a pulse...."

    "You don't hear a pulse, you... oh, forget it. Move aside."

    "Hey! Who's the doctor here?"

    "You're not a doctor. Neither of us are doctors."

    "Then what makes you--"

    "Look, I'll just kick him."

    Optimus Prime cried out as he shot up, his systems buzzing. Through his focusing vision, he could see a gray winged figure jumping up and down.

    "Hooray, it worked! I told you it would work!"

    "Shut up, it was my idea."

    "What--" Optimus rubbed his head, trying to compose himself. "Where am I?"

    "Scrap. He asked the question. What do we tell him?"

    "I dunno. How well do you think he's gonna take it?"

    Looking up, Optimus saw a large, two-headed dragon standing over him. They were clearly mechanical, possibly even Cybertronian. Both of the heads stared back at him, waiting for him to move or speak again.

    Figuring his first question was going to remain unanswered, he instead asked, "Who are you?"

    "Now that we can answer," one head replied. "We're Doublecross."

    "No!" the other head said. "We're Twinferno! Who'd trust anyone with the name Doublecross?"

    "Right, because Twinferno is such a snuggle-into-bed-with-you name. Give me a break."

    Optimus looked between the two heads in confusion. "Are... you two a singular entity or separate individuals?"

    "Well, we're not merged like Rack'n'Ruin, that's for sure," said the Doublecross head. "In all of my life, I've always had to share my body with this loser."

    "Your body?" the Twinferno head snapped. "You mean our body. What makes it just yours?"

    "Well, clearly I'm the one with the brains."

    "Oh, come off it!" The dragon raised its right hand and slapped the left head. "Just because you know how to wake people up doesn't make you a Grade A genius!"

    Optimus sighed as he rubbed his head. "Look, can you just tell me where I am?"

    "Scrud on cesium salami, he asked the question again," Twinferno murmured. "You want to tell him?"

    "I guess," Doublecross said. "Someone's got to."

    "Yes, someone please," Optimus said, getting to his feet. "I promise I won't get--"

    He paused as he suddenly became aware of a weight in his right hand. Looking down, he saw that he carried an axe.

    He also saw that his red colors had become black for some reason.

    "You're in the game," Doublecross said.

    "The game...?" Optimus asked, only half-listening now.

    "Yeah. See the crowd?"

    Optimus lifted his head and saw indeed that there was a massive crowd of assorted organic species watching over them. He was in an arena. This was a fight. Which meant his opponent was....

    "So sorry about this," Twinferno said as the dragon took on a battle stance. "You're doing great though. Keep us the good work."

    "Don't encourage him," Doublecross said, the inside of his mouth glowing. "He's the enemy."

    "You were the one who kicked him awake."

    "Only because he went down like a wuss."

    "So?"

    "He's a Prime, bro. Primes aren't wusses."

    Both heads then stretched out their necks as they unleashed twin columns of flame straight into Optimus' path....

TO WALK AMONG THE CHOSEN

A Prime Wars Interlude

The Transformers, Issue 75: Final Conflict, Chapter Two

GATHERING FORCES

   (On the planet Chaar, Megastorm speaks to the gathered Decepticons)

    Megastorm: Fellow Decepticons... I have heard about Deathsaurus and Straxus' failures, and we've lost many brothers, but we still hold strong. So starting today, we shall gather every last Decepticon and strike when the Autobots least expect it.

    Octane: Yeah, like that'll work!

    Megastorm: Octane?

    Octane: What?

   (Megastorm blasts his head to smithereens) [Don't worry, he's got a Headmaster toy now!]

    Megastorm: Does anyone else wish to fill in his shoes?

    Decepticons: All hail Megastorm! [and TFTM references, apparently]

    (Back on Cybertron, Razorclaw is beating up the Autobots)

    Razorclaw: I'm sure you thought I was gone... [I forgot you even existed in the first place] But Unicron's power prevented my death.

    Bluestreak: Whatever. You're still ugly! [wow great burn such savage]

    (Razorclaw knocks him out before siccing Reptilion and Frostbite on the others)

    (But enough about that. Meanwhile, on Animatron)

    Undermine: Brimstone, where's Flamus and those Decepticons?

    Brimstone: No idea, Undermine. (And then they find them)

    Sky-Byte: Gigatron disappears/Sky-Byte all alone/Predacons upset.

    Waspinator: Why does Waspinator have to put up with this?

    Undermine: All right, what happened?

    Tarantulas: Our "great" leader just abandoned us! It all has to do with these random abductions!

    Undermine: Well, you can't just sit around here all day!

    Tarantulas: And just what can we do besides that? Your leader is gone. Our leader is gone. And I'm sure Cybertron is in an even worse state than we are!

    (At this moment, a certain evil Prime shows up)

    Nemesis Prime: *ahem* May I fill in....?

    (Back on Cybertron)

    Ratchet: Bloody bots are comin' from nowhere!

    (Frostbite slashes at Trailbreaker's face)

    Frostbite: Prepare to meet your doom, Autobot!

    ???: Not so fast.

    (Suddenly, Frostbite's head is blown of by... RODIMUS PRIME?!) [what a twist!]

    Razorclaw: Heralds, attack!

    (However, Rodimus dispatches the Heralds with ease and Razorclaw and Reptilion teleport away, leaving Frostbite's still-talking-head to be kicked away)

    Bluestreak: No. Way.

    Wheeljack: We... we thought you were dead! We saw that Cybertronian ship explode, and you, Jhiaxus...

    Rodimus Prime: Yes, it seemed like that ship was destroyed. But when I merged the Matrix into the ship, its power was countered by the Liege Maximo, who teleported the ship away. We were sent through time and space... Nova and his friend escaped while Jhiaxus simply vanished. After spending years in the portal, I finally managed to escape. Eventually, I found my way to Cybertron when this event started.

    Sideswipe: So, I take it you don't have any idea what's going on?

    Rodimus Prime: Not a clue.

    Sideswipe: Scrap.

    (Back on Chaar)

    Megastorm: Now, before we lead our final attack, Soundwave has prepared a few upgrades. However, not all of you will be upgraded.

    Astrotrain: Why not all of us?

    Megastorm: Because, Astrotrain, some of you aren't worthy. Take yourself for an example. We don't truly need transport for we don't have anything to be transported.

    Astrotrain: But... what about, you know, other Decepticons?

    Megastorm: Hmm. Not really necessary. [Actually, it kinda is... but he kills Astrotrain anyway]

    Megastorm: And what of you, Banzai-Tron? You failed during Deathsaurus' attack, didn't you? I'm surprised you survived. I don't truly see any use in you, I'm afraid.

    Bludgeon: Stop.

    Megastorm: And why should I, Bludgeon?

    Bludgeon: Despite Banzai-Tron's failure, I think he may have some potential.

    Megastorm: What do you mean?

    Bludgeon: I believe I can train him to be better.

    Megastorm: Hmm... Soundwave?

    (Soundwave hits Banzai-Tron with the New Toy Upgrade Ray)

    Megastorm: He may take a while to recover.

    (Back on Cybertron, the Elite Guard are driving around)

    Thunder Clash: So what's the plan, Trion?

    Ultra Trion: You'll see, Thunder Clash. While I was wandering, after Omega Prime and Avalon vanished, I found this abandoned lab.

    Thunder Clash: What's in it?

    Ultra Trion: See for yourselves. (He opens the door)

    Kup: Well, I'll be a dead turbofox...

    Ultra Trion: Autobots...this is MONSTRUCTOR, the first known gestalt on Cybertron. Kup had told me before that Nova Prime began the project years ago.

    Kup: Yeah, but I didn't think he finished it.

    Thunder Clash: And what help will he give us?

    Ultra Trion: Watch and learn, my friend. (He turns on Monstructor. I'm sure that won't bite them in the rear)

    (Back in Iacon)

    Wheeljack: How're you feeling, guys?

    Mirage: All right. What happened though? Last I remember, I just kicked a 'Con's tailpipe.

    Wheeljack: It's hard to explain, but all I can say is... we're in trouble.

    Grimlock: What we do, then?

    Wheeljack: We're splitting up. C'mon, Prime will explain.

    Mirage: RODIMUS?!

    Rodimus Prime: Hi to you too.

    Grimlock: What you doing here?

    Rodimus Prime: Long story. Anyway, here's the plan: I'll be leading Jazz, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, and Mirage to find more Autobots. Meanwhile, the rest of you stay here in case more arrive. Autobots... transform and roll out!

    (Back on Chaar)

    Weirdwolf: No, please! Lord Megastorm--

    Megastorm: I'm sorry, Weirdwolf... but we all must die someday. (And boom goes Weirdwolf's head)

    Soundwave: Lord Megastorm, with due respect, we are wasting time here. [Glad someone admitted it] We should install the upgrades now.

    Megastorm: Very well, Soundwave. Begin.

    (Elsewhere, in space)

    Thunderwing: Nova Prime...

    Nova Prime: Ah, Thunderwing. Report.

    Thunderwing: All of the Heralds have gathered. It has begun!

    [yay]

    To be continued

FEATURED CHARACTERS

    Autobots: Bluestreak, Blurr, Bumblebee, Grimlock, Jazz, Kup, Mirage, Ratchet, Rodimus Prime, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Thunderclash, Trailbreaker, Ultra Trion, Wheeljack

    Decepticons: Astrotrain, Banzai-Tron, Bludgeon, Breakdown, Dead End, Drag Strip, Cyclonus, Megastorm, Motormaster, Octane, Scourge, Soundwave, Weirdwolf, Wildrider?

    Predacons: Brimstone, Nemesis Prime, Sky-Byte, Tarantulas, Terrorsaur, Undermine, Waspinator

    Heralds of Unicron: Frostbite, Obsidian, Razorclaw, Reptilion, Tankor

    Others: Jhiaxus, Monstructor, Nova Prime, Thunderwing

Transformers Regenerated: Prime Wars V, Epilogue

EPILOGUE

    "I don't see how this is supposed to--"

    "Quiet!" Brainstorm paused the movie again and pointed to the frozen screen. "Okay, now see, we get a better look at Doctor Brown's contraption. So he's got the cables--"

    "Brainstorm, I've seen this film a thousand times!" Dion said. "Don't get me wrong, it's a great movie, but I don't think--"

    "So when the lightning strikes...."

    "Oh, forget it." Dion sighed as he slumped back down in his seat. Cop-Tur at least seemed to be fully enraptured in Brainstorm's lecture, eating from his bucket of energon goodies.

    He wasn't sure when he and Cop-Tur were going to get back to the future, if at all, but at least the Lost Light was a welcoming enough home in the meantime. Technically he had all the time in the world; for WALL-E, EVE, Tyrone and the others, it might as well have been two minutes.

    Before he knew it, Dion found himself reaching for some energon goodies.

*  *  *

    "I hope you're not waiting for an apology."

    "No, I'm just waiting for your people to fix my ship," Rodimus said, his arms folded as he stood next to Elitus on the balcony of Paradise Tower. "Besides, considering I found my ship and you just lost yours, I consider us even."

    Elitus sighed as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. "I... we only wanted what was right for our people. We had a mission and you were in the way. We had to do something."

    "Hey, I understand," Rodimus said. "Believe me, I do. I mean, sure I was peeved over the marooning thing when it happened, but... that was Ultra Trion's doing anyway. Say, where is he?"

    "On Eukaris," Elitus murmured. "Magmatron was going to go back for him, but...."

    "Oh. I see. And Sentinel?"

    "He went missing, along with Obsidian and Strika." Elitus leaned forward on the railing, staring at the stars. "I guess the Covenant can be considered finished. It was fun while it lasted."

    "Why did you join the Covenant anyway?" Rodimus asked.

   "I had lost faith in Optimus Prime. With Simanzi, he nearly lost Cybertron to the Decepticons. After the massacres, I left Cybertron and eventually came across Carcer. When I told Magmatron how I felt, he not only made me a member of the Covenant but named me First One, putting me in command of Carcer."

    "Do you think you'd ever come to the Autobots?"

    Elitus shook her head. "Not in a million years."

    "I see," Rodimus muttered. "So now what? Are you and your people staying on Paradron?"

    "Do we have a choice at this point?" Elitus remarked. "Luckily, the Paradronians have accepted us and are even considering naming me leader... if only because Landshark's dead and Sandstorm is in prison."

    "Well, I wish you luck in your ventures," Rodimus said as he began to leave.

    "One last thing, Rodimus," Elitus said.

    He looked over his shoulder at her. "Yeah?"

    "If you ever run into Carcer again, be sure to give him hell."

    Rodimus smiled uneasily. "I'll, uh, do my best."

*  *  *

    "I'll have a... I'm sorry, what's that called?"

    Swerve looked over at what Stormshot was pointing to on the menu. "Oh, that's the Sparkcrusher Special. A mix of high-grade engex and Visco with a pinch of Old Corroder."

    "Great. We'll take two."

    As Swerve got to work, Evac beamed at his friend. "I'm glad to see you being more outgoing."

    "So am I," Stormshot said, smiling back. "I didn't even know we had a bar."

    "Did you make sure to schedule a session with Rung?"

    "Hm? Oh, yeah, I'll get around to that. But right now...." She eagerly grabbed her drink as Swerve slid it across the counter. "I'm saying goodbye to my F.I.M. chip."

    "I'll drink to that." Evac raised his glass to toast with Stormshot but she was already downing her drink in one go. With a shrug, Evac did the same.

*  *  *

    "So much for that plan."

    "Meh. Didn't really think it would work anyway."

    "How did you know Stormshot had a death wish?"

    "I got it out of Evac. I didn't know when she was planning to call them, so I did a rushed job with shutting down the engines."

    "Think they'll ever find out?"

    "Doubt it. I think the Carcer thing's got everyone distracted. Besides, they've already replaced the 'drive, so any prints we left would be gone by now."

    "So what now?"

    "I don't know." Getaway came to a stop before his hab suite. "I need some time to think. But I'll definitely call you once I've come up with something."

    "All right." Atomizer raised a fist. "Bomp?"

    Getaway nudged the other bot's fist with his own. "Bomp."

EIGHTY PERCENT OF THE PEOPLE: CONCLUDED

Transformers Regenerated: Prime Wars V, Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

--1,050 years ago (Cycle 8765)--

    "Come, Magmatron. There is one last thing I must show you."

    The former Beast King followed the First One into the depths of Carcer. They eventually reached an isolated door, which the First One opened with the press of a panel. The door slid open to reveal a cylindral chamber placed at the end of the room, baring a unique green symbol.

    Magmatron's mouth fell open in shock. "Is that...?"

    The First One nodded, the joints in his neck creaking. "We Carcerians value truth above all else, but deception is sometimes necessary in order to protect others."

    "You mean no one else knows about this?"

    "Only those born from Carcer's hot spots. It is our birth-right to know the truth and our duty to hide it from others." The First One raised a rusted finger at Magmatron. "When I am gone, you will be First One and it will be your duty to make sure he doesn't get out."

    "Why me?" Magmatron asked. "You've only just met me."

    "Perhaps. But I know you've had experience in leading a colony. In fact, you've ruled longer than I have. I trust you will be sufficient."

    "I suppose." Magmatron stared at the chamber for a moment before looking back down at the First One. "You know, you have yet to give me your name; only your title. Before you go... can I at least know your name?"

    The First One smiled as he closed the door. "These days, I don't have much use for my name. All of my friends are long gone. But if you must know... my name is Rook."

--Present--

    Magmatron ran with all the speed his beast mode would grand him. Elitus and Sandstorm called after him, but he had no time to answer them. Time was running short.

    Upon reaching his destination, he converted to his robot mode and stormed up to the brain module, pushing past Wingblade and Ironhead.

    "Carcer!" he bellowed. "Stand down!"

    "No," the Titan boomed. "Not Carcer. Never again Carcer. I am Vigilem."

    "You lost that right to your name long ago after you betrayed your brothers! You will know your place!"

    Vigilem laughed, a sound which caused those who heard it pain from its volume. "You are not my master. I answer only to one."

    "Your master isn't here," Magmatron growled. "He has received the same punishment as you. You will answer to me."

    "If you could see how pathetic you looked. I am a Titan, Magmatron. We were the gods of Cybertron. To me, you are nothing more than a speck of dust."

    "Magmatron!" Elitus came running into the room, with Sandstorm close behind. "Payback just told me -- there's been a breach in sector G-2!"

    Magmatron's optics widened as he turned back to the brain module. "No...."

    "Oh, yes," Vigilem said. "You've been so preoccupied with me that you've forgotten what's been my cargo for over nine thousand years."

    Turning on his heel, Magmatron said to Elitus, "Dispatch all security to sector G-2!"

    "I'm sorry, Magmatron, but I'm afraid I can't let you do that."

    Suddenly, Elitus, Sandstorm, Wingblade, and Ironhead all vanished before his eyes. Magmatron spun back to the brain module, teeth clenched in rage.

    "What have you done to them?!"

    "Nothing," Vigilem said. "I've simply removed them from the playing field, along with everyone else on board. They're down on Paradron, where they will be out of the way."

    "Then why am I still here?"

    "My master has something special planned for you. A reward for playing into his hands."

    Feeling a hand fall on his shoulder, Magmatron turned around to see the face of his nightmares. A hideous, glowing red maw twisted into a horrifying grin as crimson eyes bore into his.

    "Come, Magmatron," the Liege Maximo said. "There is one last thing I must show you."

*  *  *

    From the safety of the Peaceful Tyranny, Tarn watched as the Titan lifted up towards the sky and blasted off into the night, quickly becoming just another star in the backdrop of the universe.

    The others showed little interest in this event, save for one. Nickel's optics had been wide with awe from the moment they had arrived and seemed to be stuck in a perpetual state of wonder.

    Tarn could understand why. Nickel hailed from the colony Micron; unlike most colonies, Micron revered their Titan more than they did their Prime, as Prion was one of the only Titans to maintain a relationship with his so-called "children". In a way, Nickel viewed Titans the same way Tarn once had Megatron.

    Once.

    After today, however -- in fact, for the past seven months -- he was no longer sure what he believed in. The Megatron he knew was gone, in more ways than one. From the day he had been told, to his face, that the old ways were being renounced, that things were changing, his faith had been on tenterhooks ever since.

    Now that Megatron was dead -- at his own hands, no less -- it felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He now felt free to pursue his own dreamds for the Decepticons; to make it the empire he wanted it to be.

    "Tarn?"

    Broken out of his reverie, Tarn turned to look down at Kaon. The crimson Decepticon was grinning at him.

    "I've located Stormshot. She's down below, less than thirty megamiles away. Shall we--"

    "No, Kaon," Tarn quietly replied. "It's time for us to leave."

    Kaon blinked. "But... the List...."

    "The List can wait, my friend," Tarn said, plotting a course in the Peaceful Tyranny's navigation system. "We have an empire to build."

*  *  *

    Stormshot watched as the D.J.D.'s ship flew off into the night. She released the breath she had been holding in, the tension draining from her body.

    A hand fell on her shoulder. "You all right?" Skyfall asked.

    "Yeah," she murmured. "It's just... I've had a long day."

    "Yeah. Same here." Skyfall looked around the crowd of stranded Carcerians. "Don't suppose you've seen... those two anywhere, have you?"

    "No, I haven't." Stormshot turned towards the black mech, rubbing her arm. "Skyfall, I want to thank you."

    "What for?"

    "You've... I know you haven't really done anything, but... seeing you again, for whatever reason, has made me comfortable with who I am."

    "An Autobot?"

    "That, too. But I'm speaking mentally; more than just faction. The kind of person I am."

    Skyfall chuckled. "Believe me, I've been having similar struggles. But I'm glad I could help either way." He then tilted his head. "How did you end up here anyway?"

    Stormshot looked away. "It's a long story...."

    "I've got time."

    She smiled. "Well... it kind of goes all the way back two hundred years ago, on a little planet called Hydrus Four...."

--211 years ago (Cycle 9604)--

    "Hey, Stormshot!"

    Stormshot looked up to see a familiar red bot running up to her. She allowed herself a small smile as the Autobot skidded to a halt, panting.

    "Hey, Skyfall," Stormshot said. "What brings you here?"

    "I heard you've completed your Act of Affiliation," Skyfall said. "Congratulations! It took me nearly a year to pass my exams, but you did it in under two months!"

    Stormshot shrugged. "What can I say? We M.T.O.s are fast learners."

    "Heh, I guess so. Did Ultra Magnus give you any trouble?"

    "Actually, it was Optimus Prime who performed the ritual."

    "Aw, what? You are so lucky." He then looked over at the plaque Stormshot had been standing in front of. The words 'Sidestep of Hexima' were embolden on it.

    "What, uh, what are you looking at?" Skyfall asked.

    "I killed this bot," Stormshot murmured. "He was my only kill on Hydrus Four."

    "Oh." Skyfall rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, things like that are gonna crop up once you get Autobranded. Luckily, you'll have it easy than most ex-Cons in our ranks."

    "Are there others?" Stormshot asked. "Like who?"

    "Like, I dunno. I think Jetfire is one. He joined early on in the war. He's the only one I know though."

    An awkward silence passed between the two bots. After a while, Skyfall cleared his vocal processor.

    "Anyway, I have to go. I'm being transferred back to Kimia. I, uh, I hope to see you again soon. Good luck on your Autobranding, and congratulations again."

    "Thanks," Stormshot murmured, returning her gaze to the plaque. "See you around."

Transformers Regenerated: Prime Wars V, Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

--The Lost Light--

    "Something tells me it wasn't a good reunion."

    Megatron ignored Rodimus' comment as Ratchet worked on his gaping chest wound. Neither Autobot had said anything about his lack of spark, which was for the best; there were more pressing matters at hand.

    "So the D.J.D. are after Stormshot," Rodimus went on. "The same Stormshot who's mysteriously vanished and probably stranded us here. I don't know about you, but I smell a connection here."

    "You're suggesting that Stormshot called the D.J.D. here," Megatron said.

    "Well, I mean, someone had to, right? And I don't think anyone else knew that Stormshot was a former 'Con. I sure didn't."

    "Evac might have known," Ratchet said. "He's Stormshot's roommate, isn't he?"

    "I guess." Rodimus rubbed his chin. "Where's Evac now?"

    "No idea."

    "I'll go look for him then." Rodimus turned to leave the medibay. "Get well soon, Megs."

    Megatron rolled his optics, glancing at Ratchet. "Does he ever sound not sarcastic?"

    "Actually," Ratchet said as he finished patching Megatron up. "I think he was being sincere that time."

*  *  *

    "I'm the worst guardian ever."

    "Hey, it's okay." Cop-Tur patted Dion on the head as he sat on the larger bot's shoulder. "Accidents happen. It's all good."

    "But this means your parents are never going to see you again!" Dion sighed as he chucked a piece of metal into the oil reservoir. "I should've just taken you to the Cosmic Carnival. The mission could've waited until the next batch of Time Microns were made."

    Cop-Tur was silent as Dion continued to brood. Hearing the sound of footsteps, the Mini-Con looked over to see the Autobot Brainstorm approach them. The scientist revved quietly, prompting Dion to look up.

    "Oh. Hey."

    "Hey," Brainstorm replied. "I... heard that you were back."

    "Yeah. What of it?"

    "Nothing, I just...." Brainstorm stopped himself before starting over. "Actually, no, there is something. I need both of you to come with me."

    Dion frowned. "Why?"

    "Why?" Brainstorm chuckled. "Why, because I'm sending you back to the future, of course."

--Carcer--

    Hearing the familiar sound of wretching, Cogwheel lifted her to look at Cannonspring. The gray mech was still fast asleep on his berth, as was Skyfall. She then turned to the door to see a white and blue flier enter the room with a large red bot, the latter's mouth dripping with energon.

    "Help," Stormshot murmured. "Please."

    Cogwheel moved quickly on her multiple legs and helped the bot lay the femme down on a berth. Before the medic could bring out her tools, Chaindrive shot up, stretching a hand towards Cannonspring.

    "Him," she grunted. "Need to... be with him...."

    "Now is not the time for scrap like that!" Cogwheel snapped, swatting her hand. "Now hold still while I get you stabilized."

    Stormshot stood by as she watched the medic work. Looking around the medibay, her optics fell on a black and red bot with a visor covering his face. Although he lacked a face, she could tell he was staring at her.

    "Stormshot?" he said softly.

    Stormshot frowned at him. "Do I know you?"

    "It's me. Skyfall." He looked down at himself. "Of course, you wouldn't recognize me by my looks, but... you remember Hydrus Four, right?"

    Stormshot nodded stiffly. "Yes."

    "I was the one who rescued you, remember? You were missing your legs, I picked you up...."

    Stormshot loosened up at this. "That was you? You... I haven't heard from you in two hundred years."

    Skyfall chuckled weakly. "Ah, you know... long story and all that. So, how have you been?"

    Before Stormshot could answer, Cogwheel let out a yell as Chaindrive shoved her aside and clambered over to Cannonspring. Before shocked optics, both bots began to shift parts, interlocking with each other....

    Soon, where there had once been two bots was now one. Lifting themselves off of the berth, they moved past Cogwheel and headed for the door.

    "Must become one," was all the unified being said as it left the medibay.

*  *  *

    In the short amount of time he had spent in Carcer's brig, Convoy had come to the conclusion that the Carcerians were not the best jailkeepers.

    For one thing, they had not bothered to leave a guard behind. That could have been because they had been preoccupied with Cannonspring's condition. Even so, the fact that the two Carcerians that came to free Sunder hadn't noticed him fiddling with the lock had left him flabbergasted.

    Not long after the Carcerians had left with Sunder, Convoy had gotten the door to his cell opened and he took pursuit. No alarms were raised, although the whole place shaking violently was enough of an impediment.

    Eventually, he made it out of the brig and went in the direction of where he assumed the Carcerians had gone. If this was a Titan and they had a mnemosurgeon (he had gathered that Sunder was one based on the two hours worth of monologue he had been subjected to) then odds were that they were headed for the Titan's brain module.

    Of course, he didn't know for sure where that would be. But the Carcerians couldn't have gotten far. He would find them. Or they would find him. Whichever worked.

*  *  *

    "Okay, here we are," Wingblade said as he and his partner guided the blind Sunder towards the brain module of Carcer. "What did Magmatron want him to do again?"

    "He said to put him back to sleep," said Ironhead. "Not kill him, but... just coax him back into stasis."

    Wingblade glanced at Sunder. "Think you can do that?"

    "The next injection is always the last one," the mnemosurgeon murmured. "Until it isn't."

    "Uh... is that a yes?"

    Ignoring him, Sunder slowly walked up to the brain module, reaching out with his hand. Pressing his palm against it, he let out a gasp as he pricked it with his needle-like fingers.

    "This one is it, I think," he whispered. "This one is the last."

    "Okay," Wingblade said softly. "Just... take your time if you need to."

    "I don't think we've got time," Ironhead said as the ship began to shake again. "You might want to speed things up."

    "It's okay," Sunder said. "I think I'm ready."

    He fully extended his fingers and plunged them into the brain module. In an instant, he let out a scream as energy surged through him.

    "FOOLS."

    The two Carcerians watched on in horror as Sunder was incinerated before their eyes, leaving behind nothing but ashes.

    "I AM VIGILEM."

*  *  *

    Convoy let out a yell as the Titan shook again, knocking him off balance. Arms flailing, his hand fell on a control panel on the wall next to him and he stumbled into another room.

    Once he had recomposed himself, he looked up to find himself standing before a cylindrical chamber. A green symbol glowed in the center.

    His optics widened. That symbol. He recognized it from his dreams.

    He screamed as he clutched his head in pain, falling to his knees. At the same time, the chamber began to open as a massive figure stepped out....

Transformers Regenerated: Prime Wars V, Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

--211 years ago (Cycle 9604)--

    "That's the last of 'em?"

    Skyfall dusted off his hands as he perused what had once been the Hydrus battlefield. "I think so, Rollout. All that's left now are Decepticons."

    "All right, let's get back to base. Would hate to keep Prowl waiting." The bulldozer started to drive forward only to stop when he realized Skyfall wasn't following. "You coming?"

    "Yeah, I'll be right there," Skyfall replied, absent-minded. "Go on without me. I just need to check something."

    Rollout grunted. "Fine. Just don't expect me to cover for you again."

    "Yeah, yeah. Catch you later."

    As Rollout drove off with the bodies of fallen Autobots, Skyfall stepped back out into the field and walked towards the subject of his curiosity. Laying on the ground, missing their legs, was a navy blue flier. Noticing Skyfall's footsteps, the Decepticon lifted their head up and stared at him with a broken visor.

    "P-please," they sputtered.

    "Relax," Skyfall said, crouching next to the 'Con. "I'm not going to hurt you. What's your name?"

    "Stormshot. I... I don't want to die."

    "You're not going to." Sliding his arms under Stormshot's shoulders, Skyfall gently lifted the bot up with him. "You're going to be okay. Trust me."

    "But... you're an Autobot."

    "No." Skyfall smiled beneath his mouthplate. "I'm just a friend. A friend you can trust."

--Present--

    Stormshot grunted as she stumbled forwards. Blinking, she looked around to find herself in an unfamiliar room, standing with four unfamiliar bots.

    "Where am I?" she wondered aloud.

    "Beats me, man," said a blue and gray mech, holding a box of ener-juice. "I was just, like, minding my own business when this orange guy showed up and totally ruined my day."

    "You too, huh?" said a large femme with truck kibble. "Sounds just like my experience. I wonder how he'd like a fist to the face."

    "Do you think this is it?" murmured a small white and red bot with wings. "Is this the Ascension? Has Primus come to--"

    "Give me a break, you religious nut," growled a Decepticon helicopter. "Whatever this is, it definitely ain't proof of your precious--"

    "So these are your candidates?"

    The five bots all turned to see a large bestial bot enter the room, followed by the mech who had captured them all.

    "Yes, Magmatron," Sandstorm said. "Their names are Beachcomber, Chaindrive, Skyblast, Windburn and...." He frowned. "I forget the last one."

    "Stormshot," she snapped.

    "Stormshot. Right. Sorry." Sandstorm looked up at Magmatron. "Are they adequate enough?"

    "As they'll ever be." In his hands, Magmatron held up a peculiar looking device. "Hold still, everyone. This may tickle a little."

    Switching the device on, it began to glow. At that moment, Chaindrive suddenly keeled over and threw up energon on the floor.

    Sandstorm's optics widened. "Is that... is that supposed to happen?"

    Magmatron frowned. "No. In fact... nothing is happening. They should have been combined by now."

    Suddenly, the whole place began to shake. Optics flashing in alarm, Magmatron turned off the device and raised his comm. "Elitus! What's going on?"

    "We've lost control of Carcer! He's not responding to our commands!"

    His mouth falling open, Magmatron looked down at what he had thought to be the Enigma of Combination. He murmured something, prompting Sandstorm to look up at him.

    "What did you say?" he asked.

    "I said we have been deceived."

*  *  *

    After hearing the sound of the blast, Dion did not emerge from his hiding spot until he heard Tarn and the others teleport away. Even then, he still waited for Gutcruncher to say, "They're gone."

    Slowly rising from behind the bar, the sight that greeted his optics made his spark churn. Megatron laid there, a gaping hole in his abdomen.

    "No," he murmured.

    "So much for a new lease on life," Gutcruncher said quietly. "Assuming he was telling the truth, of course."

    "He was." Climbing over the edge of the bar, Dion moved over to Megatron's corpse, kneeling down as he took his old friend's hand in his. "Oh, Optronix... why didn't you just come with me? The Galactic Alliance would have given you a far less gruesome death."

    "It wouldn't have worked though."

    Dion nearly jumped out of his chassis as he stared at the suddenly awake Megatron. "I-- what-- how are you still alive?!"

    "I'm not," Megatron said. "I'm dead. I always have been."

    "Then... then how--"

    "There's no time to explain." Pushing Dion off him, Megatron got to his feet. "The D.J.D. are surely headed for the Lost Light now. They're after Drift."

    "Actually, they were looking for someone named Stormshot," Gutcruncher said. "I mean, they could be after both, but...."

    "Even so, we have to go back. I can't...." Megatron sighed, closing his optics. "I can't let them suffer for my mistakes."

    "That's... remarkably noble of you," Gutcruncher commented. "I guess you weren't kidding about the Decepticons being over."

    "They aren't," Megatron said, turning to leave the bar. "Not yet. There is still work to be done."

    "Well, good luck then," Gutcruncher said. "You two go be heroes. I'll stay here and clean up."

    "You could come with us," Dion suggested. "From what I've seen, the Lost Light is just as open to Decepticons as it is Autobots."

    "Thanks, but I'll pass." Gutcruncher grinned as he held up Treadshot's lifeless body. "Besides, there's a profit to be made here."

*  *  *

    "Magmatron, what's going on? What's happening?"

    Sandstorm's queries went unanswered as Magmatron stormed onto the bridge, where Elitus and her crew where scattering about. Making a beeline for Elitus, Magmatron grabbed her by the shoulder and turned her around.

    "Explain this," he growled.

    "Carcer isn't responding," Elitus replied. "He's still online, but... he's not answering any of our commands."

    "And we don't have any Cityspeakers left, do we?"

    Elitus shook her head. "The last one died three years ago and no one's been trained to fill the role since."

    "What about mnemosurgeons? Do we have any sort of cerebro-experts on board?"

    Before Elitus could answer, Payback spoke up. "We still have that Autobot mnemosurgeon down in the brig. Sundor or something like that."

    Magmatron frowned. "Isn't he a serial killer?"

    "Yeah. But he's pretty much our only option."

    Magmatron was silent as he mulled over this. Elitus, on the other hand, was shaking her head in disapproval.

    "No. I won't allow it."

    "This is not for you to decide, Elitus," Magmatron said, almost off-handed.

    "You made me Carcer's captain! You bestowed the title of First One to me! I decide who gets freed on this ship!"

    Sandstorm frowned in confusion. "I thought Magmatron was First One. He said he commanded Carcer."

    "For a time, maybe," Elitus said. "But not long after I arrived on Carcer, he decided to put me in charge of the ship. To date, he has always complied with my command."

    "Things changs, Elitus," Magmatron said coldly. "Besides, you know what's at stake. Sunder is our only option."

    "Sentinel and the others nearly died trying to restrain him. Are you really going to trivialize their efforts?"

    "Yes." Looking over to Payback, Magmatron said, "Release the mnemosurgeon. Now."

    "No!" Elitus protested. "You can't--"

    "I can and I shall!" Magmatron bellowed, swatting Elitus to the side. "I am the Beast King! The conqueror of Titans! This is my command!"

    His optics flared as he clenched his fist.

    "And I shall see it obeyed."