Book II "Acts of Vengeance" Chapter V "Return of Terror" "Hello", said Uatu. "Before we continue, there is some background information that is necessary for this story to be fully understood. In the reality you know of, during the time leading up to Transformers: The Movie, Elita One and Optimus Prime were reunited. Elita was stationed on Earth during the battle in which Optimus Prime was killed. However, at the time of that battle, she was half way around the world rescuing victims of an Earthquake." Quiet. Nothing but quiet filled the bridge of the Autobot shuttle. Only the low hum of machinery could be heard. Optimus Prime sat in his command chair. He hardly noticed the silence. When Rodimus Prime, Kup, Grimlock, Spike, and Daniel had reported to the shuttle, Optimus had briefed them on the situation on Earth. Grimlock did not understand the problem, but that was nothing new. Spike and Daniel were not on the bridge. It had been a couple of days since either had slept. Optimus had forgotten that when he called them to the shuttle. He had other things on his mind. "What's our ETA", asked Optimus, shattering the heavy silence. Kup and Rodimus searched the displays for the information. Like Optimus, they had been deep in thought. "We will be landing on Earth in seventeen minutes", said Rodimus. "Optimus", said Kup, "what do you think this all means. Who would want to steal Megatron's body, and why?" "I wish I knew Kup, but I don't." Optimus paused. "I intend to find out." Optimus sat back in his chair. There were hundreds of possible reasons why someone would want Megatron's body. Even in death, his body contained technology that many species would give almost anything for. Even the metal he was made of would be valuable. Optimus hoped it would be something so simple. Megatron awoke. He was conscious. He could not see, he could not hear. He had no body, but he lived. Megatron was very pleased with himself. Years earlier, he had devised a way to keep himself alive, should he ever be killed. A way to cheat death. It had worked. At the instant of his death, an automated program had written the entire contents of his brain, his mind, and his personality to a special micro-chip. Unlike his brain, the data on the chip was written, not unlike a floppy disk's data. For that reason, no power was needed to sustain him. Since his body had died, there was no way to tell that he still lived. Until this moment, he had been dormant. Without power, he was unconscious. What had moments ago been only gigabytes upon gigabytes of data, was now powered. It was now Megatron again. Unfortunately, he had no way to know how he had been reactivated. Someone must have removed the chip from his body, and connected it to a power source. That much was obvious. But who was it? He could do nothing now, but wait for his body to be repaired, or rebuilt. It must have been Soundwave he thought. Only Soundwave had the ability to interpret the signal which the chip emitted just before he died. "Megatron is unaware that Soundwave became Stalker. He is unaware of the battle with Unicron. He does not know that Stalker was destroyed along with the other Predators within Unicron", said Uatu. Megatron wondered for a moment if someone else could have detected and understood the signal. It was possible, but unlikely. Who else, but Soundwave would have reactivated him. There was nothing he could do now, but wait. The Autobot shuttle landed on Earth, and the Autobots disembarked. Elita One was there waiting for Optimus. "Elita, how are you"? asked Prime, as she put her arms around him. "I'm fine. I'm sorry I was not here during the battle. I was in Australia rescuing Earthquake victims", she said. "Just as well", began Prime. "There wasn't anything you could have done." Elita knew Prime better than anyone. "What's wrong Optimus." "I'll tell you later", said Optimus. Optimus and Rodimus inspected the morgue, and security systems. Elita One and Ultra Magnus accompanied them. "Optimus, we've not yet completed our investigation. We don't want to miss anything", said Ultra Magnus. "Excellent Ultra Magnus. You better get back to supervising the repairs to the security system. Rodimus and I are going to look around a while", said Optimus. Ultra Magnus left them, and headed down the corridor. "I'll leave you two alone then", said Elita. "Why don't you stay with us", said Optimus. "I may have some more questions." Optimus really didn't have any more questions. It had been so long since he and Elita had been together. He just wanted her around. "Well, Rodimus", began Optimus, "what do we know so far?" "I'm guessing this is my first lesson in leadership", said Rodimus. Elita chuckled, as did Optimus. "Everything is a lesson Rodimus", said Optimus. "You can never learn too much." "Well, let's see", said Rodimus. "Someone broke in, disabling the security systems, and stole Megatron's body. Does that about cover it." "No, that does not", said Prime. He realized that Rodimus would need a lot of experience before he would be a good leader. Rodimus was just too impatient. "We know that whoever did this must be highly skilled in stealth. How else could they have taken out two guards, making absolutely no noise? They must be able to get around the security systems until they could get in to disable them. They then got to Megatron's body, and made their escape unheard by anyone. Megatron is not light, so we are dealing with someone who has good strength. What does this tell you Rodimus?" "Well, we are dealing with a Decepticon who has all of the traits you just mentioned. So, who do you think it is", asked Rodimus? "I haven't any idea. There is no Decepticon I know of with all of those capabilities", said Prime. "We don't even know how the two guards were disabled. They both reported suddenly losing consciousness, and they didn't have a scratch on them." "Any more good news", asked Rodimus? "Yep. I think Megatron is still alive", said Optimus. Rodimus suddenly realized what humans meant when they said they were nauseous. "Sorry I asked." "But Prime", said Elita, "I read the reports, and Percepter said he was dead." "I know what the reports said", said Optimus. "But I still think Megatron must have found a way to survive." That was about the only thing Optimus was sure about at that moment. Optimus, Rodimus, and Elita went to the morgue again to see the scene of the crime. Optimus felt there had to be a clue somewhere. "They found the guards right here", said Elita, pointing to either side of the door. "They were completely unconscious, and their weapons were gone." "Why would anyone have taken their weapons", asked Rodimus? "That's another piece of this twisted puzzle", said Optimus. "I feel as though we are just missing one small piece to put it all together." Optimus looked at the wall next to the door of the morgue. He looked closely at a scratch on the wall. "Has the investigating team been over this area yet", asked Optimus. "Yes", said Elita. "They have, but it was a very quick search. They have three teams working on checking the security systems for signs of who turned them off. There did not appear to be anything in here in the way of clues, so they left it for later. They should be doing a detailed analysis tomorrow." Optimus reconfigured his hand as a magnet with a thought, and pressed it against the small scratch. "Ouch", said Optimus. Suddenly he felt himself start to shut down, and fell to the floor. "Optimus", screamed Elita, as she knelt down beside him. Rodimus activated his communicator. "Rodimus Prime to Hoist and Grapple. I need you outside the morgue fast." Optimus awoke to find himself lying on a table in Sick Bay. He had a throbbing headache, and had no idea what had happened. He could feel someone holding his hand. Elita, Rodimus and Hoist were standing around him. "He's awake", said Elita. She had not left his side since he collapsed. "Optimus, how do you feel?" "Like I was hit by an asteroid", he said. "What happened." "It appears", began Hoist, "that this little device can render any robot completely unconscious just by touching them." Hoist held up a plastic bag containing the device. Optimus sat up, and took the bag. It was a star shaped flat metal disk. "Was this in that cut in the wall. "Yes", said Rodimus. "When you pulled it out of the wall, it hit your hand and knocked you out. It appears this is what hit the guards. It is so thin, and so sharp that the slice on the wall looked like a scratch. How'd you know it wasn't?" "Just a guess. One that proved correct", said Optimus. "What does it mean", asked Rodimus. Optimus Prime stared at the object for a moment. "It is the missing piece of the puzzle." Optimus activated his communicator. "Optimus Prime to Ultra Magnus." "Ultra Magnus here." "Ultra Magnus, I may have solved out little mystery. Meet me in the command center. Bring Kup and Springer", said Optimus. "Understood." Optimus Prime was now sure that he had solved the mystery. The answer was clear, and the clues all consistent. More than anything else, he hoped he was wrong. Optimus Prime, Rodimus, and Elita headed for the command center. Optimus figured it would not be very difficult to confirm his suspicions. When they arrived in the command center, Ultra Magnus, Kup, and Springer were already there. "Well, who did it", asked Springer. "Yeah Prime. Don't keep us in suspense", said Kup. "In good time. Would you all please step outside for a moment", said Optimus. They looked at each other for a moment. Optimus had wanted them there, and now he wanted them to wait outside. "Sure Prime", said Ultra Magnus. Kup, Springer, and Ultra Magnus headed toward the door, thoroughly confused. "You too", said Optimus to Rodimus and Elita. "Okay", said Rodimus. He and Elita left with the others. Optimus walked over to the communications terminal, and pressed some buttons. He brought up the telephone directory for Japan. He found the name he wanted, and made the call. An old man's face came onto the screen. "Optimus Prime. It has been a long time", said the man on the screen. "I hope things are good." Optimus did not want to upset him. He was very old, and obviously in failing health. If he was wrong, he did not want to upset him with an accusation. On the other hand, Prime was sure he was right. "Where is she Doctor?", asked Optimus, in as nice a tone as possible. "Where's who", asked the man. He was obviously hiding something. Now Prime was mad. "Don't play dumb. Where is she", said Optimus, practically yelling. "I...I...don't know. "I'm on my way", said Optimus. Optimus went out into the hall. Rodimus, Elita, Kup, Springer and Ultra Magnus were all waiting for him. "Rodimus, Elita, and I are going to Japan. Details of this mission are on a need to know basis only. I'm sorry to keep you in the dark, but this is a delicate situation. Ultra Magnus, where is Skyfire", said Optimus. "He just got back from the Volcano with supplies", said Ultra Magnus. "Good. I need him. Hopefully when I get back, I can explain this to all of you. Elita get Skyfire, and prepare to leave. I'll join you shortly." Optimus headed down the corridor. Elita headed in the opposite direction. When they were both out of hearing distance, the others began to talk. "I've never seen him like this", said Kup. "Me either", said Springer. "Something is bothering him." Rodimus knew what was bothering Optimus. Optimus felt that Megatron was still alive. But it wasn't his place to say anything. "I think he is bothered by Megatron's body being stolen. At least in the morgue, he knew where Megatron was", said Ultra Magnus. "What about you Rod", said Springer. "You're his protege, did he tell you anything." "Nope, I know as little as you do", said Rodimus. "Probably less lad", said Kup sarcastically. Aboard Skyfire, Rodimus, Elita, and Optimus said nothing. "Penny for your thoughts", said Skyfire to Optimus. "No thoughts, just concerns", said Optimus. "I know who stole Megatron's body, but I am hesitant to believe it." "And you don't want to say until you are sure", said Skyfire. "I am sure. But it's why Megatron's body was taken that concerns me most." "Well, now you have me as curious as everyone else", said Skyfire. "Don't forget the human saying, curiosity killed the cat", said Optimus. "I've never seen you so worried, and secretive Optimus", said Skyfire. "Well, let's just say, there has never been so much at stake", said Optimus. "Or so much of it my fault", he finished inaudibly. "Optimus, try and relax and enjoy the ride", said Skyfire. Optimus could not relax. Megatron might still be alive, and if he was alive, it was all his fault. Megatron sat up. He was in some kind of lab, and was now sitting on a table. He looked over his body. It was not his old one, but it felt strong. He could feel the power in it. The room was very dim, and he could not see beyond the table. He instinctively tried to charge his fusion cannon, not realizing it was not there. "Soundwave? Are you there", asked Megatron. There was no response. He looked around the room. In a shadow, he could see a figure, but only barely. "Who are you", asked Megatron. "I am...a friend", replied the figure standing in the shadow. "If you are a friend, then how come I do not recognize your voice", said Megatron. "When last we met, I could not speak", said the figure, stepping out from the shadows. Megatron stared in disbelief. "Nightbird." "You recognize me. I am surprised. I have been upgraded since our last encounter." "Excellent. Did you build this body for me", asked Megatron. "No. It was doctor Fujiama's design. He meant it to be for his next creation. After all these years, he finally perfected my programming", said Nightbird. "He was going to waist that body on the prototype for an Earth defense force. It suits you." "Excellent. Now you can replace that ingrate Starscream." "Starscream is dead. There is much that has happened, in a very short time." Nightbird explained how doctor Fujiama had intercepted messages, concerning Cybertron, and Unicron's attack, and how he intercepted the signal that lead her to him. "A pity", said Megatron. "What is a pity", asked Nightbird. "It's a pity I did not get to kill Starscream myself. Oh well, I'll get over it. Especially now that it will be easier for you to take his place. You can rule the galaxy by my side", said Megatron. "As you wish", said Nightbird. "Together we will defeat the Autobots and conquer Earth and Cybertron." Megatron paused. But before we do that, there is one thing that I must do." "And what would that be", said Nightbird with a smirk, as if she did not know. "I will kill Optimus Prime." Skyfire landed on the lawn of a huge mansion just outside of Tokyo. Optimus, Rodimus, and Elita disembarked, and Skyfire transformed. "You three wait here", said Optimus. Optimus walked around the back of the house. He could see Doctor Fujiama's lab. He had not been here in twelve years. When he was last here, it was because Doctor Fujiama, had asked him to come to Japan and hear a request. The robot he had constructed, Nightbird, had been in a dormant state ever since the Autobots returned her to him. He had asked Optimus if it would be possible for him to continue his experiments to perfect her. Prime was not enthused by the idea, but Doctor Fujiama assured him that she would never leave his lab, which was large enough for all of her training, and testing. Doctor Fujiama's hope was that he might one day make it possible for Earth to create it's own robotic defense force. He knew that trying to retake Cybertron and defend Earth must have been spreading the Autobots forces thin, and he wanted to help. Optimus did not want to deny him his life's work. He reluctantly agreed on three conditions. One, that no one but the two of them would know she had been re-activated, and two, that if the Decepticons ever came for her, he would destroy her to keep her out of their hands. She was too great a weapon to be captured by the Decepticons. The third condition was the one that was most difficult for Optimus. He wanted Doctor Fujiama to erase her memory. The Doctor agreed. Optimus did not want to have Nightbird's memory erased, but it was the only way to keep her from rejoining the Decepticons. Now it looked as if his decision to allow her reactivation would come back to haunt him. Optimus walked up to Doctor Fujiama's lab. The large door was open, and he went inside. "Doctor", called Optimus. "Are you in here." "I am here", said a voice from the far corner of the room. Prime walked over to where Doctor Fujiama sat by a computer. There were computers along the walls, and the middle of the room was filled with all kinds of equipment. Some of it looked like a robot's gymnasium. That is most likely what it was. "What happened to Nightbird Doctor?" "Prime. I did as you asked. I never told anyone, and I kept her in this very building", he said. "And her memory?" Doctor Fujiama looked down a the floor. "I could not erase it, or my work would have been set back for many years. The Decepticons had given her the one thing I could not. They gave her life." "Then she has taken Megatron's body", said Optimus. "I believe she has." "Do you know what her intentions are?" "I do not. She accessed the message logs on my communications scanner which intercepts signals from space. There were several messages concerning your recent battle with Unicron. There was also a message that I could not decipher, but when she read it, she immediately left. I told her not to go, but she would not listen to me. She has never disobeyed me before." The Doctor paused. "This is all my fault." "We both share the blame Doctor. I should have never agreed to allow these experiments", said Optimus. "There is one more thing. My intentions, when her programming was perfected, was to create a defense force for Earth. I have completed her programming, and I just completed the prototype body for the Earth's defenders. She took it with her." "No doubt, that is the body she will try to put Megatron in, if he still lives", said Optimus. "He does." The voice came from behind Prime. Optimus whirled around. It was Nightbird standing by the doorway. She looked different, but it was her. She had a sword in her hand, and was obviously ready to use it. "Where is Megatron", demanded Optimus. "Megatron lives. I gave him the prototype body that Doctor Fujiama created. I will not tell you where he is", said Nightbird. "You'll just have to find him." "Why have you returned then", asked Optimus. "I wanted to say goodbye to Doctor Fujiama." "Nightbird", said Doctor Fujiama, "You have disgraced me." "I'm sorry you feel that way Doctor. I did what I had to do", said Nightbird. Doctor Fujiama got up and left the lab. Before Optimus could think about what to do, the ceiling above him exploded. He jumped out of the way of the falling debris. Optimus heard something over the noise of the falling debris. It was someone laughing. It was an evil laugh. It was coming from outside. "I know that laugh", said Optimus. "Perhaps you won't have to look very hard to find Megatron", said Nightbird with a sinister chuckle. Optimus ran right past Nightbird, and outside. At the edge of the Doctor's estate Optimus saw a green tank, less than 100 feet away. "Megatron." "Very perceptive of you", said Megatron, as he transformed. "Now I'm going to finish what I should have at Autobot city." Megatron fired his shoulder cannon. Optimus was still dazed by seeing Megatron alive. He could not react in time and was hit. At that moment, Rodimus, Elita, and Skyfire, came running around the side of the house. "Skyfire transform", said Rodimus. Skyfire transformed. Megatron and Nightbird started firing at them. Rodimus started firing back. Elita ran to Optimus, and tried to lift him, but he was too heavy for her. "Optimus, are you all right", asked Elita? "I'm alright", said Optimus weekly. "I just need a moment. Run Elita, get out of here." Megatron fired again, right at Elita. Her back was turned to him. Rodimus was too far away to do anything. "Elita look out", yelled Rodimus. Elita was hit in the back, and fell to the ground. She did not move. Optimus was still dazed. He saw Elita one fall to the ground. He pulled himself to his feet. His wound was not severe, but had taken a lot out of him. He picked up Elita, and went to board Skyfire. he could tell she was very badly wounded. When Rodimus had boarded, Skyfire took off. "Skyfire, full speed, we've got to get Elita back to Autobot City", said Rodimus. "Sure thing", said Skyfire. He turned his jets on full blast. Optimus held Elita in his arms. She was unconscious, and he could feel the energeon escape from her wound. "Hold on Elita. Hold on", said Optimus. "Optimus....", she whispered, and then fell into unconsciousness. Optimus looked down at Elita. "Please Elita, hold on." Optimus could not bare the thought of losing her. She had to be alright. Skyfire radioed ahead to Autobot City. When he landed, First Aid, Hoist, and Grapple were waiting. They took Elita to a repair bay. Optimus went with them. When they reached the repair bay, First Aid told Optimus to wait outside. For more than an hour, the three Autobots worked on Elita. Optimus could not bear the waiting. He could not loose her. He had lost her once. He could not loose her again. As the hours dragged on, it became impossible to just sit there. Optimus never felt so helpless. When they came out of the repair bay, Optimus was there waiting for them. "Hoist, how is she." "Optimus...I'm sorry. We've done everything we can. She won't last much longer." "No. Noooo", yelled Prime. He pushed passed Hoist, Grapple, and First Aid, and entered the room. He went to the table where Elita lay. "Elita...", said Optimus. He took her hand in his. "Uuuuuuhhhhhh, Optimus, are you there. I can't see." "I'm here Elita. I'm here", he could not hide the pain in his voice. "I know I haven't long Optimus." "Elita, no. I can't go on with out you." "I love you Optimus, and I always will", she said, straining to talk. "You must go on. The Autobots need your leadership. Megatron can not be allowed to take Cybertron again. You must go on for both of us. You have a duty, a duty to protect Earth, and to protect peace. You can't let my death interfere with that. I could never forgive myself if that happened." "I love you Elita", said Optimus. "I'll always love you." "Till all are one....", said Elita as her eyes dimmed forever. "No. Elita." Optimus put his arms around her, and hugged her lifeless body. "Noooooooooo", Optimus screamed with bone chilling agony in his voice. Elita was gone. She was gone forever, but would never be forgotten. Optimus Prime stayed there for a long while, holding Elita's lifeless body. He understood what the humans meant about a broken heart. When he left the repair bay, Hoist was still there. "Hoist, thank you for trying", said Optimus. "I'm sorry we could not do more", said Hoist sadly. "You did all you could", said Optimus. "Let me have a look at your wound", said Hoist. "Not now. I have to brief the others. I'll report to sick bay as soon as I can." Optimus headed toward the command center. Optimus explained the situation to the others. He had had all information on Nightbird classified, and only those Autobots who were there when it happened, knew about Nightbird, and they had been sworn to secrecy. "It's my fault that Megatron lives", said Optimus. "You couldn't have known Optimus", said Kup. "That doesn't make me innocent. I should never have allowed Nightbird's reactivation." Optimus Prime left the command center and headed to sick bay. "It is my fault Elita is dead", he said to himself. "It's my fault." Optimus went to sick bay, to have his own wound repaired. It did not take Hoist long. Optimus could not help but think of Elita One. He tried to think of something else, anything else, but he could not. Her death left him empty. He felt as if a part of himself was gone. "Well, as you can see", began Uatu, "the Optimus Prime of this universe, is experiencing quite a different future from the one we know. But where will it lead? What lies on the horizon for Optimus, Rodimus, and the rest? Perhaps this universe where Optimus Prime survived, will not be the better place it seemed to be. Or perhaps it will be."