Preface






     Hello.  If you are reading this,
then I assume you have some interest
in reading my Fanfic, "Transformers
The Movie, What If Hot Rod had Not
Gotten in the Way?"  There are a few
things you should know before you
read it.
     1.  The character names, and
other stuff of that nature are owned
by Hasbro.
     2.  Any similarity to events or
characters living or dead, fictional
or real, is strictly coincidental. 
(If I get sued by any living robots
I'm going to be a bit annoyed. :)
     3.  This story is based on the
"What If..." Comic series by Marvel
Comics.  Uatu, the Watcher is owned
by Marvel.
     4.  As you read, you might
notice that there are two narrators. 
There is Uatu, who will appear to
make comments to you alone
occasionally, and then there is the
generic "narrator" who tells the
story.  Might be a bit confusing.
     5.  I've never been known as a
grammatical wizard, so I am sure
there are some mistakes.  So sue me.
     6.  I would appreciate any
feedback on my story.  Please send it
to "OptimusPrime@AWorldTransformed.com".
     7.  My story is organized in
Chapters and in "books".  All a book
is, is a way of separating a group of
related Chapters.
     8.  I have borrowed some names
and titles from other places.  For
Example, "Apocalypse Rising" is the
title of a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Episode, and "Decepticons Forever",
is a line from Beast Wars.  So, if
you read a title, or a line, and say
"I know I've heard that before", then
you probably did.
     9.  If you found this on
Alt.Toys.Transformers.Fanfic, or any
other Newsgroup, and parts of it are
missing, they are all available on my
Web Site AWorldTransformed.com.
     10. Enjoy!
	 
     Book I
     "Dawn of A New Age"

     Chapter I
     "Fall of Evil.....Rise of Chaos"


     "I am Uatu,  Most humans call me
The Watcher.  For countless ages I
have lived on Earth's moon.  And I
have watched over your planet Earth. 
I have looked in on other realities
on occasion.  For their are an
infinite number of possible outcome's
to everything.  All are explored. 
Today, I will look upon a reality in
which Earth's mighty heroes do not
exist.  No Fantastic Four, Iron Man,
Avengers, X-Men or Spiderman, just to
name a few.  Thankfully their
greatest enemies, Dr. Doom, Magneto,
The Mandarin, and Galactus, just to
name a few, also do not exist here. 
In this reality, just over four
million years ago, a space ship from
the planet Cybertron crashed into
Mount Saint Hillary's in Oregon, and
well....you know the story.  At least
you know the story of this reality to
a point.  For, in this reality, an
important event never happened.  In
this reality, we will learn what will
happen if Hot Rod had not gotten in
the way, and of course, no one can
see or hear me except for you."


     "I've got to help Prime", said
Hot Rod.
     "Stay away Lad.  That's Prime's
fight", responded Kup.
     Hot Rod stops and turns toward
Kup.  "But he needs help."
     "Maybe.  Maybe not.  Either way
it's not our fight.  Come on.  We've
got some Decepticons to smash", said
Kup, raising his gun and turning
toward the battle.  Hot Rod followed
Kup into the battle.
     "Now, events unfold differently,
as we look in on Optimus Prime's
fight with Megatron", said Uatu.
     Optimus Prime walked slowly
toward Megatron.
     "Grant me mercy, I beg of you",
said Megatron.
     "You, who are without mercy, now
plead for it?  I thought you were
made of sterner stuff", responded
Optimus Prime.  He could not believe
that Megatron would beg.  He knew
that he had something planned.
     Megatron grabbed the gun in
front of him, but before he could aim
it, Prime shot his laser rifle,
blowing a hole through Megatron's
chest, and sending him flying over
the ledge.  He landed on the ground,
dead.  Starscream and Soundwave
gather around him.
     "Now, Optimus Prime has defeated
Megatron, and future events will be
changed from those we know", said
Uatu.
     "Well.  So ends the reign of
Megatron", said Starscream, as he
kicked Megatron's lifeless body. 
"Astrotrain, transform and get us out
of here."
     "Look out below!"
     "Huh?", said Starscream as he
looked up, in time to see Optimus
Prime jumping toward him from the
ledge above.  Optimus Prime landed
right in front of him, and blasted
him point blank in the chest.  He
fell back on the ground in agony.
     Soundwave fired at Prime, but
Optimus was too quick, and he dodged
the shot.  Prime lunged at Soundwave
landing a punch to his face. 
Soundwave fired his weapon at Prime
as he fell, hitting him in the arm,
and throwing him off balance.  As
Prime fell, he fired at Soundwave,
tearing open his shoulder.
     Prime began to get up. 
Starscream was crawling towards
Astrotrain.  Soundwave grabbed him,
and helped him into the shuttle. 
"Astrotrain, take off", said
Soundwave.
     Soundwave collapsed against the
wall within Astrotrain.  His wound
was more serious than he had first
realized.  He lost consciousness. 
Astrotrain took off into space.


     Optimus Prime lay on the
examination table, as Percepter
repaired him.  "With Megatron dead,
we can finally take back Cybertron",
said Hot Rod.
     "I hope so", said Ultra Magnus.
     "Prime, you were magnificent",
said Kup.
     "Thanks", said Prime grimly.  He
did not feel very magnificent.
     "Prime, what's wrong", said
Arcee.  "You've won a tremendous
victory for us.  We would have been
lost if you had not shown up."
     "It's just....I don't know. 
It's nothing", said Prime.  He knew
it was something, but he tried to
ignore it for now.  "Ultra Magnus,
see that the city is repaired."
     "I'll see to it.  Springer is
assessing the damage as we speak."
     "Optimus, I hate to ask this,
but I will need you to remove the
Matrix so I can finish these
repairs", said Percepter.
     "Of course", said Prime.  He
opened his chest compartment, and
removed the Autobot Matrix of
Leadership.  The others all stood
back, as Prime held the matrix in one
hand.  It's blue glow filled the
room.
     "It's beautiful", said Arcee.
     "Prime, what's the Matrix for",
asked Daniel.
     "It is said, that one day an
Autobot will rise from our ranks, and
use the power of the Matrix to light
our darkest hour", said Prime.  When
would that day come he wondered.  Who
would it be.  It was just ambiguous
enough that he did not have a clue.
     "Will it be you", asked Daniel?
     "I do not know.  It may, or it
may be another.  Only the Matrix
knows for sure", said Prime.  "Kup,
do you have...the list."
     "Yes.  Here it is", said Kup, as
he handed Optimus a data pad.
     Prime read the names on the
list.  Prowl, Ratchet, Ironhide,
Brawn, Windcharger, Wheeljack.  There
were more, but he couldn't read any
more.  Prime handed the pad back to
Kup.  "I'll finish reading it later."
     "Now, if you would all leave, I
could finish repairing Optimus", said
Percepter.  Ultra Magnus, Kup, Blurr,
Arcee, Hot Rod, and Daniel left the
room.


     Astrotrain flew unsteadily
through space.  "Jettison some
weight, or I'll never make it back to
Cybertron."
     "Fellow Decepticons.  Astrotrain
has requested that we lighten the
load", said Blitzwing.
     "In that case I say it is
survival of the fittest", said Hook.
     "Do I hear a second", said
Blitzwing.
     "Aye!"
     "And against?"
     "Nay."
     "The aye's have it", said
Blitzwing.  The unconscious forms of
Starscream, Dirge, Thrust, Skywarp,
and Thundercracker were rolled out of
the shuttle door.  Blitzwing went to
push Soundwave out.
     "No", said Rumble and Frenzy. 
"Soundwave stays."  Laserbeak,
Buzzsaw, Ravage, and Ratbat were all
there as well.
     Blitzwing pointed his gun at
Rumble's head.  "If you wish, you can
join him."
     "Umm, that's okay", said Rumble. 
Rumble and Frenzy pushed Soundwave
out, and closed the door.
     "Now, to business", began
Blitzwing, "I am now leader of the
Decepticons."
     "Fat chance", said Scrapper. 
"We Constructicons form Devestator. 
Leadership is ours!"
     A brawl broke out among the
Decepticons.


     "As I am sure you have noticed",
began Uatu, "The Insecticons were not
among those tossed out of the
shuttle, and that Thrust and Dirge
were, as well as Soundwave and
Starscream.  One change to history as
you know it, and many many things
change."


     Starscream and the other
discarded Decepticons floated through
the cold of space, until they come
upon a huge form, as Starscream
regained consciousness.
     "Greetings Starscream", said the
huge sphere.
     "Who are you", demanded
Starscream.
     "I am Unicron", he replied.
     "Where are you?"
     "I have summoned you here for a
purpose."
     "I am Starscream.  No one
summons me."
     "Then it pleases me to be the
first."
     "What is it you want with me."
     "The Autobot Matrix of
Leadership.  Destroy it for me.  It
is the one thing, the only thing,
that stands in my way."
     "What's in it for me."
     "Your bargaining posture is
highly dubious, but very well.  I
will provide you with a new body, and
new troops to command", offered
Unicron.
     Starscream thought a moment. 
"Agreed, on one condition."
     "And that is", asked Unicron.
     "I will provide you with the
designs for my body, and those of my
troops", said Starscream.
     "Agreed."
     Starscream removed a small
computer chip from his storage
compartment, and held it up to
Unicron.  It always paid to be
prepared for everything, and these
designs he had created would do
nicely.
     Unicron projected a beam out to
the chip, and then Starscream found
himself engulfed in a brilliant
light.  His body was repaired and
altered.  "Behold, Skyquake.  And
these shall be your minions, the
Predators."  Thundercracker was
engulfed by the light.  "Talon", and
then came Skywarp, "Sky Dive".  Then
it was Thrust, "Snare", and then
Dirge, "Falcon".  Soundwave was
engulfed last.  "Stalker the
warrior."  And this shall be your
ship.  Unicron opened a hatch, and
launched a space cruiser.  "Now go."
     "I will destroy Optimus Prime
and the Matrix", said Skyquake.  "To
Cybertron."


     Optimus Prime and Percepter
walked into the dimly lit room. 
"Lights", said Prime.  The lights
came on, and the morgue was now
clearly visible.  Along the far wall
was a cabinet of large draws.  Many
of them had names on them.  Ironhide,
Ratchet, Brawn, Prowl, and more. 
Prime could not look at them.  There
was only one that interested him at
that moment.  The name on that
cabinet read 'MEGATRON'.
     "Open it, Percepter", said
Prime.
     "Optimus, I already examined
him.  He is dead", said Percepter.
     "Humor me", replied Prime.
     "As you wish."  Percepter pulled
open the draw revealing a figure
covered by a sheet.  Percepter
transformed into a microscope, and
began to examine Megatron.  "Power
reading is zero.  Laser core
extinguished.  Massive internal
damage to all systems.  No brain
functions.  Memory core erased.  Fuel
pump inactive.  All readings indicate
no function at all.  Absolutely no
sign of life.  My original diagnosis
stands.  He's as the humans say dead
as a door nail."  Percepter
transformed, and tapped Megatron's
forehead with his knuckle.  "See, no
one's home."
     If Prime had a mouth, he would
have smiled.  "Thank you Percepter. 
You can go now", said Prime.
     Percepter began to close the
draw.
     "No, leave it", said Prime.
     Percepter nodded, and left the
room. 
     Prime reached down, and pulled
the sheet away from Megatron's face. 
He looked down at his old enemy.  His
eyes were dark.  No sign of life.  No
movement.  He remembered each and
every battle they had ever fought. 
Each and every dirty trick Megatron
had pulled, and each friend who had
died at the hands of Megatron or his
troops.  Of course, Prime never would
forget, that it was often his orders
that put those friends in jeopardy. 
Prime knew those deaths were not his
fault, and that they had died
fighting for what they believed in. 
Optimus had done what he had to do. 
He knew it, but he had a hard time
accepting it.
     "So this is how it ends
Megatron.  After nine million years,
it comes to an end.  And with your
death, comes a new hope to our
struggle to regain our home.  It
should be a time of celebration, even
after the loss of so many friends on
this day."  Prime glanced towards the
draw that read IRONHIDE.  Then looked
back at Megatron.  "They would not
feel that their sacrifice was in
vain.  Now, perhaps peace may come." 
Prime paused.  "And yet even in
death, you worry me Megatron.  You
have survived too many times that you
should have died.  It does not seem
over between us.  I know you too well
Megatron.  After nine million years,
I know you all too well", said Prime. 
Just a hint of anger was in his
voice.  "Something is not right.  I
wish I knew what it was.  Maybe I'm
just being paranoid.  I hope that is
all it is.  I hope....I pray I'm
wrong.  I have a feeling you're no
more dead than I."
     Prime covered Megatron's face,
closed the draw, and left the room. 
In the hall, Prime touched a
communicator panel on the wall. 
"Optimus Prime to Blaster."
     "Blaster here."
     "Blaster, I want guards posted
around the morgue 24 hours a day."
     "Why Prime", asked Blaster?
     "Just do it", said Prime.


     Back on Cybertron, Blitzwing was
being crowned the new leader of the
Decepticons.  The Constructicons
sounded the horns.  Then they blew
the horns again.  "Knock it off!",
ordered Blitzwing.     Astrotrain
crowned Blitzwing.
     "My fellow Decepticons, as your
new leader I..."  At that moment, a
thunderous sound could be heard, as a
huge jet followed by four smaller
jets landed in the middle of the
hall.  The large jet's cockpit opened
and a robot jumped out, then all of
the jets transformed.  "Who disrupts
this ceremony", demanded Blitzwing.
     "Surely you can't believe that
you are the new leader of the
Decepticons", said Skyquake.
     "I know that voice", said
Blitzwing.  "Starscream."
     "Why Blitzwing, you're smarter
than I thought", said Skyquake.  He
raised his weapon, and fired a
missile at Blitzwing.  It exploded on
impact, spreading small bits of
Blitzwing all over the room.  Well,
would anyone else like to lead the
Decepticons?  I didn't think so.  All
hail me, Skyquake!"
     Book I
     "Dawn of A New Age"

     Chapter II
     "Apocalypse Rising"


     In the cold of space, Unicron
moved toward Moon Base One, where
Jazz and Cliffjumper were keeping a
watch on things.  Jazz looked at the
monitor, and saw the enormous form of
Unicron coming right at them.
     "Where did that come from", said
Jazz.
     "Who cares.  I'm more worried
about where it's going", said
Cliffjumper in his usual wise
cracking tone.
     Jazz pressed a button on the
console, and spoke into the
microphone.  "Talk to me Earth.  We
got a situation out here."


     On Earth, the Autobots began the
daunting task of repairing Autobot
City that had been left ravaged by
the Decepticon attack.
     "Roger me, wilco me, anything
hello hello Earth", came Jazz's voice
over Blaster's communication channel.
     "I'm picking up a faint signal",
said Blaster, as he transformed into
a tape deck.  Optimus Prime, Hot Rod,
Kup, Blurr, Arcee, Ultra Magnus,
Percepter, Springer, and the Dinobots
gather around to hear it.
     "This is Jazz.  A ginormous
weird looking planet just showed up
in the suburbs of Cybertron."
     "And", continued Cliffjumper",
it's attacking Moon Base One."
     "Jazz, Cliffjumper", called
Optimus Prime.  There was nothing he
could do for them.


     On Moon Base One, Jazz and
Cliffjumper made a desperate run for
the shuttle.
     "Got to blast free if we can",
said Jazz, as he prepared the shuttle
for launch.
     "Ignition and", said
Cliffjumper.
     "Hit it", finished Jazz.
     The shuttle roared into space,
only to be halted by Unicron, as he
pulled them in.
     "Jazz, we're not getting away",
said Cliffjumper.
     The shuttle was pulled into
Unicron and destroyed.


     On Moon Base two, Spike and
Bumblebee contacted Earth.
     "This is Spike and Bumblebee up
here on Moon Base Two", said Spike.
     "This thing.  This monster
planet just ripped the first moon to
shreds", said Bumblebee.
     "And it's headed this way", said
Spike.
     "We'll try and slow it down",
said Bumblebee.
     "But you'd better get here fast,
or we're not gonna...."


     And on Earth, the Autobots
watched in horror, as the
communications were cut off.
     "Dad", called Daniel.


     "Bumblebee, activate the
explosives."  Spike waited while
Bumblebee armed the explosives.  "If
this doesn't stop it nothing will."
     "Explosives are activated, let's
get out of here", said Bumblebee.
     Spike and Bumblebee ran for the
shuttle.
     "Hurry it's gonna blow", said
Bumblebee, as they boarded the
shuttle.  The shuttle took off into
space, as Unicron grabbed onto the
moon, and pulled it in.  Spike and
Bumblebee saw it explode, and
cheered.
     "Look", said Bumblebee  not
believing what his eyes were telling
him.
     "Oh Shit!  It isn't even
dented", said Spike.  "What are we
gonna do now!"
     "We're being sucked into it!",
shouted Bumblebee, as they were
pulled inside, and the shuttle
crushed.


     "Unicron, what do you think you
are doing", screamed Skyquake. 
"Cybertron and it's moons are mine!" 
Skyquake felt intense pain.
     "But remember, we belong to
him", said Stalker.
     "I belong to nobody.  I am the
mighty Skyq...", mumbled Skyquake, as
he tumbled down the steps in front of
him.  "I will obey Unicron." 
Skyquake stood up.  "For now", he
added under his breath. 
"Decepticons, to Earth!"


     On Earth, the Autobots were
still gathered around the view
screen, after Spike and Bumblebee's
transmission had been cut off.
     Optimus Prime contemplated the
next move.  There was something out
there with the power to destroy a
moon like it was nothing.  It was
headed right for Cybertron, and to
who knows where next.  Maybe to
Earth.  "Board the shuttles.  This
new menace is greater than any we
have ever faced.  We must stop it
before Cybertron is destroyed."
     "But what about my Dad.  He's on
the moon between that monster planet
and Cybertron", said Daniel.
     "Daniel, we'll do everything we
can for Spike", said Prime.
     "And what are we gonna do when
we get there.  That thing crunches
moons, it'll make short work of us",
said Springer.
     "Perhaps the matrix can stop
it", said Prime.
     "Look", shouted Springer looking
towards the sky.
     The Decepticons were flying
towards them.
     "Get to the shuttles", ordered
Prime.
     Skyquake made a run straight at
Optimus Prime.  "I'm going to fry you
Prime."
     "Not likely Starscream", said
Optimus Prime as he jumped out of the
way of the laser blasts.  It was
Starscream's voice he recognized, but
in an obviously new body.  Prime
pointed his laser rifle, and started
firing.
     "It's Skyquake now, you old has
been.", he called, as he took evasive
action to avoid Prime's shots. 
"Talon, Falcon, destroy Prime",
ordered Skyquake.  The two Predators
swooped down towards Optimus, but
veered off, as they could not get
past his laser fire.
     "Incompetent fools!", screamed
Starscream.


     Elsewhere, Arcee and Daniel were
fleeing, as Snare rained laser blasts
down around them.  Arcee grabbed
Daniel, just before he fell into a
hole where the ground had exploded in
front of him.
     "Stay close to me Daniel", said
Arcee.
     Hot Rod came up behind them. 
"And you'd better stay close to me",
he said to Arcee.
     Arcee grabbed Hot Rod and pulled
him against the wall, just as Snare's
laser blasts sailed by him.
     "No, you'd better stay close to
me", said Arcee.


     As Skyquake flew above the
battle, he decided he needed some
reinforcements.  "This is Skyquake to
second unit, attack!"
     "Understood", came Hook's voice
over Skyquake's radio.


     Optimus Prime ducked behind a
wall to avoid some laser fire, and
found Ultra Magnus and Percepter
there.
     "Prime", began Ultra Magnus,
"Percepter has some news."
     "What is Percepter", said Prime.
     "I have detected another force
moving to attack us", said Percepter.
     "How many", said Prime.
     "I'm detecting sixteen new
attackers", said Percepter.
     "Any idea who?", asked Prime.
     "I'm afraid if my readings are
correct it's the Constructicons,
Stunticons, and Combaticons", said
Percepter.
     "Oh no.  Devestator, Menasor,
and Bruticus will make short work of
this place.  The city defenses are
still offline.  Ultra Magnus find
Blaster.  We need to even the odds a
bit.  Call in reinforcements from the
Ark.  I want Omega Supreme, the
Aerialbots, and the Protectobots. 
That ought to even things up a bit",
ordered Prime.
     "Whatever you say Optimus.  But
that won't leave us much of a force
protecting the Ark", said Ultra
Magnus.
     "I know, but we have no choice." 
With that Prime leapt out from behind
the wall, and started firing.


     Skyquake flew toward where his
reinforcements were preparing to
attack.
     "Constructicons, Combaticons,
and Stunticons, merge, and destroy
Autobot City."
     "With pleasure", responded
Onslaught.  "Combaticons unite!". The
five Combaticons merged into the
awesome form of Bruticus.
     "Stunticons unite!", commanded
Motormaster.
     "Well, if you insist", said Dead
End", but it's pointless.  The
Stunticons merged and Menasor roared
with anger.
     The Constructicons followed
suit, and the three monstrosities
flew toward the city.
     "Victory will be mine!", laughed
Skyquake, as he transformed and flew
back toward the battle.


     The three mighty robots flew
toward the battle.  "Menasor, attack
the left flank", ordered Skyquake,
"Bruticus take the right flank, and
Devestator attack from the front."
     All of a sudden, Skyquake was
hit from behind.  "What the
ahhhhhh..."
     Devestator turned around, and
received a shot to the chest for it.
     "Devestator, you will not escape
Omega Supreme this time", bellowed
the huge form of Omega Supreme, as he
attacked Devestator.
     Bruticus and Menasor turned
around to help Devestator, but found
themselves face to face with Superion
and Defensor.


     Meanwhile, Blurr was trying in
vain to get the Dinobots into a
shuttle.
     "Nice Dino, good Dino, sweet
Dino, wouldn't you step in the nice
spaceship for Blurr?  Pretty please? 
Pretty pretty pretty please?  Nice
Dino, good Dino, with a cherry and
sugar and whipped cream on top?  Nice
Dino, good Dino, sweet Dino?", said
Blurr, as he tried to pull Grimlock
into the shuttle.
     "Me Grimlock not nice Dino.  Me
bash brains!" Grimlock and the
Dinobots breathed fire at Falcon as
he flew over head.
     "Hey watch that breath, you Dino
fools", said Falcon as he flew by.
     Optimus Prime came running up to
the shuttle, with most of the
Autobots behind him.  "Ultra Magnus,
you will stay here, and defend the
base.  Springer, Blaster and Blurr
will remain with you.  Hot Rod, Kup,
Arcee, Percepter get the Dinobots
board the shuttle, and let's get out
of here.
     "I want to go too Prime", said
Daniel.
     "It's too dangerous", said
Prime.
     "But my Dad", said Daniel with
tears in his eyes.
     Prime knew that Daniel should
stay.  If Spike were dead, he would
never forgive himself.  But how could
he not let Daniel go.
     "All right Daniel.  Stay close
to Arcee."
     Hot Rod started to pull Grimlock
into the shuttle.
     "Come on you big bozo", said Hot
Rod as he pulled Grimlock into the
shuttle.
     "Me Grimlock not bozo, me king."
     "The Autobots boarded the
shuttle.  Inside the shuttle they
prepared for takeoff.
     "This reminds me of the battle
on Alpha Nine.  The Petro-Rabbits
were...Grimlock, get your noodle out
of my face.", said Kup, as he pushed
Grimlock away.
     "Me Grimlock love Kup's war
stories.
     "You're living one now."  Kup
turned to Hot Rod. "Engage the
boosters, for Cybertron's sake."
     "Tell Grimlock about
Petro-Rabbits again."
     "I'll give you Petro-Rabbits. 
Contact."
     "Grimlock, leave Kup alone, he's
trying to pilot the ship", ordered
Optimus Prime.
     The Autobot shuttle rocketed
into space.
     Book I
     "Dawn of a New Age"

     Chapter III
     "As Darkness Falls"


     Out in space, the Autobot
shuttle flew toward Cybertron.
     "Looks like we lost them", said
Optimus Prime.  "I hope Ultra Magnus
and the others can keep Autobot City
in one piece."
     "Yep, I remember the dust was so
thick off Beta 4, you had to use
windshield wipers on your optic
sensors.", said Kup to Grimlock and
the Dinobots.
     "Me Grimlock know all about
wipers, want to hear good part of
story."
     "Good part, Kup.  Tell Swoop
good part."
     "Okay, okay.  Well, the dust was
really thick.  And then this gigantic
Ichyac came tromping and stomping
down the mountain, flames spewing out
of its nostrils.  And I thought for
sure..."
     "Hey, Kup, don't you think we
have better things to do now than
tell old stories", finished Hot Rod
as he continued to fight the practice
robot.
     "Like what", said Kup.
     "Like try to figure out how
we're going to rescue our friends,
and then save Cybertron", said Hot
Rod.
     "In good time", said Optimus
Prime.  There isn't anything we can
do until we get there.
     "Tell story", howled Grimlock.
     "Ssssh.  Quiet.  We want to hear
story.  Tell story, tell story", said
the other Dinobots.
     "Kup, tell them, so they'll keep
quiet", said Prime.
     "Sure thing Prime."
     Hot Rod shrugged, and was struck
from behind by the robot he was
practicing with.
     Hot Rod grabbed the robot by the
throat, and it buzzed and said "Time
out, time out, time out!"


     Meanwhile, aboard the
Decepticons ship, Skyquake was
getting a report from the battle on
Earth.
     "What do you mean you were
defeated", demanded Skyquake.
     "Omega Supreme, Defensor, and
Superion were too much for us", said
Onslaught.
     "Incompetent fools!"  Skyquake
smashed his fist down on the console,
and the screen went dark.
     "Autobot shuttle ahead", said
Sky Dive.
     "All right", began Skyquake,
"Stalker, you take command here, and
prepare to attack.  I'm going after
them myself."  Skyquake got up, and
left the bridge.


     "They're closing on us", said
Hot Rod.
     "Yup, like the shrikebats of
Dromedon", said Kup.
     "How'd you beat them", asked Hot
Rod.
     "I'm trying to remember.  There
were an awful lot of casualties that
day"
     "Kup, take evasive action",
ordered Prime.
     Behind them, Skyquake leapt from
an air lock of the Decepticon
shuttle, and transformed.
     "Prime, Skyquake's incoming",
said Hot Rod.
     Prime thought a moment.  They
needed to get away from the
Decepticons, and deal with the
monster planet.
     "Prime, the Decepticons will
stop at nothing.  We've got to do
something", said Kup.
     "Prepare for emergency
separation", ordered Prime.
     "That's too dangerous", said
Percepter.
     "Do you have a better option",
asked Prime.
     "I guess not", replied
Percepter.
     Skyquake closed in on the
shuttle, and prepared to fire his
missiles.
     Kup prepared the shuttle to
separate.
     Out in space, Skyquake closed in
on his victims.  "Take this", he
said, as he launched his missiles at
the Autobot shuttle.  The missiles
hit the shuttle, and it exploded,
completely destroying the Autobot
Shuttle.
     Unseen to Skyquake and the
Decepticons, the front portion of the
shuttle escaped into space.
     "The Autobots have been
destroyed", said Stalker on the
Bridge of the Decepticon ship.
     "Excellent.  And the Matrix is
no more", said Skyquake.  Just then,
Skyquake was hit with a sharp pain. 
Aaaah!  No!  Unicron!  What are you
doing?"  Skyquake transformed. 
"Stalker, pick me up, and take me to
Unicron."


     "Did you have to let them
detonate three-quarters of the ship",
asked Arcee.
     "Would you have preferred they
detonate the ship with us in it",
asked Optimus Prime.
     "I suppose not.  But now how are
we going to get there in this wreck",
asked Arcee.
     "I'm open to suggestions", said
Prime.
     "Let me see if I can find a
place to land for repairs", said
Percepter.  "Gamma rays in this
sector of space create marginal
navigation probabilities.  However...
ahem, yes.  I believe I can.  The
planet of junk is in this vicinity."
     "Kup, Hot Rod, set course for
the planet of junk", ordered Optimus
Prime.


     The Autobot Shuttle approached
the planet of junk.
     "Hold on everyone, this could
get bumpy", said Prime.
     The shuttle crashed into the
planet, skidding along the ground.
     "Oooh, my aching head", said
Prime as he pushed a piece of ceiling
off of his head.  "Is everyone all
right."
     "We're okay", said Arcee, and
she pulled Daniel up off of the
floor.
     "You okay lad", said Kup to Hot
Rod, as they got up.
     "I think so", said Hot Rod.
     "Wonderful landing", said
Percepter.
     "Grimlock", began Prime", are
you okay.
     "Me Grimlock fine.  Dinobots all
fine.  Take more than little accident
to stop us."
     "Let's see if the ship is
salvageable", said Prime.
     "Can I help too", asked Daniel.
     "It's dangerous Daniel", said
Prime.
     "I think Daniel can make himself
useful with this.  It was Spike's
Exo-Suit", said Arcee.
     "Dad's Exo-Suit!  He told me all
about it."
     "Here, try it on", said Arcee. 
She put Daniel in the Exo-Suit.  "Now
try to walk.  Come on, you can do
it."
     "Think about what you want to
do", said Kup.  "Then do it."
     Daniel tried to walk, and nearly
fell over.  "It's kind of tricky."
     "Keep on practicing.  You'll get
the hang of it", said Arcee.
     "Come on everybody, we've got
work to do", said Prime.


     Outside, the Autobots look at
the landscape before them.
     "This must be the junk capitol
of the universe", said Daniel.


     A short distance away, the
Junkions emerge from the garbage.
     "Stop, thief!  No welcome-wagon
hello stranger with that good coffee
flavor for you", said Wrek-Gar.
     "Yeah, yeah.  Or your money
back", said another Junkion.
     "Offer expires while you wait. 
Operators are standing by", finished
Wrek-gar.


     Out in space, the Decepticons
ship approached the massive form of
the evil Unicron.  Skyquake flew out
of his ship in jet mode, and
transformed in front of Unicron.
     "What do you think you were
doing!!  You had no reason to torture
me."
     "You have failed", said Unicron.
     "What are you talking about. 
The Autobot shuttle Prime was on was
destroyed.  He is dead, and the
Matrix died with him you overgrown
beach ball."
     "The Matrix has not been
destroyed, and Optimus Prime lives on
the planet of junk.  Stalk him.  Tear
him apart, and destroy the Matrix",
said Unicron.


     Back on the junk planet, the
Autobots begin the task of repairing
the damage to the shuttle.
     "Be sure the fittings are
securely welded", said Percepter.
     "No problem", said Kup.  They'll
be perfect."
     "Woah, this Exo-Suit's
fantastic.  I think I'm starting to
get the hang of it", said Daniel.


     Looking on, Wrek-Gar says,
"Forward, avanti, and like, go for
the gusto.  Hold on."


     Off in the sky, the Autobots saw
the Decepticons heading right for
them.  It was Skyquake, and the four
Predator jets.  They were followed by
another group of Decepticons.
     "Quick, every one head this way,
we'll try to draw their fire, and
double back later."
     "There is no escape Autobots",
said Skyquake, as he and the
Predators began firing missiles at
the Autobots.  The missiles missed
the shuttle completely, as the
Autobots ran away from it."
     "What about the shuttle", said
Hot Rod.
     "We'll worry about that later",
said Prime.  "Transform and roll out
of here.  Dinobots, follow us."
     "Dinobots no run, we fight",
said Grimlock.
     "And if we lose you here, what
will we do when we get to the monster
planet."
     "Me Grimlock had not thought of
that."
     The fleeing Autobots
transformed.  "What do I do", said
Daniel.
     "Daniel, Transform", said Hot
Rod.  "Concentrate, I know you can do
it."
     "Transform", said Daniel, as
Snare transforms and lands in front
of him, flanked by Scavenger and
Shrapnel.
     "You are mine human pest", said
Snare.
     "Transform", said Daniel.  All
of a sudden his Exo-Suit transformed
into car mode, and he sped right by
Snare.
     Optimus Prime did not know what
to do.  Could this be their darkest
hour?  They had to get to the monster
planet, and try to save Cybertron. 
He decided to try the Matrix. 
"Everyone, take cover.  I'm going to
try and open the Matrix."
     The Autobots all got under
cover, and Optimus Prime fired above
their heads, brings a wall of junk
down in front of them.  "Till all are
one!", they said, as the junk fell in
front of them.
     "Till all are one", said Optimus
Prime.  He removed the matrix from
his chest, and tried to open it. 
"Open.  For Primus sake open.  Damn
it.  The Matrix is supposed to light
our darkest hour.  How can it get any
darker than this."  Prime did not
want to think about that.  Skyquake
and the Predators landed in front of
Prime, Transforming just before they
landed.
     "Prime, give me the Matrix",
ordered Skyquake, as Prime continued
to try to open the Matrix.
     "That will be the day", said
Prime.
     "Then I'll take it", said
Skyquake.  Skyquake fired a missile
at almost point blank range.  It tore
through Optimus's right shoulder
severing his arm and shoulder, and he
fell to the ground.  He could not
hold onto the matrix, and it bounced
away.
     Skyquake picked it up. 
"Unicron.....now it's my turn.  To do
the torturing.
     The Decepticons flew off into
space.


     A short time later, the Autobots
dug their way out.  They ran to
Optimus's side.
     "Are you okay Prime", asked Kup.
     "Except for the lack of a right
arm, I think I'm okay."
     "The Matrix", asked Hot Rod.
     Prime looked down at the ground. 
"I lost it.  After nine million
years, I lost it."
     "It's not your fault Optimus",
said Hot Rod.
     Prime could not help feeling
that Hot Rod was wrong.  But, he did
not have time to worry about his
failure now.  He had to go on. 
Cybertron was still in danger. 
Perhaps more so now than ever.
     "Percepter, is my arm
re-attachable?"
     Percepter picked up Prime's arm,
and examined it.  "I'm afraid not. 
The internal structure was completely
shattered.  I'll have to make a new
one, but I will need my workshop to
do it.  I can at least ease the pain
though."  Percepter took a tool, and
did something to Prime's shoulder.
     "Pain's gone.  Thanks Percepter. 
I guess I'll be one arm short for the
time being."  Prime had just began to
contemplate their next move, when
Daniel screamed.
     "Look", cried Daniel, when he
saw the Junkions jump from the
ground.
     "Autobots, stay together, don't
move", said Prime.
     "Me Grimlock say we smash them."
     "Shut up Grimlock", said Kup. 
"In case you forgot, they are the
least of our problems."
     The Autobots and Dinobots formed
a circle, and they could see the
Junkions coming from all sides.
     Wrek-Gar, riding one of the
other transformed Junkions headed
straight for the group.  "Don't look
behind door number two, Monty.  It's
time to play End of the Line, My
Valentine.  Geroni-geron-ron-ronimo!"
     "Anyone have any suggestions",
asked Prime.
     "You could try the universal
greeting", said Kup.
     "The what", asked Hot Rod.
     "Bah weep granah weep nini
bong", said Prime.  "Did I say that
right", he whispered to Kup.
     "Perfect, but it works best if
you offer energeon too", replied Kup.
     "As if we weren't low enough on
energeon as it is."  Prime took a
small piece of energeon, and held it
out to Wrek-Gar.  As Wrek-Gar
approached.  Wrek-Gar slowed down,
and dismounted the motorcycle, who
transformed behind him.
     He took the energeon, and said
"Bah weep granah weep nini bong!"
     The Junkions began to play
music, and started to dance around,
obviously in friendship.  Some of the
Autobots joined in.  However, Prime
did not.  One of the Junkions kissed
Grimlock on the nose.
     "Ugh!  Me Grimlock not kisser. 
Me king."
     "Have a nice day and...so say
the Junkions", said Wrek-Gar.
     "Where'd you learn to talk like
that", asked Hot Rod.
     "TV.  We talk TV.  You talk some
TV", asked Wrek-Gar.
     "I talk some TV, and now the
news, don't touch that dial", said
Kup.
     "Bah weep granah weep nini
bong", chanted the Junkions.
     Optimus Prime just looked at the
scene.  The Autobots were having fun
with the Junkions.  They deserved
some fun.  But now was not the time
for it.  "Autobots, Dinobots, we
haven't time for this.  We must find
Skyquake, and retrieve the Matrix.
     "Where is Skyquake", asked
Grimlock.
     "And the answer is, Unicron",
said Wrek-Gar.
     "Unicron, who's Unicron", asked
Hot Rod.
     "Unicron's the big cheese, the
man, the law in these parts", said
Wrek-Gar.
     "So that's the monster's name. 
We must destroy Unicron before he can
destroy Cybertron", said Optimus
Prime.
     "Yes, friends, act now; destroy
Unicron.  Kill the Grand Poobah. 
Eliminate even the toughest stains. 
Hurry, hurry, hurry, sale must end. 
Rush right on down and test-drive
latest model with no obligation",
said Wrek-Gar, as he activated a
switch, and a ship rose from beneath
the junk.  "New improved Junkion
planet this sleek, sexy import with
turbo handling."
     "Percepter, how long to repair
the shuttle."
     "No need to worry, warranty not
expired", said Wrek-Gar.
     The Autobots looked toward the
shuttle.  It had been repaired by the
Junkions.
     They work really fast, thought
Prime.  "Let's go."
     The Junkions began to board
their ship.  All were yelling, "Yeah! 
Destroy Unicron!  Kill the Grand
Poobah!  Eliminate even the toughest
stains!     Yeah!  Destroy Unicron! 
Kill the Grand Poobah!  Eliminate
even the toughest stains!  Yeah! 
Destroy Unicron!  Kill the Grand
Poobah!  Eliminate even the toughest
stains!"
     Both ships were boarded, and
they took off into space.
     Book I
     "Dawn of A New Age"

     Chapter IV
     "Dawn of Destiny"


     Near Cybertron, Unicron waited
for Skyquake's return.
     "Unicron!  Unicron!  Answer me
damn you", said Skyquake.  "I have
the Matrix.  Now I'm in charge."  He
had the Matrix hanging from a chain
around his neck.
     "Noooooo!", yelled Unicron.
     "You'll do my bidding, or taste
my wrath, you fool", said Skyquake as
arrogantly as he possibly could.
     "You underestimate me,
Skyquake."
     Unicron Transformed into an
immense robot.  Skyquake, and his
assembled Predators were too scared
even to move.  "For a time, I had
considered sparing your wretched
little planet, Cybertron.  But now
you shall witness its dismemberment."
     "Noooooo!", screamed Skyquake,
as he tried desperately to open the
Matrix.
     Unicron began to attack
Cybertron.  
     Down on the planet, Shockwave
gives orders to the Decepticons. 
"Decepticons, we're under attack. 
Scramble!"
     Skyquake and the five other
Predators started firing at Unicron. 
Unicron scooped them all up, and
swallowed them.
     The Junkion ship, and Autobot
shuttle arrived a short time later. 
"I don't believe it", said Optimus
Prime.
     "Me neither", said Kup.
     Doesn't this remind you of
anything, Kup", asked Hot Rod.
     "Nope.  Never seen anything like
it before", answered Kup.
     "What happened to Moon Base Two? 
   Where's my dad", asked Daniel.
     "That's what we're going to find
out.", said Optimus Prime.
     "Dinobots", Transform, and
attack", ordered Optimus Prime.
     "Me Grimlock attack."  The
Dinobots jumped out of the airlock.


     Unicron breathed fire on the
Junkion ship.
     "... and enamel.  Resists fire,
rain and corrosion for up to five
years.  Satisfaction guaranteed",
said Wrek-gar.
     "Or your money back", said the
Junkions.


     Unicron breathed fire on the
Autobot ship, which careened out of
control through Unicron's eye.  The
Autobots all abandoned the shuttle. 
Percepter, Kup, Arcee, and Daniel
came down all together.  Optimus
Prime and Hot Rod were no where to be
seen.
     "Where's Optimus Prime and Hot
Rod", asked Daniel.
     "I don't know, but I hope they
didn't get him", said Kup, as he
pointed to the robotic tentacles
coming out of the walls.
     "Quick, this way", said Arcee.


     Optimus Prime found himself in a
dark corridor.  He got up, and walked
part way down the corridor.  He saw a
blue glow. In the shadows.
     "The Matrix", said Optimus.
     "It will do you no good, Prime. 
It can not be opened", said Skyquake.
     "Not by you anyway", Prime
replied.
     "Like it or not, we are allies
now against Unicron."  A sharp pain
struck Skyquake.  "Ahhhhh!!"
     "Destroy him Skyquake, now, or
you yourself shall be obliterated."
     "Of course Unicron.  Attack",
ordered Skyquake.
     All of a sudden Prime was
surrounded by Snare, Sky Dive, Talon,
Falcon, and Stalker.  They all
attacked at once.
     Meanwhile, Hot Rod, had been
wandering around looking for the
others, when he saw Prime being
attacked by the Decepticons.  He saw
Skyquake with the Matrix.  He ran
toward Optimus Prime, and started
firing at the Decepticons.  He hit
Snare and Talon, and they went down. 
Falcon and Skydive each shot back,
but were too late, and were each hit. 
Hot Rod went to tackle Stalker, but
Stalker grabbed him, and threw him
right at Skyquake's feet.
     "Puny Autobot, I will destroy
you myself."  Skyquake jumped down on
top of him, and wrapped his hands
around Hot Rod's throat.  "I'm going
to enjoy this."
     Stalker continued to pummel
Optimus Prime.  Prime was barely
conscious, and could hardly
retaliate.  The few blows he did
manage to land were nothing more than
an annoyance to Stalker.
     The other four Predators had
given him quite a beating.  From the
corner of his eye, he could see
Skyquake and Hot Rod.  But Prime
could not help him.  He could not
even help himself at that moment.


     Outside, the battle raged.  "Me
Grimlock kick butt."  The Dinobots
attacked Unicron, but it was futile. 
"Me Grimlock need new strategy."  It
was only a matter of time before
Unicron destroyed Cybertron. 
Cybertron needed a miracle.


     Back inside Unicron, Arcee,
Percepter, Kup, and Daniel ran down a
hallway trying to escape the robotic
tentacles.  Daniel fell down, and was
grabbed by a tentacle.
     "Help!  Help", called Daniel.
     "Daniel", called Arcee, as she
turned around and started shooting at
the tentacles.  One shot missed, and
she hits the wall, and it explodes
sending a deluge of water down on top
of them.
     "Arcee!  Kup", called Daniel, as
he was swept down a different tunnel
than the rest of them.  Daniel
floated helplessly for a while, but
manages to wash ashore.
     Daniel climbed out of the water,
and walked toward a giant vat of
acid.  He looked up to see robots
being dropped into the vat.  He saw
his father hanging from an arm that
was moving towards the vat. 
Bumblebee, Jazz, and Cliffjumper were
right behind him.
     "Dad!"
     "Daniel!"
     "Dad, what can I do", asked
Daniel frantically.
     "Knock down the acid cover", he
replied.
     "How?"
     "Blast it, son!"
     "But I don't have a gun."
     "Use your Exo-Suit.  Hurry!"
     Daniel fired at the cover,
knocking it closed, just as Spike and
the other Autobots were dropped. 
Daniel looked away, fearing he did
not act soon enough.
     "Daniel!  You did it", called
his father from the top of the vat."
     "Yeah, I did it", said Daniel.


     "You're done for now", said
Skyquake, as he squeezed Hot Rod's
neck tighter, and tighter.
     Hot Rod grabbed Matrix. 
Suddenly Skyquake was repelled by
some force, and was knocked off of
Hot Rod.  Hot Rod stood up, and tried
to open the Matrix.  As hard as he
tried, it would not open.
     Hot Rod looked up in time to see
Stalker coming at him.  He moved, but
the Matrix was knocked from his
hands, and rolled over to where
Optimus Prime was barely conscious on
the floor.
     Prime saw the Matrix.  It's glow
seemed to call for him.  It would not
open before, and Hot Rod could not
open it now.  What could that mean. 
It did not make sense.  Cybertron was
on the brink of destruction, yet they
could not open the Matrix.  Prime
reached for the Matrix.  The intense
pain made it difficult, but he
ignored it as much as he could.  When
he grabbed the Matrix the pain
disappeared.  He was about to try and
open it.  Then he realized he could
not.  With only one arm, he could not
open the Matrix.  He placed the
Matrix on the ground, and ran toward
Stalker.  Skyquake had just joined
the attack on Hot Rod.  Prime smashed
into them, sending Stalker and
Skyquake tumbling.
     "Quickly Hot Rod.  I need your
help to open the Matrix", said Prime.
     Hot Rod picked up the Matrix,
and offered it to Optimus Prime. 
"You open it", said Prime.
     "But I tried, and I could not",
said Hot Rod.
     Prime did not know what to say. 
If it was his place to open the
Matrix, how could he with one arm. 
Then he realized what he must do.
     "Hot Rod, grab one side of the
Matrix.  Give me the other."
     Hot Rod did as he was told, and
it all became clear to both of them.
     "Optimus Prime", said a voice.
     "Alpha Trion", said Prime.
     "Nine million years ago, I
created you to lead the Autobots. 
And lead them you have, and lead them
you will.  For how long no one knows. 
You have done well", said Alpha
Trion's voice.  "On this day, Hot Rod
fulfills his destiny.  Arise Rodimus
Prime."  Hot Rod began to be
transformed into Rodimus Prime.  At
that moment, Skyquake was just
getting back to his feet.
     "Noooooo", screamed Skyquake, as
he fired at the Matrix.  It hit
Rodimus's hand, and the Matrix
bounced away.
     "This is the end for you
Skyquake.  Optimus ran toward
Skyquake, and hit him in the face. 
He fell to he ground unconscious. 
Rodimus Prime gave a shot to Stalker,
who had just gotten to his feet.  He
fell to the ground again.
     Without a word, the two Prime's
went back and picked up the Matrix. 
It was at this moment, that Prime
realized his right arm had been
replaced.  It must have been by the
power of the Matrix, he thought. 
Optimus and Rodimus picked up the
Matrix, and in unison they spoke,
"Now light our darkest hour."  They
pulled and the Matrix opened.  The
power was unleashed, and it began to
tear through Unicron.


     Elsewhere, Daniel, Spike,
Bumblebee, Jazz, and Cliffjumper met
up with Percepter, Arcee, and Kup.
     "Daniel, Spike", said Arcee.
     "What's going on", asked Spike.
     "No time now lad", said Kup.
     "Look!", said Daniel.  He
pointed to a corridor.  Toward them,
ran Optimus Prime and Rodimus Prime.
     "Autobots, transform and roll
out", ordered Optimus Prime.
     Rodimus Prime Transformed, and
opened the door for Daniel and Spike.
"Hop in", said Rodimus.
     "I knew you had potential, lad",
said Kup.
     The rest of the Autobots
transformed, and led by their leader
Optimus Prime, and the chosen one
Rodimus Prime, they drove right out
of Unicron's eye.


     The chain reaction caused by the
unleashed force of the Matrix tore
through Unicron.
     "Destiny... you cannot destroy
my... Destinyyyyyyyy...", said
Unicron, as he exploded.  Skyquake
and the other Predators did not
regain consciousness, and were
destroyed with him.


     Optimus Prime addressed the
Autobots, with Rodimus at his side. 
"Let this mark the end of the
Cybertronian Wars as we move forward
to a new age of peace, happiness, and
prosperity.  Till all are one."
     The crowd of Autobots cheered. 
Finally, Cybertron would be at peace.


     Optimus and Rodimus went inside
the command center.  Optimus never
liked giving speeches, but this is
one that he had enjoyed.
     "Optimus", began Rodimus, "There
is one thing I don't understand."
     Optimus Prime knew the question,
but decided to let Rodimus ask it. 
What is it Rodimus.
     "Well...you see...I...."
     "You are wondering how there can
be two Prime's."
     "Well, yes."
     "Having the Matrix, gives me the
wisdom of the ancient Autobot
leaders.  In times past, some of our
darkest times were after the fall of
an Autobot leader.  There was not
always someone ready to take there
place.  You are sort of a...well..."
     "I'm the vice-president", said
Rodimus.
     "Well, I guess that's as good a
term as any.  The Matrix knows that
none of us last forever.  One day, I
may be gone, destroyed somehow, or
perhaps, my time as leader will
simply be over.  The Matrix in it's
wisdom has decided that I should
prepare our next leader.  It is your
destiny to lead us some day.  You'll
need to be ready."
     "I can never replace you
Optimus", said Rodimus.
     "You can do as your destiny
demands.  You will be ready.  But
don't worry.  I plan on being around
for a very long time."
     "In that case, I'm going to do
what any good vice-president does. 
I'm going to play some Cyber-Golf." 
Rodimus got up and left.
     Prime laughed to himself.  It
would be a long time before Rodimus
would be able to lead.  He had a
great deal to learn, but Prime was
confident that he would.  Someday,
Rodimus Prime would become the leader
he was meant to be.  Prime looked out
the view port.  Unicron's head, had
now replaced Cybertron's moon.  It
would always stand as a reminder to
him of what they almost lost.
     Just then, the communication
console came on.  "This is Ultra
Magnus to Cybertron.  Come in
Cybertron."
     "Optimus Prime here."
     "Optimus.  I'm afraid I have
some disturbing news."
     Prime felt like the room had
just turned cold.  "What has
happened."
     "Autobot City was broken into an
hour ago."
     "Broken into?  By who? 
Thieves?"
     "We have no idea.  We don't even
know if they were human, or
Transformer.  They somehow bypassed
the security systems, and left the
guards unconscious.  The guards
remember nothing", said Ultra Magnus.
     Prime did not like the sound of
this.  Something about this was not
right.  "What did they take?"
     "They only took one thing.  I'm
afraid that's the real problem", said
Ultra Magnus.
     Now Prime was more worried. 
Ultra Magnus did not usually beat
around the bush like he was doing
now.  Whatever had been taken, he
knew it was very bad news.  "Well
spit it out Ultra Magnus.  What did
they take."
     "Prime.....they took Megatron's
body."
     Prime sat back in the chair. 
They had won a great victory, but now
what lay ahead was more uncertain
than ever.
     "I'll be there as soon as
possible Ultra Magnus.  Prime out." 
Prime hit the communications panel. 
"Computer, summon Rodimus Prime, Kup,
Grimlock, Spike, and Daniel to the
shuttle pad.  I want a shuttle ready
in 30 minutes to depart for Earth."
     "Acknowledged", said the
computer.


     "Well, as you can see, that one
little event changed many things",
said Uatu.  Starscream, Soundwave,
Thrust, Dirge and Blitzwing are dead,
or are they?  Galvatron, Cyclonus,
Scourge, and the Sweeps were never
created.  Megatron died, but his body
is gone, and no one knows who took
him.  Hot Rod, Kup and the Dinobots
never landed on Quintessa, and met
the Quintessons and Wheelie.  Rodimus
Prime never had to take leadership
before he was ready.  I am sure you
all have one burning question.  Who
took Megatron's body, and more
importantly, why?  Of course the most
important difference is that Optimus
Prime still lives.  And now, the
story continues."
     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."
     Book II
     "Acts of Vengeance"

     Chapter VI
     "Mourning"


     It was cold.  The wind blew
cold, and off in the distance Optimus
could hear the distant rumblings of
thunder.  The clouds above were dark,
and it looked like it was about to
rain.
     Just twenty four hours earlier,
it had been a warm spring day.  The
sun had been shining, and a gentle
breeze whistled along the hillside. 
Optimus Prime was about a mile from
Autobot City, on a small hill at the
base of Mount Trion.  The mountain he
had dedicated in Alpha Trion's name. 
The hill was covered by green grass. 
A little stream trickled down the
side of the mountain, fed by the
melting snow.  It flowed calmly by
him a few feet away.  Twenty four
hours ago, there could not have been
a more perfect place on Earth.  The
birds were singing, and it was so
peaceful.  Twenty four hours ago,
this is where Elita One was put to
rest.  A statue of her now stood,
marking the spot where she was
buried.  Optimus Prime had been here
since then.  He had not moved in a
day.  He just stared at the statue of
his beloved Elita One.  Twenty four
hours ago, Optimus Prime might as
well have buried himself.
     He could not bring himself to
say anything at the memorial service
that was held.  Ultra Magnus said a
few words though.  He had been
eloquent as ever.  One thing he said
stuck in Optimus's mind.  "She lost
her life while trying to aid another
who was injured."  That is what Ultra
Magnus had said, but that wasn't the
whole truth.  She was shot in the
back.  She was shot in the back by
Megatron.  If Elita had killed in
battle, Optimus thought he could
except that.  She believed so
strongly in the cause of peace, that
kept them apart for so many years. 
At least he would have known she died
fighting for what she believed in. 
But that did not happen.  She was
shot in the back, and all she was
doing was trying to help the one she
loved.
     If Optimus had not allowed
Doctor Fujiama to continue his
experiments, this might not have
happened.  Optimus blamed himself,
and he blamed Megatron.  It would
torture Optimus forever.  But Optimus
knew that for Megatron, it was just
another kill to add to his list.
     The other Autobots, and many of
the humans who worked at Autobot City
had come to pay their respects, but
all had long since gone, save Optimus
Prime, and two others.  Rodimus Prime
and Spike waited patiently for
Optimus by the road at the foot of
the hill.  They did not want to
disturb him, but they did not want to
leave him alone either.
     "Spike, should we do something",
asked Rodimus?
     "I don't know.  We can't leave
him here.  I'm just not sure we
should disturb him either", said
Spike with a yawn.  He had not slept
in over 24 hours.
     "Well, we have to do something",
said Rodimus.
     "You're right", said Spike. 
"I'll talk to him."
     Spike walked up the hill to
where Optimus stood.  "Optimus", said
Spike.
     "What is it Spike", said Optimus
in a lifeless tone.
     "You can't stay here forever",
said Spike.
     "I know.  I know.  Just give me
another minute, and I'll join you and
Rodimus", said Optimus Prime.  His
voice was unable to hide his pain.
     "Sure", said Spike.  Spike
walked back down the hill to wait
with Rodimus.
     Optimus knelt down on one knee,
and placed his hand down on the
grass, beneath which Elita was
buried.  "I'm sorry Elita.  I'm so
sorry.  Goodbye", he said.  "Goodbye
my love."  Optimus stood up, and
headed for the road.
     Optimus walked down the hill to
where Rodimus and Spike were waiting
for him.  He silently transformed,
and headed for Autobot City, with
Rodimus and Spike close behind.
     Book II
     "Acts of Vengeance"

     Chapter VII
     "Fall From Grace"


     The weeks went by.  Optimus
Prime never left his quarters.  He
spent most of his time sitting in the
dark with his thoughts.  Only Rodimus
had seen him on a few occasions. 
Optimus wanted him to see to the day
to day running of Autobot City. 
Optimus felt it would be a good
learning experience.  Ultra Magnus
had gone to oversee things on
Cybertron, leaving Rodimus to tend to
things himself.
     Rodimus walked down the corridor
towards Optimus Prime's quarters.  It
had been two weeks since Elita's
death.  He thought it was time for
someone to do something about
Optimus.  Unfortunately, Kup and
Springer had both found an excuse. 
Just as well he thought.  It was
really his duty as second in command.
     Rodimus stopped in front of the
door to Optimus's quarters.  He heard
the door signal that he was there
once, and then again.
     "Come", came Optimus's voice
from inside as the door slid apart.
     Rodimus walked inside, expecting
to find Optimus sitting in the dark. 
Instead, he found Optimus at his
terminal working on something. 
"Optimus, I heard there is a new
exhibit on fictional robots in human
history at the museum in town.  Why
don't you go with me.  You ought to
get out of here for a while." 
Rodimus hoped to get a positive
response.
     "No", said Optimus.  He knew
Rodimus was trying to be helpful, but
he did not need any diversions right
now, he had work to do.
     "Oh come on.  If you sit in here
much longer, you'll rust", said
Rodimus, trying to sound cheerful. 
"You can't just sit in here and do
nothing all day."
     "Nothing", said Optimus.  "Is
that what you think I've been doing?" 
Optimus was containing his anger,
because he knew Rodimus was trying to
help.  "I've been hard at work for a
week now.  I'm searching for
Megatron.  I've got every spy
satellite in orbit looking for him. 
When I find him, I intend to avenge
Elita."
     It was less what he had said,
and more how he had said it that
worried Rodimus.  Optimus had never
sounded so cold and completely devoid
of feeling.  "You can't be serious",
said Rodimus.
     "And why is that", said Optimus. 
An edge of anger clearly audible in
his voice.
     "Do you really think that
killing Megatron will take away the
pain.  We have Cybertron.  We need
only to defend it.  This quest for
revenge will not bring Elita back."
     Optimus stood up from his seat. 
"Why?  This is what I should have
done the day Orion Pax died.  If I
had hunted down Megatron and killed
him then, maybe we would not have had
to fight a war for nine million
years.  Maybe we would not have
endangered the planet Earth,
maybe..."  Optimus stopped in mid
sentence, and sat back down in his
chair.
     Rodimus finished his sentence. 
"Maybe Elita would still be alive."
     Optimus looked away.
     "Optimus, I understand how you
feel..."
     "No!!"  Optimus yelled, rising
to his feet again.  "You can't
understand.  Megatron murdered her. 
He shot her in the back.  She was
just trying to help me.  She wasn't
even threatening him.  She just
wanted to help me."
     The anguish in Optimus's voice
was almost too much to bare. 
"Optimus, I'm sorry, I really wish I
knew what to say", began Rodimus, but
he could not finish his sentence.
     Optimus sat down heavily in his
chair.  "There is nothing to say,
Rodimus."
     "Optimus, I'm..."
     "Rodimus, please leave. 
Megatron will pay, one way or
another, and you won't stop that",
said Optimus.
     "Optimus, please try and get
some rest.", said Rodimus.  "Think
about what you are planning to do."
     "Yeah Rodimus.  I will."
     Rodimus left Optimus's quarters. 
He wasn't sure he had made the right
decision to go and see him, but what
was done was done, and maybe for the
better.
     Optimus just sat at his desk for
a long while.  Elita wanted him to go
on.  He did not feel that he could. 
How could he lead the Autobots if the
only thing he cared about was
revenge.  Optimus Prime, the great
leader of the Autobots, now had but
one purpose in life.  He would avenge
Elita's death, one way or another.


     Rodimus Prime sat in the command
center.  It was late, and no one else
was there.  He was reading a data
pad.  He was reading, but his mind
was on Optimus.  His conversation
with Optimus three days ago was fresh
in his mind.  He had told no one of
Optimus's search for Megatron, or his
need for revenge.  How could he
function as Autobot leader, if
revenge on Megatron was his only
goal.
     "Hello", said a voice from
behind Rodimus.
     He turned around.  Kup was
walking towards him.  "Hi, Kup, how
are you this evening."
     "I'm fine lad.  What are you
doing", Kup asked.
     "Just going over some reports",
said Rodimus.  It was a lie.  He
could not hide the truth from Kup.
     "You're worried about Optimus
aren't you", asked Kup.
     "Yes.  Since Elita died, he has
not been himself."  Kup did not know
the half of it, but Rodimus did not
want to talk about what had happened.
     "He'll be all right.  Give him
some time", said Kup.  "I remember on
Beola Nine, King Gontor lost his
Queen Alandra to an enemy attack..."
     Just then, an alarm sounded. 
Rodimus was silently relieved.  He
really did not feel like listening to
one of Kup's stories.  Rodimus went
to the computer.  "Teletran,
situation report."
     The computer began to speak. 
"Receiving priority one message from
San Francisco Regional Solar Power
Collection Station."
     "Put it on screen", said
Rodimus.
     A man in a hard hat came onto
the screen.  "I am Jack Lofton,
Senior Engineer of the San Francisco
Regional Solar Power Station.  I need
to speak to Optimus Prime."
     "He's not available, can I
assist you", said Rodimus.
     "I hope so.  We are under
attack.  It appears to be two
Decepticons.
     "We are on our way", said a
voice from behind Rodimus.
     "Optimus", said Rodimus,
startled to see Optimus when he
turned around.
     "Mr. Lofton evacuate your
people.  We are on our way", said
Optimus.
     "Rodimus, Kup, get Skyfire and
Springer, and let's go.", ordered
Optimus.
     Optimus knew that he was giving
the appearance of being the same old
Optimus Prime, rushing off to save
humans from a Decepticon attack as he
had done countless other times.  Deep
down though, he knew it was all a
show, and was unsure he could
continue to lead the Autobots.  Now
he had but one mission in life.  He
had to avenge Elita's death, make
Megatron pay for what he had done,
one way or another.  There were more
ways to get revenge on Megatron than
just killing him.  Optimus would have
to see what opportunities presented
themselves.  He did not know exactly
what he would do.  The only thing he
did know was that he would accomplish
nothing as long as he sat in his
quarters.


     Optimus Prime, Rodimus Prime,
Kup, and Springer boarded Skyfire,
and headed for San Francisco.
     Rodimus was still worried about
Optimus, but there was not much he
could do.
     "Approaching San Francisco
Regional Solar Power Collection
Station", said Skyfire.  "Scans
indicate that all the humans are
evacuated.
     "Let's go", said Optimus.  He
went and opened the outer door. 
"Skyfire, get us close enough to
jump.  When we are clear, cover us
from the air.
     "Sure thing.  Go on my mark",
said Skyfire.
     "Get ready everyone", said
Optimus.  The other Autobots were all
ready to jump.
     "Now", said Skyfire.
     Optimus jumped out, followed by
Rodimus, Kup, and Springer.  Springer
transformed into a helicopter.  The
others landed on the perimeter of the
base.  Springer landed and
Transformed back to his robot form.
     "Split into two teams, and find
Megatron and Nightbird.  Kup, you're
with me.  Springer with Rodimus."
     Optimus and Kup went one way
around the building, and Rodimus and
Springer went the other way.  Optimus
knew that Megatron must be up to
something.  There had not been so
much as a peep out of him since
Elita's death.  He would not be lying
low, so he had to have been planning
something.
     "It's too quiet", said Optimus
to Kup.
     "Definitely too quiet.  Whatever
they are up to, they've planned it
well", said Kup.
     Optimus and Kup entered the
station through a hole in the wall.
     "Looks like we found their way
in", said Kup sarcastically.
     "How nice of you to join us",
said a voice.  Optimus turned around
to see Megatron and Nightbird. 
Rodimus and Springer were lying on
the ground in front of them.  They
each were wearing energeon
restraints.  Optimus Prime barely
noticed them lying there.  It was
Megatron, and he was all that Optimus
needed to see.
     "Fancy meeting you here
Optimus", said Rodimus.
     "Quiet", said Megatron, kicking
Rodimus in the head.
     Rage filled Optimus.  A blind
fury he had never known before. 
"What are you waiting for Megatron",
said Optimus.  "I'm here, come and
get me."
     "If you insist", screamed
Megatron, as he jumped into the air,
and turned his jets on full blast.
     He hit Optimus full force, and
they both went flying into the far
wall of the room.  Kup turned around,
and aimed his weapon at Megatron, but
he was hit from behind, and in an
instant was locked in energeon
restraints.
     "Never turn your back on a
ninja", said Nightbird with a smirk.
     Optimus Prime was still stunned
by Megatron's attack, when Megatron
started attacking him again.  Optimus
fought back, but Megatron was
stronger than he had ever been.  Then
Optimus got the upper hand.  He
hoisted Megatron up into the air, and
sent him flying across the room.
     "Curse you Prime", said
Megatron.  He got up and charged at
Optimus.
     This time, Optimus was ready for
him.  He caught him with a fist to
his face, which sent Megatron to the
ground.  All this time, Optimus did
not notice that Nightbird had moved
his three companions out of the room. 
Optimus noticed nothing except how
much damage he was inflicting on
Megatron.  Only Megatron's
destruction mattered to him.
     "Give up yet Megatron".
     "Not quite", he said, and
continued his attack.
     Optimus and Megatron continued
to battle.  Megatron had never seen
Optimus fight so ferociously.  It was
as if he had gone mad.
     Megatron caught Optimus off
balance and sent him crashing to the
floor.
     "My, my, my, we do seem somewhat
angry today, don't we", said
Megatron.  "Are you still upset about
my attack on Elita.  I trust she
recovered."  Megatron did not know
that Elita had died.
     Optimus pulled himself to his
feet.  "You monster.  You killed her. 
You killed Elita", said Optimus with
rage in his voice.
     Megatron was somewhat startled. 
He was unaware that Elita was dead. 
He made a mental note to add her to
his kill list.  "Well, I guess that
frees you up to look for a new girl",
said Megatron coldly.  If he could
not defeat Optimus outright, he would
enrage him, and make him make a
mistake.
     Optimus took on the look of
someone possessed.  Not only had he
killed her, but now he was rubbing it
in.  It made Optimus snap completely. 
He was on Megatron like lightening,
viscously beating him.  He did not
even try to use a weapon.  Optimus's
bare hands were weapons enough.
     As he tried in vain to fight
Optimus off, Megatron began to look
for a way out.  He knew he was not
going to defeat Optimus now.  Optimus
was fighting in a rage, and there was
no stopping him.
     Megatron winced in pain as
Optimus grabbed his right arm.  He
sunk his fingers deep into his
shoulder, and pulled with an
incredible force, tearing Megatron's
arm from his body.
     "Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh", screamed
Megatron as he fell to the floor. 
Optimus stood over him holding the
arm in his hands.
     "Mercy Optimus.  Grant me mercy,
I beg of you", pleaded Megatron.
     Optimus surged with rage.  "I
almost did that once Megatron, do you
remember.  You want to know something
Megatron?  I was going to let you
live.  Even after everything you had
done, that  Autobot city, I was going
to let you live!", screamed Optimus.
     At this moment, Megatron learned
what it was to feel fear.
     "I could not bring myself to
kill you that day, Megatron.  I don't
know why it was.  You were unarmed,
and I could not bring myself to shoot
someone who was unarmed.  Perhaps
deep down, I even had compassion for
a murdering scum like you.  I've
killed, but only when I absolutely
had to.  But now, I know one thing. 
I'll not contemplate mercy for you
again.  You've used up your quota."
     Megatron had lost this round. 
He had to find a way out of this. 
"Fine Optimus, kill me.  I'm sure
your revenge is worth the lives of
Kup, Rodimus and Springer.  Any time
now this whole place will go up, and
take them with it."
     Optimus had forgotten about
them.  He had allowed his personal
vendetta to endanger his friends. 
Optimus stood there in shock.  He
dropped Megatron's arm, and went to
look for the others.  Before he left
though, he turned to Megatron and
said, "this isn't over Megatron."
     Megatron got to his feat, and
headed for the exit.


     "Optimus Prime has done the one
thing he felt he never could do",
began Uatu.  "He has put his personal
conflict with Megatron ahead of all
else, and endangered the lives of
others.  Where will this lead?  No
one can say.  For now we can only
watch and see the outcome, so says
the Watcher."
     Book II
     "Acts of Vengeance"

     Chapter VIII
     "Redemption"


     Not far away from where Optimus
Prime and Megatron fought, Nightbird
was busy tying Rodimus, Kup, and
Springer to the main energy storage
chamber.  Then she attached a small
device to the chamber.
     "Well, so long boys.  In about
ten minutes, this place will be just
a memory...as you will be", said
Nightbird.
     "I wouldn't bet on that", came a
voice from behind Nightbird.
     Nightbird turned around drawing
her sword, but Optimus Prime was
ready for her, and blasted her with
his laser rifle.
     Nightbird fell to the ground
unconscious.
     Optimus Prime went over to where
Rodimus, Kup, and Springer were. 
"Optimus Prime to Skyfire.  Land for
an emergency evacuation", said
Optimus into his radio.
     "Understood", said Skyfire.
     "We've got to get out of here",
said Springer.  "That thing could
blow any minute."
     Optimus tried to free them from
the energeon restraints, but it was
no use.  "I can't break them.  Can
you move."
     "No", said Kup.  "The restraints
are shorting out our movement
circuits."
     "Save yourself Optimus", said
Rodimus.
     "Not a chance."  He picked up
Rodimus Prime.  "I'll be right back."
     "We're not going anywhere", said
Kup.
     Optimus hoisted Rodimus onto his
shoulder and ran for the exit.  When
Optimus got outside, Skyfire was just
landing.  Optimus put Rodimus inside,
and went back for the others.


     Megatron flew away from the
power station.  He cursed himself for
letting Optimus get the better of
him.  But it did not matter. 
Nightbird must have had enough time
to set the detonator and get out.  He
stopped to look for Nightbird but she
was nowhere to be seen.  She was
supposed to meet him at this
position.


     Optimus brought out Kup, and
then Springer.
     "Okay Skyfire", said Rodimus,
"take off."
     "No", said Optimus.  "I've got
to get Nightbird.
     "Optimus", said Skyfire, "my
sensors indicate it's going to
explode any second, you haven't
time."
     "As soon as I'm clear, take
off", said Optimus.
     "No Optimus, we won't leave
you", said Skyfire.
     "Take off, that's an order",
said Optimus.  Optimus jumped from
the door, and ran toward the
building.  He heard Skyfire engage
his engines and rocket away behind
him.  As Optimus approached the
building, it exploded. Optimus was
hit with the force of an atomic bomb. 
He lost consciousness instantly.


     Almost a week passed before the
Autobots were able to find Optimus
Prime's body buried in the rubble. 
They had thought they were going to
exhume Optimus's body from the
wreckage, but when they found
Optimus, by some miracle, he was
alive.
     "Optimus.  Optimus, can you hear
me", asked First Aid.
     Optimus opened his eyes.  He was
in sick bay.  "What happened", asked
Optimus groggily.  Rodimus was there.
     Rodimus told him what happened.
     "It's coming back to me.  I went
back in to get Nightbird, and then
the whole place went up right in
front of me", finished Optimus. 
"What happened to Nightbird?"
     "She never had a chance.  She
was in the energy storage chamber
room when it exploded, ground zero. 
We collected what was left of her. 
Hardly enough to fill a shoe box. 
She's gone", finished Rodimus.  "We
figured you were dead too.  I still
can't believe you survived.  It's
good to have you back Optimus", said
Rodimus.
     "Well, since I can't really
remember being gone, I'll have to
take your word for it", said Optimus
with a chuckle.
     "Optimus.  There is one thing I
need to ask you", said Rodimus.
     "What's that?"
     "Why?"
     "Why what Rodimus", said
Optimus.
     "Why did you go back for
Nightbird", said Rodimus.  He knew
very well that Optimus was being
evasive.
     "Oh, that."  Optimus paused. 
"My fight with Megatron has been
personal for a very long time.  It
was personal the day that Orion Pax
died.  But through the millennia, I
have always been able to put that
secondary to our goal of peace.  As
twisted and evil as he is, Megatron
is a Transformer, and as such has
feelings and emotions, as any other
Transformer does.  He loved
Nightbird, though I doubt he would
admit it.  I could have let her die. 
What better revenge for the death of
Elita than the death of the one he
loved.  Remember when I said I would
avenge Elita's death one way or
another?
     "Yes", said Rodimus.
     "Well, for a time, I had even
considered killing Nightbird.  When
Megatron reminded me that you were in
danger, I realized that I was letting
my personal conflict come before my
duty as leader of the Autobots.  At
that moment, I vowed to myself that I
would never let that happen again. 
Megatron once used Elita to get to
me.  If I hadn't tried to save
Nightbird, I would have to ask myself
forever, if I let her die to get
revenge on Megatron.  That would make
me no better than Megatron."
     "What if you had been killed in
that blast", asked Rodimus.  When you
are dead it does not make much
difference, does it?"
     "I would have died at least
knowing that I did not let Megatron
turn me into that which I almost
became.  I almost became someone who
would sacrifice his friends in the
name of vengeance, and use others for
my own gain.  I would have become
Megatron."
     "You'd better get some rest. 
First Aid said it will be weeks
before you are back on your feet",
said Rodimus.
     Rodimus left Optimus.  Optimus
thought a lot about what had
happened, and a lot about Elita.  One
thing he did know now was that he
would be able to lead the Autobots. 
Of that he was sure.


     Megatron sat at a computer in
his base in Northern Canada.  He had
searched the globe several times, and
found no sign of Nightbird.  She was
gone.  She must have died in the
explosion.  He had only just finished
repairing himself.  He had taken
quite a beating battling Optimus.
     Behind him he heard a noise of
metal scraping metal.  He turned
around, jumping from his seat, and
pointed his cannon at the door way
where he had heard the sound.
     "Who's there", demanded
Megatron?  "Show yourself!"
     A figure moved slowly through
the door, using the wall for support.
     "Hello Megatron", said
Nightbird.
     "Nightbird!  I've searched
everywhere for you.  I assumed you
were dead", said Megatron.
     "I almost was.  I need extensive
repairs", said Nightbird.
     "We'll start immediately", said
Megatron.  "Then, I have a plan."
     "A plan", said Nightbird.
     "Yes.  If I can't have this
planet.  I'm going to destroy it."
     Book II
     "Acts of Vengeance"

     Chapter IX
     "Reflections"


     Optimus Prime drove slowly down
the road away from Autobot City.  It
had been nearly a month since the
blast that had nearly killed him. 
Only hours earlier, First Aid had
finally given him the green light to
leave Sick Bay.  Optimus was glad to
be out.  For the past few weeks, he
had little to do but dwell on recent
events.
     When he arrived at his
destination, he transformed, and
walked up the grassy hill to where
Elita One's statue stood.
     He looked at the beautiful
statue of his beloved Elita.  "Elita,
I'm sorry.  I failed you.  I let my
anger and quest for vengeance
endanger our friends.  I forgot my
duty."  Optimus paused.  "I only hope
that wherever you are, you can
forgive me.  I can't promise you I
won't kill Megatron when next we
meet.  But if I do, it will be for
the right reason, the freedom of the
galaxy, and not for revenge."
     Optimus Prime turned and walked
back down the hill, and Transformed. 
For the first time since Elita's
death, he felt he could go on.  He
knew he would go on.
     Book III
     "Into the Darkness"

     Chapter X
     "Routine Mission"


     "Hello.  I am Uatu, a member of
the race which mortal humans call
Watchers.  For countless millennia, I
have observed your world, Earth. 
Occasionally, I like to look in on
other realities, alternate universes. 
It is again time to look in on this
universe that is so much different
from our own.  Where just over four
million years ago, a shuttle from a
distant planet crashed into the base
of a volcano."
     "Since our last check on this
universe, Optimus Prime has dealt
with the death of Elita One, and it
seems that all is going well.  But,
an event approaches that will change
the face of Earth and Cybertron
forever."


     It was Saturday, and Optimus
Prime was doing what he did every
Saturday.  At least what he did when
there was not a crisis, or some event
to attend.  He was going to see
Elita.
     Optimus rolled up to the foot of
the grassy hill on which Elita was
buried.  He transformed and walked up
to where her statue was.  He sat down
on the ground, as he did every week. 
Whenever he had something on his
mind, he would talk to Elita about
it.  He knew that everyone would
think he was crazy, sitting there
talking to a statue.  He had had
enough time to come to terms with
Elita's death, but he still missed
her.  He missed her more than he
could have ever imagined.  On this
day, he was bothered by the debate in
the United Nations to dismantle the
Omega Contingency System.  Optimus
was against the dismantling, and had
stated so at many United Nations
meetings.  The Omega Contingency had
been created in 1990.  The purpose of
the Omega Contingency was as a back
up.  A fall back plan in the event of
a catastrophe.  The specific
catastrophe it was created for was a
Decepticon takeover of Earth.  The
Omega Contingency would evacuate the
Earth's population.  It was necessary
when it was built.  World leaders
were worried that if the Autobots
retook Cybertron, they might not be
able to hold Earth, and the
Decepticons would try to take it. 
The Omega Contingency could never
have been built without help from the
Autobots.  The necessary ships were
constructed and put in bunkers around
the world.  Optimus had hoped they
would never have to use the Omega
Contingency, but it was better to be
safe than sorry.  Earth was only at
risk because the Autobot shuttle
crashed here.  Unfortunately, the
world leaders now felt that these
ships and bunkers could be put to
better use.  With The Autobots in
control of both Earth and Cybertron,
and the Decepticons army in shambles,
there seemed to be only a small
possibility that the Decepticons
could launch an attack on earth, much
less win.  Optimus had argued that
the Decepticon threat was not gone,
and that it might never be completely
gone.  He also made strong arguments
for it's use in case of a planetary
natural disaster.  Unfortunately, it
seemed his arguments fell on deaf
ears, and it looked like the United
Nations had other plans.  He was at
least relieved to hear that a final
vote was still several months away. 
He would have some time to try and
gain support.
     "So Elita, what do you think." 
He was only met by silence, but
somehow, he knew she would agree, and
even in silence, he found some
comfort.


     Elsewhere, a makeshift repair
job was underway.
     "Hold still Starscream."
     "That hurts", said Starscream.
     "I don't care", returned the
monotone voice.
     "I always thought Megatron
should have had your personality
circuits adjusted", said Starscream. 
"Come on Stalker, be careful, I am in
a lot of pain."
     "I'll increase the pain if you
don't hold still, and I'll kill you
if you call me Stalker again."
     "Very well Soundwave", responded
Starscream.
     "We need to get to Charr, and
take command of the army", said
Soundwave.
     "Yes.  I will be the leader who
brought the Decepticons back from the
brink of destruction", said
Starscream.
     "You will lead nothing", said
Soundwave.
     "Who do you think you are to
tell me when I will lead", demanded
Starscream.
     "I am the new Leader of the
Decepticons.  Megatron's death puts
me in command", said Soundwave.  He
continued his work on Starscream.

     
     Optimus Prime walked down the
corridor towards the Command Center. 
It had been four months since he had
been nearly killed by the explosion
at the San Francisco Regional Solar
Power Station.  Optimus had spent the
time, since his recovery on earth
overseeing the final repairs to
Autobot City after the Battle of
Autobot City with the Decepticons. 
Although he could not understand it,
as much as he loved Cybertron, Earth
would always be home.  He had
developed a fondness for the green
countryside, that could not be found
on Cybertron.
     The new wing of Autobot city,
Metroplex was almost ready to go on
line.  His final construction was
delayed due to the Battle of Autobot
city.  Metroplex would give Earth an
extra measure of protection if the
Decepticons returned, or if Megatron
tried anything.
     Back on Cybertron, all was well,
and there had been no hint of
Decepticon activity since the
Destruction of Unicron.  Autobot
Intelligence had reported that the
Decepticons were on Charr, struggling
to stay alive.  For now, their threat
had been neutralized.  Megatron was
still out there, and although he had
not been heard from since Nightbird
died in the explosion, Optimus knew
that he had not seen the last of his
old enemy.


     Optimus walked into the Command
Center.  Rodimus, Kup, and Springer
were there, monitoring things. 
Optimus was proud of Rodimus. 
Rodimus had done very well in command
while Optimus was out of action after
the explosion.  "Status report", said
Optimus.
     "Nothing out of the ordinary",
said Kup.
     "No sign of Megatron.  It's like
he dropped off the face of the
world", said Rodimus.  "Not that I'd
mind if he stayed there, but this
waiting and watching is really
boring."
     "Cheer up Rod.  Megatron's
probably plotting something that we
definitely won't like", said Springer
with a chuckle.
     "Nothing like a little
optimism", said Optimus
sarcastically.  "I doubt he can try
anything major without any troops. 
We are keeping an eye on Charr.  If
the Decepticons try to leave, we will
know about it."
     "I hear it's pretty bad", said
Springer.
     "Yes it is", said Optimus.  "I
have been debating whether or not to
give them aid.  We can't just let
them die, but I'd never forgive
myself if we enabled them to start
their campaign of terror again."
     "Not an easy decision", said
Kup.
     "No, it's not.  But for now,
reports are that they are getting
enough energeon to survive.  At least
I have time to weigh all of our
options", finished Optimus.  Optimus
had been wrestling with this problem
for days.  He couldn't let them die. 
In spite of millions of years of war,
they were still transformers, and if
they were not killing and destroying,
they had as much right to live as any
Autobot, and were deserving of help. 
But, could he justify endangering the
lives of countless Autobots?  For
now, he'd have to leave that alone. 
He had other things to attend to. 
"Rodimus, I have a mission for you."
     "Great.  I can't take anymore
sitting around.  What's the mission",
said Rodimus.
     "Take Sky Lynx, Kup, and
Springer, and deliver a supply of
parts to Cybertron", said Optimus.
     "A supply mission?  I was hoping
for something exciting", said
Rodimus.
     "Be careful what you wish for
lad, you might get it", said Kup.  "I
can remember many times when I wished
I was just on a routine mission."


     The trip to Cybertron was
uneventful.  The most exciting thing
that happened was a small meteor that
passed by them.  The supplies were
quickly unloaded when they arrived.
     "This is Rodimus Prime to
Cybertron, we have finished
unloading, and are heading back to
Earth", said Rodimus.
     "This is Cybertron", came Ultra
Magnus's voice.  "You are cleared for
takeoff.  Have an uneventful trip
back."
     "I'm sure we will", responded
Rodimus.  Rodimus closed the
communications channel, and left the
cockpit to see the others.  In the
cargo bay, Kup and Springer were
passing time talking about old times.
     "Well, another boring mission",
said Rodimus.
     "At least we haven't run into
any Decepticons", said Kup.
     "I hate to spoil your
conversation lads, but I'm getting a
strange energy reading.  You'd better
get to the cockpit", said Sky Lynx.


     The three of them rushed to the
cockpit.  What is it Sky Lynx, asked
Rodimus.
     "I'm not sure.  I detected a
strange energy reading for a moment,
and then it was gone.  It didn't seem
important, but then I realized where
it was coming from."
     "Where was it Sky Lynx", said
Kup.
     "It was coming from Unicron's
head", said Sky Lynx.  "Or to be
precise, it was close enough to it
that I would hesitate to call it's
position coincidence.
     Rodimus felt as if the
temperature had just dropped 20
degrees.  Unicron's head had been
orbiting Cybertron ever since he
exploded.  It was presumed that he
was dead, but no one went near the
head.  It was a very superstitious
thing.  Most pilots steered clear of
it.
     "Set course for Unicron's head",
said Rodimus.
     "Rodimus, are you sure that's a
good idea", said Sky Lynx?  Not that
I'm afraid or anything, the great Sky
Lynx fears nothing, but..."
     "That's an order Sky Lynx", said
Rodimus.
     "Of course."
     "I told you to be careful of
what you wished for", said Kup.
     "Next time, remind me to listen
to you", said Rodimus.  Rodimus had a
bad feeling about this.


     Sky Lynx came up beside
Unicron's head, and the others
floated through space over to the
head, and went inside.
     Rodimus felt uneasy.  Unicron
was dead, but still, he nearly
destroyed Cybertron, and now they
were walking around in his head.  It
felt creepy.  "Let's stick together",
said Rodimus.
     The three of them looked around,
but found nothing of interest.  There
was no power, everything was
completely shut off.
     "There's nothing here", said
Rodimus.  "We're wasting out time." 
At that moment, Rodimus felt
something against his leg.  He looked
own.  "What's this", he said pointing
down toward a string against the
front of his leg.
     "Tripwire", shouted Kup, as he
pushed both Rodimus and Springer to
the ground just in time for a missile
to pass over there heads, and explode
against the wall  behind them.
     Rodimus cursed himself silently. 
He should have been smarter than
that.
     "You boys okay", asked Kup.
     "I'll live", said Rodimus. 
"Thanks to you."
     "Forget it kid.  You'd have done
the same", said Kup.  "I guess
someone does not want any visitors."
     The three of them got up, and
continued to look around, being much
more careful now.  
     "Look over there", said Kup,
pointing to an area on the ground.
     Rodimus lit it up with a
flashlight.  Rodimus looked at
Springer and Kup.  The flashlight was
lighting up some tools, placed neatly
in a row, and some pieces of broken
metal.
     "Someone has been repairing
themselves", said Springer.
     "Who could it be", said Kup.
     "Must have been the Predators. 
They were the only ones still inside
of Unicron when he exploded", said
Rodimus.
     "Maybe it's space rats", said
Springer.
     "This is no time for jokes. 
Call Cybertron.  I want a forensics
team to go over this place.  I want
to know who was here, and where they
went, and I want it done ten minutes
ago", said Rodimus.  He was not
looking forward to telling Optimus
Prime about this.
     Book III
     "Into the Darkness"

     Chapter XI
     "The Coming of the Xformers,
Part I"


     At the Decepticon base in
Northern Canada, Nightbird walked
with purposeful strides down the
corridor towards Megatron's Lab. 
Megatron went into the lab three
weeks ago, and had not come out
since.  All attempts to get him to
open the door had failed.  She
decided she had a fool proof way to
get in.  She approached the door, and
knocked on it.  Megatron, please let
me in", she said, in her nicest tone.
     "Go away, I'm busy", called
Megatron.
     "Okay, if that's the way you
want it", she said.  She pulled out
an energeon grenade, set it, and
placed it in front of the door, and
dove around the corner for cover. 
The explosion atomized the door
completely.  Nightbird got up, and
walked through the door.  "So nice of
you to let me in", she said to
Megatron.
     "Was that really necessary",
asked Megatron.
     "Three weeks ago you had an
invention explode in your face, you
were out cold with that thing hooked
up to you for three hours, then when
you came out of it, you locked
yourself in here, and refused to open
the door.  Now would you please tell
me what is going on", said Nightbird.
     "Of course my dear.  I must
apologize, but I am on the verge of
having the power to destroy Optimus
Prime once and for all.
     "Pardon me if I don't jump for
joy Megatron, but you have made that
boast on more than one occasion."
     "This time is different", said
Megatron.
     "What did happen to you?"
     "I was working on a machine that
would allow me to travel through
time.  I had planned to travel back
in time and finish off Orion Pax
before he could become Optimus Prime. 
However, while doing my research, I
had that minor accident.  During
those three hours I was unconscious,
the machine was showing me different
periods in time.  But all the while I
was seeing these different times,
something seemed out of place.  When
I came around, and started my
research again, I made some
discoveries about time.  Time is
almost alive, and as such, it has a
defense mechanism.  It is probably
impossible for me to travel back and
change the past.  Every time I try,
time sends me into the past of an
alternate reality."
     "You may", began Uatu,
"recognize this as being much the
same as the theory that Mister
Fantastic came to in Marvel Two In
One #100."
     "I have isolated one of these
realities.  It contains the power I
need to finish off Optimus Prime and
the Autobots."
     "And that's what you have been
stuck in hear for three weeks doing",
asked Nightbird.
     "Not entirely.  I spent most of
my time building them."  Megatron
pointed to a wall, and pressed a
switch on the console.  The wall slid
back revealing what was behind it. 
"I give you, the Xformers."
     "Well, they look like impressive
robots, but I don't see how they will
tip the balance of power."
     "They won't, not yet.  You see,
each of them has been specially
designed.  I have found beings who
live on earth in an alternate reality
who possess great powers.  I will
duplicate those powers in these
robots, and in so doing, create the
most powerful Transformers in the
galaxy", said Megatron.
     "Why the Xformers", asked
Nightbird.
     "Some of these humans are part
of a group known as the X-Men.  The
name seemed appropriate.  As of now,
these robots have no life, and can
not think for themselves, but I will
remedy that."
     Nightbird looked closely at the
robots.  There were five of them. 
Four of them looked strangely human
in design, but could obviously
transform, and were slightly taller
than she, about Megatron's height. 
The fifth was unlike anything she had
ever seen.  She was unsure if it
could Transform.  "What are there
names", asked Nightbird curiously.
     "I am not certain.  Some of the
names these being have would be quite
ridiculous for robots", said
Megatron.
     "What are they", asked
Nightbird.
     "Wolverine, Spiderman, Storm,
Cyclops, and The Thing", said
Megatron.
     "What stupid names", said
Nightbird.  "These robots look
powerful, why do you need to have
anything to do with these humans
anyway."
     "They have powers that I can not
duplicate, but I can infuse them with
the powers directly from the humans. 
Also, they possess much battle
experience.  They will be excellent
warriors", said Megatron.  "Once they
are complete, we will have the army
we need to destroy the Autobots and
take over both Earth and Cybertron."
     "Not that I want to put a damper
on your plan Megatron, but what will
happen when you take these beings? 
Don't you think they might have
friends who will come looking for
them", said Nightbird.
     "This time, I will not fail.  I
have thought out every contingency. 
I will take them from there reality,
use them for my purposes, and send
them back to the exact moment they
left.  They will never even know that
anything has happened to them."
     Megatron stared at his
creations.  This would be his
greatest victory.  This time, he
would conquer the Earth.


     Meanwhile, out in space, on
route to Charr, a large black jet
streaked through the cosmos.
     "Faster you hunk of junk",
commanded Soundwave.
     "I'm going as fast as I can
Stalker", replied the black jet.
     "Never call me that!  I am
Soundwave.  Nothing that Unicron and
you did to me can change who I am
Starscream.  Now get moving."
     "Of course Soundwave.  I don't
have much choice since you removed my
transformation circuit do I."
     "No, I suppose you don't. 
Remember Starscream, we both want the
same thing.  Glory for the Decepticon
Empire."
     "No.  I want glory for the
Decepticon Empire.  You want revenge
for Megatron's death."
     Soundwave laughed.  It was a
cold harsh sound.  "After spending
these last months planning on
Unicron's head, I finally have a plan
that will do both."
     "Good.  I was tired of living in
that metal cemetery", said
Starscream.
     "You mean it bothered you using
components from the other Predators
to repair ourselves", asked
Soundwave.
     "It didn't bother you", said
Starscream.
     "I did what was necessary to
survive, and to live to fight another
day."
     Book III
     "Into the Darkness"

     Chapter XII
     "By the Matrix"


     Optimus Prime sat in the
shuttle's command chair.  Rodimus's
quick report was enough to tell him
he had better get to Cybertron, or at
least to Unicron's head as soon as
possible.  What could it mean?  Could
it have anything to do with Unicron,
or was someone just using his head
for a repair bay.  Either way, this
was very unsettling news.
     Optimus Prime arrived at
Unicron's head, and was met by
Rodimus immediately.
     "What have you found", said
Optimus to Rodimus.
     "Well, as near as we can tell,
Unicron is dead, completely.  He may
have survived the explosion, but
someone completely destroyed all of
his brain circuits, so if there was
anything left of him, it's destroyed
now.  We found the bodies of four of
the Predators, but the bodies of
Skyquake and Stalker are missing.  It
looks like they were able to repair
themselves and escape.  I think that
their leaving was the energy reading
that brought us here."
     "Any evidence as to where they
might have gone", asked Optimus.
     "None, but I would guess they
went to Charr.  We found that the
Predators bodies had been used for
spare parts.  The parts missing
suggest that Stalker and Skyquake
repaired themselves.  We also found
something else", said Rodimus.
     "What else", asked Optimus.
     "We found what appear to be the
plans for a device capable of turning
rock into energeon", said Rodimus.
     "What", said Optimus.  "How is
that possible?"
     "Percepter looked at the plans. 
He says that the machine breaks down
the molecular bonds in rocks, and
collects the energy from it.  He said
it would not be useful to make
energeon full time.  It would be
prone to breakdowns, and not very
efficient.   However, Percepter said
it would probably be sufficient to
arm an army for a full scale attack,
and if they were lucky, it wouldn't
take them too long."
     "I want round the clock reports
from our team observing Charr", said
Optimus.
     "I've already ordered it", said
Rodimus.
     "Tell Kup I want to speak to him
about Cybertron's defenses
immediately", said Optimus.  "We
could be looking at a major move by
the Decepticons.  Without a leader,
they aren't able to stay together,
but if Skyquake is alive, then he
will certainly be planning an attack
against us.  This is the first major
attack we will have had to defend
both Cybertron and Earth against
since we regained Cybertron.  We can
not fail."
     Optimus Prime left Rodimus, and
went back to the shuttle.  In all the
millions of years that the War had
gone on, at no time did the Autobots
so fully control Cybertron.  They
could not afford to step back now. 
If they repelled the Decepticon
attack, it would be their greatest
triumph.  If they did not, it would
be their most bitter defeat.  Optimus
swore by the Matrix that that would
not happen.  Not while he still
functioned.


     Optimus Prime and Kup discussed
the situation, and decided that
Cybertron's defenses should be enough
to hold out against an attack.  Over
the past few months, Optimus had had
many new defense systems built on and
around Cybertron.  Cybertron was
practically impenetrable, and Optimus
knew that Cybertron belonged to the
Autobots permanently.  Optimus
decided against a first strike.  As
it stood now, with the exception of
Megatron on earth, the Decepticons
were not a threat, and he did not
want to provoke them.  He thought it
was possible that the Decepticons
were not going to attack, but the
odds were not running that way.  He
had to give them the benefit of the
doubt though.
     Earth was another matter.  The
Autobots had a large force on Earth. 
In addition to Autobot City, and the
Volcano base, the Autobots had six
bases around the world.  They were
located in England, Saudi Arabia,
China, Russia, Australia, and Brazil. 
Coupled with the Earth's own defense
forces, he thought it would be
enough, to defend the Earth from a
Decepticon attack..  Earth was no
where near as well defended as
Cybertron, and this worried Optimus
immensely.  Optimus decided to leave
Rodimus Prime in command on
Cybertron.  Optimus, Ultra Magnus,
Percepter, and Springer returned to
earth aboard Sky Lynx.  The
Decepticons could be coming back in
force.  Optimus was confident that
they could hold both Earth and
Cybertron, even against a full scale
attack by the entire Decepticon army,
but Optimus still felt uneasy. 
Optimus still had one nagging worry,
Megatron.  He was probably still on
Earth.  He was the wild card.  This
worried Optimus more than the entire
Decepticons army.  What Optimus did
not know, was that when they arrived,
they would already be too late.
     Book III
     "Into the Darkness"

     Chapter XIII
     "The Coming of the Xformers,
Part II"


     In northern Canada at the
Decepticon base, Megatron was putting
the finishing touches on the machine
that would give his new creations
life, and the power that he would use
to crush Optimus Prime and the
Autobots.  Nightbird watched as
Megatron made the final adjustments
to his new toy.
     The five robots Megatron had
built were each connected to the
device.  Also connected were five
transparent cylinders to hold the
subjects while Megatron used them to
create his minions.  Four of the
cylinders were small, about big
enough for a human, but the fifth was
larger.  In many ways it looked like
a scene from an old horror movie, but
this was no movie.
     "Are we ready to begin", asked
Nightbird.
     "Yes", said Megatron.  "For the
glory of the Decepticon Empire!" 
Megatron pulled a lever on the
device, and a high pitched wine
filled the room.  A light flashed in
the first cylinder, and a mostly
human looking being appeared.  He was
dressed mostly in yellow, and he was
not happy.
     "Where the hell am I", he
demanded, as his razor like claws
shot out of his fists.
     Megatron pressed a button on his
control panel, activating a neural
sedative beam, and the figure fell to
the ground unconscious.
     There was a flash of light in
the second tube, and a man wearing a
red and blue costume with a spider on
it appeared.
     "What the...I don't think I'm in
Kansas anymore", said the figure. 
Again, Megatron pushed a button on
his control panel, and the man fell
to the ground unconscious.
     It was much the same for the
next two individuals.  A dark skinned
Woman, and a man wearing a visor. 
Then the last container, the larger
one flashed, and a hulking orange
creature appeared inside.  Nightbird
recoiled from it.  She had never seen
anything like it.
     "What the...  Where am I.  Hey
green stuff, what do you think you're
doing", said the hulking mass of
orange muscles, pointing an accusing
finger at Megatron.
     Megatron pushed the button on
the control panel.  The creature
grabbed his head as if in pain for a
moment, and then looked at Megatron. 
"That wasn't nice green stuff."
     "This isn't possible", Megatron
said, as he pushed the button again. 
Again the creature grabbe