Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“The chair recognizes the representative from the planet Caminus.” The booming voice of Zeta Prime echoed through the Iacon Assembly Hall.

Windblade took a moment to collect her thoughts before rising from her seat. “Honorable members of the High Council...” she began. “As you are no doubt aware, the Quintesson threat continues to put a heavy burden on the people of Caminus. It is my intention to petition the council of the Cybertronian Republic for aid once again, at the behest of the Forgefire.” Her declaration was met with silence, so she continued. “If aid is not granted, Caminus will cease Energon exports to Cybertron.”

Of course, that was what got their attention.

Sentinel Prime was the first to speak up. “I was not aware that The Mistress approved of extortion, representative.” The councilor nearly spat out her title.

On the opposite end of the aisle, Dirge stood from his seat. “The planet Unicron stands in solidarity with the people of Caminus.” Sentinel turned his attention to the Decepticon and sneered.

“The chair does not recognize the representative of the planet Unicron at this time.” Zeta Prime stated in a calm, even tone.

With a nod, Dirge returned to his seat. “Forgive my enthusiasm, Minister.”

That's not the Primus-damned point! Windblade thought to herself, clenching her fist behind the cover of the podium.

The newest member of the council - Optimus Prime - was the next to speak. “I propose that the council take immediate action to provide assistance to the people of Caminus. The Quintessons represent a clear and present danger to not only the planet Caminus, but to the entirety of the Republic.”

Sentinel Prime scoffed. “Orion, you shouldn’t take everything Camiens say at face value.”

Ultra Magnus moved to retort, but he was interrupted by another councilor. His voice deep and intimidating, commanding a millennium of authority. “His name is Optimus Prime. And you would do well to respect him.” Megatronus Prime’s tone was thick with annoyance and disdain. Optimus glanced over at his colleague. His mentor. A smirk spread beneath his mask as Sentinel seemed to back down. “Optimus Prime’s suggestion is completely reasonable, and represents the best course of action to protect the sovereignty of Caminus.” He continued.

Decimus Prime, Cordias Prime, and the other councilors seemed content to allow the trio to bicker, quietly discussing amongst themselves, and before too long the council was called to a brief recess.

---

Optimus leaned against the railing on a balcony outside the main assembly hall. Before too long, Megatronus joined his side. The pair shared a glance before the Decepticon began to speak. “While we sit here in this meeting, tens of thousands of sparks are being snuffed out.”

“I know.” Was the only answer Optimus could muster.

“And you still have faith in the council? In this beleaguered, shambling process of decision making?” Megatronus countered.

Optimus considered this for a moment, but before he could answer, Megatronus continued. “We need action! Not committees. This meeting does nothing to help the Camiens, nothing to help the Velocitronians and the Unicronians. Swift, decisive action is the only way.”

“I don't disagree with you. But these systems, these checks and balances. They exist for a reason. We could very easily spiral back into the darkness of our past without them.”

“Those misguided ideals of yours are going to get you killed one day, Orion… So terrified of the return of the old empire.” Megatronus shook his head and laughed to himself. “Maybe the Thetacons have a point. Maybe we ought to do away with government altogether. The enemy is at the gate and they're concerned with Energon imports!” Megatronus' tone raised to a furious shout.

Optimus nodded, seemingly without any counter. “There has been very little discussion of the issue presented…” he said thoughtfully.

Megatronus turned. “I am going to contact Kolkular before we’re recalled. Regardless of the outcome, my Decepticions will be mobilizing.” With that, he moved toward a more secluded area. “Soundwave…” was all Optimus could make out before Megatronus left earshot.

On the other side of the assembly hall was an identical balcony, upon which stood a fuming Windblade along with a second Camien. Doing a much better job of hiding her contempt for the council - either that, or not feeling it as intensely in the first place - Chromia leaned against the doorframe.

“They just don't listen!”

Chromia had heard Windblade’s frustrations dozens of times by now. “At least Megatronus and Optimus seem similarly fed up.” She responded with a shrug.

Windblade turned sharply. “Megatronus has been on our side from the start. Optimus, as well. Ultra Magnus might be convinced to stand by us, but Sentinel is a lost cause as usual.”

Chromia stood up and took a few steps forward before resting her hand on Windblade’s shoulder. “Relax. You need a clear head going back into this thing.”

Windblade stiffened for a moment before seeming to take Chromia’s advice, taking a deep breath. “Right, okay. Alright.”

“Focus on Ultra Magnus. If we can convince him, that's nearly half the council. Now, let's talk about your strategy.”

Windblade nodded.

“Ultra Magnus is just that. He's Magnus. He’s a soldier, first and foremost. The Energon angle might work on Decimus or Zeta, but we need to leverage Caminus’ strategic position to get through to him.”

The Representative was - once again - impressed by Chromia’s keen mind for politics. It seemed to clash harshly with her usual brutish, direct approach to things. Windblade had even asked her on multiple occasions if she'd ever consider a career as a politician. A question Chromia would almost always deflect outright.

“Now…” Chromia began. “Lift your head, take a deep breath, and let’s practice what you’re going to say.”

Windblade straightened her posture, met Chromia’s eyes, and inhaled…

---

Soundwave marched down the eastern hall of the Imperial capital, nearly bowling over any unfortunate enough to cross his path. As he approached a T-junction, a small aircraft rounded from the right and perched on his shoulder.

“Shockwave has been informed.” Laserbeak squawked.

“Good. I prefer to avoid facetime with it when possible.” Soundwave’s monotonous voice droned in response as he turned left at the junction. Laserbeak took flight again, headed back the way the pair came. After a brief walk, he entered a large hangar, where four Deceptions talked amongst themselves. A hush fell over them as he approached.

“Air commander.” He addressed their leader. “Megatronus has declared that we are to provide assistance in the defense of Caminus. You and your Seekers are to be the vanguard.”

Starscream adopted a smirk. “And what an honor it is to be the first. Isn't that right, Skywarp? Thundercracker?” Skywarp practically rolled her eyes, and Thundercracker only responded with a groan.

“Spare me your boot-licking, Starscream.” Soundwave deadpanned. “And where is Sunstorm?”

Astrotrain let out a stifled chuckle as Starscream’s expression soured. But before he could make his indignation known, Skywarp answered the question.

“Late, as usual.” She placed a hand on her hip. “I swear, he was probably late to his own activation.”

As if on queue, the bright yellow Seeker swooped into the hangar and landed next to the group, adopting his robot mode. “Airspace was overcrowded, Kaon flight control wouldn't let me approach. Had to barge in.” He explained with a nervous smile.

Skywarp sighed while Thundercracker and Sunstorm exchanged a fistbump. Starscream seemed about ready to scold him for his chronic tardiness.

Soundwave, seemingly satisfied, continued. “Astrotrain, you will be transporting our Seekers to Caminus, and you will be staying.”

Astrotrain was surprised by this. Normally, his job consisted of transporting a team somewhere, running down his energy, and returning to base. “Sir?” He asked, his question more implied than anything else.

“You will assist the Rail Racer team in providing logistical support.” Soundwave clarified.

Astrotrain’s questioning expression turned to a smile. “You got it, bossbot.”

Soundwave nodded. “Transform and liftoff when ready.” He concluded, turning to leave. Thundercracker interrupted him.

“Soundwave, sir?”

Soundwave looked back over his shoulder.

Thundercracker continued. “Has this deployment been approved by the Council?”

“What do you think?” Was Soundwave’s terse response as he continued back into the corridor. “I will await word that you have arrived.”

Thundercracker nodded to nobody in particular. “Either way, those fighters aren't going to save themselves.” He said, turning back towards the other Seekers.

Astrotrain began the process of transforming. Parts sliding from one place to another until he took the form of a large spacecraft. “All aboard! Next stop, Quintesson hell!” he hollered, opening the passenger bay door.

“Well, it's nice to see someone who shares my enthusiasm.” Starscream muttered as he stepped up the ramp.

“Yeesh.” Thundercracker replied. “No need to insult the guy like that, boss.” Skywarp lightly punched him in the shoulder.

Starscream’s face twisted in indignation. “And what's that supposed to mean?” He spun around to face his blue counterpart.

Astrotrain cut in. “C'mon, we’re burnin’ our window here. You can bicker inside.”

Starscream groaned in frustration, turned on his heel, and boarded with the rest of the Seekers.

Chapter Text

“... And is it due to these factors, that if overrun, Caminus has the potential to act as a staging ground for Quintesson attacks deeper into our territory.” Windblade concluded her argument, looking Ultra Magnus directly in his optics.

Megatronus gave a single, boisterous clap. “Well put, Representative. I doubt I could have said it better, myself.”

“Thank you, Megatronus Prime.” Windblade responded with a polite bow before returning to her seat.

“I still have yet to be convinced that this will affect us.” Sentinel scoffed. “These Quintessons have hardly been able to reach past the periphery.” He continued, “Outlying territories are little more than-”

“She's right, Sentinel.” Ultra Magnus interrupted.

Sentinel Prime’s face contorted into a look of disgust. “And what gives you the right to interrupt me, Mammoth?”

Before Magnus could counter, Zeta Prime’s voice boomed.

“Sentinel Prime, you will show respect to your fellow councilors. If you fail to do this properly once more, I will have you thrown out of this hall.”

Sentinel let out a resigned groan.

Optimus felt a sense of smug satisfaction wash over him as he rose to address the room. “I hereby reintroduce the motion to provide military support to Caminus.”

Zeta Prime made a series of inputs on his terminal, lighting a large holographic interface at the end of the hall.

“Voting on this motion has begun.”

---

“This is Kaon flight control to… ‘Astrotrain’. You have not submitted a flight plan. Abort launch immediately.” The transmission came through loud and clear in Astrotrain’s passenger compartment.

“Wuh-oh,” he said to nobody in particular. “Anybody wanna get that?”

Starscream climbed into the cockpit, pressed a finger onto the transmit key, and spoke into the microphone. “This is Starscream aboard Astrotrain, we are on a special assignment from Megatronus Prime. You can clear it with Kolkular.” His tone was dismissive.

“Copy, Astrotrain. Standby.”

Skywarp turned with a sigh. “Why did you feel the need to name Megatronus?”

Starscream looked over his shoulder. “Why wouldn’t I invoke authority?”

Thundercracker took a single step forward. “Because this is an unauthorized mission, scrap-for-brains! There goes our plausible deniability!”

“It’s on us for letting him answer.” Sunstorm prodded.

---
MOTION HAS FAILED

The text on the holographic display was as clear as day. Of the councilors, five voted in favor, six voted against, and one abstained. The lesser representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of providing aid.

But they all knew their opinions meant nothing here.

Megatronus Prime’s hand clenched into a tight fist. He was provided some comfort by the fact that he had already deployed a team to assist Caminus, but his ultimate hope was that they'd be provided reinforcements in the form of the greater Cybertronian military.

He glanced at Optimus, whose mask did little to hide the look of exasperation on his face. They made eye contact for a brief moment before both turned to Windblade.

She was barely containing a cry of furious indignation. She stood from her seat and stormed out of the assembly hall, followed closely by Chromia.

An aide moved through the hall to Zeta Prime’s side and leaned in. Zeta’s attention turned to Megatronus.

“Megatronus Prime.” He spoke. “Have you ordered the deployment of forces without the authorization of this council?”

Megatronus was briefly caught off guard, but quickly regained his composure. He stood from his seat. “It was my hope that this council would see reason; as such, I preemptively ordered the deployment of a strike team to assist in the defense of Caminus.”

Zeta seemed to be forming a response as Megatronus continued.

“However, it has become clear to me that this council stands in direct opposition to reason.”

His hand clenched around the crimson polyweave sash that marked him as a so-called Prime. He began to pull at it. Fibers began snapping, fabric began to tear, until it lay in a tattered heap before him.

Silence filled the assembly hall, broken again by the voice of Megatronus. “I hereby resign my position from this council.”

“This is a mockery!” Sentinel’s voice cut through the newly restored silence. “Minister, how can we allow this to continue!? He spits on the very principles of --”

“Principles?” Megatronus interrupted. “You are principled only in your arrogance, Haul. Regardless of any information presented, you are steadfast in your ignorant denial and dispassion. Bravo.”

Sentinel’s shock was replaced by white hot rage. Rage that he was not afforded time to act on, as Megatronus walked calmly toward the exit.

“You will call off this unauthorized force, Megatronus.” Zeta Prime called after him.

“I no longer claim any affiliation with your council.” Was his curt response.

Optimus stood up and gave chase as the assembly hall erupted into conversation and argument.

Megatronus was waiting outside the door for him, having expected him to follow.

“Are you sure about this, Megatronus?”

“There is only one thing that gives me pause:” Megatronus replied, turning fully to face his compatriot. “Leaving you behind, Orion.”

Optimus stared for a moment. “Are you asking me to join you?”

“Your tutelage under me makes you a target here. If they don't directly implicate you, you'll be pigeonholed at every turn.”

Optimus thought for a moment. Megatronus’ concern had merit. And if he followed, he could take action without worrying about the council’s scrutiny…

---

In a dark void, two Sparks orbit one another. Their illumination growing and dimming in conversation. One dwarfs the other, its size nearly incomprehensible.

A third spark orbits distantly. Its weak light is dominated by the two working in concert.
---

Starscream’s recharge cycle ends. He stands and looks around the Astrotrain’s troop bay. “Astrotrain, how far out are we from Caminus?”

“Another three hours. We're going to be in for a rough time; I've been monitoring communications.” He says. “It's ugly.”

“Nothing the great Seekers can't handle, I'm sure.” Starscream responds, smug confidence radiating from his voice.

“Unknown on sensors. Primus, it's fast..!”

Before Starscream could ask any clarifying questions, Astrotrain spoke up again. “...And there it goes. Right past us.”

Starscream moved forward into the cockpit. “What was it?”

“Looks like the Camien envoy shuttle… It's headed from the same place we are. And probably to the same place we are.”

“The representative and her aide?” Starscream hedged.

“Seems like a safe bet to me.”

“Why can't you go that fast?” Starscream mewled, poking the flight console.

“They're on a shuttle. I'm a bot. You wanted fast? You should have asked if we could take Nemesis.”

“Like Megatronus would ever let us do that.” Starscream whined, laying back in the seat and putting his legs up.

“Feet off the dash.” Astrotrain ordered.

“Ugh, fine.”