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rosieknightTitle: Desperate Times, Desperate Measures: Part 3
Author: RosieKnight
Characters: Ensemble
Pairing: Megatron/Optimus Prime, and others - too numerous to list
Rating: Let's start with PG-13 for now.
Universe: G1 with elements of IDW for Megatron's past (and the crest!).
Disclaimer: Not mine
Summary: An energy crisis forces the Decepticons to seek peace with the Autobots, but the treaty holds an unexpected clause. For the treaty to be valid, Megatron and Optimus Prime must marry.
Warning: Mech/Mech and Mech/Femme relationships. Cliff-hanger, because this is part 3 of a WIP.
Note: Possible OOC towards the end. I wanted to get this draft up before I go on vacation.
The morning of the meeting day found a group of Cybertronians staring into the depths of the Grand Canyon from the relative safety of the rims.
"We're meeting them down there?" the one closest to the edge queried.
Having heard variations of this question many times before, the group's resident sarcasm generator replied, "No, dumb-aft! We're just here for the view."
The first speaker continued as if he hadn't heard the response, "'Cause you could probably hide a gestalt or two down there."
"Or Omega Supreme," the group's leader idly noted. "But, we're wasting time." Stepping into mid-air, Megatron activated his thrusters and began a controlled descent into the Canyon.
The rest of the Decepticon delegation followed.
***********************************
One harrowing drop later, five Decepticons - one carrying a multitude of cassetticons - were wearily standing on the bottom of Grand Canyon.
"Pit, I never want to do that again. I think that was the worst non-combat flight of my life."
"And just think, Thundercraker, we get to do it again when this meeting is over. All because our great leader," Starscream sneered, "agreed to hold it in this miserable canyon. A canyon the Autobots chose, no less."
Megatron's response to Starscream's taunts came swiftly and surprisingly. A low power blast from Megatron's arm canon traced a line down Starscream's left wing - deep enough to hurt, but not to permanently damage.
Starscream winced and fell silent at the reminder of Megatron's threat.
"You don't have to go straight up. There's another way out," a familiar voice interjected.
"Elita-1," Megatron offered the femme a vaguely mocking bow. "How good of you to meet us."
The femme commander arched an optic ridge, "You're early. Optimus didn't want you to get lost in here." She gestured to the path to the meeting site, "This way, mechs."
Falling in step beside Elita-1, the Decetpicon Lord dryly commented, "How thoughtful of Prime." Megatron paused before broaching a previous topic, "You mentioned another method of exiting the canyon. What were you referring to?"
Elita tossed Megatron an amused glance, "You have two choices. Either follow the Colorado River until it exits the Grand Canyon or thread the network of canyons until you reach the Painted Desert. Both options allow you to enter the air without the problems of flying over or within the Grand Canyon."
The grey helmet dipped briefly in a nod, "You present valid options, Elita-1. I... thank you for them." Directing his attention back to the other Decepticons, Megatron added, "Soundwave, determine which method will be the quickest."
"Affirmative: As you command, Lord Megatron."
After the small exchange, silence descended upon the group. An uncomfortable one, even by Megatron's admittedly strange standards - which included being glared at by a certain Autobot leader after breaking a temporary truce for the nth time in the comfortable column.
Still, as uncomfortable as the silence was, attempting to make small talk was worse. It was hard enough to find a topic to discuss with a known mech. What did one talk about with an enemy femme on your way to arrange an armistice? For some reason, 'How did your last raid on my troop's energon supply go?' and 'Why pink?' didn't seem like safe topics to pursue.
Fortunately for all involved, the meeting site came into view.
Merely a wide, clear spot of the canyon floor, the location provided an excellent view of the canyon rim and the open sky beyond.
Megatron felt his mood lift at that.
It was a sign of the Autobots' unfailing kindness to arrange a location that would limit any problems with claustrophobia to which the flying Decepticons were prone. It was both a strength and a weakness of the other faction. Easily exploitable, but showing a firm conviction that the Decepticons would eventually accept the gesture as intended.
At the moment, Megatron could only thank Primus that the Autobots' retained their optimistic nature. This would be a lot harder if they were more like the Decepticons.
Megaton studied the assembled Autobots.
Optimus Prime, flanked by Ultra Magnus and Elita-1, stood in the center of the meeting area. Farther back, the legendary Alpha Trion leaned against a canyon wall. The last Autobot - Skyfire - was heading towards Starscream.
The giant mech stopped just beyond arm reach, "Starscream, would you care to examine the exposed geological strata with me?"
"I'd be happy to," Starscream replied, happy to locate a sympathetic audial to unload his tale of woe into.
Watching the two fliers walk deeper into the Grand Canyon, Megatron suppressed a smile. Starscream and Skyfire's exit couldn't have gone better if he'd explicitly planned it.
Megatron's attention returned to the gathering via a comment by Alpha Trion, "Examining exposed geological strata? Is that what they're calling interfacing now?"
The wry, matter of fact statement coaxed a snort of laughter from Megatron. Who would've expected the renowned Alpha Trion to have such a dirty CPU?
Tension destroyed before it could even form, the two groups exchanged the usual pleasantries.
Finally, Optimus brought up the question on all the Autobots minds, "Megatron, you requested this meeting for a reason. Will you please share it with us?"
The silver mech steepled his fingers, debating where to begin the explanation. "Prime, when your soldiers retreated here, to Earth, what did they tell you about Cybertron's condition?"
"They reported that the vorns of fighting had ravaged the cities and decimated the population. The dead out-numbered the living. Energon was scarce, with starvation threatening every mech and femme," Optimus paused. "Unless I miss my guess, something about the energy crisis prompted this meeting."
Megatron inclined his head in assent, "Perceptive, Prime. The energy crisis is the entire reason I'm willing to attempt a truce." Shifting slightly, Megatron continued, "Shockwave contacted me earlier this week. According to his evidence, every mech and femme on Cybertron will starve within approximately 3 and a half orns, and within a decade Cybertron itself will follow." Megatron shuttered his optics, hiding his own anguish at the fate of his home-world from view, "If we are still at war when that happens..."
Alpha Trion interrupted, "All Cybertronians will face extinction." The oldest mech living on Earth's face reflected the seriousness of the situation, "May I see Shockwave's evidence? I doubt he's made a mistake; I merely wish to compare his data with my own."
"Be my guest. The more scientists who analyze the data, the better chance we have of stopping and reversing Cybertron's decline." Megatron gestured to his communication officer, "Soundwave has both Shockwave's original information and Starscream's interpretations of that data."
Alpha Trion looked at the navy mech, "Soundwave, do you mind? I'd prefer another perspective to compare ideas and theories with."
"Arrangement: Acceptable. It would be an honor."
With Trion and Soundwave working on the data, the meeting broke up into smaller groups.
Thundercracker and Skywarp reclined together on a flat rock, absorbing solar energy through their wings. Elita-1 and Ultra Magnus were sitting by a canyon wall, quietly discussing something.
That left, Optimus realized with a shock, just himself and Megatron. While he could attach himself to an existing group, it would be rude to leave Megatron alone. Still, Optimus hesitated.
Surely it would be best to let Megatron make the first move....
Optimus restrained the urge to shake his head. Megatron had already made the first move, that's why they were meeting in the Grand Canyon. It was Optimus' turn to bridge the gap between Autobot and Decepticon, he only had to take the initial step.
Still, what does one say to the (undeniably handsome) mech who tried to kill you - and you tried to kill - several times before? A comment of the weather would be completely ridiculous.
What did they have in common? They were both leaders, both responsible for the lives of every member of their factions... They were both Cybertronians....
"Megatron, are there any places on Cybertron you want to see restored quickly?"
"Hmph. Not really," Megatron glanced at Optimus from the corner of his optic. "What about you?"
Optimus thought for a moment, "I'd love to see the Great Library in Iacon restored. It was one of my favorite places there." Red shoulders shrugged, "Other than that.... My hometown. Call me sentimental, but I can't imagine leaving it in ruins. You don't feel the same way about Kaon?"
"Kaon was a refuge for me - nothing more." Megatron chuckled darkly, "Who knows, vorns of warfare may even have improved Kaon. It always was a dump."
Megatron's confession intrigued Optimus, "You aren't from Kaon? It's the town usually associated with you and the Decepticons."
"No, I'm not," Megatron paused, debating something before continuing. "I doubt anyone from my hometown would care to admit that I grew up there. Anyone I knew there likely prefers to think of me as a casualty of the Mine C-12 Riot, rather than the leader of the Decepticons," the silver mech commented factually. "What about yourself?"
Optics dimming slightly in sadness, Optimus answered, "My hometown was hit early in the war. Any other survivors - besides Elita and Magnus - would be unlikely to recognize me as the mech I was before."
"I see," a silence fell between the two mechs. Finally, Megatron asked, "Which city was it? There might be someone from the same area in my ranks...."
"I doubt it," Optimus held up a quelling hand and continued, "My hometown, Tyger Pax, was destroyed by...."
"Decepticon forces under my direct command, gathering fuel. Tyger Pax was the largest energy storage are on the way to Iacon," Megatron finished. "I remember the attack, Prime."
CPU screaming for him to keep this conversation going, Optimus sought frantically for a response to this revelation. "I'm impressed that you remember that battle."
Megatron snorted, "I remember every battle I made large mistakes or encountered new enemies. And that was the first time you and I crossed weapons."
Despite Optimus' best efforts, an awkward silence fell between them.
Fortunately for the two leaders, Alpha Trion spoke up. "I've finished my analysis of Shockwave's data. It tallies with my own, with a slight difference due to numbers of significant figures used. Our home... is dying."
Optimus scrubbed a hand across his face, feeling weary, "Thank you, Trion. Elita, Magnus, do either one of you feel up to heading a mission to save our home and the Decepticons?"
Ultra Magnus' mouth twitched, fighting a smile. "Now there's a mission I'd never thought you'd authorize, brother," the blue and white Autobot paused, "I'll take the mission. Save you the trouble of having to assign someone to it."
"Very generous of you," Optimus dryly replied. Becoming serious once more, he continued, "Select a team and head out as quickly as possible, Magnus. Time is of the essence and we don't want to waste any."
Magnus nodded, "I know. I'll leave my team roster with Prowl, if you're busy."
A sudden thought struck Optimus, "Megatron, is there anyone you'd like to include on this mission?"
"Starscream." Aware of the startled looks he was receiving Megatron added, "I don't have to deal with him and his whining, if he's on Cybertron."
Ultra Magnus glanced at his commander, "Mind if I take Skyfire along? We're going to need a transport and he gets along with 'Screamer the best."
"If you don't mind two of your team members vanishing to interface every few breems," Megatron snorted.
The blue and white Autobot shrugged, "If it keeps Starscream behaving properly, I'm all for it." Magnus paused, "And interfacing with Skyfire will keep Starscream busy and out of the way, so I don't have deal with him."
"I'd like to accompany you as well, Magnus."
"Alpha Trion?" The three highest ranked Autobots shared a startled glance at their simultaneous comment, before Optimus continued, "Are you sure you want to go, sir?"
The bearded mech smiled, "Of course! I know more hiding places on Cybertron than almost anyone, and we're trying to save the entire population."
"Of course," the Autobot leader conceded, though his optics were worried. Although Optimus knew Alpha Trion had survived longer than any other mortal member of their race - save, perhaps, Omega Supreme - Optimus still worried about his Creator's safety upon this mission. Too much could go wrong.
Still, if Trion really wanted to go, there was very little Optimus could do to stop him. Trion had never officially joined the Autobots, though he sided with them, and ordering the former leader of rebellion against the Quintessions not to do something was foolish - at best.
Optimus was jarred from his thoughts by Magnus' voice. "....I think we have a mission roster."
Noticing his commanding officer's subtle panic, Magnus discreetly sent a copy of the tentative roster to the red and blue mech, "Will tomorrow be convenient for everyone?"
"I think that would be best," Optimus agreed, giving the mission roster a quick look.
Megatron's eyes narrowed, "Why not now? Isn't every mech on the mission currently within this canyon?"
"Yes," Optimus shot his counterpart a wry glance, "They are. And if you want to be the one to get Skyfire and Starscream back here, I'm all for starting the mission today."
Cybertronians couldn't blanch, but Megatron made an admirable attempt at it, "No, thank you!"
"Besides," the Prime continued, "We still need to decide a location of the actual peace talks." Optimus paused, "Unless that was just a ruse to get energon to your troops."
A harsh laugh erupted from Megatron, "And end up in the same situation as we are now the moment you stop providing the Decepticons with energy? No, the offer is real. I have no desire to see our home world starve."
Fighting the urge to gape at the Decepticon Lord's unusual honesty, Optimus questioned, "Do you have any suggestions on where to hold the peace talks?"
"No," the silver mech tapped a black finger against his lower lip. "How about we continue with the arrangement that brought us here? The Autobots choose the place and the Decepticons pick the time?"
"Agreed."
"For the time... the orn after our joint team returns from Cybertron," offered Megatron.
After a quick conversion of Cybertronian time units into Earth measurements to confirm there would be adequate time, Prime nodded, "The location is the Tanami Desert in Australia." One blue hand held off protests, "I realize it's not the most hospitable region for us, but I will have my scientists and medics working on ways to keep all the delegates healthy." Optimus could practically see doubt hovering around Megatron's form, "I give you my word."
Red optics searched blue ones for an endless moment, as the two leaders faced off.
"Fine," snarled Megatron. "Soundwave, contact Starscream. We're leaving."
"Order: Acknowledged. Starscream has been summoned."
"I'll see you there, Prime," With that parting comment, Megatron's thrusters ignited, launching the silver mech towards the rim of the Grand Canyon and the waiting sky beyond.
Watching the Decepticons until they vanished from optic sight, Optimus' red shoulders slumped, "I don't know how I'm going to survive the negotiations. I'm still attracted to him, even after everything. But I can't. We can't." A humorless laugh spilled into the air, "I must be the universe's biggest masochist, loving Megatron. Pit, he almost killed me at Tyger Pax."
Feeling a hand on his arm, Optimus regarded Elita-1, "It'll be ok, Optimus. Magnus and I will be there. We'll keep you safe - even from yourself."
"Thanks," Optimus embraced the femme, "I'm lucky to have a family like this." Pulling himself out of the melancholy mood, the Prime addressed his subordinates, "We have a lot of work to do before either the mission or the peace talks occurs. Let's get back to the Ark and Autobot City and get started. Autobots! Transform and roll out!"
TBC....
Author: RosieKnight
Characters: Ensemble
Pairing: Megatron/Optimus Prime, and others - too numerous to list
Rating: Let's start with PG-13 for now.
Universe: G1 with elements of IDW for Megatron's past (and the crest!).
Disclaimer: Not mine
Summary: An energy crisis forces the Decepticons to seek peace with the Autobots, but the treaty holds an unexpected clause. For the treaty to be valid, Megatron and Optimus Prime must marry.
Warning: Mech/Mech and Mech/Femme relationships. Cliff-hanger, because this is part 3 of a WIP.
Note: Possible OOC towards the end. I wanted to get this draft up before I go on vacation.
The morning of the meeting day found a group of Cybertronians staring into the depths of the Grand Canyon from the relative safety of the rims.
"We're meeting them down there?" the one closest to the edge queried.
Having heard variations of this question many times before, the group's resident sarcasm generator replied, "No, dumb-aft! We're just here for the view."
The first speaker continued as if he hadn't heard the response, "'Cause you could probably hide a gestalt or two down there."
"Or Omega Supreme," the group's leader idly noted. "But, we're wasting time." Stepping into mid-air, Megatron activated his thrusters and began a controlled descent into the Canyon.
The rest of the Decepticon delegation followed.
***********************************
One harrowing drop later, five Decepticons - one carrying a multitude of cassetticons - were wearily standing on the bottom of Grand Canyon.
"Pit, I never want to do that again. I think that was the worst non-combat flight of my life."
"And just think, Thundercraker, we get to do it again when this meeting is over. All because our great leader," Starscream sneered, "agreed to hold it in this miserable canyon. A canyon the Autobots chose, no less."
Megatron's response to Starscream's taunts came swiftly and surprisingly. A low power blast from Megatron's arm canon traced a line down Starscream's left wing - deep enough to hurt, but not to permanently damage.
Starscream winced and fell silent at the reminder of Megatron's threat.
"You don't have to go straight up. There's another way out," a familiar voice interjected.
"Elita-1," Megatron offered the femme a vaguely mocking bow. "How good of you to meet us."
The femme commander arched an optic ridge, "You're early. Optimus didn't want you to get lost in here." She gestured to the path to the meeting site, "This way, mechs."
Falling in step beside Elita-1, the Decetpicon Lord dryly commented, "How thoughtful of Prime." Megatron paused before broaching a previous topic, "You mentioned another method of exiting the canyon. What were you referring to?"
Elita tossed Megatron an amused glance, "You have two choices. Either follow the Colorado River until it exits the Grand Canyon or thread the network of canyons until you reach the Painted Desert. Both options allow you to enter the air without the problems of flying over or within the Grand Canyon."
The grey helmet dipped briefly in a nod, "You present valid options, Elita-1. I... thank you for them." Directing his attention back to the other Decepticons, Megatron added, "Soundwave, determine which method will be the quickest."
"Affirmative: As you command, Lord Megatron."
After the small exchange, silence descended upon the group. An uncomfortable one, even by Megatron's admittedly strange standards - which included being glared at by a certain Autobot leader after breaking a temporary truce for the nth time in the comfortable column.
Still, as uncomfortable as the silence was, attempting to make small talk was worse. It was hard enough to find a topic to discuss with a known mech. What did one talk about with an enemy femme on your way to arrange an armistice? For some reason, 'How did your last raid on my troop's energon supply go?' and 'Why pink?' didn't seem like safe topics to pursue.
Fortunately for all involved, the meeting site came into view.
Merely a wide, clear spot of the canyon floor, the location provided an excellent view of the canyon rim and the open sky beyond.
Megatron felt his mood lift at that.
It was a sign of the Autobots' unfailing kindness to arrange a location that would limit any problems with claustrophobia to which the flying Decepticons were prone. It was both a strength and a weakness of the other faction. Easily exploitable, but showing a firm conviction that the Decepticons would eventually accept the gesture as intended.
At the moment, Megatron could only thank Primus that the Autobots' retained their optimistic nature. This would be a lot harder if they were more like the Decepticons.
Megaton studied the assembled Autobots.
Optimus Prime, flanked by Ultra Magnus and Elita-1, stood in the center of the meeting area. Farther back, the legendary Alpha Trion leaned against a canyon wall. The last Autobot - Skyfire - was heading towards Starscream.
The giant mech stopped just beyond arm reach, "Starscream, would you care to examine the exposed geological strata with me?"
"I'd be happy to," Starscream replied, happy to locate a sympathetic audial to unload his tale of woe into.
Watching the two fliers walk deeper into the Grand Canyon, Megatron suppressed a smile. Starscream and Skyfire's exit couldn't have gone better if he'd explicitly planned it.
Megatron's attention returned to the gathering via a comment by Alpha Trion, "Examining exposed geological strata? Is that what they're calling interfacing now?"
The wry, matter of fact statement coaxed a snort of laughter from Megatron. Who would've expected the renowned Alpha Trion to have such a dirty CPU?
Tension destroyed before it could even form, the two groups exchanged the usual pleasantries.
Finally, Optimus brought up the question on all the Autobots minds, "Megatron, you requested this meeting for a reason. Will you please share it with us?"
The silver mech steepled his fingers, debating where to begin the explanation. "Prime, when your soldiers retreated here, to Earth, what did they tell you about Cybertron's condition?"
"They reported that the vorns of fighting had ravaged the cities and decimated the population. The dead out-numbered the living. Energon was scarce, with starvation threatening every mech and femme," Optimus paused. "Unless I miss my guess, something about the energy crisis prompted this meeting."
Megatron inclined his head in assent, "Perceptive, Prime. The energy crisis is the entire reason I'm willing to attempt a truce." Shifting slightly, Megatron continued, "Shockwave contacted me earlier this week. According to his evidence, every mech and femme on Cybertron will starve within approximately 3 and a half orns, and within a decade Cybertron itself will follow." Megatron shuttered his optics, hiding his own anguish at the fate of his home-world from view, "If we are still at war when that happens..."
Alpha Trion interrupted, "All Cybertronians will face extinction." The oldest mech living on Earth's face reflected the seriousness of the situation, "May I see Shockwave's evidence? I doubt he's made a mistake; I merely wish to compare his data with my own."
"Be my guest. The more scientists who analyze the data, the better chance we have of stopping and reversing Cybertron's decline." Megatron gestured to his communication officer, "Soundwave has both Shockwave's original information and Starscream's interpretations of that data."
Alpha Trion looked at the navy mech, "Soundwave, do you mind? I'd prefer another perspective to compare ideas and theories with."
"Arrangement: Acceptable. It would be an honor."
With Trion and Soundwave working on the data, the meeting broke up into smaller groups.
Thundercracker and Skywarp reclined together on a flat rock, absorbing solar energy through their wings. Elita-1 and Ultra Magnus were sitting by a canyon wall, quietly discussing something.
That left, Optimus realized with a shock, just himself and Megatron. While he could attach himself to an existing group, it would be rude to leave Megatron alone. Still, Optimus hesitated.
Surely it would be best to let Megatron make the first move....
Optimus restrained the urge to shake his head. Megatron had already made the first move, that's why they were meeting in the Grand Canyon. It was Optimus' turn to bridge the gap between Autobot and Decepticon, he only had to take the initial step.
Still, what does one say to the (undeniably handsome) mech who tried to kill you - and you tried to kill - several times before? A comment of the weather would be completely ridiculous.
What did they have in common? They were both leaders, both responsible for the lives of every member of their factions... They were both Cybertronians....
"Megatron, are there any places on Cybertron you want to see restored quickly?"
"Hmph. Not really," Megatron glanced at Optimus from the corner of his optic. "What about you?"
Optimus thought for a moment, "I'd love to see the Great Library in Iacon restored. It was one of my favorite places there." Red shoulders shrugged, "Other than that.... My hometown. Call me sentimental, but I can't imagine leaving it in ruins. You don't feel the same way about Kaon?"
"Kaon was a refuge for me - nothing more." Megatron chuckled darkly, "Who knows, vorns of warfare may even have improved Kaon. It always was a dump."
Megatron's confession intrigued Optimus, "You aren't from Kaon? It's the town usually associated with you and the Decepticons."
"No, I'm not," Megatron paused, debating something before continuing. "I doubt anyone from my hometown would care to admit that I grew up there. Anyone I knew there likely prefers to think of me as a casualty of the Mine C-12 Riot, rather than the leader of the Decepticons," the silver mech commented factually. "What about yourself?"
Optics dimming slightly in sadness, Optimus answered, "My hometown was hit early in the war. Any other survivors - besides Elita and Magnus - would be unlikely to recognize me as the mech I was before."
"I see," a silence fell between the two mechs. Finally, Megatron asked, "Which city was it? There might be someone from the same area in my ranks...."
"I doubt it," Optimus held up a quelling hand and continued, "My hometown, Tyger Pax, was destroyed by...."
"Decepticon forces under my direct command, gathering fuel. Tyger Pax was the largest energy storage are on the way to Iacon," Megatron finished. "I remember the attack, Prime."
CPU screaming for him to keep this conversation going, Optimus sought frantically for a response to this revelation. "I'm impressed that you remember that battle."
Megatron snorted, "I remember every battle I made large mistakes or encountered new enemies. And that was the first time you and I crossed weapons."
Despite Optimus' best efforts, an awkward silence fell between them.
Fortunately for the two leaders, Alpha Trion spoke up. "I've finished my analysis of Shockwave's data. It tallies with my own, with a slight difference due to numbers of significant figures used. Our home... is dying."
Optimus scrubbed a hand across his face, feeling weary, "Thank you, Trion. Elita, Magnus, do either one of you feel up to heading a mission to save our home and the Decepticons?"
Ultra Magnus' mouth twitched, fighting a smile. "Now there's a mission I'd never thought you'd authorize, brother," the blue and white Autobot paused, "I'll take the mission. Save you the trouble of having to assign someone to it."
"Very generous of you," Optimus dryly replied. Becoming serious once more, he continued, "Select a team and head out as quickly as possible, Magnus. Time is of the essence and we don't want to waste any."
Magnus nodded, "I know. I'll leave my team roster with Prowl, if you're busy."
A sudden thought struck Optimus, "Megatron, is there anyone you'd like to include on this mission?"
"Starscream." Aware of the startled looks he was receiving Megatron added, "I don't have to deal with him and his whining, if he's on Cybertron."
Ultra Magnus glanced at his commander, "Mind if I take Skyfire along? We're going to need a transport and he gets along with 'Screamer the best."
"If you don't mind two of your team members vanishing to interface every few breems," Megatron snorted.
The blue and white Autobot shrugged, "If it keeps Starscream behaving properly, I'm all for it." Magnus paused, "And interfacing with Skyfire will keep Starscream busy and out of the way, so I don't have deal with him."
"I'd like to accompany you as well, Magnus."
"Alpha Trion?" The three highest ranked Autobots shared a startled glance at their simultaneous comment, before Optimus continued, "Are you sure you want to go, sir?"
The bearded mech smiled, "Of course! I know more hiding places on Cybertron than almost anyone, and we're trying to save the entire population."
"Of course," the Autobot leader conceded, though his optics were worried. Although Optimus knew Alpha Trion had survived longer than any other mortal member of their race - save, perhaps, Omega Supreme - Optimus still worried about his Creator's safety upon this mission. Too much could go wrong.
Still, if Trion really wanted to go, there was very little Optimus could do to stop him. Trion had never officially joined the Autobots, though he sided with them, and ordering the former leader of rebellion against the Quintessions not to do something was foolish - at best.
Optimus was jarred from his thoughts by Magnus' voice. "....I think we have a mission roster."
Noticing his commanding officer's subtle panic, Magnus discreetly sent a copy of the tentative roster to the red and blue mech, "Will tomorrow be convenient for everyone?"
"I think that would be best," Optimus agreed, giving the mission roster a quick look.
Megatron's eyes narrowed, "Why not now? Isn't every mech on the mission currently within this canyon?"
"Yes," Optimus shot his counterpart a wry glance, "They are. And if you want to be the one to get Skyfire and Starscream back here, I'm all for starting the mission today."
Cybertronians couldn't blanch, but Megatron made an admirable attempt at it, "No, thank you!"
"Besides," the Prime continued, "We still need to decide a location of the actual peace talks." Optimus paused, "Unless that was just a ruse to get energon to your troops."
A harsh laugh erupted from Megatron, "And end up in the same situation as we are now the moment you stop providing the Decepticons with energy? No, the offer is real. I have no desire to see our home world starve."
Fighting the urge to gape at the Decepticon Lord's unusual honesty, Optimus questioned, "Do you have any suggestions on where to hold the peace talks?"
"No," the silver mech tapped a black finger against his lower lip. "How about we continue with the arrangement that brought us here? The Autobots choose the place and the Decepticons pick the time?"
"Agreed."
"For the time... the orn after our joint team returns from Cybertron," offered Megatron.
After a quick conversion of Cybertronian time units into Earth measurements to confirm there would be adequate time, Prime nodded, "The location is the Tanami Desert in Australia." One blue hand held off protests, "I realize it's not the most hospitable region for us, but I will have my scientists and medics working on ways to keep all the delegates healthy." Optimus could practically see doubt hovering around Megatron's form, "I give you my word."
Red optics searched blue ones for an endless moment, as the two leaders faced off.
"Fine," snarled Megatron. "Soundwave, contact Starscream. We're leaving."
"Order: Acknowledged. Starscream has been summoned."
"I'll see you there, Prime," With that parting comment, Megatron's thrusters ignited, launching the silver mech towards the rim of the Grand Canyon and the waiting sky beyond.
Watching the Decepticons until they vanished from optic sight, Optimus' red shoulders slumped, "I don't know how I'm going to survive the negotiations. I'm still attracted to him, even after everything. But I can't. We can't." A humorless laugh spilled into the air, "I must be the universe's biggest masochist, loving Megatron. Pit, he almost killed me at Tyger Pax."
Feeling a hand on his arm, Optimus regarded Elita-1, "It'll be ok, Optimus. Magnus and I will be there. We'll keep you safe - even from yourself."
"Thanks," Optimus embraced the femme, "I'm lucky to have a family like this." Pulling himself out of the melancholy mood, the Prime addressed his subordinates, "We have a lot of work to do before either the mission or the peace talks occurs. Let's get back to the Ark and Autobot City and get started. Autobots! Transform and roll out!"
TBC....
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no subject
Date: 2008-06-17 05:23 am (UTC)This is win. Although I'm confused about the timing of Orion's assumed death, if Prime was in fighting form at the battle of Tyger Pax.
Megatron's attention returned to the gathering via a comment by Alpha Trion, "Examining exposed geological strata? Is that what they're calling interfacing now?"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHA!!!
Awesome!
no subject
Date: 2008-06-17 11:20 am (UTC)Thank you.
Although I'm confused about the timing of Orion's assumed death, if Prime was in fighting form at the battle of Tyger Pax.
In the G1 episode entitled "War Dawn", we see Orion get shot (twice!) at the beginning of the Decepticon invasion of his home city. Alpha Trion rebuilds Orion into Optimus in time for Prime to rejoin the fight and drive the Decepticons away. There's no indication how long the fight took, other than the 'bots who rescued Orion went from standing outside of Trion's door to sitting outside of it - it could be minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even years! So, that's what I'm referencing there.
(Also, Orion's home town is never named in the G1 series. I just picked it because I can see "Orion of Tyger Pax" being shortened to "Orion Pax." )
I'm glad you liked Alpha Trion's joke!
no subject
Date: 2008-06-18 06:38 am (UTC)Huh? *curious Kyra is curious*
no subject
Date: 2008-06-30 02:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-18 06:39 am (UTC)LOL!
The things you find when you reread things . . .
no subject
Date: 2008-06-30 02:54 pm (UTC)Yup, I'm always finding new points of interest while re-reading things.
no subject
Date: 2009-03-24 08:49 pm (UTC)