Blackness was all Optimus could see at that point in time. He shook his head to clear the processor. \u201cOogh, my achin\u2019 processor!\u201d he moaned. It was still black around him. \u201cWhat the scrap? The Matrix?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s correct,\u201d confirmed a motherly voice. Optimus turned to see a short, stocky femme stroll towards him. Her armor made her look like a blacksmith, she had a short handled hammer attached to her waist, and she had a three pronged crown on her helm. Optimus\u2019 optics went wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBy the Allspark!\u201d he breathed. \u201cYou\u2019re Solus Prime!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat gave me away?\u201d she said in a teasing tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy Lady,\u201d greeted Optimus, \u201cit\u2019s an honor to meet one of the 13. Maybe you can help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s the problem?\u201d she asked. \u201cYou defeated Shockwave, did you not?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes,\u201d confirmed Optimus, \u201cbut I seem to find it hard to believe that the Cyber Key was just waiting for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCyber Key?\u201d muttered Solus. \u201cYou found a Cyber Key?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes,\u201d replied Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut, that\u2019s impossible,\u201d mused Solus. \u201cI ordered all Cyber Keys to stay away from the planet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2026don\u2019t think I understand,\u201d stammered Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen I forged the Omega Keys,\u201d explained Solus, \u201cthey started producing Cyber Keys, like the ones you and Shockwave used. Alpha Trion saw a planet in the future and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWait, hold up, when was this?\u201d asked Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA few solar cycles after we beat the Chaos Bringer,\u201d replied Solus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlpha Trion is that old?!\u201d yelped Optimus. \u201cSheesh! Ironhide would be floored! I knew he had a special connection with the Matrix, but I\u2026wait\u2026no!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, Alpha Trion is one of us 13,\u201d answered Solus. \u201cHe didn\u2019t tell you this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo!\u201d replied Optimus. \u201cWhy\u2026? Never mind, I\u2019ll ask him later. Anyways, his Quill saw something about Mobius?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes,\u201d confirmed Solus, \u201che saw a hotbed of activity there and so, once the Cyber Keys were finished, I did something to their codes so they could avoid Mobius at all times. Something must have interfered and sent one there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMaybe more,\u201d muttered Optimus. \u201cCan a Prime check to see if there are other Cyber Keys?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot one of your caliber, no,\u201d answered Solus. \u201cBut one of my caliber, most definitely.\u201d She held her hammer in front of her and gathered light around her. Her optics started glowing a brilliant white as her sight pierced the cosmic veil of the universe to reveal what she sought. A frown of confusion crossed her features. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t make sense,\u201d she muttered as her optics went back to their normal soft, purple color. \u201cMobius is littered with Cyber Keys.\u201d Optimus arched an eyebrow and tapped his chin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s something here in this whole situation,\u201d he mused, \u201csomething staring at us in the face, but we don\u2019t have enough info to know what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a cosmic mystery going on,\u201d agreed Solus, \u201cand bringing the Cyber Keys on Mobius to my attention may be a step in solving it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut what caused them to go there? That\u2019s the question,\u201d quizzed Optimus. \u201cI originally wanted to ask how I managed to use one and how they work, but it evolved into something more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, I can answer your original questions, at least,\u201d replied Solus. \u201cThe Cyber Keys usually wait until they see a worthy bot to have the power they possess. In the code, they\u2019re told to examine the Sparks of all Transformers in the area and see which one has the qualities needed to use it. Evidently, it sensed that you had a burning sense of justice and will use it to win. You do what you believe is right, even when the rules say that\u2019s not right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBurning sense of\u2026\u201d stumbled Optimus. Then he remembered what Shockwave said. \u201cMany an Autobot have disregarded the warnings of their internal computers. All have fallen by my hand as they believe the universe has given them \u2018Burning Justice\u2019 to get through the fight,\u201d were her words. \u201cI thought she was kidding!\u201d protested Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe may have thought it to be one of her rare jokes,\u201d chuckled Solus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe has a sense of humor?\u201d asked Optimus, not believing it for a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDespite that fa\u00e7ade of logic being supreme,\u201d replied Solus, \u201cshe has an emotional side to her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf\u2026course,\u201d mumbled Optimus. He then felt a twinge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEr, you might want to prepare for the processor-ache,\u201d warned Solus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat processor\u2026?\u201d asked Optimus before he woke up in reality. \u201cACHE!\u201d he screamed once he felt it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOptimus!\u201d cried Ratchet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPRIMUS, THAT HURTS!\u201d shouted Optimus. Ratchet gave him a dose of painkillers, which dulled it slightly. \u201cOw!\u201d winced Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you all right, Sir?\u201d asked a voice. Optimus turned his head to see that it was Prowl that asked that question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI just went through the Pit and back from that fight with Shockwave!\u201d snapped Optimus. \u201cWhat do you think?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay, if all Autobots would clear the med-bay!\u201d ordered Ratchet. \u201cI have a patient to tend to!\u201d All visitors left the med-bay so Ratchet could work without interruptions. It took some time, but Ratchet cleared Optimus for duty. Optimus made a beeline to his office. On his way, he bumped into Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProwl, may I speak with you in my office?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEr, of course, Sir,\u201d gulped Prowl. The tactician followed his young superior to his modest sized office. He noticed that Optimus didn\u2019t sit at his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProwl, I\u2019m not entirely thrilled with your performance in the fight with Shockwave,\u201d remarked Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMay I ask how, Sir?\u201d asked Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI gave you an order to stay in formation when she and Metal Sonic gave chase,\u201d recalled Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSir, with all due respect, Shockwave was a greater threat than the Sonic robot,\u201d countered Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t know Metal Sonic like us,\u201d argued Optimus. \u201cYou exposed Ironhide\u2019s right flank, thus giving Metal Sonic more chance to attack him and get the Tox-En. When I give an order, I need it to be obeyed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIs it not my duty to suggest\u2026alternatives?\u201d asked Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOn a private comms channel during battle, yes,\u201d answered Optimus. \u201cWhat you did wasn\u2019t a suggestion, it was flat out disobedience. When I have made a decision, I expect you to follow through with it. I don\u2019t recall the history trax saying you\u2019ve ever pulled this stunt with Sentinel Prime. Were they missing that fact?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, Sir,\u201d admitted Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you feel that you can\u2019t follow through with your duties,\u201d continued Optimus, \u201cI can arrange for your wife to take your place while you deal with domestic matters. I wouldn\u2019t put in your file as a reprimand, simply a transfer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would prefer to remain here to tie up loose ends,\u201d countered Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen I would suggest you conform to the guidelines laid out, understood?\u201d quizzed Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, Sir,\u201d confirmed Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll right. I\u2019ve said my peace. Dismissed,\u201d directed Optimus. Prowl saluted and left the office in military fashion. After his tactician left, Optimus sat at his desk a few seconds later. He didn\u2019t look forward to reading Prowl the Riot Act, as calmly as he managed, and it left a bad taste in his mouth. He tried to get his mind off of the incident when his desk screen chimed. Optimus was snapped out of his reverie and pressed a button to receive the call. \u201cYes?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Naming Ceremony for the ship is ready,\u201d reported Jazz. \u201cTeam Dark is representing G.U.N. and Teams Sonic and Rose are requesting to join.\u201d Optimus\u2019 signature grin came back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey are more than welcome!\u201d he cheered. \u201cLet\u2019s head for the ship!\u201d Teletraan 1 activated the Ground Bridge and adjusted to compensate for putting the other end to a structure in orbit. Everyone had ended up on the bridge of the ship. Optimus had found a bottle of high grade Energon. \u201cMy friends,\u201d began Optimus, \u201ctoday, we stand with a new friend. This ship is no mere collection of bulkheads, circuits, windows, and consoles. This ship is our home away from home\u2026away from home, in reference to the Autobots. With all that said, I dub this ship the Ark<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWait!\u201d called Rouge. \u201cI thought we settled on the Watchful<\/em>!\u201d The bottle stopped about a foot from the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI settled on the Ark<\/em> because it sounded more majestic,\u201d explained Optimus, \u201clike the name for a fleet\u2019s flagship. The situation with the Harbinger<\/em> will need a ship and I\u2019m not against owning a fleet someday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYeah, but the reason people voted for Watchful<\/em>,\u201d recalled Ratchet, \u201cwas because they didn\u2019t want to call it a name like the space colony.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d snapped Optimus, \u201cbut, it\u2019s not their ship now, is it?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPrime,\u201d warned Ironhide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOkay, fine!\u201d sighed Optimus. \u201cAll Vanguard<\/em>-class ships have four scout ships. We\u2019ll call one of them the Watchful<\/em>! Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo objections,\u201d answered Prowl quickly. He didn\u2019t want to annoy his superior again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThank you,\u201d remarked Optimus. \u201cNow then, I dub thee the Ark<\/em>!\u201d He banged the high grade bottle on the wall, but it failed to even give a tiny crack. Optimus looked at the bottle and banged it again. Still nothing. Annoyance set in and Optimus kept banging the bottle against the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is gonna take a while,\u201d predicted Jazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou want to get some high grade?\u201d asked Prowl to the group. \u201cI know where the bar is and there is a replicator that can give Mobian drinks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHey, lead the way!\u201d directed Rouge. All members of the ceremony headed to the bar at four-forward, all except Optimus, who kept his attention on breaking the bottle against the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBREAK, SLAG YOU!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Blackness was all Optimus could see at that point in time. He shook his head to clear the processor. \u201cOogh, my achin\u2019 processor!\u201d he moaned. It was still black around him. \u201cWhat the scrap? The Matrix?\u201d \u201cThat\u2019s correct,\u201d confirmed a motherly voice. Optimus turned to see a short, stocky femme stroll towards him. Her armor […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1058,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[98,100],"tags":[146,337],"class_list":["post-1204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-transformers-mobian-chronicles","category-transformers-mobian-chronicles-arc-2-shockwaves-rise","tag-sonic","tag-transformers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1204","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1204"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1204\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1205,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1204\/revisions\/1205"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1204"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1204"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1204"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}