Stahldrache awoke to darkness. What had happened? Where was he? Why was he so groggy—disoriented? When was Magnaboss supposed to admit him, and WHERE?
Slowly he realized that the darkness was real, not simply an effect of his imagination. And he had the ominous feeling that something was watching him.
He was a Transmetal II, still, and proud of the fact. Darkness wouldn't stop him as long as his spark could make light. And when the silver glow filled his spark, then his surroundings, he found himself behind a forcefield in a Maximal prison cell. However, his imprisonment caused him less surprise than his visitor.
Few Predacons were above Stahldrache's height, and the 'bot that stood outside his cell was no Predacon. His heavy frame of deep violet steel was enough indicator of that. The Maximal symbol that graced his arm, however, also seemed to be a blatant lie. If he was no Autobot, he was a Decepticon, and the passive malice that transmitted across his cyclopean gaze seemed to Stahldrache to, somehow, suggest the latter. On the giant 'bots shoulder rested a second robot, a good deal smaller, and in the Transmetal metallic beast mode of a bird. There was a severe angularity to the resting falcon, lines that suggested he was no Maximal himself.
If the visitor was surprised by the light, he made no movement that suggested it. His voice was calm as space, aristocratic. "What do you see, Predacon?"
Stahldrache scanned his limited history files, looking to put a name to the figure before him. He came up empty. "I see something... I need more information about."
"Really?" The cyclops seemed surprised. "Who...do you think I am?"
"Magnaboss?" He spoke it as a question, but he knew it was the answer.
"Very good. Perhaps you're more perceptive than I gave you credit for." The Decepticon gave a pat to the bird upon his shoulder, who squawked an agreement with his last statement. "But now, can you be sure you're really seeing what you think you see? What is the last you remember?"
"I was...going to see you... See Magnaboss, in the Citadel."
"And now I believe you're dreaming."
Stahldrache didn't agree with the logic; he was certain he was not.
"No... I don't think you'll remember this at all, when you wake up next. I don't think you'll remember this, either."
And as the giant turned to leave, his words faded in the air, as Stahldrache felt another sudden, overpowering urge to sleep.
Optimus Primal was reluctant, still, to give away the volume that has gotten him through so much of the past few years... helped him to cope with the deaths of his comrades... given him hope for the future of the universe. But of all people in all times, there are few he would be more willing to entrust with the Covenant than the female to which he passed it now—Cybertron's greatest daughter, Elita One.
Elita had a beautiful office on the top floor of the citadel that seemed to belong to her alone. The view over Cybertropolis was through windows tinted to black from the outside, but which offered a sparkling blue panorama from her current position. Her spaces had the otherworldly luxury of potted plants: something Optimus had seen rarely outside of Rhinox's abode. Elita stood before the heavy desk, where she used switches and monitors to control the Magnaboss puppet drone. She nodded at Optimus once; she had a warm Autobot smile, and it filled him with a unique mix of beautiful and sad memories, none his own. "Thank you, Optimus Primal."
"You're welcome. Um. Elita—"
"Incidentally," she responded, cutting him off before he could speak, "I've had my advisors keep you in scan. What you're thinking is high treason at best."
Optimus's jaw dropped. He attempted to cover up his surprise; he wasn't the type to make a rash gesture, or start an international affair, but the idea of the Maximal agents reading him completely disturbed him. Was nothing sacred?
"Besides, you should know well enough that you and I are not actually compatible in the way you seem to believe we are."
"I was..." He stammered. "—was under the false impression that, maybe you hadn't remarried."
"You were wrong. I am the Magnaboss, and I am married, to the Magnaboss."
"Who is he? Who? I won't make anything of it; I swear; I JUST NEED to KNOW."
"I cannot say."
Optimus was more upset than ever at the secrecy, but with Elita's calming presence his temper swiftly died. "If you can't tell me that...tell me this. One question, and I'll leave. Is Optimus Prime...still alive?"
Elita's eyes darkened. She stepped back, and met Primal's gaze. "For his sake, he had better NOT be."
She turned to leave, back into her spacious office, and Optimus realized, somehow, that he'd made a mistake. But what could it be—could it possibly...
"He's a Decepticon! You married a— a—"
"Goodday, General. We will keep in touch."
"Which one? WHO?"
"You said, one question, you would leave. I have answered your question to the best of my knowledge." She placed the book on a shelf behind her desk. Optimus waited, his stare fit to burn a hole in her back.
"If you do not leave, I might have my guards escort you."
Knowing she could do even less politely than that, Optimus shifted to beast mode, and turns his back to leave. "Fine. Your orders, Magnaboss... We'll be in touch."
People of the Predacon Capitol!
Let it be known that your new savior has arrived!
For despite all adversity, MEGATRON STILL WALKS the face of Cybertron!
And MEGATRON believes that his people, and the DECENDANTS of his people, have suffered too long from an unwarranted oppression! The fate of the Decepticon is to CONQUER! And the RIGHT of the PREDACON is...to conquer!
Too long have we listened to the words of Tripredicus; a government that respects only its own interests! And now...the information the Maximals who hold their treaty does NOT want you to KNOW: The Tripredicus Council holds their true alliance with UNICRON HIMSELF! And in this alliance, plan to DEVOUR Cybertron, and her people with her!
I say to this NO MORE! No more will Predacons be forced to bow to Maximals, while their own leaders plot to destroy them! No more will we be the lesser race!
For I LOVE Cybertron. And I see on Cybertron the brightest of possible futures: A future ruled by the children of the Decepticon race! And a UNIVERSE ruled by the children of the Decepticon race!
And with the might of Megatron, shall the planet be conquered!! The time...for revolution... is NOW!