Optimus was not happy lately, why you ask because Megatron had started to use the fact he defeated Sentinel to propel himself as the next Prime of Cybertron. In Optimus's humble personal opinion, Elita Prime would be a better candidate for the position of Cybertron's leader. She has walked among those impoverished, those who battled to survived through war and society and even proven herself worthy and capable of the title of Prime. Optimus sighed, a habit he picked up from the humans whenever they were exhausted with anything and done with everything. The Prime believes it is an appropriate reaction to everything that has happened in his personal life so far and wishes Elita good luck with her sojourn into Primehood too. Ironhide entered his office at that moment, holding multiple data pads which made Optimus understand the expression about paperwork being alive and growing on it's own.
Ironhide snorted, "Do not make such a face, Optimus. You know clearing out the paperwork is better than letting it gather and become impossible to deal with."
Optimus grumbled, "I know.. It does not mean I enjoy it."
Ironhide placed the data pads down, "Megatron wishes to meet you."
Optimus took one to work on, "You heard?"
Ironhide crossed his arms, "Along with the rest of the turbo excrement he is spouting from his denta. The nerve of that arrogant Mech."
Optimus finished that pad, "Technically speaking, he is not wrong. Though I don't know how others would feel about him trying to replace Sentinel. Especially after everything that happened."
Ironhide, "Something else is happening here. What requests did he make?"
Optimus, "He wishes to meet Sam about a promise he made."
Ironhide was quiet for a while, "Sam would never make a promise just like that. He is very meticulous about agreements."
Optimus, "I tallked to Sam about it too a few days ago. He looked confused before sighing said, 'Sparky, did you?' He was quiet exasperated."
Ironhide, "Are you saying the Allspark made a promise on his behalf without his knowledge?"
Optimus mused, "Well, the Allspark has their own authority. So, I would not be that surprised if they use Sam as a conduit to exercise it from time to time. I just wish I had received information about it before."
Ironhide, "I bet Sam was surprised by it too then."
Optimus, "Surprised and exasperated by whatever explanation the Allspark gave. He did promise to give me an answer by tonight however."
Ironhide frowned, "Last I checked, he was currently dealing with the incoming Autobots and Decepticons the world over."
Optimus, "Yes, he avoids the Decepticon landings after Riftlock tried to kidnap him as a present for Megatron."
Ironhide shook his helm at that, "Understandable. Luckily, Bumblebee was there to protect him. However, I heard he stopped Bee from offlining the fragger for some reason."
Optimus sighed, "He did. I do not think I will ever understand how he thinks. He knows, Bumblebee is within his rights to do so under Cybertronian law. I would like to think Sam believes the Decepticon will be trialed on Cybertron but... "
Ironhide, "It feels like he is treating beings older than him like unruly sparks?"
Optimus snorted, "It does feel that way sometimes. I wonder if Bee realized it too, considering his expression when Sam stopped him."
Ironhide, "The Knight is smart I have no doubt he did. I however blame the Allspark for this devlopment. Sam has mentioned the Cube is like a proud parent most of the time."
Optimus hummed, "Indeed he has, it makes me wonder what else they have witnessed."
Ironhide, "No doubt, every atrocity Cybertron has witnessed. Come out Red Alert!"
Red Alert entered, "Apologies, I was here to deliver these datapads and got intrigued."
Optimus looked at him with exasperation, "You are not o bother Sam or the Allspark with questions or interrogation or inquiries, Red Alert."
Red Alert, "If a case comes up?"
Optimus, "If a repeat of old cases happen then I have no doubt the life giver themselves will tell us. From what we have observed and Sam has told us the Allspark has no filter."
Red Alert, "Very well, Prime. As you ordered it will be done. The winter season passed without incidents in most Cybertronian based colonies. I cannot say the same for the human ones however."
Optimus, "Make sure to offer any aid possible. I know the Rescue Bots are going around helping but an extra servo I believe is welcome."
Red Alert, "Also, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker have taken in Mudflap and Skids. I thought I should warn you."
Ironhide cursed as he rushed out at that leaving an exasperated Prime and a tired security Chief Officer behind. Optimus shook his helm wishing Ironhide luck with his endeavours and all things considered, it was nice of the twins to take responsibility of the younger ones. Another data pad was a report from the Rescue Bot side. It mostly consisted reports of the Griffin Rock island known for it's haunted sightings and mythical stories. Well, considering their own situation, he was deigned to believe in those creatures and beings existing and watching. It was just a pity he was too swamped with work to go fairy searching on the island though the Rescue bot younglings had fun searching for the beings. Cody had kept an eye on them to make sure they did not get hurt and there were no problems from what he read. It was the small wins that Optimus would take against all the helm aches he was having lately.
Ratchet gently nudge his charge, "What is in your mind?"
Raphael blinked, "Oh! Ratchet, another patient?"
Ratchet, "No, but you my dear boy have been lost in thought. What is the matter?"
Raphael, "Major Lennox offered cme a position for the Mars team. I heard things are really tense there with both the Decepticons and Autobots fighting over the Energon veins.... I want to go help but.... "
Ratchet, "You fear the family you cannot watch over will get into trouble, or more specifically Sam will get into trouble."
Raphael gave a wry smile, "Yes, basically... I want to go but I also feel reluctant to let them out of my sight. Not literally of course."
Ratchet, "I know what your words of speech are unlike some and I understand."
Raphael, "You do?"
Ratchet, "I received the chance to work at the Cybertron ward long before the war started but I was already set with my clinic helping others.... I did not move from their till I was forced to."
Raphael, "Did you regret it? Any of it?"
Ratchet chuckled, "But that is the thing little one, there is no right or wrong decidion to be made here. I never regretted helping them or turning down the offer. That same way you should not regret whatever decision you make. You can go or you can stay here, either way, I know you will help those who need you."
Raphael, "Ratchet... That was so cheesy."
Ratchet huffed, "And here I am trying to be insightful. Point is Raph, make the choice you know will bring you no regrets. Not others! Your life is your own. Live so you do not resent others or yourself. Primus knows you humans barely live even one vorn of your lives."
Raphael, "Thank you Ratchet, I appreciate this."
Ratchet ruffled the young one's hair, "Your parents wish to go to Mars as well, yes? It is their retirement aniversary I believe?"
Raphael, "Yes and I am worried because of the situation but my parents are stubborn."
Ratchet smirked, "They do deserve their enjoyment. Plus, I am pretty sure they are worried about Kup. They got along well with him the last time they were together."
Raphael, "Yeah, there's that too. I wonder how he is doing."
Ratchet, "Knowing Kup, most likely one of two things. First, training the younglings like no tomorrow. Or second, taken over the operation himself to avoid losing any of the younger members."
Raphael, "Feels like him. He always gave an overprotective parent energy."
Ratchet snorted, "Heads up! We have incoming patients."
Raphael, "Got it! Hey Ratchet, thanks."
Ratchet, "Do not mention it Raphael. I am always happy to talk to you."
Raphael grinned as they prepared to accept patients into their ward. They were most likely one of two groups in Raphael's opinion. One was the returning group from the latest mission in the middle of Africa, apparently humans had now caught the attention of exotic pet collectors universally. The second one is the group who were supposed to return from the Moon base and required decontamination and depressurization to get used to Earth's atmosphere again. It was the second one and Raphael ushered the humans to the decompression chambers which were equipped with items for the patients to spend time with while their body adjusts. It was one of the most useful inventions that Wheeljack successfully invented and a lot of the astronauts and countries were willing to pay millions for it. Optimus had strictly directed the money received from the compartments to the human - cybertronian medical wards around the globe.
And by directed Raphael meant the profits went to ensure the hospitals and medbay were always fully equipped and secured. There was a whole team located in different countries working together to make it happen successfully. He had at one point been present during the meetings and o say the discussions were intense and terrifying was an understatement. Every country representative was given a fixed starter amount by the system Optimus had set up but it would be up to them to get their hands on the remaining extra. Raphael felt goosebumps recalling the glint of greed in the eyes of some of the members and the intense discussion that followed with every country giving reason on why they needed the money. The ones who insulted others were politely escorted out of the meeting hall to calm down. Some of the countries played it safe requesting a percentage from the extra as an emergency while rest fought over it.
Raphael, 'Never again! I will let the account department deal with the money matters. It is too much of a headache for me.'
Raphael, "Sam? When did you get here?"
Sam smiled, "Hi Raph! I accompanied Bee actually."
Raph, "Oh yeah! His check up is today and Ratchet insisted on being the one to do it."
Sam nodded, "That and I wanted to get out as well without any meetings or whatever."
Raph, "You know, Miles' is planning on proposing to Mikaela soon."
Sam's eyes brightened, "Oooh! A party?"
Raphael, "Yeah, I think it will be a good way to unwind for us and our Guardians too."
Sam chuckled, "We can dream they will unwind."
Raphael, "Sam, I heard about what Megatron wanted."
Sam sighed, "Of course you did."
Raphael, "You are not thinking about agreeing, are you?"
Sam, "I am not suicidal Raph. Although, I do worry Megatron might try something drastic if I do not go though. There are nuances and rules... If they are ignored then things might end up becoming worse."
Raphael's expression became flat, "Is this about Megatron becoming a Prime?"
Sam, "Afraid so! Now that he is a Prime, there are things he can demand from me as the host of the Allspark."
Raphael, "Can't you decline? I mean you are the host."
Sam, "I can decline, of course but that would mean he can try other ways to get what he wants."
Raphael, "Of course he would. How are you holding up Sam?"
Sam, "I am strangely enough doing alright, all things considered."
Raphael, "Yeah? How is Bee dealing with that news?"
Sam, "Like an angry mama hornet. He has become more protective and I did not think that was possible anymore. He still gives me privacy but only to make sure no one we do not know is near by."
Raphael chuckled wryly, "I see. Do your parents know?"
Sam, "They suspect something is afoot but trusts Bee to keep my back safe so they do not ask many questions. Plus, they are more interested in spending time with my Uncles and Aunts. Now that, all of them have retired from their jobs."
Raphael, "Yes, hard to believe we are hitting our early thirties too but guess that's what happens when time flies."
Sam, "Bee hates the fact we grow too fast."
Raphael, "Understandable, they live a long life. When compared to that our lives are most likely no different than a blink to them."
Sam mused wistfully, "Yes, it is very fascinating if you think about it. Really makes you see things differently. Want to plan Miles's bachelor party?"
Raphael laughed, "Oh yes! Most definitely, it will be fun."
Rung was more busy than he had ever been for more than a millenia. Before joining the Lost Light, he was part of the temple Priests line. His responsibility was to lighten the overloaded helm frame by using his calming ability. It was just a few megavorns ago, right around the time the Decepticons were staging their rallies and protests for equal rights that he was ppicked to join the Lost Light. After that it had been a blur, travelling to different galaxies, solar systems running from spark eaters and having strange and fascinating adventures. He felt alive in a way he never felt before and something in him awakened half way through which terrified him in the beginning but now he treated it as part of himself. Rung however decided to keep that secret to himself, not wishing to be locked away behind closed temple walls if anyone ever found out he was a host for Lord Primus. Of course, the young Allspark host realized it but instead of telling anyone, welcomed him and Lord Primus properly to Earth.
Rung swears Primus rumbled in pleasure at the warm welcome and then disappeared for the time of the therapy counselling. He had a feeling the older being was talking to the Allspark if the expression of confusion and then understanding on the young one was anything to go by. Humans were such fascinating creatures, soft in body yet strong in mind, quick to get to work and yet finding time for others. Watching them was like watching the lives of some of his older clients go through the different cycles of emotions and struggle in a shorter amount of time. Rung wonders how his old clients were doing, if they were alive or still struggling with their inner struggles. Rung placed his datapad down as he finished his work for the day and went outside only to see Cyclonus and Tailgate with their triplets. Wasn't that a novel existence? Triplets, the first sparklings to grace the halls of the Lost Light.
Ultra Magnus, "Greetings Doctor, I see you are talking a walk."
Rung smiled, "Greeting to you as well Ultra Magnus. How have you been?"
Ultra Magnus, "Better than before, I will not deny I am hopeful about the future."
Rung, "Ah! You mean the meeting between Optimus and Megatron that is coming up?"
Ultra Magnus, "Yes, I understand things have been tense between my brothers ever since we left our home but I am hoping... I am probably being naive."
Rung, "There is nothing wrong with hoping. They are your siblings and you love them."
Ultra Magnus nodded, "Leaarning about the Rescue bots existence made things easier I think. Megatron always had a soft spot for them."
Rung, "Hmm... Fascinating, isn't it? How an act of kindness in the distant past can still have a huge effect in the present!'
Ultra Magnus, "I can only pray things get better for our sakes and the young ones as well."
Tailgate, "Cyclonus, I will put Medi - Plus in her nest to rest."
Cyclonus, "Already sleeping like a baby that one."
Tailgate mused, "Now to get these two to sleep. Or they will be cranky tomorrow."
Cyclonus chuckled, "Leave these two to me. I will take care of them."
Tailgate hummed, "Very well.. Oh Rung, Ultra Magnus. Good afternoon. I was going to put the little one to recharge."
Rung smiled kindly, "Of course, don't let us stop you."
Ultra Magnus nodded, "Watching the healthy growth of the little ones pleases me greatly. Please go ahead, we shall help Cyclonus tire the other two out so they may recharge soon."
Tailgate beamed heading to the private chambers, "Thank you Captain, Doctor, I.. We appreciate it."
Ultra Magnus, "Cyclonus, may we?"
Cyclonus, "Of course! Join us!"
Rung, "Active little ones, aren't they?"
Cyclonus, "Yes, and they are devloping so fast... I wonder if it is because we are on Earth. I know Chatter and Quickshot started human schooling already."
Rung stared at the former Decepticon, "Are you considering sending them to human school?"
Cyclonus, "After listening to the stories Chatter and Quickshot have shared, the three of them are most excited. Can you imagine the mutinity if we say no?"
Ultar Magnus an Rung chuckled hearing that and played with the two rumbunctious sparklings who babbled in sparkling cyber chatter. They had lately picked up human speech however thanks to the multiple kid shows and movies. In Rung's personal opinion, the humans had very fascinating way of imparting morals, teachings and lessons to their young. Either through entertainment media or through disciplined structures like schools and the like. More than once the thought of how scandalous it would be considered to send the sparklings through organic education system instead of the Cybertronian one. There was a reason why no one, Autobot nor Decepticon had broadcasted the existence of sparklings across the Universe. Those stickler for tradition nobles would have thrown their weight around to get their hands on a sparkling, considering they were unable to bear one themselves.
Rung, 'No, this way they would be safe. A shield of prejudice to keep them from being taken by force. I wish it was not so though.'
Ultra Magnus, "I have talked to Perceptor Cyclonus. He has finished making the human simulators for the little ones. It will only be for a few cycles, of course."
Cyclonus spoke softly, "Human kindergarten schools only lasts a few hours, it will be fine."
Ultra Magnus, "We will have to explain why they should say some things but not other things."
Cyclonus, "Sam shared his ideas with me about that. Special secret, he said, a secret between them just for them. I think it would work."
Rung, "And some of the stories show how amazing and special secrets between friends and family are. That might just work."
Rhobust mumbled, "Snitchs get stitchs."
Ultra Magnus, "Indeed, Thruster is out in recharge land."
Cyclonus, "Rhobust is almost out too. We should take them to the nest."
Rung, "I shall accompany you. I need to check on their mindframe system to ensure everything is working well."
Ultra Magnus, "I keep forgetting you were part of the temple."
Rung, "I adjusted to life in the ship quite well, didn't I?"
Cyclonus watched the interaction between his Captain and Doctor with fascinated optics and wondered about them. The Cybertronian shook his helm, Rung would not consider any relationship as long as he worked on the ship. It was one of the conditions the both Nautica and Rung had added before joining them to avoid complications during work and with the higher ups. Cyclonus will be a little thankful that he and Tailgate do not have to deal with that sort of complications. Rung and Ultra Magnus paused outside their unit while Cyclonus put the young ones inside for recharge. The Captain was still over the moon about the living sparklings who were with them. When he had first heard about the two sparklings his brother and his team were caring for, he will admit being jealous. It had been centuries since he and his team were stranded and their ship became part of the land. He had not thought about sparklings expecting to return home and then think about it only to hear grave news.
Ultra Magnus was in denial but the records proved otherwise and then there was the case about Optimus throwing the Allspark into space. Ultra Magnus felt his logic processors shut down at that decision and Optumus that shitty sibling of his had the gall to look sympathetic. Ultra Magnus understood the human expression of wanting to stranngle someone but he calmed down and listened to the rest of the events that took place on Earth. Ultra Magnus thanked Primus for the Witwicky clan who their thirteen Primes met during their first visit. He was going to ignore Rung's sneeze in the background and was thankful to Sam for having their backs literally. Now, Megatron his eldest sibling was demanding a meeting with Sam present for the meeting because of the Allspark. He was worried but hopeful about the future and before anyone knew it the meeting day reached them.
Bumblebee was unhappy, "We could just skip."
Sam patted his hood, "You know we can't, Bee. That is basically snubbing a Prime. You know that would give him the right to do something drastic, right? Like steal the Allspark as compensation."
Bumblebee growled, "He can try. I will fight him."
Sam, "I know you will buddy. Now, let's calm down and meet them. We are not someone who will be cowed by their presence."
Bumblebee huffed, "Of course not! Fine! Let's go, I do not like it, but I will deal with it."
Sam smiled, "Raphael and Miles are not happy about this either but they trust us to return safely. To be more precise, they trust you to bring us home safely. It is not like we will be alone either, Optimus and Ultra Magnus are with us."
Optimus rumbled, "Indeed we are! Fret not Bumblebee, we are here with you. You are not alone."
Bumblebee wanted to retort but they had arrived at the meeting point, 'I will snitch to Elita later. Humph!'
Megatron, "Optimus, my dear brother. You never disappoint. Ultra Magnus, have you been well, my youngest sibling?"
Optimus nodded, "Megatron, I see you are doing well."
Ultra Magnus, "Greetings eldest brother. I have been well. It is wonderful to see you alive and well. I was shocked when I heard what happened."
Megatron chuckled, "Fate had other plams for me as you can see."
Ultra Magnus smiled, "Congratulations on reaching Primehood, brother. I know Optimus has been wishing to retire."
Megatron faltered, "Oh? That is news to me."
Optimus, "I do not know why it is so surprising. I know I told you what I wanted to do with my life a long time ago... Before everything happened and went awry."
Megatron sent a quick glance to Shockwave before at him, "Yes, fates can be cruel."
Bumblebee scowled, 'He should have known better than to take Shockwave with him, if he knew.'
Sam was eyeing Megatron, 'He looks like a Knight... Well, at least he is not calling himself Galvatron.'
Megatron turned to the human in the group, "Hello Samuel James Witwicky, host of the Allspark. I believe you promised my men something."
Sam bowed slightly, "Greetings Megatron Prime, leader of the Decepticons. Yes, the Allspark made such a promise. I only hope they will keep their side of it."
Soundwave, "Query: Meaning?"
Sam smiled at his secretly favourite Decepticon, "Meaning the Alspark is well aware of the ten percentage of sparklings that were rejected from the sparkling batches they gifted Cybertronians before."
Breakdown growled, "They what? How come I.. we did not know about this?"
Optimus, "That is news to me too, Sam."
Sam gave a sad smile, "Sentinel kept it well hidden from you, Optimus. Do not blame yourself for wanting to trust your Sire. He broke it, not you."
Ultra Magnus mumbled, "So, he really was hiding something. I knew I was not crazy."
Sam turned to Soundwave, "The nobles who help Sentinel control Cybertron had, you could say first dibs on sparklings during the mass birth season. They would scan the sparklings and pick the ones who were the most... Well, normal or perfect and reject those that were even the slightest bit different."
Soundwave, "Query: What happened to the ones rejected?"
Sam, "In best case scenario, raised by the ones in lower caste... In the worst case scenario they returned to the well of sparks."
CLANG!
Knockout, "Breakdown... Oh! Who am I kidding? That pisses me off too. Do you have any idea how long we had to wait? Or how many times we were denied? For Primus's sake! Only to... Only to lose them?"
Sam, "I know, I received their memories. Their last thoughts were of you."
Breakdown, "The Allspark's symbiotic relationship with you. Heh!"
Knockout, "Ironic, isn't it? The nobles would be up in arms if they knew what was going on around here."
Sam, "Speaking of sparklings, the Allspark has finally located their sparks and has prepared them for rebirth."
Breakdown, "Truly?"
Sam, "However, you must understand, they went through something traumatic. So, after what happened the three sparks merged in an effort to comfort each other. Basically, they might be reborn as triplets or as one sparkling or as twins, it depends on them."
Knockout, "Will they remember what happened?"
Sam, "No! The Allspark can erase existing memories as it is a tangible existence. The emotions and trauma on the other hand is different case altogether. Those two are something they felt to the core so the Allspark has no jurisdiction over that."
Megatron chuckled startling them, "It pleases me that you are getting along with my men, little one. Shall we get down to business?"