Transtech Revived

poor waspinator.

A New Army

It had felt like an eternity since Megatron had seen Cybertropolis. The sight wasn't making him feel any better, either. The last time he was there he had status, and strong connections in the criminal underground. Now, he was nothing again. It took him a long time to convince the crew of the Darksyde to betray Cryotek. There were no followers now, no one who knew he still existed. He needed an army, if he was to have his revenge. Unfortunately, all crime linked to his old master, Cryotek. He couldn't understand what compelled him into the underground. He knew it would all lead to the inevitable confrontation of Cryotek. Something that would normally make him fearful, but he pressed on, determined.

He could feel himself getting closer. He'd walked those halls of Cryoteks base of operations numerous times. Many successful missions resulted in this trek. Oddly, there were no guards. It could only be for one, of two, reasons. Cryotek was holding a meeting of all his minions, or, the base had long since been abandoned. There wasn't a speck of dust anywhere, not one item out of place, and the lights on. A dead giveaway of the former. Not far from Cryoteks thrown room, of sorts, Megatron could hear the voice of his old master. He was rallying his troops. Most likely a big heist. He wasn't certain what he would do, but, Megatron was about to interrupt. With no weapons and no plans, most likely this would end in distaster, but, strangely, he was fearless.

He approached the door to his destination. From within, he heard cheers from Cryoteks troops. He was at the peak of his speech. The perfect time to say hello to his former master. "We will rise up from below the streets of the Cybertropolis, we will destroy any of those who get in our way, and we will take back what is rightfully ours!" Cryotek finished his speech to a loud ovation of his troops. Just then, the doors burst open with everyone turning to face it.

"Well, well, master! I see business has gone on as usual, in my absence." Megatron entered and stopped near where to guards aimed their weapons at him.

"That voice is so familiar. Who are you, Predacon?!" It was a familiar voice, but Cryotek was too important to concern himself with the little people, and highly irritated with this interruption.

"What's the matter, master? You don't seem happy to see me. Your greatest pupal!" Megratron grinned.

The grin, helmet, the attitude. Cryotek could not believe his optics. "Megatron?" He asked softly.


"Yesssss..."

"Well, you certainly are a brave one coming here again. Look at you. No army, no weapons, not even an alternate form. You should know better after your deception! I nearly spent my remaining stellar cycles imprisoned after Maximal police found me! Good thing I have the best lawyers money can buy. I think I'll need them after police find the body of an unknown dead Predacon in the morning! Destroy him!" One of the two guards was about to fire, but Megatron shifted around him quickly taking control of him from behind, using his arm and weapon to fire on the other guard, knocking him to the ground. He then turned his attention to the other two guards standing near Cryotek. They fired on Megatron disregarding the protests of his captive. It wasn't long before he went offline. Still using his lifeless body as a shield, Megatron carefully aimed the weapon for one of the guards and fired one shot off at the guards head. It was a direct hit that left his spark extinguished. At almost the same time Megatron threw the body down and fired three shots into the final guard. The battle was quick and merciless. Cryotek was in shock. Before he was betrayed by Megatron, he was more a guard dog. Sloppy, impulsive, treacherous. It would seem Cryotek taught him well. Now he was cold, calculating, and methodical.

"Really now?!" Megatron laughed. "I leave you over 4 stellar cycles ago and this is the best you could do on security. Pathetic!" Megatron could help but be amused with Cryoteks men.

"Well, I can see the stellar cycles you have been gone haven't helped your arrogance. You've got nerve coming back here Megatron." Cryotek was all, but, amused with the situation. Megatron approached his old master until they were face to face.

"I came here for a truce, old friend. Let us put aside the past, the golden disk, your own men joining me. All in the past." Megatron turned pacing back and forth, Cryteks men watching him closely, ready to attack should Cryotek give the word. "Let us put aside our differences and work together... and rise up and take Cybertropolis as ours!" Megatron expected cheers, but, instead heard nothing but silence.

Cryotek smiled now. Megatron was always charasmatic, but, Cryoteks men were purely loyal to him. He learned from his mistakes with Megatron. "You really think that my men would join you so easily?! You've done nothing to prove yourself, Megatron! So you took out four of my grunts. Am I supposed to be impressed? What makes you think you could lead us?"

Megatron stopped to think a moment. Convincing Cryoteks men could prove harder then he thought. Striking down Cryotek could be disasterous. None of them would take the destruction of Cryotek lightly. He would need something that Cryotek would agree to. Just then Megatrons eyes widened. "Ahhh, yesssss..."

Cryotek look at Megatron in confusion. "Talking to yourself all of a sudden? You always did have a few circuits scrambled."

"Even after your men joined me, sometimes the only intelligent conversation I could find was in myself." Megatron stroked his chin as he said this, letting go and opening his hand wide as he finished. Cryotek scowled just as Megatron began to pace back and forth again. "Now, now. Don't be upset. It's not my fault you lack ambition and have done no real good to further the Predacon cause." Cryoteks expression grew more angry by the klik. "So here's what I propose. You have the connections, the energon, the credits, and the men. I on the other hand have the intelligence and strength to bring far more power to this little operation then have done in the last 4 stellar cycles. Joining with me, you would be my right hand and your men would see glory and credits like they could never imagine!" His words were beginning to turn a few heads as his tone grew more assertive. "But it's obvious they won't just join me on my words alone. So, I propose a test. I'm certain you still have the minion cage. That was always a grand source of your profits. So what do you say we settle this in a similar fashion?" Megatron stopped and stared into the optics of his old master with no fear, Cryotek staring back fearless as well.

"We don't have minions, Megatron." Cryotek paused for a moment as if amused in thought. "Well, in a way, I do." He looked around at his men insinuating how they were like his puppets.

"Of course, I'm aware we don't have direct minions, you fool! I'm suggesting that you and I enter the cage, unarmed, and settle this dispute through blunt trauma." Megatron smirked. In hand to hand combat he was certain he could take Cryotek.

Cryotek thought for a few moments. Megatron was clearly in the early stages of this new body. Weapon systems weren't even activated yet, and, with no alternate form put him at a further disadvantage. "Interesting. Very interesting. How could you possibly defeat me? No weapons, still in your post protoform stage. It's too irristable!"

"Good, then you agree?" Cryotek closed his eyes and nodded smiling. "Excellent! Simple rules. No weapons, no assistance, first one in stasis lock or..." Megatron grinned, "offline losses."

yow cool

hey r u gonna continue this?

Yes, actually. Right now. Got stuck in a particular area, but I sorted it out and finished it. We shift focus back to the Maximals who are about to drop Thrustinator off at his new home, only to have a terrible predicment befall them.

Probable Improbability:

Its seems, all to often as of late, that the former crew of the Axalon was spending a little too much time in the conference hall of the Citadel. The stress was almost too much to bare for Leo Prime. In all the years, post Great War, he had never had to deal with a group of Cybertronians for more than a few Megacycles. Two solar cycles have past and yet, the more it seems everything is coming to a close, a new series of questions erupt. More specifically how is it Waspinator is experiencing multiple personalities. There was never any record of a Predacon named Thrust and it would seem the stories of this alternate time stream were becoming more plausable. "I say we lock him up. In the end he is still a Predacon criminal." He just wanted to be done with this and get back to business as usual.

"We both know that is not an option. All we need is the Tri-Predacus Council getting up our skid plates holding one of there own prisoner." Omega Prime always hated how touchy the Predacons were revolving Predacon criminals in Maximal prisons.

"I'm afraid I must agree with Leo Prime. He was in Maximal territory when he was arrested, therefore, is a Maximal prisoner. You don't see us getting bent out of shape when a Maximal criminal is arrested on Predacon territory." Black Convoy knew Predacon criminals got lighter sentences when in Predacon possession.

"We should have the Nexus drop him off at Steelhaven, and be done with it. Afterwards, they can finally get back to their mission of heading to Sol in search of energon. Optimus Prime and his Crew will accompany them to Steelhaven in hopes they might be able to find the identity of the mystery bot that Waspinator fears. This meeting is adjourned" Leo Prime and the others stood and left the conference hall.

Outside, on the docking bay the Nexus was on, all of Optimus' old crew had entered this ship except Rhinox and Optimus himself. Obsidian had explained to all of them how Strika and him decided to part ways for the time being. She said she had to do some 'spark searching', as she put it. Optimus and Rhinox discussed their plans for their trip the Steelhaven. "We'll dock at Steelhavens ship port and you and Cheetor can escort Waspinator in. Before, they take him off our hands you will likely be left alone with him for a few moments. Hopefully in that time you can convince him to name the bot that seems to be pulling all the strings."

"You think Cheetor will be alright alone with me. I mean its not public what he's gone through and I think it would be better if he was reeducated before he gets back to his job. I'm worried about him Rhinox." Optimus tilted his head down.

"Even before the Beasts Wars the rules were the same as now. I'm sure he is well aware to do in a situation. We all knew, one day, he would be Maximal Police. Its what we prepared him for, but you were like his father. You have treated Cheetor like one of your own since before the Beast Wars. You turned him into the bot he became afterwards. And up until these recent events he was still a little rambunctious. Suddenly he was like a new bot. In a matter of moments he went from an immature, and at times, a little arrogant child, to a wise and powerful warrior. I agree with you. He experienced something. And it made him... well, just like you." Optimus looked back up at Rhinox after Rhonox spoke this. "Cheetor will do just fine. You don't need to protect him as much anymore. I think he's capable of taking care of himself."

Optimus sighed. "You're right. Cheetor will be fine. Lets get on board and send Waspinator to his new home." Optimus and Rhinox turned and walked towards the lift that would bring them on the bridge. They stood on top as slowly it lifted them inside the Nexus. On the bridge stood the Optimus' crew from the Beast Wars, as well as Rhinox's crew.

"Sir! We are ready to lift off on your order." Rhinox's second in command, Ironhide, stepped forward and saluted.

"Take off immediately. When we reach clear and open skies open a portal to Steelhaven." Ironhide repeated the orders as the ships engines began to rumble.

"Steelhaven, huh? I kinda hoped I'd never have to see that place again." Rattrap frowned.

"Steelhaven? What's that?" Nightscream had never heard of their destination before.

"Most notorious of prisons in Maximal control. Located under three layers of Cybertrons surface in the Steel Sea. I used to be a guard there. Worst 15 steller cycles of my life. I was probably the only honest guard there." Rattrap clarified.

"You, honest? That's a laugh!" Blackarachnia scoffed.

"Eh, what do you know, poison breath?" Rattrap snapped back.

"Enough you two. We're all on the same team here. There is no need to bicker like children." Silverbolt said squeezing Blackarachnia's hand who was seated next to him.

"He's right! Besides, we're clear to open a portal now. Time you all see what this ship can do. Watch!" Rhinox pointed out towards the ships forward hull. Within the ship they started to hear a soft high pitched humming. Suddenly a smally ray shot from the front of the ship that stopped in midair and spread into nummerous rays which began circling around the empty space. Strangely, the empty space began to change in time of day and weather.

"What the...?" Cheetor looked on stunned.

"That's amazing. The skies of the Steel Sea opening before us." Blackarachnia's eyes widened.

"Once the portal is stable fly us through." Rhinox approached the screen in the forward hull. In front of him the portal widened until it was large enough for the ship the fly through. It was night at the Steel Sea, and their appeared to be a heavy energon storm. "That's odd. There hasn't been an energon storm on Cybertron in eons." Rhinox was stunned.

"Sir, perhaps we should wait till the weather clears. No need to risk it." Ironhide knew the ship would be unaffected, but, this storm didn't give him a good feeling.

"Proceed through. The Nexus could be struck by an energon bolt head on and not sustain a scratch. Still, this is odd. No matter. To Steelhaven." Rhinox ordered. The ship thrusted forward and in moments they had reached their destination. Steelhaven. Yet, there was no surface entrance on the ground. "Where is Steelhaven?!" Rhinox felt a sudden surge of fear processors.

"Eh, I think its worse than a missing prison, old friend. Look!" Rattrap pointed to an object not far off from their location. In the distance hovered amd enormous ship that was nothing like anything known on Cybertron. The technology was beyond their comprehension.

"What is that?!" Blackarachnia was in awe of its massive structure.

"It makes the Nemisis look like a paper weight!" Optimus could not believe his optics. Suddenly, and transmission came over their comlink.

"Maximal ship, Nexus. You have entered ristricted Cybertronian air space. Futhermore, you have not yet checked in and are not registered for flight to any location within this galaxy. You will follow us back to our central hub of Axiom Nexus for registration immediately. Resistance will not be tolerated." The voice was chilling and authoritive, but the reality was far more grim to Rhinox. He now understood what happened.

"As improbable as it seems, we are in an aternate reality of Cybertron."

cool


alternate dimension

Let's check in and see how goes the fight between Megatron. For a little bit while writing this it started to feel as if Megatron were a hero:

Dog Fight:

The cheers and howls within the small arena were deafening. Cryoteks men were getting anxious for the fight. Bets were already being placed, most on Cryotek. They had confidence that Megatron was destined to fall. Finally, the moment arrived. Cryotek and Megatron were on opposite sides of the cage and the announcer between them, treating it as if it were a spectacle. "Predacons, I welcome you to a first here in the arena. Tonight we will not have minions fighting it out over prize money, but two Predacons, highly regarded in the criminal underground, duking it out for control of our entire syndicate! "The cheers in the crowd grew louder in anticipation. "In the left corner, he is considered a menace throughout Cybertron, and dubbed a virus by our own noble leader. I give you, our traitor, Megatron." The crowd boo'd Megatron, but, he cared not. Once he won, he would ensure they all respect him. "In the right corner, our glorious leader, the single greatest Predacon thief... no, Predacon period. Cryotek!" The cheers only got louder when Cryotek was announced. Megatron couldn't wait for this to be over with. "The only way for one of these two to win is for his opponent to enter stasis lock or go offline. Now, let the battle begin!"

Immediately Crytek charged Megatron, pushing the announcer out of the way and swinging his left arm as his fist collided with Megatrons jaw. The blow knocked Megatron back as he stumbled to one knee. Holding his jaw in hand Megatron grinned. "Quite a dirty move, I must say. I like that." Behind him Cryotek was celebrating with his troops, patting himself on the back for knocking Megatron to a knee. Megatron stood again, and faced Cryotek grinning. Cryotek scowled and charged again ready to swing is left arm once more, only this time Megatron countered grabbing his arm and swinging Cryotek over his shoulder and to the ground. Megatron backed away afterwards and awaited for his old master to rise. "I thought you would make his harder on me master. This is not the Cryotek I remember." Megatron's taunt further irriated Cryotek as he stood and charged only to be knocked down again. "Oh, please
master! This is pathetic!"

Cryotek stood and tackled Megatron to the ground and began striking Megatrons head with massive force. Eventually the blows began denting and cracking Megatron's helmet. This did not weaken him however, as Megatron shifted his position so that he could strike Cryotek back with his legs. Cryotek fell back and stood quickly as did Megatron. "I expected more of you Megatron. Even in this basic form I'd have figured you at least be able to defend yourself better. Look at you, not even in shape to fight anymore. Already I sense your energon reserves being drained." Cryotek was right. For some strange reason Megatrons energon reserves were draining. If this kept up he wouldn't have enough left to strike back.

"Do not underestimate my willpower. I did far more with the Golden Disc then you could have ever dreamed. Within a few stellar cycles I became a god. Had it not been for those Maximals I would have reborn Cybertron, under my rule!" Megatron lunged forward and struck Cryotek across the jaw knocking Cryotek back into the cage. As soon as Cryotek made contact with the cage an electrical discharge released jolting Cryoteks systems as Cryotek groaned in agony, until he pulled himself away. Oddly enough this made him smile.

"I forgot to tell you, I had them turn on the electrical field for this fight. It'll make defeating you that more enjoyable!" Cryotek jumped towards Megatron and kicked him into the cage, giving Megatron a similar jolt. Megatron only winced at the pain and pulled himself away. He was proving tougher than anticipated in his primative body. "I'm impressed. I wouldn't have expected you to endure that as well as you did. This is a most satisfying fight, indeed." Megatron only scowled at his words and condencendingly approached, Cryotek. When he reached him he began throwing punches, the first of which Cryotek dodged, but, eventually Megatron began landing a large number of them knocking Cryotek further back towards the cage. Megatron threw one more roundhouse hoping it would push Cryotek back into the cage but Cryotek evaded as Megatron lost his footing and lunged into it. He groaned from the shock and after only a few kliks pulled himself away, only to fall to one knee. Megatrons body was heaving with exhuastion. His diagnostics showing his energon reserves were only at 47.43%, and slowly dropping. Something was draining him, and he figured Cryotek was experiencing the same.

"What is draining us Cryotek? What little game are you playing this time?" Megatron tried to stand groaning again only to fall once more. Energon reserves were at 44.68%. Megatron attempted to stand again, this time successfully. "Had this been before the theft of the Golden Disc, I would had crushed you quickly." Megatron stared at his fist and clenched it. "However, this body has made it only more difficult on me." His reserves were beginning to drop more quickly, at 40.3%.

"I meant to ask you about that. A little something I'd like to know before I destroy you. Why would you transplant your spark into such a pitiful protoform body? That's not standard precedure for convicted criminals. Mostly, they are merely stripped of their weaponry." Cryotek knew that all too well, as he took the fall for Megatrons deception.

"Simple. I died. I was attempting my uprising against Cybertron when I was attacked by one who knew where I was hiding. I had little time to react, as he ripped my spark from my chasis. Everything I fought and worked for, gone in an instant. For what felt like an eternity I burned in the pit, experiencing recollections of my failures, when I heard a voice. They gave me a choice, and I chose life. I was reborn." Megatron was staring at the floor, his mind almost a great distance away. An effect of his reserves being at 32%, no doubt.

"Look at you. Kneeling pitifully, slowly losing power, not even focused in our fight anymore. I think I'll do you a favor and put you out of your misery. Sorry, your new life had to be so short." Cryotek began approaching Megatron. Victory was almost a certainty. When he finally reached Megatron he attempted to grab Megatron by the neck but Megatron dodged quickly and in turn had Cryotek by his neck. Cryotek looked Megatron in the optics and saw something different in him. While his energon reserves were critically low his optics burned with determination.

Megatron rose to his feet again, still maintaining his grip on Cryoteks neck. Cryotek was putting up a struggle to remove Megatrons hand but his grip was like power bond. Megatron slowly lifted him off the ground, Cryotek kicking his legs trying to think of something that would free him. His thoughts were not fast enough as Megatron tossed him into the cage, Cryotek screaming from the shock he was receiving. He fell to the ground on his hands and knees his mind temporarly scrambled from the jolt. He did not have time to recover, however as Megatron had approached him and lifted him again by the neck, shoving him again into the cage. The pain was becoming unbarable for Cryotek, while Megatron only laughed maniacally as he also received a shock, Cryotek acting as a conductor for the flow of electricity.

Finally Megatron tossed Cryotek across the cage as Cryotek landed somewhere near the center. Megatron couldn't explain it but his reserves had remained around 10%, continually increasing and decreasing. It were as if the cage was draining him and his body regenerating what was lost. Finally the draining had stopped as his energon reserves slowly began to increase. Megatron grinned as he made his way toward Cryotek to finish him off.

Cryoteks energon reserves were now at 7.5%, his defeat inevitable if he didn't think of something soon. By some miracle Megatron had turned the battle around and oddly only seemed to be getting stronger. Cryoteks reserves were still be slowly drained. He was almost out of time. Megatron had reached him and in desperation he rolled around Megatron and gripped him in a full-nelson. "You fools! Turn off the energon absorbers!" Cryotek tried to maintain his grip on Megatron as long as possible.

"Master, they've been off for a few cyles now! Something else is draining us all!" One of Cryoteks lieutenants replied.

"What?!" Cryotek couldn't believed this. This was supposed to be an easy victory, yet now Megatron has the upper hand. Cryotek can't let him have the satisifaction. "My minions! Destroy him while I have him detained!" Cryotek knew this was his last resort.

Megatron gave up struggle and looked out of the cage, only to see a sea of weapons aimed at him. He didn't know what he could do now. There was no way he could avoid this. He closed his optics tightly, gritting his teeth, only to feel a strange surge of energy erupt from his body. Within nanokliks his energon reserves went from 37.6% to 7.6.% but not having felt or heard one shot fired. All he felt was Cryoteks grip release and a series of loud thuds. Opening one of his optics to peek at what happened his eyes went wide at what he saw. Every bot in the room had somehow gone into stasis lock, including Cryotek. "Well, by some unforseen events I guess I am not only the winner but my old nemisis survived. If I'm to keep him online I'll need to ensure he behaves without question, yes."

cool update

Nice story, a great alternative to Obsidian's Lament. Can't wait for the next update.

Well, here we are. Time to find out just where our Maximal friends have ended up and what their future holds. This probably one of my longest portions yet:

The Transtech:

The crew of the Nexus were filled with anxiety. Whatever Axiom Nexus was they could help but feel dread. Not only had they not reached Steelhaven, but it turns out they were in an alternate reality of Cybertron. At least, they thought it was Cybertron. While it would appear they were being escorted by a purely mechanical race, hundreds of stellar cycles more advanced than themselves, the locations looked nothing like their realities counterparts. They had passed Kaon, a Predacon territory, but instead of a ruin from the Great War filled with crime, pollution, and slums, there was a beautiful city, skyscrapers reaching higher than any known in their reality. Down on the surface they could see millions of citizens going about what appeared to be their daily lives.

"It looks so peaceful here. Doubtful they ever had a Great War." Blackarachnia stared in awe of the city.

"Look at that building!" Nightscream said pointing to a pyramid shaped structure. "Shouldn't there be a huge statue of Megatron there?!" He was right. In that specific location once rested an enormous tribute to the evil leader of the Decepticons. In this reality it was a building of some kind.

"It seems obvious we are indeed on Cybertron, however this world is based off an entirely different time stream." Rhinox pointed out.

"So what are we dealing with in this universe?" Ironhide asked, scratching his head.

"Well, definately Cybertronian in nature, but far more advanced. I'm guessing a world with little to no conflict, and given our predicament, I'd say were not the first interdimensional travellers." Rhinox looked out the window at the massive ship escorting them to this Axiom Nexus. Whoever they were Rhinox knew if they resisted, the Nexus would likely be vaporized.

"What makes you certain we're not?" Silverbolt was starting to feel as if he was an alien on his own homeworld, even if it was in an alternate reality.

"They identified our shuttle as the Nexus shortly after we passed through the portal. They knew we were Maximals which suggests they are familiar with Maximal technology. Given how advanced theirs is, it's safe to say it wasn't hard for them to figure it out." Rhinox answered.

"And we have been monitoring your conversations as soon as you entered our world." A voice came over the ships comlink.

"Who is that?!" Optimus looked around at first thinking someone was on board. The command decks monitor activated showing a very strange looking cybernectic lifeform. While its head and facial structure were slightly similar to Cybertronian techonlogy in their reality, it was clearly far beyond their own. His facial features were similar to that of one of the Seekers from the Great War, and while different in structure it clear it transformed into a jet of some sort. His coloring was so similar to that of a mystery Seeker, that Optimus could not help but open his mouth and chuckle. "Sunstorm, I presume."

"Curious. I was not aware of yourself being telepathic. My files show no mention of any version of yourself with such an ability. Regardless, you are correct. I am Sunstorm, former Decepticon, and commander of the Architype. This shuttle." Sunstorm responded.

"I was merely joking about your color scheme." Optimus added.

"Architype, huh? Wouldn't Starscream be the Architype?" Blackarachnia chuckled. Many of the others on board snickered at her remark.

Sunstorm scowled. "You're an unruly bunch, aren't you? Your mocking remarks aside, I will take this time to explain your situation." For the next couple of megacycles, on their way to Axiom Nexus Sunstorm explained the origin and purpose of the Transtech. In their beginning they were technologically inferior to all Cybertronian realities they encountered. Yet, it seemed their reality was the central existance that all others linked to. Through, their encounters they would meet with more technologically superior races and some would pass on their knowledge. For those Cybertronians not so kind the Transtech would teach themselves through experiment. This answer sounded quite vague to Rhinox and Obsidian. It appeared everytime they would attempt to get him to explain this further he would do his best to dodge the real answer. Eventually, as time progressed for their species their primary goal was to expand their technology and grow. They have never warred, there is only one faction, and every squabble from other factions that have wound up in their reality are dealt with by their security force. Their second goal after evolution is to return those Cybertronians who desire to their own respected realities. However, this process is usually slow given thousands of Cybertronians enter their world everyday. More time is spent registering them, then getting them home. Once registered they gain full access to the lower levels of Axiom Nexus, known as Cybertropolis in the Maximals reality.

"Now you said in time you will send any of those who desire back to their respected reality. What about those who don't desire?" Optimus asked hoping it would clear things up more.

"Those who wish to stay in our world are welcome to. We can't promise they'd ever afford to upgrade to our technology, but we can offer a peaceful and war free environment. Some even ask to enter other realities and time streams. This is strictly prohibited." Sunstorm answered.

"Other time streams? You mean you get visitors from all realities of any time?" Obsidian didn't like the sound of that.

"That is correct. To this day we still get even Quintessons from Cybertron during their slaving of Autobots from your own reality." Sunstorm added.

"That sounds like a terrible dangerous situation." Rhinox responded.

"Agreed. What is to stop a rogue from one time from destroying a powerful and important Cybertronian from their own past?" Obsidian questioned. Many of the Maximals considered his awareness to such a possibility to be odd given what Megatron had attempted.

"All entities of higher importance to one time stream are not given access to Axiom Nexus. They are instead confined for their safety, and often sent back to their respected reality immediately. I can't tell you of how many Optimus Primes and Megatrons we've had to send back for their own safety." Sunstorm explained. "Ahhh, we're here. Welcome to Axiom Nexus." With that the command decks monitor deactivated as all the Maximals looked out window in the hull to see a city which made the Transtechs Kaon look like an energon farming community. Skyscrapers everywhere, roads and pathways seemingly leading up the the heavens. It was astonishing. The buldings reached so high the Nexus and the Architype had to menuver around them. On many of the raised sidewalks and roads they could see species from multiple eras and many they'd never seen before.

"I wonder if this is how Megatron envisioned his perfect Cybertron?" Silverbolt questioned.

"Perhaps, but don't forget. in his vision he probably was Cybertron, so I doubt there would be any buildings, streets, or bots fillin' em' up." Rattap answered.

"You're probably right, but, then again, he was out of his mind and I could imagine him as a planet with cities forgetting the fact he enslaved everyone..." Silverbolt said as he looked over at Obsidian. Who was looking back. "Umm, no offense." Obsidian did not reply to Silverbolts remark and instead stared at the city before them. Cheetor ignored it and approached Obsidian.

"What are you thinking about?" Cheetor asked noting Obsidians almost distant expression.

"I can't see any race of Cybertronians achieving this level of technological advancement peacefully. What about those races not kind enough to share their technologies with the Transtech? How do you 'teach yourself' as Sunstorm put it? You can't just look at a superior lifeform and immediately understand how they function and even theories could take centuries before one suceeds." Obsidian sighed and faced Cheetor. "I'll be honest. Much like you and your friends still struggle to trust me, I don't trust the Transtech." Obsidian looked out the window again this time Cheetor stood next to him also looking at the city.

"You're only partially right with your statement." Cheetor spoke as Obsidian looked at him again. "I agree, I don't trust the Transtech and yes, my companions still don't trust you. I, however, am at least beginning to think that maybe I can trust you. I think."

Obsidian looked out the ships window yet again. "For reasons I'm struggling to understand I have been given reason to accompany you and your comrades. And as I have mentioned before, for my own reasons I will stay by your side so I don't think trust will always be an issue. As for Strika, I'm starting to wonder whose side she's on. Her choice to stay behind in Cybertropolis is her own, but, I can't help but feel alone without her. We've fought so many wars together, and now she has gone without me. I've accepted that Megatron is dead and regardless of his existance the organic no longer threatens our..." Obsidian stopped himself. "I'm sorry. That's not how I meant for that to sound."

"It's alright, and yes you did. Besides, in the end you were right. Our path led to Cybertrons destruction."

"It's not about sides Cheetor. That was simple misguidance. You were only doing what you thought was right." Obsidian and Cheetor both remained quiet for a moment.

"Even if you think it's right, it doesn't always make it right." Cheetor responded. A longer silence fell upon of them. They continued to pass building after building, the sounds of their comrads around them drowned by their thoughts.

"Cheetor, during the Spark Wars Strika and I were summoned to preserve Cybertron. I never once questioned..." he was interupted by another transmission over comlink.

"Maximal ship, Nexus. Sunstorm here. We are now approaching the Axiom Nexus Registration Center." The Maximals looked out the hulls window seeing a massive building ahead of them.

"So which building is it?" Nightscream turned his head side to side trying to find it.

"Perhaps the huge building in front of us with the big initials ANRC inscribed at its entrance." Ironhide scoffed.

"Nooo, too obvious." Obsidian added sarcastically.

"Head around to the rear and dock at level 4, gateway 12. Once you exit your ship, someone will greet you. You will follow them to registry. Failure to comply with any orders will result in criminal status and your immediate arrest, or death." Every Maximals expression turned to shock with Sunstorms threat. "Oh, and enjoy your stay here in Axiom Nexus, where life is an absolute pleasure. Sunstorm out." The last part sounded almost rehearsed.

"So I take it we comply?" Blackarachnia asked.

"Not unless you're eager to enter the Matrix or a nice cold jail cell soon." Optimus answered. Blackarachnia shook her head. The bots remained quiet as they docked. All were anxious and uncertain on what to do, or their fate in this new existance. The ship finally finished docking as the entrance port hissed, signifying it had attached successfully to the dock. The doors opened and every Maximal exited single file with Waspinator in power bonds and Optimus and Rhinox acting as guards following at the rear.

Upon exiting the entrance port all of them halted in their tracks, their jaws dropping in unison. That one floor of the center was an enormous open room, it seemed to go on forever with multiple doorways leading to other various areas of the center, as well as elevators and escalators connecting all the floors. There must have been hundreds of bots exiting other gates, many with the same expression of shock as the Maximals. Autobots, Decepticons, Headmasters, Quintessons, and others they did not recognize. The variety was almost endless. There were even completely organic lifeforms, no species they could identify. Finally a bot approached them his body and design were highly advanced, obviously Transtech with a small strange insignia that did not look remotely familiar on his forehead. It was almost menacing looking in a way.

"Greetings, Maximals. My name is Recoil. I will be your registry assistant today. Please follow me as I explain the process you are all about to experience. Listen carefully as I will only say this once." Recoil turned and signaled for them to follow, which they did. They followed him though the room to a nearby door that he opened which led down a long hallway with so many pathways and turns they thought perhaps not even Recoil knew where to go. All the while he explained the registration process. They would enter monitoring room followed by a device similar to a CR chamber which would download and analyze their datatracks. Afterwards they will be given an ID tag ingraved on a fingertip. They claim it cannot be altered or copied. They will use this tag whenever making purchases, starting their jobs, or entering their home. After registration, they will recieve a small amount of credits to live on until such time that they find work. Jobs are usually always available. Leaving Axiom Nexus will most likely be a process and not an option until the Transtech say. Should they decide to stay they must return to the ANRC and fill out the proper holo-forms. By living in their world they must abide by their laws and take a history course. Afterwards they are free to leave Axiom Nexus, but not Cybertron. That right is available only to Transtech politicians, security, or military.

After the long walk they finally entered a large room with multilple pods similar to stasis pods, and many computers and monitors with many Transtech monitoring them. "Please enter and lets get started." Recoil said leading them in. When all had entered the door closed and in groups of 5 they entered the pods. Each had received their ID tag some observing they weren't the only version of themselves that had come to Axiom Nexus, noting names like Rattrap 3 or Silverbolt 22. After registration was completed some Transtech were making calls looking at Optimus Prime as they spoke. Soon, a small group of Transtech entered, all looking as if they specialized in combat, and bearing a marking similar to a security badge.
They approached Optimus and spoke in an authorative tone. "Optimus Prime. Transtech Security. For your safety you must come with us." They approached Optimus with a device to add power bonds when Cheetor and the others objected.

"Whoa, I don't think so! Optimus stays with us, no questions asked. We stick together and never let any of our kind venture alone. You want him, you gotta get through us." Cheetor tried to block Optimus while they readied to attack when Optimus spoke.

"Easy Cheetor. We will comply."

"To the pit we won't!" Cheetor responded.

"Cheetor, we will not bring violence to this peaceful race. They are granting us permission to stay and we should be grateful." Optimus attempted to calm him.

"Sorry, bigbot, but we don't let anyone take our leader." Cheetor, Blackarachnia, Rattrap, Silverbolt, and Nightscream all formed a wall between Optimus and security. Obsidian took point in front of Cheetor in a guarding stance. "What are you doing, Obsidian?!" Cheetor asked surprised.

"Optimus Prime is your primary concern, and you are my primary concern. To get to you they must first get by me. I will not fail Ve... I will not let you get captured or destroyed." Obsidian answered. Cheetor could not comprehend what Obsidians motives were.

"Last chance Maximals. Move out of the way or we take him by force." The Transtech were almost too calm.

"Cheetor, please, don't!" Optimus ordered.

"Negative! Take us if you can!" Cheetor asserted himself. Quickly the Transtech pulled out a small device that immediately eminated a small wave of energy that shut down all the Maximals. They were all in stasis lock. Recoil signaled one of the officers to approach as the officer complied.

"Detain Optimus at the secret location. As for the others, call the securities office and have them send a wagon for all of them. Also alert the security chief. He must know about this." Recoild was about to leave when he spoke again. "One more thing. I sensed an anomoly from the kids spark. I also sensed a similar, but less significant anomoly from the kids bodyguard of sorts. Have your men analyze and search their entire datatracks and spark frequencies to find the source." The officer nodded at Recoils orders.