EPISODE III: SECRETS ANSWERED
�So let me get this straight,� Galvatron said. �That material you found, it had this Liege Maximo�s DNA on it?�
�I�m afraid so,� Optimus Prime said. �I don�t know how he factors into all this, but he has been dead for years. Megatron tore him in half.�
Still on Cybertron, the two Transformers were in Perceptor�s lab. They were going over what should be their next course of action. With the new evidence discovered by Hook, the situation was carrying on a whole new outlook. What did the Liege Maximo have to do with all this?
�Well, where did the Liege Maximo die at?� Galvatron inquired.
Optimus remembered exactly where it was. �A place called the Hub.�
�Well, you know what I think,� Galvatron said, smiling. �Let�s go.�
After preparing a shuttle, it was decided that Optimus Prime and Galvatron were going to the Hub. This left Rodimus Prime and the rest of the Decepticons back on Cybertron to repair the damaged radio transmitter.
While traveling in their ship, the two enemies struck up a conversation. They discussed their different views, their battles, and other experiences.
�So this Liege Maximo, he was a giant Transformer with the ability to change into a dragon?� Galvatron asked.
�Yes,� Optimus said. �It�s been so many years, almost a lifetime ago.�
�I wish I was there,� Galvatron said. �I�ve always loved a challenge.�
Optimus shook his head. �It wasn�t a challenge, Galvatron. The Liege Maximo was a curse, to both the Autobots and Decepticons. If Megatron hadn�t have been there with me, I don�t know if we could have won or not.�
Galvatron suddenly had an idea, but he let it pass. �Well, what do you think Omnicron�s game is? He�s kidnapped all of the Autobots, visited the Liege Maximo�s body, what�s next? Why didn�t he come after the Decepticons?�
�I really don�t know,� Optimus said. �This just leaves me with a very bad feeling. Even though he�s dead and gone, Unicron�s handiwork can�t be ruled out.�
At that moment, they were approaching the Hub. Optimus checked to see if Rodimus had the transmitter fixed yet. After pressing the button, he found there was still static. Switching it off, he looked for the planet where he had fought the Liege Maximo and his troops.
�There.� Optimus Prime pointed to a large planet, one that looked very familiar.
�Well,� Galvatron said. �Let�s get down there and see if we can�t find anything.�
Back on Cybertron, Rodimus was becoming wary of the Decepticons walking around. It was hard not to be. Every time an allegiance or truce was formed between Transformer factions it was only a matter of time before the Autobots were betrayed. Rodimus wondered how long it would take the Decepticons this time.
At the moment, he was working on the deactivated communications tower. The Autobots stationed on Earth still had no clue what was going on, and Rodimus couldn�t spare a moment away from Cybertron. Everything was in such a state of disarray. Cybertron was a peaceful place only 24 hours ago, now he was the only Autobot left on the planet. Life was getting stranger and stranger.
�There, that should do it,� he said. He just made the finishing touches on the main tower. After climbing down, he entered the radio room just in time to hear an incoming transmission.
�This is Cybertron,� Rodimus said. �Who is this?�
�Rodimus!� Optimus Prime�s voice was loud and clear. �You got it fixed.�
�Yeah, it�s all set,� he answered. �What�d you and Galvatron find?�
�It�s not good,� Optimus said. �We found that something was removed from the Liege Maximo�s body.�
�That�s strange,� Rodimus said.
�It�s not the half of it,� Optimus continued. �We know what was removed. There are two massive holes in the ground. We think they were two stone tablets. He must have dropped them. We can understand some of the writing that was engraved onto them.�
He paused. Rodimus became anxious. �Well? What do they say?�
�From what we could comprehend the stones are written about history and something about predictions. I think one of those predictions spoke about you.�
�What?�
�The One,� Optimus said. �I could decipher something about that, assuming it�s the foretelling of one of Primus�s creations rising from their ranks to light our darkest hour. These tablets seem to be the origin of that prophecy.�
�So why would Omnicron want it?�
�Rodimus,� Optimus said. �It has another prophecy. I couldn�t make it out clearly, but it has something to do with �the return.��
Fearing the worst, Rodimus Prime asked the question. �The return?�
Optimus�s voice was grim. �Of Unicron.�
After Optimus Prime and Galvatron had landed back on Cybertron, they began to go over all the clues. What they knew was that Omnicron was going to attempt a reincarnation of Unicron utilizing the Autobots in some way. Yet even with all of this evidence, they still had no idea where Omnicron could be.
�Well, do we know where these things came from?� Galvatron asked.
�I don�t think anyone knows,� Optimus said.
Rodimus was in deep thought. Then he abruptly looked up. �Someone does.�
Galvatron followed both of the Primes down towards the Vector Sigma chamber. He vaguely remembered the supercomputer from his days on Cybertron. Strange how little he actually knew about the planet, it had been so long ago. The course of his life had spanned over two different realities; it had actually been 20 years since he was known as Megatron and ruled Cybertron. That was 20 years to forget all he had learned as a Transformer. Galvatron wanted to gain back some of that knowledge.
�Here we are,� Optimus said. He and Rodimus Prime transformed and led the way inside. Galvatron looked around. There was Vector Sigma�.and a stasis pod to the left of it. He started to walk towards it when Optimus�s voice cut through the air.
�I know we�re in a truce, Galvatron,� he said. �But the pod is off limits. Period.�
�Very well, Prime,� was the reply.
Rodimus shook his head. He approached Vector Sigma, opened his chest plate and removed the Matrix. After he placed it inside its designated place, the computer began to hum as Primus�s essence was detected inside the Matrix. In a moment, Primus himself was visible on the screen.
�I FEARED THIS DAY WOULD COME,� he said immediately.
The three Transformers looked at each other. They were puzzled.
�OMNICRON HAS FOUND THE RUNES OF CYBERTRON, AND NOW THE UNIVERSE IS THREATENED ONCE AGAIN.�
�How?� Galvatron spoke up. �What do you mean, �Runes of Cybertron?��
�THEY WERE WRITTEN LONG AGO BY AN UNKNOWN PROPHET. NO ONE KNOWS HOW THIS PROPHET WAS ABLE TO RECORD SO MUCH HISTORY ONTO TWO LARGE STONE TABLETS. WHOEVER IT WAS, THEY WERE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE.
�IN ADDITION TO THE HISTORY TABLET, THE PROPHET MADE TWO PREDICTIONS. YOU KNOW OF THE FIRST ONE, RODIMUS PRIME.�
Rodimus looked at Galvatron. �Yes, I do.�
�WELL, THE SECOND IS MUCH DARKER. I HOPED THAT THE PROPHET WOULD HAVE BEEN INCORRECT ABOUT THIS ONE, BUT I WAS TOO OPTIMISTIC. THE AUTHOR TOLD OF A BEING WHO WOULD REANIMATE UNICRON BY COMMITTING A MASS MURDER. A �SACRIFICE OF INNOCENTS.��
Optimus became ashen. �Oh no.�
�YES, IT IS AS YOU FEAR. THE AUTOBOTS WERE CAPTURED FOR THIS SACRIFICE.�
�We have to stop him!� Rodimus cried. �Where is he? Primus! We have to know!�
�I AM SORRY, RODIMUS PRIME. I DO NOT KNOW WHERE OMNICRON IS. EVEN SO, I DO NOT WANT YOU TO PANIC. THE RUNES ARE OPEN TO INTERPRETATION. THEY DO NOT SPECIFICALLY TELL THAT SOMEONE WILL ACHIEVE UNICRON�S REINCARNATION. FOR ALL WE KNOW, OMNICRON MAY STILL FAIL.
�ALSO, THE RUNES HAVE NOT GIVEN HIM THE INCANTATIONS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE RITUAL, SO THE AUTOBOTS ARE IN NO IMMEDIATE DANGER. THESE WILL APPEAR ON THE TABLETS WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT.�
�Well, how do we know that it hasn�t happened yet?� Rodimus asked.
�I WOULD BE ABLE TO SENSE UNICRON BEGINNING TO CROSS OVER. FOR NOW, HE IS STILL OUTSIDE OF OUR REALM.
�THERE IS VERY LITTLE TIME LEFT THOUGH. I AM SURE THAT THE TABLETS WILL SOON GIVE THE LAST KEY TO OMNICRON�S PLAN, SO YOU MUST FIND HIM IMMEDIATELY. TAKE CARE.�
Primus�s figure disappeared from the screen, leaving the three Transformers wondering what would be their next move. The two Autobots transformed and led the way back to the surface, with Galvatron flying behind. At the entrance of the tunnel they found Cyclonus waiting for them.
�Rodimus Prime,� he said. �There�s a radio transmission for you. I�m not sure who it is, but they won�t talk to anyone unless it�s you.�
�Okay,� Rodimus said. He transformed and headed towards the radio tower.
Optimus began to follow when he was suddenly struck in the head. Falling to the ground, he rolled over to see a fuzzy outline of Galvatron standing there, smiling.
�Wh�why are you doing this?� Optimus asked.
�Oh Prime,� Galvatron said. �Do you really think that I was going to pass up an opportunity like this? I can easily take you and your cohort out, and then destroy Omnicron along with all of the helpless Autobots in his captivity. It�s really all too easy: all I have to do is find that overgrown Unicron-lover.�
He turned to Cyclonus. �Go and see that Rodimus Prime is destroyed.�
�Very well, Lord Galvatron.�
Cyclonus transformed and flew off towards the radio room. Galvatron turned back to Optimus Prime, who was still lying on the ground. He raised his cannon at his enemy�s head.
�Farewell, Optimus Prime. It really was an honor knowing you.�
Galvatron fired, but not before Optimus kicked his cannon barrel away from his face. The laser blast struck the ground not far away. Optimus leapt to his feet and punched Galvatron in his face. When the Decepticon hit the ground, he quickly transformed and drove off in the direction of the communications room to warn Rodimus. Shaking off the punch, Galvatron flew in pursuit.
Back in that same room that Optimus was driving straight for, Rodimus Prime was speaking into the radio.
�This is Rodimus Prime,� he said. No answer.
�Hello?� Nothing.
Figuring that the connection must have been severed, Rodimus called Earth. He thought that it must have been Jazz who called in.
�Cybertron to Earth,� he said. �Rodimus Prime trying to contact Earth.�
The radio fizzled through. �This is Earth, Hound speaking. What�s been going on, Rodimus? We�ve been kind of worried.�
�It�s not good,� Rodimus said. �Omnicron has kidnapped the Autobots and plans on destroying them to bring back Unicron. We�ve got the Decepticons on our side though, and it�s been working out so far.�
�The Decepticons?� Hound said, his voice obviously concerned.
�Yeah, but Optimus was desperate,� Rodimus said. �They are cooperating though. Why�d you call?�
�I didn�t,� Hound replied.
Rodimus was confused. �I thought you had called in.�
�Nope. I�m pretty sure no one here did. We didn�t even know that the radio transmitter was repaired yet.�
Immediately Rodimus understood what was going on. �Okay then. Hound? Do me a favor�.�
Cyclonus walked up to the radio room entrance. Putting his head up to the door, he heard Rodimus speaking to someone else.
�Good,� he heard the Autobot say.
�Is there anything else going on Rodimus?� the voice over the receiver asked.
�Nothing really,� was the reply.
Cyclonus took out his laser gun, and kicked down the door. As soon as he saw the figure huddled over the radio, he began to fire.
�What the�?� Cyclonus said, baffled.
The figure that he thought was Rodimus Prime was actually a few chairs put together to look like Rodimus was huddled over the radio. On the table was a recording device, spouting off short phrases in the Autobot�s voice. Once he realized what was going on, he felt a gun barrel against his head.
�You know, Cyclonus,� Rodimus said. �Us Autobots have gotten pretty good at the art of deception. Funny how the tables have turned, huh?�
�Rodimus!� came a voice from outside. He looked outside and saw Optimus Prime driving up.
�Hurry!� Optimus said. �We have to get out of here, Galvatron is right behind me!�
Rodimus looked back at Cyclonus. �Well, I hate to run, but I�ll leave you with a parting gift.�
Using his other hand, he struck Cyclonus in the back of the head. Running outside, Rodimus transformed and joined up with Optimus. Driving straight for a shuttle nearby, they got in and programmed the ship to take them to Earth.
�No!!!!� Galvatron cried as he saw his two enemies fly off.
Cyclonus got up, rubbing his head. �I�m sorry, sir.�
�Don�t worry,� Galvatron said. �This is just a setback. When Optimus Prime was radioing in from the Hub, I went on a little search of my own. There was a large map of the galaxy not far from the Liege Maximo�s body. It was probably his, but it was very dusty since he was�.how should I put this�..unable to use it. Anyway, there was one spot on the map that had the dust cleared off. It was fairly recent, and I know that Omnicron must have looked at it to see an optimal place to take care of his little ritual.�
�Do you know where he is?� Cyclonus asked.
�Absolutely,� Galvatron said, smiling. �So go tell the Decepticons here to get ready to depart. First we�re going to Charr to pick up Scorponok, then we�re going to Mars.�
�Rodimus! Rodimus Prime, can you hear me?�
Hound was still at the radio on Earth, trying to see what had happened. He was sure that Rodimus�s plan had worked, but there had been no response since. Suddenly, Jazz rushed into the room. �Hound! We�re picking up an unidentified object flying straight for Metroplex. See if you can contact the ship.�
Trying all frequencies, Hound relayed the message: �Please identify yourself, you are flying into Autobot airspace. Identify yourself now.�
The radio crackled. �Well we would but you�ve been hogging this frequency.�
Hound smiled. �It�s Rodimus!�
�Hound,� Rodimus said. �The Decepticons have double crossed us, big surprise.�
�I know,� Hound said. �I�ve been trying to get you on the wire. A few hours after you left Earth we picked up an emergency Autobot SOS transmission. It has been traced to the Sol system planet of Mars.�
Aboard the Autobot shuttle, Rodimus turned to Optimus Prime. �Mars! By the time we fixed the radio the signal must have ended! So that�s where Omnicron and the Autobots are!�
�Right under our noses,� Optimus said. �The whole time.�
Rodimus Prime turned back to the radio. �Hound, we�re heading out for Mars. We�ll call you when we get back.�
�Got it. Good luck.�
The Autobot shuttle turned around, and headed for the red planet.
TO BE CONCLUDED