fics I read

Cybertron, Kaon, Arena complex

114 Stellar cycles since Cold Construction

FO-03426

The sounds of buzzing electronics and whirring machinery surrounded me. I didn't let it distract me from the disassembled Energon battle pistol on the table in front of me. Looking at the parts, I let my interest in the weapon grow.

Though it is called a pistol, it was more akin to a sniper rifle. It is also quite unique in the manner it is installed on a Transformer. Integrated weapons are a rather fascinating thing in this setting. Something that had confused me when looking at both media and comics, was how exactly the weapons worked. You see, they weren't actually made from the arms of the transformer using them, but rather they were constructs kept within their subspace. When needed, they would materialise within the desired limb which folds open and attaches to its components.

It's also the reason why most transformers only have two or three weapons at maximum. Their subspace can't accommodate for more than that after all. Other than that, cybertronian weapons technology was ironically quite similar to what humanity had. Energon was used as an explosive component with various metals being used for the bullets.

Of course, there were differing weapons, with much more esoteric effects, but for now, I only have this model to experiment with. Other than that, I also had a neutron assault rifle, and scatter blaster available. In all honesty, when I travelled to the arena with Demolisher, I didn't expect to end up working as a mechanic for the arena part-time.

Of course, I do actually attend and have attended some fights. Demolisher would have been rather depressed if I hadn't after saying that I would. The fights were….Something else. They were lethal, untethered and unrestrained. The audience, who themselves can barely cope with day-to-day life, goes into a frenzy as the bloodshed unfolds.

It was a surreal experience, and even if it didn't really mean anything, it gave me…. Something else. And ironically, it is where I got my …My proper name. When I first began fighting, I still had that Cobbled together Prosthetic for an arm. It was quite hilarious when some wires had come loose and lightly tased one of my opponents. It gave me the moment of time I needed to knock him on his ass and smash his face in…

I thought of the tactic and how I could use it. I soon began tinkering with my shoddy limb to repair the damage on the one part but to also weaponise the concept. My grand idea culminated in a modification to the Mining laser permanently part of my arm. But I needed knowledge for that, the kind that simple tinkering would not necessarily give me.

But Cybertron had something for that. It was also quite interesting. You see, knowledge could be and was usually taught, but it could also be transferred. High-value Data cores with full directories pertaining to all fields of science exist, but due to their high material cost and difficulty in production, they were not a standardised means of education.

But…they were still available. Especially on the black market. I purchased quite a few datapads pertaining to physics and engineering with my savings in order to accomplish this idea. I was essentially broke at the end of it, but it soon proved to be a worthy investment.

When I repaired my arm…I did so much more. Having knowledge and expertise is one thing, but imagination? That is priceless. And the humanity I came from had boundless imagination. Why come up with a great concept when someone else made something better. So, I started to modify my arm, or specifically, the mining laser.

And what I ended up with was a decently functioning Electrolaser. It is a type of electroshock weapon that is also a directed-energy weapon. It uses lasers to form an electrically conductive laser-induced plasma channel. A fraction of a second later, a powerful electric current is sent down this plasma channel and delivered to the target, thus functioning overall as a large-scale, high energy, long-distance version of the Taser electroshock gun. Thank god that Cybertron had an atmosphere, or this idea couldn't have worked.

But yeah, my use of this weapon to stun my opponents was noticed and my lack of a face cemented the fact that I should get a menacing name…Terrorvolt. That is what was chosen for me…and in all honesty? I don't mind it.

The arena… Played for keeps. At the very least for the newcomers and lowest gladiators. The top dogs were obviously protected as they made the most money. But for us at the bottom of the rankings? We weren't worth as much. It drew a unique parallel to our actual life situation, but unlike there, we could earn our place in the arena.

And that's what we did. Demolisher and myself usually grouped up and were decently popular. I was getting a minuscule amount of the earnings made by the bookies, but every night it gave me more than what I made in a year by working in the mines.

Let that sink in…

I also had a habit of betting on myself. (Betting on the opponent was forbidden as it would then be assumed that I would throw the match) and the money flow was good.

My success in the fights was also based on the fact that I used Autobot-Police Data-cores that contained techniques for Close Quarters Combat and localised gunfights. Just the kind that was surprisingly useful on self-taught arena fighters

Wouldn't be any good against the higher ranks, but I wasn't gunning for that. I was happy with where I was. In all honesty, my main focus was on researching Cybertronian technology and making use of the concepts I still… remembered. When I ran diagnostics after undergoing Empurata, I noticed that some memories were corrupted…Well, it mainly affected the memories I had before being reborn.

And that…worried me. My mind was my greatest asset and foreknowledge of a setting like the one I find myself in is invaluable…but so far, I hadn't found any issues or gaps…But how would I really know that?

I don't think I had any serious issues right now really…well, other than the fact that life is shit. But I'm better than before.

And I will fully admit, tinkering on tech was a newfound passion, and I don't think I'm ever going to stop. The weapons, the systems, how we interfaced with the world and the people around us. These were all such fascinating concepts.

And the Arena ironically helped me out in that regard. When Clench (the bot who ran this whole operation) approached me on earning some extra money, I was afraid of what he intended. I'm glad my negative expectations were dashed when he asked me to give another gladiator some extra repairs as the usual mechanic had been caught stealing Energon.

I guess it was a common issue really.

But yeah, I accepted the deal and was tasked with repairing the other bots (that actually survived) and did a decent job at patching them up. I had actually considered quitting my job to work for the arena full time, but that wasn't really an option. Cybertron essentially had anti-truancy laws when it came to jobs and you were only allowed to be unemployed if the government decided so.

So quitting would only end up in trouble, the kind that I couldn't afford quite yet. So I've been working on the side and even managed to meet some interesting bots.

Most of them were future Decepticons or bots I never heard of, but some…or well one, was someone completely unexpected.

Looking up at a nearby holoscreen, I quickly turn up the volume of the current Arena broadcast.

"It was a close match tonight dear members of the audience but we finally have our winner! For the first time in over 40 Stellar cycles, the champion of Kaon has been defeated! I present the new bearer of the title! Coming from the great city of Iacon, a veteran of the Cybertronian war for independence…I give you!.. The great war hero!... GRIMLOOOOOOCK!" The crowd erupts into applause at the sight of the new champion.

And what a champion it was. It was a metallic beast in the shape of a goddamned Tyrannosaurus Rex. Kind of interesting as our species doesn't even know about the Earth.

But yeah, the future Autobot Grimlock was here. His entire team was actually here. Apparently, they were something of a spec-ops team sent on the most dangerous missions. But when one mission went wrong, they gained new Alt-forms that were seemingly inspired by earthen Dinosaurs. The council had them quarantined at first, as the new alt forms presented quite the issue to them.

The "Dynobots" wouldn't have any of that and promptly broke out before eventually ending up here. Taking my current position into account, it was to be expected that I would get to meet some of them. Grimlock was ironically the first one. His new alt form has given him quite a rage problem which causes him to be a bit shortsighted during fights.

Of course, he won his fights with no issue, but his injuries did accumulate with his matches. Soon enough, he ended up on the floor of my workshop with Energon spewing from all his wounds. He was a ball of anger and rage, but once I got him strapped to a (very reinforced) table, I was able to get him to calm down.

I won't pretend I was able to befriend him, but I can say that we have something cordial. I will admit though. I was a curious mind, so I did try to learn what I could from the Dynobots. When it came to cybertronian physiology, there was the so-called Rossum's Trinity. This contained the spark, the brain module and the transformation cog. All three components are absolutely vital for a cybertronian to function and if one part was sufficiently damaged, one could end up shutting down the other two.

But the interesting bit is that some still manage to survive without one or scientists are able to work on them without too many permanent changes. Hell, I myself was a perfect example of this.

When the Empurata was done to me, someone had to transplant my brain module without killing me.

But let's get back to the Dynobots. Their T-cogs have been heavily modified. Note that this also affects their entire body configuration as every shape has different aspects. For the average bot, you needed to stay in your weight class when changing your alt form. The new form you took had minor changes in functionality and major changes in the cosmetic variety. That's how it was for everyone.

What happened to Grimlock though? That was something that could literally break the caste system in half. Being able to change class like that….Changing the build and mass of one's body…even if I was allowed to dissect them, would I be anywhere near cracking it?

In all honesty, just getting data from my scanner was good enough for now. I can work through the data in my own free time when I can.

Another interesting project of mine was the supposed mat- "Are you the one doing repairs here?" A deep and powerful voice questions. I rip around and see a mech standing in the door frame of the workshop.

The bot had an incredibly imposing figure. Mainly due to the fact that I only reached his chest even though we were both Tank sized transformers. His blazing red eyes…I didn't want to spell it out, but I did have my suspicion as to who this was…

I get up from my workbench and gesture towards a nearby gurney. "That is correct…You here for repairs then?" I couldn't see any visible damage on his body, but I couldn't be certain when it comes to his internals.

His optics never leave me, and if I still had a face, I would be making quite the uncomfortable expression.

"You've been forced to undergo the Empurata?" He questions and his face visibly forms a grimace. I was unsure as to how to answer that…as …well, it was kinda obvious.

He moves closer and takes a look at my previous workbench before approaching it as well.

I guess he isn't actually here for treatment then. He stares at the disassembled gun on the workbench before stating, "I wanted to thank you... A good friend of mine had been damaged extensively before arriving here. Your services were…are... greatly appreciated"He holds out his hand to me. He was even kind enough to give his left hand as my right was….

I let the light of my visor dim in response, before grabbing his hand with my own, "I'm FO-03426 or…Terrorvolt as I'm called these days."

A light smile grows on his face, "I have no such… illustrious name, but I'm glad to meet another who realises the importance of a name. Serial numbers are just a means to rob us of identity and we cannot let that abide…Though I will admit, I have not made much progress in that regard... For now, I am still D-16"

While I couldn't properly show it, my flickering eye light indicates the fact that I very clearly recognize the name, "Wait a second…That 'D-16'? As in…the ideological theorist?"

His eyes widen before narrowing with a hint of annoyance, "So that is what I'm being called now? I'm just…I just wanted to share my thoughts for a greater future….In all honesty, you shouldn't put too much value into what I've written." He says before looking around the workshop once more.

I on the other hand process his words and eventually ask, "I'm guessing you've lost faith in those ideas…I don't wish to intrude. But I guess something has happened that changed things for you?"

He gives me an apprehensive look before turning away, "Peaceful protest and collaborative reform has been proven to be…Ineffective. Any dissenters have their lives ruined at best and are shot on sight at the worst. The council will have no resistance to their "sacred Taxonomy"…In all honesty, the only progress I've ever made on the matter was…achieved with satisfactory means…"

He turns back towards me before making for the door, "My stay here at the Arena is only until I…Until I know what to do."

Before he can completely leave, I quickly ask, "Before you go, do you have an idea for your name?"

He stops in his movement before lowering his head, "I've thought about it…when I spoke with other miners like us, we often spoke of the 13 primes and their legend…And the supposed golden age that we are supposedly living in. To me, they serve as a reminder of what could have been, what should have been. Among them, one stood out to me more than the others."

My singular optic widens an understanding as I finally grow certain of who was standing in front of me. "Megatron…"

He looks at me with an expression of confusion but also... Something happier. He lets out a small chuckle for saying, "His name was actually Megatronus. He was one of the original primes…I personally think the name fits, and considering your lucky guess, I believe you think the same…I think I have taken more than enough of your time now. Until I or one of my comrades end up on your gurney at least… Till all are one, Terrorvolt ."

He turns back towards the exit and leaves my workshop behind.

That… Was something else. I didn't believe in destiny… Or at least not in a good one. My fate was to die working in the mines. My actions and my choices have led me here. It was always the case that Megatron would be here in the arena of Kaon. I just… I just expected things to be different. In my mind, megaton is supposed to be this… Well, the tyrant, a monster and a dictator. Now I meet one that doesn't even want to properly engage in violence. And the fact that he was D-16 only confused me more.

In all honesty, I was just worried as to what it meant. The fact that I…Considered him a kindred spirit. His ideas, his ideals, his beliefs and his theories. They were all things that I thoroughly supported. Does that make me a bad person? Or does it just mean that the Autobots were always just a bunch of cruel hypocrites?

All these things were going through my head, and it culminated in one question. Where will I stand?

Based on my history, who I've been and what society has deemed me to be, there is only one choice really. and it is a choice but no one has the right to fault me for it.

I look towards a nearby window and see the reflection of my inhuman face stare back.

"Freedom is the right of all sentient lifeforms."

126 Stellar cycles since Cold Construction

It's been more than 10 years since I met Megatron. He along with his friends Rumble and Frenzy rose up in the ranks of the arena every year, but that was hardly important.

Megatron- Or Megatronus as he is currently called, used the Arena for escapism at first like so many others, but he soon realised how many were there for the same reason.

So he began sharing his vision. It was nearly identical to his old writings in goals and ideals…But the methods had changed. As much as I want to disagree, his points were valid. Dissent was not allowed and even those who tried to change things within the system didn't fare any better.

The "Decepticon" movement was growing every day. The name was derived from the original slogan Megatron had made years ago: "You are being deceived". The meaning was derived from the council deceiving the populace with honeyed words of the future changing for the better when in actuality, they only care for themselves. And this was a very well known secret. Mines and businesses weren't closed down for material costs or the resources running out, but their desire to automate the processes.

As expected, the hatred for the ruling government only increased. The second half of the deception name was, as I imagined derived from the fact that most of our caste were also Cold Constructions. Bots robbed of all identity at "Birth", their purpose defined without choice or options for freedom.

Megatron's ideas have been gaining more and more ground with time. At first, It was mainly due to his original writings, but later on? He started talking with the other gladiators, asking their opinions and beliefs, their origins and their wishes for the future.

He was essentially being a shoulder to lean on. And while one wouldn't expect it, the others took notice and they did appreciate what he was doing. I was not exempt from that list, and while I didn't get emotional, I did tell him about myself and my experiences in the mines…before the surgery. Later on, as I mentioned he started spreading his ideals, his plans and his ideas.

While he got quite a group of followers for himself, he didn't have any concrete plans just yet. Until then, I was essentially just the "person leaning against the wall in the background". I wasn't part of the action, even if I fought in the arena as well, even with him on occasion. You see even after all this time I was still questioning things even though I had settled on a path. I would become a Decepticon.

My current theory on it all, was that he is the type of person who starts with noble and lofty goals, but due to the reality of his mission loses sight of those very goals. Wasn't this the case back home as well?

Revolutionaries fighting for freedom became tyrants that oppressed their former comrades. This happened time and time again, so what says that this phenomenon was unique to humanity?

After considering this option quite some time ago, I changed my approach on the matter. I started attending the meetings and all the little after-fight sessions with "Megatronus" and started adding my two cents to them.

I wish I could pretend I was some great and noble pacifist who brought counterpoints to some of his more extreme arguments… But in reality, sometimes I think he didn't go far enough. You see, in my opinion, once you make a choiceyou do not back down from it .

Megaton still considered the options of using protests and maybe even riots, but I usually shut down. Why? Because I knew for a fact: every riot, every strike, every goddamned protest on the streets was usually, if not always, met with lethal force. The great councilof Cybertron and Sentinel prime would have no opposition to their system.

So I said we should simply do the same. No compromise, no mercy, no hesitation and while Megatron was not outright against these ideas, he did have some grievances with them. I understood why as well. I am the technician of the arena, the mechanic, and in my free time, a scientist.

I'm not getting at the idea that I may have bugged my fellow gladiators, but rather that I happen to know where all the maintenance shafts lead and the fact that even metal walls can be quite "thin".

Megatron had already started his correspondence with Orion Pax, the mech who would one day become Optimus Prime. I hadn't listened to their exchanges often, but I was able to gather that in this universe Orion was a police captain rather than a librarian. He was a member of the higher Caste, but he didnt let it go to his head. He was "one of the good ones" as one would say. While he did not know of the true disparity of Cybertron, he was willing to learn.

My point was, he was a genuinely good person. And just as Megatron was having an influence on him, he was having an influence on Megatron. From the perspective of a fan, I should have supported this and been optimistic towards a more peaceful and open-minded leader for the Decepticons.

But from the perspective of a Cybertronian Cold Construction who has lived over a hundred years in this Bullshit world? I was against it. Though…with age comes wisdom, and I would like to pretend that I have gained some.

So while I voiced my opinions, I did not cause arguments. A doubt was voiced here and there to Megatron, but not outright aggression.

Because in all honesty, the option for a better life was not out of the question. You see, Orion Pax wasn't high on the scale of political power, but someone else was. And when I first heard of them, I was shocked to see a completely different face than the one I associated with the name "Shockwave".

Senator Shockwave was the only member of the council who actually seemed to be a decent bot. Unlike the counterpart I was familiar, this one was known for his empathy and kindness. And while he didn't openly criticise Functionisim, he did heavily hint at it.

He was a scientist, after all, a good one at that. He valued things such as intelligence and merit rather than the conditions of one's forging. This alone already had my respect, but it was due to my little eavesdropping of Megatron and Orion's conversations that he earned my admiration.

You see, Orion took the news of Miners being thrown out on the streets for the sake of profit margins quite poorly. in fact, he grew quite angered. Apparently, Cybertron did actually deem this as illegal, and it was a direct sign of corruption within the Senate.

So when police captain Orion Pax stormed into a Senate meeting with accusations of corruption amongst its ranks, Shockwave took an interest in him. Pax had been damaged in his approach to the capitol building but Shockwave arranged for his release and repair. After his release, Pax met his secret benefactor in front of the Ark-1 memorial, where Shockwave warned him that factions within the senate were plotting something concerning the new "Decepticon movement".

This firmly puts him in the position of an ally. What he also did was give Megatron the motivation to finally do something with his "Followers". And strangely enough, the first person he approached for advice was me.

Cybertron, Kaon, Arena complex

126 Stellar cycles since Cold Construction

Terrorvolt

"So let me get this straight. You want to go through with turning the Decepticons into a proper organisation, but don't actually know where to start?" I ask the mech in front of me as I cross my arms in irritation.

A sly smirk formed on Megatron's face as he gestured towards my workshop and said, "Come now Terrorvolt. As much as I like our fellow compatriots, you and I both know they are not the most intellectual of bots."

I quickly scoff at the return and let out a small "rude" from my vocal emitter.

"I don't hear you saying it's wrong." he states with a small chuckle. I ignore him and get back to my work but I do gesture for him to continue with whatever he was trying to say.

"As I was saying, you actually question my ideas and have been quite the soundboard for some of them. I will fully admit, at times it was quite annoying but in the grand total scheme of things? It was invaluable." he states as he takes a seat next to me.

"Now I wish to take your other advice to heart and begin to actually make something of this ragtag bunch. I am a miner, a gladiator and a thinker of ideas and ideals. But a leader, tactician or an expert in any other subject? That I am not." he stated and I couldn't help but chuckle.

You see, this may apply to Megatronus, but Megatron? He was all those things. I mean Christ, he was a freaking genius. So my guess is as soon as he actually takes the time to learn, he will certainly thrive on them. To my recollection, he was able to engineer a unique biomechanical virus that killed millions of Autobots. That doesn't exactly fall in his current skill set and he doesn't even have a foundation for it.

And I'm getting sidetracked again, something I shouldn't do. Especially now that he was looking at me with a rather annoyed expression.

Dropping my current welding tool, I turn around to face him properly and let out a small sigh, "Fine then! I'll help you out, but I don't want you questioning my plan."

I paused to gather my thoughts, he quickly interjects, "So you do have a plan." he answers with a small chuckle of his own.

If I could grimace or emote in any proper way, I certainly would be making my emotions known. But instead, I start the explanation of my grand "Decepticon foundation and formalization"

"Well then, the first thing we need to take care of is to remove Clench and engage a takeover of the arena. We can't organise scrap if we don't have any form of headquarters." I pause to give Megatron a chance to give his opinion on the matter.

He was visibly pondering the Idea if his expression was anything to go by. He leans forward in his chair and interlace his fingers as he grumbles for a few minutes. Before long, he answers, "Clench was willing to take us in during a time of Rumble and Frenzy feel indebted to him, I am acutely aware that he was merely seeking new fighters. Even now, his mind is filled with money and bloodsport…In the end, he is just a bot sating his own petty desires…compared to what we want to achieve…he is an obstacle that must be removed… I won't reject this part of the plan."

I slowly nod as I bring out my prosthetic limb and attach a Holo projector to my laser array with which I point at a blank wall to show a map of Kaon. I quickly continue my line of thought, "Now then. After taking over the arena, we can better organise and begin recruitment of new members and production of any tools we might need. I know some Energon dealers who could help us get some unstable Energon for improvised explosives and -"

My line of thought is quickly broken by Megatron's hand grabbing hold of my projector. His eyes held a certain level of both rage and disappointment. "Do you mean to tell me, your first instinct upon getting my approval is to resort to terrorism?!" His voice quickly grew louder.

Before he could continue, the sound of my laser array rearranging to construct a scatter blaster distracts him from his previous thought which is quickly replaced with the possibility of being blasted by my weaponry.

"Listen here Megatron. "Terrorism" isn't even the word I would use but others would definitely call it that. That is, however, beside the point. The thing is, any open revolt will be shut down, any march will be arrested-"

My words are interrupted as my weapon suddenly turns to the side by his grip. "Yes yes, you've mentioned this many times before. But why don't you stop discrediting our current methods and actually try to give us an option that doesn't make us as bad as them?" He says, his tone filling with annoyance.

I deconstruct my weapon and turn It back to the laser ray from before. "What I was getting at isn't terrorism. I don't want us to attack corporations or some politicians in their homes. I want us to commit to full insurrection instead. As in getting the council directly. Either we kill them in one fell swoop, take them hostage… Or, if we get lucky and get the resources required. We could apply Mnemosurgery on the-

"Out of the question!" Megatron practically roars at me, making me shrink back from the sudden noise. "We will not resort to such methods, no matter how desperate we get… You know, just as you question my ideals, I shall do the same to yours. I ask that you think of better alternatives as we do have time. For now I want us to focus on removing Clench from the board." he quickly gets up from the seat and makes for a door.

That could have gone better. I will admit, I was also testing a little bit. I wanted to know how much he was willing to compromise, and how much she was willing to do bad for the sake of good.

I'll definitely have to come up with a different plan, but the core idea should be the same. Strike hard, strike fast.

We won't be able to get many followers in such a short time span, but with the Autobot leadership taken down in one fell swoop, would leave them disorganised and inefficient.

I won't pretend that war can be peaceful or that it can be truly avoided. So instead I want to dedicate myself to making sure it ends as soon as possible.

Megatron took my advice to heart and made sure to remove Clench from the arena. I had been ironically involved as well. You see Clench was the kind of Bot who enjoyed fighting himself and had the nasty habit of joining the team with the most bets placed on them. In this case, it had been us.

A small group consisting of myself, Megatron, Demolisher, Rumble, Frenzy, and ironically Grimlock had been placed in the arena against three other teams. Just before it started, Clench jumped down from his observation booth and announced he would partake in our side.

It wasn't part of a plan nor something we could predict, but Megatron did not hesitate to use this to his advantage. During the battle, some bad positioning and unsuitable weaponry, led to Clench ending up in a bad spot. The kind where one would expect to be saved by their teammates. To his bad luck, however, he soon found his spark chamber crushed by Megatron's hand. The crowds cheered, but the gladiators knew the significance of this action.

No other casualties occurred that day.

Later that evening, when all guests and viewers had left the property, Megatron announced a gathering of all gladiators and staff. The body of Clench was openly displayed in the center of the Arena.

All looked on in apprehension of what was about to happen. Megatron finally stepped forward while I was hiding in the background to see how it goes.

"Clench…. Is dead by my hand. This was no accident and you all know it." He says while pointing to all who are present.

"Many of us are here for similar reasons. To make a living outside of what the council has prescribed to us, to gain escape from the fate they have set for us or to hide from them completely." Many stared at Grimlock and his Dynobots as well as the two minicons that accompanied Megatron here.

"We all come from similar walks of life and found a certain camaraderie in this place. I know most of you have heard what I think of all of us and I know for a fact that a lot of you agree. Unlike what the council would say of the Decepticons, we are not an organisation nor a fully-fledged movement. Just many scattered individuals believing the same thing…"

His eyes flare with red energy, "I say It time to finally change that."

He pauses before gesturing towards the entire audience, "So, today's the day to decide where you will stand… I will dedicate myself to ensuring freedom and equality for all cybertronians and I ask;"

He moves towards the center of the room and stomps his metal foot onto the corpse of Clench. "Who of you will join me? "

Silence fell across the Arena, the only noise remaining now was the wearing of nearby machinery and the buzzing of the light fixtures. But as expected, some bots finally step forward, one in particular, a smallish silver bot began to speak as well "I-I will follow. I've been working those damn mines for so long, that even the smallest of my gears have begun to corrode. We're just pawns to them, an expendable workforce to be replaced or discarded whenever they choose… No more! I refuse to live like this another cycle!" he bellowed out, making his voice heard by all.

Megatron smiled as he patted him on the shoulder, "I thank you, my brother, even just one of you joining, and ensuring that I shall not fight alone warms my spark. What is your name?"

The Bot in question raises his head before saying, "before I came here, I had a simple serial number and nothing else. But now? As a gladiator and a Decepticon, I will be known as Barricade!" he yells out, his sheer will and devotion quickly inspireing others to do the same.

The Mech standing next to me walks forward "I won't pretend I know half of what I'm doing or what is going on all the time, but I know that this is right. I am Demolisher and I'll join this fight!" The oaf I call my friend speaks out in a surprising act of independence.

"I am the warrior Scorponok! And you shall have my fury!" One of the larger Mechs speaks up from behind before flexing his weapons.

"My name is Rumble!'" "And I am Frenzy!" "And we are down for this fight" Tthe two minicons proudly announced and were practically jumping from excitement.

"I'm Lugnut and I'm down for a brawl!" More and more voices began announcing their name and their loyalty. Megatron had pointed out the importance of having a true name, and most here had taken it to heart. In a way, this was the first true act of rebellion.

Many more names were mentioned and the cheering of the crowd only increased. Prorex had noticed something approaching and quickly brought my attention to it. Behind the crowds, a certain oversized dinosaur-themed Mech was approaching me.

He was surprisingly unnoticeable with all the commotion going on in the center of the Arena. As he finally got into earshot, he asked me, "As lovely as this all… seems, I have to ask. Is it ma-MAndatory, or do we get to w-wa-WAlk away?" His tone was rough and full of uncertainties. It was due to the issues with his alt-form. He tries, but he can't just get rid of this issue sadly. It needed repairs by someone who knew more than me. He had issues with some words and had to essentially "Bruteforce" himself through them.

I look at Grimlock in an unsure manner before eventually answering, "For now? Yes. It is your choice. But I would recommend making a decision now because I don't know if you or anyone else we'll still have it later. And I'm not saying that Megatron will shun you, but this is a conflict brewing. A conflict that could get very ugly, very fast."

Understanding is visible on his face before he nods. I then quickly finished up, "So yeah, while you still have a choice now, I would recommend you make it now and be sure of it."

Grimlock looks back towards the center of the arena, before asking, "An-n-ANd what of you? You've been quite the pe-p-PEssimist when it comes to him, I can't see you becoming a p-PArt of this."

I couldn't help but chuckle in response. The noise my motiveless head made unnerved him. I noticed and tone down before saying "Sorry, I just find it hilarious…"

He groans in annoyance before asking, "And what is so f-f-FUnny?"

"The fact that you presume me a pessimist rather than a realist. My critique was not an admission of defeat… Rather, it was to avoid any unnecessary naivety. It's also precisely because of that, that I knew about this little "gathering" before all the others." I informed him.

"You were one of the ri-ring-RIngleaders… I'm guessing you're also adding some of the b-BRains to this plan?" he asked me.

I nod at him for looking back at the center of the arena. Megatron smiled with glee, he was genuinely happy at seeing so many people believe in him, he would do his best to not let them down. And I will do my best to make sure that he never has to.

Before Grimlock can leave I ask him one last time "So, with what you now know, what will you choose?"

His eyes shift between the sight of Megatron and myself before he slowly answers, "You know I used to be an Au-au-AUtobot,…you know what they did to me and my team. Suddenly, our A-ALt-forms were different and we are something to be locked away until the co-cou-COuncil decides to scrap us. I…"

He pauses as he gives me a conflicted look, "You showed me ki…KIndness and you patched up my men, I will never forget that. But I made an oath to the Autobots and to myself. You remember Megat-t-ronus called me a bleeding heart… And he was right. I know that this cause will encounter bloodshed. The blood of Cy-Cy-CYbertron…and as much as I support it, I will keep out of it..at least for now… as for you?" A small smirk accompanies his tone towards the end, "If we ever meet on o-opp-OPposing sides, then I promise to take it easy on ya!"

I gave him a hearty chuckle in response before he turns to walk towards the exit of the arena. As soon as I no longer see him, I ponder whether or not I should have made a better effort of convincing him. Grimlock would be an invaluable asset, but unless he is fully on our side, then he could easily become a hindrance in a critical moment.

So all in all, I think I made the right decision. Looking back towards the arena of jubilation is of our budding organisation. I myself was not the kind to scream my name and join in, so I had to make for the exit.

Just as I was about to open the door, it opened itself as one of the younger gladiators came storming past me. "Someone!... Someone attacked Prime! They are blaming us for it!" he yells into the crowd which quickly stills a response.

Megatron is the first to break the silence, "Explain yourself! What happened?!" he yells so all the arena could hear him.

The Bot in question quickly moves forward and I send him remote access to the speaker systems so everyone can hear what he has to say. He quickly catches his breath before beginning, "There was a suicide bomber who showed up during the primal procession! They say he was an agent of ours!...they are putting the entire planet under martial law!"

The news sent shivers down the "spine" of every Bot attending.

"But… We only just formalised, we've only just begun! It couldn't have been one of us, that's impossible!" One of them quickly points out and it casts certain doubts for every gladiator here.

Small whispers in insecure thoughts are uttered before Megatron loudly roars for their attention, "Do not be discouraged brothers and sisters!...so our enemy has decided to turn the public against us!…Cybertron will begin to fear us and followers will be hesitant to join us… But you should all know, it matters not!...do you know why?" he questions the crowd and gets looks of confusion but also the looks of those awaiting his grand answer.

"The reason it does not matter is that everyone in this arena...does. Even with our numbers right here right now, we have all we need to win. The Senate believes us weak because they know our numbers to be little. It's because they still believe that every Cybertronian is limited in their function. That every one of us is worth less than the dirt we stand upon! So why would they think of us any different than they usually do? As their pawns!"

The crowd finally got what Megatron's intention was and grew in excitement, "We know for a fact that they are wrong. Every single bot here, all of us together. Together we can achieve our goal! Even with the entire Autobot armada at their beck and call, they will not be able to defeat us! We are gladiators! We are Cybertronians! And from this day, we are Decepticons! Nothing will stand against us!"

The crowd breaks out into cheer once more, and as I look upon its from afar in its entirety, the only thought in my mind was, '...He isn't the leader for nothing'.

Ark-1 Memorial, Iacon, Cybertron

2 Stellar-cycles(days) later

Sitting on a bench near the Memorial, was none other than the current Senator Shockwave. Even with the planet currently under martial law, he was out in the open with his security detail deliberately told to stay away.

This wasn't some ploy to lure out any enemies, but rather to have a meeting with a trusted friend. The vehicular truck form of a red and blue Autobot was approaching the center of the park, the Autobot logo clearly depicted on its sides.

The bot in question transforms as soon as he is in Shockwave's Vicinity. Revealing himself to be the police captain Orion Pax, who quickly took a seat next to the Senator.

"Is it wise to meet me here Shockwave? With the recent bombing, one cannot expect to be safe." Orion states as he interlocks his fingers in thought while hunching forward.

In polar opposite was Shockwave who had been leaning back in his seat, depicting the picture perfect example of comfort. "Then let's try and make this look unimportant for any unwanted Spies….disconnect yourself from any networks"

Orion gives the other a strange look before holding his arm to his face and saying, "This is Capt. Orion Pax, I am disconnecting from local networks for security concerns. Over and out"

He lets his arm fall back to his lap before he remarks, "That isn't exactly protocol. I don't doubt I will get a reprimand from the station chief."

Shockwave only scoffs with a chuckle, "I was feeling he will reprimand you for a lot more when this is all done.…" He turns his face towards Orion, who quickly freezes at the Senator's stern expression.

"Nominus Prime did not succumb to a rust infection which developed from his injuries… The Senate killed him when they realised that the Matrix of Leadership within his chest was a fake…" Shockwave quickly stated without a single doubt or hesitation in his tone.

Orion's optics were under threat of shorting out due to the sheer insanity of what he was hearing. The Senate actively going against a prime, the succession by Sentinel Prime being a complete fluke and lastly, the fact that the matrix of leadership was a fake and now unaccounted for…as he processed all of these things, he considered one last issue.

"Shockwave… Aren't you putting yourself at massive risk in exposing this?" He asks with a worried tone.

Shockwave merely shrugs in response before saying, "With martial law being active and the "Decepticons" being an active threat, it's only a matter of time until they come for me and blame it on them. So before that happens, I need to make sure that I can help as much as I can….I've told you what I know now, and I hope you make the most of it…But I must also ask your favour."

He reaches behind his back and pulls out a small container. It was in the shape of the cube and finally engraved. He quickly handed it to Orion who gently picked it up. He then found a small mechanism on one side and quickly used it to open it up.

"I do not understand…What is the significance of this minuscule Energon cube?" Orion asks stairs at the blue light emanating from within the container.

Shockwave couldn't help but laugh before responding, "That is no Energon cube, my friend. It is an ancient relic called the Tesseract. I've compressed it to that size in order to conceal it easier. Even a Minicon would find no issue in doing so…but back to its significance. It is believed that it originates from Primus himself, but we don't know for sure…what I do know is that it is probably the most important artefact in my possession…Which is why I am entrusting it to you."

He gets up from his seat before giving Orion one last look, "Give it to someone you trust but cannot be associated with. Or hide it in the last place anyone knowing you would look…..Once this has blown over, I ask that you bring it back to me….and if I don't make it….bury it until we live in kinder times."

With those words, the Senator hastily departed. Orion himself stared at the relic in question before closing the container and hiding it in his own subspace. He was unsure of who he knew that couldn't be traced back to him.

As he headed towards the exit of the park, he noticed graffiti lining the walls of a nearby alley. A single emblem stuck out to him and he decided on a course of action that he might regret for millennia to come.

When he arrived at his home, he contacted the other members of his squad to prepare for their investigation into the senate's dealings. Afterwards, he activated his holo terminal and made the arrangements for a shuttle that would take him to his destination…To Kaon.