Note: The first paragraph is a little recap of what happened in the movie.

Primeval

Chapter 1

Many cycles ago, Team Prime proved their strength in defending the newly restored Cybertron from the wrath of Unicron, the Chaos-Bringer. And with that, began a new generation of life by returning the Allspark to the planet's core, but at a cost. Optimus, the very last of the Primes, merged the Allspark's energy with the Matrix of Leadership and surrendered his body and spark to Primus, in order for new sparks to blossom. But Team Prime would never forget their beloved leader, and soon, the rest of the planet would know of his sacrifice.

Bumblebee watched as more refugees made their way through the landing port. He smiled a bit as he saw sparklings jumping up and down in excitement as they stared in awe of the huge buildings. It occurred to him that this was the first time any of them had ever actually seen Cybertron. Born off world, the closest they ever came to learning about their home world was through books and stories. Now, they would begin to experience the world for themselves.

A family walked past Bumblebee. The femme carried a tiny sparkling in her arms. He was bright orange with big blue optics and he held a little toy in his hand. He dropped it and started to cry. Bumblebee walked over and picked it up.

"Here you go, little guy," he said. The sparkling took it and giggled at him.

"Thank you," said his mother. They continued on to the registration center. There, everyone was receiving new living quarters in the reconstructed buildings. Everyday, more and more refugees made their way back to Cybertron. It was becoming a challenge for Bulkhead to keep up with the construction. Speaking of Bulkhead, Bumblebee needed to meet up with him for a report on the newer buildings.

He left the landing port and made his way back to their central base in Kaon. The former Decepticon capital was beginning to develop a more pleasant atmosphere now that the Autobots were in control and the giant statue of Megatron was destroyed.

As Bumblebee drove up, he saw Arcee standing with two other mechs. All three of them were laughing about something one of the mechs had said. Bumblebee drove up to them and transformed.

"Hey, Arcee."

"Bee," she said, "I'd like you to meet some old friends of mine. This is Jazz and Mirage."

He shook hands with the two mechs. He could tell Arcee knew them a long time. For as long as he knew her, Bumblebee had never really seen Arcee laugh. She, Jazz, and Mirage must have been very close.

"Arcee has told us that you've been running quite an operation here," Jazz said, "You're becoming quite the leader."

"Me?" Bumblebee said, "I'm no leader. Just a soldier trying to help these people out."

"Well, you doing a good job," said Mirage. Bumblebee smiled a little, "I'm actually looking for Bulkhead. Have you guys seen him?"

"I think he and Wheeljack are up in the command center," said Arcee.

"Thanks," Bumblebee said. He transformed and drove to the command center. It was nice to see some of his teammates finding some of their old friends. So far though, he hadn't really found anyone he knew. But he didn't worry. It was still early, and many more mechs and femmes would be coming.

Once he came close to the door, Bumblebee transformed and made way through the base by foot. In short time, he made it up to the command center. Sure enough, Bulkhead and Wheeljack were standing at the console, looking over construction plans.

"How is the layout for the new building coming, Bulk?" Bumblebee asked. Bulkhead turned to face him, "I wish I could say quicker. We've run into a bit of a problem."

"What do you mean?"

Bulkhead gestured to the console, "The only free area we have to build this thing is on an unstable cliff. If we tried to lay out any kind of foundation there, it'd cause a landslide. I've tried everything I know, 'Bee, but I just can't figure out how we're gonna fix this."

"There is one thing we could try," Wheeljack added, "I've seen a lot of places the 'Cons were able to pull off with the same problem. If we can copy their old designs, or even find the plans for them, we could get this done in no time."

"Alright," Bumblebee said, "Let's get it done. Where are the plans?"

"That's the other problem," Bulkhead explained, "The only place they could be is also the only place we can't get to. At least not without packin' in some blasters."

Bulkhead must have been joking! Unfortunately, the look on his face said otherwise. Bumblebee rolled his optics, "You've got to be kidding. Do you think you can clear another area in time for construction?"

Bulkhead shook his helm, "It'd take too long. With everyone coming in so fast, we can't afford to waste anymore time."

'Bee nodded, "Alright, I'll talk to Magnus."

In the medical bay, Ultra Magnus was still recovering from his injuries from fighting the Predacons. His condition had improved significantly since then, but Ratchet still needed to stay on Cybertron and see to it that his recovery went without incident. As Bumblebee walked in the med bay, he saw Ultra Magnus powered down on the berth. Ratchet was busy looking over his medical records.

"Hey, Ratchet," Bumblebee interrupted, "Are you busy?"

The old medic vented, "Not anymore. What is it?"

"Sorry. Is Ultra Magnus almost cleared for duty? We have a problem with the construction."

"It will be a few more cycles before he is, Bumblebee," Ratchet said, "You know this. And he will be far from ready to aid in any construction."

"No, not that kind of duty," Bumblebee explained, "Bulkhead found a flaw in the plans for the newest building. We know there are plans we can use to fix it, but the only remaining files are at Darkmount."

Ratchet looked up from his work, now fully listening. Bumblebee continued, "All we would need is for Ultra Magnus to negotiate with the Predacons to allow us to get in, find the plans, and get out quickly."

Ratchet looked back to Ultra Magnus, then rubbed his optics, "I can't disturb his power down now. When do you need the plans?"

"As soon as possible."

Ratchet thought for a moment, "Bumblebee, I believe this is a matter you can handle. You've shown exceptional leadership skills before, and the Predacons seem more ready to talk with you than they are anyone else."

Bumblebee's optics widened, "Me? I, uh… I don't really think I'm the mech who should be doing this. Ultra Magnus-"

"Ultra Magnus can't risk engaging in another fight with the Predacons. I am not asking you to lead on an army, Bumblebee, merely conduct a negotiation with our… neighbors."

"…I guess a new beginning on our planet means accepting changes and new responsibilities. Alright, Ratchet, I'll talk with Predaking on letting us into their territory."

Ratchet nodded and returned to his work. Bumblebee turned and walked out of the med bay. At the doorway, he turned and said, "It'd sure be nice if Optimus was still here to help us with all of this."

Ratchet stopped for a moment, "Yes, Bumblebee, it would be nice."

At the fortress at Darkmount, and for twenty-five miles in any direction, only three beings occupied that area. Since the defeat of Unicron, the Predacons returned to Darkmount and claimed it as their territory. They allowed no one to enter, but they did not, however, expand their ground. As an agreement made before they came, the Predacons would be left alone as long as they left the refugees alone. Predaking, Skylynx, and Darksteel all loved the idea. The only downside was that it limited their options for finding Energon.

Predaking watched over Darkmount from the throne. Skylynx and Darksteel were out searching for Energon. With luck, they would be able to find enough for the rotation, hopefully without the two fighting over the scraps. In a sense, Predaking finally had what he wanted. He was the king of his species, and no others would dare try to overthrow him.

In the middle of his thoughts, a communication was received and transmitted to the throne. All Predaking noticed was a flashing button on the armrest. He wasn't completely used to the technology around here, so he pressed it and the transmission came through. An image showing the yellow Autobot appeared before him.

"Your Highness," the Autobot bowed his helm slightly, "If I may have a moment, I wish to discuss some terms with you."

Predaking growled, "What more do we have to discuss? Our agreement is already set in stone. Do you have any idea how long it took me to ensure that my subjects would not hunt refugees for a meal? Any other changes to our contract, and everything that hasn't fallen apart here would!"

"Don't worry," the Autobot said, "I don't want to make changes. I just need a favor. We don't have the proper plans to lay down a foundation for a new building, and the only ones we know of are in the database at Darkmount. It would mean the most to the refugees and us if you allowed my colleagues to come to Darkmount, just long enough for us to get the plans and leave."

Predaking thought for a moment, "How do I know this isn't some sort of plot against me? Against what remains of my race?"

"You have my word, Predaking. We will come unarmed, if it pleases you."

"Hm… Very well, Autobot. I will allow you and two others in, on one condition. You bring us a full load of Energon."

"How much?"

"Enough for a decacycle."

A look of surprise appeared on the Autobot's face. After a brief moment, he nodded, "Alright. We'll come to Darkmount with the Energon at midday tomorrow. You have to make sure the other Predacons won't attack us."

Predaking nodded, "It will be done. Leave the Energon by the entrance of the fortress when you arrive. We will be watching you closely."

"I understand, your Majesty," said the Autobot, "Thank you for your consent."

He bowed his helm again and the transmission ended. Predaking leaned back. He didn't really like the idea of invaders in his territory. Perhaps that was just the basic animal instinct within him, but also, he didn't like any of the Autobots. At least they would get free Energon out of this.

It was quiet for a few minutes, then the sound of shouting came from the lower levels. It got louder and louder, and eventually it turned into roaring and screeching. Predaking growled in frustration. Skylynx and Darksteel were, yet again, behaving like complete sparklings. And, yet again, he needed to go and break them up.

Predaking stood up, started walking to the edge of the platform, and shouted, "WILL YOU TWO, FOR ONCE, SETTLE THINGS LIKE GROWN-UP MECHS?!"

He transformed into his beast mode and flew down to end the skirmish.

Guess who's back! For those who keep up with my other stories, I'm sorry that I haven't updated those (in like six months). I've just had a bunch of stuff with school and it's been kinda overwhelming. I actually started writing this a few days after Predacons Rising came out (which I bought that very day). I'm hoping that I'll be able to write some more stuff soon.

So I hope you liked this first chapter. I don't know about all y'all, but there were some things in the movie that were a bit unresolved and that really bugged me. So, this is kinda my solution to all of that. Let me know what you think or things you'd maybe like to see. I'm all ears!