"We have gathered together on this day to grieve for the greatest of us all."

In the Alpha Centauri star system, twilight fell upon the planet of Cybertron like a funeral shroud as Rigil Kentaurus slowly descended below the steely horizon.

As they stood near the edge of the immense Well of All Sparks, Jack Darby and the other members of Team Prime listened with rapt attention to hear Ultra Magnus speak.

"On behalf of the Autobots, I would like to begin by thanking our allies from Earth for attending on such short notice. Moreso than any other sentient beings in the universe, the humans deserved to be here, to stand with us, to…to..."

Without warning his words trailed off and he slumped abruptly, barely able to stand as he weakly leaned for support against the ceremonial dais. Ratchet hurriedly moved from his place next to the humans and scanned the Autobot commander's vitals. Self-consciously avoiding the worried expressions of those assembled before him, Ultra Magnus grunted as he attempted to ignore the pain from his recent injuries at the claws of the vicious Predacons.

The Autobots and their human friends had been reunited under the worst possible circumstances. After the end of the war and the subsequent rebirth of their home, by all rights this should have been a time of celebration for the Bots.

Jack grimly reflected that it had instead become a time to mourn a tragic and terrible loss.

He glanced over at his fellow companions, all of them struggling to put on a brave front.

For the most part they were dressed similarly, each attired in somber black. Even the bombastic Miko wore a conservative black dress, her wild pink-fringed hair done up in a bun and concealed in an old-fashioned wrap. Agent Fowler was the only one clad differently, wearing a United States Army class-A dress uniform.

Jack knew the special agent had once been a Ranger and that this was the proper military etiquette for a former soldier to show one's respect. However, he also couldn't help but recognize the mysterious rifle-green beret atop the man's head, the same one he had secretly discovered in Fowler's office.

Despite his lingering suspicions and doubts about the special agent, Jack didn't feel much like questioning the issue further.

To be honest he didn't feel much of anything. After his long ordeal with the Key to Vector Sigma, Jack was utterly spent. He was so physically and emotionally drained that it wouldn't have taken much to push him beyond the breaking point.

That was when the Autobots returned.

Jack's initial joy and relief that Arcee was still alive had been almost immediately overshadowed by the Bots' devastating news. In truth it should have shattered him but disturbingly the grief that he felt barely even registered. He felt numb. It was unnervingly similar to the sensation when the Key had forcefully separated his mind from his body.

Briefly he wondered about what his mother had warned him about, that unless he faced his bottled-up emotions they would one day consume him from within and leave nothing but an empty shell. He fervently hoped this was not already the case and that it wasn't too late for him.

Gazing out upon the eerily silent spires in the distance, Jack thought that Cybertron itself seemed to mirror his own present state.

From his current vantage point high atop the Well's rim, it honestly didn't seem all that different from the last time he had been here, even after the Autobots had used the power of the Omega Lock to revitalize their dead homeworld. Although the planet was now no longer covered in total darkness, there was still no apparent sign of life anywhere.

Jack did take note of at least one difference: the Well of All Sparks itself. Before, the Well had been nothing more than a vast, abyssal hole on the planet's surface, its stygian depths as black as night. Now, an intense shimmering glow - a Wellgleam, he supposed - emanated from the center of the yawning pit, proof that the AllSpark had at long last been restored to the Core.

Everyone knew all too well who had been responsible for its return.

Suddenly determined to finish what he had started, Ultra Magnus waved off Ratchet's offer of assistance and stubbornly forged ahead.

"While I regret that not all of our allies from Earth could be present today, we can nevertheless take comfort in the knowledge that in our absence humanity will continue to be kept safe, thanks to the ongoing efforts of Rescue Force Sigma-17."

He then gestured in a wide, sweeping motion, diverting everyone's attention away from him and towards the statues encircling the Well. Titanic in size, they loomed over even the tallest of the Autobots.

"These statues once stood within the grand conference chamber of Cybertron's High Council of Elders. No one knows exactly when these ancient monuments were originally made, only that they are very, very old. What we do know is that they are meant to be representations of the Thirteen, the original Primes created eons ago by Primus himself."

Ultra Magnus inclined his helm in the direction of the nearest statue, one so highly detailed that it almost seemed to be proudly parading the Prime's incredibly ornate armor. "From the first, Prima, the wielder of the Star Saber and the original bearer of the Matrix of Leadership…" He indicated another a relatively short distance away, its stark form by contrast conspicuously blank and with no identifiable features. "…to the last, the nameless Thirteenth Prime, he who according to legend used the power of his very Spark in the Primes' war against the Chaos Bringer."

"Long after the War of the Primes and their subsequent disappearance from our world, it was said that in times of great need, noble Cybertronians arose to become Prime and lead our civilization out of crisis."

Using the crude claw that had replaced his ruined right servo, Ultra Magnus pointed towards another set of statues standing just outside the inner circle of Primes. Significantly fewer in number, it was immediately apparent that these had been crafted much more recently.

"Sadly, most of what was once known about these noble heroes has been lost to the ages. Now we but know of only two." He faced one of the newer statues and said, "Once a mercenary, Sentinel Zeta became a member of Cybertron's proud Elite Guard and united our world against a dire threat, eventually leading us to victory and a Golden Age of peace and prosperity. Despite his many failures and shortcomings, in the end he remained true to the title of Prime. Because of this, we will forevermore remember him as Sentinel Prime."

"However, today we are here to honor another." Ultra Magnus slowly turned and looked upward to reverently regard the other statue, one poised almost protectively over everyone present and whose valiant visage was instantly familiar to all.

"I am confident that among us there are many stories, many epic tales telling of his bravery and heroism, of his nobility and sacrifice. There are likely so many in fact, that they would quickly fill Iacon's fabled Hall of Records to overflowing, and any endeavor to recount them all would ultimately prove futile. Indeed, even if we spent a score of lifetimes slogging through the massive walls of text, I suspect we would discover nothing short of eternity would be sufficient time. How then, can we possibly honor him when mere words are woefully inadequate? The answer is simple: We cannot."

Ultra Magnus then turned back to those assembled and said, "I will nevertheless, in the words of the humans, give it my best shot. Today, we stand together to pay our final respects to our leader, Optimus…the Last Prime."

At the moment Optimus' name was mentioned, Jack briefly sensed something. It was so slight that at first he wasn't certain if he had imagined it or not, but for just an instant he could have sworn it felt like the rumble of an earthquake.

Not appearing to notice anything out of the ordinary, Ultra Magnus spoke on.

"Long ago during an age when Cybertron had fallen into a state of apathy and despair, there was a humble Bot named Orion Pax who saw the desperate need for change. He recognized our race's potential to become something more than what we were…to transform. When the Great War eventually broke out across Cybertron, he did not hesitate to act and took on the role of Prime. Now forevermore known as Optimus, he led the Autobots' struggle against the tyranny of Megatron and the Decepticons. Yet even then, even to the Decepticons, he was always willing to extend his hand in peace."

Most of the humans as well as several Bots cast painfully obvious glances at Knock Out, the newest addition to the Autobots' ranks. Jack understood their misgivings but also wasn't blind to how the former Decepticon nodded in response to Ultra Magnus' words, almost as if he had resolved to be worthy of the trust that had been placed in him.

"Believing in his Spark that freedom is the right of all sentient beings, Optimus vowed to stop Megatron's mad lust for domination. To that end, he opted to safeguard the AllSpark - the wellspring from which all life on Cybertron is born and ultimately returns - by covertly sending it to a distant sector of the galaxy and keeping it out of Megatron's servos."

"The War for Cybertron reached a tipping point and the Decepticons appeared to be unstoppable. The Autobots endured bitter hardship and countless battles, but despite the overwhelming odds stacked against us Optimus refused to give up hope, and we managed to persevere in the face of certain defeat time and time again."

"When the war made its way to Earth Megatron's reign of terror was finally ended. At long last, after centuries of endless conflict, we were able to return home."

Ultra Magnus sighed, "Unfortunately, the ensuing peace was extremely short-lived. Optimus took his leave of us, embarking upon a quest to retrieve the lost AllSpark. We divided our remaining forces on Cybertron, beginning the reconstruction efforts while also dealing with fugitive Decepticons and the renewed threat of the Predacons. During these dangerous times, Unicron returned."

The humans couldn't help but flinch at the mere mention of the name. It was still unsettling to remember that the body of the ancient Destroyer of Worlds formed the core of the planet Earth, and if he ever awoke from his eons-long slumber it would mean the extinction of humanity.

"Freed from the confines of his physical form, Unicron's dark Anti-Spark soon found the lifeless husk of Megatron. Reborn and twisted into a slave of the Chaos Bringer, the possessed Megatron was forced to return to Cybertron where he threatened to tear our world asunder. He would have succeeded were it not for Optimus, who returned in time to free Megatron and seal Unicron away for all time within the indestructible Reliquary of the Primes."

"The experience changed Megatron. The Warmonger of the Decepticons, whose credo had always been peace through tyranny, finally experienced firsthand the true meaning of oppression, and thus lost his taste for inflicting it. Before he disappeared, Megatron declared that the Decepticons were no more."

"Sadly, Megatron was not the only one irrevocably changed. In order to both protect the AllSpark and secure Unicron's defeat, it was necessary for Optimus to empty the Reliquary's contents into the Matrix of Leadership. His own Spark could no longer be separated from the multitude of others within him, and for all intents and purposes, Optimus was now one with the AllSpark."

Ultra Magnus grimaced, silently struggling to keep his emotions in check as he recounted Optimus' final moments among them.

"We tried to save him, as he had so many times in the past saved us. However, even when we suggested turning to Vector Sigma like we did before, it fell upon deaf audio receptors. Optimus reminded us that to not return the AllSpark to the Well would be to prevent future generations of new life from existing on Cybertron. Moreover, because the Matrix had to be relinquished with the AllSpark, it could not be restored or passed down to another. Optimus' fate was sealed, for his quest had to be completed."

His gruff voice caught on the last word, and almost a full minute passed before Ultra Magnus was able to go on.

"From the beginning Optimus had always been known as the Last of the Primes. Surely he must have appreciated the irony of that sobriquet, especially given his next words to us…"

"But while this may very well mark the end of the Age of Primes, leadership can be earned with or without the Matrix. And in my view, you have each acted as a Prime. As even Megatron has demonstrated on this day, every sentient being possesses the capacity for change. I ask only this of you, fellow Autobots: keep fighting the noblest of fights."

In his mind's eye Ultra Magnus could see it as if it were all still happening.

Optimus had taken one last lingering look at everyone before blasting off into the sky. Like a crimson comet streaking through space he soared high above the Well of All Sparks. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as he turned in midair and engaged his afterburners, performing a breathtaking power dive.

In a flash Optimus Prime was gone, disappearing forever into the Well's dark depths.

Ultra Magnus closed his optics and for a moment there was silence.

And then…

In a low melodic mantra Ultra Magnus began to intone the liturgy of the Passing of Primes, reciting ancient passages from fragments of the Covenant of Primus. It was an old Cybertronian dialect, recognizable only to the Autobots and a single small human.

Raf had remained steadfast and strong up until this point, but upon hearing the mournful words of the liturgy he finally broke down and could not stop himself from crying.

Abruptly the dam burst and all the humans began to sob with grief…all that is, save one.

Hurriedly turning away from the others Jack hid his face, hoping that no one could see his outwardly unruffled demeanor. He wanted to cry…desperately. However, it was almost as if a switch inside him had been turned off. Try as he might, he simply couldn't feel anything.

M-maybe it's already too late for me.

Without warning there was another quake, no mistaking it this time. As the ground rumbled beneath their feet, the startled humans looked around with considerable alarm, not knowing quite how to react given their present circumstances.

Jack couldn't comprehend why the Bots didn't seem bothered by the reverberating tremors. He forced himself to keep in mind they were on an alien planet and a living one at that. Perhaps this was simply a normal, everyday occurrence on Cybertron. Who knows, maybe the slumbering Primus was snoring.

The frustration from all the uncertainty combined with the realization that Optimus Prime was gone forever was suddenly too much for Jack to bear. Automatically his hand gripped the Key concealed beneath his shirt.

Unbidden, the words came to him.

"Always keep it close to your heart…"

Jack heaved a weary sigh, yearning for a sense of assurance that refused to come.

Mercifully the troubled teen found the persistent low rumble oddly soothing. The lingering vibrations began to calm his frayed nerves and slowly but surely he began to relax.

For just an instant his tired, haunted eyes closed.

…

Jack's eyes snapped open and he found himself elsewhere.

Hemmed in by a seemingly endless expanse of darkness, Jack wondered for a split second if the Key to Vector Sigma had once again transported his consciousness to another plane of reality.

Looking down he was surprised to see Miko and Raf both sound asleep and huddled up against him. Someone had covered the three of them with a large woolen blanket.

His mystified mind raced frantically.

Wh-what's going on? Wh-where - ?

As his eyes gradually adjusted to the shadows, Jack recognized his surroundings and it clicked. He was inside Hangar E, the Autobots' base when it was still in the early stages of being put together.

As crazy as it sounded, he realized that he had been transported back to the night following the battle of Darkmount!

Still gazing at his two slumbering friends, he couldn't hold back a fond smile. They had both been through so much and he was happy that they were finally able to get some long overdue rest.

Jack huffed tiredly. Despite not understanding why this was happening, he decided to embrace it and just go with the flow.

Realizing that the mysterious rumble had not yet stopped, he started to question what might be causing it when the hangar doors suddenly opened.

A thin sliver of moonlight from outside pierced through the gloom. What little light it provided was more than enough, as it alerted Jack to the previously unknown presence of a huge figure standing nearby.

It was unmistakably Cybertronian.

He gasped, not recognizing the towering dark silhouette. Immediately thinking that a Decepticon intruder had somehow found them, Jack desperately looked around for the Autobots.

The hangar was empty.

Wh-where did all the Bots go? Th-they wouldn't leave us alone and unprotected, would they?

Jack didn't want to believe this was actually happening, but after their recent grueling ordeal he wasn't about to take any chances, not when the Cons were aggressively hunting for them and especially when he currently couldn't discern friend from foe.

As quickly and quietly as he could, he gently disengaged himself from his friends' surprisingly strong grip and stood to his feet. Looking back at them he sighed with relief. Thankfully Raf and Miko were still fast asleep. Jack worried if they woke up it might accidently alert this intruder to their presence.

Jack's improvised plan was to distract the intruder and lead them away from his friends. He silently made his way downstairs. The further down he went, the louder the rumble became.

So far, so good. Big Bot over there still hasn't budged.

Jack got as close as he dared, and without making a sound hid behind a large metal column. Holding his breath, he chanced a quick glance.

He flinched, squinting at the shockingly bright lights that abruptly shone through the open hangar doors. As they cast their glow inside, they revealed the so-called intruder as none other than Optimus Prime.

Jack softly exhaled the breath he had been holding, chiding himself for forgetting Optimus' newly reformatted chassis created by the last vestiges of power from the Forge of Solus Prime.

The rumble was almost uncomfortably loud as a massive vehicle roared into view, evidently the source of the noise. It entered Hangar E and once inside came to a stop, its powerful engine sounding like the whine of a jet engine before shutting down.

Painted olive drab, the vehicle looked like a bizarre cross between a heavily armored transport truck and a futuristic tank. As Jack watched, the driver's side door opened. Special Agent Fowler climbed out and began speaking to Optimus.

Idly Jack wondered if the man ever got any sleep.

"…what we have here is an experimental all-terrain expeditionary fighting vehicle, designed by the finest engineers in our M.A.S.K. division."

Optimus replied, "Thank you, Agent Fowler. This will most certainly do."

A blue beam of light shone out from Optimus' cerulean optics, sweeping across the entire length of the vehicle as he scanned its form. The entire process took only seconds, providing him with a complete schematic that was instantaneously downloaded to his T-cog.

Meanwhile Fowler produced a steaming cup of coffee and drank a mouthful of the potent, highly caffeinated brew, answering the question of how he had managed to stay functional after all this time.

Jack chose that particular moment to step into view.

Upon seeing him, Fowler nodded indifferently and said, "Oh…hello, Jack." He took another huge swig before Jack's presence fully registered. His eyes widening with alarm, he promptly sprayed hot coffee everywhere.

He demanded, "Wh-what are you doing up and about?! This is a top-secret military prototype, son! Y-you shouldn't be seeing this!"

Stifling a chuckle, Jack nonchalantly answered, "Well, seeing as how Optimus just scanned your little Tonka truck for his alt-mode, this really isn't going to be a secret for much longer, now is it?"

Fowler continued to sputter until Optimus gently interrupted.

"If I may, Agent Fowler…I was just about to take myself on a test drive. Perhaps Jack should accompany me and I can emphasize the importance of keeping secrets?"

Fowler rolled his eyes but conceded, saying, "Fine, fine. Just don't stay out too late. His mother worries."

When the special agent saw that Jack was suddenly hesitant to leave his friends, Fowler smiled knowingly and said, "Don't you worry, either. I promise I'll keep a close watch on them while you're away."

Jack returned the smile and gratefully replied, "Thanks, Agent Fowler."

In a blur Optimus transformed into his new vehicle mode and opened the door. Jack hopped in and they departed.

For a long time the two traveled in silence. An hour passed before Jack happened to look out the window and noticed the waning crescent moon in the night skies overhead.

Under his breath he muttered, "Scrap…"

Optimus asked, "Is something wrong, Jack?"

"I'm sorry, I-I just happened to remember that it had been a full moon the night when Team Prime reunited…you know, after we had been on the run from the Cons for about a week." Jack frowned before adding, "That was three weeks ago…three weeks since everything turned upside-down."

Jack slumped in his seat and sighed, "Sorry, Optimus. I know this is nothing new for the Autobots, but for us…I-I mean, losing our homes like that and being forced to let go of our old lives…well, it hasn't been easy. Nothing makes sense anymore. I-I guess…I just wish things had never changed."

"The absence of change is not stability, Jack. Only the dead remain the same."

"Wh-what?"

"A long time ago I said something similar to Cybertron's High Council, when I beseeched them to consider that the time had come for a new path to be taken."

Without warning one of Optimus' tires struck a large rock. Jack was tossed and jostled about the interior, glad he had worn his seat belt. His raven hair disheveled, he peered outside and realized that at some point when he wasn't paying attention they had left the main highway and were now on a very rough dirt road.

Jack breathlessly asked, "Where are we?"

Optimus pulled to a stop at the rocky base of a towering mountain. When he didn't answer, Jack shrugged before getting out and stretching his stiff limbs.

The Last Prime transformed into robot mode and stood silently.

As Jack worked out the kinks in the muscles, he slowly studied his surroundings. Suddenly he snapped his fingers and cried, "Wait, I know where we are! This is Boundary Peak!"

"I once wrote a report about it in school. Boundary Peak is supposed to be the highest point in Nevada. It gets its name from its close proximity to the boundary between Nevada and California. There was some controversy over where the actual boundary was, but it got legally settled back in 1980." Jack looked up at the mountain and grinned, saying, "I always wanted to try hiking to the summit, but never seemed to find the time."

He glanced over at Optimus and frowned when he saw the Prime's grave expression.

"Optimus? Are-are you okay?"

"No, Jack. No, I am not."

"Wh-what's wrong?"

With some reluctance Optimus said, "I…fear that my recent brush with death has affected me more than I realized."

Cautiously Jack asked, "D-do you remember what happened when you were…I-I mean, did you…did you see anything?"

"I remember…" Optimus paused before continuing, "…darkness…cold…then, light. That was when I saw him."

"Who?"

"My mentor…Alpha Trion. At first, I was uncertain if it was truly him standing before me."

"D-did he say anything to you?"

Optimus paused again, a faraway expression in his optics.

"Alpha Trion said…many things. He told me that it seemed my time had come, but expressed confusion when I hesitated. I explained that I did not fear joining with the AllSpark, but for the fate of the Matrix of Leadership. He attempted to reassure me by saying my successor would learn to be a Prime, as I once did."

Suddenly Optimus physically jolted as he recalled his mentor's next words.

"Take my hand, Optimus…and join me. Join with the AllSpark."

Realizing that reliving this experience was uncomfortable for the Autobot leader, Jack mentally kicked himself.

"I'm sorry, Optimus! I-I shouldn't have brought it up in the first place!"

"It is…all right, Jack. My encounter with Alpha Trion was simply…unexpected."

"The other Autobots don't really talk about him much. What he was like?"

A nostalgic look appeared on Optimus' faceplate, something that was almost but not quite a smile.

"If it had not been for Alpha Trion, I would not be Optimus Prime."

Jack was instantly intrigued, and so Optimus began to tell the tale. He hearkened back to a time before the Great War…a dark time of apathy and despair…a time known as the Age of Rust.

…

Cybertron had narrowly escaped total extinction.

Forced to cut itself off from its many colony worlds, Cybertron's relatively small population that had survived fell into a deep state of shock. When it was discovered that Energon was in extremely short supply, society teetered on the brink of collapse.

Fearing a planet-wide riot, the ruling High Council attempted to reestablish some sense of order by returning to the old caste system of Form and Function. Although he was a member of the Council at the time, Alpha Trion vehemently spoke out against the repressive system and began discussing the dangerous direction civilization was heading with the Council's leader, Sentinel Zeta Prime.

They disagreed, Sentinel blindly insisting the caste system preserved society and that individuality would otherwise tear it apart. He honestly believed that it was the only way to save his people from themselves.

Alpha Trion realized that Sentinel Prime had fallen victim to the same sense of hopelessness that had taken root across their home planet.

Resolving to find something to restore not only Sentinel's heart but also that of all Cybertron, Alpha Trion secretly journeyed deep into the wastelands of the Sea of Rust, a desert-like area of unstable planetary matter and molecular flux that constantly emitted a collection of corrosive gasses. He searched high and low until he finally found what he was looking for: a tiny aerial protruding out of the ground.

As he approached the long-forgotten communications node, a holoprojector emerged from the swirling dust and rust which in turn formed an image of a glowing golden sphere. Alpha Trion knew this was only a holographic avatar and not the real thing. Its true form was hidden deep underground, extending throughout Cybertron like the fine filaments of a human nervous system.

Alpha Trion thanked Vector Sigma for meeting him on such short notice.

…

"Wait, what?!"

Optimus paused as Jack stared at him wide-eyed, reeling with what he had just heard.

"What is the matter, Jack?"

"R-Ratchet once told me that only a Prime or one chosen by a Prime could access Vector Sigma. If that's true, th-then that would mean Alpha Trion was-was…"

"…one of the original Thirteen Primes." Optimus finished for him, pleased that Jack was able to figure it out so quickly.

His mind blown, Jack quietly murmured, "H-holy scrap."

As he attempted to process this startling new information, Jack thought about his own encounter with Vector Sigma. He couldn't help but wonder if what he had seen then was nothing more than a hologram as well.

Meanwhile Optimus continued with the story.

…

Alpha Trion greeted Vector Sigma, the intermediary between him and Cybertron's living Core. He recalled when he and the other Primes had originally created it, a computer capable of interfacing with Primus himself, a vast artificial intelligence so close to being alive that nobody could be certain if it was or wasn't, one that served not only as the repository of the wisdom of the Primes but oh so much more.

Alpha Trion appealed to Vector Sigma, speaking of the crisis on Cybertron. Imploringly he said, "I need something to galvanize the will of the people…to inspire and challenge them."

He had, of course, been referring to the Matrix of Leadership. However, it was not yet the appointed time for the relic to reveal itself.

Instead, a flat, hand-sized object appeared, seemingly pushing itself out of the ground at Alpha Trion's pedes.

Apha Trion instantly recognized it, remembering it once a part of his brother's golden armor.

He whispered, "The Badge of Vector Prime."

This relic, this Artefact of Power, was the token of hope to be given to Sentinel.

Alpha Trion thanked Vector Sigma and bid him farewell as they parted company.

Returning to Iacon, Alpha Trion was alone as he studied the Badge. Before making the journey to see Sentinel Prime, he set it down and gathered his thoughts. When he did so the Badge reacted unexpectedly with his own Artefacts, the oracular Covenant of Primus and the reality-bending Quill.

The Badge of Vector Prime began to hum and Alpha Trion realized whatever was happening was drawing power directly from the Artefact. He attempted to pick it up but was jolted by a prodigious shock, causing him to drop the Badge onto the open pages of the Covenant. It burned white hot with the energies coursing through it, searing a permanent burn mark of its irregular polygonal outline onto the book.

Strange signs and symbols began to materialize on the pages of the Covenant, appearing and disappearing with such speed that Alpha Trion was only able to discern single words or phrases. What few runes he did manage to interpret spoke of events that had not yet occurred, prophesying of a rising darkness in the distant future.

Before he was able to make any clear sense of it, the runes vanished and left no trace that they had ever been there. Only the still-smoking mark of the Badge remained.

Shaken by the experience, Alpha Trion later met with Sentinel Prime and passed to him the ancient Artefact. After doing so, he once again urged that the caste system be done away with.

Sentinel did not budge, and in frustration Alpha Trion pointed out one of the glaring examples of the ever-growing unrest he had thus far observed: a previously nameless miner turned gladiator turned revolutionary, one who now called himself Megatronus, after one of the original Thirteen Primes. Megatronus also defied the caste system, vowing to challenge Cybertron's corrupt leadership and demand that all Cybertronians be treated as equals.

Alpha Trion knew that if something was not done and quickly, civil unrest would soon transform into civil war. It was no longer a possibility, it was a certainty.

Sentinel snorted derisively, ignoring the impassioned warning. Furthermore, he believed that the Badge was merely a disingenuous ploy to garner his favor. He thanked Alpha Trion for the gift, assuring him that he planned to keep the little trinket as an adornment for his armor.

However, his patience was at an end.

Using his authority as Prime, Sentinel officially expelled Alpha Trion from the Council, dismissing him to the Hall of Records. The last words he spoke were, "Cybertron has no need of you anymore, Alpha Trion. Disappear and let the dust cover you!"

…

Jack angrily muttered, "What an absolute tool."

Optimus replied, "Despite his actions, not even Sentinel deserved his ultimate fate."

…

Sequestering himself within the Hall of Records, Alpha Trion acted on his own judgment and encouraged his student Orion Pax to befriend Megatronus, hoping Orion's optimism would temper the gladiator's violent urges.

It was during this time that Megatronus saw fit to modify his name to Megatron.

Following soon after Alpha Trion's expulsion from the Council, there was a series of mysterious attacks. A synchronized string of explosions took place less than a cycle apart, first in Blaster City, then the Sonic Canyons (where legend had it, Vector Sigma was said to be located), then Six Lasers over Cybertron, Polyhex, Stanix, and finally Uraya.

Meanwhile Sentinel Prime paid it all no heed.

Normally a reclusive leader, Sentinel made a rare public appearance in the city-state of Altihex. Believing that he had nothing to fear, he was shocked when it too was attacked.

What made this attack stand out from all the others was that this was the first time the attackers identified themselves, calling themselves Decepticons.

They also claimed to do what they did in the name of Megatron.

Surviving eyewitnesses claimed that a fusillade of ion bolts hammered into Sentinel's torso before he fell. He disappeared without a trace, and for a very long time no one knew if he was alive or dead.

In the aftermath of the attack, the outraged High Council demanded Megatron be brought to justice.

Heedless of any consequences to himself, Orion publicly protested that Megatron was not involved with what had happened, feeling that his friend's massive ego would have compelled him to claim responsibility for the attacks if he were indeed behind them. He also requested that Alpha Trion arrange an audience with the High Council in order to clear Megatron's name as well as his own, and so that they would have the chance to propose their shared vision for a just society.

All of Cybertron held its collective breath and anxiously awaited the outcome.

…

Jack murmured, "This must've been the day Ratchet told us about, when you and Megatron had your big falling out?"

Optimus nodded sadly. "Megatron proclaimed the need to overthrow the old guard with force, whereas I did not believe in violence as a means of achieving justice. When I was chosen by the Council to succeed Sentinel as the new Prime, Megatron felt betrayed and his once-noble goals and ideals became corrupted."

He went on, "Alpha Trion had been frantic to prevent all-out war, but when he helped us secure an audience before the High Council, it only succeeded in starting the very war he feared."

"Scrap."

"Indeed."

…

The Great War between the newly christened Autobots and Decepticons spread across Cybertron like wildfire. Many battles were fought, many lives lost. The peaceful planet was soon laid waste.

Centuries passed.

Then, in the heart of the death and destruction, a miracle happened…

"Orion, look! It's Sentinel Prime!"

Leading a small team of Autobots, Orion Pax allowed himself to be captured and thereby gained access to infiltrate Kaon Prison. He had discovered that Sentinel was still alive, being held prisoner in a maximum security bunker in one of the prison's lower levels.

When they finally found him, Sentinel's battered body was held fast and bound to a monstrous-looking torture machine.

"Wh-what do they have him hooked up to?"

Without warning the unspeaking Decepticon Soundwave appeared and attacked, blasting them all with a deafening barrage from his sonic cannons. A terrific battle quickly ensued, with Soundwave deploying his Mini-Con minions Frenzy, Rumble and Laserbeak, all to no avail. The Autobots soon emerged victorious.

The damage Soundwave incurred was substantial, but the Decepticon re-energized by using energy drawn directly from Sentinel Prime's Spark. He then cruelly fired a final blaster shot at the helpless Sentinel before escaping.

Orion knew it was bad. Worriedly he said, "Hold on, Sentinel. We'll get you out of there."

Sentinel gasped, "A…noble sentiment, Orion…b-but I am afraid…I am…dead already."

…

Jack frowned, remembering his earlier words and feeling guilty for having said them.

Optimus continued, "Sentinel's wounds were fatal, but somehow he managed to hang onto life for a precious while longer."

"Kneeling at his side I told him I never meant to usurp what was his. He replied that the title of Prime must inevitably pass away, and that he had held it for longer than he should have. I assured him that he was true in the end, and that he would be remembered as such."

"Closing his optics, Sentinel lay silent. For a moment I believed him dead, but then he spoke again, saying that before he could become one with the AllSpark he still had one last duty to perform as Prime..."

…

Sentinel's servo trembled as it reached up and took hold of the Badge of Vector Prime that adorned his armor. Pulling it free, he offered it to Orion.

"I-I was…wrong. I believed…this r-relic to be…a mere…k-keepsake of the Ancients…wh-when it is…s-so much more. It…it represents hope, Orion. It is…the Key…th-the Key to…the future."

When his successor accepted the relic, Sentinel smiled with approval.

Then, he died.

Sadly Orion said, "Let's…bring him home."

Sentinel Prime's lifeless chassis was returned to Iacon.

"High Council, I return with a fallen hero."

As Orion Pax gently set down Sentinel Prime's body, the pitifully few Council members that still survived responded by intoning, "Till All Are One."

Orion said, "Times have grown desperate. The Autobots crave your guidance."

"The Council exists only to choose the Primes. It is the Primes' directive to lead and protect."

"There are no Primes." As he spoke the words Orion winced at the sobering realization.

"Even now, you still reject your calling? For too long have we watched the other Primes fall to their pride and greed, but you…your courage and wisdom have transformed the lives around you. Megatron has infected the very core of our world. You must journey to the Core and remove this blight. Failure would doom us all."

Orion did not hesitate and declared, "I will accept the burden…with all that I am."

"Arise - "

…

" - Optimus?"

"Yes, Jack?"

"L-listen, I'm really sorry for interrupting again but I have to know. This thing, th-this Badge of Vector Prime…you said Sentinel called it a Key. W-was it…?"

Optimus wordlessly produced the thing in question, a gleaming fusion of metal and crystal that floated and spun slowly in mid-air above his open servo.

Jack whispered, "…the Key to Vector Sigma!"

Momentarily mesmerized by the sight of the ancient Artefact of Power, Jack said, "Ratchet once called it one of Cybertron's most important relics."

Optimus nodded in agreement. "Indeed, and it is because of the Key's singular importance that I originally entrusted it to your safekeeping, Jack."

"But I still don't understand why you picked me. I'm nobody special."

The Last Prime bluntly replied, "With respect, Jack…I disagree. I chose you to carry the Key to Vector Sigma for many reasons…not only because you are wise and courageous beyond your years, but also because you made the decision to spare the life of Megatron."

Jack was startled. He had never told anyone of his little conversation with the Decepticon Warlord, not even Arcee.

"Y-you know about that?"

"On the day of the cave-in, Megatron was helpless…buried by hundreds of tons of rock. With but the simple push of a button, you could have ended his existence. And yet, you did not. Even after he goaded you into finishing him off, you instead showed him mercy. I believe that says something about you."

Jack muttered, "Yeah, it says I ought to have my head examined. Look, I-I didn't do anything that anyone else would've done in my place."

Optimus silently marveled at how quick the troubled teen was to casually dismiss something that he himself viewed as one of the primary defining moments in Jack's young life. It was a choice that even he wasn't certain he would have made were their positions reversed.

Feeling humbled, Optimus hung low his massive helm and knelt before Jack.

"Forgive me."

Incredulous, Jack asked, "F-for what?"

Guiltily Optimus answered, "For my outright deception when I first passed the Key to you…for putting your life in terrible peril…for forcing such a heavy burden upon one so young…but most importantly, for not asking for your forgiveness sooner."

"It-it's okay, I know you did what you had to do. I'm just glad I was able to help, because given the chance I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

"You and your friends have already done so much, Jack…sacrificing your normal lives and asking for nothing in return."

Jack replied, "We could say the same for you, Optimus. My whole planet would've fallen to the Decepticons years ago if you and the other Autobots hadn't given up…well, everything! Every single human being on Earth owes you their lives!"

Optimus was silent for a long time, his cerulean optics shining as he gazed intently at the Key.

Finally he rumbled, "If anything, Jack…my most recent brush with death has reminded me how uncertain life can be. Thus, I must be more prepared than ever for the future and for the inevitable change that it brings."

Jack thoughtfully pondered his words for a moment and then said, "You didn't bring me out here for a test drive, did you?"

Once again Optimus was surprised by Jack's insight.

"In war and in life…anything is possible. As such, if something were to happen to me again, I would find comfort in the knowledge that the future was in safe hands…" He looked pointedly at Jack and finished, "…your hands."

"M-me?"

Raising his huge servo, Optimus held out the Key.

"Make no mistake, Jack. If you opt to carry this once again, there will be no turning back. The Key will change your life in ways you cannot yet imagine. It will be a great responsibility…indeed, the burden hardest to bear."

Jack smiled and replied, "Don't worry, Optimus. Mom raised me to be responsible."

He reached out and the ancient relic responded, almost seeming eager to return to Jack's charge as it quickly transformed itself to a smaller size.

As he had done before, Optimus solemnly passed the Key to Vector Sigma to the young human. The Autobot leader's baritone voice was low and rumbling when he spoke.

"Jack, it is vital that you guard the knowledge of the Key's existence and keep it secret, even from those whom you call family. If anyone were to learn of it once more being in your possession, their lives and those you care most about would be in terrible danger. It is a relic of the ancient Thirteen Primes, possibly the most important relic of them all, and there are those who will stop at nothing to seize its power. Always remember, Jack. Always keep it close to your heart…"

He paused only for an instant before adding, "…for that is where you will always remain…in mine."

"O-Optimus…"

"You have a good heart, Jack…one truly worthy of being a Prime. I could not be more proud of you if you were my own child."

Moved beyond words, Jack rubbed his burning eyes and struggled not to break down in front of Optimus. Somehow he managed to eke out the words, "Th-thank you."

Taking a deep cleansing breath, he succeeded in burying the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. Once that Herculean effort was accomplished, Jack placed the Key in his pocket and resolutely repeated the words from what felt like a lifetime ago.

"I won't let you down."

Optimus nodded silently in response and then stood back to his full height.

In an attempt to lighten the heavy mood, Jack remarked, "You know, it's a good thing Ratchet managed to figure out your contingency plan after you gave me the Key the last time. Otherwise everybody might've gotten stuck with me as, I-I don't know, some kind of honorary Prime…!"

"Yes?"

Jack's mouth abruptly dropped in absolute astonishment.

Optimus' faceplate was unreadable as he asked, "What if I were to say there was no contingency plan, Jack?"

Is-is he being serious?!

Optimus then graced him with a small but unmistakable smile.

Dumbfounded at first, Jack began to laugh.

Apparently, Primes were capable of humor.

"Happy Birthday, Jack."

…

Jack opened his eyes.

Blinking rapidly he tried to be inconspicuous as he looked around him, stressing that he had actually fallen asleep during Optimus Prime's funeral. He was incredibly relieved when he realized Ultra Magnus was still intoning the liturgy. Surreptitiously glancing at his watch Jack's gunmetal-gray eyes widened in disbelief. Hard as it was to believe, the entire experience of remembrance had lasted no more than a minute.

At first Jack wondered if he had somehow dreamt the whole thing, his wandering thoughts happening to latch onto a particularly intense memory. Taking its bizarre brevity in real-time into account, he then began to question if the Key to Vector Sigma had once again taken control of his mind, making him relive the memory for whatever mysterious reason. However, the relic had been eerily silent since yesterday, not showing any of its previous tells of glowing electric blue or chiming musically.

Confused and unsure, he frantically played and replayed the entire scenario over and over again until finally, Jack was forced to admit that he simply did not know. His beleaguered brain was already on overload, having seen so much that didn't make a bit of sense. He honestly considered himself lucky to remember his own name…

Jack's racing thoughts skidded to a screeching stop.

…remember…

Recalling the mysterious vision the Key had previously shown him, he suddenly considered the possibility that maybe what he had seen yesterday wasn't a vision at all, but a memory.

Jack then asked the million-dollar question.

If that's true, wh-whose memory was it?

Meanwhile Ultra Magnus finally uttered the last of the liturgy. Responding in unison, the members of Team Prime ardently declared, "Till All Are One."

Visibly weary, the Autobot commander collected himself before continuing with the eulogy.

"Some may question why we stand assembled here at the Well of All Sparks and not the Crypt of the Primes located in Iacon, where Optimus would have joined an entombed lineage of leaders reaching back as far as there has been history on our planet."

"Thousands of years ago when we laid Sentinel Prime to rest in the Crypt, the War for Cybertron was raging and there was no time for the elaborate ritual that would normally accompany the entombing of his body. Ironically, now that peace has finally been restored and there is more than enough time for the ritual, we have no body to bury."

"Thus, we have instead gathered together in what became Optimus' final resting place, fittingly the same location where all life began on Cybertron."

Ultra Magnus leaned against the dais as he experienced another wave of pain. Unwavering in his resolve, he held up his good servo and once again prevented Ratchet from helping him.

Gathering his remaining strength, he grunted before saying, "Just before he vanished from our lives, Optimus' Spark appeared before us and spoke one final time…"

"Above all do not lament my absence, for in my Spark I know that this is not the end, but merely a new beginning. Simply put…another transformation."

Ultra Magnus' face saddened for a moment, a small wistful smile appearing on his faceplate.

"Those of you who have fought beside me know me to be what our human allies…" He paused and corrected himself, "…what our human family would call 'by the book.' In all my centuries of serving under Optimus' command, I have never before disobeyed a direct order. That is, until now."

Painfully drawing himself up, Ultra Magnus gazed up at the stalwart statue of Optimus and said, "Forgive me, sir, but I-I will lament your absence…with every bit of my Spark."

He then nodded curtly to Team Prime. The Autobots instantly stood at attention and moved into position, standing in a row next to one another.

"As Optimus was indeed the Last of the Primes, we will celebrate his life on this day by upholding the same ancient tradition that the Thirteen held eons ago after suffering the loss of one of their own."

The Bots raised their massive arms and their servos transformed accordingly. A blistering volley of blaster fire streaked up into the dark skies above, the humans holding their ears against the deafeningly loud noise.

When it seemed to be over, Fowler whispered to Ratchet, asking, "Was that the Autobot equivalent of a 21-gun salute?"

Ratchet smiled and answered, "Not exactly."

Without warning the skies lit up in a breathtaking pyrotechnics display of light and color, illuminating the faces of human and Autobot alike.

The kids couldn't help themselves as they began to laugh aloud in childlike wonderment, exclaiming, "Fireworks!"

It didn't end there. In response to the lightshow above, the entire surface of the planet Cybertron became aglow. Towering spires and structures that had once been dark now glittered like precious jewels.

Suddenly everyone heard a strange sound. After a moment they recognized it as cheering.

The startled humans gasped as previously hidden Cybertronians started to appear from out of nowhere, all of them shouting for joy.

Ultra Magnus raised his voice triumphantly and cried, "On this day, we shall remember the life of Optimus Prime! On this day we shall remember the lives of all those who have fallen! We shall remember and never forget, for this…this is All Spark Day!"

A jubilant chorus of affirmation thundered in response across the whole of Cybertron.

Still standing alone, Jack didn't join in with everyone's laughter. Instead, he merely stood there in quiet awe. Feeling something unexpected on his face, he reached up and was surprised to discover a stray tear trailing down his cheek.

As he wiped the teardrop away Jack smiled, comforted to discover that he wasn't as far gone as he had worried.

Suddenly he felt the unmistakable sensation of someone's eyes upon him.

He turned and froze in mute shock.

Her azure optics held the exact same expression of unmistakable, barely restrained yearning when they had last spoken a month earlier.

The two locked gazes and discovered they were utterly unable to look away from one another.

Jack felt an unexpected hope blossom in his heart as he whispered her name.

"Arcee…"

To be continued…!