Chapter Text
“The chair recognizes the representative from the planet Caminus.” The booming voice of Zeta Prime echoed through the Iacon Assembly Hall.
Windblade took a moment to collect her thoughts before rising from her seat. “Honorable members of the High Council...” she began. “As you are no doubt aware, the Quintesson threat continues to put a heavy burden on the people of Caminus. It is my intention to petition the council of the Cybertronian Republic for aid once again, at the behest of the Forgefire.” Her declaration was met with silence, so she continued. “If aid is not granted, Caminus will cease Energon exports to Cybertron.”
Of course, that was what got their attention.
Sentinel Prime was the first to speak up. “I was not aware that The Mistress approved of extortion, representative.” The councilor nearly spat out her title.
On the opposite end of the aisle, Dirge stood from his seat. “The planet Unicron stands in solidarity with the people of Caminus.” Sentinel turned his attention to the Decepticon and sneered.
“The chair does not recognize the representative of the planet Unicron at this time.” Zeta Prime stated in a calm, even tone.
With a nod, Dirge returned to his seat. “Forgive my enthusiasm, Minister.”
That's not the Primus-damned point! Windblade thought to herself, clenching her fist behind the cover of the podium.
The newest member of the council - Optimus Prime - was the next to speak. “I propose that the council take immediate action to provide assistance to the people of Caminus. The Quintessons represent a clear and present danger to not only the planet Caminus, but to the entirety of the Republic.”
Sentinel Prime scoffed. “Orion, you shouldn’t take everything Camiens say at face value.”
Ultra Magnus moved to retort, but he was interrupted by another councilor. His voice deep and intimidating, commanding a millennium of authority. “His name is Optimus Prime. And you would do well to respect him.” Megatronus Prime’s tone was thick with annoyance and disdain. Optimus glanced over at his colleague. His mentor. A smirk spread beneath his mask as Sentinel seemed to back down. “Optimus Prime’s suggestion is completely reasonable, and represents the best course of action to protect the sovereignty of Caminus.” He continued.
Decimus Prime, Cordias Prime, and the other councilors seemed content to allow the trio to bicker, quietly discussing amongst themselves, and before too long the council was called to a brief recess.
---
Optimus leaned against the railing on a balcony outside the main assembly hall. Before too long, Megatronus joined his side. The pair shared a glance before the Decepticon began to speak. “While we sit here in this meeting, tens of thousands of sparks are being snuffed out.”
“I know.” Was the only answer Optimus could muster.
“And you still have faith in the council? In this beleaguered, shambling process of decision making?” Megatronus countered.
Optimus considered this for a moment, but before he could answer, Megatronus continued. “We need action! Not committees. This meeting does nothing to help the Camiens, nothing to help the Velocitronians and the Unicronians. Swift, decisive action is the only way.”
“I don't disagree with you. But these systems, these checks and balances. They exist for a reason. We could very easily spiral back into the darkness of our past without them.”
“Those misguided ideals of yours are going to get you killed one day, Orion… So terrified of the return of the old empire.” Megatronus shook his head and laughed to himself. “Maybe the Thetacons have a point. Maybe we ought to do away with government altogether. The enemy is at the gate and they're concerned with Energon imports!” Megatronus' tone raised to a furious shout.
Optimus nodded, seemingly without any counter. “There has been very little discussion of the issue presented…” he said thoughtfully.
Megatronus turned. “I am going to contact Kolkular before we’re recalled. Regardless of the outcome, my Decepticions will be mobilizing.” With that, he moved toward a more secluded area. “Soundwave…” was all Optimus could make out before Megatronus left earshot.
On the other side of the assembly hall was an identical balcony, upon which stood a fuming Windblade along with a second Camien. Doing a much better job of hiding her contempt for the council - either that, or not feeling it as intensely in the first place - Chromia leaned against the doorframe.
“They just don't listen!”
Chromia had heard Windblade’s frustrations dozens of times by now. “At least Megatronus and Optimus seem similarly fed up.” She responded with a shrug.
Windblade turned sharply. “Megatronus has been on our side from the start. Optimus, as well. Ultra Magnus might be convinced to stand by us, but Sentinel is a lost cause as usual.”
Chromia stood up and took a few steps forward before resting her hand on Windblade’s shoulder. “Relax. You need a clear head going back into this thing.”
Windblade stiffened for a moment before seeming to take Chromia’s advice, taking a deep breath. “Right, okay. Alright.”
“Focus on Ultra Magnus. If we can convince him, that's nearly half the council. Now, let's talk about your strategy.”
Windblade nodded.
“Ultra Magnus is just that. He's Magnus. He’s a soldier, first and foremost. The Energon angle might work on Decimus or Zeta, but we need to leverage Caminus’ strategic position to get through to him.”
The Representative was - once again - impressed by Chromia’s keen mind for politics. It seemed to clash harshly with her usual brutish, direct approach to things. Windblade had even asked her on multiple occasions if she'd ever consider a career as a politician. A question Chromia would almost always deflect outright.
“Now…” Chromia began. “Lift your head, take a deep breath, and let’s practice what you’re going to say.”
Windblade straightened her posture, met Chromia’s eyes, and inhaled…
---
Soundwave marched down the eastern hall of the Imperial capital, nearly bowling over any unfortunate enough to cross his path. As he approached a T-junction, a small aircraft rounded from the right and perched on his shoulder.
“Shockwave has been informed.” Laserbeak squawked.
“Good. I prefer to avoid facetime with it when possible.” Soundwave’s monotonous voice droned in response as he turned left at the junction. Laserbeak took flight again, headed back the way the pair came. After a brief walk, he entered a large hangar, where four Deceptions talked amongst themselves. A hush fell over them as he approached.
“Air commander.” He addressed their leader. “Megatronus has declared that we are to provide assistance in the defense of Caminus. You and your Seekers are to be the vanguard.”
Starscream adopted a smirk. “And what an honor it is to be the first. Isn't that right, Skywarp? Thundercracker?” Skywarp practically rolled her eyes, and Thundercracker only responded with a groan.
“Spare me your boot-licking, Starscream.” Soundwave deadpanned. “And where is Sunstorm?”
Astrotrain let out a stifled chuckle as Starscream’s expression soured. But before he could make his indignation known, Skywarp answered the question.
“Late, as usual.” She placed a hand on her hip. “I swear, he was probably late to his own activation.”
As if on queue, the bright yellow Seeker swooped into the hangar and landed next to the group, adopting his robot mode. “Airspace was overcrowded, Kaon flight control wouldn't let me approach. Had to barge in.” He explained with a nervous smile.
Skywarp sighed while Thundercracker and Sunstorm exchanged a fistbump. Starscream seemed about ready to scold him for his chronic tardiness.
Soundwave, seemingly satisfied, continued. “Astrotrain, you will be transporting our Seekers to Caminus, and you will be staying.”
Astrotrain was surprised by this. Normally, his job consisted of transporting a team somewhere, running down his energy, and returning to base. “Sir?” He asked, his question more implied than anything else.
“You will assist the Rail Racer team in providing logistical support.” Soundwave clarified.
Astrotrain’s questioning expression turned to a smile. “You got it, bossbot.”
Soundwave nodded. “Transform and liftoff when ready.” He concluded, turning to leave. Thundercracker interrupted him.
“Soundwave, sir?”
Soundwave looked back over his shoulder.
Thundercracker continued. “Has this deployment been approved by the Council?”
“What do you think?” Was Soundwave’s terse response as he continued back into the corridor. “I will await word that you have arrived.”
Thundercracker nodded to nobody in particular. “Either way, those fighters aren't going to save themselves.” He said, turning back towards the other Seekers.
Astrotrain began the process of transforming. Parts sliding from one place to another until he took the form of a large spacecraft. “All aboard! Next stop, Quintesson hell!” he hollered, opening the passenger bay door.
“Well, it's nice to see someone who shares my enthusiasm.” Starscream muttered as he stepped up the ramp.
“Yeesh.” Thundercracker replied. “No need to insult the guy like that, boss.” Skywarp lightly punched him in the shoulder.
Starscream’s face twisted in indignation. “And what's that supposed to mean?” He spun around to face his blue counterpart.
Astrotrain cut in. “C'mon, we’re burnin’ our window here. You can bicker inside.”
Starscream groaned in frustration, turned on his heel, and boarded with the rest of the Seekers.