Hidden Spark on Earth II (TFP)

Chapter 60

Optimus focused on the message within the blade and his mind seemed to be transported to another dimension. Before him was the ghost of Alpha Trion himself. The glow of his body emanated the surroundings and he gazed at his former mentor, waiting to hear any and all important words that he would have to say to him. He did not know if the message would actually contain the information needed about the key that they found, but he was confident enough that Alpha Trion left enough in his message for them to know what is in it.

“I wish that I could meet you under better circumstances, Optimus Prime,” Alpha Trion’s voice filled Optimus’s processor and his optics soften as he listened. He knew that Alpha Trion had fallen, so hearing his voice again was an honor for him. “But I fear Iacon will not withstand the next decepticon assault. If you are listening to this message, then I take solace that you now possess the Star Saber.”

Optimus nodded a little, even though Alpha Trion could not actually see him, or respond back to him if Optimus said something. He did not know when Alpha Trion had time to send this message, though it did not matter. He had no doubt that time was against him and Alpha Trion sent the message before the assault on Iacon.

“I am certain that you have deduced how these Cybertronian relics and decepticon weapons came to be found on such a remote world. Indeed, I transported them there. Not so much to keep them far from Megatron’s hands, but to ensure that they reachs yours.” Optimus smiled slightly as he listened. Even though he and Megatron were now allies again, he understood Alpha Trion’s decision to ensure that those relics reach Optimus’s hands was a wise one. “As you may have long suspected, the Covenant of Primus records events of the future, as well as the past. My imperfect understanding of its runes affords me a shadowy glimpse of what is to come. The Convenant’s pages foretold that you, Optimus Prime, would journey to the small, but significant planet and there engage in a crucial chapter in the war against the decepticons. I know neither the nature of the battle, only its outcome.”

“And now the war has ended,” Optimus said in a calm tone. “You may not be here to witness it, old friend. I do not know if the Covenant would have foreseen Saphira, but the last battle we had was indeed crucial.”

“I only hope that these relics of the ancients will aid the autobots in your time of need,” Alpha Trion continued. “Of utmost importance, I do not know when you will receive this message, however the Convenant has also foreseen your sparkmate.” Optimus widened his optics slightly and listened intently. “One whom I am aware of the prophecy that has been written down, foretelling the ending of the war on the small planet, Earth. I have no doubt that you and Megatron will learn to work together again so that you may return to Cybertron and repair the world.”

“You would have loved Saphira, Alpha Trion. Her kindness has really no bounds, and she even has the intention of trying to revive Starscream without the use of dark energon. I am proud of her.” Optimus had a smile on his face as he spoke. “But I hope you know about the key that had been found on Earth.”

“In a few moments, I will launch the last of the relics. The most significant and powerful of them all.” Optimus remained silent as Alpha Trion spoke about the last relics he had sent from Cybertron. “Four keys, built and designed by the ancients so long ago, have been sent to the planet. These keys are not weapons, but they are how you will restore Cybertron. On Cybertron there is a powerful lock, called the Omega Lock, and it has the power to terraform and repair the entire planet back to its original glory. You need all four keys to activate this power, and restore our home planet.”

Optimus smiled as the purpose of the key is revealed. Knowing they will restore Cybertron back to its former glory was definitely music to his ears. “I will reveal the coordinates on the Omega Lock’s location to you now. And before I end this message, while I am aware that your sparkmate is likely to be human with Cybertronian CNA, she will not receive the ability to transform. Not until you return to Cybertron. Primus has yet to give her wings.” Wings? Optimus had no idea what that meant. “I wish you well, Optimus. It brings me sadness to know that I will not see the autobots and decepticons as allies again, and that I will not see future generations born once again. But I rest knowing that the future shows that the war does end, and that my own legacy will live on in aiding the restoration of our planet.”

Optimus felt the message end and disconnected. His vision blurred and he saw the ceiling of the lobby. He grunts as the stress of witnessing the message somehow took a lot out of him. Especially as he was connecting with the Saber itself. He dropped to one knee suddenly, making Saphira yelp and grab onto his neck in surprise from the sudden drop.

He turned his head to look at her. “Sorry…I didn’t mean to do that.”

Saphira smiled at him as Megatron walked over to take her from Optimus’s shoulder. “It is fine…your body was shaking a little bit just before that happened, so I had assumed your legs might buckle underneath you. And I was right…” She glanced at Megatron with a smile. “And thanks for that.”

Ratchet helped Optimus back to his feet. “What did Alpha Trion say about the key? Is it a way that we can fix Cybertron?”

Optimus smiled at Ratchet and glanced at the key in Megatron’s hands. “It would seem the assumptions the key will unlock something to fix Cybertron is true.” Smiles on everyone’s faces grew upon hearing that. “However, we must find the last three Omega keys in order to use them on the Omega Lock back on Cybertron. It will be the only way we have in fixing our broken planet.”

“The ancients must have suspected that the destruction of Cybertron would happen if they made these keys for that reason,” Smokescreen said thoughtfully and grinned. “How exciting! I say you should focus all your efforts on finding the last keys.”

“I am afraid my duty to Calytrix will remain a priority if Saphira ever needs my help,” Optimus responded gently. “As we no longer have any threats to deal with, aside from Galvatron, we do not have time against us. In fact, time is on our side now.” No one seemed to argue that point. Saphira was happy that he would put his duty as a father to Calytrix before the Omega keys. “I will work on translating the next three codes during my spare time.”

Ratchet smiled at Optimus, he was feeling excited about the fact that they could return home and fix it. “I am glad that you will spend time with Calytrix in between working on the codes. We will try and help you as much as possible as well, Optimus. Even if we have to retrieve it ourselves.”

“You might need Jack’s help, or Fowler’s,” Megatron said softly. “This key was found in an old temple in Egypt, and required a human to go inside to get it. We might be lucky with the other three, but just be aware of that.”

Jack was happy that he might be able to help. “I will gladly help you find the rest of the keys. But...when you do repair your world...” He glanced at Arcee curiously as he was worried that he won't see her again when they leave. “Does that mean you won't come back?”

Arcee’s expression softened at the boy’s question. “I will come back, Jack. I know you worry that when we fix our planet, we won’t come back. While for some of us, that will be true. But I will come back. We made friends here, after all. And I think it would be very rude, and in very poor taste, to just act like we never knew you.”

“I am in agreement with Arcee, Jack,” Optimus said with a smile as he placed the Saber onto his back and turned to walk over to the console. “I too intend to remain in contact with this world, even in the future. I do believe now that we have made contact with it, it would be best to remain on good terms. Especially with Unicron still being underneath the Earth’s crust, I have no doubt he will eventually wake again, and he could destroy the planet as we know.”

Ratchet was listening quietly. He was content on not contacting any of the humans on this planet, though he could understand why Optimus would want to remain in contact. Unicron was still Earth, and it would make sense to have a good relationship. “I guess I am just thinking things through like my old self…I would miss you too, Jack, if we stopped communicating all together.”

Jack was happy to hear that. “That’s good. At least we won’t completely stop talking. I would definitely miss all of you. Though I am not sure if you heard, but apparently…I might even have a job within the military in my future.”

Saphira widened her eyes in surprise and smiled at him. “You do? That’s wonderful! I guess Will told you about it?” The boy nodded happily. “You do have the right maturity for the job, Jack. I am not surprised that you have a good future ahead of you. I am happy for you.”

“Thanks. I wasn’t expecting it, honestly. When Will came to me and told me that I would likely be a candidate to join the military, or even NASA, in my future, I was in utter disbelief. It sounded like something I would only see from movies.” Jack shrugged a little with a chuckle. “I am actually glad that meeting the autobots seemed to be the reason why my future will be good.” He looked at Arcee with a smile. “Looks like I’ll be dealing with you for the rest of my life.”

Arcee chuckled softly. “I can’t say I will be complaining about that.” She glanced at Optimus as he began to work on the next set of coordinates. “Do you think Jack could come with us to Cybertron and witness the rebuilding of our planet?” Optimus paused for a moment and turned his head slightly to listen to her. “I think he’s earned that position.”

Optimus hummed softly as he considered that before smiling and looking back at the screen. “I think that could be arranged. Jack already has been to Cybertron before, and he has certainly grown a lot during the time he has known about us. Jack can be the human witness in our planet’s regeneration.”

The boy had a very excited expression on his face. “I would be honored to witness something so exciting! It would mean the mission is finished.” He looked at Saphira with a smile. “I suspect you’ll end up living on Cybertron.”

She nodded. “Yeah…I don’t really have any ties to Earth anymore…and while a lot of good memories have happened here, there are lots of bad. I would like to start somewhere fresh…and I guess a new world is just what a I need.”

Megatron smiled at Saphira and kissed her cheek gently. “I don’t blame you, Saphira. With everything you’ve been through in such a short time for someone as young as you…you’ve been through so much that a fresh start certainly is something that you need. We can always return to Earth if you ever need to. I am sure by than, any danger regarding Galvatron will be completely dealt with.”

Saphira had no doubt about that. She was looking forward to the day she would not have to worry about him anymore. She didn’t know if there would be any autobot and decepticon scuffles in the future, but there was a chance it could happen. At least among those that were still out among the stars searching for others to regroup. She didn’t know how many there would be, but there could be some.

“So what do you want us to focus our efforts on now, sir?” Ultra Magnus asked Optimus curiously. “Now that we have a means of repairing Cybertron, shall we focus on maybe taking things back to Cybertron in preparation of returning to our home?”

“I do not believe we need to do that, Ultra Magnus,” Optimus responded calmly without looking away from the screen. “Anything that we currently have here may not necessarily need to be taken back to Cybertron. I know once the Nemesis is fixed, it will likely get to return to Cybertron as well. But we would need to build another space bridge to send the ship back to the planet.”

“Is there a plan to build another one?” Knockout asked curiously. “I don’t remember any plans being spoken about.”

“No, there has not been any discussions about another space bridge,” Megatron responded, though he was most definitely considering it now. “I would wait until the Nemesis is built before we even begin building another space bridge. The are not as many vehicons as there once was, and all of their efforts must be focused on the ship. We already have the human government breathing down our necks in trying to force us into fixing the ship faster than we can fix it.”

“I suppose they see us as beings with finger snapping powers,” Ratchet said in a blunt, mocking tone.

Saphira chuckled softly. She felt her stomach growl and Megatron turned his head to look at her. It still never got less embarrassing to know that they could hear her stomach growling. “Hmm…” She looked at Jack with a smile. “Would you like to have some pizza, Jack? I’m feeling a bit hungry, and I made up some pizza bases the other day that we could use.”

“Pizza sounds great!” Jack responded enthusastically. Smokescreen moved the boy from his shoulder to the ground. “Do you have the other ingredients and toppings for it?”

Saphira nodded as Megatron lowered her to the ground and the two humans walk out of the lobby to head to the kitchen that had been made next to her room and the nursery. Saphira was really happy that she was right about the key being a way to literally unlock something on Cybertron to repair it. She was happy that she had good intuition, because it certainly made things more exciting when what she thought would be the case would turn out to be true.

“How do you feel about needing to move to Cybertron?” Jack asked her curiously, now that they were away from the others. “I know you spoke a bit about having a new start…but is that really how you feel? It just seems like a big decision.”

Saphira looked at him with a smile. “It is, Jack. Look at how things have happened to me. I lost my mother when I was five, my family turned in murderous psychopaths, I tried to kill myself after meeting the autobots and one of the most dangerous, rogue human entities began to target me simply due to my relationship with Optimus. And they managed to kidnap me, and forced me to undergo numerous things that I intend on forgetting…though I still have the occasional nightmare of. And while I am free from that danger…I really just want a fresh start. I’m tired…and I want to start somewhere where there is peace. Cybertron seems like a place I would want to go to…and there is always a chance things can be modified for myself…given my size.”

“Yeah…I guess it’s the fitting in part that you’ll have to work on,” Jack said thoughtfully. “I know you’ve managed to fit in with everyone here…I guess I just am trying to picture you living on Cyberton for the rest of your life. And you don’t know if you will live longer than an average human yet.”

“That is true.” Saphira would be content that she would be able to share one lifetime with Optimus and Megatron, even though she knew they probably would be hoping she would live further than a hundred years old. “I think I will just take one step at a time, Jack. I am not really worried about not fitting in. I think Optimus, Megatron, Ratchet and the others will make sure of that. If anything, Predaking will be the one who is more out of place than I am.”

“Maybe…though it seems like he’s able to get on well with the others. He was working with Ultra Magnus before in creating some new weapons. Even though he’s like a walking fossil, he’s a nice guy.” Jack also thought having a dragon for an ally was pretty cool. “Do you think he’ll be happy with the addition of the other predacons?”

“Of course! Not being the only one of his kind will be great. Hopefully predacons can mingle with the decepticons and autobots like they could with the insecticons. There is no gurantee of course, but we will have to wait and see.” Saphira did like the idea of waking up and looking out a window to see dragons flying around. It would be quite a dream if that were to happen. “I still wish I could transform…”

Jack looked at her in surprise. “Does that make you feel like the odd one out?” She nodded a little. “I suppose if you were able to, I doubt you would even know how to transform. Though…I am just trying to think what you would transform into…maybe just as a femme Cybertronian?”

Saphira nodded. “That’s what I think…well…hope for. I know my actual body to transform into a bike would make no sense. Unless Primus has some other plan for me, I do not know. I haven’t seen any other visions yet, so I can’t really confirm.”

“Do you think you will get more visions?” Jack asked curiously as they soon reach the door to her room and walk through it. “Or are you hoping for another vision?”

“I think the visions I had are the only ones that I will get,” Saphira said softly as she approached the small kitchen that had been made in the room. She opened the fridge to grab out a pizza base. “What kind of toppings do you like? I have pizza sauce here, but I also have ham, bacon, pineapple, salami, olives, chicken, mozzarella and some meatballs.”

Jack thought about it for a moment and shrugged. “Bring all of the toppings out. I can't really decide, might be more fun to make a pizza with all the toppings.”

Saphira chuckled and grabbed out the toppings. “Very well. I will say though, since I will be living on Cybertron eventually, the only thing that I am wondering is how I will eat. While I am still drinking white energon, I can't just survive on that. I will have to talk to Ratchet about it. I know some science fiction shows have come up with machines that can literally generate food, it might be possible for him to make something similar.”

Jack chuckles as he stood by the pizza as she put out the toppings and began to spread the sauce over the base. “I am not sure how possible that will be, but I am sure something will be thought of since you will be the only human, and have yet to know if Calytrix and Stellaxy need to eat food as well.”

“They might, but they are too young for us to know yet,” Saphira said softly as she finished spreading the pizza sauce. “Alright, let's put any of the toppings on.”

Saphira grabbed some bacon while Jack grabbed the salami. “What do you think the restoration of Cybertron will look like? I’m almost picturing something magical, but I’m trying not to.”

“I am thinking that too, Jack. I know the Cybertronians are not magical beings, though some of the things they have been able to do seems to look like magic to us.” Saphira thought about how it would look like as the planet is restored. “I would like to think the Omega Lock holds something so amazing that we just need to see it to believe.”

Jack nodded in agreement as he placed the salami slices on the pizza base. “You are right. I am glad that I will be the very lucky human to witness that. I’m sad Miko and Raf probably won't be able to see it, but I will certainly tell them.”

“I am also curious about how I could reach Primus on the planet,” Saphira said thoughtfully as she finished spreading the bacon over the pizza base and grabbed the meatballs next. “I kind of hope to maybe...if he is able to respond...talk to him.”

Jack listened to Saphira and he smiled at her kindly. “I guess you have some questions that still need answers.” She nodded. “I guess that is fair. I imagine there would be. I remember the story told to us by Ratchet on how he became a Prime. And that when he went to the Well of Souls, the Matrix was revealed to him and he became a Prime that day. Maybe that's where you would need to go.”

“Yea...I also want to ask him how to revive Starscream...” Saphira was still focused on reviving the con as she hated that she lost a dear friend. “I am still certain that it is white energon that can revive him. But...I have not been confident enough to try it. I guess because I am afraid of being wrong...”

He placed a hand on her shoulder as he knew she was still very upset about losing Starscream. “Everything will be okay, Saphira. You don't need to burden yourself with this question. I miss him too. Starscream turned out to be a really nice con...and one who seemed to want praise a lot, even though he was looking for it from the wrong place.”

“Yeah...that was how I became his friend because I could see that. And he died saving my life...it's something I could never be able to repay unless I can bring him back.” Saphira stopped spreading the meatballs and placed the container down before walking away, feeling a little too sad now to keep working on the pizza. “I sometimes worry if I would even be doing the wrong thing by bringing him back too. He might just want peace, and I am being selfish in wanting to bring him back...”

Jack didn't even think about that. It was quite a heavy thought from Saphira and he understood her concern. “I never really thought about that. I guess...we won't know until you do it. Maybe if you are able to talk to Primus, he might be able to give an indication on how Starscream is feeling...if he reveals it to you.”

“It would be nice if that was the case...but I guess I have to wait a bit longer...if anything, I actually...well, if I end up pregnant with a mech next time, I kind of want to name him Starscream...though I feel that is also selfish. I don't want to put that on a child and expect him to grow up to be like Starscream...that would be cruel...” Saphira let out a sniffle as some tears fell from her eyes. “It's been a month...I have lost my mother...my family and a friend...” Jack stopped putting toppings onto the pizza and walked over to Saphira to hug her gently. “Why is it that I lose people I care about? What if...” She could not say it, but she did worry about losing her sparkmates or sparklings next.

Jack rubbed her back gently as she sobbed. “I know life seems to be cruel to you, Saphira. Lots of people go through a similar life and ask the very same thing. My own father abandoned my mother and I long ago, and I ask why as well. But I have grown to understand that I don't need a bad man for a father. And...well...I’m sure you already noticed how close my mother and Fowler have been getting.”

Saphira smirked and nodded. “I have. I guess you think he will be your stepdad, right?”

Jack nodded. “And while I don't think I could call him dad, he is the father figure I’ve been missing. And, believe it or not, but Optimus as well.” She widened her eyes in surprise. “Optimus has been like a father to me as well. He may not realize it, but he has always been a father naturally. It wouldn't surprise me at all that he will be great with Calytrix and Stellaxy throughout their lives. I know you have Ratchet, I see him as a grumpy grandfather...” Saphira giggled softly as she knew exactly what Jack meant. “But for me, it was Optimus and Will. And I couldn't ask for better. While we have lost a lot, Saphira, we have also gained a lot. And that is a positive thing.”

Saphira listened to Jack and hugged him. “Thank you, Jack. I guess you are right. Lots of people ask the same thing...I can't imagine how often the autobots have asked that question too...” She glanced up at the door to see Megatron walking in. She smiled as she guessed he was here because she had been crying. “It's okay, Megatron...I’m just...grieving...”

Megatron smiled at her gently and glanced at the pizza. “I hope it hasn't distracted you too much from making the pizza.”

“It's okay,” Jack said with an amused smile. “I’ll finish the pizza and put it in the oven. We were just talking about how life has handed us different things. And Saphira was just thinking about Starscream.”

Megatron hummed softly and dropped onto one knee. “Saphira, do you believe in your heart that white energon will bring him back?” She nodded...though it wasn't a confident nod. “While I would want to test that theory, I would rather test that on something else. We don't know if it will work or not. I miss that seeker too, Saphira. I never thought that I would, but I miss hearing his irritating voice.”

Saphira chuckled a little and ran over to Megatron. He scooped her up to hug her. “If it doesn't work...what will we do with his body?”

“Give him the proper send off he deserves,” Megatron responded gently, holding her to his shoulder and glanced at Jack so the boy returned to put some olives and cheese on the pizza. “At least it can be done on Cybertron. And...maybe when the Well of Sparks is alive again, his spark will be reborn through a future generation. It isn't all lost.”

“I hope you're right...I’d rather him back, but...I’ve accepted it may not work. Thank you, Megatron...I love you...” She kissed his cheek gently and he turned his head to kiss her lips gently. Her stomach growled again and she chuckled. “I might eat something while the pizza cooks.”

Jack chuckled as he finished putting the toppings on the pizza and turned on the oven to pre heat. Megatron let Saphira down so she could get something to eat. She grabbed out a packet of chips to share with Jack after he put the pizza into the oven. Saphira was still very happy that they could fix Cybertron very soon. She was sure there would be a huge celebration, and she looked forward to a new life on a new planet.