Transformers: Animated: Shadows of Redemption

Chapter 11: The Autobot's Apprentice

In the heart of the Autobot training room, the air thrummed with anticipation as Sentinel Prime, the stern yet stalwart mentor, stood before his star pupil, Altair Comet. His optics gleamed with a sense of purpose as he addressed her, a faint hint of warmth softening his usually stoic demeanor.

"Altair," Sentinel began, his voice commanding yet tinged with a note of pride, "I have a gift for you. Two in fact." Altair's optics widened with surprise at the unexpected gesture, curiosity sparking within her circuits. "A gift?" she echoed, her voice tinged with excitement.

With a nod, Sentinel reached behind him, retrieving two sleek objects from a nearby storage crate. "A Cybernetic Energy Shield," he explained, holding out one of the items to Altair, "And an Energon sword." Altair's spark fluttered with awe as she accepted the gifts, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns etched into the metal. "Thank you, Sentinel," she murmured, her voice filled with gratitude. As Altair admired her new weapons, Sentinel's expression softened with a rare sense of warmth. "You're welcome, Altair," he replied, his voice tinged with pride. "Now, let me show you how to use them."

With a sense of determination, Sentinel began to instruct Altair in the art of combat, demonstrating the proper techniques for wielding her new weapons with precision and skill. Altair listened intently, absorbing every word, her determination mirrored in the gleam of her optics. And as they sparred together, the clang of metal against metal echoing through the training room, a sense of camaraderie blossomed between mentor and pupil. Bound by a shared purpose and a determination to defend their home, Altair Comet and Sentinel Prime stood united, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

————————————————————————————————————————

Back on Earth in Detroit...

The streets of Detroit hummed with the usual bustle of activity as the Autobots returned to Sumdac Tower, their imposing forms casting long shadows against the familiar skyline. Optimus Prime led the way, his presence commanding as he strode purposefully alongside Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Bulkhead. As they entered the bustling lobby of Sumdac Tower, the humans and Autobots alike turned their attention to their friends. Sari Sumdac and her father, Professor Isaac Sumdac, stood waiting, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

"Optimus, you're back!" Sari exclaimed, her eyes widening with surprise at the sight of the Autobot leader. "And who's this?" she added, gesturing towards the figure who stood at Optimus's side. Optimus turned to face his friends, a sense of purpose evident in his gaze. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Orion Eclipse," he announced, his voice steady. "He's a new young acquaintance of ours."

Jazz and Ironhide exchanged wary glances, their optics narrowing as they took in the sight of Orion Eclipse. "He looks a lot like Megatron," Jazz remarked, his tone cautious. Ironhide's gaze hardened, his suspicion evident in the set of his jaw. "And he's wearin' a Decepticon insignia," he added, his voice gruff with uncertainty.

Optimus raised a hand, a gesture of reassurance as he addressed his friends. "Orion Eclipse is no threat, I assure you," he explained, his voice calm yet firm. "He's just a teenage Decepticon who's been lost and stranded on Earth for sixty years, suffering from amnesia."

As Optimus spoke, a sense of understanding dawned in the eyes of his allies. Professor Sumdac stepped forward, his expression one of concern. "Why did you come back from Dinobot Island? Weren't you and the other Autobots supposed to find a sneaky way to get into the City of Trypticon?" he questioned. Optimus's gaze softened, his words measured as he explained his decision. "We had a change of plans. We'll return to Dinobot Island and find a way to get inside of Megatron's fortress another time," he replied, his voice steady. "Right now, Orion Eclipse needs our help to remember who he is."