....
"Adist... Timon and Signy, do you miss Nervous?" asked Voidecay.
Voidecay was working on a project in his laboratory. Sparks were flying there, even electricity was flickering.
"I think it's probably only right that Nervous can be at peace in the afterlife," Signy said.
But something strange suddenly Voidecay's body released black sand grains that continued to fall every time he moved.
Voidecay then put on his gloves to continue his project.
"You are just a shadow, you will disappear too," said Adist.
Adist hugged Voidecay from behind. Signy and Timon left Voidecay's room, leaving Adist alone to hug Voidecay.
"Don't leave us..." said Adist.
"I'm doing this for you guys too," Voidecay said.
****
On the other hand, Optimus returns to meet Starscream. Starscream in his room is busy and he seems frustrated doing some things that must be done when being a leader.
Starscream secretly finds a way to become a leader like Optimus. He writes down his plans and finds out how to become a leader.
"How was your few days?" Optimus asked.
Starscream quickly closed his scribble.
"What do you need here?" Starscream asked.
"Yeah... looks like you're right. Uniting the Decepticons sounds impossible," Optimus said.
"..." Starscream listened silently.
"....You were rejected by them too, weren't you. But you insisted on sitting there," said Optimus.
Starscream then got down from his seat, walking towards Optimus.
"I hate to say this, but...." Starscream hesitated a little.
His legs wouldn't stay still, because of the restlessness.
"Bastard... Rhggg!" Starscream growled.
Optimus is confused by Starscream's behavior.
Starscream then said, "Very well, Prime. Give me how to gain their trust."
Optimus was speechless in shock.
"Don't just stand there, say something damn it," Starscream said.
"...I don't understand," Optimus replied.
"What do you mean 'don't understand'?" Starscream started crossing his arms.
"Are you okay?" Optimus asked.
"Come on... I'm normal. I hate to say this, but... Rghh... I need your help, Prime," Starscream replied.
....
"I don't really understand how to be a leader, Starscream. But some kind of natural instinct makes me consider all my plans," said Optimus.
Optimus sat in the chair next to Starscream.
"The mining sector has recently started to decline drastically. I don't know how Megatron managed to maintain it. In addition, the distribution of Energon profits has been uneven," said Starscream.
"Can you explain to me how Megatron's system works here?" Optimus asked.
"Megatron's system here is strict. Megatron employs his prisoners to mine, the mining results are then collected and divided equally among everyone," explained Starscream.
"It sounds simple," Optimus said.
"Indeed, but how did Megatron manage to maintain this for so many years," Starscream asked.
"I heard that Megatron controls the entire mining sector on Cybertron, right?" asked Optimus.
"In fact, all that's left now is Cybertown, the Metroplex mines," said Starscream.
Starscream shows the map to Optimus.
"From the four continents, Cybertronion, Metroper, Holixo, Jetperus. All major mining sectors have not been neglected for the past few years. Because Megatron's condition at that time began to change. It seems that the effects of Dark Energon are starting to fade," said Starscream.
"So... Megatron is actually recovering?" Optimus asked.
"Yes. Megatron withdrew all the workers and managers to the Metroplex mines," said Starscream.
"That means the other mines there must have a lot of Energon. It could be that Megatron is sharing out the rest of his stock. Megatron may have mined a lot for your supplies," Optimus explained.
"But if I may ask, why did Megatron collect so much Energon?" asked Optimus.
"I heard it was in preparation for the future. He knew that one day The Mixer and the Taken would attack," Starscream explained.
"Hmm... Megatron always thinks ahead," Optimus said with a slight smile.
"Alright, Starscream. People don't really need words. Most of them believe in actions. Together we will grow that belief. Trion told me that back then. Megatron and I were competitors, in fact at that time Megatron was superior to me. You must compete with me too, Starscream," said Optimus.
"Hey... competing with seniors, seriously," said Starscream.
"We'll meet again later," Optimus patted Starscream's shoulder. Optimus then walked away.
"It's nice to talk to you, Starscream," Optimus said.
Optimus left Starscream alone there.
Starscream kept tapping his fingers on the table as he looked back down at his scribbled paper.
'It will happen, I will surpass you Optimus anyway!'
Starscream then started to take another piece of paper and started to write his plan.
....
"It could have been done faster if you were the one handling it, Shockwave!" said Thundercracker who was repairing the main power cable that had been cut.
"The pressure is so high, will you take responsibility if I get electrocuted?" Shockwave asked.
"Yeah... it's over anyway. I'm going to go ahead and try to overthrow Starscream!" said Thundercracker.
"Huh... Starscream suddenly became different after becoming leader," said Shockwave.
"That's why... we can't let him. I'm afraid he'll trust Prime and let the Autobots take the experts," said Shockwave.
**Boom**
Finally the hallway lights came back on brightly.
"Yo... Do you have a plan, Shockwave?" asked Thundercracker.
"Hmm..." Shockwave could only remain silent and daydream.
"You're still hesitant to plan it... You should make something that explodes, Shockwave," said Thundercracker.
**ZZZKK**
Suddenly the vision blurred and a glitch effect occurred for a moment. But Shockwave was made dizzy.
"What's wrong, Shockwave," asked Thundercracker.
"My head just hurts a little!" Shockwave said.
"Okay, let's get back to our respective plans. I'll go first!" said Thundercracker.
Thundercracker leaves after fixing the electricity.
Shockwave was still there in thought, holding his aching head.
"WHY?!!"
The voice sounded inside my head. A loud scream from someone.
"YOU BASTARD!!"
**BOOM!**
The sound of an explosion.
"No!!" Shockwave accidentally slapped the concrete wall, causing it to crack.
Breathing fast like after running a marathon. "Huhh, hahh, huhh, hahh!"
Heart pounding.
"...Has the Dark Energon effect worn off yet?" Shockwave asked.
Shockwave then sat down and leaned against the wall.
Remembering Boltquick's words about Dark Energon, "90% of the Dark Energon is gone. The rest won't be affected much.
"Why does the past keep coming back to me... Is there no way to erase it?" Shockwave asked.
Shockwave leaned back alone as his head felt like it was screaming something inside.
....
In Soundwave's room. He came inside. Sat on the chair. Turned on his computer and also reached for the piano next to him.
In his private room there are many variations of musical instruments. There are those that resemble harps, guitars, violas, drums and various other musical instruments.
Soundwave starts playing his piano and records it.
After recording it, he then edited the audio in the music editing software that he uses.
....
"Bee, where's that sound coming from?" Wheeljack heard the sound of a piano nearby.
"Looks like Soundwave's room." Bumblebee pointed to a nearby door.
Then Bumblebee and Wheeljack silently pressed their ears to the wall there.
"I haven't heard music in a long time, we should go see him, Bee!" Wheeljack said.
"But, Jack—"
**Knock-knock-knock**
Wheeljack immediately knocked on the door.
Soundwave then opened the door.
"Tsk, what do you want?" he asked.
"We heard you making music. Can we hear it better in there?" Wheeljack asked.
"Then...?" asked Soundwave.
"We love music!" said Wheeljack.
"...What genre do you guys like?" asked Soundwave.
Wheeljack nudged Bumblebee. "What are some music genres?"
"Aaa... Pop... Techno... and... Edm..." said Bumblebee.
"I'm not sure Autobots would like music," said Soundwave.
Soundwave almost closed the door.
Wheeljack quickly stopped him by saying, "Hey, come on... we haven't heard music in Autobot HQ in a long time. I've heard that music can be a part of the soul, meditation and also calming, come on... let us hear it... we've never heard it there,"
Soundwave thought for a moment and was touched by Wheeljack's words.
"...Alright, you guys may come in," said Soundwave.
Soundwave finally lets Wheeljack and Bumblebee into his room.
"On one condition... don't knock over my things!" said Soundwave.
"Okay!" said Bumblebee.
They were immediately presented with various musical instruments in the Soundwave room.
"Wow... you play all these instruments?" Bumblebee asked.
"Yes," Soundwave replied.
"You're very talented Soundwave, can I hear some of your songs?" Wheeljack asked.
Soundwave then sat down and started to open some of his very long music lists.
Soundwave then played his pop genre music.
"Hey... I know this voice, it's Miss Justice," said Bumblebee.
"Huh... I thought it was just the tune effect," Wheeljack said.
Wheeljack and Bumblebee seemed to be enjoying the music. Their feet didn't feel like they were following the tempo of the music.
"This is amazing music, Soundwave. You're such a great music producer. If only I could play one of these instruments, I'd collaborate with you," Wheeljack said.
Soundwave then played another piece of music.
"What do you guys think about this one too?... it's an Edm genre," said Soundwave.
Music then played and the tone of the voice made Bumblebee and Wheeljack drift along with the melody.
"This is Edm... but... the melody sounds softer," Wheeljack said.
"May I ask where you got these musical instruments?" Bumblebee asked.
"I got it from some ruined building," Soundwave replied.
"I've always loved playing the guitar, but I can't play it!" Bumblebee said.
Soundwave then takes his electronic guitar. Showing his skills to Bumblebee and Wheeljack.
"Wow," Bumblebee was impressed by Soundwave.
Soundwave then said, "Normal music usually has a tone setting of 440 hertz. But I don't really like it. I often set it to 432 hertz. That sound makes me much calmer."
Soundwave then showed off his guitar playing skills. He seemed happy to see Bumblebee and Wheeljack who were also happy.
It looks like Bumblebee and Wheeljack managed to get Soundwave.
....
"Magnus, I need your help to visit the Autobots' headquarters. I also need you to deliver this stock of Energon!" said Optimus.
"Okay, I'll go now, because I really want to go there," said Ultra Magnus.
"Optimus..." Elita-1 came and called.
Elita-1 looked a little awkward, "I want to talk to you alone about something!"
"Oh, okay. Let's go inside and talk about it," Optimus said.
Optimus then greeted Ultra Magnus, "I hope you reach your destination, Magnus!"
"Yo!" replied Ultra Magnus.
Optimus and Elita-1 then went walking together. While talking a little there. Their relationship seemed to improve and they both grew closer.
Ultra Magnus then turned around and walked towards the exit gate of the Decepticons' headquarters.
"It's nice to see that happiness... ... I also like Elita... Huhh... maybe just a crush. She's not mine... Elita also only loves Optimus." Ultra Magnus talked to himself there.
Ultra Magnus then sat down and transformed into a vehicle to continue leaving while carrying the Energon Box behind him.
....
"Okay, tell me what do you want to talk about?" Optimus asked Elita-1.
In the room where there were only the two of them, that was the time for Elita-1 to say what she wanted to say.
"Huhh..." Elita-1 let out a long breath.
"Optimus, it's like this... ... I got some information. Out there, regarding Cylob's friends from back then. I'm worried they're planning something else," said Elita-1.
"...That's right... They are also Destinies... I'm worried about that too. That's why I want to unite the Autobots and Decepticons here as soon as possible," said Optimus.
"Optimus... they're coming to take back the Allspark," said Elita-1.
"Don't worry, the Allspark belongs to Cybertron. They won't be able to take it," said Optimus.
Elita-1 then grabbed her right arm. "Optimus... I know who saved Nervous, Adist, Timon and Signy... I may never have told you."
"...." Optimus pressed his mouth shut.
Optimus then sat down facing Elita-1.
"So a long time ago... I was born into a poor family. I had a mother... a father... and an older sister..."
To be continued...