//------------------------------//
// Second Prologue: Pax Machina 
// Story: Re:Resurrection 
// by drunkenpandaren 
//------------------------------//

"I'm home!" exclaimed Spike as he walked into the tree house. "Twilight, are you here?"

"In the kitchen," said Twilight as Spike walked in and found Shining there. "How's my number one assistant doing?"

"A little tired, but excited. The festival was GREAT. Hey, Shiny!" The pair shared a hoof-fist. "Four cups of tea?"

"For our visitor," replied Twilight as a large stallion stepped out from the library area. "Spike, say hello to Orion."

"Hello, Spike," said Orion with a surprisingly deep voice. "I have heard many things about you."

"Hi there," said Spike with a smile. "You know, you remind me of somepony."

"I cannot imagine who," chuckled Orion as he sat at the table. "But I'd imagine it would be a tale."

"Where did you all meet?" inquired Spike.

"Well... I found him in a cabbage patch of all things..." said Shining, taking a sip.

"... Okay don't tell me," scoffed Spike. "But seriously, nice to meet you, Orion."

"So how was the trip?" asked Twilight as she bit into her toast. "Was the festival fun?"

"Oh yeah, it was a blast," replied Spike as he ate his breakfast. "I saw a lot of ponies and music and performers there. A couple of others too, like Iron Will was there."

"The self-help minotaur?" asked Shining, surprised he would be there too. "I didn't peg him as the type."

"He was running security for Trixie. I know, I know. She was running a event there too. It was a real party." Spike took a sip of tea. "After that, we all went to Cybertron for a bit. Now that was a real doozy."

"Spike! You weren't supposed to go Cybertron!" exclaimed Twilight, shocked. "Is that why you were back home so late?"

"Oh c'mon, Twiley, Cybertron is just fine right now. It's perfectly safe," said Shining.

"I would imagine that from what you have told me, the war is over and there was no danger posed to his well-being," added Orion helpfully. "What did you find there?"

"Well, Bee wanted to check Iacon's old records. Turns out that Equestria's been visited once before, several times over, actually. Not just by Wheeljack and Team Prime either." Spike finished off his drink. "Remember those buffalo that we met back in Appleloosa?"

"I remember that," said Twilight. "What about them?"

"Bee said that they claim that Cybertronians taught their people everything there was to know on how to survive over 2000 years ago, before the storms hit across Equestria! Bee said he was called Grimlock."

"I know of this Grimlock," said Orion suddenly. "A mighty warrior, simple in tongue but a valiant 'Bot."

"Wait, so there's more history between us and Cybertron? This is big. I have to report this in if Bee hasn't," said Shining, getting up.

"Bee's got it covered, it's where he and Lyra went this morning," said Spike, and Shining sat down. "Don't worry, we're not completely crazy."

"Still, we need to visit UNIT today," said Shining, and Twilight's expression fell. "I'm really sorry, Twiley, I..."

"No, it's okay," replied Twilight with a weak smile. "I just wanted to spend some time with my BBBFF for once."

"If it is all the same to you, I can make the trip on my own," said Orion suddenly. "Your hospitality has been nothing short of generous, and I would be a terrible guest if I were to deprive you of time alone with family."

"Orion, are you sure?" asked Shining. "You don't have to go alone."

"Then I'll go with him," said Spike. "You said it yourself, Twilight; you want to spend time with Shiny here. I'll be a third wheel. Just make sure to take care of Peewee while I'm gone, okay?"

"Oh Spike, you really are a good friend." And Twilight hugged him, wings wrapping around him in a cuddle before pulling back. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"Aw heck, it'll be just a ground-bridge away. Ratchet'll take care of the paperwork. He always does anyhow."

"Then it is settled. When we are ready, I will depart, along with your assistant. We will not tarry too long," said Orion.

=====

Megatron's engines whined in the daytime, the sound of his passing disturbing animals on the ground as he whizzed overhead. Coming to a halt over Sweet Apple Acres, he landed just outside the gates. "Hmm... He was here, or at least close by." His eyes sweeping over towards the city of Canterlot, he scowled.

"Breaching the gates without setting off an alarm will be difficult. A great deal of stealth will be required," he said to himself.

"Or you could just ask the front gates, mister," said a young voice as Megatron looked down at his feet as three fillies stared up at him.

"Wow, you are big," said Scootaloo in awe. "How big are you?"

"Big enough," replied Megatron. An old impulse flared and he could simply raise his foot and crush them underfoot, but no. He had lost his taste for war, and violence. "And you might be?"

"I'm Apple Bloom," said Apple Bloom, the one with the red bow in her hair, no, mane, he recalled was the term.

"Scootaloo," said the orange one, a pegasus with tiny wings.

"Sweetie Belle!" exclaimed the last, a child unicorn.

"And we're the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" the three proclaimed at the top of their lungs.

Megatron winced as his audio receptors were nearly blown out by their volume. Maybe he made a mistake letting them live. "And what sort of crusade do you do?" he asked skeptically. "Surely, it is not a crusade of battle."

"Aw naw, it ain't like that," said Apple Bloom. "We're trying to get our cutie marks!"

"Ah yes, that silly mark your kind wears after adolescence," scoffed Megatron. "How remiss for I to forget about them."

Scootaloo scowled at him. "What's so funny? You have one too, right there on your chest!"

"This is not a cutie mark," retorted Megatron, pointing at the six pointed star in his chest which had long since replaced his Decepticon brand.

"It sure looks like a cutie mark. Like Twilight's cutie mark! Do you do magic?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"A..." Megatron was struck speechless for a moment at the ridiculousness of this conversation before he sighed. "Yes. Magic of a sort."

"I've never heard of a magic giant before," said Scootaloo skeptically. "Can we see some?"

"I'm afraid my magic would destroy an apple tree, and we wouldn't want that," said Megatron and Apple Bloom cringed. "Thought not."

"Yeah girls, let's not try that out. So, where are you headed, mister?" asked Apple Bloom.

"I am looking for... another giant, that might be around here. He answers to Optimus."

Sweetie Belle thought for a moment. "I've never heard of a giant named Optimus, but there was a newcomer lately called Orion."

Megatron blinked and tried not to blurt out "Say what?" Had Optimus come back from the dead just to taunt him? Again? Had he lost his memories AGAIN?! This time he didn't even have a evil agenda to use against him! Instead he said, "Can you take me to him?"

"Sure thing! We saw him going to the Library. Let's go girls!" Donning helmets, and getting on a scooter and skateboards, the three shot off with a sound similar to a engine running.

Megatron followed, bewildered at the sound. He was certain biological entities did not have engines stuck to their wings, last he checked.

To his credit, not many ponies stared at him walking in even during the midday hour. Coming up to the tree house, he waited patiently outside. A Decepticon would conduct himself with grace and poise. He would not fall to the madness that plagued his former troops. He would-- get caught in a bubble of energy. "Oh, Shining Armor."

"What are you doing here, Megatron?" snapped the Royal Guardsman, the Decepticon held in the bubble as Twilight ushered the Cutie Mark Crusaders behind her. "You're here for him, aren't you?"

"So Orion was here. How ironic that he would be reborn in this place after all this time..." Megatron chuckled darkly. "Of course, he always did love his little ponies. This place he called home."

Shining Armor scowled as he released the old warmonger. "You said before that you lost your taste for war. You have five minutes to tell me everything you know about Optimus before I call UNIT."

"You have, of course, noticed, haven't you? Ever since Unicron stirred once more, and the return of some of our old companions to life has changed the game so to speak," said Megatron, entering what he liked to call his lecturing mode. But unlike previously, it wouldn't end with yelling at Starscream, or trying to throw someone into the sun. "Autobots and Decepticons coming back to life, as if the eternal war of Primus and Unicron has become once again, so to speak, SPARKED."

"Wait, are you suggesting that those two... I guess gods, are trying to reignite a war that you all ended?" demanded Twilight as the fillies behind her shared a glance. "That's ridiculous! The last war ended your planet!"

"So it would seem. But of course, Unicron was never subtle. No, it would take a force similar to him, a second Unicron, to influence this. As you may not be aware, there are other realities. Other PONY realities and other worlds out there that house different potential beings. One such as Unicron could have seeded countless realities between each one, stowing a portion of himself to stimulate the response of Primus." Megatron grinned nastily. "Of course, this is mere conjecture at this point. But have your people look into reports coming in from all across your world. Even contact your human allies from Earth. They will tell you that Unicron stirs."

"And you're his messenger again? I thought you lost your taste for war," said Shining darkly.

"Know this! I know oppression. Unicron robbed me of everything I was. I have no plans to get into your battlelines. I simply deliver a message from one long lost: Alpha Trion. I discovered it in the depths of Kaon before my leave. A certain... ally, assisted me in plundering its last secrets, before the Predaking took his rule upon it." Megatron reached into a panel and withdrew a device, placing it down in front of the ponies.

"And now, my work is done. Save your energy, ponies, for the reckoning is at hand." And transforming into a jet, he flew straight up into the air and out of sight.

In the wake of Megatron's departure, Scootaloo said, "He was scary... but I want to turn into a flying machine one day!"

"No, you don't," chorused Twilight and Shining instantly as Shining levitated the data chip into the air. "What is it?"

"Cybertronian data chip," said Shining. "Now, I really have to visit UNIT. And see what they found. Maybe come along this time, Twiley?"

"I thought you'd never ask. You three stay safe, and don't talk to any more metal giants without us saying it's okay, okay?" said Twilight.

"We promise," chorused the trio. As the pair ran off, Apple Bloom looked at the others. "So... Cutie Mark Crusaders Giant Hunting Team?"

The trio shared a grin. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS GIANT HUNTING TEAM YAY!"

=====

"As far as we can check out, you're the picture of pony health. Even with your strange hybrid of DNA and CNA," replied Ratchet as the scientist nearby stuck a tongue depressor down Orion's mouth. "And will you stop that?"

"But he's got no dangly thing!" exclaimed the scientist and Ratchet facepalmed. "All right, all right."

Moving aside, Orion tapped his muzzle thoughtfully. "Even if I possess both sets of DNA and CNA, we have not detected any onboard computers of any kind, nor systems to process Energon. This trouble me, old friend."

Hearing that from Orion made Ratchet's chest seemingly tighten in memory and he nodded. "Orion, I have no doubt that we will find a way to help you. Even if you are half-Cybertronian, it does not change the fact that you are still our friend."

"So if he's half Cybertronian, does this mean he can transform?" inquired Bulkhead, who stood to the side. "If he's able to transform, then he's got a robot mode."

"Even if he could, he possesses no moving parts that we can see other than his own body," said Ratchet, and Orion nodded.

"I must agree. Transforming, or attempting to force it even with the absence of a T-Cog would be disastrous. We do not know what sort of technologies make up this protoform state of mine." Orion turned at the sound of a ground-bridge opening up, and out walked Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle.

"Hey, Twilight, bad news on the whole transforming front," said Spike. He then noticed their expressions. "What's wrong?"

"Megatron came back to Equestria," said Twilight, making the others jump in surprise and Orion furrowing his brow. "He said that Unicron is still trying to destroy our world, and Cybertron. Something's also happened with the AllSpark and Primus, and that's why Autobots and Decepticons are coming back."

"Another war would destroy Cybertron and Equestria, not to mention the fallout once they connect to Earth," said Ratchet. "To fight again would be folly."

"And most of the 'Cons that have come back have been mostly agreeable. 'Cept maybe one or two," said Bulkhead, smashing his massive fists together.

"Perhaps this will help," said Shining, levitating the data chip up to Ratchet. "Megatron said he got it from Kaon."

"We will see what it contains then." Moving over to a remote terminal, Ratchet plugged it in. Typing at it, he frowned as he tapped a few buttons on the console and checked the feed. "It's a message. Garbled, but it was intercepted, and fed through a filter. I'm boosting the power now, and putting it on the main screen."

The image was garbled, and Bulkhead scoffed at the resolution. "It looks like old Earth TV. Like... 4:3 no less."

But what came next made jaws drop, and Ratchet hissed, "By the AllSpark..."

=====

"---This is Megatron, leader of the Decepticons. And if you are hearing this, it means I have failed. But know this; I know that transwarp technology is being developed. So I leave this message to any Decepticon descendants who might hear this to come to coordinates..."

Shining Armor paused the message and turned to the assembled group of 'Bots and ponies, the Princesses standing there with grim expressions. "The coordinates he gave were of Earth, specifically the coordinates of prehistoric Earth."

"Transwarp tech has been theorized, but never developed in favour of space-bridging," explained Bumblebee. "It was too easily abused a power. If you had the time-space coordinates, you could jump back in time, and change the history of a race, potentially of a war."

"So this other Megatron hedged his bets and encoded a signal that somehow reached our Kaon. Which means there must be a natural transwarp corridor somewhere between our world and this one. Which means..." Ratchet sighed. "Their world could also have a Unicron."

"I see. It would explain why Tirek suddenly emerged from slumber all these years ago," said Celestia. "What is your plan?"

"To find the bridge, and cross it. Deal with the threat of Unicron in our own way. But for that, we require a Prime." And all heads turned to Orion, who held up his hooves.

"I am a simple archivist... but, I will assist you in any way I can." said Orion. "For the good of the people, this other Unicron must be stopped at all costs."

"Which brings us to another point," said Shining Armor. "We can't risk sending the Elements of Harmony through this portal. Without them, we'd be out of one of our most effective means of defence."

"I have to agree with Shining Armor on this one," said Twilight as Spike shared a glance with her. "As much as I want to accompany my brother on this mission, I'm afraid that the Elements are just too valuable to let into another world."

"We agree with our co-Princess on this matter," said Luna, rustling her wings. "What say you, sister?"

"A valid point," said Celestia. "Bumblebee, Captain Armor. Assemble Team Prime and any ponies you may think will be of aid."

"If I may, Princess, there is one bot I'd like to bring along with me... It just might take a little convincing." said Shining. "Ratchet, can you make me a direct space-bridge to Kaon?"

Ratchet scowled but nodded. "I hope you know what you are doing."

=====

The space-bridge opened up at the top of Kaon, as Shining Armor stepped out in full armor, accompanied by two pegasus pony guards. At the other end, a form sat, leaning on the armrest of the throne that was built into the floor. "Visitors. Step forward, and be received by me."

Shining stepped forward, and bowed low in deference before rising. "Your Highness," he greeted. "The Autobots request your assistance in a matter."

"No doubt related to Unicron's Messenger-bot," replied the form, standing into the light. "What does the Princess of the Sun send her royal guard to ask of Predaking?"

"Only your aid, Your Excellency," said Shining Armor. "A threat to both Cyberton and Equestria has become known. Orion Pax, the bot who becomes Optimus, lives under strange circumstances. Autobots and Decepticons are returning to life, you have seen this. All in response to a threat of Unicron from another reality."

"And I am to fight alongside you," said Predaking thoughtfully. Clasping his hands behind his back, he strode towards the balcony and looked over it. "Look there, Autobot Ally. See my kingdom for what it is."

Shining Armor walked over and peered down. He let out a gasp. "Whoa..." Down below, stood hundreds of Predacons, living off the land, arguing, laughing. The Predaking turned towards him. "Primus was generous to us," he said. "He gave me an army, a kingdom. The Predacons live again, and for that, I do not squander gifts."

He gestured at the door before crossing the room and sitting down once more. "Leave, and we will arrive when the time is needed. Tell your Autobot brethren that if they lay a hand on my people as we fight alongside them, they will suffer the consequences. Thus says Predaking."

"By your leave, Excellency. Ratchet, bring us home."

Arriving in the halls of UNIT, Ratchet asked, "Well?"

"They have an army."

"We have an Optimus. Or will anyhow," said Bulkhead. "So we're good, right?"

"For now," replied Shining Armor. "Let's keep moving. Team Prime's got a lot to do."

=====

With Team Prime assembled, Shining Armor looked over at his contingent of ponies. He picked out some of the best ones he could think of from all of the teams present. "Sgt. Cloudkicker, Pvt. Wild Wing, welcome to the team."

"Always a pleasure, Captain," said Cloudkicker and Wild Wing nodded, saluting with a wing.

"Flash Sentry, Midnight Deary, Blaster and Smokescreen." He paused at the last one. "We need to get you a new nickname, Smokey."

"Sir, we've tried that. Doesn't work," said Midnight.

"I know, it's just that we've got another Smokescreen on duty." said Shining. "Everypony prepared? This will be a long trip."

"As prepared as always, sir," said Blaster.

"Good. Saddle up everyone, we've got the coordinates. Welcome to Team Prime."

On the other side, Bumblebee was briefing in a very odd way. It was more like suggestions. "No pranking, no running anypony over and definitely no tossing them." The last was suggested to a red and gold Ferrari-type who grinned nervously. "I mean it, Sunstreaker."

"It was Sideswipe who did it last time," defended Sunstreaker.

"Arcee'll be watching. Bulkhead, Smokescreen and I will be taking up the rear. This will be a long trip, so get along with the ponies as best as you can."

"Sir, yes, sir," said Sideswipe almost sarcastically, but Bee's look shut him up.

"Tell me again why we're bringing the twins?" asked Arcee. "They're as insufferable as they were before, even without memories."

"Ultra Magnus said I owed him a favour," sighed Bumblebee.

"Poor you," said Smokescreen and Bulkhead chuckled.

"If you're all done socializing, I have deciphered the coordinates and programmed the space-bridge to cut through the transwarp channel," said Ratchet. "All we can do now is hope."

"Right. Where's Optimus, er, I mean Orion?" asked Smokescreen, the bot not the pony.

"Optimus has his own mission. He is with Princess Twilight as we speak, on Cybertron," answered Ratchet. "He is journeying to Vector Sigma."

Opening the portal, which was tinged with a light violet, Bulkhead groaned. "Why is it always purple?"

"Autobots, transform and roll out," ordered Bee as they transformed and opened doors. Shining Armor grabbed a helmet and leaped onto Arcee and together, they zoomed into the unknown.

To Be Continued in Prime