After Megatron’s recent invasion of Canterlot City, Optimus had officially opened diplomatic relations with the mayor, who was none too happy at the destruction from the battle. “So you’re alien soldiers engaged in a war.” So far, things weren’t going very well. “I suppose you’re here to invade.”
“You see any Decepticon logos on our bot-bods?” Ironhide was at the table for the negotiations, and he wasn’t doing a very good job of breaking the ice like that.
Optimus simply raised a hand to his warrior, to quiet him down. “Madame Mayor, if our intention were domination, would we not have allowed Megatron to destroy this city?”
“Maybe you’re just playing the long game.” That was the local police chief Knight Watch, not very trusting of the mayor’s mechanical guests; humanoid holomatter avatars or not. “Trying to lull us into a false sense of security before-”
“Did you not see what Megatron tried to do?!” Prowl yelled in rage, surprising everyone. “A school filled with innocent lives, his first target in this entire town! Not government, not law enforcement, children!”
“Stand down, Prowl!” Ironhide’s firm order forced the sergeant back to his seat, still seething in rage at the now silent room.
Optimus scowled as he looked back at the mayor. “While I disapprove of Prowl’s outburst, I must say that he has thoroughly made his point.” he began simply. “Megatron feels no emotion for those lifeforms he considers beneath him or those who stand against him. All he wishes for now is dominion over the universe.”
“And what is it that you want, Optimus Prime?” the mayor asked seriously.
“Only to correct a mistake, and restore our homeworld Cybertron to its former glory,” Optimus replied simply.
“And for that, you need soldiers?” asked Knight Watch.
“Times of war breed warriors, Knight Watch,” Optimus explained simply. “The Autobots fight for the day we no longer have to.”
The mayor was seemingly moved by this, as she glanced around the table before focusing on Optimus. “I assume you’ll want something from us?”
“Somewhere to stay that ain’t a shipwreck in the hills would be nice.” Ironhide shrugged.
Optimus smiled before regaining seriousness. “The Autobots will do their part to defend your city if the people do their part to allow us to maintain our secrecy from the outside world. And if any other reports of Cybertronian life in this area come up – Autobot or Decepticon – we will attend to it.”
The mayor mulled it over in her head and smiled. “Well, I suppose that sounds fair. But what exactly did you have in mind for defense?”
“Don’t worry; I’m sure Wheeljack has some ideas.” Ironhide smiled.
“Why shouldn’t they be worried by that?” Prowl smirked back at the old bot.
Optimus just shot a telling glare over to them, telling them to quiet down before he returned to the discussion. “While the Autobots will live among your people, I would appreciate it if they would be treated as equals and as dignified lifeforms.”
“Of course.” the mayor nodded and shook Optimus’ hand. “I’ll make an announcement in two days.” That was all the Autobots had to hear as they left the office, soon disappearing once outside and driving away in their bot-modes.
Soon enough, the three of them arrived at the site of the battle near the school, where they found the rest of the Autobots working with human repair crews to fix all the damage to the road and surroundings their battle had caused. “Everything’s ahead of schedule, Optimus,” Cliffjumper reported as the commander transformed. “I’ve gotta tell ya, having the humans know about us is a serious help.”
“How’d it go with the mayor?” asked Twilight.
“Very well, Twilight.” Optimus nodded. “She will make an announcement soon, ensuring that the Autobots will have a safe haven in this town for the foreseeable future.”
“That’s great!” Pinkie smiled. “Then I can get started on your ‘Welcome to Canterlot’ party early!”
“You might wanna hold off on that, kid.” Prowl brought up. “I still feel like this was all a mistake.” That statement appeared to draw some attention from Optimus. “Now that the humans know about Cybertron, how long will it be until one of them slips up and tells the rest of the world about us?”
“Give us some credit, Prowl.” Rainbow shrugged. “Earlier today, the people here didn’t even know you guys existed.”
“And I would’ve preferred we keep it that way.” Prowl scowled. “Even ignoring the possibility that someone might give away our existence, our presence just gives the Decepticons another target to attack.” He glanced over at Optimus, who was helping move rubble from the street. “And I think Megatron made it pretty clear in our ‘negotiations’ earlier that he doesn’t care how many humans he has to go through if it means getting his hands on the AllSpark.”
“Yeah well, it’s our job to make sure he doesn’t have to count,” Sideswipe smirked.
“Bout time you got a job outside the military.” Sunstreaker rolled his eyes, seeming to offend his brother.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Cmon Sideswipe; before the war, you only ever raced around on Velocitron.” Sunstreaker reminded. “I was the one bringin’ in the money.”
“Hey, I brought some cash home too.” Sideswipe reminded. “Remember that big-league race I won? That prize was huge.”
“Whatever.” Sunstreaker and his brother continued to argue all day.
And Rainbow? Well, she just smirked over at Prowl. “I’m tellin’ ya, you bots are gonna fit in around here just fine.” Prowl still wasn’t completely sure, but he didn’t deny; it certainly seemed like they would fit in well around this town.