Twilight Sparkle hoped she could lie in bed and rest all day, after yesterday where she nearly got married to a Decepticon. Her hopes were crushed when Spike received a letter telling Twilight to bring her friends and come to Canterlot immediately. She staggered through her morning routine, half awake, before meeting her friends in Canterlot.
"You alright, Twi?" Applejack asked as the group trotted to the steps of the Canterlot observatory, where Princess Celestias was waiting for them.
"I'm fine." Twilight shoved Applejack's comforting hoof off. "I just couldn't sleep well last night. I kept dreaming about these awful things that looked like a Decepticon and a dragon had a baby."
"Twilight Sparkle!" Celestia beamed. "I'm quite pleased to see you and your friends made it. It's reassuring to know there are some I can rely on."
Twilight and Applejack looked to each other. It wasn't like the Princess to say something like that.
Twilight cleared her throat. "Uh, Princess? What do you mean by-"
"Come." Celestia instructed, going into the golden building.
Twilight's group followed her inside, and they were led to a golden circular platform. Upon it stood the machine Shining Armor and Cadence salvaged from the US Mystery a night prior. It was a large, black box, with a green triangle embedded on a forward-pointing post on its front. Various ponies with labcoats and goggles were surrounding it, conducting tests and scribbling notes.
Celestia, upset, pointed at the machine. "Twilight Sparkle, do you know what this device is?"
"I think so . . ." Twilight trotted closer for a better look. "It seems to be a Transwarp Drive."
"Exactly." Celestia nodded. "Your brother and his wife took it last night . . . from an America shuttle, dated years before the Autobots landed on Earth." It took Twilight a minute to let that sink in.
"But that's – that's impossible!" Twilight sputtered.
"Indeed it should be . . . unless our human "friends" are hiding something from us," Celestia said.
Applejack raised her hoof. "Uh, could somepony explain this to tha' less technically-minded?"
"Yes." Rarity mumbled. "Do inform us, darlings."
Twilight pointed at the device. "That is a piece of Cybertronian tech. It was found on a human ship. The human ship should not have HAD Cybertronian tech, because it's dated years before the Autobots and Decepticons came to Earth!"
"Oh my." Rarity muttered. "That does not give the best impression of the good folks at Terra Firma."
"Indeed." Celestia grunted. "I have invited Optimus Prime over to Canterlot today to see if he knows anything about this." A deep thrum could be heard outside.
"Ah! That sounds like him now! Excuse me." Celestia left the building. Twilight and her friends followed her, but only up to the door of the building. Instead, they attempted to eavesdrop from inside, pressing their ears up against the glass door.
"Explain to me why we're not out with them?" Dash impatiently groaned.
"Because!" Rarity snapped. "This is clearly a sensitive subject, and it would be rude of us to intrude upon the two great leaders."
"Quiet!" Twilight snapped. "I can't hear what they're saying!"
"You can't hear what they're saying anyway . . ." Dash mumbled.
Rainbow Dash was right. They couldn't hear what the Princess and Optimus where saying from behind the door. But from the angry sweeping motions of Celestia's hoof, and the grimace on Optimus' face, it did not appear Optimus knew any more about the Engine than they did.
"Doesn't look like he knows anything . . ." Twilight mumbled. "Hey, what's that noise – AH!"
The door gave out under their combined weight, swinging open and letting them spill out like an overstuffed closet. They landed on the steps in a pile of entangled hooves.
"Ah, the girls!" Optimus beckoned, pleased to see them. "Are you engaged in a sport of play?"
"Yeah, sure." Twilight answered quickly as they worked to untangle themselves from their pile.
"I do hope to see you at the swap meet today." Optimus bowed to the Princess. "Again, I apologize I could not have been of more assistance in this matter. I will task my forces with attempting to pierce this mystery."
"There's no need to feel guilty, Optimus." Celestia assured him. "I appreciate your help regardless."
"Please excuse me," Optimus said, activating his comm. "I need to make a call . . ." He converted into his vehicular mode and drove down the Canterlot path.
Celestia gave one look to the girls, nodded to dismiss them, then spread her wings and flew away for some other business.
Applejack admired Celestia's ascension to the sky before turning to Twilight. "What's this about a swap meet, now?"
"Oh. That. Yeah, there's a meet on Cybertron later for Cybertronians, humans, and ponies to get together and exchange ideas about economy and, well, trade things."
"Mmh. Are we goin'?"
"Well, I can't think of a reason not to."
Applejack nodded. "Hey. What was that y'all were saying before, Twilight? Something about Decepti-dragon things in your dreams?"
"Yeah . . ." Twilight muttered, looking away. "Kept having nightmares about them . . . it's fine, really. Just some bad dreams."
"Oh my." Rarity gasped. She draped her leg around Twilight's neck. "Darling, that simply won't do! Here, let us go the spa in Canterlot. I hear they have fabulous spices that spa back in Ponyville can't even pretend to afford!"
"No, no, that's okay -"
"I insist! Here, my treat to everypony." Rarity thrust herself to the front of the group and started leading towards the spa. As they were walking by, Twilight noticed an Autobot out of the corner of her eye. He looked like Smokescreen, only bleached into a white and black color, like a police car. He had a orange visor instead of eyes, and he was accompanied by a strange looking Autobot that looked more like an orange, white and yellow Vehicon with a curved, crowned head than an Autobot. They seemed to constantly checking around them, trying not to be seen.
"Twilight?" Rarity called, noticing Twilight had stopped. "Are you coming?"
"Um, yeah." Twilight answered. "Would you mind waiting a minute? I think I see an old friend of mine over there . . ."
"Wait," Dash said. "Didn't you say you didn't have friends before moving to Canterlot?"
"Yes." Twilight answered blankly. "Um, well . . . it's . . . another student from Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns!" Twilight smiled nervously, trying to get Rainbow Dash to buy it so she could investigate the mystery Autobots on her own. She didn't want them coming along if it turned out to be dangerous.
"Well, go on, then." Rarity waved her hoof. "We'll keep a spot for you."
"Thanks, girls!" Twilight took off at blazing speed. There was no telling how far those two could have gotten by now.
She was able to track them down by using her superior pony sense of smell to trace the faint scent of gasoline, and found them just as they were arriving at a broken down building. They both kicked the wall down and went inside like they owned the place.
Twilight gasped. She didn't think Autobots were the type to commit property damage.
Using her magic to turn herself invisible, Twilight followed them inside. She had to cover her mouth to from keep herself from coughing from the dust the destruction whipped up. She clambered over the rubble and plaster. The room was dark, lit only by the sunlight streaming from the destroyed wall.
But she could see enough to be bewildered by what she saw.
Optimus Prime was waiting for them, arms crossed. Twilight knew she didn't know everything about the Autobots, but she never in a million, million years would have thought that Optimus engaged in secret meetings in shadowy buildings.
Optimus cocked his brow. "Prowl," he said to the white Autobot, "you are certain no one will notice the destroyed wall?
"The building is scheduled for demolition and urban renewal. No one will even notice, and if they do, they'll just take it to be the demolition team starting early." Prowl answered.
"Very well. Proceed." Optimus instructed. "What is your report thus far?"
"I have good news and bad news." Prowl answered.
Optimus tapped his fingers to his forehead crest, sighing deeply. "The good news?"
"The good news is that the Space Bridge network that we entrusted to the Equestrians hasn't been used for anything other than its intended purpose." Prowl listed off, producing a clipboard. "No drug-dealers, no monsters, no demons. Any and all research done relating the Space Bridge required Celestia's express approval."
"The bad news?"
"The bad news is that there are some ponies attempting to capitalize on the unusual effects Energon has on the ponies' alien anatomy. Chief amongst them is a male Earth pony by the name of Dr. Cabelleron."
Dr. Cabelleron? Twilight thought. But he's a fictional character in the Daring Do books! . . . Wait, is it possible A.K Yearling based her books off real ponies?
"Anything else?" Optimus inquired.
"Yes. There are some Decepticons who aren't too keen on Shockwave's idea of living in a truce. They're considering splintering away from the main forces to wage war on their own. They call themselves the "Decepticon Warlords."
"I'm aware."
"Shockwave has invited them to the swap meet today. He's hoping you'll boast of previous Autobot victories and encourage them to stay with the flock, if you will."
"Mm. A schism within the Decepticons could into a Decepticon Civil War, which would utterly sabotage our attempts at peace."
"Yeah, sure, but come on," the orange Autobot said, resting his fingers on Prowl's shoulders. "You don't really think Shockwave's into that whole "peace" idea, do you?"
"No."
Twilight blinked. Optimus usually assumed the best in people! He even sighed that treatise with Shockwave, but he didn't think Shockwave was really trying for peace?
"Shockwave is merely using this peace as a mask while he attempts to regroup the Decepticons under his banner instead of Megatron's." Optimus explained. "However, as we lack sufficient proof that this is his intent, saying as much in public would be tantamount to a declaration of war. Now, Celestia has found a Transwarp Drive inside an American shuttle. I want you to find out everything you can about it. Is there anything else before we leave?"
"Yes." The orange Autobot spoke up.
Prowl turned to him. "What is it, Chromedome?"
"Okay, well, a) you forgot to mention that we got a lead on that Changeling suicide bomber yesterday. We found a bunch of Vehicon Generals, some Insecticons, and a few Changelings operating an Energon mine on Earth. We suspect the bomber is a part of their group."
"One of the Warlord's private armies?"
"No. We attempted to engage, and they were very insistent they were not Decepticons. We caught a Vehicon, but he shot himself in the head before he talked. Second, the humans are attempting something called "Operation: Patriotism." . . . we haven't found what it is, but Galloway's involved in it. One last thing . . ."
Chromedome turned around and pointed smack-dab at Twilight's position.
"There is a pony over where who's been eavesdropping and thinks we can't sense because she's invisible. You know, pony, you might not have noticed, but we're sort of super-advanced robots with ultra-mega-sensors. We can detect stray bodies with more than just seeing. I mean, thermal imagery, just off the top of my head."
Twilight grimaced.
Chromedome and Prowl looked to Optimus. Optimus nodded. Optimus and Prowl primed their weapons, while green beams of light spawned from Chromedome's fingers and made into claws.
Twilight didn't like the idea of being a loose end, so she turned and galloped out. Once she put in some distance, she used a teleport spell to bring herself close to the spa.
Twilight breathed heavily, incredibly relieved to have gotten out of that intact.
"Twilight Sparkle?"
"Ah!" Twilight whipped around and fell on her back, crawling backwards in fear when she saw Optimus. How did he get to her so quickly?
"Is everything alright?" Optimus asked soothingly. "You seem disturbed."
Twilight looked up between Prime's legs. The building they were just at was not actually too far from the front entrance to the spa, so Optimus could have easily sprinted out when Chromedome saw she teleported. He could tell she was invisible. It stood to reason he could tell she teleported as well.
Yeah, that was it . . . Chromedome informed them she had teleported, and then Optimus got out from the building to keep up appearances. Then he noticed her appear from the side of the street and naturally went towards her.
"Twilight Sparkle?" Optimus repeated. "You have yet to answer me. Are you well?"
Twilight looked up at him. He looked so worried and concerned for her. It was hard for her to believe that Optimus was capable of being two-faced.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine." Twilight lied to him, smiling friendlily. She got off her back. "I was just about to join my friends in the spa."
"Good to hear." Optimus seemed pleased she wasn't hurt. "There is still time for you to enjoy your trip to the spa, but the swap meet will be soon. Would you and your friends do me the honor of accompanying me to it?"
Twilight nodded, blushing. "Yeah, of course!"
"Thank you. Enjoy your spa." Optimus left, but Twilight was still feeling uneasy. What were he, Prowl, and Chromedome going to do her if they caught her?
Twilight went inside the building, told the clerk her friends should have a spot of her, and she was guided into a hot tub with everypony else.
"Good of you to finally join us, Twilight!" Rarity exclaimed as the soothing hot water went over Twilight's body. "Did you enjoy meeting your old student pal?"
"Oh, yeah!" Twilight answered. "He . . . really talked my ear off, heh." She sunk further into the water to take her mind off things. "Anyways, Optimus wants us to join in at the swap meet when we're done here."
"I see no reason why not." Rarity answered, stretching her neck over the tub's edge. Murmurs of agreement were heard all around, while Twilight continue to think about Prowl and Chromedome.
Now done with the spa, Twilight's gang joined Optimus and Celestia through the Space Bridge onto Cybertron, where a plaza held the event. Humans, ponies, Autobot and Decepticon ran about, exchanging ideas and making small talk. Cybertron's sun shone brightly, making the silver earth gleam.
"So this is the swap meet!" Rarity exclaimed, watching in rapt awe at the variety of colors on people as they ambled and walked about. She was so excited. She already heard a pony and a Cybertronian bartender making a deal to supply the other with drinks compatible to their species. Just imagine! A bar on Cybertron that can service ponies! And that was just the start! What other nifty ideas could be made here?
"Yes. It is a sight to see!" Celestia agreed, noticing a pegasus pony take perch upon on Autobot's shoulder, prompting a good-natured laugh from the people around him. Celestia's movement was burdened by the wagon attached to her back.
"Princess," Twilight asked, "why did you bring the engine?"
"I was hoping to show it to our American friends in the hopes the sight of might jog their memory some." The Princess' growling voice showed that she was upset at the discovery, suspecting the humans were hiding something from her kingdom.
"Optimus Prime." a Cybertronian, devoid of Autobot or Decepticon markings, growled as he went up to the group. His body was long and lanky, with bulges of armor on his arms and legs.
"Metalhawk." Optimus answered with displeasure.
"Oh, yeah." Dash rubbed her hoof. "You were that guy at the treatise-signing, weren't you?"
"Indeed I was." Metalhawk answered. He glared at Optimus. "You'll be pleased to hear that I have been unanimously decided the leader of the Nets."
"Nets?" Twilight questioned.
"Short for "Neutral."" Optimus explained. "During the War for Cybertron, several Cybertronians got onto their ships and fled rather than pick a side." He said this with malcontent, glaring at Metalhawk.
"We did not wish to throw ourselves into the violence." Metalhawk explained, crossing his arms.
"You were cowards who abandoned Cybertron in its hour of need." Optimus accused.
"Were we? Or were we better than Autobot or Decepticon, forsaking violence?"
"If every Net that left had joined the Autobots, the Autobots would have the manpower to end the war as painlessly as realistically feasible." Optimus growled.
“I recall Megatron expressing a very similar sentiment regarding the idea of the Nets joining the Decepticons.”
"Optimus!" Shockwave hailed, walking up to the group with Galloway, a human Twilight didn't recognize, and a quartet of Decepticons she also didn't recognize. "So good of you to come." Shockwave and Optimus shook hands.
"You know Galloway," Shockwave gestured. "This here is his family friend, Dylan Gould." Dylan was a tall man, with a five o'clock shadow and black, greased over hair. He was wearing a blue suit. He looked friendly, but something about him made Twilight uneasy.
"And I don't believe you've met the Decepticon Warlords." Shockwave gestured to them.
"I have not." Optimus answered. Twilight looked up at him. She felt that he was being honest when he said that. Of course, he could have known about them without having met them.
"There's Scorponok, Fearswoop, Deathsaurus, and Straxus."
Scoronok lived up to his name, appearing to be, essentially, a huge purple and green robot scorpion that was stood upright and given some a Decepticon head and legs. His hands were teethed scorpion claws.
Fearswoop looked ridiculous, with a tiger stripe pattern over his body. He had some in common with a Seeker body, with a cockpit in his chest and wings on his back. The canopy of his jetmode hung off the back of his head like a ponytail. His face was just a yellow, clear optic, like Shockwave's. His hands were clamps formed out an afterburner exhaust.
Deathsaurus was fierce and regal. He had blue wings like some manner of beast, clawed feet, and a handsome silver face. A silver, beak-like crest extended from his forehead, like a cowl. His torso black and full of mismatched details, suggesting some sort of bestial alternate mode.
Straxus was a more military shade of blue, with a head more fitting a sci-fi 90's robot than a Transformer. His chest was broad and divided into panels, with a yellow breastplate. He had a backpack with treads on it. His vehicular mode was clearly a tank.
They were all sullen and grumpy.
"Why are we wasting time here?" Straxus barked.
"Because this is a vital step in maintaining a peaceful, post-war economy." Shockwave answered. Shockwave hooked his cannon-arm around Optimus and pulled him close.
"Now, Optimus . . ." Shockwave whispered. "The Warlords . . . they have been talking of breaking away from my faction of Decepticons. If you could . . . gently dissuade them from this course of action, I would be most appreciative." Shockwave's single optic curled like a smile was formed from an invisible mouth underneath.
"I will see what I can do." Optimus assured him, despite being wary of the possibility Shockwave had ulterior motives. It was hard enough managing Autobots, Equestrians, human relations, Decepticons, the Nets, and this mystery group that Prowl reported. The last thing he needed was for the Decepticons to start splintering up into subgroups.
"Before anyone else says anything, may I introduce some legislature to propose?" Galloway asked, pulling up a piece of paper.
"What it is?" Celestia took the paper with her magic and scanned over it. "This is legislature to restrict interstellar travel, limit use of the Space Bridge to ‘verified parties’, and … forbid the bringing of planetary native luggage?"
"Yes," Galloway said. "I was told the little marriage hijinks that happened yesterday were because of some party bringing Equestrian potions to Cybertron. Considering how little we were able to get done when Shockwave and Twilight were mooning over each other, I figure none of us wants that to happen again."
“And what, pray tell, defines a verified party, Director?” Optimus asked, reaching for the paper. “May I, Princess?” Celestia nodded and levitated the paper into Optimus’ hand. Optimus gave a disapproving frown. “Director, banning the travel of all ‘non-native’ luggage is sure to restrict the ability of merchants seeking to expand to do business with their extraterrestrial friends, not to mention limit the ability of our school systems to adapt valuable knowledge from other cultures into their curriculum without examples to study, and impose binding limits on artists and poets looking to the arts’ of others for inspiration.”
Optimus read over it again.
“And … there seems to be a clause allowing U.S-native humans to carry cargo after they have gone through proper channels and verify they bear no malicious intent … but there is nothing of the sort for Cybertronians, Equestrians, or non-American nationals.”
Optimus glared at the Director. Galloway cleared his throat.
"Perhaps we can discuss it more after you tell me what you know about this?" Celestia pulled the Drive out of the wagon and flashed it to Galloway.
"I can't say I know anything about it." Galloway answered. None of the Decepticons seemed too interested, but Scorponok frowned.
"And I can't help the feeling you haven't been entirely forthright with me, Galloway." Celestia squinted at him.
"I know nothing about this object, where it came from, or why you're interested in it." Galloway insisted, squinting back.
"People, people! Let's stop the violence." Scorponok offered. "Perhaps if you'll give it to me, I can have my men examine it . . ."
"Why should it go to you, huh?" Fearswoop complained. "Why does no one trust ME with the big responsibilities?"
"Probably because you're an irresponsible twit." Straxus quipped.
"What did you say!?"
This quickly devolved into childish arguing, where the Warlords talked smack while pushing and shoving each other.
"While they do that . . ." Dylan offered, walking up to Twilight Sparkle and offering his hand. "Dylan Gould."
Twilight glared at his hand. "Twilight Sparkle. My friends, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity."
"Why am I last?" Rarity moaned.
"It doesn't really matter whose last, does it?" Applejack groaned.
"Anyways . . ." Dylan said, trying to take the attention back to himself. "I'm a family friend of Galloway's. I'm here on behalf of Mr. Attiger and the KSI. I've heard good things about Twilight's abilities as a scientist. Attiger was hoping Ms. Sparkle would come help with a little science project."
Twilight put her hoof on her chin. "What kind of science project?"
"Wut does "KSI" stand fer?" Applejack asked. "Ah know there's the FBI, the CIA, the FDA, CPS, CVS, CBS -"
"Does Mr. Attiger have a first name?" Rarity asked suspiciously.
"Well, it's a very big science project." Dylan explained. "And KSI stands for -"
"MAYDAY! MAYDAY!"
A Vehicon General – the silver type - ran into the square, screaming and firing shots in the air to get everyone's attention.
"WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! EQUESTRIAN DRAGONS HAVE COME THROUGH THE CANTERLOT SPACE BRIDGE! REPEAT, WE ARE UNDER AT – ARRRGH!"
His claim of it not being a drill were proven when a sideways pillar of fire struck him in the back, throwing him down and melting his back into a twisted mess of slag metal instantly.
Dragons – large, green, scaly dragons with forms befitting a T-Rex marched into the plaza, huffing out steam and small puffs of fire. There was one that was larger and taller than the rest of them, wearing gold crown on its head.
"Who invited you?" A daring Autobot roared, priming his weapon.
"Why," the crown-wearing dragon answered, "this sweet little broad did! Cute thing, too."
"Optimus, you're the one who hangs out with organics," Straxus said, "What is a 'broad'?"
"A disparaging term for those of the feminine persuasion." Optimus answered as he drew his battlemask and primed his arm-blade and blaster. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have dragons to fight. AUTOBOTS, BRING THE RAIN!"
"Something's not right." Celestia muttered. "Those aren't normal Equestrian dragons . . . they're taller, fatter, with more curved snouts . . . what is going on here?"
Optimus bolted for the Dragon Chieftain. He converted into his vehicle mode, drove up to gather speed, then reverted to automatic mode and used the momentum to propel himself in the air, coming down on the Chieftain with a brutal jump-kick. The Chieftain staggered back, while Optimus landed gracefully on his feet.
"You're a pretty good fighter, there, sonny!" the Chieftain complimented, rubbing his black eye.
"'Sonny'? Please." Optimus huffed, drawing up his arm-blades. "I am willing to bet I have a few million years on you."
"Perhaps, but d'ya have THIS?" The Chieftain blasted out a breath of fire, which Optimus used his swords to shield himself from. Seeing an opening, Optimus ducked to avoid the flames, then hit the chieftain in the head with a roundhouse kick.
"Not bad! But let's see you handle TWO!"
The two dragons on the Chieftain's sides flanked Optimus and expelled twin breathes of fire onto him, forcing him down from the sheer heat. However, Optimus was able to jump and spread his legs, kicking them both in the heads and knocking them back.
"Oh-oh yeah?" The Chieftain stuttered, surprised that the fight was going out of his favor fast. "Well, let's see you handle -"
"You know." Optimus interrupted him. "Normally, I take special care not to harm organic creatures -"
Optimus slid forward, stabbing the Chieftain in the side and giving him a bloody wound.
"But there is a first time for everything, I suppose." Optimus added, taking the blade out. The Chieftain crumbled to his knees, clutching his wounds and his two goons came to hold him up.
"This isn't over!" The Chieftain swore as his goons dragged him to safety. They all three let loose a blast of fire that smothered Optimus. It dissipated quickly, but the dragons were gone.
"Well, that was strange." Fearswoop commented. He noticed Shockwave. "Hey, why do YOU look so happy?"
"Because . . ." Shockwave answered, tapping his chin. "I suspect this may be the perfect opportunity to reveal a project I've been working on." Shockwave converted into vehicular mode and left the plaza.
Following the dragon attack, the area of the swap meet, the Decepticons got together and asked everybody not to leave until Shockwave gave them the say-so that it was okay, and attempted to prevent anyone from leaving or entering until then.
Grimlock entered the area, anyway, shoving the guards aside.
"Hey." Grimlock called, coming up behind Optimus. "Heard there was a scene today?"
"Yes." Optimus answered. "Equestrian dragons . . . I am not sure how they got through the Canterlot Space Bridge . . ."
"Shame I couldn't have been here." Grimlock murmured. "I would have pounded them flat."
While Optimus and Grimlock talked, Scorponok was going over Galloway's legislature.
"Not terribly good form to attempt to introduce legislature at a swap meet," Scorponok said, eyeing the paper in his claw.
"I thought it was best to run it by Optimus Prime and Celestia as soon as possible," Galloway said. "I would think everyone would agree imposing restrictions of what kind of cargo can be transported would be good for the safety of all concerned. For- for a limited time, of course." Galloway cleared his throat, and the mention of a limited seem to be an afterthought.
"I can guarantee you this paper isn't going anywhere," Scorponok said. "For starters, I have cause to oppose it for … personal reasons, and you will find that I am very persistent when there’s something I want, Director. There are already some very lucrative deals going between business partners seeking to expand and adapt to the opportunities of an interstellar world. Why, I know of a bar on Cybertron’s that’s been importing Earth soda. I’m told it’s quite a hit.”
“What … kind of personal ventures?” Galloway asked.
“Personal ones. Personal, as in ‘none of your business what my business is.’ Where was I? Oh yes, see, as I was saying, there are people already making profits for buying, shipping and selling products off-world. Sodas, drinks, shoes, novelties, Energon …”
“Who is selling Energon to whom?” Galloway asked. “Unlicensed Energon being carted around is quite a security concern!”
Scorponok frowned. “I don’t know myself, I’ve just heard that’s been the case for some.” He dropped the paper, where it floated down onto Galloway’s head. “Anyways, this legislature is attempting to stop things that are already happening, and as I’m sure a human like you is aware, people don’t like when you try to mess with their profits.” The last word seemed to carry an unspoken threat with it. “Food for thought. Say, where’s Shockwave?”
"Said he was going to get a project." Fearswoop answered. "Oh, hey, I see him! . . . Oh, what's that one-eyed idiot done now?"
Shockwave was pulling up into the plaza, accompanied by an entourage of automobile Vehicons towing gigantic cages on mobile platforms.
Shockwave reverted to autonomous mode and climbed up on a stage, usually meant for Cybertronian theater. Shockwave beckoned the Vehicons to pull the crates onto the stage with him, and he cleared his throat.
"Everyone and everypony!" Shockwave announced. "Your attention, please! The attack by the dragons earlier was terribly unfortunate, and we are ever grateful Optimus Prime fought them off before there were any more casualties."
"But while Optimus was able to fend them off, it was with great difficulty." Shockwave continued. "These dragons clearly pose a threat. Their fire-breath is strong even to smelt the iron hides of we Cybertronians . . ." Shockwave began pacing.
"Well, that's a slanted take on what happened!" Twilight complained.
"Optimus was able to defend us this time, but Optimus cannot be everywhere at once." Shockwave continued, sounding sympathetic. "What about the fair Autobots and Nets who are enjoying a night on the town? And let's not even mention the ponies and humans that are visiting outside of this meet!" Shockwave held his finger high. "It is for this reason I propose that we bring in a new guard. Ponies and gentlemen, I present to you . . . the Predacons!"
The Vehicons, with some uncertainty, pried the doors of the cages open. Out stepped huge, huge four-legged creatures that were like the spawn of a dragon (or some other beast) and Decepticon, – but far larger than either. They were covered in bristles, spiky plates, adorned with spines and ridges, with yellow conduit lines running through them. Their yellow optics burned brightly with the fire of a predator. There was a small group of them, but three of them caught Twilight's eye; the largest one, which was black and orange, with a tail ending in a club. A grey and green one with a beaked snout and short tail like a griffon. And an purple and yellow one with a purple, mask-like face that had a beak, antlers, and didn't really look like anything, save maybe a ceremonial mask.
"I have been cultivating these creatures for some time," Shockwave said, gesturing the black one forward and petting its nose. "With post-war tensions running high, logic dictated a third party without the war's bloody history affecting their judgment to act as guards . . . as servants . . . as couriers and pets and maybe even . . . friends."
Shockwave's optic zoomed in on Celestia. "And we all know the benefits of friendship."
Celestia humphed, dismay at Shockwave using her rhetoric.
"So that's his game." Grimlock muttered.
"Introduce the Predacons as bipartisan guards." Optimus whispered to Grimlock. "Ingratiate them into the public, get the Autobots, Equestrians, and possibly the Americans . . ."
"Create a feeling of security with these obedient creatures . . ." Optimus continued.
"And then, while we're sleeping, click! He pulls the switch, and the Predacons eliminate anyone who might stand in the way of the New Decepticon Empire." Grimlock finished.
"Do you sleep?" Pinkie asked, overhearing their conversation. "Hey, Twilight? Do Cybertronians dreamed of electric turbosheep?"
"Pinkie . . ."
"Please." Grimlock scoffed. "And the correct term is mechanized motorsheep."
"Shockwave!" Metalhawk shouted. "How can we be sure these Predacons of yours are truly neutral? They were made by YOU, after all."
"Simple, Metalhawk. They are programmed to obey their prerogatives, and their prerogatives are to keep the peace. Nothing more, nothing less."
Metalhawk continued to debate with Shockwave, while Scorponok noticed Grimlock in attendance.
"Is that Grimlock?" Scorponok muttered.
"Yeah. What's it to you?" Fearswoop answered.
"Grimlock gave me an utterly humiliating defeat once." Scorponok grumbled. "I've been meaning to return the favor." Scorponok marched towards Grimlock's position.
"Oh. Hey, Scorpie." Grimlock noticed. "What's up?"
"What's UP is that I've been meaning to give this for a long time, you saurian!" Scorponok charged and slammed his claw into Grimlock's head, throwing Grimlock back.
"Do we have to do this now?" Grimlock grumbled. "I'd be happy to give you another beating, but not in the middle of this crowd!"
"Too bad!" Scorponok charged again, landing another punch on Grimlock.
Grimlock sighed, proceeding to give Scorponok a powerful uppercut.
"Stop!" Metalhawk shouted. "You'll step over our organic friends!"
"Scorponok, stand down!" Optimus ordered, priming his blaster at the purple Con.
"You are not the boss of me, Prime!"
Up on the stage, Shockwave snapped his fingers. He pointed at Grimlock and Scorponok. "Go."
The enormous black Predacon roared and flared its wings. It took to the sky, then landed in between Grimlock and Scorponok, causing a tremor that threw everyone too close it flying backwards,, clearing the area for the Predacon to move freely. The Predacon then snarled at both Grimlock and Scorponok.
"Oh, is that how you want to do it? Well, that's fine by me!" Grimlock charged and slugged the Predacon hard on the head.
So the Predacon bit into Grimlock's shoulder and tore his arm off.
Cheers and cries of outrage burst out into equal measure. Decepticons and some Autobots cheered for Grimlock being injured (as he was kind of a triggerhappy jerk) while Nets and Equestrians were appalled by the violence. The Predacon, for good measure, ran its tail through Scorponok's chest, impaling him. It smashed Scorponok into the ground, then jerked its tail out. Scorponok got up, a sparking wound in his chest.
"Shockwave!" Metalhawk shouted, appalled. "You can't really expect us to take such violence creatures as our guardians, can you?"
"The Predacon was programmed to maintain the peace.” Shockwave plainly stated. “Grimlock and Scorponok were disrupting the peace, and it reacted accordingly."
Shouts and boos and cries rang out all around as the crowd divided into two camps about the subject. One agreed with the idea of the Predacons, and believed it did what it was supposed to do, the other opioned that it was too overly violent and they weren't going to let it "protect" them.
"STOP!" Metalhawk screamed. "There is only one way to settle this!"
"Yeah!" A Vehicon cheered. "Let's fight it out!"
"What? No! We must take a page from the humans' book when they have disagreements."
"You mean . . . like, having wars, or . . . going and ranting on the Internet?"
"No! No! I'm saying we have to have a vote to decide whether or not Shockwave's Predacon program is allowed to continue!"
"Sounds fair to me," Shockwave said. "Does anyone object to the idea of a vote?"
There was some mumbling, but ultimately no one said anything.
"Then it's settled. A vote it is."
"Hmm." Celestia noted. "Well, it's been an interesting turn of events."
"Excuse me? Princess Celestia?"
"Hmm?" Celestia turned to see a Vehicon General addressing her. "Yes?"
"There's a human in a purple robe asking for you." The General said, pointing its thumb outside of the plaza. "Said it was important. Said it had something to do with "the Engine." Said you would know what she was talking about."
Celestia's eyes widened. "Yes. I . . . I must see her right away." Celestia galloped out of the plaza in a rush.
"Where is she going?" Scorponok asked, limping over.
"To go meet with some human." The General answered. "Talking about some kinda of engine."
Scorponok's lips pursed. "Is that so?"
"Hello?" Celestia called. Her hoofsteps echoed off the empty iron ground. "Is somepony there?"
"Yes, here!" A voice called. Celestia saw her. An old woman wearing a robe concealing her face, sitting by the corner of a building. Celestia approached her.
"I was informed you have knowledge of the Engine?"
"I know of it." The woman replied in a high-pitched. She reached up and pulled the hood down, revealing her face. It was squat and chubby, and her red hair was typed up by a bone, like a cavewoman, and her nose came to a fine point. "My name is Witch Hydia, and I come from a faraway land on our world."
"Our world . . .?" Celestia muttered. "I take it you're from Equestria?"
"Yes . . . and no. See, while I am from the world, I am not of Equestria. I came from a faraway land called Ponyland." Hydia answered.
"What do you know about the engine?" Celestia ask, leaning forward.
"I know my grandfather was one of the pilots." Hydia answered. "He and his crew made their way to the sea and founded their own city there. The natural magic of our world seeped into their bodies, and changed them. They bred, and thus were born humans . . . humans that were Equestrian natives."
Celestia gasped. "Humans native to Equestria? How? Where did they come from?"
Hydia shook her head. "I do not know exactly. I do know that I am just one of them, and when my grandfather and his companions were old and frail, they left the continent to return their "only piece of home.""
"Piece of home . . . their ship!" Celestia put it all together. The crew of the US Mystery went overseas rather than remain in the Everfree Forest, established lives for themselves and made a prosperous community. They bore children, and when they were old, they went back overseas to die in the Earthern shuttle that brought them there - "their only piece of home."
But none of this explained how the shuttle got to Equestria to begin with.
Celestia put a hoof on Hydia's shoulder. "Thank you, Witch Hydia, for sharing this vital information with me. While it does not answer many questions, it opens possibilities." Celestia smiled. "And if you and your country would be willing to open trade with my kingdom . . ."
"I would be happy to negotiate . . ." Hydia smiled, before noticing Celestia's focus drift. "Celestia? Do you see something?"
Celestia did see something. On the rooftop of a building, there was a purple Vehicon. He seemed to operating some device and his visor set on them. Celestia's panic instincts kicked in when the device unfurled, converting into a turret.
"GET DOWN!" Celestia tackled Hydia out of the way, just as the Vehicon started firing. Bullets came hard and fast, shredding through the ground and cutting up the entrances to buildings.
Holding Hydia down under cover, Celestia prepped her magic and fired a beam of gold light at the Vehicon's weapon, blowing it up. The Vehicon jumped off the building and converted into an aerial mode, flying off before Celestia could get another shot.
Celestia gritted her teeth. One thing was certain; somebody knew something about the engine, and they were willing to go any lengths to keep information from spreading.
"Princess!" Twilight shouted, galloping into view. "Are you alright? I heard the shots, and -"
"I'm fine." Celestia assured her, letting Hydia out from her grasp. "There was a Vehicon that attempted to shoot Hydia and I."
"Um, hello, Hydia," Twilight said, confused. "Pleased to meet you, I guess?"
"Likewise."
"I wish it were under better circumstances." Celestia murmured. "My faithful student, I will be taking Hydia to Canterlot. She has information which could reveal much about the engine your brother found. But someone doesn't want that information to come out, and are willing and able to get Vehicons to attempt murder." Celestia looked at the destroyed weapon.
"What do you need me to do?" Twilight asked.
"Nothing, yet. We need more to go on before we take action. For right now, be on your guard and report any leads you might find." Celestia began trotting away, making sure to hold Hydia close and check over her shoulder for any more hired guns.
Twilight kept eyes on them until they entered the plaza, then stayed, scanning the area for evidence. A dud ordinance, ashes, something.
"alright, well, here are the shells . . . could use those for forensics." Twilight muttered. She put her nose to the ground and started roving about in search of anything else. Eventually, she bumped her nose into something hard, but small.
"Huh?" Lifting her head up, she saw it was a case. It was an odd thing, a black box with a beige panel on it. On the panel was a white outline of the Autobot symbol.
"What is this thing?" Twilight tapped a hoof to it. It reacted, whirring and splitting open to reveal a blue screen. The kind of screen used for video chats.
"Hmm." Twilight patted it again. A mechanical limb popped out.
"PLEASE CONSENT TO OPTICAL SCAN," The box said with a computerized voice.
"Umm . . . consented!" Twilight's stammered. The limb shot a green beam onto her her face, blinding her, but otherwise harmless. When it was done, the limb retracted.
"SCAN COMPLETE. YOU ARE NOT AN AUTHORIZED PARTY. PLEASE LEAVE THIS DEVICE AS YOU FOUND IT. ANY FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO ACCESS WILL BE TREATED AS A BREACH, AND COUNTERMEASURES WILL BE TAKEN."
"Countermeasures?" Twilight didn't like the sound of that. "Hmm." She was considering what to do when she heard footsteps. Normally, she'd stay, but between finding Optimus in a secret meeting and Celestia nearly being assassinated, she didn't want to take chances. She used her invisibility spell and squeezed herself into the crevice of a nearby building.
It was Optimus, again. He walked up to the device and picked up. The limb appeared.
"PLEASE CONSENT -"
"Consent granted." Optimus answered quickly. The scan went over him like it did Twilight, but with a different result.
"RESULTS CONFIRMED. PLEASE SWIPE YOUR FINGER ALONG THE TOUCHSCREEN TO CONFIRM YOUR IDENTITY, OPTIMUS PRIME."
Optimus did.
"PLEASE SPEAK FOR VOCAL CONFIRMATION."
""I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots."" Optimus spoke.
"EXCELLENT. PLEASE SAY THE PASSWORD."
""Humans R Dumb.""
"UNCHARACTERISTIC STATEMENT PASSWORD ACCEPTED. BRIEFING COMMENCING . . ."
The screen showed a loading circle, then shifted into static before showing Prowl from the waist up.
"Four items of note," Prowl said. "First, there appears to have been an unusually large human with red skin and a pony's tail that allowed the dragons access to the Space Bridge. Second, there is another continent on Equestria, in possession of several unusual lifeforms and artifacts. Third, there appear to be some who know about the Transwarp Drive, but they declined to answer questions and quickly slipped off the radar. There is a conspiracy afoot, Prime. Finally, reports are coming from the area of Earth known as "The Middle East" that a robot matching Fearswoop's description has been seen. That is all. Per our protocols, this device will now terminate this video and all other data."
The screen went into static again, before it went off completely. Sparks flew from the device as it short-circuited itself to prevent its information from going to anyone other than Optimus.
Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. At least Optimus hadn't seen her yet. She started to climb out of her hiding place, only to come face-to-face with Optimus.
Optimus sighed, looking at her with remorse. "How much do you know, and how much would you like to know?"
Twilight frowned. She dismissed her spell and looked up at him. "Do . . . do you know it was -"
"You in the abandoned building?" Optimus finished. "I do now."
"If you had caught me . . . what would you have done with me?" Twilight asked, her eyes shimmering with concern.
"I would have let you go once I saw that it was you." Optimus answered.
Twilight looked at him. "Would you have really? You're not just trying to comfort me?"
"Yes. Twilight Sparkle, you are the student of Princess Celestia, a leader who I have done my best to please. If I were to allow harm to you, she would have my head. And more importantly, you are my friend. No. No, you are not my friend. You stopped being my friend some time ago."
Twilight teared up. She wasn't Optimus' friend anymore? "Then . . . what . . . am I to you?"
Optimus reached over and cupped her chin with his finger. He gave her one of his legendarily rare smiles. "My family."
Twilight gasped, surprised at the level of care he had for her. "Okay . . . um, what about Prowl? And Chromedome?"
"Prowl and Chromedome are close partners. Chromedome possess the unusual ability – the special talent, if you will – to alter memories. Prowl engages in dark and secret work, so he travels with Chromedome close by his side. The idea being that if there is a witness, Chromedome can erase their memories."
"That's . . that's awful!" Twilight decried. "Why would he need to do that? Why would you ALLOW that, Optimus!?"
Optimus sighed again. "Twilight Sparkle, up until recently, I was the leader of a war. And there are some things that need to be done in war that I do not have the stomach for myself."
"Isn't that what the Wreckers for?"
"Yes . . . but you have met Bulkhead, and Wheeljack, and my brother. Would you describe them as being "subtle"?"
" . . . No."
"Prowl is subtle and silent." Optimus explained. "I call the Wreckers when I need something questionable done. I call Prowl when I need something secret done. Prowl has, on occasion, needed to do unsavory things in the name of the Autobots. That is what Chromedome is for. He wipes memories to prevent witnesses whom we would otherwise need to imprison to keep the knowledge secret. He wipes away traumas some Autobots have after doing dirty jobs. Do you understand why I allow this to happen? "
Twilight frowned. "Do . . . do the other Autobots know?"
"They know what Prowl's job is." Optimus answered.
"Alright . . ." Twilight muttered. "I can't say I'm happy about this, but I understand why. After all, it's not like my friends are perfect. Rainbow Dash is perfectly willing to cheat if it suits her. Did I ever tell you about the Running of the Leaves?"
"You have not." Optimus answered. "Come. The vote for whether or not we use Shockwave's Predacons starts soon. Which side will you vote for?"
"Oh! Um . . . I hadn't really thought about that . . . hmm."
"The voting as to whether or not Shockwave's Project: Predacon will be adopted to continue." Metalhawk announced. On the theater stage, there was a table for accepting ballots. He looked over the plaza. Optimus, Grimlock, and Twilight had joined Metalhawk and Shockwave on the stage.
"I can't help but notice Celestia is absent." Metalhawk noted. "Will she not be joining in the voting?"
"Er, no. She had to go to Canterlot on royal business."
"Her loss." Metalhawk quipped. "Now, the votes will be anonymous. Please come up, single-file line, and dropped your ballot."
The line started, climbing up on the plaza and dropping their papers into the ballot box. The Predacons, for the most part, simply laid on the stage, observing the procession.
"Well . . . our turn." Metalhawk observed, after Twilight's friends had their turn. By now, the Predacons had gotten up and were nudging Shockwave. "Do you have your ballot, Optimus?"
"Yes." Optimus walked forward and was about to put his ballot in when . . ."
"Get off!" Shockwave ordered, shoving the black Predacon away. The Predacon nudged him again. "Will you stop, beast? We are trying to vote on your future here! Enough!" Shockwave put his arms together and shoved the Predacon away.
The Predacon stopped. Then, it let loose a chilling roar before transforming. Its head folded into its back, its body split into two and folded over into legs, and its tail curled against its back while its wings folded into a royal-looking cape. When the conversion was finished, a weathered robot, much taller than Optimus or Shockwave stood, with a gray face and crown made of spikes.
"Shockwave, you didn't tell us your Predacons could transform!" Metalhawk yelped.
"They – they couldn't!" Shockwave stuttered, flabbergasted.
Optimus angrily tore his ballot in half. "I will not put in a vote for a creature that can communicate. It can make its decisions for itself."
"Please," The Predacon said. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name . . . is Predaking. And these are my compatriots, Grimwing and Lazerbeak." The other Predacons converted into robotic modes. The gryphon went into an athletic mode with an owl-like head, while the other . . . thing was built like a thug with a wolfish face.
"Hail and well met, Predaking," Optimus said, coming to greet the newcomer. "I am -"
"I know who you are, Prime." Predaking snarled. "Shockwave has downloaded my processor all the information on you I need to know."
"Really?" Optimus eyed Shockwave suspiciously.
Shockwave blinked.
"Is there a problem, Shockwave?"
"Er, yes, actually." Shockwave answered. "I . . . have more Predacons back in the Tower. There three were just the ones I took for demonstrative purposes. I must call Barricade . . ."
"Well . . ." Metalhawk questioned. "What do we with the Predacons now?"
"What they wish." Optimus growled. "They are sapient beings, and they have the freedom to choose what they do."
"Lord Shockwave!" A Vehicon shouted, running up to the stage. "Reports are coming in! The dragons have been located! They're tearing up the street south of ninth!"
"We ride!" Predaking announced. He and the other Predacons reverted into their beast modes, and Grimwing carried Lazorback in his talons. Optimus and Shockwave called their respective bases and called for Space Bridges.
"Hehheh! Yeah!" One of the dragon goons cheered, tearing a lamp post off and throwing into the street. "This is more like it! No one to boss us around, no one to tell us what to not do-!"
His joy at being free to reign havoc was cut short by Grimwing dropping Lazerback, who proceeded to dive bomb the dragon and tackle him to the ground.
"Grr!" The Dragon Chieftain whipped around, ready for a fight. His confidence wavered Optimus, Grimlock, and Twilight stepped out of the Space Bridge, and the other Predacons landed and converted into robot mode.
"Surrender now, Cheiftain, and you will be spared my wrath." Predaking snarled.
"Your "wrath"?" The Chieftain chuckled. "Buddy, who talks like that? The only "wrath" I'm afraid of around here is from that stab-happy red guy there." He pointed to Optimus.
"RRRAAAH!" Predaking yelled and charged the Cheiftain, laying him low with one punch.
Grimlock applauded. "That's the way to do it!"
The Chieftain got up, growled, then blasted a breath of fire onto Predaking. Predaking stood there, unmoving, immune to the searing heat.
"Whu-huh?" The Chieftain stared wide-eyed, confused. "But how -? Stabby McBlade over there wasn't immune to my fire-breath!"
"First, I am a Predacon." Predaking answered. "I am as much a dragon as you. Second, his name is Optimus Prime. Third, you need to learn a lesson in respect . . . and I will be happy to be your teacher!" Predaking struck the Cheiftain, knocking him down again.
Grimlock noticed that the other two Predacons had beaten the Cheiftain's goons already. "Are we even needed here?"
Optimus stroked his chin. "Worrisome."
"What?" Twilight asked.
"I was only able to get a wound on the Dragon Chieftain," Optimus said. "Predaking is able to fell him in a single blow. He is powerful."
"Eh. I could take 'im." Grimlock shrugged.
"That is, If Predaking were to decide to take a quest of conquering, I am not sure we'd have the power to stop him." Optimus explained his worry.
"Yeah, but . . ." Twilight added. "When he heard the dragons were attacking, his first thought was to take off and defend, like Shockwave said he programmed him to."
"Alright, alright!" The Chieftain complained. "I get it – you're stronger than I am. But! I met a new friend recently, and he gave me this!" The Chieftain pulled out a remote, which he pushed a big red button on.
Predaking was confused. So was everyone else, in fact. Then the ground started to rumble.
"EARTHQUAKE!" Twilight shouted.
"No." Optimus said. "Worse."
"WHAT COULD BE WORSE THAN AN EARTHQUAKE!?"
"Drillers."
"WHAT'S A DRILLER!?"
The ground behind the Chieftain began to split, tear, and crack. The rumbling intensified. Then a creature burst out from behind the Chieftain – a colossal worm nearly the size of a building, topped with rotating blades like a blender for its mouth. Tendrils unfurled from its every inch, which were tipped with revolving drills. It arched itself over and roared at Predaking.
"That is a Driller." Optimus answered.
"Yeah." The Cheiftain. "What a deal, huh? I get a Cerebro-shell to control this thing, and all I have to do to in return is destroy things! Pretty good deal, right?"
"Not so much, as this "deal" will end with me tearing off your head!" Predaking snarled. He flexed his claws and began to advance, but the Driller threw down a tendril into the ground and prevented Predaking from advancing.
The Driller flared its other tendrils and launched towards the other Predacons. They were sensible enough to leap and dodge them, but that the left the goons unattended so the Driller could curl its tendrils around them and pick them up. The Driller curled another tendril around the Cheiftain.
"Sayonara!" The Chieftain waved.
"No!" Predaking and Grimlock both shouted. They both rushed forward and jumped high in the air to prevent the Chieftain from escaping again.
The Driller swung more tendrils at them. Predaking tore through them with his bare claws, while Grimlock reached behind himself and got out his serrated sword and chopped the tendrils with that.
"Not this time, jerkwad!" Grimlock shouted, slashing through another tendril.
"Rrraah!" Predaking reverted into his beast mode and flew between the tendrils. He expelled a ball of fire far more impressive than the Cheiftain's fire breath. The ball hit the Driller square and sundered off a few of his tendrils.
"Graah!" Grimlock grabbed one tendril and swung himself off it, but he landed on Predaking's back.
"Rrrrn!" Predaking arched his neck, upset with Grimlock's weight on him.
"Just put up with it for a sec, 'kay, Kingly?" Grimlock hopped off Predaking's back, but the Driller used another tendril to swat him back down and slam Grimlock into Predaking, causing Predaking to crash to the ground. The Driller sunk into the earth, taking the dragons with it and escaping.
"RRRAH!" Predaking yelled and reverted to robot mode, lifting Grimlock up and throwing him. "I would have caught him if YOU hadn't interrupted my attempts to apprehend him!"
""Interrupted"?" Grimlock questioned, rubbing his head. "I was trying to HELP! When that Driller blocked you off, I rushed in!"
"If you hadn't jumped on my back, the Driller wouldn't have been able to use you as bludgeon!"
"Gentlemen, please!" Grimwing said, speaking for the first time. "There's no need to fight. You were both very valiant in your efforts, and no one could have seen that the Driller would be so good at improvisation."
Optimus was pleased by Grimwing's reasoning. "I like him."
"Though perhaps if Grimlock had communicated his intentions before he jumped, you might have different results." Grimwing added.
"Yeah." Lazerback commented. "But maybe if Grimlock hadn't so rudely interrupted, Predaking might have gotten 'em."
"Perhaps . . ." Predaking muttered.
"And maybe if Grimlock had acted earlier, we might have stopped them." Lazerback added.
"Hey." Grimlock threw his hands in the air. "You were doing just fine on your own until that Driller showed up."
"Perhaps we should make sure Grimlock doesn't interrupt us again." Lazerback snarled.
"Perhaps." Predaking snarled, glaring at Grimlock.
"Now, now." Grimwing said, waving his claw. "There's no need -"
"Really think we should do something about him . . . teach him a lesson." Lazerback whispered.
"Yes . . ." Predaking growled. "Yes, we should!" Predaking slugged Grimlock.
"You want to be like that? Fine by me!" Grimlock responded in kind, slugging Predaking back.
"Please stop!" Grimwing pleaded, attempting to restrain Predaking.
"Grimlock, this isn't going to solve anything!" Optimus tried the same for Grimlock. Grimlock and Predaking threw them both off.
Landing on a pile of trash, Optimus and Grimwing noticed Lazerback was laughing so hard, he had fallen on his back.
"You know," Grimwing turning to Optimus, "I can't help but think he did that on purpose."
"He does seem to be enjoying Predaking and Grimlock's fight." Optimus agreed. He made a note to get Prowl to put his all-seeing eyes on Lazerback before his trouble-making got out of hand.
Meanwhile in Shockwave's Tower, Shockwave sat on his private throne. Outside, the sounds of his Decepticons attempting to contain the remaining Predacons could be heard. Some of the Predacons were ready for a fight, some just wanted to go outside and soar in open skies. Others just wanted to nap.
A monitor was set up so he could review security footage. While he ensured that no Decepticon went into the room where the Predacons were bred, he still made sure there were security cameras for the room in case something went wrong.
And something had gone wrong. The Predacons were supposed to be obedient, mindless beasts. But they could convert. They could transform. They could think and feel. Something happened.
And as the monitor lit up, Shockwave saw that "something" was one love-potion afflicted unicorn. He and Twilight were in the room, manning computers. The computers fed information into the maturing Predacons. And the information was supposed to be nothing more than the absolute minimum they needed to be effective soldiers.
Shockwave leaned forward in his chair to watch the recording.
"Hey, Shockwave?" Twilight asked. "Why is the information we're feeding the Predacons so . . . scarce?"
"Hmm?" Shockwave responded. "Well, my lovely equine, it is because they don't need any more information than this to be good soldiers."
"Just . . . soldiers?" Twilight asked. "Nothing more?"
"Nothing more."
"But I've been reading your tablets on the Predacons' past lives!" Twilight complained. "They have personalities! Individualism! Souls! What gives you the right to rebirth them, without all those things? Who died and made you their god?"
"No one, I suppose."
Twilight started punching keys on the computer. "I'm putting their personalities back into the code. They deserve the chance to live as free beings."
Shockwave would have stopped her, but the love potion made him concede to her wishes, like a whipped husband. "As you wish." He said after a pause.
Twilight stopped and giggled. "Oh, hey, remember Bruticus?"
"Of course I do!" Shockwave answered, giggling back.
"We should make one of them do that!" Twilight added. "Your tablets said five of them could do that . . . ah, here we are!"
Shockwave stopped the footage. Two things were clear to him.
First, he had recovered tablets about the Predacons for his Project. While he and Twilight were affected by the love potion, Shockwave let her read them. And he let her made adjustments to the code he was pumping into the recreated Predacons' brains. Even while potion-affected, Twilight still held strong to Equestrian values, and that meant giving the Predacons the autonomy to choose for themselves. Autonomy that Shockwave's code lacked.
Second, there was a group of Predacons that shared the Combaticons' ability to combine into a Gestalt formation. Now if he could just know which ones they were . . .
Shockwave was agitated. All that planning, all that work to make the Predacons the ultimate loyal soldiers. The plan was to get them accepted as guards, and, as Grimlock and Optimus suspected, once the Predacons were accepted, Shockwave would give the command to kill any who would oppose the reign of his New Decepticon Empire when he unveiled his true colors.
And now all that planning was for naught, because of a stray love potion making him let Twilight into his lab. Now, instead of a means for him defeat the Autobots, the Predacons were just another faction for him to vie with for control along the Autobots, the Warlords, and Nets.
"Lord Shockwave?" A Vehicon asked, entering the room.
"Not now." Shockwave hissed, getting up from his seat. "I am upset. The Predacons were supposed to soldiers for me to command. Beasts at my beck and call. And now, thanks to that pony, they are so much more. And they will not the army I meant for them to be." Shockwave clenched his fist.
"Oooh . . ." The Vehicon groaned. "Maybe you shouldn't have said that, Lord Shockwave . . ."
"Why not?"
Lazerback appeared and swatted the Vehicon, sending him flying into the room.
"I was coming in here to inform you that Optimus is making a speech about us at the plaza." Lazerback said. "But I heard you talking. It is what it sounds like? We were supposed to be your attack dogs? Your weapons? Your slaves?"
"Yes." Shockwave hissed, getting his cannon ready to fire. But Lazerback was quicker on the draw, producing a twin-barreled weapon that appeared to be made out of parts from his back. He fired it straight into Shockwave's chest. Rather than a laser or missile, a glob of projectile acid shot from the gun, covering Shockwave's chest-window and melting his armor.
"Arrgh!" Shockwave wisely dropped, chest to the floor, so that the acid would drip off him and onto the floor instead of dripping down and chewing the rest of his interiors.
"Humph." Lazerback left the room. He went into the private room where Shockwave had made the Predacons. The tubes had all been broken from the Predacons' release, and glass covered the floor. But Lazerback wasn't interested in that. He saw a case full of vials of yellow liquid and went to it.
"The CNA of my brothers." Lazerback hissed. CNA, or Cybernucleic acid, was just Cybetronian DNA. That was it. That's all it is. Nothing fancy about it, just DNA for robots. However, Shockwave's ability to make Predacons hinged on having the CNA.
"I'll just take this then." Lazerback noted, curling his tail around the case and lifting it up. The vials were packed tight, like eggs in a carton, to prevent them from breaking.
Lazerback merrily strolled out of the building, CNA in hand, er, tail. He whistled innocently and used his acid-spewing gun on any Vehicon that appeared.
Back in the plaza, a stand with a microphone was set up. Optimus stood on the stage, Grimlock, Grimwing, and Predaking behind him. Reporters were jockeying back and forth, trying to be the lucky one to interview Optimus Prime.
"Optimus, Optimus!" A Net reporter yelled, holding his own microphone to Optimus. "What do you think of the Predacons so far? Have you seen them in action? Should we adopt them?"
Optimus held his hand for the reporter to settle down. "Please. The Predacons have proven themselves competent fighters. As to whether we should adopt them as Shockwave intended . . . that is a question for them. Grimwing did his best to negate conflict, while Lazerback instigated it. When Predaking heard that the dragons had been found, he tried to stop them. The Predacons should not be measured as "the Predacons." They are individuals, and should be treated as such. They have the right to choose their path."
"No more questions." Optimus said, walking from the stage. The reporters went into uproar, some of them hoping for an interview with the Predacons. Their efforts were stifled by a gigantic tremor, followed by the Driller and the Dragon Chieftain emerging from the ground. The crowd in the plaza dispersed.
"You!" Predaking roared, jumping down from the stage and barging his way past the panicking crowd. "You shall not escape again!"
Predaking turned around to see Grimlock behind him.
Predaking pursed his lips and turned his head.
“What?” Grimlock asked, arms crossed.
Predaking sighed. “Every bit of code that Shockwave uploaded inside my head is telling me not to work with you, to hate you, to want to see you driven away and beaten and broken out of spite. But somehow … I get the feeling I shouldn’t listen, and these enemies will be much easier dispatched of if we were to work together.”
Grimlock glared at him. “Hmm. Work together with the culmination of Shockwave’s experiments? Shockwave, who I hate with every diode of my being?”
“Grimlock.” Predaking said. “Please. Think of the common good. Think of the safety of Cybertron, and all the innocents around.”
“Hmm....”
“Please.” Predaking put his hands together. “I’m begging you.”
“... Alright.” Grimlock offered his hand helped Predaking to his feet. “If you’re willing to not just beg, but beg me for help … then you can’t really be Shockwave’s spawn the way he wanted you to be.”
“Thank you, Grimlock.”
“You’re welcome. Now, let’s go show that poser how a real firebreather operates, and put him into the dirt."
Predaking reverted into bestial mode, and Grimlock hopped on his back. Predaking galloped his way towards the Driller before taking into a running jump, then flying straight towards it. Grimwing reverted to gryphon mode, finding the dragon goons and taking them both on.
Predaking and Grimlock roared in unison. As Predaking flew them closer, Grimlock jumped into the air and went right over the Driller's head. The Driller attempted to swat him with a tendril, but Grimlock slashed through it and landed on the Driller's back, to the Chieftain's surprise.
"Alright." Grimlock growled, stepping through roving blades that made up the Driller's body. "It's time someone put you down hard, and Predaking and I are gonna be that someone!"
The Chieftain chuckled. "I wouldn't be so sure about that."
"What?" Grimlock looked over his shoulder, just in time to watch in horror as the Driller position itself so that Predaking flew straight into its mouth. The Driller gulped, swallowing him whole.
"Looks like your friend can't help now!" The Chieftain gloated.
"You – you son of a -" The Chieftain cut Grimlock's attempted swear short with a burst of flamebreath.
"GRAH!" Grimlock easily powered through it and aimed for an overhead slash. The Chieftain caught it in his claws, stopping the blade. Grimlock jerked the blade out, then gave the Chieftain a boot to the stomach, making him stagger. They both growled and charged at each other, the Chieftain succeeding at throwing Grimlock back.
"That's it!" Grimlock yelled. Glowing with an orange power, Grimlock stabbed his sword into the Driller's back, then converted into his beast mode – a metal, studded Tyrannosaurus Rex. Grimlock roared and let loose his own firebreath, which was more of a high-powered heat ray. It blasted the Chieftain backwards and knocked him on his back.
"Ooogh . . ." The Chieftain groaned. He looked up to see Grimlock stomping towards him, his teeth bared for some chomping action. "Oh no you don't! I'm not going down that easy!" The Chieftain got to his feet and pushed a button on his remote. The Driller then raised a tendril and launched it at Grimlock. Grimlock caught it in his tiny T-rex claws, just barely able to keep the tendril from skewering him.
"Ha!" The Chieftain pushed the button again, and more tendrils launched for Grimlock. Grimlock's optics widened. There was no way he could fight all off those tendrils coming straight for him.
He was saved by the intervention of a sideways pillar of fire bursting from the Driller's hide, incinerating all the tendrils headed for him. The Driller's skin was torn and teared as Predaking's intact beast mode ripped its way out from the inside.
The Chieftain was taken aback by Predaking's survival. Predaking roared, then used his tail to yank the surprised Cheiftain's remote away from him.
Predaking converted into robot mode, taking the remote into his claw. The Chieftain stared wide-eyed as he realized what happened, and that Predaking was now in control of the Driller.
Predaking examined the remote, then pressed the button on it. The Driller obeyed, launching its tendrils at the Chieftain and wrapping him in a bind. Predaking pressed the button again, getting the Driller to stop all motion and lie on the ground like a tame dog. Predaking walked up to the Chieftain and beat him til he was unconscious.
Predaking lifted up the remote up and pressed the button again, instructing the Driller to destroy its own Cerebro-shell. The Driller did such, impaling itself on its patch of mesh. The Driller roared, confused as to where it was without the shell controlling it. It sunk back into the hole it burrowed, going back to the Cybertronian wild, dropping the Chieftain, Grimlock, and Predaking. The Cheiftain's unconscious body was strewn over the ground, while Grimwing walked up, carrying the goons in his arms.
Grimlock reverted to robot mode, suitably impressed. "Oh, dude! You took both goons by yourself?"
"Please." Grimwing said modestly, throwing the goons on top of their Chief. "It was nothing."
"I saw everything." Optimus said, walking up. "I apologize I could be there in time to lend aid." Optimus stopped and looked up to Predaking. "I am sure Cybertron's citizens will accept you after that display of heroics."
"Perhaps." Predaking noted. "But I require somewhere to reflect. I know there are more Predacons left inside Shockwave's lair, and I feel the fog of Shockwave's code fading from my mind." Optimus and Grimlock didn't know what he was talking about. "I will gather the other Predacons and take them into the wild, to have a peaceful place to decide what they wish to do in life."
"As you wish." Optimus nodded. He offered his hand. "May we cross paths again one day."
"Perhaps." Predaking shook Optimus' hand, then he and Grimwing reverted to beast mode and flew off.
In a shadowed alleyway, Dropshot was standing in the darkness, his back to the wall. He was humming idly to himself when he noticed Blackout and his mystery superior approach him.
"Oh, hey, boss." Dropshot greeted. "What's up? How about giving that Dragon Chieftain the Cerebro-shell for the Driller? Pretty clever, right?"
"Perhaps." the master said. "But you gave it to him without my permission."
"Well, yeah, perhaps . . ."
"I will not tolerate this kind of disrespect in my cabal." The master continued. "You have used my machines without my approval. This is a breach of trust."
Dropshot was pretty sure he knew where this conversation was going, and he didn't like it one bit. "N-no, wait, boss! I was just trying to do what you want! Cause chaos and keep the Autobots from getting their balance, right? Just like you said!"
"That still does not change the fact you have seen fit to go over my head and do as you wish."
"N-no! Wait!" Dropshot dropped to his knees and pleaded. "Wait, please, boss! I won't do it again! I promise!"
"Blackout," The master said. "Prove your loyalty to me. Punish Dropshot for his failure to seek permission and take his place."
"Gladly." Blackout replied. "Honestly, Dropshot, I never liked you."
"NO! WAIT! PLEASE -"
Blackout aimed his wrist-guns and fired into Dropshot's chest, creating a smoking hole in the Mini-Con's chest, his arms and legs detaching and flying as his entire body was consumed in the blast. Then, largely out of spite, Blackout raised his foot and stomped on the smoke-black fried pieces of Dropshot's corpse until they was nothing more than a pile of loose gizmos and gadgets, barely recongizable as having once belonged to a Cybertronian.
"So those Predacons turned out to be a bust." Deathsaurus said, meeting with some Vehicons, Shockwave, Optimus, and Twilight on a balcony.
"I would not say that." Optimus retorted. "Predaking's actions stopped the Driller and the Dragon Chieftain before they caused any more destruction."
"I'm still not sure how those dragons got through the Space Bridge." Deathsaurus noted. "Are you sure the Equestrians have been guarding the Space Bridge sufficiently, Optimus?"
"Yes." Optimus answered. He noticed Shockwave staring vacantly. "Is something the matter, Lord Shockwave?"
"What? Oh yes. I have been pondering what to do next. I believe we should make efforts to locate Starscream and Soundwave."
"Ah, yes! Those two have been missing since the Pax Cybertronia was signed, haven't they?" Deathsaurus said. He cast a gaze on Twilight. “Twilight, your animosity with Starscream is well documented by now by the reporters. Perhaps you’re aware of his last known location?”
Twilight chuckled. "Uh, nope! I have no idea where that slagger went. I think I heard he was on Equestria, maybe? Somewhere in the north?"
Deathsaurus stroked his chin. “I see, I see.” He leaned over to a Vehicon and whispered. "Assemble a team. Follow her. I suspect Twilight is hiding something."
"But she just said -"
"I know what she said. Just do it." Deathsaurus had his suspicions and was a good bluffer, so he could tell Twilight was covering something up and knew a bit more than she was letting on.
"Optimus Prime!" Galloway trilled, marching into the meeting. "I have a bone to pick with you!"
"Pick away, Director." Optimus offered.
"Between the Predacons, the Dragons, and the Driller, it's quite clear that Cybertron is not a safe place for meetings!" Galloway complained. "I want you to do something about it!"
"Well, how much can you expect him to do?" Deathsaurus asked. "The Equestrians won't be too happy to house us, and under the terms of the Pax Cybertronia treatise, the Decepticons aren't allowed on Earth."
"I'm sure Princess Celestia -" Twilight started, but was interrupted.
"Unless . . ." Shockwave muttered. "Optimus would be willing to revise that particular paragraph to allow Decepticons to be on Earth."
"Make it happen!" Galloway demanded, turning back around and storming off.
"Well then." Deathsaurus quipped. "What'll it be, Optimus Prime?"
Optimus pursed his lips. There was a reason he put that clause into the treatise, to make sure Earth was safe from Decepticon hands until he was sure they, could be trusted, the New Decepticon branding was a true attempt for reform, and Shockwave's cries for peace were genuine.
Optimus pursed his lips. There was a reason he put that clause into the treatise, to make sure Earth was safe from Decepticon hands until he was sure they, could be trusted, the New Decepticon branding was a true attempt for reform, and Shockwave's cries for peace were genuine.
Twilight looked up to see a Space Bridge open above them. "Um, guys?"
Deathsaurus and Shockwave looked up.
"Oh, what now?" Deathsaurus groaned.
A starship emerged from the portal, its bow peeking out. It appeared to be an older model, going from the rust in place and how some of its exterior parts were beginning to peel and fall right off, though it seemed to have a forward-swept, spiky construction which would be a hallmark of Decepticon starship design.
A hum came through the air as the ship deployed a sphere from under its canopy. The sphere floated down to the leaders, and all of them jumped to their feet, priming their weapons and getting ready for a fight.
The sphere warbled again before shooting out a wide beam of light which formed a hologram of an Autobot-appearing figure. Tall, bulky, thickly-built, his colors the purest white with dark blue accents. Glowing orange plates were mounted on a sliding rung to create wings. Between his face mask, head crest, vents, ridges, truck grill, and leg-set wheels, Twilight might have thought he was related to Optimus.
Twilight Sparkle was quite struck when everyone, including composed, dignified Optimus, drop to kneel like they couldn't do it fast enough.
"Greetings, my fellow machines!" the white hologram shouted. "It is I, Nova Prime. At long last, after what feels like an eternity, my crew and I have returned to Cybertron from hunting the Quintession scourge which threatened to overthrow us and contain us, subjugate us and... castrating us in the hopes of confining our noble species and kin to but a single world. After much time spent away from our home, it is good to be back."
"Nova Prime," Optimus said, "you honor us with your presence. But, if I may, I must ask... why do you hide behind a projection?"
Nova wagged a finger. "Ah, one can never be too careful... Optimus Prime, is it? My successor? "
"How do you know my name?"
"While my crew and I have been away, word gets around. News gets to us through the good old intergalactic radio and broadcasts. For that reason, I have taken the precaution of announcing our return via hologram to protect ourselves. I understand much has changed in our absence..." He glanced pointedly at Twilight Sparkle. "Much."
Twilight Sparkle reeled. Something about the way Nova spoke when he looked at her, not to mention the way he looked at her, like she was an unwelcome mosquito found in an annoying spot to reach, unsettled her.
"I was worried we would not be welcomed back with open arms," Nova said.
Optimus rose up and extended a hand towards Nova. "You will always be welcome here on Cybertron, Nova Prime."
Nova looked down at Optimus' hand uncertainly before taking it. "Ah, thank you, Optimus. My crew and I still have some last-minute preparations to make before coming down to land, but we will beam down in a few days' time."
The projection of Nova disappeared, and the sphere flew back up into the ship. The leaders stared at it.
"Who was that, Optimus?" Twilight asked, walking up to Optimus.
"That, Twilight Sparkle," Optimus replied, "was Nova Prime. During an older period of Cybertron - the Age of Wrath - a species known as the Quintessons attempted to take over Cybertron. We fought them off, and Nova Prime, who led a major faction of the rebellion, was brave enough to volunteer to track and hunt down the Quintessons into space to ensure they never threatened us - or any other species in the universe - with enslavement or subjagation ever again. He was a personal hero to me. Early in my career, I modeled much of my behavior off his example on the battlefield. Come, Twilight Sparkle, Deathsaurus, Lord Shockwave. We must prepare for him a hero's welcome!"
"Indeed," Deathsaurus said. He and Shockwave joined Optimus in walking away.
While now by herself, Twilight Sparkle worried. Optimus was coming down with a serious case of hero worship. Was he so blinded by Nova's alleged brilliance he didn't see the disconnect? That he didn't realize going out into space on a vengeful crusade against an entire species was not the kind of pure, heroic thing Optimus was known for promoting? And didn't Nova just pop out of nowhere? If he was such a great big hero, why didn't anyone mention him to her before now? Even if they thought he was dead, surely they would sing songs of his exploits?
It just seems, I don't know, shady, Twilight thought.
Seeing nothing else for her to do, at least at this moment, Twilight let out a sigh. She glanced up at the ship... and she got the sinking, unsettling feeling it was glancing back at her. She shuddered.
"Ugh."
Twilight turned to leave, though she still felt like she had eyes on her back...
Sometime later, Team Prime and their pony companions were enjoying a casual stroll through the beautiful streets of the Crystal Empire. Optimus tried to regale them all with tales of Nova Prime's adventures, but for some reason, the others couldn't quite muster up the excitement for his return that Optimus had.
"I don't believe it," Ratchet said, arms crossed. "All that time out adventuring in space, and he only just now decides to show himself and return? Why? What happened? What's changed?"
"Yeah. This great big hero... just now decides to show himself?" Rainbow Dash asked. "With everything that's going on, between the treatise and Shockwave's Predacons, doesn't anyone else think that's just a little suspicious?"
"Amen," Arcee bumped fists with Dash's hoof.
"You said it, Rainbow Dash." Twilight grumbled, glaring at Optimus.
Optimus seemed a bit shaken at their lack of faith, but he remained composed. "Nova Prime's courage is beyond reproach."
"You're too cynical, darlings," Rarity said, "I think it's natural that Optimus would want to have somebody to look up to, and whatever reasons Nova has for delaying his return, I'm sure they're very good ones... and probably personal ones, too."
Applejack stared at Rarity, dumbfounded. "Aren't ya'll supposed to be a Wrecker? You know, the 'shoot first, ask questions later' type? Not the trusting, benefit of the doubt-type?"
"Honorary Wrecker." Rarity corrected her. "And I will have faith with Optimus and my savior and assume Nova is a good fellow until evidence comes to light that proves otherwise."
"Uh-huh. Sure, Rarity, sure. Hey... what's that?" Dash pointed up, seeing movement in the sky.
It was a strange creature. It was human shaped, but much larger than a human, though still smaller than a Cybertronian. It had fleshy, red skin, red wings, a furry yellow and red tail and red and yellow hair pointed like it was trying to be on fire.
"I don't know." Twilight answered.
Dash narrowed her eyes. "Whatever it is, it's got my Element of Harmony!"
"What!?"
Everyone squinted. Sure enough, whatever it was, it did in fact have Rainbow Dash's Element of Harmony.
"Autobots, clip its wings!" The Autobots primed their weapons and began unloading lasers onto the mystery creature.
"Ow! Hey! Watch it!" The creature came closer, eyeing them angrily. "You nearly hit me!"
"Um, yeah?" Dash said. "That's kinda the point?"
"That's not very . . ." The creature stopped, narrowing its eyes at them in recognition. "Hey! I know you!" She pointed at Twilight Sparkle. "Those dragons I let through the Bridge-thingy were supposed to take care of you!"
"You let the dragons through?" Twilight snapped. "... Whoever you are?!"
"Yeah. They didn't do such a good job, though, did they? I'll fix that myself!" The creature made a green fireball in her hand, which she threw at Twilight. Twilight used her magic to dispel it.
"Grr!" The creature shook its fist, then took off for Cadence's castle.
"Autobots, transform and roll out!" Optimus ordered. Team Prime converted to their vehicle modes, the ponies climbing into their seats. Team Prime sped after the creature, which entered the castle through its front gate, shoving the guards out its way.
The Autobots chased after that, heedless of the fact the door was too small for them. Arcee squeezed her way through, but Bulkhead just rammed through the wall, tearing it down.
The creature shrieked like a bat, swerving into a door and going inside. The Autobots followed, also destroying the wall around the door.
"I hope Cadence doesn't get too upset over this!" Twilight exclaimed.
"We will pay for all damages." Optimus assured her.
The creature went in a broom closet, and went through a mirror, phasing it through like it was water.
"She – she just went into the mirror!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"Well, we're following her!" Arcee growled, speeding through the mirror. The rest of the Autobots followed. It was not unlike going through the Bridge network.
Coming out on the other side was not such a pleasant experience. Twilight's face was one of sheer terror as Optimus had to plow through what was clearly part of a building. He had too much momentum to stop. Instead, she just had to put up with as Optimus tore through the wall and emerged on the outside of somewhere.
They were people out and around. The rest of Team Prime could be seen, having managed to stop themselves after going through the building the same way Optimus did. There were yelps and screams as the people around did their best to get to safety.
Twilight lurched forward as Optimus screeched to stop, just barely managing to cut themselves short of hitting a tree. The air bags of Optimus' truck form expanding out from the driver's seat. As she struggled to see through the massive plastic bag, Twilight was grateful than unlike most Terran automobiles, Optimus' airbags did what they were supposed to do.
Finally shoving the air bag back enough that she could see, Twilight looked out Optimus' window to see a startling sight.
There was some sort of blue-skinned human teen flying by the window. She was wearing a blue and yellow cheerleader outfit. She looked like Rainbow Dash. She looked like someone had taken Rainbow Dash to an ironing board and apply the laundry iron to her until her proportions matched that of a human.
The human-Dash thing looked at Twilight with a gleeful expression.
"That was awesome!" Human-Dash cheered, pumping her fists into the air. "Do it again!"