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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2023 16:52:32 GMT
Characters Appearing: Optimus, Open Location (s): Ruins of the space bridge, unknown canyon Timeline: January 1 Plot Summary: Needing time away from his usual duties, Optimus returns to the site of a fateful decision that still haunts him 30 years later...
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2023 17:17:56 GMT
Thirty years had passed since that fateful day...
Thirty years since the Autobot Leader had made the difficult decision, a decision to destroy the space bridge resulting in the cybertronians being stranded on Earth. It was not one he had made lightly. It was a decision that still weighed heavily on his spark and his thoughts, the faintest traces of regret seeping into his thoughts when he had nothing else to focus on. All that invaded his thoughts was thoughts of the past, the doubts if he had made the right decision, if there could have been something else done.
The exchange with Megatron that day still rang vividly in his thoughts as much as the desperate move to shoot the space bridge and destroy it entirely. Many had never forgiven him for the move, others would praise him for making a difficult move that had saved one planet. Yet, he could never shake the feeling he might have doomed their own. He loved Earth, there was no doubt about that. But, there was no stopping the guilt he felt that he may have very well played a role in the final death of their own home planet. Cybertron had been short of energy when they had taken the fateful voyage, and Earth was rich with potential energy resources but full of innocent life. It was a double edged sword, a metaphorical sword that struck Optimus' spark more than he would ever openly admit. Especially around Megatron.
It had taken a fair bit of fibbing and maneuvering to slip away from GHOST and their agents, or any of his fellow Autobots in general, in the hopes he might get some time to himself. Several hours of driving thought eventually landed him at the old battle grounds of where the war had finally began to turn in their favor. The red and blue semi came to a halt at the lip of the canyon, sitting with his engine idle for a long moment as he reminisced from that moment in the war, that moment he had done something that perhaps had even surprised his long-time nemesis. Below, the once impressive structure of cybertronian engineering lied in ruins, covered by dirt, dust, and rocks, weathered by the elements after not being touched in so long. Yet, he could still imagine that day like it was yesterday...
The yells of soldiers on both sides...
The smell of cannon fire and burning metal...
Crunch of metal against metal, of thermo energy hitting solid metal...
The horrified, angered cries as the space bridge exploded into oblivion...
Internally grimacing, Optimus pushed his weary thoughts to the back of his processor. There was no use dwelling on everything after all this time. Sighing softly to himself, the semi shifted into the massive form of Optimus Prime, the young Prime moving closer to the edge of the canyon before jumping and sliding down the steep side to land on the canyon floor below, kicking up dust and sand as he did so. Once at the base of what had once been the space bridge foundation, Optimus began to walk among the ruins, cerulean optics scanning over the millions of pieces it had exploded into. Wires, twisted and melted metal framing, gears, inner structure pieces, it was an unrecognizable mess, nothing of which could be salvaged even if they wanted to. A waste of their one connection to home, and he had been its destruction.
"Could there have been another way." Optimus murmured to himself, bending down and picking up a piece of the power generators that had allowed the space bridge to operate, carefully turning it in his hands and examining it. His thoughts once again went to those doubts and regrets, plagued by the ghosts of his hardest decision to ever make, all the while unaware he was not as alone as he had anticipated.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2023 15:26:11 GMT
Ratchet’s commlinks notification started to pour in early in the afternoon, requests here and there, about whether or not he had seen or heard from Optimus, at all. A quick look at the date made him reply quite curtly to all the requests: Leave him alone. They kept on pouring in, incessantly, G.H.O.S.T. and Autobots alike. Grumbling, the medic had turned his commlink off, except a priority protocol to notify him if Optimus tries to reach out.
Tapping a digit on the table, Ratchet considered what his options were. He could leave Optimus alone, it seemed like that’s what he wanted. However, with how persistent everyone seemed to be on reaching the young Prime, Optimus would not be left alone. Damn his soft spark.
Ratchet was driving on the highway in his alt-mode, no sirens blaring, just following the flow of traffic so he could let his processor focus on something else. He knew all too well what he would find when he’d get to the Spacebridge site; his oldest, dearest friend, brooding. Blaming himself for all the injustices in the universe, as if he could save everything by himself. Optimistic fool with a spark too big for this cruel, cruel universe.
It broke the medic’s spark how the only way his old friend had found to express his grief and sadness had been to shut himself emotionally away. What hurt the most was not to face, counsel or advise the Optimus, it was to catch a glimpse of his old friend Orion Pax between the cracks of the Prime armour.
Leaving the main roads, Ratchet had to focus back on his environment as he made his way towards the crater he knew all too well. Since he already knew Optimus would be here, a quick scan confirmed it, the old medic turned in his root mode and walked around the crater, patrolling and making sure no one would come and disturb the Prime.
If anyone dared, they’d have to answer to him.
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Post by Bumblebee on Jan 6, 2023 2:46:49 GMT
And of those many bots attempting to get a hold of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee had forcibly lumped himself into that group of bots. He'd been wanting to talk to Optimus for awhile, and he had certainly picked the wrong day to try and do so. Repeatedly he tried contacting Optimus only to get redirected to his inbox.
The full inbox.
After many futile attempts Bee was left frustrated. It wasn't until he heard one of the Maltos say what day it was that it finally clicked. It was that day.. The day that the space bridge had been destroyed by both Optimus and Megatron stranding them all on Earth forever. No wonder Optimus wasn't answering! Deciding to give the Maltos and the Terrans a day to themselves while also requesting back up as a substitute teacher for the day, Bumblebee decided to go on a bit of a drive. He knew that it was going to be a bit of a drive and he'd be on the road for awhile especially if he wanted to avoid any G.H.O.S.T. checkpoints, but something told him the best place to check was the site where the space bridge had been. Even if Optimus wasn't there, it'd be nice to visit that place again where it all came to an abrupt ending.. to pay tribute to those who had been lost both honorably and in vain. Bumblebee had many mixed feelings about that day, but he understood that something needed to be done to stop the war before they either destroyed each other or destroyed the Earth in the process. Whichever came first.
Once he arrived, it became all too clear that this was where Optimus had disappeared to considering the scout could see the familiar shape of the Autobot leader in the distance standing before the crater that had once been the space bridge. Sighing to himself, Bumblebee transformed to root mode and began to approach as well. He didn't at first see Ratchet until he got a little bit closer, but he wasn't going to let the medic stop him from talking to Optimus.
"So this is where you've been. I guess it's that time of year again, huh?"
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Post by Skyfire on Jan 7, 2023 0:27:27 GMT
Skyfire was one of a few Bots not trying to reach Optimus. In fact, he didn't particularly care where their leader got himself off to. Until a call to Transform and Roll Out happened, he assumed that the peace, such as it was, was holding. And in the meantime, he had his research. Still, it was the anniversary of the Space Bridge's destruction; of the day Prime had saved Earth, and possibly doomed Cybertron. Most of the other Autobots would likely be there, and if he didn't show his faceplate, they'd ask questions.
His flight across the US in the upper atmosphere was quick, since he didn't bother dawdling or waiting on the human authorities. He just flew, and less than a half-hour later, was transformed and standing at the crater where the Space Bridge had stood. He saw a particular indentation in the dirt - apparently wind and rain here hadn't had time to erase the outline of his body when he'd been knocked down. He walked over toward the others, nodding.
"Greetings, fellow Autobots."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2023 17:08:35 GMT
Optimus didn’t need his scanners to know he was no longer not alone. The sounds of two arriving engines as well as the distant sound that gradually increased signaling a flier echoed off the canyon walls. Mild irritation welled up in the Prime having hoped he could process his thoughts alone, yet there was no surprise either. His Autobots knew him well enough, so it was only natural they would eventually be able to track him down.
Letting out an inaudible sigh, the Prime dropped the piece of the space bridge he had been examining for a longer time than necessary to face his finders.
First had been his longest, oldest friend Ratchet, observing the medic quietly as the old bot didn’t seem interested in actually bothering him. No, he was just patrolling, watching out for his back as Optimus would have done. Though this was soon followed by a rather determined yellow and black bot, Optimus a bit amused as the young scout ignored the possibility of being stopped by the old medic. ‘Suppose no one matches Bee’s tracking skills.’ Optimus mused to himself before the Autobot leader turned his gaze upward, a bit surprised to see Skyfire of all mechs join them. Perhaps for formalities sake? “Hm, suppose Megatron is right, I am a little too predictable.” The Autobot leader had no humor in his tone, or any real tone for that matter. It was his neutral reaction, carefully hiding the irritation he felt for not having a chance to be alone as he had hoped. But then again, Elita probably would have been hot on his heels too if she had known how far away he had gone…
“I still come here to pay my respects Bumblebee.” Optimus partially confirmed while veiling the fact he also agonized over the decision. Though they probably knew that too. “And I would have thought you would be working hard on your next project Skyfire, heard you have been quite busy lately in that lab of yours.” The red and blue mech greeted, finally making his way back towards the steep sides, easily jumping and scaling it to join the three nodding next at Ratchet since it would be fruitless to try shooing away the unwanted company at this point. Granted as the Autobot Commander he could, but that was not the kind of person he was. Unless it was absolutely dire.
The blue and red semi glanced back down at the middle of the space bridge, mind going to that day he had exchanged blow after blow with Megatron, the two leaders having been equally matched. Both of them had been battered, damaged, and bleeding, former friends at their pinnacle of conflicting views. “Suppose I am only made of sterner stuff when it counts.” Optimus mused, quoting his old nemesis’ mocking of not making the hard calls. The look on the Decepticon leader’s face when he had given the order to destroy the bridge in the midst of being locked together was perhaps the most vivid.
“I wonder some days, if I made that right call.” Optimus spoke absently.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2023 19:58:08 GMT
Ratchet’s digits twitched in anger, he should have brought his heaviest set of wrenches to throw at the two morons that had dared to come and disturbed Optimus. His plan had only been to keep an eye on his oldest friend, his protectiveness over Optimus still ever present. He could see Bee wanting to come and be with Optimus’ but Skyfire was more than intruding.
The medic had crossed his arms and glared at everyone as the Prime made his way toward the group, in a similar mood, judging by his tone, as he addressed everyone. It didn’t last long, Optimus was quickly back to blaming himself for everything, as usual. That would not stand.
Grumbling, the Medic moved closer to his oldest friend, patting him gently on the back.
“You have done everything you could and more Optimus. You are still doing more than you can, with all your spark. No one is doubting that.”
If anyone were, they would have to answer to him and his medical grade scalpels. Others too, but Ratchet was still very overprotective of Optimus… like a Sire. He glared at Bee and Skyfire, prompting them to say something meaningful to their grieving leader.
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Post by Bumblebee on Feb 12, 2023 2:07:17 GMT
Honestly Bumblebee shouldn't have been surprised that he wasn't the only Autobot who had tracked Optimus Prime down, but while he had expected Ratchet he certainly hadn't expected Skyfire to be one of the mechs to show up. Looked like everyone needed to get in touch with Optimus, and today really hadn't been the best day for that. It made Bee feel a little bad having not realized what day it was until it was too late. Being on the move as much as he was, he didn't exactly pay close attention to the calendar so that had been his bad this time around, and he wouldn't have been surprised if he was scolded for it later.
He continued to approach until he stood by Optimus' side, staring down the remains of the space bridge with a solemn expression while listening to the others talk. Even now their leader regretted the choices he had been forced to make that day, but Bee understood. It wasn't a guilt shared by one bot alone, and he didn't need Ratchet glaring at him in order to make him speak up.
"Ratchet's right, Optimus. You did everything that you could and did what you needed to do. To protect the rest of us Cybertronians.. the Earth.. even the Allspark. I was there and there was only so much I could do when the choice had to be made. We couldn't let Shockwave tip the scales in his favor." Even with Megatron switching sides, it came as a surprise when his most loyal followers did not follow suit. Perhaps it shouldn't have been as much of a surprise when it came to the scientist with the single optic, but his actions alone threatened both Cybertron and Earth. He had to be stopped, and there was only one way to do it. A sacrifice had to be made, and there was no true victor in the end. Now Earth was their home, and it was going to stay that way. There was no going back now.
"Those we lost weren't in vain. They stood with us til the very end."
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Post by Skyfire on Feb 12, 2023 4:36:24 GMT
Skyfire wasn't actually here just for Optimus. It was the anniversary of the destruction of the Space Bridge, and if there was any chance that there was a connection between Earth and Cybertron, it would be now. His sensors were focused on the point where the connection to Cybertron had appeared in Earth's atmosphere. That was his initial purpose here.
He looked over at Optimus and nodded. "I actually am currently engaged in research here, in addition to commemoration of a battle we won."
He left that ominous statement statement to hang in the air between them all. They would probably be very concerned about his willingness to look into the Space Bridge, but he didn't care. This world was not their home, and with his discoveries, they would need at least access to the archive at Iacon - assuming that Shockwave and his cronies hadn't destroyed it. Plus, there was the strong possibility that there would be a signature of raw energon.
He shrugged when he realized that Ratchet was looking at him meaningfully, expecting some kind of response. "You fired the shot which ended the war. It was the necessary choice, regardless of right or wrong. Had you allowed the transmission of Cybertron to Earth, it's possible that you would have died, or the war would be ongoing even until now. I attribute it to the wisdom gained from the Matrix - the wisdom of the Primes, which you carry in your spark."
Skyfire was not the person to ask about whether a choice was the right one - but he would at least acknowledge the weight of years and the fact that the war had ended. He'd only been around for the last year or so of the war.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2023 7:43:27 GMT
"At what cost. We might as well face the truth of the matter: the war is only delayed, the real dangers could still find their way to our new home's doorstep." Optimus spoke ominously, not totally convinced he had made the right decision in the long run. Had lives lost in that seemingly final battle really been worth it? If he had made different decisions earlier in the war, would things have been different? "There are other thoughts that plague my mind old friends, thoughts I sometimes feel would have made this unnecessary."
The taller mech noted the medic's glares, resting a hand on his shoulder and shaking his head to silently tell the older bot to let it go. Though there was a faint expression of gratitude in his optics as thanks nonetheless. If Ratchet had found him, sooner or later others would anyway. So though irritated, the Prime would let it go for the sake of not causing issues for his Autobots.
"No Skyfire, that was a decision of my own doing, born out of desperation. It was enough to give Megatron pause, and Dot perhaps the chance to change the most unpredictable of them all aside from his Air Commander." Optimus would never know what truly changed his once former friend-turned-nemesis-to friend's mind. Dot had played a part in that change, that he would always be eternally grateful towards the human female for, but what thought had loosened those once tightly held reins would be another story entirely. Perhaps he could speak with the former warlord about it one day, when they were not otherwise preoccupied. "I just hope, it has not become a decision that will affect our race anymore than the war already has, Bee." Optimus added towards the scout, tone solemn and unsure.
Yet, the Prime could not ignore the reasonings behind why the two were here. By Ratchet's glare and not approaching first, he had already figured why the medic was there.
"And while we do have things to discuss, I know Bee, there is something else I would like to inquire first." Something Skyfire had said piqued Optimus' inner curiosity. "What research are you conducting here exactly Skyfire? Traces of the space bridge's energies?" The Prime inquired.
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