Author's note. A little plot bunny that I had a few weeks ago and I finally managed to get it down with the help of the-writing-mew.

Geal is the Gaelic for white.

Suggestions are welcome.

Enjoy and please review.

Megatron viewed the collection of planets on the holodeck with immense satisfaction. After so many vorns, he was ready to add Cybertron and its numerous planets to his empire. It had taken time, he'd had to build up his armada and conquer many other planets in preparation for this big cycle. Because he was not interested in destroying Cybertron, far from it, he wanted to preserve it.

That was why he had built up his power base so much so that the Autobots would simply surrender to him and everything could go smoothly. There was no reason to slaughter the ordinary citizens; he wanted them to become new citizens of the Decepticon empire. And if they offered him enough, he'd even allow the Autobots to keep their nobility and government, they'd simply answer to him that was all.

What a beautiful planet it was he thought as he brought up an enlarged image of the Autobot home world. And it would remain beautiful, in fact he would do everything he could to enhance it. He could not wait to set down and start enacting his numerous plans for it.

But first things first, he needed to call the Magnus of the Autobots.

"Ultra Magnus, how good to see you," Megatron said smugly as the old Autobot looked grim. He'd answered quite quickly and had obviously been expecting a call.

"Megatron," he said softly. "We wish to talk."

"Good," Megatron said with a nod. "None of us wants any violence, do we?"

"No," Ultra Magnus agreed heavily. "May I bring an entourage with me?"

"That is acceptable," Megatron said before adding. "You know that it's procedure to bring me tributes, don't you?"

"What...sort of tributes?" Ultra Magnus said slowly and Megatron smirked.

"Surprise me," he purred deeply. "Cybertron has a vast library I believe, I'm sure you'll be able to find a few ideas.

With a grave expression, Ultra Magnus said.

"It will be done. How long do we have to prepare?"

"You may have three cycles, if you find tributes that will take longer to gather, I will accept them at a later date. In the meantime, I will organise a feast in your honour."

It would give him a chance to show off his enormous wealth which should go a long way to convincing the Autobots just why they should accept him as their emperor. After all, if they were loyal servants, he would defend them against others and contribute to their economy. New laws would be introduced among other things but if they wanted to become part of his empire, then he wasn't going to turn them into slaves or anything like that.

"Very well Megatron," Ultra Magnus said gravely. "I will begin preparations and meet you in three cycles time."

Three cycles later and the feast was in full swing. Megatron had welcomed the Autobot contingent to his ship and while things were a little awkward to begin with, things soon relaxed as bots helped themselves to the wonderful food on offer.

Megatron was actually pleased to see that some of his Decepticons were talking quite animatedly to some of the Autobots, it was a very good start. Perhaps there would even be some bondings between the two peoples soon enough. Sparklings always helped soothe things over, even if the Decepticons couldn't breed with the people they'd just taken over, that didn't stop them encouraging procreation. Besides, many species tended to relax around the large scary robots once they saw they produced small, cute offspring. For most species anyway.

He took some High grade and sprinkled some soft metal flakes over it before swirling it. Beside him, Ultra Magnus was picking up pieces of crystal fruit and crunching them up, his optics had also been examining the other bots in the room. Megatron sipped his drink, savouring the delicious taste before sensing that the old Autobot beside him was about to speak.

"Megatron," Ultra Magnus began delicately. "While I believe Autobots in general will accept the coming changes, there may be a few individuals that are not happy about it. If any of them were to make a big noise about it, you would not assume that is the opinion of all Autobots?"

"Do not worry yourself," Megatron said with a wave of his hand. "It is always the same whenever I add a new planet or system to my empire, there are always a few dissidents. Depending on what kind of dissidents they are, we will deal with them as they come."

Ultra Magnus nodded, he'd been worried that if a few bots got together to protest, Megatron might come down hard on the whole population. But as Megatron had just stated, he was well used to a minority of a population protesting to their planet or systems surrender to the Decepticons. He had no interest in punishing the majority for the minority's crime although it was always made clear that trouble makers would be dealt with.

He glanced at Ultra Magnus; the other Mech seemed more relaxed and was helping himself to a slice of blue energon cake sprinkled with pieces of crushed rust stick. It was an example of Autobot cuisine and Megatron was looking forward to trying it, there were subtle differences between it and Decepticon cuisine. Of course, both Autobots and Decepticons consumed energon cubes if they just wanted to energise themselves but this was only if they were in a big hurry. Even poorer families could generally get their hands on more than that to nourish themselves.

As his optics were roving over various bots, they suddenly fell onto a blue and red Mech who was talking to a pink and yellow Femme. Both appeared to be quite animated, they were joking and laughing the way young bots generally did as they helped themselves to food. But while the Femme was quite pretty, her friend was simply ravishing.

Because of the importance of the feast, the young Mech was polished and buffed to perfection as were all his fellows. But even if he'd been scuffed or covered in grime, it still wouldn't have detracted from his beautiful appearance from those delicate looking lips to his slender long legs. Primus, he'd never seen such a bot before.

"Who is that?" he asked, gesturing to the delicious looking Mech.

With a frown, Ultra Magnus looked where he was pointing and said.

"That is Optimus, one of my Primes."

"Hmm," Megatron said thoughtfully. "Tell me about him."

The old Autobot paused before saying.

"Well, he's quite young; it was not that long ago since he obtained the rank of Prime."

Megatron nodded with interest, unconsciously selecting a shiny black beetle from a nearby bowl and popping it into his mouth. As he crunched it, Ultra Magnus continued.

"He achieved high marks in the academy and completed several missions abroad and has indicated that he would like to be given a commission to go beyond our territories. Obviously, that will have to be reconsidered."

"Obviously," Megatron agreed with a smile. "But would you grant him it if you could?"

Ultra Magnus hesitated, apparently thinking of his answer. Finally, he said.

"He is a bold and honest Mech, he would be perfect for such a position."

"Loyal to the cause is he?" Megatron said knowingly.

"Yes," Ultra Magnus acknowledged. "He wishes to make us proud of him and to do everything he can for his fellow Autobots."

"Everything," Megatron murmured softly. "Does that mean he would do anything for his fellow Autobots?"

"Yes...," Ultra Magnus said slowly. "Within reason, he has strong morals."

"Of course," Megatron chuckled. "Do not worry Magnus; I was not thinking of anything erroneous."

"What are you thinking of, if I may ask," the large Autobot asked carefully as Megatron picked out another beetle.

He smiled widely at the question.

"I have accomplished many of my goals," he began, crunching the beetle. "I believe the time has come to settle down a little, perhaps even start a family."

"You wish to bond?" Ultra Magnus said in both surprise and a small amount of worry. He glanced at Optimus Prime before looking back at the warlord.

"Yes," Megatron said. "That's precisely what I wish to do. And I believe I have found a potential candidate."

"Optimus Prime?" the other Mech exclaimed. "But why him? He shows promise but has not really achieved great things yet."

"That does not matter to me," Megatron stated. "He is young, attractive and as you said, shows great promise. I would very much like to have a bot like that by my side. But I believe a meeting between us would be in order so I can better gauge him. What do you think?"

"That sounds like a good idea," Ultra Magnus said somewhat heavily. "I will arrange it."

"Excellent," Megatron said as he watched the young Prime help himself to some heated oil before pouring it over whatever he had on his plate. The plate was obscured by a bowl of crystal strands which glittered beautifully in the light.

Megatron couldn't help but imagine that pretty Prime spread before him and decorated with many edible treats, topped off with heated oil. What a thoroughly delicious thought and once he hoped could become reality.

Two cycles later

Optimus carried the sleeping turbo fox on a velvet pillow to the chamber where the Decepticon warlord was waiting. It was a rare white breed and its armour had been beautifully tended to as well as its claws, teeth and other parts. This turbo fox was one of many tributes that were being delivered to Megatron and it was just Optimus's luck that he was delivering a tribute at the end of the work cycle.

Everyone was stressed at the arrival of the Decepticon armada and bots feared they were going to be invaded, that Cybertron could be plunged into war. So far, the Decepticons only wanted to talk about integrating the Autobots into their empire and things seemed to be going well. Ultra Magnus was trying to secure Autobot interests as much as possible and that was why they were offering tributes in a big effort to soften the hardened Mech. Optimus had no idea if it would work but it was worth a try.

Megatron smiled widely before gesturing him to enter. Optimus made his way over to the throne, back ramrod straight with a neutral but respectful expression on his face.

"My lord," he greeted with a careful bow so as not to disturb his tribute.

"I see you've brought me another little gift," the grey Mech said with immense satisfaction. "What is your name?"

"Optimus Prime," Optimus replied as the turbo fox woke up and stretched its self out.

"This is Geal, a rare turbo fox," Optimus said as the pampered creature looked around with mild disinterest.

"A pretty creature," Megatron acknowledged. "A native of Cybertron is it not?"

"Yes my lord," Optimus nodded. "Although most turbo foxes come in various shades of sliver, occasionally black."

"Ah, a rare specimen then," Megatron said approvingly as he beckoned for a closer looked and Optimus obliged. "Tell me more about it, Optimus Prime."

"This one is very tame," Optimus assured him. "If you feed him by hand, he will always respond to you and will be receptive to any training you might wish to give him."

Megatron gestured and Optimus came forward and gave him the pillow. The turbo fox looked up at its new owner with curiosity but no fear as he smiled down at hit.

"Here are some treats," Optimus offered, bringing a little container from sub space and handing it to the Decepticon warlord. Megatron opened it and took out a little blue crystal which caused the fox to sit up eagerly. He gave a little bark and was rewarded by a treat which he snatched up and started crunching away.

Megatron stroked his new pet, was it foolish to enjoy the fact he'd soon have numerous pets varying from pampered creatures to hunting or fighting ones? Ah well, he could afford a few luxuries now that he would soon have the Autobots under his control.

The next day...

Autobots watched on view screens and over radio as the warlord Megatron outlined who he was and why he had come here. Everyone was silent as they listened, their lives were about to change after all.

"Do not be alarmed by our presence," Megatron continued. "While there will be changes, overall they will be for the better. You will be citizens of the Decepticon empire and that means you will have our full protection against invaders. You will gain new trading partners; new colonies and you will experience the wealth that comes with being loyal citizens. Not to mention I have no doubt that many of you will become close to your Decepticon brethren, and I look forward to witnessing bondings between you."

This made many Autobots start; would some of them really end up with Decepticon mate? But Megatron's next sentence surprised everyone.

"Furthermore, I have decided to Bond with one of your own."

Now this really made people pay attention, just who could it be?

"His name is Optimus Prime," Megatron announced smugly. "And he is to be my consort."

In a room with his fellow Primes, Optimus spat out a mouthful of Energon that he'd been drinking to stare in horror at the vid screen.

The Tyrant continued with his speech of bonding with one of the Autobots and at how good this will be for the Empire since with this bonding will be also uniting permanently the both factions.

A horrified Optimus stared frozen at the screen and many of his fellow Autobots were looking at him in a mix of awe, shock and pity.

"Optimus?" One of them tried and he turned his lifeless gaze towards the mech who addressed him before getting up from his seat and walked away, he needed to find Ultra Magnus, maybe this was a mistake, this was just wrong... the Decepticon leader confused him with someone else!

...

"What?!" The tri coloured Prime shouted in utter shock as his worst fears were confirmed, he was practically sold to the Decepticon brute in exchange for peace, power and who knows what else!

"Calm down, Optimus Prime," The eldest tried to reassure him but the younger was in a state of complete shock; who could blame him actually, he was a free mech just a few breems ago and now was going to be forced to bond another... to be held captive who knows where or how and then forced to breed for the bigger brute.

It was quite some time since the last time an Autobot or a civilian was forced into an arranged bonding, so this was so very new for poor Optimus. "This is for all the Autobots, for Cybertron, Megatron asked for only one thing in order to leave us be... and I'm afraid that is you."

The Prime turned his tearful gaze towards his leader as this one continued. "He wants to bond, to make a family; I personally will make sure he treats you well, but you must understand this first Optimus. You're an Autobot; as such you have a duty towards Cybertron and its people... this must be done, I know it's hard for you, but you must do it, you must-"

"Sacrifice myself like a ceremonial turbofox?!" The enraged Optimus yelled as tears ran down his cheeks, not of sadness, but because of utter rage and impotence at his situation; Magnus was right, he had a duty with Cybertron... he cannot even run away for Primus' sake!

"Yes, if you wish to call it like this, you can, but it is a sacrifice for the major good, many lives will be saved by your sacrifice, Optimus."

"Primus, why me?" Optimus moaned sitting once again and taking his face in hands as he felt the most miserable mech ever.

Ultra Magnus looked at him sadly. "I wish there was more I could do than ensure your safety and welfare."

"You can tell me why, why of all mechs Megatron chose me!"

The eldest sighed heavily before starting. "You're smart, loyal, selfless..." he gulped. "Good looking..."

That caught Optimus attention. "So, if I look horrible he might change his mind?" He said hopefully as if watching the light at the end of a long and dark tunnel.

"I'm afraid that is not possible," Magnus said watching Optimus' humour go down again. "Arrangements are done already and he wants you and no other."

Optimus's shoulders slumped; he could barely comprehend what was happening.

"I am sorry," Ultra Magnus said regretfully. "But I have to think of Cybertron and its people. Megatron is too powerful for us, he could destroy us all if he wanted or make us his slaves. Instead he wishes for us to become part of his empire but he is willing to allow Autobots to keep their identities. But he is determined to have you and will not accept anything less. I would have gladly have bonded with him if he'd wanted it but...I am not his type."

"But I am," Optimus said mournfully, face in his hands. "How...long do I have?"

"Not long," Ultra Magnus admitted. "Enough to set your affairs in order, Megatron does not want to wait."

Optimus just groaned as Magnus laid a hand on his shoulder.

"I know this isn't what you wanted but think of all those you are protecting," he said quietly. "I will make sure the Autobot's interests are looked after for allowing this. Others will be free because of your sacrifice, remember that."

"I'll try to," Optimus said hoarsely. "May I go sir? I need some time alone to process this."

Ultra Magnus nodded but said.

"Optimus, I don't need to remind you what will happen if you try to flee."

The younger Mech shook his head and Ultra Magnus smiled bitterly.

"You're a good, brave Mech, I know you will not," he said proudly as Optimus stood up and stumbled over to the door. Once he was gone, Ultra Magnus contacted Megatron.

"Megatron, I just saw Optimus Prime," he said heavily and the other Mech smirked.

"Ah, did you give him the good news?"

The old Autobot grimaced as he said. "Yes and he has...accepted."

"Excellent," Megatron said, looking exceedingly pleased. "I will begin preparations for our Bonding ceremony."

"Megatron," Ultra Magnus said suddenly. "Please...give Optimus Prime a little time. He did not expect to...settle down so soon. He will need to get his processor around his new duties and responsibilities."

"But of course, Magnus, who do you think you're talking to? He will be my bonded soon and will be looked after, after all, a happy bondmate is a good bondmate," Megatron responded silkily,

"I will appreciate it, he will too; please, just don't rush things, he's a good kid and..." The eldest trailed off.

"And?"

"Be patient and gentle with him when you have him, he's not... he's not used to many mechs like that, I know because he's not the kind who just jumps berths, he's a good and loyal kid and I can deduce even more delicate than he looks like," Magnus tried.

"Oh, come on, Magnus, are you trying to convince me now that he's a weakling?" Megatron spat.

"Never, just...this is a delicate business and practically sacred... just, do me a favour with him, don't treat him as a pleasurebot," There, he said it; he was worried about this.

Megatron grunted in the line. "He will be my mate, my bonded, my lover and the carrier of my offspring, do not offend me, Magnus by believing I will prostitute my own spark. Do not dare to believe I'm a brute as much as your people think I am when I'm not! And letting you keep your lives intact must be proof enough!"

"I apologise if I offended you, I just want to ensure that Optimus will be okay and that he won't be... hurt," The Magnus tried. He didn't liked this at all and feared for Optimus, he was not raised for this, pits! No one was!

Optimus Prime was such a prodigy that the old Magnus even thought that if he ever tried it, he could easily become his successor, the next Magnus... but now with Megatron taking him away...

"He will never be hurt as long as he obeys and completes his duties as my mate, you can be sure of that. Unless he's not what you just say he is...," Megatron started and Magnus frowned in thought.

"Will you leave him if he wasn't?" He tried.

"No, I would mould him into a strong warrior; the carrier of my heir must be strong so he will carry strong sparklings, don't you think?" Megatron said this with so much decision that Magnus couldn't bear the wave of utter pity for Optimus.

"Yes... Megatron, make sure he's... happy... you're taking one of my best mechs, if not the best, I would hate to see him as only a shadow of himself," said Magnus out of pity and impotence at his inability of saving this mech who was being sacrificed against his will and by duty.

"I will make you change that wrong image you have of me, Magnus," Megatron said darkly.

"Then prove it, because right now, even if it's for our cause, you're caging him and honestly no one can take that kind of news well so suddenly."

"If he's a soldier, he will take them, and he will do as he's ordered... now, Magnus, tell me where he is so I can go myself and retrieve him so the ceremony of bonding can initiate as soon as possible,"

"I thought you would give him some time..."

"I did, as we talk and as I get to his place." Megatron bit back too much impatiently for Magnus' taste.

Magnus frowned, he was thinking of a little bit longer than a few breems when he asked to give Optimus some time. Primus, the poor bot hadn't even had a whole joor to get over this and Megatron was wanting to bond with him immediately.

"Megatron, this is all a bit soon," he began. "Optimus hasn't even had time to organise his things."

"There'll be plenty of time for that once he's settled with me," Megatron said dismissively. "If he's a soldier who isn't in a relationship, then I doubt he has tons of possessions. As for his commission surely you can take of that?"

"Yes but...you've only met once, it might be too overwhelming for him," Magnus tried to argue.

"Nonsense, if he can handle himself during battle, then he can handle this," Megatron replied simply. "Don't worry yourself so much Magnus; I will be gentle with him. And I when I collect him, I will explain everything he needs to know so that his mind can be at ease."

Ultra Magnus highly doubted that would do anything of the sort but what could he say? Megatron clearly had his mind made up and if he pushed the issue, things might turn nasty. He wondered if Megatron really would be gentle or would Optimus be so overwhelmed his processor crashed.

"Now," Megatron said. "Tell me where I might find my mate?"

Author's note. In the next chapter, Megatron finds Optimus and takes him to bond but how does it go? Find out next time, until then.