Becoming Prime

Chapter 1 – Lesson

Optimus didn't know what to think as he walked apprehensively down the corridor. Megatron had decided it was time for him to learn about the darker side of leadership. Leading with a firm grip and an iron fist, he'd described it, the only way to keep the population under control.

'You must make them fear you.'

His words echoed in his mind. Optimus was young, Megatron had been appointed to his position as Lord High Protector some time before his appointment to Prime and had been tutoring him in certain aspects of their roles that the council members were not qualified to do. Megatron had more presence, more command about him and had impressed the council with his eagerness to take control and his natural leadership ability. Optimus on the other hand, had been a reluctant student. While embracing all of his studies and excelling in all of them, he accepted the responsibility of leader, of Prime, with a sense of burden. Despite being the last in the line of Prime's Optimus had never felt the urge to lead, wanting simply to lead a normal, peaceful life.

For the most part however, this worked. Megatron was the firm leader, where Optimus was fair and diplomatic. They were opposites. Megatron was also fiercely protective of his younger counterpart, daring anyone to question his authority or to challenge the suitability of Optimus as Prime. He had supported him, encouraged him. He was like a brother to him. A rather possessive sort of brother Optimus mused to himself.

This was part of being a leader that Optimus dreaded. Megatron usually had to deal with law breakers and the rare occurrence of criminality on Cybertron, and he did so with brutal force and control. Very few dared to challenge his authority. He was however a responsible leader, seeking Optimus's wisdom when certain situations simply could not be dealt with by brute force or sheer will. They relied on each other and Optimus trusted him when he'd told him to report to the correctional facility in the lower compounds of the council central chambers. He was going to teach him an important factor which he had said was required of all leaders. The capability of administering discipline whenever necessary.

This knowledge did not prevent the growing feeling of anxiety building within him as he entered the dark foreboding building. He was also not used to his chaperone being absent, Megatron had insisted upon it. He was nervous.

He slowed his pace as he reached the correctional facility. It was more of a small isolated building, laced with different rooms. Criminals were brought here to be reprogrammed if they couldn't function in society or had committed heinous acts. There weren't many of them. Most of the criminals brought here were detained temporarily usually for petty crimes. Optimus wasn't certain how they were punished or even if they were but there were so few criminals that Megatron handled each one personally.

The door opened with a hiss in front of him. He walked in cautiously, not entirely comfortable at the darkness that greeted him. It wasn't pitch black and his optics soon adjusted, he walked slowly down the corridor passing smaller rooms as he went. They were all sealed with magnetically locked steel doors, some had small windows. Optimus paused and peered into one, a small 'bot rocked against the wall, its blue optics fading in and out erratically. It spotted him at the window, he froze suddenly irrationally afraid. The 'bots' optics widened and with a screech it shot across the little room and pounded on the door, snarling at the window like an animal. Optimus stumbled back into the wall opposite, fear gripping his spark, his hands shakily pressed against the wall as the deranged 'bot howled at him. He couldn't tear his optics away and after his initial shock wore off, he ventured a step forward towards the door. He held one hand up in a gesture of surrender. He took another step forward. The 'bots optics held his own as he moved towards it. It's snarling faded to be replaced by faint whimpers it's hands clawing at the door. He stood now in front of the door the 'bot had taken a step back eyeing him suspiciously but had calmed considerably. It didn't appear quite so threatening now, Optimus couldn't help but feel sorry for the 'bot, he tentatively touched the window and spoke softly, berating himself internally for even thinking about it. "It's ok, I won't hurt you." The 'bot stared at him for the longest time before slowly raising its hand to touch Optimus's through the window. Its optics were almost pleading with him.

"Why are you here?"

Suddenly the 'bot withdrew angrily, snarling viciously. Optimus jumped as the deep voice spoke behind him. "He's a criminal Optimus. Why else would he be here?"

Optimus spun to face Megatron. "What did he do?"

"Off lined someone." He spoke calmly as if it was the most natural thing in the world to do. Optimus frowned. "I wasn't aware we kept them locked up like caged animals. I thought they had to be reprogrammed."

Megatron leaned down and whispered into Optimus's ear finial. "There's a lot you don't know."

He straightened his expression stern. "I told you to come straight to the back room."

"Megatron I… ah…." Megatron grabbed him by his collar roughly. "Do you realise how dangerous you being here unattended is?"

"Yes! Let go of me." He clutched at Megatron's talon that gripped him tighter. "Next time I tell you to do something, do it." He growled deeply. Optimus was stunned, Megatron had never spoken to him like this before, he was known for his temper but he'd never directed it towards him.

"What's gotten into you?"

Megatron blinked and released him, gently resting his claws onto Optimus's shoulders. He smiled thinly.

"Optimus I just worry about you, you're still young and now you're a target."

"You're aware that I'm not much younger than you right?"

"No matter, many 'bots out there would be more than willing to off line a Prime, just to further their reputation. You must know that I only have your best interests in mind?" Optimus was confused by the sudden change of tone. Megatron dropped his head, "It's been a hard day Optimus please forgive my outburst."

His red optics burned into Optimus. He softened and placed his hand on Megatron's "Always."

Megatron brightened at the words. "Excellent! Are you prepared for your lesson?"

"I'm not entirely sure what it is I am supposed to be preparing myself for." Megatron led him gently down the corridor his arm draped over his shoulders. He laughed, the sound was disconcerting to Optimus, it was cold, unfeeling.

"You can't really prepare for something like being a leader of an entire planet." Megatron mused softly. "No matter we're here."

He pushed open the door guiding Optimus firmly inside. This room was barely lighter than the corridor; he blinked a few times while his optics adjusted. He heard the faint clicking of the door being locked behind him. He glanced sideways at Megatron who had a strange smile on his face. It widened when he caught his gaze. "Can't be too careful. Don't want him to escape now do we?"

"Who?"

"Our guest." He drew Optimus close, his voice barely above a whisper and pointed to the far corner of the room. "He was found guilty of raiding a nursery, he off lined five sparklings in his madness and violated the attending medical officer."

"Oh Primus." Optimus breathed in horror.

"He is to be punished."

"How?"

"Our law states that if reprogramming is not a viable option then the only punishment that can be administered is one that equates to the suffering of the guilty 'bots' victims." He cast an amused look at the stunned Prime. "Look it up if you don't believe me. It's one of our oldest traditions."

Optimus scanned his memory cache, Megatron was indeed correct. "Megatron?"

"Mmmm?"

"Why can't he be reprogrammed?"

"His cortex isn't suitable. He would reject the procedure and become even more of a threat to society."

"But I thought that…"

Megatron spun round so fast Optimus didn't know what hit him. He was sent sprawling to the ground, his face stinging by the back handed blow. He stared up at the approaching Megatron with a renewed fear that he hadn't felt before. Megatron glared at him coldly. "It doesn't matter what you think! This is the law. It is justice!" He clenched his fist in front of Optimus's face, before his expression changed to one of sadness. He crouched beside Optimus and took his face in his hands. Optimus tensed, something was very wrong. "Optimus why must you always question me? You must trust me. That is the only way we can rule together."

Optimus ducked his optics feeling a flush of shame at his doubts. "I always trust you Megatron." He spoke quietly. "Then obey me. And you will learn." Optimus nodded meekly. Megatron's face broke into a smile and he helped him to his feet. "Now wait here I must prepare the prisoner. Optimus you need to be prepared. This will not be pleasant." His deep voice was soothing, calm. Optimus nodded assuredly. He raised his head. "I am ready." Megatron's upper labia plates curled upwards slightly and his eyes glowed a deep fiery red. He left Optimus waiting in the corner of the room.

Optimus still reeled a little from the blow. Megatron was always a firm teacher, but his aggression was definitely something new. Optimus raised his battle mask to cover his face; if Megatron was going to strike him again he'd be ready.

"Come closer Optimus." Taking a deep breath Optimus walked steadily over to where Megatron was waiting. In his hand he was holding what looked like a short staff, the tip glowed an electric blue, sparking erratically. Optimus felt that growing feeling of apprehension again as his cool blue optics fell onto the terrified mech restrained in front of them. His arms raised painfully above his head, his feet locked onto the flat metal surface behind him. He was held upright his joints straining against his panicked feeble attempts to free himself.

The prisoner was struggling frantically, his voice merely a whine. Optimus frowned and sub voc'd Megatron.

'Megatron why can't he speak?' Megatron didn't take his optics off the petrified 'bot. 'I off lined his vocal processor'

"Why?" Optimus questioned out loud startled. Megatron glanced at him quickly, his optics rolling impatiently. "Fine. You want to do this the hard way." He stepped toward the 'bot who strained against the restraints so hard wiring in his shoulders snapped. His blue optics were wide with fear, flitting between Megatron and Optimus. He flinched as Megatron re-activated his vocal processor and stepped back. The 'bot stared at Optimus and spoke, his voice pale, ragged a frantic whisper, a beg.

"Please… please help me… oh Primus, I am innocent."

Optimus felt like he had been slapped in the face. Megatron watched him curiously. "Optimus." He spoke softly, seductively. "You must know that he would not have been brought here without evidence?" Optimus glanced at him and then back at the 'bot, he nodded faintly. "I trust you Megatron."

The imprisoned 'bot let out a moan of anguish at hearing Optimus's words. Megatron grinned as he turned to the 'bot.

"You have been found guilty of heinous crimes against society. You are here to serve your sentence. May Primus save your twisted spark." He growled the last words menacingly. Optimus bit his labia plating beneath his battle mask.

Without further warning Megatron jammed the staff into the 'bots chest, he screamed loudly. Optimus even took a couple of steps back at the sheer brutality of the electricity licking its way around the 'bots frame. He twitched sharply, his limbs locking. Megatron released the staff. The 'bot fell limp with a gasp.

"Please, I didn't do anything. I don't know about any nursery please!!" His voice was a whimper that broke into a sob as Megatron raised a hand to stroke it across the 'bots helm. He moved closer and held the electrical end of the staff mere inches from the 'bots face, who froze petrified as he saw the look in Megatron's eyes.

Optimus couldn't drag his optics away as Megatron ran the staff across the 'bots face. Electricity arced into his face plates, he squealed in agony, his optics flickering at the electrical charge. His body tensing at the intermittent shocks. Megatron pulled the staff away once more and ran the staff down the torso, the bot jerked violently before passing out. Megatron chuckled to himself turning to Optimus. The younger 'bot was more than a little perturbed at the look of satisfaction and something else on Megatron's face. "That." He hummed pleasantly. "Was too easy." He beckoned to Optimus.

"Come here. It's your turn." Optimus shook his head feeling panic welling up inside him. "Oh no, I couldn't Megatron."

"You must learn Optimus. Now come here." His tone was commanding, a note of unspoken threat. Optimus hesitated. "It'll be ok, I'll guide you." Megatron coaxed smoothly. Optimus went to him; Megatron took his shoulders and turned him to face the mech who had started coming round. He placed the staff in Optimus's now slightly trembling hands. Standing flush behind him he whispered into his ear finial, which sent shivers down Optimus's spine. "Now we wait."

The prisoner came round, his optics flickering on coming to rest on Optimus. He started shaking his head and sobbing. "Plee..eaas..sse…eee… you don't need to do this… Prime… please." Optimus tried to move back but Megatron held him firm. "He knows who I am."

"Of course he does. You're their leader. THE Optimus Prime. Everyone knows who you are. That does not mean you can shirk your duties." He spoke softly, running his long fingers down Optimus's arm, taking his hand still clutching the staff. He gently lifted it until it pointed at the prisoner. "Do it." He urged.

"Be the leader I know you are." He purred. Optimus was fretting he'd never even touched another in any other way than formal, he'd never even experienced pleasure, never mind administer punishment, his duties had preoccupied his time, this was almost too much. He found himself wondering if Megatron knew just how, naïve, how innocent he really was; maybe this is why he'd decided upon this lesson. Optimus didn't want to fail Megatron.

He thrust the staff into the chassis of the prisoner who bucked violently as electricity growled into his systems, violating his circuits, shredding them. His cries of agony, pierced Optimus's sensor net and he almost dropped the staff as he felt the tingle of electricity backlash against his frame, tingling, exhilarating. Megatron held him, his arm, forced him to do it again and again, until the prisoner's voice was ragged raw from his screams. Megatron released Optimus and took the staff. Stroking Optimus's face he smiled. "You have done well. Now the real punishment must be administered."

He leaned in closely to the prisoner. "You violated another, by law you will suffer the same fate." The blue pleading optics widened with horror, the sobs came in waves now. Optimus stared at where Megatron's claws were idly resting. The prisoner's interface port. He watched with growing horror as he flicked it open and drew out the 'bots interface module. He wouldn't, he found himself thinking. Megatron cast a dark look back at him, ensuring he was watching. He would.

Optimus winced himself as Megatron drove the staff into the module, the prisoner jerked so violently he choked on his own screams. Optimus tried to turn his head away but Megatron caught him with his free hand, he took hold of his chin. "You will watch." He snarled. His voice unpleasant. Optimus felt his own cry of horror catching in his throat, stopping himself before it could be uttered. Megatron was relentless; he drove the staff in so hard he rendered the module useless. Dropping it he turned to the interface port. Optimus couldn't help himself.

"Megatron stop this."

He spun round to glare at him. "You question my methods?"

"No." Optimus replied weakly feeling quite sick. "It just seems excessive." Megatron growled deeply. "So you condone his act of violation then? His acts of murder!?"

"No! I don't condone any of this. This is… it's twisted Megatron!" Optimus backed away slightly, seeing the dangerous look in Megatron's optics. "You think me twisted?" His voice was a quiet snarl, he grabbed Optimus's wrist who couldn't help but try to pull away. "Megatron… please…" He whispered.

The door swished open. "Prime there you are." Megatron's optics glared angrily at the intruder. He released Optimus's wrist sharply, pushing the slightly smaller mech backwards into the waiting council member. The chaperone's optics narrowed. "What's going on here?"

Megatron smiled, not friendly. "None of your slaggin' business." The chaperone turned to Optimus who looked afraid. "Prime?"

Optimus's optics darted to the door. He pointed at Megatron. "This is wrong Megatron! You know it. I can't condone these methods. I can't let you continue these barbaric traditions. That's not what our society is about."

Megatron stared at him coldly, Optimus's capacitor cycled rapidly. Megatron was pissed; he was going to have to deal with this. Not here. Optimus shook his head glaring back as hard as he could; thankful his battle mask was in place.

"Do you need help Sir?" His chaperone spoke, filled with concern. He shook his head firmly.

"No. I was just leaving."

"Like slag you were." Megatron growled dangerously.

"Stop me." He glared once more defiantly before exiting the room as calmly as he was able. Once out of sight he all but ran out of the building, stumbling clumsily as he went. The sounds of spark splitting screams reached his auditory sensors. He cast a regretful, fearful look back then broke into a run.