Well this is it, the end of this episode for my version of season three. I got to say; this story was quite a surprise for me since I wasn't expecting it being that popular. Normally I get two to three reviews after I update a chapter and some hits here and there. But this? This was unexpected even for me. Especially the last chapter that I got 14 reviews and 453 hits. I would like to thank all those people who read my story and favorited, liked, alerted, and recommended it to other readers. Now I know that there are some people that say that this is more then one episode and would've required me to split it into separate parts. Now as much as you want me to do that, that would certainly ruin the moment. If I did that, then that would mean I have separate, unfinished stories. That could be the downside in doing this. Besides, I have a lot of good episodes for me to use after this one. And yes, maybe some people are right when I made MECH a little overpowering. But maybe if you read my next episode of Season 3, you will get to see that the cons are as overpowering as MECH. Trust me, it would be quite an interesting one. Despite those little nick picks, I got to say you guys have made my day. So much so, I think I should solely focus on this season I'm creating while working on the other stories in my possession. Got to continue with this work if I'm going to make my readers happy. And if you think this episode was good, wait until you see what I got in store for the second episode. But first things first, I need to finish this episode up with a chapter that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Don't want to explain it here; you just have to read it yourself.

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Prime.

Chapter Eighteen: Vector

Director's Journal Entry
April 22nd 20XX

This was a tiring day for MECH. The Autobots along with the first test subjects infiltrated the Morrison Dam and wreaked havoc within my facility. The damage was extensive and we lost lives within my robotic division. But there were some successful efforts within our operation.

For one thing, when the Autobots were captured we were able to extract Intel from their processors to understand specifics about their technology. Though the process was half finished, thanks to the first test subjects that broke into my facility, we were able to gather as much as we could.

Also the training with Private Jenkins, also known as Blackout, has proven to be impressive. Easily this will be the new type of soldier I've wanted to add into the new robotic army I am planning. Unfortunately this success cost us the private in the hands of the Autobots. It's a shame his life was cut short, but he did show us the strengths and weaknesses of this new class. I need to see if I can make adjustments to this new class. May take a while, but it will be worth it.

Another thing I've begun is a new project. From the Intel we gathered, I discovered the schematics of some kind of teleporter. It seems like a unique contraption and shows some real promise. So I've decided it shall be called Project Noah. By the looks of it, the materials and the resources are easy to find. It's just the how of it that concerns me. But it's all in the matter of trial and error, as MECH needs to achieve what's best for our cause.

Though I want to begin with this project, I can't reveal it to the board just yet. After what happened with Blackout, they would have questionable concerns with me. It's wise to just leave them in the dark until my latest work is completed. Indeed, there will be questions. But after all is said and done, MECH will achieve the impossible. That's a promise I intend to keep.

In the new Autobot base under Lake Erie, there was an odd silence in the command center. Team Prime and the recruits were standing in a row, waiting for the consequences. All of them were dinged and banged up, with scorch marks on their bodies. At the other end of the control room, both Ratchet and Agent Fowler stood there as they lashed out at them regarding the recent actions of the team.

Ratchet: "Insubordination! This was supposed to be a small training lesson for the recruits. Yet instead of that, it turned into an all out mess! You disobeyed orders, went into battle without knowing what you were up against, and these recruits were sent into battle. Recruits that had just gone through the most basic of basic training. To add insult to injury, you brought three more humans into our war?! Did you all get your circuits crossed?"

He then pointed at Isaac Sumdac, Sari Sumdac, and Sam Witwicky, standing on the observation deck that was used to observe the whole room. The three listened to the old bot's reaction to all of this as Sari crossed her arms and didn't like what she was hearing.

Sari: "Boy, isn't he a ray of sunshine…"

Kaosu looked back to the teen and responded back.

Miko/Kaosu: "Don't mind Ratchet, he's always a bit crabby. You'll get used to him, eventually."

Sari nodded and looked back to the medic.

Sari: "Right… I'll remember that."

Sam listened too and could understand what the medic was talking about.

Sam Witwicky: "Don't know Sari. He sounds like he's concerned for them. Like a father that's concerned for the safety of his children."

The girl looked at him and sighed to herself.

Sari: "I guess you're right, Sam. But still, he sounds like he's really serious about this."

The others ignored the two as Smokescreen explained about the humans.

Smokescreen: "With all due respect, Ratchet, these humans got dragged into our war before they met us. Isaac was the one that helped the Director create something that can turn humans into Cybertronians. Sari and Sam were captured and held for ransom, forcing the professor to follow the Director's orders. So it was the Director's fault that they got involved, not us."

The professor then joined in and agreed with the Elite Guard member.

Professor Sumdac: "He is right. I did get involved in creating these robotic soldiers for him without even knowing the consequences. I did not know that the Director would drag my daughter and her friend into this predicament until it was too late. So if anyone should be sorry about this, it should be me."

Ratch turned to the two and spat back.

Ratchet: "I don't care who's at fault. What you all did out there was extremely reckless!"

Fowler then stepped in and explained things further.

Agent Fowler: "For once I could agree with Ratchet. All of you have disregarded orders from General Bryce and now he's furious about this. Not only did you fight off these MECHicons without regard for the consequences, but your actions have caused the destruction of the Morrison Dam!"

The others looked at each other and tried to explain that to the agent.

Wheeljack: "Well, not to split wires tiny, but it was this Director guy that blew that place up, not us."

He turned to the Wrecker and told him about what really happened.

Agent Fowler: "Doesn't matter. That was a working dam we are talking about! We have multiple reports from every town around the area that they have total blackouts. How will the higher ups explain to those people that the reason their towns are in the dark is because the Morrison Dam got blown to bits by a terrorist group?! Your actions have caused a serious risk to this country and nearly endangered innocent lives. Now not only do we have to deal with the cons threatening both this country and the whole planet, but we now have to face MECH's latest creations and who knows what this Director may be cooking up. WHAT have you got to say for yourselves!?"

He then pointed to Arcee as she was supposed to be the second in command of the group. She tilted her head down and felt sorry about what happened, yet at the same time proud of what she and the others did. Looking at the two, she took a deep breath and explained their actions.

Arcee: "You're right. The fault is with us. But we did it because we believed it was the right thing to do. If it wasn't for us, then none of you would have discovered that it was MECH who attacked those bases and not the Decepticons. If we didn't know that MECH was hiding in that dam, then more bases would've been destroyed and more lives would've been taken. If we weren't at the Milton base to begin with, then things would've taken the toll for the worse. So you should be thankful that we were there or things would've been a whole lot more severe."

Fowler took a breather and decided to take the femme's words seriously.

Agent Fowler: "You might have a point Arcee, but that doesn't mean the government is going to let you off the hook. This situation is out of control and the president and other world leaders are getting antsy about this. With all this going on, they will have no choice but to reveal this war in front of everyone in a few days. They can't keep this secret forever after all that had happened in the past two weeks."

Arcee had her optics in a state of shock and couldn't believe what she just heard. The world leaders will address the public about what happened in the past two weeks and the team never heard of this until now? She was a little irate about this and tried to reason with the agent.

Arcee: "What?! Agent Fowler, you can't be serious! We cannot go public with this!"

The former Army Rangers shook his head and explained the situation.

Agent Fowler: "Arcee, the Decepticons have taken refuge in the United States' own backyard. Jasper was attacked with casualties by the thousands. Optimus is no longer with us. And MECH created robotic soldiers that attacked bases only a few days ago. I think now is the time to let the secret out on this one."

Arcee: "But you can't do that! Do you have any idea what the consequences will be? There will be chaos within the public!"

Agent Fowler: "I'm sorry Arcee, but it's not my call. It's the government's decision as to whether or not the truth will be heard. It's beyond my control."

The two-wheeler was about to argue with him about this unexpected development. But just as she was going to do that, Rodimus came up and placed his servo on her shoulder, trying to calm her down. Arcee looked back to see her partner looking at her and shook his head to tell her that he's got it. Understanding this, she stepped aside as Jack came forward to speak, in the most mature way possible.

Jack/Rodimus: "Agent Fowler, Ratchet, I know the two of you are upset about our actions. But please understand this. With the looming threat of the Decepticons, and the fact that MECH created a robotic army for the Director's intentions; we, standing before you are the Earth's only hope of stopping these factions. Now I know we disregarded orders and went into battle without the government's permission, but we did it because we believed that it was the right thing to do. Now you go ahead to talk to General Bryce about what happened, and punish us for our actions. Just remember this. No matter what you do, we will fight, and we will keep fighting until we can't fight any more. That's a promise we intend to keep."

There was a profound silence in the command center as the team and humans looked at Jack and were completely speechless about what he just said. The scout then broke the silence and he talked to Smokescreen about this.

Bumblebee: (Did I hear what I thought I heard?)

Smokescreen: "Yeah. Jack sounded like a whole different bot - as if he were himself a Prime."

Indeed they were right. The way Jack acted in his and the Autobots defense sounded like something Optimus would've said. Ratchet noticed it too and couldn't believe how Rodimus stood up for the team. He never expected such bravery from a young teen and a former human. But then his thoughts went to Optimus and knew that he would've said the same thing Jack said. Thinking this through, he came to a conclusion.

Ratchet: "You all disregarded orders, disobeyed every protocol, and caused a major panic within the government. If Optimus was here, he would've given you strict punishments. But since he isn't here, I will decide the fate for all of you. After what has happened back at the dam, what you all did…"

The team stood back and waited for their punishment from the medic.

Ratchet: "Well… You did a great job."

The others looked at the medic and were surprised that he was congratulating them after what they have done.

Arcee: "Wait, you're not mad at us?"

He then turned to the two-wheeler and explained further.

Ratchet: "In a word, no, I'm still upset about what happened back on our home planet. But I have my reasons for not punishing all of you. For once, you are right. All of you are right. This planet is in grave danger not only from the Decepticons, but from MECH as well. If Jack and the others hadn't rescued you from the clutches of the Director, you would've been held captive, or worse. And if that had happened then the cons would've won and conquered this planet, just like they did Cybertron. I cannot have that on my conscience, especially after my past actions; they cost us our Prime. This planet needs to be protected at all costs, and we are the last hope for stopping Megatron from taking Earth as his own. And for that, I would like to say that you all have done a good job. Thank you."

The team was quite stunned that their Ratchet has had a sudden change of spark. But being that they now have two enemies to deal with, he had no choice but to trust his conscience and not his personal judgment. Fowler then looked at this too and wondered whether he too should let this one slide, being that the government demanded that the team needed to be strictly dealt with. Not to mention that he had to do something he feared he might later regret. Looking at the team, he sighed and came to his decision.

Agent Fowler: "All right then, fine. You are all off the hook for now. But it's only because I do believe that you all are the last line of defense against the cons and MECH. I'll try to explain to the general about the situation we are in along with contacting Sam's parents about the fact that their son is safe. I do believe it's wise you leave the professor, his daughter, and Sam here until tomorrow. I feel they will be safer with all of you around. I will also take the liberty of moving Raf's family and Miko's host parents to Detroit so they can be close to the two. As far as how you are going to take the kids home without the family's suspecting what happened to them, you're on your own."

Altra heard this too and wondered what would happen to her and her son. So she asked the agent about this.

June/Altra: "Wait, Will. What about Jack and me? What's going to happen to us?"

The former Army Rangers looked to the nurse and sighed to himself.

Agent Fowler: "I'm sorry June, but being that the two of you are permanently robots, I don't think that there's a house big enough for the two of you. I think it's wise that the two of you, remain in this base just to keep you safe."

June/Altra: "And what about John, my husband. He should know about what happened to us."

Fowler looked at the two and could tell that it would be a little complicated.

Agent Fowler: "After what happened to the two of you, I don't know if he's ready to see you all in person. I'm pretty sure he will have a panic attack the moment he sees you. But when the time is right I'll let him know."

June just smiled and knew that Fowler will talk to her husband about it, just not now. Only until they've settled into their new lives. Arcee looked down at the agent and nodded in approval.

Arcee: "Thank you, Agent Fowler. I'm glad you're on our side."

Fowler looked up to the femme and smiled.

Agent Fowler: "I'm always on your side Arcee. It's the best I can do for my last day."

The last sentence caused the two-wheeler to raise a metallic eyebrow and was curious with what he meant.

Arcee: "Last day? What do you mean by that?"

Fowler realized what he said and tried to cover his mouth. He then looked up and realized that the rest of the Autobots and the recruits were looking at him with concern. Figuring there was no escape, he sighed and explained to them what happened.

Agent Fowler: "After what happened at the Milton Air force base, I talked to General Bryce about the situation. Told him everything about MECH creating their own cybertronian soldiers, to the attacks by the same terrorist group. After giving him all the information he needed, Bryce was pretty upset about this and blamed me for not only failing to keep you guys on a leash, but not letting him know about these attacks and the mystery of the attackers sooner. So because of this, not only do I have to send Bryce the latest report of what happened at the Morrison Dam, but also my resignation. So beginning tomorrow, I will no longer be your liaison."

There was an eerie silence in the base; Bulkhead was the first to speak up.

Bulkhead: "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Back up. You're telling us that you're being fired?"

He then looked to the Wrecker and cleared some things out.

Agent Fowler: "Not entirely. I'm still a special agent for the military and I will contact the base if there are some suspicious activities. But outside of that, I can no longer come by and make sure that all of you are keeping yourselves in order. I'm afraid that they will replace me with someone stricter than me; someone who most likely will make it more difficult for you to stop both enemy factors. So, as far as this goes, this will be my last visit."

There was a state of shock from within the team as they couldn't believe that their liaison and dear friend would be removed from his position and be replaced with someone else. But it's obvious now. Since Jasper was invaded it would appear that the entire country, let alone the entire world was on edge. And since Agent Fowler was the team's liaison, the fault lay on his shoulders. He could tell that they were upset about this so he tried to reason with them.

Agent Fowler: "Look, I don't like this any more than you do. But times have changed since the cons decided to move on in. Because of this, the general believes that he needs to keep you in line and place stricter rules on you. And since what happened with MECH, he thinks that I'm no longer suitable for the job. I'm sorry if this happened, but there's nothing I can do. It's nothing personal…"

And with that said, he clasped his arms to his back and walked away to his car. The team looked on and was completely stunned by what they just heard. Agent Fowler, their dear friend, just resigned as their liaison and was walking with his head held high and proud. It's almost like he felt a little saddened, yet honored at the same time. Just as he was about to reach his car, he stopped and remembered something.

Agent Fowler: "Oh yeah… I almost forgot. Jack, I need to give you something."

Rodimus looked at him and wondered what the agent wanted to give him. Approaching him, Fowler dug into his pocket to look for something. Taking something out of his pocket, he showed it to Jack, and he couldn't believe what he was seeing. In Fowler's hand was a futuristic key with metal lines and blue circuitry from within. Jack and the others were surprised as he asked the Agent about that.

Jack/Rodimus: "Hey, is that…"

Fowler nodded as he finished what he was saying.

Agent Fowler: "The Key of Vector Sigma? Indeed it is. It was left in the crash where you and the others were captured by MECH. The local authorities were going to take that and all other evidence in storage. I had to sneak that out of the evidence room before they could permanently keep it. Optimus was the one who gave it to you before leaving to stop Unicron from reawakening. Since he was the one that handed the gift to you, I thought it wise that you keep it in his memory."

There was a solemn silence in the room as Fowler handed the key to Rodimus. Jack looked right at the agent and was a little hesitant about it. But he slowly bent down and lifted his servo to the agent. Fowler then gave the small key to him and placed it on his huge servo. As soon as it was placed, the key started to glow blue, knowing that its previous owner was there. Almost immediately, the key started to shift and grow until it was the right size for his servo. Jack stood up and looked at the Vector key now in his hand, staring at it in awe. Jack knew that Optimus gave him that key for a reason. What reason, he did not know. But all he knew was that it's the only thing that Prime left behind. Holding it tightly, he knew that he lost it once but he will never do that again. Once he held on to it, Fowler slowly walked to his car and opened the door. But before he could leave, he turned to the team and said his last farewell.

Agent Fowler: "Goodbye Autobots. I wish you the best of luck. I'm certain we all need it."

With that said, he closed the door and started the car, driving up the exit and left the Autobot base for the last time. There was a deep silence in the room as everyone watched Fowler leaving their base. Firewall then asked the question everyone was thinking.

Raf/Firewall: "First we lost our leader, then Agent Fowler. What are we going to do now?"

Ratchet then came in and responded to that question.

Ratchet: "To be honest Raf, I don't really know. But our best option after what transpired, is to just move on and hope for the best."

But Jack remained silent as he looked at his Vector Sigma key and gave a deep sigh.

Jack/Rodimus: "Yeah… Best to move on…"

Half an hour later, the team was patched up and went into their prospective quarters for a recharge after a long grueling battle with MECH, while the humans took to the barracks to turn in for the night. In one of the Autobot quarters, Jack was sitting on his berth still awake and looking at the key Optimus gave him. He couldn't sleep since Fowler had brought his key back. Looking around his new room, he saw that it was a little bland. A berth, a big work desk with a holo computer, and nothing else. He sighed, knowing that he'll be living like this for the rest of his life.

Jack/Rodimus: "Home sweet home. Guess I have to get used to it."

Turning back to his key, he took a breather and let out a wish.

Jack/Rodimus: "I just wish you were here, Optimus. You always gave us advice on how to rise up against what we've been through. But now that you're gone, I don't know what we're going to do next."

As soon as he was thinking about that, he heard a knock at the door and a very familiar voice.

Arcee: "Jack, are you in there? Open up, I want to talk to you."

Rodimus looked right at the door and knew that was Arcee. Since her room was next to his, it's obvious that she wanted him to feel comfortable. Standing up, he placed the key on the berth and walked to the door. As soon as it opened, Arcee stood there and was a little silent for a moment until she spoke up.

Arcee: "Hey there partner."

Jack/Rodimus: "Hey… You couldn't sleep?"

The femme chuckled a little bit and responded.

Arcee: "After the workout Blackout gave us, I'm surprised that we are even in one piece. You?"

Jack/Rodimus: "Yeah, you could say that. But it wasn't about MECH or Blackout. It's about something else."

He looked back to see the Key of Vector Sigma still resting on the berth. Arcee looked at the key too and knew what he meant.

Arcee: "It's about Optimus, isn't it?"

The young teen looked to her and nodded in approval.

Jack/Rodimus: "Yeah… You could say that."

The two-wheeler remained silent as she gave him her own thoughts.

Arcee: "We all miss Optimus, Jack. He was the last of the Primes, the only hope of ending this war, and a dear friend of ours. Now that he's gone, Megatron will do anything to make your planet his. We can't dwell on the past though; we now have to focus on the future. Even without Optimus, there will still be Autobots that will fight for the good cause and we will keep on fighting until our sparks are extinguished. That's a promise we will keep for him."

Jack nodded and turned his back to her, struggling for the words to explain something else. Looking at his servos he told her about what he had wanted to do with his future.

Jack/Rodimus: "Do you know what's funny, Arcee? I'll tell you: That when you have a future planned, it will all be taken away from you in an instant."

The femme tilted her helm and wondered where he was going with this.

Jack/Rodimus: "See, before I met any of you I had everything ready for my future. After I graduated high school, I would attend a military school to follow in my dad's footsteps. Join the army to help fight the good fight. Settle down, get married, have a kid of my own. Then die a happy life when I'm old. A normal life, that's all I ever wanted. But now, the Director took that all away from me, my mom, and my friends, and my future is unknown. My normal life...isn't so normal anymore."

Tightening his servos into a fist, he closed his eyes as a single energon tear came out of his optic and streamed down his protoform skin. Arcee heard those words and couldn't help but feel sorry for him. To have that life, that future, ripped away might be the hardest truth to bear. She had to comfort him in any way possible; make him feel like he's special in some way.

Slowly walking toward him, she lifted her arm and placed a servo on his shoulder. Rodimus was startled by this and turned his head back to see his partner soothing him.

Arcee: "I can imagine how hard it is for you to accept this new life, Jack, while your old one was taken away from you. And to be honest with you, you didn't have much of a normal life on the day you first met me. But think about this clearly: If you or the others weren't with us, then none of us would have made it this far. The destruction of the space bridge when Megatron was about to release those Terrorcons, the Scraplet infestation, going to Cybertron to retrieve Optimus's memories, the time when you went on the Nemesis when it took over, and the bravery you and the others did when you were bargaining chips for the Omega Keys. All of it, because of your involvement, helped our survival and victory. If it wasn't for you and the others, MECH would've turned us into experiments for their cause, or worse, turned us against the planet. Though we didn't like what you did in disobeying orders, we were very grateful for your rescue. And then there's just now, when you stood up to defend us from Ratchet's and Fowler's lashing. It was very brave of you."

Jack turned to her and told her it was nothing.

Jack/Rodimus: "Thanks Arcee, but it wasn't that big of a deal. I was just trying to give them my own opinion. I was lucky that they didn't punish us. I just wanted to prove to them that we are capable of protecting this planet. Nothing more, nothing less. I..."

As he was about to finish, he was caught off guard with something he didn't expect. Arcee grabbed him in the helm and pulled him down to her level. It was then that she turned his head and kissed him right in the cheek. That kiss must've lasted for a minute, but to him, it took forever. The moment she kissed him, he stood up and was taken aback by this, blushing incredibly red. When she was done with kissing, she told him what she thought.

Arcee: "What you did was something we would never have done. And that's telling them the truth. You should be really honored by that. Optimus would be proud of you."

Jack remained silent as he didn't expect his friend to kiss him like that. But she was right on one thing, what he did was a bold thing and he would be happy that he did that for them. Arcee then smiled and told him to get some rest.

Arcee: "This is your new life now, Jack. Whether you like it or not, you have to accept it. Now go get some sleep. There's always a tomorrow."

And with that said, she turned her back to him and left his room. But not before turning to him and gave a quick wink. As soon as the door closed, Rodimus was still stunned about this and placed his servo on his cheek to still have that kiss fresh in his processor. Then another thought came to him. Did Arcee love him? He just smirked and thought about him and her together.

Jack/Rodimus: "Wow… Just wow… Never really thought Arcee cared for me like that. I might have to protect her more often."

An hour later, Jack was in his berth, sleeping peacefully and going into a deep recharge. After the talk he had with Arcee, he seemed to be very calm. Almost like she had feelings for him just as much he had for her. While recharging, he held his key in his servo, and rested his servo over his chest plate; this seemed to give him some comfort. But what he didn't know was that the key began to glow, softly at first, then brighter and brighter, until it glowed white, engulfing the room.

Suddenly the light faded, and Rodimus snapped his eyes opened. But as he woke up, he wasn't in his room anymore. Instead, he was in a dimly lit area surrounded with blue and white colors. Looking around, he scratched his head and was a little confused.

Jack: "Where am I?"

But as he scratched his head, he immediately felt his hair, his real human hair. Looking down at his hands, he noticed that they were human as well as he curled his fingers in and out. Then looking down at himself, it was the same thing. He was human and wearing his gray shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers. Looking at himself, he blurted out a conclusion.

Jack: "Whoa… Is this real? Am I back to normal?"

But just as he asked that, someone answered him.

"Not quite… You are still dreaming. Your real form is still recharging. This is the form you will take up when you are in this world."

Jack was startled by this and looked in every direction to where that strange voice was. But all he saw was nothing but the empty void. So he asked.

Jack: "Who's there? Where are you? Show yourself!"

There was a brief silence until the mysterious voice spoke up.

"As you wish…"

Almost immediately the image of a huge bot stood in front of the teen. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. This bot was really tall, taller than Optimus judging by height differences, with armor that was a combination of black, silver, purple, and gold. There were wings slanted down his back that resembled solar panels and a crater-like circle on his chest plate, with a glowing orb in the middle. Jack stared in awe at this huge robot and had very little to say.

Jack: "Who… Who are you?"

The bot looked down at the young boy and introduced himself.

Vector Prime: "My designation is Vector Prime. I am one of the thirteen original Primes of the high council and the one that created the Vector Sigma key, the very key you now have in your possession. I have been expecting you, Jackson Darby."

Jack was speechless at what he was seeing. For the first time in his life, he had come face to face with one of the original Primes. Jack thanked him without knowing about what the Prime said.

Jack: "Thanks for creating the key; it was real nice of you. Wait! You know who I am?

Vector Prime: "But of course. The Key of Vector Sigma has an imprint to whomever holds on to it. The key scanned your imprint the moment you touched it, meaning I know who you are, and your recent actions."

Jack blinked his eyes and was amazed by this unexpected information.

Jack: "Wow… That's something interesting. I think… So… Where are we?"

Vector Prime: "Not much is known about this place. But from legend, this is the world where Primes would communicate with each other, whether they are online or have joined the Well of the All Spark."

With all the information down, Jack cleared his throat and decided to finish the conversation.

Jack: "Yeah, lovely… Look it's nice to meet you Vector Prime, but I think I should be going now. So thanks for the chat."

He started to walk away from the Prime and hoped that the dream was over. But Vector wanted to speak to him about something important.

Vector Prime: "Jackson Darby, you can't go. Not yet."

Jack stopped where he was and turned to tell him not to.

Jack: "And why would I want to speak to you?"

Vector Prime: "Because it's about this war. With your planet in danger, the Autobots must stop Megatron at all cost."

Jack: "Yeah, we already know that. But how are they going to do that? With Optimus gone, there's no way of protecting my home."

There was a brief silence until Vector spoke up.

Vector Prime: "Is that what you think? That Optimus is dead?"

Jack: "And why would you ask me that?"

Vector Prime: "Because if the last of the Primes was gone, then the magic of the Primes would have disappeared and we would not be having this talk."

Jack remained quiet after hearing that and didn't know what to say next. That's when he started to utter one word.

Jack: "What…"

To General Bryce and the superiors of the U.S. Government,

As you are all fully aware, the Morrison Dam in the Missouri river was destroyed and caused massive blackouts in several towns. But the destruction of the dam was not the Autobot's fault. After interrogating them, I learned that the Director of MECH had rigged the place to self-destruct to prevent the Autobots from escaping. Now, I was planning to give them a strict punishment after their recent actions at the Milton Air Force base and the Morrison Dam. But one of the recruits, Rodimus, told me that no matter what happens, the Autobots are our only hope of stopping these threats and they intended to keep fighting until their last breath. For once, I could agree with him on that occasion but only because we have no choice in the matter. Team Prime needs to protect this planet at all costs.

Deep within the Nevada desert, a huge military armada was gathered around what appeared to be a huge dome made of liquid-like glass, protecting whatever's inside from the outside world. There were tanks, anti-aircraft missiles, rocket turrets, combat jeeps, and helicopters surrounding the dome, waiting for something to happen. Soldiers were under constant watch as makeshift tents and trailers were put together for sleeping, eating, and communicating to the government in case they needed more backup. And so the large army was on standby, waiting for the dome to open and for something to come out.

Let me explain my reasons for why I decided to let the two MECH incidents slide. The Decepticons have made a permanent residence within America's own backyard. They placed a fortress near the town of Jasper, Nevada and laid waste to the town while we were evacuating civilians. They have weapons and technologies that outmatch our own and a force field that is protecting them from our artillery. Even if we have the military keeping constant watch at the barrier, it won't be enough against the forces the cons have.

Deep within the barrier, it was as quiet as the sound of wind blowing the sand. But in the town of Jasper, it was a whole different story. The town was in complete shambles in the aftermath of the invasion two weeks ago. Resident houses were either destroyed or burned, shops were half dismantled or demolished, and cars, trucks, busses, and military vehicles were strewn about and were wrecked and smoldering. Long story short, the whole place resembled a ghost town that went through a disaster.

The destruction of Jasper was a tragedy. More devastating than Pearl Harbor, Hurricane Katrina, and 9/11 combined. The con's attack in that town was both unexpected and deadly, leaving many casualties, both military and civilian. Not to mention that the attack left the entire town in shambles. Although we were able to get half the occupants out, we still don't know what happened to the rest of the population when the strike started, let alone if they are alive or dead.

Suddenly, a few alien-like jets with silver paint jobs flew over the town, followed by several others. Coming from afar, the jets flew to a huge ominous structure within the middle of the dome itself. It was a large tower that overshadowed the ruins of what had been Autobot Outpost Omega One with many spikes sticking out in a symmetrical design and a huge round structure floating ominously on top. That place was none other than the Decepticon's own fortress, towering over the Nevada desert. At the top of the fortress was an outside throne room. A small group of Airadicons stood in place while another mech was walking past each of them. He was a thin like mech with a silver-gray paint job and a few red highlights here and there, two missiles attached to his arms, and large wings sticking out of his back. This con was none other than Starscream, the Decepticon commander and second in command. He walked past each of them and looked a little irate.

Starscream: "You mean to tell me that a simple search and destroy unit cannot find a few Autobot survivors scattered throughout the planet? Unacceptable!"

One of the Airadicons stepped in and explained their reasons.

Airadicon: "Apology, Commander Starscream, but we searched high and low throughout the planet. They are nowhere to be found and their energon signature was impossible to trace. We cannot find them anywhere."

Starscream looked right at that con and spat back.

Starscream: "Surely a few simple Autobots couldn't just disappear out of thin air for THAT long. Do you think I'm a fool!?"

As he was arguing to that con, a loud voice boomed behind him.

Megatron: "That's enough Starscream."

Scream stopped speaking and turned to the huge figure sitting in his throne. He was big and bulky, but not as bulky as Bulkhead, with a silver paint job and purple details. He had spiked shoulders and on his right arm was a combination of a purple blaster and a blade. He was none other than the Decepticon leader, Megatron. Next to him was another con that was thin and had dark blue and glowing purple highlights. What made him different from the other cons was the fact that he had a blank visor instead of a regular faceplate. That mech was Soundwave, the Dececption's intelligence officer and Megatron's most loyal soldier. The con leader got off of his throne and slowly descended down the steps, walking towards his second in command and the other cons.

Megatron: "These cons have been searching many solar cycles for our enemies. Show them the respect they deserve."

Starscream just stood his ground and decided not to interfere anymore.

Starscream: "But of course, master."

He slowly walked to the Airadicon that spoke up and started to talk to him.

Megatron: "Though I want to respect you for your commitment, each of you would've found the Autobots at this moment. And for that, I'm quite ashamed by this."

That Airadicon immediately bowed down to his presence and apologized to him nervously.

Airadicon: "Forgive us of for our failure, Lord Megatron. We tried to find them but it was no use. I swear, it will never happen again."

Megatron looked down at the con and had a creepy smirk on his face.

Megatron: "Oh rest assured, my loyal subject, it won't happen again."

The con looked up to the leader and was surprised that he was taking it really well. But then suddenly and without warning, Megatron extended his blade and swung at it really fast, chopping the con's head off and shutting him down completely. The others looked on in shock as they all saw their comrade terminated by their very leader. Even Starscream was as shocked by this as the others. But after the incident with Dreadwing, they all kept their cool as Megatron retracted his blade into his arm. Once he flexed his digits, Soundwave approached him as the leader turned to him for an answer.

Megatron: "Soundwave, are you certain that the Autobots haven't been spotted yet."

Soundwave's response was his screen showing the digital map of the world and scanning for any Autobot signature. After doing a complete scan, he shut off his visor and shook his head for a no. Megatron groaned in desperation as Starscream approached him to offer his opinion.

Starscream: "It would seem that our trusting intelligence officer can't even find a single bot on his scanners. Clearly the Autobots seem to be masking their energon signatures quite well. What are we going to do, my lord?"

Megatron was silent for a moment until he turned to his second in command and explained what he was going to do.

Megatron: "The Autobots aren't as foolish as we think, and my patience is wearing thin. If the Autobots won't come out and fight, then we will rely on one who knows where they are. It's time for us to pay another visit."

These Decepticons are ruthless and show no mercy to our forces. No matter what weapons we use against them, they will truly outmatch us. It's pretty much a losing battle we're dealing with. Now I know that you don't like them after what happened recently, but the Autobots are our only hope. They have all the firepower necessary to take these clankers down. And although they are small in number, they are strong as a team. Sadly, without their leader, they don't function as well as before. Nevertheless, they will continue to fight in Optimus's memory and will make sure that this planet doesn't fall in the same way as what happened to theirs.

Deep underneath the Decepticon fortress, both Megatron and Starscream walked down the halls of what appeared to be a prison ward. As they were walking, Starscream started to wonder about something and asked away.

Starscream: "Lord Megatron, may I ask, why are we pursuing these pathetic Autobots to begin with. It has been two orns, and still there has been no word of them resurfacing. They are just cowering in fear even as we speak while we should be celebrating our victory over them."

But Megatron ignored that and let him know why he was still searching for them.

Megatron: "Starscream, you of all cons should know that the reason we're searching for them is that they are still protecting this planet. If I am to conquer Earth, I want the Autobots and their human pets out of the picture."

Starscream: "Then if that's the case, might I suggest a full onslaught of the planet? I'm certain that a little chaos can flush them out; that way we can snuff out their sparks."

Megatron: "That won't be necessary. Though it is a good idea, I would rather let this planet be in one piece. Since our only hope of restoring Cybertron is destroyed, this planet would be the suitable replacement for our kind. And regardless of how weak these humans are, they would be of good use to us as slaves mining for energon deposits and building this world in my image. I would like to keep the casualty count to a minimum once the Autobots are no more."

The two then approached a big prison block door that was guarded by two Vehicons as they stood in attention at their master. But Starscream was a bit unsure about this, and asked him about his thoughts.

Starscream: "Then why are we wasting time with HIM? I know that he has vital information for our cause, but our prisoner isn't the talkative kind."

Megatron: "You may be right, Starscream, but we have no choice in the matter. After all, he was the last one to know the whereabouts of his allies."

The leader turned to one of the guards and nodded. The guard nodded back and turned to the console to begin typing the code. The moment he was finished typing that code, the doors unlocked and slowly opened, revealing a huge jail cell. When Megatron entered the cell, he couldn't help but stare at what he saw and smiled devilishly with his pointy teeth.

I am giving you my resignation due to the Autobots' actions and will face the punishment that was placed upon me. But as I leave my position as liaison, I'm going to give you my final word. Be warned, for we have reached our darkest hour. No matter what the odds are, no matter what little chance we have, the Autobots are our last and only hope of stopping this. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Special Agent William Fowler
Former liaison of Team Prime

Good luck gentlemen.
May God help us all…

Hanging before Megatron was a prisoner in energy shackles with stasis cuffs on his wrists and ankles. But this was no ordinary prisoner. This one was a big bot with a combination of red and blue armor. Unfortunately, he was in the worst of shape. His armor was banged up and scratched; windows that covered his chest were cracked and broken. There were wounds here and there and he was leaking energon, but they were patched up to prevent the prisoner from suffering severe energon loss. The prisoner slowly looked up at the Decepticon leader with cracked protoform skin as his optics blinked blue. It was obvious that the prisoner in that cell was none other than the leader of the Autobots and the last of the Primes…

Optimus Prime…

To be continued…

There… I'm finally finished with the first episode of my own version of season three of Trasformers Prime. Oh and for those of you that have been nagging me with questions as to what happened to the Decepticons and Optimus. Well all I got to say is… THERE'S YOUR FRAGGING ANSWER! Sorry about that. Just wanted to get that out after almost a year of that. So yeah, obviously Optimus is alive and well. But what would happen to him? What are the Deceptions planning? Will Team Prime be able to rescue him? All those questions will be answered in my second episode titled, 'Prime'. But if you want to see the Autobots taking on Cons so badly, I suggest you read my other story, 'Transformers Prime: John and Elsa'. It's a crossover of my favorite anime, Gunslinger Girl and would fit well in an episode I will do in the near future. I would suggest reading it because once I get to that episode; a lot of you readers will get really confused. Well, gotta go. Better start watching Beast Hunters just to gather up ideas for the second episode. Hope everyone enjoyed reading this story as much as I was writing it. Please Review.