A Few Days Later – Marcus's Lab
The past few days had been filled with breakthroughs. I'd been working tirelessly to understand the intricacies of the Space Bridge, and it was finally starting to make sense. The bridge used space and gravity particles to manipulate distance, bending space itself to connect two far-off points in an instant. With the data I had gathered from the Autobots, I was able to accelerate my research, and in record time, I was uncovering valuable information on its functionality.
My research on Cyber Matter was also progressing well—better than I had anticipated. In a few months, I would have a working formula, and with that, I could create as many Cybertronians as I needed. An army of Autobots under my command, ready to serve whatever purpose I deemed necessary.
While I was deep in my research, Zeus, my AI assistant, interrupted.
Zeus: "Marcus, Megatron has made a move. He's trying to raise an army of dead Cybertronians using Dark Energon."
I frowned. Of course, Megatron would attempt something like this. Yesterday, Zeus reported that Megatron had used Dark Energon to awaken an army on Earth, but thankfully, Optimus and Ratchet had stopped him. Still, I knew Megatron wouldn't give up easily.
Marcus (thinking): 'Megatron's plan is obvious. He wants to resurrect an army using Dark Energon. That's going to create chaos.'
I decided that it was time to take action. Reaching into my vault, I pulled out a relic—the Forge of Solus Prime. It was a powerful tool, but one I couldn't use myself. Only someone with Prime status could wield it, and that left only one candidate. Optimus Prime.
Marcus: "Zeus, send a high-frequency message to the Autobot base. I need to meet with Optimus."
Autobot Base
Ratchet was busy at the console, working on a way to send the Autobots to the Space Bridge to stop Megatron plan of using the dead Cybertronians on planet cybertron . However, there was a problem the Ground Bridge couldn't send them that far.
Ratchet (frustrated): "The Ground Bridge can only transport us within certain parameters of the planet. Sending the team to the Space Bridge is impossible with what we have."
The Autobots gathered around the console, deep in discussion.
Arcee: "We need to figure out another way. We can't let Megatron go with his plan."
Suddenly, a beep interrupted their conversation. A message came through high frequency, encrypted.
Ratchet: "It's from Marcus."
The Autobots looked at each other warily as Ratchet played the message. Marcus's voice came through, calm and calculated.
Marcus (on the message): "Optimus, I have something that will allow you to reach the Space Bridge and stop Megatron. Come alone to the location I'm sending you now."
Bumblebee buzzed something in his Cybertronian language, and though Miko and Jack looked confused, Raf quickly translated.
Raf (explaining): "Bumblebee thinks it's a trap."
Miko: "Of course it's a trap! He's an evil mastermind!"
Jack (skeptical): "He could be, or maybe he's trying to help. We still don't know his real motives."
Arcee (crossing her arms): "We shouldn't trust him. This could easily be a setup."
Cliffjumper (stepping forward): "If Optimus wants to go, I'll volunteer to go with him. We can't let Optimus walk into a trap alone."
Before the debate could spiral out of control, Optimus raised his hand to stop them.
Optimus: "No. I will go alone. Marcus has yet to give us a reason to believe he is our enemy. If this is a chance to stop Megatron plan, we cannot afford to dismiss it."
The Autobots exchanged uneasy glances, clearly unhappy with the decision.
Miko (grumbling): "I still say he's up to no good. Total evil mastermind vibes."
Jack (more optimistic): "Or maybe he's not as bad as we think. He's helped before."
Optimus interrupted the growing debate with a firm tone.
Optimus: "Ratchet, open the Ground Bridge. We do not have time to waste."
Reluctantly, Ratchet complied, and the Ground Bridge whirred to life. Optimus gave one last glance to his team before stepping through.
At Marcus's Location
Optimus stepped out of the Ground Bridge, finding himself in an open field. There, standing next to a group of people, was Marcus, his usual calm demeanor intact. In front of him was something large, covered by a cloth.
Optimus (suspicious): "Marcus."
Marcus (smiling slightly): "Optimus. I won't waste time your battle with Megatron is not just a conflict for Cybertron, but for Earth as well. You've vowed to protect this planet, haven't you?"
Optimus: "I have. I will protect Earth with all my strength."
Marcus (gesturing to the covered object): "Then you'll need this."
With a simple wave, Marcus gave the order, and Silas's men pulled back the cloth, revealing the Forge of Solus Prime. Optimus's optics widened in shock. He hadn't expected this.
Optimus (surprised): "The Forge of Solus Prime…"
Before Optimus could say more, Marcus turned and, without a word, walked toward a helicopter waiting nearby. He boarded it, giving no explanation, no farewell, and the helicopter took off.
Optimus remained in place, staring at the Forge. The weight of its power and history wasn't lost on him. He stepped forward and picked it up, feeling its immense energy flow through him.
Optimus (to himself): "Marcus... what are you planning?"
With the Forge in hand, Optimus knew that now they had the power they needed to stop Megatron plan. He opened his comm link.
Optimus: "Ratchet, prepare the Ground Bridge. We have what we need."
Autobot Base – After Optimus Returns
The Ground Bridge whirred to life, and as Optimus Prime stepped through, the Autobots and humans gathered around. In his hands was something glowing with immense energy—a large, ancient hammer-like object that seemed to hum with power.
The Autobots stared in surprise, while the humans, Jack, Miko, and Raf, looked confused.
Bulkhead (wide-eyed): "No way… Is that…?"
Arcee (in awe): "The Forge of Solus Prime…"
The humans exchanged glances, unsure of what the Autobots were talking about.
Miko (curious): "Okay, someone explain. What's with the hammer?"
Ratchet (stepping forward): "That 'hammer,' Miko, is no ordinary tool. It's the Forge of Solus Prime, one of the most powerful relics in Cybertronian history. It was once wielded by Solus Prime herself—one of the original Primes. The Forge has the ability to upgrade and enhance any Cybertronian technology. It holds immeasurable power."
Jack (surprised): "And Marcus just... gave that to Optimus?"
Ratchet (nodding): "It seems Marcus wasn't joking when he said he would help us. I had my doubts, but with the Forge of Solus Prime in our possession, we may finally stand a chance against Megatron."
The Autobots seemed to relax slightly, their earlier tension dissolving now that the Forge had arrived. The artifact could indeed tip the balance in their favor. But not everyone was convinced.
Raf (thoughtfully): "Maybe Marcus isn't as bad as we thought. I mean, he didn't have to give us something this powerful."
Jack (nodding in agreement): "Yeah, it's not like he's gaining anything by giving us the Forge. He really might be on our side."
Miko (crossing her arms): "You two are being way too trusting! Just because he gave Optimus a shiny hammer doesn't mean he's not up to something."
Raf (shrugging): "Maybe, but it's hard to see him as a bad guy when he's handing over ancient relics that could save us all."
Miko (scoffing): "Or it could be part of his big evil mastermind plan! I don't know, something about Marcus just screams 'suspicious.' Why does he know so much about Cybertronian stuff anyway?"
Arcee (sighing): "Miko, I understand your concern, but right now we need every advantage we can get. Megatron is growing more dangerous by the day. If Marcus is willing to help, we have to accept that help—for now."
Optimus (solemnly): "I share your caution, Miko. Marcus is an enigma, but he has not yet shown himself to be our enemy. The Forge of Solus Prime will allow us to upgrade our defenses and strike back against Megatron. We must trust in this for the time being."
Miko (grumbling): "I still don't like it. He's way too mysterious for my liking."
As the Autobots prepared for the next phase of their mission, the room was filled with a sense of anticipation. While Miko remained suspicious, Jack and Raf couldn't help but feel a small sense of gratitude toward Marcus for what he had done. Whatever his true motives, for now, the Autobots had an edge in the fight against Megatron and that was all that mattered.