Transformers: Animated: Shadows of Redemption

Chapter 18: What A Tangled Web We Weave

At the Autobot base, tension hung heavy in the air as Optimus Prime led a crucial meeting with his most trusted comrades. Around the table sat Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Ratchet, Jazz, Ironhide, and their human allies, Sari Sumdac and her father, Professor Isaac Sumdac. Holographic projections of pink crystals—techno-organic Energon—hovered above the table, casting an eerie glow over the group.

Ratchet's voice broke the silence, laced with concern. "This techno-organic Energon is unlike anything we've encountered before. If Megatron gets his hands on it, the consequences could be catastrophic."

Bulkhead nodded, his expression grim. "We've been collecting as much of it as we can, but there's still a lot out there. We can't let the Decepticons use it for their schemes."

Optimus Prime stood tall, his voice steady with resolve. "We must remain vigilant. The Decepticons will stop at nothing to weaponize this Energon. We have to stay one step ahead."

Sari, sitting beside her father, shifted uneasily. Her voice was hesitant but determined as she spoke up. "Optimus, I still want to know about me... where I come from. How I'm a techno-organic."

Optimus turned to her, his gaze softening. "Sari, we haven't forgotten. Your origins are still a mystery to us, but we will find out the truth. You are important, Sari, more than you know."

Before the conversation could continue, Ratchet's console beeped urgently. His optics widened as he scanned the incoming data. "Prime, I'm picking up three Cybertronian life signals... fast approaching."

The Autobots exchanged wary glances, their guard immediately up. "Who could it be?" Ironhide rumbled, his hand drifting toward his weapon.

Their question was answered when the hangar doors burst open, and three young Cybertronians skidded to a halt. Orion Eclipse, Altair Comet, and Smokescreen transformed back into their robot modes, their chests heaving as they panted from their escape.

Bumblebee's optics widened in surprise. "What the—?!"

Ratchet squinted at the trio, focusing on Orion Eclipse. "Orion Eclipse is back! And he looks... different."

Optimus stepped forward, his voice a mix of surprise and concern. "Altair? Smokescreen? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you two be returning to Cybertron with Sentinel Prime?"

Altair Comet, still catching her breath, shook her head. "We had to stay on Earth to rescue Orion Eclipse. But we found him, and he needs to warn you about what his father—Megatron—is planning."

Bulkhead's optics widened. "Orion, did you escape from Megatron?"

Orion Eclipse nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, I did. I escaped from my father's custody and flew back to Detroit to warn you."

Ironhide and Jazz, standing side by side, tensed as they noticed the Decepticon insignia on Orion's chest. Ironhide growled, "Prime, are you seeing this? He's got the Decepticon mark! What if he's a spy?"

Jazz, normally laid-back, crossed his arms with suspicion. "You sure we can trust him, OP?"

Optimus raised a calming hand, his voice firm. "It's okay, Jazz, Ironhide. Orion Eclipse is on our side now."

Jazz raised an optic ridge, clearly unconvinced. "You sure about that?"

Before the tension could escalate, the base's entrance was thrown open once more, and Sentinel Prime, flanked by the Jet Twins—Jetfire and Jetstorm—charged in, transforming as they landed in front of the group. Sentinel's optics locked onto Altair and Smokescreen, his face twisted with righteous fury.

"I got you now, you little troublemakers!" Sentinel bellowed, storming forward.

Optimus stepped into Sentinel's path, his voice a wall of authority. "Sentinel, stand down."