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The afternoon's game stretched on until the sky began its slow descent toward evening. As the banquet hour approached, everyone settled onto the lawn with faces flushed from exertion and excitement, the golden afterglow of the setting sun casting long shadows across their varied forms—human and Autobot alike.
"Time to go," Sir Edmund announced, straightening his posture with aristocratic dignity. "The banquet begins shortly, and we mustn't keep our guests waiting." This evening's event was hosted by him as the 12th Earl of Folgan, and the guest list included some of Britain's most influential figures.
Aidan and the others returned to the castle to freshen up, donning crisp suits and perfectly knotted ties. Britain still maintained its reverence for proper etiquette, and formal banquets came with strict protocols: formal attire was mandatory, gifts should be thoughtful rather than ostentatious, and handshakes must be firm and confident. Once everyone was properly dressed, they followed Sir Edmund to the banquet venue, transported in the sleek alternate modes of Hot Rod and the other Autobots.
After emerging from their rides, Aidan and his human companions were guided inside by the reception staff, while Hot Rod and the others transformed into their humanoid forms and followed Cogman through a specially prepared entrance designed for their larger frames.
When Aidan stepped through the doors and entered the grand hall, his breath caught. The magnificent space was adorned with exquisite blue palace lanterns, their delicate tassels swaying gently in the subtle air currents. The polished floor reflected the warm light, creating a mesmerizing interplay with the rich, velvet blue curtains that draped the windows. The entire scene possessed an almost dreamlike quality.
The banquet tables were arranged with military precision, every detail perfect. Ladies in elegant evening gowns sat gracefully at the long dining tables, their conversations creating a gentle murmur that filled the space. When Aidan appeared, he immediately became the center of attention. Most of tonight's guests were prominent British officials who had seen portraits of the famous "Dr. Snow."
Facing the enthusiastic crowd, Aidan responded with practiced politeness. His companions had already claimed their seats and begun sampling the feast, leaving him to navigate the social minefield alone. After what felt like an eternity of handshakes and pleasantries, Aidan finally reached his seat and was about to take his first bite when a lady in a flowing blue dress approached.
Noticing her pause beside him, Aidan quickly stood and pulled out the adjacent chair with a gallant gesture.
"Actually, I'm here to invite you to dance," Viviane said with a warm smile.
Aidan's shoulders sagged slightly. "I hate to be ungentlemanly, but we spent the entire afternoon running around a soccer field, and I'm absolutely famished. Could we perhaps postpone the dancing until after I've had a proper meal?"
"Fine, I'll wait," Viviane replied, settling into the chair with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. This man has no sense of romantic timing whatsoever, she thought.
Seeing her acquiesce, Aidan flashed a grateful smile and began attacking the food before him with barely contained hunger. Throughout the meal, several other ladies approached with similar dance invitations, all of which he politely declined while gesturing apologetically to his still-full plate.
Just as Aidan was preparing to finally fulfill his promise to Viviane, a woman adorned with golden jewelry materialized behind him.
"I've reached my decision, but there will need to be modifications to our arrangement," she stated without preamble.
"Excuse me, but who are you?" Viviane stood abruptly, her patience finally exhausted. "I've been waiting here for ages, and now you think you can just waltz over and steal him away?"
"No problem," Aidan said to the newcomer, raising a placating hand. "But please allow me to honor my commitment to this lady first. We can discuss business afterward." He gestured toward Viviane with obvious respect.
The mysterious woman studied Viviane for a moment, then leaned down to whisper something directly into her ear.
"Stop!" Aidan's spiritual power erupted instantly, creating a tangible pressure in the air. "I don't appreciate anyone using supernatural abilities on innocent people in my presence! Quintessa, cease your enchantment immediately!"
The interrupted Quintessa fixed Aidan with a calculating stare but withdrew her mystical influence. Viviane's glazed expression cleared instantly, confusion replacing the artificial tranquility.
"Shall we, beautiful lady?" Aidan rose gracefully, offering an elegant bow and extending his hand in formal invitation. Viviane looked at him with renewed appreciation, placing her right hand in his. Together, they walked to the dance floor.
"What exactly just happened back there?" Viviane asked as they began to waltz, her hand resting on his shoulder, close enough to feel the warmth of his breath.
"That was Quintessa. She was attempting to put you into an enchanted sleep."
"Quintessa? The Creator of Cybertron? But how can she appear as a human?" Viviane's eyes widened in shock.
"Creating a human form is relatively simple for someone with her abilities," Aidan explained with a slight smile.
"My God, she can actually create human beings?"
"I don't know the full extent of her powers. I'm aware of her identity, but the specifics of what she can do remain largely a mystery." Aidan shrugged as he guided her through a graceful turn. The remainder of their dance was filled with hushed conversation about Quintessa and her mysterious nature.
When the waltz concluded, Aidan escorted Viviane back to their table. "Is this body a simulation or an actual creation?" he asked, studying Quintessa's regal and strikingly beautiful features.
"A simulation," she replied curtly.
"Understood. Now, what have you been considering? Do you have additional requirements beyond our original discussion?"
"I'm willing to share my knowledge with you, but in addition to helping me restore Cybertron, you must modify the Space Bridge to function bidirectionally. If Cybertron faces destruction, your Earth will share the same fate." Her tone was matter-of-fact, but her eyes held steel. "I don't trust humanity. If the power to destroy Cybertron rests solely in human hands, any future cooperation will inevitably result in my people becoming enslaved. I understand human greed and ugliness all too well. My original intention in creating Cybertron was to birth ideal beings."
Aidan's brow furrowed as he considered her words. "Very well. After I modify your energy siphon, I'll provide you with the scepter. However, I'll install a detection system. If you attempt to destroy Earth, our planet will detect the threat in advance, sever the teleportation bridge, and the resulting spatial energy rupture will annihilate Cybertron as well. Conversely, if Earth moves to destroy Cybertron, you can obliterate Earth through the scepter before the Space Bridge disconnects." This arrangement created a perfect stalemate—mutual assured destruction. The "great straw" device that Quintessa had designed to absorb Unicron's life force would serve as the ultimate deterrent for both sides.
"Acceptable," Quintessa nodded with approval. "I'll remain on Earth for a period and transmit my knowledge to you directly."
"Are you hungry?" Aidan asked suddenly, his tone shifting to something more casual. "I have some energy snacks made from solar power. Hot Rod and the others are quite fond of them. Since they've traveled all this way to Earth, proper hospitality is the least we can offer. Besides, we'll be working together for some time, so you should get accustomed to our customs."
Quintessa paused, considering the unexpected offer. "Very well."
"Miss Wembly, would you care to join us?" Aidan turned to include Viviane.
"Absolutely," Viviane replied with determination.
The three made their way to the room specially prepared for entertaining Bumblebee and the other Transformers. In the spacious chamber, Hot Rod and his companions lounged against the walls, contentedly consuming the energy crystals in their hands.
"Hey, Hot Rod, how's the flavor?" Aidan asked as they entered.
"You really shouldn't have invited Bumblebee and the others," Hot Rod grumbled, shooting the yellow Autobot a mock glare. "If it were just me, I could have enjoyed all of these in peace."
"You're such a selfish bore," Drift, the samurai Autobot, chimed in, tossing crystals into his mouth one by one like potato chips, each bite producing a satisfying crunch. "I passed you the ball at least three times today."
"Your creator is here—save some for her," Aidan said, picking up a crystal and tossing it playfully at Hot Rod.
"Oh, right." Hot Rod waved dismissively but still shifted to make room. The others turned to regard Quintessa with curious optics.
For reasons she couldn't entirely explain, Quintessa found herself moved by the peaceful scene before her. This was what her ideal creatures should be like—not the savage, war-hungry beings that had populated Cybertron.
"Here you go," Bumblebee said politely, offering some energy crystals with genuine warmth.
Quintessa's expression softened as she looked at Bumblebee, then accepted the crystals with something approaching a smile. These energy supplements had been developed through extensive experimentation, with Autobots like Bumblebee serving as willing test subjects.
The banquet concluded smoothly, and Aidan piloted a spacecraft toward the ignition device hovering above Stonehenge. The ship he commanded had once belonged to Lockdown, claimed as spoils of war when the mecha forces captured it. The various alien creatures imprisoned aboard had been transferred to human research facilities, while Lockdown and his subordinates had been eliminated by Megatron, Optimus Prime, and their allies. Aidan had seen no reason to spare such a ruthless bounty hunter.
Approximately one year later, Earth projected another energy beam into space, reaching Cybertron's core through the reserved Space Bridge channel. Connected through the scepter, the life force of Unicron—slumbering within Earth's depths—began its gradual transfer. As vitality flowed into the withered star core of Cybertron, the dead planet began to pulse with renewed life.
Once the energy flow stabilized, the beam began to diminish, shrinking from the width of a pillar to something no thicker than rope. True to their agreement, Quintessa refrained from absorbing excessive amounts of Unicron's life force. The connection between the two worlds was established.
After informing all of humanity about the scepter and the space bridge's primary column, Aidan traveled to Cybertron through the teleportation bridge and began his intensive education under Quintessa's guidance.
When humans on Earth learned that Aidan had given Quintessa the scepter, some voices rose in condemnation. Critics branded him a world destroyer, claiming he was unworthy of being Earth's savior. Those voices didn't last long. Aidan commanded legions of devoted followers across the globe, and his reputation as a magician had elevated him to near-godlike status. Some humans had even begun worshipping statues erected in his honor.
More and more Cybertronians arrived on Earth, gradually integrating into human society. Nations could now choose to establish space pillars on their territory, enabling direct diplomacy with Cybertron. Some countries, however, lacked this privilege.
After an immeasurable period of study, Aidan finally completed his education and returned to Earth.
Chicago
"Are you willing to follow me?" On a raised platform in the heart of Chicago, Aidan addressed the assembled Transformers led by Optimus Prime and Megatron. The city had been completely transformed—every building constructed from specialized steel, filled with diplomatic and technological experts from nations worldwide. With the thick blue light column at its center and its distinctive cyberpunk architectural style, Chicago had been rechristened Future Technology City.
"Yes! We will follow!" Many Transformers dropped to one knee in unison, expressing their loyalty without reservation. Those who harbored doubts had already departed.
"You understand that once I lead you away, you may never return to this place. Are you absolutely certain of your choice?" Aidan's voice carried the weight of finality.
A long silence stretched across the gathering. No one wavered.
"Very well," Aidan said, his voice resonating with quiet authority. "Surrender your sparks to me."
PLZ THROW POWERSTONES.