eugenesis-text

‘But there could be more of them,’ protested Throwback, running along the crater’s edge and
dodging sweeping spotlights. He grabbed the rising MARB with one hand, flung the case at Dirge’s feet
and scrambled on board. ‘What about Decepticon bodies’
‘What about ‘em’ Dirge transformed into jet mode and accelerated away from the dumping ground,
leaving Throwback to pilot the MARB. The Autobot watched the Decepticon’s fag-end thrusters disappear
and thumbed in co-ordinates for Korten.
‘Now,’ said Optimus Prime, ‘let’s try this again.’
Galvatron said nothing. He was still in his holding rack. When he moved, the sound of sparking limbs
was delivered into the packed viewing gallery.
‘I am prepared to make you an offer. Information for freedom: a simple exchange. Tell me everything
you know about Aquaria and I will set you free.’
‘Why should I trust you’ Galvatron said at length. ‘Oh yes, because you’re the legendary Optimus
Prime, miraculously resurrected! Autobot trickery. Very cheap, very tasteless. Prime died 25 years ago.’
‘So I’m led to understand.’
‘I killed him, you know. I pulled his fuel pump out through his throat and he was glad to die.’
‘Unlike you, Galvatron, I am not prone to exaggeration. So when I tell you that time is running out
you would do well to listen. I’ve given you a choice, now give me an answer.’
‘Aquaria… is an ocean planet. The seawater is corrosive to Transformers. Xenon, the Quintesson
commander, uses it as an instrument of torture.’
Siren closed the intercom and turned to the other spectators. ‘It’s worse that we imagined. I thought
Swerve and Pincher were dealing with some kind of customised toxin, something artificial. How many
planets did Xenon check out before finding that one’
Prime re-opened channels. ‘And does this Xenon intend to travel to Cybertron’
‘I don’t know.’
‘How many Quintessons are left on Aquaria’
‘I don’t know.’
‘Did Xenon discuss the Matrix with you’
‘No.’
‘Did he discuss strategy’
‘No.’
‘Did he—’
‘This is hopeless,’ muttered Siren. ‘He knows less than we do.’
Nightbeat touched Prime’s arm. ‘Do you think Xenon has the Matrix’
‘I doubt he would entrust it to any of his subordinates.’ Optimus turned to Siren. ‘I agree with you:
there’s nothing else he can tell us. Have someone release him.’
Siren half-smiled. ‘You’re not serious.’
‘I gave him my word. He co-operated.’
‘But he told us nothing!’
‘That’s hardly the point.’
‘You’re right! He could have given us a hand-painted blueprint of the Quintessons’ headquarters,
defused an Inhibitor Chip, transcribed Xenon’s masterplan and synthesised a cure for corrodia gravis I still
wouldn’t loosen one single bolt on that rack! He’s a Decepticon, Optimus, and we’re—’
‘—Autobots. My point exactly.’
‘This is 2012! The Autobot Code is no longer binding: we make allowances these days. He’s the
Decepticon leader! He’s responsible for the deaths of billions.’
‘You don’t need to remind me of Megatron’s war crimes, Siren: I lived them. His release is not a
matter for debate.’ Optimus opened the door. ‘If you won’t free him I’ll do so myself.’
Moments later, Optimus appeared on the other side of the glass and began tending to Galvatron’s
padlocks. ‘You’re free to go,’ he said.
Galvatron massaged his neck as the brace fell away. ‘So it is you. How did they bring you back’
‘They have their methods. I will escort you from the base, and you can—’