Final Eden

The two fighter craft emerged from hyperspace into the darkness of the void. Matt immediately noticed that there was an absence of celestial bodies around them merely distant stars.

“Face, are we in the right place? I don’t see anything...”

“Indeed,” the other replied over inter-Decepticon radio. “Appearances, however, can be deceiving.”

“What does that mea–“ Gwen started. “Oh!”

Space twisted in front of them, warping into a bright blue-purple anomaly as they watched.

“Follow me,” Face radioed, moving toward the mass as he did. Matt mentally ordered Talon to follow after his mentor.

There was a brief electrical disturbance as he entered the event horizon of the distortion then just as abruptly, the sensors returned to normal once more. Behind them, the distortion twisted and collapsed in on itself, cutting them off from escape.

Matt glanced up to see a large green-blue world beyond them. Two moons orbited in the distance calmly. Further beyond, a white star shone brilliantly illuminating part of the surface.

“What the hell?” he began.

“It’s an interdimensional passageway,” Face explained. “Our kind can hide weapons in sub-space and also use it to acquire or store additional mass for transformation. This is merely an extension of that concept. A pocket realm where an entire planet has been stored...”

“But... why?” Gwen asked.

“All will be revealed shortly,” Face replied. “First off, I would like you to meet the inhabitants of this place so that you might better appreciate the reasons for all of this.”

“Never a straight answer, eh?” Matt quipped. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Life is always better with a little mystery,” the other replied. “If we already know everything to expect in our lives then what is there to look forward to?”

Matt chuckled. “Good point.”

The two of them descended toward the surface...

The world was lush and green. That was the first thing Matt noticed upon their landing on the surface. The second was what appeared to be a nearby settlement made up of bizarre, geometrically shaped buildings that bore little resemblance to Earth’s.

The sky was a gentle teal far above them, few clouds littered the view from the ground and he realized he was relieved to be on a planet again instead of traveling in a large ship or space station somewhere.

Gwen breathed deeply nearby. “The air is so fresh,” she said. “I hadn’t realized I’d missed that.”

He inhaled as well. “You’re right,” he replied, exhaling. “It feels good after everything.”

Face reconfigured into his bi-ped mode nearby and glanced about. “I am glad this world meets with your approval,” he said.

“I don’t know if it does,” Matt confessed. “But we’re off to a good start, anyway.”

“If fresh air impresses you then you must not be as picky as I’d remembered,” Gwen quipped, smiling.

Matt was about to respond when he noticed three Transformers were moving toward them. The trio moved at a casual pace and he didn’t detect hostility from them.

“Greetings, Face,” the middle one spoke. “It is good to see you again.”

“And you, old friend.” Face gestured to Matt and Gwen. “I have brought these two humans here with me. There was nowhere else they could go and be safe.”

The other regarded them. “I see,” he said.

“Where are we?” Matt asked. “What is this place?”

“You are full of questions,” he answered. “That is good. To question, is to begin a journey to knowledge.”

“But–“

The other smiled. ”Welcome to Harmony,” he said, cutting him off. “This is a very special place. We came here long ago and separated it from the rest of the Galaxy so that we could remove ourselves from war and strife. We sought inner peace, a harmony with the cosmos that has eluded our kind thus far.”

“He is called Takra Ronin,” Face explained. “He is one of the greatest of all Transformers. Millennia ago, he was responsible for the creation of the martial art, Metallikato.”

“It was the beginning of my journey,” he chimed in. “I sought to quell the uncertainty in my core so I sought a method–many methods, in fact–to find unity between my mind and my heart. Over time, others began to join me in my quest...”

“I’d always assumed Metallikato was about becoming a better fighter,” Matt said. He glanced at Gwen. “Face tried to get me to meditate and learn how to clear my mind. I’d assumed it was so I could combat Starscream more effectively.”

“It is true that our art resulted in better form as a warrior,” Takra agreed. “Warriors such as Bludgeon took that from my teachings. However, that was only an asset of the form not its main purpose.”

“To become one with one’s self is to find harmony in one’s soul,” Face added. “When one finds personal harmony, they find unity with the universe.”

“I am pleased that you recall your teachings,” Takra said to him. “You always were one of my more gifted students.”

“I am honored by your words.” Face bowed slightly.

Takra glanced at Matt. “What are your names?” he asked.

“I’m Matt Kirkby and this,” he gestured to Gwen. ”Is Gwen Piterson. We were both once of Earth.”

“The local name for Sol Three,” Face added.

“As refugees or as fellow students, both of you are welcome among us,” Takra informed them. “There are a few rules we hold important here–most of which you can be informed of later. The two primary ones are this; violence is forbidden on Harmony. We came here and colonized this world to escape the war and the death. We are not interested in introducing ourselves to violence once more. The second rule, is that you if you ever wish to leave you must swear yourself to secrecy regarding Harmony’s location and existence. We do not wish the Autobots, Decepticons or any other potential threats to learn of this place.”

“Sounds reasonable to me,” Matt said.

“Didn’t Face technically break the rule by bringing us here?” Gwen glanced at the Decepticon. “Sorry, I was just thinking aloud.”

“I believe Face had the best of intentions.” Takra regarded his former pupil. “He is often mysterious in his motivations but his instincts serve him well. Perhaps he saw something in you that lead him to believe you would wish to seek the path to enlightenment as well.”

Matt glanced at Face. “Is that true? You brought us here to learn Metallikato because you saw something in us that made you believe we needed it?”

“I brought you here for sanctuary,” Face replied. “Because it is safe and both of you require peace. Whether either of you wishes to pursue the discipline to master your own harmony, is a decision you must reach on your own.”

Matt nodded. “Fair enough.”

“Come. I shall introduce you to our world.” Takra turned and lead them toward the city.

* * *

It had been a long day and Matt was still trying to grasp everything he’d seen in his short time on Harmony.

The world was initially a Cybertronian settlement that Takra Ronin and his small group of followers had established but somehow others had also come here to learn his teachings. There were a few humans–or humanoids of some sort, anyway, as well as several other species he didn’t immediately recognize. He wondered if Face had lead them here too or whether they’d found their way here some other way. Perhaps other followers of Metallikato had lead them here, sensing that they needed to come.

The colony was composed primarily of Cybertronian designed architecture with a few newer and more exotic constructs thrown into the mix. He hadn’t realized that the Transformers believed in such odd design aesthetics–of course, he’d never actually visited Cybertron in his short time among the Decepticons nor had he had time to extensively study their architecture in the ship’s records.

It had also added another dimension to his mysterious Decepticon mentor. He had never been certain of the other’s motives although it had become clear he wanted to help him out. He still wasn’t certain of Face’s motives but the fact he’d discovered the other’s past here helped bring him a bit of clarity to the haze that Face seemed to enjoy surrounding himself with. He had to remember to inquire with Takra about Face’s time here and see if he could find out more.

Takra’s stewart–or aide, whatever he was–had assigned Gwen and himself quarters in a low building that had obviously been designed to accommodate beings of their size and needs. There were several other rooms but he hadn’t heard noise coming from them and he hadn’t been up to introducing himself to any would-be neighbors at any rate.

The apartment was spacious, comfortable and seemed designed for all his needs. After a brief tour of his new living arrangements, he’d settled on to the bed and found that he’d drifted off to sleep. Upon awakening, he’d discovered the sky outside was mostly still dark and figured it was still somewhere in the planet’s pre-dawn.

It hadn’t registered with him how long he’d gone without proper sleep until he’d awoke. They’d been so busy in the last few days with everything. He realized he hadn’t really slept since before they’d arrived at Grand Central Space Station and encountered Starscream’s assault force.

It was still hard to believe their fortune, encountering him precisely when they did. He’d often wondered if Face knew things he didn’t–or, failing that, if he possessed some sort of awareness of the Universe around him. Had Metallikato honed his mind somehow or had it indeed all been coincidence and Matt was just reading too much into things? It didn’t ultimately matter but it had piqued his curiosity just the same.

He’d come a long way to end up here. From the chaos of the Decepticon attack and Project Excalibur all the way through his teachings with Face and his attempts to reach Gwen. It had been a whirlwind these last few weeks and he’d had little time to just sit and think about everything until now.

Would they be remaining here on Harmony, he wondered, and if so, what would the future hold for him and Gwen? Would Face also remain or did he wish to return to the Dark Glory and whatever life he had there?

And what about Whisper, he wondered. Would his binary partner wish to remain here indefinitely or would he want to go back too? Was that even possible? Yet, if Face could separate Gwen from Starscream then he assumed he could do it for Matt too.

He heard a noise outside his bedroom and stirred slightly, tensing up to react to potential danger. His door opened softly and just as he was about to leap from the bed, Gwen peeked through the opening.

“Gwen!” He exclaimed.

“Sorry to scare you,” she said. “It’s late and I wasn’t certain you were awake.”

“I slept awhile but woke up a few minutes ago,” he replied. “What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t sleep,” she replied, walking into the room. “Not very well, anyway. I kept waking up. Bad dreams... I took a chance and noticed your door wasn’t locked, so...”

He nodded. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Gwen settled onto the opposite side of the bed and he noticed she was wearing some sort of kimono-style bathrobe. It was a little loose over her chest and he was suddenly keenly aware that he wasn’t wearing that much himself underneath the covers.

“It’s all about Starscream,” she replied, not seeming to notice. “This is my first night without being possessed by him in...I don’t even know how long. It’s weird... lonely in some ways but he’s still there in my nightmares, waiting for me.”

“I imagine it will be an adjustment,” Matt said, forgetting his momentary discomfort. “But no matter what you dream, that’s all it is now. Dreams. He can’t hurt you anymore...”

“He did enough.” She met his gaze. “Will you tell me the truth about something?”

He shrugged. “I guess.”

“Why did you bond with that body shell in the first place?” she demanded. “You planned to steal it, didn’t you?”

“You already know the answer,” he replied.

“But I don’t understand why,” she said. “What did you hope to gain? Power? A place among the Decepticons ranks?”

He shook his head. “Nothing so grandiose. I originally had a buyer set up to take it off my hands for a tidy profit,” he explained. “I’d been pilfering data, Transformers tech and the like for years, making money on the side.”

“I guess I’m disappointed.” She stared off at the far wall. “I’d assumed it was something else...”

“It was dishonest, I admit.“ He shrugged. “But you have to understand my life–I grew up on the streets with no family. I learned early on that if I wanted something, I had to take it–or somebody else would.”

“You worked for Blackrock,” she threw back. “You had your wealth and your prestige as the Director of Excalibur. Why didn’t you just learn to stop while you were ahead?”

“I honestly don’t know, Gwen,” he told her. “I guess by this point in my life it had just become ingrained in me to take advantage of a situation–and the Project seemed like the mother load of opportunities.”

“But it went wrong,” she replied. “So terribly wrong...”

“Things moved far faster then I’d ever expected them to,” Matt admitted. “The Decepticons pushed harder and faster then I’d believed possible. And the Autobots never came back to help us–something I’d expected. I thought I could have that armor out and gone long before I did. Shows what I know...”

“I thought you’d been kidnaped.” Gwen chuckled. ”I thought you’d done it to be heroic and the armor had seized control of you somehow...” She shook her head. “God, I’m dense sometimes!”

“Is that why you took Starscream?” he asked. “I remember we’d designed it to be a last line of defense for the base. It was an unfinished prototype... you took it to try and save me?”

She nodded. “And in the end, you had to go and save me. I find that ironic...”

He glanced at the woman beside him and considered her a moment. It was all a strange set of consequences that had lead them down the path they had traveled.

“I’m sorry I treated you so casually,” he said. “I always just saw you as my flirtatious secretary–an object of desire not really as a person. I missed your caring side–you have a really noble side to have done what you did for me.”

“I didn’t do that much,” she replied. “Starscream saw to that.”

“You had the best of intentions and I can’t fault you for that.” He smiled. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I just wish I’d heeded the Project’s advice and not bonded with the shell–I couldn’t handle Starscream’s influence in my mind.”

“To be fair, the shell wasn’t completely ready and it’s clear Starscream had a very powerful mind. I doubt anyone else would have fared any better with him.”

She considered that. “So you don’t think I was too emotionally unstable to bond with a Transformer?”

“Those tests were just preliminary psyche profiles,” Matt told her. “To sort out the more orderly minds from the more chaotic ones. Edwards wanted to make sure we had good little soldiers in control of our toys, remember?”

She said nothing at that.

“It was the requirement,” Matt said. “I’m sure under difference circumstances, things would’ve been different. As it was, Buster Witwickity wasn’t material for bonding either–but he insisted on it and Blackrock pushed that through. As it was, he was bonded with the remnants of a dead Autobot and lucked out. If we’d put him with Starscream though... same outcome.”

“Maybe not exactly the same,” Gwen muttered. “Why did you come after me?”

He shrugged. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” He met her gaze and smiled.

“I had serious concerns about your mental health then Face stepped in and told me what was really going on. I still don’t know how he knew, just that he did. And that was good enough for me.”

“Why put your life on the line for someone else?” she asked. “You said it yourself–you grew up rough and looked out for number one, first and foremost. Why bother with a lowly woman?”

Matt gazed into her eyes, searching them. “Do you know how hard it is to find a good secretary?” he said finally.

She smiled at that. “Executive assistant, you mean. I expect a big bonus after all this,” she replied, giggling.

“Done and done.”

Gwen moved closer and kissed him then. He felt her soft lips against his, her soft red lockes tickled his neck and he took in her aroma.

She moved back and off the bed.

“I think it’s time I properly thanked you,” she whispered. She opened her robe and let it slide to the floor before climbing back in beside him.

“I–“ he began but she stopped him, kissing him again, this time more passionately and climbing atop him.

He felt her soft naked flesh atop him. She was warm and soft and he was keenly aware of her breasts rubbing against his bared chest.

She felt wonderful against him even though a part of him knew he should make her stop. This didn’t seem quite right to him–but he really didn’t want it to stop. Finally, he mustered up his will and pushed her gently back.

“What’s the matter?” she whispered. “Don’t you want me?”

Her met her eyes, gazing into them. “It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just... isn’t this a little bit fast?”

She sat up, straddling him as she did. “Are you kidding me? After all we’ve been through!”

He glanced down. “Um, do you want to...”

She sighed and slid off of him.

“Why does this have to be so difficult?” she whispered.

“Gwen, listen, it’s not that I don’t want you, but isn’t this–isn’t this awfully soon after everything you’ve been through?” Matt gazed into her dark eyes. “You need time to come to terms with everything that’s happened.”

“I just want to forget it all,” she whispered. “You don’t know what it was like–no one could possibly understand!” She felt tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

“I know,” Matt spoke softly. “But I want to help...”

“He used me like a tool...” she cried. “There was no mercy, no pity... no concern for my welfare. I was just... a means to an end...”

Matt reached over and embraced her, holding her gently in his arms.

“I was never a slut, but he used me with the other Headmasters...” she whispered. “I murdered Grax–he was a pig, but I killed him! And Cyreicles–I used him and then snapped his neck when I was done with him. He didn’t deserve that...” She looked into Matt’s eyes. “Oh God, what kind of monster have I become?”

“It wasn’t you, Gwen,” he told her softly. “It was all Starscream. You wouldn’t have hurt anyone–you know that, deep down. He made you do those things–all of them.”

“Can we be sure of that?” she cried. “What if...you were right... what if I’m unstable somewhere deep down and I... I didn’t fight hard enough? What if I wanted him to control me? To let me do those awful things?”

“Gwen...” He met her gaze. “Nobody’s perfect but I know you well enough to know you don’t have that in you. Anything you ever did... was kind hearted. You may have a dark side, but sometimes wanting to kill your boss isn’t the same as actually doing it. It was different with Starscream–he had no scruples and he made you do whatever he wanted. You had no choice.”

She collapsed against his chest, sobbing softly.

“We’ll get through this together,” he whispered. “It’s going to take time and it’s not going to be easy, but we’ll get through it. You’ll see...”

“Thank you...” she sobbed. “For everything...”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” he said in a soothing tone. “It’ll all be better. Trust me.”

* * *

“You seem well.” Takra gave Face a small cylinder full of energon. “It is good to have you back here.”

Face took the cylinder and regarded the spectral quality of the fluid. “It is good to return to Harmony. I am afraid however that I cannot stay.”

They moved to two seats in the large chamber they occupied. It was Takra Ronin’s personal lounge, located in the building that had become his home. The lounge existed to entertain visitors, however seldom he seemed to receive any.

“I am not surprised.” Takra regarded him. “The universe’s problems are not all yours to resolve. You must trust that things will attend themselves in the due course of time.”

Face nodded. “You are correct as always, Master.”

The other waited a moment. “However...”

Face smiled. “You know me too well,” he replied. “I am concerned with events of late. There are many things occurring in the Galaxy, forces that appear to be maneuvering toward some unknown purpose.”

“This is nothing new nor any thing of surprise,” Takra interjected.

“That is true. However, something unusual is occurring,” he explained. “Megatron was resurrected by some mysterious race and given great power to recreate his Empire in their service. Other events have coincided with their presence. I have a sense that there is a great shifting of powers in the Universe, that some sort of darkness is about to be made manifest.”

Takra listened intently. “I see,” he said. “Do you believe your presence among Megatron’s ranks will shift events to a more favorable outcome then would occur otherwise?”

“I am warrior of many means,” Face replied. “My face is concealed yet I see far more then others believe. It is possible my perspective or even my abilities may be of some use in the coming conflict.”

“I do not doubt that assertion.” Takra sipped at his drink and eased back into the chair he was seated in. “Tell me, do you believe Harmony is safe from this threat?”

Face was silent a moment, considering. “I do not believe anywhere is truly safe until this matter is resolved.”

“Are you concerned for the Humans well being?” Takra asked. “I do not believe you would have brought them here without great cause.”

“This place is safe for them,” Face responded. “Matthew has grown much in my tutelage and I believe he will flourish further in this environment, where he is given the chance to better understand who he truly is.”

“And the female?”

“She has suffered greatly at the hands of her former partner,” Face said. “She has been through more pain and terror then anyone should ever experience. She must heal and become whole again. Through Metallikato and with Matthew’s support, I believe she will find her salvation.” He looked up to meet Takra’s optics. “Does this answer your question?”

“Indeed.” The other nodded.

“You did not inquire as to whether my motives also involved the safety of this colony,” Face observed. “I assure you I am actively interested in making sure Harmony and its people are kept secret and safe from outsiders.”

“I did not inquire because I already knew your motivation where we are concerned, my pupil,” Takra assured him. “You are a mechanoid of many secrets but I know your core. You wear the sigil of the Decepticon but you are one of us at heart. I do not doubt your sincerity.”

“Thank you, Master.” Face bowed slightly.

“I speak only the truth as I see it.” The other sipped at his drink. “Now, speak to me of matters outside our home.”

“There are many things to relay,” Face began. “I shall try my best not to be remiss...”

* * *

It had been two days since they’d come to Harmony. Late the previous evening, Takra had appeared and explained to them that Face would be leaving early in the morning.

Matt had worried something like that might happen. Unfortunately, it had been dark by the time word had reached him and Gwen hadn’t wanted him to leave her alone so he’d foregone seeking out his erstwhile Mentor until now.

Gwen had accompanied him as well. She seemed to rapidly be re-establishing her former bond with him from before she’d merged with Starscream. There was more, though. A new sense of closeness existed between them and he’d decided he liked it. They knew each other so well after all they’d been through. With time, he hoped she would truly be able to overcome her trauma and then, who knew where they’d go from there.

Face was waiting for them when they arrived at the spot they’d landed at two days earlier. Talon’s jet form still remained there, housing Whisper’s consciousness. Takra Ronin was also present.

“I hear you’re leaving,” Matt said to Face.

“Unfortunately, I must take my leave of you all for the time being,” he replied. “There are some matters I must attend to on the Dark Glory.”

“Why are you going back there?” Matt asked. “Surely Starscream will show up sooner or later!”

“Megatron’s benefactors are an unknown element,” Face replied. “I believe they are a threat that is biding their time to strike out at our kind. If that occurs, all of our kind may be in danger. Measured up against that, Starscream will be the least of the Decepticons worries.”

“Won’t you have been missed?” Gwen chimed in. “Surely someone will have noticed you were gone.”

Face smiled. “I have my methods...” he said. “I will be fine. However, I wanted to make certain the two of you were safe here before I returned so that I would not have to fear for your safety.”

“In other words, we’d just get in the way...” Matt smiled.

“You are assets in any battle,” Face replied. “However, you must remain here for the time being and take the time necessary to hone your edge in order to be most effective.”

“What about me?” Whisper asked nearby. “If Matt’s going to stay here and become a new man, I’d like to get a new head out of the deal.”

“That can be arranged fairly easily,” Takra replied. “We have the resources here–just as long as you promise to abide by our rules.”

“No problem,” the other assured him. “I just want my freedom again.”

“I don’t suppose there’s anything we can say to talk you out of this,” Matt said to Face. “Just be careful, okay?”

“I shall.” Face nodded. “Fear not, I will return as soon as I am able.”

“May good fortune favor your path,” Takra chimed in.

“I shall endeavor to make you proud,” Face replied.

“You already have, my pupil.” Takra’s optics glowed at that, the equivalent of a smile from a Transformer with no mouth design. “Farewell.”

“Good luck,” Gwen called out as Face transformed into his spacecraft mode. “And thank you for everything!”

“Farewell,” Face said, lifting off into the sky.

“Goodbye.” Matt watched along with the others as his former mentor soared into the heavens and disappeared.

He hoped Face would return safely and not be gone too long. He owed the mysterious Decepticon a lot and one day, perhaps, he hoped he would be able to return some of favor, even if in only a small way.

‘I wouldn’t worry about him. He’s a survivor,’ Whisper’s voice said in his mind.

“You’re right, he is,” he agreed. “He’ll be back.”

Matt glanced at Gwen who was looking at him curiously and smiled. His life had changed–apparently for the better and it was time now to let go of the past and embrace the future and whatever surprises it held in store for him.