Though there had, until recently, been peace between the Autobots and the Decepticons, there were still understandable tensions when the two groups mixed.  Thus, unofficially of course, Cybertons major cities had been chosen for habitation by one group or the other.  This is not to say, of course, that one group was barred from another’s city, or that it was impossible to live there.  It was simply that most Transformers felt more comfortable with members of their own groups, and tended to congregate thusly.

     Polyhex, then, could be considered the main Decepticon city.  With few Autobots living within its borders, it was the main sight of Decepticon meetings and industry on the planet.  The small contingent of Autobots living in the city, mostly government officials, often complained of feeling cut off and isolated.

 The Decepticon elite, however, enjoyed the freedom having the city in their hands provided.  One of those elite was, of course, Megatron.  He had, not long after the end of hostilities, set up a semi-permanent residence here, and enjoyed coming back whenever he could.  This time, however, it was no mere bout of homesickness that drew him here.  There were important matters to discuss with his compatriots.

     “This situation is intolerable.” Snaptrap said.  The Seacon leader was one of the select few gathered around the table.  “This Autobot slander is outrageous.  To think that they would blame us for the all the petty troubles today.”

     “Agreed.” Hook said.  Though the Constructicons had no true leader, Megatron had appointed Hook to represent them.  “As though we would be so sloppy.  Had we Decepticons truly wished to start another war, we would have simply bombed all the capitals, killing the Autobot leaders.”

     “Regardless, the Autobot public now blames us for terrorist actions.” Soundwave added.  “That we are innocent will seem irrelevant.  Plans must now be made.”

     “Indeed.” Megatron said.  As befit his position, Megatron was seated at the head of the table.  “I had been preparing for this, but after the destruction in Rubigen, things accelerated beyond my expectations.  We are not yet ready to take our rightful place as rulers of Cybertron.  But we will.”  He paused, leaning back in his chair.  “Now, however, we must keep the Autobots from becoming even more suspicious.  After the stupidity of the Combaticons,” he paused, and waved his hand negligently, “yes, it was them.  In any event, we must now try and salvage some of the situation.  The Autobots are fools, but some amongst them are hot-headed enough to cause problems.  We need something to remove the threat we apparently pose.” Megatron said with a chuckle.

     “Surrender the Combaticons.” Snaptrap offered.  “It’s their fault we’re in this mess.  Let them get us out of it.”

     “The Combaticons have gone into hiding.” Soundwave said.  “Added to that, we hardly want to surrender the gestalt.  There are few enough teams remaining whole that they are quite valuable.”

     “So that’s why you called us here, eh?” Hook said.  “Make sure the big guys are still with
you?”

     “Of course.” Megatron said.  “You didn’t think this was a social visit, did you?  Now, we must come to some sort of conclusion.” he finished.  With that, the four Decepticons set to work, and eventually came up with the best possible idea.  Now, to put it into action.

     A few days after the meeting in Polyhex, the Decepticon leaders made a shocking announcement.  In every city, in every dwelling, Transformers were informed of the momentous decision that had been reached in a small dwelling in Polyhex.

     “Decepticons of Cybertron, it has become obvious that things have changed.” Megatron said.  “The climate here has turned frigid towards us, and we are not welcome in some places.  Tensions have arisen between us and the Autobots, and though they are understandable, it is obvious that integration came too soon.”  There was a pause, as Megatron seemed to gather his thoughts, before he continued.

     “Thus, we know now that we must give ourselves more time.  Eventually, we will be able to come to terms with our Autobot brethren, but not yet.  So, this is what must be done; effective immediately, we Decepticons will return to Polyhex, Viridia and the surrounding areas.  We want to point out that this is in no means meant to force Autobots from our midst.  Rather, we seek to remove ourselves from the troubles that come from interaction with the Autobots.”  Again, Megtron paused, but this time it was more for effect.

     “Stay strong in these coming times, my fellow Decepticons.  We will bring peace to Cybertron, someday.”  All over Cybertron, Autobots and Decepticons sat or stood, watched or listened to Megtrons speech, and reacted in an infinite number of ways.  Some were shocked into silence, others enraged, and many simply left speechless.

     In the days that followed, discussion about the broadcast was everywhere, and everyone had their own opinion.  Though many were way off, many others came close to guessing Megatrons true reason, though it was likely they would never know.

     Prime, for his part, had been caught completely off guard.  Though he had, of course, seen the trouble brewing on the streets, and felt the withdrawal of Megatron and Soundwave from the Council sessions, he had never expected something of this magnitude.

     A few days after the broadcast, Prime called  a meeting of his advisors.  Along with himself and Grimlock, the meeting included Goldbug, Silverbolt, Ironhide, Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack.  The last member was here representing Rubigen, as Wheeljack had been Kup’s main advisor.

     “All right, we all saw Megatrons message last night, correct?” Optimus asked.  After receiving positive nods from around the table, he continued.  “Now, I want to know what’s happening out there first.  Silverbolt?” he asked.  Silverbolt had shared command of Polyhex with Motormaster, and that was the main Decepticon city.  As such, what was going on in there would give valuable insight into feelings across the planet.

     “Shortly after Megatrons broadcast, we began to receive Decepticons in Polyhex.  They were coming in ones and twos at first, but after a while, it seemed like a steady procession.” Silverbolt said.  The Aerialbot leader sounded a little tired, and Prime doubted he had gotten much rest recently.  “Autobots are beginning to move out, as well.  It seems not many of them like the prospect of living in the midst of a predominantly Decepticon society.”

     Turning to the next city commander, Prime invited his comments.  “The Decepticons are pulling out fast, sir.” Ultra Magnus said.  “Estimates place over half the Decepticon population of Crystal City gone already.  And, we’re starting to receive Autobots from Polyhex and Viridia.”

     Ironhide was next, speaking for Viridian.  “Similar story as Silverbolts.  The ‘Cons are streaming in, and the Autobots are pulling out.  I figure another day, day and a half tops, and the Decepticon population will have at least doubled.  Meanwhile, the Autobot population’s down to about a third the original.”

     “They’re almost totally cleared out of Rubigen.” Wheeljack said.  “Hardly surprising, given the prevalent anti-Decepticon sentiments floating around.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they were all gone by the time I returned.  However, we haven’t had too many Autobots coming in.  I guess the thought of living in a crater isn’t exactly pleasant."  Nobody laughed at the joke.

     Last, Grimlock spoke up.  “Population of Cybertropolis not changing too much.  Bunch of Decepticons leave, but not like in other cities.” he said, indicting Ultra Magnus and Wheeljack.  “Cybertropolis always touted as neutral city, so many merchants and business men stay.  Military and political bots almost gone though.”  Optimus nodded his head once Grimlock was finished.  It was about what he had expected, really.  Shortly, he doubted the Decepticon populations in Crystal City and Rubigen would be more than a couple hundred.

     Turning now to the real reason he had called this reason, Optimus began to speak.  “Now,” he said, “what is Megtron doing?” he asked.  Everyone was silent for  few moments, and Goldbug was the first to speak up.

     “It’s a prelude to invasion.” he offered, in a tone that said anyone would be foolish not to think that.  “They’re marshalling their forces away from the public eye.  In anywhere from  few weeks to a month from now, expect Decepticons to come pouring back into Autobot cities.  Only this time, they’ll come armed.”  Prime sighed, quietly.  Goldbug had seemed a little worked up lately.  Maybe he should have Ratchet take a look at him.

     “Don’t be paranoid.” Ultra Magnus responded.  “If they wanted to start a war, they would have done to Crystal City and Cybertropolis what they did to Rubigen.”  He paused for a moment, gathering his thought.  “No, I think Megtron may actually be on the level here.  Tensions have been running high lately, and maybe Megatron just doesn’t want another civil war to break out.”

     From across the table, Grimlock snorted.  “Only peace Megatron want is piece of universe.  Grimlock say Goldbug right; Decepticons stop to reload, then come back at us.” he said.  Optimus had expected no less of Grimlock.  Though in many ways he had changed, Grimlock was still a pretty violent Autobot..

     “I have to disagree.” Silverbolt said.  “The Decepticons have had ample time to launch a new offensive, and surely they would have had  better chance had they started before every Autobot on Cybertron was up in arms against them.  I have to agree with Ultra Magnus on this.” he finished.

     Optimus noticed that Wheeljack hadn’t spoken yet.  Turning to him, Optimus asked what Wheeljack thought of the situation.  “Well,” he responded, “I haven’t seen any buildup of arms or ammunition anywhere, so it looks like they might be serious about laying low.”  Optimus could see the ‘but’ hovering on Wheeljacks tongue, and he waited to see what it was.  “However, they could easily have smuggled in small arms and needed ammunition in secret.  It would be rash to move too quickly , but could be dangerous not to react at all.” he finished.  As usual, Wheeljack had proven to be a calming influence.  Meanwhile, Optimus could hear the other arguing in the background.  It seemed that they had taken up their positions, and refused to budge.

     Before it could get out of hand, Optimus held up his hands for silence.  After a few seconds, the other four had quieted down, and Optimus could speak.  “I have reached a decision.” he said.  “Though it is possible that the Decepticons are planning to attack, it is equally possible that they are truly trying to bring peace to Cybertron.  Either way, it would be unacceptable to attack now.”  Before Goldbug and Grimlock could note their displeasure, Optimus held up his hand.  “However, we will not leave ourselves blind and helpless.  The 1st  Infantry Division will be stationed in Crystal City, and the 2nd will take up position in Rubigen.  We’ll space out the 3rd on the border, and that’ll leave the 4th in a roving position.”

     “But what about Cybertropolis?” Goldbug asked.  “Surely you won’t leave the capitol unguarded?”

     “Actually, I will.” Optimus replied.  “Cybertropolis is a neutral city, and I refuse to destroy what little hope there may be for peace.  Hopefully, we can get the Decepticons to come back eventually, and I don’t want them to come back to a garrison.”  Standing up from his seat, Optimus Prime signaled the end of the meeting.  The other Autobots in the room filed out, but Goldbug hung back.  Walking over to Optimus, the small Throttlebot began to speak.

     “Optimus, I know that you have made your decision already, but I beg you to reconsider.  The Decepticons are not to be trusted.  Surely you know this.”  Goldbug was starting to sound a little worked up to Optimus, and the Autobot leader wondered just why Goldbug was feeling so suspicious.  “Please, at least let me lead a small scout party across the border.  Just to see what they’re up to.”

     “I’ve made my decision, Goldbug.” Prime responded.  “And I refuse to risk further problems by sending a reconnaissance party into Decepticon territory.  There’s no way the Decepticons would react with anything short of an attack.”

     “But Prime, why…” Goldbug started, but Optimus stopped him with a gesture.  “That’s it, Goldbug.  This discussion is over.”  Without letting Goldbug say another word, Optimus swept out of the room, leaving Goldbug fuming in a now empty room.

     At last, the transfer of Autobots and Decepticons across the border was completed.  Most of the groups had decided to live amongst their own kind, as Autobots and Decepticons were often not the best of neighbors.  Of course, there were a few who decided to remain where they were.  Businessmen and merchants stayed where their customers were, and some Transformers’ temperaments were more suited to living amongst theirs opposites.

     One of those Transformers was Punch.  Or Counter-Punch, depending upon who he was talking to.  An Autobot double agent, he had chosen to remain amongst the Decepticons as his alter-ego Counter-Punch.  Goldbug had approached him early on, and told him the Optimus Prime had ordered Punch to gather intelligence about what the Decepticons were up to.  Though reluctant to cut himself off from his fellow Autobots, Punch’s loyalty to his commander had won out in the end.

     It was fortunate that Punch had never revealed his double nature during the time of peace.  Thus, nobody had any idea that Counter-Punch, a Decepticon merchant living in the outskirts of Viridia, was actually working for Optimus Prime and the Autobot command.  And Punch hoped it would stay that way as long as he was stuck here.

     Optimus was exhausted.  Things had spiraled out of control recently, but maybe Megatrons plan did have some merit.  As long as the Decepticon leader could just keep his people under control for a while, Optimus would be grateful.  At least things were quiet for now.

     “Traitor!”  So much for a quiet night.  Turning with the speed granted by years of conditioning, Optimus spun towards the area the voice had come from.  There was a Transformer standing there, obviously enraged at something.  With a deranged light on its face, the Autobot ran towards him.  In the pale moonlight, Optimus could see that the Transformer held a vicious looking vibro-knife.

     Quickly, Optimus pivoted on his left foot, swinging his right up.  The Transformer spun backwards, clutching his injured chest.  That, however, wasn’t enough to stop him.  He leapt again, this time with the knife forwards.  Optimus drove his fist into the enemy Autobot’s head, snapping his jaw.  The assailant, however, had anticipated taking a hit, and he had brought his knife down hard on Optimus shoulder.

     “Ungh.” Optimus grunted, trying to block out the pain.  He connected again, this time with a right-left combination that sent the enemy flying.  It landed with a crunch across the street, and Optimus turned away from him.  Staggering forward, he realized just how deeply that knife had cut.

     He also noticed, though with worrying calm, that he could no longer feel his arm.  At last, things clicked.  The knife had had cyber-venom on it.  He was poisoned.  Trying to move forward, he managed only a light stagger, and before he knew it, he was staring at the ground, which was rushing forward at an alarming speed.  Unable to break his fall, Optimus Prime landed with a crash on the street.

     Crawling forward with his one good arm, Optimus knew his only hope was to make it to his destination.  Unfortunately, he hadn’t considered just how weakened he was.  He collapsed after a few ‘steps’, lying motionless on the ground.

     Behind Optimus’ slumped form, the Autobot who had attacked him was out cold.  The fight had not gone unobserved, however.  From the shadows, two small Transformers crept forward towards the unconscious form.  A red one and a blue one, they grabbed the attacker by the arms, and dragged him back into the shadows.