Transformers AlterVerse Drabble 02: Memory of Blue_

(Note: The first part of this Drabble took place before the TF AlterVerse events on Earth and the second part takes place 3 Days after TFAV Drabble Visionary Dreams and several days before TFAV Arraignment and Answers)

"To tell you the truth, Divine Celestial Dagonair has been one of the most courageous and powerful warrior in the Seraphim armies I have ever seen nor met. His background was undoubtedly of a renowned clan, and will do whatever it takes to achieve the tasks handed down to him, nevertheless he has a streak of disobeying orders when it comes in conflict with his conscience. But even with his exceptional profile record, I cannot recommend him for a higher rank other than a Royal Guard Captain because I fear that his loyalty to his friends and family may have well exceeded his loyalty to the Seraphim Senate. Even if it doesn't, his love for Xeria, the daughter of the Seraphim Emperor Supreme Alcadois, may have impeded his judgment and cause many to question his actions. However…even if I have to refuse his appointment for a new rank, I have to privately state that Divine Celestial Dagonair has earned my respect for always bringing back his own team back from the field of battle alive, and would never tell a lie, even if it aided his cause. He knows the consequences of his actions, and knows what it will cost him, but he would gladly walk that route even if he knows he would die along the path." – Seraphim Army Lieutenant Colonel Axhis, assessing Divine Celestial Dagonair after his graduation from the Seraphim Academy, in his report to High Council Member Valor,  9 million years before Operation Outer New Haven. (9.1 million years before TF the Calm before the Storm, Peacetime.)

Sixth Cycle, 16.5 Units (Seraphim Battle Calendar)_
Step of Silence_
20 U.C.Y. (Universal Calendar Year)_
Protocyon System_
Sera Prime (Seraphim Homeworld)_
Aspect of Soul Palace_
The Athena Gardens_
Approximately 9.1 million years ago_

(9.1 million years before TF The Calm before the Storm, Peacetime.)

  If one was to look upon the Seraphim named Divine Celestial Dagonair, he or she would have immediately thought of an image of a holy knight. He stood almost twice the size of an average Seraphim, rivaling those of the elite guards of the Seraphim Senate for that matter. His current humanoid Seraphim form was no different from an ordinary human; except that he possesses abilities and powers unique to himself any human would have dreamed of, including enhanced senses, strength, speed and endurance, not to mention standing almost as tall as a cybertronian, and quite a powerhouse both physically and mentally in his own right.
  His clothing was ceremonial in design, with long sleeves and pants, with a large cloak that encompasses his front and back, and stretches all the way down to his feet, and coloured fully in gold and silver, the colours of the sun and the clouds. His flesh was sporting a healthy tan, in spite of the fact that he has been through the toughest training to become a Seraphim Royal Guard Captain. A mop of flowing silver-white hair covered his head, with eyes as golden as the sun that gave off a somewhat ominous glow whenever he looked at anyone. Sparkling blue gems stood out from his clothing, except for the one in his chest, which was actually a soul gem that housed his seed ember. A series of angelic markings could be seen on his face and arms, as well as his legs, and the marking on his forehead resembles a shinning planet, with six curved lines extending in six different directions, mirroring the six wings that defined him as a Seraphim on his back. Each of his six wings were chock-full with long white feathers that were as soft as pillows, yet they are sharpened like wing blades, and sometimes he used them to wrap around himself as a feathered cloak.
  Despite being the youngest of the descendants of the Aspect of Sun family, Divine was undisputedly the most intellectual, and the most powerful of the descendants. Despite the fact that he was thirsty for knowledge and always inquisitive, Divine was learning his education faster than any of his brothers and sisters. By his academy years he has already mastered everything that his elders has to teach him, and was possibly the greatest mind in bio-engineering and bio-technology on Sera Prime. Not only that, he carries a shard of shadowy origin that gives him his own unique power that singles him out from the rest of the Seraphims. However, he has a humble and gentle character by personality, and was one who puts the safety of his friends and family above him, hence earning him the respect of others.  But Divine rarely takes credit for his work, only seeking to reach balance with the world through his actions and words alone.
  Divine walked slowly to the entrance of the Athena Gardens, the only place where Seraphims on Sera Prime visit when they have questions to ask either Compassion or Gaia, who were the guardians of the Athena Gardens, or to admire the plants there. The Athena Gardens was a place of great unparalleled beauty, tended personally by Compassion herself and it was said that exotic and rare plants that were thought to be long extinct on Sera Prime existed there.
  Also, known only to a handful of Seraphims, the Athena Gardens was a place that houses the Pool of Regeneration, a large pool in the middle of the Gardens that was said to be a natural formation, and the regenerative liquid of the pool has the ability of healing wounds through a sustained period of time. Divine has such an encounter before due to a particular incident, but the less said about the occurrence the better, as he wouldn't want to relieve those painful memories again.
  The two Seraphim Elite Guards, clad in their ornate powered armour suits, crossed their force-staffs when he approached, and one came forward and inquired, "Please state your business in regards to your presence here."  Divine bowed and replied, "I am Divine Celestial Dagonair, youngest son of the Aspect of Sun Clan. I wish to seek advice from High Council members Gaia and Compassion regarding some personal matters." Upon hearing both Gaia and Compassion names, both Elite Guards looked at him carefully, then at each other. Then they nodded their helmeted heads in unison, saying, "You may pass." in one single voice. The duo parted and stood at attention once again, and allowed Divine to enter into the Athena Gardens.
  As Divine walked through the Athena Gardens, which seemed to hit him more like a nature reserve than a garden, he could not help but admire the beauty of the flora there. They looked like they have been tended lovingly and maintained by a master gardener, as the flowers were in full bloom all Alpha-cycle long. A casual flight of his wings allow him to see the almost never-ending patches of trees into the distance until the glass dome wall that encompasses the entire garden. He landed in a large clearing, and bent down to gently caress the multi-coloured flowers in his five-fingered hands. He rarely has time to interact with nature due to his duties assigned to him by the Seraphim Senate, but as long as he has the time, Divine spent it by observing how nature takes its course in the surroundings around him. By observing nature, it alleviates his senses and being, but most importantly, it soothes his soul and keeps him calm and collected.
  "I see that you are quite an appreciator of nature, Divine Celestial Dagonair." A feminine voice spoke, and it sounded like sparkling crystals being clinked together with the flowing of water in the background. It was soft and gentle, yet firm and controlled in terms of both pitch and tone. Without a shadow of a doubt, it was the Empress of the Seraphims, Gaia, who has spoken.
  Divine froze. He was somehow unable to detect Gaia's presence in the area, while she has easily found him in the entire expanse of the Gardens like finding metal in the sand with a magnet. Divine stood up, turned and bowed on one knee respectfully in front of the empress of the Seraphims, saying, "Thank you for the compliment, Empress Gaia. Nature is appreciated through observation, and it was certainly beautiful if you can fully appreciate it. My name is Divine Celestial Dagonair of the Aspect of Sun Clan, at your humble service." Only then he dared look up.
  "Rise Divine, you are definitely one of the few Seraphims I have met who can value nature and see its beauty within. What brought you here today?" Gaia's hands appeared from her long robes and helped Divine to his feet. "Empress Gaia, I did not come here only to look at nature, as I would like to ask for your advice regarding some matters." Divine replied courteously in return.
  "I see, is that so?" Gaia replied as she inclined her head to one side, with a small smile on her face. She was definitely of unparalleled beauty, an epitome of wisdom and magical might compacted perfectly into a single form. Anyone who had looked upon Gaia would have fallen for her immediately, except for a few. She was unique among the Seraphims due to the fact that she was a hybrid form of an Asian Dragon and Phoenix, two of the holy creatures of mythology, and wields powers that other Seraphims can only think or even dream of. Divine mostly has heard stories of her exploits and charisma, and it was said that no one hated Gaia. Even his father, Lord Adam, described Gaia as ageless and beautiful, like a flower that will never wither in the face of the oncoming seasons.    
  Throughout her service in the Seraphim senate, Gaia has been respected by all the elemental clans of the Seraphims, and was considered a diplomat utmost and also quite a powerful warrior herself. She was believed to have carried a weapon, but she never drew it unless she was in complete danger, choosing to manipulate the elements to subdue any enemies. She never believed in violence, only in diplomacy and deterrence, which was the same principle that was passed down by her predecessors. Eventually, after thousands of years later, she was married to Supreme Alcadois, and it was said the marriage broke many millions of Seraphims' hearts on that day.
  "Divine, you are one of my brightest students, and you now return as one of the most powerful Seraphims in existence. After so many years, how can a truth-seeker like me be of help to you?" Gaia walked down a gravel path that extends throughout the Garden, with Divine by her side. She was much larger than him even in standard Seraphim form, but she adopted a lesser form to be able to communicate with him easily. Beside them, two of Gaia's personal Elite Guards stood at attention, constantly alert and emotionless.
  "Empress Gaia, even after so many years, I still see the spirit of the female Seraphim that taught me the ways and skills of life in the past. In my eyes, you remained as beautiful and knowledgeable as before, as if time has frozen itself…" Divine replied, as he walked at a slow pace beside Gaia, who had her hands on her robes in front of her. Gaia smiled a little at the compliment, and gestured for him to continue. "…I am troubled by the recent events on Cybertron and the neighbouring systems…as they have recently beginning to fracture into factions due to the escalating tensions. After my recent encounters with them, I had my doubts that the peace we have achieved with them so far might be at an end…" although his voice trailed off at the finishing sentence, but he caught himself in time.
  Gaia stopped walking when they reached the Pool of Regeneration, and turned to regard Divine at her side, saying, "Divine, the truth is that war and peace runs around like an endless waltz. In order to gain something, most of the species in the universe prefer to fight for it rather than talk it over in diplomacy. However, if we do not retaliate, our race would be extinct. If there is any other way, you or me would be prepared to fight to the end to achieve it, as no one benefits from war."
  "I understand." Divine answered carefully, but Gaia shook her head and continued, "Conflict is often the last resort to any race, even most of the Seraphims do not like war. We were contented with what we have achieved so far as a race, but the same could not be said about the cybertronians. They strive to be better than other races, and most of them also believed that the universe should be molded in their image. This, I fear, could be their race's undoing in future."
  Divine nodded, giving the indication that he has acknowledged her words. Gaia gestured to their surroundings, saying, "Our race has known uprisings and rebellions, but if you look past the honour and glory, there is nothing to be gained. Seraphims like me has taken it upon ourselves to protect things that were important to us, especially nature, so that future generations could appreciate their beauty and have something to protect in return." Divine turned to Gaia and asked, "I understand, but what if the tensions between the cybertronians began to escalate? We would have to prepare for war, won't we?"
  Gaia's face turned into one of concentration, but she looked back at him and replied, "When the time comes, I am sure you will do what you must." Divine bowed deeply, and answered, "I will do what I must when I cross that bridge." "Gaia placed a hand on his shoulder, and said, "Then I have no more advice to give you, or anything else to teach you. You should think carefully of what I have said, as it would help you greatly in future." "I will, Empress Gaia." Divine rose and courteously replied, before taking his leave from the Empress of the Seraphims.

A short while later_
  
  As soon as Divine has disappeared, Gaia turned to the Regeneration Liquid of the Pool and said, "I know you are eavesdropping in there, Compassion, can you present yourself now?" In response, the Liquid churned and swirled, before another Seraphim emerged from its depths. She looked like a union between a hawk and a dolphin, and her ceremonial clothing resembled air and water fused in one. She was also a fine-looking one, with long blonde hair that flowed down to her feet like a waterfall, hazel eyes that seemed to sparkle, and a gorgeous physical body in conjunction to her charming face. An elaborate crown decorated the top of her head, and a series of jewels and diamonds stood out from her clothing. In addition, the markings on her were remarkably similar to Gaia, save for the marking on her forehead. Without a doubt, that was Compassion, the younger sister of Gaia.
  Compassion adjusted her waterfall of hair, and soothed her clothing before greeting Gaia, and asked, "How do you know I was in there?" Gaia smiled a little, and replied, "Compassion, I know you have a natural habit of eavesdropping on others. Even without my psychic gifts, it was obvious you are in there." Compassion still smiled, and then she switched the subject on the topic of conversation. "Divine is of an exceptional breed. He has the wisdom for diplomacy, the strength to protect, as well as the purest seed ember I have never seen in any Seraphim. Valor has chosen her choice well. I wonder, what makes his seed ember so pure and unyielding?" She remarked, while emerging from the Pool of Regeneration, her hands emerging from her robes and clasping in front of her.
  Gaia nodded her head in response, and then placed a finger on her chin, deep in thought before replying, "I am not so sure, but Divine is special. That's why I approved his engagement with my youngest daughter Xeria out of the four daughters. From my various observations, they were practically made for each other. If I can say anything about Divine, it was his tendency to accomplish anything given to him, including his will to protect everything that was dear to him, that makes his seed ember so pure."
  Compassion sat beside the pool, absentmindedly fingering a yellow star-shaped flower in her delicate hands, and answered, "I am worried for Divine, he's one of the best diplomats we have, and he has been risking his life in many envoy missions to other races, which doesn't seem to be working in our favour. I think I agree with what you said, it's the most probable of all the opinions other Seraphims I have heard so far. I only wished that Divine could have a good life to live, but with his duties and assignments, I am afraid that was only wishful thinking."
  Gaia knelt down and looked at Compassion in the eye, took her hands and replied, "We will have to wait and see what happens after Xeria has returned from Cybertron after her last diplomatic mission. The Sun Clan has already agreed to the marriage of Divine and Xeria. We should be happy for them, as it is not everyday we have a chance to see such a flower like this blooming in a long, long time."
  Compassion nodded, but there was something on her face that show that something was troubling her from within. Gaia, despite herself, doesn't want to press Compassion for it, although she suspected the worst yet to come in her own thoughts.

The Palace of the Sun_
The Athena Nature Reserve_
2.5 Units later_

  The pair of lovebirds was resting together in the Athena Nature Reserve, having an intimate and cherished moment to themselves before they were called back to their respective duties. They do not care even if the time was short, but they enjoyed every second they have with each other as both of them would be separated for quite some time before they would be able to meet again.
  Divine leaned against the large tree in the middle of the Nature Reserve, while Xeria rested her head on his chest, inclining herself on his body. He reached out and stroked her long elegant blonde hair, while she traced circles on his pectorals, causing him to laugh a little. Their large white wings intertwined and overlapped each other, forming shadows on the ground and gently caressing the other in their warm embrace.
  Xeria was almost like an exact, much younger copy of her mother Gaia, even to the extent of having her personality and traits, although she does possesses the qualities of her father Alcadois. She was also quite a powerful Seraphim herself, as she could control different elemental energies and telekinesis. But what he liked most about her was that she was a gentle soul at heart like he was, and the best part was she loved him with all her hearts and soul.
  Being the youngest of the four sisters, Xeria was undoubtedly the fairest and good natured of them all. As many of their peers and parents had agreed, they were both a fated pair as their personalities match each other perfectly, like two pieces of the exact puzzle. It was no surprise that Alcadois and Gaia later agreed to give Xeria's hand in marriage to Divine, who graciously accepted in kind. But all that had to wait until she has returned from her diplomatic mission on Cybertron to settle the mining economic disputes there due to the oppressed miners.
  Dressed in her ceremonial clothing, which resembles a cross between a priestess and an evening gown, Xeria was a definite beauty in all her majesty and brilliance. Clothed fully in silver with golden pattern designs, with several angelic symbols as well as the symbol of her clan on her abdomen and clothing, signifies her identity as the princess of the Aspect of Soul clan. Xeria designed that piece of clothing herself personally, and it was of a pretty remarkable design that fits her perfectly like a hand to a glove.
  Xeria leaned close to him, and in return he held her head and body, while feeling her large breasts press against his form as he caressed her gently. He was a little larger than her, but she loved him all the same. Divine held onto Xeria as he felt her listening to his hearts beating within his chest, while he ran his hand down her long flaxen waterfall of hair. Her hair felt oh so soft to him, softer than any pillow, and more golden than the purest honey he has seen in his lifespan.
  "It's like a dream come true…we are finally going to be married." Xeria said as she hugged Divine tightly, while looking up at him. Divine reached out both of his hands and brushed back a strand of golden blonde hair from her face, while lovingly caressing her smooth cheeks, saying, "Yes it is…no matter how many times I hear it, it is as if I am hearing it for the first time. I can't believe it myself until you told me it yourself."
  She smirked a little, and leaned close to his face in one swift motion, remarking, "Of course, it was intended as a surprise for you, my lovely prince." Divine laughed in turn, and the pair of birds on top of the tree chattered and sang. He held Xeria's hand in his, and kissed it, saying, "And indeed it was, my love. All I need to do now was to wait for your return from your last diplomacy trip to Cybertron, and then we can spend our lives together. Won't you want that?"
  Xeria smiled, and to Divine it was all the answer he needed. One of her most noticeable charms was her smile. As long as he could see that gorgeous smile of hers, he could find the will to persevere and continue to fight for what he believed in. She leaned even closer to him, saying, "How I wish for that mega-cycle to come sooner…" Divine inclined his head and kissed Xeria's forehead, replying, "Just a few more mega-cycles and we would meet each other again. Just wait a little longer Xeria, we would be together forever after you have sorted out the economic mining problems on Cybertron and return back to Sera Prime."
  He felt something wet on his hands, and he brushed away her golden locks of hair to see pearls of tears leaking from Xeria's eyes. Somehow, his hearts immediately wrenched at the sight of her crying. "There, there…there's no need to cry anymore, my love…" Divine said tenderly as he wiped away her tears gently with his fingers. "No, these are not tears of sadness, Divine, these are tears of joy…" Xeria said between sobs as she hugged him tighter than she ever did in her life. Divine beamed, and embraced her in his arms, saying, "Let it out, my love, just let it out…I am here for you." He lifted her chin with a finger and kissed her fully on the lips, while feeling her tears dripping down onto her ceremonial clothing and the grass around them.
  Xeria did not reply, but she continued to deepen the kiss, and continued to curl her arms around his back. The pair did not care about anything else, only about each other. Letting their hearts take control, they continue to love each other for hours to end until they were called back to their individual duties.


*****


2000 Hours_
14 November_
Year 2010 A.D._
Planet Earth_
United States of America_
Washington D.C._
Keys FutureTech (aka KeysTech) Corporation Headquarters_
Sector Alpha-Omega 27 (KeysTech Military Department)_
Sub-basement D-40 (Mobile Suit Hangar Bay)_
Present day_

(3 Days after TFAV Drabble Visionary Dreams and several days before TFAV Arraignment and Answers)

  Victor Keys calmly observed from his viewing room on the latest developments on the latest military hardware by KeysTech through a one way mirror that overlooked one of the many sub-basement factory portions of the Corporation. The KeysTech technicians and several robotic drones were working on maintaining the latest Mobile Suits and Mobile Armours in tip-top condition for offline stasis. The newly built batch of Mark VIII Mecha Suits has been delivered in by Dr Leonard Church through the FSOF Aerospace Repulsor Skyship known as the Zodiac.
  He watched silently as the various technicians and FSOF operatives test out the Mecha Suits as well as upgrading them with the latest programs and Operating Systems, as well as attaching new types of armour and weaponry on them in preparation for Operation Rescue Eagle One. He had to rescue president Whitemore from the N-USSR to give back democracy to the United States, and also force Mark McAlister off his seat of power. Victor never liked Mark anyway, and the sooner he's off the pilot seat, the better off the world would be without his interference in worldwide conflicts.
  The Mobile Suit project has come to fruition after many years of research and billions of dollars he has poured into it, with the help of a world renowned mechanic engineer known only as Leonard Church. Other branch-off projects include the Advanced Combat Accelerator Armour and Mobile Armour suits, which have been perfected and rolled off the assembly line in good order. Victor Keys has also approved the creation of Mobile Suit Carrier transports as well as a transformable Global Stratospheric Transport (GST) for the FSOF team in order for them to have the advantage of deploying anywhere around the globe at anytime they wish. In addition, they also have a large arsenal of air, land and sea vehicles such as the Storm Ravens, the Rhino APCs, the Paladin Tanks and the Shockwave SCT (Sea Carrier Transport), which offer them various tactical options on the frontlines of battle, effectively making them a highly versatile private task force.
  Row upon row of Mobile Suits as well as Mobile Armours stood emotionlessly in the large cavernous hangar bay, each covered completely in anti-projectile and beam coating. All of them were so well armoured to the point that nothing short of a nuke could take them all out. In addition, they can dish out and take a whole lot of punishment from any enemy. Similarly imposing are the other models of Mobile Suites in the hangar bay, some were armed with long range sniper rifles, some can transform into agile Aerospace Fighters or powerful heavy tanks, some could wield laser blades and wield gatling guns in their in built arsenal, and some were even designed for heavy backup artillery, sporting large racks of missile launchers configurations or custom bazookas attached to their backs and multi-barreled railguns on their arms.
  Victor Keys absent-mindedly fingered the Allspark charged Keycard in his hand, thinking about the events of the past week and trying to piece together a picture of the chaotic world he now faces. The events that happened so far were troubling at best, and he could not shake the feeling that something big was about to happen. The very fact that Primus was asking him for help was a grave problem indeed. Not to mention the Allspark chose him for a reason, and gave him the Mark of Primus, effectively making him "a chosen one" of four special humans chosen by Primus.
  Holding the Allspark charged Keycard in his hand, Victor Keys murmured, "What secrets do you have inside yourself?" and flipped the card from front to back, as if he was trying to decipher the code on the Keycard itself. Somehow the Keycard was glowing brightly at times, especially when he was with the Autobots, or he was with the chosen humans. It was as if the Keycard was giving him a hint. But a hint for what? A warning?
A clue? Or a Vision?
  Holding onto the Keycard, Victor thought about what he has achieved so far on Earth. He has always been trying to reach balance with the world, and thus he has been trying everything in his power to make the Earth a better place to live in for every inhabitant on the planet. But there were always some people who were plotting behind his back in secret to destroy whatever he has built up over the years.
  But as long as he was alive, he won't let them have their way. Victor clenched the Allspark-charged Keycard in his hand, and thought about those he wanted to save. Everyone he has met until now has put both their trust and faith in him, especially his love, Zoë. He was not going to abandon all their hope in him, and he was more than prepared to fight for his chosen purpose until the very end.
  After all, he has something, or more specifically, someone he wants to protect. Even if it costs him his life or soul, he would protect her till the end…no matter the cost.

KeysTech Corporation Administration Building A_
Victor Keys Personal Quarters_
1 Hour 25 Minutes later_

  The security doors whispered open silently as Victor walked into his main personal quarters at the highest building of all the KeysTech Corporation buildings in the vicinity. He stepped in and the security doors slid shut noiselessly.
As programmed, S.E.R.I.N.A. already has snapped on the lights and the earth-friendly air conditioners, as well as bringing online several holographic screens and a large plasma television sized screen to display the latest world news.
  "All systems were operating at full capacity, Victor Keys. I trust that it is satisfactory?" S.E.R.I.N.A. quipped as she appeared through the holographic crystals on his desk, which changed into various combinations whenever she makes an appearance.
  "Thank you S.E.R.I.N.A. You are certainly most helpful. Switch the light intensity by half, and filter the latest news by politics and military events. Please also inform Zoë that I have returned from my work on the Mobile Suit Project. And a little Beethoven musical score number 9 please, volume low." Victor Keys replied as he seated himself on the large leather chair behind his desk and placing his files on the table.
  "Compliance, Victor Keys. Your orders are done." S.E.R.I.N.A.'s holographic form crossed her arms while fingering her virtual notepad, and sat down on a holographic chair generated by the holographic crystals. She waved her hands over the notepad, and music drifted from the speakers built inside the room.
  "S.E.R.I.N.A. , continue to monitor everything within KeysTech and the Mobile Suit project. I would like not to be disturbed until next morning. Inform me of any suspicious behaviours or abnormalities." Victor crossed his fingers on the table, while reading the news reports scrolling vertically down his holographic computer screen.  "Compliance, Victor Keys." S.E.R.I.N.A. replied cheerfully before vanishing away like a ghost, the light from her holographic crystals dying like put out flames as she disappeared.
  Victor smirked at her reply, and thought about S.E.R.I.N.A.'s personality, who resembled his current lover, Zoë. She definitely has Zoë's personality, right down to the cheerfulness that brightened up his day every morning. The answer? S.E.R.I.N.A. was the by-product of their accomplishments, made possible by Zoë's superb computer engineering skills and his remarkable brain intellect.
  He turned back to his computer screen and viewed the latest reports from around the world. From what he has read, the N-USSR has been taking steps to strengthen its military power against the United States. Not only that, the United Earth Federation was unable to contain the problems in the Middle East and also the various disputes between the many superpowers of the world. To make matters worse, the attacks of both the Decepticons and the organisation known as COBRA has escalated conflicts around the globe drastically. Slowly, but surely, another addition to the equation of chaos was Mark McAlister and his army of underlings, who were leading the world to ruin.
  The creases on his forehead would have been as deep as a beach trench in World War Two as Victor thought about what he should do to save the world before it's too late. Yes, he has a number of trump cards in his hands now, but he must wait for the right moment to use the right card. Other than that, he could only be a silent observer, waiting for his right time to strike out at his opponents.
  He has an ultimate trump card in the form of a red button hidden on his desk, which can only be accessed by his own keycode. For a moment, Victor considered pressing it, but he ultimately decided against it as he would not want to add any more repercussions to the chaotic world known as Earth. However, should things get out of hand; he would not hesitate to summon help from his off-world contacts.
  Victor called up a small holographic screen on his table, and looked through his emergency contingency plan should McAlister decided to make his move against what he has built up so far. S.E.R.I.N.A. has already encoded a total data wipe in the main memory banks of KeysTech and its various backup servers, so that in case of a major security breach, all useful information and blueprints would be deleted and render the databanks useless to the enemy. Not only that, a security EMP (electromagnetic pulse) system will also destroy any online computer systems in the Corporation, hereby rendering recovery impossible. In addition to that, S.E.R.I.N.A. will also have a self termination program on herself to prevent her files from being copied and used to create other "smart AIs". And to cap it all, any weapons and vehicles that KeysTech has built included a security chip in built into them, and unless removed, would disable them permanently until someone can overwrite the lockdown.
  Victor scanned through the contingency orders and saved the changes, before activating it in the "Ragnorok" stage. If KeysTech has to go, he would see to it that his subordinates' and his life's work would not be used in death and destruction. Certainly not in the hands of the twisted McAlister family.
  A whisper of the security door made Victor look up from his customised workstation. Zoë walked into the room, with a personal laptop tucked under one arm, and a holographic tablet in the other hand. She was wearing the new clothing he has designed for her, which included an upgraded holographic communicator and various high tech gadgets such as an Omni-tool and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) that acts like a Swiss army knife, complementing her operations in the information technology and computer security fields.
  Other than that, she has grown a waterfall of golden blonde hair which streams down her back, in addition to her usual beaming smile that always made his occasional dark days into something bright. Behind her strode in a hovering robotic drone holding a tray with a flask of coffee, some cups and a small jar of sugar.
  "Victor, glad to see you back. I have brought some coffee for you." Zoë said cheerfully as she placed the laptop on the table and touched some buttons on the holographic tablet. Victor looked up at her in response and smiled, while replying, "Thank you Zoë. It was kind of you." He always liked her coffee mix, as it has a taste unlike those that was used in cafeteria and the main dining hall. It was no surprise that many other scientists and technicians also liked her special brew of coffee, to the extent of asking Zoë about her recipe to make it.
  The robotic drone poured the steaming coffee into two cups, and handed it to both of them. While Zoë sipped on hers, Victor drank his deeply. It was a little bitter in taste, but it was Zoë's love for him that made it sweet. Besides, how can a coffee not taste sweet when it's made with love for someone you love?
  Victor placed his cup of coffee on the table and leaned back on his chair, while letting out a large sigh in the process. The world was now on the brink of a new conflict, and he was now enjoying coffee? He soothed his jet black hair from his forehead and thought about the events that happened in the past few weeks. In a nutshell, he has been tagged with a Allspark symbol, met Primus in the well of All Sparks, discussed several world events and matters with the Autobots, met his private task force to assign them their missions, in addition to deciphering the clues that he has gathered so far. All he need now is to tie up some loose ends and then plan his next move.
   "Victor, how goes the emergency contingency plan?" Zoë's voice caught his attention, and he turned his head towards her. "It's done. I have placed the system to erase itself automatically and then self-destruct to prevent anyone from using it when Mark makes his move. I am not allowing him to benefit from my work by using it to destroy the world." Victor replied while crossing his fingers, before taking one last look at the emergency contingency plan and then hitting the ENTER button to close the holographic screen. Milliseconds later, S.E.R.I.N.A. has noticed the changes in the secret emergency plan and has stored it in her personal databanks.
  Zoë reached out her hand to gently caress his cheek, where the cybertronian symbol was, while saying, "I know it has been tough times for both of us now and ahead, but at least we have each other to reply on. We have to stop Mark and prevent him from building his empire. In this way, we would have a future in which we want to live in."
  Victor held her hand in his, and stood up from his chair, and hugged her close, while stroking her waterfall of golden blonde hair, and replied, "My love, I know that we have many obstacles in front of us now, but as long as we are together, we can help save the world together with the Autobot Alliance. When McAlister falls, then the world would be a better place. But then we still have to contend to the emerging threats of the Fallen and the Decepticons. But the Autobots will help us in this endeavour."
  He brushed her fringe aside and kissed her forehead, "As I have made a promise to you, I will keep it. I will protect you, and I would come back to you when everything was over. This is the vow I would never break, no matter what happens to me."
  Zoë smiled in response, before burying herself in his arms and allowing him to caress her form, while they locked in an embrace. "As long as you are here with me, that's all that matters. We would fight for the future we both believe in."
  Victor nodded his head, acknowledging her words. As long as the both of them were together, they may stand a chance of saving the world. He would see to it that Earth is saved, even if he would die trying. In this conflict, it is either victory or defeat, there was no middle ground.

All he needs now is a little hope, and a lot of luck.

TFAV Drabble 02 Memory of Blue End_