Prologue: Exodus

The stars bore silent witness to a tragedy unfolding—a world unmade, a civilization undone. Cybertron, the cradle of our kind, was dying. Its once-magnificent spires and grand coliseums, which had stood as testament to our enduring spirit, were now but a mausoleum of flames and sorrow. It was here, amidst the cacophony of our planet's final hours, that my story began.

My name is Velocity

I awoke with a start, my intakes heaving as the stark visions of Cybertron's annihilation lingered in my processor. Flames swirled around me, casting haunting shadows amidst the devastation. Ages of conflict had ravaged our once-glorious home, reducing it to a mere husk of its former splendor. The AllSpark temple, where my spark first flickered to life, lay in ruins before my optics, a surge of despair washing over me.

"Compose yourself, Velocity. ," a familiar voice resonated in my mind, grounding me in the harsh reality. "We must depart, swiftly." Blinking away the disorientation, I felt a strong grip on my arm propelling me through the crumbling corridors of Iacon.

Struggling to stand on my pedes, trembling with the urgency in the atmosphere, we emerged into a clearing painted red with flames and the scent of molten metal. My optics darted until they landed on Optimus Prime, a pillar of resolve amidst the chaos, his stoic countenance weighing heavy with the impending exodus. Beside him stood Ironhide, their faces etched with tension as urgent discussions unfolded.

The mechanoid who guided me through the ruins drew me toward them. "Sir, I've located her as instructed," the mech reported urgently. Optimus met my gaze, emotions playing across his features. "Thank you, Red Alert. Were there any complications?"

"No, Prime. The enemy breached the right wing as anticipated." Red Alert punctuated the exchange. "Seems Prowl was right on target again," Ironhide added. "Red Alert, evacuate the left wing with Ratchet. Spare no delay and ensure his safety," Optimus commanded urgently. With a firm nod, Red Alert hastened away, leaving me in the company of the two mechs.

An explosion reverberated through the structure, the ground quaking beneath us. As Optimus and Ironhide steadied themselves against the tumult, Ironhide's voice rumbled, "Time is slipping away, Prime." Ironhide turned to me, his gaze a mix of determination and concern. "Ironhide, take her and ensure her safe departure off-world," Optimus's directive cut through the chaos, brimming with urgency. "Optimus," Ironhide began, only to be interrupted by a hand on his shoulder plating. "There is no one I trust more, old friend. Please, I am needed here -"

Ironhide cast a glance my way, a surge of emotion stirring within me. "Consider it done," he affirmed, his resolve unwavering.

Optimus bowed to me, locking optics as he held my servo. "Until we meet again, dear spark." My spark twinged as I clung to my progenitor. "Wait, I can be of aid."

Optimus offered a soft smile, a firm grasp on my arm leaving no room for protest as Ironhide guided me. His optics met mine, a mix of determination and concern clouding his gaze. "Let's go, Vélocity. We must hurry,"

he urged, leading me through the labyrinth of destruction towards the escape vessels.

The acrid tang of burning metal filled the air as we navigated the war-torn streets of Iacon. Once a majestic city, now a grim testament to the brutal conflict that tore our world asunder. Fallen comrades lay amongst the debris, their extinguished sparks a sobering reminder of the cost of war.

Ironhide's voice sliced through the chaos, bringing me back to the present. Clutching his arm, I felt a surge of fear gripping me. "There's only one pod remaining," he murmured, concern etched in his optics. Kneeling before me, he steadied my shoulders. "You must be brave, Vélocity. Your survival is paramount."

Coolant welled as I struggled to comprehend the gravity of our plight. Ironhide's presence was a beacon of strength amidst the turmoil. Entering the escape pod, the world blurred into a whirlwind of desperation and despair. Ironhide's guidance echoed in my mind as I navigated the launch protocols.

With a roar, the pod soared from the city, hurtling towards the abyss of space.

Weightlessness enveloped me as I gripped the controls, striving to stabilize the craft. Warning lights flashed in a frenzied dance, reminding me of the perilous journey ahead. "Don't fail me now," I muttered, the image of Cybertron fading into the distance etching a painful memory within me.

The pod tumbled through the atmosphere, my resolve on the brink of collapse. With a final surge of consciousness, I succumbed to stasis lock, the stars my only witnesses in the vast expanse.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A burst of static jolted me awake, the darkness oppressive in the pod. System diagnostics flickered ominously, highlighting the peril of my solitude.

"Optimus, Ironhide... where are you?" I croaked, their absence gnawing at my core. Engulfed by the desolation, my loneliness weighed heavily upon me.

Navigating damaged systems, I glimpsed dwindling fuel reserves, a stark reminder of time's relentless march. Trepidation threatened my resolve, but I clung to Ironhide's last words. "Survive," I vowed, focusing on conserving resources in a bid for survival.

As days blurred and dreams haunted my recharge cycles, a shudder rattled the pod. Gauges flashed warnings as the craft careened towards an unknown planet. With no guiding charts, descent became a chaotic struggle. A desperate broadcast sought aid, but darkness descended as the atmosphere tore at the fragile vessel.