"This is the other half of the Transwarp Key."
Optimus Primal handed the spearhead-shaped metal object to Setsuna, having received it from the locals.
Click—
With a crisp snap, the two pieces instantly joined together at the base.
Though called a "key," the artifact resembled a diamond-shaped metal spearhead.
Fwoosh—
A brilliant golden beam of light shot from the key, piercing the sky.
Just like the first time it appeared in the museum, the Transwarp Key emitted a signal frequency invisible to humans but glaringly obvious to Transformers.
With radar and observation equipment, Setsuna and the shipgirls could still detect it.
The beam lit up half the sky in gold for a solid thirty seconds before gradually fading.
"Commander, we detected a high-frequency data stream being broadcast from your position into deep space!"
"It's acting like a locator signal—broadcasting Earth's position!"
The message came in from the fleet stationed beyond orbit.
"That's expected. This thing can travel across different universes in the Transformers multiverse. The energy level is pretty high."
Setsuna weighed the Transwarp Key in his hand.
He could feel the immense power within.
In the original plot, Scourge used the Key to open a rift and summon Unicron from the Dead Universe into this plane.
Unicron also wanted to use it for interdimensional travel to devour worlds at will.
It was basically a device capable of warp travel and multiversal traversal.
No wonder the science lolis had stars in their eyes the moment they heard of it.
If they could crack its secrets, FTL ships and warp jumps would just be the beginning—they might even be able to build a Stargate.
The Autobots instinctively gathered around.
This was their long-awaited ticket home to Cybertron.
"You can use this to get back home?"
Setsuna looked toward Optimus Prime.
"Yes, the Transwarp Key can open a path back to Cybertron."
Prime nodded.
"Then can we go with you?"
Gudako asked curiously.
"I'd love to see Cybertron. If we could tag along, wouldn't that make things easier?"
"I don't know."
A bus-shaped Autobot tilted his head.
Wheeljack, the Autobots' scientist.
"The Transwarp Key's effects should only work for Cybertronians. In theory, humans wouldn't be able to use it."
"But you're not exactly human either... so I can't say for sure what would happen."
"..."
"Never mind then. We'll bring it back and research it first."
Setsuna stowed the Transwarp Key.
He wasn't about to risk himself just yet—there was still work to be done on Earth.
"Keep it safe. Unicron has always coveted the Key's power."
"If he or the Terrorcons get hold of it, this entire universe could be devoured."
Primal warned gravely.
"Don't worry. We're taking it to another world. Unicron wouldn't find us if he died trying."
Setsuna materialized a ship UI and marked the location of Colorado.
"Let's go. Time to find Megatron and the AllSpark."
"Also, alert the orbital fleet to prepare for combat. I have a feeling someone's coming."
...
The energy pulse emitted when the two halves of the Transwarp Key merged went unnoticed by humanity.
But the Decepticons hiding on Earth and Cybertron, as well as the Terrorcons and Unicron in another realm, detected it immediately.
The pulse signal was unmistakable and blindingly obvious.
It was the tool needed to open dimensional rifts, and a critical device for activating ancient cybernetic systems.
After the Autobot-Decepticon civil war, the Transwarp Key and AllSpark had vanished into the cosmos.
Now, seeing the blinding signal from the solar system, both Unicron and the Decepticons were stirring.
If the Transwarp Key was on Earth, then the AllSpark might be there too.
Even if it wasn't, the Key could enable free traversal through the cosmos—making the AllSpark easy to find.
Its value was beyond measure.
In the Dead Universe—
Unicron's planetary body floated in the void of deep space.
On the platform before him, black liquid metal slowly pooled and formed into a tall Transformer.
Jet-black with golden highlights, aggressive in design, red eyes, iconic arm blades and fusion cannon—
—Scourge.
"My lord, forgive me."
Scourge knelt on one knee before Unicron, bowing his head.
He had already offered his soul to Unicron. For a god of destruction, resurrecting a servant was trivial.
"Trash."
Unicron's voice rumbled like thunder, and an immense force slammed Scourge to the floor.
"Master!"
"I was ambushed on Earth by other Transformers! Not just Autobots—others too… they called themselves Gundams?"
Scourge reported, trembling.
He hadn't even had the chance to fight back—Barbatos had flattened him in a few swings. It was humiliating.
And confusing. Those mechs weren't like any Cybertronian he knew.
CRACK!
Scourge was lifted into the air by an invisible force, his joints creaking violently.
"I don't care who it is. Retrieve the Transwarp Key."
The planetary machine pulsed with glowing orange light, Unicron's voice laced with irritation.
"This is your last chance. Bring all the Terrorcons. Do not fail."
"I… am hungry. I need to feed."
"Take the Key. Bring me to Earth."
THUD!
Scourge was slammed back to the ground.
"Yes, master."
...
4.2 light-years from Earth, in the Alpha Centauri system—
Cybertron.
Most of the planet was mechanical. Its residents, machine beings like the Transformers.
From orbit, its surface appeared riddled with scars—craters, derelict factories, ruined constructs.
Millennia ago, the war between Autobots and Decepticons had left the planet ravaged. Resources depleted. Environment ruined. No longer fit to inhabit.
The Cybertronians had no choice but to flee across the stars.
Megatron, the Decepticon leader, had once left to pursue the AllSpark and the Autobots, but had since vanished.
Those left behind were now planning a new operation.
FLASH!
Suddenly, a brilliant pulse signal erupted in deep space.
It traveled faster than light, spreading across the galaxy.
Every Cybertronian could sense it. Their connection to it told them where it came from.
"The Transwarp Key!!! On Earth!!!"
A towering robot with a cannon-arm pulled up a star chart, looking toward the signal's origin.
Seeing the blinking beacon on the map, Shockwave trembled with excitement.
Megatron's flight path had led there too!
If the Key was on Earth, Megatron might be there too!
The signal spread rapidly across Cybertron.
"Transwarp Key location confirmed."
"Leader possibly in the solar system."
Soon, signals began pouring in from Decepticons across the planet:
[Soundwave and Cassette Corps ready!]
[Rumble standing by!]
[Frenzy in position!!]
[Barricade rolling out!]
...
In the Transformers 7 timeline, many Decepticons were still on Cybertron, preparing for an Earth invasion.
This signal only accelerated the process.
The remaining Decepticons on Cybertron gathered with eagerness.
[All Decepticons, prepare to mobilize.]
[Target: the Solar System... Earth!]
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