User blog:Bzero/Passing the torch

Optimus Prime appears in a recording filmed in the Autobot City command center. He seems calm and poised, but the weight of the world is evident in his tone. With his rich, powerful voice, he records the following:

“Autobots, the hour is grave. The threat to this planet is severe, and if we don’t stop Megatron and his bunch, the Earth is doomed. While I trust Wheeljack’s ability to invent a way to repair the damage done by the Decepticons, I don’t feel it wise to simply sit back and wait for a scientific solution. The stakes are too great, and I cannot allow this world to be lost to us as Cybertron was.

“With that in mind, I am soon departing to confer with my mentor, Alpha Trion. While I detest leaving the Earth in its hour of need, I feel it is best to develop a backup arrangement should we fail in our efforts here. As I will need my command staff to assist in developing an overall plan, I am assigning Earth a new guardian in my absence: Jetfire.

“While young and relatively new to the war, I firmly believe Jetfire has the drive and determination to keep the Earth safe until I return. While he and I do not see optic-to-optic on every principle, I would ask you to give him a chance and follow his lead while I am gone. I will return as quickly as possible, and dearly hope my contingency efforts with Alpha Trion will not be needed.

“Until then, my friends, stay safe and work together to protect Earth. Until all are one.”

The screen goes dark.