The transformation was deliberate.
Darctavious replaced Lockdown's damaged spark casing, integrating a Leader-level Preservartron spark stable, enhanced, bound by preservation protocols rather than factional loyalty.
Lockdown endured the process without silence or complaint.
When his optics reignited, they burned brighter.
Sharper.
Different.
He rose slowly, testing new systems.
"I don't do causes," Lockdown said.
You do exploration, Darctavious replied. And information.
The terms were simple.
Lockdown would continue as he always had moving through the universe as a bounty hunter, tracker, and collector.
But now, he would gather knowledge.
Ancient technologies. Unmapped regions. Whispers of Unicron.
In return, he would have sanctuary, upgrades, and a faction that did not discard its own.
Lockdown smiled beneath his mask. "Sounds profitable."
Darctavious allowed it.
Motivation was irrelevant.
Results were not.
As Lockdown departed into the stars, Darctavious Prime turned his gaze back toward the wider cosmos.
The war still raged.
The Cube was lost.
Unicron slept.
And now, the Preservartrons had eyes everywhere.
The universe had begun to change quietly, inexorably.