The Death of Ultra Magnus

Ultra Magnus was never one to arm-wrestle the hands of fate. The Autobot Resistance on Cybertron created him as a beacon of hope, a shining example of courage, integrity, and leadership. Despite his inner conflicts of self-doubt, he became the Autobots’ greatest warrior and he became a hero. As best he could, he lived up to the ideals of his mentor and closest friend.

“Optimus Prime, why are you so adamant to return to Earth just when Cybertron needs you the most?” Ultra Magnus had asked that day in the Autobots’ subterranean base underneath Iacon in 1986.

Optimus Prime remained focused on his digipad, trying to ignore Magnus.

“Optimus, I asked you a question.”

After a beat, Optimus looked up. Magnus wasn’t one to give up, and really the only Autobot ever to talk to him as an equal. Neither Prowl nor Jazz ever did, they always let their leader have the last word. Magnus was different and Optimus admired that.

“I trust you, Ultra Magnus. I trust you’ll look after the Resistance in my absence.”

Magnus chuckled. “Stop avoiding my question!”

Optimus closed his digipad and pushed it across the table, stretching his arms out. “Earth is very important to me. When we awoke after the crash of the Ark it was the first time I truly realised that all life is precious. We were stranded on an alien world, teaming with life so different to our own that it was almost impossible to comprehend.”

Magnus leaned forward slightly, focusing intently on his leader’s words. Optimus continued: “Earth is the most beautiful planet I have ever seen. It has so much to offer; from the smallest virus to the most intelligent and graceful whale.”

“I’m not sure I follow.”

“What I’m trying to say is that Earth opened my eyes to a lot of things and changed my worldview. I saw the bigger picture.” Optimus paused and his shoulders slumped slightly. “And I ruined it all by bringing our war with the Decepticons to it. Thousands of deaths and devastation to the planet weigh heavily on my conscience.”

Ultra Magnus smiled sadly. “I think I understand, sir. I can see why you need to go. It’s just…”

"What?”

“I’m just getting used to having you around. Your guidance these past weeks has been invaluable.”

“You were doing just fine without any help from me, my friend.”

Ultra Magnus shifted positions and looked down at his hands. “But I still have so much to learn. I want the Resistance to succeed, and I want to be a good leader.”

“I thought you were uncomfortable with leadership.”

“I still am. I don’t want power or control; I just want to be an inspiration to the troops. Someone they can depend on.”

Optimus opened his palms outwards and tilted his head to the left. “They are exactly the qualities an Autobot leader should have.”

Magnus smiled, a little embarrassed.

“Besides,” Optimus continued, “we still need to get Megatron off the planet and I need your help.”

The Autobot commander stood from the desk, his mind full of the upcoming battle. He stopped suddenly, a question entered his head: “Ultra Magnus, as a leader what would you want to achieve?”

Magnus turned around, gazed up to meet his leader’s eyes, and threw the question back. “What have you achieved?”

“Not very much it would seem,” Optimus lamented. “Four million years later and the war is still raging.”

Optimus sat himself back down at the desk, inching his chair slightly closer to Ultra Magnus.

“Well, ideally, the defeat of the Decepticons should be our primary goal,” said Ultra Magnus.

“But at what cost?”

“How do you mean?”

“You need to balance it out with the protection of those endangered by the Decepticons. With the situation on Earth it is so very difficult to stop Megatron and his army while trying not to endanger the innocents caught up in our struggle.”

“But that’s impossible! We would never win without sacrifice.”

“It’s a fine line, Magnus, a very fine line.”

Ultra Magnus remained silent, processing Prime’s words. “Tricky, isn’t it?” laughed Prime.

“No kidding!”

Optimus shifted in his chair, resting his chin on the knuckles of his right hand. “So tell me, what do you think fate has in store for you? What would be your final act before you die?”

Ultra Magnus leant back, taken by Prime’s candour. He gave his answer some thought. “Oh, I don’t know… Defeat the monster and save the world.”

“Defeat the monster and save the world,” Optimus repeated.

“Yeah, why not?” smiled Ultra Magnus. “I want my death to mean something, I want others to benefit from my ultimate sacrifice. Sounds stupid, doesn’t it?”

“Not at all,” said Optimus, reaching across and gripping Magnus’ forearm. “You sound like a hero!”

Ultra Magnus laughed. “Providing I get a handle on the leadership problem.”

Optimus Prime gripped a little tighter. “All we need is a little energon and a lot of luck!”