Editing The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine

{{Comicstory
|series=op|issueno=16
|prev=The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes
|next=The Falling, Chapter 3
|caption=
|image=OP16 cvrA.jpg
|title="The Falling<br>Chapter 2: Another Mine"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[February 28]], 2018
|coverdate=February 2018
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Kei Zama]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|assistant editor=[[David Mariotte]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era]]
}}

'''Soundwave's concern mounts as Onyx Prime meets with Optimus Prime and the Council behind closed doors.'''

==Synopsis==
In a moment of lapsed focus, [[Soundwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Soundwave]]'s super-senses overwhelm him, and his mind drifts back in time... back to when he was supervisor in the mines of [[Moonbase Two|Luna 2]] under the overseeing eyes of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] and [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]], when [[Ravage (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ravage]] was still helping him learn to focus his abilities. Then, his thoughts move forward to the recent past, to when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] blackmailed him into working at his side, threatening to fracture the Decepticon dream he had built aboard [[Sanctuary Station]] by revealing that Soundwave was responsible for taking [[Horri-Bull]]'s life. Realizing how much he had compromised in the name of his dream, Soundwave believed he could move past old grievances and work with Optimus...

...but today, he finds himself in a mine once more, in [[Kentucky]], on [[Earth]], mining [[Ore-13]] for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and wonders if it was all worth it. As he ruminates, a call comes through from [[Aileron]]; ''something'' has happened on Cybertron. Soundwave heads to [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], where [[Pyra Magna]] and the [[Torchbearer]]s are on standby, awaiting what Pyra believes is an inevitable call to action to save Cybertron—but until such a call comes, she isn't going anywhere, so Soundwave heads through the [[space bridge]] to Cybertron alone. He is unprepared for the sight that greets him: the colossal eyeball-ship of [[Onyx Prime]], who now descends to the surface of the planet to meet with its leaders. Onyx asks to speak with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] alone, Prime-to-Prime, to discuss the fate of his prisoner, [[Liege Maximo]], but [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] denies the request. At the urging of the [[Mistress of Flame]], the [[Council of Worlds]] and the Primes—including [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]—withdraw to the [[Spire]] to discuss matters together, behind closed doors instead of in the middle of the street, leaving Soundwave behind.

From a nearby rooftop, [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] watch the scene. The fact that [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] knew about Onyx's arrival despite being locked away in prison has proven "miraculous" enough to re-ignite Scoop's dormant faith, but the other Constructicons aren't buying it, and suggest he find a different drum to bang.

Of course, Scoop has no way of knowing that Starscream was given the information by the invisible "ghost" of [[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]]—who even now is updating the imprisoned former ruler of Cybertron on what's going on. Starscream isn't very interested, though, instead lost in thought staring at the hologram of his "true self." But Bumblebee doesn't believe in all that Camien talk about "god-given forms"; in his opinion, a 'bot makes their own shape, and Starscream needs to accept that it wasn't being denied some idea of his "true self" that led his life to this point—''that's'' on Starscream himself.

Happy to see that the word of a Prime is not being taken as law, Soundwave brings news of Onyx Prime's return to a group of Decepticons visiting from Sanctuary Station. [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] and [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] aren't convinced this isn't the beginning of a slide back to the way things once were, so Soundwave invites them, [[Swift (G1)|Swift]], and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] to accompany him to the Spire so they can learn for themselves. There, Liege Maximo is being guarded by [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]], and two of Onyx's "[[Maximal]]" beast-bots; feeling guilty after a recent error of judgement concerning Starscream, Beachcomber allows Soundwave five minutes to speak with Maximo, but Soundwave is unable to obtain any information from the Prime of Lies, as he finds he cannot read his mind. He instructs the rest of the group to wait while he ascends the Spire to the Council meeting chamber...

Floors above, Onyx and the Council discuss matters. Onyx is happy to see Cybertron becoming united again after millions of years of disharmony, but Alpha Trion reminds him that, misguided though they were, the Decepticons' rebellion against the [[Functionism]] that arose from the Primes' tribal divisions of the populace was ultimately a good thing. Onyx is suspicions of [[human]]ity after the [[First Strike|recent invasion]], however, and claims to have the power to repair Cybertron's tainted, diminished [[energon]], freeing the planet from its current reliance on Earth. Optimus flushes with anger; he is in no rush to accept Onyx at face value, given the threat [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] warned he posed. Windblade objects to Optimus speaking this way, as he has no official rank within the council any more, but the Mistress of Flame comes to Optimus's defense, still steadfast in her belief that, as "[[The Arisen]]," Optimus is the future of Cybertron. Trion tries to clam the Mistress, but she persists, reminding them of Onyx's attack on [[Caminus]]... an attack Windblade knew nothing about. The arguing escalates, and Optimus calls for calm, making the point that Galvatron ''was'' the worst of the worst, so perhaps they shouldn't take his words too seriously...

...which is the precise moment Soundwave bursts into the room. Hearing Optimus advocating for Onyx proves to be the tipping point; Soundwave angrily announces his refusal to let the Decepticons stand idly by while the old Prime-led regime reasserts itself. Then, as everyone argues, a massive explosion of unknown origin suddenly rips through the Spire. It is in this moment of lost focus that Soundwave's mind dances through time; a moment later, he pulls himself together and surveys the damage, noticing that Alpha Trion has taken the worst of the blast. Soundwave rushes to his side, but it is too late: the old 'bot has perished. The accusing finger of Onyx points at Soundwave—the explosion, the Lord of Beasts declares, must be the work of the Decepticons, and as it has claimed the life of a Prime, it shall fall to the Primes to seeks justice. Soundwave and the Decepticons will now be tried alongside Liege Maximo for their crimes!  

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.<br>
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (5)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (6)
*''[[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'' (9)
*''[[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]]'' (10)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)
*[[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]] (22)
*[[Aileron]] (23)
*[[Arcee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Arcee]] (24)
*[[Pyra Magna]] (25)
*[[Jumpstream]] (26)
*[[Rust Dust]] (27)
*[[Dust Up]] (28)
*[[Stormclash]] (29)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skyburst (G1)|Skyburst]] (30)
*[[Jetfire (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Jetfire]] (31)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (32)
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (33)
*[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (34)
*[[Alpha Bravo]] (35)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (36)
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (37)
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (43)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]]'s "ghost" (55)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (58)
*[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (59)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (1)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (2)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Ravage (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ravage]] (8)
*[[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] (11)
*''[[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]]'' (12)
*[[Swift (G1)|Swift]] (13)
*''[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]]'' (14)
*[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] (56)

|c3=
*[[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] (19)
*[[President of the United States]] (20)
*[[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] (21)
*[[Marissa Faireborn]] (42)

|c4=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] (3)
*[[Mistress of Flame]] (7)
*''[[Thundercracker (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Thundercracker]]'' (16)
*''[[Buster (IDW)|Buster]]'' (17)
*Various [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]] (18)
*[[Ramulus]] (38)
*[[Onyx Prime]] (39)
*[[Liege Maximo]] (40)
*"[[Megatron (BW)|Beast Megatron]]" (41)
*[[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] (44)
*[[Fireshot (G1)|Fireshot]] (45)
*[[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]] (46)
*[[Vanquish (G1)|Vanquish]] (47)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (48)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (49)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (50)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (51)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (52)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (53)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (54)
*[[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] (57)
*[[Tigatron]] (60)
{{!}}}
}}

==Quotes==
"Good luck."<br>
"When has '''luck''' been on our side?"<br>
"Always a '''pleasure'''."
:—'''Jetfire''' and '''Soundwave''' exchange "pleasantries"


"Governments come and go... Primes are forever."
:—'''Onyx Prime'''


"Forged or constructed cold, we '''get''' what we '''get'''." 
:—The Zen of '''Bumblebee'''


"The Decepticons were a societal '''course-correction''' that couldn't stop its own '''momentum.'''"
:—'''Alpha Trion'''


"Onyx Prime... have you come to draw us together or pull us apart?"<br>
"Sometimes, Mistress... a leader must do '''one''' to accomplish the '''other.'''"
:—'''Mistress of Flame''' and '''Onyx Prime'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Soundwave's flashback takes place after he met Ravage, Laserbeak, and Buzzsaw, but before he was recruited by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]; both events were chronicled in [[Soundwaves (issue)|''Robots in Disguise'' #22]]. Prowl mentions that Soundwave has been sent to the mine from "some school in the north"; presumably this must refer to the [[Jhiaxian Academy of Advanced Technology]], which [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] was using as a training ground for super-powered [[outlier]]s like Soundwave, as seen in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|''More than Meets the Eye'' #11]]. The idea that Soundwave and Shockwave had any familiarity with one another before meeting as Decepticons is new (and indeed, doesn't really feel very reconcilable with what issue #22 presented as being their first meeting). Evidently, the mine's subsequent closure must lead to Soundwave becoming the unemployed derelict he was when Ratbat approached him.
*Soundwave's meeting with Optimus Prime aboard Sanctuary Station took place in [[All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|''The Transformers'' #52]].
*Alpha Trion and Soundwave refer to their last meeting, in which the former stabbed the latter, and the latter beheaded the former. This happened in [[White Heat|''The Transformers'' #57]], when [[G.B. Blackrock|Sovereign]] had hijacked Trion's body.
*Windblade notes that a team led by [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] had been sent to locate Liege Maximo after his original escape, as seen in [[The Chosen One|the 2017 ''Till All Are One'' annual]].
*Needlenose talks about acts perpetrated by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and the [[Wrecker]]s during the war; not exactly softies at the best of times, the Dinobots were established to be participants in one of the most horrifying battles of the entire war on [[Varas Centralus]] in ''[[The Transformers: Punishment|Punishment]]'' mini-series, while the Wreckers' various atrocities and the way they haven been kept under wraps have been the subject ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' mini-series.
*When Soundwave reads Beachcomber's thoughts, we learn that Beachcomber allowed him to see Liege Maximo because he feels guilty about "once aiding Starscream." That particular story was told over in the [[Starscream: The Movie|2018 ''Optimus Prime'' annual]], released on the same day as this issue.

===Transformers references===
*Beachcomber's design is based on his new ''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' toy, while Seaspray's is based on his ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' toy. Indeed, their inclusion in this story at all is almost certainly inspired by the fact they ''have'' these new toys; neither of the pair have been seen in IDW continuity since the [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].
*''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' characters continue to appear as Onyx's followers: the two 'bots guarding Liege Maximo are [[Ramulus]], and, repeating an appearance from last issue, the [[Megatron (BW)|''Beast Wars'' incarnation of Megatron]], this time in full color and everything! He's not likely to be ''called'' "Megatron" in this universe, of course...
*Furthering the ''Beast Wars'' connection, Onyx Prime calls his beast-bots "[[Maximal]]s," the heroic faction from the series.

===Errors===
*On page 6, Fireflight is coloured like [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]]. Slingshot's dead!
*On page 7, panel 4, Fireshot is colored like Vanquish, with black/blue forearms instead of purple.
*On page 12, panel 2, Moonracer is colored like Knock Out. Additionally, Fireshot now has a huge fin on the top of his head; this is accurate to his original toy, but the feature hasn't been part of his IDW character design.

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Soundwave, Ravage, Laserbeak, and Buzzsaw, by [[Kei Zama]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Cover B:''' Our cast, within the silhouette of the Soundwave, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Primes Onyx and Optimus, by [[Marcelo Matere]]
<gallery>
File:OP16 cvrA.jpg|
File:OP16 cvrB.jpg|
File:OP16 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''Optimus Prime'' #17
*[[Starscream: The Movie|''Optimus Prime'' Annual 2018]]
*''[[Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor]]'' TPB
*''Clue'' TPB
*[[Free Comic Book Day]] 2018
*IDW at NC Comicon 2018
*CGC Comics
*''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]] vs. the Six Million Dollar Man''

==External links==
*[https://www.newsarama.com/g00/38784-optimus-prime-16-preview.html?i10c.encReferrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvLnVrLw%3D%3D&i10c.ua=1 Preview]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Falling Part 2: Another Mine, The}}
[[Category:Optimus Prime issues]]