Editing One Shall Rise, Part 3

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 26
|prev=One Shall Rise, Part 2
|next=
|image=OneShallRise3-together.jpg
|caption=Why can't we be friends?  Why can't we be friends?
|title="One Shall Rise, Part 3"
|airdate=[[October 15]], [[2011]]
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Jack learns more about Optimus Prime's history on Cybertron while the Autobots continue their battle at the Earth's core.'''

==Synopsis==

As he leads the [[Autobot]]s further toward [[Earth]]'s core, [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] is again seized by a vision of the planet exploding. He notes how [[Unicron]]'s strength grows ever greater and continues on. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] both voice their mistrust of the [[Decepticon]] leader, though they have no choice but to follow him. Unbeknownst to them, several strange, mechanical creatures observe the intruders into their dark domain.

Back at [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|base]], [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and the [[human]]s watch a report that outlines how the planet's chaotic weather continues to spiral out of control. Despite [[June Darby|June]]'s efforts to lighten the mood, [[William Fowler|Fowler]] insists that something must be done—even if it means contacting his associates at the [[Pentagon]]. Fowler makes known his uneasiness about teaming up with Megatron, but Ratchet surprises the humans by explaining how such a situation has happened before. Ratchet relates how Optimus Prime and Megatron were once close friends, in the twilight hours of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s [[Golden Age]]. 

[[Image:OneShallRise3-corresponding.jpg|left|thumb|250px|''Once, I called you "Brother".''<br>
''Once, I thought the chance to make you laugh''<br>
''Was all I ever wanted...''<br>
''And even now,''<br>
''I wish that [[Primus|God]] had chose another.''<br>
''Serving as your foe on His behalf''<br>
''Is the last thing that I wanted...!'']]
''The great Autobot leader was once named Orion Pax, a simple clerk in the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] Hall of Records.  Learning of Cybertron's past, Orion grew concerned about the corruption affecting high places and the [[Caste system|state of inequity]] in society. He became inspired by the revolutionary words of Megatronus, a gladiator who took his name from [[The Fallen|one]] of the [[Thirteen|thirteen original Primes]]. Megatronus gained a loyal following through his radical and innovative actions, [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] chief among their number. Over time, Megatronus became a mentor figure to Orion Pax and chose to shorten his name as he left the gladiatorial arena for the political one. Megatron appeared before the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]], voicing his ideas for shaping a new Cybertron by violent means, and demanded to be named the next [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]. Orion protested against Megatron's suggestions before the Council, moving their [[spark]]s and minds as he unknowingly revealed himself to be the one worthy of the title. Megatron severed his ties to Orion and the Council, taking his "Decepticon" followers to begin the [[Great War (Prime)|war]] that consumed Cybertron and vowing to claim the legendary [[Matrix of Leadership]] for himself. Hoping to reverse the damage that had poisoned the planet, Orion journeyed to Cybertron's [[Core]], where he found himself before the spark of [[Primus]], the creator of all [[Cybertronians]]. Primus sensed the purity of Orion's own spark and bestowed upon him the legendary Matrix, transforming him into Optimus Prime.'' 

In the present, [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] question Optimus's plan to give the Matrix to the Earth's core, asking what could possibly stop Megatron from attempting to claim it for himself now. Ratchet darkly replies that Megatron only intends to save the Earth so that he may conquer it at a later date.

As they near Unicron's spark, [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] begins to feel the draining effects of the [[Dark Energon]]. [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] and Arcee help him a short way across the catwalks, but Megatron soon comes to a halt ahead with the realization that Unicron is preparing to expel them. A huge number of Unicron's drones suddenly swarm into view, surrounding Megatron and the Autobots. They engage the drones in fierce battle, blasting and slashing through their attackers. Arcee is knocked to a lower level, not long before the Dark Energon clouds Bulkhead's vision. He stumbles from the catwalk but manages to grab hold of the edge, and is seized by Bumblebee before he can tumble to his death. Optimus and Megatron fight back-to-back, managing to hold their own against the drones in a spectacular display of effective—if uneasy—teamwork. Bumblebee struggles to hold onto Bulkhead, who insists that the scout lets him go. Optimus seizes Bulkhead just as Bumblebee loses his grip, and hauls him up to safety. As the group quickly becomes overwhelmed, Arcee hitches a ride on one of the drones to catch up with the others and beat a swift retreat with them.

[[Image:OneShallRise3-SoundwaveAirachnid.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Maybe Megatron should stop having seconds-in-command and just skip straight to thirds-in-command.]]
Aboard the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Nemesis]], [[Airachnid]] outlines the questionable nature of their leader's recent behavior. [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] asks whether she is suggesting that they abandon Lord Megatron. Airachnid explains how Megatron's undetectable signal implies that he is either offline or at the mercy of Unicron—neither scenario being in the best interests of the Decepticons. She suggests an exodus from Earth, and receives no protests from the surrounding [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]]. However, her order to retreat to [[Regulon Four]] is denied by Soundwave, who silently challenges her authority. When he refuses her demand to step aside, she leaps to attack him. Soundwave easily blocks every one of her blows, before lifting her clean into the air. He hurls her back, deploying [[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]] to stun Airachnid in a sudden sneak attack. Pinned under Soundwave's foot, much to Knock Out's amusement, Airachnid relinquishes command to the intelligence officer.

Back in the Autobot base, Ratchet notes he has lost the others' communication links and life signals, most likely caused by interference from the electromagnetic anomalies. Miko asks how they are supposed to know when the others are ready for pickup if contact is impossible, but Ratchet is prevented from responding by the sound of Jack tapping the [[GroundBridge]] key against a railing. Ratchet reveals that the object is actually the [[Key to Vector Sigma]]—one of Cybertron's most precious relics. Ratchet then realizes that Optimus entrusted the key to Jack because he did not plan on returning from the planet's core.

Megatron is gripped by yet another painful vision of Unicron whilst he and the Autobots are backed into an enclosed chamber by the attacking drones. Unicron orders him to destroy Optimus. Instead, Megatron saves the Autobot leader by blasting an oncoming drone. He then indicates a closed doorway nearby, stating that Unicron's spark lies just beyond. He explains that, to pass through, they must fool Unicron into believing that they pose no danger, and moves his Dark Energon-infused chest up to the door. It opens in response, and Optimus orders the others to remain outside and provide cover fire while he and Megatron advance. 

The passageway beyond leads directly into Unicron's spark chamber, where Optimus prepares to expose the Matrix within his chest. Unicron's spark reacts, striking both invaders with its energy. Unicron again orders Megatron to kill Optimus, forcing him to unsheathe his blade and approach the weakened Prime. Megatron struggles against him, declaring himself to be under the command of no-one. His resistance provokes only an onslaught of pain and a furious reaction from the Chaos Bringer.

The volcano outside erupts violently, and the ground enclosing the Autobot base begins to quake. Ratchet tells the humans to take cover, and he moves to shield them from falling debris.

[[Image:OneShallRise3-unleash.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Care Bear Stare!]]
Unicron's spark adopts the appearance of a face as Megatron is seemingly freed from his control. Optimus calls upon the power of the Matrix of Leadership, but hesitates as Unicron possesses Megatron's body in a veil of purple flame and declares his own invincibility. Optimus cuts short Unicron's desire to pull the Earth into chaos, and he rises to his feet as he becomes surrounded by a brilliant blue light. Optimus fires the power of the Matrix from his chest directly into Unicron's spark, the resulting wave of energy knocking Megatron back off his feet. His energy drained, Optimus falls to his knees, and Unicron's spark emits a final wail of pain before vanishing into oblivion.

The drones outside suddenly fall from the air, lifeless. The volcano, along with all of the Earth's other natural phenomena, subside back to normality. Ratchet and the humans watch as the monitors flicker online, rejoicing as their team's life signals are all safely re-established. Aboard the Nemesis, however, Soundwave also detects the signature of the Decepticon leader.

[[Image:OneShallRise3-hug.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"You smell like my mom."  "I smell like ''his'' mom!"]]
Megatron rights himself in Unicron's now-empty spark chamber, inspecting Optimus's steaming body for a moment before unsheathing his blade. Optimus gazes blearily up at the approaching Decepticon, then addresses him as "Megatronus" and asks where they are. Surprised, Megatron retracts his weapon and helps the Autobot to his feet. Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Arcee soon burst through the wall to assist, but Optimus does not recognise them. A GroundBridge suddenly opens nearby; Megatron claims that the Autobots are their sworn enemies and provides cover fire as Optimus heads for the vortex. Optimus blankly meets Bumblebee's devastated gaze for a split second before disappearing through the Bridge. Megatron follows, leaving the shocked Autobots alone in the empty chamber.

[[Image:Megatroncamehome.jpg|left|thumb|300px|I'm home, honey!]]

Ratchet GroundBridges the team back to base, but is anxious to see that Optimus is not with them. They explain that Optimus is still alive, but did not even know his own name. Ratchet realizes that surrendering the Matrix of Leadership caused their leader to lose not only the wisdom of the Primes, but his own memories as well.

Knock Out and the other Decepticons, minus Airachnid, welcome Megatron back aboard the Nemesis. Megatron steps aside to allow Optimus through, and [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] automatically moves to attack. Megatron halts him, insisting that this is no way to treat a "long-lost comrade", and declares that Orion Pax is one of them.

To be continued…

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (5)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (9)
*[[Autobot High Council|High Council]] (14–16)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (13)
*[[Airachnid]] (18)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (19)
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (20)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (21)
*[[Laserbeak (Prime)|Laserbeak]] (22)

|c3=
*[[June Darby]] (7)
*[[William Fowler]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (10)
*[[Jack Darby]] (11)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (12)

|c4=
*[[Unicron]] (4)
*[[Core]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Raf:''' Megatron was an Autobot?<br>
'''Miko:''' Optimus was a 'Con!?<br>
'''Rachet:''' No, on either count.
:—The kids get confused while Ratchet gets ready to tell a tale.


"Watch out for the quiet ones…"
:—'''Knock Out''' after witnessing Soundwave "veto" Airachnid's motion to leave Earth.


"'''''Megatron! Destroy the Prime! I command you!'''''"<br>
"Megatron is commanded by NO ONE!"
:—'''Unicron''' and '''Megatron'''.


"Where are we Megatronus?"<br>
"Don't you remember, old friend?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' with an unexpected twist.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*All of the natural disasters around the world abruptly stop when Unicron is beaten. While it might make sense for the earthquakes to stop, tidal waves wouldn't just suddenly fall apart. Forward momentum doesn't just vanish. Similar problems occur with the tornadoes dissipating and the sky clearing.
*At the Earth's core, the Autobots should experience very little gravity, as the total mass of Earth would be reasonably equally distributed around them and therefore the pull of gravity would be cancelled out.
*Despite entering the tunnel to Unicron's spark chamber only a few seconds before Optimus, Megatron still manages a very hefty lead. By the time Optimus navigates the tunnel that leads into the spark chamber, Megatron is already inside, standing in front of Unicron's spark.
*After defeating Unicron, both Megatron and Optimus are knocked unconscious: Megatron on his back and Optimus on the ground facing away from the other.  However, when we see them wake up later, Megatron is on his stomach and Optimus is facing him now.
*When Soundwave is shown with the revolutionary Megatron he has a Cybertronian body, but for some reason when Megatron starts the war he is shown in his Earth body.

===Continuity errors===
*Ratchet's statement that Megatron started the war after not being made Prime contradicts the history given in [[Darkness Rising, Part 1]], where Megatron is said to have split from Optimus ''during'' the war. It ''is'' more faithful to ''Exodus'', though.
*Bulkhead is the only Autobot visibly affected by the Dark Energon.<!--THIS IS NOT THE SPACE FOR YOUR SPECULATION.-->

===Continuity notes===
*The entire backstory given by Ratchet is an adaptation of the first half of ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''. Plot elements were changed, such as Orion Pax becoming Optimus when he found the Matrix of Leadership, as opposed to when he was assigned the position by the Cybertron High Council.
*Optimus's blade is still broken after the episode "[[One Shall Fall]]".

===Transformers references===
*Optimus Prime was originally known as Orion Pax, much like [[Optimus Prime (G1)|his namesake]] in the episode "[[War Dawn]]",
*The [[Key to Vector Sigma]] first appeared in ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' episode "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]" and later featured prominently in the first season of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''.
*Optimus calls upon the Matrix to "[[Darkest hour|light our darkest hour]]".
*For once, Optimus is the one who gets to say he "still functions", rather than Megatron.

===Foreign localization===
'''Korean''' 
:*''Title:'' "'''Optimeosu ui Gwageo'''" (옵티머스의 과거, "Optimus's Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 22|22 November]] [[2011]]

===Trivia===
*This episode aired in Singapore on [[October 4]], 2011, again preceding its American showing.
*Jack is clearly taking very good care of that Key Optimus gave him...by idly tapping it against a railing.
*This is the first time we've seen Soundwave "get his hands dirty". With how easily he trounces Airachnid, that's probably a good thing for the Autobots. 
*According to the flashbacks, Megatron's optics are blue, his fingers, eyebrows, and shoulders less pointy, and his feet are also rather flat, until he is rejected by the Council and storms out angrily, obtaining the sharp teeth and red eyes.
*Fowler hugs June. Make of that what you will.
*Once more, the Thirteen Original Primes make an appearance, this time as statue busts in the walls of the High Council's chamber.
*Unlike all other Autobots thus far in the cartoon, Optimus has a distinct Cybertronian robot form, with different kibble, in the flashbacks (along with Soundwave  to an extent).
*A behind-scenes Internet video released by The Hub featured the voice actors recording the "Megatron was an Autobot? Optimus was a 'Con?" exchange, leading many (surprised) fans to believe this was actually the case. 

[[Category:Prime episodes]]