Selecting warriors, of course, required a proper competition.
The trials would consist of two components: physical and mental.
As a specialized Seeker frame, Terradive naturally outperformed the mass-produced models in most categories.
He carried himself with quiet confidence, certain of his chances.
To ensure maximum fairness, the physical portion was divided into racing and combat evaluations.
The competitors presented a challenge, they included ground vehicles, tanks, and fliers, each with vastly different speed capabilities.
Categorizing them strictly by type proved problematic. After consultation, Orion Pax and Megatron decided to normalize the results mathematically.
Flight units and ground units would follow different routes, with light and heavy ground units further calibrated against their own classes.
For mechanical beings, such computational work resolved in minutes.
Terradive raised no objections to these rules.
His performance metrics were superior across the board, and he even felt confident about the mental examination.
The mental component proved straightforward enough, data processing challenges and simulated combat command scenarios.
Garfield needed more than mere transportation, he required a strategist.
His words might be blunt at times, but that didn't mean he couldn't command a battlefield when necessary.
The results, however, delivered a humbling surprise.
Terradive's speed proved impeccable, his personal combat prowess formidable. But in command exercises?
He performed abysmally. A mass-produced Hornet model outscored him dramatically in strategic thinking.
This is genuinely embarrassing, Terradive thought, processors burning with chagrin.
Once the results were tabulated, discussion turned to the final question… how many Transformers would accompany Garfield?
The main deliberators included Orion Pax, Megatron, Soundwave, Skyfire, Bumblebee and Garfield himself, of course.
Orion Pax spoke first. "I believe at least two. Terradive can serve as transport and guardian, supplemented by a dedicated commander."
Megatron waved a dismissive hand. "Too few. The universe teems with unknown dangers.. a full squadron, at minimum."
Soundwave naturally supported his leader. "I concur. A squadron could not only protect the teacher but also gather intelligence for us."
"When we eventually venture into the wider universe, we won't be starting from ignorance."
Skyfire offered a measured counterpoint. "A squadron seems excessive. Perhaps a smaller team would serve better."
"The teacher's movements may not always accommodate such numbers, we are quite conspicuous, after all."
"More bodies don't always mean more effectiveness."
Bumblebee recorded everything, as was his habit.
Garfield raised a paw. "This king requires no such extravagance. One Terradive suffices."
"Let him learn and grow. As Skyfire noted, sometimes fewer companions serve better. Your teacher has his own methods."
To Garfield's surprise, Orion Pax and Megatron objected in unison.
They found merit in Skyfire's observation about their size being inconvenient, but drew different conclusions.
Too many companions created complications, certainly… but too few created unacceptable risk.
After spirited debate, the squadron proposal gradually contracted to a five-member team.
Terradive received Garfield's personal appointment, leaving four positions to be filled through further consideration.
Garfield made one final attempt. "Perhaps we should select mass-produced units that haven't undergone full evolution."
"This preserves your critical personnel for the work ahead, and I can depart with an easy spark."
The four Transformers present felt their optics grow damp at Garfield's continued thoughtfulness.
"Teacher..."
"You truly..."
"Such consideration..."
The effusive appreciation washed over Garfield, and he found he rather enjoyed it.
In the end, Garfield's insistence carried the day.
Only one competitor from the trials would join him, someone who had performed admirably enough to satisfy both Orion Pax and Megatron.
When Terradive learned the outcome, his processor nearly overheated with joy.
This unexpected result, this honor… left him speechless.
He simply stood beside Garfield, optics bright, radiating quiet amazement.
"Alright, your work is just beginning. Go to the database and download command protocols and combat materials for intensive study."
"You'll also need to find four mass-produced fighters to serve as your wingmates and team."
Terradive straightened his frame, spark bright with purpose. "Yes, Teacher. Mission accepted."
Garfield raised a paw in caution. "When you recruit, be absolutely clear about what you're offering."
"You'll be traveling the universe with me. There's a very real possibility none of us will ever return."
Terradive nodded solemnly. "It would be my honor to follow you in saving the universe, Teacher."
"I believe the knights of the air will feel the same. I'll go find them now."
"Wait." Garfield stopped him, raising his paws toward Terradive's chest plate.
With a gentle press, he left an impression, his own paw print emblazoned across the young Seeker's spark casing.
"From this moment forward, you are the Winged General of the High Claw Kingdom."
Terradive gazed down at the mark on his chest, processor flooding with pride.
He could barely contain himself. The moment he walked out the door, he began displaying it prominently, much to the envy of the competitors who hadn't been selected.
Bumblebee watched with particular disappointment, his spark heavy with longing.
He had so wanted to continue learning alongside Garfield.
After Terradive departed, Garfield stepped outside and found the dejected Bumblebee huddled by the entrance.
The kitten leaped lightly onto the Autobot scout's shoulder and patted his helm.
"Little Bee, don't be sad. Traveling the universe with me would be an adventure, yes, but staying with Orion carries equal weight."
"Your work here is far from over. Don't let the current peace fool you. Countless plots and challenges await in your future."
"You must stay by Optimus's side. Protect him while you continue learning. And watch for those who hide in shadows, waiting to strike."
"Every great change for a species requires passing through fire. You carry the weight of protecting Optimus."
"This king is quite fond of you, you know."
Garfield continued his gentle reassurances until Bumblebee's spark steadied. The young Autobot nodded with renewed determination.
"Thank you, Teacher. I understand now."
Garfield patted his helm approvingly. "Good. Now this king can depart with some peace of mind."
"Oh, and one more thing, keep an optic on Starscream. He's a twenty-five boy, if you take my meaning."
"Twenty-five boy?"
Garfield's expression grew serious. "Be wary of him in the cycles ahead."
"And this next part, Bumblebee, you must store it deep in your core memory. Encrypt it."
Bumblebee's optic brightened with attention.
"In time, Orion and Megatron will diverge. Their fundamental differences in thought and approach will create... complications."
"There may come a day when brother stands against brother."
"If you see this rift forming, remember to protect your spark. It is your foundation. As long as your spark endures, all can be restored."
Garfield reached into his subspace pocket and withdrew samples of vibranium and rare metals.
With practiced ease, he smelted them together into a small pendant, a High Claw talisman and infused it with the power of the Time and Space Gems.
"This, keep it safe. If an unavoidable crisis threatens your species with extinction, use it."
"I will sense its activation and return as swiftly as possible to aid you all."
He fixed Bumblebee with a meaningful stare. "This knowledge is for you alone."
"Not Orion. Not Megatron. Not the others. Just you."
Bumblebee clutched the talisman against his spark casing. "Teacher... I swear it."
Garfield passed the pendant to Bumblebee and turned to leave.
But as he did, his thoughts snagged on something vital, something he had entirely overlooked.
The Allspark. He hadn't seen the Allspark.