Following the defeat of the Decepticons during Operation: Liberation, the governments of Earth helped the Autobots construct a giant spacecraft named Ark II so the Autobots and their Decepticon prisoners could return home. In exchange for Earth's assistance, the Autobots offered to bring a small crew of humans, guaranteeing their complete freedom to roam Cybertron and study it as they deemed fit. Nicknamed as the Magnificent Seven, the humans were allowed to stay as long as they wanted and bring back any and all findings deemed 'useful' to the progression of humanity. They were touted as representing the dawning of a new age.