It was sunny day outside, but inside Autobot base, the general mood wasn't reflecting this at all. The Decepticons had recently launched a surprise attack on them, and they had only just recovered. Although no lives had been lost, the Autobots needed to be ready for their next battle.

"We need to learn more about the Decepticon attacking front. We need to know their plans," Optimus said gravely.

"And how exactly are we going to do that?" Bulkhead asked.

"We need one of us to... go under-cover." Optimus replied hesitantly.

There was a loud outburst from all the Autobots there.

"It's too dangerous!" Ratchet exclaimed.

"What if we get found out? I don't even want to think about it..." Miko shuddered.

"Megatron does seriously warped things to people who cross him," Bulkhead said. "Just look at what he did to Starscream!" He looked around at everyone. "Not that I care or anything..."

"I'll do it," Galaxy said quietly.

"WHAT?" Miko yelled.

"Galaxy, this is seriously risky! You can't even contemplate doing this!" Ratchet warned.

"We need someone to do it. That's me," Galaxy said calmly. The other Autobots stared at her in shock.

"Look, I appreciate that we need to learn more about the 'Cons, but this was a SERIOUSLY twisted idea!" Bulkhead cried. "No offence Optimus, but it's completely dangerous! Anyone who attempted it would get KILLED! As in OFFLINE!"

Some of the others nodded.

"It's possible," Galaxy replied. "We'll need to change my symbol, give me a new paint job, it'll be fine."

There was silence from around the room.

"No!" Ratchet told her. "I won't let you do this!"

"Look, she can do what she wants," Arcee muttered. "I'm just saying," Arcee continued, "that if we need to get this done, and we have a volunteer, then what are we waiting for?"

"Usually I would agree with you," Ratchet started, "but seeing as it's -"

"Someone you care about?" Arcee snapped. Ratchet looked away.

"Look. I'll be fine," Galaxy reassured him. "I'll have a distress signal on me if I need it, but I won't! I'd make a better Decepticon than you'd think," she finished jokingly.

"We don't need her there for long," Optimus added. "Just long enough to learn their next move."

"And what if she gets caught?" Miko put in. The Autobots looked down at her. "They'll torture her and... kill her!" she finished dramatically.

"Just... don't think about what could happen. It's information we need," Galaxy said.

Optimus nodded. "Thank you, Galaxy. We will begin with changing your faction symbol. That will automatically change your optics to red. Ratchet?" he turned to the medic.

Ratchet sighed. "I still think this is a bad idea, but I'll try."

Galaxy gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry," she said softly.

"I can't help it. It's what I do," Ratchet replied sadly.

END CHAPTER ONE...