I started a joke, which started the whole world crying

But I didn't see that the joke was on me

I looked at the skies, running my hands over my eyes

And I fell out of bed, hurting my head from things that I'd said

I started to cry, which started the whole world laughing

-"I Started a Joke", Confidential Mix ft. Becky Hanson

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A slender black mech sat back in his chair. His gaze was fixed on a video screen that was sitting on his desk. The mech's visor was dim as he poured himself a small glass of high grade. As he took a sip he hit the play button and the video played again.

In the video, several mechs were attacking others and then they video went black and a voice said, "If you want your Special Operations Main Team back you will do as we say."

The mech leaned back in his chair again and turned to face the rest of the Cybertronian Defense Team that sat around the table. They had all gone quiet after the video had been played the first time and know were gazing at the mech who had played the video again. One finally said, "Well, what are we going to do about this? When you summoned us here, Shadowfax you said that you had a plan to fix this."

The mech, Shadowfax, smiled, "I do have a plan. A risky plan. But it could get us our Spec Ops team back without much trouble."

The same mech sighed and said, "Do enlighten us."

Shadowfax's grin became bigger, "As most of you know, I am the Commander-in-Chief of the Alpha Prison Complex. The mech's kept there are some of the most dangerous mechs on Cybertron. I propose that we put them to good use."

Silence for a moment, before a younger mech spoke up, "You are suggesting sending a group composed of murderers, thieves, and monsters after our Spec Ops unit. Am I the only one seeing the problems with this?"

Shadowfax tilted his helm, "And what may those problems be, Commander Springer?"

The now named Commander Springer leaned forward, "For one how do you know that they will work for you? Most of them are dangerous psychopaths. How do you intend to control them when you won't even be there?"

Shadowfax nodded, "You bring up good points, Commander. I have already thought of both of the answers to your questions."

He stood up and began to move around as he kept speaking, "For starters manipulating people to do what I want them to is what I do for a living. I will be able to convince them to do as we say. And as for how I will control them…."

He clicked a button and on the screens appeared a silver and purple mech. Shadowfax continued, "This is Megatron. Most of you know who he is. I plan to offer him a deal of sorts. He gets the rest to behave, I will take a few vorns off his sentence."

Springer scowled, "So that's your plan. You're going to give these psycho's and freaks a plea deal to get some time taken off their sentences."

Shadowfax nodded and said, "You could say that, Commander Springer. But the truth is that most of the inmates I have chosen have a couple thousand vorns on their sentences. Scraping a few vorns off their sentences won't do much for the here and now."

Springer frowned and said, "And who have you chosen for this?"

Shadowfax pressed a button and eight profile pictures popped up onto the screen. Shadowfax spoke, "First we have Megatron as I have already stated. He is as most of you know a rebel who tried to dismantle our government. His leadership and tactical skills are mainly what I need for this team. Next is Soundwave…."

Another mech snapped out, "Ya have to be jokin' Shadowfax! That mech raped one of the members of the Spec Ops team we're sendin' em ta rescue!"

Shadowfax nodded, "Yes. That is true, Kup. But Soundwave has remarkable abilities that would be useful on this mission. His telepathy for one will be useful in gaining directions around the complex. And to ease your fears, Megatron will have specific orders to keep Soundwave away from his…. former victim."

Kup frowned for a moment before nodding. Then Shadowfax continued, "The next one is Shockwave. The team would mainly use his intellect and science know-how to get the intel we need from the computers, as well as his military background which gives him a distinct advantage over the terrorists. Does anyone disagree?"

Silence for a moment and then Shadowfax continued, "Swindle will give the team intel on the terrorists that have captured our Spec Ops team, with his Black Market leanings he is bond to have heard of them. Astrotrain is the transport to and from the terrorists base. And Vortex will assist in the interrogation of any mechs we capture. Any complaints?"

Springer spoke up again, "Vortex is dangerous. You will be taking the proper precautions with him?"

Shadowfax nodded and said, "Megatron will be warned of all of the team's dangers before the head out."

Nods came from around the table before Kup said, "Continue."

Shadowfax nodded and continued, "The last two are the most dangerous mechs out of all of the ones I have selected. Mirror is as most of you know a thief. He has proven himself capable of sneaking into places that most would believe are impenetrable. It is this ability the team will use to get into the base. Finally, I have selected an unknown factor for the team. Bloodhound. No one knows anything about him. He is as most of you know an assassin of extremely dangerous caliber. His usefulness will mainly be in his fighting and sneaking abilities."

Kup grumbled, "Shouldn't use the mech. He's too dangerous. He's too much of a loose cannon."

Shadowfax nodded and said, "True. But it is that which the team would find useful."

Silence perforated around the table as everyone looked to their leader, their Prime who had sat in silence during the entire explanation of the plan. The Prime finally spoke, "They will be completely controlled during this mission and will be returned to Alpha after the mission is over?"

Shadowfax nodded and said, "Yes, sir."

The Prime nodded and said, "Very well. You have my permission."

Shadowfax nodded his helm and said, "Thank you, sir. You won't regret this."

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I looked at the skies, running my hands over my eyes

And I fell out of bed, hurting my head from the things I'd said

'Til I finally died, which started the whole world living

Oh, if I'd only seen that the joke was on me

-"I Started a Joke", Confidential Mix ft. Becky Hanson