An End in Sight

by KayleeChiara

From Mission City to Cybertron, this story blends the lives of humans and Cybertronians as they deal with life, politics, friendships and romance as they struggle to end the war, work together, and seek a way to restore Cybertron and the AllSpark. G1/Bayverse (sans AoE). This is not a fast-paced action piece, more like a day in the life, but give it shot anyways? No Slash. Thx!

2. Chapter 2 -- Decepticons

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! This chapter backtracks a bit to establish some points later on in the story, so bear with. I promise, there will be more bots, including the femmes! I'll be using Earth years for a common reference. And last, I apologize for any typos… Despite proofreading several times before posting I always find more later *sigh*. If you find any I'll fix em! Again, thank you for reading!

Cybertronian/Earth Time Reference:
Groon/about 1 Earth hour
Orn/about 1 Earth day
Orbital Cycle/about 1 Earth year
Vorn/about 83 Earth years

Chapter Two – The Decepticons

- Earth Calendar Year 1947 -

Soundwave sat in front of the Decepticon destroyer Fury's communications command console as he quietly paged through various intelligence reports while the current commander of all Decepticon forces StarScream, paced back and forth across the bridge muttering. Soundwave showed no interest in the commander's unending stream of complaints, which ranged from energon shortages to the lack of appropriate weaponry being provided by Shockwave, that was the price of leadership.

StarScream was the commander of all seeker forces but with Megatron still missing, managing the entire faction had left him overwhelmed. As far as Soundwave was concerned StarScream leading the Decepticons made sense. Just as it made sense that he would continue to devote his time between gathering intelligence on the Autobots while he continued to search for Megatron and the AllSpark. StarScream's fantasies of glory as said mech behind him continued on with his ranting, hadn't included the mundane, boring, and sometimes quite frustrating normal orn-to-orn operations of running a military organization.

As for the troops, Decepticon forces for the most part had accepted Megatron's absence without question. The only reaction came from boredom as a few enterprising bots started a betting pool on what happened to their leader. Soundwave monitored this unapproved activity with tolerance and left that information out of his reports to StarScream. Since it did not appear to affect their duties, despite growing lax discipline, it did provide him another venue with which to track moral based upon the direction of the betting. At present, 'searching for the AllSpark' was still the favorite leading him to believe morale to be high. Some of the betting options were humorous including one that suggested 'he lost track of time 'interrogating' Elita 1' but what gave him greater concern were those that indicated 'abdication' and 'termination,' which had been rising steadily within the rankings these past 100 vorns.

Soundwave lowered his audios when StarScream starting shouting orders in frustration. He bemoaned StarScream's lack of charisma and leadership skills but frankly, what bot could compare to Megatron? As it was, of the command staff, StarScream was better than either he or Shockwave to lead. Did that upset him? Not at all. He enjoyed what he did as did Shockwave, it was not the most perfect solution but it worked because the Decepticons still remained as a cohesive fighting force. Disbanding was unthinkable because the alternative was unacceptable, which was surrender to the Autobots.

The fact that newest Prime had made the necessary changes to the laws that provoked the conflict to begin with was irrelevant to Soundwave. As long as the Council still existed somewhere, potential reversal was inevitable because he had no faith in the character of a 'Prime'. So through a massive and ongoing propaganda campaign disparaging the Autobots, he helped keep the troops in line and in service to Megatron.

If anyone had ever thought to ask Soundwave why he was a Decepticon he would have told them it was because he hated the near religious reverence of the designation of Prime. To a bot who dealt with information, it seemed illogical to put an entire government's direction on a small device purported to bear the will of Primus. Was Primus real? Where was there proof if Primus was real, that the device came from him? Had anybot ever verified the Matrix was the true Matrix? Was it ever tested? Until those questions and more could be answered to his satisfaction he would rather put faith in Megatron.

Soundwave did nothing to alleviate StarScream's command difficulties because it was none of his concern unless it directly affected those under his command. His covert operations teams were more focused and professional. They had to be because if they weren't they were replaced and that didn't mean transfer. If Shockwave was feared for his lack of morality in placing his quest for scientific advancement above the lives of his troops, Soundwave was his equal in the arena of communications and espionage. Failure was not tolerated and reprimands were swift and deadly. It was an effective method in obtaining the best out of his troops, after all.

A ping from the system redirected his attention from reports to a message from one of his surveillance outposts. The caption alone grabbed his full attention as he quickly opened the file. The report was simple but spark-stopping for the mech who had spent millions of orbital cycles searching for his missing leader. The report indicated trace readings synonymous with the AllSpark and even more significant, a possible landing site. Soundwave knew his leader would not have strayed from his mission so if the Cube had made landfall then Megatron would be there as well. Soundwave looked away from the monitor to control his emotions and focus his processor as excitement he rarely felt thrummed through his frame.

Once his emotions were contained he ran through options and quickly selected his course of action. Standing, he intentionally walked in front StarScream interrupting the pacing bot and earning him a sharp rebuke, "What?!"

Soundwave's monotone voice instantly silenced the bridge crew's normal conversations as they listened intently, "An energy signature identical to the AllSpark has been detected. I am leaving with a small team to investigate." Before StarScream could comment the tall mech spun on his pede and left the stunned commander blinking in his wake.

Before the door slid shut and to save face StarScream hastily added, "That's good, keep me posted."

Within moments the communications and covert operations officer entered his quarters as he summoned his mini-cons. Once they arrived and were loaded he sent orders to his 'listening' outposts closest to the solar system in question. They were to focus on the presumed location, do full spectrum scans and analysis, and hold their reports until he arrived. Once that was complete he exited his quarters and headed to the ship's experimental equipment locker where he retrieved a portable warp drive, one of Shockwave's potential improvements for standard combat seekers.

Once it was attached and synchronized to his systems, he headed up to the launch deck and with the grace of a well-trained athlete thrust himself out into space transforming into a small sleek, silvery spacecraft. He fired his thrusters for positioning as he entered the coordinates into the warp computer. The fact that the device had never been field tested never entered his processor as he activated the warp drive. His faith in Shockwave and his inventions was proven again, as he successfully warped into the Sol System.

Upon arrival however, the drive's inner core went critical which did not provoke undue distress as it had served its purpose. Soundwave calmly ejected the device, transformed and rolled into position leveling his arm cannon at the device and destroyed it before it detonated. The fact that he was now stranded didn't bother him as he transformed back into flight mode, executed a tight roll, and engaged thrusters.

His current spacecraft alt was sleek and streamlined, an intentional choice geared specifically for evasion and detection avoidance. The fact that his form in both modes was also pleasing to the optics was not a coincidence. He may be a military by-the-book mech but he was a mech and despite rumors to the contrary he enjoyed and encouraged occasional liaisons with willing femmes.

As he glided through space his surveillance system picked up trace AllSpark particles that seemed to follow a planet orbiting a yellow star. He scanned the planet, third from the star, and picked up faint electronic signals synonymous with a sentient civilization. Pings on his comms indicated incoming reports showing his outposts observed his arrival. With pride in the excellence of his surveillance teams, he quickly reviewed the reports which confirmed findings. He trained his delicate sensor array on the third planet, small by Cybertronian standards with only one moon, and altered his course. Once he reached the planet he quickly calculated entry into the planet's atmosphere while at the same time doing a brief survey of the planet's terrain, most of which was covered in liquid.

The only hindrance to his landing and search would be the two poles due to their magnetic pull and extreme temperatures. His entry into the planet's atmosphere was flawless. In order to avoid any possible scanning technology the inhabitants may possess Soundwave flew within the planet's exosphere to initiate a search pattern.

Although his systems confirmed diffused AllSpark energy the actual location was impossible to pinpoint. Adding to his frustration was his inability to locate Megatron's life signal. As he completed another pass Soundwave's concern grew, was his leader somewhere else or worse off-lined? Falling back on protocol, he ran a standard Decepticon hail sequence and waited for a response he knew wouldn't come. Once he'd completed a systematic search he landed on one of the larger continents to consider his options, a place the organics called Nebraska, to formulate his strategy and fall back on reason.

Without a doubt the AllSpark was here but its location appeared to be shielded, intentionally, a reasonable conclusion given the nature of the AllSpark itself since any natural planetary feature could not diffuse the AllSpark's strong signal without manipulation. Knowing Megatron as well as he did, Soundwave thought it highly unlikely he'd abandon his mission, so that would mean Megatron should be here as well. Scans showed clearly that the inhabitant's technology and weaponry would not have brought him down. So what did? Clearly not Autobots as he'd picked up no Cybertronian signatures. Lacking any other information, the only solution was for him to find the Cube and hope that Megatron was there.

In the meantime, he needed to gather intelligence so he ejected his mini-cons. The planet's information systems weren't networked which he would remedy in time. However, until then he would use his mini-cons to roam and retrieve data. As they deployed Soundwave began scans to determine a safe location in which to build his base of operations.

-Earth Calendar Year 1958—

Even Soundwave's patience had its limits especially when his goal was seemingly so close but still elusive. His frustration was growing and he realized he needed to defuse it before he made any mistakes. To distract himself from the tedium of searching and human pawn manipulation, he decided to review his 'collection'. One of the interesting benefits of acquiring information was what one could do with it. Soundwave never discarded what he acquired in case there was some future use he could gain from it. Such decisions weren't always fruitful but in this instance he'd found something to distract his processor.

Before the war, Soundwave had been a dealer and collector of historical information, rare data. In one acquisition he'd come across an old filament telling of a planet of organics that had been visited by beings that could only be described as Cybertronian. That information was not unusual as Cybertronians were natural space explorers. What was interesting about the story was not only its age definitely pre-war, perhaps even pre-Golden Age but also that the planet was populated by sentient organics.

The record described the arrival of an alien race searching for a crystalline substance. A wealthy merchant sold the crystal in exchange for a body like theirs. The transaction was made and the aliens moved on. The new body functioned properly and the merchant enjoyed an almost immortal existence. After generations of his people passing on, for some unknown reason he went mad. He attempted to take over their world but the organics fought back. The devastation was horrific culminating in a last ditch attempt to destroy the merchant. The organics used an untested explosive device which successfully killed the converted organic but in turn poisoned their world with harmful radiation. Soundwave thought the story was more of a cautionary tale, similar to others he retrieved from younger worlds but now that he was on a planet filled with organic beings it gave him an idea.

With the Cube missing there was no way to increase Decepticon forces. But, what if that tale was true? He had an entire planet filled with organics to experiment on and if he was successful he could increase their fighting force and finally, decisively, destroy the Autobots.

In the end did it really matter if it worked? No, organics were a lower form of life so the losses due to failure would be acceptable. Plus it offered him the necessary diversion needed to maintain his focus. However, the ability to deal with matter conversion was more Shockwave's area of expertise. So he contacted Shockwave to present his theory and to see if he could provoke a similar interest. Shockwave likewise thought the idea amusing and accepted the challenge.

-Earth Calendar Year 1959-

Discussions and research continued between the two Decepticon commanders. Any information or theories to be tested were fed through Soundwave's growing human network and disseminated through a variety of sources in the human scientific, technological, and medical communities. It made sense, since Soundwave lacked personnel and resources, why not use what the planet had to offer since there was an abundance of both.

Information dissemination came about in many ways. Some in practical advances others in the form of papers and articles. One such paper was written by a renowned physicist, Richard Feynman, who described a theory of synthesis via direct manipulation of atoms. It was the catalyst for an area of science later known as nanotechnology, which coincidentally happened to be part of Cybertronian biology.

Despite Soundwave's successes in manipulating humanity politically, economically, as well as redirecting their technology, he was unable to find the Cube or Megatron. His mini-cons had picked up rumors of different covert agencies which dealt with extraterrestrial life but none of his operatives had connections, so he was still trying to find someone to get inside. The only annoyance was StarScream's repeated questioning of his persistence in staying on a backwater system planet but facts were facts. Had the matter generated by the AllSpark dissipated he would've known the Cube was not present, it had not therefore the Cube was here.

-Earth Calendar Year 1961-

One of Soundwave's listening outposts picked up a derelict craft heading toward his location. Its signature indicated Cybertronian construction which provoked enough interest for him to emerge from his hidden bunker and jet silently into space. Once he located the drifting hulk he trailed it down as it crashed onto the Moon's surface. His excitement grew when he identified the vessel and more importantly its cargo.

As soon as the Ark skidded to a stop he approached the vessel and searched it for a way to enter. Once he did, it did not take him long to locate the main deck of the Ark and more importantly the vault beneath. Inside the vault were hundreds of cylindrical containers and the body of Sentinel Prime. He retrieved one of the cylinders and examined it carefully and then returned the device back into its slot with awe. It was a space pillar a component part of a space bridge and it wasn't from an ancient disassembled bridge. It was a recent creation and the fact that Sentinel's frame was housed within the vault suggested he might be its creator, which was likely as Sentinel Prime was a genius. A disappointing search through the compartment revealed the lack of schematics and how to implement the device.

Soundwave had to learn how to manipulate them. He exited the vault and to examine the bridge's systems. Once he located the communication and information array, he noted the damage which was minimal and repaired it. There was still energon within the Ark's systems so he was able to activate the repaired equipment. He searched the database carefully for any information on the space bridge and frowned behind his mask in disappointment, his original theory confirmed. Sentinel had to be carrying the information. He drummed his digits on the console as he calculated different scenarios to employ. His fingers stopped their rhythmic pattern as soon as he decided what he would do. He would use the last amount of energon from the crashed vessel to send a simple encoded message to Decepticon Forces. He would assume command for this operation and bypass StarScream, even though it would earn him a few audio piercing shrieks, but the situation called for a more delicate servo.

He activated the array and encoded the message to send on a Decepticon frequency, "Command Authorization: Soundwave, Intelligence and Science Mission parameters. Orders: Transfer units, covert and combat, groups of four. Avoid Autobot detection. Contact upon arrival." He piggy-backed the coordinates with the text and sent the message. The comm burst as expected drained the remaining energon from the Ark's reserves. He looked down again at the vault and frowned knowing what lay beneath. He clenched his fist fighting off the desire to return to the vault and plunge his servo into the Prime's chassis and crush what was left of his faintly flickering spark, but he needed the mech alive.

Unfortunately Soundwave didn't possess anything that would revive Sentinel nor did he have a way to contain the Prime once he did. The safest way to manage the situation, he felt, was to leave Sentinel here for now and revive him later for interrogation. Once Soundwave could revive, contain and extract the information from the Prime then he would be free to fulfill his desire and end Sentinel's spark.

Soundwave stepped off the bridge and exited the Ark, once his pedes sunk into the Moon's silty soil he regarded the planet Earth and realized there was a secondary problem to consider. Through his manipulations he had advanced humanity's abilities in scanning and computing as well as their space programs. It would be logical to assume they had identified the impact and given their natural curiosity, would probably seek to discover what had occurred.

Since both the United States and Russia were running competing space programs and were already in the process of preparing moon landing missions, it wouldn't be long before the humans would land and locate the Ark. He considered whether it would make sense to allow the humans to move the pillars for him but once the pillars were on Earth, would he be able to recover them without note?

He crossed his arms over his torso and considered options. He decided there were too many variables and difficulties in retrieval once they were in human hands. It would be more efficient if his incoming forces transported the pillars to Earth as they arrived. As to Sentinel, the bodies of the crew, and the Ark itself he would let them remain and see what the humans did with such obvious evidence they were not the only 'sentient' species in the universe. With a gentle push off of the surface he rose and transformed back into his flight mode and returned to his base.

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

In response to his orders, and despite StarScream's initial fury at what he deemed an usurpation of his authority, small units of Decepticons were covertly deployed to the unsuspecting world. Combat mechs and weaponry were quietly staged on the moon, as covert units moved pillars to Earth for storage.

For the next forty years Soundwave had full and uninhibited control over the planet. Although he would never let StarScream know, his failure in locating the AllSpark and Megatron haunted him to distraction. If it had not been for the thrill of coercing, manipulating, and playing with humanity he wasn't sure he would've remained sane stuck on such a muck filled organic world.

- Earth Calendar Year 2002 - Suburbs, Chicago, Illinois -

A cemetery brightly lit with spring sunshine and flowers contrasted with a sorrowfully dressed group of people standing near a rose covered casket. The minister's words floated over the crowd, "… Marion's battle with cancer was a testament to her strength, courage, and love. She will be sorely missed by her husband Stan, happily married for 25 years and their only child, Ellie. …"

The father and daughter stood, slightly separated from the rest of the mourners as the short service was performed. Once it was complete those attending offered their condolences before quietly leaving. Soon only the two of them stood alone beside the casket when the father with a sigh his wiped his tears and placed an arm around his 18 year old daughter and led her away to their car.

—Earth Calendar Year 2005, Autobot Frigate Varion —

Prowl, the Autobot's SIC, sat at his bridge command station pouring over reports. Next to him was a small stack of data pads in addition to files queuing on the console screen before him. The black and white mech had been fitted long ago with a specialized battle computer which he utilized in juggling the complexities of maintaining a military on the run. In one data stream he was assessing troop deployment and reassignments. On another, as SIC, he handled the disciplinary responsibilities and thankfully today that list was quite small. Another queue had an unending list from various unit commanders requesting personnel, equipment, weapons, and energon. If that weren't enough he also had various intelligence reports from their covert operations teams identifying current Decepticon troop movements and unit placement. He rubbed the red chevron on his helm as he worked in assisting Optimus Prime in managing the orn-to-orn operations of the Autobots.

The bridge access port shushed open as two mechs walked into the room. One was a red mech who was gesturing with emphasis as he spoke, "Ah'm tellin' ya Prime, it's been too darned quiet." Ironhide continued to grumble as the pair walked into the bridge of their small craft.

"You're just tired of the inactivity and it's preying on your processor," Optimus teased, his colors similar to Ironhide except for the blue covering his legs. The Prime paused at each station, muttering small comments to each mech stationed there, before moving on to the next as he checked on status. The last station he reached was Prowl's as he stopped and turned to listen to Ironhide grouse.

"Naw, it ain't that Optimus. What's been buggin' me are these reports on Decepticon troop movement. Don't make sense, they're too small, that ain't StarScream's style at all."

Prowl slowly spun around in his chair to regard the pair, "I agree. These unit deployments are more subtle, covert, something like what Shockwave or Soundwave would do."

"Ah agree," Jazz, the Autobot's FIC said as he turned from his operations station, "ah'd place my bets on Soundwave."

"Agreed," Prowl nodded perfunctorily. "What doesn't make sense is 'why.' The quadrant they're relocating to is inactive, energon readings are low, it's not near anything remotely strategic, and even though there's an inhabited world in the system, the technology isn't high enough to warrant Decepticon interest. So something else is going on."

Optimus nodded his helm as he stared out of the view port and murmured, "Megatron." Then he turned to his staff, "Is there any intel to suggest what they're up to?"

"No," Jazz said shaking his helm, "nothing in the chatter and definitely nothing about Megatron."

There was a small chime from Prowl's station which made the mech spin about. His fingers flew over the keyboard, "Why didn't I see this before? It's not Megatron but the AllSpark, I think they found the AllSpark."

Optimus moved over to lean across the back of Prowl's seat to review the data, "That's the right signature but it's in such trace amounts. Are you sure?"

"I believe so," Prowl said as he pointed out the energy wave pattern, "the signature is unique and not replicable as far as we know."

"As far as we know… so, it could be a trap," Ironhide said as he strode forward and leaned his hip against the console, "but the only way ta find out is ta go see what they're up to."

"If this is legitimate, they'll be prepared. We have ta get in there without the Decepticons knowing we're onto em or this is gonna blow up in our faces big time," Jazz said as he rocked back in his seat. He huffed and looked up at the ceiling of the bridge and muttered, "Hmmm. Ah think we outta play this quiet-like. I'd treat it like we're goin' directly up against Soundwave. So, a covert ops, real small, like in a single scout. Do recon and we go from there."

Optimus nodded, "That would be dangerous sending in a single bot without backup, but if we send in more troops that seriously increases their risk of discovery. If the AllSpark is there and we accidentally alert them, that's it. All it'll take is one comm and we'll be facing the entire Decepticon Armada. And that's not a force we're ready to go up against. Alright, we send a scout to do recon and find out what the Decepticons are up to. This has to be a volunteer mission, Prowl."

"Consider… me… volunteered," Bumblebee said in broken soundclips as he spun around in his seat.

Prowl pulled up his list and blinked at it for a moment and then turned to Optimus as he voiced his concern softly, "Bumblebee…"

Optimus placed his servo gently on Prowl's door-wing and said softly, "I appreciate your concern, Prowl."

Then he looked at Bumblebee and regarded him thoughtfully for a moment, "Of the scouts aboard Bee, you have had direct experience in dealing with Soundwave. Although you are our best choice you'll be going in alone, are you sure Bumblebee?" Bumblebee leaped off his seat and did a fist pump, nodding emphatically.

"Alright," Optimus said with a very slight hint of concern in his tone, "Prowl, organize a staff meeting in a groon to hash out mission details."

"Yes sir," Prowl spun about in his seat and began to prepare and run various mission scenarios on one screen while on another he summoned the rest of command to the meeting.

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

The groon flew quickly and soon Optimus' tiny staff room was filled, with Ratchet being the last bot who entered and had to cram himself in. Ratchet's expression was dark with annoyance as he had to squeeze in between Ironhide and Jazz. They did not improve the medic's disposition as Jazz and Ironhide commenced a stealthy poking war at the latecomer.

Noting his staff's antics would normally not fluster the usually placid Optimus but given the situation he grew increasingly irritated and had to look away to compose himself. He knew it was the stress of having to send another Autobot, especially Bumblebee, on a dangerous mission. More so if he found the AllSpark, which would mean Megatron had to be close by. One misstep and they'd have the entire Decepticon forces on their backs. It had nothing to do with Bumblebee's capabilities because he was the perfect bot to send. It was the fact that it was Bumblebee. Optimus was tired of constantly playing the numbers game where the Decepticons always had the greater odds and he didn't want Bumblebee to be the one who ended up losing.

It was a moment like this where he truly missed Elita 1, her mere presence was like a comforting balm to the war-weary Prime. Hearing Ratchet grumbling at Jazz and Ironhide had him pinching his nasal and then he stood up from his chair and quietly reprimanded the duo, "Jazz, Ironhide, enough."

"About time you said something," grumbled Ratchet.

Optimus merely tilted his helm in acknowledgment, "I know we've been cooped up in this vessel for far too long and all of us need some rest, but we need to be serious. Prowl, please begin."

The black and white mech pushed off the wall allowing his door-wings to adjust as he reviewed his datapad, "As reported previously, we've been noting small troop reassignments to a system with no remarkable value. I haven't been able to determine why until today. In doing various scanning sweeps of the system we picked up a trace AllSpark signature on one of the planets. So, either the AllSpark is there which means they've found it or worse, they've learned how to replicate the signature and it's a trap. Either way we need to know what they're doing. Also, a minor word of note, latest scans have also picked up electronic signals associated with younger civilizations. We are also dealing with an inhabited world," Prowl nodded and moved back to the wall.

Across from him Jazz stepped away from Ratchet who vented in relief. Ironhide and Jazz had changed tactics from poking to squeezing the poor medic between them.

Jazz crossed his arms, his expression now extremely serious, "There's been no intel or chatter to give us a guess. So, ah think based on the nature o' da deployment it's not StarScream which would point to a military campaign. So if it isn't military then it'd fall under either Soundwave or Shockwave. But if the inhabitants don't possess something they'd need then what'd be the point? Don't make any sense. Oh, and we still haven't heard anything about Megsy, he's still MIA." Jazz stepped back and wiggled into Ratchet who gently shoved him off with his arm.

Optimus crossed his arms and looked at Jazz who merely winked back his more jovial side taking over, "We need to know what's going on. If it's Soundwave or Shockwave that will make it more difficult to get planet-side because they'll have optics and audios on alert, they aren't as arrogant as StarScream is. So, we need to send a scout without attracting attention. Added to that is the risk of our presence being detected by the inhabitants which might alert the Decepticons. So we need to be doubly cautious. Bumblebee has volunteered to scout. So we're here to plan the details, ideas?"

Prowl commented without looking up from his data pad, "A ship, even a life pod will transmit some sort of signal, they'd be scanning for that. We need something to transport Bee in that'll be ignored by their sensors. Invisibility or shielding technology would be good options but they would require too much power."

Jazz grew serious as he crossed his arms over his chassis thoughtfully, "If it's skimming past sensors, then we'd need to replicate something they'd expect and disregard. Like debris, meteors, something natural that's common with a planetary system."

"So we pack Bee up like garbage and toss 'im out?" Ironhide grinned down at the smaller mech whose optics narrowed into a glare.

"Not a bad idea actually," Jazz said as he tapped his chin.

"Hey," Bee barked via recordings, "ah'm… not… garbage."

"No, ah'm not sayin' ya are. We just need to make ya look like something they'd expect and ignore," Jazz advised. He was about to return to tormenting Ratchet when he remembered something, "Hey, do ya'll remember something about an emergency transformation protocol for bots needin' to evacuate a breached ship? Do ya remember that, I think the transformation was like a pod or somethin?"

Prowl looked up and tilted his helm and then accessed his pad, "Yes. It was successful but proved impractical. First, the code took up too much processor space so a bot would have to ditch the vehicular alt-mode code in favor of the survival pod. They were never able to condense the programming without making the alt-mode unsafe for reentry. The idea was shelved because most bots preferred to retain their alt." He paused as he read the data, "the second problem for discarding this protocol was the pod signature itself. It was so small it made it difficult if not impossible to spot for retrieval if the bot was incapacitated during the evacuation. Good call Jazz."

Optimus nodded, "Excellent. Do we still have access to that programming?"

Prowl nodded, "Yes it's still available as an emergency option. So it sounds like this will be the best method for insertion. The next problem is launching him without drawing attention."

"Well that's easy," Ironhide said with a grin, "fire him outta our missile launcher. They monitor us as much as we do them, so they expect us to do drills. We use a standard missile testing pattern and make sure one of the ship's positions is in line with the planet. We run a drill, fire at different points and make one of 'em Bee."

"Great…," Bee muttered as he crossed his arms over his torso, "just great."

Ironhide huffed at the smaller bot, "Gotta better idea short stuff?"

Silence filled the small room as each considered options. Optimus himself could think of no better plan and looked to each mech. Each bot he regarded shook his head negatively, including Bumblebee.

"Prowl," Optimus ordered, "obtain the transformation code for the pod and give it to Bee. Give the coordinates for the planet to Ironhide so he can program the missile firing program. Ironhide, prepare a standard missile drill and add the coordinates into the firing pattern. Ratchet, as soon as Bee scans the pod-alt I want you to run a thorough diagnostic. He has to survive space, random debris, and reentry. If it's not safe we'll need to find another way to get Bee planet-side."

"Alright, we've got a basic idea for getting Bee there. However, once you're down Bee, no comms," Optimus continued, "we'll need some way for you to contact us without being picked up. Ideas?"

Jazz nodded again, "On Cybertron, sometimes my people'd use signals, ya know the old fashioned way? Sometimes different colored light, colored smoke, or a special yield chemical explosive to communicate without comms. If Bee uses a focused beam of light at a precise set of coordinates at a specific time, we could easily monitor it without comm chatter. The Decepticons are expecting that and won't be noticing a brief light signal, I hope."

Optimus blinked his optics for a few moments, "You're right, that really is old tech. But unless you're looking at the exact spot, it's easy to miss. Good call Jazz. Alright, when Bee locates any intelligence of note regarding the AllSpark or Decepticon activity, use a single tight beam, say the Autobot shield. We'll need to provide him a specific set of coordinates and time. If Bee finds nothing, same thing only use a simple light beam, no shield. "

"Good. Next, if the AllSpark is found," Optimus paused, "Prowl will take command of all Autobot Forces and assume the rank of First."

"Hey, what's up with that Prime?" Grumbled Jazz, "yer demotin' me?! What for? I haven't done anything wrong!"

"I'm not demoting you Jazz. With what I have in mind, I need to split my command team so I can't have Prowl running our faction without that authority. As for you, my friend, you'll be deploying with me, Ironhide, and Ratchet to join up with Bumblebee. We need to keep this operation small and hopefully undetectable, so we'll deploy to Earth in the same manner as Bee. Quiet and as below their scanners as possible. I need you with me because you're my best covert operations specialist. Ironhide my weapons specialist, Ratchet in case we'll need medical intervention as well as his combat capabilities."

"Sir," Prowl interrupted, "going in with such a small unit is not wise. Not including me as your tactical and strategic second again, not recommended. Please reconsider and send another in your place. As our Prime, it's to you our forces look to for guidance and support."

"Your concerns are valid, especially when we're dealing with probabilities and no facts. However, what we can surmise is we're facing one or both of the Decepticon's brightest and most devious minds. Second, I know Megatron. I know how much the AllSpark meant to him. He would not let the AllSpark go. I have to go if there's any chance Megatron is present."

"As a team, all of you are highly trained and the best skilled unit of mechs the Autobots possess and I am loath to split us up. But our forces need my best strategist with them should I fall. You are the best at what you do Prowl and our people's needs have the greater priority." Prowl looked away clearly not pleased with the response but unwilling to argue further.

Optimus nodded and then regarded Bumblebee, "Bee, if you aren't able to locate the AllSpark or Megatron, find out what's going on and why that planet is of such importance to the Decepticons. As soon as we receive your signal we'll extract you. For the extraction Prowl, I want you to have several frigates ready and prepared. Any questions?"

"Yes sir," Prowl lowered his datapad, "I do. What do you want me to do if the Allspark or Megatron is there?"

"If that's the case, I will break comm silence so we can plan further. Prowl, I will rely on you to assemble our forces to meet in that system in case we need to engage the Decepticons or to extract us. "

"Yes sir," he lowered his helm slightly.

"I'm not sure if this is a game changer, trap, or another dead end. No matter what the outcome I want each of you prepared for any contingency. Prowl, make sure you keep track of Decepticon forces, especially StarScream. If this is simply another exercise in Decepticon in-fighting, which is always a distinct possibility, let's make sure our forces aren't caught in the middle."

"Thank you, all of you. We would not be alive today if not for your hard work, dedication, and support. Most especially, I could not have made it all these vorns without you. Dismissed." Optimus stood as the assembled officers filed out of the room with Prowl in the lead dragging Bumblebee off to command with Ironhide and Ratchet in tow.

Jazz stayed behind and put out an arm to hold Optimus back from exiting allowing the door to slide shut, "OP, are ya sure Bee's up ta this?"

"Yes," Optimus answered with conviction as the two stared at one another for a few moments before Jazz nodded.

"All right then. I'll put up extra teams prior to deployment and see if the Decepticons react. If they do, we fly in and pick him up? Right?"

"Of course," Optimus answered, slightly offended.

"Just bein' clear is all," Jazz said as he held up his servo. "You know ah'd nevah abandon a mech in the field… Ah'm just thinkin' we should probably prep the ship for battle… just in case." Optimus nodded and proceeded to the bridge with Jazz trailing along behind.

Once they reached the bridge, Prowl was already removing the access lead from Bee's wrist indicating the code had been uploaded. With a small yelp, Bee was grabbed by Ratchet who drug the smaller mech with him off to the med bay. Jazz walked over to his station to put together small teams to depart as additional listening posts. Ironhide went over to his tactical station to start going over his exercises to select one that would work best for the mission. A quiet comm indicator beeped at Optimus' station letting the Prime know that after a thorough examination Ratchet pronounced the new mode safe for transit and reentry.

Once Ironhide had the drill selected, Prowl broadcasted a ship-wide message informing the crew to prepare for training drills. With a nod Prime's command staff quickly called their replacements as they walked down to the munitions bay.

Ironhide quickly loaded the firing sequence pattern into the weapon system computers. Once that was complete he, himself went and physically loaded practice rounds into each of the firing tubes except for one.

Ironhide turned, "All right, ahm ready to go. Just need to load Bee in missile tube 3."

Optimus pulled Bumblebee aside and placed a large servo on his pauldron, "I need not remind you to be careful, you've dealt with Soundwave before. Just keep in mind you also have to deal with the planet and its inhabitants. Whatever you do, take no unnecessary risks, understood? Stay low and contact us as soon as you have information."

Bumblebee nodded and played a series of recordings taken from various shipmates, "Yes sir. Don't worry… ah got it well undah control."

Optimus kept his worry to himself as he stepped back to watch.

With a cocky salute Bumblebee transformed into his emergency pod alt. He wasn't too worried about his original alt-mode as Prowl had duplicated the data for him for later. As for the planet, Bee would scan for an alternate mode, if one could be found, and blend in. Once the transformation sequence was complete Ironhide rolled Bumblebee into a missile launching tube chuckling, "Ya know, he makes a perfect lobbing ball, let's keep 'im like this and send anothah bot instead."

Despite his compacted and protected state, Bumblebee was quite capable of hearing and responded tartly using his teammate's own words and finished with Ratchet, "Put one servo on… mah aft… and you'll find out the meaning of pain."

The command staff's responses were varied, some laughed outright, others smiled. Prime simply crossed his arms as he fought the desire to pull Bee back.

Ironhide walked over to the controls and activated ship-wide comms., "Alright people, this is a drill. Missile and battery firing commencing… now! Battle stations! I repeat, battle stations!" His servo hovered over the launch button. "Primus be with ya, Bee," and then pressed the button.

- Earth Calendar Year 2007-

A young teen by the name of Sam Witwicky rummaged through a box of battered antiques passed down to him from his father. They were a collection of items from an ancestor named Captain Archibald Witwicky. He pulled out an old newspaper that claimed the captain had been institutionalized for insanity and dropped it on his desk with a huff.

"I wonder if insanity is hereditary…. Hey you know Mojo," the teen said to the Chihuahua snoozing on his bed, "I haven't gone through this stuff in ages. Good thing I had that history report."

He continued to pull out various items as he continued muttering aloud, "I bet I could get some money for these things. Dad won't mind, right Mo?" The little dog simply blinked a tired eye at his master and lowered his head back onto his paws.

"Yeah," Sam said as he held up a pair of glasses and looked at them in the light streaming from the window. "I could get some good money for some of this stuff, well, except maybe these. Pretty beat up but they're old and lots of people like buying old crap, right?"

Sam suddenly stood up, dropped the glasses back into the box and dashed out of his room mildly startling his dog. Mojo had recently broken his leg but was being dosed with pain medication that had him happily watching the room spin. Soon the pounding of returning footsteps heralded Sam's arrival as he dropped into his chair holding a small digital camera and began taking pictures.

Thirty minutes later and several mishaps along the way, the items from Sam's box were posted on EBay for sale as he waited eagerly for bids, not realizing that in doing so, what events he'd inadvertently set into motion.

- Earth Year 2007 - Post Mission City and the Destruction of the AllSpark and Megatron -

In Earth orbit a silvery form maneuvered gracefully from satellite to satellite, pausing before moving on to the next. As another device rotated near, it used careful bursts of fuel to ease close, paused, and then with another gentle burst it attached itself to the device. A multitude of metallic tendrils emerged and attached itself to a United States Military satellite. A flare of light that reflected off the military device streaked across the silvery form illuminating a purple insignia, the faction symbol of the Decepticons.

Soundwave chuckled softly as the primitive technology was easily tapped and hacked into, he did after all provide humanity with the necessary basics. In less than a thought, the spy had total access to the entire United States Military communications network, while the humans below were totally unaware of the subversion. Settling back with patience, Soundwave initiated protocols scanning for anything that might help him locate the resting place of his fallen leader Megatron. Recently off-lined by a small human who'd thrust the AllSpark's energy into a gap in Megatron's chassis from his recent battle with Optimus and the human military. The AllSpark energy was too powerful for Megatron's frame and spark to handle, the overload overwhelmed and extinguished his spark.

The chatter coursing through the satellite was extensive but easy for the spy to process. Time meant nothing to Soundwave as he listened and stored random bits of information. His diligence, on this day, was rewarded. Soundwave opened his comms and sent a broadcast message to his fellow Decepticons on Earth, "Megatron has been found…"

With one slip of the tongue not only was the location of Megatron given away, but that of something he had not expected. A shard of the AllSpark existed. As the deploying Decepticons advanced on the Laurentian Abyss to recover their fallen leader, Soundwave eject one of his tactical subordinates Ravage on a specialized mission to retrieve the shard. Once Ravage was ejected, Soundwave send another message but this one into deep space, "Megatron has been recovered. Acquire medical assistance. Transport to this location, urgent."

—Decepticon Command, Cybertron—

A large mono-opticed mech stood, a silent guardian in a large command center, monitoring data displayed on various screens. Everything from supplies and troop deployment, Cybertron's core energy systems, interstellar anomalies potentially indicating energon sources, as well as the various scientific projects he was working on. Shockwave was assigned by Megatron to be commander over Cybertron and he did so with efficiency. His reputation alone kept the demoralized troops, suffering from lack of energon and needed medical care, in line. It was not unusual for him to occupy command alone, he preferred it that way and he knew those under him felt safer for that choice.

Added to his imposing stature was the mech's lack of facial features except for a mono-optic, which made him even more frightening to those who served under him. Most Cybertronians possessed facial features that would allow or hint at expressions of emotion. There was no clue, no hint, to give away Shockwave's emotions. Combined with that was his carefully controlled movement and cultured voice, nothing was given away to discern mood or temper.

Shockwave stood calmly before a monitor reviewing the data from a current project when a ping of an incoming message caused him to huff softly in annoyance. Although the message was from Soundwave he was still irked at the interruption. He quickly activated the message and with a frown sent a response in soft cultured tones, "Megatron was injured on that organic infested world and you need a medic?"

"We have a basic field medic, we require a surgeon."

"I see," Shockwave activated another screen and scanned the list of Decepticon medics and snorted in disgust. Then he quickly brought up a list of known Autobot medics, "I will retrieve one from the Autobots. Out."

With one arm as a fixed weapon he used the other to skillfully manipulate a screen bringing up an extensive interstellar chart showing vessel and planetary placement, as well as listings of current Autobot prisoners. He quickly closed the prisoner list and went back to the interstellar maps.

Retrieving the latest intelligence on various Autobot vessels, he checked their possible troop manifests. Then he pushed the smaller vessels off the list as he focused on the larger ones. Statistically speaking, he mused, the larger vessels would more likely hold a surgeon. Once he'd pinpointed several potential targets he stepped back from his screen and crossed his arms deep in thought. With deft fingers he loaded another layer displaying current Neutral Ships as well as Decepticon troop placement, and another layer of planetary systems and settlement locations. He regarded the information and within moments devised a scheme to retrieve a surgeon and transport him to Earth.

Activating his communication array again, Shockwave transmitted a message to a Decepticon contingent close by his target, "Decepticon Unit TR172A notification of change in orders. You are to attack Neutral Outpost New Iacon, Deca and acquire a surgeon. Alive. Transport will be sent. Coordinates to follow. Respond."

"This is TR172A. Accept change in orders. Respectfully, we request additional troops."

Shockwave's servo paused for a moment, "Your unit is sufficiently manned for this mission. Additional troops request, denied. Command out."

Shockwave called up another screen, "Seeker Unit RS175 respond."

"RS175."

"RS175 divert to TR172A. Change in orders, your unit is to aid in the capture and transport of a surgeon. Transport location Coordinates to follow."

Longflight sighed as he corrected his position drawing close to a small planetary body he'd intended to scan for energon readings. He was a warping shuttle and commander of a trine of energon seekers.

With energon reserves low, the Decepticons had been forced to search further out into space for the rare substance. Because of their distance in relation to the main Decepticon force, the only contact he received was merely to complain about the lack of energon recovered but that was just the way StarScream treated his seekers. Complaint but with no retaliation, which was fine with him. Why now, all of a sudden, was his unit being contacted by Shockwave? Since when did he interfere with StarScream's command?

Although Shockwave held superior ranking, he was still outside of Longflight's chain-of-command. What gave him the authority to bypass orders to reassign them? Was he crazy?

Longflight opened his comms, "RS175 to Command. There must be an error in your records, please note that RS175 is an energon seeker unit not a combat unit. As such and by order of Megatron, energon seekers are forbidden to deviate from their mission which is finding energon not surgeons. I'm sure I don't have to remind you that disobedience is a capital offense, as in termination. So, Commander Shockwave, as much as I appreciate the situation you're in, I won't break orders to recover a surgeon for you. RS175 Out."

Shockwave listened to the comm and then responded in a cultured and calm tone, "RS175. I am well aware of your duties. I am authorized to amend orders in extreme circumstances. The surgeon is for Megatron and since the closest surgeon is near you, you will carry out these orders or be terminated, it is your choice. Command Out."

"Wait," Longflight lurched in flight at the command and reopened comms, "there's nothing in the regulations that give you that authority. Megatron's orders are NEVER countermanded nor disobeyed, ever. You know that. So when this surgeon cures Megatron he'll order us off-lined anyway. I want this on the record, Energon Seeker RS175 refuses Commander Shockwave's request to break orders and acquire a surgeon. Shockwave, find a combat unit. RS175 out!"

It did not surprise Shockwave at the refusal, the seeker was correct. However, recovering Megatron was worth the loss of 3 energon seekers, "RS175, this conversation is being recorded. I am temporarily in command of the Decepticons. I will assume full responsibility for the change in your orders. I will accept termination in your unit's stead should Megatron order such upon his revival. That should satisfy command requirements. Commander Longflight you will alter your mission parameters or I will authorize Astrotrain to terminate your unit. Understood?"

'Great. Fragged no matter which way we fly,' Longflight muttered and then responded, "For the record, Commander Shockwave has ordered Seeker Unit RS175 to deviate from mission to acquire a surgeon, against Megatron's orders. Commander Shockwave has accepted responsibility and punishment for said disobedience. Include recorded conversation."

"Satisfied?"

"Not really."

"Shall I summon Astrotrain then?"

"No," conceded a resigned Longflight .

"Good. Round up your unit and report to TR172A's location. The unit commander is Tumbler. Carry out orders, retrieve and warp the surgeon to the coordinates sent. Command, Out."

-Deep Space—

Longflight growled in frustration and opened comms, "Duststorm, Steadyburn, meet me at these coordinates, sending now. Shockwave's changed our orders and yeah I know we're screwed. We are to place ourselves under the command of TR172A Tumbler."

"Are you crazy?" gasped Duststorm as her sleek black Cybertronian form glided through her current search territory. "No one changes Megatron's orders, no one! Shockwave's a canny mech, he'll manage to fly his aft out of danger and we'll be terminated for this!"

"Second that," replied Steadyburn, a larger mech of similar Cybertronian design to Duststorm but his paint was blood red and barely visible in his current search territory, "we've no reason to do anything Shockwave wants. Did StarScream approve?"

"I don't think he's aware and at this point why bother contacting him. We do this or deal with Astrotrain, so were fragged the lot of us. It seems Megatron's badly injured and needs a surgeon. So that's our mission. I don't know what to tell you both, no matter what we do, we're fragged. We'll just have to hope we can figure out a way to survive this one way or the other, I'll meet you there, Longflight out."

Longflight banked, his large white and purple shuttle ample enough to hold a large supply of energon or troops, to their new coordinates. He knew Shockwave selected his unit purely due to their proximity.

"I knew it was going to come to this," moaned Steadyburn on the comms, "why else would they send us to this aft-hole section of the universe?"

Longflight sighed, "Just meet up at TR172A's location, if we're lucky we'll find some energon and hopefully use that to save our afts."

"Wishful thinking," muttered Steadyburn as he altered to the coordinates. Duststorm didn't comment, she simply adjusted her nav. system and hoped this wasn't a mistake.

- Neutral Outpost New Iacon, Deca-

TR172A was located on a small moon called Deca positioned to monitor the activities of a neutral Cybertroninan outpost called New Iacon. Thus far, the Decepticons assigned to TR172A were allowed to enter and monitor the neutrals without incident and maintained a wary relationship, as long as they didn't cause trouble.

New Iacon's headman Quickdrill maintained civil authority and insured that when any of the Decepticons ventured into their village they were accorded wary respect. The outpost was small and boasted a civic headquarters, several shops, and a small space port. The outpost was established after the discovery of a major deposit of silica, necessary for many of the components Cybertronians carried within their own bodies and as well as what they used in their technology.

New Iacon would've succeeded in becoming a wealthy and major port if the discovery hadn't come on the heels of war. Because of the war, factions determined the deposit was not large enough to expend the energon for transport. So New Iacon drifted into history, its distance allowing the inhabitants lasting peace. Over time most simply thought of the Autobot-Decepticon war as a 'Cybertronian' thing.

When the seekers arrived at the small outpost Tumbler the commander, a bulky ancient and scarred mech, ordered his command to assemble. The commander waited as a motley bunch of mechs, poorly repaired, formed ranks as he lumbered forward to a stop before them. Taking a moment to survey his bots, Tumbler addressed the unit, "We've received a change in orders. Per command, we're to acquire a surgeon. Alive. New Iacon hasn't got one, just a general practitioner. So we need to attack the outpost, provoke 'em into calling for Autobot aid and lure us a surgeon."

"I know most of you have been itching to get outta here but that ain't gonna happen unless we get the surgeon. Just remember DO NOT off-line the surgeon. I can't stress this enough, the surgeon must be alive and uninjured. If one of you idiots offs him, I won't even begin to list what sort of retribution you're in for. So, if Megatron wants an Autobot medic we're gonna give him one. For the glory and honor of Megatron and the Decepticon cause, stand and rise up!"

The mechs cheered and hooted as they queued up to the amory to pick up weapons and readied themselves to move out. Tumbler moved along the ranks yelling at one mech, kicking another as he tried to herd his unruly command into some form of order as the shuttle seeker Longflight, approached.

"Can I have a minute?" Longflight asked as Tumbler kicked another mech aside and then waived the seeker over with barely hidden annoyance and waited.

"Yeah, what do ya want?"

Longflight no small mech himself stood his ground, "We're energon seekers not combat troops."

Tumbler froze and then glared at the white and purple shuttle in annoyance. With a blink of his optics Tumbler grabbed the shuttle's arm and pulled him away from the milling ranks, almost lifting Longflight off his pedes.

"Why," he hissed softly, "in the name of Megatron, would command send me a non-combat unit?"

"You'd have to ask Shockwave," responded Longflight, "I think it's because we were the closest unit and I can warp. The only weaponry and tactical systems we possess is mining lasers." Tumbler groaned and muttered about idiot Cybertronian command decisions and then began pacing.

"I needed the troops," Tumbler stopped pacing and turned, "but we've gotten used to making do. These bots aren't used to seekers. I'm betting we could intimidate them simply by having you do low level fly overs. You don't need a battle computer to fire lasers and since those neutrals haven't a clue how to fight they won't be able to tell the difference. Since it seems you're a critical piece, bein' the transport, best you stay behind."

"Can't afford to have you hit by accident," Tumbler sneered. "The others can buzz the city a few times, fire randomly or not, as long as they can get the city in a panic. Once my ground troops enter tell your team to pull back and move in behind us. If they want, they can pick off whomever they want as long as they don't off the surgeon when he arrives. Prepare your team, we're leaving in ten."

"Yes sir," Longflight saluted the larger mech and walked back to his two smaller seeker companions.

"Our orders…" Longflight looked up skyward and closed his optics and vented. Then he regarded the black femme and the blood red mech, "Our orders are to do low level fly overs, fire your lasers, accuracy isn't a big deal. Tumbler's idea is to scare the neutrals into a panic. When his troops enter the city, fall back and follow. Don't get shot. I have to stay behind since I'm the transport. Understood?"

Duststorm nodded in assent as Longflight continued, "And these are my orders. These troops haven't seen battle in a very long time and they don't look to be our finest. They'll probably be erratic and dangerous to anybot. As soon as they move into the town don't bother to follow. Just stay safe, am I clear?" He waited for them to nod, "good."

Duststorm and Steadyburn looked at each other in surprise. Duststorm, normally the quietest of their trine asked with concern, "''Flight, we're still going through with this? I didn't join the seekers to shoot up a town of neutrals."

Steadyburn chuckled, "And here I thought you joined us because you fell in love with me."

She rolled her optics and added teasingly as she looped her arm around Longflight, "Not possible sweetspark, because I always fall for the bigger mechs." Then she grew serious as she let Longflight go and placed a servo on Steadyburn's forearm, "Seriously, though, I care about both of you let's just keep it at that, okay?"

"Picking on me for my size, again? I'll have you know I'm just as big as StarScream," Steadyburn whined with a servo to his wounded spark then continued with a smile, "Still, just because I'm shorter than Longflight doesn't mean you can't bond with the both of us, right? I have other redeemable qualities."

"Seriously, you're bringing this up now? Need I remind you why we decided against bonding as a trine? What if one of us was injured? Off-lined? You know what happens to the rest of the trine, we decided we couldn't do that to one another. Or have you two changed your minds recently?"

Steadyburn held his arms up in surrender, "No, we haven't changed our minds. I was just teasing you alright? Sheesh, quit being so serious will ya? It's just fun bringing it up in case you might change your processor, I mean a bot can hope can't he?" Steadyburn smiled at the smaller femme with a grin and tried to pull her into a hug. She kept him at arm's length for a moment and then capitulated, allowing the contact. After a few moments of holding Steadyburn close, she held out an arm to include Longflight. The older mech smiled and walked into their arms and simply stood there enjoying each other's company until Duststorm gently pushed them both away.

Tumbler's mechs regarded the open affection of the trine with sneers and disparaging remarks. Such behavior was not appropriate for the regular forces. Ground bots simply didn't understand the hardships energon seekers endured. Granted they weren't out on the front lines struggling to stay alive. Their hardship stemmed from the length of time they were out in the field alone with little to no contact. Bonds of any type were necessary to help maintain sanity when they were separated from any living being for orns at a time. It was a connection, a reason to continue beyond that of serving the Decepticon cause which kept them flying.

Most seeker trines bonded because it allowed greater contact and created a more cohesive fighting unit. Energon seekers benefitted because there were times comms wouldn't work due to any number of issues, distance, distortions due to radiation interfering with comm signals. Duststorm had admitted many times to her trine that there was certainly a lure of having that special connection to them but for some reason she just couldn't take that next step.

There was a darker side some exploited with regard to bonded trines. Some unit commanders force bonded their troops as a means of control. So if any seeker got out of line, the commander would simply pull one of his trine aside and punish him until the others complied. DustStorm sighed in disappointment because such treatment was a horrible deviation from their noble Decepticon origins.

Tumbler's shouts caused the three to turn and watch as the Decepticon ground forces formed up. Longflight's deeper voice reminded the smaller seekers gently, "You better go. Remember, buzz the town, stay low, strafe at will. Once Tumbler's forces attack the city, fall back or those crazy mechs might shoot you instead." The three stared at each other optics silently communicating concern and then separated.

Duststorm and Steadyburn stood behind the Decepticon ground forces and waited for Tumbler's command. Once he was satisfied Tumbler shouted, "Seekers, buzz the town! When I give the recall command fall back and stay behind the unit. Troops move out!"

The seekers ignited their pede thrusters and lept into the air to the sounds of hoarse cheers from the troops below. Then they both transformed into their flight mode and with a burst of speed, they raced to New Iacon.

— New Iacon, Deca —

It was barely sunrise as the headman Quickdrill strolled from his home, his daily routine so ingrained that he didn't even note two glints in the sky quickly approaching. Duststorm and Steadyburn increased speed and lowered their altitude skimming the tops of the buildings, the roar of their engines causing many in the city to dash out of doors to see what was happening. Using a lazy turn to determine their next pass, the black and red jets buzzed the town again, scattering the townsfolk who screamed in panic as the seekers fired their weapons. While banking into their next turn they saw the dust cloud of the advancing Decepticon troops which indicated the progress of Tumbler's forces. Once more the seekers buzzed the city firing lasers over the heads of the fleeing inhabitants who were dashing this way and that completely confused and unsure of where to go as Quickdrill shouted and gesticulated wildly trying to get the citizens to head to the city center.

When New Iacon had been built, the city center had been designed as a bunker in response to the rumors of war. Quickdrill's antics drew the attention of a few of the town's security mechs who soon assisted him in redirecting the terrified populace into the building when the bombardment began. The headman realizing they were in a desperate situation turned and ran to the space port to activate their deep-space communication's array. The array had originally been in the city center but was moved to the port to aid incoming vessels. They hadn't had the budget to purchase additional equipment. As he wove his way through citizens and buildings, he watched in horror as a shell exploded sending bots he knew into the air. His processor stilled in horror as bits of dirt, building, and bot rained around his speeding form.

He struggled to keep moving and not fall to the side of the road to purge his tank. Forcing his terrified limbs onward, he raced to the space port. Once he reached the port's doors, there had never been a reason to lock them, he flung them open and dashed up to the rarely manned communication's room. Falling into the chair he entered a standard merchant vessel frequency and slammed a fist onto the console to activate the comms, "This is outpost New Iacon on the moon Deca, we are under attack. Repeat, we are under attack by Decepticons. PLEASE HELP US!"

— Cityship Metroplex –

Using distance as a protective measure the great cityship Metroplex hovered on the fringes of known space and subsequently brushed against Decepticon territory. As a neutral Cybertronian vessel the Metroplex contained refugees as well as the remaining survivors of the Council, the leaders of Cybertron's government.

The communication's officer Sinewave turned to face the captain, "Sir, we've picked up a message from neutral outpost New Iacon on Deca. They're being attacked by Decepticons and are asking for assistance. What do you want to do?"

Captain Cordite drummed his digits on the arm of his chair and muttered softly, "I know what I'd like to do." Then he straightened his shoulder and in a louder voice ordered, "Sine, patch me through to the Council Secretary. Let me know when he responds."

Cordite pulled up his screen to call up data on Deca while he waited for the Council to get around to answering his query. Depending upon their schedule it might be immediate or longer, which would be disastrous for the outpost.

Sinewave's slender orange frame glistened under the bridge lighting as his servos adjusted his equipment. With a surprised blink of optics he noted the immediate response from the Council, "Captain, I have the Council Secretary."

"Good, transfer to my station," Captain Cordite waited for his monitor to ping and he quickly activated the connection, "Sir, we've received a distress call from the settlement New Icon on Deca. They are our supplier of silica, they are being attacked by Decepticons and are asking for help. Request permission to deploy the Autobot unit we're temporarily sheltering to render aid. If we do, we can protect our source of silica without Metroplex being directly involved. What would the Council like us to do?"

"We will get back to you," the secretary replied haughtily and then disconnected.

"I wonder how long this will take," the Captain muttered as he rested his helm on his hand.

"Captain," the communications officer said quietly, "they're not our only source of silica."

"Oh," Cordite said with a wink, "good to know." Sinewave slowly nodded his head as he realized what the Captain was up to.

"You're welcome, sir," he responded and turned back to his station. Care had to be taken as the Council frequently monitored all activities on the ship, including the bridge. So it wouldn't do to have a prolonged conversation on the topic and draw undue attention to the Captain's ploy.

Cordite flicked the receive command when a chime indicated an incoming call from the Council, "Yes sir?"

There was no feed, simply a terse command, "We will notify the Autobots."

Cordite quickly closed the line, "Sparkie notify New Iacon we've received the message and are sending help, just don't say who, in case the Decepticons are listening in."

"Yes sir," the officer said as he frowned at his superior, "I just wish you'd stop calling me Sparkie."

"Now where's the fun in that," Cordite said as he rose to his pedes. "If there are any further incidents, I'll be in my office."

"Yes sir," as he activated an outgoing frequency, "New Iacon, this is neutral vessel Metroplex. We have received your message and will be sending you help."

Back on New Iacon, Quickdrill hooted in excitement because he hadn't expected a response so soon, "Thank you Metroplex! Is it possible to send a medic? One of the first buildings they hit was our Life Center."

"Understood New Iacon, we will see what we can do, Metroplex out." Sinewave grinned predicting the captain's response as he pinged his office.

"What now?! I haven't even sat down yet!"

"New Iacon is requesting a medic and since the only medic aboard is CMO FirstAid…"

There was a series of colorful words accompanied by what sounded like an item crashing to the floor which made Sinewave cover his mouth to prevent himself from laughing aloud when the senior officer finally responded with resignation, "Fine. Patch me through to the Secretary Councilor."

-Metroplex, Segregated Quarters, Autobot Unit—

Ultra Magnus, commander of the Wreckers, sat in a small office looking over the latest reports Kup, his second, had recently given him for review when his office comm pinged.

"Magnus," he responded.

A haughty voice answered in audio mode only, "This is the Assistant to Councilor Medras. The outpost New Iacon on the moon Deca is being attacked by Decepticons, they are also requesting medical aid. Your unit is ordered to eliminate the Decepticon threat and provide protection for our CMO FirstAid. He is our only medical officer so you better make sure you return with him when the mission is complete. If not, don't bother coming back, you will not be welcome. Out."

"Oh, so now they need us," Magnus scoffed and then shouted as he walked out of his office, "KUP! Assemble the Wreckers, the Council wants us to take care of a Decepticon problem."

"Really? That's a new one. Good timing though everybody's getting lazy," responded Kup as he materialized near the taller blue and red mech and popped a quick salute. The elder mech with a cigar-like stick clenched between his teeth turned and quickly dashed to the barracks where their small Autobot unit relaxed on benches or sat at the rec table playing games.

Kup, despite the cigar, walked into the center of the room and in a booming voice ordered, "Wreckers! We got work to do. Form up and let's get ready to move out!"

When the Metroplex fled Cybertron it intentionally carried no army factions just neutrals and a small cadre of Autobot Elite Guards assigned to protect the Councilors. Over the many centuries they had managed to avoid the conflict by staying as far away from combat and faction territories as possible. It was an accident that caused the Autobot unit, especially one as notorious as the Wreckers, to be aboard. The Wrecker's shuttle and compatriot Skylynx had been badly damaged in a skirmish and the closest vessel was the Metroplex.

Initial requests for aid were denied as the Council feared aiding the Autobots might negate their neutrality and since it appeared to many that the Decepticons were winning they did not want to provoke retaliation.

However the Metroplex's CMO's was also an Autobot as well as a Protectobot, FirstAid. Once he learned of the Council's refusal to allow Sky Lynx to land he promptly threatened to leave the ship unless the Council allowed the Autobots to land. The Council terrified of losing their only medic quickly relented allowing Sky Lynx and the Wreckers aboard. To present as neutral a face as possible the Council sectioned off a portion of the ship and restricted the Autobots there. They were not allowed anywhere else on the ship and as soon as Sky Lynx was functional they were to leave.

Ultra Magnus walked calmly up as the Wreckers formed into a line. Sergeant Kup was the oldest Autobot present, his pale green frame was small, wiry, and worse for wear given his age. Some mistakenly interpreted his older frame model to indicate a slower processor and weaker abilities to their detriment. Kup was feared both in skill and tactics and could easily best most of the mechs here, with perhaps the exception of Ultra Magnus whose size and skill was comparable.

Behind him in a row were two dark green mechs. One, a rare triple changer named Springer and the other a physically imposing combat veteran called Bulkhead. Beside them were two bright red mechs, one bulky and one slender with a giant scope on his back. Inferno the bulkier of the two served as both a warrior and as a rescue mech, he had a talent for incindiaries as well as putting them out. Perceptor was a slender, gently spoken and mild tempered mech. Not only was he the unit's sniper he was their science expert and unquestionably a genius amongst his peers. Last in line was their youngest, an unruly and undisciplined mech with bright red, yellow, and orange flames known as Hot Rod who enjoyed driving his mentor Kup to distraction with his antics.

"Wreckers," began Ultra Magnus as he calmly outlined their mission, "an outpost, New Iacon, has a Decepticon problem and we're gonna fix that. New Iacon's also asked for medical assistance, so the Council has graciously allowed their CMO to come with us. We're to protect the medic at all costs and make sure he comes back with us, if not the Council won't let us aboard. As to transport, Sky Lynx is still down so we've gotta use one of the ship's weaponless shuttles. Remember, FirstAid's not a Wrecker so I want you people to keep an extra optic out for him. That's it, we go in, clear out the Decepticons, protect the medic while he's doing his thing, and when he's done we all come back."

Running footsteps heralded the arrival of the CMO as the red and white Autobot dashed into the room with a large medical kit in his servo, "Ready when you are."

Kup looked to Ultra Magnus who nodded approval for his second to go ahead, "You heard the bot, let's move out!"

The team turned and ran to the armory to retrieve their supplies and weapons. Once equipped the Wreckers and one CMO dashed to the Metroplex's landing bay where their shuttle was being prepped for launch. Sky Lynx watched the activity with a huff of frustration and lowered his helm to the bay floor disappointed at being unable to go. The sound of the arriving Wreckers scattered the crew who reacted with both fear and distain as they still harbored the resentment of war as well as caste discrimination. The Wreckers quickly boarded the shuttle and they launched.

— New Iacon, Deca —

Duststorm and Steadyburn landed behind the last rank of Tumbler's forces as the first rank completed their shelling. The noise, screaming, and smoke slowly filtered through as the wind shifted. Duststorm awkwardly stepped around a Decepticon ground mech as he sneered at her mining laser, "Just point that toy of yours away from us." Several warriors nearby heard the comment and started laughing, which provoked others to make suggestive comments as to what they'd like to use a femme for.

Steadyburn looked at his companion and noted her placid expression and whispered, "How can you take that slag?"

"Easy," she said and turned a little, "if I'm lucky to make it through this, I can fly away. If I say anything now, they might not let me." Then Steadyburn noticed her wings and the barely perceptible twitches indicating nervousness.

"Don't worry, I'm here," he responded softly as he moved closer to her.

Tumbler, near the front of his troops shouted, "Alright you lazy slag-heads, it's time to take the city." Then he turned and ran firing into the street. With hoots of glee his ground forces flooded the small town peppering buildings with weapon's fire while others tossed grenades. The two seekers slowly advanced in horror, optics wide and blinking, neither having witnessed the furor of enraged battle mechs before.

Following from the rear they were spared from viewing some of the senseless slaughter, just the results. The town itself was relatively small so it didn't take long for the Decepticon unit to reach the city center. The city center consisted of a large plaza which lay at the foot of the largest building the town boasted. It was an elevated structure with huge doors that were at that moment shut. As a small group of huddled townsfolk discovered apparently having arrived too late to enter or escape the oncoming troops.

In front of the doors two neutral mechs in light civilian armor tried to shield a larger group of femmes, younglings, and sparklings. Tumbler mounted the steps as his forces split, one formed at the base of the stairs awaiting orders, while the others continued on through the city.

Duststorm's origins were not something she shared with anybot, primarily because of embarrassment as she wasn't from Vos nor was her first frame that of a seeker. She'd never seen the Well or the Youth sectors and although she knew technically what younglings and sparklings were she'd never seen one up close. The terrified whistling and chirps of the young sent a shiver through her frame activating dormant protocols she wasn't aware existed. Despite Steadyburn's desperate calls to her to fall back, she walked forward up the steps mesmerized, deaf to everything but their piteous cries. Her spark ached as the femmes tried to draw their young closer to them, unable to do more, when Tumbler approached.

Instead of commanding his forces who were waiting below for further orders, Tumbler turned on the civilians and with a menacing laugh drew a sword from its back mounting and swung it up high preparing for a killing blow.

When Duststorm realized his intent she dashed up the remaining steps and tried to block his approach, "Tumbler, this isn't part of the mission. It's not necessary, you don't need to do this."

"This is war seeker. What did you expect? You wear the shield! This is what we do," Tumbler sneered at her as he turned and swung the sword down to execute one of the mechs. Once he pulled the blade from the body he swung it towards the seeker turning the weapon at the last moment striking her with the flat of the blade. Duststorm's frame was flung several feet into the air and tumbled down the steps into the waiting Decepticons who'd been watching. Once her body landed amongst them they turned on her and began to pummel her unconscious frame.

Steadyburn rushed forward and tried to rescue her but was stopped by the muzzle of a rifle in his chest.

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

Was it luck that Metroplex's CMO happened to be an Autobot which allowed the Wreckers temporary shelter aboard the Metroplex? Or that Metroplex happened to be closest to Deca because they were low on silica? It didn't matter to the residents of New Iacon, what mattered was time. The Metroplex's shuttle quickly burned through the atmosphere as Springer shouted, "Coming in pretty quick Perceptor, I need long-range visual."

Perceptor leaned over Springer's shoulder as he activated his scope, "Looks like the Decepticons have taken the town…, they've got civilian hostages…. looks like they're about to execute them."

"Frag," muttered Springer in awe, "you can see all that?!"

Perceptor smirked proudly at the green mech, "That and more Springer."

"Springer, Bulkhead, prepare for drop," ordered Ultra Magnus as he moved to take Springer's pilot's seat. The two green mechs grabbed their weapons and waited by the hatch as Ultra Magnus lowered the shuttle's altitude.

— City Center—

As Tumbler turned to execute the remaining civilians a flaming dot caught his attention. He paused to adjust his optics. Once he identified the threat he raised his sword and pointed, "Incoming ship! Shoot the damned thing down but don't destroy it! We need that medic alive!"

As the ranks of Decepticons moved out to deal with the incoming vessel, Steadyburn took advantage of the distraction to move towards Duststorm's prone form. When it looked like it was safe, he quickly knelt to check to her status. Unfortunately the movement caught Tumbler's attention. Tumbler may've been a large and bulky mech but he could move swifly and quietly. He advanced upon the distracted seeker and with a grin lowered his great sword and rapped it across the seeker's back.

"Ignore the traitor," he growled as he swung the sword from Steadyburn's back to rest under his chin. With a slight thrust for emphasis, he slowly lifted the mech to his pedes adjusting the sword so the point of the blade was under his chin, "Seeker, your new mission is to knock that annoyance of a shuttle out of the sky."

"With what? My fists? You know my lasers can't take out a shuttle!" Steadyburn hoped Tumbler wouldn't catch the lie. Steadyburn had to extract Duststorm and he wouldn't be able to do that if he went after the shuttle.

The commander simply lifted the sword higher forcing Steadyburn to stretch, "I don't care what you do, just bring that shuttle down."

When Steadyburn hesitated Tumbler quickly swung the point of the blade to hover over Duststorm's back, "I'm running out of patience with you weak-strutted seekers. All it takes is one gentle push and your trine-mate is gone. If that's not enough encouragement, I could I start cutting her into little pieces starting with her wings."

Steadyburn held up his hands in surrender and stepped back, "Alright, alright!" The blood red seeker quickly transformed and jetted into the direction of the incoming ship.

— Metroplex Shuttle—

"Incoming seeker," intoned Ultra Magnus as he calmly piloted the ship closer. Kup moved next to the larger mech and squeezed in between the gap of Magnus and Perceptor. Perceptor was focused on scanning the city and noticed the space port, "Magnus, there's a small port on the other side of the city, its high enough I could setup for some sniping."

"Can't let your new tech go to waste can you Perceptor," chuckled Ultra Magnus as he adjusted the yoke, the ship was already shuddering under the strain as he angled thrusters to decrease speed for the drop.

"Wait… did you say an incoming seeker?!" Perceptor barked finally registering the original comment, "I didn't think there were any this far out!"

"Weapon's lock?" asked Magnus as he focused on keeping the shuttle on course.

"No," exclaimed the stunned mech as Perceptor looked down at Magnus in surprise. Ultra Magnus blinked his optics for a moment equally surprised but then focused back on the mission, "Kup, get back there and tell Springer and Bulkhead to get ready for the drop."

"Got it," responded Kup as he quickly turned and walked to the back of the shuttle and nodded when he noted the two mechs were ready. "Get ready. Oh and there's an incoming seeker so keep your wits about ya."

The sergeant turned and before he opened the door, "Steady all, it's gonna get a little windy in here." A quick glance assured him that the crew was ready when he pulled open the door. The blast nearly knocked Bulkhead off his feet as he grabbed ahold of one of the shuttle seats.

Over the ship's comms system Ultra Magnus intoned, "5 klicks to drop, get ready."

Springer and Bulkhead moved into position as the ship suddenly jolted from the impact of the seeker landing on top and then the roof of the shuttle echoed with banging.

"What the? Alright looks like we've got company upstairs, Hot Rod cover FirstAid," the older mech shouted as he leaned out of the hatch for a moment to get a visual on the city.

"Okay Wreckers," commanded Magnus, "time to remind these purple faces who we are! Jump!"

Bulkhead leaped out first plummeting to the ground with Springer close behind. The triple changer quickly transformed into his flight mode and dropped down over Bulkhead to enable him to grab his skids. Once they had a clear visual of the city center they angled their approach for attack.

— City Center-

Tumbler watched as two bots jumped out of the shuttle while it streaked across the city heading toward the space port. He raised his sword as he walked back up the steps to the civilians huddled in front of the building's doors.

Duststorm's systems were starting to come back on line in time to watch Tumbler swing the sword again killing the other neutral mech forcing her to struggle to her pedes. She noted blearily that Tumber was alone as she mounted the stairs. Once she reached the top Duststorm swayed unsteadily and tried to bring her mining laser to bear on the larger mech only to note both weapons were off-line, one laser was completely gone.

Weaponless and not sure what to do she tried to distract him making her voice as vitriolic as possible, "Really you're still picking at the neutrals? What a fool! How does killing a bunch of sparklings get you a medic? It doesn't, you idiot. All you'll do is infuriate the Autobots and risk the medic being caught in the cross-fire and poof, dead medic. And what happens to you, the brave sparkling killer? Ah, you'll feel the tender mercies of Shockwave who'll make you pay for that mistake for a long, long time."

"Well, well, well, ain't you a tough little femmie," he said as he walked over to her grabbing her by the throat, making her instinctively claw at his arm.

"Nothing's gonna happen to me, traitor, you'll pay if the medic dies. Although, perhaps not right away. You are a pretty little thing and my mechs could use some femme companionship, seems a shame to waste you," he said as he flung the femme against the doors of the government building.

The slam of her body made a booming noise as the civilians ducked to either side to avoid being struck. She slammed hard against the portal her wings and back taking the brunt of the blow as she hit and then dropped to the ground face first.

Tumbler snorted at the lack of courage displayed by the civilians and turned to watch the shuttle streak overhead. He stepped away from the entrance and moved down the stairs as he shouted over his shoulder, "Don't worry, I'm not finished with you yet."

Stunned, Duststorm lay sprawled on the ground when two femme's pulled her closer to them. Duststorm barely registered the movement, her systems were so disoriented that it took a moment for her to feel her body being rolled onto her side forcing her wing into a painful angle. She fought stasis as she heard a soft feminine voice whisper, "I'm sorry we need to use you as a shield, I have to protect the young ones." Duststorm's optics flickered as pain coursed through her systems, her HUD red with system messages when she finally succumbed into temporary stasis.

Springer and Bulkhead dropped in the middle of the city square with pin-point accuracy as they attacked. Despite the Decepticons possessing greater numbers the skill of the two Autobot warriors showed how clearly outclassed their foes were.

— Metroplex Shuttle—

Kup climbed up the side of the speeding shuttle using the attached maintenance ladder and paused to brace himself on it. He pulled his laser out of subspace with his free-servo and then carefully braced it on the hull as he took careful aim at a blood red seeker who was punching the hull. Kup watched the seeker in puzzlement as he half-heartedly punched the hull again. The seeker looked up and caught sight of Kup and shrugged, waiting for him to shoot.

The shuttle hit rough air causing the seeker to flail for a moment before he caught a section of hull for balance and shouted, "Well, aren't you going to shoot?"

Kup blinked at the comment as he hung on while Ultra Magnus banked the vessel toward the space port, "It's not like you're shooting back are ya kid?"

The seeker smirked and pointed a laser at him and said, "Pew, pew, there, I shot at ya. Just shoot me someplace that'll at least let me land, alright?"

The older mech stared bewildered, "You want me to shoot you?"

"Well not the off-lined kinda shooting, just the disabled kinda shooting," Steadyburn said with a shrug. "Look, I'm guessing you aren't really prepared to handle Decepticon prisoners, right? So if you shoot me, I can bail and clear out and let you guys have it out with Tumbler and his goons, okay?"

"What kind of Decepticon are you?"

"Seriously? You can't tell the difference between an energon seeker and a combat seeker? Look, it's a long story and there's no time. Oh, hey, before you shoot, they want your medic."

"Fine with me," grumbled Kup as he leveled his weapon and fired at the seeker hitting him near the shoulder. Steadyburn's body was kicked back by the blow but he held on to the ship as he waited for the pain to clear. He checked his systems to see if he could transform and fly away and received verifying system messages.

"Good shot," Steadyburn responded with relief, "here's hoping we don't have to see each other again until after the war." He looked up and gauged the shuttle's descent and pushed off transforming into his jet mode. Black smoke poured from his engines as he sputtered back over the city.

Kup shook his helm and muttered, "I know seekers are crazy, but that's gotta be the weirdest exchange I've ever had…"

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

Longflight stood as a silent sentinel on the empty base's parade ground as he noted the shuttle's disappearance into the smoke. He continued to scan the skies and saw a trail of black smoke and watched with relief as Steadyburn sputtered into a landing. Longflight walked over to his damaged companion to check on his friend, "What happened up there?"

"Where to start… First, Tumbler wants me to take out that shuttle, can you believe that?" Longflight shook his helm and muttered as he fiddled about in his subspace for his med kit.

Soon he was patching up the wound and noted the injury with relief, "At least the mech who shot at you didn't know much about seeker anatomy, he missed your essential systems."

"Oh, he knew what he was doing and if I ever see that Autobot again I'm gonna buy him quite a lot of high grade. Mighty fine shooting."

"Mighty fine… what are you talking about?" Longflight looked at his friend with a bewildered shake of his helm, "Sometimes, I'm convinced you're insane." With a huff he patched the blaster wound in the smaller seeker's frame and then closed the medical kit returning it to subspace, "Start from the beginning and tell me what happened. Where's Duststorm?"

Steadyburn's wings sunk, "When we followed them in Tumbler'd cornered a bunch of civies, mechs, femmes and sparklings in front of one of the larger buildings. Guess they were trying to get in but didn't make it. They were defenseless, no weapons. Tumbler executed one of them and Duststorm went nuts. I've never seen her act like that. She tried to stop him. I didn't know what to do. I tried to stop her, rescue her but Tumbler's goons caught me."

"So he knocked her down and his troops beat the pit out of her. Then the shuttle came. Tumbler's guys took off after it and I tried to use the distraction to get to her but Tumbler caught me. Threatened to kill her if I didn't take out the shuttle and here I am. Longflight, we've got to get her and get out of here, now, orders be damned."

Longflight looked at his friend contemplatively, "Stay here, if I don't succeed at least with those injuries Tumbler can't accuse you of desertion. I'll go take care of Duststorm but if we don't come back, I want you to leave and locate the nearest seeker unit. We'll try to meet up with you later."

Steadyburn nodded as he watched his friend step away, transform and launch off in the direction of the smoke.

— Space Port—

The shuttle hovered over the roof of the space port long enough for Perceptor to jump out. Once he did the shuttle banked and landed. The headman watched shuttle land with relief as he dashed out of the tower to meet the crew.

Perceptor quickly setup his scope and scanned the city, stopping when he reached what looked like an open plaza where a large Decepticon was ordering troops to attack Springer and Bulkhead. Behind the large Decepticon was a huddle of civilians using the body of a fallen seeker as a shield. Perceptor was refocusing his sight on the leader when Springer and Bulkhead were overwhelmed. Changing targeting options, Perceptor started taking out Decepticon after Decepticon as they piled on top of the two Wreckers.

Below on the tarmac Ultra Magnus, Kup, and Hot Rod had just exited the shuttle and were talking strategy with the headman as FirstAid disembarked with his med kit.

Magnus reached up and activated his comms and barked, "Listen up! Most of the civilians who aren't already dead are holed up in the city center where Springer and Bulkhead are. Meet up there. Be sure to keep an optic on FirstAid. Perceptor, watch our backs. Magnus, out."

The Autobots below quickly transformed and raced off toward the city center leaving only the headman standing on the tarmac.

— City Center —

Springer and Bulkhead stood back to back as they worked together delivering blows with a martial symmetry, equally beautiful and deadly. Despite their skill the sheer number of Decepticons would've overwhelmed them had it not been for Perceptor's accuracy as he struggled to keep the two Wreckers on-line.

The roar of incoming Autobot reinforcements caused the Decepticons to splinter as some fled, others continued their attack on the two green Wreckers, and the rest fell back to Tumbler. The femmes hiding behind the seeker wailed in fear when Tumbler looked towards them.

Duststorm's systems slowly started coming back on line, her optics were blurry as she watched the battle of shapes in confusion. When she heard the whimpers of the young hidden behind her, she croaked, "What's happening?"

One of the femmes holding a shaking youngling whispered, "The Autobots have arrived."

"Where's Tumbler?"

"Who?"

"The mech that's trying to kill you," she said with a weeze.

"Close, he's at the bottom of the steps," said one petite femme as she stretched up to look over Duststorm's wing.

"The Decepticon troops, are they distracted?"

"I think so," she whispered. Duststorm nodded and shifted again to get a better view. As she scanned the battle, the disarray in the quad was intense with fighting mechs, dust, and weapon's fire. With a groan, she pushed herself up to get a better view of the surrounding area.

With the focus of the battle seeming to be in the center of the quad, Duststorm whispered, "Quickly! Run behind this building and head over to the space port. If the Autobots have a shuttle it's probably there and it'll be the safest place for you to hide. Now go!"

The small group of New Iaconians shuffled off the stairs, hunched with fear, as they ducked behind the building as quietly as they could. Duststorm pushed herself back to lean against the door as much as her wings would allow and watched the melee to see if their departure was noticed. Her systems were barely functioning and she fought stasis as long as she could until she finally succumbed again, slowly leaning over onto her arm, then collapsing onto the ground.

Longflight flew in low until he reached the edge of the city, transformed and landed. He cautiously moved from building to building using their larger bulk as shelter while he listened for the sounds of battle. When he reached the center of the city, he knelt down behind a building and looked around the corner cautiously. The fighting seemed to be pulling away from the quad and filtering off onto surface streets. He rose a little higher to see if he could see on top of the steps of the largest building he assumed was the one Steadyburn described. He noticed Duststorm was on the ground and was being used as a shield to block the civilians from weapon's fire.

Longflight paused knowing his large form would be seen when he crossed to the stairs and waited for the optimum moment to move. The plaza was heavy with smoke and dust, occasionally lit by blaster fire. Longflight looked back at Duststorm to see how she was doing and watched in surprise as she was turned slightly to view the battle better, her red optics flickering.

Longflight opened his comms., "Duststorm, what's your status?" He watched as the civilians quickly abandoned her and ran around the building as she tried to sit but collapsed. Longflight looked again toward the quad and thought it was safe to move. He left the cover of the building only to be brought up short when a large hand reached out of the smoke to clutch his throat, quite a feat given Longflight's larger size.

"What are you doing here," hissed Tumbler as he pushed Longflight up against the wall of the building he'd been using as cover. "You were ordered to remain at base." Longflight's wings scraped against the stone and mortar.

Looking down at Tumbler, Longflight answered calmly, "One of my team is down, I came to help."

Tumbler raised a blue slimed sword to his throat, "Stupid mech. If the Autobots get ahold of you or take you out, our mission is blown." The shorter black ground mech pulled him around the building and pushed him away from the quad, "Get your aft back to base, now!"

Longflight's optics narrowed as he shoved the smaller mech back, "I don't leave my people behind. Step aside now. I will pick her up and take her back to base. I do this or I don't fly."

"You'd disobey orders for a stupid femme?!"

Longflight leaned over his optics glowing a brighter red in anger, "You are a fool. Which units are more valuable to the Decepticon cause, a seeker that finds energon or a ground unit that burns through it? Remember your place Tumbler. I've allowed you to command my unit as a courtesy but you crossed the line when you attacked my trine. Do your job and get the medic and if you ever touch a member of my trine again, you'll live a very long time to regret it. You have my word on that."

"Who the frag do you think you are mech," Tumbler glared as he started to swing his sword.

Longflight made a fist and punched the sword sending it flying. Then he bent and picked up a rock and tossed it in the air, "Do you know what happens when an object is warped inside of your spark chamber?" He snatched the rock from the air and held the rock in front of Tumbler's optics, "Would you like me to show you."

Tumbler's optics strayed to the rock and then he frowned as he straightening his spine, "Fine, get your femme. But you'd better be ready to transport the medic." The grounder swung around and picked up his sword and headed back into the plaza.

Longflight vented grateful the mech wasn't smart enough to catch the bluff as he dashed up the steps to Duststorm. He knelt next to her and did a cursory scan noting her accumulated injuries. He ran a gentle hand over her wing with a disheartened sigh and then slowly rolled her so he could pick her up.

It was inevitable he would be spotted. Shuttle-sized seekers, especially one whose dominant color was white attracted the attention of several Autobots who fired at him. Gratefully they missed and he took that as encouragement to leave, so he did. Keeping Duststorm close to his chassis he leaped off the stairs and dashed back into an alleyway hoping the Autobots wouldn't follow.

After running down several streets he stopped and leaned against a building to listen for pursuit. He sighed in relief when there appeared to be no sounds of movement following him. Longflight gently laid the small femme on the ground and quickly pulled out his medical kit and started to make minor repairs on Duststorm's frame.

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

Tumbler noted with disappointment that the battle was turning against them. He had to extract the medic now before all was lost. He abandoned his forces to make his way along a side street when he caught sight of an Autobot. He paused to watch what the mech was doing and by his actions realized he'd stumbled upon the medic. Taking care, Tumbler maneuvered his way around and behind FirstAid while he was bent over treating a wounded civilian. The smoke made visibility poor which gave Tumbler an advantage, once he was sure there were no other Autobots present he carefully approached and raised his sword.

FirstAid was patching up a main line energon leak on a young mech while trying to keep an eye on the battle in front of him. Unfortunately he neglected to check his rear as the Decepticon crept forward. FirstAid knew he was in trouble when the mech he was treating gurgled a yell in surprise and then FirstAid was knocked off-line. Tumbler's sword struck him like a cricket bat and flung the Autobot several feet into the dirt. Tumbler walked over to the civilian and pointed his sword, "Silence will keep you alive."

The young mech nodded in terror as he held the patch tightly in place as he watched the Decepticon lean over and grab the medic by the back plating and drag him away.

Tumbler quickly sheathed his weapon and drug the stunned Autobot behind him as wended his way back through the city trying to find the shuttle. Tumbler scanned for Decepticon signals and went off after two that appeared to be heading back to base. Taking a chance that would be Longflight, he followed. Since Longflight had stopped to repair Duststorm it didn't take long for Tumbler to reach them. When he approached he dropped the medic in front of the shuttle, "Transform and ready for flight."

"What? From here?" Longflight stood and returned the medical kit back into his subspace, "Aren't we going to regroup back at base? Steadyburn's still there."

"Not important. We're losing the battle, we better move now." Longflight sighed and transformed, opening his cargo hold. Tumbler picked up the medic and threw him and then Duststorm into the hold and climbed in himself.

Longflight quickly cycled his engines and rolled down one of the larger streets readying to launch. As expected, the Autobots responded quickly, they'd mobilized their forces in an attempt to try to block Longflight's escape but they were too late. Longflight reached the necessary speed and took off with only a few laser hits to his chassis as he quickly pushed for altitude.

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

Kup watched the shuttle's retreating form as he lowered his blaster. The civilian mech FirstAid had been treating ran up to him shouting that the medic had been taken. Kup regarded the retreating shuttle in a new light as he privately commed Perceptor, "Perceptor, I need IDs on all Autobots present, please tell me the medic is still here."

:'No, I'm not picking up the medic's signal.'

Kup frowned as he ran back into the cleared quad and joined up with Magnus, "The Decepticons grabbed FirstAid."

The senior officer stared at Kup, clearly restraining himself then tipped his helm activating comms., "Wreckers, take care of the rest of the Decepticons. Looks like they've snatched FirstAid so Perceptor when it looks clear I want you to head over to the medical center and see if you can find anybot to help take care of the wounded, if not, you're the medic now."

"The Council's going to be furious," Kup said as he crossed his arms over his chassis.

"I wouldn't blame them, it was our responsibility to protect him," Ultra Magnus said in frustration. "The questions we need answers for is where are they headed and why would the Decepticons need a medic so badly they'd be willing to attack civilians. Use the port's comms to inform command. Also, I want you to comm Sky Lynx and let him know what's happened and to be ready to leave if the Council follows through with their threats."

"What if he's not ready to fly?"

"When has that ever stopped us?" Ultra Magnus moved off helping to collect the fallen.

"True," Kup muttered, "but from time to time I kinda like it when things go our way."

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

The planet slowly receded from view as Longflight sent out a private comm:, 'Steadyburn, you're on your own, my friend. Tumbler's aboard with the medic and Duststorm. He won't let me stop to pick you up. Regroup with seeker command and be safe. Longflight out."

Tumbler walked to the front of the ship and threw himself in the command chair, as soon as he punched in the coordinates he snapped at the shuttle, "What's taking you so long to warp? It won't take long for those Autobots to come after us." Tumbler punched the command console in frustration not noticing the two in the cargo hold were coming back online.

"Tumbler," Longflight answered parentally, "your mission was the acquisition and extraction of the medic. Mine is transport. In fact, there's nothing in our orders that requires you to even be here. Which means from this point on I'm in command and I will get the medic to Megatron alive."

Tumbler pulled out a laser and tapped Longflight's console, "See here's the problem. You can't threaten me with rocks now that I'm inside of you and armed. So, I'm in charge. You will warp and do so now. That is an order."

Duststorm's optics flickered online as she listened to the conversation in the command cabin and slowly pushed herself up to her pedes.

FirstAid watched in curiosity as the sleek femme painfully moved towards the front of the vessel. He checked his systems and noted that despite a shaken processor he was neither damaged nor bound. He blinked in surprise at his unrestrained servos as he listened to the argument thoughtfully, "Megatron needs a medic? What for?"

"Tumbler," Duststorm said hoarsely as she leaned against the cabin wall. "Longflight is a trusted and loyal Decepticon, he will get us to Megatron quickly and safely."

Tumbler turned with a sneer and backhanded the black femme sending her flying into the cargo hold, "Shut up traitor." He stood and removed stasis-cuffs from subspace as he strode over to her. Looking down he placed a large pede on her abdomen to hold her in place as he grabbed one arm and then the other to quickly attach the cuffs. With a satisfied grunt he dropped her arms onto her tank and gave her a slight kicking push forcing her to slide up against the medic. As he turned he caught the shimmery blue light of FirstAid's visor and grinned, "Ah, it seems our medic is up as well."

FirstAid attempted to back away from the Decepticon but was quickly captured and cuffed as the femme had been. He shuddered when the stasis cuffs engaged around his wrists with a groan.

"I can't have you makin' any trouble there doc," Tumbler said with a mischievous grin as he flipped the femme on top of the medic with a snort.

"There, that should keep the two of you outta trouble. You can thank me later femme for letting your last moments online be relatively pleasurable before your execution." Tumbler laughed crassly as he made his way back to the front of the shuttle and seated himself in the command chair.

Duststorm looked down at the Autobot in shock and horror as she struggled weakly to get off of the medic. Too weak to dislodge herself she sighed in defeat as she dropped her helm on top of FirstAid's chassis and snarled into it, "Don't even think about touching me Autoscum. As soon as I have enough strength I'm putting as much distance between us as possible." She looked up and frowned at him again, but as before only saw her reflection scowling back as the mech had both visor and battle mask engaged.

"I would never take a femme against her will," FirstAid responded. His gentle voice caused her to stare at him in surprise as she wasn't expecting such kind tones from an Autobot. "Nor would I take advantage of one who's been injured. I'm sorry I can't help you right now." He shrugged his shoulders with difficulty.

"Like you'd help a Decepticon," she scoffed, "please, do I look that gullible?"

FirstAid shook his head and responded calmly, "No. Since you don't know me I guess I shouldn't expect you to believe me. So let's correct that. My designation is FirstAid, I'm a medic and a Protectobot who's sworn to protect and save lives and that includes Decepticons."

Duststorm rolled her optics and scoffed, "Autobots only protect what's in their best interests to protect. I know that first hand, so save your pretty speeches for those who don't know any better."

FirstAid sighed, "Sadly it looks like I won't be able to prove my intentions are sincere. Tell me, why are you being executed?"

Duststorm stared at the wall of the shuttle and huffed, "I did something stupid. I interfered when Tumbler was executing neutrals."

FirstAid shifted slightly as he tried to pick the lock on his cuffs. It was difficult given his hands were on his chassis and she was on top of them, "You did? Why?"

Duststorm frowned, "They had sparklings and… Look, I'm no Autobot that goes around killing sparklings."

"Autobots don't kill sparklings," FirstAid corrected gently.

"Lies," she hissed, "Megatron would never allow femmes or sparklings to be killed."

FirstAid stared at the femme in surprise, which his covered face did not reveal, "I wish that were true, but it's not. It was Megatron who ordered the youth sector bombardments. Sparklings, younglings, mechs and femmes barely into their first armor, were obliterated. I know, I was there… and there was nothing I could do… So many lost…" FirstAid turned his head away lost in memories as the Decepticon scowled at him.

Duststorm recognized the honesty in his voice but was frustrated that she couldn't see his face, "Remove your mask Autobot, let me see your face."

"No," FirstAid responded with a choked voice, "I… please… I do not wish to speak of this further."

She frowned as she rested her chin on his chassis and stared at the side of his helm in silence. He turned to view her again, "I'm glad you protected those sparklings."

She hummed thoughtfully as she turned her helm and rested it back on his chassis. His words were as disconcerting as was the hum of his spark as she lay atop the mech. She had never been intimate with any bot preferring to keep her distance. Sadly until her systems grew stronger she would have to remain there until she had the strength to push herself off, unless.

"Autobot," she growled, "I am unable to dislodge myself. Can you shift your frame so we can be in a less provocative position?"

FirstAid nodded, "I will do my best, but I'm afraid given my restraints I cannot do so easily without giving you further injury."

"Doesn't matter, do it," she ordered.

FirstAid sighed, "Can you fold your wings?"

The femme grimaced as she complied, her wings slowly folded over her back as her systems groaned in complaint. She huffed in pain, "Done."

"Ready yourself," he said as he slowly shifted his body and gave his frame a slight shake. Her cockpit was stuck in the gap between his window framed chassis, so with a gentle push of his servos finally she rolled off free. With a thump she hit the floor of the shuttle on her side and rolled onto her back.

"Thank you," she said begrudgingly.

"You're welcome," FirstAid replied, "I will do everything I can to see to it that they do not execute you."

She snorted, "At this point, you should worry about yourself Autobot. It's Megatron himself who wants you, Primus knows why."

Both prisoners settled into an uneasy silence as Tumbler's voice rose in volume, "Longflight, make the jump already!" Tumbler activated his blaster and at first pointed it at the console but reconsidered as tapped the barrel on it instead, "Do it now or I'll take it out on your little femme. Do you understand?"

"Threats are neither necessary nor required. I am a loyal Decepticon," retorted Longflight, "and we will arrive at our destination safely with the cargo intact and that includes my femme. Now I require silence to make my flight calculations."

Tumbler frowned, "Just tell me how much longer."

Longflight sighed, "The Sol system is too far to reach in one jump. So I will have to calculate approximately three separate jumps. If care is not taken I could end up warping us into a planet or a star. So stop pressuring me, ah, the first coordinates are ready so prepare for warp in 5, 4, 3, 2… Engaging warp drive."

Longflight's warp engines thrummed and enveloped his body in a bubble of warped space and then he vanished. The bots within Longflight's body were only partially shielded from the distortions of space as Tumbler groaned from the shift in his system's equilibrium sensors. Both Duststorm and FirstAid had experienced warp flight before and simply adjusted to compensate for the shift.

Even for a mech of Longflight's capabilities the jump was the furthest he'd made. He groaned when they exited warp space completing the first leg of their journey. He advised his crew with a voice heavily laced with fatigue, "First jump successfully completed. Systems need recharging to make the next jump. Fuel up and recharge."

Before Longflight had completed his recharging sequence he received a private comm. from Duststorm: "I don't trust Tumbler, Longflight. Once we arrive, I want you to dump us and run. Get as far from this war as possible. You're special 'Flight, I don't want them hurting you or putting you on the front lines."

:"I won't leave you. What kind of trine leader would I be if I ditched you to save my aft?"

:"A living trine leader," she commed back. "You know we've been picking up odd reports about Decepticon activities. Then there's Tumbler and his lack of restraint against the neutrals. Rumors mentioned brutality, I just figured it was Autobot propaganda. But how do we know for sure? Anyway, Tumbler seems like the kind of mech to hold a grudge, so I think he's going to push for some sort of disciplinary action. It's better for you not to be there so they don't place the blame on you as my commander. I don't know what else to do, 'Flight. I'm scared."

:"I am as well but I haven't lived this long to die now. Look sweetspark, there's no reason to be afraid. You know as well as I that Megatron abhors injustice, he'll understand. You were protecting innocents like he does all the time, how could he possibly see wrong with that. I think the one who should be afraid is Tumbler. Trust in Megatron, just look at all he's gone through to break us free from the Primes and what they did to us."

:"I know. It's just something the medic said."

:"You know you can't trust Autobots."

:"I know, but I can hear the ring of truth in a bot's voice and he was telling the truth. Add the rumors and Tumbler's actions? Until we know what's going on for sure, I think you should take Steadyburn and hold up in a neutral colony until the end of the war."

:"I will not leave a member of my trine."

:"You have to, my spark is screaming danger. Just please, do this for me?"

:"Duststorm anything unusual makes your spark scream. I mean, it was your spark that kept us from bonding you dense-plated femme. We belong together, always have and you know it. I will not leave you to be executed. There will be a way out of this."

:"You're going to be difficult aren't you, you stubborn old mech. Fine, be that way. Plot your warps and keep an optic out. But the minute things shift against us, bolt, promise me that?"

:"You know, most femmes would swoon to have an ancient mech like me as her bond. Fine, I promise, I'll bolt if things go against us."

:"Thank you."

:"I have to rest now or Bumbler will start waving his weapon around again."

:"Good recharge my friend," she said gently and then stared at the cabin roof which was also the spine of her trine commander knowing she'd do anything to insure a rare spark like his would continue on.

"What's wrong," FirstAid asked as he noted the fluctuations in the femme's em field.

She sighed in frustration and muttered, "Nosey Autobot." Then she lowered her voice even more, "I don't want Longflight to suffer punishment for my mistakes. I've asked him to warp out once we reach our destination, but he's being stubborn."

"Why," FirstAid asked keeping his voice as soft as possible.

"Tumbler's the kind of mech to press charges and Longflight's my commander and will take responsibility for my actions. I'd rather he dump us and go. You may not know this but there are few seekers with warp capabilities and shuttle-sized mechs are rarer still. He is a valuable and rare mech, I want him safe."

"Which any bonded would say to their mate, but it also makes sense why he won't leave you."

She tipped her helm to look up into his visor, "I really hate that I can't see your features mech. We're not bonded, seekers don't have to bond to form trines."

"I see," he said as he turned away processing that new information while he wondered what Megatron was planning on doing with him. He monitored his systems and noted a shift in energy signatures of the crew as they powered down and then allowed his own systems to fall into recharge.

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

The next jump progressed in the same fashion only this time in silence broken only for Longflight to advise them of their status.

"Get ready for the last jump," Longflight's voice echoed within his frame, "I'm going to try to get as close to orbit as possible. Then I'll need some time to rest and plot entry. My energy reserves are low, which means I need to take greater care to prepare for an atmospheric landing."

"What the frag for? Just land," snarled Tumbler in frustration. "All this sitting around and resting is for the weak. Are you a Decepticon or not?"

"I'm a living Decepticon and I'd like to stay that way," retorted Longflight growing tired of the constant badgering from the grounder.

"I'm starting to think you're putting off landing so you can figure out a way to save your pretty femme. Don't bother because it isn't going to work. So you busy your shiny aft and put us down as soon as we get there or I start on her. Clear?"

"Very," responded Longflight tersely as he continued to make the final calculations. Once the results were confirmed he sent a private comm. to Duststorm, "What an aft."

:"Yes he is. And a vengeful one, please Longflight, reconsider? Just dump us and go."

:"Enough. You're being tiresome. I will do what I will do."

:"Fine, I'll stop. But, would it hurt to plot an emergency warp out to be safe? Isn't that standard procedures?"

Longflight ignored the femme, "Calculations confirmed, I've commed Decepticon Command and have just received landing coordinates. Once we've reached orbit I'll compute landing and proceed when I'm able. Ready for the last warp jump in 5, 4, 3, 2… Engaging warp systems."

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

The only thing Longflight wasn't prepared for was the litter peppering the space surrounding the small blue planet. Normally his long-range scanners could pick up debris patterns and respond accordingly. However, the size of the matter was too small to read so when he emerged from warp he banged into an old satellite and shuddered with the impact.

It was enough of a bump to throw him off course as the planet's gravity pulled him into entry. If he had more fuel he could've adjusted his position. He did not, so he would have to allow the landing and save his reserves in case it was necessary to make an emergency warp out.

He followed the descent of the satellite as it plummeted flaming into the atmosphere and switched the interior cabin's lights to red as a claxon rang out, "I've struck debris, it's pushed us off course. It'll take too much fuel to adjust, so we're going down hot. No way to make the landing coordinates, advising command of the change. Be prepared for a crash landing."

Following the trajectory of the debris Longflight allowed the flames to engulf the nose of his vehicle and grinned when he heard Tumbler's reaction of horror as the forward view screen was engulfed in flames. They weren't in any danger at all but there didn't seem to be any reason Longflight could think of to reassure the mech considering all the trouble he'd put Longflight and his trine through. He almost laughed aloud as the grounder screamed. He quietly commed Duststorm to let her know what was really happening.

"Get ready," she said softly to the mech beside her as she tried to brace herself and then shouted, "Tumbler, get these fragging stasis cuffs off so we can brace ourselves better!"

Tumbler staggered over to the two prisoners who were bouncing about in the cargo hold and frowned. He pointed his blaster at the Autobot, "I can't deliver you injured to Megatron so I'm going to unlock your cuffs. The minute you try anything I'll shoot the femme. Are we clear?"

"Clear," FirstAid responded as the Decepticon roughly jerked the stasis cuffs off of the medic. Once freed, FirstAid sat up and rubbed his wrists to confirm he hadn't been harmed from the cuffs.

"Go ahead, hold onto the femme," sneered Tumbler as he waved the blaster in FirstAid's masked face, "that should keep your hands occupied."

Longflight interrupted, genuine concern lacing his voice, "Brace yourselves, landing's going to be rougher than usual. I may have to eject you if I can't pull out." He tried to adjust his flight path but was having difficulties dealing with the northern magnetic pole. He quickly made the appropriate calculations for a jump, to be safe.

FirstAid pulled the femme into his arms, "If Tumbler will not release your cuffs, I must brace you. I'm sorry. I'll let you go once we've safely landed."

She twitched uncomfortably as the ship rocked, "You better, Autobot."

Longflight's navigational computer started blaring warnings, everything was wrong, angle position and not enough fuel. His only option was to engage his warp engines and hope the momentum generated would allow him, once out of warp to drift close to Decepticon forces for a pick up. He sighed in frustration and privately commed his trine-mate: 'You have your wish. Trajectory is all wrong and I don't have enough fuel to correct. I'm going to have to warp into space and hope I can get picked up. I'm sorry, I didn't want to abandon you like this.'

:'I know you didn't. Longflight…'

:'sorry sweetspark….' Longflight did a short thruster burst to roll so that his cargo hold could be opened without the flames that were sweeping around his form to harm them. He opened his hold and watched with regret as his passengers flew out.

Once they were clear he drew uncomfortably closer to the surface as he waited for the last coordinate to clear, warp engines ready. The question was, which would happen first the crash or warp?

Duststorm pushed at FirstAid to move his arms away from her wings, when he realized what she was doing he held onto her cuffed arms as she opened her wings and ignited her engines to slow their fall and then rotated to a standing position to use her pede thrusters to slow descent.

FirstAid struggled to hang on to the femme's cuffed wrists as he fell upside down, the landscape a golden and rocky vista, drew closer. He knew she was struggling to maintain control with her pede thrusters and wings, but his extra weight and drag was throwing her off-balance. He was surprised she hadn't tried to dislodge him to save herself and instead fought to slow their fall.

Duststorm wasn't looking at the mech struggling to hang on nor at Tumbler as he screamed falling past them. She watched Longflight as he tried to adjust his position drawing closer to the ground. "Now," she said encouragingly despite the wind ripping her words away. When he hadn't warped she screamed, "LONGFLIGHT! WARP NOW!"

FirstAid followed her gaze and watched as the shuttle plummeted closer to the ground then about 200 feet above the sandy floor a purplish bubble of light enveloped the shuttle. Just as the warp bubble kissed the sands the shuttle vanished leaving just an indentation behind.

Duststorm looked up at the Autobot and pulled him down so that he could awkwardly wrap his arms around her body as she increased thrust from her pede jets. He watched in horror as Tumbler crashed hard into the ground and closed his optics as he feared he would soon meet the same fate. Knowing her thrusters weren't enough she pushed her helm into the crook of FirstAid's neck so he could hear her apologize, "Sorry…"

They hit the ground hard forcing them both into emergency stasis.

---

A/N: And… whew need to stop here so I can post. The next chapter may take a bit to post as there are a lot of pieces being juggled and also the challenge of continuity, spelling, yadda yadda.

Any questions or comments (of a kindly nature) are gratefully appreciated. Thank you so much for reading!