A/N : So, I think this is one of the few (if not, the only) chapter I'll be doing an Autobot persona. Say hello to the thought process of Mirage. Please note, I know absolutely nothing about his personality from the show. I only know what I've read through fanfics, so please don't get mad if I get something wrong. Also; I'm not very fond of this one. It was an idea that came to me, but I just can't get it to flow right. Any help would be appreciated.

I am classified as a Special Ops Spy. I fall under Jazz's command, which is... interesting. Jazz never lets one day be boring. We're always on our toes with him around. He's good at what he does, in turn, making us good at what we do. We're underestimated. Just the way Jazz likes it.

I am the best infiltrator we have in the Autobot ranks. Strictly because of my cloaking ability. Yes, I've been caught here and there, but for the most part, I can maneuver the Nemesis as easily as any Decepticon. I know practically every 'con's routine. If it weren't for Soundwave, I'd be able to slip in and end Megatron's life without anyone the wiser. Primus, I'd probably be able to disable half of the Earth-side faction before anyone figured out I was here.

Unfortunately, Soundwave can see me, even if no one else can. Most of the time, he lets me stick around, which doesn't make sense... but I've gone through times where I've looked him straight in the optic, and he merely turns away, only signaling others if I try anything. He doesn't make much sense, but I don't jynx my luck with him. Especially when he stands near Megatron when he spots me and lets me go.

This is one of those times. Megatron is beside Soundwave, looking over something Starscream has handed him. The red Seeker is surrounded by the three other remaining Seekers. Thundercracker on his left, Dirge directly to his right and Skywarp beside Dirge. Since observing them the entirety of the week, I haven't seen the four apart. I doubt they've been separate since the other two crashed over a month previous.

As that line of thought passes, I swear I see Soundwave tilt his head forward in the smallest of nods. The thought scares me a bit. Soundwave has a reputation of being a psychic, which I have come to believe with all of my spying on the ranks. It would explain why he can see me when no one else can. As well as why other 'cons always walk on "egg shells" around him.

Megatron makes a "hmm" sound before handing the datapad back to Starscream. The tyrant's optics are blazing, and he seems barely able to restrain his anger. Starscream looks ready to flee at this point, and his wing mates tighten their formation around him. Even Soundwave has stepped away from the silver mech. I wonder at the contents of the pad...

"These are devastating numbers," Megatron says, voice smooth and though full of anger, it is restrained. "You've run the calculation twice, correct Starscream?"

Starscream nods, face plates set in grim expression. "Three times even. There's going to be problems among the soldiers if word get out."

"Yes... they will certainly become troublesome if this is the case. Have you found anything that may be an alternative?" the leader is troubled, and I try to sneak closer to Starscream to catch what they may be talking about. But the flier moves the datapad in his hand to his side as he grimaces.

"Aside from the normal alternative? No, nothing jumps out."

It occurs to me that they are speaking around the apparent issue. I can only think of one issue they can possibly be talking about, and that is the lack of energon both of our factions face. But it feels to me as if this is not the case. I am barely able to sidestep Thundercracker as he shifts within an inch of me.

"What of the Constructicons? Are they prepared?"

Soundwave is the one who answers, "All units: Ready and Prepared. Awaiting orders."

Megatron shifted, and I froze as his optics looked "through" me. "Alright. We'll have to carry out plan B. The Autobots shouldn't be expecting anything, giving us a leg up. Make sure everyone knows to tread lightly, or I shall come after them."

I watch as Soundwave nods, and Starscream lets out a quiet, "Yes sir" that surprises me. As far as I'd ever been able to tell, Starscream never gave a respectful quip to Megatron. The crazy second in command always retorted with barely scaled back sarcasm, and occasionally, a shot in the back.

And with that, Megatron turns and stalks off. Soundwave faces the console he's standing in front of, and the Seekers turn the opposite direction of Megatron on an unspoken command. I hurry out to follow the fliers.

Dirge is lagging behind the others. His optics are out of focus and he doesn't notice me accidentally tap the edge of his wing. Or, if he does, he doesn't respond to it at all. Strange for a Seeker. Their wings are normally the most sensitive spot on their frames. Skywarp is closest to him, wings quivering slightly. Thundercracker is beside the black Seeker, and as I slip past, I see his optics flicker in my direction, as if he knows I'm with them. Starscream is still holding the pad in such a way I can't view the contents.

The Seekers have been a point of conversation since Thrust and Ramjet's crash on the battlefield. Bluestreak is both saddened and overjoyed of his accomplishment against the Decepticons. Some Bots seem happy with the turn around in the war. Others seem almost shocked that someone has actually been killed at this point. The war dynamics changed in our hibernation on Earth. We haven't managed to kill anyone since coming here. And the war on Cybertron fairs no different. Both sides have been at a stalemate for centuries.

But, with the loss of the two Cone Heads, things have reheated. I've heard Cons spitting Bluestreak's name in disgust, and I have heard them yelling for revenge. Many have started mini brawls, having to be broken up by Soundwave or Megatron. In silent data bursts to the Arc, I've mentioned all of this, hoping we'll be ready for them when they strike next.

After all, now that they've been riled, they're sure to be as hard to combat as they'd been on Cybertron.

We enter the quarters I recognize as the one Starscream and his wing mates reside in. Dirge quietly moves to a berth that has obviously been moved in for him. Thundercracker sits with him, both leaning against the wall, and Skywarp moves to another and lays down. Its not long before the three are in light recharge. Starscream sits on his own berth, tapping the datapad thoughtfully.

I silently move to his side, and I suppress a groan as he shifts the datapad face down beside him. I stand, watching him closely, trying to decide if I should hide and power down or if I should attempt to sneak a peak at the pad. Ultimately, I know it is not worth it, but that doesn't dissuade me and I inch for it. I get it nearly visible when Starscream's voice makes me jump.

"Foolish Autobot," he says quietly. For a moment, I hope he is merely speaking to himself. Often, when I observe him, he speaks of Skyfire to himself. This seems not to be the case, as he looks directly where I stand. His optics are hard though he sits relaxed. He knows I'm here. "You should learn it's not polite to spy."

I quietly shift out of reach and I flinch as I realize his gaze follows me as I move. I wonder how he learned where I was. My cloak was still up, and I was certain I hadn't made noise.

The second in command stands, and grabs my arm. My cloak instantly vanishes then. He glares at me, and it takes all of my control to keep from shivering. Crazy or not, Starscream is quite deadly, and I am fairly sure he's Second in Command for that reason. His glare intensifies. "Fool. Did you believe your presence to be unknown? You have a lot of nerve coming here and expecting to live. Many Decepticons want an Autobot to play with, and now that you've volunteered, perhaps Lord Megatron will allow it to them."

His use of "lord" in his sentence makes my optics shutter in surprise. It is said without malice or sarcasm. He says it proudly, and I wonder at what may have changed to have brought that out. The normally spiteful Seeker seemed... a loyal follower.

Before I realize it, Skywarp has warped us to a new room I recognize as Megatron's own. I hadn't realized Skywarp had even woken from recharge, so I feel more disoriented than I have in the past when I've been caught in a warp. Megatron is standing with his back to us as I get my bearings.

When he turns, I see a smile that stops my spark cold. He waves my captive to let go, and Starscream follows the order. Megatron smacks me before I can even think of escape. My helm cracks from the sheer force of the blow. "Mirage. Interesting that you have stuck around my base for so long. I would have thought you would have left days ago." At that, I freeze again.

"Soundwave told myself and Starscream of your presence the moment you were in range," the tyrant almost purrs. His voice sends a shiver through me. "Did you believe Soundwave to be silent about your trysts through our stronghold? Every time he senses you, we are notified. I have been nice and allowed you free reign on most occasions, but this time, I believe, you need to be put in your place."

Another blow makes me cry out. "All this time?" I let out, "Surely you'd have... scrapped me by now." I almost immediately regret saying this. He rips off a piece of my armor and scratches deeply at my protoform.

"I can name off all of the times you have visited us Autobot. I can also name off how long you've lingered here each time. Don't take me for a fool. I'm no stranger to the game I play now. You'll be lucky to live through this confrontation." Another hit to my protoform. It sends ripples of pain through my frame.

I let out a moan of pain before I can stop myself, and I catch sight of the damning smirk on the silver mech's facial plates. I wonder at the whole thing. I've been sneaking around the base all week. Only, now Megatron seems to have a problem with it. And why, if my "visits" are so well known, have I been allowed to keep coming back? Surely it can't be helping the Decepticons to have their plans found out...

I see Starscream in the corner, looking over the datapad once more. He's not paying any attention to the beat down in front of him. Curious. Megatron is still smirking when my optics gaze directly up at him.

I online with a jump and nearly crash into Ratchet. I shift my optics around the room, realizing I was back on the Arc. Searching my memory makes me flinch as I realize Megatron offlined me with another heavy hit to my helm. I'm shocked to be still among the living.

"We found you in the Nevada Desert," Ratchet says, reading my expression. "Half slagged. You're damn lucky we got there when we did."

I groan, leaning back against the med berth. Damn lucky, and damn confused.