A Bad Situation

Cybertron: 14 million years ago

Mainstream sighed as he sat in his cell. It was dark and quiet, the only sound was the distance footsteps of the prison guards as they patrolled the Detention Block, keeping law and order. The only privilege that the condemned mech was given was his small computer that he was using to record and use for his small interests. It was his duty as a scientist to record his research whether they'd be good or bad. He began to type in the dark,

'The device was a failure, instead of making the subject stronger it makes them...mad and angry. Their rage completely takes over and they lose their sanity. It was supposed to help the Elite Guard of Cybertron and make our armies stronger but it all went wrong. My colleagues are dead and I had no choice but to alert the authorities. It took them a while but they destroyed the monstrosity but the chip was confiscated. I have been arrested and imprisoned for eternity for my crimes. I have no idea what they have done with the chip but I pray to Primus that no one uses it. I shall remain here and repent for my crimes. I only hope that the chip will be destroyed and that is my only desired. Forgive me Primus, I have created a monster.'

Earth: Present

The Autobots sat in the conference room all silent. The mood was dull and they all had grim faces. The events that had taken place had shaken their morale and left them confused and clueless. Their leader, Optimus Prime, had gone mad with rage and left the base in a violent fit. He had hurt Mirage, almost damaged Blaster, attacked both Prowl and Bumblebee and almost killed Carly and Spike. Prime was now a threat to the Autobots but not just them. He was out there among the humans and who knew what he might do in his current state of mind. The only clue they had with what went wrong was a mysterious circuit that Optimus had replaced a few days ago. Although all three scientist claimed they found nothing wrong, they soon began to think it was now the only good explanation. Prowl sat where Prime usually sat on the conference table, with their leader gone he had taken charge. He sighed as he began to inform the Autobots with what had happened.

'Autobots, today our leader, Optimus Prime, has gone into...a violent change of mind. He now lashes out at anything that makes him angry and we believe it has something to do with a circuit that Optimus had replaced with his old personality circuit. We have to act fast if we are to help him.'

'How do ya propose we do that?' growled Ironhide.

'We have to find him before he hurts anyone. I sent Sky Fire out to find him, Optimus was low on Energon before he left so if he stays on his Energon Trail he should find him worn out. Then he could return to base under strict watch until we...'

'Wait! We gonna imprison him?' cried Brawn, shocked that even Prowl would consider such a thing.

The Autobots knew Optimus had now become a major threat but they couldn't even see themselves chaining him up like a wild beast. He may be sick or something but it didn't change the fact that Prime was still their friend. However Prowl was firm with his decision.

'You got a better idea? It's for his own good! He's a danger to us, the people of Earth and to himself, we have to restrain him at all costs!'

Jazz lowered his head and sighed.

'It's the only option we have guys and I know Prime would want us to do this as well. We have no choice.'

The Autobots looked at each other with glum faces. Jazz and Prowl were right, they had no choice. Spike was also present at the meeting, Carly was in another room, she needed to sit down after what had happened with them and Prime. Spike was concerned with his Autobot friend, he couldn't believe that something like this would happen to Optimus Prime. He was always so kind and friendly and seeing him like that was so wrong. However there was another worry that Spike and the Autobots had. What if Prime did wear himself out and what if the Decepticons saw him? The evil machines and eternal foes of the Autobots had been quiet but that usually meant they were planning something. As the Autobots waited for word from Sky Fire, they prayed to Primus that he would find their leader safe and sound, and hopefully he would be low on Energon.


There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the weather was perfect in the desert below the Decepticon leader. However the beautiful day was of no concern to him, it could be raining, it could be hailing, he didn't care. The planet Earth was just an energy fountain to him. Megatron the leader of the Decepticons only cared about that endless energy the organic planet produced and he didn't give a damm how good or bad the weather was. Megatron, the three Seekers and Soundwave were heading for a power plant, they were low on Energon and were planning to raid the human energy supply. Thankfully Megatron wasn't in a foul mood but he was angry when Starscream began to talk about the Autobots.

'Megatron what if the Autobots attack us? We always manage to get away with only half the cubes we make when they come and spoil our plans!' snarled the red Seeker.

'Silent Starscream! We are going to approach this with stealth so the Autobots won't be alerted so suddenly. Now just be quiet or I'll make you regret it!' snapped Megatron, glaring at his not-so-loyal soldier.

Starscream growled and continued flying. Megatron hated it when Starscream tried to interfere with his plans, he was always trying to sneak his way into becoming the leader of the Decepticons when he clearly had no chance. He couldn't led a pack of mindless, obedient drones if he wanted to. Starscream only craved power but craving power wasn't enough, Starscream had much to learn. Thundercracker snickered.

'Heh, Starscream would run away the moment he heard the Autobots were coming!' chuckled the blue Seeker.

'I would not you spineless pile of slag!' snarled Starscream.

'Oh yeah? You would when you see...'

'OPTIMUS PRIME?' suddenly interrupted Soundwave.

'Exactly Soundwave! The moment Optimus Prime shows up, Starscream runs for his life!' jeered Skywarp.

'NO. I MEAN OPTIMUS PRIME IS RIGHT BELOW US!'

Megatron halted in mid-air and turned to face Soundwave as did the other Seekers. At first he thought Soundwave was pulling his leg but Soundwave had also stopped in mid-air and he was looking down. Megatron followed his gaze and was surprised to see a his eternal foe, Optimus Prime, staggering through the desert below. He looked exhausted and seemed to be trying to get away from something. The sight was strange to the Decepticons, they had never seen Optimus Prime alone and extremely low on Energon, their sensors told them so. The Seekers looked at each other confused.

'Why the slag is Optimus Prime out here by himself?' asked Skywarp.

'How should I know?' snapped Starscream, just as confused as the rest of the Decepticons.

They all looked to Megatron waiting for an order, but he was also confused with the situation. He had known Prime for 9 million years and he knew how he thinked and how he acted. This was out of the ordinary, Prime would never walk around by himself while dangerously low on Energon without a fellow Autobot. Was it a trick? A trap to lure the Decepticons to him so that the Autobots could surprise them? He watched as Optimus staggered around on the desert floor before finally collapsing onto his chest. This also surprised the Decepticons and they continued to wait for orders from their leader. Megatron scanned the Autobot leader to see that he was still, but barely, functioning. He also detected that something was out of the ordinary but he ignored it. He looked towards Starscream.

'Starscream, go down and investigate!' he ordered.

'W-what? Why me?' quivered Starscream, not wanting to go near the Autobot leader.

'Because I ordered it you fool! NOW GO!'

Starscream made a low growl but obeyed. Thundercracker and Skywarp snickered as Starscream began his slow descent to the fallen Autobot. Megatron and Soundwave just watched as Starscream landed near Optimus Prime and waited for something to happen. Starscream was scared as he approached the leader of the Autobots. For some reason, even though the threat was weak, Starscream was just as scared as he always was around Optimus Prime. It was like there was some kind of dark and terrifying presence around him, trying to scare him. Starscream almost laughed at himself, he didn't believe in anything so illogical. However he felt an alien presence and it scared him. He was now standing over Optimus Prime, who seemed to be in great pain. He made small moans of pain as if he was fighting a disease and trying to stay alive. Trying to make himself look good he kicked the Autobot, but almost jumped back when Optimus tried to look up. His optics were flashing blue and dimming due to the lack of Energon. He seemed to be trying to say something but he was too weak. Looking around, Starscream detected no presence of any other Autobot. He looked back up to Megatron and the rest of the Decepticons.

'Megatron it is safe, he is too weak to even talk!' cried Starscream.

The Decepticons descended and landed near the Autobot leader. They all looked round expecting to see an Autobot suddenly appear but there was none. Megatron marched over to the fallen Autobot and knelt down. Prime seemed to be struggling to stay on line for some reason. If he shut down he would be able to slowly recharge and recover but he didn't want to it seemed. He grabbed Prime's head and brought up to his so they were face to face.

'What is the meaning of this Prime? Why are you here alone?' snarled Megatron.

Optimus couldn't talk as well as he could but Megatron made out a few words.

'Sta...Stay...ba...ba...ba...ck...I...im...implore...you...get...away.'

Megatron was almost shocked to hear these words. In fact he felt insulted that the one machine he had been fighting all these many years, the one who prevented his plans for total universal domination and was his greatest threat was now almost begging him to stay away. Megatron snarled and stood back up, kicking Prime over till he was flat on his back. Thundercracker snickered as Optimus suddenly moaned in pain at the attack. However that small cry of pain was replaced with a growl that even made Megatron jump back. The Decepticons were shocked that Prime was now trying to get up when he was clearly to exhausted to do so. Optimus forced himself onto his feet and glared at the Decepticons with dark, red optics. Megatron had never seen such optics and he actually felt afraid when he saw them. Starscream almost found himself hiding behind his leader.

'Megatron, do something!' he shrieked.

Megatron almost forgot what he was doing but he raised his Fusion Cannon up until it was aiming straight at Prime's chest where his precious spark laid within. Optimus didn't seem to care his life was in danger and tried to advance towards the Decepticons, very slowly but menacely. Megatron almost hated himself when he actually showed concern for the Autobot leader, still advancing towards him.

'You fool Prime! You'll kill yourself!' he snarled.

Prime ignored him and continued to advance. However Soundwave had managed to get behind the now dangerous Autobot and fired his blaster at the threat. Optimus fell forward onto one knee, howling in pain but he looked back up at Megatron and snarled. He tried to lunge at the Decepticon leader but Megatron swung a fist with such force it knocked Prime out cold. For a moment the Decepticons watched Optimus Prime's still body, he was still alive but almost out of Energon. They watched almost expecting him to get back up and act all crazy again. Then they looked at each other, still confused.

'Is this really Optimus Prime?' asked Skywarp.

'It has to be...but I've never seen him act like this before!' replied Starscream.

Megatron glared at the fallen Autobot leader. He saw anger and rage in his optics before he knocked him out. Prime was never like that on the battlefield, he was always calm and alert, not angry and viscous. Also he wondered why the leader of the Autobots was out here by himself without a body-guard. The Autobots cared for each other so much it was enough to make him sick. He looked back at his Decepticons.

'Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp! I want you to take Optimus Prime back to Decepticon HQ. Restrain and don't let him try anything!' he ordered.

The Seekers almost jumped back in fear. After what they had just seen they didn't want anything to do with this crazy version of Optimus Prime. Megatron glared at them and his optics flashed a dangerous red.

'What are you waiting for?' he growled.

The Seekers suddenly transformed into jets and released their chains, each of them grabbing onto Prime's limbs until he looked like a T as the Decepticons carried him through the air. As the Seekers took off with their captive, Megatron turned his attention to Soundwave.

'Soundwave, send Laserbeak to the Autobot base. I want to know whats going on!'

Soundwave seemed a bit surprised at the order.

'BUT MEGATRON. WE HAVE CAPTURED OPTIMUS PRIME THEREFORE WE HAVE BEATEN THE AUTOBOTS! WHY SHOULD WE CARE WHAT THEY ARE DOING WHILE THEIR LEADER IS IN THIS...STRANGE CONDITION AND OUR PRISONER?'

'Do as I say Soundwave!' snapped Megatron.

Soundwave sighed but obeyed. He released Laserbeck and instructed him to fly to Autobot HQ and find out what was going on. As the robotic bird flew off, Megatron and Soundwave took to the sky. Soundwave then asked,

'WHAT ABOUT THE ENERGON WE NEED?'

'Get the Constructicons to do it!' snapped Megatron, clearly not interested anymore.

After a while they had caught up with the Seekers who were still carrying the unconscious Optimus Prime. Skywarp could feel that his leader was angry for some reason and tried to lighten the mood.

'Hey look on the bright side Megatron! We have Prime and now we can beat the Autobots easy!' he said in an uneasy tone.

Megatron didn't answer, he was now in a foul mood, this was not how he planned it. Ages ago he used to think of what he would do when he captured Optimus Prime and defeat him with the Autobots. Torment him, torture him, humiliate him, that was how he planned it. However he didn't feel victorious at all. He felt like he had just got himself into a whole lot of trouble. As the Decepticons returned to base with their prisoner they were unaware that they were being watched by a gigantic jet.


Bumblebee sat at the control panel of Teletraan-1 waiting for news. Ever since he saw Prime act like that he got more worried with each passing moment. He didn't know Prime as long as the other Autobots have but he knew that Optimus would never act like that. It had to be that stupid circuit everyone was talking about. He suddenly regretted cleaning Wheeljack's workshop, if he hadn't helped Wheeljack would had used another and safer circuit. However both Wheeljack and Perceptor said the same thing, the circuit had no special qualities when they checked it. Wheeljack however seemed to think that it was the circuit and even he was regretting ever giving it to Prime. As Bumblebee moped he failed to notice Spike and Carly walk in. Spike could tell his friend was very upset and he tried to offer some words of comfort.

'Bumblebee? Do you need some company?' asked the young human.

Bumblebee looked over and sighed.

'No Spike. I'm just...a little shocked...and scared. I'm just hoping that Sky Fire finds him soon.' muttered the yellow Autobot.

Spike tried to smile but he found it hard. He too was sad that they were now hunting for Prime like hunters after a savage beast. Carly had been quiet the whole time, she was blaming her self for even thinking about cleaning Wheeljack's workshop. If no one had touched it then they wouldn't have found the cursed thing in the first place. Bumblebee watched the humans, who were clearly upset and on the verge of tears. He tried to say something but at that moment Teletraan-1 alerted the Autobot and humans that an incoming message was waiting to be received. Bumblebee suddenly sat up and activated the controls to see Sky Fire on the screen. Bumblebee was glad to see him but the expression Sky Fire had on his face meant there was trouble.

'Sky Fire, did you find Prime?' asked Bumblebee praying for some good news.

'I have Bumblebee, but I have some bad news.' replied the jet in a low tone.

Bumblebee had a feeling this wasn't going to be good and both Spike and Carly were trying to get a good view of the transmission hoping it wasn't what they were dreading. Sky Fire continued.

'I followed Prime's energy trail and found him almost out of Energon. However I wasn't the only one who found him. This happened a few minutes ago.'

Sky Fire then played back what he had seen. Bumblebee and the humans saw what appeared to be Optimus Prime sprawled on the ground exhausted surrounded by Decepticons! Carly gasped and Spike's face went white. Bumblebee was just horrified to see the Decepticons take his leader away in a unstable condition.

'I tried to follow but I lost them! Given the current direction they were heading in, I'd say they were returning to base. I'll try and find out more but until then report back to Prowl.'

Sky Fire signed off and Bumblebee jumped out of his chair and ran to Prowl's office with the humans trying to keep up. Bursting in the room he found Prowl, Jazz and Ironhide having what must had been an important discussion. They looked up to see Bumblebee's face full of panic and worry.

'What is it kid?' asked Ironhide.

'The Decepticons have Prime! They've taken him back to their base!' he cried.

Now all of the Autobots went into complete shock. Ironhide suddenly clenched his fists, cursing the Decepticon's while Jazz ran up to Bumblebee and grabbed him, but not too harshly.

'Are you certain?' he asked.

'Sky Fire saw the whole thing!'

Jazz looked back at Prowl who was now thinking hard. Saving Prime was their main priority but Prime was surrounded by Decepticons. Prime seemed to act violent when something upsetted him. The proof was when Bumblebee and Wheeljack didn't listen to him, Wheeljack made a small confession that upsetted Prime, Ironhide got nosy and Jazz along with himself had a private meeting. The Decepticons always got Optimus Prime angry or upset, plus what if he did get angry and lashed out? True they were Decepticons but not even Prowl would leave his leader in the midst of them while he such an unusual state of mind. He had to tell the Decepticons of Prime's condition so they wouldn't do anything rash. He looked at Ironhide who must had guessed what he was thinking.

'Don't tell me you're gonna warn them are you?' he almost shouted.

'But what if Prime attacks them? He could hurt himself...and Prime would never forgive himself if he did something like this!' argued Prowl.

'At least there would be less Decepticons to worry about!'

'Ironhide!' snapped Jazz, almost surprised to hear him say such a thing.

Ironhide shrugged and Prowl just sank into his seat. If he did warn the Decepticons about Prime's condition then what? They wouldn't just hand him back over just like that. However if he didn't they'd probably provoke him and send him into that violent rage. What was he going to do? The only logical step was to attack their base but the violence might enrage Prime further. As he pondered how they were going to save their leader, in another part of the base Hound, Mirage and Blaster were in Ratchet's medical bay. Ratchet was fixing Mirage's arm that Prime had broken earlier and Hound was just talking with Blaster, who was still a little jumpy after Prime almost smashed him into the wall..

'So he almost hit you?' asked Hound.

'Yeah, I mean I had no idea what was going on.' sighed the Boom box.

'Oh would you two stop talking about it already!' snapped Ratchet, as he added the finishing touches to Mirage's arm.

The Autobots jumped at Ratchet's harsh tone. He was just as angry with the whole thing as everyone else was and got angry with anyone if they decided to turn it into gossip of the hour. Mirage hopped off the table and began to test his newly repaired arm. It was as good as new and Mirage seemed happy. Blaster walked over and had a look at it.

'Ratchet your work is as good as ever!' chuckled the Boom box, trying to get Ratchet in a good mood.

Ha! Without me, you'd all be piles of scrap!' sneered the medic.

Blaster snickered and turned to face Hound. He suddenly stopped dead in his tracks, not moving and staring directly at Hound. Ratchet noticed and seemed a little confused as was Mirage. Hound had no idea why Blaster was staring at him, he looked round to see if Blaster was staring at something else but the only thing viewable was himself. He stared back at Blaster.

'What?' he asked innocently.

'Don't. Move.' ordered Blaster, in a very low tone.

Hound did what Blaster said but was lost in confusion. Mirage and Ratchet did the same and tried to figure out what Blaster was so worked up about. Mirage looked round the room until he finally saw what Blaster had seen. Ratchet saw it too and remained perfectly still. Not too far behind Hound, hidden behind a pillar, was none other then the Decepticon spy Laserbeck. He was well hidden but Blaster spotted his shadow, giving his position away. Thankfully the robotic bird hadn't noticed that anyone had spotted him and continued monitoring the Autobots. Blaster looked towards Mirage and cocked his head towards the spy. Mirage got the message and vanished on the spot. Laserbeck had no idea that Mirage was sneaking up behind him completely invisible. He cried out when he felt the invisible hands grab him and he struggled to get free.

'Oh no you don't you little tattle-tale!' snarled Mirage as he reappeared and held onto Laserbeck with all his strength.

Hound and Blaster helped secure the bird within an Energon cage that Ratchet quickly produced. The bird growled and squawked as it tried to free himself while the Autobots felt proud with what they had accomplished.

'Nice one Blaster! Good thing ya saw him!' chuckled Hound, giving Blaster a high five.

'Yeah nice one. But what his he doing here? Are the Decepticons up to something?' pondered Ratchet.

The Decepticons did like spying on them but why now? There was a small silence, broken by Mirage.

'You don't think it has anything to do...with Prime, y'think?' he muttered.

Blaster looked at Laserbeck, who growled when they made eye-contact. Blaster didn't particularly like Laserbeck, mainly because he was a pet of Soundwave and Blaster considered Soundwave to be a deadly rival.

'Possibly. I better take him up to Prowl.' said Blaster, picking up the cage and leaving the room.

Blaster left the room with the outraged, caged spy. Other Autobots noticed and snickered as Laserbeak tried to free himself. Blaster told them to mind their own business as he continued to make his way to Prowl's office. As he got closer he heard voices, and they didn't sound too happy.

'We can't just walk up to them and say he's a threat! They'll kill him!'

'They won't kill him, they'll just keep him as a hostage for now. Megatron isn't that crazy!'

'But what if he gets all mad again?'

'He's in the Decepticon base under water, he won't be going anywhere!'

'That's not the point Ironhide!'

Blaster had a bad feeling about this and guessed he should come back later. However he knew that Prowl had to know about the spy and opened the door, walking in. Inside he saw Prowl, slumped in his chair with a tired face. Ironhide, leaning against the wall clearly angry. Jazz, standing in the middle of the room facing Prowl and then Bumblebee, near the exit and sad. They all looked at Blaster as he walked in and at the imprisoned Decepticon. Ironhide walked over and poked at the robotic bird.

'How in the name of Primus did he get in here?' snarled Ironhide.

'Haven't got a clue, but he was spying on us in Ratchet's med bay. We managed to get him but we don't know why he's here.' replied Blaster.

Prowl sat up at the news.

'They must of sent him to see what course of action we are taking! They probably want to catch us off guard and then strike!'

Blaster looked up confused. Prowl saw it and suddenly realized that only the four Autobots in the room knew what had happened to Prime involving the Decepticons. I Before Prowl could explain what had happened, Spike had just entered the room after taking Carly back to her quarters and almost jumped back when he saw Laserbeck in the Energon cage. Laserbeck saw him too and snarled at the human. Bumblebee helped him up.

'Don't worry Spike, we got him.' reassured the yellow Autobot.

'Who let that junk-bird in here? I mean...how did he get in...and why is he here?' asked the confused human.

'The Decepticons probably want to know what we're up to while our leader is absent. They must have sent him to find out!' informed Prowl, now standing.

'How do the Decepticons know Prime is gone?' asked Blaster.

As Prowl tried to explain what had just happened, Spike looked back st the imprisoned metal bird trying not to show his fear. Laserbeck stared back with cold optics, almost like he wanted to kill the small human. Spike pondered for a moment and then he suddenly cried out,

'Can't we exchange him for Prime?'

Blaster suddenly looked at Spike, shocked at what he had just said. He then looked back at Prowl who had the look of regret on his face and almost dropped the captive bird when he finally figured it out.

'THEY GOT PRIME!' he cried.

As Jazz and Bumblebee tried to calm the Boom box down, Ironhide answered Spike's question with a negative response.

'Sorry kid but those Decepti-creeps don't care about their own. They'd give up half their Energon supply to keep him prisoner.' muttered Ironhide.

Spike slumped and fell to the floor. How were they going to rescue Prime without him going mad? At that moment the alarm went off and the room began flashing red with a high-pitched siren blaring round the room. The Autobots jumped to action stations and ran to Teletraan-1's control room. Spike tried to keep up and tried to shout out a question.

'Is it the Decepticons?' he bellowed.

'Not sure! Let me check!' replied Jazz as he checked the monitors. Soon the room was filled with panicked Autobots, scared that it was indeed the Decepticons attacking and that they were without a leader.

'What are we gonna do?' wailed Huffer.

'Calm down Huffer, it might be a false alarm.' reassured Wheeljack.

However Jazz finally got what he wanted on Teletraan-1's screen. It wasn't a false alarm and something was definitely coming. However what he saw on the screen surprised and yet puzzled him a little. Prowl stepped up, noticing it.

'What is it Jazz?' he asked.

'Well...it's a Decepticon.' started Jazz.

Huffer began to run round the room in a panic. Wheeljack sighed and asked Sideswipe and Sunstreaker to grab him and hold him in place. Prowl glared at Huffer and thanked Wheeljack and the twins before returning to the screen.

'So it is the Decepticon's...how many?' he asked.

'Just the one.' shrugged Jazz.

Prowl stood up a bit puzzled. Why would one Decepticon just fly over to their base? Could it be a negotiator? That didn't make sense because Megatron couldn't care less about saving any of his own kind. Jazz had finally figured out who was heading towards their base.

'It's Soundwave!' he cried.

At the mention of Soundwave's name, Laserbeak cried out and struggled even more. Blaster shook the cage to shut him up while Prowl address the Autobots.

'OK here's what I think. Soundwave could be coming back to clam what belongs to him in exchange for Prime. Or it could be something unexpected. Whatever it is Jazz, Ironhide, Blaster and myself will go out to greet him, peacefully.'

As Prowl said the word "peacefully" he suddenly glared at Blaster and Blaster just stared back. Everyone knew that Blaster and Soundwave couldn't stand each other but it didn't bother anyone till now. Blaster nodded but was clearly not to happy about it. Soon Prowl, Jazz, Ironhide and Blaster were standing outside Autobot base with Laserbeak watching the skies and waiting for Soundwave to appear. Within the entrance of the base some of the Autobots were also watching with Spike present. Spike was a little nervous but waited as the other Autobots did. Ratchet was nearby and he cried out to Prowl.

'Can you see him yet?' he shouted.

'No! Not yet!' replied Prowl.

Ratchet seemed puzzled. It didn't take a Decepticon that long to get from one place to the other. He made contact with Brawn who was maintaining watch on Teletraan-1's radar.

'Brawn, how far away is he?'

'He should be right above you any astro-second!' replied the smaller mech.

Ratchet looked to the skies but saw nothing. Then he heard Jazz cry out,

'There he is!'

Scanning the blue sky he suddenly saw a slow moving object. As it got closer he could make out the basic outline of Soundwave, however the medic noticed something was wrong. He wasn't the only one, Ironhide leaned in towards Jazz and asked in a low tone,

'Is it just me or is he flying slower than usual?'

Jazz had noticed it too and zoomed in with his visor to try and see what was wrong with the Decepticon. He almost jumped back with shock with what he saw and Prowl noticed.

'What is it Jazz?'

Before Jazz could reply, Spike suddenly cried out,

'Prowl! He's falling!'

Prowl looked back to the sky to see that Soundwave was indeed falling. They couldn't get to him in time, he was too far up in the sky and too far away for them to reach. However they heard the jets of Sky Fire and he had also seen the Decepticon fall. He transformed in mid-air and caught the Decepticon in his hands as he gently landed on the floor. prowl sighed with relief and he was a bit surprised with himself that he was actually glad Soundwave was alright. Sky Fire approached the Autobots and his face was filled with horror as he gazed down at the Decepticon in his hands.

'What the slag happened to him?' he murmured, as he lowered Soundwave down to Prowl's level.

What Prowl saw made him gasp. Soundwave looked like he had been through, as the humans say, hell. He was dented and in ruin with Energon spewing through cracks in his armour. There was exposed circuitry that sparked every time the Decepticon tried to move and his left arm was barely hanging on. Even his face was in ruin, his face-guard had been partly ripped off reveling his hidden mouth that was taking in large breaths of air to cool down his burning circuits and his optics were almost shattered. It was like Devastator had crumpled him up. Ratchet ran up and suddenly set Soundwave up to his portable Energon Supplier making Blaster gasp in shock.

'What are you doing Ratchet?' he shouted, almost disgusted.

'Doing what I was programmed to do Blaster...saving lives!' snapped the medic.

Prowl didn't argue, instead he bent down near Soundwave's face. His sensors told him that the Decepticon was still awake but over exhausted. It was amazing he was able to make it out here but Prowl thought it was a little reckless. Soundwave must of had a good reason to come here. The police car spoke very quietly so he wouldn't annoy Ratchet.

'Soundwave...what happened? Who did this?'

Soundwave moaned in pain as he lifted his head, circuits sparked as he moved and wires snapped. Ratchet had to force him to lie down so he wouldn't damage himself further. Soundwave made a low growl at Ratchet and then he glared at Prowl. He then gave the temporary Autobot leader gave an answer that shook all the Autobots to the core.

'...OPTIMUS...PRIME...'

Yikes...What happened at Decepticon base? What will the Autobots do? Stay tuned!