"And they just up and left!" Arcee exclaimed. "For no apparent reason."
"The odds were in their favor too," Bumblebee added, nodding.
"Huh," Ratchet said, perplexed. "Why would the Decepticons leave an energon mine so suddenly?"
The Fallen stayed silent as he listened to all this information. Before, he was unsure if the Decepticons were a problem, or a potential ally. Now, they were more of a nuisance than anything else.
"Do you think they did something to the energon?" Bumblebee asked, eyeing the blue samples they brought to base.
Ratchet scoffed, but then paused. "That might be the case. I'll run some tests, just to be sure."
"In the meantime, we have all this energon to fuel up on," Arcee said. "If the tests show that there is nothing wrong with this batch." The energon mine they had captured was large and greatly needed, as the Autobot supplies had been running low. While the Fallen did not rely on the fuel, he knew that his new body did.
"Optimus?" Arcee asked suddenly.
The Fallen turned, eyeing her. Optimus stirred from within, immediately alert.
"Are you alright?" the blue femme asked, tilting her helm. Her optics were filled with concern as she studied her Prime.
"I am well, Arcee," the Fallen replied. "Why would you ask?"
She hesitated. "It's just...you seem distant. What's on your mind?"
"So, she is perceptive," the Fallen mused. "And she knows you well." Optimus looked up, feeling a pit of dread growing inside him.
"The recent Decepticon activity has left me with much to think about," the Fallen answered. Movement to his right caught his attention, and he turned to see one of the humans. Jack, if he remembered correctly. The very same human in that memory Optimus had erased.
Through the Fallen's optics, Optimus watched Jack, feeling a certain tug in his spark toward the boy. There was something important, something he was not remembering. Optimus frowned as he watched Jack interact with his friends. The forgotten memory burned in his mind. So much so, that it was causing him discomfort. Why did he even erase that memory? What was so important about it? If he could just reach out and try to remember...
Optimus immediately retreated back into his own corner of his mind; the part that was still his. No! He must not remember. Whatever reason he had for erasing that memory, the memory of Jack, it had to be for a good reason. Any yearning he felt for the memory was all the Fallen's doing. He was the one enticing Optimus to remember. That was all the younger Prime needed to remember. Forgetting would keep everyone safe.
Onyx Prime rested his servo on the glass panel that contained the precious life within. Well, to some, it was only a science experiment. To others, it was a golden opportunity at success. But to Onyx, the life inside had more value to him than any gold.
The predacon opened its golden optics at the presence of its guardian. His large tail twitched slowly, before he closed his optics as sleep overtook him once again.
"Rest, my Predaking, my son" he whispered softly, stepping away. "Gather your strength."
"Do not get too attached to it," Quintus Prime said, coming over from his observation. The scientist's servos twitched, eager to take up a tool or open a datapad and start studying. Even in death, his passion for science remained as strong as ever.
"He is a living being of Primus's," Onyx growled.
"It was created in the lab," Quintus replied back.
Onyx bristled, feeling his anger grow. But he tampered it down, remembering what his brother had been through to develop this type of behavior. It was Quintus's very own creations, the ones created in a lab, that led to his death. So Onyx Prime could see how he would be wary of lab created creatures such as the predacon. But the cause of his death never kept Quintus from his passion for science. But his distrust for 'lab rats' were still strong as ever.
But, still…
"As I am the first predacon," Onyx Prime said casually. "That would mean Predaking and I are related in some way. He was cloned from the bones of my children." He stared at Quintus. "So show some respect to your nephew."
Quintus Prime cocked his helm, before nodding in acknowledgment. "I will take that into consideration." He turned back to observe his own charge, who was hunched over one of the large computers. Onyx Prime turned to look back at the slumbering predacon who was submerged in its tube. He tried to avoid looking around him, as that would mean looking at the dead planet. A dead planet, that was once teeming with life. Looking at the predacon made him feel like he was looking at the beginning of life. He was looking at the rebirth of a once dead race. If the predacons could come back, surely Cybertron could as well.
"You are not supposed to name it," Quintus said suddenly. "Giving it a name manifest attachments. And attaching oneself to a being such is a-"
"Don't you ever stop thinking like a scientist?" Onyx Prime said with a groan. "Primus, how did I get stuck with you?"
"I am simply thinking logically," Quintus said simply. "As for being stuck with you, Primus assigned us together."
Onyx felt his optic twitch at that reply. He glanced over at Shockwave's lumbering form as the one-eyed Decepticon checked the fluid levels of the predacon. "When are we to move?" he found himself asking.
"Soon," Quintus said. "Solus has not heard anything else. But she advises that we prepare ourselves when we are to make ourselves known to our charges."
Onyx grinned. "I already have. I have been communicating with Predaking through his dreams. He has big visions for the future of his race."
Quintus glared at him sharply. "You have been communicating with him already?" he demanded. "That goes against any orders we have ever received!"
"Solus never said we weren't allowed to talk to them," Onyx replied. "She only suggested that we keep our distance." His grin grew. "Better get your speech ready. Shockwave may just suffer from a short circuit when you make yourself known. I know how much you scientists rely on your 'sound' logic."
"So, we are the good guys?" Starscream asked.
"Yes," Megatron replied.
"And you want to recruit me to save Cybertron?"
"Yes."
"And while we are trying to save Cybertron, we are not allowed to harm the humans or the Autobots. And if we do try to go against these ground rules, our guardian Prime will simply kill us?"
"Yes."
Starscream raised an optic ridge. "And you are alright with this?"
"No," Megatron growled, getting up. "I hate the situation I am in. And I despise the very idea of working with you."
Well, it was nice to know that he was wanted.
"I swore that I would kill you the very minute I ever saw you again," Megatron continued.
Well, Starscream inwardly scoffed. Thanks for the heads up!
"But as of now, the Primes think we need you," Megatron said. He glared at Starscream. "I am not so sure I agree with them. But they outvoted me."
By thirteen, right?
"But know this," the warlord said. "You are to listen to me, and obey my every order. Failure to do so, will result in your death." Here, Liege Maximo grinned at Starscream, who tried to contain a shudder. Of all the Primes, he had to get the Deceiver? What, Prima was taking a vacation?
"Everyone has been informed of your arrival," Megatron said. "So you are free to roam around and return to your post."
Starscream raised an optic ridge. "Return to my post? As second in command?"
"Eh, no. That post belongs to Airachnid," Megatron said with a sneer. "And even if it didn't, I would never give you the opportunity to return to such a position of power."
"But you trust a scavenger," Starscream muttered.
"So," Megatron said, leaning back. "Is there anything you would like to share with us?"
Starscream, of course, was already making extended plans for his own escape. Such as keeping the information that he had access to a groundbridge from an old Decepticon battle ship to himself.
"I wouldn't do that," Liege Maximo said suddenly, his voice low. His voice seemed to suck out all the sound from the room, his words echoing around the dim surroundings. The Prime's optics seemed to glitter with a cold calculated grace that was as deadly as a viper. He did not move from his spot, yet Starscream felt as if he should scramble back and get as far away from the Deceiver as he possibly could.
"I know your every thoughts," Liege Maximo said. "I can anticipate your every move. Any effort to contain anything will result in failure."
Starscream scowled, but stayed silent.
"Such as the role you played in helping the Autobots retrieve their leader," Liege Maximo said, his optics glittering.
Starscream's optics widened. How did he-?
"Not to mention the full report about your little team-up with MECH," he continued. Liege Maximo strode forward. "You have many skeletons in your closet, as the humans would say, Starscream. Why don't you just, 'share' with Megatron what you know? Of course, it doesn't have to be everything. Only the information that will help our cause."
"It's very quiet here," Amalgamous Prime stated, looking around.
Airachnid said nothing as she walked down the halls of the Nemesis. Though she was inclined to agree with her guardian. It was quiet. Though she cherished the silence, but it was ruined by the presence of the Prime who was following her around like a shadow.
An odd shape in the wall caught her attention. She frowned, making her way over to it. Normally, she would not have noticed such a thing. But Airachnid was finding herself more observant than usual. She looked at the storage unit that was not closed all the way. Frowning, she reached to open it, only to have it open on its own accord and dump a body on top of her.
Airachnid let out a strangled yelp as she tried to shove the body off of her. Leaping back with a hiss, she glared at the body. Her optics widened in horror when she realized who it was.
"Starscream!" she gasped, examining the body. It looked like he had been beaten to death. She huffed, not sure how to feel about this situation. While she wouldn't say she'd mourn for him, Starscream's death would pose as a problem.
"Oh dear," Amalgamous said, looking at the battered corpse. "This...is not good."
She stared at her Prime. "You will vouch for me, right?" She did not need to be blamed for Starscream's death. However, finding a body was almost like committing the murder itself, in her opinion. And she was pretty sure Megatron would see it that way as well.
Amalgamous nodded. "Of course. But I would suggest-"
"What did you do!?" a sudden voice exclaimed.
Airachnid looked up to see Breakdown coming forward, his optic eyeing the body. "Really, Airachnid," he scoffed. "You couldn't wait to kill him after the Primes left?"
Airachnid hissed. "Don't play innocent with me, Breakdown," she snarled. "I know it was you who did this."
Breakdown blinked. "Me? How is this my fault?"
She pointed to the markings all over Starscream's helm, his battered body revealing deep dents. "He was obviously beaten to death," she stated. "And with a large device. I can only think of one Decepticon on this warship who uses such a tactic on his enemies. Besides," she said with a grin. "I find it odd that you are right here, right when I find the body."
Breakdown bristled. "I am just as surprised as you are to find Starscream here!"
"The fact remains that you will both be accused of his death," Amalgamous interrupted. "And Megatron is not in the best of moods right now."
"When is he ever in a good mood these days?" Airachnid muttered.
"My Prime just said-" Breakdown started.
"That we will be held responsible for his death, I know," Airachnid said quickly, waving a servo. "So what now?"
Breakdown huffed. "Well, this is certainly not my fault, and therefore, not my problem." He turned as if to walk away when Airachnid shot out her webbing, tripping the big brute.
"Listen to me," she hissed. "Megatron will kill you and me if we do not figure out how to deal with this problem. Now, get up and help me get rid of the body."
"Is there a pattern between the attacks?" Knockout asked, looking at the papers set before him.
Detective CorNeil frowned. "What kind of a pattern?"
Knock Out shrugged. "Any kind of pattern. Where have the attacks been staged? What is the perimeter of the attacks? And who is this 'Ghost' person?" Knockout scrunched up his face at the file.
CorNeil shrugged. "We think it is an alias, as we have overheard the Crime Lords talking about him." He paused. "Or her."
"Oh, the Ghost is most definitely male," Knockout said dismissively.
CorNeil blinked. "Really? How can you be so sure?"
"I've listened to those tapes of yours," Knock Out said. "Those men in the tapes are all male, correct? When talking about women, no matter their status, men will always talk about them differently then they would talk of a man. There is a certain poise and slip in speech when they talk. So, the Ghost is most definitely male." He paused. "Who is fifty-eight years of age." He would have to thank Soundwave for that last tip. The surveillance chief was really good at what he did.
Detective CorNeil blinked. "Well, I guess it does not narrow much down for us, as there are-"
"You are welcome," Knock Out said, resting his feet on the desk as he leaned back with a sigh. When Megatron had told him to stay in contact with his 'human friends,' Knockout had been horrified. But, these humans were treating him with a new level of respect. And it was quite entertaining to speed after other cars without worrying about being pulled over. Not to mention, scratching up those other fancy cars felt exhilarating.
"Knockout," Breakdown said suddenly through the comm link.
Knock Out frowned, reaching for his 'phone' to appear as if he were talking to someone. One of the irks with pretending to be a human meant he had to take up more of their ways and social performances. "Yes?"
"We, uh, have a situation here," Breakdown said slowly.
Knock Out straightened up. "What kind of situation?"
"How do you get rid of a body?"
Knock Out blinked, before sighing. "Who died?"
"No one died...yet! I would just like to know how you get rid of a body, in case the need should arise."
Knock Out's holo form raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow. "Really? Well, you could always dump it over the ship." He ignored Detective CorNeil's startled glances.
"That's not exactly 'getting rid of it'," Breakdown hissed.
"Well, what would you have me tell you!" he exclaimed, getting up from his seat. Looking at CorNeil with a false smile, he lowered his voice. "Dissecting the body into smaller pieces would work. Then you can hide it in the walls of the Nemesis."
"How about something a little less messy?" Breakdown grumbled.
Knock Out sighed. "Hang tight. I'll be right there." He paused. "Is this going to get us in trouble with Megatron?"
"Possibly end in death. So, yes."
Knock Out shuddered. But then, he frowned. "Wait, the dead body isn't Soundwave, is it?"
"Nooooo…"
"Oh Primus," Knock Out groaned, running through the possible scenarios of the situation Breakdown had gotten himself into. "I'm coming."
"We don't need his help," Airachnid growled, hefting the body over her shoulders. "And why don't you carry it?"
"I am the lookout," Breakdown said, peeking around the halls. "And as such, I am to-"
"Look out!" Nexus Prime shouted, shoving Breakdown back. "Dreadwing is coming," he hissed, gesturing to the halls.
Breakdown blinked, startled. He could hear the pede steps of the large seeker as he came nearer. Airachnid pressed herself against the wall, glaring daggers at Breakdown as if this was all his fault. The blue Decepticon sighed, before striding forward with the intent of distracting Dreadwing.
"Oh, hello Dreadwing," he said casually, leaning up against the wall as he onlined a random computer.
"Breakdown, what are you doing?" the seeker asked instead.
"Standard protocol, sir," he answered, typing quickly. "I am checking up on all the communication networks."
Dreadwing narrowed his optics. "Sounds like something Soundwave would do."
"The mech needs a break," Breakdown answered. "He's stretched thin as it is. I personally think Megatron overworks him. Not to mention he's stuck with the musical Prime as his guardian." He paused. "Also, I feel as if I can be doing more for the Decepticon cause." He sighed forlornly. "In all honesty, I am beginning to doubt my self worth. What do I even do around here anyway? After losing my optic, life seemed to change for me. I see it all through a different angle now. I have been hesitant to go out in battle because of my...weakness."
Dreadwing raised an optic ridge. "If you are seeing yourself as a weakness, then perhaps I should alert-"
"What is the meaning of life anyway?"
Dreadwing blinked. "What?"
"I mean," Breakdown continued. "Why are we even here? What is our purpose? To fight an endless war and lose countless lives? What's the point of going on?"
Dreadwing took a step back. "I believe that I should-"
"I don't even know where all these emotions are coming from," Breakdown moaned. "Knock Out did say that losing my optic was a traumatic experience, and that I should get help. He said talking about my problems would make me feel...better." He looked up at Dreadwing forlornly. "What do I do?"
Dreadwing took another step back. "I…"
"I think I'm facing depression," Breakdown said suddenly. "After all, the signs are all there. Doubting my self-worth, wondering about life, etc."
Dreadwing frowned. "Is it a disease?" And if so, was it contagious was the un-said question.
"You are right, Dreadwing!" Breakdown shouted suddenly, startling the seeker. "My weakness does make me stronger. I need to confront my past, and believe in myself. Cue the dramatic music of enlightenment!"
Nexus took that as his cue to improvise and help out his charge. At that moment, the sounds of angelic female voices singing rang throughout the Nemesis.
"Well, I didn't mean literally," Breakdown muttered.
"I think I should go," Dreadwing said, turning to walk away. Right where Airachnid was hiding.
"No! Wait! I still need you!" Breakdown yelped, grabbing Dreadwing's arm. "I'm having...femme problems."
Dreadwing nearly choked. "Femme problems?" Since when had he become a therapist?
"Yeah," Breakdown said slowly. "You see...there's this femme. And she's cold and sadistic. But I find that strangely attractive. And yes, the spider thing is kinda odd. But, again...attractive."
Dreadwing's optics widened. "I think Megatron needs my assistance," he said quickly, turning and running down the hallway. Away from Airachnid.
Breakdown breathed a sigh of relief, a weight lifting from his shoulders. Airachnid emerged from the hall with a smirk. "Femme problems, huh?"
"Shut up."
"...It has all the Decepticon scientific data we would need," Starscream finished off.
"That you needed," Megatron corrected. "During your time in exile."
"Ah, right," Starscream said. "However you wish to spin it." His optics widened when he realized something. "Oh! And I nearly forgot." He paused. "I am under the safety of Primus, correct? Which means you cannot harm me?"
Megatron raised an optic ridge, wondering what the seeker was playing at. "Yes."
Starscream brightened up. "Good to know, good to know. Just a quick heads up; I sent my clones here to assassinate you."
Megatron rose from his seat, his expression thunderous. "You did what?" he bellowed. "How many?"
"Well, I created four of them," Starscream said. He was testing the waters, wondering how far his protection went.
"That explains the sudden activity on the Nemesis," Solus said simply.
Megatron glared at her. "You knew about this?" he growled.
"Well, I suspected," she said.
Megatron turned away sharply, heading for the door. "Starscream, I would advise that you stay here for your own safety," he ordered, just as the doors closed behind him. "Soundwave," he ordered. "Initiate lockdown, and guard that door. Warn the troops to remain on high alert for anyone who resembles Starscream, and to terminate on sight." With that, he activated his weapon, striding forward.
"You do realize that it is an attempt to assassinate?" Solus asked, striding alongside him.
"I am aware of that," he said, entering an empty room.
"Which means they will come for you."
"I know what an assassination attempt means!" he growled.
"Good," she said. "Then you will be on guard for the missile pointed at your helm."
Megatron didn't so much as think when he ducked, the computer behind him exploding when the missile hit it. He spun around with a snarl, shooting at the Starscream clone. The clone let out a shriek as the blast hit it square in the chest, killing it.
Megatron stared at the dead body. "That felt good," he muttered.
"To your left," Solus muttered, stepping back.
Sudden blaster fire rang out as two more clones emerged, their weapons blazing. Megatron leaped back, returning their fire. "No help from the Prime?" he demanded.
"You seem to be handling it just fine," Solus said, examining her fingers.
A stray bolt nearly hit Megatron's shoulder, and he pulled back with a hiss. "This is about the severed bond," he grumbled.
"A bond is sacred," Solus said, suddenly standing next to him. A missile from the clones went right through her, though she was not fazed by it. "It is formed with trust, and unites brothers, sisters and mates together."
"The incident between me and Orion happened thousands of years ago," Megatron snarled. He shot a clone in the helm, its dying scream doing nothing to satisfy Megatron. "You think I hold any regrets? You think that now that I am trying to save him, that our brotherhood counts for something now? I may be working in the Autobots favor, but that does not change me, or the Decepticons. You may think we have changed for the better. But when this is over, I will battle with Optimus, not as brothers, but as enemies! That is all we have ever been."
At some point during the shootout, Solus was standing in front of Megatron, her servos curled into fists. "But it is not as it should be," she said.
They stood glaring at each other. Solus's optics full of pain and anger, Megatron's of pure fury. The sound of a blaster being fired up caused them both to turn and see the remaining clone smirking as his weapon charged up.
"Prepare to perish, Lord Megatron," the clone cackled.
A blaster shot rang out, and Megatron was thrown to the floor with Solus on top of him, shielding him. He looked to see the clone, staring in shock at the blaster hole in it's chest as it fell to the ground. Dreadwing strode forward, his blaster out and smoking.
"Lord Megatron," Dreadwing greeted, surveying the damage.
"Thank you for your assistance, Dreadwing," Megatron said, getting up. Solus stood up straight, her optics observing the room with caution.
"There were only three," she said.
"So where is the fourth?" Megatron demanded.
"Where is the body that needs dissecting?" Knockout asked as he strode through the ground bridge.
"Nowhere," Airachnid grumbled, shoving past the doctor.
Knock Out frowned, watching the femme. "Eh, what's going on?"
"Just a clone, nothing special," Breakdown said, walking past his partner.
Knock Out blinked, startled. "Clone? Wait, what?"
"Lord Megatron," Airachnid said, striding into the room. "You summoned-?"
"Ah, Airachnid," Megatron said. "Perfect timing. You will accompany Starscream. Retrieve any data from the Decepticon ship he sought refuge in during his time in exile."
She blinked. "Decepticon ship? The very same one where we found the immobilizer?"
"There may be information there that could prove useful," he said. "Also, I think it is wise to keep Starscream out of my sight for the next few hours."
She blinked once again. "I...of course my liege. We will depart right away."
He nodded, his back to her. "See to it that you do."
Airachnid strode out of the room, scowling. "I demand to know what in Primus's name is going on!" Knock Out ranted. "Clones? Bodies? Assassination attempts?"
"Soundwave will fill you in," Airachnid growled. She looked up at Starscream, who was standing nearby.
"Megatron provided me with a full report of what he expects of you to deliver," Starscream said with a grin as he stared down at her.
"If you must know, Megatron does not want to see you for the next few hours," she snipped as she walked through the groundbridge.
"Humph," Starscream said. "Can't imagine why."
Megatron felt like he could breathe again. Starscream may be back, but at least he had more than one set of optics watching the little traitor. Of course, he didn't fully trust the Primes, but he did trust them more than he trusted Starscream.
The clones bodies had been removed from sight. Though the battle still rang clear in his mind. Perhaps he should keep one of the bodies for target practice. It would be a good stress reliever-
A sudden explosion caused the entire ship to shake. Megatron stumbled back, looking up in confusion. "Now what?" he snapped. "Soundwave! Report."
"Damage to the engines," came the swift reply.
"How bad is it?" he asked, regaining his footing.
"Extensive."
Megatron growled in annoyance. Really, of all the things he had faced today, damaged engines were more of a nuisance than anything. "Prepare for emergency landing," he ordered.