Legal Stuff: Transformers, et al., are not mine, only my OCs. This story isn't intended for sale.

A/N: In this chapter I'm introducing the Xantium and the Wreckers from DoTM. I apologize if I didn't represent their characters accurately… there's not much I can find on them. This is chapter is character positioning as I try to make my way up to DoTM. The goal is to try to get past DoTM and on to where I'd like the story to progress before the 4th movie is out (giving me time/wiggle room for posting) so I don't have to try to re-think what I've written/where I wanted to go in comparison to the newest film. Again, I really thank you for taking the time to read! Anyway, please…. Review!

Cybertronian/Earth Time Reference:
Breem / about 8 minutes
Groon/about 1 Earth hour
Orn/about 1 Earth day
Quartex/1 Earth month
Orbital Cycle/about 1 Earth year
Vorn/about 83 Earth years

Chapter 3 – Earth Campaign (Part 8)

– Chicago, Illinois, Accuretta Systems Bunker –

"It worked," FirstAid crowed enthusiastically.

FirstAid's shout startled Duststorm out of her to recharge to mumble dazedly, "what worked?"

"I did a small test within Ellie's frame and was able to manipulate the nanobots to create a miniature test system! That means I can use her nanobots to build a core…. So now I need to plot the size and figure out where I can place it within her body….," he drifted off lost in thought as he muttered softly.

"I'd say you were muttering again but I'm pretty sure you aren't listening to me," Duststorm commented dryly and waited for a response. When none was forthcoming she chuckled softly, "just as I thought."

She continued to stare at the medic as he continued to mumble and then an impish grin crossed her features, "you know, since I no longer have wings, maybe you could turn me into a wheel grinder like you. You know, slow, ponderous, and forced to crawl around on the ground at obnoxiously slow speeds?"

When he failed to respond she shook her helm, a twinkle of mischief still in her red optics, "okay. I guess the wheel grinder insult doesn't work with you. Odd I was told that usually makes grounders see red. Hmmm…. how about this…. You're a mech, I'm a femme, I'm not doing anything, why don't we get together?"

Again she waited and then giggled, "wow, not even a twitch. So what else can I do to alleviate the boredom? I've tried teasing, taunting, what else is left?"

She waited again to see if he would answer. After many spark beats, since she didn't have any digits to drum on the berth to count the passage of time, she shook her helm and looked up at the ceiling, "I suppose I could keep this exciting one-sided conversation going but I'm not even amusing myself. On the bright side, I have managed to waste almost half a breem. Woo. Hoo. Would ya shout when things get interesting?"

She turned her helm and stared at the mech as he leaned over the tiny human and shrugged. She lowered her vocal processor in a poor attempt at mimicking FirstAid, "why of course Duststorm I'll be glad to wake you. In fact, I'm definitely interested in you, just give me a breem and I'll be right over."

She chuckled at her absurdity and closed her optics as she engaged her recharge protocols.

– Autobot Command Frigate Varion –

Prowl sat at an empty table in the ship's small rec room, his servos wrapped around a small container of high grade. Bluestreak wandered in looking for his friend and brother, spied him seated alone and walked over, "want some company?"

Prowl looked up, his calm features displaying none of the tension Bluestreak knew he was dealing with, "sit."

Blue sat down and placed his elbows on the table and rested his head in his servos, "so, wanna talk about it?"

Prowl arched a brow and countered dryly, "really? You're a psychiatrist now?"

Bluestreak shrugged his shoulders making his door kibble flare, "are you kidding? I got enough problems to deal with, why would I think I could handle yours? Look, I know you, you're dealing with stuff and I figure you being you, you haven't talked to anybot about it and at least if I sit here and talk to you that might help, maybe. Or you'll just get annoyed and shoot me, which isn't like you but not unexpected given what's happened. So now that Prime's dead what are we going to do?"

Prowl held up a servo, "Bluestreak, stop. I appreciate what you're doing and you're right I haven't talked to anybot. What's the point? We're all dealing with Prime's loss in our own way. But, facts are facts and the Prime is dead and we must persevere. The question is how. How many will continue to serve, how many will desert, what should our tactics be going forward. There is much I need to consider."

"Well, it's pretty simple if you ask me," Bluestreak said as he leaned back in his seat with a grin. "Prime wanted to protect us from the Decepticons, so that's what we do. Thing is with our people scattered all over, how can we do that? It's smart tactically because we can't be taken out with one campaign, but we can't protect all our people that way either. I think I'd rather go down in a blaze of glory than be picked off one at a time. But you're not asking me, you're running scenarios in that battle computer of yours, so what have you come up with."

Prowl blinked when Bluestreak stopped speaking, "just that actually. I wish you'd use your processor more in that fashion."

Bluestreak shrugged his shoulder as he tapped a digit to his helm, "yeah, I know what they say, that I'm all vacuum up here. But you know, why should I stress my cpu when others wanna do the work? Just point me at the Decepticons and lemme shoot, that's all I've ever wanted."

Prowl nodded, "true…."

"Prowl," Bluestreak interrupted an action not entirely unexpected by the commander. "Do you know what your problem is? You over-think things. So, what does your spark say?"

The commander blinked at the unexpected question, "my spark? Sparks are unreliable, you know that. Emotion is too easily swayed by the heat of the moment and rarely responds to facts."

"True, I won't argue with you there. But, it is the spark that drives us Prowl and in a way, Optimus was our spark and now he's gone. You need to find that within yourself if you expect to hold the Autobots together," Bluestreak said as he reached out and clasped Prowl's servo.

Prowl shook his helm, "that' the problem Bluestreak, Prime didn't put me in this position because of my spark."

"Yep, true enough. So, that's where I come in," Bluestreak grinned as he watched Prowl frowned as he tried to digest that.

"How?"

Bluestreak leaned forward, "well, I mean think about me when you think about those who tend to be spark driven. Then think about your crew and analyze those that aren't like you or me and do what motivates them. What's the worst that could happen?"

"Total desertion," Prowl responded dryly.

"Seriously, you need to stop being so depressing. All bot's'll see is that you're trying to hold things together and that will help. Come on bro, think about it. How long have we all stuck together? There has to be a reason besides 'fighting the noble fight' right? We stuck together because of Prime, because we're family and," Bluestreak rocked his helm and added sarcastically, "well it was that or the Decepticons were gonna off us anyway."

Prowl's shoulders dropped as he lowered his helm in defeat, "all areas in which I'm not trained for."

"Yeah, so what? We all had to start somewhere, even Optimus. If you remember, he was a sucky commander in the beginning but he got better and so will you," Bluestreak said encouragingly. "Now, get up to that bridge and put that massive processor to work or I will start talking at length about random nonsensical things because I've pretty much exceeded my 'responsibility and maturity' quotient for the vorn."

Prowl grinned which startled Bluestreak for a moment and then the mech returned the grin, "atta bot!"

Prowl picked up the glass and quickly drained it as he rose to his pedes. With a nod, the new commander of Autobot forces strode away, his battle computer compiling emotional impact statistics with probable battle scenarios of each Autobot unit.

Bluestreak slowly lowered his helm to the table, "I really need a drink…. Or somebody to talk to…. Or maybe something to shoot at? Or, maybe I could do everything. So, who will have a drink with me? Or go to the training range and do some firing practice."

"Prowl left you and so now you're talking to a table," Hoist asked as he sat down in Prowl's vacated seat.

"Uh, yes and no? I'm proud of myself for containing my fabulous ability to hold a conversation longer than any mech around…."

Hoist grinned, "which is why I came over. Sometimes I find your chatter, freeing, so, talk away."

Bluestreak grinned expansively, "before I do, do you want a high grade? I forgot to pick one up before I sat down and I could sure use a drink…." The mech continued to chatter as he stepped away to the dispenser, not waiting for Hoist's answer and then he quickly returned with two containers.

"I'm really glad you're on this ship Hoist, you're so much easier to talk to than Ratchet. The last time I saw that mech do you know what he did? He clobbered me with a wrench. A wrench? What kind of medical treatment is that? He claims it was in an attempt to still my vocal processor. Sheesh he could've just simply said shut up. That's what everybody else does. Talk about a terrible berthside manner…."

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

Prowl returned to the command deck and paused to study the bridge crew. He noted posture and expression and compared it with the data he'd already accumulated and realized that most every bot he saw was despondent. Emotion. Instead of taking the command chair he walked over to his station and began pulling up all of the recorded speeches Optimus had ever made. Soon he was retrieving random statements when one stood out, Prowl stared at the viewscreen thoughtfully.

He rose from his seat and walked over to the command chair, "Blaster, would you record this message and send it to our forces?"

"Ready when you are," Blaster nodded unenthusiastically as he activated the ship's recording system.

"Autobots, this is Prowl. There's nothing I can say which will ease the sorrow Prime's loss brings us. Instead, I would rather we focus on what Prime stood for. When you do, you will realize he is still with us, in his recordings, his speeches, in each one of us still fighting. Take a moment to reflect and remember him. Optimus once told a comrade, "we must have courage. We can't ignore the danger. We must conquer it."

"So that is exactly what we shall do. For Prime. For Cybertron. We will no longer play defense. From this moment on, we play offense. We will continue regrouping and once we do we will take out the Decepticons massing in the Sol System. Prime risked everything to keep us safe and to protect that organic world. So let's honor him by continuing that mission. We will conquer the Decepticons."

"Units without transportation, call in with your location. I don't care how long it takes, we will leave no Autobot behind. Optimus said, 'I don't have to tell you what's ahead of us. They have to be stopped and we're the only ones who can do it.' And we will. I am proud to command the toughest fighting force Cybertron has ever sparked. Decepticon numbers are nothing compared to our skill and courage which we have beyond measure. For Prime, for Cybertron. Prowl out."

Prowl turned in his seat, "so, what do you think Blaster? I'm not Optimus but do you think that will help inspire our forces?"

Blaster blinked at his commander several times, "I… I think so. Anything right now would help with morale. I'm certainly tired of playing it cool."

Prowl nodded, "as am I. Blaster, continue to track troops and ships. Coordinate and make sure everyone gets picked up. I'm going to do some research and see if we have enough materials to build weapons or perhaps a warship. In the meantime, let's take advantage of the Decepticon's distraction…."

"Yes sir!" Blaster spun about in his seat and sent out the message.

– Wrecker Ship Xantium –

Roadbuster punched the console as the ship shuddered from the gravitational pull of a planetoid and shouted over the comms, "Leadfoot, will you get your helm outta yer aft and get that thruster fixed already?"

Leadfoot punched the closest comm unit and shouted back, "I'm working as fast as I can you mindless piece of waste. If you think you can do better, get that huge aft down here and do it yourself. If not, shut your vocal processor and lemme work!"

Topspin jerked on the yoke as the ship shuddered from a piece of debris that struck the port side and muttered, "somebot better hurry or we're gonna have a lot more to fix when we land."

Roadbuster lurched from his station, "at least we'll land, right?"

Topspin looked over his shoulder, "well, it depends on what you consider 'landing'. The kind you walk away from or a smudge on the surface."

Roadbuster, "which one is this looking like?"

"More of a massive impact guaranteed to send a dust plume up into the atmosphere. Quite spectacular actually when you think about it…."

"I'll go down and help."

"You do that," Topspin agreed dryly as he fought to keep the ship from sinking lower into the planet's atmosphere.

Now alone on the bridge the blue and silver mech grumbled to himself as he fought the ship and gravitation, "fragging Prowl. Pick up some strays, he says. Just two, he says. Easy job, in and out. No worries, he says. I don't see him stickin' his neck out doin this job. Fragging Autobot officers, everything's easy CAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO IT THEMSELVES!"

He let go of the yoke to quickly palm the comms and shouted, "YOU SLAGGERS BETTER DO SOMETHING CAUSE WE'VE GOT LESS THAN A QUARTER BREEM BEFORE WE'RE FRAGGING THE SURFACE!"

In the engineering section Roadbuster quickly replaced a fried circuit board as Leadfoot soldered a secondary bracing to the thruster. The reason the ship was having difficulty was the engine had been recently modified and was subsequently too powerful for the structural assembly supporting it to contain. It had literally thrust itself off its mounting.

Leadfoot dropped the torch and ran to the console and punched the comm line, "try it now!"

Topspin shouted, "stand clear, I'm throwin' the switch." He waited a beat and then flipped the ignition toggle and watched the monitor as it indicated the engine was functioning properly despite its recent displacement.

He reached over to the lever that controlled thrust and muttered, "ready or not, engaging thrusters."

Leadfoot and Roadbuster retreated a few paces away from the engine staring at it dubiously as its whine increased in intensity and watched the additional heavy bracing with concern. When the engine gratefully, stayed in place this time the red and silver mech leaned on the console and said in a relaxed and conversational tone, "I think it'll hold this time."

Leadfoot crossed his arms over his chassis as he regarded the engine assembly thoughtfully and then braced himself as the ship shuddered. He recovered and then moved closer to the engine to study the mountings. His servo moved from one strut to another and paused as he examined the entire assembly before he looked over to Roadbuster, "yep, think that'll do the trick."

"Good," Roadbuster said as he barreled out of engineering and back onto the bridge. "How's she handling now Topspin?"

Topspin didn't even turn his massive torso as he fought both planetary atmosphere and gravity, "rough, but we'll make it…. Maybe. Comm our pickup, should be landing at the coordinates in a breem if the engine doesn't unmoor itself again. Warn them to keep their distance. Just in case."

Roadbuster spun in his chair and activated comms, "this is the Xantium to Unit 1 respond."

A cultured voice quickly answered, "this is Unit 1, Xantium welcome to planetoid 672."

Roadbuster quickly responded, "save the welcome. We're on approach, be ready to haul aft if we land with a boom. If we don't, load up fast. There's a Con listening outpost nearby and we ain't picked up any Decepticons yet, but let's not stick around to find out for sure. Clear?"

"Indeed."

"Out," Roadbuster snarled and then turned in his seat as Leadfoot walked onto the bridge and took the command chair. "Did you hear that bot?! What the frag? We ferrying nobles now?!"

Leadfoot sunk into the seat as he laughed, "whatever. We'll welcome 'em Wrecker style."

The three mechs grinned and shouted, "Wreck and Rule!"

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

Que carefully piled up his equipment for the ship's arrival as he chatted to his companion, "I will be so grateful to be off this barren wasteland."

"At least there weren't any Decepticons to worry about," Mirage said blandly as he brushed a bit of dust off his blue armor.

"True, but it did give me a chance to work on several projects without interruption which is a nice change. If only we were closer to civilization, there are so many projects I couldn't finish because I didn't have the necessary parts," Que muttered as he regarded his pile of crates.

Mirage simply vented as he looked up skyward to see if he could track the incoming ship, "ah, there it is."

"Good," Que straightened up and grinned.

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

The Xantium landed with a thud, not exactly a graceful landing but it did land in one piece as Leadfoot bolted from his command chair and down to the cargo hold to activate the lift. Once the platform touched the surface he dashed over to the two mechs, "put yer backs into it and help me get this slag loaded. We've a small launch window before the Decepticon listening post is in range."

Mirage regarded the new arrival as Que quickly grabbed a crate and moved it onto the ramp, "what regiment are you with?"

"What?! Talk later, work now," Leadfoot ordered as he grabbed a crate and placed it on the ramp. With pursing of his lips, Mirage bent to pick up a crate and went to work.

Roadbuster's voice echoed from the ramp's comm system, "move it mechs, we're in range in half a groon."

"Yeah, yeah," Leadfoot grumbled as he placed a crate on the platform. When he turned the area was empty of cargo, "that it?"

Que nodded happily as he took his place on the ramp next to Mirage. Leadfoot strode over to the ramp controls and activated the lift. As soon as it was high enough for him to leap, Leadfoot leapt onto the ship's deck and then dashed up to the bridge shouting, "ramp's almost up, start her up Topspin, let's move!"

Topspin nodded as he started the engine sequence and waited for the system to fully engage as he flicked on his ship comms, "prepare for launch. Gravity's a problem so it's going to be rough. Pick a sit, and buckle in. If you haven't lashed down yer cargo yet, better do it now. Engine at 70."

Leadfoot took his place at the command chair, "Roadbuster, when we're clear comm command. Let em know we got Unit 1 and ask what we're to do with em."

"Got it," Roadbuster said as he leaned back in his seat and stretched.

Shipwide comms blared with Topspin's voice, "engine's good to go, if you ain't sitting, you will be now. Engaging engine." Topspin pushed the thruster lever forward as his pedes settled comfortably onto the rudder pedals making minute adjustments as the ship slowly forced its way skywards.

Roadbuster turned back to scanners, "we'll be visible to the Decepticon outpost in 10…."

Topspin snarled, "shut it. We get off this rock when we get off this rock. We'll be good when we're clear."

Roadbuster simply shrugged, "just sayin."

"Easy," Leadfoot muttered. "Let's leave the grousing for when we've got a keg to split between us."

There was a hum of agreement as the Wreckers focused on their tasks.

– Autobot Command Frigate Varion –

"This is Varion, go ahead Xantium," Blaster said calmly as he juggled the communications and deployment queues.

"We got yer Unit 1. Whatcha want us to do with 'em?"

Prowl turned in his seat his helm canted as he frowned questioningly at Blaster who simply mouthed, "Wreckers."

Prowl nodded in understanding as he opened comms, "what's your location?"

"Space. Where the frag do you think? Same place we were before Command, at least within a parsec," came a saucy rejoinder which made the bridge crew turn in their seats.

Prowl simply flicked a screen up onto the bridge's main viewer to display the various ships and queried the location of the Xantium. Once he pinpointed the vessel, "this is Prowl Xantium. Continue to Sol and join up with Autobot Unit Omega One, out."

Blaster chuckled teasingly, "aw Prowl, don't you want 'em to join up with us."

Prowl shook his helm, "it's not wise to keep frontliners like that in reserve, especially Wreckers. Let them take their attitude out on Megatron and remind him who he's dealing with."

Blaster chuckled and then pushed another link on his board, "speaking of, I just got a comm from Sky Lynx. They're full up, want 'em to join us or head to Sol?"

"Send them to Sol," Prowl said as he regarded the viewscreen's display.

"Gonna take them some time to get there," Blaster commented.

"Better late than never," Prowl said as he reviewed troop data noting with pleasure that regrouping was proceeding at a better pace than he expected.

– Decepticon Space Carrier Group, Lead Carriers Primax and Triaxia –
Primax Command Team: General Dreadwing/First Officer Sharpfire
Triaxia Commander Team: General Skyquake/First Officer Starwing

Steadyburn rolled off his berth and stared at the silvery walls of his temporary quarters. Thus far he'd been treated well given the mission failure but there was still the meeting with the ship's commander to deal with. Which he was about to do. He rose to his pedes, exited his quarters and headed towards the crew energon dispensers mid-deck. Once he'd downed his ration he headed toward the central lift core and rode one of the elevators up to the bridge.

Sharpfire, a black and teal mech turned in the command chair when the lift doors opened and Steadyburn stepped onto the bridge. The First had reviewed the seeker's records and was familiar with the mech's design so it was easy to surmise who he was, "Steadyburn I presume?"

Steadyburn did a quick salute, "yes sir. Commander Dreadwing?"

"No, I'm Sharpfire, First Officer. Wait there, I'll comm the commander and see if he's available to meet with you."

The First didn't wait for a response as he quickly stood and strode over to his station. Within moments he was seated and talking quietly, then with a nod he looked up, "head up to the commander's quarters, he's ready. Just take the lift to the top, he'll be waiting for you there when you arrive."

Steadyburn nodded and exited the bridge and followed the First's directions. As the lift doors slid shut behind him, he shivered as a tremor of nervousness at meeting the famous seeker general Dreadwing. How should he act? How would Dreadwing react? Would he off-line Steadyburn right there on the spot for failing the mission? When the doors shushed open the slender dark red seeker stepped tentatively into the corridor and looked around.

There was a noise down the hallway which drew his attention and he froze when a large olive green seeker almost as large as his companion Longflight, approached and stopped in front of him, "so, you're Steadyburn?"

Unable to answer, the smaller mech simply saluted and nodded which made Dreadwing chuckle, "relax, seeker, you're not in trouble. Follow me." Without waiting Dreadwing turned and headed back up the corridor and to a large door simply labelled 'Commander'. With a raised servo, Dreadwing activated the portal and strode in once the doors opened.

The room was small and held no ornamentation, decoration, or any type of personalization. It simply held a table surrounded by chairs, one of which Dreadwing went and sat in as he waved Steadyburn to another. The table itself was a computerized unit which the commander activated. His fingers ran across the smooth surface and then a holo projection flared to life above the center of the table. It contained the details of Steadyburn's team's last mission.

When Steadyburn saw the data he felt his spark sink down into his pedes and decided it might be wiser not to say a thing.

"As you are no doubt aware," Dreadwing began. "Your Trine leader Longflight was forced to eject his cargo upon arrival. When he did so he off-lined the medic and anyone else aboard. Since you're not a warping seeker, I presume you have no idea what occurred?"

"That's correct sir," Steadyburn said cautiously.

"Records indicate your unit wasn't combat trained, is that correct," Dreadwing continued as his servo swiped across the surface and the holo changed screens and brought up their service records.

"Yes sir," Steadyburn said nervously.

"Your commander is Longflight, I see. What was his cargo prior to the mission?"

Steadyburn had reviewed the record from his new quarters and noted with relief nothing had been posted about Duststorm's incarceration, so he kept his information silent, "prior to the mission we had no cargo. Our sector hadn't produced enough energon to store. If you review the records, Longflight had requested a change in sectors because of that. After the mission the passengers, I believe, were the medic, my trine member Duststorm, and Commander Tumbler. However I was not present at the time to verify that, as my report indicates. I was slightly injured and at the Decepticon base when they left."

"Interesting," Dreadwing said without looking at the holodata, instead he stared at the mech before him as he continued to page through data. "Why did the base commander include himself with this mission? There was nothing in the mission that required his presence. Was he concerned your trine member Duststorm incapable of controlling one prisoner?"

Steadyburn felt his spark shudder within his chassis, "Longflight told me Tumbler ordered him to continue on with the mission without me, not why Tumbler was accompanying them."

Steadyburn watched Dreadwing's features and noted nervously that even the large mech's wings failed to indicate any emotional responses. No flicks, twitches, nothing. He had no idea if this meeting was going well or if he was launching himself right into a firing squad.

"I see. Typical grounder mindset separating a trine, not something a seeker commander would've authorized. No matter. He didn't survive and I'm sorry to say your trinemate didn't either."

"So she's off-lined then," Steadyburn said as he looked down at his servos feeling his spark sink.

Dreadwing regarded the smaller seeker with a slightly surprised expression on his features, "you weren't a bonded unit then?"

Steadyburn looked up nervously but answered honestly, "no sir. I know we're supposed to but she… we didn't…."

He nodded, "that's alright. No explanation is required. I do not force bond trines because that's only for commanders who think they need manipulation to control and keep their troops in line. I don't. My troops serve me willingly and honorably. If they don't, they're gone."

If a mech's faceplates could pale, Steadyburn's did just that as images of firing squads and dead mechs filled his processor.

Dreadwing chuckled surmising easily Steadyburn's thoughts both by expression and the droop of his wings, "easy there Steadyburn. Execution is not how I reinforce leadership. I expect those who serve under me to follow orders, when they do not, they better have a good reason why. If they don't, they're punished according to their level of disobedience. As an energon seeker you acknowledge that you disobeyed your primary orders to do this mission, correct?"

Steadyburn quickly retrieved the comm records from the exchange Longflight had with Shockwave and ported them with his wrist lead into the section on the table designed for data transfers, "yes sir. However, I've also got a record of the exchange which explains what happened and why we disobeyed our primary orders. I hope you will listen to them and give me, us, a fair hearing."

With a swipe of his large servo Dreadwing ported the audio data to his screen and activated the material. He listened carefully, keeping his expression calm despite growing fury as he listed to Shockwave coldly threaten the command seeker. When the feed completed, Dreadwing swiped again with his servo and then steepled his servos together thoughtfully.

If time were a liquid, Steadyburn thought, it would be flowing so slowly as to seem unmoving as he waited for Dreadwing to make his pronouncement. What sort of punishment would he exact? Fair or not, they were Decepticons and failing to follow orders was still failing to follow orders.

Dreadwing sat back in his seat, "your commander Longflight was put into an unfortunate situation and as a member of his unit, you were as well. As I see it, you have a choice. You can return to seeker command where I can guarantee some form of punishment or you can serve under my command. What is your choice."

Steadyburn stared at the larger seeker stunned, he was being offered a choice? "Truthfully, sir," Steadyburn stammered uncertainly. "I'd like to rejoin with my commander Longflight and continue with our mission. But if that's not possible, what sort of punishment would I expect to receive if I choose to serve under your command," Steadyburn asked.

Dreadwing regarded the small seeker carefully, "no punishment. I appreciate loyalty to your commander and I will do my best to see if I can extract him before Starscream can initiate the termination orders. I can't promise you I will succeed, but I will do my best. In the meantime, I know the value of each mech and femme under my command and right now I really could use an energon seeker. Again, it's your decision."

Steadyburn blinked several times, "you want me to resume my duties? No combat, just search for energon?"

"That's what I said and I generally don't repeat myself," Dreadwing said as he rose to his pedes threateningly.

"I accept," Steadyburn said quickly as the commander towered over him.

"Good," Dreadwing said as he held out a servo, Steadyburn simply stared at the offered hand stunned. Dreadwing chuckled at the smaller mech's reaction, "generally protocol requires that you stand and accept an offered servo." Dreadwing smiled as he waited patiently with his servo held out.

Steadyburn rose to his pedes and accepted the offered hand, "yes sir, I'm sorry sir. I just wasn't expecting…." Steadyburn's words drifted off softly in fear as he continued to hold onto the large servo.

Dreadwing merely shook his helm, "relax, and that's an order I expect you to obey right now. Since you're our only energon seeker, you'll report directly to my First Sharpfire. Coordinate with him and my science officer to compare your scanner's sensitivity to what we have onboard. If your systems need upgrades, report to the medical bay and get that taken care of. Once that's done advise my First how your unit operated and plan with him an appropriate search strategy. We're always low on energon and now command wants us to warp and rejoin the fleet. So we need even more. Thank you for joining my command, Steadyburn. Dismissed."

Steadyburn quickly saluted the commander and exited the conference room. He intended on making his way to the bridge and advising the First as quickly as possible. He'd been given a new lease on life and was going to make the best of it.

Dreadwing sat down at the computer table and quickly activated comms to inform Sharpfire of what had transpired and to also make a request of command for the release and reassignment of one seeker shuttle named Longflight.

– Decepticon Destroyer and Seeker Command Ship Fury –

Unlike most Decepticon ships, Starscream's command ship did not have a sparked mech or femme as First. Starscream preferred his command team be drones and therefore unlikely to question or act against his leadership. As such, the drone in charge of communications quickly accepted a communique from the Carrier Primax.

The message was immediately forwarded to the First who opened the message and scanned the details briefly. Not because he would act on the message but on the high probability that Starscream would query him on the details rather than read the message himself. Once he digested the information the First calmly ordered, "communications, please open a link to Commander Starscream and send him the message from the Primax."

"Yes sir," the dull voice responded and with precision the message was sent.

Within moments Starscream's voice echoed over the bridge, "Megatron's up my aft and you're sending me this?! That shuttle's been nothing but trouble for me, ship him to Dreadwing, have him executed, I don't care. Out!"

The First blinked calmly when the bridge crew turned to regard him, curious as to what his decision would be. It was not considered appropriate for drones to act independently and yet it was something Starscream consistently forced them to do. The drone quickly weighed the decision and then turned to regard the communications drone, "please contact Commander Longflight. Advise him he is being transferred the Carrier Primax."

The communication officer, despite a growing curiosity as to how the First had come to that decision, sent the appropriate order.

The First looked at the crew and answered their curiosity with a shrug, "a terminated bot cannot be revived should Starscream change his processor." The crew nodded in understanding and continued about their duties, respect for the First having grown in appreciation of his simple logic but accurate logic.

– Longflight's First Deep Space Warp Jump from Earth –

The mech in question slowly roused from recharge as his warp computer pinged indicating the completion of warp calculations. As he started to prepare for warp, an incoming comm pinged for his attention. Longflight regarded the flashing indicator for some time in fear believing he knew what the message contained and with a stalling spark he opened the message.

"Commander Longflight, this is Seeker Command. You are being transferred to the command of General Dreadwing. Please report to the Carrier Primax immediately upon receipt of this message. Out."

Longflight stared at the text, his spark frozen for a few beats and then restarted. He activated his side jets to do a little roll in joy. He wasn't going to be executed!

Once he managed to get his spark to settle, he opened comms using the frequency sent with the message, "Longflight to Primax. This is Commander Longflight, please respond."

"This is the Primax go ahead Commander Longflight."

"I've received transfer orders to your command, request coordinates," Longflight responded as he forwarded the message and waited.

"Received. I'm Sharpfire, Primax's First Officer, welcome. I am sending you our coordinates. I believe we are within warping range, do you have enough fuel to accomplish the jump?"

"Yes sir, one moment and I'll provide arrival information," Longflight said cheerfully as he activated his warp drive computer and inserted the new coordinates. "Sir, it should take about half an orn, will that be a problem?"

"Half an orn? No, that's fine. Report to the bridge once you arrive. Primax, out."

Longflight's spirits lifted as he engaged his warp drive. As his engine thrust him through warp space he reveled in his new lease on life. All Longfight needed to do now was convince the ship's commander to let him search for Steadyburn.

— Earth, Washington D.C., Health and Human Services Building —

It was an odd assortment of vehicles that filed into and rumbled through a heavy security gate leading to a lower level 'parking lot' for the Health and Human Services building. Those that were paying attention stared at the odd assortment of vehicles quizzically, but given the nature of D.C., were quickly distracted with their own issues as they moved about their business day.

In the new hangar/underground facility, Bumblebee peeled off from the others to allow two of his three passengers to exit. Jolt pulled up alongside Bee as the two Autobots waited for the teens to say their goodbyes. Mikaela embraced Sam tearfully and would've stayed longer if Jolt hadn't reminded her softly that she needed to get to the airport soon.

Bumblebee watched as Mikaela got into Jolt with resignation as Sam got back into the driver's seat, "I wish she would stay."

Bumblebee simply beeped in agreement as he could not offer the teen any encouragement as he too wished Mikaela wouldn't be returning to California or Sam going off to college.

"Well, no more putting off college, let's go Bee," Sam said with a sigh as he clasped the wheel. Bumblebee quickly opened his comms to inform Optimus they were leaving and left the channel open for Sam to hear Optimus's response.

"Leo, Sam, thank you again for what you've done for us. Sam, I'm sorry Director Galloway convinced you to believe you don't have the qualifications to act as our ambassador. By my standards you are more than qualified. However, I understand your world has certain requirements that must be attained before you can be considered capable of representing us. Just know that you will always have my support. Sam, before you leave, I wish you would reconsider and allow Bumblebee to remain with you."

Leo muttered quietly, "me too."

Sam glanced at Leo with annoyance, "I wish I could but the university doesn't permit freshman to have cars. You guys are close, so you can keep an eye on me anyway, right? Besides, it's not like I'll be doing much beyond studying. I promised Mikaela I'd fast track my education and to do that I've gotta hit the books pretty hard." Sam looked at the rear view mirror and watched the Autobots disappear from view.

"I do not understand how hitting books will help you gain more knowledge," Optimus responded clearly knowing what the phrase meant but enjoyed adding his own sense of dry humor to the conversation. "But if you need assistance doing so, let us know, I think we can be of help."

"I'm sure you can, Optimus," the teen drifted off to a stop, not sure what to say next. A part of him was relieved to be leaving and yet another part of him wanted to stay. "Take care and don't let Megatron sneak up on you again, okay?"

"You'll get no arguments from me on that, as long as you promise not to… entertain… any more pretenders?"

Sam coughed a few times with embarrassment as he lightly kicked Bee's dash, "I guess I should've figured you'd learn about that. How was I supposed to know some of you could mimic humans."

"Now that you know, be cautious. Megatron has no reason to hunt for you again but Megatron never needs a reason should he decide to do so. You've got a new telephone which links to us so don't be afraid to use it if you feel you are in an unsafe situation. Real or imagined, call us. Drive safely and we hope to see you soon, Optimus out."

Sam glared at the dash, "did you have to tell him about the Pretender?"

"Who said I told him," Bumblebee played on the radio.

"Uh huh," Sam said in a slightly disbelieving tone as he turned to stare Leo thoughtfully. "So if it wasn't you, either Leo or Mikaela did," Sam chided as he turned to glare at Leo who held up his hands and shook his head trying to look innocent.

"Wasn't me, seriously," Leo pleaded.

"Sam… focus on what matters… you won't get into… trouble… that way," Bee played.

"Yeah and that means staying away from creepy, pushy women that smell of diesel," Sam chuckled.

"For starters…"

"And get a different roommate…." Sam glared at Leo who feigned injury.

"I'm a great roommate," Leo argued back.

The conversation continued and rambled as they drove to Pennsylvania. When Leo finally drifted off to sleep Sam whispered softly to Bumblebee, "I hope I'm making the right choice."

He jumped startled when Bumblebee, instead of using audio clips, sent text to his windshield, "if it were me…."

"Wait, when did you start doing that?" Sam's startled comment woke Leo who mumbled quietly about noise.

"Ratchet helped me with some code and ta da, a texting screen Bee sized," Bee wrote.

"Should you text and drive," Sam asked worriedly knowing the text on the windshield would distract him if he were driving.

"I'm not human, so it's no problem for me," the typed reply quickly appeared on the windshield as the vehicle rolled to a stop at a light.

"Since you asked," the text went on. "I think leaving Mikaela is a mistake. You don't find femmes like her often."

Leo read the text and muttered, "femmes, I guess that's you're way of saying girls and I totally agree. A degree has merit but that woman of yours is totally hot."

Sam argued back, clearly annoyed that Leo had entered into the conversation, "I'm not asking either of you. Especially you, Bee, how could you possibly understand? You guys don't need girls and you don't need degrees to shoot Decepticons."

"Uh oh," Leo added as Bee's engine rumbled louder.

"You asked and I'm giving you my opinion. Who says I don't like girls and we were at war. I didn't exactly have a choice, did I? But you do." Bee took a turn a little too sharply which made the teens inside struggle to hang on.

"Hey easy there big guy," Leo said carefully and rubbed the dashboard soothingly. "I'm sure he didn't mean to offend you and subsequently get us killed by making you drive off the road or something. Look, why don't we change the subject and stay alive?"

"Shut up Leo. It doesn't matter anyway does it? I told her I loved her and she wouldn't stay," Sam crossed his arms not bothering to hide the fact he wasn't driving should anyone notice.

Bee sent another stream of text as he tried to ease through traffic, this time more carefully, "she loves her father as much as she loves you. Don't make her choose. Besides you could have picked a school closer to home."

"Where you go to school matters around here," Sam muttered.

"He has a point," Leo agreed.

Bee ignored the dark haired teen and argued back, the text flickered light blue on the screen, "not to the right people. It's the people you care about who matter!"

"She is totally hot," Leo added earning another glare from Sam as he kicked Bee's dash in frustration.

"I do not need a lecture from a robot. It's not like you need a woman."

"Stop kicking me that hurts you know," Bee grumbled back in type as he braked to a halt almost missing the light change. Both teens rocked forward in their seats restrained from going further by the tightening belts.

"Yeah, don't kick the car Sam. Let's not die in an auto accident after everything we've been through," Leo muttered as he rubbed his shoulder where the seat belt had chaffed him.

Sam took a few calming breaths, "Bee, going to an ivy league school helps you get better paying jobs and those are hard to get. Once I figure out what that job is."

"I thought you were going to be our ambassador," Bumblebee texted.

"Galloway didn't seem to think even graduating as suma cum whatever would help me be accepted as your ambassador. I just didn't want to tell that to Optimus, especially after all he's been through," Sam said with a defeated huff.

"There's no amount of education that would make Optimus chose another over you and he meant it."

"Thanks Bee," Sam said as he rubbed his thumb over Bee's Autobot crest in the center of the steering wheel. "that means a lot, I'm gonna miss you."

"I don't have to go, you know."

"At least this time I've got a new cell phone and you can text me, that'll be something right?"

"That and weekends," Bumblebee added.

"I wish," Sam sighed heavily. "I've missed a chunk of school so I'm going to be spending most of my weekends and evenings studying."

"And staying away from parties and pretenders," Bumblebee texted.

"Cut it out already. I plan on staying away from any and all girls except to video chat with Mikaela," Sam vowed. Leo opened his mouth and only earned a glare from Sam, "don't."

"Fine, whatever," Leo held up a hand and then shook his head. It was going to be rough for him knowing that he couldn't say or post a thing. Leo's worst nightmare had become reality, being involved in the story of the century and forced not to say a word.

"Gonna miss you too Bee," Leo said as he ran his hand over Bee's dashboard. "You're one hell of a car."

Bumblebee wasn't entirely certain what to say to the youth, he was at times as annoying as Sam or the Twins but he'd stayed true. Instead Bee focused on driving back to the university as he pushed the sadness in his spark aside. At least they didn't pursue the femme conversation, Bee thought gratefully. That was one conversation he was never going to have with Sam, ever. It wasn't like Sam wasn't a good friend, he was, but when it came to relationships Sam was exceptionally juvenile.

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

In the new NEST base the Autobots, as Bumblebee and Jolt drove off with the teens, rolled deeper into the new facility with relief. The trip aboard the aircraft carrier was uneventful and with the lack of any Decepticon activity restful, for a change. Given the nature of the ship, Ratchet wasn't able to activate their communications array and Optimus was antsy. He was impatient and wanted to contact Prowl to find out what was going on with his forces.

Optimus quickly transformed and waited with a tapping pede for the rest of his Autobots to join him in the back of the large underground facility. When their small group was finally assembled he lowered his voice and spoke briefly in Cybertronian, "Ironhide, form teams and scan the building carefully. I want a complete layout of any and all surveillance systems the humans have installed here."

Instead of arguing or fighting, Skids and Mudflap surprised their team members by quickly separating to check out the building as they called out, "we're on it."

Ratchet froze and watched stunned, "well, that's a first. Although, they could've waited until they were dismissed."

Optimus turned to the medic and shrugged, "perhaps this new-found maturity will allow them to grow into better soldiers." The remaining bots simply snorted or made noises indicating their lack of support in Optimus's theory.

"Them? I hope so, for their sake," Ratchet conceded and then regarded the Prime. "Optimus, I'll do some interior scans myself. I'd like to find a spot to setup my med bay that's shielded both for privacy and to set up Teletraan 2. One thing I can appreciate, at least, is this base is larger than the one before."

"True," Optimus nodded. "There's also a lower level they've reinforced so we can use it as a weapons locker and firing range, and training area with room to spare."

A jeep roared up to the grouped Autobots as a NEST soldier shouted up, "Optimus, Galloway wants to talk to you and the link to the JCS is up."

Optimus nodded and switched to English, "thank you." They watched as the human quickly turned the jeep around and drove rapidly away, tires screeching on the polished floors.

Optimus grinned sourly to his closest friends, "well, I guess we'll have to continue this later."

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

Once the hangar was thoroughly searched a schematic of surveillance equipment was brought before the command team as Optimus, Ironhide, and Ratchet gathered together in a small section Optimus had claimed as his 'office'.

Within moments the trio quickly regarded the data carefully as Optimus tapped his digits on the metal table the humans had generously constructed for their size and use. He continued to speak in Cybertronian, "as much as I would like to disable all of these devices, I think what we should do is allow them to believe we are unaware of their presence. Ratchet can you create a small scramblers including one that can 'hide' Teletraan 2 without raising suspicions? If we each have one we can activate it when we require privacy."

Ratchet nodded, "easy. I'll also program Teletraan 2 to to ping us with our internal comms frequencies that way if they pick up energy surges we can easily explain them away as private conversations."

Optimus nodded, "General Moreshower has voiced his concern about the increased interference of their political arm with our operations. I'd like you to try to establish a communications link that can by-pass his government's intervention protocols in order to converse without his government spying agencies listening in."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Ironhide added as he crossed his huge arms across his torso, "if they know we have the technology to bypass their intelligence systems, won't that make them try harder?"

Optimus nodded, "yes, but I trust General Moreshower and it's important for us to maintain that relationship. The President has changed several of the military commanders which comprise the JCS, so I am not as confident in them until I learn more. And, this current administration is even more hostile to our presence than the one before. Knowing the players and whom we can trust is crucial."

"Yet another reason why ah hate politics," Ironhide grumbled.

"You always did, as do I but it's what we have to deal with to stay," Optimus grumbled. "You can't believe the number of complains I've received from Galloway. He's even criticized the number of Autobots we have stationed here. He informed me the President may order us to split up."

Ironhide snorted, "oh really?! So does that President of theirs think he's Prime now? Order us about like we're his personal soldiers, who does he think he is?"

Ratchet interrupted, "perhaps they feel separating us will make us easier to control?"

Optimus nodded, "it may be to our advantage to let them think that. They are setting up a base on the western side of this nation for better 'coverage' and in the spirit of cooperation I think we should do so. I'll reassign Jolt, Skids, and Mudflap, they can blend in more easily than us and are less recognizable."

Ironhide shook his head and was about to speak when Optimus raised his servo, "we need a base of our own. This facility despite its design may be adequate against human weaponry but not against ours. Any retrofitting may provide them with an unnecessary advantage against other nations and that will go against my promise to their United Nations. Remaining here also makes us vulnerable and given the population density, puts the humans here at risk."

"So I plan to begin petitioning for lands to build a base of own. That will take time and trust, which we don't have at the moment. In the meantime, there are several states in the southwestern region, areas that border the country Mexico which are not as densely populated and are close to the NEST bases in California and Arizona. We can use this move to scan those areas for potential base sites. If we are forced to, we will covertly set up an underground base of our own. I do not like secrecy but I like mass casualties even less."

"A base of our own, that would be nice," Ironhide nodded. "But do ya really think the twins can be managed by Jolt alone?"

Ratchet smiled, "have you ever been on the receiving end of his whips? Jolt's a small bot but he could zap those annoyances easily into stasis. All it'll take is one hit and they'll follow his orders."

Ironhide chuckled, "right. If it were that easy to control the twins we'd'a done that long time ago. The real question is whether his whips are scarier than your wrenches? You medics are scary."

Ratchet snorted, "have you seen what we have to work with?"

Optimus interrupted the friendly banter with a sigh, "besides, moving the twins to the desert may be safer. There will be fewer things they can destroy…. I hope."

Ratchet turned, "think you could send Sideswipe too?"

Optimus chuckled, "no…. What'd he do to you this time?"

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

Days later, Optimus strode toward the front of the hangar and up to the elevated command center. From this vantage point he would be able to watch a large air cargo transport being loaded and communicate with the humans in the command center. Bill Lennox leaned over the railing as he watched the twin bots roll up the ramp, "I can't say I'm sorry to see those two go."

Optimus chose not to comment on that but said simply, "I will be sorry to see Jolt go, it's been nice having an additional medic on staff."

"Well, you can always use one of our mechanics," Bill offered as he pulled up a chair and sat down. He placed his chin on his arms casually watching Optimus and the bot activity in the rear of the hangar.

Optimus turned, "would you feel comfortable if Ratchet were to perform surgery on Sarah?"

Bill shuddered, "huh, you've gotta point there. On the plus side for you guys, you've got a computer in your head full of data so actually I think I'd be far more comfortable with Ratchet or Jolt than some doctors I know."

"I'm sure your nation has many find physicians but I thank you for your confidence. Do you know when Director Galloway is due back?"

"No, why?"

"I like to be prepared," Optimus said dryly as he watched Jolt's blue form roll up the ramp.

"Yeah," Bill agreed tiredly. The Director was not a favored member of the current administration with NEST as his constant intrusive and abusive treatment of everyone was legendary.

The ramp slowly lifted into place as the props increased in speed, soon the aircraft was lumbering off the tarmac and onto the roadway leading to the landing strip.

Optimus sighed, "will you let me know when they arrived? I'm going back to my office and recharge."

"Will do, see ya later," the officer nodded and then rose to his feet to push the chair back under one of the computer stations. He watched as the Prime slowly made his way deep into the hangar and then turned when an airman approached with a clipboard.

—◊◊—◊◊—◊◊—

Ratchet activated a small device, carefully hidden amongst his medical tools and then removed the communication and computer system dubbed Teletraan 2, a nod to the primary computer system on the Ark called Teletraan 1. Once it was set up he quickly activated the comms system and switched to internal mode, 'Omega One to Command, please respond."

Aboard the ship Varion Hound acknowledged the ping, "this is Varion go ahead Omega One."

"Updating Prowl on the situation here on Earth," Ratchet explained. "The biggest is, Prime is alive."

Hound blinked and adjusted the channel, "repeat that Omega One?"

"You heard me, I'll send a report shortly. Prime wanted to inform Prowl he's with the living and wanted an update on our forces. We're being monitored so send the data via information data streams, Omega One, Out," Ratchet responded.

"Looking forward to your report, I'll let the commander know," Hound said clearly stunned as he stared at his station. He turned in his seat and stared at Prowl who was looking at the large view screen examining troop deployment.

"Prowl, a word," Hound said as he rose from his seat. "In private."

Prowl turned and stared at the communication's officer and paused as he noted Hound's shocked expression and nodded. The black and white mech rose from his seat and walked with Hound off the bridge and checked the hallway. There were no bots present so Prowl turned, "do you require a more secure location?"

"No, it's actually good news. Prime is alive. Ratchet just commed and will be sending details later," Hound blinked.

"That's… that's really good news," Prowl nodded as relief poured throughout his frame. "Let me know when Ratchet's data packet arrives. I'll inform the crew once I gain an understanding of details. Thanks Hound."

The pair walked back onto the bridge, each lost in thought as they resumed their different stations. True to Ratchet's word a datapacket was sent and forwarded to Prowl. As the mech read the report, he had to admit the information it contained brought his processor close to glitching several times. The Fallen was Megatronus, as in one of the original 13 Primes? Fake matrix? Megatron still alive? How, Prowl thought to himself, is my battle computer supposed to process that?

He stared at the screen trying to handle the news. He'd planned on sending a comm to Omega One informing them of Xantium's arrival in a few quartexes but he needed time to compose himself. Once he was satisfied he wouldn't crash, he rose from the command chair and walked over to his station and composed a data file with troop deployment. He opened a comm channel from his station, "this is Varion to Omega One."

Optimus Prime's deep voice filled the comm channel making Prowl's spark rise, "this is Omega One, go ahead Prowl, it's good to hear your voice!"

"It's even better to hear yours, sir! I'm sending a data packet with troop deployment and my spark-felt relief that you are on line. Permission to notify our forces?"

"The sooner the better and thank you for being an excellent commander, Prowl. I don't know what we would do without you! Have you any news of Cybertron?"

"No sir," Prowl answered with a shake of his helm, knowing what the Prime was really asking.

"I see," Optimus paused for a moment knowing that if the femmes or Alpha Trion were alive and could contact him they would. In the meantime Optimus felt commendations were owed his First, "I applaud your change in tactics Prowl. You're right, it is time to fight back. Playing defensive strategies was necessary, at first, but not it does nothing but dwindle precious life and resources. We must find a way to end to this war and soon so we can focus our energies on Cybertron."

"So it's true, the AllSpark isn't entirely gone?"

"Not entirely, but that's information that should not like disseminated until I have a better understanding of how we can restore it, or if it's even possible to do so. The Matrix, the real Matrix is still not fully accessible yet. Ratchet believes it's due to my recent trauma and that I need rest."

"Well I've learned, rather painfully I might add, that arguing with Ratchet isn't wise. Just rest and we'll get to you as soon as we can. We'll worry about the AllSpark and Cybertron after we take care of the Decepticons," Prowl smiled quietly as he pictured the medic and his less than charming berth-side manner as well as the end of the war.

"Thanks Prowl. I'll send a data packet that you can send to our forces. Unfortunately the humans are quite… difficult… at present and our actions are being closely monitored. Thank you Prowl and see you soon. Omega One, out." Optimus Prime waited for Prowl's response as he closed the comms.

A small group of humans in suits approached his 'office' making Optimus sigh as Director Galloway shouted up at him waving a packet of paper in the air, "Prime! We're getting strange energy readings all over the place, you've got some explaining to do!"

Ironhide stood several yards away and slowly raised his arm until he caught Prime's subtle shake of his helm and sent a silent comm, 'aw, ya ruined a perfect opportunity.'

Optimus was grateful his battle mask had been engaged as he smiled at his friend's quip and knelt before the assembled humans and retracted the mask, "Director Galloway, it is a pleasure, as always to speak with you. What can I do to assist you today?"

— Chicago, Illinois, Accuretta Systems Bunker —

Ellie knew she was growing weaker, despite FirstAid's limiters on her nanobots, which meant her time was drawing near. She didn't want to tell FirstAid but she'd given up hope of surviving this ordeal. It was interesting, as she thought tenderly about the mech hovering over her, that this huge mechanical being would be more sensitive than many humans she'd met. To spare his feelings, she tried to keep her interactions with him optimistic and light-hearted. He didn't need to be burdened with her emotions. She blinked blearily as he leaned over her again, running data through the connected medical lead, "FirstAid?"

"Hmmm?"

"Do you have facial features?"

FirstAid froze, "what? You want to know if I have facial features…. Why?"

She smiled, "because it's hard for me to figure out what you're thinking, feeling."

"And that is why I keep my face covered. I wish to keep my patients from seeing my emotions. I am a very expressive mech and that can at times be harmful to the patient, seeing what I'm feeling that is. I was never able to perfect a neutral expression, so I covered my features."

"Will you promise me, if this doesn't work, that you'll let me see your face?"

He said with determination, "no, because it will work."

"Promise me," she said as she tried to rise up on the berth, her face growing serious.

Seeing her distress he canted his helm, "fine, I promise. Now relax. I need you to be silent as this process requires all of my processor and you're distracting me with all of this nonsensical chatter."

"Yes dad," she said tiredly and relaxed by focusing on her breathing. Within moments she fell back to sleep.

"Frag it all," he cursed softly. "She's losing faith and once a patient gives up…."

"Stop that thinking right now. Just focus on the task," Duststorm said encouragingly. "You know you're making progress."

"Yes, I am, but I don't think I'll be able to finish before her body expires."

"Must I remind you that I'm the one with the negativity issues, Autobot? Stop focusing on what may happen. Just keep your thoughts simple, you've made your flight plan, just stick to it and you will succeed. Are we clear?"

"Imagine that, encouragement from a Decepticon," he teased softly. "Completely unexpected."

"Which shows how little you know of us. Now will you shut up and get back to work or do I have to come over there and make you?"

FirstAid stared at the femme for a moment and nodded, "yes ma'am." He turned back to his holo projected screen and refocused on the translating data that was being converted from a portion of her brain that was slated to be replaced by the core. Several hours later he downloaded the translation algorithm into a portion of the semi assembled mini-cortex forming inside her cranial chamber.

Had he not been forced to focus entirely on the process he would be both terrified and astonished with what he'd accomplished thus far. From the start, his medical career as a nurse had not ranked him as exceptional with his peers. Far too many placed innate talent over determination and that was one character trait FirstAid possessed. With time and hard work he'd progressed further through the Medical Corps rankings to eventually earn the title doctor despite many who saw a very limited career for him.

If only his race was not at war, he thought distantly, if this process was successful the medical achievements and benefits for organic races they encountered could possibly save lives. That was the whole point, his whole purpose of being, to ease the suffering of others. He watched the data translation progress on one holoview, while another displayed the progress of the assembling core on another. He looked down to examine her arm and watched as a tiny piece of metal he'd placed on her forearm dissolved microscopically. While all of this was happening his processor was documenting his work and the hurdles he had to overcome in order to try to save her.

The catalyst came from his nurse's training and involved a simple medical procedure. Injuries to an organic body was no different than that of a Cybertronic one, the body usually needed to have the lost fluid replaced in order to keep essential organs functioning while the major injuries could be repaired.

Nanobots, part of a Cybertronian's internal repair function would absorb excess metals from the bot's frame and repurpose the material for repairs. If the bot left an injury untreated the nanobots could eventually harm the body by removing more metals than necessary, including that from primary organs. To prevent such internal damage patients were given an energon supplemented IV. This infusion included a liquid metallic booster to aid the bot's internal repairs and recovery. Unfortunately there was no such fluid infusion he could provide Ellie given that his prison lacked the proper equipment to liquefy the metals he needed. Not that he would if he could. If he did so, he might provide the humans a possible technological edge which could prove deadly for his species.

So, how to introduce metals into her system without an intravenous injection? A study of the epidermis layer provided an answer via pores which the nanobots could exit. However, it also wouldn't do for

her skin to be able to dissolve metal on contact in general. So he made an alteration of the nanobot's code focusing on a tiny section of her body to act as a 'medical' window.

Once the update was downloaded into the nanobots he'd extracted a metal mesh patch from his medical kit used for covering minor wounds, cut it up into smaller pieces and placed one on the inside of her forearm, opposite to the one that held the port and waited. When the nanobots accepted the instructions, another major hurdle had been accomplished. Now the drones would be able to absorb the necessary metals to construct the translation core, cortex, without surgery.

After all of that, the next problem was the location of the core. The best location would be the nexus between the human brain and spinal cord's nervous system but placing it there would be dangerous. Human understanding of their own brain's functions was frighteningly limited so FirstAid again had to rely on his own knowledge and research. The core she would require would have to act as a brainstem itself as well as manage the nanobots.

FirstAid had explained to her once that the human brain was simply an organic computer. So, all that was needed was to translate the chemical and electrical properties transmitted and stored within her brain and translate that data into Cybertronian for the core. Easy, right? Not exactly. But, he didn't need to recreate a human brain using a core, he just needed a simplified core that could handle base organic functions. That way he could leave memory and other higher functions alone. The core he designed would be more of a patch.

Time flew too quickly as test after translated test failed. FirstAid had almost given up when one test sequence had succeeded and he started the actual work. Using his knew found knowledge of her brain and how it managed her functions, he was able to place her system into a sort of self-induced stasis, to slow her functions. As the device assembled, data was translated, transferred and then tested before moving on to the next function. Motor functions, all the basic subconscious instructions a human brain performed were transferred.

When each portion was completed and thoroughly tested he allowed the nanobytes to remove the biological material necessary to fit the core. During the transfer there was a momentary pause of heart beat, but it resumed and maintained a steady pace. Hours passed as each function was transferred and monitored for failure. Once the major functions were transferred all that remained was the final code that would hopefully link the nanobots to the core.

FirstAid lowered his helm with a sigh of relief, "I can't believe it, I think it's working. The nanobots are responding and her body's systems appear to be functioning within parameters."

Duststorm turned her helm and smiled, "that's good news. Congratulations, FirstAid, you truly are a fine medic."

He shook his helm, "not exactly. She's not fully balanced system-wise nor has she regained consciousness. What if I have destroyed her processor in some way?"

Duststorm noted the weary posture of the Autobot, "FirstAid, you've been working on her well beyond your last recharge. Rest. I'll wake you when she comes out of stasis."

"How," he said as he gently extracted the lead from her arm and covered her with a blanket.

"I'll throw something at ya," she said dryly.

"Just not your pedes, that would hurt," he teased as he relaxed upon the berth with a sigh of weary components.

She chuckled and watched as the mech finally fell into recharge. Since she wasn't able to see Ellie's body from her position she adjusted her scanners to pick up any change in Ellie's body signals and began the wait. Having monitored Ellie's life signs before, not that she mentioned she was doing it, she noted that they appeared stable. Had he saved her? And if he did, would that provide the humans a means of destroying them?

Duststorm looked at FirstAid thoughtfully. It had been a long time since she'd been in close quarters with any being for an extended period of time. Even the Decepticons she'd been quartered with during training, reframing, and assessment had never displayed the sensitivity this mech possessed. Her initial reaction to his tender nature was of distaste for being a weak mech. Certainly not the level of emotion a Decepticon would ever show.

But as she watched him work and converse with Ellie, how he continued to interact with her, would other Decepticons have fared as well in this situation? She found herself considering him more on a personal level and then wondered at her thoughts. Wasn't she terrified of drawing close to anyone for fear they would discover what she was? Wasn't that why she kept Steadyburn and Longflight at a distance?

As Duststorm continued to monitor Ellie's life functions she thought about Cybertron and when she'd first come on line. A drone amongst many, awakened from code induced stupor to discover her existence was nothing more than simply moving crates from shuttles to port and back again. Was she even a she? Did she have the right to think of herself as an individual? She felt her spark thrum painfully in her chassis as she was temporarily assailed with self-doubt.

FirstAid's system was set to a light recharge but quickly roused when he overheard Duststorm mutter, "I am not a drone, I am a seeker." It took a great deal of strength to keep himself from moving. He'd managed to keep his systems running at minimal levels because he didn't want her to know he not in recharge and upset her further. Up to this point neither of them had spoken about personal lives. So he had no idea what would make her think she was a drone? But it made sense when paired with her last outburst when he'd mistakenly used the term class. Although he truly wished to know he knew it was better for her to reveal herself at her own pace.

Duststorm quickly focused on her scanner array to distract her darker thoughts unaware of FirstAid's observation as she continued to watch Ellie's life signals. When her spark eased she replayed a sequence she treasured which she found comforting, one of Megatron when she had been found.

The image was hazy but clearly displayed a giant silver warrior leaning over her as he said softly, "it horrifies me the lengths the Council will go through for control. Little one, you are not a drone and were never meant to be. You have been forced into a frame ill-suited for such a bright spark. If you join with us, help us to fight back, we will train you, help you to find your place and true frame…."

That was the moment she became a Decepticon.

A/N: I tried to proofread this and I'm sure I've missed a lot. Thanks for being patient! Please review, tell me what you think! Thank you!