It took Prime well an hour to get Metronix calmed down enough to talk after his encounter in the armory. Not that he could blame the sparkling. He had probably just gone in to explore, and hadn't expected the gun he was playing with to get stuck on. Or for someone easily four or five times his size to strike him and hold a gun to his head. Just thinking about that last part made Prime's spark roil in anger, and he had to struggle to calm himself down and focus on soothing the sparkling.

"There now," he said gently, rubbing Metronix's back. "You're safe here. It's going to be okay."

Metronix sniffed and buried his face in Prime's neck cables. He had refused to let go of Prime ever since the incident, clinging to him like a space barnacle. Even when Prime had offered him his plush leopard, he had only loosened his grip enough to grab the toy before hugging back onto the Autobot leader. Spotty was now squashed between Prime and Metronix, only its head poking out from under Metronix's chest and its glassy eyes seeming to fix Prime with a pleading expression.

"Are you hurt, Metronix?" Prime asked once he was sure the sparkling was through crying.

He shook his head. "I-Ironhide… hit me… but it doesn't hurt anymore."

Prime nodded, forcing himself to keep his voice level. "When you're ready, we'll go to Ratchet and he can fix the dents."

Metronix pulled away and fixed Prime with a sparkbroken look. "Why'd Ironhide… why'd he do that? I didn't mean to do anything… I was just lookin'…"

"Ironhide overreacted," Prime replied. "He thought that because you had turned the weapon on, you were dangerous. He's going to be dealt with. I promise he will not hurt you again."

Metronix nodded, but he still looked confused. "Why doesn't he like me?"

Prime hesitated, not sure how to answer that. He had promised Prowl there would be no more keeping of secrets, but at the same time, was the sparkling really ready to hear that he had once been the Autobots' greatest enemy? If anything, wouldn't the knowledge only terrify him even more? Or worse, make him think that because he had once been Megatron, he had no choice but to grow up to be Megatron again?

In the end, he decided that Metronix's safety took precedence. "There is a mech the Autobots used to fight – an evil and powerful mech named Megatron. You look a lot like him, and it reminds Ironhide of some of the terrible things he's seen Megatron do."

"But I didn't do them," Metronix protested. "I'm not Megatron. So why's he hate me?"

Prime searched his CPU for an answer. "Because he's unable to separate you from Megatron in his mind. The resemblance is very close, and I'm afraid he's unable to see past it."

Metronix laid his head back down on Prime's shoulder, and he went quiet for a few minutes. Prime continued to hold him, letting his presence soothe the sparkling as much as possible.

"When I grow up, I wanna be a fighter," Metronix said abruptly. "An' I wanna help fight Megatron. Then Ironhide'll see I'm not Megatron!"

Despite all that had happened today, Prime couldn't hold back a laugh. "All in good time, Metronix. You have a long way to go before you're ready for an adult upgrade. And Megatron was killed in battle not too long ago."

"Oh." Metronix sounded oddly disappointed at that. "Did you fight him, Daddy?"

Prime nodded. "I did."

"Did you kill him?"

Prime wondered how to answer that. "I fired the shot that brought him down," he finally decided on.

Metronix squeezed him tightly. "You're awesome. I wanna be awesome like you."

"Killing another mech does not make one awesome, little one. Life is precious, and it should only be taken when absolutely necessary. Remember that." He patted his back, then carefully pulled him away just enough to look him in the optics. "There's something else we need to discuss, Metronix… something very important."

"What, Daddy?"

"Metronix… sometimes when Daddy or your caretakers aren't watching, you sneak off by yourself. What are you doing when you're alone, and what happens?"

Metronix opened his mouth to answer, then shut it, sudden fear flaring in his optics.

"You can tell me, Metronix," Prime urged, trying to ignore the apprehension growing in the pit of his fuel tank. If Metronix was afraid to tell him, then perhaps something WAS happening during those times the cameras glitched.

"I… I promised I wouldn't tell," Metronix said finally.

That only worried Prime all the more. "Promised who?"

"I-it's a secret." He ducked his head against Prime's chest. "I don't wanna get anyone in trouble."

"Metronix, you're not in trouble. And if someone is telling you to keep secrets that you don't feel comfortable with, then you need to tell someone. Even if they made you promise. All right?"

"O-okay."

"Now who is making you keep this a secret?"

Metronix was silent for a few moments, and Prime was about to repeat his question when he spoke up again: "Ravage."

That sent a chill through his spark. "Ravage?"

Metronix nodded. "He's a kitty, an' he comes to visit me sometimes. He's cool, Daddy, and I like him, but he said you didn't like him an' that if I ever told you 'bout him you'd kick him out of the base. But he's my friend! He's nice! I don't want him thrown out, an' I don't want you to hurt him or anything! Please don't tell me I can't see him anymore! Please?" He said that all in a rush, as if saying the name had opened the floodgate.

Prime had to sit back and process that a moment. So it was a cassette infestation after all. Ravage was paying Metronix visits, doubtless hoping to gain his trust and lure him back to the Decepticons. For a moment he wondered if Metronix finding his way into the armory had been part of Ravage's plan. Perhaps the cassette-cat had hoped that seeing Megatron's cannon would jog Metronix's memory.

"Am I in trouble, Daddy?"

"No, Metronix, you're not in trouble," he assured him. "But I'm afraid your visits with Ravage have to end."

"But Daddy!"

"No buts, Metronix. Ravage is very dangerous. He's not allowed in the base for very good reasons."

"But Daddy, he's cool! An' all his friends are cool too! I wanna see Rumble an' Frenzy an' Skywarp an' Soundwave an' Devastator an'-"

Prime cut him off. "Where did you hear all those names?"

"Ravage told me."

Prime vowed he would track down that cassette and tie his tail in a knot the next time he faced Soundwave on the battlefield. "Did Ravage tell you why he and his… friends aren't allowed in the Ark?"

"Nuh-uh. Just that you're scared of them."

"And for good reason. Metronix, Ravage and all the others he's spoken to you about are what are known as Decepticons. They are evil and dangerous, and while Ravage may seem nice to you, he always has his own reasons for doing things. The next time you meet with him, he could hurt you. And it would break my spark if anything were to happen to you."

Metronix didn't look happy at Prime's warning, and he pouted. Then something else seemed to occur to him. "Daddy… was Megatron a Desi… Despa… a what's-it-called?"

Prime nodded. "He was the leader of the Decepticons."

Metronix shivered. "An' Ravage is one too?"

Prime nodded again. "I want you to promise me, Metronix, that you will stay with an adult at all times from now on. And if you see Ravage, I want you to run and find the nearest adult, and tell them where and when you saw him. Can you do that for me?"

The sparkling looked stricken at the order, but he nodded anyhow. "'Kay."

"Thank you," Prime sighed, his spark finally lightening in relief. "I only want you to be safe, Metronix. I hope you understand that."

Metronix just nodded, and leaned against his chest again. "Love you, Daddy."

"I love you, Metronix." He made sure he had a secure grip on the sparkling before standing. "I'm going to take you to see Ratchet now. He'll fix your dents and make sure you're in good shape after your scare."

"Is Uncle Ratchet mad at me? Or Uncle Hound?"

"No, Metronix. They understand that it was an accident. I think Uncle Hound wouldn't say no to an apology, however."

"Okay."

Prime carried Metronix out of his quarters and headed for the repair bay. Once he was sure the sparkling was safely in Ratchet's hands, he would call Prowl and Jazz and have them meet him in the brig. He rather despised what they would have to do next, but they had to ensure Metronix's safety, and make sure everyone knew there would be consequences for threatening another mech for any reason. Why did the truly dirty work among the Autobots always fall on the Prime?

Ironhide didn't even look up as Prowl switched off the energy bars of his cell. He sat in the corner of his cell, gaze fixed on some random spot on the floor, arms draped over his knees.

"Didn't take y'all long t' decide what t' do with me, did it?" he muttered.

"We have not yet come to a decision," Prowl replied, motioning for Prime and Jazz to enter as well. Prime moved to sit across from Ironhide while Jazz positioned himself in front of the door, on the off chance that their prisoner decided to make a break for it.

"Get it over with," Ironhide griped. "This waitin' game's killin' me."

Prime ignored the bitter edge to the red mech's tone as best he could. Despite his anger at what Ironhide had done, the old wardog was still one of his oldest and closest friends. He had been among the first mechs to ally himself with the new Prime when he had come into power, and had fought by his side in countless battles, establishing himself as a bodyguard of sorts. And even though he had a tendency to want to solve every problem by rushing in with guns blazing, Prime had valued his advice, and he trusted him with his life.

That just made this whole situation all the more difficult for him. For while he had no desire to destroy his friendship with Ironhide, neither could he forget that this mech had nearly killed his adopted son. And he feared that in punishing Ironhide for his crime, he would shatter that friendship forever.

"First, I want you to explain yourself, Ironhide," he said at last. "What drove you to attack a sparkling, and to threaten his life?"

Ironhide looked up, glaring at Prime. "Are ya really that thick? I gotta explain it t' ya again?"

Prime met his gaze calmly, even as he suppressed the urge to snap back. "You've insisted time and again that you think Metronix will turn back into Megatron at any time. Yet you've heard and seen a great deal of evidence that the chances of him reverting to his original state are remote at best, and you still refuse to change your mind. What has you so convinced that he's dangerous that you were willing to stoop to Megatron's level to stop him?"

Ironhide actually flinched at that last statement, and somehow that pleased Prime. Perhaps, on some level, he did realize he'd gone too far in pulling a gun on a sparkling.

"Ya won't believe me if I tell ya," Ironhide said flatly.

"Try us," Jazz suggested mildly. "We might surprise you."

Ironhide snorted. "'Cause he's too close t' Prime, is why. 'Cause th' moment Prime laid optics on that sparklin', he fell in love. Dunno if it's th' Matrix talkin', or if he's just too soft-sparked for his own good, but he fell hopelessly in love with that sparklin' on th' spot almost. An' I don't say this often… but it scared th' scrap outta me."

That had not been the answer Prime had expected.

"I saw how attached Prime got to Metronix right off th' bat, an' I knew exactly what would happen if Megatron ever came back. Th' war would be good as lost right there."

"What's that s'posed t' mean?" demanded Jazz.

"I am not following your logic," Prowl added.

"'Cause Prime would never see 'im as Megatron again," Ironhide explained, scowling at Prowl. "He's gotten so fixated on Metronix that he'd never be able t' look at Megatron again without seein' th' sparklin' in his optics! Ya think after so long playin' Daddy to 'im, he'd be able to fight 'im?"

Now it was Prime's turn to flinch. He had never considered – had never allowed himself to consider – just what would happen were Metronix to revert to Megatron once again. Logically he knew it would mean he would have to face his old foe on the battlefield once again, but he had never seriously entertained that possibility. Not before now, that was… and even now, the prospect terrified him.

If the unthinkable happened, and the sparkling became his old self… could he truly fight him? Could he hurt him, possibly even kill him? Would he even be able to raise a gun against him and pull the trigger?

No, he realized, with a sick lurch of his fuel tanks. I can't. I can no longer think of Megatron without also thinking of Metronix. To hurt Megatron would be like striking my own child, or firing on my own troops. It would kill me.

With great effort he pushed those thoughts aside. Only then did he notice Prowl gazing at him, a worried frown crossing his features. Prime had long joked that Prowl was a telepath without even realizing it, having an uncanny ability to read a mech's thought processes from his expressions and body language. Now, he wondered just how much of his thoughts Prowl had picked up. Probably a great deal, which was no comfort.

"Be that as it may," Prime said quietly, "it does not change the fact that you struck a sparkling, and intended to kill him."

Ironhide lowered his gaze to the floor. "No, it don't," he admitted sullenly.

"You realize this is a serious offense," Prime continued. "Had you struck and pulled a gun on one of the other Autobots, it would still be serious… but this was an innocent sparkling, and it compounds the matter."

"I know," Ironhide muttered. "I know I screwed up. Don't mean I'm sorry I acted. Maybe I went too far… but I was tryin' to protect a friend. I ain't sorry for that."

"While your desire to protect Optimus Prime is commendable, your actions can't be excused," Prowl informed him. "As this was your first offense, however, I believe the sentence can be lessened."

"Lessened?" Jazz repeated, visor flaring in surprise… and perhaps a bit of anger as well. It seemed Prime wasn't the only Autobot upset at Ironhide's actions.

"The usual sentence for the attempted murder of a sparkling is deactivation, Jazz," Prowl reminded him. "Are you willing to subject one of our troops to that?"

Jazz winced. "Not really…"

"Then we are in agreement," Prowl replied. "We can't afford to lose any of our troops at this point, when we're preparing to push the Decepticons off the planet for good. Nor can we afford the division among our ranks an execution would cause. In light of the situation, I think time in the brig, as well as a period of probation, will suffice."

Prime nodded in agreement. As much as Ironhide's attack had angered him, his anger was not great enough to demand his death. "Two weeks in the brig, and a year's probation," he decided. "During that time he will not be permitted to leave the Ark except for battle. Once that year is up we will review his behavior and decide if he has acted commendably enough for the probation to be lifted. Does that satisfy you?"

Prowl nodded. "That sounds acceptable."

Ironhide visibly relaxed at that. Evidently he'd been expecting the worst.

"How's th' little guy?" Jazz asked.

"Scared and a little dented, but unhurt," Prime replied. "He will recover."

"Good," Jazz sighed. "Was worried there."

"Any further discussion can be held outside the brig," Prowl informed them. "Let's go." He waved Jazz and Prime out, reactivating the bars once they had exited the cell. Prime was about to follow the other officers out when Ironhide spoke up, making him pause.

"Prime… for th' record… I'm sorry."

He turned to regard the red mech, frowning. "I thought you weren't sorry."

"Not for tryin' t' protect you an' Hound," he replied. "But… I know I hurt ya through hurtin' th' sparklin', an' I never meant to do that." He drew back further into the shadows of his cell, as if trying to hide from view. "If… if y' want me t' retire from bein' yer bodyguard… I'll understand. I ain't exactly deservin' of it now. I have a feelin' this just ruined our friendship… an' for that… I'm sorry."

Prime regarded his old friend for a long moment. He knew it would be a long time before he was ready to forgive Ironhide for what he'd done. But as much as it hurt knowing what he'd done to Metronix, he knew he couldn't be angry with him forever. They had known each other for too long, trusted each other too deeply. He hated what Ironhide had done… but he couldn't hate Ironhide himself.

"If I recall correctly, you attempted to retire once before," Prime said at last. "I refused to accept it then, and I refuse to accept it now. Once you're out of the brig, I'll expect you to return to your post."

Ironhide's optics rebooted in shock. "But…"

"I accept your apology," he went on, before the warrior could protest further. "I'll need some time before I'm ready to forgive you… but this isn't enough to end the friendship. Sorry to disappoint you on that front."

Ironhide didn't exactly laugh at that last statement, but he snorted in amusement. "Take care of yerself, Optimus. Won't be around for awhile t' watch yer back."

"I'll be careful." He turned and walked out of the brig, feeling, if not exactly happy, at least a bit lighter in the spark. Metronix would be okay, and Ironhide at least recognized that he'd done wrong and had accepted his punishment. Perhaps he would be more accepting of the sparkling from here on out, even if he wasn't exactly fond of him. If he continued to hold a grudge… they would cross that bridge when they came to it.

He headed for the repair bay to pick up Metronix, quickening his step. It seemed things were looking up for them from here on out.

Metronix was bored – utterly and thoroughly bored out of his cranial unit.

His first few trips to the medical bay had been fraught with a heady mixture of wonder and fear – wonder at the bizarre and intriguing-looking machines and tools that surrounded him, fear at what lay in store for him at the hands of Ratchet. Weekly trips to see the medic for scans, as well as the occasional stays here while Daddy was busy elsewhere, had killed the fear and worn the sense of wonder rather thin. He was familiar with most everything there was to see here, and now watching Ratchet work was getting rather tedious.

The adults were all busy at the moment – Ratchet had a spare limb on a nearby table and was showing Swoop how to fix the delicate circuitry within it, First Aid was in a corner putting away supplies, and Hound was in a light recharge while waiting for the paint to dry on his freshly repaired chassis. No one was paying any attention to him, and he knew if he tried to ask one of them if they'd play with him, they'd just tell him to sit down and not bother them. He was tired of waiting for them to finish, and the lightboard and action figures he'd brought to the medbay with him weren't interesting anymore. He wanted something new to do.

He wanted to ask when Daddy would be back, but he didn't think Ratchet would be in the mood to answer that. And he didn't want to wake up Hound either. He still felt terrible about hurting him, even though the scout had forgiven him and assured him that he understood it was an accident.

His thoughts wandered as he sat on a crate, hugging Spotty to his chest and idly kicking his feet. He wondered if he would ever see Ravage again. Daddy had told him to not talk to him again, and to tell an adult if he saw him, but he at least wanted to see him one last time, and to say goodbye. He hoped he'd get a chance, and that the adults wouldn't chase him off before that happened.

Funny… he'd heard the adults talking about Decepticons from time to time, even before Daddy had explained to him what they were. But he would never have guessed Ravage was one. He seemed too nice. Daddy had described them as being evil and mean, but if Ravage really was one, maybe he was different. Maybe not all of them were as bad as people thought they were.

He wondered if Ravage had met Megatron, or had known him at all. If even Ironhide was scared of Megatron, he had to be one of the evil and scary Decepticons. Maybe that's why Ravage kept sneaking into the Ark – he was scared of Megatron too, and wanted to be with the Autobots so they could protect him. Maybe his friends were the same way, Decepticons who were too nice to be among the evil ones and just wanted to find someplace safe to live…

A light tapping cut into his thoughts, and he glanced around, trying to locate the source.

Wrong direction, a familiar voice sounded in his CPU, very faint but clearly there. Look up.

He glanced up… and a wide grin crossed his face. Ravage peered down at him from the ventilation grate, nose pressed to the metal grid. He almost waved at the cat, but he held still with great effort. He didn't want the grownups to see him and scare him off.

Ravage seemed to realize his predicament, and he motioned off to the side with a paw. Metronix nodded and hopped down from the crate, heading for one of the supply closets. By the time he'd slipped in and shut the door, Ravage had pried open a ceiling panel and joined him inside.

"Hi Ravage," he whispered.

Hello, little one. The black cat padded over to him and nudged him gently in the chest with his nose. You have marks on your chest. Did you fall and hurt yourself?

"No." Metronix willed himself not to cry, but he wasn't entirely successful. "Ironhide hit me."

Ravage's ears pinned back, and his optics flared in anger. He hit you?

Metronix nodded. "Ratchet's gonna fix it soon as he's done talkin' to Swoop. It doesn't hurt anymore, though…"

Still, you've been hurt. Ravage snarled, clawing at the floor in agitation. Where is he? Where's this Ironhide? I'll claw his optics out for hurting you!

"Don't hurt him!" Metronix urged, alarmed. "Daddy says he's gonna deal with him."

Hah. He'll deal with him by giving him a slap on the wrist and letting him go. That mech needs to be taught a lesson… He paused, seeming to catch himself, and he shook his head before staring fixedly at Metronix. Are you going to be all right?

He nodded, though inside his spark was pulsing harder. Talking about Daddy reminded him of the promise he'd made… and though he didn't want to do it, neither did he want to disappoint his father.

"Ravage… Daddy says I can't see you anymore."

Ravage gave a soft whine of protest. Why?

"He says… he says you're evil." He felt like crying all over again, and he hugged Ravage and tucked his face against his shoulder to try to hide it. "He says you'll hurt me an' that I can't trust you an' I have to run an' tell someone if I see you…"

Metronix, do you really think I'd hurt you? Ravage raised a paw and rested it on the small of Metronix's back. Would I really hurt a friend?

"N-no… but Daddy…"

Your father is only scared of what he doesn't understand, Ravage assured him. He doesn't know that we're friends, and he only thinks I'm evil because he doesn't know any better. I would never, ever hurt you. And if he didn't frighten me so badly, I'd go right to him and tell him that to his face. He sighed and lowered his paw. But I don't want to get you into trouble… so perhaps it is best if I stay away for now.

"Will I ever see you again?"

Perhaps. "For now" doesn't mean "forever," after all. He perked his ears up. Before we part ways for good, perhaps you would like to meet a few of my friends? I did promise you we could see them, and this may be the last chance we get for that.

Metronix nodded. "I'd like that." If this was going to be his last time talking to Ravage, he wanted it to be something he'd remember. "How we gonna get out, though? Ratchet'll see us."

Not if we go out the way I came in. He crouched low. Climb onto my back, and I'll take you there.

He nodded and pulled himself onto the cat's back, holding on tightly with one arm and clutching Spotty to his chest with the other. Sadness gave way to anticipation, and he wriggled excitedly. Finally, a chance to see the awesome mechs Ravage had been talking about!

Hold still, Ravage ordered. And hold on tight. He crouched lower, every joint in his body tensing, then sprang toward the opening into the ventilation system.

They almost didn't make it. Ravage's lower limbs didn't clear the opening, and he had to sink his claws into the metal and scrabble to get in. Metronix felt himself slipping, and he threw both arms around Ravage's neck to keep from falling. It took a few pump-stopping moments for Ravage to pull himself and the sparkling into the vent.

Sorry. I'm not used to carrying a passenger.

"Spotty!" Metronix turned to peer down into the supply closet. In the scramble to not fall off he'd dropped the plushie. "We gotta get Spotty…"

Leave him for now, Ravage advised. We won't be long.

Metronix didn't want to leave without the stuffed leopard. But at that moment the door to the supply closet hissed open, and they could hear Ratchet's voice.

"Who's there?" the medic asked. "What in the…"

Let's go, Ravage advised, and set off at a brisk trot down the ventilation shaft. Metronix nodded and followed after him. He didn't want to be caught by Ratchet – if he found out he was with Ravage again, he'd be in big trouble.

Wherever they were going, Ravage was in an awful hurry to get there. He didn't slow down as he led the way through the twisting corridors that made up the ventilation system, occasionally looking over his shoulder to be sure Metronix was following. Every so often he had to step through a grate that had been cut open to let him pass, and Metronix had to slow down to squeeze through.

"Where we goin'?" he asked quietly.

Outside. Rumble and Frenzy will meet us there as soon as they're done taking care of something.

"Ooooh… are there others too? Like Skywarp or Devastator?"

Perhaps Soundwave will be there too… we'll see.

That brightened his mood considerably, and he hurried after Ravage.

They finally emerged from another grate, and he had to reboot his optics once or twice to adjust them to the sunlight. This particular shaft opened up to a vent high up on the side of the mountain, with a thick forest spread out below. The sight reminded Metronix of that first time he'd seen Daddy, of the fire and trees and smoke all around…

Or was that the first time he'd seen him? There were faint images of before… of metal striking metal, of ozone and smoke burning his olfactory sensors, of pain and anger and fear… He shook his head, not wanting to think about that, and hurried after Ravage. The cassette hadn't paused at all, and he had to run to catch up to him.

"How much farther?" he asked, trying not to whine. He was getting tired, and running down the side of a mountain was much harder than it looked.

We'll stop when we get to the forest, Ravage replied. Rumble and Frenzy will meet us there.

Metronix nodded and tried to pick up his pace. A few time she slipped and almost fell, but Ravage was always there to catch him with a shoulder. By the time they made it to the base of the slope he was exhausted, but a thrill of triumph passed through him. They'd made it… and they were so close to getting to see Rumble and Frenzy!

This way, Ravage advised, and ducked into the trees. Metronix didn't even hesitate and plunged in after him.

"Oy Ravage, what took you so long?"

Metronix froze, staring at the speaker. Ravage had mentioned that Rumble was small, but he hadn't imagined that he'd be even smaller than a sparkling. The purple, visored mech had been sitting on a fallen log, and upon spotting Ravage he hopped to his feet and gave him an expectant look.

You think its easy sneaking out of the base with a sparkling in tow? Ravage demanded, sitting down at the base of a tree. Did you get the immobilizer?

"Yeah," Rumble replied. "You'd think Wheeljack would lock his lab up tighter." He turned to Metronix and gave him an intense look. "This him? Smaller than I thought he'd be."

"He ain't gonna be small for much longer," another mech reminded him, this one identical to Rumble save in color – black and red to Rumble's purple and blue. "Heya, kid. Ravage's told us all about you."

Metronix didn't know what to say to that, and settled for giving him a shy wave. "Hi."

"Primus, he's mellowed," Rumble laughed. "So we gonna blow this joint or what?"

"Blow what?" Metronix asked, puzzled. "We gonna blow something up?"

Ravage shook his head. We're leaving. It's not safe to stay here for very long.

"But I thought I was gonna meet you guys," Metronix protested, more confused than ever.

"You're gonna meet a lot of us here in a bit," Frenzy laughed. "C'mon guys, let's jet to the space bridge. Soundwave's gonna get the kid."

Before Metronix could ask what he meant, something scooped up Metronix from behind. For a moment he panicked and squirmed to break free, thinking that perhaps Daddy had caught up with them and was going to punish him…

"Hold still," a monotone, heavily modulated voice ordered. "No harm will come to you."

Metronix froze and looked up into his captor's face – or what would have been his face had it not been covered by a red visor and white mask. The blue-and-white mech looked impassively back, visor brightening once before resuming its usual steady glow. He nodded once, as if satisfied, then tucked Metronix under one arm and set off at a brisk walk.

"Ravage, assist Rumble and Frenzy in transporting the immobilizer," Soundwave ordered. "Rendezvous at the space bridge."

Yes sir, Ravage reported

Metronix craned his neck around to see Ravage hurry over to something white and shiny laying in the grass, which Rumble and Frenzy were struggling to pick up. He wasn't so excited about meeting Ravage's friends anymore – now he only felt bewildered and frightened.

"Ravage!" he shouted. "What's happening?"

Ravage paused in trying to shift the white object to look up at Metronix. Please don't fight us, Metronix. This is for your own good. Something has gone terribly wrong with you, and we're going to fix it. Trust me… I'm your friend.

Metronix wanted to shout something back about what he meant by "terribly wrong," but Soundwave pushed deeper into the forest, and within moments Ravage was obscured from view. He renewed his squirming, struggling to wriggle free of the blue mech's grip, but Soundwave only tightened his hold and kept walking. The fear gave way to panic, and he screamed.

"Daddy! Daddy, help me! DADDY!"