Author: *cough* Well, look at that. Belated holiday gift for anyone who has stuck around. Thank you, ElizellaGalaxyPrime, for nudging me. I do know where everything is headed. The Bumblebee movie helped, too.
Disclaimer: None of this belongs to me.
Chapter 11
Optimus was grateful that the hotel they were staying at had a small restaurant attached to it. Even after a very long, very hot shower, his body still ached. He didn't know how they had managed to actually walk to the restaurant in the first place.
Megatron looked exhausted, his eyes lacking their usual faint red glow, his skin a little ashen even after scrubbing off all the grime from the fire. Optimus was getting a steady trickle of displeasure through their bond along with an undercurrent of emotion that he couldn't quite place.
"You know, you should probably have something more than just coffee," Optimus commented, tapping lightly on the ceramic mug cupped in Megatron's hands.
"I know that," Megatron snapped.
Optimus hummed and took a bite of his sandwich.
How are we going to pay for this? Optimus mused. I don't remember seeing money in our bags and all your savings are tucked away somewhere secret and safe.
Megatron rolled his eyes. Charge it to the room. We didn't make the reservation, so NEST, the Autobots, or the government will be paying for it. He paused, a thoughtful look forming on his face.
Megatron, Optimus said. That look never resulted in anything good.
I'm going to get the most expensive thing on the menu, Megatron eventually proclaimed and resolutely picked up the menu that had been left in front of him.
Megatron.
It's the least they can do after sending us off to die.
Megatron did, in fact, order the most expensive item available.
You do know how petty that is, Optimus pointed out.
I am fully within my rights to be petty, Megatron answered blithely.
What do you think comes next? Optimus asked once the waitress had walked away with Megatron's order.
I intend to find out what we got off of Shockwave, Megatron said, regardless of whether or not I'm supposed to know.
Optimus sighed. Figured you'd say something like that.
You're curious, too.
How could I not be, after what we saw? After what has happened—to the Autobots, to humans, and to us?
Megatron hummed in agreement.
A comfortable silence fell between them, which made Optimus wary.
'When did this happen?' he wondered. 'How did Megatron go from being my enemy to...whatever he is now. Ally? Comrade? It feels right to work alongside him anymore.'
How much trouble do you think we're going to find ourselves in? Optimus asked as Megatron slowly sipped his coffee.
What makes you think we're going to be in trouble? Megatron responded.
We survived a suicide mission, Optimus said. And we managed to retrieve information. Once word of our successful recon gets out, I'm sure more than one soldier is going to think that we're double agents for the Decepticons; I'm absolutely sure that a few of the Autobots will be suspicious.
Megatron shrugged dismissively. Let them be suspicious. And if they're suspicious enough to try to kill us, well, that won't turn out well for them.
Awfully confident, aren't you?
Prime, you won't let them kill me, Megatron pointed out. We also took on an entire base of Decepticons and made it out alive. If nothing else, they'll want to know what we know.
Megatron's food arrived, and Optimus thanked the waitress with a smile, since Megatron wasn't going to.
"So, when are you going to respond to that text message?" Megatron asked, gesturing to the cell phone at Optimus' left hand.
Optimus looked to the phone and the message that was displayed on the screen: "Call me when you wake up."
"Once we're finished eating," Optimus responded.
"You're not afraid that if we don't respond quickly enough that the world will end?"
Optimus gave Megatron a dry look, who returned it with a feral grin.
"I'm sure that they would be slightly more persistent if we were required," Optimus said and flipped the phone over so its screen was facing the table. "I also think they believe we simply ran."
Megatron bristled. I never retreat.
I know that, Optimus responded.
The rest of the meal was eaten in pensive silence.
As they were finishing their food, the borrowed phone rang. It was the same number as the text message, so Optimus picked it up.
"This is Orion."
"So, you two are finally up?" Elita said.
"Yes," Optimus responded. "I apologize—I didn't expect that we would be asleep for so long."
"You were both in pretty bad shape when we picked you up," Elita responded. "Tell Tron he has impressive aim even when completely asleep."
Optimus' eyes slid over to Megatron, who was listening as he finished the dredges of his coffee. "What do you mean?"
"We sent someone to check on you to make sure you hadn't expired on the sheets, but the minute that the door was open enough for them to step in, they were hit in the center of their chest with an alarm clock hard enough to knock the air out of them. When the person who had come with them looked inside, it was to find that both of you were still very much asleep. Tron's arm was hanging slightly over the side of the bed and he was on his stomach, however, so the guess is that he is the one who threw the clock."
"Not an unreasonable deduction," Optimus drawled.
"I pride myself on my accuracy," Megatron murmured, a smug smirk on his face.
"He's preening, huh?" Elita said, good humor lacing her voice.
"How could you guess?" Optimus drawled. "Where are you?"
"Parked in the hotel indoor parking lot," she said. "It was raining outside, and we all decided that we liked being dry and didn't know how much longer you would be unconscious."
"We? Who is with you?"
"It's just me and Chromia. Sideswipe was called away for another mission, and having three motorcycles for two people looks odd. Arcee isn't that far, however, and will be joining us once we're on the road again."
"I'm not riding a motorcycle in the rain," Megatron said after shifting into the seat beside Optimus.
"Nor do you have to," Elita responded. "The rain has passed and there is no more nearby on the radar."
"Is it urgent that we be on our way?" Optimus asked.
"Even if you two aren't needed, the rest of us are," Chromia cut in.
Megatron rolled his eyes.
"Very well," Optimus said. "We will be out once we've settled the check."
"Well, do that quickly," Chromia said. "We have to get going."
"We'll be out soon," Optimus said.
"Good."
With that, the line went dead.
"You make them nervous," Megatron commented, sounding more amused than Optimus thought he should.
"I wouldn't call it nervous," Optimus said as he put the phone away. "Because of the mechanical distortion from the phone, I probably sound much more like my old self than I do when speaking in person."
"You have a distinctive voice," Megatron agreed.
Optimus took the check from the waitress and kept her long enough to write down their room number and sign off. They both stood once she was gone, and Optimus grabbed his borrowed duffle bag.
"Think we're off to another suicide mission?" Megatron murmured as he picked up his own.
"After we are debriefed."
They checked out and headed into the parking garage.
Not too far off were two familiar motorcycles; Optimus approached Elita, while Megatron chose to ride with Chromia.
Why do you choose to ride with the Autobots that you annoy?
Passes the time, Prime. I don't make good small talk with my enemies.
"Mind if I come with you?" Optimus asked Elita as he put a hand on her frame.
Her headlights flashed, which made Optimus smile.
You're sickening, you know that? Megatron sneered.
Consider it insurance against being dumped on the side of the road, Optimus said. Perhaps you should be a little nicer, since there isn't as much protection between you and the road when riding a motorcycle.
Optimus got the distinct feeling of disdain from the other side of their bond.
Optimus put on the helmet that hung on Elita's frame and carefully straddled her. Once he and his bag were fully balanced, she pulled out of the parking garage, Chromia following not far behind.
"It's impressive that the two of you survived," Elita said, her voice echoing slightly in the helmet. "There is no shame in retreat, particularly when so heavily outgunned and outnumbered."
"We only ran after we found something worthwhile," Optimus replied.
"Really?" she asked, incredulous.
Optimus nodded, then said aloud: "Yes."
"How? With what?"
Optimus was silent for a long moment before saying, "We came across three Autobots in the facility. One died and the other was unresponsive. The third, however, was aware. He…knew we were there. He said his name was Wheeljack."
"Wheeljack," Elita repeated. "Did he say anything else?"
"A few things," Optimus hedged. "Although he told us the most when he was arguing with a Decepticon. I think Wheeljack called the Decepticon Starscream."
Static filled his helmet in what Optimus figured was a curse in Cybertronian.
"While this frequency is encrypted, I don't entirely trust that someone won't be attempting to listen in. Wait until we meet up with the others to say any more," Elita said. After an oddly awkward pause, Elita continued "I'm glad you survived."
"Thank you," Optimus said, wary. "I appreciate your concern."
Prime.
What?
Just tell her.
That I'm Optimus Prime?
No, that you're the Easter Bunny.
Arcee joined them as they pulled onto the Interstate.
"By the way, where are we going?" Optimus asked.
Elita chuckled softly. "You ask that question now?"
"I trust you to get me wherever we're going safely," Optimus said. "I just would like warning as to whether or not this will be the safest part of my day."
Elita laughed. "I suppose it depends on what you consider safe!"
"Is anyone going to try to kill Tron or I?"
"You really think someone may try?" Elita asked.
"Being prepared is never unwise," Optimus replied.
Elita was silent for a few moments before she asked, "How exactly did you obtain the information?"
Optimus shrugged, then said, "I don't want to say anything until we're in a secure location."
"Keeping secrets yourself?"
"We all have our secrets," Optimus said softly.
Unicron, Prime, just tell her, Megatron snarled. What's the worst thing she can do?
Kill me.
Which she won't.
True.
So just fucking tell her.
Optimus vacillated before saying, She is one of the most trustworthy Autobots and will not willingly give away who we are. She is also more likely to give you a chance instead of killing you on the spot once she knows who you are…
And it's killing you slowly, lying and evading around your peons.
We'll also have at least one person on our side when the shit hits the fan.
Perhaps there's hope for you yet, Prime.
Shut up.
They rode in silence for a few miles before Optimus cleared his throat and said, "Elita?"
Elita startled a little, which made Optimus have to briefly cling to maintain his balance.
"I'm sorry," Elita murmured. "You startled me."
"It's no problem."
"You just…" she sighed.
"Sound familiar?" Optimus finished.
"Yes," Elita responded, sadness coloring her voice. "How did you know that?"
"I've seen how my voice occasionally unnerves and confuses a few Autobots, particularly ones that I am meeting for the first time," Optimus said. "They always look sad."
"You just…sound like someone dear to us who we lost. It's almost like he's back, if we overhear you without seeing you."
Optimus took a deep breath, held it, and let it out in a long, slow sigh. "I remind you and the others of Optimus Prime."
"Yes," she said, sounding surprised. "How do you know about Optimus Prime? He isn't a frequent topic of conversation anymore."
Optimus barely didn't wince. 'I hope it's because they've moved on and not because they've forgotten about me.'
"I know about Optimus Prime because I am Optimus Prime," Optimus responded.
Elita swerved slightly before stabilizing. "That isn't something to joke about!" she snapped.
"I'm not," Optimus answered. "Why would I joke about my identity? You're a brilliant Autobot—I'm sure you could tell that I'm not human. I'm not that good of an actor."
A loud spike of white noise ripped through Optimus' mind as static also blasted through the headphones in the helmet. Elita sped up, easily wove around traffic, and took the first off-ramp.
Prime, where are you going?
I don't know, Optimus answered as he clung on. Although I can guess why we're leaving you.
Because you told her who you are.
Yes.
Have fun talking with your former girlfriend.
Girlfriend, Optimus repeated, grimacing. I never thought of her as a lover.
Well, I think it's how she perceived your relationship. Have fun, Prime. I'll see you at our destination. Chromia just told me that you'll catch up to us.
With that, Megatron erected a substantial mental wall between them, surprising Optimus.
'I'm not sure if he's being considerate or doesn't want my emotions to disturb him,' Optimus thought.
Elita sped through residential streets until she found an empty, decaying building. She screeched to a halt within it and Optimus quickly dismounted. Their loud arrival startled anything within the warehouse to flight, and after a few minutes of careful waiting Elita unfolded into her Cybertronian form.
Hurt, anger, and grief colored her posture and she demanded, "Why would you say such a thing? Optimus Prime was our leader. His loss is immeasurable. Claiming to be him—you're a human. It's not possible for you to be him."
"We wouldn't be talking like this if you didn't believe me. You already know that I am who I say I am."
Elita looked away from him, her posture taut.
"Elita," Optimus said softly, "listen to me. I chose Orion as my name for a reason. Just as Rodimus Prime was once Hot Rod, Optimus Prime was once—"
"Orion," Elita finished for him. Her posture folded into anguish. "His name was Orion."
Optimus' heart ached at his friend's pain and he carefully walked over and put a hand on her arm. "I'm sorry, Elita."
"But…how? How could such a thing happen? There are so many differences—size, composition, animation…how was the chasm be bridged?"
"I wish I knew," he said. "But I can assure you that I'm trying to find a way to undo this situation. Hopefully the data that we lifted from the lab will give us some insight."
"Exactly what did you find in that abandoned airbase?"
"Shockwave," Optimus answered. "He was doing experiments on captured Autobots. Perhaps those experiments and our situation are related."
"Our situation?" Elita repeated. "Do you mean…" Elita went completely still before letting out a crackling laugh. "Tron. He's Megatron, isn't he? You both went missing at the same time, during the same battle. It is no wonder that I couldn't figure out who he was—I was only considering Autobots."
"Yes, Tron is Megatron," Optimus confirmed.
"How have you not killed each other by now?"
"Because if he dies, I die," Optimus replied. "During our…transformation, when our Cybertronian sparks became human souls, we were Bonded."
Elita stared at him. "Bonded."
"Yes."
"Y-you and Megatron are…"
"We share each a soul," Optimus finished. "So I cannot allow Megatron to die. I want to find a way to reverse this, and I cannot do that dead."
"A Bond can never be reversed, though!"
"Ours is not entirely formed and was not formed correctly, most likely due to the trauma of the change," Optimus said. "There might still be a chance for us to reclaim our separate selves."
Elita sat down on the ground and Optimus moved so that they were eye-to-eye. He reached out and gently touched her face-plates, which made her flinch before stilling.
"I understand why you didn't contact us," Elita murmured. "No one would have taken you seriously."
"Who would I have contacted, anyway? It's not like they list NEST's contact information publicly."
Elita unshuttered her optics to stare at Optimus. "Optimus…"
"I'm sorry that this is causing you pain," Optimus said.
"I don't know if this is worse than believing you had died," she said. "I'm glad you are alive, don't get me wrong."
"You just wish I wasn't human."
Elita carefully reached out and touched Optimus' body. "Tell me, Optimus. Are you really trying to regain your Cybertronian self?"
"Absolutely," Optimus responded.
"And what if you can't? Will you truly be Optimus Prime anymore?"
Optimus smiled faintly. "I've pondered that myself. I believe that I am more than just my body, but I do have half of Megatron's soul, even if I retain Optimus Prime's memories," Optimus responded. "Still, I think of myself as Optimus Prime, not Orion, and I doubt that will change. Therefore, I am Optimus Prime."
Elita was silent for a long moment before cracking the smallest of smiles. "I see." She cycled air through her vents in a heavy sigh. "Thank you for trusting me."
"You are the most level-headed and intelligent Autobot I know," Optimus said. "If there is anyone I can trust, it is you."
Elita's optics brightened momentarily before fading back to their normal light. "You flatter me." After a moment's thoughtful pause, Elita said, "You also think that you won't be able to pretend to be human for much longer and know that the other Autobots will listen to me."
Optimus nodded. "Megatron is going to help decode the information we have gathered. That alone will at the very least out him as being more than meets the eye, and, as I will not let him die, that means my identity will be revealed as well."
Elita was silent for a few long minutes before she nodded. "I am glad that he is willing to assist us, regardless of his reasons. I just have one last question for you, Optimus."
"Yes?"
"Do you love him?" she asked. "Or is it just the influence of having Bonded?"
Optimus frowned sharply. "Do I love Megatron?" he repeated. "I care enough about him to not let him die."
"That wasn't the question, Optimus," she said, her voice soft. "You may not realize it, he may not realize it, but there is…affection…between you two. I want to know if it is a side-effect of the Bond or if it is more genuine."
Optimus removed his hands to cross his arms. "Affection," he repeated. "I suppose. I don't hate him anymore. I don't resent him, either. Love, though? If it seems like I love him, it is only because having him close makes the Bond hurt less."
That caused Elita to frown. "The Bond hurts?"
Optimus nodded.
Elita shook her head. "It shouldn't."
"As I said, it was incorrectly formed," Optimus said. "It is actually starting to ache a little. Megs is getting too far from me."
"Megs?" Elita repeated, scandalized humor coloring her voice.
Optimus gave her a small smile. "I'd like to continue our conversation, but it is getting a little hard to breathe," Optimus said.
"It really shouldn't be acting how you are describing," Elita commented. "You'll have to tell me more. I know a little about what you have. However, we can do that while traveling."
Elita folded back into her alt form and nudged Optimus' leg in a silent command. Optimus settled himself on her again before they took off back towards the interstate.
"I will happily take any insight you can offer," Optimus said as they turned into the back streets. "I was never involved in those ceremonies, so do not know as much as I should."
"I will tell you everything I can," Elita replied. "Once I fully process that you are Bonded to Megatron, of all beings."
"Thank you," Optimus replied. "Could you tell me what I've missed in the months I've been trying to work my way back into the secret world of giant alien robots?" Optimus asked.
Elita laughed. "At least you've picked up some human mannerisms. I'm sure you've been debriefed on what has been going on."
"I know what has happened in terms of the war. I want to know how things have been with the individual Autobots. How was Sunstreaker's arrival received? How is Prowl handling Mudflap and Skids?"
"In other words, you want the gossip," Elita said, amusement lacing her voice.
Optimus smiled wryly. "Yes."
"Why don't we exchange stories? You tell me what you have been up to in the time between your apparent loss and now and I'll exchange stories of life on the Autobot base."
"Deal."
It was nice to be talking freely to someone beside Megatron. It released a knot of tension that Optimus hadn't known he was carrying and made the future seem much less grim.
'It feels good to have an ally,' he thought as Elita wove skillfully through traffic. 'It feels good to have a friend back. Perhaps I missed the Autobots more than I thought. However…'
"I have to ask a favor of you, Elita," Optimus said as they took an off-ramp deeper into the countryside.
"Yes?"
"I trust you," Optimus said.
"Thank you," Elita said, her tone sincere.
"Can I count on you for support when my identity as Optimus Prime comes out? Will you help me protect myself...and Megatron?"
There was a short, unhappy silence before she said, "Only for your sake, Optimus. Only so you survive."
"That is all I can ask for," Optimus said. "What can I do to help you?"
"What?"
"I've asked a lot of you recently. For you to believe me when I say I'm Optimus. For you to help me understand what being Bonded should mean. For you to stand with me should anyone try to kill me or someone who was once our mortal enemy. Friendship is reciprocal. What may I help you with?"
Optimus frowned at the soft laugh that came through the speakers.
"You are a human, Optimus. There isn't much that you can do for a Cybertronian."
Optimus didn't wince, but it was a close thing.
"But, you can do one thing. You can live."
"Live," Optimus repeated.
"All your life, you have been bound by responsibility. You had to worry about the population of an entire planet. Your every move was watched and scrutinized. You were a paragon, a role model—everyone looked up to you. You were Orion for so short of a time, I don't know if you even were able to fully develop your own programming before it was overwritten by the Prime protocols. Now...you will never lose the soul of a Prime, but you can be something other than a Prime."
Optimus lightly tapped his fingers against the handlebars of Elita's alt form in thought. "You know, you sound like Megatron. He phrased it differently, though—he said I should be selfish."
"While I hate to think he and I share an opinion, that is the basic idea," Elita said. "I want you to do that for me. I want you to be selfish. Do that for me, Optimus. I want to see who you are beneath the mantle that you have worn for ages."
They rode in thoughtful silence for over an hour before Optimus spoke again.
"So, where exactly are we going?"
"A secret base of ours in the Smoky Mountains in Virginia. It'll be a few more hours, so let me know if you ever become uncomfortable."
"Thank you, but I'd rather get to the base. I'll survive chafing and discomfort."
"I hope I never have the experience of existing in a human body," she commented. "It sounds much more high-maintenance."
Optimus couldn't help but laugh. "It took some getting used to."
When they finally arrived at the base, Megatron was waiting for them, looking a cross between bored, irritated, and amused.
Well, I'm glad to see you arrived in one piece. I was worried that she had tossed you in a ditch for daring to say that you are the mech she loves, Megatron said.
You do her a disservice. Optimus said as he put the helmet aside. It was a relief to talk to her. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed our conversations. She has a brilliant mind.
Optimus was surprised by the brief spike of jealousy he felt through their bond before pity trickled through him.
I'm sorry you didn't have someone like Elita in your life, he said.
I never needed one, Megatron responded.
Maybe you'd be less of a dick if you had, Optimus said. Surrounding yourself with enemies has to be exhausting.
It keeps life interesting, Megatron drawled. The brass delayed the meeting for until your arrival. Are you ready to lie?
No, Optimus said. I am counting on you to weave a believable tale for everyone. I have no doubt that you'll have far too much fun.
Megatron shot him a small, smug smirk.
As Optimus walked beside Megatron, one of Elita's questions rose to the surface in his mind again.
'Do I love him?' Optimus repeated to himself. 'I care about him, naturally. His well-being is my well-being. However...is that really all? Or is it something more?'
It was an uncomfortable question, and one he still had no answer for by the time they arrived at the control center.
Optimus distantly recognized a few human faces, primarily those projected on a screen as part of the video conference call—he didn't recognize anyone among those who manned the base.
I'm surprised we warrant this much attention, Megatron commented.
I have no doubt that Elita passed on my mention of having obtained information that may prove vital, or at least interesting, Optimus said. Have they taken the USB off you yet?
They would have had to kill me first, Megatron growled. I will give it up only when they agree to let me decode it.
"Pedersen. Tron," Will Lennox greeted them. "You're in one piece."
"Yes, sir," Optimus said as Megatron shrugged dismissively.
"Did you find anything interesting while you were out on your excursion?"
He makes it sound like we went for a leisurely walk through the woods for shits and giggles, Megatron snarled.
"We did," Megatron said, but didn't elaborate further.
Optimus wanted to roll his eyes. Lying by omission wasn't going to work in this case and Megatron's pride would keep him from answering fully now that they had cast doubt on his skills.
"We can confirm it as an active Decepticon base," Optimus said. "Are there Autobots listening in on our conversation? I didn't see any here while we were walking."
"We are busy," Prowl said through the speakers. "But we are listening."
"Active? How? What did you find there? Who did you find?" Red Alert followed up.
"A half dozen Decepticon grunts, and two that seemed more important," Megatron stated. "Although I think you'd be more interested in knowing about the Autobots we found at the tender mercies of the Decepticons."
"What?" Red Alert snapped. "Who?"
"There were three Autobots," Megatron continued, completely ignoring Red Alert. "One of them died at the hands of a Decepticon overloading their circuits. However, one was aware enough to speak. He told us his name was Wheeljack and that someone named Soundwave had apparently hijacked your signal to the other Autobots regarding your whereabouts."
The silence that followed his statement was absolute.
You're being needlessly dramatic, Optimus commented.
I am being dramatic enough to manipulate them, Megatron responded.
"Did you catch any other names?" Red Alert asked. "Of either the Autobots or Decepticons."
"Starscream," Optimus said. "I think the one who was…torturing…Wheeljack was named Starscream."
"He never stays down, does he?" Ironhide growled.
"What else did you observe there?" one of the human commanders asked.
"We found a lab next to the torture chamber," Megatron said.
"A lab?" Prowl repeated. "You're sure?"
"It seemed pretty lab-like to me," Megatron drawled.
"So it was torture with a purpose," Epps said from one of the screens.
"Really? I think Decepticons just like seein' Autobots in pain," Ironhide growled.
"What makes you think that Wheeljack was being tortured?" Prowl asked.
"The one who died was pried apart, every piece of them exposed," Optimus said. "There were pieces of what looked like Cybertronian parts tagged and labeled. The other one that wasn't Wheeljack seemed to be…stuck mid-transformation. From what I can tell, that isn't normal."
Pensive silence came from the Autobots listening in as the humans murmured between themselves.
I see you haven't mentioned Shockwave, Optimus observed.
Neither have you.
He was never named.
Megatron gave Optimus the smallest of smirks. And now wouldn't be a good time to reveal his presence anyway.
"Anything else?" Lennox asked.
"Elita says you retrieved some data from this laboratory that you found," Red Alert said, suspicion thick in his voice.
Megatron shrugged. "We did."
"You are to turn it over immediately," Red Alert said.
"Not even a 'Thank you'?" Megatron said. "How rude."
"If you retrieved data from a Decepticon base, I doubt it will be in English or any human language," Prowl said. "You will not be able to read it, so there is no point in you having it."
"But, if he was able to retrieve it in the first place, then he has to be able to read Cybertronian script," Lennox commented.
"And the reason he was conscripted in the first place was because he broke into Autobot quantum encrypted files," Optimus added.
"Are you saying that he broke into Decepticon encrypted files fast and far enough to be able to download information?" Lennox responded.
"And if I can do that in a matter of minutes under pressure, how much faster will you get the information we retrieved if I work on decoding the files?" Megatron said.
The silence was uncomfortable before Elita spoke up. "They could have just run after obtaining the data," she said. "Instead, they got in touch with me and my sisters to bring them back here, even though they were, and are, aware that their accomplishment would cast doubt and suspicion on them. I believe it would only be fair to let them at least try to decode the files."
"Are you sure?" a human general asked.
"Tron is a dick," Chromia said. "At the very least, let him try. Failing might make him a little more humble."
That caused a few not so quiet snickers.
Megatron took the USB out of his pant's pocket and held it out so people could see it. "I will turn this over only to your chief communications officer. Then, it'll be a race to see who decodes it first, hm? The Autobots...or me and Orion."
Absolutely no one was surprised when Optimus was named as help.
"Just you two?" Epps asked.
"Yes," Megatron answered firmly.
"Fine," Prowl said. "To give you a fighting chance, you will be brought to the Eastern Seaboard command center. Once you are there, you will be given access to as much computing power as we can spare. You are on your own after that."
Megatron's smile was languid and cocky. "Perfect. When do we leave?"
"Elita and her sisters left shortly after dropping you off. Since this is vital, we are sending Sandstorm to pick you up and transport you."
Who is that? Megatron asked.
Worried, Megatron?
No, I want to know how quickly we will get where we need to be.
Quickly enough. Although it is odd that he is being sent to transport us. He must be going in for repairs and happens to be in the area.
"Thank you," Optimus said.
"Let us hope, for your sake, that the information you obtained is useful," Ironhide said.
With that ominous warning, the Autobots disconnected; shortly after, all the humans on conference call did so as well, leaving them with a few soldiers that Optimus didn't recognize. The looks they were getting confusing.
Let's go wait near the air strip, Optimus said.
I agree, Megatron said. More room to move.
They left the command room, passing by a handful of people as they walked.
This is a bare-bones operation, Megatron commented.
It is, Optimus agreed. I didn't see any Autobots here.
Not necessarily a bad thing, Megatron murmured.
They left the buildings and moved out into the muted, cloudy day.
When we get to this command center, I'm going to need to use your brain, Prime.
For what? Optimus asked cautiously.
Extra storage and processing power, Megatron said. There are quite a few quantum keys that Shockwave and Starscream use. I'm going to be using you to keep track of which ones I use. And when I get tired, you can take over, since you'll have access to everything I know.
Do you think that is something we can accomplish?
Megatron nodded as he leaned against the side of the building. We are able to share senses and you were able to lend me your brain-power to communicate with my former underlings. What I'd be doing isn't that much different.
And you trust me to continue your work?
Prime, your morals are too strong for you to go poking around in places that you shouldn't, Megatron drawled.
Optimus smiled faintly and stood beside Megatron, watching the dim sky.
' "Do you love him?" '
Optimus sighed as Elita's question nagged at him again. Optimus looked out of the corner of his eye at Megatron.
He didn't hate Megatron anymore, that was certain. But, love? Optimus knew how to love, at least in the platonic sense. He loved his friends, his comrades, the people he had come to consider as family, as important. However, Optimus had a feeling that the Prime programming left out the kind of love that human songs and Cybertronian epic stories told in grandiose detail. That kind of love was probably seen as a hindrance to effectively leading an entire planet—a Prime couldn't afford be perceived as having "favorites."
'I told Megatron that he no longer has to protect. It is an instinct, not a requirement,' Optimus thought. 'Perhaps that is the same for me, too. I will always be a Prime, but I do not have to be beholden to the expectations.'
Penny for your thoughts, Prime.
Optimus looked fully over to Megatron. I no longer hate you.
Megatron blinked, his posture tightening slightly in surprise. You don't hate me?
Do you still hate me, Megatron?
Megatron shifted his weight and said, I no longer hate you either, Optimus Prime.
They stood in silence until the sound of a helicopter reached them.
There's our ride, right? Megatron said as he pushed away from the building.
Unless a Decepticon traced us here, yes.
However, Optimus recognized the mech that unfolded before them as Sandstorm. There were superficial changes of course, due to the Terran alt form, but it was he.
"You two are the humans I'm supposed to take with me?" Sandstorm asked. His voice warbled a bit, and his body was clearly injured in a number of places. He was, indeed, going in for repairs.
Optimus nodded. "I'm Orion and he is Tron."
"Let's get going," Megatron growled. "There is nothing for us here and I want to get started."
Sandstorm seemed amused by Megatron's mood, and shifted back into his alt form. Optimus took the pilot's seat, which Megatron oddly did not protest.
I'm going to try to get some rest, Megatron told him. You should, too.
With that, Megatron strengthened the mental wall between them, settled down into the chair, and closed his eyes.
Optimus looked out the windshield, surprised by the silence of the helicopter's rotor blades, but happier for it. There was no rest for him, however, as thoughts of what they may—or may not—find in Shockwave's files circled in his mind.