Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers Prime or its canon characters. I do however own my OCs: Skybreak and Darkstorm.
Theme Song: Papercut by Linkin Park
"The Decepticon warship?" Ratchet mused to himself, checking the various frequencies he was experimenting with.
Darkstorm looked up from her data pad on human anatomy and stared at the medic questioningly. "Ratchet, what have you found?"
"My scans are picking up the location of the Decepticon warship," Ratchet replied before chuckling quietly, "It looks like all my work has paid off, after all."
"Then we should strike now while the 'Cons are still vulnerable," Arcee suggested.
"But there is another discovery that I've made that needs looking into," Ratchet added.
Darkstorm gasped in recognition as she studied the signal. "An Autobot emergency beacon."
"If there is a chance that an Autobot has need of aide, then we must answer. Ratchet and I will go and investigate," Optimus said.
Darkstorm nodded her helm and activated the groundbridge, watching silently as her leader and the resident medic walked towards the open portal. She silently prayed to Primus for their safe return. Seeing that they had passed through, she deactivated it and turned back to her data pad, fascinated. She was so fascinated however that she did not notice Bumblebee approach her.
"Storm!"
Darkstorm jumped in surprise before noticing who it was. "Bumblebee, don't scare me like that," she scolded and placed the data pad down on the med bay's table.
"Sorry, 'Storm," Bumblebee chuckled, "I was just wondering if you wanted to take a quick drive with me and Raf."
Darkstorm rolled her optics and smiled. "Of course. I'd love to." She immediately followed the scout and the youngling out of the base, activating her holoform and jumping inside his alt mode.
Meanwhile, Arcee looked on, seeing her friend and his charge laughing and talking with the former Decepticon. She knew that Darkstorm had changed. She had seen it first hand. However, that still did not stop her from worrying. Bumblebee was like a brother to her and she wouldn't be able to handle seeing him hurt.
She had better take care of him, Arcee thought.
Darkstorm grinned as she returned back to base. That certainly was an enjoyable ride, she thought. And from what she saw of Raf's parents, they seemed to be of the friendly sort. Bumblebee and Darkstorm's optics widened however as they saw the other members of Team Prime huddled around their leader's still form on a medical berth.
"Optimus!" Darkstorm yelled, running over to him. She frantically checked his vitals before turning to the others, "What happened to him?"
"The beacon we were investigating was traced to an Autobot ship that was infected with cybonic plague," Ratchet vented.
"Cybonic plague?" she whispered helplessly. She knew of the disease all too well. Megatron had placed some of his resources into developing a Biological Warfare Program shortly after the War began.
Darkstorm grimaced. So many innocents were lost due to the disease...
"The disease was developed by the Decepticons and so we were hoping that you knew of a cure," Ratchet stated with a glimmer of hope in his voice.
Darkstorm vented and looked downwards. "I do not."
"But 'Storm, you said you were a medic on the Nemesis. Surely you must know of a cure," Bumblebee said.
"I am afraid my former mentor knew far more about the disease than I. I handled mesh wounds and other forms of trauma inflicted by battle, not internal diseases." Darkstorm paused before adding, "But... there may be information about it on the Nemesis' data banks."
"Then we'll go to the Nemesis to find a cure for Optimus. Simple as that," Arcee said, determined.
"It will be dangerous..." Darkstorm's spark filled with dread at the thought of going back there but she knew that she must if her leader was to survive. "But I have been on the warship before. I know how to move undetected through its halls. I shall go alone and retrieve the cure for my leader."
She stopped short as she felt Bumblebee's servo hold her back from reaching the groundbridge. "Slow down there. I'm going with you."
"Bumblebee, I would not be able to live with myself if you were harmed... Please. I can do this by myself."
"And what if Starscream captures you? What then? I wouldn't be able to live myself if YOU were harmed, 'Storm."
"You'll also need backup if things go south. You can't do this alone and, whether you like it or not, we are coming with you," Arcee added.
Darkstorm knew stubbornness when she saw it. "Alright. Then the three of us shall go to find the cure," Darkstorm smiled hesitantly.
Ratchet activated the groundbridge while Bulkhead opted to stay behind, saying that recon wasn't his forte and that he would rather stay with Optimus. The three Autobots soon stepped through.
"This way," Darkstorm whispered, leading Arcee and Bumblebee stealthily towards the warship's archives. Her spark leapt in her chassis as she heard someone coming down the hallway towards them. She pulled Bumblebee and Arcee into the nearest room to hide from the danger.
Arcee looked around curiously at the various instruments and berths. "What is this place?"
Darkstorm winced but attempted to hide it from the others. She shook her helm as if to rid herself of any unwanted memories. "The Decepticon med bay. Perhaps I can retrieve any information of the cure here. Medical files are kept here as well as the archives," she replied, beginning her search through the many databases as Arcee stood watch.
None of the files seemed to produce the information they desired.
Meanwhile, Bumblebee moved through the room inquisitively. The computer screens cast a faint glow on the various medical tools but a distinct shape caught the scout's optic. With his cannon drawn, he moved forward and investigated. He was met with the rusted and beaten form of Megatron, several tubes sticking out of his form.
Dread filled his spark. No... It couldn't be... And yet- "Arcee? 'Storm? I think you need to take a look at this," the scout said.
Darkstorm and Arcee turned around and followed the scout's voice. Darkstorm's tanks dropped as she beheld Megatron. She could tell that the damage was indeed extensive and he was most likely in a comatose state but he was alive all the same.
"So it is true. He is alive," she whispered, shuddering slightly.
"Darkstorm? Arcee? Any news?" Ratchet commed the team.
"We found no cure, but we have found Megatron. He's in a comatose state but he's alive, just like Knock Out said," Arcee replied.
The medic seemed to pause for a few moments before coming up with an idea. "Megatron. He is the one who ordered that the cybonic plague be developed. If anyone would know the cure, it would be him... And since he is in no shape of fighting back..."
Darkstorm's spark palpitated in fear. "What are you suggesting?"
"A cortical psychic patch. One of you can extract the information directly from Megatron's mind."
"Do you realize how dangerous that procedure can be? The very thought of any of us being inside that monster's mind... It's-" Darkstorm vented, "It's terrifying."
"But we have no choice. We have to cure Optimus or else he'll offline," Bumblebee paused before adding, "I'll go. I'll use the cortical psychic patch and get the cure."
"You can't be serious," Arcee interjected.
"Bumblebee, I don't want you inside his mind. This procedure is extremely volatile... and I am afraid that if you go through with it, complications can occur. Please, let me-"
Bumblebee gently placed a servo on her shoulder plating. "Storm, I've told you before that I'm not afraid of him. Even if complications arise, I know you and Arcee will be standing by, ready to pull me out. I have to do this... It's the only way."
Darkstorm vented and nodded, inwardly realizing that he was right. If Optimus is saved because of this procedure, then she was all for it. With a heavy spark, she retrieved the cortical patch equipment and hooked it up to Bumblebee and Megatron's processors.
The scout looked at his friend reassuringly. "I'll be fine, 'Storm. I promise." Darkstorm half smiled.
"You get in there and you get out with the cure. No bravado, got it?" Arcee said, concerned.
The scout nodded his helm and Darkstorm induced stasis thus activating the cortical patch between the two mechs. Darkstorm and Arcee stood sentinel, each of them hoping that nothing would go wrong.
The young scout walked down the worn and dangerous streets of Kaon, searching for some sign that he was in the right place. He knew that he was in Megatron's mind but he had no idea where he would be able to find the cure for the cybonic plague. Still, Bumblebee continued to move forward, scanning the area with blue optics.
He finally happened upon a darkened arena but with no crowd. The scout had heard of the gladiator pits, but he had never actually been to one. He cautiously walked in.
"Hello?" he asked tentatively only to be met with silence.
He was about to move elsewhere until some movement caught his optic. He turned his helm and saw, much to his surprise, Optimus.
"Optimus? Is that you?"
The leader of the Autobots did not seem to hear Bumblebee but instead continued to fight with his adversary, Megatron. The Decepticon ferociously attacked Optimus with his sword, energon dripping onto the cold, hard ground. Bumblebee watched in horror as Megatron's sword pierced Optimus' chassis, his spark rupturing and his optics dimming.
More Autobots soon came only to be met with the same fate. Bumblebee charged towards Megatron with his cannons activated, shooting at the cause of the barbaric massacre around him. Megatron paused from attacking Bulkhead and turned towards the scout, red optics glowing dangerously in the dark. He bared his razor sharp denta and charged, shooting at the scout with his fusion cannon.
The scout flinched and braced himself for the pain of the blows... But they never came.
He looked up and saw that the blasts from the fusion cannon were passing right through him.
"What is the meaning of this?" Megatron snarled, switching his fusion cannon for his sword but the results were the same. The weapons dissolved through the scout and he remained unharmed.
Megatron's optics widened as he looked around, trying to decipher what was happening. "Where...Where am I?" he asked as the landscape began to change.
Darkstorm's optics widened as she heard footsteps approaching the med bay. She moved hurriedly towards the scout, panicking as she heard the footsteps getting closer and closer.
"Hurry. We must move Bumblebee out of sight," Darkstorm whispered frantically. Arcee immediately complied and both the femmes dragged the scout under a low examination table, both of them deciding to hide nearby. Arcee watched cautiously as Knock Out, Starscream, and Soundwave entered the room and approached their master.
"An inglorious fate that he should remain in this vegetative state. That is why Knock Out and I have come to the conclusion that the best course of action to take would be to... end our master's suffering," Starscream began.
"It will be quick and painless. Not to mention dignified," Knock Out added, "There is nothing more we can do for him, Soundwave. You must realize that."
Darkstorm fought to withhold a derisive snort. How many had fallen at his hands because he deemed them unworthy of his time or because he claimed they were past helping?
Soundwave seemed to study the two suspiciously before slowly pointing to the monitor that showed Megatron's processesor activity.
"That is nothing of consequence," Starscream nonchalantly waved a servo. "Megatron is simply dreaming... a dream that may never end for him unless we take action."
Darkstorm's optics narrowed slightly. She always knew Starscream was a liar and that he wanted to usurp Megatron, but this was absurd.
Starscream moved towards Megatron, a taloned servo poised on top of the chord that was keeping Megatron online. "Speak now, or forever hold your peace."
Darkstorm placed a servo over her mouth to stifle her gasp. If Starscream caused Megatron to offline while Bumblebee was still attached to him via the cortical psychic patch... he could be lost to her forever.
"If this is my subconscious, then why are you inside my head?!" Megatron demanded after Bumblebee explained to him where he was.
"A cortical psychic patch. I came here with a few others because... we need your help," Bumblebee answered honestly.
Megatron paused at this. "Oh? And why would the Autobots possibly need my help?" he smirked.
"Someone has fallen victim to the cybonic plague and we were hoping that you knew of a cure."
"Cybonic plague? Someone other than myself is... unwell?"
"It's Optimus and if you don't help us, he'll offline," Bumblebee nodded solemnly.
"Optimus," Megatron chuckled, "After all this time, the great Optimus Prime has been felled by a virus and not by my own servos."
Bumblebee was starting to become frustrated. How was he supposed to get Megatron to give them the cure? He paused suddenly, having an idea. "But if you give me the cure... you will still have that chance. I know you want to offline Optimus yourself. Are you really going to let a virus take that chance away from you?"
Bumblebee inwardly smirked as he saw Megatron pause, the smug look that was previously on his facial plating melting away. The scout knew that the Decepticon leader would tell him exactly what he needed to know.
Darkstorm quietly unsheathed her blades, about to step in to prevent Starscream from terminating Megatron before the Seeker stopped short.
"What is it Soundwave?" he asked, barely hiding his impatience. Soundwave pointed to the back of Megatron's helm where the cortical patch was attached. Starscream immediately followed the path of the cord with his optics, his heels clacking on the metal floor as he approached them.
Arcee activated her cannon and pulled Darkstorm behind her, ready to attack in case they were discovered.
Megatron briefly displayed the code for the cure to the cybonic plague before terminating the transmission. Bumblebee tensed and stared at the leader of the Decepticons guardedly. What was he up to?
"I will give this to you only if you release me from this mental prison," Megatron said.
Bumblebee's optics widened as he backed away from the mech. No...
Ratchet, seeing everything Bumblebee was due to a communications downlink, frantically commed Darkstorm and Arcee. "Arcee, Darkstorm, you need to disconnect Bumblebee from the cortical patch!"
Darkstorm nodded solemnly and snuck over to Bumblebee's hiding place as Arcee distracted the Decepticons. She disconnected the patch and waited for Bumblebee to come to.
Oh, 'Bee, she prayed. Please be alright.
Bumblebee fled from Megatron as the large mech chased him and the dark dream world disintegrated before his optics. Bumblebee began to fade from view as Megatron lunged forward, his sharp digits barely grazing the scout's armor.
"No!" Megatron yelled as he fell into the abyss of his subconscious.
Bumblebee gasped for air as his optics onlined. Darkstorm vented in relief and smiled. "Thank Primus you weren't harmed."
With Darkstorm's help, Bumblebee stood up and fled towards the newly emerged groundbridge. Arcee soon followed, pausing only to shoot at the cable keeping Megatron online. The femme felt some peace as she heard the leader of the Decepticons flatline and she followed behind her team mates.
The Autobots cheered as Optimus left the med bay, fully functional. The cure had been a success!
Optimus smiled softly and stared at his team. "I am online thanks to all of you. This day should not belong to me alone for through your bravery, a cure was able to be found."
"It was the least we could do, Optimus," Bumblebee said sheepishly.
"We are just glad that you are alright," Darkstorm smiled, "You know we'd be lost without you."
Bumblebee's facial plating furrowed however as he paused, a sharp pain emerging in his helm. An after-effect of the cortical psychic patch? The answer to his silent question however made Bumblebee's energon run cold.
"I'm out... or should I say in?" Megatron chuckled darkly.
Megatron... was now inside Bumblebee's mind.
A/N:
"You have heard that it is said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain down on the righteous and the unrighteous" Matthew 5:43-45
