A/N: As always, thanks for the reviews.
Chapter 11
Optimus returned to base, having successfully scouted a potential energon signal for later use, and was met by Ratchet, "Optimus, we have a situation. Jack abandoned base and hasn't answered any attempt to contact him."
"Do we have a location on his cell phone's signal," he asked.
"Yes, I have already sent Arcee there as well," He quickly reactivated the bridge as Optimus shifted back into vehicle mode and drove through. He exited just outside of Jasper, Nevada and drove through the quiet streets. Driving silently, he listened for abnormal sounds that might lead him to his destination. It didn't take him long to catch the agonized howls of an adolescent; not Jack, but he couldn't ignore someone in trouble. Shifting gears, he drove through the streets to the cries destination.
He was met by the sight of Vince, the boy he'd rescued from Knock Out and Jack's tormentor, being thrown against the wall. Shaking away the pain, he backed away fearfully from a female, clad in a black leather outfit, a helmet concealing her face. The masked rider grabbed Vince by the collar of his shirt, "Where is he?"
"I told you I don't know," the red-head whimpered, prompting Optimus to activate his own holographic driver. He was dressed in red plaid shirt and denim jeans, boots on his feet. He had short black hair, a mustache, and a cowboy hat. Just as the masked rider was about to strike Vince again, he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Sadie," he spoke to her with authority. "I believe that is enough." With a furious growl, she released Vince and he shrunk against the wall. Optimus kneeled down, "You must forgive her. She is simply worried for her friend, Jackson Darby. If you have any information-"
"I already told her I don't know where Darby is!" Vince shrieked. "It was all a blur."
"Can you tell us what you do remember?"
"We were about to get into it when some bike showed up. It must've been face because I don't remember getting a clear focus on the rider. Next thing I know, I'm waking up and it's nighttime out here. Darby was already gone. Not long after that, she showed up and started attacking me!"
"I apologize for her rash actions," he replied. "As I stated, she is deeply concerned for the whereabouts of Jackson. Thank you for your aid." Standing up, the Prime's holographic driver returned to his vehicle mode, as Sadie hopped back on her bike. Sparing Vince one final glare, she followed the truck down the road. "Arcee-"
"This is all his fault!" she interrupted. "He attacked Raf, knowing it would make Jack angry enough to go after him! I should have just-"
"No matter the circumstances," Optimus continued over her. "I cannot condone threatening any human, unless they are a present threat to the population."
"What about the kids?" she hissed. "He's clearly a present danger to them. He torments them every chance he gets and no one does anything about it!" She couldn't believe he was giving her a lecture right now. Jack was being held captive by that crazed 'Con, whoever she was, and he was scolding her like a sparkling?
"Regardless," the Prime replied. "Our primary objective must be the Decepticons. If we locate the Nemesis, we will find Jack."
"After Megatron and the 'Cons have finished doing Primus knows what to him!" Arcee snapped. "I'm not gonna sit here while my partner gets tortured!"
"And where do you intend to search?" he asked.
"Anywhere and everywhere!" she drove off the road, ignoring Optimus' protest and drove into the night. Optimus stopped in the middle of the road back to base, a heavy sigh escaping him. He knew better than to expect rational thinking from Arcee with Jack in enemy hands.
FlameWar
Jack awoke, still suspended above the floor, as the doors hissed open, closing just as quickly, trapping in the darkness once again. Those same daunting optics stared at him, a small amount of amusement mixed with the perpetual bitterness. They approached him, keeping at distance so he could not make out his captor's form. He glared all the same as her slender fingers grasped his chin, yet again, forcing his gaze upon her. He averted his eyes from her, her grip tightening, "You will look at me."
"No," he replied. Her fingers left his chin and grasped his throat, squeezing with the Cybertronian equivalent to minimal force.
"Look at me when I speak to you, organic," she growled, her tone holding the same promise of blood if he defied her. But he didn't care.
"N-N-No," he choked out. He wouldn't give her into; not without a fight. The grip on his throat tightened, his skin turning beat red. After a few more moments, she released her hold on his airway. He gasped for air, but kept his eyes on anything but her. Immediately, he felt a sharp pain run across his torso, something sharp moving, tearing his skin. He gritted his teeth to keep from screaming, the seconds feeling like minutes that felt like hours before it stopped.
Gasping in pain, he spared her glance before looking away. Those daunting optics narrowed, "Every time you defy me, it will only get worse. Not that your stay here will be pleasant."
Jack examined the wound; his shirt was stained by blood from his wound. It didn't take Raf level intelligence to know she was holding back; way back. But he had to endure if he was going to get out of here. His thoughts were interrupted by an electric buzzing. Looking up, his eyes fell on the energon prod in her possession. He swallowed and gritted his teeth, "Bring it."
FlameWar
Returning to base, Optimus returned to his bipedal form and approached the monitors, ready to deliver the news of Jack's capture to Agent Fowler and June Darby. Mentally steeling himself, he contacted the special agent first. The answer was immediate, "I'm here, Prime."
"Agent Fowler, I fear we have a grave situation on our hands," the Prime spoke. "I believe that Jack has been captured by the Decepticons and is being held on their ship at this moment."
"What happened? I thought he was hold up tight at base."
"An altercation with another human adolescent drew Jack from the confines of base, making him easy prey for the enemy."
Fowler gave a frustrated sigh, "So who's gonna tell Mrs. Darby?"
"As Autobot leader, I shall shoulder the burden," he replied, switching off the screen and contacting the nurse in question. It didn't take long for her to answer him.
"What happened?" she asked.
"June," he began, his use of her name alerting her to severity of the matter. "I am afraid that, despite our efforts, Jack has been captured by the Decepticons." He paused for a moment to allow the nurse to absorb the information. Her large brown eyes widened, before darkening, tears brimming in them.
"No," she croaked, covering her mouth to stifle a sob. Optimus' own walls of defense against emotion almost gave way. But he remained strong as he allowed her a moment to grieve before continuing.
"June, please know that I am sorry for failing to keep my word to protect Jack from harm. Know that locating and retrieving him unharmed will be our top priority. Arcee has already set out in search for him and we both know she will not stop, no matter the obstacles." June took a moment to pull herself together, tears running freely down her cheeks.
"I-I-I know, she will," she sniffed. "But what will happen to him in the meantime, Opitmus?"
"Of that, I wish I was uncertain," the Prime replied sadly.
FlameWar
A/N: I hope you enjoyed!
