CHAPTER 12

One sentence: THANK GOODNESS FOR SPELLCHECK! (even though there will still be mistakes, but what can ya do?)

'You brought that thing home? Sari, what were you thinking? It could be a bomb, a spying device-'

'Look at it!' Sari shouted back, her voice wearing thin from exhaustion and frustration. 'It's a camera of some sort! Maybe we can find where they are going from the footage or whatever!'

'But that's a long shot!' Ratchet argued back, his vocals just as worn and cracked as Sari's. 'Blitzwing is a Decepticon, and a crafty one at that! There has to be some ulterior motive here!'

Prowl shook his head, leaning against the couch and rubbing a servo over his bleary optics. 'It was a random piece of machinery Blitzwing found on the floor,' he cut in, not bothering to look at either Ratchet or Sari. 'I don't even think he knew what it was when he threw it.'

Optimus entered the room then looking run down and tired, followed by Sumdac. 'I am sorry, Optimus,' Sumdac sadly told the Autobot leader. 'I have tracked them as far as my equipment will allow. They have left this galaxy.'

Optimus heaved a sigh and collapsed onto the couch next to Bulkhead, temporarily burying his faceplate in his servos. 'I'm sorry, Bumblebee.' He whispered shakily. 'So, so sorry.'

Bulkhead shifted and gently laid a servo on Optimus's shoulder armour. 'It's not your fault, bossbot,' he sadly choked out, optics fixed on the floor. 'None of us could—' Bulkhead's words died in his voice box and he slumped down, hiding his face in his servos. Sari dropped the supposed bomb and ran to Bulkhead, crawling up between the two mechs and stroking Bulkhead soothingly. 'It's alright, Bulkhead,' she comforted, attempting to convince herself as well when her voice wobbled. 'We'll get him back. We will.'

Her voice seemed to echo in the endless abyss of their doubts. Ratchet stood in silence before slowly walking over and picking up the thing and dully looking at it. This was the cruel harsh reminder of his wrong doings, his burdens.

'If I may Ratchet... could I please see that?'

Ratchet jumped a foot in the air before he realised it was just a downcast Sumdac, the usual spark igniting in the inquisitive human's eyes as he eyed the thing. 'What is it?'

'It...it's a smashed in security camera,' Ratchet clarified sullenly, watching it blankly for a few seconds before surrendering it with a tired sigh to Sumdac. 'We received it from the Decepticons in the last tussle before they took off.'

Sumdac nodded, inspecting the camera, eager to get his mind off the terrible event that was fresh in their minds. 'If you would like, I could connect it to the screen in my lab,' he offered kindly, his voice somewhat hesitant and quiet. 'If you think it would contain any clues as to where they will be...'

'...No...' Ratchet refused, suddenly feeling far too tired to go on. 'It's pointless. The thing's smashed anyway...'

Prowl stirred from his spot leaning on the wall where he had been silent and still for the past couple of minutes. 'I... want to see it,' he said lowly, his voice harsh. 'If there is a chance of finding any information on Bumblebee from it, I am going to take it.'

Sari smiled slightly at this, finding strength in Prowl's words. 'He's right guys,' she sniffled. 'We need to keep on trying. Never give up...'

Optimus managed a weak smile before he pushed himself up, a new resolve forming inside of him that hardened and burned. 'What are we doing? Bumblebee would never give up or mope around like this! We just need to believe in ourselves, and never stop trying.'

Bulkhead raised his helm, soaking in Optimus's words. Prowl pushed himself off the wall and stood tall, nodding in agreement, harsh determination emitting from him.

'We've gotten through worst before, and how did we do it? As a team. We need to stick together to save Bumblebee. Now who's with me?'

The screen flickered to life, showing a small control room wall complete with access boards and a few small screens above it. Tapping sounds were heard as the camera shifted slightly before the vision blurred and a confused grey face visualised, swallowing the whole screen. Selective gasps were heard around the room as Bumblebee was recognised.

The video changed, and the bottom of a chair was seen with somemech sitting in it who was unidentifiable until the conversation ensured.

'Uhh.. what does this little thing mean?' A very familiar voice said. The view changed from the ceiling to another very familiar figure sitting in the chair, looking towards the screen without interest before growling and changing to his infamous Hothead persona.

'I SWEAR, IV ZU'VE BROKZEN EET, I'M GONNA... Oh. Zat simply means eet iz recording.'

'Recording?'

Blitzwing suddenly appeared much closer as the holder of the camera clambered forward before reaching Blitzwing and pulling it back and forwards, displaying a ticked off Blitzwing in a close up, then a long shot, a close-up, and a long shot again.

Blitzwing said something, but it was lost as his black servo suddenly flashed out at the screen and the world tilted, hitting the floor with a clank and displaying the side wall. Scuffling was heard and the camera was grasped, let go again and rolled around until firm servos grabbed it and the screen showed the room tipping haphazardly about.

'HAH! I'V GOT EET! IZ MINE!'

'You just want it 'cause I've got it!'

The screen suddenly went black, opening to a monologue of Blitzwing holding speakers and shaky views of continued scuffles between the Bumblebee and Blitzwing before the camera finally settled. Bumblebee was dancing on the sheet of ice in the room that the camera had just witnessed being made.

The view then became extremely wobbly and not much was seen through the continued blurs except a gliding yellow shape and the blue mist of the icy floor. Not much else was heard over Blitzwing's maniac giggles and swearing until the camera screen gave an extraordinary lurch and hit the ground.

The shakes finally subsided enough for the viewers to gain a good view of the floor, which slowly travelled up to focus on Megatron standing in the doorway of the room, an unreadable expression plastered over his stony faceplate.

Everyone watching gave a terrified gasp as one.

The camera focused on Megatron as he watched something off to the side, his face slowly forming an evil grin and his red optics shining brightly in the gloom. All visibility disappeared as the camera jerked to the right and suddenly trained on Bumblebee, who was failing about, his faceplate set in panic mode as he watched Megatron off-camera. Bumblebee started shouting before he tripped and grabbed Blitzwing, sending the camera to the floor again and instantly dampening the ability to see anything happening. It was apparent Blitzwing made a grab for the camera, as Megatron came into focus once again, grinning openly. Watching the screen, Optimus couldn't help but flinch at the alien and quite frightening expression overtaking the already terrifying Decepticon lord.

Quite entrapped by his prey, Megatron stepped on the ice... to have his front pede slip forward without warning, his backside following, looking surprised and enraged. He flew into the air and landed on his back with a crash, sliding forward on the ice a bit before coming to a stop, his pedes the only thing visible on the camera.

Both the mechs on the screen and in Sumdac tower let a moment pass in complete silence before they all broke into laughter. Sari slowly slid of Bulkhead's shoulder, giggling hysterically. Bulkhead made a half-hearted dive for her, laughing while Prowl's face broke into a small smile and Ratchet practically crashed his CPU after a joy overload.

'Help! Help! HE'S GONNA GET—stop laughing! This is no time for laughing!' Bumblebee's hysterical screams sounded over Blitzwing's laughter as Megatron's pedes and lower leg plates could be seen on screen slowly trying to get up, which then went fuzzy, displaying static. A new scene opened up, one in which Bumblebee was shown running in wild circles on the main bridge of the ship.

'Blitwing! You gotta help me!'I've got ta get out of here before this thing takes off! Please! Megatron'll never know you did a thing!'

'Zo zu are villing zo leave poor, lonely lord Megazahtron wizout a caring mate, you useless pile of scrap!'

Bumblebee's face screwed up in anger as the camera was shoved in his face, giving him quite a generous close up. The camera hit the floor, once again diverting the view to the floor, and Random Blitzwing's delighted voice came again. 'AW, ZU LOOK ZU FRAGGING CUUUTZE VEN ZU DO ZAT!'

It then went through a couple of static filled shots of the floor before it was grabbed again, swung around into what appeared to be Megatron's face. 'AWWWWW! Autobug and Mega-zah-tron facing' in sah-' The camera zoomed out to show a familiar yellow autobot snuggled within Megatron's vicious grey bulk, but things weren't quite as they seemed. For one, Bumblebee was grinning. And as Meagtron's servo flashed towards the screen, Bumblebee could be seen giving a half-hearted wave.

'EET MIGHT VE BROKZEN! ZU COULD AV' BROKZ- Oh, iz KK! Red light eez still flashing, zee? Zee!'

Megatron's servo flashed again, and it took a devastating hit. The view filled with more static, the lens now showing as cracked. The camera didn't last a chance when Megatron raised his servo a second time.

The screen faded to black, leaving complete silence in the room as the Autobots looked from one to another, at loss for words. Their shocked and thoughtful expressions said all though. Optimus was the first to gather his thoughts into a comprehensible line in his processor.

'Well, that was... not what we were expecting.'

At all the raised brows and quick nods of affirmation Optimus couldn't help but smile, for the first times in days feeling better... feeling a twinge of hope. 'I think... Bumblebee might be alright after all. That is, until we rescue him.'

'Damn right,' Sari agreed, dragging herself up off the floor, grinning from ear to ear. 'I can't wait for revenge.'

Optimus agreed with all of his spark, but from what he had seen, both at the battle and on the camera had arisen a small seed of doubt that was naturally sprouting and spreading it's poisonous influence. Bumblebee had seemed so happy and content with the Decepticons; Optimus knew all about bonds, but was yet to experience his first. And Bumblebee was bonded to Megatron- had he fought it? Did it hurt him? Did it bring him happiness and warmth like Optimus had heard others describe so lovingly? Was that just because of the bond or had they grown into real feelings?

Optimus mulled on these thoughts numbly for the reminder of the day while his group rested and Ratchet treated to their wounds. He knew he needed to come up with a plan soon- but what could he do? What could they do? If they had access to the right equipment it might be possible to track them but then what? Optimus had heard from Jazz and Sentinal all about the rumours of the Decepticons constructing a battle ship that was rounding up the scattered Decepticons. He dared hope they weren't true. What business did him and his small group have of taking on an entire fleet? And if they were to gain the support of the elite guard- to which Optimus highly doubted- what would be the right course to take? Would Bumblebee even want to leave? That was what Optimus feared most at this point. Bonded did not like to be separated, and with Megatron's obsessive personality, the situation was looking sadly impossible.

Optimus sighed, resting his helm in his servo, staring sightlessly out the window in the control room. Forget all of those worries; first he needed to focus on gaining a ship. He could appeal to Ultra Magnus, or worse come to worse, lure Sentinel to Earth and steal his. Even though that option was far down the list, it was looking to be the most enjoyable and promising.

It was a few moments before he realised there was a small beeping of an incoming call from the main communication screen. He blankly watched the large flashing screen for a few kliks before he jumped, the purpose of the alarm finally reaching home. Someone was hailing them.

'Oh slag...' he mumbled tiredly, scrambling for the right buttons to push while attempting to compromise himself enough to be presentable. 'Primus forgive me if it's Sentinel,' he groaned, pushing a few buttons a little too harshly at the prospect of facing the overly brash mech now and completely ready to finally push Sentinel into his rightful place. So when Ultra Magnus's calm faceplate appeared instead of Sentinel's usually cranky visage Optimus visibly flinched in surprise, drawing back.

'I-uh-what, I mean, Sir!' He garbled hopelessly, managing a quick salute.

Ultra Magnus smiled, nodding to Optimus in respect. 'Greetings, Optimus.'

Optimus nodded back, quite at loss for words. 'So sir, what, uh, brings you here today?' Optimus could have smacked himself when he realised that choice of words was incorrect and sounded extremely stupid. Taking in Optimus's expression and words with amusement, Ultra Magnus smiled.

'Well, that is a long story. I trust you would like to hear the proposition I have for you.'

'Is it ready?' Sunstreaker's sharp voice sounded in Sideswipe's audio receptors a little too close for the red twin's comfort, but at a time like this hushed voices and whispered orders were a necessity.

'Of course it's ready,' Sideswipe shot back, grinning as he stood to attention next to his golden twin. 'Don't you trust little lo' me, your loving caring brother?'

Sunstreaker snorted, giving Sideswipe a sideways glance, struggling not to curl his lip in disgust. 'I trust you about as far as I can punch you,' he answered.

'Oh yeah? I think I could—'

'Having a pleasant spark-to-spark, gentlebots?' The cold scratchy voice that cut through their hushed conversation had the both of them snapping to attention, their servos flying to their temples in salute. Even so, Sideswipe couldn't help but grin at the offending bot. 'Feel like you are missing out, Shockie?' he sniped. 'I can see why. Nervous about the great reunion? Worried ol' Megafragger will be a wee bit disappointed in you after you let that squadron get captured right after you took control of this creaking tub?'

Sunstreaker rolled his optics as his brother immediately jumped away, dodging the instinctive blow from Shockwave. The Decepticon's large fist whistled through the air Sideswipe had been a moment before and just barely missed Sunstreaker's perfectly waxed upper arm plating, prompting the golden fighter to jerk to the side just like his brother, sneering at Shockwave in a most unpleasant manner.

Regarding Sunstreaker with nothing but a narrowed optic Shockwave glared at Sideswipe with heavy contempt, curling his fists.

'As flighty as ever, I see,' he sneered at Sideswipe, straightening up and tucking his arms neatly behind his back strut, adopting the strict pose he had been in before as he had paced tensely around the line of senior Decepticon warriors in the docking bay. They were currently awaiting Megatron and his few lieutenants from the Earth dirtball to join them among the Nemsis II in order to gather the remaining Decepticon forces throughout the galaxy and finally begin their conquest of Cybertron . 'But I highly doubt that it will save you forever.'

'Don't need it too,' Sideswipe cheerfully rebuked. 'I've got your sorry old aft to protect me, haven't I?'

Shockwave simply stared at him in open disgust before stalking off to the entranceway of the docking bay. To maximise convenience and save space the docking bay was set on the front of the ship, below the main bridge to enable those controlling the ship to keep easy tabs on those entering and exiting the ship and to protect the ships contained in the docking bay in case escape was needed. It was a large hollowed out space with one side entrance with different docking bays on different levels, all accessible by ships, ramps, elevators and levitators. The small band of strong-bodied warriors and lieutenants; Megatron's most trusted and strongest, were gathered in a strict line at the highest level, docking bay 39, designated as Megatron's personal parking space.

Sunstreaker snorted, resisting the urge to smash Sideswipe himself but dispassionately holding himself back in the threat of Shockwave. 'You've got to stop pushing him so far, you idiot,' he growled, choosing to watch the stretch of empty space before them at the hangar entrance rather than Sideswipe's cheap smirk. 'One day he's going to get you, and that's not going to be any good for me.'

'Ahh, always so considerate for others, aren't you Sunny?'

Sunstreaker's deadly stare was ruined when Nightbeat, a mech old beyond his years and hardened by many battles cut in an amused chuckle. 'Your bro's right, rookie. Shockwave isn't one to let go of grudges. Especially hates goof-pipes. See here,' he hefted his arm up to proudly display a long thin line of chapped paint that stretched from his chassis to the underside of his arm, 'got this one from him from snickering outta line in a meeting. Suggested something I shouldn't have when it wasn't my place.'

While Sunstreaker recoiled in thinly disguised repulsion Sideswipe watched the scarred metal with apparent uninterest, his first thoughts bordering on how cool that was and what was the exact thing said in order to gain that response from Shockwave.

Nightbeat sneered at Sunstreaker, who gazed back with something akin to hatred showing on his handsome features. 'Bet we won't find any sort of titanium tattoos like this on you, will we prettyboy?'

Any heated response Sunstreaker would have come up with- and Sideswipe knew it would have been nasty- was lost when a ripple of apprehensive whispers washed through the group, drawing every mech and femme's focus onto the small (by Cybertronian ship standards) and shabby looking ship entering the open entrance and drifting wobbly towards them, touching down surprisingly gently for its beat up patchlike appearance. The Decepticon symbol shined like a beacon from its side, painted quite roughly like the appearance of the entire ship but still just as imposing and bold as one from a galactic fleet of Decepticon ships.

'Holy slag. Never would have guessed Megs could be a cheapskate,' Sideswipe said in disgusted horror at the beaten down and ratty looking ship that had just landed. Silence fell upon the assembled Decepticons as the side hatch opened to make way for the Decepticon leader himself, prompting silent awed gasps from the lesser experienced fighters and smiles of respectful recognition from those older.

Sideswipe found himself staring at Megatron with a sort of intimidated awe. He was huge. His faceplate was scoured with an expression of blunt disinterest and the classic do-not-mess-with-me scowl. One of his optics had been patched up, covering it completely in a rejuventation bandage, but that did nothing to stop his sharp optics from scanning the area, noting everything and missing nothing. Sideswipe found himself cracking slightly when Megatron's intense glare passed over him as he stood regally in the passageway of his homemade little ship.

'Holy slag,' Sideswipe whispered.

'Yeah, that was my reaction when I first saw him,' Nightbeat chuckled from beside Sideswipe, glancing at the younger bot. 'Just keep your helm down and do your duty and you'll be fine. If not, well, not many will attend your off-lining mournday.' With that Nightbeat laughed, leaving Sideswipe to stare at him again, not bothering to hide his annoyance.

'He's right, Sides,' Sunstreaker hissed. 'No more crazy slag. This is where it gets serious.'

Behind Megatron came Lugnut, Blitzwing, Swindle (to which Sideswipe cocked his helm questionably) and an unnamed green and blue mech (with a cool visor Sideswipe couldn't help admire) that was followed closely by two small bots that mirrored the cool-visor-bot and a weird but killer looking feline bot.

'Woah. How many worthless boltheads did he pick up?' A deep red femme next to Sunstreaker grumbled, eyeing the new mechs. Neither of the twins responded, but Sideswipe found himself watching the two little bots, recognising the way they stuck close together and the little grins they kept exchanging that seemed to have hidden meanings. 'They're twins!' He whispered excitedly to Sunny, who was watching them as well, a small smile on his faceplate.

The both of them suddenly gasped when they caught sight of something neither of them expected to see here. And it seemed none of the Decepticons did either as hushed whispers and surprised scowls consumed them.

'What the frag?'

'Looks like he's finally got a pet—'

'What a pipsqueak. Autobots are-'

'-So weak.'

'Heh, look at it. Kind cute. I want one.'

It was an Autobot. A small, young, bright yellow Autobot.

It took Sideswipe a few kliks of disbelief and pure horror to see that the Autobot was a prisoner; a shining security chain was latched around the Autobot's neck, connected to Megatron's servo. He gulped, unconsciously shuffling closer to his brother, sharing his grief with him through their sparkbond.

Standing in front of the line of Decepticons, Shockwave stiffened in bewilderment, his single optic widening to an almost comedic degree. Hardly anyone noticed, least of all the yellow Autobot.

'I CAN walk, you great stupid lunkhead,' the small yellow Autobot spat angrily, straining backwards against his "leash" as his high voice echoed throughout the docking bay. Megatron gave no response he heard except for a tiny tug on the cyber-rope, which wrenched the Autobot from the passageway and sent him stumbling in among Megatron's little cohort. Sideswipe swallowed, feeling uneasy, and his bother responded with a weak shake of his helm, staring openly at the small Autobot in pity.

That's when the young Autobot spotted the large imposing Decepticon second in command.

Pure unadulterated fury. That's all Sideswiepe could describe it as. The yellow Autobot stared at Shockwave for a few indescribable klicks before he let out an impressive shout that echoed throughout Sideswipe's audio receptors and consisted of one furious word:

'YOU!'

Sideswipe and every other Cybertronian could then only watch in growing respect and admiration as the Autobot launched himself at Shockwave, smashing into the large Decepticon and pushing him to the floor with his motion. Little yellow aimed an impressive blow at Shockwave's enraged optic but due to Shockwave's uncanny reflexes the Autobot's stinger sliced into the side of Shockwave's helm instead, deftly disengaging one of Shockwave's specialised antenna-horns. The lesser self-controlled Decepticons assembled broke into hearty whoops and nasty jeers, most on the Autobots side due to long standing grudges held with the temporary leader of Decepticons. The new arrivals got into it as well, with the two young cassetecons shoving their way past everyone to get a front row view, screaming 'GO BEE, GO! SMASH HIS LIGHTS OUT!' with Blitzwing right on their afts mimicking them. This surprised no-one, as every Decepticon was used to or had heard of the triple-changing Lieutenant's frequent and infamous mood shifts.

Shockwave gave no indication at all that a part of his most sensitive and treasured appendage had been chopped off, and struggled up in a flash, his giant clawed servos locking onto the Autobot's wrists and clamping down like steel, much to the Autobot's ultimate displeasure. Sideswipe blinked, marvelling at the dirty mouth the Autobot had.

Shockwave leant forward, his blank faceplate leering threateningly right into the Autobots, whose response was to growl something, struggling backwards but getting nowhere. The Decepticons broke line and started to crowd around, the beginnings of a good 'FIGHT' chant starting to break out.

The feline mech deftly sat down begun lubricating a paw. 'Droneheaded idiots,' Ravage growled under his spiked whiskers.

'ENOUGH.'

Those with any self preservation immediately fell silent and backed off into line, saluting. Those who did not jumped and scrambled back into line, struggling to compose themselves and fall out of the spotlight that could turn violent at any moment. The new arrivals stepped back, and the small twins quietly ran back to the larger version of themselves, grabbing the mechs legs and watching the proceedings. Shockwave and the small yellow Autobot were left on the floor, Shockwave sitting with the Autobot in his lap holding his wrists.

'Shockwave.'

At his summon, Shockwave sharply jolted to attention, seemingly frozen in a mixture of fear, shock, surprise and puzzlement as Megatron's impassive gaze bore into him. The yellow Autobot's struggles ceased slowly, a smug grin popping up instead.

'Unhand him. Now.'

Shockwave needed no more encouragement, and immediately released the deadlocks on his servos, dumping the yellow mech roughly on the ground. He stood swiftly and refused to meet Megatron's optics in a rare show of shame. Every watching pair of scanners drunk up this unusual but welcome scene eagerly.

The Autobot leapt up as soon as his small aft hit the ground, backpedalling furiously until he hit Megatron, rubbing vigorously at his wrist coverings. Megatron reached down and grabbed the Autobot's arms, gently pulling the yellow bot's arms up to carefully inspect the deep indents Shockwave left behind.

Megatron nodded once, grabbed the length of cyberchain, handed it to Blitzwing and walked silently to Shockwave right before he pulled back his fist and slugged Shockwave in the chassis, olden style Cyber-biff.

'Sweet!' cheered the Autobot as every other Cybertronian in the room almost lost their jaw-hinges.

'M-my lord-' Shockwave started unevenly from where he had been thrown backwards, still standing.

Megatron ignored him, turning to tilt his helm upwards at his collection of warriors. 'That goes for everyone,' he stated gravely, turning slowly to look at everyone. 'Any Decepticon of mine that sees fit to touch this Autobot in any way or form has no place on my ship. That is your first and only warning. Now get out of my sight and do something worth your pathetic time.'

Silence reigned for a few dumbstruck moments as Megatron's terrifying gaze burnt them all before there was a general scuffle as all of them started to file out quickly, many casting second looks back with interest before hurrying into the large corridor into the Nemesis II.

When the last one shuffled out save the new arrivals, Megatron walked to Shockwave and bowed his helm slightly in greeting. 'I trust you have been keeping every in order for me?' he asked, a smile finally breaking through his rough demeanour.

Shockwave bowed deeply, any unsure feelings thrown aside to make way for Shockwave's normal dignified and powerful aura. 'Of course, my Lord. I apologise for any disappointment I might have caused you upon arrival.'

At Bumblebee's mumbled 'Kissaft,' Swindle snickered, prompting the twins to do the same. Shockwave glared past Megatron at them, everything about him seething with rage.

'May I enquire as to why you allow such trash on your ship, my Lord?' he asked, trailing his gaze over Swindle, the small twins and Lugnut to finally land on Bumblebee, who hissed at Shockwave much like a cybercat would, causing to Ravage to smirk in approval. Lugnut agreed, rumbling like an enraged beast.

'That is none of your current business,' Megatron answered coolly, eyeing Shockwave.

'Apologies, my lord.'

Megatron gazed at him with something akin to faint distrust in his mostly unreadable expression before turning to Blitzwing and calmly ordering, 'Take Bumblebee to my quarters and for Primus's sake, LOCK it.' Megatron paused, thinking. 'In fact, stay with him until I arrive later.'

Blitzwing nodded, scooping Bumblebee up. For once, Bumblebee welcomed the large arms of protection. With the appearance of Shockwave Bumblebee suddenly felt very vulnerable and alone. As they passed the twins Bee was unable to stop himself from grinning and waving at them. 'See you guys later!' he said. 'It's gonna be so boring here without you!'

'Bye, Bee!' Frenzy answered, waving wildly, while Rumble just grinned, saluting. 'Til next time, sunshine.' Ravage sniffed and lifted a lip, turning away, causing Soundwave to lightly flick the feline bot.

Blitzwing nodded to Shockwave stiffly as he quickly passed, heading across the small hangar platform and entering the Nemesis corridor, pleased to have gotten out without more scrapes with Shockwave. Blitzwing could tell this wasn't over. Blitzwing had never been too fond of Shockwave, but had respected him as a superior and able warrior. Now that was replaced with wary distrust and mutual likeness now that he had Bumblebee as a charge.

He wasn't sure what had happened back there, but he could it wasn't good.

'Hey, Longarm!'

Longarm turned curtly at the all-too-familiar voice and stopped to wait for the small yellow bot heading towards him. Bumblebee skidded unceremoniously to a stop next to him, almost tripping over his own feet, his vents heaving. Longarm inwardly rolled his optics, yet still finding a small smile grace his usually stoic expression.

Bumblebee had that affect on him. It was quite... unnerving, to say the least. Not to mention annoying. The small twinges of satisfaction he felt when he saw Bumblebee best Wasp in class and the enjoyment he got from watching Bumblebee from afar, unaware and blissfully ignorant were guilty pleasures he revelled in. Bumblebee was unlike any mech (Decepticon or Autobot) that he had encountered, and Longarm felt himself attracted to the small bot's lithe figure and delicate looking body, among other things. While it was true the small Autobot had a pleasing figure it was the warmth and longing Longarm felt in Bumblebee's presence that truly had the Decepticon caught in a web; one that he felt hopelessly entangled in. Feeling emotions like these were a threat to his mission and himself. If he could just kill Bumblebee, it would be easy. But it was too risky this early in the mission, and disposing the body would pose quite a problem.

'What do you want, Bumblebee?'

It came out as more of a stern order then a question, especially when he crossed his arms and raised a brow, but Shockwave was pleased at the unintentional edge he managed to interject into the question. Anything to drive Bumblebee away from him was welcome.

'Yea, how's it going to you too, Mr. Smarty-aft,' Bee grinned, following Longarm at a walk as the teal mech started again.

Longarm just stared silently at Bumblebee, waiting. Bumblebee practically deflated under Longarm's imposing look, his helm lowering and gaze travelling to the floor. Why was Longarm always so cold? And after the last couple of days ... 'I mean, I, um, I just wanted to thank you.'

'Why?'

'For, you know, helping me out with Wasp earlier.'

There was a small silence.

'I do not like Wasp any more then I like you.'

That was a lie. He liked Bumblebee far better than Wasp.

'But still… You didn't have to stand up for me back there. So... thanks,' Bumblebee continued, raising his optics to look Longarm square in the faceplate.

Longarm nodded curtly to the small Autobot and turned, continuing down the back alley. He truthfully didn't expect Bumblebee to follow, as it was straight after class and Longarm had been hunting for a quiet spot away from the others. So much for that hope.

'Weren't you and Bulkhead going for some energon after class?' he dully reminded Bumblebee, refusing to look at the Autobot trailing beside him.

'Yeah, Bulkhead's nice and all but he's just so annoying, you know? I mean, he follows me around all the time blabbering about how cool this was and how much he can't wait to be that stupid bridge techy-whatsi,' Bumblebee answered brightly. Longarm glanced Bee's way and couldn't help but smirk in amusement at the ignorant little bot, who was completely unaware he had basically just described himself. 'Likewise,' he chuckled darkly.

Bumblebee kicked at the ground before shyly looking up at Longarm. 'And besides...I thought that maybe we could... I dunno... get some energon later...'

Longarm stopped and looked at Bumblebee incredulously, his processor temporarily blank for the first time he could remember. '...Get some energon?' He repeated dumbly, stuck for words at what the little bot was implying in this situation. What exactly was the correct social interaction here?

Bumblebee stepped back, looking quite vulnerable and flustered at the blank look on Longarm's face, taking it for rejection. 'I mean, it's alright if you don't want to, I mean, I know I wouldn't but thats not what I mean! I mean- would you... Ah, never mind! I'm sorry Longarm, I'll just go-'

Longarm grabbed Bumblebee's wrist joint, his processor rejecting the hundreds of calculated reactions and Decepticon programming currently running through it to settle on a simple objective. It was quite clear what Bumblebee's feelings were, and Longarm had been uptight of late, certain he would be found out at any moment. His lord wouldn't mind if he were a few deca-cycles late...

'Do not leave yet,' Longarm stated, pulling closer to Bumblebee, his grip tightening slightly. Bumblebee's whole body tensed in surprise, unable to stop the small instinctive step back he took.

'I—Longarm-'

'Isn't this what you wanted?' Longarm asked smoothly, his grip slackening teasingly as he went to move back, completely letting go. 'Then I guess I'll leave.'

Bumblebee's optics flashed, and he let out a strangled sound akin to a whine contorting with a growl, grabbing Longarm's face and yanking it down to his level. 'Don't,' he said to the surprised Decepticon at the sudden intrusion before he pressed his lips against Longarm's in a impulsive pang of want and curiosity.

Longarm wasted no time acquainting himself with Bumblebee, grabbing the small bots shoulders and pulling the small body roughly against his as he shoved Bumblebee against the wall, close to losing himself. He could feel the Decepticon instinct within him straining and pulling free from its bonds; it had been vorns since he had participated in any sort of pleasurable activities. Longarm was a bot of strict regulation, but now he could feel that cracking away like contagious rust.

Bumblebee responded eagerly, pushing his mouth further against Longarm's in excitement. Longarm pressed his lips harder, lowering his mouth guard slightly to provide the bot wth better access to his mouth while opening it slightly to run his glossa over Bumblebee's parted lips. The young Autobot parted them cautiously, jerking when Longarm's glossa forcefully pushed the rest of the way through, exploring with delight.

Bumblebee's optics widened slightly at the new sensations and zings of pleasurable energy he felt running throughout his armour when Longarm started running his fingers over his body, digging them in and sometimes dragging the tips down his sides. Bumblebee squeaked as Longarm allowed his optics to fall half-pan, the part of them that were visible shining white with lust.

'Hey—' Bumblebee mustered up as Longarm withdrew his face in order to attack Bumblebee's jawline and neck, completely ignoring any coherent thought from either himself or Bumblebee. 'Long-arm—' he tried again, gasping slightly as Longarm dug his face into his neck, biting and sucking feverishly. '—This is really really nice and all, but do you –uhhhh- think we should be doing this-, um, y'know, here?—'

Longarm almost growled threateningly when a servo was suddenly pressing against his helm, pushing his mouth away from Bumblebee's neck seams until he realised it was Bumblebee's, and he was not as eager as he had just before. Thankfully, Bumblebee's break in the mood reinstalled Longarm's sense drive and he curtly ripped himself off Bumblebee. He stood frozen, scrutinising Bumblebee's surprised expression and wide optics before turning and walking down the alley in his original direction without a glance back.

Bumblebee gulped a few times, willing the heat to disappear from his body, barely noting the background whirr of his fans coming to life. It was then he realised Longarm was already off, his back visible from the other end of the alley. 'Hey, what the?'

'Longarm, what was that?' Bumblebee chocked out, his voice seeming weak and unconcentrated as he dashed toward the other mech. 'Where—'

Longarm turned and held Bumblebee's gaze, his face just as blank as it normally was. Bee slowed to a stop when something in Longarm's optics lashed out at him, causing his internals to blanch slightly in fear for reasons his processor could not fathom.

Then Longarm smiled slightly, the warmth in it countered by the cold optics. 'That was enjoyable,' he said. 'I will see you later.'

Bumblebee blinked as Longarm disappeared, confusion muddling his lines of code before he shrugged, turned the opposite way and trotted off, wobbling slightly on his pedes. He allowed himself a grin, touching his lips self-consciously, wondering what he was going to tell Bulkhead.

From then on Longarm labelled Bumblebee as his own personal stress relief. He was careful to restrain himself when they got involved behind closed doors although there was always a part of him- his brash and uncontrollable Decepticon side- that reared up in excitement at Bumblebee's touch.

It was only after Longarm almost forced Bumblebee to submit to him in a less then courteous and defiantly not Autobot manner had Longarm fully been able to grasp hold of himself again, his own fury and self-inflicted damage boring into him like a never-ending glitch. His own incompetence shamed him in his disability to focus after so many orbitals of loyal unscarred work under Megatron's rule. Bumblebee was now officially a jeopardy to not only Longarm's identity but his chances of successfully rising through the Autobot ranks and gaining a position worthy to Megatron.

Bumblebee was now a threat. And threats needed to be eliminated.

He had recently acquired the plans for the training course they would be running tomorrow was part of their Autobot curriculum. It was the perfect setup to quietly dispose of Bumblebee with no way at all for the Autobots to trace it back to him. Longarm couldn't wait to end Bumblebee's ignorant spark with sick anticipation. Once the small Autobot was gone he could resume his slow infection of the his enemies central base.

Primus forbid Megatron ever see him now.

The Nemsis II was HUGE. Bumblebee had only been through a few corridors and hover lifts so far but he could already gain a sense of the utter majority of it through the width of the corridors, the huge windows that spanned openly along some walls, the humming pipes that spanned across the ceiling and the height of the ceiling itself. Bumblebee knew it built for many, and those of big structure. He couldn't help but shiver, remembering the size some Decepticons could reach. Megatron didn't count because he was, well, MEGATRON.

They walked in relative silence, Bumblebee craning his neck to see everything and Blitzwing giving evil glares at any Decepticon that passed them, which sent most of them on their way. Some saluted while others simply growled at both Blitzwing and Bumblebee, continuing on their way.

It was when they had almost arrived at Megatron's quarters above the main bridge did Blitzwing stop and grin at something behind them. 'Vhy am I not surprized eet iz zu two following uz?' He smiled fondly.

Bumblebee tilted his head in confusion, twisting in Blitzwing's hold to see two Decepticons emerge behind them and walk up, one annoyed and the other excited. They both had the exact same mould; flashy forms with bulk around the chassis and shoulders with elbow spines and war helmets. The one with the attitude problem was a brilliant gold with small light blue lining the sides of his armour and fringing his battle mask, which was in place. The other was a deep red and black patchwork that was more than just pretty; Bumblebee could see various weapon outputs through the armour and a mean looking staff strapped to the black and red one's back. Overall, all he could say when he saw them was 'Wow.'

At that the gold Decepticon cocked his helm at Bumblebee, raising a metalbrow before smirking. Bumblebee stared back, still captivated.

'Wassup, Lightning?' Sideswipe said, punching Blitzwing on the shoulder and grinning at Bumblebee. 'VASSUP, LITTLE MECH?' Blitzwing cackled happily, punching right back. Which sent the Decepticon sprawling.

'Long time no see,' Sunstreaker smirked to Blitzwing. 'Enjoy the dirtball?'

'Hey!' Bumblebee interjected, feeling his awe turn to instant dislike. 'The dirtball's got a name, crankshaft. It's called Earth!'

'And do I care?' Sunstreaker answered with an air of superiority; something that immediately reminded Bumblebee of Prowl's snobby side which brought him a sharp pang of homesickness, strengthening his growing dislike of the gold bot. 'And besides, who do you think you are?' The golden twin continued, ignoring Bumblebee's "instant-hate" expression. 'I'd watch my neck around this ship. Chances are it's gonna get bitten off if you attack a Decepticon. Literally.'

Bumblebee snorted, glaring at Sunstreaker. 'As if,' he scoffed.

Sunstreaker stared back, looking just as displeased. 'As if what?'

'As if Megatron would let that happen.'

'...You're an extremely cocky little piece of work, aren't you?' Sunstreaker answered, an optic twitching.

Bumblebee snorted again before laughing openly at Sunstreaker. 'You don't seem so humble yourself.'

'Oh! HA! Sunny! Sunny! He got you! Rust, Sunny, rust!'

Before Sunstreaker could respond with an infuriated snap, Blitzwing continued down the corridor, taking Bumblebee with him. 'Zat eez enought. I need zu get Bee back zu Megatron's quarters.'

'Whoa, wait- Bumblebee?' Sideswipe questioned, jogging after them, Sunstreaker following grudgingly behind. 'Tell me you're joking,' he snickered loudly.

'You making fun of my name?' Bumblebee snarled, straining against his botsitter.

'Hmm... Let me think... YES!' Sideswipe burst into laughter, going to lean on Sunstreaker and falling flat on his faceplate when Sunsreaker stepped smoothly back. 'What a name to be stuck with!'

Blitzwing sighed at Bumblebee's renewed struggles and growls, looking at the two rowdy Decepticon twins. 'Please leave him be. Megatron doez not like eet ven Bee iz unco-operative and exciting him vill not help.'

'I'm not excited!'

'WHO SAID ZOUR EXCITED?' Hothead growled and swung around to Sideswipe, pointing dramatically. 'NOW SHUT UP AND SCAT, ROOKIES!'

Sideswipe laughed. 'But I don't wanna leave. I like him. He's like a mini Sunny!'

'Am not,' snarled Bumblebee.

'As if, pipeaft,' Sunstreaker snapped. Sideswipe looked between them and quickened his pace to keep up, his grin so wide his cheek-archs almost cracking. 'Suuuurrre.'

Bumblebee calmed, before smiling at Sideswipe. 'Thanks, anyway! I like you too. Sideswipe, isn't it?'

'Yep. And this bundle of sunshine is my twin, Sunstreaker.'

'And I don't like you,' Sunstreaker told Bumblebee curtly.

Bee grinned. 'Likewise, Sunny.'

Blitzwing pulled to a stop at the end of the corridor at a rather large door and started pressing buttons on the inscription code pad to the side. 'WHAT did you call me?' Sunstreaker asked menacingly, prowling forward a few steps. Bumblebee remained leaning over Blitzwing's shoulder, cheeky grin in place.

'Please zu not attack Bumblebee zuday,' Blitzwing said, looking briefly over his shoulder and fixing the advancing Sunstreaker with a playful but serious stare. 'I zon't vant zu beat zu up zuday. Vandom and Hothead had enough fun last time.'

Sunstreaker opened his mouth to retort something back but was kind of cut off when Megatron's door slipped smoothly open and Blitzwing stepped inside, taking Bumblebee with him, leaving the doors to seal shut again.

As the security locks clicked into place Sideswipe grinned, unable to stop himself. 'What a little firecracker,' he whispered in delight, glancing at Sunstreaker, who was still simmering angrily.