Chapter 13: Lingering Shadows

A/N I finally saw Chaos Ris…I mean Predacons Rising. It bothers me that they feel the need to constantly kill Optimus. The fact that Knock Out seemed to disappear at the end bugs me too. So It is still going to be AU after all. I refuse to kill Prime.

On a totally unrelated note: Thanks to Sgt. Shenanigans for the timely favorite and the word of encouragement.

Disclaimer: Still not mine.

Nightshade stepped through the spacebridge for the first time and to say she was awestruck would have been a drastic understatement. The sun was beginning to break over the horizon and the sparkle of the planet's surface as well as the last of the stars left her absolutely speechless. Yet, this wasn't what surprised her the most. She felt a comfort she had not felt in what seemed like far more that the almost three years she had been Cybertronian. It was as if she was comforted by Cybertron itself. It was the unshakeable feeling of truly being where she belonged. It was the feeling of truly being home. It was as if despite what Ratchet told her everything that happened was indeed natural and she should be like this. She wanted to do nothing more at that moment than ride around and enjoy the sunrise. That feeling of awe was the same feeling she would feel each and every time she stepped through that space bridge.

She could not yet drive off and enjoy the scenery though. There was far too much to do. The day would start with ceremonies, followed by dividing up into rebuilding teams, research teams, and establishing security teams. After all there was still renegade Decepticons roaming around after the battle and they too would no doubt want to return.

"Cons..." Nightshade thought to herself. Didn't Ratchet tell her Knockout was in the Brig on the Nemesis? She know he had to know what happened and she knew him well enough to think that he would use the opportunity to join the autobots...maybe. He was an opportunist who liked to come out on to whatever the cost. Right after the ceremony she would head that way and find out.

Nightshade's thoughts were once again interrupted by the Prime's voice calling all to attention to start Bumblebee's graduation.

"Congratulations Bee, you deserve it big bro." Nightshade told Bumblebee after the ceremony and embraced him. She couldn't stick around for long though she had plenty to do. It was understood that she would be part of the research team and she acknowledged her assignment and started to drive off.

"...and I know exactly where I will be starting my research" Nightshade to the Prime. "I found something interesting a couple of years ago with the cons. I want to see if there may be any truth to it, It pertains to my own creation. It is likely nothing but I need to rule it out before i go on. It is for personal reasons. I am sure you understand what I mean" Optimus understood where she was going. "If it is what I believe it to be let me know what you find. I will retrieve the rest of it; If it is to be retrieved. Be careful who you tell."

"Optimus, " Nightshade answered. "I won't tell anyone. Like I said I don't want anyone thinking I am the all spark or anything as ridiculous as that. No rumors. The references to spark fragments and all spark fragments in the con literature made her curious besides it wasn't so much as what was still on the Nemesis but who was still there. It was the perfect excuse to go back.

Nightshade bridged back to the war ship. She went directly to the data base and attempted to log in with her old code. "Ah of course they would have changed it. I wish I could have done this earlier." She said out loud to no one. She thought of her personal pads from her old quarters. They were right where she left them. 'CNA, DNA and New Life' It was the title she hoped would still be there. She lost herself in the material when she heard a voice

"Nightshade, a little help here would be great." She cautiously approached the brig. "Knock Out? Why should I?" she asked him. "Because", he answered, "I am on your side now. I mean Megatron is dead. Why should I stay on the loosing team. I should ask you what you are doing here. You simply couldn't stay away from me could you?" Knock Out said with his sadistic grin.

I forgot how conceited he really is, Nightshade thought. "Yeah, NO, I mean...I was doing research. I am a medic now you know, or I will be soon enough" What is wrong with my vocalizer? She thought. She thought she had prepared herself and had a stronger hold on her emotions.

"So I heard." Knock Out told her. "What do you think about our home? Beautiful isn't it.? And new life there again? Wonderful. I can help you, you know. That is if you lend me a servo."

"Have you really switched sides? Prove it!" She demanded. "There isn't much I can do in here. Everyone is gone anyway." He thought a moment. "I know how to find the Decepticons who survived and fled. If I get you or autobot security that information and help you capture them will you believe me?" Besides if Ratchet is still on earth and you're a medic in training they could use me"

"If they would believe you, Knock Out," Nightshade told him.

"They believed you didn't they? He asked

"You had to bring that up again didn't you?" Nightshade asked anger rising up again. "Of course, Isn't that what this is really about, Nightshade. You deserting and me not following? I would have caught you and I would have had to bring you back. Did you really want that. Lord Megatron was furious. I had to make up lies for you. He had my finish for it too."

Nightshade was speechless again. "You mean you…" Yes, Nightshade I buffed for hours after that for you. If you had been there I would have taken you apart. I'm not going to now. Just get me out of here. Before I change my mind!"

"I'll help you find the information on the all spark you are looking for and I'll take the information to security."

Nightshade was doubtful and against her better judgment she released Knock Out. He walked to the controls and showed her how to locate renegade decepticons. Starscream was close by and moving toward them.

"Let's go" she said after they had what they needed. Knock Out opened the groundbridge and they were face to face with the seeker.

I am going to be expanding chapters 4 and 6 soon. just a heads up.