(please see all previous disclaimers)
Optimus commed Ironhide and the other mech he had selected to make the long journey with Chestnut and Raptor. The two soon appeared in the med bay. Chestnut recognized both and respected both, but Raptor was quite as sure about all of this. "These two are very capable soldiers, Raptor, as I have fought along side them many times. They are brave and strong" Chestnut stated, knowing his words would carry weight with Raptor. Raptor merely nodded.
"Once Ratchet discharges you from the med bay, we will head over to the citadel across the Silver desert" Ironhide announced to Raptor and the others. Optimus nodded, agreeing with the plan that had been suggested.
"He's ready to go now" Ratchet replied, "if he feels up to going."
"I am ready, as those in our citadel must be saved" Raptor stated, sounding much like Chestnut had when he had returned with Illusion. "But what about him?" Raptor asked, pointing at Illusion.
"I will stay here, with my twin and stay safe. I cannot go, as I am with sparklings" Illusion explained, figuring he would be safe staying with Mirage and Optimus.
"Then it is settled. We leave tonight" Chestnut stated, exerting his own form of authority over the group, though still respecting the Prime as a higher authority.
Raptor, Chestnut, Ironhide and Hound were sent out on the mission. Having heard from Raptor and Chestnut how seriously dangerous the silver desert was, both Ironhide and Hound made sure that they were well prepared for whatever came, including Decepticons which seemed to like to frequent the desert but never cross it. They were all headed out to save those who still remained in the devastated citadel that lie just beyond the Silver desert. They hoped that they were not too late to save the bots that still were alive in the citadel.
Meanwhile, back at base, Illusion was heading back to his quarters to pick up a few things before heading to stay with his twin and his twin's mate as well as their new little sparklings. Illusion loved his little nephews and hoped he could practice being a mother on them until his mate returned. Little did Illusion realize that he was being stalked by an unseen shadow figure. Illusion thought something felt off, but he chalked it up to being sparked. Fortunately, at least this time, he made it safely to his quarters before the unseen entity could grab the smaller bot.
Skywarp, having entered the Autobot base yet again unseen, was following his quarry, not too closely but not too far away. Skywarp had to remain patient, as he couldn't blow it – for Starscream and Megatron would have the seeker's head if he didn't come back with something worthwhile. Skywarp had already found a couple of secret plans, though he didn't know that they were old and weren't going to be used. Now All Skywarp had to do was wait for just the right time to grab the bot he sought and then take him back to the Decepticon base. It wouldn't be easy, but to the seeker, it would all be worth it.
Meanwhile, in the quarters, Illusion was grabbing just a few things that he felt he would need while staying with Mirage and Optimus. It didn't take very long for him to grab the few items and then head out the door again. Skywarp, still unseen, watched as the bot came out. Illusion was so distracted he wouldn't have realized he had a tail on him even if the seeker was visible. Skywarp followed forma distance behind the bot. Skywarp was close to grabbing the bot when another bot came along. "there you are, my twin" Mirage stated, unknowingly saving his twin this time.
"I just had to pick up a few things before I came over" Illusion explained, calming Mirage.
Mirage nodded. "Well, Peacekeeper and Flasher are looking forward to seeing you" Mirage stated, boasting about his own sons, unaware he had just made them a target as well.
"I look forward to seeing the little ones and learning how to be a mother on them" Illusion responded with a smile.
"We can both learn from them and on them" Mirage stated and the pair happily walked on until they reached a protected area in which the unseen Skywarp was unable to enter. Skywarp silently cursed. But he would play it cool. He could still bide his time as Starscream had informed the purple and black seeker not to return until the bot was captured. Skywarp merely had to bide his time – and maybe figure out why the area the two were headed into was so protected. Skywarp diverted his attention, for now, but he would continue to look for a time to snatch the bot, especially now that it appeared the target bot was alone – and also do one better and capture this Flasher and Peacekeeper he had just heard of. All Skywarp knew was that if he succeeded, both Starscream and Megatron would be very pleased, and that was all that mattered.