Chapter 28

Destroyed equipment sparked as the Decepticons regained their balance. The crash didn't seem to make an impact on them, but the ship had been damaged severely.

Megatron walked into the control center to see his commanding officers standing around. The warlord was furious that Starscream had escaped, let alone allowed the traitor to destroy his ship.

"Dreadwing, what are the extents of the damage?"

"We have suffered critical damage to all major systems Lord Megatron. It will be some time before we can get the ship air born."

The warlord clenched his fist and growled. "That traitor will pay" he mumbled to himself.

"My liege, reports indicate that our cloaking technology has also been deactivated. Until we can repair damages, we are vulnerable to all scanners." Dreadwing said.

Megatron growled again. "We cannot allow the Autobots to discover our current state. If they attack, we will be at a great disadvantage."

"Then what do we do Lord Megatron?" Breakdown asked.

"We do not have a choice but to repair the damages. I want all possible Vehicons to work on repairing this ship! Restoring our cloak is first priority, followed by the rest of our systems."

"Yes my Lord, I will give the command at once" Dreadwing said, turning to the monitor.

"In the meantime, we will set up a defensive unit to surround the ship. I want everyone to be on high alert in case we are attacked."

"I will not allow Optimus to use this situation against us."

...

Agent Fowler stepped out of the lift and walked into the command center back at the Autobot base. As usual, Optimus and Ratchet, along with the actual Autobots were busy working on repairing the relic, while the kids were hanging out around the couches.

"Prime!" the agent yelled, getting the attention of the leader.

"Hello Agent Fowler. I am truly sorry for the event that took place this morning. I send my condolences to the families who have suffered losses." Optimus said with a sad tone.

"Yeah, it's been a rough day. We lost many soldiers today, some of them were young. The white house is honoring them later on in the week." Agent Fowler said, getting a bit off topic. "Anyways, I just dropped by to say that the military doesn't blame you for what happened since they know of your current situation."

"Thank you Agent Fowler but I believe that we all hold a burden for the losses of today" Optimus said, secretly referring to Jack. He had seen the teen's reaction to one of the soldiers who were killed and knew that he must have met that man somewhere along his life.

"So, how are the repairs coming?" the agent asked, lightening the mood a bit.

"Not good, we still have a couple months' work to finish and who knows what will happen during that time" Ratchet jumped in.

"Damn... and there's no way we can get that instant repair thing back?"

"No, the Decepticons have possession of the Forge of Solis Prime and it is highly unlikely that we may ever see it again."

The three men stood in silence, trying to think of what to say next but under their depressing circumstances, there was just nothing good to talk about. They needed the Genetic Exchanger repaired quick but had no means of fixing it in time for another Decepticon attack.

Suddenly, the computer console started to flash red and the group stopped what they were doing to see what it was this time. Ratchet typed in some commands and a map popped up with a blinking red light around some mountains.

The medic gasped and his mood became lighter.

"What is it old friend?" Optimus asked.

"Primus is truly looking down on us! Our scanners have just picked up the Nemesis' signal. Somehow, the Decepticons have had their cloaking programs deactivated and they're completely exposed right now."

"How is that a good thing? It's not like we can attack them while we're human" Bulkhead said.

"Well, my scanners have also indicated that the ship has had severe damage to their systems and it seems like they had crash landed rather than stopping by choice." Ratchet said.

"Once again, how is that a good thing?"Bulkhead asked again.

Optimus rubbed his chin. "I believe that this may be more beneficial to us than it appears Bulkhead. Considering our current situation, Megatron was no doubt moving towards their next attack location. With the Decepticons forced to remain on the ground, this may be our sole opportunity to use the Forge of Solis Prime."

"And we may also have a chance to download a copy of the Iacon database!" Ratchet exclaimed happily.

"Don't you think you're being a little optimistic?" Arcee asked. "Just like you said, we don't have the means of attacking Megatron so how do we expect to steal an artifact and download the Iacon database?"

"Arcee, I understand your concern but this may be our only chance to have the balance of power restored. Furthermore, we do posses a mean of attacking the ship; however I have been reluctant to use it." Optimus said.

"You mean the Apex Armor!" Bumblebee pieced together. "Awesome!"

"That is correct Bumblebee. However, I do not believe it would be wise for you to wear the armor as you did previously." Optimus stated. "We may not have the chance to return the Forge back, therefore we must act accordingly."

"What do you mean Optimus?" Bulkhead asked.

"As much as I am against putting our human companions at risk, I believe that it is necessary that they have a significant role in our attack. Miko, your dream of using the Apex Armor may become fulfilled."

"Yes!" the girl exclaimed.

"Woah, commander, sending one of us in makes sense, but sending Miko in is just talking scrap." Wheeljack said.

"Perhaps, but under our circumstances, it may be the only way. The most logical plan of infiltration would be to send a small group to locate the artifact rather than have us all enter blindly." Optimus explained.

"Ok.. so what's the plan?"

Optimus thought for a moment, taking in all is assets and using them to their best function. "Miko and Smokescreen will be our first unit. They will be groundbridge into the Nemesis, solely to track down the location of the Forge. Once they have established the secure coordinates, we Autobots, along with Ultra Magnus, will take the Genetic Exchanger to the Forge. There, I will be able to repair our damaged relic and we will be able to download the Iacon database."

"Optimus, I do not normally question your commands but this plan has a lot of if's." Ratchet said. "What if Miko and Smokescreen are unable to locate the Forge? What if they are captured? Also, how are you going to use the Forge? What if it doesn't work?"

"We must put our trust into each other, as well as the power of the Primes. I believe the Matrix will allow me to use the Forge, regardless of what species I am." Optimus said.

The group thought about the plan and realized that this was their only way of going back to their old selves. If they don't, Megatron will continue launching attacks and they will have to wait months until they can repair the Genetic Exchanger.

"So this is it huh?" Wheeljack said. "All or nothing."

Bulkhead smashed his fists together. "We have to win today, otherwise hundreds will die."

"And I was just beginning to enjoy being human" Bumblebee joked.

"We do not have a choice Bumblebee. This is our job and we must protect the humans." Ratchet said.

"Wow, I never knew that you cared for the humans so much" Arcee smirked.

"My image of the species have changed. I have experienced life through another set of eyes and I will never forget these memories." The medic said, genuinely grateful for his opportunity to be a different species.

"Alright Optimus, we're in. When do we start" Smokescreen said.

Jack looked at the group and saw the determination on their faces. They knew their duties, they knew what had to be done, and he knew that he had to do something as well. Even if it meant revealing one of his dark secrets.

Agent 000...

I know kid, I'm ready. You've helped me along for too long and it's time I returned the favor.

Jack smiled. I owe you one.

No, I still owe you one even after this, but let's not focus on that right now. I think it's time you broke the news to them.

Jack sighed, gaining strength and raising a hand to gain everyone's attention.

"Optimus, if we're going to go through with this, you'll need help."

"And who might you have in mind?" the Prime asked.

"Me."

Arcee jumped in before Optimus could say anything. "No, you can't Jack. Miko is going because she has the Apex Armor but we don't have any weapons or armor for you."

Jack took a deep breath. "Actually, I have that covered."

"What do you mean?"

The Autobots watched as Jack took a step back and closed his eyes. Moments later, his veins started to become a darker color and his face changed slightly. When he opened his eyes, the blue turned into a dark shade of purple. The entire group recoiled when they realized what happened and the Autobots pushed Miko and Raf behind them. They all got into a defensive stance while Ultra Magnus and Smokescreen raised their blasters.

"Woah, ok what just happened. Why are his eyes different?" Smokescreen asked.

"That is no longer Jack, that is Agent 000" Optimus said, unsure of what to expect next.

Arcee stepped forward. "Where is Jack?" she demanded with a menacing voice.

Agent 000 lifted his hands in surrender. "Relax, I am not the same Agent 000 as before."

"Preposterous! What other human has purple eyes and unusually dark blood?" Ratchet spat out.

"Look, I'm on your side and if you're wondering, Jack's perfectly fine. Here, I'll show you."

Agent 000 closed his eyes and instantly began turning back into Jack. When he opened his eyes again, it was Jack who was in control this time.

"Guys, I know that this is a shock but Agent 000 is going to help you" Jack said. The sound of his voice calmed them all down and the Autobots lowered their weapons.

"Jackson, you must explain" Optimus said in a demanding tone.

Jack took a deep breath. "Ever since the incidents form last time, Agent 000 has been in my head, or more specifically my sub-consciousness. I don't know how, but he can see and hear everything I do without actually being in control. He can also talk to me and I can talk to him back, just inside of my mind."

"So you've had a killer talking to you for almost four months now and you decided to not tell us about it?" Miko asked.

"No, he's not a killer anymore. He used to be but that was because that was all he knew. Now that he's seen life from a different angle, he knows what's wrong and right. He's actually become a friend of mine and I talk to him whenever I want. Well actually, I can talk to him whenever since he's always there, except when I create a mind barrier, but you don't need to know about that. All you do need to know is that he's on our side and he's here to help."

The group was all deep in thought, debating over themselves whether or not they should trust Agent 000. They trusted Jack, and they trusted him with their lives, but the agent was a different story.

Arcee broke the silence when she walked up to him quietly and placed a hand on his cheek.

"Is this what you've been hiding from us all this time? Is this why you've been acting differently?" she asked in a sweet tone. Jack's heart melted from her voice but he knew that that was not the reason why.

The teen shook his head. "Yes... and no. It's complicated and I don't want to talk about it."

Optimus took a step forward that got his attention along with everyone else. "Jack, if you trust that Agent 000 is willing to aid us, then I will trust him as well. He, or you, will accompany Miko and Smokescreen for the first unit."

"What, Optimus you can't be serious" Bulkhead said.

"I am Bulkhead. Everyone deserves a chance at redemption, regardless of their past and of the things they had done."

Bulkhead sighed and turned to Jack. "Alright, I trust him too, but only because I know that Jack will be there to supervise him."

"Always" Jack said before turning into Agent 000. This time, the group didn't move back but they still gave the agent a look.

Agent 000 went down the stairs and headed for the Honda Civic. He unlocked the car, opening the trunk and pulled out two things. The first was a new mask, similar to his old one that covered everything but his eyes. The other object was none other than his katana, still in its sheath as he pulled it around him.

"What? Where did you get that and what do you plan on using it for?" Wheeljack asked, eyeing the sword around his body.

"Jack kept it and since we're going into battle, it's only suitable that I bring it along" Agent 000 said.

"Very well Agent 000, but you must follow my rules while under my command. You will not strike down an opponent who cannot fight back." Optimus said.

"Yes sir, Jack has made this very clear as well. And trust me when I say, I've moved on from killing."

Optimus nodded and the team quickly got ready for their attack. Raf went over to the control console, setting coordinates for inside the Nemesis while Miko grabbed the Apex Armor and put it on.

"This is so cool!" she squealed when the transformation was finished. She stood around Smokescreen's height and punched him lightly in the shoulder. "You ready to scrap some 'cons?"

"You know it" the rookie said.

They took their position in front of the groundbridge as everyone else got ready as well.

Agent 000 leaned against the car, waiting for them to go when Arcee walked up to him slowly. He raised an eyebrow at the former two-wheeler and was surprised when she placed a hand against his cheek.

"Jack, I know that Agent 000's in control right now but be careful out there. You know how much you mean to me and I expect you to come back to me." Arcee said lovingly.

Agent 000 looked her in the eyes and smiled. He gently took his hands and placed them around her neck, taking off her necklace and raising it up to her.

"Jack said to keep this safe. He knows how much you like it and it might be destroyed when you turn back."

Arcee fought herself from tearing up and gently took the necklace from Agent 000, covering it with her hand and placing it against her heart.

"I love you Jack, come back to me."

The former two-wheeler leaned in and kissed Agent 000 on the lips, much to his surprise. She held the kiss for a while longer before releasing slowly, looking into his eyes and seeing Jack smiling back at her. She took one more look at her boyfriend (?) and joined the rest of the Autobots who were wishing Smokescreen and Miko good luck.

Should I be angry that you just kissed my girlfriend?

Woah, she kissed me first so don't get any ideas. By the way, I can see why you two do it so much, she has really nice lips. You got a keeper here kid.

That's it, you're getting it tonight. We're duelling on a volcano.

Agent 000 laughed. Can't wait.

Later, the agent joined up with the other two members of Unit One awaiting departure.

"Agent 000" Optimus said, "because of your field experience and Jack's knowledge, I am placing you in command of your unit."

"Wait, you're letting him lead us?" Miko asked.

"That is correct. Both you and Smokescreen are considered rookies and may require proper leadership. Agent 000, I am putting a lot of trust into you to protect this team, and this family. If anything happens, I will be placing you responsible." Optimus said, using a very serious tone at the end.

"Yes sir, I understand my responsibilities" Agent 000 said and the Prime nodded his head.

A little overboard don't you think? He asked into his head.

Optimus is just worried about Miko and Smokescreen. I wouldn't think too much about it.

Maybe... but I know that he'll be coming after me if anything happens.

Nah, I think he's bluffing. He knows whatever happens to you, happens to me. Besides, you got this.

Thanks kid.

Raf activated the groundbridge controls and a swirling green vortex appeared before them. The three of them tested their com-links, making sure it worked before looking at the vortex.

"Smokescreen and Miko, you guys are with me. We are entering enemy territory as a stealth mission; we find the artifacts location and then we contact base for a groundbridge." Agent 000 said, looking the two rookies in the eyes. "Stick together and watch each other's backs. Do not engage the enemy unless I give you clearance, am I understood?"

The two of them nodded and Agent 000 pulled on his mask.

He ran through the groundbridge first, with Smokescreen and Miko right behind him.

A moment later, the vortex closed and all was silent in the command center.

"Do you think they'll be ok?" Arcee asked, mostly worried for Jack.

Optimus placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I know that they will be ok."

...