Rating: T for some violence and Cybertronian swearing
Warnings for this chapter: None.
Summary: Miko is in trouble...or she's going to be.
Pairing(s): None.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except Echo.
A/N: The opening part of "Shadowzone"! Sorry it's short; I promise to post the next chapter quickly.
Chapter 29: Running A Day Care
"I had hoped my growing expertise on the subject would remain purely academic," Ratchet grumbled, staring at the screen. "But though faint, this is clearly a dark energon signal, and it's moving fast."
"Megatron," Optimus growled, extending a hand to help Echo off her berth so she could join them at the console.
Arcee studied the red signal for a moment. "Where'd he find more of the stuff?"
"And what's he going to do with it, recruit a new army of the dead?" Bulkhead muttered. Miko dropped her homework.
"Zombiecons?"
"We cannot rule out the possibility." Optimus turned to Ratchet. "Opinion?"
The medic shrugged. "It would certainly seem so. Particularly since he is headed toward the site of Skyquake's death."
"Megatron has barely emerged from stasis and it seems he's already making up for lost time." Optimus turned toward the groundbridge. "Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Ratchet, prepare to roll out."
"Me?" Ratchet turned away from his computer console.
Optimus nodded. "If we are dealing with dark energon, I may require your abilities. Arcee – "
"Groundbridge operator. Got it." The blue femme took the controls.
"And Echo, you're in charge of watching the children."
Her optics widened in horror. "What? Babysitting?"
"Yes." Optimus frowned. "Is that a problem?"
Echo sighed and dropped onto her berth. "I'm dizzy."
"You're fine," Ratchet announced. "Relax. It won't be for long."
The femme groaned and looked up at the humans, who were doing their homework. Miko waved cheerfully. "Bring the hurt, Bulk'!"
"Hmm." Echo leaned back and kept an eye on the girl. Not like her to not beg to go. Miko, what are you up to?
A moment after the Autobot team disappeared into the groundbridge, Miko jumped out of her chair and bolted for the entrance, with Jack and Raf right behind her.
"Ohh no you don't!" Echo slid off her berth, but stumbled and landed on her knees. "Ow! Arcee, shut down the bridge!"
Arcee hurried to help the younger femme up. "Echo, what's wrong?"
She gestured. "The kids…"
"Oh scrap!" Arcee looked just in time to see the bridge closing. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Echo pulled herself upright and waved Arcee off impatiently. "Call Optimus, let him know what happened. I'll go get the kids."
"I'll get them," Arcee argued. "You're still not in good shape. Optimus, the kids followed you."
::We have a visual. Send the bridge.::
Echo glared at the world in general. "I was in charge of them, so I'll bring them back. Just get me there."
"Echo…"
"DON'T argue with me!" Echo snapped, stalking into the bridge. Miko, I swear I'm going to step on you next time you try this.
The bridge opened on the far end to reveal Jack and Raf practically dragging the girl toward the bridge. Just as Miko pulled free, Echo grabbed her none-too-gently. "Get back here, kid! Now!"
The bridge started pulsing and shaking frantically. Instinctively, Echo pulled all three humans under her body as the bridge gave way and a whirl of electricity surrounded them.
Pulses shot through Echo's mind, pulling her into a world of shadows and whispers.
"This is the dark side of the path we chose," Ratchet's voice murmured.
Arcee's cry sent pain through her spark. "Cliffjumper!"
"I killed. I killed." Her own voice.
Megatron's purr terrified her. "I will do what I want, whether you are conscious or not…"
Echo's optics snapped open, revealing dust and the same rocks she had seen as the bridge collapsed. "Everybody okay?"
"I think so." Jack picked himself up. "Are you alright?"
"'M fine." Echo struggled into a sitting position. "What happened? Where are the others?"
"Right there!" Miko yelled, making Echo wince. "Bulkhead! Hey, I'm right – eeek!"
Echo caught the girl in one servo, hardly able to believe what she had just seen. "He went right through you…"
"We're not real!" Raf looked around frantically. "I don't want to be a ghost!"
"Okay, okay, calm down." Echo shifted into a kneeling position. "It's going to be fine. We can still touch each other, so we're real."
"But…but…" Miko clutched at Echo's fingers. "Where are we?"
