OMG! I spent an entire day typing this up and now I'm uploading this at 12AM in the morning! OMG! I'm not doing that again, no *bleep*ing away! Do you hear me? NEVER! *sleeps*


Starscream wandered down the corridors of the warship. He was glad that one of the Decepticon medics had finally taken the time to repair his optics, granting him the ability to see again. While he didn't exactly have complete restored vision, but at least he could see without any more problems. The medic had told him that he would need to rest his optics for a little while before he was able to see more properly, but he hadn't been in the mood for rest and had gone to see the beast in Megatron's chamber. His chat with the animal and its promise of giving him its answer when it was ready reassured him that at least he'll be fully prepared when he decides the correct time to take over the Decepticons. Megatron was getting far too caught up in his fear over the prophecy of the 'Chosen One' and the Decepticons needed a fresh leader that feared nothing, not even the ancient prophecy that foretold of a great evil.

Starscream found himself smirking at the thought of Megatron falling to his knees and begging for his former vice commander's mercy. Pft, mercy... there was no room for mercy in this lousy army of losers and weaklings. No, Starscream would lead the strongest and the best army there ever was, and even the 'Chosen One' would cower at the sight of him as he rained down chaos.

"Soon, Megatron," Starscream smirked. "Very soon you will out of this picture for good."

As he continued to wander through the corridors, he was surprised to spot several Decepticons gathered in the control room, some of them he didn't recognise, but he was amused to see the twin mechs Black Shadow and Blue Bacchus amongst them. He approached the group, lifting an optic ridge as he did so.

"What's going on?" he demanded, forcing the group to turn and face him.

"Soundwave and his little pet have picked up a huge set of energy signatures heading our way," Black Shadow replied casually. "We think they may be the Autobots that are assaulting the warship."

"That's impossible!" Starscream exclaimed as he got a little closer to the black and silver mech. "How did they manage to find us without being detected?"

"Apparently," answered Blue Bacchus, who rolled his optics, "Soundwave has found a tracking device on Stormblue that has been transmitting our location to the Autobots' main computer – Teletrann-One. Obviously, no thanks to our settling the ship into place and not moving for the last several cycles... that's how they were able to find us."

"That explains it," Starscream huffed. "And how does Megatron plan to act?"

"We're about to find out," Black Shadow replied as he pointed to the control room and Starscream was forced to turn his attention to where Megatron was observing the monitors. For a moment, the Decepticon leader said nothing in regards to the sightings of the Autobots until Soundwave mentioned about how the Autobots placed a tracking device on Stormblue.

Angrily, Megatron destroyed the closest slave that was nearby and stomped on it flat, crushing its cranium beneath his clawed foot. He then ordered someone to pick up the dead slave and take it to his pet, which Cyclonus immediately complied. Once that was done, Megatron then pressed a button on the console, announcing with a deadly growl in his tone that had no room for any slag, "Decepticons, we are being attacked by the Autobots. Get out there now or the next one who fails me will be fed to my pet! I will not tolerate any slag from either of you!"

Starscream noticed how most of the Decepticons that were behind him flinched and headed in different directions to go and gather their weaponry to prepare for battle. He smirked as he acknowledged their fear, but he was forced to put it aside when Megatron addressed him coldly.

"Starscream, what are you waiting for?" the Decepticons leader snarled while baring his dental plates aggressively. "You will be leading the Decepticons while I take care of my brother, as usual. See to it that no Autobot enters the ship and attempts to release any of the pathetic Autobot prisoners we have captive. Am I understood?"

Starscream bowed as low as he good. "Of course, Mighty Megatron," he said. "Anything you order shall be followed without question." Before Megatron lost his temper any further, the triangle-shaped Decepticon backed away slowly until he couldn't see his master anymore. He then turned and immediately rushed towards the exit of the Nemesis, his evil grin never faltering.


"Here comes the welcoming committee," announced Ironhide when he spotted the rising Decepticon forces.

A huge fleet of Decepticons rose from the depths of the Nemesis with Starscream in the lead. Many of the Decepticons possessed flight capabilities while quite a number of them were ground-based, thus making it easier for the Autobots that couldn't fly to pick a Decepticon and take him out. However, thanks to Skyfire and his addition of flying Autobots, the battle seemed like it wouldn't last long.

Oh how Ironhide hated being wrong sometimes.

The appearance of Megatron from behind the Decepticon forces caused every charging Autobot to come to a halt. But much to their surprise, Megatron didn't go tearing through them unlike last time. Rather... his attention was focused on the one thing that he hated in the universe: Optimus Prime.

In a matter of seconds, Megatron pushed on his back thrusters and flew straight towards his attacking arch nemesis. Optimus seemed to see it coming because he stood stock still and took the brunt of the attack full on. Before Ironhide could even wonder to see if his friend was alright, he lost sight of them amongst the assaulting armies.

The old mech and his team stood on the outskirts of the Autobot army along with Bumblebee and his team. The old black, rusted Autobot had to admit that he wasn't impressed when Optimus selected him to lead a team of Autobots instead of fighting alongside his old friend, but he knew that Optimus had his reasons for choosing him. But his worries for Optimus had to be pushed aside as he watched every single mechanical life form in the area began to take each other down like crazy. Bluestreak and several sniper users covered their army's rear by taking out any Decepticon that got in the line of their optical vision. Those that were experienced in hand to hand combat or could use swords got up close and personal with their enemies and took them down with ease, while some who fought mainly with their weapons covered their afts alongside the sniper users.

"Don't let up, Autobots!" Prowl cried from afar as Ironhide watched him impressively leap onto a Decepticon and blast him in the head, taking him down before moving onto the next one. "We have to keep on pushing and wait for an opening!"

Ironhide and Bumblebee looked at each other from the corner of their optics. The black mech could sense Bumblebee's lack of patience, but he seemed to be holding himself for as long as he possibly could. They had to wait for a signal from Prowl – or any Autobot – who might see the perfect opportunity to get the teams into position. It was up to them now.

"Are you excited, Bumblebee?" Ironhide asked with a chuckle.

"No," Bumblebee replied, shaking his head as explosions sounded all around them from the attacking armies. "I feel like I'm about to expel lubricants. I'm shaking like a leaf, for Primus' Sake!"

"Easy, youngling," Ironhide smiled kindly and in a father-like tone. "I know it's your first time leading a squad. All you just have to do is just remain focused, do whatever your spark tells you, and you'll do fine."

"Gotcha," Bumblebee nodded and returned to his focus onto the battlefield. Arcee, Sideswipe and Mirage also watched the ongoing assault on the Decepticon warship, but their body language gave away their concerns as to when they were going to move out. Ironhide had to compliment Bumblebee for choosing a very well focused group.

His team, on the other hand, was composed of Hound, Trailbreaker, and Jolt. They were powerful heavy hitters just like him, and they were needed if they were going to do exactly what Optimus required them to do. The explosive device was stored safely in Hound's storage unit. Ironhide trusted Hound enough to carry such a delicate device because he knew that the army green mech was capable of protecting anything that was valuable.

For several more agonising minutes, Ironhide and Bumblebee waited for the perfect opportunity and the signal that was needed for them to move out. They continued to watch as the Autobots and their human companions began to advance forward in their attack on the Decepticons. However, things weren't going well in the air for the fliers. With the way the F-35 Raptors and aerial combat Autobots were acting and some of them getting shot down by the number... it wasn't looking good.

Prowl's voice suddenly spoke through the private com-links, his voice sounded determined. "Ironhide, Bumblebee, we have an opening ready for you towards the northeast. Now is the best time to get into the ship without any problems."

"Any word yet from Optimus?" Ironhide asked, his tone filled with concern.

"We lost sight of him the moment the armies clashed," Prowl reported. "I'm afraid that's all I can tell you. You haven't got much time in getting inside. Now isn't the time to be asking questions. Go while you have the opportunity. Prowl out."

Not wasting a moment, Ironhide and Bumblebee motioned to their groups to follow. The transformed and headed towards the direction Prowl had ordered them to take. If the Autobots were capable of producing adrenaline, then no doubt they were full of it by now. Their sparks raced quickly as they dodged incoming fire from both armies, even though it was either accidental or intentional. Ironhide wondered if the Decepticons saw them coming, but he couldn't focus on that right now. The important thing now was getting inside the ship and have their objectives completed in time so they could rejoin the battle and help out their comrades.

"Incoming!" Sideswipe cried just as a huge blast of plasma hurtled towards them.

Ironhide and his group steered out of the way just in time as the plasma ball hit a Decepticon that got in the way of it. Ironhide's optical sensors twinkled as the huge explosion melted the hapless Decepticon to the point where it was nothing more than a pile of molten slag.

"That's one less Decepticon to worry about," Hound chuckled.

"Focus, everyone!" Ironhide growled over the com-link. "Do you want to give away our positions? We can't afford to give away our place. Once we get inside the ship, we have to split up into our teams and complete our objectives. Understood?"

"Understood, sir," the teams replied in unison. Even though Bumblebee was in charge of his own group, he would always follow Ironhide's orders to the letter because of his experience.

Dodging and swerving to avoid more incoming fire from the Decepticons for another few more minutes, the group finally reached the east side of the Nemesis where its aft was left unguarded. They transformed into their robot modes and Ironhide approached the steel wall. He looked it up and down, calculating something in his old processor. Once he was satisfied, he opened up his subspace pocket and began digging around for something. The others watched with curious optics, but they didn't question the old mech's intentions.

"Aha," Ironhide announced once he had found what he was looking for. "I found it!"

Bumblebee watched as Ironhide pulled out a small, black box with Cybertronian inscribes on it. The black mech knew exactly what the youngling was thinking and he tossed the box in his hand proudly before he glued it to the wall of the Nemesis. He then began to press a few buttons, making it light up with numbers.

"What is that?" Hound asked Ironhide once he started moving away as fast as possible.

"Like you need to ask?" demanded Trailbreaker as the group of Autobots immediately retreated to a safe distance. They crouched down behind a huge piece of debris and covered their audio receptors, waiting for the explosion to happen.

"Tell me this isn't going to blow up in our faces like Wheeljack's inventions?" Sideswipe asked nervously. Ironhide had to chuckle at the silver mech's concern, but he said nothing in case he made the group panic. What could a tiny little box do to make them so upset? It wasn't like as if Ironhide's weapons were as dangerous as Wheeljack's accidental explosions.

Within ten Earth seconds, a tiny, but loud explosion was heard and Ironhide let off a giddy laugh as the little box left an impressive hole in the Nemesis' aft. He stood up to his full height with pride, and Bumblebee had to roll his optics. "Trust Ironhide to make a tiny explosion make a loud noise," he groaned.

"The louder the explosion, the more Chromia would want to interface with him if she were here right now," Hound snickered. Ironhide had to force himself to look down in order to prevent the others from noticing his heating cheek plates. He didn't want them to know just how embarrassed they made him feel.

However, his embarrassment hid a great sadness within him. He missed Chromia dearly, and he hoped that someday he would be reunited with her just like Optimus hoped that he too would be back with Elita by his side. He wondered if Chromia had escaped Cybertron's destruction and if she was searching for him right now. His spark longed for his dear sparkmate to come back to him soon, and he just hoped she wouldn't take much longer. He couldn't bear to live without his beloved.

"Ironhide, are you there?" Bumblebee's voice echoed through his audio receptors. Ironhide snapped out of his thoughts and glanced down at the youngling, who was looking up at him with concerned optics. "Are you alright, Ironhide? You don't look like you're in the right state of processor."

"I'm fine, Bumblebee," Ironhide chuckled, pushing aside the memories of long ago into the back. "Let's just get inside and get on with our duties. The sooner we get it done, the sooner we can get back to helping the others."

Bumblebee nodded and he moved aside as Ironhide and his team entered first, then Bumblebee and his team followed close behind. As soon as they were inside, Ironhide glanced around for a moment before he checked the holomap Prowl had given him that mapped out the entire design of the Nemesis in order to go in the right direction.

It seemed like they had to go north.

"Alright, this is ours," Ironhide said as he dematerialised the holomap and turned to Bumblebee. "I wish you the best of luck." He took out his hand in order to shake Bumblebee's. "Remember, we cannot set off the device until you have checked out the brig and have left the ship."

Bumblebee took Ironhide's hand and shook it gravely. "I understand, Ironhide. Good luck."

The old mech watched as Bumblebee led his group in the opposite direction until they disappeared around the corner. He vented deeply and then turned to his group. "Team Alpha, let's move out."

"Roger that, Ironhide," all three mechs replied and they followed after the limping black mech.


"Springer, do you read me?" Skyfire demanded through the com-link to the young warrior as he flew over the battlefield in his B1-Lancer form. He was observing for anyone he could provide cover fire for. "I need an update on your current status. What the frag is going?"

For a moment, there was no answer as Skyfire flew in between Windrazor and Silverbolt. The large Autobot had been currently flying with them while ordering his flying Autobot troops to do whatever was necessary to defend their comrades against the Decepticons. Now as the battlefield began to linger with bodies and their energon began to stain the snow a bright blue colour

"Um, sorry about that, commander, I... was... providing cover fire for the squad you assigned me to protect. That's all, Sir," came Springer's response.

The silvery gray Autobot mentally rolled his optics in annoyance. There were times when Springer was a complicated character. Now he was showing his true colours by wandering off from his designated squad (from what Silverbolt had described to him after returning to his side) and going around on a killing spree. Skyfire began to wonder why Springer was in such a foul mood, but he knew that those answers could wait when the young mech was ready to talk in his own time.

"Don't go making up stories, Springer," the silver mech growled. "I need you to get back to your squad before you get yourself or any of them killed. Do I make myself clear?"

There was no response from Springer for at least several seconds before he replied with an affirmative and Skyfire spotted the lime green mech returning to where he was supposed to be. At least that problem was out of the way for now. Skyfire returned to his robot mode and hovered briefly in midair as he ordered Windrazor and Silverbolt to go and do what they did best. They complied immediately and left his side, while he watched the explosive battle continue.

It was time that he did what he should've done a long time ago.

Powering up his thrusters, he soon began to freefall at an alarming speed as he headed towards a pair of Decepticons that happened to be pinning down a young femme that he recognised as Tomahawk. The Decepticons were leaning over the femme while drooling and marvelling at her beautiful frame. Skyfire would not tolerate anyone harming a femme, even if that included one who was attempting to harm her both physically and mentally.

He dropped down upon the two Decepticons and grabbed the black and silver one by the head, pulling him away from Tomahawk and releasing his hold on her. "Go!" Skyfire ordered abruptly. Tomahawk didn't need to be told twice as she immediately left and went on to attack another Decepticon that was tearing apart a young Autobot with his claws. As soon as she was a safe distance away, Skyfire tightened his grip on the mech and tossed him aside like a ragdoll and he collided head first into his blue and black brother.

With bristling proud armour, Skyfire marched up to them with furious, glowing cyan optics. "No one does that to a femme and gets away with it!" he spat coldly. "You don't deserve to even be called a Cybertronian!"

The two brothers stood up and glared at Skyfire in annoyance. "Well, if it isn't Skyfire, the so-called descendant of Seekers," the black and silver mech hissed. "Why don't you just piss off and go bother someone else for a change?"

Skyfire smirked. "I would love to, but seeing you harming a femme like that is enough to send anyone into a protective frenzy." He frowned when he looked at the mechs more closely. "You two are the brothers known as Blue Bacchus and Black Shadow. Am I right?"

"Pft, you got that right, flyboy," Blue Bacchus replied with a dark chuckle. "Now leave before we deal some serious damage to you just like we tried to do to that pretty femme you just so happened to take away from us."

"Two against one isn't usually fair," Skyfire shot back. "Face someone who can seriously kick your aft back to Cybertron and beyond."

"Like you for a change?" Black Shadow asked. "Please, don't make us laugh. You couldn't even hit us, even if you could."

Somehow, Skyfire knew that he was wrong. They didn't even know what they were up against. Amusement flickered through his processor as he said nothing in response. He picked up a piece of armour that must've gotten lose from one of the twin mechs. He tossed it one hand before he threw it in Black Shadow's face, cutting into his left optic.

"Ugh, you bastard!" Black Shadow spat as he clutched at his damaged optic that was bleeding a trail of energon. "I ought to kill you for doing that to my optic! Mark my words, Skyfire; you will pay for doing that to me!"

"That goes double for me, brother!" Blue Bacchus replied angrily.

"That is if you can catch me, slag-eaters," Skyfire mocked.

"Why you!" the twin mechs growled and they charged towards Skyfire with fury in their optics. Skyfire gave a bored look and he lifted up into the air, avoiding their angry charge. He shook his head when they ended up colliding into a random Decepticon, who snapped at them and kicked at their afts for interfering with his fight against an Autobot. The twin mechs apologised and flew up into the sky after the silvery gray Autobot.

"That's right, boys," Skyfire chuckled. "Come and get good old Skyfire."

As they closed in on their opponent, Skyfire continued to hover there a few more seconds until he pushed his arms out in front of him and the armour on his wrists made a clicking noise. Two pairs of wrist-mounted machine guns appeared from beneath the exterior of his armour, and a grin formed on his lips and the twin Decepticons realised too late what they were in for.

"Sorry, you two," Skyfire sighed with mock disappointment, "but bad guys always finish last."

Before the twin mechs could register anything, Skyfire released several rounds of bullets that pierced through their armour. Their cries of agony pierced through the ongoing explosions, getting some attention from those down below on the ground. Some of the bullets barely did any damage while the rest punctured through the softer spots, even their protective chest cavity and into their spark chamber. Energon splattered from the holes in their armour as Skyfire finished his assault and returned the guns back into his armour. He watched as the twin mechs hovered for a few more seconds longer until they plummeted to the ground and landed with a loud crash on top of each other, their lives ending right before their optics as they vented their last vent.

Skyfire looked stoically down at the dead bodies. He found no satisfaction in killing his enemies, but he knew it was the right thing to do if the Autobots were to preserve freedom for everybody. Sighing, he headed in a random direction in order to see if there was anyone else who needed his help, leaving the offline bodies of the twin mechs – Blue Bacchus and Black Shadow. Now that they were dead, there was less Decepticons to worry about that would dare to assault a femme like that. As long as Skyfire still vented, and as long as energon still flowed through his veins, no one would dare to harm someone like that again.


The hefty corridors all looked exactly the same. There was no way in hell Bumblebee was able to tell if he was going the right way or not. But thanks to Prowl's holomap, it made things a little easier. He and his group hadn't run into any trouble in regards to their journey to the brig to check for any prisoners. The further the group went, the harder it became for Bumblebee to compensate with the fact he was leading a team of his own through the unknown. However, with Sideswipe's gentle encouragement and Mirage's calm personality, it soon became easier and he began to calm down.

The group had arrived at a sector known as Sector 2.35. From the looks of Prowl's holomap, they were only at least another sector below from the brig. They just had to find the right elevator that would take them down to their destination without running into any problems.

"Are you sure this is the right way, Bumblebee?" Arcee asked from behind the yellow mech as they stopped at a corner.

"According to Prowl's holomap," Bumblebee replied casually, "we're going the right way."

"Are you even reading that thing correctly, Bee?" Sideswipe teased, much to the younger mech's chagrin.

Bumblebee wasn't exactly in the right mood for joking around, but he couldn't help but let a small smile tickle at his mouth. He had to admit it, the stoic Sideswipe rarely told a joke unless it was for a good reason. Maybe it was because he was nervous that Sideswipe was attempting to make him feel better about being in charge of a special team.

"Leave Bumblebee alone, Sides," Arcee chided in annoyance. "He needs to concentrate if we are to make it to the brig and out again in time to help out the others."

Sideswipe made an apology, but his smirk never left his mouth as he observed Bumblebee. A sudden question seemed to plague their processors and Bumblebee knew exactly what they were going to ask. "We're stopping because I'm worried that someone is around the corner," he told them and he turned to Mirage. "Mirage, please cloak and scout ahead. Report back if you there isn't anything that will slow us down. If not, come straight back here. I have a feeling that the elevator that we're seeking is right around this corner."

Mirage nodded. "Of course," he said and he cloaked, disappearing out of sight and headed around the corner according to Bumblebee's orders.

While they waited for Mirage's report, Arcee looked at her two companions with concern. "You think he'll find anything?" she asked.

"I'm not sure," Bumblebee answered honestly. "My sensors aren't picking up anything. But a Decepticon may possess a damping field that will prevent us from detecting him or her if they are on to us. Who knows? But until Mirage reports back, we're staying right here."

Arcee nodded and Sideswipe leaned against the wall with his arms folded across his chest and closed his optics. From what Bumblebee could tell, he was in a thinking mood. To reassure himself, the yellow mech kept his doorwings pressed against the wall. He sometimes wished he could meld into it and disappear without a trace. He was tired of all this sneaking around through the warship and having to keep on checking for any possible enemies that might have stayed behind to guard whatever that was important.

It wasn't until Bumblebee detected a presence nearby that Mirage reappeared before him and the others, surprising him completely. He was about to ask the ruby mech to report, but Mirage shook his head. "Nothing, amico," he said stoically. "There wasn't a single enemy I could detect. However, I was able to find the elevator that will take us down the next level."

"Thanks, Mirage," Bumblebee nodded and he motioned to the others to follow him. Once they arrived at the elevator, Bumblebee ordered the group inside first before he checked to make sure that the cost was clear and then he too headed inside. He pressed a button and the doors closed automatically. It was going to be a long wait.


Ironhide and his group hadn't been as lucky as Bumblebee's team. Several times they had almost run into trouble with wandering Decepticons, and twice they had to take two of them down silently without drawing any attention to themselves. Those two dead bodies were discarded by putting them in a storage closet and locked up with a security key code that only the best hackers were able to figure out thanks to Hound's remarkable hacking skills.

Other than that, no other problems arrived as they continued onwards to their destination. Each step Ironhide took became as painful as the last. It wasn't because his rusted joints were acting up again, but rather it was the fact that he felt like he was abandoning his beloved Prime.

He loved Optimus like as if he was like a son to him. In the past, Sentinel Prime had found Optimus being clutched tightly by a youngling Megatron. They were hidden and all alone with no one to care for them. As though he sensed something about the sparkling, Sentinel had placed Optimus under the care of both Ironhide and Ratchet, asking them to look after him and protect him like a father would for his own sparklings. Megatron went on to become a fighter under Sentinel Prime's orders, and the youngling hardly saw his little brother much.

But, together, Ironhide and Ratchet raised Optimus to be the mech he was today until he was old enough to join the Science Division after he had developed an interest in the history of Cybertron. It was when they uncovered an ancient relic that corrupted Megatron, and the discovery of the Allspark cube that the Autobots were able to discover the truth in regards to Optimus' heritage: he was a member of the Dynasty of the Primes.

In an act of jealousy, the corrupted Megatron turned Sentinel Prime over because he knew that Cybertron was in fact dying no thanks to the depleting energy. Thus Sentinel was corrupted into thinking that the war was never going to end unless a deal had to be made with Megatron. When it was believed that Sentinel had perished at the hands of Starscream, Optimus was forced to embrace his destiny as the so-called Last of the Primes and lead his Autobots against the rebelling Decepticons.

Ironhide had watched sadly as Optimus grew distant, depressed and sullen as the orns went by. Eventually, the war had become so severe that it drove Optimus to the point on wanting to give up. But when Hot Rod came into the picture, Optimus had never looked so happy in his entire life, thus forcing him to keep on going in life.

Hot Rod was the reason why Optimus was still fighting today. But with the youngling gone... Optimus was losing strength in the fact that his reason for fighting will soon come to an end. Was Hot Rod really the reason why Optimus was still fighting? Had Optimus really foreseen a great future ahead of the Autobot race?

All those questions plagued Ironhide terribly, but he knew that Optimus will eventually fall and pass on his Prime knowledge and the Matrix to his next successor... who wasn't even here anymore. How could Hot Rod just leave them at a time like this? It angered the old mech that the youngling chose to abandon his destiny... to their fate. Without the youngling in the time of need, they were nothing.

"Ironhide, we have to keep on going," Hound said, once again snapping the old mech from out of his trip down memory lane.

Ironhide nodded and together, the group pushed onward. They turned down several corridors and Ironhide realised there was a lot more Decepticons prowling around the ship than he thought. It took him a couple more seconds to realise that they were nearing the power core chamber of the warship. Why didn't he see it sooner? He mentally slapped himself for being such a dumb aft, but there was no time for thinking if he hadn't thought of it quick enough.

He motioned to Hound and the others to fall along behind him as they neared the large door that kept the power core hidden from view. Much to Ironhide's annoyance, Ironhide spotted two mechs standing guard at the doorway.

"Frag," he growled.

"What is it?" Jolt asked with worry. "You look like you've seen a spark come from out of the Well of All Sparks."

Ironhide glanced over his shoulder, a frown on his facial features that told the young blue mech everything. "There are two guards standing on either side of the doorway," he answered. "Damn it, if we had Mirage, he could take them both out from behind without being detected."

Hound looked thoughtful for a moment, his right hand holding his chin as he glanced at a small opening beside them on their right. "I think I've got an idea," he told them. "The problem is... only a small mech with a damping field can get in behind them without being detected."

They thought for a moment, trying to decide what to do. None of them had a damping field, but only Jolt was small enough to fit through the hole. They would have to risk it if they were to get to the power core in time. And from Bumblebee's last report, they were just entering the brig and checking out each cell one by one.

Jolt just nodded when he noticed how worried his group was getting. "I'll go," he said, surprising them completely. "We need to get into that chamber as quickly as possible if we are to give our Autobots a fighting chance against the enemy. Besides, I'm the only one who can knock them out cold without them making a noise."

"Alright, Jolt," Ironhide sighed. "But if anything happens, get out of there as soon as possible. I will not risk the lives of my group."

The blue mech chuckled and waved a dismissive hand at the old mech. He bent down beside the covering and pulled it off without making a noise. With a wink, he then began to crawl through the tiny passageway that led straight to the where he intended to go. Ironhide chewed his bottom lip worriedly, but he said nothing as they waited for Jolt to get into position.

No doubt that it would be tough, but Ironhide knew that patience was the key to everything if they were going to make it through this alive.


Bumblebee mentally sighed with relief when he checked to make sure that the Decepticon guard he had taken down was still alive. He was. The young mech, with the assistance of Arcee, dragged the unconscious mech over to a cell and locked him inside it. Satisfied, Bumblebee and the others began their search through the long line of cell blocks that may or may not hold any mechs or femmes as prisoners. Some of them were Decepticons that had been sent to the brig for bad behaviour. There didn't seem to be any Autobot that was likely to be a prisoner of war.

The yellow mech was about to give up and order his group back to him when Arcee called his name, stopping him dead in his tracks. He rushed over in her direction only to find her standing in front of a cell that contained a mech that was strapped down to his berth from his wrists to his ankles. He was a pretty big fellow with most of his mass being in his upper torso and his legs. He even had the jagged armour of a Cybertronian without an earthen vehicle mode. However, he bore the Autobot symbol on his left shoulder proudly, and he didn't seem to have the slightest sign that he had been tortured by the Decepticons.

The mech looked up from his position and frowned suspiciously at the newcomers. "Who are you?" he asked. "You don't look like anyone I've seen before. I might be strapped down, but that doesn't mean I can put up a fight."

Bumblebee took a deep breath as he drew closer to the force field. "My name is Bumblebee," he told the mech. "We are Autobots here to rescue any Autobots who may be prisoners of the Decepticons. You are the first one we've come across that is one. Are you alright?"

"You're Autobots?" the mech asked, tears falling from his optics when he realised who they were. "By Primus, this has got to be a miracle that I'm being rescued after rotting in this Pit hole for so long. As for me being alright, I'm perfectly fine. I was only exposed to Soundwave's torture only once. They didn't break me, for I am still going strong, as you can plainly see."

"What is your name?" Sideswipe asked.

"My name?" the mech questioned, tilting his head to one side as he struggled to get a better view of Sideswipe. "Oh, my name is Pharma. It's been so long since I've even told someone my name. The Decepticons captured me a while ago. I don't remember when or how, but it's been far too long. I've lost count of how many days I've been here. However, they subjected me to drugs that make me forget or even make me speak of things that should be kept a secret. Like I said before, they used Soundwave's torturing method on me only once, but I've remained forever strong thanks to my belief that someone would come for me. Ah, to see an Autobot again certainly brings much joy to my spark."

"It's good to know at least you didn't become a victim of war, Pharma," Arcee smiled.

"Yes," Pharma agreed. "Now, could you please get me out of here? I've had enough of this place to last a thousand life times."

Bumblebee didn't need to be told twice. Using the security key card he had taken from the unconscious guard, he swiped it like humans swipe a bank card, and then typed in the commands to release the force field. As soon as it was down, Arcee and Sideswipe raced over to Pharma's side and unbound him from the straps. Pharma sat up and rubbed his wrists to get the energon flowing through them again. Once he was done, Sideswipe helped him back onto his pedes and they took him out of the cell.

"Arcee, Mirage," Bumblebee ordered, "go and check the remaining cells for anymore prisoners. If they have any, use this key card to get them out. I'll contact Ironhide and let him know that we're almost done. Sideswipe, take Pharma to the brig's exit and wait for us there. Move out!"

Following Bumblebee's orders, Sideswipe headed for the brig's main door and waited with Pharma, who was finally able to restabilise himself to the point where he could walk on his own and fight without any problems. Arcee and Mirage headed in different directions to find other prisoners; much to their surprise, they found three others. Two mechs named Ambulon and Surge, and a femme named Moonracer. How they got here and why they were held prisoners escaped Bumblebee completely. He would find out the story soon enough once they got them out of here.

Shaking his head, he contacted Ironhide through a private channel. "Ironhide, this is Bumblebee. We've completed our objective and we've found four prisoners. We're heading back to the exit even as we speak."

"Good work, Bumblebee," Ironhide replied. "We're just attaching the last anchor to the device and we'll be heading out shortly. See you on the surface. Ironhide out."

Once the group was gathered at the brig's exit, Bumblebee clapped his hands quickly. "We have to move, Autobots," he told them urgently. "Ironhide is setting up the device that will blow this joint sky high. We don't have time to dawdle. Let's move it quickly!"

They didn't need to be told twice as they headed for the elevator as quickly as possible. Stealth was no longer an option as Bumblebee and his team blasted any Decepticon that got in their way, providing cover for the four Autobots that they were escorting. They didn't have any weapons, and the best option was to protect them while running and shooting at the exact same time.

They had just about reached the elevator – their only ticket off the Nemesis – when Mirage suddenly let off a cry of agony. Bumblebee stopped and turned to see Mirage fall after being shot in the leg by an incoming Decepticon. He ordered the group to head to the elevator while he headed back for Mirage.

He reached the ruby Autobot and he noticed how severely damaged his leg was. Energon was beginning to stain the floor, and Bumblebee knew there was barely any time to seal backup. He carefully picked Mirage up with him leaning most of his weight on him. He turned to look at the mech and said, "Give me some cover, Mirage," he ordered him. "I can't shoot from behind our backs while I carry you back to the elevator."

Mirage didn't need to be told twice as he transformed his arm into a sniper rifle and began firing behind them at any Decepticon that didn't escape his acute vision. The process was slow and difficult, but they finally reached the elevator as Sideswipe and Arcee provided cover fire for them too. Bumblebee settled Mirage onto the floor while Ambulon checked his wound over for any permanent damage. The yellow mech then immediately slapped a fist over a button on the control panel of the lift and it closed, sealing off the Decepticons and preventing them from coming after the tired Autobots.

"Wow, Bumblebee," said Moonracer. "I never knew you'd make a fine battle commander."

"Yeah, thanks, Moonracer," Bumblebee sighed as he slumped onto the ground. He was tired and exhausted from the fight and he wished they could get to the surface as soon as possible.


"Charge is all set, Ironhide," Jolt announced as he finished attaching the bomb to the power core. "Let's start the countdown while we still can."

Ironhide didn't need to be told twice as he typed in the commands of the bomb that was needed to set it up for its big finale. "Let's hope Wheeljack's device actually works," he muttered to himself, hoping that his team hadn't heard what he said. He placed in the final command before the bomb began to tick away. "Alright, let's move, Autobots!"

"Don't have to tell me twice," Trailbreaker smirked as they all headed for the exit of the Nemesis as fast as they could.

Just like Bumblebee's group, they were forced to no longer use stealth and quietness. They ran and shot, attempting to avoid getting hit by the enemy. Ironhide got hit twice, but his powerful armour forced him to endure it. He could feel energon dripping from the hole in his shoulder, but his loud roar was enough to send most of the Decepticons running, for they know that when he gets angry he was a force to not be reckoned with. He was a powerful, mech wrecking war machine, and he knew that.

"Bumblebee, where are you?" Ironhide demanded. "We're almost at the exit."

"We're almost there, Ironhide. We're just taking the last elevator that will take us to ground level," came Bumblebee's response.

"Hurry Bumblebee, the bomb is going to off any second now!"

"We're trying to get this elevator to move faster, but it's a heap of junk!" Bumblebee spat. "Oh, never mind, we're out! See you in a bit!"

It took longer than Ironhide thought, but they eventually met up with Bumblebee and his small group of Autobots. The black mech instantly recognised Pharma amongst the group, and he had to remind himself to have a drink of high grade with him the moment this battle was over. He gave Bumblebee a quick slap on the back as a job well done and they quickly departed the warship. It was only a matter of seconds before the bomb will go off.

"Prowl, we've done what we've set to do! The bomb is due to go off!" Ironhide called.

No response.

"Prowl, do you read me? Our objectives are complete. I repeat, our objectives are complete."

When he still got no response, Ironhide immediately sensed that something was terribly wrong.

As they retreated to a safe distance, Ironhide saw why Prowl hadn't been responding to his call. Prowl was lying on the ground in a near unconscious state and a pair of Decepticons was tearing off his armour with their sharp claws. Roaring, Ironhide and the group charged into battle and immediately began to tear at the Decepticons to pieces. If they messed with an Autobot and were reducing him or her to pieces, it only made the Autobots fight harder.

Using his strength, Ironhide tossed a Decepticon that had been attacking Prowl and blasted him with one his cannons, thus reducing him to nothing but dust. He watched in satisfaction as Sideswipe sliced up the other Decepticon into tiny pieces and chopped off his head, leaving nothing but a twitching body and a bloody mess.

Ironhide then approached Prowl's side and he growled in disgust when he saw some of the vice commander's armour had been torn off along with his left doorwing. Carefully, he sat Prowl upright and gently shook him awake.

"Come on, Prowl, don't go into automatic recharge, we still need you!"

When Prowl didn't respond to Ironhide's attempt to wake him up, Ironhide feared the worst and turned on his com-link to the only one who could help. "Ironhide to Ratchet, do you copy?" he called.

"Loud and clear, Ironhide," Ratchet replied. "Good to see that you're back and out of the lion's den."

"You too, Ratchet. Listen, I'm not sure if I've got much time, but Prowl's unconscious after a pair of no good Decepticons tore him up, they even ripped off his one of his doorwings."

"Those disgusting Decepticons!" Ratchet spat angrily. "Alright, he's probably unconscious after suffering an extreme amount of pain the Decepticons did to him. He'll come out of it soon, but he won't able to unless you help him. There's a small button in between hid doorwings. Press it; it will automatically switch off all sensitivity to his doorwings. Got me?"

"Got it," Ironhide replied and he did exactly as Ratchet ordered him to by searching for the button on Prowl's back. Once he found it, he pressed and Prowl let off a sigh of relief as he came out of his unconscious state.

Ironhide looked worriedly at Prowl as he helped him back onto his pedes. "Prowl, are you alright?" he asked him.

The black and white mech nodded through gritting dental plates. "I'll be fine, Ironhide," he answered quietly once he regained his composure.

"What happened, Prowl?" Ironhide asked. "We got out of the warship and realised you weren't responding to our calls."

"Let's just say a bunch of Decepticons got the jump on me and started beating me into slag," Prowl replied, shaking off Ironhide's concern. "They took advantage of my distraction and dragged me all the way out here. I'm fine now, thanks to you and the others."

"Still no word from Optimus?" Ironhide asked his old friend.

Prowl shook his head solemnly. "Nothing..." he whispered.

"You don't think he's...?" Ironhide tried to say, but his vocal processor locked up automatically, as though it didn't want to say the word that he feared most.

The black and white mech said nothing in response to Ironhide's question, as though he too feared the worst for their Prime. He looked at Ironhide with optics that told him his worry. They both knew of what Optimus had told them. He had foreseen something in the future, and something was going to happen that involved the possibility that told them everything.

"I really don't know, Ironhide," he answered honestly. "We just have to keep on going until we know for certain."

Ironhide nodded and he and Prowl resumed the fight. The only sign of hope of their leader being alive was beginning to slip from their grasp. They hadn't seen Optimus since he had started taking on Megatron. No doubt they had moved away to avoid interference from both sides during their personal fight. Wherever they were, Ironhide prayed that Primus would watch over Optimus and see to it that he makes it out alive.

Then, there was a loud explosion and a heat sprayed everywhere as a mushroom cloud lit up the sky, followed by an enormous shockwave that knocked the Autobots and Decepticons off their pedes. The Nemesis had been completely reduced to nothing but a pile of ashes and debris.

"Primus," Hound groaned as he picked himself up off the ground. "When Wheeljack said it was deadly, it was... deadly."