Chroma is usually one grumpy set of armor if you haven't noticed and let's be honest, it has every right to be. Being put into hibernation against it's will, waking up in a frozen wasteland on an unknown planet, surrounded by enemies and being attacked by a hunter. To top it off, now it was about to go to the place that caused Beat to endure such pain and sadness.

Irritating was the kindest way to describe it.

Sighing at the annoying gusts of cold that hit the armor, Chroma raised it's wrist and began to speak into it.

"NightShade to Soundwave. I'm ready to head back."

The sound of the Cyber Ninja Flunkie made Chroma shiver with distaste. Did she really sound so weak and frail? What was that AI thinking creating a personality like that? Even that musical planet the femme was raised on couldn't have caused her to be so dainty.

The sound of a ground bridge appearing cut off the Teno's harsh judgments. That bridge most likely led straight to the command center. That meant the top leaders were probably there expecting their little slave to show up with a full report. Soundwave, Arachnid, Knockout and of course that disgusting fool Megatron.

As much as a fight would have been preferred, now was not the time for selfish joy. Chroma would have to be fast in order to get past them and locate the disposable soldier.

Chroma huffed as ebony shaded tonfa blades appeared from it's wrists. Signature weapon that Theta allowed Beat to discover first. The replacement personality had no clue how to wield such weapons properly. Time to give these blades the adventure they deserve.

Lunging into the ground bridge, Chroma was not surprised as it appeared in the command center. Just as predicted, Megatron was standing at his usual spot with his back turned. Soundwave was typing at the console, not giving a look in the Teno's direction. Knockout and Arachnid were not present. Probably attending to more important matters.

However the small force standing there was a nuisance Chroma had hoped would not be here.

There were about a dozen drones standing in front of the Teno with weapons drawn. Chroma was no fool, it knew that this was likely to happen. If Beat's memories were anything to go by, he promised to destroy her if she failed to report in. It's been quite a few days since that threat, the fool must have assumed she was lost. That didn't explain why there were weapons drawn or why they just allowed the Teno in with zero questions.

"How the pet has evolved."

Chroma turned to look at Megatron who was now staring the Teno down with amused optics. This fool knew of the transformation? He was not at the battle.

"When my spies reported in, I had a difficult time believing it."

So that was it. He was not physically present but that fool had optics and audio receptors there the whole time. Neither Theta or the Teno itself would have detected the spies with the chaos that was happening. The element of surprise was no longer in Chroma's favor.

"Strange that you appear more as a mech than a femme. The ability to fluctuate between genders, interesting."

When would creatures realize that not everything that walked had to have a gender? Ignorant idiots. Chroma did not move a single inch as it half drowned out it's current surroundings to dwell into the memories of Beat.

Firstly, this ship was massive. So many rooms, corridors, and facilities made up the interior. This made things extremely complicated as Beat did not explore all of them. The fool! What idiot would not take the time to observe all aspects of their situation?! Chroma wanted to smack the femme.

Finding this Dave could prove massively difficult with the constraint on time. Ignoring the urge to choke the femme to death, Chroma continued to look at the areas where Beat was usually located.

"Soundwave and Knockout will handle the experiments that are to be performed on you. I hear you are good with pain so you should survive for the most part."

It would seem that Beat was commonly in the training room, good. She knew that training would enhance her abilities greatly. However, not many memories of meeting Dave there appeared so Chroma doubted that he would be in there. Then again, wouldn't hurt to check it out.

"I thought I would have use for you until your disappearance with the Autobots. You could easily be a traitor and thus your new purpose will no longer involve the outside world."

Another place Dave was usually found were the drone barracks, located two floors below the command center. He could easily have been there but there was also Beat's personal quarters where Dave was found nearly every day. Strange.

"Instead I will have use for you as our lab experiment. Find out how your creators made you."

Beat's quarters seemed the likely location.

"Nothing to say? Has your voice been taken pet?"

Has this fool been speaking this whole time? He sure loved to hear his own voice. How irritating, almost like Barachiel. That armor and it's AI had no humility.

Was there time to rain havoc? No. Theta was expecting both of them soon. Chroma said nothing as it quickly fired a shot at Soundwave who easily dodged it with little effort.

Breakdown managed to let out a laugh at the pathetic assassination attempt. "Soundwave is too quick for your petty attacks."

"He was not my target."

The silent mech turned to the console to see the blast had damaged it but nothing he could not repair. Soundwave turned to face Chroma and guarantee if he had a faceplate, it would be smirking like a smug pug.

"Look again."

To the surprise of everyone, the console instantly began to release several sparks. Soundwave tested remote activation controls as a warning was issued but all he could hear was static. This was bad, that meant remote ground bridge would be down until repairs could be done. Another shot into the console and the lights began to flicker a few times as the sparks began to spread in to the wall. This gave Chroma enough time to run around the drones who instantly began to fire shots.

"Seize that armor at once!"

Dodging incoming fire the armor made it's way to the exit, where Breakdown stood prepared with his trusty hammer at the ready. What was he going to do with that? All bulk and no speed. Mass meant nothing if you can not hit your target.

Did Beat ever like this one? If she didn't then Chroma would kill him. Killing was not top priority but if a fool were to get in the way then their demise would come. Going through her memories, the femme never really felt negativity towards him, he never physically or emotionally harmed her. He was by no means perfect but the mech seemed to respect her as much as a fool could.

Chroma would not kill him, shame. So instead the armor casually slid on the ground and past his legs before exiting the command center.

Silence fell in the command center as all looked at their Lord with uncertainty. He held a glaring expression that screamed death. Yikes he was definitely seething with anger.

"Soundwave get an image!"

The silent mech approached his angry leader and an image of the assailant appeared on his screen. The image soon turned into a video of something tall and dark rapidly running through the halls of the Nemesis, looking around as if searching for something.

Megatron glared as he saw the intruder grab onto a drone. It spun him around before harshly slamming him into the wall. "Audio Soundwave!"

"N-No I'm not him! I swear!"

"I believe you. Surely Dave is not as cowardly as you."

"Wait you talking about Dave? Survivalist Dave?"

At this point the Decepticon warlord raised an optic ridge at the designation. Dave? Who was this Dave? None in his inner circle had such an awful title.

"Where is he located?"

"NightShade's quarters! That's where I last saw him."

Chroma nodded it's head before releasing the mech. The Teno turned to continue but hearing a blaster powering up, it quickly unleashed a tonfa blade and cut off his arm. It watched as the mech screeched in pain before falling to the ground.

He wasn't offline, good. Just in intense pain.

"Dave will not be harmed. As much as I would like to kill you, I won't. You've earned Beat's mercy thus earning mine."

Chroma's hand itched to finish the Cybertronian but it knew better. Shaking the urges away, the Teno sped down the corridors to the barracks.

In the command center, Megatron was silently fuming. This was the last time he made a deal with a fragging hunter.

"I want that armor captured!"

It took some time running and evading drones to correctly follow the memories of Beat but it had finally reached the correct corridor and was currently standing in front of her door. Placing a hand on the panel, a red light flashed indicating access was denied.

Growling, the Teno simply took out a small blade and jabbed it into the console. A few sparks flew but the door opened. Stepping inside, Chroma mentally grinned.

Just as the coward of a soldier said, Dave was currently in Beat's (or NightShade at the time) quarters. Sitting on her berth with a hunched back and dimmed visor. He was clearly showing signs of sadness and Chroma knew it was about the replacement.

"Dave."

The mech instantly shot off the berth and took an alert stance. It wasn't until he focused on Chroma that he slowly moved his arm upward.

So there were many routes to take here. Chroma could easily detain him and drag his pathetic frame to the exit. Knocking him into stasis was another option and so was tearing his limbs off so he wouldn't be able to access his weapon.

Shockingly, Chroma did none of those options. The Teno placed it's arms up and didn't dare take a step forward.

"Who the heck are you?"

"I am Chroma Dave, I mean no harm."

"Never seen you around here before. Did Megatron hire you too?"

Chroma grunted, "No. I have come on the behalf of Beat. You are to come with me."

"Beat? I don't know a Beat! I will sound the alarm!"

If only Theta didn't want this mech in proper condition. That AI was such a pest at times.

"She was Beat before becoming NightShade."

"Shade?! Last I heard she was missing and probably offline! Is she on the Nemesis?"

"Not currently, she is with the Autobots."

"They kidnapped her?! Oh scrap...Are they trying to get her back?"

Was he serious? Chroma couldn't believe that weakling of a femme had managed to gain such a loyal following. This Dave clearly felt a strong connection for her if he was grieving her absence in her private quarters.

"They have tried but have been unsuccessful in locating their base."

"Oh they are never gonna find their base. We've been trying to do that for a while."

And he goes the ruse, "I know their location."

Dave instantly walked up to the death armor and looked up. Chroma was slightly taller than him but still shorter then Breakdown or Soundwave. He gave a slight shiver at the darkness under that hood, like never ending night.

Ignoring the uncomfortable gaze Chroma held he spoke, "We need to get her back. We should inform Lord Megatron."

"That would be a terrible decision. Megatron plans to destroy her."

"What why? She's done so much to contribute."

"He believes she may have been corrupted by the Autobots. This is why I have not told him of her location."

"She's a firm believer in our cause! No way the autoscum would ever turn her!"

Chroma couldn't believe how easily he was eating this up. Did he seriously believe Beat was a loyal Decepticon? Either he was very stupid or she was a wonderful actress. Chroma was actually genuinely curious as to why he would assume such.

"He does not care. She is corrupted in his processor and must be dealt with."

"I can't just let him kill her!"

"Why not Dave? What does that femme mean to you?"

"I mean...Well…Look, she just means a lot to me."

Chroma knew. The armor was never allowed to feel love but that didn't mean it couldn't tell when some fool was feeling the disgusting emotion. So Beat managed to have some idiots fall for her? How amusing. Guess they were not aware Beat could not feel the same way about them, Theta made sure of that.

"You are in love with her."

"I-NO! She's just a really good friend, sheesh."

Dave crossed his arms over his toned chest as he glanced over to a staring Chroma. Even he wasn't fooling himself. "Just don't tell her anything."

"Of course. Now Dave, will you come with me?"

"Yeah! And once we get there we can rescue her and explain to Lord Megatron that she's still on our side."

"…Very well. Now we must move and not let anyone see us."

"Why? Aren't you a hired gun?"

"Yes but if Megatron finds out about our mission we will both be in danger."

Chroma was beginning to grow impatient, it wouldn't be long now before they were discovered here. They needed to move now! If he did not agree then the Teno would have to take him by force.

"You're right."

"Stay close by me and speak to no one."

"Right."

That was easy enough. Nodding, Chroma opened the door and looked around before stepping out and motioning Dave to follow.

Hopefully this would not turn out to be a mistake.

"Make this easier on yourself and just tell us the location of Project Teno."

"Don't insult my intelligence, we both know that once I do...you'll just kill me."

"Of course we'll kill you. Can't have you informing them of our plans."

"Then why would I help you?!"

"It would save you from the torture I have planned."

"Have you learned nothing? Torture is useless to my species."

Theta hummed a bit as is stood floating in front of the hunter's prison. "Traditional torture methods will not work but I'm not traditional."

"Do your worst pathetic rogue."

"Once I am finished, you'll beg me to deliver you to death."

Theta chuckled darkly as the hunter slammed a slimy fist into the reinforced glass. It had been annoying the creature for quite some time after the chat with Optimus. Waiting for Chroma proved dreadfully boring and the humans were off limits so that meant coming down here.

"Mark my words you pathetic excuse of Artificial Intelligence, I will escape and destroy you."

"Escape? As far as I'm concerned that word should not be in your vocabulary. There will be no escape for you. Only suffering."

"We shall see."

The sound of the brig doors opening caused Theta to turn around to see who came to ruin the fun. It expected to see Prowl or Ironhide. Finding Sunstreaker at the entrance was enough to make 1337 groan in annoyance.

"So this is what you do for fun? Mentally abuse your captives?"

"Psychological warfare is one of my greatest pastimes."

"I should have guessed."

"Did you need something Sunstreaker?"

The mech tensed up, he thought he knew what he was doing after leaving his quarters. As he drew closer his thoughts began to sway. Did he truly want to do this? He wasn't very sure. If he went along with this plan, there would be no going back.

"How are you going to beat Project Teno?"

"Yes Rogue fool. Tell us your plan of failure."

"I plan to raise an army."

"Army?"

"Yes, an army."

The hunter snorted, "You really believe a simple army can defeat all the species under Project Teno's control?"

"I do indeed. My army will be special. Why do you care Cybertronian?"

Theta gazed at the mech from behind its smoky aura with curiosity. The AI had honestly no clue what he wanted and didn't have much mind to care. He was probably sent here to gain more information but even so, what would that do for the Autobots? Once Chroma returns their part in this journey is over. A new saga will begin.

"You need warriors."

"Your point?"

"I want to join you."

Both the hunter and Theta stood deadly silent until both started to chuckle. What were those fools laughing at? They weren't even good associates and here they were giggling like Magnolia when he would throw some game her way.

"Forgive me Sunstreaker but you must be joking."

"I'm not joking."

"You know not what you ask."

"I think I do."

"No, you do not. Sunstreaker, this is not some game. I am sure you have your reasons for wanting to aid us but giving yourself to the cause is serious."

"I know that. I'm prepared to make the sacrifice."

Theta was taken aback, Beat's former bully and eventual romantic pursuer wanted to give himself like this? Now the AI was generally curious about his reasoning.

"Are you? Assuming I will take you on your offer, what are you wanting in return?"

"Knowledge, adventure and chance to help since this Project Teno seems to be the cancer of the universe.

"Is that all?"

"Yeah."

"Doubtful. No need to lie Cybertronian."

"Don't make me say it."

Theta smirked, it was only teasing him. It was fully aware of his affection for Beat but never chose to address it. "There is a chance Beat will never return."

Sunstreaker's optics widened, not returning?

"Once a life has ended, I tend to store the personality away and do not unlock them for any reason."

Sunstreaker sighed, "So I will never see her again."

"I never said that. I said there is a chance Beat will never return. Do you recall me saying Beat needs a protoform in order to be physically present?"

"Yeah?"

Theta stayed silent as it began to dawn on the assassin twin. Was Theta suggesting that they would go in search of a protoform for Beat's personality?!

"How about this, if you are certain about coming and if you survive this journey of ours-"

"You'll search for a protoform."

"Precisely."

"I'm in."

"And what of your twin?"

Oh that was right. Curses! Cybertronian siblings all share a bond that links their life signatures together. For example, a femme creator can feel if their child is hurt or has contracted a virus. For twins it is very much different. Twins are technically one whole being split in two thus their bond is stronger. Not only can they sense each others pain and health status but they also hear thoughts. Unless a twin closes their side of the bond, all their inner thoughts can be heard by the other (no such thing as privacy, sheesh).

If a twin were to venture far away from the other for too long, their bond could strain causing both to experience severe depression. Normally Sunstreaker kept his side closed but it wouldn't be a 24/7 thing. He didn't know what would happen if he left, their bond could shatter. The golden mech may have been annoyed by his brother but he deeply cared for him.

"Frag...I can't leave my brother."

"Unfortunate I suppose the deal is off."

"No it isn't!"

All turned around as Sideswipe came waltzing in with a cube of energon in servo. Passing the monster's cell he stuck up the middle digit and laughed as he heard a growl in return.

"Sides?"

"You thought you could just walk out on me like that? Nah bro it doesn't work like that. Theta if he goes, I go."

"Are you serious?"

"You really think I'm going to let him have Beat so easily? Nope! Babe's mine."

Sunstreaker raised an optic ridge before balling his servo in anger. Did that fool just come here to try and take Beat?

"What the frag Sideswipe-"

"I technically saw her first. She digs me plus someone's gotta be there watching your back."

The red mech looked at his brother and gave a playful wink to which Sunstreaker smiled while jokingly delivering a punch to his shoulder.

"You both understand the risks?"

"Yes."

"Very well. We will create a pact-"

Theta stopped mid-sentence as the AI felt it's own bond with it's armor attempt to reach out. Finally! Chroma is almost ready to jump!

"Theta?"

"We will create a pact afterwards. Chroma is ready to return! Come."

"Why are they shooting at us?!"

Dave ducked as he dodged a blast from one of his squad mates. He couldn't believe they were actually trying to offline him. It didn't take the soldiers long to find Chroma and himself after they left NightShade's quarters. When he tried to explain the situation they called him a traitor and opened fire. It's like they completely ignored his pleas. Why? He thought they were all brothers.

"You should not be surprised. This is the Decepticon way."

Chroma ran in front of Dave in order to clear a path for him. Soundwave had quickly honed in on the Teno's location and sent troops. It would usually have been fun slaughtering them all but with Dave to protect, it was more of an annoying babysitter job. This fool should not be shocked by the fact he was branded traitor. He was literally caught aiding Chroma and tried to defend it's actions which made matters worse.

The docking bay was not too far now. Stopping in it's tracks, Chroma waited for Dave to catch up before grabbing his wrist and dragging him into a corridor. "Ouch!"

"You are much too slow. I could carry you."

"I'm goo- OH FRAG ARACHNID!"

Chroma skid to a stop as a large web came into view. If they hadn't stopped in time, they would have most definitely been caught in that trap.

"Well look who it is. The little ugly duckling."

Coming down from a line of web, the beautiful spider femme laughed as she gracefully touched the ground. Her purple optics gleamed with delight as Dave shrunk back in fear. He knew what Arachnid was capable of and had seen her tear her enemies into pieces with little effort. Sadistic and cruel were the perfect words to describe her.

"Watching that fight between NightShade and that hideous freakshow hunter was dreadfully boring. I almost went into recharge."

Arachnid placed her talon like digits on her hips and gave a sinister chuckle. "Then you actually did something amazing. You transformed into...this."

She held out her servos to emphasize Chroma's larger form. "I like the muscular frame I'm seeing. Are you actually a mech? Yum. I see you also managed to make one of those stupid drones join you. He's worthless to me but I'll just kill him for sport. Lucky you, I'll tear you to pieces and have you stuffed to become the centerpiece of my collection."

Arachnid unleashed her deadly limbs to make herself appear more intimidating. She had been looking forward to this moment ever since that pathetic NightShade was brought on board.

Chroma looked at a trembling Dave and instantly placed an armored hand on the back of his neck. He stopped trembling as he looked at the Teno.

"Do not get too close but do not wander off. If you run, I will hunt you down and will not be as gentle with you as I have been."

The grip on his neck tightened a bit before completely disappearing. Chroma had spoke gently but the threat was loud enough to where he could only nod. The former Decpeticon opted to stay near the wall and try to hold off anyone who came down the corridor.

"No need to worry about him dear. I'll make sure to end his spark but for now, it's just you and me."

Blast, spear, stab, cut or poison her? Chroma would need range. Especially with those long limbs of hers. The spear it is.

Grabbing the weapon that ejected from it's back, Chroma extended the ebony staff. "You disgust me. Prepare to die."