Chapter 52: Surprise!

One of the worse assignments any Decepticon could receive was guarding Megatron's home. However, Breakdown would argue that the worse detail was patrolling the wall.

If a mech was a guard inside the estate, they could at least sneak away for a few mega-cycles; Pit the same could be said for guards patrolling the garden. With the wall, however, there was no way to sneak off; and if someone was caught doing so…Well, Megatron wasn't exactly known for his forgiving nature. On top of that, Breakdown didn't really see the point of any of this.

Megatron's estate was among the most well guarded buildings on Cybertron. No mech in their processor would dare attack this place.

Breakdown sighed, continuing his patrol. Either way, it wasn't his call to make. He and another mech, Drag Strip, were about to cross paths when a bright flash of light hit the mech in the head. The light proved to be an energy blast when Drag Strip fell to the ground, dead. Breakdown threw himself to the floor as the night sky was lit up by blaster fire.

"Sound the alarm!" he shouted over his com. link, arming himself before standing up to look over the edge. Battle cries filled the air and a small army charged toward the wall. "We're under attack!"

He ran toward the nearest turrnet, the other mechs able to operate the wapons doing the same, while the rest leapt off the wall to meet the enemy head on. While Breakdown mounted the turrent and activated the defenses, the doors to the wall opened, allowing Megatron's forces to pour out.

A curse fell from Breakdown's vocalizer when, before he even had a chance to shoot, fliers flew into his shot, forcing him to redirect his fire. "I stand corrected," he muttered, aiming and firing at a seeker…and missing.

XXX

While the guards were thoroughly distracted, Starscream, carrying Optimus and Sari, flew over the battlefield and toward the wall. He had just ordered his Seekers to keep attention off him, but he knew he's still have to dodge some fire. Sari, who Optimus was holding firmly but loosely enough not to harm her, looked down over the battlefield.

"I do believe we've pissed off the guards," she said jokingly.

"Don't worry," Starscream began, keeping his focus on the turrents. "There will still be plenty on the other side of the wall to keep you on your ped-tips."

Sari looked down again and shook her head. "Megatron's a very paranoid guy."

The Seeker allowed himself a private smile. "You don't know the half of it." His voice became serious as he said, "Hold on you two, thing are about to get rough."

Optimus tightened his hold around the Seeker's neck and held Sari to his chest before Starscream barrel rolled out of the way of an oncoming blast. The flyer preformed some impressive ariel maneuvers Optimus was sure left many other flyers slightly envious. Optimus had seen his mate fly enough with their sons o know he was gifted; however he couldn't help but be impressed. The fact that the Vosian was able to still maneuver so skillfully while holding him, further highlighted his talents.

Those thoughts quickly vanished however as his equalibilim chips were jarred by the constant rolls and flips. After several klicks of the dizzying maneuvers, Starscream landed on the other side of the wall. Knowing Optimus wasn't as used to the stunts as he was, Starscream held onto him for a few moments. When the world stopped spinning, Optimus looked up at his Seeker and gave a single nod, showing he was okay.

When Starscream placed him on his peds, Optimus set Sari on his shoulder, hearing her mutter, "Woah, what a head rush."

"We'll keep Megatron's goons distracted for as long as we can," Starscream stated, a determined gleam in his optics. "But you've got to hurry."

Optimus nodded in understanding and moved to go. He was stopped when Starscream's clawed servo wrapped around his wrist. He returned his gaze to the Seeker, the question clear in his optics.

"Please be careful, Optimus," Starscream stated, his voice pleading. "Come back to me safely."

Optimus gave his mate a reassuring smile and stood on his ped-tips in order to peck his lips. "I'll be fine," he whispered, kissing the Seeker one last time. "I promise."

Starscream smiled; he was still worried about everything that could happen to his mate, as Optimus could feel over their bond. However, the younger mech's words, as well as the comforting, calm pulses he sent to him, helped to ease his concerns. Taking a step back, the Seeker ignited his thrusters and flew into battle.

Optimus watched Starscream leave and then looked around. He resisted the urge to squirm as unpleasant memories returned to him. He was quick to shake them off, however.

"I'm guessing the front door is out," Sari stated, her eyes taking in their environment.

"You'd be correct," Optimus returned.

"Thought so. So how are we going to get inside?"

"There's a back entrance for slaves. It's easily accessible and is usually unguarded."

"…How do you know that?" the techno-organic asked, though Optimus could tell by her tone that she really didn't want to know.

"Story for another time, Sari," he stated, starting on a path he remembered from his time with Megatron. Since it wouldn't do to have servants accidently setting off alarms, Megatron had a set path made for them. It led right to the servant door and avoided all traps and guard patrol routes.

There were a few times Optimus had to stray from the path to sneak past the remaining guards, but he and Sari were otherwise unimpeded. When they reached the door, however, Optimus had to quickly duck out of sight.

Two guards were stationed on either side of the door. They were armed with blasters, however one mech had twin daggers hanging from his waist. Both were fairly large and their armor appeared tough. And, judging from the way they surveyed the area, there wasn't much chance of them leaving on their own.

"What now?" Sari asked in a hushed tone.

Optimus activated his com. link as he answered, "Now we call for back up."

'Starscream, Sari and I need a little help.'

'What's wrong?'

'There are two guards blocking our way in. Think you can lend a servo?'

'I'm sending two flyers your way, now."

A moment later, Hothead and a bright green Seeker, Acid Rain, dive bombed the guards, knocking them to the ground. The two fallen mechs were quick to collect themselves, the one with daggers unsheathing his weapons and attacking Acid Rain while the other engaged Hothead. The flyers were more than willing to finish the fight they'd started.

Optimus smiled at Sari, who gave him a thumbs up as he left their hiding place. He quietly walked past the scuffle, trying not to draw attention to himself, and was about to open the door. However, his attention was drawn to Acid Rain as his opponent managed to get behind him and stabbed him between the wings.

The Seeker, so unused to such pain, released a piercing scream of pain that was cut off as he was knocked to the ground on his front. The guard was quick to stomp down on the new injury, earning a pained yelp while he chuckled darkly. Optimus looked toward Hothead and saw that the triple-changer was too preoccupied with his opponent to help Acid Rain.

Seeing the Seeker's tormenter aim his blaster at his helm, Optimus acted. He fired his grapple; entrapping the grounder, and pulled. The guard, not expecting a third mech, easily lost his balance and fell to the ground. The last thing he saw was Optimus' ped coming toward his face.

Acid Rain quickly, but carefully picked himself off the ground and looked to see the guard, unconscious at Optimus' peds. "Thanks," he stated gratefully as Hothead finished the other mech. The two flyers took off to rejoin the battle, their task complete.

Optimus looked at Sari and asked, "Are you ready?"

She smirked, holding out her key. "More than ready." The Prime gave her a slight smile then opened the door. A beam of light shined from the key and through the entrance, guiding them toward their goal.

XXX

Lockdown smirked to himself as he took out a large wrecker Decepticon and quickly engaged another. He was keeping his promise to Starscream and keeping an optic out for Jetfire and Jetstorm.

He would occasionally shoot down anyone that came a little too close to harming them; however, overall, they took care of themselves.

"Starscream should be proud," he decided as he opponent fell. "He taught them well."

Lockdown watched as the two flyers combined together and used their power over fire and air to completely destroy one of the turrents. One down, three to go. They split apart again and Jetstorm looked in the bounty-hunter's direction. He was surprised when the blue flyer sent a blast of air his way and was ready to dodge it; however, it passed safely by him and sent a mech that had attempted to attack him from behind flying.

Jetstorm gave him his sire's signature smirk then followed after his brother.

Lockdown chuckled to himself and shook his head. "Looks like they don't need me watching out for them." Though he'd have to remember to thank the youngling when this was over.

XXX

The moment they stepped into Megatron's estate, things got harder for Optimus and Sari.

While most of the guards had left to join the battle outside, there were still plenty to make their mission difficult. The remaining mechs were on high alert and were constantly moving back and forth. Optimus was grateful to his knowledge of the building, it being the main reason they had to be detected.

The light of Sari's key eventually led them to a hallway. The techno-organic was confused when Optimus stopped and looked at her, dread clear in his optics. "You've got to be joking."

She shook her head. "No, the key's showing us the right way. What's the matter?"

"Activate your visor," Optimus sighed, returning his gaze to the hall. Sari obeyed, her visor coming over the eyes and activated. She started when she saw several beams criss-crossing down the hall. Pushing back her thoughts about this reminding her of a movie, she retracted her visor and said, "I can't believe how paranoid Mega-jerk is."

"I can." Optimus sighed again then went a different way.

"Where are you going?" Sari asked.

"We have to go the long way around."

Sari looked at her key. For a few moments the glow receeded; however, it quickly began to light their way again.

As she smiled, thinking things were beginning to look up, Optimus rounded a corner and came face to face with a mech twice his size. The larger Cybertronian stared down at the intruder, surprised, and Optimus and Sari stared back.

After a few beats of stunned silence, Sari said, "This is bad."