Trials, Tribulations, and Transformation

by Designation M

Two ordinary youths, different in every way, have been subjected to an extraordinary situation that may dwell on them for the rest of their days. They, along with a few others, go caught in an intergalactic war involving an ancient but powerful alien race. As Jack and Miko struggle to survive, something begins to grow between them, something they didn't think possible to happen.

26. Zero Hour Part Six

I'm on a roll folks. Ideas keeping popping in my head. Thank you for those who not neglected to review my stories. Be as creative and open with your reviews as you like. Blessings folks.

Trials, Tribulations, and Transformations

XXV - Zero Hour Part Six

---

Undisclosed Location - May 8th, 2011 - Sunday, 2:00 pm

Jonathan Fowler was in a world of pain.

He suspected that two of his ribs might be broken. The MECH troopers went out of their way to bind his injuries, but they were not very gentle.

They weren't gentle, period.

Managing to force his bruised eyes open, Jon observed his surroundings.

He had been thrown into what looked like a concrete cell with a steel door. It had a concrete slab which was clearly supposed to be a bed. It had also a sink and a toilet, brand new by the looks of it.

Jon chuckled ironically. I always wanted my own room.

The steel door opened.

And two MECH troopers came in.

"Let's go," one of them said as he pulled Jon to his feet.

Jon's head was still swimming. "Where...where are you…?"

"Shut up."

Touchy.

They went down several long hallways. The walls were concrete of course, lined with many steel doors, identified by certain letters and numbers, all with an advanced locking mechanism.

Despite his dizziness, Jon managed to keep himself from stumbling. Given his situation, the adrenaline rush seemed to be on a constant high.

Better not let them know that if I'm going to make a run for it. I just hope dad is doing much better than I am.

00000

Agent William Fowler was half conscious.

The last beating had caused the chair he was chained to to topple over. His head struck the concrete floor and he was effectively rendered unconscious.

It seemed to only be a minute before Fowler had woken up.

Clenching his bloodied teeth, he exhaled sharply as the pain returned.

He spat out a glob of blood, staining the floor.

"J-Jon," he groaned. "I'll...I'll get you out of here...one way or another."

"I wouldn't give the boy's hopes up Agent Fowler."

That voice again. Fowler did not recognize whoever it was speaking through the intercom of his cell as it was electronically distorted. He couldn't even put his finger on the speech pattern.

But whoever it was, Fowler was certain that it was one of the seventeen suspects within the Special Tactics Service. Based off how Jackson Darby described the man identified as Silas, Fowler narrowed down in light of MO, voice pattern, and psychological profiling based off what was already known of Silas, Fowler was nearly certain that it could be none other than Retired Colonel Leland Bishop of the Special Tactics Service.

Furthermore, the majority of the men arrested as MECH agents happened to be Special Tactics, currently-enlisted. Nearly a hundred had been arrested, but Fowler feared that this may very well be the tip of the iceberg, especially considering that MECH was still active and strong.

How can MECH have so many men, so many soldiers at their disposal?! How deep is this hole that they've dug?!

"Have you reconsidered my offer Agent Fowler?"

Fowler spat out some blood at the question. "I already told you, you can take your offer and shovel it."

"We have broken stronger men than you Agent Fowler."

"I'm sure you have."

"And what of your boy? Despite his...impetuousness, are you really willing to let him pay for your obstinance?"

Those words hurt more than the beatings did.

"Maybe I'm just not willing for him to have a traitor for a father."

The sound of a mocking chuckle echoed through the intercom. Electronically distorted, it sounded menacing, even otherworldly.

"A traitor you say? I suppose you think my colleagues and I are traitors?"

"What else could you and your band of mercenaries and criminals be."

"Your words cut deep Fowler. Mercenaries you say? I'd prefer the term 'freelance military group.' After all it is MECH that securing humanity's future."

"Securing humanity's future?! Is that what you call it?! Sneaking out dangerous criminals out of death row and making them your soldiers?! Risking the safety and security of our country?!"

"Sacrifices have to be made for the greater good Fowler. You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs."

"We are not eggs!" Agent Fowler raged. "Eggs do not cry out in pain when you break them! And eggs do not have families who would be devastated with grief and sorrow when you destroy them!"

"My my, such a temper Agent Fowler. You and your boy have that in common."

This man's callousness and apparent moral insanity was starting to get under Agent Fowler's skin. But when the mention of his son was made yet again, he decided he wanted practical answers.

"Where's my son?"

"Oh he's safe for the moment. I repeat my offer once more Fowler, give me the information I asked for and I will send you and your son home safely."

Fowler could laugh if it didn't hurt to do so. "And even if I did, what guarantees do I have that you'll keep your word."

Even though he could not see the man's face, the sound of his voice, though disguised, made it clear that he was smiling.

"None."

Fowler smiled back. "Then no dice."

The man didn't answer at first. "Are you really willing to let your son die over your stubborn sense of duty."

"I believe my son has made his position very clear to you already."

The man paused once more. "We'll see."

The light in the room flickered. There was static in the intercom. And then, much to Fowler's astonishment, the steel door swung open.

Fowler lifted his head to watch for a MECH trooper who never came.

Please God, let this be the miracle I've been hoping for.

00000

"Jazz, I hacked into their servers and I managed to disable their security feed, override their alarms, and open all of their doors. You're in."

Jazz whistled appreciatively. "You always deliver don't you Blasto?"

There was a hearty chuckle. "I do try to be a team player."

"What's your position?"

"I'm approaching the clearing, which will lead to the front gate of the compound. Wait till I draw their attention, then make your move and fast."

Jazz grinned. "Let's show em a good time."

"I always do."

00000

10 Minutes Earlier

"Cowardly meatbags!" Bulkhead roared. "What have you done with Fowler and Jon?!"

"Spare us the outrage alien," said a MECH commander standing on top of a platform. "You should be more worried about yourself."

Bulkhead was bolted to a massive steel slab big enough to compensate even for his massive frame.

His armor had cuts and welded lines all over, like a railroad map. For nearly an hour, Bulkhead had been receiving end of one of MECH's twisted experiments. Much like Breakdown, only this time, they did not bother to disable his pain receptors.

Bulkhead was tough, very tough. It's not like he hadn't been tortured before. In his training as a Wrecker, he had learned how to augment his pain and use that to fuel his rage.

These sadistic soft skins would not break him.

Wreckers do not break so easily.

"You caused us a great deal of trouble when you stole our latest project Autobot."

Bulkhead adopted a look of feigned regret. "Oh, well I just feel terrible."

Angered by his captive's defiance, the MECH commander gripped the railing of the platform and twisted.

"Not yet you're not."

"Hades."

The MECH commander straightened up, composed himself and turned to the trooper who approached. "What?"

"Our proximity sensors several unidentified vehicles approaching."

Hades clenched one of his fists. "How many?"

"Thirteen sir."

Hades turned back to his captive. "There are only five Autobots last I checked, is that correct Sergeant?"

"Yes sir, there were previously six."

Hades looked back at his subordinate. "Really? What was his name?"

"Cliffjumper."

Hades paused in thought before returning his attention to Bulkhead. "Was there anything left of this Cliffjumper to salvage? MECH could've used whatever raw material your friend left behind."

Snarling in rage, Bulkhead pulled at his restraints but it was no use. The iron bonds were specially reinforced as a precaution and an improvement after Breakdown escaped MECH's clutches with the help of their newest captive.

Hades seemed to take pleasure in Bulkhead's struggling. "As much I like to watch you living machines squirm, I have urgent matters to attend to. Sergeant?"

"Yes sir."

"Prepare the prisoners for immediate transport and initiate the self-destruct protocol."

The MECH trooper nodded obediently and turned away to carry out the order.

Hades descended down the platform and approached Bulkhead till he was eye level with him.

"Just so we're clear," he said as though he were addressing an underling who stepped out of line. "Were it up to me, I'd take a vital piece of you with me so that I may study it myself and put it to practical use, but I have neither the time nor inclination to do so. So I'll just leave you here and let the C4 finish you off."

Bulkhead scoffed. "If you want to be sure that I won't live to hunt you down, then you'd better make sure right now."

Hades chuckled. "Brave words. But it's not going to save you…or your adorable little pet. Miko was it?"

White-hot Energon (equivalent to what humans call adrenaline) flooded through Bulkhead's system. He roared in unfathomable fury as his wrists twisted underneath the iron bonds. It drew Energon but his mind was numb to the pain and with a roar, he bonds gave and he was free.

Bulkhead snatched a startled Hades and he got to his feet.

In no time at all, several MECH troopers, all armed, rushed and trained their weapons at the hulking, green behemoth who had their commander in his grasp.

"Drop the commander or we'll open fire!"

Bulkhead narrowed his eyes as he held Hades out in front of him. "Go ahead."

"He won't do it men," Hades said trying to sound confident. "He's an Autobot, they don't hurt humaAAAGHHH!"

At the sound of their commander's cry, some of the MECH soldiers instinctively kept their guns drawn while some lowered them.

A few dropped them in fear.

Bulkhead had tightened his hold, causing Hades to cry out in pain. "Don't push me."

"You can't do this!" Hades shouted. "You're supposed to be the good guys!"

"If you want me to keep being the good guy here, you'll turn Fowler and his boy loose!"

The lights suddenly flickered. The security monitors and data mainframes went fuzzy. And the MECH soldiers keeled over, clutching their heads, groaning in agony.

Hades was doing much the same.

Bulkhead blinked incomprehensibly at this unexpected turn. "What the?"

00000

2:00 pm

"So this EMP device not only disables their comm units but also sends a frequency through their comms that will not jam their weapons but it will also give these creeps a juicy headache?"

"Pretty much, but it won't last Jazz, so stay on your toes."

Blaster, who was in his vehicle form (red/yellow Chevrolet Express 1500 Uplifter), was approaching the clearing of the mountain compound where MECH had established a base of operations.

It looked like a standard military base, if it had been carved out from its mountain foundation. It was complete with watch towers, a wall which seven feet thick and seventy feet tall. It was a formidable fortress but it would not be enough to withstand the onslaught of two Autobot veterans, more accurately, both the Chief of Special Operations and the Chief of Communications.

"Stay on my toes? C'mon, it's me."

"Stay focused Jazz, we got work to do."

"Got it. Showtime baby. Catch you later Blaster."

With that said, Blaster activated his headlights and pulled forward toward the compound gate, which was wide open due to him hacking the gatehouse computer and opening it remotely.

So far, the MECH troopers patrolling the area, or rather sprawling on the ground, gripping their heads in pain, were too busy to notice the collosal intruder who so brazenly entered their base.

Blaster approached a massive steel door in the center of the building. It was still shut.

And then he started to transform. The familiar of electronic clocks and whirs followed. The van split apart and inverted on itself, forming legs, arms, a head, and finally the entire frame of the Autobot Blaster.

He had a bright red helm with red fins and a grey visor which he left open. He also had a bright red torso with a yellow chest paneling, (which resembled that of a Walkman hatch), which had the red Autobot insignia inscribed in it, red arms, blue servos, and gunmetal grey legs with what appeared to be speakers attached to the sides.

"No time for niceness," he said as he drew his open hand back and with a knife like motion, he plunged his servo in between the steel door's opening cracks. Plunging his other hand in, he gripped the doors and began to force it open.

"FREEZE!"

The sound of weapons cocking filled the air. Blaster, very slowly turned his head and saw that most to all of the MECH troopers have recovered and had their weapons trained on him.

Blaster tsked. "You meatbags got some tough skin."

"Step away from the door or we'll shoot!"

Blaster gave them a lopsided grin. "Don't you mean and we'll shoot?"

The leading MECH trooper stormed forward, gun still trained, clearly angry by the Autobot's smartmouth.

"I'm warning you!"

"Ok ok!" Blaster said, removing his hands from the door and turned around, raising them in a surrendering motion. "See, you got me. Now I think this is the time for you to shoot."

"What?"

"You heard me."

The MECH troopers started looking at one another, unsettled by the notion of whatever mischief this Autobot was planning.

The MECH commander was at his wits' end. "You're up to something!"

"Bang," Blaster said, giving the commander a finger-gun gesture. "You're smarter than you look."

"OPEN FIRE!"

Instead of the sound of gunfire, there was only the sound of clicking. The MECH troopers, completely dumbfounded, looked at their weapons.

"My gun's jammed!"

"Mine too!"

The MECH commander looked up at Blaster, who was smirking devilishly. "Trouble with your weapons? I hear they have pills for that."

"What did you do?!"

Blaster didn't answer. He just chuckled as he flicked the front of his yellow chest paneling. "Time to play boys!"

His chest paneling opened.

"SIC' EM!"

Four shapes shot out.

The clicking and whirring of transformation followed.

And in a matter of seconds, the screaming began.

And then came the roar of a great lion.

00000

2:30 pm

Man, what luck.

It all started when the lights started flickering. Then the electronic keypads by the doors started malfunction, sparks flying everywhere.

And then the MECH troopers escorting him started gripping their ears, crying in agony.

Jon took his chance and ran.

He managed to get around the corner of the hallway, out of view. Thankfully, there were no longer any MECH soldiers in sight.

Alright, I just need to find dad, find Bulkhead and find a way out.

"STOP RIGHT THERE!"

"Oh no," Jon whispered dreadfully.

He didn't dare to turn to see who it was as he ran even faster down the hall.

He had to find his dad. He couldn't leave without him but he couldn't get caught, otherwise this opportunity will have been for nothing.

"Dad?!" Jon cried. "Dad, where are you?!"

"Jon?!"

"Dad?!" Jon's heart jumped. The source of the voice was not far. "I'm coming!"

"NO! STAY AWAY! THERE ARE MEN WAITING FOR YOU! RUN!"

Jon did not want to run, not if it meant leaving his father. But being the dutiful son that he was, he obeyed, if reluctantly.

Where do I go from here? Which way is the exit? How do I get out?!

As he ran down the hallway, Jon noticed several open doors. Perhaps he could hide in one of them.

No, I'd be cornering myself. I gotta keep running. Gotta keep running.

After making another turn, Jon felt a rush of cold air. His heart jumped and he followed the draft. Cold air meant the outside. Jon made another turn and there was an attic wind in his face, so great and cold, his eyes clenched on reflex.

But he didn't care, he kept going. He could hear them coming for him. They were getting closer.

The open door leading to the outside was right in front of him. There was nothing to see but white arctic mist and falling snow.

It's gonna be cold but I don't have much choice right now.

The biting cold was like tiny needles against his bruises, but Jon pushed on. He took a left and he headed up a flight of concrete stairs.

They lead to a large helicopter pad.

Jon had nowhere left to run.

And yet he ran to the edge. Maybe there was a way down. A ladder leading to the ground.

Who am I kidding? Walking down a mountain?

"Don't move!"

Jon, clutching his arms due to the bitter cold, turned and saw at least a dozen MECH troopers, weapons drawn and laser sightings on.

Jon took notice if the red dots all over him.

A man in a black, double-breasted leather long coat stepped forward. He too had the iconic MECH mask on.

Except for one thing, this mask had the design of a ghastly cartoon of a smile, like a parody of a rigor mortis, a death grin.

Jon was aghast by it. No, that's not creepy at all.

"You led us on a merry run Jonny boy," the smiling man said. "Now...it's time to come back to your cage. We're leaving now."

Jon said nothing. His throat was tight. From either the cold, the loss of atmosphere from such an altitude, or the situation.

The smiling man drew out a handgun. "Come here...now."

Jon's breathing became more labored. Thankfully the cold was keeping him awake. He turned back and looked down from where he was standing. He could barely see the ground from on top of the helipad. It was covered with snow, heavy snow.

Maybe the snow will cushion my fall.

Jon looked back and became startled by the MECH trooper that was rushing him.

NO!

On impulse, Jon stepped back and there was nothing.

He fell backwards.

As he spiraled in the air, his arms touched something cold and metallic. Instinctively, he grabbed on and he realized that he just latched onto a metal support beam right under the helipad.

He was literally hanging for his life now.

The metal was freezing cold and his hands were starting to get numb. His ribs were hurting badly. He could not hold for much longer.

"Hey!"

Who the-?!

Jon looked down towards the source of the unfamiliar voice he had just heard.

The snow was falling but not hard enough for him not to make out the gigantic shape of a robotic bipedal being. His helm was black with a glowing blue visor. He had a white and blue frame and a red insignia on his chest which was unmistakable.

An Autobot! But...who is he?! Where did he come from?!

"Ya Jon Fowler?!"

"Uhhhh...yeah?" Jon called out over the wind.

"AUTOBOT! OPEN FIRE!"

The Arctic wind was now filled with gunfire. The Autobot shielded his face with his arms. And then a right arm shifted and converted into what looked like some kind of metallic dish.

Then he pointed it at the MECH troopers who fired upon him, the dish started glowing a humming blue light and the next thing the troopers knew, their weapons were snagged out of their hands and stuck to the Autobot's dish weapon - his electro-magnet.

"Ya'll get these back after class," the Autobot said before he deactivated his magnet and tossed the weapons aside.

Jon was in awe. "Wow."

Then his arms started to give, the numbness of the cold metal beam becoming too much for his flesh.

Jon cried out in terror.

"Hey! Just hang in there!"

The Autobot - Jazz - deactivating his electro-magnet, attempted to access his electro-grappler. "C'mon c'mon!"

Jon was slipping. "I can't hold on!"

"Just hold on! I'm coming!"

The grappler finally hummed to life.

And Jon fell.

Jazz pointed and the grappler shot like a bullet, clinging to the underside of the helipad, hoisting Jazz into the air.

The grappler malfunctioned and died. The momentum sent Jazz flying through the air and he caught Jon in his free hand.

Jon, dazed but awake, looked in the face of his savior, who fixed him with a toothy grin. "Told ya I was coming."

As they descended, Jazz doubled over, holding Jon close to his chassis. And then he transformed.

Next thing Jon knew, he was in the front seat of a swank looking sports car. There was a glowing blue Autobot signal in the steering wheel. The blue light emanating from it seemed to pulse with every word Jazz spoke.

"You ok?"

Jon winced as he tenderly rubbed his side. "Nah man, I'm pretty far from ok."

"Well, don't ya worry. Jazz'll take care of ya."

Jon, still half dazed, looked at the steering wheel as though it were the Autobot's face. "W-who's Jazz?"

There was a hearty laugh. "Why he's me little man."

"O-oh," Jon said, feeling rather embarrassed. "Sorry, I'm not feeling all there."

"Hey hey, nothin' to be sorry for."

There was a bright light shining in Jon's face. As his eyes adjusted, he saw through the rearview mirror, no more than four military humvees charging towards them down the mountain.

"Time to split kid!"

Jazz hit the gas and they were off, descending down the mountain.

00000

Zelionople, PA - 4:30 pm

Ratchet, despite the weight of the situation, was quite pleased with himself. He had managed to decorrupt and reassemble, as well as retrieve whatever a good amount of data from the cylinder that the Autobots had acquired.

Much sooner than expected. It would seem that there was a good amount of tech available at this hidden Autobot bunker, far more effective tools at Ratchet's disposal than he had hoped for and they have proven more than useful.

"You seem quite happy Ratchet," June Darby said smiling.

"Oh, I am," Ratchet said, not taking his eyes off his latest project. "And for very good reason June, we have hit the mother lode."

"How's that?"

"This data cylinder contains equations, which appear to be a formula for a synthetic Energon."

June blinked. "Synthetic Energon? As in...artificially manufactured Energon."

"Precisely. In other words June, with this formula in our possession, we will be able to manufacture all the Energon we'll ever need. Energon shortage will be a thing of the past and the Autobots will finally be able to turn the tides of war in our favor."

"That is fantastic Ratchet!"

"But...the process of manufacturing will take time June. Perhaps even more time than it will have been taken to decode the data."

"All in good time," June said hopefully. "All in good time. No Energon shortage means you'll have no trouble keeping any reinforcements functional."

Ratchet sighed deeply. "That is if there are any Autobots who can receive the distress signal. Even if they did, they more than likely do not possess the means of reaching earth from whatever part of the galaxy they are located."

June frowned. "Don't talk like that Ratchet."

"I'm...I'm sorry June," Ratchet said. "It has been a long time since we have heard from the other Autobots."

"What happened?"

"That…" Ratchet let out a labored breath. "That is a story I do not enjoy recollecting."

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

"I will say this though: it was a very very close call." Ratchet as though he were remembering something he would prefer to forget. "We left Cybertron in a massive transport but the Decepticons were close behind us. We were attempting to use a Space Bridge portal in order to reach earth but a great battle ensued when Megatron caught up to us. Many lives were lost and we...we had almost lost Bumblebee."

June covered her mouth in horror.

"Bumblebee...brave fool...he had taken a terrible shot to the chassis, a weapon discharge which Megatron intended for Optimus. And then...the portal became unstable and it tore our ships apart."

"But you were able to save Bumblebee."

"Yes but barely," Ratchet said. "When we crash landed on earth, several pieces of the Ark, our ship, had survived entering earth's atmosphere. Those spare parts saved our scout's life."

"And the other Autobots?"

Ratchet pinched the roof of what could be considered the bridge of his nose. "I don't know. Their signals were not on our radar and I'd know if they went offline. It was as if they vanished. Only myself, Optimus and Bumblebee have made it to earth. We were all that was left."

"I'm sorry."

Ratchet said nothing more. He stood over his work table. He had both hands on the table, as though he were trying to keep himself standing.

"Are you ok Ratchet?"

"Just...just tired June…so so tired."

June didn't speak. She just approached the good doctor. Using a metal crate which was conveniently set by the work table, she climbed onto it. She placed a comforting hand on Ratchet's arm, who turned towards her with a sad but appreciative smile.

And then there was a sharp beeping sound which snapped Ratchet and June out of their melancholy state.

"That must be Optimus!" June said.

"Can't be," Ratchet replied, sounding increasingly alarmed. "It hasn't been a day. There's no way he could've reached the new base already."

Ratchet reached the mainframe and pressed a few keys. "It's an embedded message…" His optics widened. "...from Perceptor?!"

00000

10 MINUTES EARLIER

Palisade, CO - 2:30 pm

"Rest easy Optimus."

Perceptor, Chief Autobot Mechanic, made some adjustments on the metal clamp on Optimus' shoulder. He had dressed the wound there that was inflicted by Airachnid as best as he could. The puncture not only sprang a leak but also dislocated his shoulder. Perceptor welded the leak and set the shoulder back in place, and then bonded it with a medical clamp. Though he was no Ratchet, his medical skills were still quite exceptional.

After Airachnid had fled, Perceptor cut Optimus free from the webbing binding him, and helped him into a cave so that he could perform field treatment.

It was successful but Perceptor knew better. Optimus will need his personal physician in order to make sure his treatment is sufficient.

"Perc...Perceptor…" Optimus groaned. "How…?"

"We received your distress call Optimus," Perceptor replied as he performed a medical scan with his blue telescopic visor. "We got here as quickly as we could."

"We?"

Perceptor nodded. "Besides myself, there's Wheeljack, Sideswipe. Sunstreaker, Blaster, his symbiotes, and Jazz."

Optimus' optics opened a fraction and his venting quickened. "J-Jazz?"

"Indeed. He was most excited to see you sir."

Optimus looked to the roof of the cave. And he covered his optics with one hand. And then a sound uttered from his throat that surprised even him.

A whimper.

"Optimus, are you alright? Are you in pain?"

"N-no...well there is still quite a bit of pain. But...I am just so glad Perceptor."

Perceptor smiled lightly. "We were quite happy ourselves, overjoyed really, when we heard your voice in that distress message. We were past hoping for such a thing."

"Have you...traveled a great distance?"

Perceptor chuckled. "Only halfway across the galaxy by escape pod."

Optimus chuckled in return, an action which shocked Perceptor. "I take it that they are intercepting the others?"

"Only those who are in need of assistance. Blaster has managed to jam all Decepticon frequencies but it will only work if we remain out of the air waves. We can make transmissions, but no more than a few seconds, otherwise we'd be in danger of being tapped into."

Optimus nodded glumly. "Understood. Do you have anything more to share?"

"Well...I managed to dress your wounds but your injuries were quite severe. I managed to treat the acid burns on your face, neck and chassis. There might be some light scarring but nothing that won't heal overtime. As for the puncture in your shoulder, it's possible that their might be an infection. I treated it but I will need Ratchet to make sure it has been treated properly. He's a medical practitioner, I'm just an engineer."

"You're far more capable than you give yourself credit for Perceptor." Optimus took note of the long-range blaster on the mechanic's back. "You've taken into the position of sniper as of late I see."

Perceptor became humble. "Well...as it turns out, I happen to be a very accomplished sharp shooter. Who knew?"

Optimus smiled but then it fell. "Is there something wrong with your arm?"

Perceptor paused to gingerly rub the shoulder of his left arm. "I ran into a bit of trouble before arriving. Two Decepticon Peacekeepers as they put it. They took my arm. I managed to get it back though with Wheeljack's help. Bless his spark."

"Has there been word of any others?"

"Other Autobots?" Perceptor asked. "Well...yes, a great deal actually if you can believe it, among a few new recruits as well."

Optimus' spark pulsed with hope. "Ironhide?"

"Last I checked he's quite well...but I'm afraid we lost contact with him after we made exodus off of Regulon 4."

Optimus looked at Perceptor. "Regulon 4? That is a colonized moon in Decepticon territory."

"It is."

"You weren't followed were you?"

Perceptor shook his head. "No, Blaster made sure of that."

Optimus closed his optics. "Hmm, Good." He looked back at Perceptor. "My trailer, it contains the components for our groundbridge, I need it retrieved."

"All in good time Optimus, but for now you're in no shape to go anywhere."

Optimus winced as he sat himself up. "It is set to self-destruct if a Decepticon attempts to commandeer it or empty the trailer. Those parts are not replaceable."

"Ahh, then I'd better fetch it myself, if you don't mind?"

Optimus clenched his optics. "When you leave the cave, go left, go through the second crevice on your right and it will be the third cave to your left."

"Very good sir."

Perceptor turned to leave.

"Perceptor."

The mechanic turned his head. "Yes Optimus?"

"I need you send an embedded message...from me to Ratchet."

"How do I contact him? If he's in one of those Autobot bunkers, then I won't be able to pick up on his channel."

"I have a special communicator, I can't use it in this cave but you'll have to be quick. Do you understand?"

"Perfectly sir."

00000

Undisclosed Location - 2:30 pm

Bulkhead continued down the hall with his captive in hand. His mind was still reeling by the luck he was having. Breaking his bonds, the power failure, and the leverage at his disposal, i.e. the hostage who happened to be a high-ranking MECH commander by the name of Hades.

Taking a hostage isn't really my thing but I have little choice now. Better this guy than Fowler and Jonny.

"You...you are making a big mistake," Hades snarled. "Taking me hostage will accomplish nothing."

"Save your breath!" Bulkhead snapped. "And I'd suggest you bury your threats before you get hurt."

Hades angrily gripped the iron fingers that held him in place. "You have no idea who we are and what we're capable of."

Bulkhead smirked. "I can easily say the same of the Autobots."

"MECH is just one of the many in the shadows alien! You can't stop us all!"

Bulkhead chuckled darkly. "I've heard that before, one too many times and it's getting older than me."

"And that's sayin somethin' considering how old we Autobots can get compared to you humans."

Bulkhead looked ahead, staring at nothing. And then as fast as lightning, he brandished his blaster and pointed in the face of the one who spoke to him from behind.

"Who the scrap are you?" Bulkhead snarled.

Blaster, smiling nervously and having his hands raised placatedly, tried to focus on looking his fellow Wrecker, current or former, in the optics rather than into the glowing barrel of his weapon.

"That's not how you say hello on this planet is it?"

Bulkhead's glare relaxed for a moment. The laid back response sounded so familiar he had almost dropped his guard.

"Who are you?! Answer me?!"

"Easy Bulkster, I get it." Despite having a gun in his face, Blaster was completely at ease. This was something else Bulkhead found uncanningly familiar. "I know you had an imposter wearing Wheeljack's everything enter your base. I also know Wheeljack escaped and blew the guy up…" Blaster gave the green Autobot a lopsided grin as though he knew something he didn't. "...right after you threw him through the groundbridge."

Bulkhead's optics widened, his mouth open. "T-tell me more."

"Sure big guy," Blaster said, smiling that he was clearly getting through to his friend. "Remember the skirmish back in the Sea of Rust and me, you and Trailbreaker fought that infected Insecticon? You and Trails killed it by dropping a building on it that was falling apart due to rust. I kept it busy by mimicking the frequency of an Insecticon mating call."

Bulkhead finally lowered his weapon. "Bla-Bla-Blasto?" He stammered.

Blaster lowered his hands. "Good to see ya too Bulkster."

"H-how-?"

"We got your distress call. We just landed."

"And we didn't see you coming because you jammed all frequencies, right?"

"Couldn't take any chances of Soundwave picking up our signals."

"Gotcha. How many?"

Before Blaster answered, he looked down at the squirming human in Bulkhead's grip. He took note of the MECH uniform and immediately put the two and two together. "Not sure if that's something for your hostage to hear."

"Huh?" Oh!" Bulkhead looked back at Hades who still attempting to free himself.

"Just a sec," Blaster said as a metallic tentacle emerged from his chassis and on its end there were metal prongs emitting electricity. It approached Hades and came very close to his face. He looked at it uncomprehendingly and it emitted a bright flash of energy. Hades' eyes rolled back and his head slumped forward.

"Sleep tight," Blaster said. "As for your question Bulk, answers will have to wait. We have some good folks to rescue right? An Agent Fowler and his boy Jon?"

"Holy scrap, that's right!" Bulkhead exclaimed. "Fowler and Jon, I forgot! We have to save them!"

"Bulk, calm down! Quit freaking out! My boys will find them in no time. Jazz is on the search too so MECH will not be slipping out the back door with them."

Bulkhead took a step back in shock. "Jazz is here?!"

"Yup."

Blaster blinked and he pressed into his comm unit. "Hold on Bulk, I gotta take this. What's up Jazz?"

Bulkhead could not hear whatever transmission Blaster was receiving but whatever it was, it gave him a most peculiar look, like something most unexpected had occurred.

"Gotcha bud. We'll spring his dad. You keep the boy safe, we'll catch up later."

Bulkhead may not be a rocket scientist, but he had enough neural power to connect the dots. "Jazz has Jon?! He's safe?"

"Safe being a relative term but he's fine for the most part." Blaster replied. "Our job is half done. Hopefully my soldiers should have found your Agent Fowler by now."

00000

"There's nowhere left to go Fowler! Get your sorry hide back here or we'll do more than just break your son's ribs!"

Fowler had his back to the wall with a small group of MECH soldiers just around the corner.

It took some serious tricks which only a highly-trained government agent would know but he managed to break free from the restraints binding him to the steel chair he put in.

The sudden power failure was a golden opportunity for him to leave his cell. It stumped him but what bewildered Agent Fowler even more was the state he found the MECH agents in. They were sprawling on the floor, clutching their heads as though they were suffering the migraine that could kill.

Fowler wasted no time and he acquired a rifle from one of the downed MECH agents and made a run for wherever they were keeping his son.

But he didn't get far.

The MECH agents soon recovered and took chase. It wasn't long before Fowler had to go on the defensive.

And then he heard the sound of his son's voice calling out to him. Agent Fowler, fearing for the life of his son, told him to flee. Jon obeyed almost without hesitation

That's my boy.

Jon wouldn't get far on his own. Not with the multitude of soldiers hot on his tail. He get to his son and fast.

If I only knew where Bulkhead was being held.

Cradling the advanced rifle in his arms, Fowler leaned his head very carefully so he could see around the corner.

Before he could however, someone or something grabbed him from behind. Cold, metal hands covered his mouth before he could cry out in surprise.

Fowler struggles but whoever it was had a hold on him that was like an iron vice, which gave him a grin reminder of when Laserbeak, Soundwave's surveillance drone, had abducted him and took him to Starscream.

"Calm down Agent Fowler," said a voice he didn't recognize. "We're not with MECH and we're most certainly not 'Cons."

Fowler stopped struggling but his muscles remained tight and aching.

"I'm going to uncover your mouth and let go of you," said the newcomer. "And when I do, please do not run or cry out. Please nod if you understand."

Fowler hesitated but then nodded very slowly.

"Alright." And Fowler felt himself being released and the metal hand being removed from his mouth. Very slowly and calmly, Fowler turned around to face this newcomer.

This person, clearly Cybertronian, was roughly the same height as Agent Fowler. He had a black and grey color scheme with an orange faceplate and yellow visor. He also had yellow chest paneling with the familiar red Autobot insignia in the center.

Fowler looked at the newcomer hard. "I don't know you," he finally said.

"Course not, we never met." The diminutive Autobot gave Fowler a victory sign. "Name's Rewind, me and my bros will be your rescue party today."

"Your bros? Is that the we you mentioned just now?"

"That's right. They're scouting out the compound as we speak. They'll find your boy in no time."

Fowler let out a breath of relief but then straightened up and put himself back on the defensive. "We'll still need to fight our way out." He pointed a finger. "There are about two dozen men just waiting down the hall. And they're armed to the teeth."

"Actually there was only 15."

Fowler turned with a start towards the new voice, which sounded less pleasant and more severe than Rewind's.

Emerging from around the corner of the hall was another Autobot who happened to be a dead ringer for Rewind, except this one had a blue color scheme instead of black.

He was dragging two unconscious MECH troopers by the collars of their uniforms.

"Hogging all the action again Eject?" Rewind said sounding disappointed.

"There's more." Eject lifted the two MECH troopers until their feet dangled from the ground as though he were displaying them. He did it with such ease that they were practically light as feathers.

Fowler almost gulped. They're stronger than they look for being so small.

Eject caught Fowler's distressed look. "They're not dead, just napping."

"Oh no, it isn't that, it's just...you guys are...well…"

Rewind raised a Chevron brow. "Small?"

Fowler flinched, feeling embarrassed by his boldness. "Well, I don't want to sound rude-"

"Think nothing of it friend," Rewind said waving his hand. "You're not the first to notice our size but we'll have you know that we've learnt to turn that into a strength."

"Moving on," Eject said cutting in sharply. "We have work to do."

Rewind chuckled. "Business as usual."

"What about my boy?!" Fowler exclaimed fearfully. "We need to save my boy!"

"Don't worry Fowler," Rewind said assuredly. "We'll find the kid. Besides myself and my bro, we got Steeljaw, Ramhorn, our boss Blaster and then there's Jazz."

"I don't know any of those guys! Where'd you come from all of a sudden?!"

"Well...we just landed."

Fowler's eyes narrowed. "Just now? Awfully convenient."

"We're not shapeshifters like that 'Con who wore Wheeljack's face if that's what you're worried about."

"You could very well be 'Cons I never met before."

Eject studied Fowler with grim indifference. Rewind simply rubbed the back of his head. "I see your point," he said. "Would it help if we gave Ol' Bulkster a call?"

"Bulkster? You mean Bulkhead?"

"Yup, Blaster should have found him by now. He knows us and will definitely tell you that we're for real."

"There they are!"

Fowler, Rewind, and Eject turned towards the end of the hall to see another group of MECH soldiers coming towards them with weapons drawn.

"Mind your fire! We need Fowler alive! Kill the others!"

They opened fire. The blasts were clearly EMP rounds, designed solely for the incapacitation of Cybertronians or Transformers.

Rewind lifted an arm and his hand converted into some type of convex dish which emitted a blue light. And then a blue energy shield generated from it, successfully blocking the EMP rounds and rendering them useless.

"Eject, protect Fowler! I'll clean up here!"

With that, Eject nodded curtly, dropped the MECH troopers he was manhandling and took Fowler by the arm. "We should go."

"Not so fast!"

Eject turned to see another MECH soldier with an automatic pistol trained at him.

Without saying a word, Eject placed his forefinger into the barrel of the gun, effectively plugging it. On reflex, the trooper fired.

And the gun exploded in his hand.

The MECH trooper doubled over, clasping his mangled hand, shrieking and moaning in pain. "Agh! Ahhaahhh! Oh, it backfired!"

Fowler was aghast. "What did you do?!"

"He'll live."

00000

3:00 pm

"If the boss finds out we lost the kid, we're dead men."

"Shut yer mouth Darnell, we got the best men pursuing em. We caught them once, we'll do it again."

"Hey! Don't name me! We're supposed to be in the black here!"

"Oh whatever. Who's going to hear?"

The two MECH's were interrupted by a most peculiar sound.

Deep, menacing growling like that of a ferocious beast.

Startled, the two MECH's turned to see what appeared to be a robotic alien version of a great lion.

It had bronze-colored armor plating, burning-red optics, a tail with what looked like a spearhead on its end, and a mane which seemed to comprise of broad-pointed plates which seemed to flex and expand every time the beast growled or vented. Given its bronze color, the familiar red Autobot insignia was quite plain on its right shoulder.

The two MECH's were utterly stunned by the entrance of this ravenous animal.

In the blink of an eye, one of the MECH troopers grabbed the other, seizing him by the scruff of his neck and he threw him towards the beast.

Crying out in surprise, the MECH trooper fell to the floor and his partner made a run for it.

"Max! Don't leave me here!"

The MECH trooper - Darnell - watched in shock and betrayal as his brother fled for his life, leaving him at the tender mercies of this savage beast.

Trembling, he turned to see the lion approach, growling all the while.

"Don't eat me! Please!"

The lion stopped growling and its face twisted into what looked like disgust. "What a revolting idea." The beast's voice was richly deep.

Darnell's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open behind his mask. "You...you talked."

"Of course I talked, I may look like a beast but we can speak as well as any Autobot. Now-" The lion planted a foot on the MECH trooper's chest, pinning him to the floor. "-schematics show that this compound has multiple floors that run deep into the mountain. Are there other prisoners or projects currently being held or done here?"

"I-I I I'm not sure...I just work here!"

The lion growled deeply and leaned in close to the man's face, showing his many sharp teeth.

"Ok ok! I heard that we had some kind of project or projects down below, bottom floor I think. It has been going down for more than a decade I think. I'm not sure, this compound is older than me."

"So Fowler, his son, and Bulkhead were the only prisoners you kept here? You're quite certain?"

"Yes! Yes! That's all I know I swear!"

The lion roared. His mouth grew wider and wider and his roar grew louder.

Darnell screamed in terror and judging by the smell in the air, it was clear that it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to control his bladder.

"If you're lying, I will find you. I got your scent human."

And with that the lion stepped off and with incredible speed ran down the hallway in search of his next quarry.

Abandoning his own comrade to save his own skin? The lion grimaced in disgust. How Decepticon of them.

00000

I think I can do without this day entirely.

Jon clutched onto the leather seating as Jazz continued his drive down the mountain. The snow seemed to mean nothing to him as he was driving as effortlessly as though he were driving on fresh asphalt.

Jon let out a cry of fearful distress as Jazz skillfully dodged another EMP missile.

Jazz laughed heartily. "Man, where'd these bozos learn to shoot? In the dark?"

"You're enjoying this aren't you?!" Jon cried distastefully.

"Well sure, why not? Aren't you?"

"You mean am I enjoying driving down a friggin mountain while a bunch of military nutcases are trying to blow us up?" Jon's face of distress turned into one of fierce joy. "Sure, why the heck not!"

"I'm beginning to like ya kid."

A MECH Humvee sped up and pulled up until it was side by side to Jazz. A MECH soldier popped out of its open roof and took aim with his EMP blaster.

"Jazz, watch out!"

"Easy kid, I got this!"

A compartment opened on the left back to reveal a tube-like gun with a gas canister attached to it.

Tongues of fire spurted out and melted the snow beneath the Humvee as well as its tides.

The military vehicle swerved out of control and flipped over onto its roof. It did a few spins in the snow before it came to a stop.

"You have a grappling hook and a flamethrower?!"

"More than that Jonny boy! Check this out!"

Jazz swerved his vehicle form and then he was driving in reverse, much to Jon's discomfort.

"What are you doing?!"

"Laying some heat."

Jazz fired his flamethrower and sprayed the snow behind or in front of him with great tongues of fire, causing the snow to instantly melt.

The MECH Humvees maneuvered to avoid the patches of mountain rock before them, made bare by the flames, but they were going too fast to stop. They flipped over and crashed into one another, causing a severe pileup.

"Whoa," Jazz said sounding mortified. "That looks bad."

"Don't sweat it," Jon said. "They're trying to kill us or worse. My dad always said that in war, we protect ourselves or we die."

"That sounds like something ol' Prowler would say."

"Who?"

"Prowl, he's my boy and the Autobot Tactician as well as one of Prime's Lieutenants, along with myself and a few others."

"So he's alive?" Jon asked.

Jazz's tone turned somber. "As far as I know."

Jon frowned sadly.

"Speaking of which, do you think dad's ok?"

"You kidding? Your old man's in good hands. My boy Blaster will take care of him, you have my word on that."

"And Bulkhead?"

"That wrecking ball can take care of himself. Those MECH goons picked the wrong bot to make their guinea pig."

Even though they were still making their way downhill and making good distance from the MECH humvees pursuing them, Jon was still quite level headed despite his distress.

"How did you learn to talk like that?" Jon asked.

"Talk like what?"

"Your speech, your terminology, you talk like you have lived on earth your whole life."

"Oh," Jazz said. "Speech synthesis. This is basically me after applying the World Wide Web's content of earth's language into my neural processor."

"So you basically download earth's language into your brain, just like that?"

"Pretty much."

Jon's mouth dropped open. "Wow. That's amazing!"

Jazz chuckled. "Yeah, we Cybertronians are pretty awesome that way."

Jon laughed as well but stopped dead when he looked forward at their present course.

A large gap in between a mountain pass and what appeared to be a bridge made entirely of snow. More accurately, a mass of snow compacted in between the gap, forming an unstable path of snow.

"We-he-he-ell now, looks like Mother Nature made it easy for us," Jazz chortled.

"No," Jon whispered.

"Oh yeah!"

Jazz hit full throttle and Jon screamed.

The MECH humvees stopped in their tracks, their passengers in utter bewilderment as their target made what appeared to be a suicide course.

As Jazz approached the natural snow bridge, he sank and with his thrusters, he hovered just inches above the snow bridge, causing it to collapse.

But thanks to Jazz's extreme skill as a stunt/hazard driver, he made it to the other side of the mountain pass as effortlessly as a walk in the park.

"See, always cool baby."

"I don't feel very well."

And Jon passed out.

00000

Palisade, CO - 3:30 pm

"Optimus."

Optimus, still recovering, could only groan. "Yes...Perceptor?"

"I'm getting a faint signal, it's coming from down the cave."

Optimus turned his head to look at the mechanic. "Decepticon?"

"No but it's not Autobot either. This frequency, it's...I don't quite understand...but it's old, very old. I daresay that perhaps it predates even that of the time of the Autobots and the Decepticons."

Optimus rose so quickly that it surprised even him. "Are you saying that whatever or whoever is sending this signal might be of the Ancients?"

Perceptor nodded. "That is more than a fair assessment, but whether or not this is a threat remains to be determined."

Perceptor pulled out a circular device from a storage compartment in his left thigh and handed it to Optimus.

"This is a prototype cloaker but I'm certain it will work perfectly. All you have to do is attach it to yourself. It's magnetic so it will be simple, and then press the blue button in the center and hold for three seconds to activate."

Optimus looked at him warily. "What are you planning?"

"I will investigate the signal...alone."

Optimus' optics widened a fraction. "Perceptor…no…it could be dangerous."

"We are in danger now Optimus. The Decepticons have fled but they will return with greater force. You are in no shape to travel to the new location of our base and we have no working groundbridge. We need a new plan and I have a hunch that this might be the answer we are looking for."

"You...don't know...what…"

"Yes, I may not know what is there exactly but there's only one way to find out Optimus. Whatever it is, if the Ancients sent it here, it must be of great value, which means we cannot chance it falling into the hands of the Decepticons."

Optimus shut his optics, pondering Perceptor's words. On a fundamental level, he was correct. Their situation was not only dangerous, but it seemed increasingly hopeless. It would take considerable time for Optimus' injury to fully heal, therefore it would only serve to aggravate it if he chose to transform and then pull the enormous weight of the groundbridge's components to the final destination.

A new plan would need to be hatched and soon. And for the time being, seeking out this signal of the Ancients would be their best bet in salvaging the situation.

"Go and make haste Perceptor."

Perceptor nodded. He picked up his blaster and made sure it was loaded. He checked his visor and activated its targeting setting. He set up his optics so that he may see in the darkness ahead. And then he proceeded into the cave, disappearing into the darkness.

00000

Undisclosed Location - 4:00 pm

"Steel, found anything?"

"Nothing yet Ramhorn, there seems to be no end to this pit."

Steeljaw.

Autobot. Wrecker. Scout. Hunter. He was all these things and more. He is rightfully proud of it. And having the form of a lion, that would make him doubly proud.

But he was not arrogant nor vain. He simply knew his strengths and utilized them properly. He knew his weaknesses but he knew how to turn them into advantages.

Among Blaster's crew, Steeljaw was the swiftest, the most cunning as well as the most ferocious.

"Well, you better hurry bud, we ain't got all day. Blasta' managed to freeze the self-destruct tuner but it won't last."

"Understood. Thank you Ramhorn."

"Anytime purr-dy boy."

Steeljaw groaned. His jokes get worse by the minute.

"Never heard that one before," he said sarcastically. "Be sure to make a few exits for me if you don't mind."

"Be happy to. See ya bud."

With that said, Steeljaw observed the hallway before him. It looked no different than the others but this was supposed to lead to the basement.

He looked back to observe the seven MECH troops who laid sprawled in different positions, totally unconscious. Their weapons laid by them, rendered useless by his disruptor cannon.

These particular MECH soldiers had heavier armor and their weapons far more advanced.

They're better armed and they fight harder than the rest. Whatever it is they have down here must be truly important.

Steeljaw paused and honed in on his sharp hearing. All that could be heard was the steady breathing of the unconscious MECH troopers, the low buzz of the electric light bulbs illuminating the hall, and...and…

What in the world…?!

There was the sound of scraping of claws, of high-pitched screeching and cursing, and of chains rattling, becoming taut. It sounded like someone was trapped and was trying so desperately to escape.

Do they have another one of ours imprisoned here?

Steeljaw's internal sensors widened its parameters to zero in on the voice of whoever it was that was trying to break free from their captivity.

Judging by the growling and clawing, it sounded...metallic.

Steeljaw paused.

It didn't make sense.

There weren't that many beast bots left in the universe. What would any of them be doing here on earth? And in the clutches of a human organization? What they must've been through was no doubt excruciating.

Steeljaw approached the massive steel door where the noise was the loudest. It was closed shut. It's lock was clearly mechanical and you can't hack a mechanical lock.

Clever.

With a single swipe of his iron claws, the lock was cut in two.

Suddenly, Steeljaw's plated mane stood on end, his animal instincts screaming at him to move.

And he leapt away from the door and it exploded wide open.

And a blur of black and purple burst through.

"WRETCHED HUMANS! I WILL HAVE YOU ALL IN MY TEETH!"

Steeljaw didn't speak. He didn't move. His red optics wide and staring, his fanged maw open, he looked upon the crouched figure before him.

She had her back to him, until she inhaled the air. Someone was behind her.

She quickly turned her head and her red optics shot open when she saw who it was.

"You?! What are you doing here?!"

"I could easily ask the same of you Reena, or do you only answer to Ravage now?"

00000

Denver, CO - 4:00 pm

"Captain Fanzone!"

"What?! What?! What is it?!"

"Proximity sensors show two Autobot signals approaching our present location."

Any tiredness that was in them left Sari and Rafael immediately. They rose up from where they rested and scooted off Bumblebee's hood.

It had been hours and the scout still hadn't stirred from his comatose state.

"That's impossible," Raf protested. "No one else but Optimus knows about this place."

"Maybe…" Sari yawned before continuing. "Maybe he told the others to come here."

"And risk Soundwave eavesdropping again? Or MECH?"

Sari tiredly shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah, that would be a bad idea."

Raf turned to the Professor. "Dr. Sumdac? Do you know who it is?"

"One moment Rafael, I will pull up the security feed and we'll see." Professor Sumdac typed a few keys on the Cybertronian mainframe of the hidden base. Given the base was of Cybertronian make, it had transformative capabilities. It was able to shift and convert to suit the size of its users. Thus, with the key code given to him by Optimus Prime, Dr. Sumdac was able to set up the massive computer into a size he could work with.

"Let's see now...got it!"

There was a momentary blink of light on the screen before it changed images. The feed shown the image of two vehicles approaching, which appeared to be of the same make and model of the MECH corvettes, except these particular corvettes were of different colors. One was bright red while the other was bright yellow.

Both of them had Autobot insignias on their hoods.

Rafael, Sari, Dr. Sumdac and Captain Fanzone stared dumbly at the screen.

"Raf?" Sari squeaked. "Do you know those guys?"

Rafael's answer was a hollow one. "No."

"You think they're 'Cons?"

"I don't think so, they could not have found this place. It's virtually undetectable. The only one besides us who knew about this place was Optimus."

"Maybe we were followed."

"Oh ho, not a chance!" Fanzone retorted. "I would know if we were being followed. I've been on police assignments before that involved not getting followed. No way these goons could get the drop on us."

"I hope you're right Captain," Dr. Sumdac said anxiously. He looked back at the screen and he gasped. "They found the hidden passageway!"

"They gotta be Autobots," Raf exclaimed. "If they are cleared by the scanners, they're definitely Autobots."

"Raf shush!" Sari said.

A red light above the Autobot computer started blinking, followed by a sharp beep which indicated its proximity sensors.

"Commencing scan," an automated voice spoke from the speakers of the computer.

On the feed, it showed a thin sheet of red light covering the two vehicles from top to bottom.

In a matter of seconds, the red light turned green and a pleasant chime was heard.

"Scan complete. Welcome Sideswipe. Welcome Sunstreaker."

"Raffy?" Sari said. "Do you know who they are? Have you heard those names before?"

Rafael scratched his head, which was rather tricky given the mass of spiked hair on his head. Sideswipe, that sounds familiar. And then it clicked.

"Hey yeah! Sideswipe! Bee told me about him. He was a pilot and he was with Bee and Optimus when they had that jailbreak back in Kaon, the Decepticon capital on Cybertron."

"They're coming," Dr. Sumdac said, looking nervously towards the silo tunnel which led to the main entrance. The sound of the coming Autobots was getting louder.

"It's alright Professor," Raf said assuredly. "Optimus assured us that the scanning tech of this base is foolproof. That it will cause weapon systems to fire upon any intruder, even Shifters who takes the form of other Autobots. That is how precise the sensors are, they can scan a bot down to a microscopic level."

"Ah...yes, of course. Thank You Rafael."

Once Dr. Sumdac had finished his last word, the Twins had already gone through the silo entryway.

"A little cramped, but it'll have to do," Sideswipe said. His passenger doors opened.

And Vince and Sierra warily stepped out.

"Vinny?! Siri?!" Sari almost shrieked.

Sierra Krosney, who had her head down, looked up with a start. When her eyes locked with Sari's, they started to fill with tears. She ran to her and Sari did the same. She jumped into Sierra's arms and they embraced each other tightly.

"Oh Sari," Sierra cried. "I was so worried about you."

"Vince?" Raf said, adjusting his glasses. "What are you guys doing here?" Raf's eyes popped as a terrible thought occurred to him. "Were you guys ambushed?!"

Vince didn't answer. He just gave the boy genius a smirk before grabbing him in a headlock and ruffled his massive hair, much to his chagrin.

"Ow ow hey!"

"Raf, you bum. I'm glad you're ok."

Vince released Raf from the playful encounter. Adjusting his hair and glasses, Raf looked up at Vince with a serious look. "Where is Jon? And Agent Fowler."

"They're fine, I guess."

"You guess?"

"Hey! Aren't you going to introduce us?"

Vince held up a hand up. "Hold on a sec Sunslapper."

There was an annoyed groan, "Sunstreaker! It's Sunstreaker! Sun-Streak-Er!"

There was a deep raucous laugh.

"Shut it Swipes!"

"Anyway…" Vince said. "We were attacked but these two picked us up. As for Fowler and Jon, their friends went and rescued them too. Jon is supposed to be on his way here right now."

"Friends? You mean more Autobots?" Raf looked excitedly towards Sideswipe. "You got Optimus' message?"

"You bet we did, the whole crew got the message."

Raf let out a cry of relief, almost laughing. "How many?"

"You mean how many of us are left? Or how many have come here just now?"

"The latter," Raf answered.

"Including the cassettes, ten."

"Ten?!" Raf shouted in fierce joy. "That's amazing!" He paused. "Cassettes? What cassettes?"

"Those would be Blaster's boys," Sunstreaker said. "We call them cassettes or symbiotes. They're basically minicons or small Cybertronians whose alternate modes are that of what are roughly translated as cassettes and Blaster, our communications experts, he has this compartment in his chest where he keeps them when they're in the field."

Raf stared at the yellow Autobot. "You mean like a Walkman?"

Sunstreaker's rear view mirrors adjusted sharply. This seemed to indicate silent confusion.

"What's a Walkman?"

Raf blinked and then chuckled nervously. "Never mind."

Captain Fanzone snorted. "I find it rather convenient that you machines showed up when you did."

Sideswipe's rear view mirrors and front tires twitched with agitation. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Ten of you alien machines just happen to show up after we abandon the bass and split up to avoid capture? Pardon me if I find that suspicious."

Sideswipe transformed on the spot. He didn't look particularly angry, just annoyed. "You don't trust aliens do you?"

"Not really."

"That's ok," Sunstreaker said pleasantly, driving up to them both. "You don't need to trust us right away, at least not implicitly. But we're here to help, that's why we came."

Captain Fanzone scoffed. "I've heard that before."

Sideswipe frowned. "You and Prowl would get along."

Fanzone looked at him. "Who?"

"He's our commander, tough as iron, very by the book, never flinches or smiles, and when he talks you down, you bleed."

Fanzone furrowed his brow. "I wouldn't bet on it."

Sari who had taken Sierra by the hand, looked up at her. "Why hasn't Katie come out of the car?"

"She's...resting her eyes."

It was true but rather it was an understatement. Katie Steinfeld had a very traumatic day. It was perhaps even worse for when she was first introduced to the Autobots, right after MECH chased them down in a lethal high-speed chase through Jasper. Not just that, but also the terrible fear for the life of her best friend when she was almost abducted by two of MECH's foot soldiers.

Whenever she had a stressful day, she would feel a great heaviness and a need to sleep. Sunstreaker didn't seem to mind in the least to let her sleep in the backseat of his vehicle mode.

"Is she ok?" Sari asked.

"She's ok," Sunstreaker said. "Had a bit of a bloody nose…and a run in with a couple of MECH goons. She just needs some time."

Sari frowned sadly but then felt stumped when she realized that Sierra was shaking. "Siri? Are you ok?"

Sierra looked at her. Her eyes were red. "I killed someone."

Sari was aghast but she took hold of herself. "They would've killed you."

"I know." She clenched her eyes and tears slipped through. "But...still."

Sideswipe knelt down to one knee and with a forefinger, he lifted Sierra's head so she'd look at him in the eye. Strangely enough, she did not resist the compassionate gesture for in the short time she had known him, Sideswipe had been kind, courteous, thoughtful, and supportive.

It's like he knows a thing or two about dealing with troubled kids.

"I know it's hard Sierra, really I do. But you did what you had to do. That...criminal would've killed Vince if you hadn't acted. He did not give you a choice. He died by his own hand, you must realize this."

Sierra's face scrunched and she bit her lip, trying to keep herself from crying further. "Thank you," she sobbed.

Sideswipe gave her a light smile. "You're welcome."

"Swipes."

The curt yet dead serious way of naming him caused Sideswipe to go rigid and his smile disappeared. "Yeah Sunny?"

"We got incoming."

Sideswipe stood up and approached the base's mainframe. Sunstreaker, very slowly and gently transformed, and with expert maneuvering, removed Katie from his backseat without waking her. With Katie in his two hands, Sunstreaker very gently laid her down on an elevated platform, where he was sure she would neither be disturbed or stepped on.

Sunstreaker approached his brother from behind, who had already pulled up multiple security feeds in the form of several screens on the main viewing screen like a 5x5 checkerboard.

Sari approached the Twins very nervously. "Sunstreaker?" she squeaked. "How did you know there's someone coming? You guys weren't followed were you?"

"Not a chance," Sunstreaker answered without turning. "I've been fitted with an internal proximity sensor, a prototype which allows me to detect bogies from miles away. Whoever it is, they're coming fast. I'd have to say they have a way of tracking us without needing to rely on gadgetry."

"It's too small to be an Insecticon," Sideswipe said. "And it'd be flying in the sky if it were, not treading ground in the forest like a…"

Sideswipe paused as he stared at the top screen, second to the left. "Oh boy."

"What is it? Did you spot the intruder?"

Sideswipe pointed a finger and when Sunstreaker saw what he was pointing at, his mouth dropped. "No scrapping way."

"What is it?" Raf said sounding alarmed. "Is it 'Cons?"

"Well...yeah," Sideswipe said. "Except there's only one and one we did not expect."

"Just one?" Raf questioned. "Who is it?"

Sideswipe tapped a few keys and one of the screens enlarged, illuminating the image of what appeared to be an alien robotic version of a black panther stalking through a forested mountain road.

Except this jungle cat had a black and purple design which gave her a sinister appearance as most Decepticons.

And this one's optics burned red with such a glow of savage fury, as one would expect from a predatory animal, except there was a glint which seemed to suggest a burning hatred, a distinction that does not even apply to animals.

A curious thing however was the railroad map of welding lines all over the beast's person, as though she were smashed to pieces and then put back together. It was a grotesque sight. And judging by the way she was limping and wincing as she walked, she was clearly in terrible pain.

"That looks bad," Sunstreaker said aghast. "Of all the war wounds I've seen…"

"Those are no war wounds," Sideswipe said grimly. "It looks like Ravage had been...tortured...made into a lab experiment. Cracked open again and again, and then-"

"Swipes!" Sunstreaker said sternly.

Before Sideswipe could inquire why he was cut off, the answer occurred to him instantly and he turned to look at Sari, who was looking quite stricken by what he was saying.

"Sorry," he said.

"What did you say her name was?" Sari asked timidly.

"Ravage," Sideswipe replied. "She's a scout and a subordinate under Soundwave's command, as well as one of his minicons. It was reported that she had perished in a scouting assignment in this system. Apparently that report was dead wrong."

"I don't get it," Sunstreaker said before turning to Rafael. "Have you seen this one before?"

Raf shook his head. "No, the only minicon I knew of Soundwave having was Laserbeak. This Ravage, she's some kind of tracker?"

"The most accomplished tracker among all the Decepticons."

"Where was she all this time?" Raf asked.

"I have a hunch," Sunstreaker said ominously. "I'd say that she had been in the unpleasant company of MECH, but for how long?"

Sari covered her mouth, tears in her eyes. "Is she hurt?"

Sunstreaker looked at her with sympathy. "She's far from ok."

"Are you going to help her?"

Sideswipe looked at her funny. "Help a 'Con?"

"Well...she looks really hurt."

"We're not doctors Sari," Sunstreaker said. "And we can't just take an enemy in, the 'Cons could track her."

"If they could track her, they wouldn't have left her at the mercy of MECH for who knows how long," Raf protested. "I know the 'Cons are evil but I can't believe they would leave any of their own to...to have that done to them."

Sideswipe looked at Raf skeptically. "Wouldn't they?"

Raf looked stricken. "They came for Breakdown when he got taken by MECH."

"Breakdown?" Sideswipe questioned.

"Yeah, he was captured and Starscream went and picked him up…" Raf cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses. "...right after Bulkhead broke him out."

"Did Starscream act on his own?" Sideswipe asked impetuously. "Cuz that sounds like something he'd do, if for no other reason than to gain his loyalty."

Raf bowed his head.

"I'm sorry kid," Sideswipe said. "But the 'Cons know nothing of loyalty. They don't care about their own, they care only for themselves."

"Then let's help Ravage. Look at her! She looks ready to keel over!"

The Twins looked at Raf. Sideswipe turned and hunched over the mainframe keyboard, venting deeply. Sunstreaker rubbed the back of his head.

"We can...we can have a look at her," Sunstreaker said hesitantly. "This base ought to have medical supplies and a hammer to keep this one from calling for backup. But we'd have to be smart about it so she can't track this base."

Sideswipe grimaced. "You're serious?"

"Yes Swipes, we may be at war, but we're still Autobots. We can't turn away someone who needs help. You know the 'Cons aren't coming for Ravage, don't you?"

Sideswipe looked downward. "Yes, I do."

"Sari?"

The Twins looked down to see a portly-looking professor turning his head rapidly as though he were trying very hard to find something...or someone.

"Have you seen my daughter?!" He cried.

Sunstreaker, optics huge, looked up at the security feed. He tapped a key and all security feeds were in view again. One of the screen showed a young girl with red hair and mahogany skin running towards the creature, carrying what looks like a miniature medical kit and a paralysis blaster.

"Scrap."

00000

Wretched...vile...cruel...humans.

Ravage's world was nothing but pain.

Agony.

Pain.

Humiliation.

I'll...I'll slaughter them…I'll tear them apart ...those...fiends...I never did anything to them!

Ravage clenched her jagged razor-sharp teeth. She shook her head as though she were trying to physically dislodge any unwelcome thoughts.

Soundwave...where were you? We sparkbonded. How could you not have known where I was? I would know if you perished. Why? Why didn't you come find me? Why? Why?! WHY?!

Ravage collapsed. The pain was too terrible. She was exhausted. She could not go much further in the state she was in.

No! I have to keep going! They won't get me! I won't go back to that place! I won't! I won't!

Ravage resorted to crawling on her belly like some pathetic beast of the dirt. She grinded her teeth, so hard that it produced metallic dust. It hurt but she didn't care.

How can the Autobots protect these insects?! These primitive, violent meat sacks who think only of themselves?! The Autobots should do the universe a favor and let this world burn."

It was exhausting just drag herself an inch across the ground. Her vision was getting fuzzy. She was losing consciousness.

No! Use the pain to stay awake! I have to hide! I have to hide!

"Hey."

Ravage's Energon ran cold. She tried to look about but her injuries prevented her. It was too painful to even lift or turn her head. But then her spark rate decreased when she realized that voice was simply too young to be one of them.

A human child shouldn't be out in this wood. And I'm extremely doubtful that those humans would send child soldiers after me.

Ravage paused in thought. Why didn't I smell her approaching?

"Stay away," Ravage croaked.

"You're hurt."

"I said stay away."

"I can help you."

Ravage's temper frayed. "I don't need help!"

She heard the familiar click of a metal box opening.

Panic began to convulse in her being and Ravage attempted to crawl away. "No! No!"

"It's ok! It's ok! It's only a medical kit."

Ravage stopped struggling for a moment and managed, with tremendous effort, to turn her head to look at her unexpected visitor.

It was a girl. She had crimson hair and dark skin.

She had with her a paralysis blaster, clearly Cybertronian. What the?

"Why do you have that?" Ravage asked sharply. "And where did you get that?"

"For protection. In case you get out of control."

Smart.

Ravage looked at the open medical kit and her optics widened when she saw that it was of Cybertronian make and of Autobot origin.

"Autobots sent a human child to tend to an enemy?"

"They don't know I'm gone."

Ravage stared at her. "You should leave."

"No."

"No?"

"Not until I fix you."

Ravage snarled. "I don't want help from a human! Get away from me or I'll rip you apart!"

"How? You can't even move. And I'll put you in stasis if I have to."

Ravage sneered. Petulant child. She slumped on the ground, grinding her fangs in rage. "What do you want from me?"

She heard a sniffle. "I just want to make you better."

Ravage scoffed. "You're wasting your time human. Nothing you do can ever make better what has been done to me. Leave me child."

"I won't!" Sari sobbed.

Ravage felt something warm and soft press against her.

"Stop that!"

Then Ravage felt something else. Something wet and warm. And then more sniffling.

"Tears? What's wrong with you? You're not hurt."

"I'm hurting because you're hurting," Sari sobbed.

Ravage growled. "Get off me human! I don't want your pity!"

Sari hiccuped. "Let me help you please!"

"There is no helping me!"

The sound that followed was a soft buzzing sound that grew into high whirring.

There was a blue glow that grew in its light.

It was coming from Sari.

"What are you doing?" Ravage said in growing alarm.

"I'm not doing this!" Sari cried. She pulled out the source of the glow but it became too bright to see. "My necklace has never done that before."

Confusion overcame Ravage's mind but then it gave way to fear when she felt her spark chamber open of its own accord.

"No! No!"

Calm yourself Reena.

Ravage gasped. "How do you know my name?"

Sari couldn't see due to the brightness but she heard well enough. "I never said your name."

Then Ravage felt something reconfigure inside her being and something was put into it.

And then the pain started to leave.

Incomprehension filled her as the exhaustion left her as well as well as the obstructions impeding her full range of motion.

What...what is happening? What's going on?!

And then the glow subsided and her spark chamber closed.

The pain was gone.

Ravage stood up effortlessly, causing Sari who was leaning on her to fall over.

Ravage examines herself, from her paws to her tail. She stretched and found that there was no pain in doing so.

She looked back at the young girl who was on the ground, paralysis blaster in both hands.

Ravage stared at her as though she were something she did not expect.

"How did you do that?"

Sari blinked. "Do what?"

"Don't be coy girl!" Ravage snapped. "My wounds, they're all gone. How?"

"I don't know, my necklace never did that before."

Ravage quirked a brow. Necklace? She looked at the object hanging around her neck and her optics shot open. "Where did you get that?"

"SARI!"

Sari and Ravage looked to see two giant beings, one red and one yellow charging at them, blasters at the ready.

"Sari! Get away from her!" Sideswipe bellowed.

Ravage exhaled impetuously. Took them long enough.

Sari looked at her and Ravage looked back at her, neither with malevolence or kindness.

She showed no sign of emotion but Sari saw a shine in Ravage's optics which reminded her of a look she once saw in the eyes of a bitter old woman after she had taken the better part of the afternoon to find her lost dog when no one else would.

And then Ravage ran as fast as she could, leaving the girl who saved her in the dirt.

00000

Undisclosed Location - Nemesis Warship

Soundwave continued to monitor the situation of the latest operation currently led by Breakdown. Nothing out of the ordinary other what was expected. There was certainly an enormous number of pilfered technology, most to all of them Cybertronian.

He never shows it but Soundwave could feel anger boiling in his spark.

How dare these humans use their technology in such a primitive and poultry fashion.

Not only that, but the inner workings of MECH were rather staggering, the deeds they have done in the dark, behind closed doors, and how deep it has gone.

They may be humans but they were certainly thorough.

Suddenly, his spark started to ache and a familiar sensation overtook him as abject bewilderment consumed his mind.

Ravage.

And then the ache turned into an agonizing throb as the emotional and mental pain of his sister by bond flooded through his senses.

Soundwave stepped back from the bridge's mainframe and he fell to his knees. The sound of it caused every Decepticon present to look up in shock at the stoic and silent Soundwave, who had literally been brought to his knees.

Impossible. Ravage...is...dead.

I fought for you. Bled for you. And you left me at the mercy of these insects.

No. No. Ravage, I thought you were dead.

LIAR! Do you know?! Do you know what they did to me?! WHAT THEY DID TO ME?!

Soundwave fell forward. He caught himself but was now on his hands and knees. His spark was racing and it wouldn't slow down.

"Officer Soundwave! What's wrong?!"

"Someone get a hold of Knockout! Hurry!"

Soundwave could barely register them, the pain in his spark was overwhelming now. He could not focus. He would black out at this rate. Most Cybertronians cannot survive this kind of stress.

"What's going on here?!"

"L-Lord Megatron, we...we're not sure my liege. Soundwave just collapsed."

"Soundwave? Soundwave! Get a hold of yourself! What's the matter with you?!"

If only Soundwave could tell him but what could he say? One of his treasured subordinates, one of which he had bonded his spark with to preserve their life was in fact alive but far from well, and now Soundwave was feeling everything. Every ounce of anguish and agony that Ravage had endured and it was now being laid upon him in a blinding flash. It was a phantom thing but it was tearing his mind and spark apart.

"Knockout! KNOCKOUT! WHERE THE DEVIL ARE YOU?!"

Ravage. Ravage. Forgive me. I didn't know. I thought you were gone. Forgive me. Please. Please. You must forgive me. You must.

He could no longer hear her. He could still feel her but he could not hear her.

She had shut him out.

No. No. No. No.

"Inducing stasis now."

As his vision clouded and his senses began to numb over, Soundwave's last thought was on his precious sister, the one whom he had failed.

I'm...I'm too weak...to protect any of them.

Darkness.

00000

"Sari, what were you thinking?!" Sunstreaker said sternly.

"What you did was extremely dangerous!" Sideswipe almost shouted. "Don't you know what that creature could've done to you?"

"I came prepared," Sari protested weakly as she brandished a paralysis blaster.

The Twins gawked at her. "You scared your father half to death," Sunstreaker said. "And a kid your age shouldn't be carrying one of those."

"Unless you're Bumblebee?"

"That's different," Sideswipe protested. "He has no choice. It was either fight or die."

"You think I have a choice?"

Before either one of the Twins could answer however, two projectiles flew through the air and attached to them. Before either of them knew what was happening, powerful electric charges went through them, causing the Twins to cry out in pain before collapsing.

Out like a light.

Once Sari got over the shock of what she had just witnessed, she realized that she was not alone.

"Take her."

"What about the Autobots?"

"We do not have the resources to transport them, the heir to Sumdac Systems will do."

Sari turned to flee but she did not dare go towards the base. Doing so would expose its location and its residents.

Including Raffy.

Sari's cheeks became hot. Why did my mind single him out just now?

She heard booted feet hitting the forest dirt behind her but she did not stop.

I need to hide! I have to get away! I can't let them take me too!

Suddenly she felt strong arms grab her from behind and on pure instinct, she bit down hard into one.

There was a cry of agony before whoever grabbed twisted around and backhanded her hard across the face.

Sari's ears. were ringing.

And then only darkness.

00000

"Captain Fanzone! You have to do something! They have Sari! You must rescue her!"

"I can't Doctor," Fanzone said regretfully. "I'd be outnumbered and outgunned. Besides, I can't leave this base without exposing ourselves. We'd all be in danger of being killed or captured."

Sierra was crying hysterically. Vince was comforting as best as he could. Katie stood off to the side, wrenching her hands as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Bumblebee, still in vehicle form, was comatose and unresponsive to what was going on around him.

Desperate to help her daughter, Dr. Sumdac rushed over to him and pressed his gloved hands onto the scout's hood.

"Bumblebee please! I don't know if you can hear me but please! Please! Wake up! Sari is in danger, grave danger! Help her! Help me! PLEASE! In the name of God, please! Wake up! WAKE UP!"

Suddenly, Bumblebee's engine roared to life, causing everyone in the room to jump. Dr. Sumdac fell backwards to the ground.

Narrowly avoiding the Professor, Bumblebee drove out of the command center and through silo exit, out of view.

00000

Ravage continued to run.

She didn't care where she was going, as long as it was anywhere but here.

She was confused. Beyond confused.

What...what in the world did I just witness? How...how did the Key to Open All Doors end up in the possession of a human child?

Ravage's sharp ears perked.

Ravage stopped and turned towards the source of the sound she just detected.

A child, a girl crying out in pain and distress.

She's in trouble.

Ravage stood there, contemplating on what she should do next.

She's one of them. The ones who made their plaything. I owe her nothing.

Ravage strode forward in a sprint, but something in her caused her to slow down. It was an unfamiliar feeling, like she had been fed contaminated Energon.

And then she stopped.

No. No! That is not me! I don't do this!

She saved your life and you're going to leave her to die?

Ravage felt her spark turn to ice. Was she actually considering this? That can't be. Only Autobots think in such a way. She was no Autobot.

But she was no Decepticon either. Not after today. Not after she had been abandoned to torment and slavery for nearly thirty earth years.

She turned back in the direction where she heard the girl scream.

A life for a life. And then I will go my own way from then on.

00000

"Hang on Sari, I'm coming!"

Being the gifted scout that he is, Bumblebee had acquired a particular set of tracking skills, skills that would allow to find certain persons or objects even if whatever trace they left behind was scarce.

"I have to hurry! The longer it takes, the harder it will be to get Sari back!"

His sensors picked up the heat signature of the tire treads of certain military vehicles and the dissolving gas clouds of military copters that have not long ago departed.

And judging by the foot prints, he could guess which vehicle Sari was put in.

"Alright, to quote Road to El Dorado, let's follow that trail."

00000

Latching onto a tree from on high with her claws, Ravage observed the Autobot scout from afar, watching at work of what he does best.

While the scout's tracking skills are impressive, he'll never get to the girl in time.

Ravage furrowed her brow. Did I just think that this infantile scout's tracking skills are impressive?

Shaking that thought out of her head, Ravage inhaled the air.

They're heading north.

She let go of the tree and very quietly descended to the ground.

Like a ghost, she stood on the hill, overlooking the scout, who apparently had not taken notice of her yet.

He must be very concerned about the girl to have not detected me already.

00000

Bumblebee stood up from the ground. Detecting something in the corner of his eye, he brandished his weapon and with expert dexterity, aimed his blaster at the intruder.

When he saw who it was, his optics became huge and he felt his spark clench with dread.

"Ravage?"

The Decepticon Hunter gave the scout a wry smile. "Surprised?" she said in that usual sultry and throaty tone.

"Reports say that you perished."

Ravage scoffed. "Have they?"

Bumblebee glared. "What do you want? Did you...did you have something to do with this?"

"Yes."

Bumblebee's blaster started to glow even brighter and hotter. "WHERE IS SHE?!" he bellowed.

Ravage frowned. "They're taking her north but if you want to save her, I suggest you follow my lead."

"What?"

"You heard me. Don't argue. I'll mark the trail. You follow, understand?"

"What?"

Ravage rolled her eyes. "Here, watch." With her claws, she scratched the tree nearest to her until the wood was a mess of scratch marks. "Follow these, and I suggest you hurry."

Bumblebee stared at her, rather dumbfounded. "You're helping me?"

Ravage bared her teeth. "You want to save her?! Then move it!" And she bolted north.

Wasting no time, Bumblebee ran after her.

00000

Undisclosed Location - 5:00 pm

"Move from that spot little girl and you'll be sorry."

Sari hated crying. She'd never cry. She wouldn't show these monsters that they were getting to her but she couldn't hold back some sniffling.

She was blindfolded and her hands were tied behind her back. So she certainly didn't where she was but what she did know from what she could feel was that she was sitting on something soft and judging by the cold draft, she was near the outside.

I have to escape. I can't let them keep me here, wherever here is.

"Sir, we just got confirmed reports on the mountain compound."

"Then be out with it."

"It's gone sir."

Sari heard the sound of a struggle and a man grunting in distress, as though they had been grabbed forcefully.

"What do you mean gone?"

"The self-destruct protocol was activated."

"Who…" the MECH commander growled. "Who authorized that?"

"Commander Hades sir."

Sari heard the man utter a curse that no girl her age should hear or even know.

"That man, he's always had a flare for the extreme."

"What do we do now sir?"

"We regroup. Recall the men."

"Yes sir, what about the girl?"

There was a heavy silence. "I'll have some men guard her and escort her when we're done here. She'll be invaluable for bargaining with."

"Without question sir."

Sari gulped. How scared her father must be. And Bumblebee. Would she ever see him again? And Raf?

Of course I will! They'll rescue me! Just like they did Mr Fowler and Jonny!

Sari's eyes widened behind the blindfold. She felt her cheeks burn again. Why am I thinking of Raf now?

Then it was quiet. She didn't even hear the men leave.

Weren't they supposed to have guys guard me?

"Such a pretty one," said a deep, raspy voice.

Just hearing that made Sari's skin crawl.

"What is wrong with you?" This voice was smooth, somewhat nasal.

"How much time do we have?"

"A few minutes I reckon."

Sari bit her lip. The pit in her stomach grew. She was running out of time.

She took in a breath and spoke with as confidently as she could. "If you return me safely to my father, he can see to it that a deal is made with the courts in your favor."

Sari didn't hear them answer.

But what she did hear were footsteps coming towards her and then she cried out in pain when she felt one of her pigtails being yanked.

"You are not a position to bargain with us little girl!" It was the one with the deep raspy voice. "You be as quiet as possible or I will slap you even harder."

Harder? So this jerk is the one who hit me before? If this creep has kids, I pity them.

The man threw her into the chair she was in, causing her to cry out.

I will not cry. I will give these crooks the satisfaction.

"Feisty little snot isn't she?" said the brutish man who hurt her.

"I'll say."

And there was a scream.

A shrill, bloodcurdling scream.

There was a hitching of breath.

"What...What was that?" asked the man with the nasal voice.

"Go check it out."

Sari heard the sound of footsteps leaving the room.

At first Sari heard nothing. But then she heard the sound of raspy but quickened breathing. She could not see it but she could smell sweat in the air.

He acts all tough but deep down, he's a sad, sniveling coward. Another typical bully.

"Reiner!" The raspy man called out. "Hey Reiner!"

"Don't name me you idiot!"

"And who's going to tell?! Did you find whatever that was?"

"Not so far but-AGGHHHHH!"

The raspy man choked and sputtered upon hearing his partner scream in horror.

Frightened, Sari curled up in a ball and buried her face in the chair.

Is this Corinthian leather?

Suddenly, the same strong, rough hands that grabbed her and struck her, grabbed her once more around the waist.

And then she felt something cold and made of metal press against her forehead.

And then she heard a cocking sound.

She could guess what it was.

Sari whimpered but managed to keep it together.

I should be scared and yet...I'm strangely calm. Maybe it's cuz I could be seeing Jesus and mom any second now.

"Whoever you are, come out slowly!" The raspy man cried. "Do it slowly or I'll cap this kid, you got it?!"

He sounded desperate.

"Believe me! I'll do it!"

Silence reigned in the room.

"I believe you."

I know that voice.

Sari heard her captor gasp and the cold metal leave her head before the deafening sound of gunfire rang in her ears.

In the fraction of a second, she felt her captor's grip loosen and she was released.

Sari was on the floor, groaning, disoriented by the deafening blast of the gun.

My ears are ringing like crazy.

Sari then felt something long and made of cold metal sling behind her back and stick in between the robe binding her hands behind her back.

She felt her ties being cut in a single swipe.

Pulling herself to her feet and the ringing in her ears finally ceasing, Sari removed her blindfold.

And she found herself face to face with one she did not entirely expect.

"Ravage?"

The autonomous robotic jungle cat gave Sari a devious lopsided grin. "Good to see you haven't forgotten me."

"How could I forget you in less than...how long was it? I had been unconscious."

"It's been a little over an hour child."

"My name is Sari."

Ravage tilted her head at her. "Sorry?"

"Sari. That's spelled S-A-R-I."

Ravage blinked. "Interesting...name."

Before Sari could give an annoyed retort, her eye caught something behind Ravage that she didn't notice until now.

Just behind Ravage, slightly camouflaged by the darkness of the room, with her tail wrapped tightly around his throat, was the MECH soldier who had threatened her just now.

He was struggling for breath, barely making a sound, clawing at the iron-grip tail constricting her breathing passage.

He was wearing a mask, like all the MECH troopers.

He has reason to hide his face. He must be a Fed.

Following Sari's line of vision, she realized her mistake. "Ah."

She loosened her tail and the brute fell to the floor, clasping his throat and coughing, regaining his breath.

"I'm sorry you had to see that."

Sari smiled. "You came for me."

Ravage frowned. "A life for a life."

Noticing the brutish MECH soldier starting to recover, with her tail and the swiftest of movements, Ravage picked up the discarded that he dropped and whipped it across the back of his head, effectively knocking him out.

"Time to leave Sari."

Sari giggled. "Yeah, cuz I was totally planning on sticking around."

Ravage looked at her. "Are you attempting to be humorous?"

"Uh...yes?"

Ravage continued to stare at her.

Sari cleared her throat bashfully. "We should go," she said.

"Very wise."

00000

It goes against every fiber of her being, but just this once, Ravage would allow a human to ride upon her back. On the condition that she told no one about it. Sari promised she wouldn't.

"Bumblebee?! Where is he?!"

"He'll be along soon. I left a trail for him to follow."

"So...why didn't you just come yourself?" Sari asked quizzically. "You don't seem like the sort of person to want help. No offense."

"None taken. It's true but I know how strong this 'MECH' is. I did not wish to risk being caught again."

Sari looked at her sadly. "What will you do after this? After you're done rescuing me I mean."

Ravage looked at her with a neutral look. "That is no concern of yours child."

"Are you going back to the Decepticons? Are you going to tell them about my necklace?"

"I would've taken the key from you if I wanted to but relax, I've no intention of making Megatron aware of it being here on earth."

Sari raised an eyebrow. "Key?"

Ravage frowned. She has no idea what she's carrying. Not surprising. All the same, it must be protected at all costs. In the wrong hands, it could be disastrous. catastrophic, even apocalyptic.

"Yes, Key. If you want to know more, you'd best ask Optimus. There's the exit."

Another steel door with a mechanical lock. This was nothing to Ravage. With a swipe of her claw, the iron latch was cut and they were free to leave.

Using her tail, Ravage gripped the handle and forced the door open.

And they were greeted by about a dozen MECH soldiers, guns drawn.

Ravage smirked. Some late arrivals eh?

"Sari, off my back and cover your eyes. Understand?"

Sari obeyed without argument.

She hid herself around the corner of the door so that she wouldn't get caught in any sort of crossfire.

And then the screaming began. There was the sound of gunfire, metal being cut to pieces, and the sound of pain and bludgeoning.

Slashing.

The metallic roar of a jungle cat.

And pleas for mercy.

And then silence save for that of groans of pain.

"You can come out now."

Sari came out from the corner and gasped when she saw the multitude of bodies strewn across the ground. And amazingly, there was not a drop of blood on the ground or on any of the men.

"Are they…?"

"No," Ravage said shaking their head. "They're alive but once they're conscious, they'll be in a world of pain."

"Can we go now?"

Ravage sighed exasperated. And then her ears perked. "Here he comes."

"Who?"

The sound of a muscle car approaching at top speed came into being.

Sari turned to see a familiar sight. Grinning like a Cheshire Cat, Sari ran to meet Bumblebee as he transformed into his bi-pedal form.

"BEE!"

Sari ran with arms wide open and she jumped into Bumblebee's arms, crying joyfully all the while.

"I was so worried about you!" Sari cried.

Bumblebee smiled behind his mouth plate. "Ditto."

Sari froze, her eyes shot open, so much so her eyelids felt sore. "Bee?"

"Yeah? What's wrong? You got rigid all of a sudden."

"Did you just-?"

Sari's question was interrupted by an explosion, not too far from their position.

All around them, trees started coming down.

And several tanks started coming through.

Bumblebee immediately took to his heels with Sari in hand, taking great care to protectively cover her head with his hand.

Ravage ran after them.

00000

Bumblebee brandished a blade from his forearm which he proceeded to use to cut down another tree to slow down their pursuers. Given the terrain and the dense forest, driving was not an option, not for Bumblebee or MECH.

"I didn't know you had a sword Bee."

"Neither did I Sari. Ratchet must've given me an upgrade."

Sari said nothing.

"Sari? Are you ok? You've been oddly quiet. Did those thugs hurt you?"

"I'm ok, really. One of them slapped me but it's not bad."

Sari could not see it as they were moving too fast for her to turn her head upwards but judging by how Bumblebee was shaking, he was clearly furious.

And this scared her even though her mind understood that she was not the one who needed to be afraid.

"They've sent helicopters after us," Ravage shouted. "I can hear them."

After cutting down another set of trees, Bumblebee made his way out of the forest and onto a mass of mountain rock.

But there was nowhere left to go as there was a cliff right in front of them.

"Scrap!" Bumblebee shouted. "We're trapped!"

"You don't say," Ravage said nonchalantly.

"Maybe we can climb down?" Sari suggested shakily.

"No good," Ravage said. "The way down is too treacherous. We'll have to fight our way out."

"If it turns into a battle, it will be impossible to avoid casualties," Bumblebee said fearfully.

Ravage looked at him with a look of distaste. "It's either them or her. Your decision."

Bumblebee vented deeply and very quickly. In human terms, this would be hyperventilating.

But then he looked down at Sari and when he saw how frightened she was and how swollen her cheek looked, an icy calm came over him.

He stopped shaking.

And he placed Sari down on the ground.

"Ravage, protect her. I'll hold the line."

Ravage regarded him coldly. "I'm not one of your foot soldiers." Then she nodded. "But I'll do it all the same."

"Thank you." Bumblebee brandished his blaster and then examined it as he noticed something different about it. It was not the same double barrel blaster he always used on earth, this was a single barrel, much larger and much more potent.

Ratchet has given me all sorts of upgrades...but...where did he get the parts?

Bumblebee looked forward and he saw them approach.

Over a dozen MECH troopers and four tanks with barrels drawn on them. The choppers in the distance would soon be on them.

As Optimus would say, one shall stand, one shall fall. Or in this case, dozens will fall.

Now engaging in battle mode, a new accessory came into being: a battle mask, one that made look very hornet-like.

The mask is new. "Thank you Ratchet," Bumblebee whispered in delight.

The lens of his mask seemed to have a targeting system as it automatically numbered the hostiles and now he would just as easily fire upon them with relative ease.

"Like fish in a barrel." Bumblebee took aim on the tank nearest to him. Maybe I can avoid casualties. If not, I can force them to surrender.

Time seemed to slow down as inevitable battle was about to take place. Bumblebee did not care for the odds but this much was certain, he would fight to the death if necessary to keep Sari safe.

And then a new sound was heard. The high and nearly deafening pitch of aircrafts ascending from behind them.

Bumblebee turned, fearful that MECH had snuck up on them.

But...no earth aircraft made that kind of sound. That sounded like the thrusters of Cybertronian dark matter drives.

And then there they were.

Three military aircrafts, except the one in the middle was different and very familiar.

The Jackhammer?! That's Wheeljack's ship!

Bumblebee could see the cockpit from where he stood and he could see the ones currently piloting it. He was not expecting this.

"HEY! RO-BRO!"

"LOOKING GOOD THERE BEE BOY!"

Sideswipe?! Jazz?! I must be dreaming.

The two jets on both sides opened fire, firing shells and missiles towards the approaching MECH forces, overwhelming them.

The Jackhammer fires EMP shots towards the approaching helicopters. They were homing projectiles as they were locking onto them as though they were angry bees.

This made Bumblebee smile behind his mask.

The choppers spun hopelessly out of control and they crash landed.

Bumblebee pumped a fist triumphantly in the air.

Soon the battlefield before them was nothing but ruined military vehicles, craters of mountain earth and bodies.

The Jackhammer lowered itself and the entry hatch opened. Jazz was there and he appeared to have a cable strapped around his middle, most likely a safety precaution.

"C'mon! Let's go!" He said.

Sari climbed onto Ravage's back and she leapt aboard. Jazz took her in his hands.

Suddenly, a terrible feeling came over Sari when she detected a draft around her collar area. She realized that her necklace was gone.

"Ravage! My necklace! It's gone!"

Ravage looked at her with shock and horror. She looked back at the battlefield. A shine caught her sharp eyes and she saw the Key laying undisturbed on the ground.

Bumblebee looked back as well and with his advanced targeting system spotted the Key as well.

He turned back and he saw Sideswipe in the cockpit, beckoning him to come aboard.

Bumblebee very slowly shook his head and he turned and ran.

"What is that kid doing?!" Jazz cried.

"Bumblebee! Come back!" Sideswipe shouted apprehensively.

Bumblebee was in no man's land. Although the F-22s and the Jackhammer have laid waste to it, MECH's onslaught still came. The air was filled with gunfire and incendiary shells. Noticing mud on the ground, Bumblebee used it to slide across the ground like a sled and he fired his blaster at the enemy, disabling tanks and military humvees, left and right, making a clear trail for himself to the Key.

Ravage shook his head. Showoff.

Jazz laughed heartily. "That boy hasn't changed at all."

"No he hasn't," Sideswipe said grinning.

Sari watched the spectacle, her brown eyes sparkling like stars.

In less than a minute, Bumblebee has reached the Key. He grabbed it and ran back as quickly as he came.

Ravage, immediately sensing danger, grabbed Sari with her tail, just as a stray shot struck the entry ramp of the Jackhammer.

Jazz took notice and he called out. "Swipes! Get us up, it's getting hot!"

"What about Bee?!"

"I'll grab him! Get moving!"

Ravage started prodding Sari up into the ship with her nose. "Come on Sari, time to go."

"What about Bee?"

"Never mind him, now into the ship."

Jazz, while adjusting his cable, suspended himself underneath the ship. "Swipes, get moving!"

Hesitantly, Sideswipe pulled the ship up. The jets pulled up as well but continued to give the Autobots coverfire.

Bumblebee was sprinting now. Earth continued to explode all around him as MECH tried to gun him down.

Jazz, now totally suspended beneath the flying Jackhammer beckoned the scout to him. "BEE! YOU GOTTA JUMP! COME ON!"

Bumblebee was meters before the cliff side now. Jazz reached out and he swung himself towards him.

A MECH tank targeted the scout, attempting one last desperate shot.

It fires.

And it made an impact with the cliffpoint but it missed Bumblebee completely and he jumped.

And he grabbed Jazz by the hand.

"I got him Swipes! Get us outta here!"

"Thought you never ask."

"Hey Jazz!" Bumblebee shouted with fierce joy. "How's it hanging?!"

Jazz stared at Bumblebee, mouth wide open, his grip seemed to loosen slightly which disturbed the scout.

"Hey!" Bumblebee exclaimed, tightening his grip. "What gives Jazz?!"

"Bee...your voice."

"My voice? What are you-?" Bumblebee's optics widened. "My voice." And then bewilderment turned into even fiercer joy, far more joy than the scout had ever known in a long time.

"I got my pipes back," he whispered shakily. "I GOT MY PIPES BACK!"

00000

Santa Fe, NM - 7:00 pm

Miko yawned.

"Sleepy?" Jack asked.

"Not a bit."

Smiling, Jack wrapped an arm around his girlfriend. He pressed his forehead against hers. "Liar."

Miko giggled.

"Alright you two," Arcee said. "It's almost time to turn in for the night."

"But we're not…" Miko said before yawning again. "...a bit sleepy."

Arcee shook her head smiling. "Your beds are already prepared. Just so you know, it's a small room. So no monkey business, got it?"

Miko smirked. "Yes mom."

"Miko…" Arcee said warningly.

"I know, I know."

As Arcee shooed Miko and Jack away, a sharp beeping sound went off. It was coming from the base's mainframe.

"What's that?" Jack asked. "It can't be Optimus."

"Can't be," Arcee replied. "It hasn't been a day since we left."

Arcee tapped a few keys and in a flash, the profile of Optimus Prime popped on the screen.

"Arcee, do you read?"

"Loud and clear Optimus."

"Are Jack and Miko with you?"

"They are."

"Excellent. Prepare to bridge out."

"Bridge out?" Arcee asked bewildered. "Optimus, you can't have established the new base already, have you?"

"There has been...an unexpected turn of events Arcee, a turn in our favor."

"How do you mean?"

"You're about to find out. How much time do you need to be ready?"

Arcee looked back at the young couple and with bags in hand and with huge smiles on their faces, it would seem any trace of tiredness had evaporated away.

Arcee smiled. "We're ready now Optimus. We can leave any time."

"Understood. Sending Bridge now."

In a matter of seconds, a portal burst into existence just a few meters from the mainframe.

Arcee gave the kids a wink. "Saddle up." And she transformed into her bike mode.

Jack and Miko wasted no time settling themselves on Arcee and then they rode off into the groundbridge.

"I can't wait to see what the new base looks like," Miko said spritely.

00000

Beneath the Rocky Mountains - 7:10 pm

Arcee, Jack and Miko exited the groundbridge and it disappeared in an instant.

No sooner had they gotten off did Jack and Miko notice their new surroundings. It certainly looked to be of Cybertronian make but the size of it. The command center was certainly much larger than that of their previous base, perhaps four times as large.

And the company that awaited them, certainly not who they were expecting.

"There she is!" Jazz chimed with that signature grin of his.

"Looking good 'Cee," Blaster said giving her a thumbs up.

Arcee stared dumbly at the company before, as did her human charges.

Optimus was standing by the massive mainframe of the commander center, which was being operated by an Autobot who Arcee recognized to be the Chief Mechanic Perceptor.

Ratchet was examining the medical brace on Optimus' right shoulder. The Autobot winced ever so slightly but was otherwise alright.

Bulkhead was sitting on a metal crate and his wrists had fresh welding from some kind of injury that Arcee recognized as one when they forced off their shackles. He was clearly quite happy to see the new arrivals.

"MIKO!"

The Japanese exchange student snapped out of her daze when she heard her name being called and something small crash into her.

"Sari?"

"Miko!" Sari cried. "You will not believe the day we've been having!"

Miko took immediate notice of the girl's bandaged cheek. It appeared quite swollen.

Miko was aghast. "Oh, I think I might."

"Hey 'Cee! Jack! Miko!"

This was a voice that the couple did not recognize, but Arcee…

"It...it can't be," she whispered.

Bumblebee came into view and their was no plating covering his mouth. It was uncovered and he had a wide smile.

"Notice anything different?" The scout exclaimed joyfully.

Arcee planted a foot on the floor to keep herself from falling over with shock.

Jack was the first to ask the question.

"Alright, I'll bite. What did we miss?"

To be continued…

---

VOICE CAST

Agent William Fowler - Ernie Hudson

Hades - Mark Rolston (Young Justice, 2010)

Smiling MECH Commander - Sam Mowry

Jon Fowler - Shameik Moore

Optimus Prime - Peter Cullen

Jazz - Khary Payton

Blaster - Bumper Robinson

Bulkhead - Kevin Michael Richardson

Breakdown - Adam Baldwin

Ratchet - Jeffrey Comb

June Darby - Markie Post

Perceptor - Jim Ward

Steeljaw - Keith David

Ramhorn - Brad Garrett

Rewind and Eject - Roger Craig Smith

Ravage - Nika Futterman

Raf Esquivel - Andy Pessoa

Sari Sumdac - Grace Rolek

Dr. Isaac Sumdac - Tom Kenny

Captain Carmine Fanzone - Kurtwood Smith

Sideswipe - Travis Willingham

Sunstreaker - Vic Mignogna

Sierra Krosney - Alexandra Krosney

Vince Raider - Brad Raider

Katie Steinfeld - Hailee Steinfeld

Bumblebee - Will Friedle