Chapter 69 – Darkness rising…

Prime P.O.V

''Optimus!'' my name was said with such hostility and hatred as Shockwave emerged from the writhing metallic arms of his pet ''The Driller''. I growled out loud and raised my sword arm and shield, preparing to engage him in battle yet again. I had just managed to leap through the air and sever one of the Driller's tentacles that held the mysterious part Lennox and his team had radioed me about whilst inside the facility.

Shockwave glowered at me menacingly before he and his pet retreated underground, no doubt regrouping to wreak havoc and death once again. I felt the tension and hyper alertness that comes with battle slowly fade away as our enemy disappeared. I rose from the crouching position I was in back to my pedes, walking slowly back towards Lennox.

''The hell was that thing?'' Lennox panted out loud asking no one in particular.

''That,'' I paused for a moment as I prepared to spit his name out, I threw my sword to the ground in anger, ''is Shockwave.''

At the sound of my reply, Lennox turned to look at me before heading over to the abandoned part laying on the ground. He crouched down eyeing it suspiciously. ''Why was he after this?''

I reached the same spot where Lennox was now crouched, and I dropped my shield in shock as I noticed for the first time what the object was. I bent down slowly, kneeling before it. ''It's impossible! This is an engine part, from a long lost Autobot ship.'' I felt memory wash over me as I recalled the exact ship this came from and sadly - its fate. I felt myself transition from shock to grief and then to seething anger as the realisation of its discovery and what this meant sunk in.

Lennox eyed me carefully noting the change in my mood and my demeanor. ''Prime?'' he asked cautiously, ''are you okay?''

I grasped the part in my servo, collected my shield and rose back to my pedes. ''We have what we came for. We leave – now!'' I said nothing else to Lennox as I strode back to collect my sword and transformed into my truck mode, my trailer also transforming back from its flight deck and armoury. Once attached, I drove off back towards where Rachet was waiting.

I felt Lennox watch me in shocked silence though he began to order the men to wrap it up and head back to the drop off point in preparation for immediate departure.

As I pulled up back in the courtyard we had first arrived in, Rachet alerted me to the demise of the Russian contact who had been murdered in his car while we had been engaging with Shockwave. ''There was nothing I could do for him Prime; he had been shot through the windscreen several times at fairly close range.''

I felt the anger within me boil even more and a ripple of rage washed over me. I said nothing. Rachet sensed my anger, more importantly the severity of it, and decided to leave me alone.

Lennox arrived not long after with the remainder of the men, the few who had been injured and the unlucky few who had perished. He also had the box from the Sputnik space mission which he packed inside my trailer. Once all were aboard, I started my engines and rolled off in seething silence.

Only 48 hours ago I had been incredibly happy and carefree as Phoenix and I had finally had an opportunity to confront and share our feelings towards each other. I had discovered against all hope that she returned my feelings and cared for me beyond that of a friend. We had only had but a few precious moments between us before I had been called away by Lennox to this Primus forsaken place. And now – instead of love and a sense of amazement, rage flowed through me along with a sense of deep betrayal by the humans we called our ''allies''.

Given the nature of the items we found, and the fact the contact wound up dead, I knew Director Mearing would want to be involved. I also knew Que our scientist, would want to look at it. This meant that we would likely be heading State side to our Washington DC facility.

I sighed internally. All I wanted to do was head back to Diego Garcia and our beach and be with Phoenix again. The thought of being parted from her for the next few days or even weeks tore at my spark. Decision made, I sent an internal comm to Jazz. I was in no mood to talk so I made my contact brief and to the point. /Heading to Washington DC with important intel. Make immediate arrangements for Ironhide, Dino, yourself and Phoenix to meet us there/.

I knew even if they departed within the hour, they would still likely arrive a few hours after we did. Still, at least they would be on their way. I continued to drive towards the base and our ticket out of here. I could sense Lennox and Rachet's unease over my silence though neither of them made to talk to me. And so, I stewed in my own anger as we boarded the Globemaster C17's and, as predicted, departed for Washington DC.

Twelve hours later we arrived at Andrews Airforce Base in Washington DC under the cover of darkness following some delays leaving the Ukraine. Jazz had managed to make record time in scrambling the Autobots and Phoenix and they were airborne within twenty minutes of my communique. They were still about ten hours away and while I should have made my way to our secret facility, I wanted to stay and wait for them.

It was Phoenix's first time leaving the island as an Autobot and she could not seem to scan and transform into any other alt mode other than ''The Phoenix'' and while the people of Earth were aware of our race walking amongst them, it seemed wise to avoid unnecessary detection from both the humans and any possible prying Decepticon spies. She would need to be transported within my trailer or similar such vehicle to keep her hidden from sight. I informed Rachet of my intentions to stay put until further orders.

As we landed and proceeded to file out of the Globemaster coming to stop in the hanger, Lennox had risked speaking to me again. ''Prime, Mearing has been informed of the events in Chernobyl and the demise of our contact. She has instructed me to schedule a meeting at our NEST facility here in a few hours to discuss the particulars of our recon. We'll need to head out shortly.'' He grabbed the Sputnik box and the part in question that had led to my current mood. He was clearly taking them to NEST headquarters for observation and reporting to Mearing.

I made no move to reply to him as I remained in my truck mode. Rachet spoke up, ''Thank you Lennox but we will be waiting here until the remainder of the team arrive, including Phoenix.''

Lennox brightened up, ''Phoenix is coming? You should have said. I've missed her.''

Rachet nodded, ''As it is her first trip outside of Diego Garcia since becoming an Autobot, we will remain here to aid in her transportation to the facility as she seems unable to assume a vehicle alt mode. Feel free to depart before us and we shall arrive as soon as possible.''

Lennox nodded though I felt him eyeing me carefully. ''Say Rachet, is Prime going to talk again soon? Cause I know Director Mearing will have a few questions.''

I felt myself bristle in anger. They just did not get it. Working in partnership, as allies, involved a level of trust. That trust, as far as I was concerned, had been broken when I discovered that part.

Rachet, replied on my behalf, ''Lennox, Prime is – deeply troubled by what he discovered in Chernobyl and what this means for Autobot and human relations. I dare say he will speak again shortly, but your Director may not like to hear what he has to say. I suggest you give him some space and time.''

Lennox looked as though he was about to say something in response but clearly thought better of it and then merely nodded slowly and gave a brief smile to me. ''Well, for what it's worth, thanks big guy for your help back there, once again you saved the day. I'll see you later. And… I'm sorry… for whatever it is we humans have done to offend you. I am sorry for my role in it.'' He turned and walked off outside the hanger towards awaiting transport to move off to our NEST facility here in Washington DC.

While Lennox's words helped in some small way, the anger and deep sense of betrayal I felt still wounded me greatly and I sat motionless, waiting for my team and the other half of my spark to arrive.

The only light in the darkness I found myself currently surrounded by would hopefully be winging her way through the skies towards me shortly. I took some solace in the fact I would soon see her again.

Another 12 hours later and my team – and Phoenix arrived. There would not be much time for a happy reunion as Lennox had commed Rachet several times to see when my team and I would be arriving at the NEST facility. I watched as the plane landed and Ironhide, Bumblebee, Dino, Sideswipe, Jazz and lastly Phoenix, filed out. I transformed back to robot mode and started to walk towards them from out of the hanger.

As soon as her optics located me, Phoenix lit up like the sun and it was all she could do to restrain herself from running towards me. I felt the dark, morose mood I had been in lift momentarily as I took the sight of her in. /My light! My Phoenix!/. I had to remind myself that even though Phoenix and I had taken that leap off the precipice and declared our feelings for each other, it was not common knowledge among others, and we had decided to keep it that way for now. As hard as it was going to be, I had to greet her as I always had done, I just hoped I had the strength to do so.

Jazz spoke first as we all gathered together, ''Prime, good ta see ya in one piece, we came as soon as we could.''

I nodded to him and the others, ''Jazz, thank you for responding so quickly. Good to see you all too,'' My optics scanned the group quickly though they came to rest on Phoenix and lingered there. She smiled brightly at me. /Primus but I wanted to reach out and hold her/. She must have felt something similar as she stood with her servos wrapped around her waist, an action she used when trying to keep overwhelming emotions inside her. ''We cannot delay; we have to move to our facility in town. Lennox and Director Mearing are awaiting our arrival.''

I turned to face Phoenix and addressed her. ''Phoenix, as you are unable to transform into an alt mode, it is perhaps best you travel inside my trailer. I know it is not very dignified, but it is perhaps the safest option given it is daylight and we do not know who else may be watching.'' My voice held an apologetic tone to it though it also held no room for opposition, I was still very angry, and I allowed some of that anger to show in my interaction.

Phoenix nodded, ''Fine by me Prime if that's what needs to be done, just glad to be here with you all.'' She fixed me with an intense stare, her meaning all too clear. I almost reached out to her, only just managing to refrain at the last moment.

I nodded and turned to transform into my truck mode, my trailer appearing out of subspace and I quickly hitched up to it, opening the trailer door. Phoenix took a moment to decide how best to get in and with some assistance from Jazz, was soon safely inside. The door closed and I began to roll off in the direction of the NEST facility, my team close behind me.

Once inside and underway I heard my comms go off and the sound of Phoenix's voice filled my audials. ::Hey you… this is an interesting side to you I haven't seen? Never thought I would end up hitching a ride in well… ''your boot''::

I made a small sound like a grunt, ::Well, I guess sometimes life has a way of blindsiding us all and we find ourselves in positions and situations we didn't think we ever would be or hope to be:: If anyone could ever get through to me it was Phoenix, but right now I did not want to talk.

Phoenix seemed to gauge how I felt, ::Prime, I can tell you are majorly pissed off about something or someone. Just remember I am here for you. Just don't shut me out okay?::

::Understood:: was all I managed to say.

We rode the rest of the trip to NEST secret headquarters in silence. The words ''Department of Health and Human Services'' written in large writing across the building was a ruse to the true nature of what went on inside. Once there, and we had gotten clearance through the gates, I pulled up outside the hanger to allow Phoenix the opportunity to get out and walk the remainder of the way. Once again Jazz assisted her. As soon as she was out, I returned my trailer to subspace and continued to drive inside the hanger, the remainder of my team including Phoenix, following behind.

''All arriving Autobots, MTAR training and debriefing in 15 minutes,'' a voice announced over the loudspeaker. I inwardly growled to myself.

''Dino, report to bay 23.''

''Sideswipe to bay 37 for weapons assessment.''

One by one my team were called away to attend to various business. Bumblebee was called over to assist in showing new recruits how to perform a Decepticon kill head shot. I continued on through the hanger, past the catwalk that was used to conduct satellite link conversations with various JCS members and ''important'' Government personnel. I pulled up before a table that Lennox had placed the part on previously. I remained in truck mode.

Behind me I heard Phoenix approach though she made no move to talk to me, simply stood off to the side of me in silent support. In the distance I heard the sound of a woman talking into her phone. /Charlotte Mearing/, I thought to myself as the tone of her voice indicated a high level of authority and self-importance that can be attached to rank for some humans. I did not care to hear the conversation she was engaged in, so I paid no attention to the words, even as her footfalls drew closer.

Lennox had also heard her approach and had since walked up to meet with her. He seemed on edge. ''I can't really tell you definitively. These Autobots they're like teenage kids, they like to sneak out of the house every once in a while.'' I felt myself bristle even more at Lennox's comment, even though I knew he was trying to cover up Autobot involvement at the secret Iranian nuclear facility.

Mearing turned on Lennox, ''Colonel Lennox. Are you in command or are you not?''

''Yess Ma'am, I am..'' Lennox replied with some degree of resentment.

''STOP with the Ma'am. Enough with the ma'am. Do I look like a ma'am?'' Mearing turned to her offsider. Who rapidly shook her head.

Lennox tried to appease her but continued to trip over his own words. I felt the anger course through me and build as this woman approached. Phoenix watched her with some interest, though she said nothing.

Que, who had been showing Ironhide a new gun turned around to face the approaching Lennox and Mearing, a certain amount of relief showing on his face and in his voice, ''Ah, good you're here! I do hope you have some answers for him. I've never seen him so upset.'' I had commed Que whilst waiting for the arrival of the others and gave him a brief outline of what had transpired and the object we had found. He knew how I felt.

I sat there watching them advance towards me, feeling every circuit, coil and wire within me vibrate with irritation and anger.

''Optimus, do you remember Charlotte Mearing, Our Director of National Intelligence?'' Lennox called out to me in greeting and introduction as they came to stand before me.

I made no reply.

Dino, who had been standing beside me and was ushered back by Ironhide, spoke up, ''He's inna bad mood,'' he shook his servo, ''he's notta talkin' to anybody today.''

Phoenix raised an optic ridge at the scene unfolding before her, though she simply folded her arms across her chest and observed the interactions taking place.

Mearing, who seemed a little irritated by my presumed arrogance to ignore her, turned to Lennox and scoffed, ''What is this? The silent treatment?'' She raised an eyebrow towards Ironhide.

Ironhide replied, ''We've seen that, and this is not that.''

''Definitely not,'' Que interjected. I felt myself bristle even more.

''This is something worse. Prime!'' I heard Ironhide yell commandingly at me, ''make something of yourself!'' with that I felt his servo tap me on the roof.

That did it.

The rage that had been building up was released aggressively as I transformed into robot mode, hisses and huffs of steam vented from me.

''He's pissed!'' Ironhide announced to those standing nearby, as if the emotion needed to be named.

I slammed my servos down onto the ground either side of the table and brought my helm down low towards Mearing, ''You lied to us!'' I felt a burst of steam escape from one of my vents on my chest as I accused her. ''Everything humans know of our planet we were told had all been shared,'' I brought my right servo up and pointed to the offending engine part laying mockingly on the table, ''so why was this found in human possession?'' I then jabbed my servo towards Mearing herself and the other Government cronies standing behind her. I felt the irritation and anger radiating off me in waves and I fought to maintain some control of my emotions.

Phoenix took a small step closer towards me but said nothing.

Mearing, although initially slightly intimidated by me, composed herself again and replied to me, ''We were in the dark on this also. It was Director only clearance at Sector 7, until now!'' She turned to her aide and barked an order to bring a bag over.

Once the correct bag had been brought forth, she reached in and pulled something out, ''This is a secret few men know, and even fewer still remain alive.'' She paused a moment and, while holding the object, turned to face an entrance to the room where some notable looking men now entered. ''Allow me to please introduce to you, two of NASA's founding Mission Directors and Astronaut Dr Buzz Aldrin.''

She walked over to greet the approaching group of men, in particular the man who stood at the front of the group, presumably Aldrin himself. ''One of the first two men to set foot on the moon,'' Mearing pumped his hand in greeting, her face showing admiration for this man and his efforts. ''Sir.'' She turned back towards me, ''Optimus Prime.'' And then stood aside.

Dr Aldrin raised his head up to look at me, awe and respect clearly evident on his face, ''From a fellow space traveller, it's a true honour.''

I curbed my hostility and anger. This man had done nothing wrong. He had just been following orders from higher up. He had demonstrated exceptional bravery in venturing into outer space, I would show him the due respect he deserved. I knelt down towards him before I replied, ''The honour is mine.''

Mearing, who has since climbed up the catwalk to address all those below, continued in her explanation as to why the part came to be in human possession. I returned my attention to her and her words. ''Our entire space race of the nineteen sixties, it appears was in response to an event.''

One of the other men from the group, presumably one of the Mission Directors, continued, ''Our astronauts investigated a crashed alien ship. No survivors on board.''

Dr Aldrin interjected, ''We were sworn to secrecy by our Commander and Chief.''

The same man as before resumed talking, ''A total of 35 people knew the real plan at NASA.''

Another man started to talk, ''The Soviets managed to land unmanned probes. Somehow, they must have managed to pick up that fuel rod.''

Mearing once again shared her part of the story and I trained my optics on her, ''We believe that the Russians deduced that the rod was a fissionable fuel assembly, believed they had it mastered and then tried to harness it at Chernobyl.''

The same man in the Grey suit stepped forward to speak again, ''We landed six missions in all, took hundreds of photos and samples and locked them away forever. The moon programme was shut down.''

Phoenix, who had remained quiet stood there in shock, her dermas parted and her optics wide. Having been a human most of her existence and obviously learning human history, this sudden alteration to what she thought had been the truth about the moon race, what she had been ''fed'' over the years in history books, must have shaken her. She seemed to be reeling from the new evidence she had just heard, though she remained silent – for now.

Ironhide spoke up then, voicing what was on my processor, ''Well did you search the crash vault?"

Mearing, Aldrin and the others looked at each other and then towards us in confusion and sudden concern, as though a massive oversight had just been revealed.

Which it had.