The base was quiet in the late evening. The Nevada sun was sitting in the gentle caress of the sandy winds. Miko was inside the tall, barren main room of the Autobot base. Bumble Bee watched as she rolled out her bedroll. She pulled the pillow out of the bag and rested it on the end of it. Then, there came the cover. She sat back, admiring her work. The couch it had been set upon should allow some softness. She looked back at the Scout and beamed.

"Now let's get this party starting!" She jumped up, he whined and chirped. A language Miko did not understand, Arcee turned as she was finishing her mission reports.

"He says he's ready for the Mario kart match." She chuckled, Miko looked down at her console, the Wii U was in its case, which also contained a few multiplayer games. Arcee walked over, one hand resting on her waist and the other hanging slack, swaying as she walked.

"So, what exactly is your plan for the weekend? Spend the time doing some homework with Ratch'?''

Miko couldn't help herself, "Bleh!" as her tongue stuck out and she pointed a finger down her mouth.

"As if! Nah, Bulk said he's going to take me on a Scouting mission with the Big man!" She laughed. Arcee arched an eyebrow as she nodded.

"Is that right? I don't think that'll be fun, Optimus doesn't speak much during missions." Arcee leaned against the wall where the platform stood. Miko leaned over the railing, almost eye level with the motorcycle.

"Hey! I'll still have Bulk to talk too!'' She giggled, she looked over at the wrecker who had just entered the room. He yawned as he scratched the back of his head. He had his energon cube in hand as he stood beside the four.

"Morning," He yawned, "ready for the day Miko?" He smiled down at her. She squealed and nodded.

"As ready as you can be!" She was already dressed and had already had her breakfast. Bulkhead chuckled and patted her head with his finger. The round digit was careful not to crush her. Yet she still had to bow her head with the weight.

Bulkhead chuckled as he looked back at Optimus who was far more awake, he smiled and nodded down to Miko.

"Good morning, did the couch give you good rest?" He asked, he looked over the work Arcee and Ratchet was doing. Nodding approvingly.

"It was fine, but now! When are we heading out to this mission!?" She almost ran to his direction. She leaned over the safety railing, almost falling forwards. Optimus chuckled as he crossed his arms over his chest.

He titled his head, as he watched her.

"We'll be heading out in two moments now, I do have a question, would you like to travel with me instead of Bulkhead?" He asked. Miko's eyes grew wide with excitement. She nodded, making the two buns in her hair bounce.

"Yeah! Dude! That's going to be so cool!" She threw her fists into the air as she jumped back, Miko ran to her bag to collect what stuff she wanted and needed to take with her.

Some of her music disks, her phone, a cable and portable charger, the backpack itself, and some sunglasses. They looked like the ones from Top gun. She smiled as she sat it on her face, and it became very dark in the base. She took them off, and folded them, hooking the glasses on the neck of her shirt. She smiled as she turned back to the Prime as he spoke to Ratchet. They were speaking in Cybertronian, Ratchet kept glancing at her, before nodding and turned back to the console. Bulkhead groaned as he stretched, the two Cybertronians stood before the warming up Groundbridge. Miko laughed as she jumped down the stairs, missing about six as she landed on the ground level.

Optimus smiled as he watched her, she watched in glee as he transformed. The semi-trucks door opened for her. Miko slung the bag onto the floor and then jumped in herself. She slid onto the middle section of the seat. The door closed as Miko buckled herself in. She watched, her legs swinging as she watched the Groundbridge swirl and glow to life. The soft hum and groan of it, bright sparks. A mostly green and blue vortex with highlights of bright pink inbetween. Flowing, swirling, constricting around the other colours. Bulkhead drove in first, followed by Optimus. Miko waved to the others as they drove into the vortex. Arcee and BumbleBee waved back.

As the bright light filled her vision, her stomach settled into a tense feeling and her throat became filled with static, and then it was all gone. The swirling vortex was all that surrounded them. Miko got to work quickly, grabbing her music disks.

Optimus watched her in silence as she slid the music disk into the player. The drum solo started and the quietness was now abandoned. They exited the Groundbridge and into the dirt roads of the redwood forest. The massive trees stood tall above them, even Optimus was dwarfed by the trees. Miko smiled as the sun disappeared and reappeared behind the giant and ancient trees. The shrubs underneath covered the forest floor, the plants hiding different types of small animals.

The music was the only sign of human life here. Miko bounced her head as she played her faithful air guitar. It had served her well throughout the years. She smiled as she looked up to Bulkhead who was about fifteen meters ahead of them. She frowned as he went faster and distanced them further and further from him.

She watched as he went down a side trail, she watched with interest as his dark green colour disappeared amongst the shrubs and overgrown bushes. She turned down the music as she watched him drive away, Optimus continued down the main road.

"Where is Bulk going?" She gestured back down to the path, Optimus turned slowly around a sharp bend.

"That path is the end of a diversion from the main roads. He's going to make sure no civilians accidentally come across us." He explained, after a moment of silence he let Miko out and then transformed. He scanned the area as Miko looked around. She looked up at him as he smiled down at her.

"We'll walk for the rest of the way, the energon signal is only a few steps away." He explained as they walked. Miko nodded as she flipped her phone up and started to take photos of the scenery. Optimus glanced down at her every now and again. Miko smiled as she looked down, scrolling through the photos. Optimus cleared his throat, Miko perked up and looked around. Seeing a large cave opening. The two walked down to it, Miko jogging along.

The Prime bowed his head as he examined the roof of the cave, nodding to himself he walked forward. Miko ran ahead, calling into the cave. The echo bounced around. She spread out her arms as she looked around. Optimus looked up at the ceiling of the cave, he ran a finger against the dirt, making it loose. He stopped for a moment and watched blue crystals reveal themselves. He smiled and nodded. He and his family would refuel again and not need to worry. He looked back at Miko, who had stopped at another cave opening. Optimus joined her and perked up. The center of the cave system was an almost circular room. The roof had caved in years ago. Now, the sun gave light and helped plants to grow in this energon rich cave. Shrubs, moss and mushrooms and vines, Miko smiled at Optimus who looked around in equal amazement. She looked up at him as Optimus pressed his com'.

"Bulkhead? Bulkhead come in."

"Miko isn't causing you too much trouble, is she?"

A soft laughter came from the prime.

"No, not at all… She and I have found the energon source. Move to our coordinates as soon as you can."

"Gotcha! Er… Just finished putting some rocks on the road… I've got to move them first. Be there… As soon as I can."

Bulkhead's embarrassed mutters ended the communication. Optimus sighed as he watched Miko slide down the smoother rocks. He was easily able to step down as they stood in the center of the room.

"I am glad we found this before Megatron, I'd hate for this place to be destroyed for one of their mining projects." Optimus smiled as he gently ran his index digit along the plants.

"You speak so coldly of me Prime," A rugged voice called as a crash broke the peaceful silence, the two spun around to see the Decepticon leader, "Even I can admire the amusing features of this world."

The giant metal mech loomed over them. His scarred armour was an ash like grey, with deep grooves of darker greys from the scarring. His clawed hands had great, almost square-shaped palms. His armour was as equally as sharp, his shoulder plating was the most extreme. The spikes stuck out like the roots of a crooked tree, his helmet was the most like a human helmet. The Autobots nicknamed him 'Buckethead' for it. But that nickname had been lost on Miko as her mouth dried in fear. She looked wide-eyed up at the mech. Larger than the Prime beside her. His faceplate had long scars going down it, his thin lips were curled into a tight smile as his red optics maintained a long and tense stare with the Prime's. Optimus moved his leg to the side, in front of Miko. This turned Megatron's attention away from the Prime. Miko took steps back as he tilted his head to the side. She had seen Soundwave, Knockout and Breakdown before. Hell! She had a photo of Soundwave on her phone. She had thought he was tall, yet even he was dwarfed by Megatron.

Swallowing the lump in a throat she took steps forward, putting a brave face on. "Whatcha want Bucket head!?" She roared. The warlord laughed as his response. He tilted his head as he scanned her, looking her up and down.

"Aaah, one of your human pets, Optimus? I'm surprised you'd take them out to such a place." As he spoke, Vehicons fell from the ceiling's hole. Miko stared as they were soon surrounded, then the red austin martin and his blue jeep companion landed too. Miko looked around as Optimus pressed his fingers against his coms again. He frowned as he could hear blaster fire on the other side.

"Bulkhead! Bulkhead, come in!"

"Optimus- Er! A Little busy right now!

Optimus looked back up at Megatron.

"Bulkhead, I need you to retreat and call Ratchet, we've been ambushed."

There was an eerie silence, Optimus took a few calculated deep breaths as he waited.

"I'll try…" With that, Bulkhead was gone. Optimus looked at Miko, his mouth shield slid closed. He looked around for any sign of an opening, yet there was none. He looked back down.

"Miko? I need you to run as soon as I start firing." Miko took a deep breath, this is not how she wanted this to go. She gripped her bags straps and nodded, already taking steps back.

The great light that came from Optimus's cannon came before the noise. The noise of the gunfire, the energon bullets hitting the wall and dissipating, clashes of the metal feet as they charged. Miko tried not to scream as she ran to one of the smaller tunnels. She dropped and slid under a Vehicons foot, she watched as another Vehicon was thrown into the wall by Optimus. She fell, tearing the knee of her pants, she shook her head and hid behind a large rock. She took a few deep breaths and then smiled. She pulled her phone from her bag and leaned forward. She had the perfect view of the fight as she started to record. Optimus grabbed a Vehicon and threw it into the others. Knockout moved forward with his staff, the Prime spun around and hit him square in the face with his forearm. Sending the small, red mech flying back as well. She stared in awe at the Prime, yet her attention quickly turned to someone else.

The broken Vehicon's body was like a ragdoll in the air, flying through the air. It was grabbed by a large, clawed hand. The hand crushed it and threw it aside. The energon flew like ribbons and created a mesmerising effect against his red eyes. He smirked as he watched the distracted Prime. His well-used blade unsheathed as he took his stance. The soft glow of the purple that ebbed from the cannon was accompanied by the soft hum as it charged up. Miko watched the bright colours, entranced by the dominating presence. She didn't even realize he was walking towards Optimus. The Prime turned and charged. Their blades clashed, Megatron turned as he blocked Optimus's blade. He stepped behind the Prime and gave a terrific punch that landed at the small of the back. Optimus grunted in pain as he fell. He cried out as Megatron stomped downwards. The blade and cannon pointed at his head.

She felt her breath leave her as she watched the display. Her phone fell out of her hand as she picked up a rock in the other. She threw it with all her might, the crack against the helm silenced the room. Megatron and Optimus turned. So did the other Decepticons.

"You think you're tough!? Huh! Huh!? Let's see how you do against me!?" She challenged the Warlord arched an eyebrow. An amused smile crossed his face. Optimus started to struggle, worried for the small human. Miko didn't want to look, the fear in the Prime's eyes would only result in her own fears consuming her. She couldn't let that happen, she needed to be strong. Megatron looked at Knockout.

"Go collect the human pes-" "What!? You are scared of me aren't ya!?" She interrupted him. She took a few deep breaths and stepped forward.

"So scared of a little human that you send your goons after me!?" She moved, placing her hands on her sides. A feeling of relief filled her as Megatron moved his foot off of Optimus, he looked at Knockout. "Take care of the Prime," His blade sheathed, "I shall return with the human pet." He turned to her, the relief soon turned to fear as he stared into her eyes. He was calm as he walked, not even walking fast yet the distance was closed with speed. Miko spun around on the ball of her foot and ran for it. She could hear her heart beating in her ears as the vibrations of his steps made everything shake. She closed her eyes as the sound of Optimus's cries of pain followed her, she skidded to the left, towards the cave entrance. She turned as Megatron bowed his head to walk into the cave. He turned and watched her, a smirk on his face as he easily closed the difference. She almost fell as she scrambled out into the forest. Sliding down the hill, her clothes snagged on every other thing. She whimpered as blood dripped from her palms as she took shelter behind a tree. Breathing hard she looked back. Megatron was calm as he walked in her direction. He was scanning the area. She placed a hand over her mouth, the iron taste of blood leaked into her mouth. She took a deep breath as she watched him. She pushed herself right against the wood. Whimpering in pain as the crooked bark dug into her back. She swallowed a squeak as the titans foot landed right beside her. She frowned as she also swallowed the blood, she resisted the urge to gag.

He stopped walking as he scanned the area, she watched his head turn. Then his eyes fell upon her, his wicked smile grew as his hand slammed down around her. The claws dug into the tree as his hand circled her. She took her hand away from her mouth and pressed it against the tree. Megatron hummed as he knelt above her, looming over her, he cackled.

"Aaaah, poor little human pet… All alone…" He hummed as with his other hand, the tip of his claw pushed under her chin and tilted her head upwards. She tried to keep a brave face, the face he hadn't killed her yet helped. He knelt down, being mindful of the size difference.

"What would be your name? I realize you're the only female pet they are," He titled his head back as he recounted, "The one who dare photograph Soundwave while your friends cowered in fear." Miko froze, she remembered that trip. Miko swallowed, she had never considered that Soundwave would be also taking a photo, no less show Megatron it. She took a deep breath.

"Miko! Why do you want to know?" She bared her teeth, he chuckled as he moved his head back down. He pulled away and scratched his chin.

"So I can properly explain to Bulkhead how you scream." He chuckled, the claw closed around her. She cried out as he stood. She pounded her fists against the side of his hand, he just chuckled and walked back into the cave system. Miko roared and kicked and struggled. He smiled as Miko could hear Optimus scream. She looked up to see Knockout standing on his back, digging the electric staff onto his neck cables. The blue sparks lit up the usually grey cables.

"Optimus!" She called.

"Knockout! Stand down." Megatron called, the medic pouted. He slowly stepped off as Optimus heaved. He looked up at Megatron and his eyes widened in fear. Miko stopped her struggles as she stared at him.

"Your little pet here, Miko gave me quite the chase. I may keep her, see how much entertainment I can truly gain from her." Megatron walked as he talked, turning as Optimus watched.

"Megatron! Let the human go, she is innocent. Let her go!" Optimus groaned as he raised himself up. Megatron stopped, he looked back at Miko who had gone back to squirming.

"You already have two humans, surely I can take just one." He said in a teasing tone. Miko shuddered at the prospect of Optimus letting him take her. Optimus tried to stand, but was met by Knockout's staff. He cried out again and fell. Megatron chuckled as he watched the Prime's pain. Miko looked around, her phone was in her pocket, probably crushed. If she fell she was dead. Bulkhead was nowhere to be found. Optimus was down on the ground. Miko realized she was utterly and completely hopeless and at Megatron's mercy. She didn't even realize she was crying as she looked at Optimus.

"Miko… Please, do not cry. Everything is going to be okay." The Prime's voice was soft, Miko paused. She wiped away her tears and nodded, putting on a brave face for Optimus. They heard Megatron's loud laughter.

"Ah yes dear Miko, dare not to shed any tears. Everything will be fine once you're back on the Nemesis, with me. I'll even give you your own little terrarium." He mocked. Optimus growled as he watched Megatron. A hum came from behind as blue and green sparks started up. A Groundbridge swirled to life as Megatron turned to it.

"Good, Starscream is here." He hummed, Miko stared in horror. Then the motorcycle broke forth, Megatron took a step back and raised his free arm to block Arcee's attack. She transformed and slammed her feet into his forearm. Megatron stumbled back as Bumblebee sped in. The two shot at the Vehicons.

Miko looked back at Optimus, who smiled behind his face shield. A defeated Breakdown was thrown to the ground behind him as Bulkhead joined the battle. Knockout was quick to go help his assistant. Optimus stood and charged at Megatron, who simply pointed the cannon at Miko's head. The Prime froze in place.

"Tell your Autobots to stand down." Megatron ordered. Optimus took a deep breath and retracted the face shield.

"Autobots! Cease your attack!" Optimus ordered. Miko watched as they all realized what was happening and stopped. The Vehicon's ceased their defense as Bulkhead stepped forward.

"Miko?! Put her down Buckethead!" Bulkhead threatened, Megatron chuckled as he looked down at the girl.

"Seems we're in quite the predicament." He said. Miko realized he was addressing her, she looked up at him and swallowed. She nodded as she looked back at Bulkhead. Megatron turned to Optimus.

"Now, you will surrender this energon mine to the Decepticon cause and I shall release your human pet!" He explained. Optimus and Megatron shared an intense silence. A silent argument only they could communicate through. Finally Optimus's weapons retracted and he laid out his open palm. Megatron walked forward, he looked down at Optimus.

"You shall not be able to protect your little human friend forever," He looked down at her, "I long for our next meeting dear Miko." He dropped her into Optimus's hand and walked away. He watched them as Optimus called Ratchet. It was all silent as Miko stared up at Megatron.

He had this smirk about him, he could have easily killed her. He knew that she was worth more to the Autobots than energon was. Those bright red eyes watched her as she was consumed by the Groundbridge. Everyone else had their back to him.

Her heart stilled as he waved, revealing her phone that had only suffered a cracked screen. It was held by his thumb, pinched carefully against his palm

.

.

.

Optimus laid against the med-bay table as Ratchet treated his burns. Miko watched as Rafael rubbed her back, she was only half listening to Jack and Fowler's lecture. They were lecturing her on how her actions resulted in the Decepticon's getting the energon.

She just watched Optimus who was talking to Ratchet, she held herself as she sighed. How was she going to tell them she had lost her phone to Megatron? They were probably looking through it right now. She shook her head as she looked back at Fowler.

"Ya know, I reckon'! If Jack was there, things would have gone differently." He grunted. Miko paused at this, he now had her full attention. She stared at him.

"What does that mean?" She snapped, standing she pressed her finger into his chest.

"What I mean!" He pushed her hand down, "Is that if Jack was there, he would have done the sensible thing, retreat and call for help! But not you! Because you always have to be the hero!"

Miko took deep breaths, trying to keep herself from crying. So instead, she bit back.

"Oh I'm sorry! If Jack's that perfect, why don't I cut my hair? Put on some grey shirts, grow a dick and then maybe I'll be good enough!" She shouted. The Autobots turned, stunned into silence by Miko's words. Optimus looked over as he frowned. Jack crossed his arms as he looked away.

"At Least I wouldn't have gotten Optimus hurt…" He whispered to himself.

Miko saw red. Her body felt hot, her eyes felt full and her throat had a lump in it.

It took a moment until she realized the red was blood from Jack's broken nose. She looked down at her hand as the blood smeared her knuckles. Finally the Autobots burst forward as Fowler grabbed her and pulled her away from Jack. He stumbled away from Miko as he held his nose. She blinked as tears ran down her cheek. Then the shouting started.

Miko couldn't fully comprehend the shouting, she knew it was anger and she knew it was directed to her. All she could hear was the drumming of her own trembling heart. Her throat trembled as the dams broke. She ripped away from Fowler and the shouting, she ran as fast as she could down the stairs. The Autobot's watched as Miko fled to the bathroom down the hall. She slammed the door behind her as she broke down. She dropped to the floor as she quietly sobbed.

They were right… It was her fault… It was all her fault. She should have been smarter, she should have been more like Jack. She should have been smarter. She had caused what had happened today, she caused Optimus's pain. She cried as she looked at the blood, and now… Now she had truly screwed it up. The blood had gone onto her shirt, Jack's blood…

She had attacked him. She had caused him to bleed, no way was she getting away with this. They were going to punish her, she already knew. They had too… She had attacked him.

Her mind fell into a spiral as she cried, reflecting on all her mistakes today. It was a steady trickle, thinking back at all her mistakes since had met the Autobots. She could hear footsteps, it was Bulkhead. He gently knocked on the bathroom door.

"Miko, please come out. We just want to talk." He muttered. She shook her head, not being able to get words out in between her sobs. She just wanted to be alone, she deserved to be alone in her pain. Bulkhead sighed, "We'll be waiting." With that he walked away.

Miko hugged her knees as she put herself into a ball. She reflected on what had happened with Megatron… She should have just let him take her. She would have been as much use to the Autobots as she was now. She frowned, at least she'd have a use as a paperweight in whatever terrarium he put her in. At least she wouldn't hurt Optimus.. Wouldn't hurt Jack, wouldn't have lost her phone with all her info, and even Jack and Rafael's numbers. She swallowed.

She would have been as useful dead.