Machine

Chapter Two

The Maximal ship was buzzing with activity. Already rumors were passed throughout the base. Apparentally Cheetor had picked up some Predacon activity not too far from their base. The cat-bot's curiousity enticed him to inspect the scene at a distance, and according to his story, the Predacons seemed to have another ally, or perhaps a prisoner. What Cheetor found when he arrived was Megatron standing before a bleeding girl, and not too far off was the mutilated carcass of a gorilla. Shortly afterwards, Megatron left with the girl in his arms, just like that.

For characters such as Optimus and Rattrap, the story seemed interesting to say the least. If it was a new addition to the Predacons, then they knew they had to prepare themselves. However, if this character ended up being a hostage, then they knew they would have to investigate. It was difficult to pick between the two for they had very little information on the subject, and this put them in a sticky situation.

"Did Megatron say anything to her before they left?" Optimus inquired as Cheetor finished his story.

"Not really... all he was really interested in was her name." was the response.

Optimus gave him a look of interest, then placed a hand under his chin. "Her name...? That's kind of unusual behavior on Megatron's behalf, isn't it?"

Rattrap, who was multitasking between the conversation and assisting Rhinox with upgrading the security system, spun around in his chair and faced the duo.

"Yeah, it is ain't it?" he questioned. "I mean usually the big guy would just blast 'em, you know? Ya think there's something special about that girl or something for him to react that way, or does Megatron have somethin' loose up there?"

Optimus glanced over at him. "I'm not sure. It isn't like Megatron to be merciful... but we'll get to that a little later. Rhinox, any word from Silverbolt and Dinobot?"

The green Maximal glanced over his shoulder, responding with: "None so far..."

"Ya know..." attention turned to Rattrap once again. "The bird-dog and the Dinobutt were Preds before they came to us... ya think they might know something about Megatron that we don't when it comes to this human stuff?"

Cheetor glanced over at the rat in mild interest. "You don't think they'd keep something like this from us, do you?"

"I was only thinkin'. For the bird-dog, he seems too humble of a Maximal to be hidin' anything. But Chomper-face... now that's another story." was the response.

Taking the words into conscideration, Optimus turned his head in Rhinox's direction once more. "Rhinox, contact Silverbolt and Dinobot. Bring 'em in."

"Got it."


Tarantulas pulled his metal hands away from Lucy's head. The wound had been cauterized and the bleeding had come to a stop. Judging by the scanners in the laboratory, she had lost a lot of blood, yet within time, the bone marrow would create new blood cells and her strength would regain. He assumed she would regain conscious by then. When Megatron saw the operation reach it's conclusion, he stepped forward.

"She is still alive, I assume?" he questioned.

Tarantulas nodded. "Yes sir. It will take time for her blood cells to multiply, but by then, she should regain her strength and conscious---"

"No." Megatron interrupted sharply. Tarantulas jumped in surprise.

"What?"

"It is not my intention for her to be fully revived. No... as soon as she has the strength to speak, awaken her. She will not reach full health. Is that clear, Tarantulas?"

"But Megatron---"

"Not another word, Tarantulas! She is not to reach full health and is to be awakened once she regains enough strength to speak! That is all!"

Tarantulas then watched as the angered Predacon stormed out of the lab, leaving him with this human. An enigma, that so-called leader was. One moment he wants him to save the girl... now it seems as if he could care less if she lived or died. With an aggrevated sigh, the predacon wettened a piece of cloth and gently began to wipe the blood away from Lucy's face. It was then when he had to take a second glance.

"This blood doesn't belong to her..." Tarantulas hissed to himself as his optics focused on the blood smeared on the cloth.

His optics shifted from the cloth to the wound near her head. Closer observation told him that this wound was not caused by a lazor or electricity. It seemed to be caused by a powerful force that broke the skin on impact... whatever that was... but didn't really destroy anything. And this was the only wound on her body, so it was certain that she wasn't in any sort of battle, or perhaps was attacked from a long range.

But where did this blood come from?

Did Megatron destroy something infront of her, and the body splattered onto her body? No... that couldn't be right... Megatron would have destroyed her on the spot if that were the case. Then something occurred to him... there was a reason why Megatron didn't want her to make a full recovery. Could it be that she did something? Did she destroy something... and is that why the blood was here?

Tarantulas looked upon the girl and stepped back slightly.

He had a feeling that he was dealing with something dangerous...