Jack would have asked for Knock Out's credentials to practice in his home, but he knew they didn't have any other places to go. He glanced down at the cleared away plating where the scar over his T-cog area had been, paint applied as though nothing was ever there. Jack squinted against the sunlight as he followed Knock Out from the apartment; Jack was going to get an alt-mode, and then taking another trip to the arena, but he was a bit baffled by where they were supposed to just get an alt-mode. 'It seems a bit...creepy, to be watching bots for their alts and choosing one.' he thought. "Is there like a shop or something that lets you pick an alt-mode?"

"Bots are already created with the inherent ability to transform into an alt mode- some choose to keep their original alt, others change over time. But yes," Knock Out conceded, smirking at the smaller mech. "there are shops that provide potential models."

"Then I guess I'll have to decide on the way there." Jack drawled, crouching to climb back into the cabin. "Joy. And I suppose I'll have to pay for it too?"

"Of course." Knock Out replied.

Jack groaned, shoulders slumping. "I'm going to be so in debt by the time I finish paying everyone back..."

"Just be glad I know a great shop where they'll let you put payment on a tab." Knock Out replied.

Jack raised a brow. "Let me guess, one of those racing shops?"

"Are you really going to complain about me helping you?" The red mech retorted.

Jack huffed, but looked down. "No." he said.

Talking was minimal as Jack thought over his options. 'Flying is definitely out-I hate heights. Car? Well, it'd be fast and durable, but might not help me get out in a tight situation. Hmm, motorbike?' They were smaller, more to his height, and they were certainly sleek and fast. Motorbikes didn't have much durability, but Jack's armor was already light and so he wouldn't notice the difference much anyway. 'And they're more maneuverable. Hope I just don't make a fool of myself trying to drive as one.' With the choice of a motorbike firmly in mind, Jack exited the cabin and let Knock Out transform. "A motorbike." he said.

"Oh? And you keeping your colors?" Knock Out asked. Jack nodded, and the mech smirked. "Good, 'case I'd hate to see my work tarnished any further."

Jack rolled his optics, shaking his head. Knock Out had to be the vainest mech alive that it extended to others as well. "So where is this place exactly? Nearby I hope?" He asked, eyeing the streets where potentially any one of these bots traversing by alt or on foot could recognize him.

So far, his face had been restricted to being shown on news reports, but it would only be a matter of time before it was shown to the general public directly on electronic boards or windows. And then it'd be near impossible to go anywhere as he was.

"Just down the block." Knock Out replied, and Jack followed after him.

He kept his head down, avoiding letting anyone see his face. "So I'm guessing there's a reason you couldn't stop in front of the shop?"

Knock Out crossed his arms. "It would have been uncouth to let you out on a busy street, and I wasn't going to draw attention by going onto the sidewalk."

"That's not attention, that's a neon sign." Jack retorted. The red mech snorted, and when they finally came to the shop, Jack tilted his head. It wasn't some big store or the flashiest, just a medium sized building wedged in between two others, and a simple glowing sign on the window where he could see only a few bots milling around inside. "Hmm, not what I was expecting; it's less extravagant than I pictured you getting your equipment from."

Knock Out raised a brow. "In racing, quality over quantity. No matter where it comes from." he chided.

"That's true I guess." Jack conceded, following Knock Out in when a thought occurred to him. "I don't have an account to place a tab on." That was a bit of worry for him- sure he had the money the arena kept for him from his fights, but he had no legal bank account.

Knock Out stared at him, and let out a long vent. "Well, it would leave a trail if you got your own account." he said thoughtfully.

Jack blinked, guilt and relief twisted his spark. "You mean you're going to put it on your tab instead?" he asked incredulously.

Knock Out shrugged. "Just think of it as another payment you'll owe me."

"I promise I'll pay you back." Jack assured him, knowing it was a big risk on Knock Out's part.

"That's right you will." Knock Out retorted, the edge softened by his smirk. "'Cause if my pestering doesn't work, I'll have my big scary mech talk to you."

Jack snorted. "I won't," he smiled back slightly, "or else my big, scary mech will try and pay it off again."

Involuntarily Knock Out shuddered a little, plates clinking. "I'd rather not be on the receiving end of that scowl ever again." he said as they entered the shop.

Jack nodded, and turned his attention to the area inside. It was just as modest from the glimpse he got from the outside. There were models of vehicles on separate platforms, small holograms showing off the designs.

"How do I check for motorbikes?" Jack whispered to Knock Out, staring at the hologram.

"Like this." Knock Out turned a dial on one of the stands, and a screen came up. It showed a selection of vehicle types, and Knock Out tapped the one for motorbikes. "There." he pointed to the dial beside it. "And turn this one to change it. I'm going to speak with the manager about putting your purchase on my tab."

Jack glanced over to see the red mech speaking briefly with the bot behind the counter, and turned his attention back to the hologram in front of him. They were...interesting to say the least, looking quite different from earth motorcycles. Jack wasn't sure what to make of them.

They all had a flat bottom part, likely for the magnetic force that let all the vehicles hover and move more swiftly along the roads. And because of the fact there were no drivers, there wasn't a 'seat' on any of the designs. In fact, due to how uncomfortable being stuffed into Knock Out's cabin was, the only thing used to specifically carry bots around were the non-sentient machines.

And because of the, well, alien design, Jack had a harder time judging if he'd be able to transform comfortably enough. Did they modify it or not? 'Probably should have asked before I looked.' he thought, but decided to try and choose at least two vehicles-one smaller and one bigger, just to see if it could be 'fitted' to him. 'Hm...not this one. Not this one either.' Jack thought as he perused the selection carefully. 'Ew...' His mouth curled slightly at a particularly cheap, but ugly make.

Jack found one that reminded him of Arcee, and discarded it out of hand, spark twisting. He hadn't seen anyone else he knew yet, but it was likely a matter of time-Knock Out worked for Ratchet, so that seemed more probably at some point. Jack paused when he found a sleek, streamlined motorbike. Its colors were different, but he could get that fixed.

It seemed to be of decent make- not too bad on the pricing, if he knew his credits well enough. He eyed Knock Out talking with a moderately built mech, then went back to his choice, though didn't press select until Knock Out was back by his side.

"What do you think?" he asked gesturing to the vehicle.

Knock Out looked from the hologram to Jack, looking him over. "Hmm, I think it'd fit you quite nicely. Though can't say the color would match you very well."

Jack snorted. "Then it's a good thing I'm not changing my paint job again."

"Looks like my work is going to stay in good condition for a change." Knock Out grinned cheekily, Jack groaning in response.

"I know, okay? I don't mean to get busted up every other day! And it's not like I intentionally go out and get into fights just to ruin your work." He continued sarcastically. Jack huffed. "So, is everything set up?"

Knock Out nodded. "Anything you pick is on my account; though, it looks like you've got a good, cheaper one."

'Just hope that doesn't mean it 'causes me problems' later.' Jack thought, and felt a rush of anticipation as he pressed down on the button, a tiny glyph that translated as 'selection received' flashed at the bottom. "Okay, now how does this thing get installed?"

"You'll receive a 'ping' once the transaction goes through. Then you'll process the chosen model as your accepted alt, provided your body can handle the vehicle you've picked."

Jack tensed up. "What? Won't it just, I don't know, refit itself to my frame?"

Knock Out raised a brow. "If the calibrations between your frame and the model are close, yeah, but it can't do much for larger disparities in size."

Jack frowned slowly, and tilted his head once he heard a 'ping' inside his head. It was the oddest feeling, seeing an alert in his head, so different yet from anything he's experienced. He focused on it, concentrating on accepting the alert.

There a was a stir in his lower chest, his T-cog whirring and humming. Focusing on the sensation, Jack shifted into his new alt.

"Whoa! Not inside-" Knock Out chided as the mech transformed in the middle of the room.

"S-Sorry!" Jack said, feeling himself speak but having no mouth to do so. "I-I haven't done this before."

"Never?" Knock Out asked incredulously.

Jack would have shaken his head if capable. "No. There was...never a need to know how." his vision was strange, almost like a tunnel vision affect as he could see around the whole room, but unfortunately not himself. And he saw the narrowed gazes and judging looks. Okay, so it was really not okay to transform inside places. "How do I change back?"

Knock Out looked around quickly. "That feeling you had in transforming in the first place? Focus on that again and think of wanting to be in root mode."

Jack pushed back the disconnected feeling, and focused on wanting to be on two legs again. His T-cog thrummed, and he found himself in one swift motion lying on his aft, blinking and even more amazed he could feel it again. "Whoa." he glanced down at his arm, seeing that besides the small fins on his plating for aerodynamics, his paint stayed the same. "At least it didn't change. How do I look?"

"Better than the protoform you had." Optics looked up and down his form, and Knock Out cupped his chin with a hum. "Quite stylish- it suits you well."

Jack nodded, getting back to his pedes. "And," he lowered his voice so only Knock Out heard, "am I different enough not to be recognized?"

Knock Out narrowed his optics. "Yes, the kibble does add a bit of obscurity."

"Good." Jack said quietly. He looked himself over, noting that the red mech was right. He was still streamlined, but there were add-ons and shifts to his form that no one would be looking for him like this. Though it also meant he'd have to learn how to drive himself fast since he couldn't fit inside Knock Out's cabin. "I guess it's time for my first drive then."

"I know of a nearby track you can practice in. Unless you want to practice on the way?"

Jack thought it over fast. 'If I practice on the way and crash into things or go off road it'll attract attention.' Which was something he couldn't afford. "Don't have to pay to get on this track, do we?"

Knock Out smirked. "Not this one. It's for public use."

"Long as it's not too far." Jack said.

"It's not, just two blocks away."

"Then yeah, I think that's a good idea." He conceded. If anyone could teach him how to drive, it was Knock Out.

"Then come on." The red mech said, Jack following him out of the shop.

"And, uh, this is paid for, right?" Jack asked, just trying to make sure.

Knock Out nodded. "Yes, just another set of credits you owe me. I should set up a tab on my help just for you."

Jack smiled slightly, though he had a feeling if it continued that Knock Out wouldn't mean it as a joke. It had taken only twenty minutes to get to the track, a long strip of road that went straight, then curved, rounding bank around. "Do you practice here often?"

"Yeah, when there's time or before a race is scheduled." Knock Out replied. "Though it is rather annoying when wannabes show up, trying to seem like they're all that and making moves on anyone who shows interest."

"Not like you at all." Jack said dryly.

Knock Out huffed as he crossed his arms. "I'll have you know that I wouldn't waste my time doing that here. Plus, I have class and wouldn't think of cheating."

Jack couldn't refute that, as he'd seen the sincerity in Knock Out's optics when he cleared up the misunderstanding with Breakdown. "I'll give you that." he said.

Knock Out peered at him. "Now, transform and let's see how badly you mess up the first time."

"Your confidence in me is so inspiring." Jack said flatly.

"Of course! I have the utmost confidence in you to screw up." Came the wry response.

Jack ignored him, focusing on the alien sensation of transformation. For the second time he felt himself shifting, gears turning and wires pulling as his body compressed into a smaller form.

More than like in the shop, Jack became acutely aware of the fact he was not actually touching the ground. He was hovering over it. His alt-mode wobbled, and he tried to steady himself despite the sudden rush of unease. "Okay, now what?"

"Try moving forward in a straight line, and then turn to come back here."

"O-okay." Jack said nervously as he tried to do just that. Slowly he moved forward, wobbling dangerously at times.

He managed to keep from tipping though, through sheer force of being terrified if nothing else. Jack didn't know how long it would take him to upright himself, or if he'd have to get Knock Out to do it. Gliding over the track was strange in of itself, feeling the thrum of the magnets in his 'wheels' area as he jerked forward, halting at abrupt moments.

"It still looks like you're trying to walk." Knock Out called. "When you think about moving, just go forward."

"I'm trying!" Jack called out, disrupting his concentration enough to send him leaning heavily onto the right and spinning. "W-whoa-!" He shouted as he spun out of control.

"Scrap!" he heard Knock Out yell.

Jack felt dizzy despite how impossible that should have been. His vision blacked out and flickered every which way as he tried to stop. He wanted to flinch as his back end ducked and hit the ground, but it got him to halt in place. "Not fun, really not fun." he muttered.

Knock Out came rushing up to his side, optics looking over his alt-mode. "You okay?"

Jack was still trying to keep from freaking out to snap at the question. "I think so; nothing feels off, just getting thrown around." he grumbled. "And my wounded pride."

"Well, not everyone can be a natural at it." Knock Out replied.

Jack didn't know how accurate that statement was, since given the implications everyone should have been. How was that supposed to work for someone who had never done this before? "Just...probably out of sync because I haven't used my T-cog, whatever alt I should have gotten likely was a car."

"Well, crossing alt lines can be difficult to adjust too. Wouldn't believe how many patients are in for vehicular related accidents because they didn't get adjusted to their new alt-modes first." Knock Out replied.

"I see." Jack muttered. He found himself calm enough to try again, but decided on a different approach. 'If I really wanna just go and not think about it, I have to distract myself -at least this time.' he thought, and slid forward tentatively as he asked, "So what's this 'Ratchet' like anyway? He important?"

"Quite so," Knock Out nodded as Jack zoomed over the ground a bit faster. "He's Cybertron's highest rated medic. It's a rare opportunity to be able to work under him."

"You must be pretty good then to get chosen to be his intern." Jack said.

Knock Out grinned. "At least someone appreciates my talents. Your friend only scoffed at my credentials."

"Well, Megatron is not...easily impressed." Jack replied dryly.

"Yes, I found that out rather quickly," Knock Out grumbled. "What did you do to be so close to him?"

Jack only faltered once, and that was when he remembered he couldn't walk right now. He quickly pushed that away and focused on the question. "It was...well, more out necessity, I think. The mines are not the most forgiving of places, and so I suppose it just sorta pushed us together. It's...very hard to explain." That was the only part of it which made any sense to Jack as well.

Knock Out crossed his arms. "That does not help clear this up in any way."

"I don't know what else to tell you; from a technical standpoint you're more useful to him than me." Jack said. It made his spark thrum, doubt seeping in that he tried not to think about. Nor how he was vaguely aware of turning around carefully.

"Well, there's gotta be something he likes about you then." Knock Out insisted, watching the mech warily when he wobbled again, before pulling back up to speed. "Think he's been harboring feelings for you?"

Rather than crashing again, Jack's form froze entirely. "What brought this up?" he asked puzzled, feeling everything from surprise to disbelief. The idea was baffling considering everything he knew that Megatron didn't give any indication of liking someone in that way. "There's never been any signs of it."

"Nothing really. He does seem awfully protective over you though." Knock Out mused with a shrug.

"He does?" Jack muttered. Now that was even stranger to wrap his head around. "Well if he does care then he's a better actor than I ever gave him credit for." he said lightly, and snorted. "Though he probably just sees me as the stray he took in still. I, uh, was kinda clingy in the beginning."

Knock Out snorted this time. "Was?"

"I was thrown in the mines, remember?" Jack grumbled, turning back more smoothly now. "I was alone, I didn't know what was going on and no one cared about some small bot like myself."

Knock Out nodded. "True, you probably wouldn't have lasted long without help."

"Your honesty is so appreciated." Jack grumbled. "And besides, a relationship is the last thing I'd want right now-too much stuff going on as it is." he said. "So, can we please move on to something else?"

"Sure." Knock Out's lip plates tugged upward. "Breakdown is practically demanding to get to know you better over a cube of energon."

Jack would have narrowed his optics if he could. "He doesn't still think I'm trying to get with you, does he?" he groaned. "I thought this was cleared up."

"No, no, nothing like that. He's curious I think, and I've made it perfectly clear that I'm not interested in anyone else." Came the assured confirmation. "Probably wants to get to know you. You are staying at my place for the time being after all. And I did let it slip that you were the one that got us together."

"You did?" Jack asked in disbelief. "Did you tell him anything else?"

"No, but he did seem rather curious as to how you could have seen him since he's sure he never met you." Knock Out replied.

"I did actually. Twice." Jack zoomed a little faster, gaining confidence. "The first time I escaped I saw him at a construction site, and again at the tower. He's a pretty unique looking guy so I didn't forget what he looked like."

The red mech nodded. "He is. So that's how you knew he'd be good with tools?" Knock Out raised a brow.

"Yeah. Mostly a guess, but one that you seem to like a lot." Jack replied.

"Very much so." Knock Out said with a purr. "Then again, it's not like you could just say you saw him at these sights when you were an escaped slave. Be careful about that too."

"I will. Hopefully he won't think much of it." Jack said as he was starting to get a hold of the whole driving himself thing. Jack only faltered once more, but he was driving more smoothly. 'I thought once I changed species, it would be harder, but apparently that transformation didn't prevent the 'natural driving' instinct Cybertronians had after all.' he thought. "Hmm, I guess it might have been differences in alts that tripped me up."

"Seems possible. You're not wavering on either side too badly now at least. But pick up your aft, you're dragging!"

Jack huffed, the sound being translated in his engine rumbling as he focused on keeping upright, more aware of the fact he'd been lagging. "Can't wait to see the look on Megatron's face when he sees me," he would have smirked if able, "if he can't recognize me, it's doubtful if anyone else could."

"And that's what you're counting on, isn't it?" Knock Out questioned.

"Of course." Jack replied.

"Then best of luck to you. We should probably head there soon- I have to work today, and I can't be late." He informed Jack, transforming himself.

Jack almost nodded, but stopped himself. "Right." he said. "The I guess the real test of my ability begins."

"So try not to cause a scene." Knock Out said.

Jack gave another huff. And he wasn't sure if on the drive whether Knock Out keeping to his slower pace was to help him or mock him. Given both were equally valid, Jack decided it was better not to ponder it, only on the fact he was driving himself. Driving himself being something he never thought he'd ever say. He did swerve once or twice when he grew nervous from all the traffic and noise. Though he caught himself, Knock Out went even slower after that.

"Just keep calm." The red mech said. "Remember that no one's going to intentionally ram you off the road."

"That doesn't help, surprisingly." Jack muttered, but did try to keep calm, if just for the fact he was beginning to recognize the streets. "We're almost there, you can do this for a few more kliks." he told himself. "Okay. Okay, the buildings in sight... just a little further." It was said almost in a mantra, terrified he wouldn't make it in one piece.

The other vehicles seemed closer than they were, his own mounting panic thinking he was going to crash into something. When they finally reached the curb to where the 'office' was, Jack transformed and collapsed to his knees, relieved beyond measure.

"Okay, you'll need to work on your stopping." Knock Out commented as he transformed beside him.

"Not...not now." Jack hyperventilated, chassis rapidly moving up and down.

"Well, how'd you like your first drive then?" Knock Out pressed.

Jack groaned, finally feeling his lips moving again. "Harrowing." he retorted, and got back to his pedes shakily. "Hopefully that fear wears off fast."

A hum was the only response he received as they moved inside and down the elevator. By the time they got to the guard, he moved aside easily once Soundwave directed him to allow Wayward entry.

'At least I don't have to go through that again.' Jack thought, remembering having to speak with the unpleasant guard all too well. He peered around the room, and found Soundwave at the desk, but no Megatron again. "Hey, Megatron not here? I didn't see him fighting out in the arena either."

"Megatron: currently engaged in meeting."

Jack blinked, but supposed that wasn't a total surprised. "Ah." Was all he said on that. "Then has the worth of those Praxian crystals been counted up yet?"

"Affirmative. Credits will be transferred into your account once transacted."

Jack grimaced. "That's great and all, but I don't have an account." he gestured to himself. "I couldn't even have gotten this alt without Knock Out buying it for me with his credits."

"Compromise: Credits will be stored with arena winnings."

Jack sighed in relief. "Okay, works for me."

Knock Out glanced between them. "Look, this is all well and good, but didn't I have a job to do here?"

"Knock Out: tends to gladiator wounds."

"What...You don't mean alone by any chance?" The medic asked, now his turn to grow a bit nervous. Hanging around a bunch of energon thirsty, high caste hating mechanism was not ideal for him.

"Wayward: will provide protection."

Jack raised a brow when Knock Out looked at him dubiously. "What? I did fight here and won my matches. I may not look like much but I'm capable of making sure you don't get hurt." Knock Out continued looking quite suspicious, to the insult of Jack's pride. "C'mon- no one is going to hurt you on my watch." Jack promised, practically shoving the mech out the door.

"Right now, I'm more worried about you ruining my finish." Knock Out retorted.

Jack scoffed. "Would you prefer if it were Breakdown watching your back?" he asked slyly.

Knock Out jerked his chin up. "He would very well appreciate the sight more."

"Too much information, Knock Out." Jack chided, hurrying him along.

Knock Out looked ready to retort, but it died on his lips once they stepped into the waiting room. His frame tensed up, and his optics roved over the dozens of gladiators in the area, most much bigger than he or Jack. "I'll be lucky if a scratch is all they give me." he muttered.

Jack had been around here too much to be scared of them, but he could still remember what it was like the first day he arrived. "Don't make optic contact, and state your purpose. Better to just move on than push it if they don't want help."

"Alright then..." Knock Out muttered as he examined the group. Some had light wounds while others sustained far heavier injuries.

Knock Out seemed to have decided on dealing with those who had the worse wear on them first. Jack followed the red mech to a larger bot that seemed to just be holding together his stomach plates through shoddy work and willpower. "I'm the medic they hired," Knock Out said, "want me to patch that up for you?" He was given a highly contemptuous look, regarding the medic with suspicion when Jack stepped up.

"There's no need to be concerned. Knock Out is here to patch you bots up and nothing more."

That suspicious glare was turned on him next. "And who the frag are you?"

Jack blinked slowly, but at least knew the disguise worked. "Just someone to make sure nothing goes on." he said instead.

The mech glared even harder at them, but glanced down at the wound and grimaced. "Get on with it then, but if you try anything I'll tear your pretty little helm off-you hear me?"

"Crystal." Knock Out commented dryly, then brought out his kit to begin his work while Jack watched. He was relieved that it wasn't him being sneered at for a change.

Jack edged closer, just enough to see the work being done but not getting in the way. It was weird seeing it from the other side, and his surgery was not the most pleasant of experiences. Knock Out worked deftly to stop the bleeding first, cauterizing the wounds and then beginning to fill in the missing plating that couldn't be brought together.

"There you are," the medic said as he drew away, his patch job expertly repairing the plating with welds, ensuring he wouldn't start bleeding randomly. "Anything else I should know about?"

The gladiator eyed the repairs, but shook his head roughly. "No."

"Then I'll move along." Knock Out said as he picked up his kit. It might not have gotten anyone to trust Knock Out, but at least seeing his competent work had a few more willing to let him patch them up without him needing to say anything.

It went mostly without incident, save for a curse or insult here and there. Knock Out took it stride though, something Jack couldn't help but smirk at because he knew the mech would like nothing more than to quip a sharp remark back.

Still, the gladiators were much bigger and relatively scarier, and Jack was a bit leery himself if they would attack even outside a fight if they thought something fishy was happening. And more tellingly, when those with the worse off injuries were taken care of, the ones who had more 'minor' scraps were less willing to give up the bravado and that's when they began refusing aid.

"I guess my work here is done." Knock Out muttered irritably with a scowl. "Seeing as the rest are refusing treatment."

"Look at it this way," Jack started as they made their way from the room, "you still get paid either way."

"Yes, but they refused my treatment, even after seeing all the terrific work I had done." Knock Out griped.

"They've been beaten, worked to death, and fought for their entire lives- you can hardly blame them for being suspicious of anyone offering to help them." Jack replied.

Knock Out was silently for a long moment, his expression contemplative. "I… I hadn't thought of it like that." he said. "Which I suppose makes it even more incredible Megatron helped you in the first place."

"Well, I did have something he wanted." Jack said, glancing to the ceiling as he remembered a conversation that felt like years ago. "He wanted to know about the surface, and...it put into perspective for me just how bad things really were."

"What, that's it?" Knock Out asked incredulously. "All he wanted from you was to know what it was like outside?"

"What did you think he wanted?" Jack retorted, but paused. "Don't answer that." he added, and continued with, "The mines are completely underground. There's no sun, no sky, no nothing. It's covered in dust and grime, and even when transported to the arena we couldn't even see outside since we were kept in a transport and taken to the underground entrance."

"I can't even imagine." He heard Knock Out say and Jack had no words for him. Of course he couldn't- he lived in the high caste luxury for his entire life most likely. There may have been hardship, but nothing like they've endured.

Jack had nothing else he could say right now than what he'd already told the medic. Jack might never have known what living like a high caste bot was like, but he knew what living in relative comfort was, and then it all being torn away and forced to live in nothing but squalor and being worked ragged at mercy of sadistic guards.

"Let's go. Megatron might be back now." Jack gestured for Knock Out to follow him out, having spent enough time in this place for one day. They travelled back through the hall, and the guard stepped aside reluctantly to allow them entry. Once in, Jack found Megatron speaking with Soundwave. "There you are, how was your meeting?"

"Quite productive. I managed to receive a fair sum for the Praxian crystals." Megatron stated, but Jack stopped with a frown.

He looked down at himself, then peered back at Megatron. "That's great," Jack said, then gestured to himself, "but didn't you notice that I had gotten an alt-mode?"

"An alt mode?" Megatron repeated, raising a brow at the smaller mech, then shook his head. "No, not particularly. What did you take as your alt?"

Jack stared at him incredulously, then crossed his arms indignantly. "I can't believe it, I'm a motorbike."

"Ah. You'll be able to get around fast now- I presume since you drove yourself here there were no accidents?" Megatron asked, looking over the new bits and kibble to Jack's form.

Jack was still a bit miffed, but nodded. "Yes; had a rough start, but I managed to get the hang of it." Though he did grumble to himself a bit longer, muttering things about 'Oblivious mechs' and alts, crossing his arms again and hunching in a disgruntled fashion. Knock Out grinned at his small tantrum.

"Don't be so glum," The medic taunted him lightly. "Just because Megatron recognized you instantly doesn't mean that everyone else will."

Jack considered the information for a moment, before looking at Soundwave. "Did you?"

"Identity: confirmed by Knock Out's presence."

Jack tilted his head, and vented deeply. "I really hope that's true." he said, but paused. "Then again, none of the gladiators recognized me either, so there's that."

"Indeed. I myself am working on selecting my own preferred alt. Thus far nothing has felt quite...right." Megatron huffed, as though irritated by that simple fact.

Jack thought of his own time, and the fact Megatron had been a jet there. Should he say anything now? "Have you ever thought of...flying? Maybe a jet would be to your liking?"

Megatron paused in response, a hand placed thoughtfully to his chin. "If it is within my capabilities, I would find it preferable." He finally stated, intrigued by the possibility.

Jack nodded, shrugging. "So, uh, how did your meeting go? Productive?"

"I believe so. Though the camera was irritating as it flitted about." Megatron stated, shifting slightly.

Jack stiffened, blinking as he tried not to get his hopes up. For all he knew, a floating camera was a common news device. "Oh? And who was your meeting with? Some news crew?"

"It was a single mech by the name of Orion Pax." Jack's spark swelled, feeling hopeful. "A fact I have been meaning to inform you of, as he claims to have been sent here by your recommendation. Today was our second meeting."

"T-that's right." Jack said. "I found he was dissatisfied with the way things were. We met at this conference Shockwave dragged me; Orion was there filming and we started talking. I managed to get his contact and spoke with him a bit about how he could help getting your message to more of Cybertron."

"And you did this all without Shockwave's knowing?" Megatron questioned.

Jack flinched. "Not exactly." he muttered. "Shockwave gave me his computer to use, but he thought I was searching for...well," he crossed his arms, "I'd rather not say." Megatron also said nothing, but allowed Jack to continue speaking. "So...how have the meetings been going with Orion? I found him to be rather...passionate." Jack said hesitantly.

"Your observations would be correct," Megatron replied, "for a mech who spends his days endlessly filing away records he's got quite a few ideas-as well as warnings." his optics darkened. "During our meeting, he told me that Shockwave was experimenting with those strange crystals you found in the mine, and that he intends to render the medical caste obsolete."

It was old news to Jack, Knock Out jerked upright, his optics widening. "What? Can he really do that?"

"Shockwave already has several other subjects who show the same capacity for self-healing Wayward does, and there is potential to provide it for others as well." Megatron said.

Jack's optics were wide. This was new. "I didn't know that," he whispered, "how could he not have wanted to brag? He tells me everything-even the stuff I'd rather never know!"

"Apparently he didn't share everything with you. Or he has made stunning progress in the short time you have been away." Knock Out said, though concern was seeping into his voice. "If that happens, I'll be out of a job- thousands will be!"

"Yes, and the only change will be the demotion to the low caste, and everything goes back how to how it always is." Megatron said gruffly.

Jack couldn't believe it. "That's it? No upheaval? It's an entire sector that get its foundation pulled out from under it!"

"And more power for those at the top." Megatron continued on, expression set firmly into a scowl. "Control of the accelerated healing with allow those in the highest caste to control the masses even more than they do now."

"I wish I never found those fragging crystals." Jack said grimacing. He began pacing, glaring at the ground as he tried to think. "What does this mean now? How are we supposed to do anything against this?"

"My message will now reach the masses at a level that in the spotlight, there will be more than few who want true change." Megatron said.

Jack looked down again. "But the ones who want things to stay the same are those at the very top, aren't they?" he asked. "What happens if someone tries to...silence you?"

"Then it will be I who silences them." Megatron growled, the threat of assassination very possible as he was looking to implement change in the core of Cybertron's society. Not everyone would be pleased that he was doing so.

Jack nodded, but still looked uneasy. "Still, you're like the leader of this movement." He said. "What if it's the enforcers that storm here? If you fight them, you'll be branded a criminal."

"We're all going down if we get caught regardless." Knock Out pointed out. "We'll get sent to mines, and you'll go back to Shockwave."

A shiver ran down his spinal struts at the thought of going back to that fragger. No. Never again.

Jack was silent, but in that moment, he heard steps rushing outside. A commotion followed as there were shouts and a yell of 'Elite Guard!' Jack didn't know what the problem was, but Megatron scowled. "It would seem I already have gained attention." He said gruffly. "Those are the Prime's lackeys."

"Sentinel Prime's?" Jack asked in disbelief, blinking in surprise. But they couldn't possibly have already attracted so much attention-

There was a closer shout, just outside the door. "Open up!"

Ah, frag.