Author's Notes: Thank you all for coming back to see this story! I had fun writing this chapter. I experimented with transitional scene breaks and I like the way it turned out. This fanfic has actually had consistent updates, if you can believe that. I don't want "Reinvent Yourself" to become another idea that takes a year to update, and hopefully it won't. So far updates have been frequent, so yay! Thank you for reading, and thank you to those who have submitted your theories on the case. I love reading them :)

Chapter 3

Suspicions

Optimus Prime needed more troops to go with him to reclaim the ionic destabilizer from the Decepticons. He trusted that Inferno, Hound, and Trailbreaker were capable mechs, but the plan to retrieve the device required more Autobots. Hound was going to sneak aboard the Nemesis to get the destabilizer back, but they would need a distraction. Good as Inferno and Trailbreaker were at fighting Decepticons, they weren't very distracting.

Prowl couldn't let too many 'Bots off the hook, otherwise the suspect(s) would knows that Prowl was onto them. Ultimately he decided to allow Ironhide to go since he was the only senior officer with a less than 1.00001 percent likelihood of betrayal, as well as Seaspray since the Nemesis was underwater and they would need a boat-former. Prowl also sent Prime two flying mechs, Swoop and Cosmos. Flying types made for good distractions and neither one had the means to turn traitor on the Autobots.

With the mission underway, that left most of the Autobots in the Ark alone with Prowl and their own thoughts.

Many mechs looked at everyone else with suspicion, wondering if the traitor was among them right then. The conspiracy theories among those so inclined were becoming more and more outrageous as the hours ticked by.

Cliffjumper was convinced that Mirage had been a double agent even before they left Cybertron, and he made that opinion known to anyone who would listen. Red Alert said that there was no traitor and the whole thing was a plot to undermine his authority as security chief. Smokescreen elaborated on Red Alert's theory and speculated that there was no leak in information at all, and that Prowl was working for the Decepticons by using the investigation to foster resentment and distrust among the 'Bots. Perceptor's ideas became both more annoying and more terrifying as he tried to solve the case before Prowl could.

As all of this craziness unfolded Prowl could see that he would have to speed up his efforts if he was to keep order among their ranks. Video footage offered a few clues, but nothing he could piece together. If he was going to get to the bottom of this he would have to question the suspects personally.

The first suspect he wanted to get out of the way was Perceptor. That microscope-former was driving everyone nuts with his theories and hypotheses. Not to mention Prowl had a few questions for him regarding his trip to Red Alert's office the other day. He was sure something was going on.

"You wanted to see me, Prowl?" Perceptor asked cordially as he took a seat in Prowl's office.

"Yes, Perceptor," Prowl nodded calmly, "I would like to ask you a few questions about your activities on the day of our last battle with the Decepticons."

"Of course, I'm happy to help," Perceptor smiled, seeming perfectly at ease and unaware of Prowl's suspicions.

"According to the logs you went to Red Alert's monitoring station," Prowl reminded him, "I want to know why you were there."

"Oh my, well it's actually a funny story," Perceptor replied almost bashfully, "It all started when I noticed one of my lenses had gone missing from my workstation. I have several high powered lenses that allow me to see at different rates of zoom and clarity. Well, I distinctly recalled leaving my lens on the table, but it wasn't there when I went to retrieve it. So I assumed the lens had been stolen. I went to Red Alert's office to file a report and ask him if perhaps he had caught the crook on the security feed."

"And had he?" Prowl asked abruptly.

"Well, um...yes and no," Perceptor winced, "The lens was taken from the table, but it wasn't with any sort of malicious intent. The Dinobot Swoop had wandered in, seen my shiny lens, and became enraptured by the way the light played off its surface. He walked away with it not realizing what he had. Swoop had accidentally broken the lens and I do admit to being a bit livid with him, but we eventually apologized to each other and Wheeljack carved me a new lens. All was well, no harm done. Why do you ask?"

"I will ask the questions, Perceptor," Prowl replied coldly; not allowing himself to be distracted by Perceptor's charming demeanor, "Next question, why did you spread the rumor that Blaster was my main suspect?"

"I never said that in so many words," Perceptor defended himself, "However one must admit to the skill required for the crime and Blaster's ability to pull it off. Of course I don't think he did it, not really. Blaster is young and has a bit of wild streak it's true, but he's a good Autobot with a family of 4 cassettes to provide for. He would never sell out their futures for anything Megatron could offer him. I must say though that Cliffjumper's theory about Mirage does hold some merit."

"Don't change the subject," Prowl warned him, "If I asked Red Alert about this story, he would corroborate it?"

"I suppose," Perceptor replied noncommittally, "Assuming he didn't do it. I mean, I'm not really sure how much we can trust someone that clearly does not trust us. I do hope I don't sound like an instigator with all this speculation but I, like you, do not like uncertainty in my life. I just want to figure out what's going on."

"I see," Prowl replied neutrally, but then asked, "And you have no vested interest in being on Megatron's good side? I mean, you seemed perfectly willing to cure his cosmic rust a few months back, even though it meant sacrificing a chemical substance you created using a very rare mineral compound. Years of research down the drain, all to benefit Megatron."

"Now that's not fair!" Perceptor shouted as he angrily rose from his seat; finally showing some confrontational emotion, "Megatron offered a peace treaty in exchange for that cure! I thought treating him would end the war. Even though it failed, I had to try. Do you have any idea what this conflict has done to me!? I don't recharge without nightmares anymore. I have weapons installed that remind me more of cancerous growths than any sort of comfort. I was never made for this, Prowl! I'm a biologist, not a soldier! For crying out loud, I get sent to the front line more often than Omega Supreme! Where is the justice in that!?"

"Do you resent Optimus Prime for his decision to include you in these battles?" Prowl asked pointedly, "Do you believe the Decepticons would treat you better? Keep their word to protect you even though they have broken their word before?"

"They have offered me no such thing, and I would not take it even if they did," Perceptor replied vehemently, "I know what they are, Prowl. I know the ruthlessness and ugliness of the Decepticons. Please believe me, I would never betray our brethren for any temporary relief. I mean that."

Prowl leaned back in his chair, and Perceptor wondered if the tactician would finally let him leave, but his hopes were dashed when Prowl said, "Tell me everything you know about Red Alert..."

Hound was on high alert as he waited for the signal from the others that it was go time. He and Seaspray were going to infiltrate the Decepticon ship as soon as the 'Cons flew out to deal with the supposed Autobot invasion. Optimus Prime and his team were ready to act as the distractions, and Hound and Seaspray could only hope that this part of the plan didn't fail. Everything hinged on getting as many Decepticons out of the ship as possible, and Hound was nervous.

/Hound, Seaspray, we are in position,/ Optimus Prime said over the comm.

/This is Hound. We're ready to go,/ Hound replied as he allowed to tension to guide his body toward action rather than inaction, /As soon as that ship comes up out of the water, we're going in./

Just then the distraction team saw three seekers flying overhead on patrol across the Pacific Ocean. The Autobots, who were positioned on a sandbar, had been waiting for this. Optimus Prime turned to his mechs and nodded that it was go time, and their weapons were taken out of subspace.

"Fire!" Optimus commanded, and the Autobots started shooting at the Decepticons.

"What the-!?" Starscream screeched, and his trine brothers broke off formation from him to dive down toward the Autobots, "Attack!" Starscream ordered uselessly.

Just as the seekers flew toward the Autobots to send cluster bombs their way, Cosmos and Swoop transformed into vehicle and pterodactyl mode to intercept the trine. Skywarp teleported away from Swoop's fire breath, and Thundercracker dodged Cosmos's laser fire.

/Megatron!/ Starscream screeched into the comm system, /Autobots have been spotted! We need reinforcements!/

/Can't handle it yourself, Starscream?/ Megatron asked mockingly.

/Optimus Prime is among them, you dolt! I need help!/ Starscream griped.

/With that attitude? You're lucky I enjoy fighting Prime or I'd leave you for scrap,/ Megatron growled.

Megatron then cut off the comm, and Starscream flew toward his original targets: the Autobots that were stuck on the ground. He fired his blaster on them, but Trailbreaker's forcefield prevented Starscream's shots from damaging anyone. He knew he could keep it up for about ten minutes, but also knew that was a bad idea. As long as his forcefield was up they couldn't fire on the 'Cons, and that would make Ironhide mad.

Up in the air Skywarp and Thundercracker were attacking, but oddly enough they didn't split their targets up evenly. Instead they were both ganging up on Cosmos, as if the young Dinobot didn't even exist! Swoop dove down and tried to use his fire breath on the 'Cons, but they were so close to Cosmos that Swoop had to be careful. He could accidentally hurt Cosmos if he was too reckless with his fire.

Cosmos wasn't sure how much longer he could maintain altitude. Fortunately his armor was exceptionally thick for reentry purposes, but Thundercracker's sonic booms were enough to rattle even Cosmos' thick hide. He could see Swoop trying to help, but the seekers were too fast for Swoop to get his claws into and too close for Swoop to use his fire breath on. Swoop tried to use his blasters, but his aim was terrible. He wasn't a blunt force fighter like his brothers, and wasn't as effective without them.

Suddenly there were ripples in the water as the ocean gave way for the purple spire of the Nemesis docking bay. The hangar opened to spit out nearly a dozen Decepticons, and Hound and Seaspray knew this was their chance. Hound used his hologram projector to make him and Seaspray look like two Reflectors, and then they casually walked in just as the door was closing. They made it in without a fuss, and both heaved an intake of relief that no one was there to greet them.

The pair of infiltrators roamed the Nemesis searching for a map or something that would let them know where the ionic destabilizer was. Neither one was used to the ship so it was easy to get lost. The halls were all the same and wound around dozens of times like a maze. It was intentional so that only Decepticons would actually know where they were going on the ship.

"You know, for something cobbled together in a hurry, this ship is designed pretty well," Seaspray commented in his typical garbled voice.

"Don't talk like that," Hound whispered to Seaspray, "If Prowl heard that he'd think you were the traitor. That investigation back on the Ark has got everybody spooked. I tell you, things haven't been this tense since the slaughter of Simfur."

"The what of where?" Seaspray asked.

"Simfur was during the early days of the war," Hound explained quietly so that no one else would hear them as they walked and talked, "Megatron had destroyed Praxus and the council sent some of the most innovative minds of Iacon there to hide. They were supposed to be protected until the Decepticons were dealt with, but Megatron considered them a threat since they could build weapons for the Autobots. Once a Decepticon envoy had found them, it was over. The scientists, medics, engineers, and educators in that so-called safe zone had no means to defend themselves beyond the secrecy of their location. They were butchered by the Decepticons, one by one killed in a hail of bombs and blades. Only one scientist survived to tell the tale of that fateful day. Over 100 of Iacon's most brilliant minds were killed."

"Who survived?" Seaspray asked apprehensively, hoping it was no one they knew.

Hound was about to answer, but then a bolt of light whizzed by Hound's helm! He turned to see Dead End standing in their path, his blaster trained on them.

"Nice try, but Reflector is in the brig," Dead End said, his calm words in stark contrast to his battle stance and blaster pointing at them, "Now, who are you and what do you want?"

Realizing the jig was up, Hound deactivated the hologram, revealing him and Seaspray to the maroon colored Decepticon.

"Autobots, how droll," Dead End purred, "Let me guess, you want to steal our new toy, don't you? Well, you can't have it. Wildrider! Drag Strip!"

Hound and Seaspray lifted their weapons toward Dead End, and they saw Drag Strip show up behind Dead End, but they didn't see Wildrider. Their unspoken question was answered however when two large grey hands were clamped onto each of their shoulders.

"Hello, boys! Hehehehehe!"

"Hello, Jazz," Prowl greeted his friend almost sadly as he stopped the special ops agent in the hall.

"What's up, my mech?" Jazz asked jovially, "You still workin' on the case?"

"You know I am, and you know what I want," Prowl replied in a no-nonsense manner, "Come with me."

Jazz knew this was coming, so he didn't object to Prowl's order. He walked with Prowl in silence until they made it to Prowl's office. The room was quiet, so quiet that when Jazz pulled out his chair the screech sounded like tires squealing on gravel. Jazz sat down, and Prowl steepled his fingers on his desk and looked at his friend with impassive blue optics.

"Jazz, I need to ask you about the day the ionic destabilizer was stolen," Prowl told him without preamble, "I looked into the security footage from that day, and you were speaking with Powerglide."

"Was I? I couldn't remember," Jazz replied casually, "I talk to so many 'Bots around here that it all runs together sometimes."

"He was discussing his human girlfriend," Prowl reminded him.

"Oh yeah, that," Jazz replied unenthusiastically, "Listen Prowl, I love Powerglide, I really do, but it's hard to get a word in edgewise with him. All he wants to do is talk about himself, his flying skill, his love life, and then himself some more. Um, is this on the record by the way? I don't want him to hear that."

"He won't," Prowl assured him with a smile that didn't quite reach his optics, "Now, during the conversation your visor dimmed several times. I want to hear your side of the story. Why did your visor dim?"

"There's no story to it. I was bored," Jazz replied candidly, "I was close to goin' into recharge but I didn't wanna be rude by gettin' up to leave. Was it really obvious I was goin' into recharge? I hope he wasn't offended."

"It wasn't obvious," Prowl assured him, "I assumed you were receiving a comm transmission, to be honest."

"Nah, I wish. Then I would've had an excuse to leave," Jazz chuckled, "Powerglide ain't a suspect, right? I mean, I know he's a blowhard and a blabbermouth, but he's as true an Autobot as anyone here. After all, it ain't easy bein' a flyer in the Autobots, when most of 'em joined the 'Cons. I don't know how mechs like Powerglide and Skyfire do it. Then again Skyfire don't do it too well. Percy tells me Skyfire don't like to share his projects with no one, not even the other scientists. I don't know how Percy and Wheeljack work with someone like that. Makes me wish there was somethin' I could do to cheer the poor guy up."

"Powerglide is not a suspect," Prowl replied coolly, "Jazz, would you be willing to submit your comm logs to me for inspection? And I mean all of your comm logs, not just a filtered version of what you want me to see."

"Oh, um, sure mech. No problem," Jazz replied, looking a little caught off guard, "So, I guess I was right."

"Right about what?" Prowl asked.

"You do suspect me of somethin'," Jazz replied, sounding hurt, "I get it, Prowler. You have to check everyone. Still though, it don't feel good to be accused of somethin' just because of your job. I know I'm privy to a lot of sensitive information, and that can make me look scary to people when times get tough. I just hope you don't actually think I did it because even though I like everybody on the ship...you're my best friend. You've never judged me, and you understand better than most the dangers that come with bein' one of Prime's top officers."

Prowl wanted to sigh, wanted to groan, and wanted to reassure Jazz that they were still friends. He couldn't do that however. Not right now. Right now he needed to check Jazz's comm history and make sure his friend wasn't the culprit.

"Open your port, Jazz," Prowl ordered joylessly.

Jazz gave the mental command and the access port at the back of his neck gave way for Prowl to access it. Prowl then walked up and slid a chord from his wrist into Jazz's neck...

Hound at a gun pointed to the back of his neck. Drag Strip kept guard over Hound and Wildrider kept guard over Seaspray, also at gunpoint. Dead End led the group to the brig so that they would be unable to escape whatever punishment Megatron had in store for them.

Both Autobots tried to contact their teammates, but their comms didn't work within the confines of the Nemesis. No Autobot frequency could get through, which meant they were trapped and therefore unable to get the WMD out of Decepticon HQ.

"I'm not surprised you tried to retake your weapon," Dead End commented dryly as they continued to march, "After all, it's a gorgeous piece of machinery. Such power, and such potential for destruction. It would be such an absolute way to die, though admittedly not my first choice. It disintegrates the body, and I want to leave my body behind when I go. Some tangible reminder to the universe that I was here, at least for a little while."

Hound didn't reply, and neither did Seaspray. They didn't want to make conversation with their captor, and that seemed to suit Dead End just fine. He enjoyed monologuing about the futility of life and the inevitability of death. Hound silently wondered how such a depressing being could even exist. There was so much beauty and joy in life. Why would anyone fetishize its end?

They made it as far as the entrance to the brig, but then something strange happened to Drag Strip...he started to fly! Now, everyone knew Decepticons could fly, but this didn't look right. Drag Strip was screaming as he flailed his arms and legs in the air while he was flying in the hallway. Then, just as suddenly, Drag Strip flew against the wall and was knocked out cold.

"Ooh, I wanna try that!" Wildrider shouted excitedly.

Wildrider then flew into the wall and knocked himself out, leaving only Dead End and the Autobots.

Dead End knew by now that something odd was going on, so he lifted his gun and pointed it in random directions as he searched for the anomaly. It didn't help though, as his gun was suddenly taken from him and then fired at his legs! Dead End crumpled to the ground, and then the butt of the gun was banged against Dead End's helm; knowing him out just like the others.

Hound and Seaspray looked on in shock, but then it all became clear when a certain blue and white mech materialized in front of them.

"Mirage! You were supposed to be in the Ark!" Hound exclaimed in surprise.

"What, and stick around to get grilled by Sherlock Prowl? No thank you!" Mirage scoffed, "Besides, you guys need me. No need to thank me."

"We should turn you in, you pompous aft," Seaspray groused playfully, "Come on, let's go get the ion thingy!"

"Let go of me!" Starscream cried out as Ironhide pulled his legs and Inferno pulled his arms.

"Make a wish, Decepti-creep!" Ironhide joked as he pulled harder.

"Yaaaah! You Autobozos will pay for this indignity!" Starscreamer vowed angrily.

"Not until you say it~" Inferno replied in a sing-song voice.

"Never!" Starscream shrieked as he tried to free himself from the red warriors.

The two Autobots simply replied to this by playing tug-of-war with the irate seeker commander.

"Okay, okay!" Starscream finally relented, "I'll say it...I'm a sparkling."

"And?" Ironhide pressed.

"And Megatron kisses all my booboos," Starscream ground out reluctantly.

"And?" Inferno prodded.

"And my favorite color is pink," Starscream spat with contempt.

With those words the Autobots dropped Starscream ingloriously on the sandbar, and he transformed and flew away before they could change their processors and grab him again.

"Hah hah hah!" Ironhide laughed heartily, "I can't believe that worked! I'll have to thank Sideswipe next time I see him for that great idea!"

"Yeah, I can't wait to show Red my recording of that!" Inferno guffawed.

Just then a winged shadow fell over the duo and they feared it was a Decepticon come for revenge. Optimus and the others had been fighting off Megatron and his hordes, and most had been driven back, but there were still a couple that lingered. Just as Ironhide raised his cannon however he could see that it was in fact Swoop, and he was transforming for a landing in robot mode.

"Ironhide! Inferno!" Swoop hollered desperately, "Help! Him Cosmos hurt! Help!"

Ironhide gasped, but didn't waste any time as he started running to follow the Dinobot; Inferno close behind. Just as they got to Cosmos the last Decepticon had retreated, and Optimus and Trailbreaker were already by Cosmos' side. Trailbreaker was applying pressure to Cosmos' wound, but they needed a medic. Inferno wasn't licensed, but he knew enough about field repairs to solder a few fuel lines without igniting the patient's energon.

"So many Decepticons!" Swoop wailed hysterically as Inferno knelt beside Cosmos and Trailbreaker to offer assistance, "Them Decepticons gang up on him Cosmos. Me Swoop try to stop them, but they too fast and him Cosmos too close! Me Swoop sorry! Help him Cosmos! Him hero..."

Swoop continued to yell and cry while the others tried to remain calm. Cosmos' spark signature was weak from the battering he had taken during his assault. Inferno welded line after line while Trailbreaker and Ironhide kept a lookout for Decepticons. Optimus had called for Skyfire since they would need a ride home, and had transformed into truck mode so Cosmos could ride in his trailer for extra protection. Cosmos remained unconscious as Ironhide lifted him into Optimus' cargo hold, and Swoop never stopped babbling and screaming.

Finally, after Cosmos was secure and out of sight, Swoop seemed to calm down. The others were grateful Swoop was quiet, but no one knew how to comfort a Dinobot. As he sat on the sandbar in his robot mode looking out at the water, he just looked so lost and shaken, yet he didn't have a scratch on him.

Soon the 'Bots heard a motor in the distance, and they saw three of their mechs returning with the ionic destabilizer; a device about the size of a minibot and made of ordinary grey metal with colorful buttons on the console area.

"Mirage?" Ironhide exclaimed accusingly, "What are you doin' here?"

"Saving our skid plates," Hound replied for him, "Nobody saw us leave Prime, but the Stunticons know we were in there. We don't have long before they wake up."

"Skyfire will be by to pick us up shortly," Optimus replied, "Cosmos has been injured, and we need to get him to the medbay as quickly as possible."

"Them Decepticons too fast..." Swoop muttered slowly; sounding completely spent.

"What's wrong with him?" Seaspray asked; still in his boat mode.

"Swoop tried to protect Cosmos, but the Decepticons ganged up on them," Inferno explained, "For whatever reason they only wanted to hurt Cosmos. We can't figure out why though."

"I can't figure out why though," Prowl mused to Jazz, "Why would anyone want to give Megatron a weapon that could destroy entire worlds?"

"Beats the frag outta me," Jazz shrugged, "Come on, mech. You searched my comm codes, my computer history, and even the email address I use for fan mail! You've gotta know I'm innocent by now!"

"The likelihood that you are the traitor is down to 7.5 percent, but that still isn't zero," Prowl replied, "I am inclined to believe it unlikely you are the mole, but I still need to figure out a motive. In your case the motive is unclear, so I ask you again, if you were to switch sides, why would you do it?"

"I wouldn't," Jazz replied adamantly, "The Decepticons eat slag, and no matter how good things look for them right now I know the Autobots are gonna pull through."

"No matter how good things look for them," Prowl repeated, "In other words, the Decepticons appear to be winning the war. There are more Decepticons in existence than Autobots, and they control Cybertron. So, missing home and believing yourself to be on the losing side of the war would be a motive for betrayal."

"Not for me," Jazz replied as he crossed his arms over his chassis, "The 'Cons are evil, and it don't matter what Megatron promises his people. He's only gonna bring them more misery and regret. Prowl, I swear on my spark I didn't do it."

"Though the motive still works," Prowl pointed out, "Whether it be you or someone else, the motive still fits. It would have to be someone who believes the Decepticons are going to win, and by winning they would kill every Autobot left alive. Jazz, I believe you. I think you're innocent."

"Thank you, Prowler," Jazz replied sincerely, "So, who are you gonna talk to next?"

"I have two suspects lined up next, Red Alert and Blaster," Prowl replied.

"Why them?" Jazz asked.

"I cannot divulge that information," Prowl replied apologetically, "Jazz, go somewhere and get some rest. You've been in here a while, and I know this is a stressful situation for all of us. I'm sorry this took so long, but I had to be reasonably certain of either your innocence or guilt before I released you. I'm still not 100 percent certain, but you and I have been friends a long time. I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. See you later, Jazz."

"See ya 'round, Prowler," Jazz waved amiably before he left.

Prowl sat down heavily in his chair and sighed as he thought over this new angle. If someone believed the Autobots were doomed, then they might want to jump ship before things got bad. For Red Alert it would make sense because his entire life revolved around fear. Unfortunately it would make sense for Blaster as well. Like Perceptor said, he was a family mech. He had three young cassettes that wouldn't be able to defend themselves against the Decepticons without him. He might consider the Decepticons a safer option than the Autobots now.

Then there was Perceptor. He could be innocent, but there was something cagey about him in Prowl's opinion. Was he really just weird, or was he hiding something? Whoever the traitor was they were hiding in plain sight. Prowl couldn't let them get away, because if they were willing to give so dangerous a weapon to the Decepticons then they had no qualms about handing over their alleged friends and comrades to Megatron. Prowl felt like he was running out of time. He had to figure out who the mole was and fast.