"Patch me into Cybertron Command Headquarters," I say, the confidence in my voice sounding weak even to me. I've been in this situation before, well, not exactly the same. I wasn't facing Decepticons with the AllSpark in my hold so I'm hoping the outcome will be different.

Sentinel Prime appears on the screen and my fuel pump skips a cycle. "Optimus Prime, you mean they still let you command other Autobots?"

He hasn't changed a bit, his voice drips with sarcasm.

"Don't start, Sentinel," I think. I try to sound more confident than I feel. "Just put me through to Ultra Magnus."

"Now, how could a third rate rock buster possible merit the Autobots supreme commander's attention?"

I cringe and try not to look around but I can feel the optics of my team burning into my back. This isn't the response I was hoping for. Being brushed off in front of your crew, the people who depend on you for their lives, doesn't bestow confidence.

I show Sentinel the All Spark and his smug smile disappears. Better, I think. Ultra Magnus appears on the screen and my hopes sink as he vaguely listens to my request and dismisses me in a few unimpressed words.

"Probably just a lost scout ship. Meantime, you and your bots just sit tight. And Prime, don't try to be a hero. It's not in your programming."

No, being a hero is not in my programming. Doing what's right is. Letting these mechs get deactivated by slavishly following orders, orders given by mechs who don't have all the information, or refuse to listen to it or believe it, would be wrong.

Why Magnus and Sentinel think that that is being a hero is beyond my comprehension. I did what I thought was right back at the Academy. I can't help it if they think it's wrong.

I finally turn and face my crew. I see fear, anger, and confidence that'll I'll do what's right. I won't let these mechs down because I'm told not to be a hero, because I'm ordered to sit and wait for the Decepticons to come and blow us out of Space. I'm here and I know what the right thing to do is. I suck in a great gulp through my intakes as I turn to face the command screen again, my decision made.

"Teletraan 1, set a course for the nearest space bridge."