* So, so sorry for the long update. I'm not suffering from writer's block, fortunately. I've just been busy. Please enjoy the chapter! *

While June was helping the children from the scanners, and the Decepticons escaped from theirs, Ratchet and the other Autobots had to discuss what their next plan would be - involving the others.

"It's kind of weird to see you in Optimus' skin, Mom," Jack laughed.

"Right, huh? It's much weirder seeing you in Megatron's," she replied with a laugh.

"Know what I think's weird? Hearing Optimus and Megatron laugh and have a calm conversation. That's pretty funny stuff right there," Miko said, placing an elbow on 'Raf's' shoulder.

"Soundwave and Shockwave?" Arcee inquired. "How would they even know we would had information on their crew any normal day?"

"They detected Autobot signals when their beach buddies went into the cave," said Agent Fowler. "Now they're waiting patiently with a skillet in one hand and a phone in the other!"

"What's he talking about?" Rafael whispered among his peers.

Optimus flagged him down, who then whispered to him, "Agent Fowler can at times be oblique. I find it best to simply nod and mobilize." Raf stifled a laugh, put on a shy smile and nodded to Agent Fowler with an added salute.

"Role of the peacemaker?" Arcee questioned. "So we're just going to be stalling?"

"I believe our only way to ease them is to show that their leader is well," said Ratchet.

"Ease them? Why not tell them to bug off somewhere else? Their crew ain't here? Anything!" Bulkhead cried.

"Although I wish this were the case, it is not. If they do not get their answer from us, I fear they will most likely attempt to find it somewhere else," said Optimus Prime, walking to the feet of his soldiers.

"Find it somewhere else?" asked Bulkhead.

"They know that we have the information, no matter what. They'll end up threatening a human town for them, if it were to come to that," said Arcee.

"I know what you're saying," Jack admitted.

"You gotta tell me, 'cause I'm lost," said Miko. Raf's eyes inside of Starscream's body were brown, which were also very wide.

There was a long silence among the members, even Optimus Prime, as Jack took an unnecessary, long exhale. "We've got to be the Decepticons," Jack said sadly and uncomfortably.

"What!?" cried Miko. "I'll just stay behind. They don't really need Knockout, right?"

"Hey!" the Decepticon's medic cried, on the ground.

"Oh, ho, ho, I'd love to see this play out," Megatron laughed.

"You probably think this'll be impossible for us, huh? Well it's quite simple. We've only got to act like heartless jerks," Miko replied.

"This isn't really what we signed up for," Raf said, hesitantly. "I'm sorry, I don't know if I can do this..."

Bumblebee grabbed his shoulders and 'spoke' for a long time to him, with encouraging nods and brief sad expressions. The others watched in awe and respect when Raf finally smiled, and turned to everyone. Jack realized that even while in Megatron's body, he still couldn't understand Bumblebee, but that was for another time.

"Thanks, Bee," said Raf, looking proudly at Optimus Prime. "I'll help out however I can."

"Jack, Miko, Raf, you will need to leave the base and enter a location near the previous cave. There you will communicate with Soundwave and Shockwave," said Ratchet.

"W-what are we going to say, Ratchet?" Jack begged. "What's our plan here?"

"Failing to communicate in the cave from interference, and you wished to leave its area in an attempt to reach contact again," Ratchet explained.

"And what about when we're done talking to the purple pansies?" asked Miko.

"You will try to convince them that you will continue to investigate the area for a few days. After you're done talking, we'll bridge you here. Got it?" the medic confirmed.

Jack nodded and gave a salute. "We'll...do our best, guys."

"All you guys have to remember is to not be nice, be stern, be proud, confident and sure. Except for Raf, and maybe Miko. Starscream and Knockout aren't really the tough guy material," said Arcee.

"Hey!" shouted Knockout. "Just because we're the sizes of...of...of this -" pointing a finger to himself, "does not mean we cannot hear you!"

"W-what he said!" Starscream cried.

"Quiet! Both of you deserve the insults given to you, whether they come from the vermin children or the Autobots! It would be smart if you two would shut your traps!" Megatron shouted at his two 'minions'.

"And remember, Megatron's very firm, Jack. Don't be hesitant, only be adamant when the information is right, and if there's a mistake, pull it off coolly. You're in charge of the Decepticons for the time being," Arcee continued.

"It'll be a piece of cake. Don't get too stressed on it," said Bulkhead.

"But I can't be too limp either," said Jack. He brought out his chest and squared his shoulders. He looked around tightly.

"Perfect," said Ratchet, pulling the lever for the groundbridge. "Now, show us your best acting skills."

As Jack, Miko and Rafael made their way to the swirling portal, June and Optimus chimed in.

"Be strong, kids," said June with an encouraging fist pimp. "Next time you'll see me, I'll hopefully be back in my own body."

"As I hope for," Optimus replied. "Do your best."

Jack nodded proudly and stepped through, his friends following. They were in a barren desert, with the entrance to the cave nearby. Jack collected himself, Miko wiggled her fingers, and Raf look at the ground. The grey leader received the first message.

"Lord Megatron, we are finally in touch. Soundwave and I have been trying to reach you. Are you in need of assistance?" Shockwave's calm voice filled the area.

"Stand down, Shockwave. We were in a scuffle with the Autobots, who may return any minute. We are still attempting to retrieve the relic, and we may remain here until it is taken by Decepticon hands. The cave must have interfered with the communications," said Jack, hearing the energon rush through the giant's body.

"The relic?" Shockwave asked, concerned. "I hope you have not forgotten that the relic is actually not our target, my liege."

"I have not forgotten our target, Shockwave. If the Autobots are nearby, I do not want them to catch wind of our plans, that is all. Battle strategy, which is something you are lacking, apparently," Jack battered, hiding his fear.

"Please forgive me, master. I did not mean to step out of line with my accusation," Shockwave replied, almost nonchalantly.

"Of course, if you disagree so much with my ideas, why don't you tell us what we must find, out loud? Only in the scenario that the Autobots are not intent on hearing our master plans," Jack challenged.

Miko raised her eyebrows in pride of Jack's courage, and Raf nodded with a small smile.

"No, no, that is unnecessary, my liege. We will end the link now so you can prepare your battle," said Shockwave.

With a nice click, the conversation was abruptly ended and Jack gave a smug grin. "I handled that pretty well, huh?"

"Yeah! You sounded just like the towering toddler!" Miko remarked. "It was incredible."

Jack gave Miko a high-five, and Raf complimented him as well. "You were great, Jack."

"Thanks guys, but that's not the end of it. Soon we'll all be on a stage. We might even have to go on the Nemesis," Jack concluded.

"Trust me-" Miko began to speak, but the opening of a groundbridge nearby stopped her.

They looked at the green vortex opened expectantly, but the small form of Soundwave approached instead. Jack stepped forward to say something, however the spy master deployed his electronic tentacles towards the three. Pinning them to the ground, Jack growled angrily. Shockwave slowly emerged from the portal, and it disappeared behind him.

"What is the meaning of this!?" Jack cried, still trying to disguise himself as the Decepticon leader. The boy was terrified, although he didn't show it.

Shockwave quickly pointed his large blaster at his face. "Further playing this facade is illogical. You are not Megatron."