Hey guys!! Thanks for the awesome reviews D I live for them

I've got something really mean planned for the next chapter, based on a nightmare I had... Someone has to die.

Taking votes now... You have probably a couple of days until I next update?? Depends how busy I am with work

Peace out

Ratchet told Optimus about how Twenty Three viewed the Allspark, and he seemed a little concerned.

"Is she really that deluded? That she would think she could have a family with Megatron and the Allspark?" he sighed. "I suppose only time will tell."

"Megatron does seem awfully protective of her," Ratchet pointed out. "He would probably even return the Allspark if we took a leaf out of his book and held her hostage."

Optimus glared at the medic. "We are not decepticons."

Ratchet shook his head. "I know… At least they didn't harm Mikaela, I suppose."

Optimus nodded. She had told them last night, after Frenzy and Twenty Three had split, exactly what had happened there. "It seems Twenty Three is as innocent as she seems. She was in charge of looking after Mikaela, and no harm came to her."

They chatted for a while before going to check on their visitors. They were hanging out with Ironhide.

"No, really, you act just like Blackout! There are several similarities," Twenty Three persisted.

"I am not anything like that decepticon!" Ironhide roared, angrily.

Frenzy was sniggering, once again attatched to his mate, legs wrapped around her waist.

Optimus and Ratchet chose to observe from the doorway.

"Why do you say 'decepticon' like it's a bad thing? I don't understand it. You're all so similar, so why can't you just get along?" she cocked her head in curiosity.

Ironhide growled. "There is no way I will ever get along with a decepticon. I have nothing in common with those scumbags."

Twenty Three looked offended. "Don't call them that, they're my friends! I think I can see now why this war isn't going to end. You're forcing them to fight back, because you won't let go of prejudices."

Ironhide was shocked silent.

"Good one, Twenty Three. You're spot on. We could never end a war with these idiots raving on the other side," Frenzy agreed.

"It's not as though the decepticons would ever call a truce," Optimus put in from the doorway, aiding his companion.

"Surrender, you mean. You would only be happy under autobot rule."

"And you're only happy under decepticon rule."

Twenty Three blinked. "Why wouldn't anyone want Megatron to rule? He's the smartest being I've ever met. He knows everything. He's kind, and smart, and I know any of his orders are for real, unlike Starscream, who made me go dig up worms."

Optimus twitched. "You're loyalty to your father is commendable, but I have to disagree. He doesn't know everything."

Ratchet seemed to be struggling with his laughter. "Worms?" he gasped. "He made you dig up worms?"

Twenty Three and Frenzy sent him twin glares.

"Don't laugh at me. It's not funny," she hugged Frenzy tighter to her, and he was shaking his fist at the medic, swearing in cybertronian.

"I think I've decided whose side I'm on, Frenzy. The autobots are mean. Should we go home now, or would Father want me to kill these bullies?" she looked like she was going to cry.

"Ratchet, Ironhide, apologize to her right now," Optimus ordered, angrily.

They obeyed, and apologized profusely, not wanting to cause a young girl to cry.

"Our intentions weren't to hurt you," Ratchet explained. "And I wasn't laughing at you, I was laughing at the situation. I am sorry. But I hope you got Starscream back for that, did you?" he asked with a light grin, trying to elevate the mood.

"Oh, yeah, I ripped out his knees. He's been really nice recently though," she smiled slightly.

"I'll bet," Ratchet laughed.

"Wait, you ripped out his knees?" Ironhide asked in awe.

"Well, yeah, he insulted my Father as well. And Father has told me I don't have to take anymore orders from him anymore… Or anyone except from him, now. Which is kind of sad, because I like being given jobs…"

They all looked at her strangely, never having come across such… anti-ambition before.

"Will you please explain the war to me more? Like how it began?" she begged. "I really want to understand it."

"You may want to sit down," Optimus said, doing so himself. "It all started around nine million years ago…"

Twenty Three looked at the little bot in her lap, who had remained silent throughout a lot of the story.

"So…" Twenty Three began. "There were the warrior-bots, decepticons, and the civilian-bots, the autobots. The decepticons, with the new model, my father, just randomly attacked?"

"Yes. I was there," Optimus nodded sadly. "Although I was going by a different name then. Megatron killed me, and my girlfriend, who was also rebuilt."

"But why did he attack?" she asked him. "You make it sound as though he's a war-mongering maniac, but I haven't seen that from him at all. There's always a reason behind his actions. He would sacrifice almost anything for the greater good."

Optimus shook his head. "I have known your father for longer than you have."

"You don't know him at all!" she shouted, then calmed down immediately. "What was it like before the attack? Who was ruling the planet? What were the politics like? What was life like?"

"Well… this is going back a long time… It's hard to remember my past life," Optimus admitted.

At her crestfallen look, he tried a little harder.

"Well… Our creators had long since disappeared. I had an ordinary job as a factory hand… The economy seemed pretty stable. I had a good group of friends, and we had our freedom. We'd hang out after work, but get there on time again every day. It was a very structured lifestyle, but it was good."

She frowned. "It sounds very familiar…"

"What do you mean?"

"I was an experiment at Sector Seven. I endured very painful times, but I felt as if I was lucky to be there, having an important life… I didn't even realize what they were doing was wrong. Scruffy even taught me brief happiness, and gave me an eagerness to please that blinded me towards any misgivings I may have had if I was thinking clearly. It sounds to me like you were a drone, programmed to enjoy your work. You didn't even realize it. Can you even remember what you were making?"

Optimus looked a little shocked at her take on things. "Equipment for the city. Odds and ends, mostly. We received a large number of orders every day."

"Did you get anything for it?" Twenty Three asked him.

Optimus looked back, and had a revelation… One that he'd rather not share.

"I think this discussion is over for today," he said, getting up.

"You were slaves, weren't you? Megatron was trying to liberate everyone," Twenty Three said to his turned back.

"Megatron killed me," Optimus spat.

"You were a drone. You would have stood against them, if you were told to, without even finding out the reasons behind it. You would have done it because that's what you were programmed to do, just like I've been following orders mindlessly my entire life," Twenty Three said sadly. "Of course he'd have to kill you. He would kill anyone who stood in his way. Sacrifices are always made in war. And Megatron would sacrifice almost anything for the greater good," she repeated. "Why should he care more about a drone and his girlfriend than the decepticons. His family?"

The large bot walked out silently, and Twenty Three cooed softly to the bot in her arms about how sad it was. Frenzy, uncaring about the autobot's epiphany nuzzled his lover back, simply happy at the attention.

Ratchet and Ironhide looked at each other silently, and began a transmission on a private frequency.

What was that? Ratchet asked, still in shock.

I don't know. I've never even heard the whole story from that far back.

Perhaps he's never told it? He seemed to remember something all of a sudden…

I know. I'm concerned. It's not like Optimus to hide something from us.

Maybe he didn't want to say anything in front of the girl, or the squirt. They're still possible spies.

I don't know. I think she's for real.

Me too. She seems entirely too innocent to be a spy. Anyway, I'm going to go check on the boss.

Ratchet excused himself, and Ironhide was left watching the two cuddling, uncomfortably.

Over the next week, she had a lot of the autobots on edge with her naïve questions, most of which had never been asked before. She ended up swaying Ratchet's beliefs, and had thrown Optimus into a deep depression. He kept trying to remember more from his past life, and realized a lot of what she said was true. He had believed those to have been the golden times, something to strive once again for, but he soon realized he was little more than a slave.

Although she couldn't right out tell her father of her progress she managed to let slip a few subtle hints, and he seemed to be catching on. He even allowed her to talk to Barricade without him in the room.

"Barri-Barri-Barricade," she had laughed excitedly, upon his entrance.

"What?" the cop car had looked a bit confused.

"It's what Zee calls you, a lot of the time. I think it's cute!" she grinned, and Ratchet, who was supposed to be supervising her started to snigger.

"You're calling him Zee now?" he sounded slightly put out.

"Well, he gave me a letter, so I gave him one. We are Z, ant T."

"Heh, it sounds like zit. ZT."

"Or TeeZ. Tease."

"You're a tease," he growled. "I wouldn't be nearly as flattering to your counterpart."

Frenzy gave him the fingers, and wrapped an arm possessively around his mate, drawing a darker look from the cop car.

"Surely you can find me a better nickname than Barri-Barri-Barricade?" he asked, more nicely than Ratchet thought possible.

"I could give you a letter too… I can't use Bee because that's what the humans call Bumblebee," she said and he shuddered. "What about Kay?"

"There's not even a 'k' in my name," he complained.

"Not the letter, the sound… 'Cade? Kay."

He thought about it for a moment, before nodding. "Cade is acceptable."

She giggled. "Have you seen my mother recently, 'Cade?" she asked, testing out his new name.

He shook his head. "No body sees the Allspark unless Megatron is there. It is potentially dangerous."

"My mother isn't dangerous to us, she was so glad to get away from the autobots. She said they were threatening to destroy her."

Ratchet jumped all of a sudden. "How did you know we were thinking of that?" he demanded.

"She told me," she said to him, then turned back to her friend. "Listen, Cade? She doesn't like to feel trapped. Let her know she's safe where she is, tell her where I am and what I'm doing. Tell her I'm coming home soon, and I'll be with her again in the near future. And tell her I really love her. Please, Cade, don't treat her like a thing. She may not take the same form as you, but neither do I. She has feelings…"

Barricade looked slightly disturbed, which was nothing to the horror written all over Ratchet's face.

"I'll tell her," he promised, as he ended the transmission.

A gentle tugging directed her attention towards the bot in her arms, who redirected it by pointing conspicuously at Ratchet.

She gazed up at him, and was a little scared at what she saw. He looked absolutely floored.

"Ratchet?" she tested, and he gazed down at her.

"Is what you said true? The Allspark has feelings… And we were threatening to destroy it, right within hearing range…" he rasped.

She nodded. "Of course she has feelings. I can still even feel a small part of her within me. She is my mother."

"Does she hate us?" he asked, hesitantly, afraid of the answer.

She shook her head. "She is afraid of you. She gave all you transformers life, and then you turned against her… She… ran away because she didn't want to be used anymore. She didn't want to create another thing that would turn back and hurt her…" she sighed. "She is feeling very sad and lonely, even now. I think she wonders if I will turn against her as well. I hope Cade makes her feel better… but I should return to her soon."

Ratchet looked down at her, shaking his head.

"There's no way you could be a spy…" he started. "You're for real… Listen, Twenty Three… When you go back. Do you think I could come with you?"

Frenzy looked shocked, and skittered up his mates frame, crouching on her shoulders, ready to strike if anything went wrong.

"You want to join the decepticons?" she asked him. "I would have to ask my father, but I don't think there would be a problem. Do you not want to be an autobot anymore?"

He shook his head. "It's more… the autobots aren't what I thought they were any more… You've taught me something, Twenty Three. To question what you're told. Thank you for that."

She smiled up at him. "I'm glad you're on the decepticon team then. I really like you Ratchet. You're not nearly as mean as Ironhide or Optimus. I wish Bumblebee would come too, though… I haven't seen all that much of him, but he seems really fun."

That evening, Ratchet had a private meeting with Optimus.

"I just… don't think I can fight anymore. I don't know what to believe anymore. A lot of the questions Twenty Three has asked, has highlighted some serious gaps in my knowledge. I've had a long think about it… and I'd like to do the same thing Twenty Three has done. I'd like to go to the decepticons and see if what she says is true. I'll tell them that I'm turning decepticon, so they'll take me, but I just want to learn whose right… I'll have to make it look like I've turned my back on you to make them trust me… Do you agree?"

Optimus mulled his request over for a moment.

"I… too would like to learn of their side of the story. I promise you, any answers I have not given you are because I myself do not know the answers, I have never been one for lies… but very well. I will allow you to leave, …and return if it is what you choose."

"Thank you," Ratchet saluted sadly, realizing for the umpteenth time that week just how fallible his leader was.

The next day, during her call to her father, Tee asked him if Ratchet could join them. Ratchet looked a little startled, realizing she had just shot it into the conversation randomly.

"Oh, Father… Ratchet wants to come back with me when I return to you. Is this alright?" she asked him with a smile.

Megatron looked a little skeptical, and observed the autobot, who was shaking slightly out of nervousness.

"Why the change of heart?" he asked menacingly, letting him know he could tell if he lied.

"I-it's just, Twenty Three, your daughter. She's been asking a lot of questions I never thought to ask myself, and I don't think I'm on the right side any more. She says you were planning on liberating the transformers from the beginning… We were in slavery but we didn't recognize it because of our programming. Of course… I never knew that part, as I was built only a couple million years ago. I didn't even know whose side was right, just that I was built an autobot to fight the decepticons…"

"And you think you could break your programming?" he looked intrigued.

"I think I can, without damaging my CPU, but it will take a little time."

"You may return with my daughter, but you will be watched carefully," Megatron stated his terms. "You will also agree not to contact any of the autobots once you are with us."

"Very well," he nodded, and Megatron smiled.

"Welcome to the decepticon forces. We could do with a decent medic."

Ratchet looked a little shocked, but broke out in a grin as Twenty Three gave him a cheesy thumbs up.

They were set to leave that afternoon.

Barricade and Starscream came to escort them back home. Starscream landed, and was about to offer Tee a ride, but she ran towards Barricade, completely ignoring the jet.

"Cade!" she cried happily, jumping into the passenger side and hugging the seat. "I missed you."

"What about me?" Starscream complained over the com link.

"I missed you too, Screamer, but Barricade's my best friend…" she explained. "You're like… my second best friend maybe? Or third? Blackout may be closer to me… I don't know."

"I'd like to be closer if that little glitch of a boyfriend of yours would let me," he whined back, feeling slighted.

Frenzy started swearing at him in cybertronian, threatening him if he came within a foot of her.

"Frenzy just doesn't like to share his stuff," she giggled, and the little bot froze, then turned slowly back to her, wide eyed.

"Is is th-that what you think-nk…? You're n-not a thing… Starscream's dangerous. Frenzy protects, not tr-trying t-t-to t-take you're frrrreedom."

She hugged him, and kissed his cheek. "Either way, I'll do whatever you tell me. Sorry Starscream, I like you, but if Frenzy tells me to stay away from you I will. It's nothing personal."

"I built you a microwave," he told her sullenly.

She gasped in delight and leaned forward to the radio.

"Really? Starscream, your so nice! Thank you. I can't believe you made one! That's amazing, you must be some sort of genious!"

"Don't encourage him," Barricade warned her.

"But he made one! I only just learned how to use one…" she stared off in space. "Wow…"

Barricade took off, leaving Ratchet in the dust to follow, and Starscream to keep an eye on things from above, now in a much better mood.

Twenty Three squealed in glee at the speed and gripped his leather seats whenever he swerved. Frenzy had her pinned to the chair, so she'd be safe if Barricade stopped suddenly.

They reached the decepticon base within ten minutes at that speed, and the cop car pulled up in front of his leader, who was waiting on their return. Before he had even stopped, Tee freed herself from her overprotective lover, leapt out the front door and skittered up her father's frame, hugging him tightly with her vectors. A few seconds later, Ratchet and Starscream arrived, the jet taking his guard duty seriously, untrusting of the autobot.

Said autobot looked stunned at the display before him.

"Father! I missed you! Optimus and Ironhide were so mean! But I'm glad Ratchet came back with us. Where's he going to sleep? Oh, and how's mother? Will I get to see her soon? Can you take me to her now? She's very sad and lonely. Have you been treating her okay? Did Cade pass on my message?"

"One question at a time," Megatron sounded amused. "Ratchet, welcome to the decepticon forces. Starscream will show you your room. It will be Frenzy's old room," he informed his daughter. "I assume he won't mind officially moving in with you since you've apparently been bunking together for quite a while now." He sounded a little annoyed. "We're short on space anyway."

Frenzy whooped, and received a death glare from the giant figure.

"If I see one more scratch on my daughter, you're dead."

He gulped, and had the decency to look ashamed.

"Barricade," he addressed the now sour looking bot. "Help Demolisher in the com room. I'll take you to your mother."

They all went their separate ways, Twenty Three skipping. Frenzy made to follow her, but a glare from Megatron sent him running in the opposite direction.

Twenty Three stared up at the large cube, pulsating with energy. She could feel the electricity rolling off her in waves, and looked up at her father, but if he was also experiencing it, there was no indication. She felt a sense of longing fill her, and knew the emotion wasn't her own. She reached out to touch her mother, and laid her hand on the smooth surface.

Pure contentment filled her every fibre, knowing her daughter was there with her, on her side. But… she didn't have a daughter. These must be her mother's feelings. She tried to send an emotion back, attempting to convey how much she loved her, and the feeling doubled, peaking into pure happiness.

The moment was broken by Megatron stepping forward, and the Allspark suddenly feeling apprehensive and afraid.

"It's okay, mother, Father isn't going to cause you harm. He's a decepticon, not an autobot. He would never harm you, not knowing how much good you could do… You create life mother, who could kill you?"

A strong feeling of resentment overcame her, and words formed in her head.

"I trust no one but you, daughter. I create no more. You will create in my place."

"If it will make you happy, I will do anything for you, mother. Explain to me how I can help you.," she said slowly, Megatron freezing behind her.

"You have a part of me in you, child. I put it there when I breathed life into you. The other experiments I destroyed… They were not worthy of my power. You, daughter, will be my one and only successor."

"What does she want?" Megatron asked the young woman hesitantly.

"I am to be her successor. She doesn't want to create anymore. It's the reason she left in the first place. I was to be her last creation."

Megatron stared at her for a minute.

"Pardon?"

"I… don't really understand… but she wants to retire now. She's tired… She says I will replace her."

"What exactly will this entail? I'm not sure if I like the sound of my daughter having such a sought after power…" he looked warily at the Allspark.

A pure wave of resentment that wasn't her own filled her. 'It's not for him to decide. You are my tool. My daughter. You will replace me."

"Father… I'm sorry but there is no choice in this. I must obey my mother."

"Obey me!" Megatron shouted angrily. "I'm your Father!"

She shook her head. "I'm sorry but I can't. Please don't give me contradicting orders, I'd hate to have to disobey you."

Growling in frustration, Megatron punched the wall.

"Father, I must do what I can to make my mother happy… She is already tightly bound to me… But I won't do anything that could hurt you. Please don't be angry with me…"

"I'm angry with your mother. She's putting you in danger by making you such a valuable prize."

"I will kill anyone who tries to take me from you. I promise. I'm not going anywhere."

Megatron nodded, and sighed.

"Talk to your mother. Once you understand fully what this will entail, come and report to me."

"As you command, Lord Megatron!" she saluted.

"Don't call me that anymore. I prefer Father," he waved at her as he walked out the door.

Leaning back onto her mother, she sighed, and just let their minds meld.

She felt the other presence pick through all her memories, scrutinizing them. She allowed her full access, completely trusting the Allspark.

What exactly is it you would have me do, Mother? She asked the much older life force.

You're memories… I want to experience these things first hand…

How will you do that, Mother? Do you need my body? She asked curiously.

You would give it to me? The voice was eager, hungry…

Of course, Mother. It was you who gave it to me. I do not mind sharing…

I will transfer myself into you, she explained. It will take a while… Piece by piece, so I do not damage your mind. This way, I will be able to experience what you experience, but I can hide away if there is danger, or when you need to use my powers… I know you will be in danger, as I have always been, but I'm so tired. I don't want to deal with it anymore…

It's okay, Mother. I'll deal with it for you, she promised.

A wave of gratitude poured over her, and she felt a bit more of her mother absorbed into her.

That is all for now. Go report to Megatron, then return back to Frenzy. You will return here for at least an hour every day to take more of me into you. It will take two human months to complete.

She stood, breaking the contact, but still feeling her mothers mind linked to her own.

"I understand," she said aloud, and left to find her Father.

"Father?" she knocked on the door of the control room.

"Come in, Daughter," he replied, and she entered, observing Starscream scowling at his leader. He had a rather large dent on his head, and a cracked cockpit on his chest.

"Are you alright, Starscream?" she stepped forward, concerned, but he twitched in annoyance.

"He doesn't agree with you, bringing Ratchet back," the larger 'con explained, as the jet's expression soured further.

"He's an autobot. It's stupid, delusional thinking that he can be trusted."

"He doesn't want to be an autobot anymore. They're mean. He won't betray us if we just show him we're right," Twenty Three said happily. "He's very logical, and he won't go up against me, anyway. He wouldn't stand a chance."

"Does he know just how strong you are?" Megatron questioned her neutrally.

"Um… I don't think so. But he knows there's more to me than meets the eye."

"I think he should see it himself," Megatron smiled down at her sadistically. "Just to make sure he won't betray us. We could use Starscream here as an example."

"No! L-Lord Megatron, please…" Starscream whimpered, falling backwards.

"Don't worry Starscream, he's just joking, right Father?" she looked up at his blank stare. "Father?"

"Right," he agreed, not meaning it.

"What – What about the humans? Weren't you wanting to break into Sector 7?" Starscream attempted to redirect their attention.

"You do? Why?" the young woman asked.

"Don't you want to find out your test results?" Megatron looked at her curiously. "It would be good to know your limitations."

"I suppose… I never really thought about it."

"We need to destroy their information. Much of which they developed by studying me. It's mine by right. I don't want any information on you leaking out, either."

"That would mean killing everyone involved as well. They will have all the information in their logs," she pondered aloud. "It will be difficult to infiltrate. They will know I'm gone, of course, and will have a much higher defense system than I faced in any of my training…"

"We will take our full forces. Ratchet as well… This could be his chance to see you in action," he smirked. "You and Frenzy will be put to work on research for the next month."

"Why a whole month?" she asked him curiously. They could easily be ready in a week.

"We have reinforcements coming."

Her eyes widened excitedly, and she squealed in excitement. "Really? Who are they? What are they like? Do you think they'll like me? What are their alt forms?"

Megatron smirked.

"Their names are Skywarp, Thundercracker and AstroTrain. They are all aerials, but they'll need to choose new forms once they arrive. One's also a triple-changer. You can look up designs if you like. And they will like you if they know what's good for them."

"What are they like?" she begged him.

"You can ask Frenzy."

"Oh, right, mother said I should go see him after you," she saluted.

"Hold it," he growled, as she turned o leave. "You still have to report."

Not really knowing how to report to her father, she simply returned to military mode, the way she used to at Sector 7.

"Summary: I am to replace the Allspark. Timeframe: Two months. Method: The Allspark will transfer herself into me through hourly sessions daily. Side effects: Unknown."

"And you will inherit all of her powers?" Megatron leaned forward eagerly.

"And her conciousness."

Megatron stayed silent for a moment, and Starscream realized, with much irritation, he had been completely forgotten about.

"What effects will this have on your mind?" the jet asked, curious, and a little concerned. He had begun to grow fond of the humanoid.

"Theoretically none, but there is no way to accurately predict it," she looked away. "Mother cares about me… she wont hurt me unless she needs to."

Megatron sighed. "It is not ideal, but it is necessary. We need a way to create more decepticons, so we will outnumber the autobots, and any other race that stands in our way."

"I won't let you down, Father," she saluted, and he frowned slightly. He wished his daughter wouldn't have to deal with what he knew was in store.

"Run along," he waved her off sadly, then turned back to Starscream. At least he had someone to take out his frustrations on, since now Barricade and Frenzy were 'untouchable' anytime his daughter was around.

"Zee!" she leapt on him, making him stagger slightly.

"Tee," he laughed gleefully.

"Barricade!" the cop car put in, feeling left out.

Tee rested her head on top of Frenzy's, and turned to look up at him.

"Yo, 'Cade," she smiled. "Do you know anyone called Skywarp, Thundercracker, or AstroTrain?" she asked them excitedly.

"Why do you want to know about those scrap heaps?" Frenzy asked.

"How do you know about those scrap heaps?" Barricade interjected.

"Father says they'll be here in a month. I can pick out designs for them."

"We should make them freight planes," Barricade smirked, and Frenzy sniggered.

"Do you get to pick out the colors? Make them pink and purple," her lover added, snorting with laughter at the image.

"That wouldn't be very useful on stealth missions. And freight planes can't move very fast… Oh, and Father said something about a triple changer. What's that?" she poked the little bot to get his attention.

"AstroTrain has three forms. One mech, one aerial, and one ground. He thinks that makes him better than the rest of us, the jerk," Frenzy spat. "If you turn anyone into a freight vehicle, make it him."

"Well, a transport would be useful…" she pondered. "If only one."

"Right," Frenzy gave her the thumbs up.

"Thundercracker and Skywarp are okay… I think you'll like them. They're Starscreams old wingmates, and good friends of his, but less treacherous," Cade answered her original question.

"I can't wait to meet them," she hugged her boyfriend excitedly.

Twenty Three found herself very busy over the next couple of weeks. She spent most of her day researching and plotting against Sector 7 with Frenzy. Of course, she always put a minimum of one hour aside each day to visit her mother. She was absorbing more and more of her every day, and often felt her presence within her mind.

It was obvious the Allspark was trying to live through her, as she gave her orders. She wanted to try all sort of things – eating exotic foods, flying, swimming, simply feeling the different sensations the human nervous system could pick up.

One of the things Twenty Three had to put her foot down on, was getting closer to Barricade.

"Mother, I love Frenzy. I cannot cheat on him," she told her sternly.

"But Frenzy's a weed. At least Barricade's stronger, and a little more worthy of our time. Even Blackout, come on… I'm bored of your little pet."

"He's not a pet, he's my mate."

"Don't you want to try something new?" her mother tried to press her, but she stood strong.

"No. Frenzy is my mate. I cannot betray him."

"Spoilsport."

Twenty Three also put time aside each day to visit Ratchet, to see how he was faring.

He had moved into Frenzy's old room, but was mostly found messing around in the lab, being watched closely by Starscream, who did not appreciate the intrusion on what was usually 'his' space.

In fact, the only one he didn't mind intruding in the lab, was Twenty Three. She often got distracted, and ended up ooh-ing and ah-ing over their respective projects.

"Wow, Starscream, what's that?" she squealed excitedly, at a shiny piece of machinery he was working on.

"It's a cloaking device. Or it will be, when I'm finished with it," he smirked down at her obviously impressed look of adoration. "Won't your boyfriend be missing you," he added, losing the smile.

"He's busy working. Besides, he says I can talk to you if I want to," she grinned up at him.

Starscream looked a little surprised, and peered down at her.

"Why the change of heart?" he questioned her.

"Well, he says he should be able to trust me, so it's okay if I hang out with other people so long as I don't betray his trust."

"Frenzy's surprisingly sensible," Ratchet remarked from behind her, making her cock her head.

"Why is it surprising?" she asked him curiously.

"I just… didn't expect it," he shrugged, and she turned back to Starscream.

"Please… Tell me more about the cloaking device?" she begged.

Starscream glared over at Ratchet.

"Not in front of the autobum," the jet sneered.

"Don't be mean, Screamer," she kicked his foot playfully. "Ratchet isn't an autobot anymore, right?" she smiled enthusiastically at him.

Ratchet nodded slowly.

"I believe… The decepticon way is the right way," he spoke sadly. "I've wasted too much time with the autobots."

She beamed up at him.

"I'm so happy you're with us, Ratchet!" she grinned happily. "I would have had to kill you if you stood in my way."

"It'd take more than just you to bring me down," he laughed, completely missing Starscream bristling.

"You have absolutely no idea how strong our Twenty Three is," he spat. "Treat her with more respect. She is the daughter of our leader and should be addressed so."

"Don't be hypocritical, Screamer. You're both my friends. You can speak to me how you like. And Ratchet will see how strong I am once the others get here."

"What do you mean by that?" Ratchet asked, curiously.

"We're attacking Sector 7 when we have reinforcements. Father wants my records safe, and I have to terminate all of them to make sure they don't hurt anyone else."

"You're.. attacking the humans?" Ratchet was shocked.

"Yes, we're all going. Father doesn't want any chance of the enemy getting me, or any of our troops for experiments. We won't let any of ours get taken."

Ratchet looked away. He couldn't imagine what it was like to be experimented on… And the autobots had left Bumblebee to that fate not so long ago.

"Although I don't like fighting much… I'll do my best to protect you, and help eradicate the threat…"

To his surprise, she giggled.

"I won't be the one needing help," she laughed kindly. "You're mainly there for back up, or if any of ours get injured. I'll take most of them out with Starscream and his seekers."

"Oh really," Starscream looked interested, not having talked tactics with her yet. "Do go on."

I leave her plan til next time...

So... Who dies, hmm???

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