Rebirth – Part Two

Needless to say, Starscream was a bit surprised to see Case standing just outside of the Decepticon base, a determined look on his faceplates and calling out for him of all mechs. While Starscream had found a place with Rae, the other mechs were still cautious of him – and for good reason. The only one there who could take him was Harbinger, and Starscream wasn't stupid enough to challenge him. Case, a Neutral medic with no real weapons to speak of, was easy prey for him.

Yet they stood merely meters away from each other, peacefully except for the despair and anger in Case's optics. Something wasn't right, and for once it had nothing to do with the war between Autobots and Decepticons. Even if it had, Case was a Neutral, and his neutrality was respected. Even Megatron wasn't dumb enough to mess with the few neutral mechs when he was first coming to power. He of all mechs understood their capabilities.

"What is going on?" Starscream asked quietly. "The way you're acting, one would think you lost someone dear."

"We might if we don't act." Case admitted. "Rae was injured more than we thought. I need your help, you and Barricade." Starscream's optics went wide, and he instantly sent a message to Barricade to meet him at the entrance to the base. Case simply would not joke about something like this. Rae was too precious to them all.

"I was hoping it was a social call." he joked weakly. Case grinned humorlessly.

"I would have preferred it that way." he said. "I want you to meet me at the base – I'll explain everything there. Right now I need to pay the Autobots a visit." Starscream cast him a doubtful look.

"Do you really think Prime is going to let you borrow a few of his mechs for some human girl?" he asked, his voice colored with skepticism. Case laughed.

"With the mechs I want, Prime won't have any say in the matter." he said confidently. "They'll come. They like Rae far too much to let her die." Starscream nodded.

"All right. But if you need help 'convincing' Prime, let me know." he said grimly.

"You can't risk your position with Prime like that." Case pointed out. "Thanks for the offer, but we both know that's not possible."

"For Rae, I don't care."

"I believe it." With that Case transformed and flew off. Time was of essence here, and there was none of it to waste. With every second spent talking, Rae's life was slipping away.

Starscream just hoped Case had some plan up his arm plates. Otherwise he didn't know what they could do.

Barricade exited the building and came to stand behind him. "You asked for me?"

"We have been summoned by the Neutrals." Starscream explained. "It seems Rae is in need of our assistance." He watched as anger crossed Barricade's face. So it seemed that his second in command was of the same mind he was. Good. "I want you to tell Thundercracker he's in charge, and then come with me. We'll head out as soon as you get back." Barricade nodded and was gone in a flash.

Starscream turned to look where Case had vanished. "I hope you know what you're doing." he murmured.

Ironhide was giving Jazz and Bumblebee a crash-course in skeet shooting when Case arrived. The Neutral mech watched with some amusement as Ratchet fired off the targets and Ironhide attempted to teach the other two how to aim at a target that small going that fast. Of course, Ironhide himself was a natural, and Bumblebee was picking up on it rather quickly, even if he wasn't that terribly good at it. Jazz, on the other hand, was having issues.

"Just how in pit am I supposed to hit something that small with something this big?" he demanded, indicating the size of his gun. Ironhide laughed at him.

"That just makes it easier to hit." he assured him. "Lots of room for error."

"Ironhide, Jazz. I need a word."

Both mechs instantly looked over to the edge of the base, where Case was patiently waiting. They both abandoned their stations, but Ratchet was watching them carefully. Bumblebee had already left to report Case to Optimus. Case would have to move quickly, otherwise the Autobot leader would interfere, and make his job that much harder.

"What's wrong?" Ironhide demanded instantly. "Something has to be wrong. I think you would have brought Rae along if it was a social visit."

"You'd be correct." Case said. "Rae is not doing as well as we had hoped. My sensors are not as adept as Ratchet's are. There was more damage than I could see."

Jazz was bouncing now, full of nervous energy. "What can we do?" he persisted.

"Follow me to the base." Case said. "I have a plan, but I need your help. Will you do it?" In answer, Jazz and Ironhide transformed into their alt modes. Case smiled faintly. "Thank you."

"Oh, shut up and lead the way." Ironhide said gruffly. "Optimus is coming."

"Yeah, let's get out of here before he throws in his two cents worth." Jazz added. In a flash Case had transformed and led the other two away from the Autobot base, back into the woods, and towards the Neutral base.

Veris and the others were surprised to see Starscream and Barricade show up unexpectedly on their doorstep, so to speak. But what shocked Silver and Sheol was when Case returned with Ironhide and Jazz in tow. For a long moment, there was dead silence. Bracket of all mechs was the one to break it.

"Just what in pit is Case up to?" he demanded, an odd glint in his optics. Case glared at him before turning his focus to the others.

"I can save Rae." he said simply.

Now he had their attention. "How!" Harbinger demanded. There was pain evident in the way he held himself. No longer was he so tough and aloof, but broken and filled with sorrow. Starscream almost turned away, but he had seen the mech like this once before, when Frenzy had died. Such was the life of a warrior.

"Come with me." Case ordered, taking Rae in one hand and the AllSpark in the other. "I'll show you."

AN: This chapter dedicated to Neon. Thanks for that review man, I needed that. (grins)