Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me.

Summery: Transformers Prime Universe. Set in season one, following the episode cannon loosely. Arcee discovers a secret about her past and has to learn to live with it. Can she move forward to a peaceful future?

"blah" – Normal human speak
"blah" – Cybertronian speak
blah – thinking
'blah' – Comm. Speaking
'Blah' – text message
-blah- - Bonded talk

Shadows of the Past
By Yami-Yugi3

Chapter 10

Prowl was walking down the hall deep in thought. "What ya thinking about Prowler?" Jazz asked.

"Hmmm?"

"Ya have that look that's something on ya processor."

"I'm just worried about Prime. We should have search parties out there looking for the Nemesis."

"Why didn't ya say anything back there?"

"I'd...I didn't want to go over Ratchet's head. He's been here longer then I have..."

"But yer second in command."

"On Cybertron..."

"Prowler... Ratch would listen."

"He seemed pretty upset about everything..."

"Yea but that's Ratch. He would still listen to your option."

"...If you think so..."

"I know Ratch. Go and tell him your idea."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure." Jazz said with a smile. Prowl sighed before turning around and going back towards the Medical Bay. Jazz smiled more as he watched his mate go.

"Ratchet..." Prowl started as he entered the Medical Bay.

"What is it, Prowl? Come up with any new ideas?" he said with a little bit of sarcasm.

"I...I did..."

"Well?"

"You want to hear it?" Prowl said surprised.

"I'm up for anything right now... Until we find out where the Decepticon space bridge is to send Jack."

"Well...I thought that maybe we should send search parties to look for the Nemesis."

"WHAT?"

Prowl sighed. "I knew I should not have said anything." he said.

"Look what happened to Arcee! I'm not going to let anyone go looking for Megatron. It's too dangerous and stupid. We'll just have to wait and see if the Nemesis finds us." He paused for a long time. "...I don't think Optimus would want us risking anymore lives... We can't go rushing into this... Megatron can only be matched by one..."

"...Prime..."

"We all have to be patient and keep our emotions from making rash decisions. I'm sure we'll run into Megatron once we try to take over their space bridge."

Prowl sighed again. "I...I'll go then..." he said, door wings lower a bit.

"I'm sorry... I wish there was more we could do too..."

"I guess you make a better second in command then I do..."

"Optimus will be the one to make that call."

"..." Prowl walked out of the Medical Bay.

He brushed past Wheeljack on his way in. "Whoa! What killed the mood?" Prowl didn't say anything as he continued to walk away.

"Ratchet?" the engineer/wrecker asked as he looked at him.

"...Prowl thought he had a good idea..."

"Care to enlighten me, Doc?"

The medic cringed a bit. "All the years you've known me and you still insist on calling me that?"

"Perked you up, didn't it?" he smirked.

"Maybe for a moment." He sighed. "Prowl suggested we split into groups and search for the Nemesis."

"Not a bad idea."

"Wheeljack! You KNOW how dangerous that is!"

"Yeah... As a Wrecker, I don't mind danger."

"No! Running into trouble is one thing, going to look for it? It's insane! You know none of us can beat Megatron."

"No, but how do you suggest we get the key to Optimus once Jack comes back from Cybertron if we don't know where the Nemesis is?"

"I don't know!" Ratchet growled. Wheeljack only laughed.

"Don't get all worked up, Doc."

"Stop calling me that!"

"Dad...what are you doing to Ratchet?"

"Just messing with him. He needs to lighten up."

"I'm sorry, Ratchet. Want me to take him away?"

"...No..."

"I was just agreeing with Prowl's plan...maybe..."

"And that is?"

"To break up into search parties to find the Nemesis and Optimus along with it."

"Wheeljack...you know that's a little crazy. Megatron is way too strong for any of us. Besides, we can't risk anyone getting hurt when we're so vulnerable. If we lose you, or Ratchet, or Prowl, then what? We need to stick together and wait it out. Something will come up."

"Thank you, that's what I said."

"So...you're picking Mr. Sunshine over your own father..."

"I'm NOT taking sides. Just stating good points that apparently Ratchet's already made. He's thinking like Optimus would. He's always telling us not to go alone."

"...Yeah...You gotta point, sweetspark. So, guess I need to try and cheer up old Cop bot."

"No, dad. He's got Jazz for that. Jazz will understand, having been friends with Optimus."

Prowl had at that time stepped out of the base, looking at the scenery before transforming and driving off. He thought a nice drive would clear his thoughts. -Prowler...where ya goin...?-

-I'm going for a drive.-

-Ratchet not like your idea?-

-...He said it was too dangerous...-

Jazz thought it over a moment. -...Well...yeah... It's not a good idea to go looking for Megatron or anything like that. I can sorta see his point.-

-...You should have told me that BEFORE I made a fool of myself...-

-Don't blame me! What do you mean, made a fool of yourself? I'm sure Ratchet didn't knock you down or anything. He was just discussing.-

-...-

-Prowler...- Jazz broke the connection for a moment. "So...want to talk about it?" he said as he pulled up next to him.

"Not really..."

"Come on... Ratch saying no doesn't get you this upset..."

"I'm...I'm just worried that Optimus won't let me be second in command anymore once we get him back..."

"Of course he will. He'll make that decision when the right time comes."

"...I don't know..."

"...Prowler...you know Prime sees what you can do. He knows how good you are at taking command when it's necessary. He'll probably make ya Second so Ratchet has more time to be a medic. Ya know Ratchet will respect his decision."

"I guess you are right..."

"I know Ratch and OP...they aren't gonna leave ya out." Prowl sighed.

"So...wanna keep going or do you want to go back?"

"Let's go a bit farther."

"Alright."

Meanwhile, on the Nemesis, Optimus was working on the Iacon database in the lab. Starscream had snuck on board to steal some energon for himself when he ran into a gang of Vehicons. They chased him to the hall where the lab was. He pushed the button and dashed inside without thinking where he was or who he would run into. He bumped into Optimus as he drop some energon cubes. "Who dares..." he started until he saw WHO he bumped into "OPTIMUS PRIME!"

He aimed his canons. "Please! I mean no harm."

"Oh? Really? Then what ARE you doing here?"

"I'm researching the Iacon database for Lord Megatron."

"Oh okay..."

"You are Lord Starscream."

"Yes."

"Lord Megatron said you were...terminated..."

"Oh? Megatron says a lot of things, only a few of which are true."

"Are...Are you suggesting that Lord Megatron, our leader would lie to us?" Starscream laughed outright.

"You really are kept in the dark...aren't you."

"Why...Why did you call me Optimus Prime?"

"Ahhh...you remind me of someone I used to know."

"Because my name is Orion Pax and I'm far from being a Prime." Starscream just shrugged. This might be able to work to his advantage.

"...Starscream... Your knowledge confuses me...maybe you can help me to understand better than what Lord Megatron has explained."

"And, what can you do for me if I...help you?" Optimus paused and was about to answer when the doors opened. A bigger gang of Vehicons walked in and aimed at Starscream.

"Commander Starscream!" they shouted, ready to force him to surrender. Starscream hid behind Optimus.

"Hold your fire!" Optimus pleaded. He was ready to stop the Vehicons' blasts but Starscream was faster. He quickly transformed and flew over his head, escaping the hallway. The Vehicons' went after him.

"Stay here in the lab."

"...But..."

"Megatron's orders." The door shut before he could protest. He watched the door with a determined look. He needed the truth and he was going to find it, even if he had to do it himself. As he was about to search for answers, Megatron came in.

"Orion. I'm sorry about the disturbance. You weren't harmed in any way were you?"

"No."

"Good."

"But I do have a question. Why did you tell me Starscream was dead?"

"I simply meant that he was dead to our cause. He used to be my Second in Command, until he turned traitor and joined with the Autobots. He didn't upset you, did he?"

"...No..."

"Very well. It would be best to forget the entire exchange and return to your project."

"As you command." Megatron let the door close before going over to Soundwave. He growled angrily.

"Orion was never a great liar... I should have killed Starscream when I had the chance. I will NOT make the same mistake again."

Back at the Autobot base, Bulkhead came through the space bridge. "Well...no sign of energon spikes in the area..." He walked over to Ratchet who was standing by. He noticed his solemn mood. "Ratchet...you alright?"

"...What? Yes, I'm fine. Let's get you to the next set of coordinates." Just then, a message alert rang on the computers.

"What is it?" Bulkhead asked as Ratchet headed over.

"A high frequency signal with an imbedded message...for me."

"Is it Optimus?"

Ratchet opened the message showing who it really was from. "Starscream? I have information regarding your leader, bring medical kit. Come alone."

"What should we do? Should we get Prowl and Jazz?"

"No, we can handle this I'm sure," Ratchet said. "Let's go."

"Right behind you." They opened a bridge and went to Starscream's location.

He was miles from where he had flown off the Nemesis. He was bleeding energon from his side and his leg where the Vehicons had shot him down during his retreat.

"I-I told you to come alone!" Starscream shouted when he saw Bulkhead behind Ratchet.

"We know what you're capable of," said Bulkhead.

"What? I'm asking for help here! Can't you see I'm injured?"

"You said you have information. Where's Optimus?" demanded Ratchet.

"Aboard the Nemesis."

"And?" added Bulkhead.

"What? Where is it? I don't know! Ships move! Are you going to patch me up or not?"

"For all I care, you can sit there and rust. Unless you have information for us."

"...It would seem your beloved Prime thinks he's someone named Orion Pax. Megatron has convinced him to work on some research and he believes he's a Decepticon now."

"Tell us something we DON'T know," huffed Ratchet. "You're wasting our time. C'mon, Bulkhead..."

"But...I'm injured here!"

"Unless you know where the Decepticon space bridge is-..."

"WHAT? They finished the Space Bridge without ME?" yelled Starscream. Ratchet and Bulkhead looked at each other. "It hurts worse right here, doctor." Starscream said with a smile as he pointed to his wound.

Ratchet came over. "You'd better tell Bulkhead the right coordinates of its location or I'll leave you in worse shape than you are."

"I promise on my spark," Starscream replied with full conviction. Bulkhead noted the coordinates in his memory as Ratchet patched up the rogue seeker.

"Okay, that's it," Ratchet said as he stood up.

"Don't even think about trying anything," warned Bulkhead as they bridged back.

Prowl and Jazz were waiting for them when they came back. "Where did you two go?" Prowl asked.

"Ahhh...out for a drive?" Bulkhead said. Prowl looked like he didn't go for it.

"I think Prowler just want to know why ya didn't call us to look after the base while you were out." Jazz said.

"Everything's fine. Besides, it doesn't matter. We just found the Decepticon Space Bridge," smiled Ratchet.

"You did?" Gadget asked as she arrived.

"Bout time we got some more action," said Wheeljack who walked up behind her.

Arcee and Bumblebee came into the base. "What's going on?" she asked.

"Ratchet and Bulkhead said they found out where the Cons are keeping their space bridge," Prowl said, still unsure about their information.

"Well then, that means Jack and I need to get ready," Melissa said as she walked up with the children.

"Who'd you get the information from?" Arcee asked.

Ratchet and Bulkhead looked at each other. "A...reliable source."

"It's still too risky..." June said.

"Don't worry Gadget and I will be with them." Arcee said.

"Me? You don't mind having me along, Arcee?"

"No, I don't mind. I might need a wingman as well." Arcee said with a smile.

"I'm touched, thank you."

"Alright!" Melissa smiled.

"Well alright then, let's go suit up you two."

"I'm going too!" Miko said.

"Miko...you're needed here," Ratchet said. "You can help Raphael and Agent Fowler with ground control."

"...Awww..."

"Don't worry, I'll give ya some fun stuff to help with," smiled Wheeljack.

Prowl was unsure about all of it. "We cannot go rushing to a space bridge full of Decepticons without a plan." he said.

"Right, that's why I've got some ideas. Why don't you look them over and we'll come up with one together?" Ratchet asked.

"Very well." Ratchet led Prowl over to the computers, away from the others. Jazz smiled at this before going over to his daughter.

"So...you ready to see home again?"

"I know it won't be the same as it was before."

"...No, guess not... But it's still home."

"Yeah."

"Thank you, Prowl. With your help, this plan is solid," Ratchet said with a smile as the two finished. Prowl walked over to Jazz, satisfied. He still wished he had come up with it on his own.

"Awesome, Prowler. Ya know what Ratch just did?" he asked his mate with a smirk.

"Came up with a plan."

"Nope. He just gave ya yer chance as Second in Command and stepped aside," Jazz smiled as he patted Prowl on the back.

"I guess you are right, but I still wish I had come up with one on my own."

"He still let ya make the final call, didn't he?"

"...Yeah...I guess he did," Prowl smiled.

"This is so awesome!" Melissa smiled as Agent Fowler returned with her and Jack. "We're actually going to see Cybertron! Miko, don't worry, I'll bring you something back, Girl Scout's honor."

"I'll bring you something too, Raf," smiled Jack. "Okay...we're ready."

"Gadget, Arcee?" Ratchet asked turning to them.

"We're ready," both femmes answered.

"Bulkhead, Bumblebee? Ready to secure the Space Bridge?" Both nodded. "Alright then. Prowl? Send us to the coordinates." Prowl sighed but went to open the ground bridge for them.

"Be safe," sighed June.

"Stay outta trouble and don't get lost," smirked Jazz.

"Prowl, you're in charge of things here," Ratchet said as they walked through to the location.

"Now it's up to them." Prowl said.

"Yep," sighed Jazz as the bridge dissipated. "Yer in charge though. Ratchet's givin ya a chance," he couldn't help but smile. Prowl smiled back at him.

The Autobots arrived deep in the energon mine. They had their weapons out, looking for any Decepticons in the area. "The coast is clear." Bulkhead said.

"Alright, let's go," Arcee said as they group moved forward. They started to sneak attack all the Vehicons in the area.

"Command, this is Space Bridge control. We are under attack..." one started to say until Ratchet knock him out. He put his finger up to his mouth.

"C'mon, it should be nearby," said Bulkhead. They turned the corner and there it was.

"I'm unscrambling communications to contact base."

Back at the base, everyone was waiting until the familiar sound of a communications link opened up. 'Strike team to base, the Space Bridge is secured.' Agent Fowler looked towards Jack and Melissa.

"Okay...let's do this." Jack said.

Prowl reopened the ground bridge. "Be very careful, the both of you." He said "Even though Cybertron isn't like it used to be, it can be quite dangerous so stay close to my daughter and Gadget."

"We will." Melissa said.

"Soo what happens when you need to go to the bathroom?" Miko asked.

"Have a safe journey." Fowler said.

June still looked a bit worried. "Just go already. Optimus needs you." she said. Jack saluted as Melissa waved before the two of them headed into the ground bridge.

"I know they can do this." Jazz said "OP will come back to us just like his old self." Prowl couldn't help but smile at his mate.

Jack and Melissa soon appeared at the location. "Whoa... That is one big bridge..." Melissa gasped.

"I'll keep the portal open so it won't mess with commutation and so you will be able to locate it." Ratchet said.

"We're not bridging right to Vector Sigma?" Jack asked.

"The location is surrounded by myth and legend."

"Soo... It's like a Cybertronian treasure hunt?" Melissa said to Gadget.

She nodded. "Vector Sigma is said to be the very processor of Primus himself. It's hidden until those who need its knowledge find it. It could be anywhere on the planet."

"Then let's get going," said Arcee. Ratchet went over and started putting in the coordinates for Cybertron. A bigger, brighter, swirling vortex opened up at the end of the bridge.

"Whoa..." Melissa gasped.

"Off we go, youngling." Jack was speechless.

"Don't worry, space bridging is just like ground bridging," Arcee said as she walked up to it. "Just a little more intense!" she shouted over the noise. Jack shrugged and followed her through. Melissa looked up at Gadget.

"Go on, it's just as Arcee said." She nodded in reply and raced after the other two.

When they went through, Jack and Melissa were amazed at the landscape.

"You're planet looks like quite the metropolis or in some areas, it was," Melissa said, looking around.

"...Yes...WAS..." Gadget sighed, trying not to cry.

"I can't believe we're actually on another...wait...Was?"

"...This...this isn't what I wanted you to see... A lot of things were lost during our war...including our planet..."

"...I...I'm so sorry," Melissa said as she reached a hand up to Gadget. The red femme took it in her fingers.

"It's not your fault. Megatron and Optimus are two different people with two different ideals on leadership..."

"So, which way do we go?"

"Not sure, didn't Ratchet say the Key would guide us?" said Arcee. Jack took out the Key and started waving it around as he studied the roads. It glowed brightly and hummed each time he hovered over the center path.

"Well, there's our answer," smiled Gadget. "Wherever the Key reacts, we go."

"Then let's go," said Arcee. Arcee and Gadget transformed, once Jack and Melissa were in they raced off towards the direction.

"This could take awhile." Bulkhead said.

'Space Bridge control do you copy?' Breakdown's voice could be heard over the comm. 'Your status report is over due.'

"What should we do?" Bulkhead asked.

"We need to report back."

"I could do it."

"No, he'd recognize your voice."

"I could make it lower."

"...He'd recognize mine as well. Bumblebee...well..." Bumblebee sighed.

"Higher?" Bulkhead squeaked.

"No...we need a human. Rafael! I need you to patch in Agent Fowler."

'Space Bridge! I'm waiting! Don't make me come down there and beat it out of you!'

"Why can't you do it?" Fowler asked, as he looked up at Prowl.

"I have to agree with Ratchet on this." he said "Being second in command any Decepticon can recognize my voice."

'You have one nano second to respond...'

"Ah...this is Space Bridge control...everything's fine here."

'...Well...good then. Report in sooner next time! Breakdown out.'

"That was close." Jazz said.

Back on Cybertron, the small party soon realized where they were heading. "Kaon?"

"We're...We're headed towards the Decepticon Capitol?!" Gadget exclaimed.

"What?" Jack and Melissa asked at the same time.

"...If that's where the Key is leading us..." Arcee sighed. "It wasn't always Decepticon territory..."

"Right. Back in the early ages, it was a neutral area. Vector Sigma must be buried deep within, hidden from Megatron and the Decepticons."

"Which means its still safe. Hopefully we don't run into any unwanted friends along the way..." Arcee said cautiously. They stopped just before the city's border. "We're on foot from here. Don't want engine noise to attack the wrong kind of attention."

"Cons?" Jack asked.

"More like vermin." Gadget said.

Jack took out the key once more, moving it around until it glowed to indicate it was deeper into the city. "This way." As the group walked across the bridge, they had no clue what had woken up and started following them from below. They continued along.