A/N: I apologize for the shortness of this chapter, but I hope it answers some questions. And you guys are killing me with your reviews! I can't thank all of you enough for your kind words!

June waited until Soundwave had returned to his station before sliding down the back of his leg. He didn't even twitch. Maybe he was just oblivious to organic life or he was too used to the feel of other beings against his mesh. She'd noticed the subtle twitches of the smaller bot that seemed to be a symbiote of sorts. He ignored it, much as he ignored her. She was tempted to but her theory to the test, but she needed to find a place to hide. She'd heard Starscream's order. If that was what Soundwave was doing now, then she was as good as caught.

Glancing up at the giant robot she took off running. The bridge was long and raised above the rest of what looked like monitoring stations. The other Decepticons were focused on their work. Lowering herself over the side she dropped down, crouching for a moment to make sure the coast was clear. She wished she hadn't left her backpack in the medical bay. Hunger was starting to be an issue. Maybe she could make it back.

She froze as the doors at the far end of the bridge opened. She shivered seeing Megatron enter. She knew a triumphant grin when she saw one and her heart stuttered for a moment. She shouldn't have left Optimus alone. What had they done to him? Behind Megatron the smaller red medic shifted nervously. June frowned watching the furtive glances. What was he so afraid of? Granted Megatron was abusive but surely he wouldn't punish the smaller 'bot for what had happened.

"Soundwave, have you found anything."

Soundwave shook his head and pointed at the screen. The sensor sweeps were still running. She had little time left.

"Keep looking. Now, Knockout about your recent illness . . ."

"A-about that, I can explain Lord Megatron. I had no idea that the energon had been tampered with-"

"Of course, why would you willing ingest something that could have caused such damage to your systems. I am more concerned that you let Optimus out of his bonds." Megatron had not turned to face the smaller 'bot yet and Knockout was staring wide-eyed at his back. June knew that look. She'd seen it on Jack often enough when she'd caught him doing something he wasn't supposed to.

"What was I supposed to do? I could barely function. Its not like he escaped."

"That is not the point Knockout." Megatron rounded on him forcing him back a step. "You knowingly released a dangerous criminal just to save yourself."

"Bu-but Lord Megatron-"

"No excuses Knockout. I had hoped that your recent experiences would have taught you the value of loyalty."

"I am loyal! I have done everything you asked!"

Megatron leaned down, grabbing the medic, his voice dark and laced with threat. "Obedience is not the same as loyalty. And you cannot even be trusted to be obedient."

"They were extenuating circumstances! You have to under-" June flinched as he was cut off by a yelp. It seemed her decision to poison the medic was going to have much graver consequences than she'd realized. The 'bot seem truly terrified and she was struck once again by how very human they acted. That was partly what made what happened next so disturbing. Megatron's massive hand wrapped around the medic's head, lifting the flailing 'bot. He was thrown the length of the bridge, narrowly missing Soundwave as he bounced and skidded along the decking.

"I've had enough insubordinate behavior to deal with thanks to Starscream. I will not tolerate it from you, Knockout."

Knockout's arms shook as he pushed himself up. "Megatron, please! I have never betrayed you like he did. I-I'll do anything. Anything to prove my loyalty to you."

June ducked down as Soundwave turned, stepping toward the fallen 'bot. She watched, partly fascinated, partly horrified as a scene played out on his visor. An unconscious Megatron lay on a table hooked up to many tubes. Knockout was explaining that while there was brain activity their master was essentially dead and taking him off life support would be a mercy. She'd heard the very same conversations about coma patients. She looked back to Knockout, her heart dropping at the lost expression. He hung his head, arms limp at his sides. He wasn't going to fight the accusations.

"Soundwave, secure the traitor. He can join the other one."

Tentacles whipped out and grabbed the unresisting medic. He was hauled up. June scrambled to her feet. If he was being taken to Optimus, this might be her chance.

A klaxon sounded from above, nearly deafening her. Soundwave froze. In a movement so fast she didn't register it, she was plucked from her hiding spot. Two tentacles. He had two, came the disjointed thought as she sailed through the air. She was brought level with his visor. She could almost imagine that she could see the red optics glowing behind it. She kicked at him, screaming.

"You found it, Soundwave. Good work. Maybe she knows the location of the Autobots. Take her with you. When you get done with that, contact Flatline. We need a new medic."

June finally gave up screaming and beating on the tentacle holding her. Knockout walked ahead of them, arms restrained. He glanced back at her once but remained uncharacteristically silent. They halted at a nondescript door guarded by two identical 'bots. They saluted and opened the door for Soundwave.

"Finally got your aft kicked out by the boss huh, prissy bot." One of them sneered.

"What a slagging idiot, I never did see why Lord Megatron kept him around anyway."

Knockout slumped further, shoulders sagging. He looked nothing like the sassy confident bot she'd first met. He stumbled as Soundwave shoved him into the room. June gasped seeing Optimus hanging from a pair of restraints, his feet barely touching the ground.

"Optimus!"

He didn't raise his head and a coldness blossomed in her gut. She could make out new gashes and contusions in the low light. He'd been beaten, that much was obvious. Light blue energon trailed down his chin to drip on his chest.

Tears springing into her eyes, June covered her mouth. "Oh Optimus . . . What have they done to you?"

She found herself placed at Optimus' feet as Soundwave restrained Knockout next to Optimus. His feet dangled well off the floor. She turned her attention back to Optimus. She could just reach his foot from where she stood.

"Optimus, can you hear me?"

Dull optics opened, but didn't seem able to focus. He blinked looking down but clearly not seeing her. She screamed as she was grabbed again. There was a flash of blue as Optimus raised his head. She was held in front of his face and it suddenly hit her that Soundwave was taunting Optimus, using her. All the fear and anger she'd been trying to contain suddenly broke through and she burst into tears. She should never have come.

"June . . . I am so sorry."

"Not-not your fault."

Then she was falling. She heard Optimus yell, saw him lunge forward, electricity sparking around him. I am doing to die and they are making him watch. I am so sorry Optimus.

She gasped jerking to a stop upside down, one leg in Soundwave's hand.

"Do not harm the human Soundwave. She is not part of this fight."

From her vantage she saw the silent Decepticon point at Knockout.

"I understand, but she did not realize the consequences. It is unfortunate that Knockout has had to suffer so much."

"She was trying to save you, wasn't she." Knockout finally spoke. "What is it about you that makes even these detestable humans flock to you, Prime?"

"Perhaps they sense that I truly mean them no harm."

June yelped as Soundwave tossed her in the air catching her again. He held her up his head tilted to the side as he looked at her. Even with his eyes hidden she could feel his gaze. It was unnerving.

"Put her down." Optimus' no nonsense tone was laced with threat, something she'd only rarely heard from him.

Soundwave remained silent, literally dangling her in front of Optimus. She was facing him now, so she had a clear view of his reaction as Soundwave played a voice clip.

"You will tell me Prime, or I will make you a cripple again."

Somehow she knew that the Decepticon meant her. He was using her against Optimus, trying to get him to reveal the location of the others.

"No! No, Optimus you can't!"

"June I will not risk your life-"

"You can't! You'll be sentencing Jack and the others to death, you can't!" Twisting around in Soundwave's grip she screamed at him. "Kill me, just kill me and get it over with. I will never let you harm my son!"

"June no!"

She would never understand what happened next. One moment she was being held then she was on the ground looking up at Optimus. Soundwave was holding his arm to his chest as if it hurt him, the smell of ozone strong in the air. He took an unsteady step back, before turning and walking out.

"What the scrap just happened?"

"I too would like to know. June, are you unharmed."

"I-I'm fine . . . What just happened."

"It looked like . . . Like you electrocuted him, or something."

"But how . . . I'm not carrying anything on me."

"Soundwave is sensitive to electromagnetic fluctuations. His ability to detect and decipher them is unusual even for us. I'm guessing that your emotional state heightened your own field and caused a discharge. Though such a thing is usually only seen when two mechs-"

"Thank you for that observation, Knockout. Are you sure you are alright, June?"

"Yes, yes I'm fine. That was just weird."