A/N: Hiya guys! We've only got a few more chapters left but omg it's intense! So many things happening! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! And thank you so much for the words of encouragement! I love reading your observations on the plot and characters. :) Anyway, here we go . . .
June sat on the trailer where Optimus lay, leaning back against his side. Something about the contact comforted her. A young soldier brought her a cup of coffee. June thanked her, blowing on it to cool it.
"Ma'am, may I say something." The young woman asked.
"Of course-" June peered at her uniform looking for her name. "Menendez is it?"
"Yes ma'am. Thank you ma'am. I just wanted to say that for a non-com you have really inspired the rest of us."
"Non-com?"
"Non combatant, ma'am. We are at war now, and you've been behind enemy lines and seen things none of the rest of us hopefully will ever see. Is there a way to beat them?"
June took a sip of the coffee, considering the question. "It's true, they are much, much more advanced than we are, but they still have their weaknesses. Knockout is proof of that. But don't underestimate them they are extremely intelligent and driven by the loss of their home. Once you start seeing them as robots and not people you will lose."
"I think I understand. They have a cause and will fight for it, but we are defending our home too."
"Of course and the Autobots consider it their home too." She looked over her should at Optimus sighing. "I just hope we can help Optimus. We are going to need him now more than ever."
"From what I've heard he is a selfless and courageous leader."
"Yes, yes he is." June turned back to Menendez and smiled. "Thank you for the coffee."
"Of course. I better get back to my post."
After the woman had gone June laid her head back wishing she could talk to Optimus again. Ratchet and Knockout were off in another part of the compound making something similiar to the cortical patch. At least she thought that was what they were doing. From the yelling it sounded like not much was getting done at all. She watched Wheeljack storm by and laughed softly. Someone was going to get their tail kicked. Sure enough not two minutes later the yelling cut off. Closing her eyes June tried to relax. She felt like she'd been running on overdrive for so long that even just sitting here doing nothing felt odd.
So much had happened in such a short amount of time, it felt like weeks or months should have past, not days. "What are we going to do Optimus?"
He is going to need you. His most desperate trial is coming and he will need your strength and devotion to carry him through.
June sat up looking around, but no one was in sight. "Who is there?"
I don't have much time, June Darby. My name is Alpha Trion, I was Optimus' mentor on Cybertron. I have lost contact with him and you seem to have been touched by the Matrix. Whatever happens, stay with him.
"I-I will try. I talked to him before we left the Nemesis, he's very . . . Unsure of himself right now."
It is to be expected. If you manage to reach him again, please tell him that Primus watches over him as do I. I must go now. Megatron is returning.
"Wait! Where are you? How am I supposed to help?"
There was no answer. Getting up she made her way to Optimus head, looking down at the serene face. It was so alien yet so familiar at the same time. Resting a hand on the edge of his battle mask she tried not to let everything overwhelm her. Closing her eyes, she sank to her knees leaning her head against the cool metal. She'd just wanted to save his life and now it seemed she was going to take center stage in this battle for Earth. Concentrating she pulled at the glowing power she knew was the Matrix. It was easier this time and she found herself back in the meadow. At first she didn't spot Optimus. He was seated at the base of a tree and did not move as she walked closer.
"Optimus? Are you alright?"
He looked up. "I was not expecting to see you again so soon, June."
"Well, it seems I am the only one who can reach you right now. Alpha Trion spoke to me."
"He did?" Optimus' optics widened and he jumped to his feet. "What did he say? Is he well?"
"I think Megatron has him."
Optimus visibly wilted and June reached out to steady him. She helped him sit, part of her still a little shocked that she could.
"He'll be alright Optimus, he said for me to tell you that while he can't contact you himself right now that he and Primus are with you."
He nodded. "Thank you for that."
June nodded. "Of course. He said that he was your mentor on Cybertron?"
"Yes, he knew me long before I became Optimus Prime. When I was still just Orion Pax the data clerk." Something in his tone had June looking at him wondering what he was thinking.
"Optimus, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. Everything. Sometimes I wonder why I didn't surrender once it became evident that the Decepticons had won."
"They haven't won! As long as you are alive and willing to fight there will be those who rally behind you."
"Just so they can die . . . No June. Megatron has won this war. I told him as much." Optimus seemed to shrink in on himself, balling up until she was looking at the top of his head. "He is right. I've caused too much destruction, here and on our home. It's time to end it."
"Optimus . . ." June pulled at his arm until he finally looked up at her. "Alpha Trion believes in you. I believe in you. You cannot let Megatron win this war. He will destroy our home just like he did yours."
"I never asked for this . . ."
"And you think I did? I'm just a nurse. I've made mistakes too. Mistakes that may have cost people their lives. But I'm human and you do the best you can and keep going. Please don't do this to yourself Optimus. If Megatron wins there will be no end to the suffering. I've seen him, seen what he's capable of and he has to be stopped. At all costs."
Optimus met her gaze for a long moment the blue swirling in his optics. "At all costs? What if it costs you your home and your freedom? What if I can't stop him?"
"That's a risk we have to take Optimus. You won't know till you try."
"True, though I cannot condone the loss of human life."
"Optimus, Megatron declared war on humanity when he built his fortress. Now he will learn that we are not so easily swept aside. You are not alone in this fight. I won't leave your side-"
"June, I can't ask you to-"
"Optimus! Don't interrupt." He blinked several times and then nodded. "Thank you. I'm not asking, I'm telling you. Alpha Trion himself told me I need to stay with you. Even if he hadn't I would not leave your side. Fate can be a cruel thing Optimus and it rarely comes to us when we want it to. We both have our parts to play in this war. I'm willing to play mine, please don't forsake yours."
He was silent for several long moments. "You sound like him. Like Alpha Trion."
June shrugged. "It's the truth. Nothing more. I won't let Jack grow up in a world where Megatron's tyranny is the norm."
"Nor will I."
They sat in silence for a while, June still resting her hand on his arm. She finally spoke up. "Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if you were human."
"Why is that?"
"Oh no reason, you are good looking just as you are."
"I'm afraid I don't follow."
"Of course you don't." She smiled and patted his arm before getting to her feet. "Don't listen to me, I've just been a single mom for too long. Now, lets see about getting you out of here."
It proved impossible and she quit testing the boundaries of the shielding when it became apparent that it was hurting Optimus.
"I'm sorry, I just really thought I'd be able to get you out."
"Thank you for trying, but Megatron said only he would be able to."
"Which means our rescue was a little premature . . . Though I was hoping Ratchet and Knockout would be able to figure something out."
"Thank you June. For everything. You have been a great help."
"You are my friend Optimus and I take care of my friends. I should go now, I'm a bit worried about those two working together. Knockout has an ego the size of Texas."
"And Ratchet can be very . . . Particular."
June laughed and walking over to Optimus gave him a quick hug. "Hang in there, this will be over soon."
When she opened her eyes, she was laying next to his head. Someone had covered her with a blanket and removed the half empty coffee cup. Climbing down off the trailer she gave Optimus one last glance before going to find Ratchet and Knockout.
###
Wheeljack lounged against a pillar watching the two medics work. They weren't arguing like they had been when he'd first arrived. He smirked watching Ratchet wrestle a computer server into position. Knockout set about connecting it to the monitors and starting the programming needed.
"Why don't you come over here and help, Wheeljack?"
"I'm good. I like the view from here."
Ratchet gave him a look, "Then why don't you go see if the humans were able to find that fiber optic cabling I need."
Wheeljack just grinned. "They'll bring it when they have it."
"Are you deliberately trying to get on my last capacitor?" Ratchet growled.
"Alright, fine. I'll go. Sheesh."
Once he'd gone Knockout looked over at Ratchet, "Are you really the oblivious?"
"Huh? What? I'm working here."
"Yeah so am I, but even I noticed that he can't keep his optics off you."
"Don't be absurd."
"You really are dense aren't you."
"We have a job to do. I cannot afford a . . . Distraction."
"Bet he'd love to hear you call him that." Knockout smirked.
"Shut up and get back to work you insufferable glitch."
Knockout just laughed. An explosion staggered them both. "What was that?!"
"We are under attack!" Transforming Ratchet spun out in the direction of the noise.
Chaos greeted him. A squadron of Vehicons had Wheeljack and Bumblebee pinned down next to Optimus trailer. Knockout transformed next to him but didn't draw his weapons. He looked over at the trailer startled to see June standing on Optimus as if daring any of them to approach the Prime. She was going to die if she stayed.
A squad of human soldier ran up firing. A few of the Vehicons went down, but not enough. The corridor was filling with smoke. There was a distant yell and a familiar green vehicle barreled through their ranks, sending Vehicons and Vehicon parts in every direction.
"Bulkhead! Get Optimus out of here!"
"We have to evacuate the complex!"
"Head for the exits!"
It was a disorganized retreat and Knockout found himself bringing up the rear. The Vehicons were not pursuing, which meant they were up to something.
"You realize they most likely have all the exits covered, right?"
"We'll just have to fight our way out. We can't endanger this many people."
"How did they find us?"
"I'll tell you how." Wheeljack growled. "Him!"
Knockout glared. "I haven't been in contact with them since we ground bridged out!"
"Wait! The ground bridge remote control, do you still have it?" June asked.
"Yes, and I'd rather not get my aft blown off trying to escape." Pulling out the control he set the coordinates and activated it.
"Alright, Knockout, you first." Arcee glared.
"Whatever." He wasn't about to be shown up by the two wheeler.
He emerged on the other side in an open area a few miles from the compound. He waited as the rest of the Autobots came through, Bulkhead towing the trailer. The ground bridge faded out.
"Scrap but that thing is heavy."
"Well hello."
They all spun around, weapons primed and aimed at the voice. Megatron just smiled at them. The Eradicons behind him aimed their weapons at the Autobots. "Excellent work Knockout."
"What?!"
"You have proved your worth to me."
Confused Knockout looked at June then back to Megatron. "Is this some kind of trick?"
"Oh please," Megatron chuckled. "This whole charade was your doing. Get them to pity you, trust you and then turn them over to me."
"Knockout?"
He didn't look over at June, his gaze never leaving Megatron. "So you mean I can come back? You won't let Flatline offline me?"
"Of course not! You've shown me that you are much more valuable at my side. I need my medic back."
"Knockout, he's lying!"
Knockout grinned. "Flatline might be a good scientist but he's no medic."
The remaining Autobots tensed, weapons poised as Knockout walked over to Megatron. Megatron just smirked at them.
"I see you are still having problems with Prime."
"You leave him alone you monster!"
Arcee tried to grab June who had got down off the trailer and ran toward Megatron. "You've done enough damage!"
"Actually I've only just started. Soundwave."
Sudden fire rained down on them. The Autobots dove for cover from the drone. Bumblebee grabbed up June and took off running.
"Stop! Stay with Optimus! Wheeljack! Optimus!"
Wheeljack deflected a blow from Knockout's prod and glance over to see Soundwave untying Optimus and dragging him off the trailer.
"Oh no you don't!" Shoving Knockout back he sprinted for the trailer. He was sent sprawling as a blast from Megatron's cannon hit him low in the back.
"Wheeljack!" Ratchet was already running toward him.
"Don't worry about me, help Optimus!"
The green light of a ground bridge bathed the area. Soundwave disappeared into it, dragging Optimus behind. Knockout took the opportunity to transform and race after him. The ground bridge closed behind them and Megatron laughed.
"Did you really think that I would allow you to rescue him?"
"You are a sick, twisted, vile creature Megatron."
"I'll accept that as a compliment coming from you Ratchet."
"What do you want in exchange for him?" Arcee had her servos tightly clenched.
"There is nothing you have that I want. I only require the Prime. This war is over. You will surrender."
"Like scrap it is!" Bulkhead shot at Megatron who transformed and hovered above them. The Eradicons followed suit.
"You will see. Everyone will see. I will accept Optimus' formal surrender in two days time. You can either join me or die."
"I'd rather die!"
"So be it."