My friend Emerald Fire9 and I are in a writing contest. This is mine.

Summery: Cybertron is split. In the Southern Hemisphere of Cybertron, the Decepticons whom are ruled by Megatron have control. They own slaves, who are treated as animals. The Autobots are in the North, and they believe in equality. It is ruled that if slaves are able to escape the Decepticons and head to the north, the 'Cons can't go and get them back. But, the slaves have to cross through neutral territory, some of whom would gladly bring them back. But many of them will help smuggle the slaves north.

I do not own Transformers! I'm just borrowing them for my own amusement.

"Soundwave. Is there any trace of the mech?"

"Answer: No." Soundwave said from where he stood in front of Megatron.

Megatron growled darkly.

"How can he slip away every time?" Starscream asked aloud.

Soundwave stood there, emotionless as Megatron spun around to face Starscream. "Why don't you ask him yourself when we are able to capture him?"

Starscream flinched away from Megatron. The Decepticon dictator turned back to Soundwave. "You are dismissed."

Soundwave nodded, turned, and walked out. If anyone had been watching him, they would have seen the ghost of a smile on his faceplate...

-00000-

Barricade made his way through base when he bumped into Shockwave. "Sorry." He said and gave the scientist a small nod. Shockwave, oddly enough, returned it. Then the two continued their own ways, knowing they'd meet again...

-00000-

The Masked Mech silently slipped through the cover of darkness to a slave plantation. He paused at the fence and walked along beside it until he found what he was looking for: a hole. The hole was hidden from slaves and their owners by a tarp, because the owner didn't bother fixing it. He believed that, if it is not seen, then it is not there. He slipped in, making sure the cloak he wore didn't get caught on the fence.

Staying to the side of the fence, the Masked Mech made his way to the slaves quarters. He quietly opened the door, pausing when it creaked slightly. The creak woke up several of the slaves in the room. One stood and hesitantly made their way to him. The Masked Mech pointed to the four who had woken and motioned for them to follow him.

They followed the Masked Mech out and he quietly closed the door. It didn't creak this time. Even though he needed to get out of there quickly, the mech knew that a wrong move could mean being caught. And that was something he did not want. Combining speed and stealth, he led the way to the hole. Moving the tarp, he let the slaves go through first. He followed when they were through, and replaced the tarp. Almost like something never happened...

-00000-

"Four more have been freed."

"Where did you take them?"

"Nightfall."

"The crazy femme?"

"She is not crazy."

"I agree."

"I think she is."

"Your opinion does not matter in this situation."

"... Darn..."

"How long until you return?"

"I am almost there."

"Good. Lord Megatron hasn't discovered the missing slaves yet."

"And hopefully he won't for a while..."