When Optimus entered his office that morning, he was glad to see that there was an incoming message on his terminal, for he knew who had sent it. He sat at his desk at once and pressed the enter button to receive the message. The monitor sprang to life, and Optimus felt his spark fluttering in his chest-plate as Elita's face appeared on screen.
"Hello, Optimus. I hope this message finds you safe. I know we're supposed to be the only ones to use this frequency, but I can't help but worry that the Decepticons might intercept anything I send you. Even so, I don't want us to feel apart, even though we can't be together… not yet at least."
Optimus sighed, resting his chin on one hand and the other reaching for the screen. Gentle blue fingers traced the femme's visage longingly. It felt like only yesterday when he once believed that he would never see her again. And then, as if Primus took pity on the two lovers, Optimus found out that Elita wasn't only alive, but even leading a resistance group on Cybertron. Now both of them worked together, trying to bring this war to an end as they sent messages to each other, sending information about any Decepticon activity. It wasn't easy and there was always the danger of losing each other all over again, but it was a risk worth taking.
Hmm… it seemed that Megatron had asked Shockwave to send via the spacebridge some parts of a particular circuitry. One of the femmes, Nightrider, managed to steal the blueprints of the particular circuitry, hoping that one of the Autobot engineers would be able to figure out what it is. And, since Wheeljack was the top engineer, Elita attached the blueprints to the message so that the Lancia could have a look at them too.
Optimus made a mental note to talk to Wheeljack once he perused the whole message. He knew that the engineer was busy working on Faera's transmitter, and then he would have to fix the cannons within the Ark perimeter. Still, the Autobot leader was also aware that this was something that couldn't wait for long. If Megatron was planning to build a new kind of weapon, then the Autobots had to be prepared for it.
He put his musings to a stop when he realised that Elita had stopped talking. He stared at the azure optics that seemed to lock on his face, and he wasn't sure what to make of the rueful expression reflected within them.
"I miss you," she whispered.
Those three simple words strummed within Optimus feelings that he had subdued long ago in the name of duty.
"Elita…" he breathed out.
I miss you too.
The spell broke at the chime of a call-button. Optimus ended the message immediately and faced the door.
"Yes?"
The door opened and Prowl stepped in the office, holding a couple of datapads in his hands. Optimus sighed mentally, aware that work was catching up with him once more.
"These are Blaster and Cosmos' reports," Prowl said, handing the datapads to Optimus.
"And the main gist is?" Optimus asked, already turning on the datapads to scan through their contents.
"No Decepticon activity detected so far," Prowl answered. "Although that doesn't mean anything; they could be plotting. And now that the Decepticons have Ebon in their hands, they could try to figure out a way to use him against us."
"Just as we fear," Optimus said with a nod.
It was then that the thought occurred to Optimus. Feeling his optics widening, he put the datapads down.
"They've probably already figured it out."
"Optimus?" the tactician asked, not really understanding.
"I've just received a message from Elita-1," Optimus explained, bringing the blueprints of the circuitry on screen to show them to Prowl. "At first I believed that it was the component of a new weapon, but now…"
Prowl raised an optic ridge as he examined the blueprints. "Why build a weapon when you have one already?"
"Exactly," Optimus said. "There is a chance that the circuitry has a connection to Ebon."
"It's a logical probability," Prowl said. He pursed his lip components in thought for a moment. "Do you think we should inform Faera about it?"
"No. Not before we have something definite in our hands," Optimus replied. "And… I think I should talk to her if and when the time comes."
"I understand."
"Thank you, Prowl," Optimus said. "Since we're at it, how's the matter with Faera proceeding?"
"A lot better than I expected," Prowl said with a nod. "However, we had to halt any further tests for now because of yesterday's sparring."
"How so?" Optimus asked, looking at the tactician curiously.
"Wheeljack and Perceptor pointed out that they didn't want any more delays to their own work if it can be helped," Prowl said. "So, I gave them permission to stay in the laboratory with Faera all day in order to finish by tomorrow. This way, we can proceed with the tests without more setbacks."
Optimus rubbed his chin in thought. "I was hoping I'd be able to talk to Wheeljack about the circuitry today. I suppose I will have to wait till he's done."
"That would be best; we'll have our own hands full anyway," Prowl said. "There's the issue concerning the power plants at Boardman to be taken care of. All three directors are worried about possible Decepticon attacks and they want us to check the efficiency of the security systems."
"Very well," Optimus said, and he stood up. "Let's go. I will also need your opinion in this matter."
Prowl shifted on his legs. It was a small, subtle motion, but the Autobot leader detected it nonetheless.
"Prime, if it's all right with you, I'd suggest Red Alert to accompany you. He'll be able to offer you just as sound advice," the tactician said.
Optimus raised an optic ridge. "Is there a reason for this request?"
"There will be several Autobots returning from their patrols today and I have to receive their reports."
Of course. Optimus had almost forgotten about that. This week there was a change of shifts, which meant that the Autobots who were out of the Oregon State would come back to replace the Autobots who had duties in the Ark. It was a monthly arrangement that Optimus and Prowl had set from the first days on Earth, and it was convenient for the rest of the troops too. And, if Optimus's memory served him right, the Aerialbots, Tracks and Bluestreak were scheduled to return today. Still, Optimus was sure Jazz could handle…
Oh. Oh. Optimus was grateful for his battle mask, for a knowing smile formed on his lip components before he could help it. Only Prowl would use work as an excuse to stay behind in order to welcome his protégé back. At times like these, Optimus believed that his second-in-command was truly hopeless. But, the Autobot leader also knew how fond Prowl was of the young gunner, even if Prowl himself would probably never admit it in words. After all, Bluestreak was one of the few things that helped the tactician stay in touch with his caring side in a time when all of Prowl's actions had to be driven by logic and duty.
"Permission granted," Optimus finally declared as he walked towards the exit. "Summon Red Alert and tell him to meet me at the entrance of the Ark. I'm leaving you in charge here."
"I will. Thank you, Prime," Prowl replied, a small smile tugging on his features.
-----------------
As soon as Red Alert reported for duty, he and Optimus sped off towards the city of Boardman. It was raining quite heavily during the whole drive. That, however, hardly deterred the two Autobots, who managed to reach the first power plant in a little less than two hours. The director was already informed of their arrival, so he was expecting them at the entrance personally.
"Ah," the human said as soon as the Autobots transformed to their robot mode. "I'm glad you responded to my call so soon."
"The protection of the power plants in important to us, Mr. Kinney," Optimus said. "We don't want the Decepticons to steal the energy you produce and use it to their own ends."
"That makes two of us," Mr. Kinney replied. "The workers are intimidated by the Decepticons and even fear for their lives. I don't want anything to happen that can compromise this plant."
"That's why we're here, Mr. Kinney," Optimus replied reassuringly, and he motioned his hand in Red Alert's direction. "This is Security Chief Red Alert. He's here to examine the alarm and camera system you have installed in the structure."
"Good," Mr. Kinney said, relieved. "Walk this way."
Optimus and Red Alert followed obediently, and they heard everything the human had to say. Since the Decepticons were made of metal, the director thought it was wise to place metal detectors in the outside perimeter of the plant. And, since most of the Decepticons had the ability to fly, Mr. Kinney made sure that there was a small, yet efficient radar operating at all times, detecting any suspicious activity. All these were connected to the main computer installed in the control room, and a guard was watching the monitor at all hours, ready to raise the alarm in case of an emergency.
"What about surveillance cameras?" Red Alert asked, looking at his surroundings thoroughly.
"We have about three in the control room alone, and there's at least one in each corridor," Mr. Kinney said. "They're also connected to the main computer."
"I see…" Red Alert said in a musing tone.
"Is everything fine then?" Mr. Kinney asked.
"More or less, but not entirely," Red Alert replied. "I will have to install energy detectors and set them to scan for Decepticon signatures. And I'll also have to check the surveillance cameras for any blind spots. The Decepticons can easily find such loopholes and use them to their advantage."
"I understand," Mr. Kinney said. "Shall I take you to the control room?"
"If it's possible," Red Alert replied.
"Of course. Follow me."
"Thundercracker, Skywarp, are you in position?" Megatron asked. He had ordered the two Seekers to go to the spacebridge and await the machine parts that Shockwave was to send to Earth. However, as time passed, the Decepticon leader became impatient to the point that he had started pacing up and down the control room. In the end, he decided to make sure that his subordinates hadn't blundered. Again.
"Have been for the last Earth hour," Skywarp replied. "But we got info from Shockwave that a meteor shower is causing disturbances in the transmissions. He can't pinpoint the exact location of the spacebridge and type down the right coordinates."
"And did he say how long the meteor shower will last?" Megatron asked.
"About three Earth hours," Thundercracker said.
"Three hours?! This is outrageous!" Megatron exclaimed, but he quickly composed himself. "Eh, no matter. Stay guard at the space-bridge and make sure no Autobot sees you."
"Understood," Thundercracker said. "Thundercracker out."
The transmission had barely ended when Megatron heard the characteristic sound of an incoming message.
"Soundwave to Megatron. Requesting response."
Megatron activated his communication frequencies once more, hoping that his spy had better news to tell him than his Seekers. "Report, Soundwave."
"I've just received new info from Ravage and Reflector."
"Is it about the female Sadjen, then?"
"Negative," Soundwave answered. "The Sadjen didn't exit the Ark today. But Optimus Prime and the security chief by the name of Red Alert did. Course: north to northeast."
"Really?" Megatron was certainly intrigued now. "Give me a moment, Soundwave," he said, and he went up to the controls so he could see for himself what could be of interest in the area Prime and Red Alert had gone to. After all, that paranoid Lamborghini never left the base unless he absolutely had to. Like, say… check the security systems at the power plants in Boardman. Megatron clearly saw the structures on screen, fully operational and producing much-coveted energy.
So… what kind of security was there? The Decepticon leader supposed it would be a pity to waste an opportunity like that.
"Soundwave, do you read me?"
"Affirmative," the spy answered in his monotone voice.
"Seek out Optimus Prime and Autobot Red Alert; find out what's in that pipsqueak's processor and report back to me at once. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Megatron."
"Excellent. Now go, and do not fail me," Megatron said, a smirk forming on his lips as he ended the transmission.
Prime wouldn't know what hit him.
----------------
Soundwave knew that none of Megatron's commands were to be denied. As soon as he reported to his leader, he set off to find Optimus Prime and Red Alert and carry out his mission. Though he wasn't a Seeker, Soundwave could still fly at a fairly good speed, so it wouldn't be long before he found the two Autobots.
Sure enough, his scanners picked up the energy signatures of two Autobots, travelling towards the Ark. And, more importantly, Soundwave could easily make out the familiar shape of Optimus Prime in his alternate mode, accompanied by a red and white automobile – Security Chief Red Alert. They were obviously returning to their base after finishing with their work.
It was also the perfect chance for Soundwave to catch both Autobots by surprise. After landing at a good enough spot to avoid detection, Soundwave pressed the summoning button on his shoulder twice.
"Rumble, Frenzy, eject. Operation: Interception."
"That took a lot less time than I had thought," Red Alert admitted, still driving next to Optimus Prime. "The directors of the power plants were very cooperative."
"They had to trust your better judgement in order to keep the plants safe, Red," Optimus said. "Let's hope that the Decepticons won't get any ideas before the directors are done with the modifications you suggested."
"That makes two of us," Red Alert said. At the next moment, however, the Lamborghini screeched to a halt and transformed, his blaster already in his hand.
Alarmed, Optimus put on the brakes as well, and directed his sensors to Red Alert to check what was wrong. The way Red Alert stood, tension coursing through his relays and the detectors on his helm flashing rapidly, he knew it couldn't be good news.
"What is it, Red?" he asked. "Decepticons?"
"I'm not sure," Red Alert answered, turning his gaze to all directions in the hopes of catching sight of anything out of the ordinary. "The ground feels strange."
Optimus didn't know what to make of that statement at first, but he soon sensed slight tremors underneath his tires. He transformed at once, standing by Red Alert's side.
"Earthquake?"
"I hope so," Red Alert replied, his optics widening as the tremors increased in volume. "Otherwise, it means we'll have to deal with--"
The words died in the Lamborghini's vocaliser, for it was then that the ground tore in two. Both Autobots tried to keep their balance, but it seemed impossible; the chasm only grew wider. Optimus swiftly opened his communication frequencies.
"This is Optimus Prime. Red Alert and I request assistance. Our coordinates are--"
"Prime!"
Everything happened so quickly that Optimus barely had time to register it all. He saw Frenzy aim at him with both guns, but Red Alert jumped forward, taking the blow that was meant for Optimus. A cry of pain tore out of the security chief, and he would have certainly crashed on the ground if Optimus hadn't caught him at the last moment. The next thing the Autobot leader knew, Soundwave lunged and managed a powerful kick at him, sending him flying into the chasm Rumble had formed with his pile-drivers… and then there was nothingness.
The first thing that Optimus saw when he onlined his optics was the orange ceiling of the Ark. He didn't understand why he was lying down at first, and he tried to get up in order to check his surroundings. That, however, turned out to be a bad idea. Everything started spinning around him, making him feel more than just a little dizzy. Thankfully, a pair of arms pushed him down on the berth once more.
"You'd better hold still, Prime. The fall has knocked your equilibrium circuits out of place."
"Ratchet…" Optimus turned to the medic and tried to focus on him, but it was difficult. "What… happened?"
A frown crossed Ratchet's features. "What do you remember?"
Optimus shut his optics and searched his most recent memory info. The file was corrupted and he could only unscramble bits and pieces of it, but it was still enough to complete the puzzle.
"Soundwave surprised us," he said, and he looked at Ratchet again, worry gnawing at his insides now. "Is Red alright?"
"He's out of danger. Hoist is with him as we speak," Ratchet replied. "That is the good news."
Optimus didn't like the sound of that at all. "What is the bad news?"
Ratchet pursed his lips momentarily. "By the time we found you, Soundwave was gone. However, when I did a primary scan on the two of you, I found Red's firewalls down."
The Autobot leader's optics widened. "Soundwave hacked into Red's processor?"
Ratchet nodded, and he placed a hand on Optimus' shoulder when Optimus tried to get up again. "You didn't hear the rest of the news."
"Ratchet, if the Decepticons got access to the Ark's security system--"
"They didn't," the medic said. "That was the first thing we checked."
"Then what were they looking for?" Optimus wondered, confused. At the next moment, though, realisation caught up with him. "The security system of the power plants."
"And that's not all," Ratchet said, looking quite serious. "According to some further scanning I did, Red's memory databanks have been accessed too; Soundwave downloaded yesterday's files."
"But Red was on surveillance," Optimus said, frowning. "Why would Soundwave download those files?"
"I don't know," Ratchet answered.
"… If Prime's story is accurate, it means she had plenty of chances to kill him and yet she didn't. She preferred to leave him be instead."
"She fought him in Santorini."
"Only when she had no other choice."
Megatron waved his hand just once and Soundwave stopped the playback. Both the spy and Starscream – the only other Decepticons currently inside the control room besides Megatron – could see that the Decepticon leader's lips were tugged to a big smirk, while his optics reflected his amusement.
"So it appears the female Sadjen shares with the Autobots the same sentimentality. Pathetic," Megatron declared before facing Soundwave once more. "Well done, Soundwave. That was quite the worthwhile piece of information you found."
"You actually congratulate him?" Starscream exclaimed indignantly. "He had the perfect opportunity to scan for the codes to the Ark, and he wasted it to download some idle chit chat!"
"Starscream, at times like these I wonder why you're my second-in-command. If any Autobot officer is attacked, the first thing that changes is the codes to the security systems. Even if we got Red Alert's access codes, they would become invalid by the time we could pull a full assault," Megatron said, then rubbed his chin as an idea formed in his mind. "On the other hand, the humans aren't that fast. They can't be. So, if we act within the next few days, we'll be able to get all the energy we want."
"But what about the Autobots?" Starscream argued. "Optimus Prime isn't a fool, Megatron. By the time we go for the plants, every one of those meddling tin-cans will be waiting for us with their entire arsenal."
"And that is when they'll be in for a little surprise," Megatron said, and he activated his communication frequencies. "Thundercracker, has Shockwave sent the machine parts I asked for?"
"Yeah, he did," Thundercracker said. "We got them about thirty Earth minutes ago, and we're returning to base presently."
"Excellent," Megatron said, and he ended the transmission. He faced the air commander again, a calculating expression in his optics. "How long will it take you to make the energy magnet?"
"Well, uh…" Starscream faltered, not expecting the question. "If I have the Constructicons' help, it shouldn't take me more than two days."
"Then that's all the time you'll have at your disposal," Megatron said. "I won't have any time wasted on incompetence. Have I made myself clear, Starscream?"
"Perfectly, benevolent leader," Starscream said, trying to hide the dismay from his voice. "However, I should point out that we'll have to test the efficiency of the energy magnet first."
"Oh, we will, Starscream," Megatron declared in an almost sweet tone. "I've even come up with an ideal test for our slave."
With that, the Decepticon leader's triumphant laughter reverberated through the control room, a sign that the plan was officially set in motion.
TBC...