Two Days Later

When Echo's systems came on-line the first thing he was greeted with was noise and lots of it. He brought his hands to his audio receptors only to find out they were much different than what he had remembered them being. With the noise came sonar like images that helped him get a feel for his surroundings.

He winced at a loud clang before bringing his attention to the glowing orb beside him. What he saw made him smile.

Laying next to him was a living Prime, one that held the Matrix of Leadership within his chest. What an honor it was for Echo to be in the presence of someone so great.

"You're awake." Said the Prime.

"Where am I?"

"You are on a planet called, Earth." The Prime slowly sat up, his spark showing some discomfort. "How are you feeling?"

Echo nodded. "Doing well. Are you really a Prime?"

The Prime gradually swung his legs over the table he was laying on and attempted to stand. Unfortunately that seemed to prove difficult for him to do since he quickly sat back down.

"That I am, my name is Optimus."

"Optimus, it is an honor to meet someone such as yourself."

Another spark, this one much older than Optimus' approached Echo's side. "Good to see you're finally with us. How are you feeling?"

Echo nodded. "I'm fine, thank you."

"How is the chest feeling?" Ratchet asked.

"There is some pain, but nothing I cannot manage. Why do you ask?"

Ratchet shook his head. "Your spark chamber is cracked, unfortunately beyond repair." He let out a heavy sigh as he waved his arm up and down Echo's body. "I'm afraid it has cut your life cycle quite short."

"That is all right, do not worry about me I have been through much worse." Echo slowly got to his feet and when he did Optimus attempted to do the same. "No, you do not need to stand for me, Optimus. I can tell by your spark you are in some kind of distress, so I recommend that you allow your systems to heal themselves."

"You can tell all of that just by reading his spark signature?"

"Yes Ratchet, especially now since I no longer have my sight." Echo gently touched the metal visor permanently riveted to his face. "But what is done is done, no need to worry about it any more."

A young spark, one with hate and sorrow hidden deep within it came up to Echo. "You mean to tell me you forgive that one eyed freak for what he has done to you and Trace?"

Echo nodded. "If it wasn't for him I would still be a simple mining drone, working for the Decepticons."

"You have a real warped way of seeing things."

"Arcee that is enough." Optimus put a hand on the smaller Autobot as though to comfort her then brought his attention back to Echo. "You are very wise for your years. Why is that?"

"It is what I was created to be, nothing more."

XXXX

When Jack arrived back to base after spending a day at school he noticed Echo had come out of his stasis. Excited to have another Autobot among them he quickly ran up to the massive robot who was even taller than Optimus Prime. Wonder if Echo was bigger than Megatron?

Echo slowly knelt down, his joints not making the usual metallic sound that came whenever the giant machines moved.

"You must be a human, nice to meet you."

Jack nodded as Miko and Raf made their way inside the command center. "Same to you. And the name is Jack."

"Whoa, he's like a giant bat!" Miko ran up to Echo, her eyes wide in wonder. "What do you change into? What's your primary weapon?"

Echo's ears moved from front to back before he reached behind him to retrieve a massive rifle from his back. "I am a sniper."

Arcee shook her head. "I'm real glad you're on our side, Echo."

A Few Hours Later

While Bulkhead worked with Miko on his physical therapy, Optimus began his with Ratchet. Though he had no problem moving his limbs Ratchet made him walk using the walls as support. The simple action proved difficult for Optimus since his vision kept swimming any time he moved his head too fast.

"You're doing much better, Optimus." Ratchet quickly held a hand out as Optimus swayed away from the wall. "How is the pain level?"

Optimus gently touched his damaged right audio receptor glad that there was only a dull throb to remind him of the injury.

"Tolerable. How is Bulkhead's physical therapy coming along?"

Ratchet gave Optimus a quick nod, his optics showing his concern. "His body suffered severe damage and with the Tox-En exposure it'll take some time to get the old Bulkhead back."

"Prime!" Agent Fowler came into the hall looking like he hasn't slept in days. "Who in the hell is that creepy bat in there?" His eyes quickly went to Ratchet then back at Optimus, his face showing his confusion at the scene before him. "What in the world happened to you?"

"Optimus cracked his gyroscopic stabilizer while getting Echo out of the Pacific Ocean." Reported Ratchet.

"His what-its?"

"Gyroscopic stabilizer, Agent Fowler. It helps our race balance." Optimus moved his head too quickly causing everything to swim violently before him. He let out a low moan as he quickly dropped to a knee, his head buried in his hands. "Ratchet, help me get back to sick bay."

Agent Fowler let out a few choice words as he followed Optimus and Ratchet into the currently empty room. The Autobot commander slowly sat himself down onto a table in the hopes that if he remained still long enough things would stop moving.

"Then what in the hell were you doing in the Pacific Ocean?"

Optimus' optics went to Echo who was currently talking to Trace over by the space bridge then back down to Fowler. "It was vital that we retrieve Echo before the Decepticons did."

"And what is so important about a blind Autobot?"

"He is a sniper who can see the spark signatures of any Cybertronian." Ratchet explained as he held a light directly into Optimus' optics. "All right follow the light."

Fowler's mouth dropped open as he spun around to see Echo. "Huh, you robots never seize to amaze me." He brought his attention back to Optimus who was currently going through hand-optic drills with Ratchet. "Prime, how long will you be off your feet?"

Ratchet let out a grumble as began to check Optimus' damaged audio receptor. "If he obeys my orders he should be back in the field by next week. Thankfully his internal comm-link is just about functional again. Within a few days I will began tests to confirm that."

Trace came into sick bay with a look of frustration on his face. "Prime, looks like Echo needed some quiet time."

Optimus let out a heavy sigh as he attempted to stand back up. "I'll go look for him."

"No need. I got my shuttle, I'll find him."

Several Miles Away

While on Cybertron Echo rarely had the opportunity to fly since the augmentations were still pretty new but with this planet's wide open skies Echo had to give in too temptation. Because of his larger size he had to remain in his Cybertronian alt-form but thanks to his cloaking technology he was able to hide from this planet's security systems.

He banked to the left allowing the sun to warm up his armor before putting his thrusters to work. Though he was blind Echo was able to fly with ease using sonar and echolocation to see his surroundings. Real shame he couldn't see the beauty of this planet but at least he was alive. Most Autobots would have probably preferred death over the constant pain and mental anguish that came with being one of Shockwave's lab experiments.

After flying for several miles Echo eventually found a quiet place deep in a canyon near the state of Utah. It was here he found less traffic noise making it easier for him to think. Wonder why Shockwave changed his audio receptors? Is it to help with the echolocation? Unfortunately Echo will never find out since his chances of seeing Shockwave again was pretty much nonexistent.

The sound of a shuttle approaching from the south brought Echo out of his thoughts. When he turned his head Echo could see Trace's spark heading straight towards him.

Once landing his shuttle, Trace got out and approached Echo with a chuckle. "It's a good thing I left the beacon on you." He took the device off of Echo's chest, crushing it in his hand. "You know it's not safe for you to be by yourself."

"I had to think." Echo brought his attention back to the large expanse of land that stood before him. "Trace, how beautiful is this place?"

His friend sat down beside Echo, his spark showing happiness. "Beautiful. A lot different than the metal canyons that we have back home." At the mention of Cybertron Trace's spark saddened. "There's nothing left, Echo. The war killed our world."

"One never thinks while in a state of revenge until the blinders are taken off and they see what lays before them."

"And what is that?"

"Ghosts of the past, shadows they can never run from." Echo took a deep breath as he thought about what had been done to him. "Our world was killed because we, as a race could never stop running from our fears."

Trace shook his head. "You're something else, you know that Echo?"

"So I've been told."

"Look, about what happened. I didn't mean to loose you like that."

Echo shook his head. "Don't be sorry, you saved my life."

"But, your spark…."

"It is all right. And until I am one with the Allspark I will help out the Autobots any way I can."

Five Days Later

"Optimus I fear it might be too soon for you to head out!"

"I'm fine, old friend. All thanks to you."

Ratchet shook his head. "Don't thank me yet! If you feel off in anyway, Optimus let me know immediately!"

Optimus gave Ratchet a quick nod before making his way through the space bridge. Once on the other side he was greeted by Trace leaning on his long bow with Echo by his side.

"Trace, Echo what brings you two here?"

Trace gave Optimus a shrug as he pointed at the small mountain behind him. "Massive energon mine, one of the biggest I have come across. Echo spots several life signatures but nobody we need to worry about."

"Is it just me or does it seem odd that Megatron or Dreadwing isn't here?" Arcee asked.

"We thought the same thing, so Echo will keep watch from the air while we go in." Bumblebee let out a few chirps and beeps that Trace nodded to. "Don't worry, Echo can sense sparks from a few miles out so if Megatron or any of his goons come, we will know."

Optimus nodded. "All right team, stay alert and report anything suspicious! Lets move out!"

When Echo shifted into his jet mode all in Optimus' team stood to watch. Unlike them, the larger robot barely made a sound when he transformed. Even his exhaust and other flight mechanics have been quieted down in order to make him the perfect weapon.

Arcee shook her head. "I'm really glad he is on our side."

XXXX

Once inside the mine Trace gradually made his way down the main corridor with his long bow out and ready. Behind him he could hear the heavy footsteps of Prime who could wake the dead for how loud he walked. Didn't the Autobot commander know anything about stealth?

After thirty minutes Trace was the first to see the miners and the piles of energon cubes. He held a fist up to stop the team from advancing any further than slowly crept behind a rock. At a quick glance he counted over thirty mining drones and twenty Vehicons, all of whom were busy and not paying any attention to the main entrance.

Trace pushed a button on the side of his helmet to contact Echo through the internal comm-link.

"Are we good to move in?"

"So far, so good."

Trace once again held his hand up but this time to wave the team forward. Thankfully Prime was able to quiet himself down enough so all Trace heard was a soft thud as the leader came up behind him.

"Is your team ready?" Trace asked the commander.

Prime gently put a hand on Trace's shoulder, a signal to move ahead. Trace popped up, aimed his bow at an energon cube in a mining drone's hand and let an incendiary arrow fly. A loud explosion soon followed that made the whole mountain shake.

"Autobots, attack!" Shouted Prime as he jumped over the boulder he was hiding behind to start firing at the Decepticons. "Watch out for the energon!"

Movement to Trace's right made him swing his body that way to fire off several arrows at once all thanks to a system built into his forearm. As he pulled back on the bowstring an arrow will pop out making it easy for him nock and shoot. Unfortunately he can only keep so many arrows inside his arm at a time so during battles he always ran out.

"Trace, we got company! Megatron coming in fast!" Reported Echo.

Trace spun around to see Prime fighting it out with three Vehicons, the latter easily winning. As he saw the prime in action Trace now could see what made him a formidable adversary. No wonder the war has been going on for centuries, both sides had amazing commanders.

"Prime, Megatron is just about here! We need to grab the energon and get back to your base!"

Prime nodded in approval as he stabbed a Vehicon with his blade.

"Bumblebee, Arcee and Trace grab the energon before Megatron gets here!"

Trace quickly went for the pile closes to him and had to use his bow as a staff to attack the Vehicon guarding it. He could see the other two Autobots grabbing as much as they could while Prime kept the Decepticons busy.

"Trace, Megatron is heading into the mine right now!"

"Slag! Ratchet, if you're listening we need the space bridge now!"

"On it!" Came the medic's voice through Trace's comm-link.

"Optimus!" The Decepticon leader flew in, transformed and landed just feet away from the Autobot. "How did you find this mine?" Megatron scowled as the space bridge appeared right behind Trace. "You expect to leave with my spoils!" He held his rifle up to aim it at the bridge then brought his attention back to Prime. "You have to get by my first!"

Optimus shook his head. "Not this time, Megatron!"

Before the Decepticon leader had time to fire Optimus tackled him to the ground causing the shot to hit the mountain wall. The whole place violently shook but thankfully held firm.

"Optimus, I have heard that you are not feeling well!" Megatron shoved the smaller robot off of him with one hand and got back to his feet. "And what, may I ask could be wrong?"

Optimus scowled under his face plate as he began to fire both of his rifles at Megatron. Unfortunately the Decepticon was just too big and all Optimus manage to do was just piss him off even more.

"Optimus, we can't hold the bridge open for much longer!" Shouted Arcee. "Hurry!"

"Go! Just get the energon back to base!"

Optimus let out a moan as the distraction caused him a punch in the face. He fell hard on his back but managed to get up before Megatron could pile drive a knee into his chest.

A sneer spread across Megatron's face as he began to circle Optimus. "I notice a tiny crack on your right audio receptor. Is that it, Optimus? Are you feeling a little unsteady?"

Not wanting Megatron to have the upper-hand Optimus lunged at the former, this time with a blade. He managed to knick the armor before a giant fist took hold of his chest plate.

Megatron's optics narrowed before he slammed a fist hard into Optimus' damaged audio receptor. Optimus' vision began to swim as he desperately clawed at Megatron's grip. The Decepticon leader threw Optimus onto a pile of energon cubes, the liquid spilling all over the latter.

Optimus groaned as he held a hand to his head in the hopes it would steady things. But just as his vision began to settle down he felt Megatron grip his legs. He quickly changed his hands into rifles and began firing at his enemy but with the damage to his gyroscopic stabilizer Optimus had a hard time aiming.

"Oh, you make this too easy, Optimus." A loud clang made Megatron spin around in circles as he frantically clawed at his back. "What is that thing! Get it off!"

As Megatron spun in circles Optimus could see a small device perfectly centered on his back. Soon it let out a loud beep before discharging several volts of electricity into Megatron's body. The Decepticon let out a wail of pain as he crumpled onto the ground still trying to get the device off his back.

"You are very lucky I don't kill, Megatron." Echo came into the mine with rifle slung across his back and face shield up. "Because I pity you, I will grant you mercy." He knelt beside Megatron, gingerly pulled the device off and placed it back in his leg. "Lets hurry, Optimus. He'll only be in stasis for thirty minutes."

XXXX

Once through the space bridge Echo helped Optimus into the infirmary then sat down himself. Today was the first time since his last augmentation that he had his body on full alert and his spark was not liking it. He gently rubbed at his chest then brought his attention to the brightest spark in the room.

"Will Optimus be all right?" He asked Ratchet.

"Yes, with the extra energon the team managed to retrieve I'm able to put Optimus in medical stasis. Are you all right, Echo?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just need to rest for a bit."

Ratchet let out a few grumbles as he made his way to Echo's side. "I can tell when a bot is lying to me and you, are not feeling fine."

Echo shook his head. "You need to help Optimus."

"His injuries are not fatal, he will survive." Ratchet waved his arm before Echo, a motion the latter saw through sonar. "It appears the action today has caused your spark to weaken." He took a deep breath as he waved to a table. "Go, have a sit so I can properly help you."

"No, I'll be fine, honest. Just need to slow my systems down."

Ratchet stood back up with a shake of his head. "If anything happens and I mean anything, you shout for me."

A Few Hours Later

Once everything had calmed down Trace decided to move on but first he had to say good-bye to Echo. He slowly made his way to his friend's side but noticed the larger Autobot didn't move.

"Echo…." Trace knelt down, flipped open the panel in Echo's arm and dropped his shoulders. "Why now when I just found you?"

Jack made his way to Trace's side, his face showing sadness. "Is he…." When Trace nodded the human child shook his head. "But he can't be, he rescued Optimus!"

Ratchet did a quick scan of Echo's body, frustration evident on his face. "I should have checked on him, but I thought he was just relaxing." When he was done deep sorrow took over his optics. "I'm sorry, his spark…." The older Autobot cleared his throat and took a deep, shaky breath. "How old was he?"

"Younger than Bumblebee." Trace turned to Optimus who stood in the stasis chamber attached to wires and tubes. "He did his mission, saved a Prime." He put a hand on Echo's before standing up. "His tech can't fall into the hands of the Decepticons. I know it may sound brash but, we need to melt his body."

"Like a human cremation?" Asked Jack.

Trace nodded. "Exactly and I will take Echo to the one place he found solace in during his brief moment on Earth." He brought his attention back to Prime. "But I will wait until Optimus is better. It will be a dishonor to bury Echo without him being there."