Chapter 16

Optimus's frown deepened as they approached the human space station. Part of one of the smaller modules had been torn away from the main body of the station and was hanging on by a mere collection of cables and twisted sheet metal. He spied his Autobots making repairs with the humans, they hadn't spotted them yet, he glanced at Ratchet unable to hide the look of relief on his face, the damage could have been much worse. They had both dreaded returning to a scene of carnage and destruction. Ratchet returned the look with a slight smirk. He proceeded to open a channel to the others.

"Sideswipe, Bumblebee, I thought my orders were to guard the station not use it for target practise." Optimus smiled as he saw the two bots look up; he heard Bumblebee's radio blaring out 'eye of the tiger' as he did a little jig in glee at the sound of Prime's voice. Optimus was amused by the yellow Autobot as he was then clearly chastised by the small human perched on his shoulder and with a small wave returned to welding the sheet metal onto the station's exterior. Sideswipe had been accosted by Sunstreaker in a bear hug and was trying to push his brother off him before he could respond to Prime. Ratchet spotted Chromia and Flareup working on the other side of the station. They smiled and nodded in their direction, Chromia was the first one to respond.

"It's good to have you back Sir, is Arcee there is she ok?"

Ratchet shot Optimus a regretful glance, before answering. "Chromia, we're sorry but..."

"She's not off line! What's happened?" Her voice had risen in panic; the other Autobots had stopped what they were doing at the news.

"She's been taken prisoner by Starscream; I'm sorry Chromia, Flareup. I was unable to prevent it." Optimus answered her pleas. They both winced at the sound of her wail, Flareup was immediately beside her, placing a caring hand upon her back plates as Chromia buried her helm in her hands, she shrugged her sister off.

"How could you let this happen?!" Flareup cried out in anguish, Optimus opened his mouth to respond but could not find the words. Ratchet knew he was blaming himself, "We were outnumbered and were almost off-lined ourselves. Prime is not to blame, we were ambushed. We will find her and bring her back."

"How can you even know where she is?"

"We will find her, I promise you." Optimus spoke softly, unable to keep the regret from his tone. Chromia turned towards her sister who held her gently.

"At least there's hope Optimus." Ratchet spoke out of earshot of the comm. System.

"I am finding it hard to see any at the moment."

Ratchet glanced at him, "Chromia and Flareup are linked to their sister, and Chromia said she wasn't off line that means she's still alive. We have hope Optimus, it's something at least." Optimus placed a grateful hand on the medic's shoulder. "Indeed it is. Thank you for reminding me Ratchet." Turning back to the viewer Optimus regained his commanding composure and ordered a status update from Sideswipe. Sideswipe filled him in completely and finished on an ominous note.

"Prime, we haven't heard from Trailblazer yet, he was sent to retrieve Sam. They were attacked in your absence, Sam was injured we don't know how severely and there's one other thing..."

"Out with it!" Ratchet snapped, Optimus frowned at him.

"Mikaela informed Prowl before she was cut off that Sam has been having visions again, she says they're killing him."

Ratchet shot Optimus a concerned look.

"Understood I need to contact Prowl; maybe they've learned more about what Megatron is planning than we have."

"Understood Prime." Sideswipe gave out the instructions to the others who responded accordingly. Optimus couldn't help but feel the pride swell within him as he watched his people set to work. Ratchet turned to him. "Do you think it's the Matrix?" Optimus shook his head. "I don't know Ratchet, but considering the effect the visions have on me I am loathed to think of the damage they're doing to Sam." Optimus felt helpless, Arcee was missing, Sam's life was once again in danger and Megatron was planning something, something big and he needed to find out what and soon. Ratchet placed a hand on his shoulder. "I've opened a comm. to Earth, Prowl is very anxious to speak with you."

****

Prowl felt relief wash over him as he heard Prime's voice cut in over the internal comms. It was on all frequencies so the ones on the surface could be addressed at once.

"I am pleased to hear you have returned unscathed Optimus. Ironhide has been worried." Prowl smirked faintly but noticeable to Ironhide who scowled at him but did not argue the point.

"It's relieving to hear that the immediate threat has been dealt with Prowl, good work. Status update."

"The human government do not wish to inform the general public or the media of the threat they now potentially face. Trailblazer is off base to retrieve Sam. He is reported to be severely injured and he has been having visions."

"Do you have any details regarding the visions?"

"We don't know for sure yet, they have been out of communication for a few hours."

"What have you learned regarding Megatron's plans?"

"We believe he is artificially controlling the Asteroids. Scientists here have detected an increasing energy signature using their long range telescopes used for galactic mapping. I believe he is attempting to create a Singularity Device which he can use to effectively sling shot the Asteroids towards Earth also bringing the weapon here."

There was silence at the other end of the comm. "Optimus?"

"I hear you Prowl. Do we know where he's getting the energy to power such a device?"

"Unknown, for it to be converted into a weapon he would need pure energon, that is now only present in our sparks or..."

"The Matrix." Prime finished Prowl's sentence, his tone was sombre.

"I'm afraid so. If you are still in possession of it, then I fear he will send the asteroids to earth and attempt to take it by force." Prowl hesitated unconsciously glancing towards the sky. "Optimus we won't be able to stop an asteroid bombardment. The Ark's weapons will only be able to stop one or two at the very most."

"Yes I am aware of this. Suggestions?"

Ironhide interrupted his deep voice filled with determination with his usual undertone of aggression.

"Take the fight to him. Before he has chance to power up his machine and attacks us."

"Ironhide we don't know where he is located." Prowl interjected.

"You find that energy signature; you'll find Megatron he won't stray far from his creation."

"Ironhide has a valid point Prowl. Find out the coordinates of that energy signature, I will take the Ark and stop him at the source."

"Optimus it's too risky you..."

"Those are my orders Prowl; please report to the Ark when you have the coordinates."

"Prowl! I have an incoming urgent signal from Trailblazer." Jolt came running out of the hanger. Prowl stared at him. "Put it through all comm."

"Prowl, this is Trailblazer can you read me! Please come in." The young Autobot's panicked voice came through the comm.

"We're here, Prime can hear you, go ahead."

"Prime! He's returned? Thank Primus, I have a problem here that I think only he can deal with."

"Trailblazer, is it Sam are they ok?" Optimus was worried, from what he knew of the red Autobot it was rare to see him rattled.

"Sam is unconscious. The others are fine, irritating but fine. I have someone with me; he has been following me for some miles. He's badly damaged."

"Who is it Trailblazer?"

"It's… It's Starscream…"

The Autobots stared at each other dumbfounded. Ironhide was the first to speak.

"Wait there Trailblazer, don't bring him back to base. We'll come to you."

"Indeed, has he injured you Trailblazer? What does he want?" Optimus asked quietly.

"No he didn't attack me… he … he wants a truce…"

"What?!" All the Autobots exclaimed at once. The NEST base suddenly became a flurry of activity as Lennox who was listening in on the conversation rounded up his men and prepared a team to locate Trailblazer.

Optimus sighed, this certainly complicated things. Ratchet leaned, "He could genuinely want a truce, if Megatron is the reason he's badly damaged. He wasn't that damaged last we saw of him."

Optimus nodded slowly. "This could also be a trap, a way to get close to us and an attempt to get the Matrix. We must deal with him with extreme caution. Ironhide's right we can't risk revealing the base. We will have to go to him."

"We?"

"We're going to have to land the Ark. Just temporarily. We are the only ones who can reach Trailblazer in a short time frame. I don't want to leave them with Starscream for too long if at all possible."

"You might not get temporarily as an option. The Ark is damaged, if we don't do this right we won't be taking off again. Not to mention how the human government is going to feel about this."

Optimus re-opened the comm. "Prowl I need to speak with Major Lennox is he there?"

"I'm here Optimus what d'you need?"

"We are the only ones who can reach Trailblazer the fastest. We need to land the Ark. Can we do this without breaking knowledge of existence to the general public?"

"We're going to have to pull some strings. This is a pretty big deal Optimus. Road blocks will help. We'll get Trailblazer's exact locations and we'll get on it. Hang fire until I give you the all clear."

"Understood. Thank you Major."

"Ha! Don't thank me yet. Thank me when I pull this miracle off."