Chapter 19

"The machine is almost at full capacity Lord Megatron." Soundwave's voice reverberated around the cavern of the asteroid. Arcee groaned softly, weakly as her spark pulsed faintly, almost completely drained of energon. Soundwave had placed a sensor block on her systems to silence her screams but keep her conscious, he found himself having to force his will to remain as dispassionate as possible.

"Excellent Soundwave, we can wait no longer, your plant better succeed once we are within range of the planet."

"He will succeed Lord Megatron, the implant cannot fail."

"I hope for your sake you are right Soundwave." Megatron drawled. "Prepare the machine for activation."

"Yes Lord Megatron." Soundwave was curt to the point, he did not like having his abilities questioned. The plant would succeed; he had embedded the commands too deeply for them to be disobeyed.

****

Prowl greeted the ark with concern as it arrived at the NEST base. The human medical team waited patiently at his feet to take the injured Sam Witwicky. Ironhide joined his side, "This is a fraggin' mess." He growled impatiently as the Ark touched down awkwardly. Prowl didn't respond, he couldn't help but agree with Ironhide's statement.

Optimus exited the ship, supporting a severely injured Ratchet. Simmons exited behind him carrying a limp Sam in his arms. The medical team moved swiftly, the humans were bustled into the base. Ironhide took Ratchet's other side. "Getting yourself shot as our only medic Ratchet is a really bad idea." He joked, the concern still present in his gruff voice. Ratchet huffed painfully. "Get Jolt, I am going to need him." Ironhide buzzed Jolt's comm. as he guided Ratchet towards the med bay. Optimus greeted Prowl, who was more than a little relieved to see him.

"What are your plans Sir?"

Optimus was frowning. "I need the coordinates of those energy signatures." Prowl was wary, having had experience with Optimus's tendency towards self sacrifice. "What are your intentions Optimus?" He insisted softly.

"Prowl I know what you're going to say, but we really don't have time for it. I have to follow Starscream and find Megatron's machine. I have to stop it before he reaches Earth, only the Matrix can do that, so I need those coordinates." His tone was firm, Prowl could see he was not going to be talked out of his plans. He nodded and transmitted the coordinates via the comm. Optimus acknowledged and placed a hand on Prowl's shoulder. "I trust the Autobots to your capable hands Prowl."

"No Sir."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm coming with you Sir."

"I don't think s..."

"Optimus!... You're going to need someone on the Ark while you go saving the planet. I am not asking your permission, I am your only Tactician. I am the most logical choice, as you are undoubtedly heading into a trap. I am coming with you Sir." Optimus stood open mouthed at the near insubordination. Prowl merely nodded and began heading towards the waiting ship. "You can break the news to Ironhide... Sir" Prowl smirked slightly as he continued on his way. Optimus frowned at the stubborn nature of his SIC. He headed to the med bay.

"How is he doing Jolt?"

"I am doing just fine." Ratchet grumbled from the berth as Jolt shot Optimus a weary look. "Good to hear it Ratchet, I want you back at work."

"And here I was thinking I could go on vacation... oww! Watch where you poke that thing!" He growled to a frustrated and nervous Jolt. Optimus beckoned to Ironhide. "Ironhide I am leaving you in command of the base until I return."

"What?" Ironhide shouted loudly, silencing the two bickering mechs. "Just where the frag are you running off to this time?"

Optimus was bemused. "I have to find Megatron's machine only the Matrix can stop it."

"You're going to get yourself killed... again!... I can't allow it, send me or Prowl."

"Prowl has already committed mutiny and is waiting on the Ark."

"It's too dangerous Optimus, I mean of all the slaggin' stupid glitching ideas you've had in..."

"Ironhide!"

"Sorry Sir... It's just a suicide mission, Starscream is setting you up. You need us..."

"Ironhide I need you here." Optimus interrupted softly. "He has Arcee and Trailblazer, I can't let Megatron succeed."

"Trailblazer is a traitor."

"He's still an Autobot Ironhide." Optimus rebuked him gently. "He's young, he'll learn."

"He'd better." Growled the weapons master. "I fully intend on returning Ironhide, keep the humans calm. We're doing everything we can to stop Megatron."

"I am the wrong mech for this job." Ironhide muttered. "You got that right!" Ratchet growled from across the room. He forced himself up and walked painfully over to the others much to Jolt's protests.

"And you! You better come back." He pointed a commanding finger at Optimus. "After all the fraggin' effort I went to fix you, if you don't return in an hour I am going to come up there and drag your sorry aft back myself."

Optimus smiled sadly at his friends' concern. "Ratchet if I don't succeed within the hour, there will be nothing to come back to." He patted Ironhide's shoulder and left the room without further discussion.

The silence was broken by Jolt's attempt at control. "Ratchet if you don't come back and lay down, I am going to put a sensor block on you so you can't move and I will work on you where you land."

Both Ratchet and Ironhide turned to glare at the younger 'bot who visibly flinched as he fell under the scrutiny of the two worst tempered Autobots on the base.