CHAPTER TWO:

"This is weird," Bulkhead commented as Ratchet was burning the Decepticon faction symbol into Galaxy's chest. "Seeing her with the evil 'Con sign... I mean I know it's still her, but..."

"I know what you mean," Ratchet replied.

"My optics may be closed, but I can still hear you," Galaxy frowned.

"Sorry. Does it hurt a lot?" Bulkhead asked interestedly.

"Yep," Galaxy winced.

"Try not to concentrate on it," Ratchet murmured, focusing on the detail.

"Nearly done?" Miko asked impatiently.

"Yes," Ratchet replied, stepping back. "Your optics should be fully red by now," he added to Galaxy. Galaxy straightened and opened her optics. Bulkhead shuddered as he looked at his friend, now looking like one of the Autobots' worst enemies.

"You still need a new outer shell colour, but other than that... you look Decepticon," Ratchet said, sounding almost dejected. Galaxy stared at him sadly.

"I'm sorry I have to do this," she said, "but it's the only way we can be ready for the next attack."

"I know," he replied, then left the room, leaving Galaxy staring after him. Miko walked over to her.

"Don't think too much about it," she advised. "He's just worried." Galaxy nodded.

"I just hope this all goes to plan," she muttered. She walked over to the machine that would change her colour. She plugged in and flicked a switch.

"Decepticons here I come," she muttered.

After a while, Galaxy went and joined the other Autobots outside. She was now silver and dark green as opposed to her usual electric blue and lime green. Bulkhead looked up from his conversation with Arcee and did a double-take.

"Wow." he said simply.

"You look totally different!" Miko grinned at her. Galaxy smiled nervously.

"I only hope it'll fool the 'Cons," she replied.

"All you need now is a new alt-mode," Ratchet told her.

"Already on it!" Miko called, typing into her laptop. Galaxy went and looked over her shoulder.

"MiG?" she read.

"Yep! It's really fast and looks slick," Miko said excitedly.

"Alright then," Galaxy said, and used her optic receptors to scan the war-plane. She immediately transformed, and tested out her new alt-mode with a series of aerobatics. She transformed back into her normal form as she landed.

"I like it," she smiled at Miko. Miko grinned back at her and put her laptop away.

The Autobots gathered around where Galaxy was standing.

"You will need a new designation," Optimus commented. "So you will now be known as Decepticon Zenith."

Galaxy nodded slowly.

"Report back to us frequently to relay the information to us," Optimus continued. "And we will place a homing beacon connected to your spark inside the mainframe computer so we know where you are, and what your condition is. If you get into any trouble, just send a distress call here. We'll pick it up and send a rescue team as soon as possible."

Galaxy nodded again. "I'll try and stay in the clear. But how will we get them to think I'm really a Decepticon?"

Optimus looked at her. "We have put together in secret the remains of Decepticon airships that have fallen close to here. It will appear to have crash landed near their base, and hopefully they will send out a team to search for survivors."

"Taking you straight into their territory," Bulkhead nodded. "Perfect."

"Not if they don't believe it," Arcee spoke up, a slight edge to her voice.

"They will," Miko said encouragingly.

"I'll fly the ship as close as I can to Decepticon HQ, crash land it with me in the Safety Hold, it'll be fine," Galaxy suggested.

"Good luck!" Miko called. Galaxy flashed a grin at her. The other Autobots all said words of support, then turned and went back inside. All apart from Ratchet, who stayed behind with Galaxy.

"Don't worry about this," she said quietly. He moved closer to her, and she placed her hands on his shoulders.

"I just don't want anything to happen to you," he replied sadly.

"Nothing will happen!" she reassured. "I won't be gone long anyway."

"Just take care of yourself," Ratchet whispered, leaning in close to Galaxy.

Galaxy nodded. "I will. I promise." She leaned her head against his and closed her optics.

Ratchet put his arms around her waist and hugged her for a moment.

"I'll be back before you know it," Galaxy whispered, then transformed into her MiG form and flew into the sunset.