CHAPTER THREE:
Galaxy's ship was programmed to crash just outside reach of Decepticon headquarters. The ship was invisibly stabilised from the inside, a forcefield designed by Ratchet.
Upon impact, Galaxy wasn't hurt, but positioned herself so it looked like an accidental crash landing. She closed her optics and waited.
"Looks like a Decepticon Ancient to me," a voice came a while later.
"Shall we inform Megatron?" another asked.
"Just wait. We need to check it out first." the first responded.
Galaxy's sparkbeat quickened in anticipation. If the Decepticons believed that she was one of them, she would be right on the inside, ready to get information. The roof of the craft was ripped off suddenly, and two Decepticons looked down.
Galaxy recognised them immediately as Knockout and Breakdown. The two 'Cons leaped down into the Safety Hold where Galaxy was waiting.
"It's a femme," Knockout said.
"Is she online?" Breakdown asked. Knockout walked over to Galaxy and opened her spark chamber.
"Hmmm. Sparkbeat seems to be pretty regular," he commented, closing the chamber.
"Are we sure she's really Decepticon?" Breakdown frowned. "It could be some kind of trap."
"I don't think so," Knockout responded. "This faction symbol is pure Decepticon. Autobots would never be able to get their servos on this kind of technology."
"Then we should take her to Megatron. Just to be sure," Breakdown suggested.
"Megatron?" Galaxy thought to herself. "If he doesn't fall for our plan, I'm completely slagged! I just have to remain calm. Although it's hard to think like a 'Con..."
Breakdown and Knockout transported Galaxy back to the Nemesis, and placed her on a stasis bed. Knockout plugged her into an Energon drip to raise her levels, and Galaxy felt a surge of energy. Her optics flicked open instantly, and her surroundings came into sharp relief.
"What's your designation?" Knockout asked her, not unkindly.
"Zenith," Galaxy responded warily. "Decepticon Zenith. I'm a long-lost ally from Cybertron."
"Well, I certainly believe it. But we have to take you to Megatron to be sure." Knockout explained. "Are you strong enough to travel?"
"Yes." Galaxy replied, and unplugged herself from the Energon drip. She followed Knockout down a series of dark corridors.
"The Decepticon headquarters are so... depressing," Galaxy thought to herself.
"Dark corridors, red light everywhere... How can they live like this?"
"Lord Megatron. I come with... a guest," Knockout said tentatively. Megatron turned from the large screen he was watching, and Galaxy had to hold in a gasp. "Her ship crashed not far from here. She claims to be an escapee from Cybertron," Knockout continued.
"Designation?" Megtron asked suspiciously. He walked slowly over to inspect Galaxy.
She kneeled, and forced her vocal transmitters to steady.
"Decepticon Zenith. I live to serve you, Lord Megatron," Galaxy said, not daring to look up.
"Good." Megatron purred after a moment. "I sense that you will be a loyal servant, and powerful Decepticon."
Galaxy shuddered inwardly, but didn't dare betray her emotions to Megatron.
"Take her to the others. Maybe she can be of some use repairing the flight stabilisers," Megatron ordered. Knockout nodded, then led Galaxy down a long passage, which ended in a huge hangar-type room. There were several Decepticons already there, working on a large piece of machinery. One mech noticed Knockout and Galaxy, and signalled to the others, who all came over to inspect.
"A new bot?" one femme said disdainfully. "Where'd she come from?"
"Cybertron. Zenith here escaped from there a while ago, and her ship crashed close to here," Knockout explained. The femme rolled her optics.
"Well, I guess I'd better introduce you," she sighed. "I'm Delta, head of stealth and tactics aboard the Nemesis." She gestured to a tall mech standing beside her.
"This is Barricade, head of weaponry."
Galaxy nodded to him, but noticed Delta narrowing her optics at her. She quickly looked away.
"You already know Knockout, our medical officer. And Breakdown is somewhere around here. He specialises in hunting and tracking. Soundwave is our communications specialist, and I expect you'll meet him later." Delta continued. "Commander Starscream left our ranks a while ago..." an edge slipped into Delta's voice. "And we won't be hearing from him ever again!" she finished savagely.
"We also get frequent visits from Airachnid. So don't be alarmed when she comes along," Knockout added.
"Arcee's arch-enemy. I hope I don't become too friendly with her!"
"Right. So where shall I start?" Galaxy asked.
"Have you had any experience working with field repairs?" Barricade asked.
"Ratchet's taught me a few things over the years..." Galaxy thought to herself.
"Not really my thing... I prefer fighting than repairing, but I can try and help wherever I can." she replied confidently.
"Good. You can start by helping me get supplies." Delta said, and led Galaxy out of the room and down another passage. Galaxy tried to keep track of the numbers on the doors as they went past. Suddenly Delta wheeled around and slammed Galaxy against a wall.
"This is your warning, new bot." she snarled. "Stay away from my sparkmate Barricade, or you will find yourself in more trouble than you could imagine!"
"Alright! I will." Galaxy snapped back, and Delta released her.
"You know, I think you and I are going to get along just fine."