Hey guys. Jeez I didn't mean for it to take this long. My life has had a lot of ups and downs lately, but writing is what I needed. I'd like to apologize first-off this chapter doesn't have all that I said it would. I built the tension so the very next one is where it happens. Sorry again and please don't hate me. This story has taken a life of its own. I hope you like it just the same. You're all so wonderful and bless you all for your fantastic reviews! You guys are the reason I've kept with this story! Enjoy:D and a quick note if anyone likes Spawn or anything Marvel I just started two new fanfictions if you wanted to look into them. Feedback is always loved and appreciated!

Hasbro owns Transformers:

The normally quiet auditorium was already filled with the boisterous hollers of the soon to be graduates. Opal, Bee and Smokescreen arrived later than the rush as they were still trying to help Smokes find his tossed pieces of armor from his earlier display of celebration. They still couldn't find one of his pieces but gave up since it wasn't an essential part. Missing the graduation was not an option.

"Just ask the nurse for a replacement part." Bee noticed Smokescreen's self conscious fidgeting as they walked into the room.

"Right what would I say? Oh hey nurse, I decided to strip bare protoform and lost my armor in the process."

Opal snickered, receiving a not so amused look from her flashy 38s friend.

"Uh but you did so…"

"But what will she think of me?"

"Probably not far from what I'm thinking now." Bee tried with all his power to not join Opal in laughing at their pal's awkward situation.

"Right ha ha, what would I do without my wonderful friends?"

"Hey no need to be so sarcastic you know we love you." Opal joined in.

"Yeah it's hard to tell with you guys sometimes." Smokes huffed and kept his optics on the small bare spot on his otherwise pristine armor.

"Aw" Bee playfully punched him in the shoulder, "its ok maybe no one will notice?"

"What makes you think I'll get that lucky?"

"Well if…"

"Attention all Cadets, remember to report to check in for a quick armor inspection" The intercom interjected.

"Well uh I've got nothing." Bee shrugged in defeat.

"Frag the Allspark."

"Hey! Language. Commander Prime won't appreciate that behavior sir." Bee continued to tease.

Before Smokescreen could start an incident which he most likely would have, Opal spoke up. "Wait I have an idea!" Her optics lit up with hope, "We can sneak into the storage room for paint, and maybe we can cover the spot up?"

"You know at this point I'll do anything." Smokes quickly gave in to the idea.

The three had no trouble sneaking out of the crowded auditorium to fix the armor malfunction.

Autobot Base: Same time

"Optimus I haven't received an update from Ironhide today." Ratchet warned as he kept his optics glued to the console. "And he said in his last update that he hasn't neutralized the insecticon."

Optimus' unmistakable footsteps echoed into the room, "I have every confidence in Ironhide. To postpone the Academy's ceremony would only cause further upheaval. And I regret to add that the Autobots can wait no longer for reinforcements."

"Yes but the insecticon could be giving surveillance to Megatron. You are at risk so long as that abomination is still online."

"We all must take risks. Rest assured. I would worry more for the insecticon should he decide to appear today." Optimus' tone temporarily ended the angst in Ratchet's mind.

"Very well Optimus, I trust your judgment more than anything else."

"I will be fine and today will proceed as planned."

The Academy

"Bee add more white, his blue is a lighter shade."

"I'm trying just-"

"Right here."

"No there's a little bit here too."

"You're dripping it!"

"It's fine ju-"

"BOTH OF YOU BY THE ALLSPARK! You sound like an old bonded couple, I swear to Primus! Just paint so we can go!"

"Hey you're the one that decided to throw judgment and armor to the wind! Next time you have the urge to strip, keep track of your pieces!" Opal snapped.

Smokescreen huffed in frustration.

"And hold still, you're such a baby."

"I am not, this is just really frust—HEY whoah that spot does not need paint!"

"Bee?"

"Sorry the brush slipped."

"Hey Ratch you there doc bot?"

"Ironhide you know I don't appreciate your nicknames for me."

"I know, why do you think I still use them?"

Ratchet mumbled under his breath, "Hard headed..calls me doc bot… "

"Ratch as much as I know you love hearing my voice we got a problem."

"You exhausted the Academy's supply of energon?"

"…"

"Hide what is it?"

"Are you ready to stop with the harsh comments and listen?"

"I don't have time for this;" Ratchet reached to end the comlink. "I need to keep this line open for Optimus, he-"

"He's in danger that's what he is!"

"Wait, what do you mean? Where's the insecticon?" Fear welled inside Ratchet's spark as his voice became unstable. "You didn't destroy it?"

"I found the vermin an' tracked it to some pit along the cadet course. When I was on top of it the signal suddenly shut off. It wasn't on my radar. The damn thing disappeared!"

"I don't see how that's a bad th-"

"No Ratch I went into the pit to find the body but there was none! No evidence, but there were tracks. I think the thing is cloaked."

"But why show itself in the first place?"

"Wasn't the ceremony originally going to be outside?"

"Yes why?"

"What if it wanted the Academy to move the graduation inside?"

Ratchet pondered.

"Inside means easier targets."

"I-"

"Ratch"

"Ratchet?"

"Megatron is planning a massacre!"

Ratchet could only gasp. "Optimus!"

Sorry again that it's not as long. I'm really trying to deliver for you all. Hope you like it!