A/N: And the other half of the chapter, getting back to Prowl this time. This is another scene that ended up expanded from the original and got really, really long.

Chapter 14: Divide and Conquer

A few hundred miles away, judging by the weakness of the link he was still getting from Riella, Prowl paced impatiently, waiting for Optimus to finish scanning a hologram through Archibald Witwicky's glasses. "Prime, I'm aware I'm repeating myself at this point, but how long do you expect this to take?"

"As a matter of fact, no longer. The code on these glasses indicates the AllSpark is two hundred and thirty miles from here." Optimus turned off the hologram, satisfied, and gestured to the remaining Autobots.

"I suspect the Decepticons are getting ready to mobilize," Ratchet warned, with a stern glance at Prowl that was probably meant to indicate 'calm down and pay attention'.

Ironhide agreed with a gruff nod. "They must know it's here as well."

"Of course they know, Ironhide." Prowl couldn't stop his tone from sounding rather snappish. "They have been here longer than we have. It's beside the point. Riella and Bumblebee should be our priority right now." When no one responded, he pushed further, directing his comments to Optimus. "Prime, there are too few of us to handle the Decepticons alone if they do mobilize. This is not just about my peace of mind. We need them back."

When Optimus still hesitated, Jazz climbed down from the wall where he had been keeping watch. "Prowl's right. Besides, we can't just leave 'em to die, or become some - human experiment, Prime. Ya know that. Taking care of our own is what we do."

"They may die in vain if we don't accomplish our mission," Optimus pointed out quietly, not making optic contact.

"Their death is not a guaranteed outcome!" Prowl moved in front of Optimus, all but forcing the larger mech to look at him. "I have contact with Riella. If what I'm picking up is correct, and I believe it is, they are in roughly the same direction as the AllSpark. Rescuing them on the way should be relatively simple, and from there we can proceed with a full team."

"We cannot delay." Optimus was shaking his head slowly before Prowl had time to finish his sentence. "Prowl, you have my word that we will rescue them, but we must locate the AllSpark before the Decepticons do. Riella and Bumblebee would agree that it is our priority."

"More of a priority than their lives?" Prowl snapped, optics shading darker with anger. "Optimus, the day we start abandoning our own is the day we should no longer have custody of the AllSpark! This is not Cybertron. Yes, Riella and Bumblebee would agree to remain in Decepticon custody for the good of the many, but humans are not Decepticons. We have no idea what they are capable of! There is no tactical advantage to leaving our allies in enemy hands this time, no matter how urgent our mission."

"Prowl's got a point, Optimus," Ironhide rumbled. "Why are we fighting to save these humans? They're a primitive and violent race."

Prowl turned away, reaching out to Riella again. The bond was still closed, but not blocked – he could sense a rising agitation, indicating that the situation might very well be escalating. Riella… He knew very well she couldn't hear him. I will not abandon you. Even if I have to choose between you and Prime.

"Were we so different? They are a young species, they have much to learn." Optimus looked down at the glasses once more. "But I've seen goodness in them. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings, Ironhide, no matter who they are or what they may have done."

Prowl tried his comm system again, hoping for an active signal. ::Riella, if you can hear me, respond. Riella!::

No response. Her signal, and Bumblebee's, were still being jammed. Without that, all he had to go on was the bond.

It would be enough.

Optimus's speech was wrapping up – Prowl wasn't quite sure what he had missed, but if it was standard, probably nothing he wasn't about to argue with. "We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes. It's been an honor serving with you all."

"Wait!" Prowl interrupted, knowing what order they were about to get. This was his last chance to handle this without flat-out defying the entire Autobot chain of command. Ratchet and Jazz, no matter how much they cared for Riella, were not likely to back him up on this one. "Prime, wait. I understand that you want to protect humanity. Refusing to rescue our teammates will not help that goal. If we abandon Riella to the humans, with no backup…" He shook his head. "Every one of you has seen her in battle. You know how far she will go – how far I will go – to keep those under our protection safe. That is why you gave us Special Ops. And right now, Sector Seven is threatening Bumblebee and two human children under our protection." He waited a moment for his words to sink in. "Prime, Riella will not be prioritizing the human agents' safety or Autobot regulations. And under these circumstances, neither am I."

That was closer to a veiled threat than he meant it to be, but it had the desired effect. Optimus turned to look at him, optics narrowed. "What are you implying, Prowl?"

"That retrieving Riella and Bumblebee is in our best interests as well as that of the humans. I'm sure all of you are well aware of my position on the needs of the many." Prowl turned around, looking from one teammate to another, and stepped back, subtly placing himself out of anyone's reach. "I intend to rescue them, alone if necessary. Whether I do so with your permission or not is negotiable. I will of course take full responsibility and accept whatever punishment you decide is appropriate – after I return. I would prefer not to go outside of Autobot regulations for this, Prime." He tried to sound less defiant, and wasn't sure if it worked. "Turning on ourselves at this point would be extremely counter-productive. But that is effectively what happens if we choose to abandon Riella and Bumblebee."

He got unexpected backup from Ratchet, who turned to stare Optimus down pointedly. "He's right, Optimus. The AllSpark is important, no one's questioning that. But so are our teammates. Just because we are on a new planet doesn't mean we should change who we are. Prowl's obviously made up his processor about this, and he's got a point. Alienating each other will not help." The medic glanced down to glare at Prowl. "Which does not mean that ignoring orders is an intelligent tactic, or one that I can agree with. But his main point is accurate. We need them back."

Optimus sighed, looking from one to the other. "Divide and conquer is not a good solution when we are already at a disadvantage. Prowl, if you go, I cannot spare anyone else with you. And while we will do our best to provide backup, we may not be able to reach you."

"Understood," Prowl responded confidently. "And I will not be alone. While I have no idea what Bumblebee's physical condition is, Riella is still combat-capable. I can guarantee backup from her, even if you cannot reach me in time." He looked up at Optimus and added, more quietly, "I would take the risk even if there was no possible backup, Prime."

"I know." Optimus shook his head slowly and looked sternly down at his tactician. "All right. Permission granted – on the condition that you make every possible effort to avoid harming humans and make contact with us as soon as possible after retrieving Riella and Bumblebee. And we will be discussing your stated intention to ignore my orders, at the earliest possibility."

"Yes, sir." Prowl opened his end of the bond as far as possible, honing in on the faint trace of Riella's presence, and transformed before the order was given.

Optimus turned and gestured for the others to follow. "Autobots, roll out!"

"We rollin'!" Jazz's quip was the last comment Prowl heard as the five of them left the sheltered building, four on the road and one taking the direct, if offroad, route to Hoover Dam.