This fic is courtesy of me and Sentinel Prime/StarscreamSkydancer and I only own my OCs.
Disclaimer: Transformers belongs to Hasbro/Michael Bay.
Bailey led Optimus and Megatron into Sentinel's quarters, where the Autobot leader lifted her to the elder Prime's berth. Megatron removed the blanket covering Sentinel, allowing Bailey to inspect the elder Prime's left leg.
"His spark chamber isn't in his leg," reminded Megatron, confused.
"I was thinking of fixing his leg before I revive him," clarified Bailey, "I don't want him to wake up with leg pain."
"Maybe that will be mended when you revive him," suggested Optimus, "My wounds were."
Bailey ignored the suggestion and used her bracer to open up the elder Prime's leg. Inside, she could see the remaining shrapnel that the medics couldn't remove. While holding her wrist over the opening, her bracer removed the shrapnel like a magnet. Once she removed all of the shrapnel, she tossed it to the ground next to Optimus and Megatron.
"Yeah," muttered Bailey, "I need to clean up that mess later."
Bailey used her bracer to close up the leg before crawling up to Sentinel's chest, using her bracer to repair the chest wounds.
"Ok," announced Bailey, "I'm ready!"
"I thought that thing only picked up AllSpark shards," commented Megatron, "and Optimus said the Matrix could take care of the wounds."
Megatron unconsciously glanced down at one of his own legs that looked newer than the other one.
"Kinda," replied Bailey, "but the bracer can also Mega-Upgrade the Autobots. You saw how I Mega-Upgraded Sentinel and Optimus, right? And I practiced this ability by using my bracer to take apart my laptop so I can dust its components before putting it back together."
"I still have the marks," mentioned Megatron, "my medic is what I think you humans call a 'drama queen'."
"I can imagine his overreactions are worse than my sister's," agreed Bailey.
Optimus pulled the Matrix out of his spark chamber and handed it to Bailey.
"He's not a great medic either," added Megatron, knowingly looking at his mismatched leg.
"Then maybe we should convince Knockout to change sides," suggested Bailey, "so Ratchet can train him properly."
Bailey raised the Matrix high into the air and plunged it into Sentinel's spark chamber. She could hear a loud gasp from the elder Prime as his spark chamber and optics came online. Bailey leaned back as a hand flew to his chest.
"What the—," exclaimed Sentinel, flustered, "wh-where am I?!"
"Sentinel!" cheered Bailey, tears of joy streaming down her eyes.
Bailey crept towards Sentinel's face and hugged him.
"Huh? Bailey?" warbled Sentinel, "what the frag is going on here?"
"I thought I'd never see you again," cried Bailey.
Sentinel focused his optics on Optimus and Megatron while Bailey released her embrace.
"Be still my beating spark," gasped Sentinel, "Megatron Amhriel, what has brought you of all mechs here?!"
"I…came here to apologize for all I've done," answered Megatron.
"Was this your own decision," insisted Sentinel, "with your spark and not a scheming mind?"
Megatron nodded.
"Thank the AllSpark," sighed Sentinel, "I never thought I'd see this day."
Sentinel pulled his oldest son into a tight embrace, something he hadn't done in ages. Megatron returned the embrace, his hands gently stroking the elder Prime's back.
"Consider yourself forgiven, my son," smiled Sentinel, "and know you always were and are still loved."
"Thank you, father," replied Megatron.
After a while, Megatron and Sentinel released their embrace.
"Oh, that's right," interrupted Bailey, "I need to get changed!"
"What are we going to do with the other Autobots," added Optimus, "and this…"
"Patriarch Syndicate," answered Megatron.
"Yes, that," nodded Optimus.
"Maybe we should find the warship holding the Autobots and head over to Chicago to stop the Decepticons from taking over," suggested Bailey, "and maybe we should also take down the Patriarch Syndicate at the same time."
Sentinel returned the Matrix to Optimus, who put it away.
"And how do we do that?" insisted Sentinel.
"We'll discuss the plan after Bailey gets dressed," assured Optimus.
Optimus and Megatron left the quarters while Sentinel lowered Bailey to the ground, allowing her to change out of her pajamas and into her clothes before putting on her shoes. The elder Prime scooped up Bailey and exited his quarters before following Optimus and Megatron into the hangar, where Mearing, Akane, Elita and Soundwave were waiting.
"So, what's going—," exclaimed Elita, "holy fraggin' Primus, it's Sentinel!"
"I take it your idea worked, my lord," assumed Soundwave.
"Yes," nodded Megatron, "and we're going to try convincing the other Decepticons to call off the invasion."
"I will contact the Nemesis immediately," assured Soundwave, "but I believe the orders would be taken more seriously if they came from you yourself."
"I'll get the Pillars," added Sentinel, "we may need the bridge."
"Then how are you going to explain to the entire world about what you did?" demanded Mearing, "the President has called me about the attack on Chicago a while ago."
"Oh, fuck," groaned Bailey.
"We will deal with the political problems once the actual threat is compromised," replied Sentinel.
Sentinel wandered into the vault and withdrew the Pillars. He stepped outside to set them up while Megatron and Soundwave used the computer terminal to contact the Nemesis.
"Soundwave and Lord Megatron calling the Nemesis," said Soundwave, "come in, Nemesis."
"Yes," replied Shockwave over the transmission, "what is it?"
"You have new orders," instructed Soundwave, "here is Lord Megatron. Broadcast him throughout the ship."
"Hold on a klik," paused Shockwave over the transmission.
Megatron and Soundwave stood in a moment of silence.
"All right," demanded Shockwave over the transmission, "what is the message?"
"The floor is yours, Megatron," expressed Soundwave, "proceed."
Soundwave stepped aside.
"This is Lord Megatron," announced Megatron, "I want you all to cancel the invasion and put an end to the war. I would like to make a truce with the Autobots."
"Seriously?" exclaimed Shockwave over the transmission, "but we're already starting!"
"Do not test my patience, Shockwave," barked Megatron, "unless you wish to face my wrath. Do it now!"
"It appears his tyranny may give us an advantage," whispered Soundwave to Optimus.
"I'll try," sighed Shockwave over the transmission.
Without saying anything further, Shockwave and Megatron ended the transmission. The Decepticon leader stepped closer to Optimus.
"Well," commented Akane, "it's worth a try."
Sentinel approached Megatron and Optimus.
"At the very least," suggested Sentinel, "we are two mechs stronger now than we were before. We should go to Chicago and do what we can ourselves. Megatron, Optimus…"
Sentinel placed his hands on Optimus and Megatron's shoulders.
"I've seen what you are capable of as opponents," continued Sentinel, "I am excited to see what you can do side by side; as brothers."
"Thank you, Nasutn'on," smiled Optimus.
"Have you anything to say, Megatron?" asked Sentinel.
"After we end the war," replied Megatron, "do you plan to take Bailey with you when you return to Cybertron?"
"That will be her choice," answered Sentinel, "for now, I give you the same instruction I always have. Protect your little brother, Megatron, as I do the both of you."
Sentinel transferred the coordinates to the Control Pillar and pressed on the top of it, activating the space bridge as Lennox and Epps emerged from the hangar.
"Move out!" announced Sentinel.
Sentinel led Optimus, Elita, Soundwave, Megatron, Akane, Bailey, Lennox and Epps through the portal, taking them to the outskirts of Chicago. They could watch children run for their lives as Vehicons patrolled the city.
"Hey, you loft," called a Vehicon, "get over here! It's Lord Megatron!"
Vehicons swarmed around the group.
"Wait a minute," paused another Vehicon, "he's brought the Primes!"
"Did you not receive the new orders from me as broadcast by Shockwave?" protested Megatron.
"We thought you were fighting for the Decepticon cause," countered yet another Vehicon, "not the Autobots!"
"The Decepticons have ceased to be a single faction," explained Megatron, "they are divided amongst themselves. Allegiances change constantly. In such a state, the cause has ceased to exist. Now, we face a new enemy. Starscream and his trine are still out there and still dangerous. So, will you join me now, or will we have to terminate you."
"I see," nodded a Vehicon, "we will spread word across the city and release the Autobot prisoners."
"A wise decision on your part," smiled Megatron, "now, then, a change in plans. Evacuate any survivors you come across. That is an order, not a suggestion. Am I clear?"
The Vehicons nodded before heading further into the city.
"Great!" chirped Bailey, "now we have to find Clayton, Olive and Fred."
Akane pressed on the gem of her bracer, transforming her uniform into her armor.
"We also have to track down Saburou," added Akane, "I have a score to settle with him."
"We need a strategy," reminded Megatron, "our enemies still outnumber us. And I for one do not like being outnumbered."
"That makes two of us," replied Epps.
Sentinel transformed into his alternate mode, allowing Bailey to hop inside.
"We'll go look for Clayton and the others," said Bailey.
"You two need to take backup," advised Optimus, "any volunteers?"
"I'll accompany them," declared Akane.
"Me, too," added Lennox.
"Take at least one other Cybertronian," reminded Optimus, "again, any volunteers?"
"I'll cover Sentinel," replied Elita.
"Good," nodded Optimus, "be careful, all of you."
Megatron focused his optics on a pair of Vehicons.
"Shank, Rudder," commanded Megatron, "you go as well."
"Yes, my lord," acknowledged Shank.
Shank and Rudder transformed and followed Sentinel and Lennox.
"Tripwire," continued Megatron, "your unit is with Optimus and I. Volk, yours will see to the evacuation of survivors."
Optimus, Megatron and a unit of Vehicons trudged through the city, hoping to locate the Nemesis.
Meanwhile, Sentinel, Elita, Shank and Rudder reached the base of the Trump Tower.
"Is this the place?" asked Elita.
"I tracked Clayton's GPS with my phone," answered Bailey, "so they must be here."
"So," replied Shank, "what now?"
Rudder pointed up.
"What's that supposed to mean?" demanded Sentinel.
"He's saying go up the building," explained Shank, "he's mute, uh, sir."
Akane, Bailey and Lennox hopped out of the Rosenbauer Panther, allowing Sentinel and Elita to transform.
"Bailey," reminded Akane, "you can Mega-Upgrade the Autobots, right?"
"Yeah," nodded Bailey, "but Megatron and Soundwave don't have the corresponding lights."
"They're not with us right now," replied Lennox.
"By the looks of it, neither are they," added Shank.
Just then, a Vehicon unit appeared out of nowhere and took aim at Sentinel and Elita. Shank and Rudder fired at the unit.
"Go," advised Shank, "we'll cover you!"
Sentinel, Elita, Bailey, Akane and Lennox sprinted towards the Trump Tower while Shank and Rudder continued fighting the Vehicon unit.
"Hey," suggested Bailey, "how about we climb up the tower?"
"You humans hold on," instructed Sentinel, "Elita and I can scale this thing faster than you. Bailey, prepare to upgrade after we get your friends."
"Ok," nodded Bailey.
Bailey and Lennox climbed up Sentinel's drapes and onto his shoulders while Akane mounted Elita's shoulder. Both Autobots began climbing up the building. The elder Prime seemed more like he was running up on all fours. Once they reached a balcony, Bailey, Lennox and Akane jumped onto it and peered through the windows in search of Bailey's friends. Soon…
"Clay," called Bailey, "over here!"
Clayton, Olive and Fred turned their heads at the source of the voice.
"Look," exclaimed Clayton, "it's Bails and Akane!"
"How the hell did you all get up here?" warbled Fred.
"Never mind," replied Olive, "if they got up, that means we can get out, now let's go!"
Olive, Clayton and Fred got out of their seats and sprinted towards the window. However, the miniature drones in the wall suddenly emerged from their hiding places and charged at the trio. Akane, Lennox and Bailey smashed through the window with all their strength.
"Lennox and I will take care of the drones," assured Akane, "get your friends out and tell Elita One to back us up!"
"Ok," nodded Bailey.
Clayton, Olive and Fred jumped out of the room as Akane and Lennox charged at the drones. They and Bailey climbed down onto Sentinel.
"What the hell?!" exclaimed Clayton, "how is Sentinel alive?!"
"I'll explain later," requested Bailey, "Elita, can you back up Akane and Lennox?"
"You got it, Bailey," nodded Elita.
While Bailey, Clayton, Olive and Fred held on tightly, Sentinel slid down the building as Elita fired at the drones Akane and Lennox may have missed. Once the elder Prime reached the ground, he lowered the four humans.
"Ok," asked Sentinel, "now what? Shank? Rudder?"
Upon cue, Shank and Rudder appeared before Sentinel.
"Wait a minute," paused Clayton, "aren't those Decepticons?"
"Like Bailey said," answered Sentinel, "there's a lot to explain. Let's do so when we're not in danger of being shot."
Sentinel, Shank and Rudder transformed into their alternate modes, allowing Bailey, Clayton, Olive and Fred to hop into the Rosenbauer Panther. The elder Prime led the two Vehicons down the street while dodging incoming fire from the other Vehicon units. Sentinel blared his sirens to clear up traffic, and it wasn't long before they reached a safe location where Soundwave was waiting.
"Elita and the other humans are still at the tower cleaning up," reported Sentinel, "any news from the others?"
"Optimus and Megatron have located the Nemesis and are about to board it," answered Soundwave, "there is still no sign of the Seekers and their human ally."
"Dammit," groaned Sentinel, "now what?"
"Maybe we should get Clayton, Olive and Fred to safety while we protect the city," suggested Bailey.
"Why can't we help?" protested Clayton.
"We're also part of this," added Olive.
"Are you really going to ask this Soundwave guy to look after us?" asked Fred.
"Well," answered Bailey, "he did change sides like Megatron did."
"Besides," added Sentinel, "if he were a threat, I'd have killed him instead of talking to him."
Nodding in agreement, Clayton, Olive and Fred hopped out of the Rosenbauer Panther and approached Soundwave, who let out Frenzy and Laserbeak.
"So, what's the plan?" asked Sentinel.
"Let's try convincing more Vehicons to change sides," suggested Bailey, "and if they refuse, we take them out. And if the Seekers come along, we'll take them on."
"I like that idea," agreed Shank, "just so you know, Thundercracker has a defective flap on his right wing, so he can't always fly well. Maybe that'll help take him out."
Everyone but Rudder gave Shank stares.
"What?" warbled Shank, "I'm built to fight."
"Then let's get going!" chirped Bailey.
"All right," nodded Sentinel.
Sentinel, Rudder and Shank began driving through the streets of Chicago while Clayton, Olive and Fred stayed behind under Soundwave's protection.
"Be careful, Bails," whispered Clayton.