"Why, in the hell did you stop me?!"

"Wheeljack had rounded on Optimus, blades at his throat at the instant he had been released by the Prime. Optimus had not so much as flinched, meeting Wheeljacks own hard stare. Wheeljacks blades quivered with anger, threatening to cut into Optimus neck. Optimus narrowed his eyes, unflinching.

"Jack is our alley. Our friend. We would not be here if not for him." Optimus explained in his ever calm voice. "I owe him a great deal."

Wheejack scoffed. "You still believe that load of scrap?!" The Wrecker began to seethe with rage, swords sliding up and nicking Optimus in the cheek. Blue optics narrowed, but Optimus said nothing as Wheeljack backed off, throwing his swords to his subspace. "When are you going to realize that you're human is emdead/em?! There is nothing left of him! I can't believe that you let a Decepticon fool you! That boy was never in Skyquakes body! It was all a ploy to get you to trust him! Why can't you see that?!"

"Optimus voice was stern, his expression stoic. "Because I have hope." He said and Wheeljack snorted.

"You're an idiot, y'know that? You can keep on hoping, but I'm going to face reality. I won't say I told you so when you find a blaster in your back."

"Wheeljack walked away, Bulkhead feeling an impulse to follow him. "See ya." Wheeljack said, waving a hand in farewell without looking back. Shifting gears and screeching metal rang through the air, Wheeljack transformed into a car, tires screeching against the pavement. Optimus and Bulkhead expressions showed displeasure at the acrid smell of burning rubber. Bulkhead looked longingly at where Wheeljack had left, compelled to follow him, taking a step in the direction he had took off. A look from Optimus quelled that desire. Bulkhead shuffled his feet awkwardly under his leaders gaze.

"Uh...not to question your authority or anything Optimus..." Bulkhead paused, seeming to be chewing his words with uncertainty, before asking, "But, uh, do you really think it was a good idea to let Skyquake go with Dreadwing?"

"I do not know." Optimus replied with painful honesty, sighing deeply. "But I would trust Jack with my life. Jack was an honorable human, a fact that has not changed with his transition." Bulkhead avoided looking directly at him, uncomfortable with the conversation. "And Jack would never betray us to the Deceptions."

"Optimus voice was firm, without hesitation, though Bulkhead did hesitate with his next words, unusually grim.

"Jack wouldn't betray us" He muttered to himself. "But Skyqauke would."

If Optimus heard, he gave no acknowledgement of Bulkheads words.

"As Jack and Dreadwing were groundbridged onto the the infamous Nemesis, Jack struggled to keep his face impassive, to not let his fear leak onto his face or through their bond. His first visit here had been under far less pleasant terms, but he managed to remain impassive, suddenly very glad that he could no longer sweat. Dreadwing was standing next to him in the otherwise empty hall, almost smiling as he glimpsed Skyquakes face, but it quickly faded when he felt a trickle of his brothers insecurities flow into him, and voiced his worries.

"Are you alright brother?" His voice was thick with concern. "You seem troubled. Is everything alright?"

"Jack breathed deeply, unnecessary though it was, trying to smother his emotions. He couldn't screw up so soon.

"I am fine Dreadwing." The assurance calmed the blue seeker, who relaxed a bit. "It is merely that so much has happened since my revival. I feel overwhelmed by the circumstances of my death and resurrection."

"Dreadwing nodded with understanding, and Jack almost smiled at the amount of compassion that the mech for him. Almost.

"Jack watched as the mechs optics flashed, dimming slightly. His 'brother' reached for his helm, answering a com. Dreadwings stance became much more serious as he answered and Jack wondered who was on the other line. He didn't have to wait long to find out.

"Yes my Lord." He heard him say. Megatron. "We shall be there momentarily mi'lord." Dreadwings gaze shifted back to Skyquake briefly before finishing the com with a, "As you wish sire." Jack looked to him in question, to which Dreadwing obliged. "We are requested to meet Lord Megatron in the throne room. Come. We should not keep him waiting. I do not wish to displease our lord." He motioned to move, and Jack nodded, following him at his side.

"Outwardly, he was calm. Inside, he was on the verge of panic. He knew he would have to meet the warlord eventually, but he hadn't thought it would come so soon. What if they found out that he wasn't really who they thought he was?

"No, no Jack told himself as they walked. It was too early, too soon for them to even suspect anything above his 'revival'. And he would have to keep it like that if he hoped to glean anything from the Decepticons. He couldn't fail.

"A lone Vehicon walked near them in the opposite direction that they were going. It seemed to stare at them, or rather him.. It was hard to tell as it didn't have much for a face besides the visor, but Jack thought it looked curious. Or surprised. It wasn't unexpected really, as much as it was uncomfortable. He glared at the mech as they passed, hoping that it would turn its attention elsewhere. It worked, as the Vehicon paused for a moment, then continued on its way.
"Soon they came upon a large door that slid open when they approached, leading to a large room with a vast ceiling. Nothing adorned the dark setting except a large seat on which sat an irate warlord. It looked hard and uncomfortable, like a throne of bayonets. Megatron held an expression of interest, vivid red optics locked onto him when he entered, narrowing. His third in command, Soundwave, stood to his side, expressionless as always.

"Dreadwing bowed to him, supported by a hand on his knee. Jack followed suit, keeping his head respectfully low.

"My brother Skyquake, as per your request my Lord." Jack felt the intensity of his gaze increase, but dared not to show his unease. Megatron spoke, shifting in his throne.

"I did not expect you to return alive Dreadwing." Jack noticed the minuscule disbelief in his voice. He had never believed that Dreadwing would return. "A pleasant outcome, I must say." There was a slight pause before he spoke again, "An even greater surprise is the returned of your departed twin. I believe an explanation is due."
"This was directed to Jack, who tensed. He chose his words carefully.

"Of course my liege." Dreadwing inclined his head, wanting to hear his explanation. "It was the key of Vector Sigma that resurrected me Lord Megatron." Jack saw the warlords expression change to curiosity. Figuring this was a good thing, he continued, "As I recall, a human child came to me, possessing the artifact. I cannot remember the words he spoke, nor do I know why he visited at all."

"Jack couldn't stop the words from pouring out of his mouth, the feeling strange, as though they were not his words. He saw Megatron's curiosity piqued at the mention of the key, along with Dreadwings, who remained silence.

"Did you take the key?" Was Megatrons first question, cutting Jack off as he went to speak again.

"No." He answered. Megatron scowled. "When the key touched my body, I felt my spark being pulled. And then I woke."

"And the human?" The warlord asked, intrigued at what the fate of the human who brought Optimus back could be. Skyquake didn't reply wait away, his voice trembling with unknown emotions.

"Lives are not free." Came the quiet reply. "When the Autobots detected that the life signature of their human had vanished, they went looking for him. They found me next to the body, and I, weak from my resurrection, was unable to fight them. They captured me, forced me into the groundbridge that led to their base, off-lining my weapons systems. They attempted to question me, but I would not cooperate."

"Megatron looked pleased. The corners of his lips twisted into a smirk. A wave of the hand motioned him to continue, so he did."I was then detained in one of the cells, waiting for a mistake, a means to escape as they prepared for less...lucrative means of obtaining information as they prepared for a mission. It arrived in the form of the Autobot, Arcee. When she entered for his guard shift, she released me to interrogate herself. I took the brief moment of freedom to knock her unconscious. I took the key to my cuffs from her, and proceeded to escape. Then I found Dreadwing."

"I see." Said Megatron, standing. His lips twisted into a smirk, revealing fang like teeth. "It is an astonishing story Skyquake. Your...emreturn /emis nothing short of a miracle. And I will use it well." Dreadwing and Skyquake nodded, understanding. Jack felt anxiety rise up, and Dreadwings optics flickered toward him for a moment before Megatron spoke again. "I am pleased at the return of two of my strongest, most loyal soldiers."

"You honor us Lord Megatron." Said Skyquake.

"Indeed." Added Dreadwing, agreeing.

"It is a pity the human had not survived. I had hoped to make a pet of him once I had conquered this world." Jack felt anger course through him. He closed off his thoughts, his emotions as best he could so that they would not think Skyquake was acting strangely. "You are both excused. I have much to prepare for."

"They bowed accordingly, taking their leave. Megatron watched closely, peering at the green mech until the door slid shut. He turned to Soundwave.

"Keep an eye on him."

"Soundwave nodded soundlessly.