The reactions to the news were as expected. Ecstatic for Nightshade's return, thankful for, though confused, by the decepticons' hospitality, righteous anger towards Mandroid, and distressed at the risen level of danger.
Jawbreaker consoled Nightshade, Thrash promised that things will get better, and Twitch was infuriated at Mandroid.
"As if hurting one of us wasn't too much already." Twitch said with a growl "oh if he were here right now… I'd make him wish he never met us." She spoke in a menacing tone, before taking a few deep breaths.
"Okay. How do we stop this? Mandroid has GHOST on his side, and it's not like he's above wiping out any bot that stands in his way. And it wouldn't even be a quick death, he'd make them suffer. We should have the autobots on our side, but will they believe us?" She pondered, out loud.
"They'd listen to Bumblebee." Jawbreaker interjected "or Mom. Yeah, Optimus will listen to her!"
Thrash spoke up "Also we have Megatron on our side!"
Nightshade sighed before apprehensively asking "What about the Decepticons?"
"We can't trust the decepticons just because a few were nice to you, Nightshade." Thrash said with a sigh.
Nightshade looked at Hashtag, hoping she'd back them up. "Why would they ever want to work with the Autobots?"
Nightshade looked down with a dejected sigh. "Nevermind."
…Later
The reactions from their human family were much like the Terrans reactions. The following conversation wasn't dissimilar either. All dismissed their idea of getting the help of the Decepticons. The responses seemed to blend together into sympathy, fear, anger and distrust.
Nightshade decided to dismiss themselves and find somewhere quiet to be alone with their thoughts. Mo attempted to pursue them, only for Dot to gently hold her back.
Nightshade found a dark,secluded area in the barn where they sat quietly, finally calming down.
Nightshade eventually overheard Dorothy shouting while on the phone with Megatron.
"It's bad enough that it happened once, BUT TWICE? How sadistic do you have to be? And it's not like this'll be something they can get over! Not to mention Mandroid's now working with GHOST!"
She paused
"Calm down? Calm down? Do you hear yourself Megatron?"
Another pause
"Well, what am I supposed to do? Im supposed to protect my kids! How can I protect them when some mad scientist keeps torturing them?"
Another pause
"Yes we have a bunker, really it's a dugout."
Another pause
"I appreciate your concern Megatron, but I am not about to hide while the autobots take care of this problem. Because Mandroid made it personal."
Another pause
"Well Nightshade only escaped because Starscream bombed Mandroid's lair and rescued them, I guess I owe him a thank you."
Another pause
"Unusually selfless is right. I'm 99% sure he tried to manipulate Nightshade."
Another pause
"Well they're insistent on getting the 'Cons to help us. Also didn't Starscream try to usurp you dozens of times?"
Another pause
"Exactly. And I'm supposed to trust him."
Nightshade decided to ignore the rest of Dorothy's call.