Optimus caressed his abdomen as Arcee stepped up to the console in the lobby to bring up the location where Bulkhead had travelled to earlier. It was disturbing that Bulkhead might have been saved by chance, rather than by his own skills as a warrior. Optimus did not know what to make of it as this was the first time it has happened. And now Fowler had arrived to inform them that he had some idea of what might have happened. If humans were involved, Optimus did not like it at all. Especially since he already had an idea of who would be behind it. But he would wait for confirmation before making a comment about it.

Though the few minutes they had been in the lobby, Ratchet and Bulkhead both walked into the lobby, as Ratchet did not have much work to finish with patching Bulkhead's shoulder. That was good, because they both should be here to listen to what Fowler believed to be the case at this time. They all needed to know who had been there at the time Bulkhead and Breakdown were fighting. Because if Breakdown had been taken, they all knew Bulkhead could have met the same fate.

The humans stared at the screen intently as Ratchet moved Arcee away from the console gently as he knew the exact location and brought it up on screen. Fowler narrowed his eyes a little as the location was a specific part of a different country as Ratchet looked at the man. "This is where Bulkhead had bridged to after we detected the strange energon signature. And that same signature is now gone since their fight, which it should not have been the case."

"The Kamchatka Peninsula in Eastern Russia." Fowler did not seem happy by this location that the wrecker had to explore. Especially when he gives the explanation as to why. "Much of it was abandoned twenty years ago when its volcano first erupted. My intel reported Mech activity earlier today." Optimus was definitely disturbed, as he had his suspicions regarding Mech's involvement.

Miko looked at the man in surprise. "Mech?! You mean those techie guys?"

Ratchet also did not like this, because he knew that from the incident with the Dingus, these Mech agents learned of the existence of the autobots and decepticons. "The very ones who know of our existence on your planet. Ever since the train incident." He looked at Optimus with concern. "I hope that they never got a glimpse of Azura at the time as well. Because they would then know of a sparkling among us."

"I do not know." Optimus still had his hand on his abdomen as he knew that it was possible. "I wish I did not. But at least they cannot take her from us."

"That really depends on the reason as to why they took Breakdown." Ratchet hummed softly as he glanced back at the screen thoughtfully. "And they must have been waiting there."

"I'd say they must have figured out we investigate these kind of signals and created the signal to attract one of us there. And they got two." Bulkhead wasn't exactly thrilled by it, but he was glad that it was not him they had taken. But that does not change how things might go.

"But what would they want with Breakdown? Or any autobot or decepticon?" Miko questioned with a frown on his face.

"What's it matter? They can have him." Arcee was unbothered by this fact about Mech taking Breakdown, and she was not considering the wider picture at this time.

Bumblebee was unhappy with Arcee's response as he frowned at her and placed his hands on his hips. "Arcee, that's not very nice. I know he's a decepticon, but I think it is bad that Mech had taken Breakdown. They could have kidnapped Bulkhead as well. Though, it is kind of funny he was taken down by some humans. Megatron won't be happy."

Bulkhead chuckled lightly in agreement. "Yeah, dragged off by humans. Ha! Guess I softened him up for them huh?" He punched his palm enthusiastically, before glancing at Miko who seemed less than pleased with his response.

Ratchet was shaking his head and rubbing the bridge between his optics. "I cannot believe you three think that this is even remotely funny." He sighed deeply and looked at them with disappointment. "You do know that this could be the beginning of danger from these humans to us? Could you imagine what might happen if they happen to figure out Azura's existence? They will want to know all about us. They probably think we are just robots they can replicate."

Optimus nodded in agreement with Ratchet. "I too find it concerning that Mech were bold enough to come up with a plan like this. They fooled both us and the decepticons." He now knew that they would have to be extra careful when following these kind of signals in the future. "I also can see them having zero care if they happen to learn of Azura's existence. It would…" Optimus paused as he could not say it.

Ratchet placed his hand on Optimus's shoulder. "I know. We would be devastated, but we would not stop looking. Especially since you are now bonded properly."

Optimus smiled a little before his expression turned stern again. "Ratchet, reactivate the previous ground bridge coordinates. We will rescue Breakdown."

Ratchet took a step back in shock at Optimus's order, confused that he would even suggest it. "What?!"

"Optimus, you can't be serious," Arcee said in shock as all the bots stare at him in disbelief. Even the children and Fowler were shocked.

"I am not even sure it is a good idea, so I agree with Arcee," Bumblebee said as he was curious of Optimus's motivations.

"Mech can melt him down for all I care, let the cons rescue their own. Plus…" Bulkhead gestured to Optimus's abdomen, making the leader flinch slightly. "You said it yourself. We don't need Mech knowing about our reproductive systems, and the existence of your daughter. Why would you want to even think about rescuing Breakdown? Unless you intend on staying behind."

Optimus understood the feelings of the autobots, but he knew Megatron more than them. "It is unlikely that Megatron would bother with an errand of mercy. And while I fully understand your concern regarding my daughter, assisting in locating and rescuing Breakdown is not something I am willing to step back from." Ratchet widened his optics at Optimus, but he said nothing.

"Okay…" Arcee rubbed her chin, unsure if this was a good idea. "But this is Breakdown we're talking about."

Optimus disliked the words coming from the autobots. He understood their dislike for the decepticons and their roles in this war, but Optimus knew there were times where they must put aside their differences in order to do what is right. "Sometimes we must rise above ourselves for the greater good."

"Oh, what's that supposed to mean?!" Bulkhead was very unhappy that Optimus wanted to rescue his rival, especially as he already knew that Optimus was concerned about this development and what it could mean for Azura in the future. "Breakdown's gonna be grateful and go all soft and join the cause?"

Optimus was not particularly impressed with Bulkhead's sarcasm regarding Breakdown. And he did know that the autobots were concerned about him wanting to be involved to help directly, which he understood. "While it is unlikely that any decepticon will choose the path of good, even they possess the potential for change."

Bulkhead was clearly irritated by this. "Nrgh! I knew where this was headed!"

"By great good, I meant humankind." The wrecker sighed as he looked away from Optimus while his leader continued his speech. "Mech presents a clear and present danger."

"Prime's right," Fowler said in confirmation to the wrecker. "We know Mech's obsessed with obtaining ground-breaking technology. Even if you guys are not that, they only see you all as something they can attempt to replicate."

Optimus nodded. "Which means we cannot allow Cybertronian biology to fall into their hands."

"But…" Optimus raised an eyebrow and looked at Fowler when the man spoke. "I am leaning into agreement with the other bots here. You are a literal walking, biological, goldmine right now, Prime…" The commander did not like being referred to as that as he frowned at the man. Fowler knew Optimus would not like to hear that, but he had to. "I understand your intentions are good and that you probably can still fight just fine, even while carrying an important being within you. I just fail to understand that…well…" Fowler rubbed the back of his neck with a shrug. "You already voiced concern, and you still want to go."

"The human is right, Optimus. I fail to understand your desire to leave the base knowing this information. I understand that you probably want to be involved because it is the right thing to do…" Optimus nodded, because it was the right thing to do. But Ratchet knew that Optimus should not go. "Why would you even risk revealing Azura's existence? It is your duty to protect her, and to prevent Mech from ever knowing you were carrying."

"I am fully aware of my duty, Ratchet. However, the risk of them discovering that we can carry is not as great as them getting hands on our biology. Azura will not be known to Mech, as they would have no way to see within." Ratchet still thought it was a bad idea. "If Mech does notice I look different, as the day we assisted Fowler with the train incident I was not carrying, then that is something that could happen. But cannot allow them to hold our biology in their hands." Optimus looked at all the autobots who were looking at him with concern. "All of us should go on this mission. I believe it is imperative that Mech knows who they are up against. They might be underestimating us."

Arcee sighed deeply as she knew that Optimus wanted to go, and it might not be possible to change his mind. "We all understand what is at stake here now, Optimus. And while I don't like Breakdown, I will do because we should…"

"Well, I won't!" Bulkhead snapped as he stepped back and folded his arms, pouting as he did not want to go. "Breakdown would never do something like this for me, so I won't do it for him."

"Oh, come on, Bulkhead! This isn't the time to be sulking like a sparkling!" Arcee barked at the wrecker who simply turned away from her. The femme shook her head with a sigh. "Whatever…regardless…" She looked at Optimus and softened her expression. "I know you want to help, Optimus, but putting Azura at risk is not wise. Mech will find out about Azura, even if she is within you right now. They will be actively waiting and watching, and they will use an opportunity to kidnap her if they get the chance."

Optimus knew they had good points, and understood their concern. And Optimus did feel like going would certainly increase the risk of Azura being in danger. But he knew what he wanted to do. "I appreciate the concerns everyone is sharing with me at this time. But I have made the decision."

Fowler sighed loudly as he listened to the bot. "You really have a lot of confidence in wanting to go. And when I walked into that med bay, I overheard you wanted Ratchet to take a closer look at Azura, because you said she has been recharging for too long. I would think you would want to do that over Breakdwon." Optimus did not respond and the man looked at Ratchet. "Surely, as a medic, your opinions matter more than a soldier's."

Ratchet seemed surprised by the comment, side eyeing Optimus briefly who was unhappy by the comment and looked back at Fowler. "I can't really force him to remain, Fowler. Even though Optimus is carrying Azura, he can still fight. Unlike in humans, we Cybertronians don't particularly view carrying as a burden to slow us down."

"Even though he can't really twist and turn like he used to?" Fowler questioned, which made Optimus huffed loudly and turned away from him in irritation. "I am not wrong. Even if he is strong and can still fight…"

Ratchet leaned in and lowered his voice a little. "You are not wrong, but…you should have more tact with your words, Fowler."

The man sighed deeply as he still thought it was a bad idea. "Come on, Bulkhead. We need you to help us with Breakdown. I know you both have a history, but this is not the time to be pouting like a youngling. It's not like you."

"I am perfectly happy remaining here with Miko to keep watch and activate the bridge when you need it," Bulkhead responded quickly, still not wanting to go. He forced a smile as he looked at the bots. "I got your backs, guys. You go and deal with this little issue, and I'll make sure you can get back on time. Especially for you, Optimus."

Optimus optics narrow. "Bulkhead, we need you on this mission. We cannot part with a single member simply because of a pout over a long, old rivalry."

"Would you do this if it were Megatron in Breakdown's position?" Bulkhead argued back, which Optimus was surprised and folded his arms. "Would you?"

"I would."

Bulkhead rolled his optics as Ratchet activated the bridge. Arcee and Bumblebee both decide to stand by the gate, knowing that they should not be in between Optimus and Bulkhead at this time. Especially as they had all noticed Optimus's increased irritation, and they didn't want to push. But Bulkhead was very stubborn, and it can be hard to convince him when he decides he does not want to do something. And right now, Optimus felt like he was talking to another sparkling.

Miko herself seemed disappointed that Bulkhead was refusing to go, and she could not help but approach him. "Come on, Bulk. You gotta go with."

Bulkhead did not even look at the girl as he blatantly refused. "Don't wanna!"

"Bulkhead!"

The wrecker shook his head and turned to face his leader. "Optimus, I'm sorry. I just can't do it!"

Optimus just glared at Bulkhead for a moment before he responded. "I suppose your choice."

Bulkhead and Miko were both shocked at Optimus's response. Fowler was smirking a little, as he guessed that Optimus was simply too irritated to pressure the wrecker into going with them. "W-What?"

Optimus intakes heavily and relaxes his frown a little as he responded to Bulkhead. "Given your history with Breakdown, your judgement may be clouded. And thus, jeopardize the mission. Besides, the decepticon may be more in need of a medic than another warrior."

Ratchet nodded as he approached with his medical kit, and scanner. "Locked and loaded, Optimus. But I am coming because I also want to keep a close eye on you. Not just because I might be needed to patch up a decepticon. And…" He raised his index finger and pointed at Optimus's abdomen. "This mission is going to definitely exposed your carrying to the decepticons, Optimus. I hope you realize that, even though I doubt Megatron is going to care too much about it."

"That will remain to be seen." Optimus glanced towards Bulkhead again before he turned towards the vortex. "Autobots! Roll out!" He ran into the vortex and transformed to speed into the vortex.

Bulkhead stared at the tunnel when the vortex closed and he made a snarky remark. "Fine. Happy hunting…" Miko made a loud, disappointed huff as she had turned away and was leaning against a railing with her back towards Bulkhead. The wrecker was upset she was disappointed, so he tried to think of a way to have fun. "Uh, what do you say, uh…Creature Double Feature?"

Miko did not respond to the wrecker for a moment before she shrugged. "Sure…"

Jack and Raf glance at each other, as they knew that Miko was disappointed in Bulkhead's choice. "Woah!" They glance at Fowler who seemed intrigued by Bulkhead's idea as he walked over with a smile. "I'm in!" Bulkhead smiled at the man slightly and the man looked at him. "And I must say, I think I liked Optimus better when…uh…how should I put this?" Bulkhead raised an eyebrow for a moment before his smirk widened. "He wasn't…moody…"

"You mean when he wasn't carrying?" Bulkhead remarked with a chuckle, and Fowler nodded. "Just be lucky you aren't here all the time, because all of us have had to accept changes that Optimus has gone through upon proceeding with the procedure to carry Azura within his body. Sudden mood changes are quite normal with a carrier."

"And that is probably why Optimus relented and decided to not argue anymore," Jack commented as he walked forward, making Bulkhead flinch a little. "You said it yourself just before, Bulkhead. Mech will likely discover that Cybertronians can reproduce. I imagine that they are going to want to take a closer look at that, and…" Jack shivered at the very idea of it. "As disturbing as it is, it won't be as bad as them possibly waiting to pounce on Azura. They might not have seen her before, but they could actively look for her after this."

Rafael nodded. "Jack's right. We understand you don't like Breakdown, but you could have gone as added support for them." Bulkhead groaned and looked away from the children. "You know you would feel a lot of regret if...uh...by chance, Mech decides that Optimus is a bigger prize to take and let Breakdown go because of that."

Bulkhead visibly shuddered at the thought of that risk. He had doubts that it would happen, but now he couldn't really keep Jack's words from his mind. "I guess I would…but I still can't do it."

"So I guess your pride is worth more than your leader?" Fowler asked the bot curiously and Bulkhead simply huffed and turned his back to them. "While I have been getting used to seeing Optimus pregnant, and that I have managed to irritate him enough that he probably would be tempted to step on me, I think the boy here is right. Even if they wait until Azura is born, I think they would still try and take the opportunity to snatch Optimus Prime. And they would certainly threaten Azura to ensure cooperation from him, and I know Optimus will go along to keep her safe."

Bulkhead did not really have a response to that. He certainly did not like that risk that the humans were putting to him. He knew that going with Optimus would have been the right thing to do, but Bulkhead really did not feel like it would be good to be there. Breakdown would not do this for him, so he just felt this was the right choice. But the humans had his second guessing his decision, because they were very good points.

Elsewhere…

Driving out of the vortex and transforming, Optimus, Arcee, Bumblebee and Ratchet were met with a very dark area, where there was zero sign of life. There were many buildings here that had been abandoned many years. And eerie atmosphere remained here, so there should be zero chance humans would be here. But Mech probably knew this, which was why they chose this location. Though it was unknown at this time.

Optimus had his canons armed as he glanced around the area, unsure of anything at this time. "No signs of life, human or Cybertronian."

"The perfect place to stake an ambush." Arcee looked around with blaster ready in case they would be jumped. "The last thing we need is for one of us to be next. Bulkhead only got lucky, if we are honest."

Optimus nodded in agreement. "Agreed."

"I see fresh tyre marks on the ground!" Bumblebee shouted, walked over to the tracks and glancing in each direction for a moment. "The tracks lead between those two buildings…" The scout gestured towards the two abandoned buildings and glanced back at Optimus. "It seems to be only a single set of tracks. I do not see any helicopter evidence."

Optimus definitely found it interesting, and figured that they should follow. But the scanner that Ratchet had brought with him was giving off a signal, and he spoke up before Optimus did. "Forget the tracks, Bumblebee. I'm picking up a faint energon signal three clicks north by northwest." Ratchet pointed in the direction of the signal.

Optimus looked in the direction Ratchet had gestured to. "Breakdown."

"But we should not be getting a reading unless…" Arcee paused in her thoughts as they worried about what could have happened.

"His energon has been spilled," Ratchet concluded in a glum voice. "Or…this could also be another trick…" He glanced at the screen of the scanner for a moment and looked at Optimus. "Do you still want us to proceed, Optimus? I don't particularly want to fall for another Mech trick, as this could easily be another."

Optimus pondered on the question because Ratchet could be right. This could be another trick set out by Mech. It seemed that it could be deliberate, but it could be Breakdown's body. It did seem like it might not be a win, win situation in this case. "We shall proceed. But we will proceed with caution. Keep your weapons on hand. Mech will not show us mercy, and while I am generally against harming humans, we also shall not show any to defend ourselves."

Ratchet was uncertain about it, but understood and nodded affirmatively. Though he did not bring out his swords as he turned in the direction of the signal and gestured for the bots to follow. Ratchet, Bumblebee and Arcee did form a perimeter around Optimus as they walk in the direction, though Optimus did not notice, as he was looking around cautiously for any sign of danger towards them. With this area being abandoned, the buildings around them would be a good and easy vantage point for a Mech agent to be hiding and spying on them. So he needed to scan the buildings for any threat.

But he did know proceeding towards the signal could be bad. Optimus did not know how he would dismiss Mech's likely observation of his abdomen, but he would think of it when the time comes. Though as he walked through this dark, abandoned place, Optimus could not help but think of Azura. He knew this was creating additional time taken instead of wanting to help Azura with whatever was plaguing her mind at this time. But it would have to wait.

Though as they walk through the buildings, Optimus grunts loudly and hunched over slightly when he felt another hard kick from Azura. The sound of the kick echoed a little among the buildings, and he caressed his abdomen gently as he intakes heavily. Ratchet sighed deeply as he watched Optimus with worry. "Are you really positive that you want to be here, Optimus?" Optimus looked at the medic and nodded affirmatively. "Okay, because you can call Bulkhead to bridge you back at any time. I am sure that Arcee, Bee and I will be able to deal with Mech on our own."

"That is out of the question, unless necessary," Optimus responded quickly and in a curt tone. "I will be fine. A kick isn't going to stop me from assisting you and standing against Mech."

Ratchet just hummed softly, knowing that there would be no argument regarding this. He looked at the scanner to see the location of the signal, and looked in the direction. "This way."

Optimus did not know how far they had to go before they would find the location of the signal. But that did not matter. Optimus continued to scan the buildings to locate any human who might be watching, or human technology. It seemed that they have been lucky. But as Ratchet has detected this signal, he did not know if the decepticons have as well. Though maybe they were not bothered, and that would be good for the autobots.

But as they got closer to the location of the signal, Optimus could not help but feel tense. There was no sound here, other than their own heavy footsteps. There was not even a bird singing. And being so quiet, it was unnerving. Even the other autobots seemed unsettled, and Optimus could not help but agree with them. Especially as there was no other sign of Mech's presence here just yet, but they would likely find out soon enough.

Ratchet signalled they were close as they crouched by one of the large buildings, and Arcee peered around the side first, keeping her weapon aimed in case she had to shoot. Though the only thing she saw was what looked like a large mansion with a fountain in front of it with old, brick walls at the front of the building. She did not see any sign of Breakdown here, so she was a little confused. Though the idea this was a trap filled her mind, and she was extra cautious as they walk towards the mansion slowly.

As they got closer, Arcee and Bumblebee ran ahead to scout for any danger, though they still did not see anything yet. The signal being around here certainly was suspicious. Optimus looked at the mansion curiously as he stepped over the broken wall, with his optics looking at every window that he could see. So far, nothing. But he could hear that the scanner's signal was louder and beeping faster, which was a sign they were close. No sign of Breakdown did mean this could be another trap set by Mech.

Ratchet walked towards the fountain with a confused frown, keeping his optics looking at the scanner. "Reading's coming from right…" He stopped in front of the fountain and looked at it. "Here." It took a moment of confusion before he was shocked. One the very top of the fountain was an optic. He certainly did not like this as he leaned down closer to make sure it had belonged to Breakdown. And it was indeed Breakdown's optic. "Breakdown's eye…"

The autobots were very disturbed by this, especially as it was just sitting in the open like this. "Not going to lie, but I am feeling a little bit unsettled by this right about now." Arcee shivered as she glanced around with a frown. "Especially since we found a piece of him, and don't even know where the rest of Breakdown is."

Bumblebee nodded in agreement. "I don't know if we want to know the details. Especially since we know Mech did this…but it is odd they left a piece of him behind."

"I doubt an optic would be that important," Arcee said with a light scoff, though she was still disturbed by it. "But…if they…ripped the decepticon to shreds…they might have left a piece behind unintentionally. Which makes them savages!"

Ratchet nodded in agreement. "It would seem that way." He side eyes Optimus briefly, knowing that Optimus should be aware of how dangerous this was by now. "Though we will be able to see the last thing Breakdown saw." He picked up the optic and lifted it to the top of the device. "But I suspect we should all be mindful of what we might see. So just be aware of that."

"We understand, Ratchet." Optimus rubbed his abdomen gently as he watched Ratchet attach the optic wire into the connection at the top of the device. "Hopefully, it will also give us a lead on where they had taken him."

While Optimus was hopeful it would lead them to locate Breakdown, he did not know if the optic could provide that information. They wouldn't even know if Breakdown was even alive when the optic was removed from its socket. Regardless, Ratchet pressed a few buttons on the scanner and the optic glowed yellow as he was able to tap into the circuits of the optic to bring up the last thing that it saw.

It brought up an image of a masked man standing over Breakdown. It appeared Breakdown had been taken into some place that was surrounded with solid rock, as they could see the rock walls and metal ceiling. There was a bright light above him, but there was a disturbing tool in front of Breakdown's face. It looked like some kind of large drill, and this certainly did not look friendly at all.

"What do you know?" Optimus glances briefly at Arcee as she made a sarcastic remark. "Weird science wins again."

Optimus rolled his optics and looked back at the screen as they were able to also hear the sound of the drill being turned on. However, he was alarmed as they watched the drill being aimed at Breakdown's face and lowered straight onto it, and they were just able to see the sparks coming off the optic before it goes dark after a bit of static. They were all shocked by what they saw, and confirmed Arcee's comment about Mech being savages.

But even more surprising, the image changed to a life feed of Silas standing on a ledge overlooking where Breakdown's body was. But they all saw robotic arms moving and cutting into Breakdown's body. His chassis was wide open, and they could see the robotic arms removing parts and system organs from the decepticon's body. It was an extremely horrific sight to see, because even Megatron would not do this.

Silas looked at the screen and he seemed pleasantly surprised to see them. "Well, Optimus Prime, a pleasure to set eyes on you again."

Ratchet could not help but widen his optics a little as this should not be happening. "He's converted the optic into a two-way feed."

Optimus did not like this, but he kept his optics on the man and responded to him. "And you must be Silas."

"In the flesh." Silas smirked slightly at the mech as he confirmed who he was to the autobots. "But being that our captive is not one of yours, I have to admit, I was expecting Megatron."

Optimus knew that Silas would not know Megatron's nature, so his expectation was natural in this case. Though of course, Optimus knew otherwise. "In this circumstance, autobots and decepticons share a common foe."

Silas seemed offended by Optimus's remark as he frowned at him. "Mech is anything but common. Our guest…" He glanced towards Breakdown with a slight gesture towards the con. "Is yielding quite a bit of information about your biomechanics, as you can see." He smirked slightly and turned to look back at Optimus. "Although Breakdown himself can't see so well anymore."

"We don't fear you!" Ratchet bit back at the man confidently.

The man was amused by Ratchet's response. "Oh, but you should." That was a warning, and Optimus narrowed his optics at the man. "In fact, I would strongly urge that you not stand your ground." He smirked deviously at the bots with a smug expression.

Optimus did not know what he meant, until his optics glanced up, and he spotted a device with a countdown on it. And it had ten seconds left on the device. And he widened his optics knowing what this was. "It's a trap!"

Ratchet stood up and took a step back in shock upon realizing. Arcee did not take her optics off the explosive as she questioned Optimus. "Would this be a roll out kind of trap?"

Optimus did not know why she even asked. "Evacuate! Now!"

The autobots all turned to run from the explosive before they transformed to speed away. But right after they transformed, the explosive went off, unleashing a powerful blast behind them and forced the bots to be air born for a moment. They transform back into their full forms, and Optimus grimaced upon landing on his feet, stumbling back a little, as he felt the impact in his back from landing hard. But they were safe. He caressed his abdomen as he stared at the fire that was now burning the remains of the mansion.

Ratchet took a deep intake and looked at Optimus to see if he was okay. "And you still think it was a good idea to tag along?"

Optimus frowned at the medic for a moment and looked back at the flames. "I am unharmed, Ratchet. As is Azura." He knew that the medic was worried, and it was warranted. But they were okay. "What we saw was a threat from Silas."

"Clearly." Ratchet rolled his optics and shook his head. "And now we know how far they are willing to go."

Arcee nodded in agreement. "So do you have any idea where they're keeping the rest of Breakdown?"

Optimus hummed softly and thought back to the tracks they had found before. "Maybe we should have followed the tyre tracks instead." He turned around and transformed. "Let's roll!"

Ratchet, Arcee and Bumblebee glance at each other before they transform to follow Optimus. He might be right about following the tyre tracks. But they were concerned it would lead into a fight that could endanger them. Silas had just sent a very clear message to them, and Ratchet knew he shouldn't have said that they don't fear the man. But Ratchet wanted to send Silas a message, which did not seem to work.

As for Optimus, knowing that these savages had been tearing apart Breakdown certainly made him worry about the autobots and his daughter. It was uncertain if Silas even noticed a different in Optimus's appearance from the optic, though Ratchet, Bumblebee and Arcee were standing in the way, so he might not have noticed. But even so, Optimus knew that Silas was focused on using Breakdown. And while rescuing a decepticon was not something they did each day, this was definitely important. After all, he did not know just how much Mech will even learn from Breakdown's anatomy and biology from the short time they have been holding him captive.