(Please see all previous disclaimers)
Megatron thought he had everything planned right down to the wire, and he assumed he had planned for all possible contingencies that might occur during this raid that would lead later to a battle if everything went the way Megatron planned and intended for it to go. The only unpredictable factor to Megatron was Starscream, who had shown his treachery even while being third in command of the cons, after Soundwave of course. Megatron just figured he would either have to put up with the loose cannon or destroy the loose cannon, and since Megatron figured he would need the air support, he chose to let the fool seeker live for now, hoping it wouldn't do the plan in.
Meanwhile, back at the Autobot base, Aquaformer was sitting just outside the base, enjoying the early morning sun as it seemed to warm her chassis at bit as she was feeling a bit cold thanks to being sparked, as the developing sparklings seemed to take her warmth as they grew. She knew she could be easily in danger sitting out in the sun, so she kept her wits about her. She was in her car mode and enjoying the day so far.
Elsewhere, in the base and not realizing that his mate was outside where she was vulnerable to con attack, Optimus was having a meeting with the other mechs, as Aquaformer was no longer allowed to fight, thanks to Ratchet saying so.
"Autobots, I believe the Cons have some diabolical plan brewing, as it has been far too long since we have heard from them" Optimus stated in all seriousness.
"Well, Old Screamer has been around here and there as has Laserbeak" Jazz reminded Optimus.
"Probably on scouting missions" Prowl retorted. "we best be careful."
"Starscream cold be trying to make his own plans" Hide stated, knowing just how treacherous the seeker could be to either side of this civil war.
"Either way, we must be ready for whatever sort of attack that Megatron may launch, as we all know he doesn't wait this long unless it is something really, really big and really, really devastating" Optimus stated with heavy emphasis, as Optimus was pretty sure that he would be the ultimate target of Megatron's rage.
"Why not use Mirage to see if you can find out more information?" Hound asked.
"Because" Mirage replied, "they have made it very difficult for anyone to even attempt to sneak into their base and find them or their plans, even against my invisibility."
"We must be careful with what we do, as not only do our lives hang in the balance, but so do all the lives of all the creatures on this planet known as earth" Optimus said.
All the mechs nodded in understanding, before Huffer had to ask, "So where is Aquaformer and why isn't she here at this planning meeting?" He didn't like when bots seemed to shirk their duty.
"Aquaformer is medically prohibited from being in any skirmish" Ratchet answered, silencing any further inquiries into Aquaformer's absence. All nodded, including Optimus. Little did they realize that the femme was outside the relative safety of the base.
Meanwhile, still sunning herself, Aquaformer didn't seem Spike and Sparkplug start to walk in, at least not at first, but when she finally did detect their presence, she transformed into her bot mode and had her weapons at the ready, as she was fiercely protective now that she was sparked.
"Whoa" Sparkplug stated, trying not to stare down the angry looking femme.
"We are friends" Spike stated, though he was kept behind his father, who felt the need to protect his son.
It took Aquaformer a minute or two to realize that these two were no threat and were allies. And slowly and carefully she lowered her weapons that she realized she had aimed at them. Aquaformer felt bad, as she didn't want to hurt an ally. "Easy Aquaformer, just help take us inside the base" Sparkplug stated, hoping to get Aquaformer's mind elsewhere. Aquaformer transformed back to her vehicle mode and took the two into the base. It was a good thing, as just after they left, Laserbeak flew over the base, to see if he could find anything else useful for Megatron to use to help destroy the Autobots. Spike and Sparkplug unwittingly had saved Aquaformer this time.