CHAPTER 18, NOT A LI(GH)TE BREAKDOWN

NORMAL P.O.V

The wind howled amidst the darkness, sweeping through a small and desolate town. A large volcano was in the distance, thick, black smoke billowing out into the sky to create the dark and smoky atmosphere. Buildings were covered in ash, damaged and almost wartorn-like from the ongoing natural disaster nearby. Explosion-like noises soon damaged the silence, swiftly turning into overly large footsteps before a substantially metallic being was crunched into a nearby building.

The army-green Cybertronian groaned, struggling to stay on his feet while another figure, this time blue and grey, loomed before him, his chosen weapon of a hammer hanging in anticipation, "Bulkhead... Imagine you and I bumping into each other in the middle of nowhere while tracking a stray Energon signal." Deactivating his weapon, he took a menacing step forward.

"Yeah, Breakdown?" Bulkhead began charging at his fellow enemy. "It must be your lucky day!"

The pair crushed fists against each other with every bit of strength they have, struggling against the other, neither willing to relent first. Not even the sounds of nearby metal clashing could disrupt their stare-down.

A small, petite figure scraped her feet on the ground after being forced away from her opponent, a dark chuckle making her eyes refocus on her own enemy, "Dear sister, you're making quite the habit of running into my way recently."

"It's not by choice," the small Cybertronian' voice responded behind the face mask.

"A shame. Thought you were finally making a plea to join me on the right side of this war." The black, pink highlighted Decepticon rushed forward, a knife raised high in the air.

Starlight caught the striking arm, using her strength to pull her sister forward and into her personal space, "Never."

Moonlight clenched her teeth in fury, "Pity." Feeling her arm being pulled down, she used the other to stop the incoming attack from her sister's other arm.

The battle between the brute Cybertronians continued, with Breakdown smirking, "Where's your pet human? How about when I finish with you, I pay her a visit?" His taunt was well received, his idea infuriating Bulkhead enough that he instead forced his hand, and soon, the Decepticon found himself tackled to the ground. The move only amused him. "So, the wrecker's got a soft spot."

Bulkhead cried out a warrior cry, activating his mace and raising it high into the dark sky to strike, however, as he did so, Breakdown rolled out of the way in time. The Decepticon was on his feet in an instant, re-activating his hammer, and swinging a successful shot to his enemy's head that sent him flying to the ground.

Starlight caught sight of her fallen teammate, "Bulkhead!" Her moment of distraction was taken advantage of by her sparring partner, who lifted the small Autobot up before slamming her onto the ground nearby the other fighting duo.

Breakdown stood over Bulkhead, giving the head of the former Wrecker a tap with his hammer, "As much as I'll miss our little reunions." He tapped his head again. "Hammer time." He swung his weapon up for the final blow.

Two small items flew from the sky, gluing themselves onto the Decepticons and activating blue electricity circulating the pair. It quickly deactivated, sending them onto the ground nearby their enemies, who were also falling into unconsciousness. Multiple green aerial crafts flew overhead, as their eyes fell shut.

The helicopters landed in an open area nearby by the feuding group, with masked soldiers pouring out to prepare their weapons in case the Cybertronians were still awake. The final helicopter landed, with one sole occupant stepping out.

Another soldier appeared behind him, "Sir?" His boss overlooked his shoulder at him. "We only have the resources to transport two."

Silas narrowed his eyes in thought, before making a decision, "Take the victors."

WINDSWEPT P.O.V

"Marco!" Silence "Marco!" More silence. "MARCO!"

"Miko?" It was a relieving feeling to Bulkhead talk back through the open channel.

"Errrrr! You're supposed to say polo!"

Human games were weird and didn't always make a lot of sense for us… but if it meant Miko would stay at base without feeling the need to run out to join us on our scouts, then it was a good thing human entertainment like that existed.

We'd been on a few scouts and random missions since the whole 'Shadowzone' - Starlight and Rafael referred to it as that so much, it's now stuck - situation a few weeks ago, and Miko hadn't leapt out to join us. As Ratchet had fondly put it, the early signs were encouraging…

"Y'alright, Twinkle?!"

"I'm… here, and intact."

Bulkhead and Starlight had gone out on an Energon scout a little while ago, but they had failed to report for a routine check-in, even though we could clearly see their location. Aquastrike and I would've headed out to check on them ourselves if they hadn't responded this time.

"Miko." Bulkhead's sudden groan was concerning. "Let Ratchet know Star and I need a Groundbridge."

Bulk and Star had returned a little banged up, but relatively intact. As it turned out, they had been intercepted by Breakdown and Moonlight during their recon mission. Not exactly ideal given they have a lot of dark history with those 'Cons, especially at the moment between Starlight and Moonlight.

I had a worried feeling in my spark that Star's opinion of her sister had drastically changed since we found her in a situation involving the dabbling of Dark Energon… but I couldn't worry about that right now, not when Bulkhead was receiving treatment for his arm.

"Engaging the enemy on your own was foolish, Bulkhead." Optimus looked at Starlight, who was with Miko. "And Starlight."

"Breakdown and Moonlight jumped us!" I didn't think it was a good idea for Bulkhead to start protesting. "Star and I knew we could take him!"

"Your injuries suggest otherwise." Of course, Sunburst was nearby ready to have his say. He'd just completed his scheduled patrol for tonight, so all the team were here.

Though, the only human here was Miko, and that was due to Jack being at his workplace, and Carly and Rafael having a formal dinner with their family. We weren't going to see any of them until tomorrow at the earliest.

Bulkhead was glaring at Sunburst's quip and he looked ready to say something back. He suddenly grumbled, probably for a sensitive spot of his injury being hit.

Ratchet stopped his tools- "Stay still." -momentarily.

"But we should see the other guys! Right, Bulk?"

He was looking at Starlight with some weird look, and she was mirroring it back to him. I raised an optical ridge.

"Uh… yeah… About that..."

"You guys didn't torch them?" Miko sounded like she was in disbelief.

"Not exactly." Bulkhead motioned to us. "I-I figured you all did."

I looked around me - Bumblebee, Aquastrike and Arcee were on my right, and Optimus and Sunburst were on my left. Apart from Sunburst coming back from patrol, no one had left base since Bulkhead and Starlight had.

I heard Miko make a small noise; she sounded, and looked disappointed…

"Breakdown and Moonlight were gone when we woke up." Starlight was pressing a servo onto the side of her helm. "I… think I saw something in the sky, like a helicopter."

"Agent Flower?" I had to bite my lip-plates to stop myself from showing anything amusement-like. It was rude to disrespect Agent Fowler because of what he was to us… but it was kind of funny. I looked back at Aqua; she was glaring at Bumblebee shaking in clear amusement. Even Miko was covering her mouth, and her eyes were lighting up. "Whatcha laughin' at?"

"It's Fowler." I looked up at one of the human areas higher up. Agent Fowler was walking up, and he looked very unamused at Aquastrike's mispronunciation, whether it was an accident or not… "And it wasn't me." He gripped the railing tightly, looking at Bulkhead and Starlight. "But I have an idea who. Show me where this 'Con-napping occurred."

NORMAL P.O.V

Through the fluffy white clouds and patches of blue sky, the Nemesis flew through them all; a rare occurrence for the Decepticon Warship, as it usually appeared in almost stormy weather. Inside the Warship, however, remained the eerie darkness of evil, with a large group of Decepticons gathered inside the control centre of the ship.

"Lord Megatron. I fear Breakdown and Moonlight have gone missing," Starscream announced.

Rebecca Rose raised an eyebrow in confused interest on a nearby control panel; it had been made no secret throughout the Warship that Starscream and Moonlight's partnership had broken down significantly since Megatron had returned to his post. Unaware to him and Slipstream however, the enhanced human knew all too well the true reasoning, one that started with the Shadowzone incident she had been sworn to secrecy on.

"The Autobots." The statement came across as one of presumption rather than curiosity.

"According to surveillance provided by the astonishingly accurate Soundwave." The silver Seeker motioned at the silent Decepticon. "Breakdown and Moonlight were abducted by humans."

Rebecca broke out into a grin of amusement, "Moonlight? Abducted by humans?!"

"Your point?" Megatron's voice was the opposite of the enhanced humans'.

"My strongest recommendation: we assemble a rescue team to hunt the vermin responsible for this outrage." Starscream stood proudly, sharing a glance of smugness with his twin Seeker, who kept a neutral expression at the idea.

"Oh, we should go rescue them!" Rebecca was nearly out of breath from laughing. "So I can rub it in Moonlight's face about how she got captured by those little of her!"

Megatron's silence reigned for a long time, causing the giggling being to start going silent herself. The longer the silence grew, the more tense the room became, as they awaited their Leader's decision.

"Breakdown and Moonlight are on their own."

As Starscream sputtered in disbelief, Slipstream faced her leader, surprise growing evident on her features, "My Lord?"

"If Breakdown and Moonlight allowed themselves to be captured by those smaller than them, weaker than them, they deserve whatever fate awaits them."

"But Breakdown is a key player in our-" Starscream stopped himself from talking upon seeing the agitated movements and clenched teeth from his leader. "Your wisdom reigns supreme, Lord Megatron." He began retreating from the room with anger on his face. "For now."

The Seeker walked through the doors of the control centre, with plans already forming in his mind of going to rescue Breakdown and Moonlight himself. A clawed hand soon gripped on his wings, making him spin around in fright, fearing that Megatron had already figured out what he was going to do. His posture relaxed upon seeing his twin Seeker staring at him, highly unimpressed at his initial reaction to her.

"As much as I highly dislike the idea of Moonlight returning to the Warship-" Starscream was unsurprised by the admission. "-You and I are both aware that it will be a matter of time before Knock Out will begin asking the whereabouts of his partner."

"Great." The sudden voice made the twins look down. "Let's go already!"

"You are not leaving this Warship, Rebecca Rose." Said being immediately went to protest, but Slipstream's attention returned to Starscream. "Do not think for a moment that I am not aware of what you and Moonlight had enacted with that Dark Energon shard." The male Seeker gasped with widened eyes. "I would always follow my Lord with blind faith, however I cannot follow this particular one."

"My, my, Slipstream, are you growing a spark?" Rebecca tauntingly asked.

"I am also aware of your… adventure with the Autobots in the alternate dimension, Rebecca Rose. Do not test that boundary."

Rebecca folded her arms with annoyance, "Fine, fine, I get it. No leaving the ship." She returned a questioning look onto her face. "So, how are we going to save Dumb and Dumber the seconds without Megatron knowing, huh?"

If the pair of Seekers realised that Rebecca was immediately changing the subject so they wouldn't talk about an incident with the Autobots that she secretly enjoyed, they didn't show it.

Groans and mumbles came from the pair of Decepticon awakening, eyes searching over their new surroundings. Drilling machines circled the pair, as they began to realise their situation. They soon begin mumbling in a panic, discovering the bonds keeping them trapped to the large metal slabs they were resting on.

A door sliding open halted the pair's fighting, a trio of men stepping through with two of them armed with stun weapons.

"Filthy fleshlings! Who do you think you are?!"

"We are MECH." The unarmed man stepped forward. "And I am Silas."

Moonlight angled her head so she was looking at Silas, despite the top of her helmet barely grazing the top of her fellow Decepticons', "We're supposed to be threatened by you?"

Silas simply shrugged, "I captured you both."

"Subduing us with your human's stun weapons instead of doing it yourself isn't my version of 'capturing'," The black and pink Cybertronian scoffed.

"And yet, you're both here for my own purposes."

"Release us now and I will let you live!" Breakdown snapped.

"I'm afraid you are far too valuable to us."

The yellow-eyed Decepticon gave a hearty chuckle, "Megatron will never pay a ransom."

Moonlight would've shaken her head if she wasn't being closely monitored by the scar-covered human. She knew better than to consider the idea of her leader to come running to save herself and Breakdown - they were both on their own.

"Ohhh, you misunderstand; we don't want a ransom," Silas began to clarify, "We want only you. All of you, both of you."

WINDSWEPT P.O.V

Ratchet's monitors showed Earth, before zooming into a location near the top of it. The location signature turned red, "This is where we picked up Bulkhead and Starlight."

"The Kamchatka Peninsula in Eastern Russia." I looked at Agent Fowler; he and Miko had moved to the control centre the humans usually used when Ratchet needed them. "Much of it was abandoned twenty years ago when its volcano first erupted. My intel reported MECH activity there earlier today."

"MECH? You mean those techy guys?"

No wonder Starlight and Bulkhead didn't recognise the helicopters they had seen - they and 'Bee had yet to see MECH's mobility like the rest of us had… And they definitely were more than just the 'techy guys' Miko was calling them, considering they were chasing after some nuclear device when we first ran into them…

"The very ones who know of our existence on your planet." There was that important fact, too…

Bulkhead looked at Starlight, "They must have tracked one of us there."

"But what would they want with Breakdown and Moonlight?"

…I could feel my internal systems churning. I had an idea I was not keen on saying out loud, because the possibility of it was very real.

"Ahh, whar'sit matter an'way? Ain't like they're one of ours!"

"No they're not, so they can have them." Arcee waved off.

"Oh yeah, all theirs!"

…MECH have their grubby little servos on two Cybertronians… living machines… And what are MECH for? Discovering and utilising technology for their own twisted purposes! Does nobody realise that?!

Bulkhead started laughing, "Yeah. Dragged off by humans. Guess I softened him up for 'em, eh." He punched his fist into his servo for Miko, who looked away with a disinterested expression.

"It's like we all just forgot how we came across MECH to begin with." I could feel Sunburst's stoic stature change so he was leaning my way.

I folded my arms and nodded. We were the only ones not with the rest of the team and hanging around near the Groundbridge tunnel. It sometimes got too crowded around the control systems with all of us here. It was just one of those things for Sunburst and I - even if we were still in a weird place with each other - to just lay back and wait for when it felt time for us to enter the conversation.

I was highly considering speaking up at this point though, because how could nobody see how bad this situation was? Sure, I'm no fan of any Decepticon whatsoever, but letting them be an experiment for people who thrive on uncovering technology they can use for their own personal use, good or bad, was not okay.

And maybe I'd be one the side of the majority if it were Slipstream, but it wouldn't be the same to just hand her over and let them use her up to their spark's content. My vendetta with her was personal, just like Bulkhead and Breakdown, and Starlight with her split-spark. That was something I'd rather finish off myself than let anyone else get in the middle of… even though Sunburst and Aquastrike had their own issues with her.

But of course, that had nothing to do with the main point with the current situation.

"Ratchet, reactivate the previous Groundbridge coordinates. We will rescue Breakdown and Moonlight." You could always count on someone like Optimus to see some common sense in a situation like this.

"What?!"

"Optimus, you can't be serious."

"We're not going out there!"

"Ol' Prime's missin' his dang well processin' unit!"

"MECH can melt them down for all I care. Let the 'Cons rescue their own!"

I was beginning to have enough of everyone acting like this. "Are you guys serious?" There were glares thrown my way. "Did everyone forget the first time we encountered MECH, and what they were chasing after?"

"While Windswept's point stands-" It felt nice to actually be acknowledged, especially by my leader… who was my uncle… Primus, I still can't believe it. "-It is also unlikely that Megatron would bother with an errand of mercy."

That was a good point, too. Megatron would assume that Breakdown and Moonlight could rescue themselves if they got into trouble in the first place… and I don't think many of the Decepticons would be too thrilled with how they got captured, anyway.

"Okay… but this is Breakdown and Moonlight we're talking about." I just knew Arcee would let MECH have Airachnid all for themselves and more if the situation was different.

"Sometimes, we must rise above ourselves for the greater good."

"Awh, what's that supposed to mean?!" Bulkhead's tone was suddenly hostile. "Breakdown's gonna be grateful and go all soft and join the cause?"

"While it is unlikely that any Decepticon will choose the path of good, even they possess the potential for change."

Bulkhead let out a noise of frustration, "I knew where this was headed!"

Sometimes, Bulkhead's stubborn nature really bothered me because he didn't always see the full picture of everything. If he opened his optics that tiny bit more, maybe he'd understand exactly why he needed to rescue Breakdown.

"By the greater good, I meant humankind." Optimus had a subtle glare in his faceplates, not too obvious, but enough for Bulkhead to shake his helm in response. "MECH presents a clear and present danger."

"Living technology." Bulkhead glared at me for my input, also might be for the way my tone came out; I don't think he liked the sing-songy edge.

"Prime and 'Swept are right, two-ton." Agent Fowler moved to him. "We know MECH is obsessed with obtaining groundbreaking technology."

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

My optics landed on Starlight, who was silent, and really had been this whole time. While it was usually unsurprising, given that she was usually quiet anyway, I had thought she would've said something about the whole situation… considering it was her own split spark in trouble…

"Can I add a correction, Optimus?" My leader waved his arm to Sunburst. "Cybertronian biology fell into MECH's hands as soon as they caught Breakdown and Moonlight." He wasn't wrong.

"Which means we must rescue them urgently, as how much MECH learns will depend on how long they remain captured."

NORMAL P.O.V

Breakdown fought hard against the bonds pinning him down, grunting and groaning fiercely after having heard what Silas and his men intended to do to him. It was an idea he didn't like the sound of, but with the strong metal clasps around his lower arms and legs, his attempts to free himself were failing. Nearby him was the also captured Moonlight, who silently tried to slip her wrists out of the clasps to no avail.

"Full disclosure: we intend to pull you apart." The Decepticon pair grew quiet and still. "Lightly break you down, if you will. And we will utilize whatever we discover to develop a new generation of weaponry."

Silas clicked his fingers, the message received by two masked men, one with Breakdown and one with Moonlight. Drills and saws moved in front of the duo, making panicked looks spread across their faces.

Moonlight tried to shake herself out of the bonds once more, before clenching her teeth at the human figure walking down the steps, "Go ahead, human, do whatever you desire. I'm not scared of you." Her voice dipped into an almost whisper.

"Ohh, but you should be, as I'm afraid that neither you or your partner won't survive the process." Moonlight's jaw opened slightly. "So thank you in advance for your sacrifice. MECH is very much in your debt."

"You are making a very big mistake, little man," Breakdown warned, "When I'm finished with you, they'll have to scrape you off the floor."

"Since you both evidently aren't squeamish-" Silas bent down. "-I'll allow you to watch." He moved his head between his two soldiers. "Are their pain receptors disabled?" Two silent nods were his response. "Good. Then they won't make as much noise. Open them up."

The soldier standing on Breakdown motioned for one of the drills to come closer, grabbing it so he could activate it. The tool whirred to life, spinning closer and closer to the Decepticon's face. At the same time, the soldier beside Moonlight's head also moved a drill towards the side of her face, orange sparks flying from both Cybertronians as MECH's plans began…

WINDSWEPT P.O.V

"Come on, Bulk. You gotta go with!"

"Don't wanna."

Bulkhead was… being Bulkhead; stubborn and not reading the full picture of the situation. He really didn't seem to care that Breakdown was trapped and likely presenting MECH with our bio-circuitries and everything else medical Ratchet said sometimes. He was sitting with his arms crossed near Miko; she wasn't really thrilled about him staying back either.

Maybe she also figured out the severity of the situation… or maybe it was something else.

"Bulkhead."

He shook his head and faced my leader beside me. "Optimus, I'm sorry. I just can't do it." He was waving his arms about like a youngling…

"I support your choice." Bulkhead and Miko were spitting out gasps of disbelief. "Given your history with Breakdown, your judgment may be clouded. And thus, jeopardize the mission." I saw Arcee and Bulkhead stand on the other side of Optimus, while I could feel Aquastrike's presence near mine. "Besides, the Decepticons may be more in need of a medic than another warrior."

Ratchet walked up to me and Aquastrike with a tracker, "Locked and loaded, Optimus."

Sunburst was acting as 'Bridge operator because he had only come back from patrol not too long ago and needed a rest period. Besides, he could be a backup if Bulkhead still wasn't keen on coming out if we needed it.

…I looked towards Starlight, "Have you made up your mind?"

I understood why Bulkhead was reluctant to come with us, so I would understand if Starlight was still not eager too. I wouldn't be very keen to jump at the idea of rescuing Slipstream if it was her in MECH's little servos. But if humans could capture two strong Decepticon warriors for their own personal study, no way would I subject Slipstream - or any Decepticon, for that matter - to them.

They were clearly dangerous, let alone capable of anything if they were able to transport two Cybertronians and leave no trace of them behind. Who knows what they could be doing to them at this very moment, and what they plan to use their findings for.

Starlight loosened her folded arms, "I thought you would understand a little bit more, 'Swept."

I felt surprised by her words, "Star, I do, but-"

"My own split-spark betrayed me and chose the side of evil." I had to release a deep exhale. "I understand the need to rescue them; I can't bring myself to join you."

"Like Optimus said, you need to rise above yourself for the greater good," I quoted softly.

Starlight shrugged a shoulder pad, "My sister wouldn't do the same for me."

No… I believed she would regardless. I would, unfortunately, like to believe Slipstream would do the same for me if the roles were entirely reversed. All because I knew she would rather finish me off herself than let anyone else get in the way of that.

As much as I wanted to say all that to her, it just didn't feel worth it because when it came to Moonlight, it was like Starlight turned off her audio receptors. It was a conversation she just couldn't bring herself to have, because she already had this image of her in her mind, and she didn't want anyone to destroy it.

I could only sigh, "It's your choice." I couldn't shake off that feeling of disappointment…

"Autobots, roll out." I turned to the Groundbridge tunnel at Optimus' command, like everyone else, transforming into my vehicle mode and heading out.

This was going to be a weird mission…

NORMAL P.O.V

The Groundbridge portal powered down in front of who remained at the base, with Bulkhead watching solemnly at being benched by his leader.

"Fine. Happy hunting."

A sudden groan of complaint made the former Wrecker turn to his charge, whose arms were folded on the railing. She was facing away from her guardian, unable to show him her own disappointed expression. It was a sight that Starlight took in with thought.

"Uh… what do you say? Creature double feature?" Bulkhead waved his arms around.

"Sure."

"Whoa-ho!" Agent Fowler rubbed his hands together at the idea. "I'm in!"

Sunburst shared a look with Starlight, the former unable to decide which side he was on in this debate. He saw points from both sides, and understood the situation perfectly for Bulkhead and Starlight as he could also be stubborn, and be hesitant at the idea to save a spark of someone who had brought pain to him.

If asked, he would certainly be unsure of rescuing his own enemy if that was the situation…

WINDSWEPT P.O.V

We drove out of the Groundbridge and transformed back into our Cybetronian modes, activating our weapons in the probable case that there could've been someone or thing waiting for us.

I looked around; the atmosphere was dark, misty even. My optics locked onto something large that was sending out lots of black smoke… that must be the volcano Agent Fowler had mentioned. All the buildings around us were grey, abandoned as Agent Fowler had also said.

"No signs of life," Optimus reported, "Human or Cybertronian."

"Skid marks!" I turned to Bumblebee looking at some vehicle tracks heading in a direction to the left. "They go this way!" He wasn't a scout for no reason.

Aquastrike pointed her triple blasters in that direction, "We should follow 'em!"

My instincts were telling me they could be right. Surely, MECH would've had to transport Moonlight and Breakdown somehow-

"Forget the tracks, you two." There was beeping coming from Ratchet's tracker. "I'm picking up a faint Energon signal three clicks north-by-northwest," He pointed it to the direction he said.

"Breakdown and Moonlight."

Arcee was facing me, "But we shouldn't be getting a reading unless…"

A cold shiver went through me, "Their Energon's been leaked."

Which meant MECH were well into searching for whatever they wanted and needed for whatever they had planned… we had to find them as soon as possible…

NORMAL P.O.V

Screams and screeches loudly sounded from the television, the screen showing a large dinolizard breathing out fire onto a nearby building as a five-headed ape spat an attack at its' opponent. As the humans from the movie screamed in terror, snores came from the couch in front of the television, the Autobot liaison known as Agent Fowler sprawled out, sleeping loudly.

Bulkhead, Sunburst and Starlight were seated behind him, the former Wrecker invested in the film alongside his yellow teammate. Beside them was the usually quiet Starlight, who's attention was on the Groundbridge tunnel, hand resting on the side of her face thoughtfully.

The army-green Autobot glanced back at his charge a few times on a high platform beside him, eventually realising she was disinterested in the movie, "Dinolizard vs Five-Headed Ape: you're missing the smack down."

Miko pulled a face, "No, you're missing the smack down." Her guardian responded with a confused expression. "Which stinks, because Breakdown's your arch enemy." The girl stood up and looked at Starlight, who had also turned her attention to the human. "And Moonlight is yours! Not Optimus', not 'Swepts' and definitely not MECH's."

Bulkhead sighed, "Miko, you don't understand. Breakdown and me… we go way back. You have no idea the things he's done." The anger for his fierce competitor forced him to look away and recollect himself. "I am not rescuing him, okay? Not now, not ever."

"'Swept is going to have my head, so please don't tell her I encouraged this, or even brought it up." The two Autobots looked at Sunburst. "But, do you remember when she was in Megatron's mind getting that plague cure for Optimus? Do you remember what she told Megatron if he had let Optimus offline?"

"If he allowed him to die in the real world, Megatron wouldn't have his own chance to do it himself," Starlight remembered.

"Exactly. You allow MECH to take those opportunities of enacting your 'revenge' on Breakdown and Moonlight away." Starlight looked the sunburst-yellow Autobot up and down as if she was trying to recognise who was saying words she didn't think she'd hear the person before her say. "You're allowing Optimus and the others to rescue him instead, when really, it should be you both."

"Duh!" The Autobot trio glanced up at Miko. "Sourshine's right! You don't need to bromance him, Bulk! You just need to beat him!"

"Uh… what?"

"No rescue, no rematch."

Bulkhead gaped at the idea his friend had presented, and looked at the Groundbridge tunnel with thought. Breakdown was his enemy, one he would very much like to deal with and finish off himself. If someone got to him first, he wouldn't have a chance to even get a rematch with him.

"Never thought I'd agree with someone like Miko." Said being made a noise of annoyance.

Starlight watched Bulkhead move from his spot, and stood up. Moonlight was not only her enemy, she was her split-spark. She needed to bring her back from danger, so she could continue their fight against each other for who was right in this war.

Sunburst pulled down the Groundbridge controls, "If you tell 'Swept about me convincing you into a fight, I'll never forgive you."

The pair of Cybertronians only smirked their answer and transformed into the vehicle forms. Racing through the portal, they returned to their last location, and returned to their Cybertronian forms. Surveying either side, the former Wrecker soon spotted tire tracks driving into the abandoned city. With a shared look of determination, the pair returned to their vehicle forms and immediately followed the tracks.

WINDSWEPT P.O.V

It felt like we'd been tracking after this signal forever, when in reality, I knew it could've been less than a joor. If MECH's intentions were to make sure we'd be chasing after this Energon pulse for as long as possible, then they were doing something right… even though what they were probably doing to Breakdown and Moonlight was so wrong…

…Even if they were 'Cons…

I looked over at Ratchet holding the tracker out, "This way." He continued onwards, which prompted us to go with him.

Bumblebee, Arcee and I moved ahead to come up to a large building. Arcee went to the edge of it first, and peaked around the corner for us. She suddenly raced forwards, so 'Bee and I followed her towards this large abandoned house. I ducked to the right to join Arcee in shielding ourselves behind some fencing, with 'Bee on the left. She gave us a nod, which gave the signal for us to check the area again. I leapt over the fencing to take over in leading the way; no doubt Arcee and 'Bee were following.

Optimus and Aquastrike were keeping Ratchet covered behind us; because he was the medical officer of the group, he was more valuable, for both us and the 'Cons. Whatever mission we faced, if he was with us, we had to protect him at all costs. The same would apply to Starlight if she was here, though she could handle herself too if something forced her servo.

We stopped at the front of a big house - I think it's called a mansion - around this dried up decorative piece, like one of those fancy water things. Foundation? Ugh, sometimes, I could do with Carly being around at base to help me identify these things.

The beeping suddenly becoming quicker made me look at Ratchet, "Readings coming from right… here." There was something on the centrepiece of this decorative thing, which made him bend down to inspect.

I heard an audible gulp, so I turned to Aquastrike, "Think ah might know what that thang is."

"Breakdown's eye."

I gulped.

NORMAL P.O.V

A black and green car slowly drove through the abandoned city, dust kicking up as it continued onwards. In the shadows nearby, two Cybertronian figures stepped out, glancing at each other knowingly at the vehicle that had driven by.

"MECH."

The car drove down the centre of a pair of train tracks, and into a tunnel, blissfully unaware of the two Autobots chasing after it. They stopped at the opening, one activating his blaster weapon, and the other pulling out a knife from her side hilt, and cautiously wandered in…

WINDSWEPT P.O.V

"Whaddya doin'?" How could Aquastrike sound so casual asking that question?

That was somebody's optic Ratchet was just… putting into his scanner?!

Primus, I might vomit up my Energon from this morning…

The optic lit up, and presented some data on the scanner, "The optic receptors might have obtained the final images seen." Ratchet pressed a button underneath the scanner screen.

I gasped; there was a human in view.

"What do you know? Weird science wins again."

I would've rolled my optics at Arcee if I still wasn't repressing the urge to vomit; seeing that human on the screen didn't help my internal systems feel any better… nor did the drill swirling towards the screen… sparks flying everywhere… blurring the view. The screen suddenly blanked out, which made Ratchet and Arcee gasp, and then returned…

There was a man on the screen; though the screen didn't show a lot of colour on it, it looked like the human had some really nasty scarring on his face. Clearly, he'd been through some stuff. "Well, well, Optimus Prime. A pleasure to set eyes on you again."

"He's converted the optics to a two-way feed." Ratchet sounded highly unamused.

"I'm getting a really bad feeling about this," I couldn't help muttering.

There was a comforting servo on my shoulderpads, "And you must be Silas."

"In the flesh," Silas responded to my leader, "But being that our captives are not two of yours, I have to admit, I was expecting Megatron."

It was as we had discussed back at base; Megatron wouldn't go running after his soldiers to get them out of trouble. He'd expect them to get themselves out of whatever situation they were in. Even if it were 'Cons like Starscream or Slipstream, he wouldn't move a single digit for them. "Megatron wouldn't bother planning a rescue mission for soldiers capable of escaping the trouble they found themselves in."

"Funny you should mention, as Breakdown assumed the same idea." I wasn't really fussed on being on the same side as a Decepticon, but considering the situation, that wasn't important.

"In this circumstance, Autobots and Decepticons share a common foe," Optimus added.

"MECH is anything but common. Our guests are yielding quite a bit of information about your biomechanics, as you can see." So many drills, and so many saws… "Although Breakdown himself can't see so well anymore, and Moonlight can't hear any better."

So this was Breakdown's optic we had connected to the scanner…

"We don't fear you."

"Oh, but you should," Silas warned Ratchet, "In fact, I would strongly urge that you not stand your ground."

"Not stand our ground." I moved my optics off the scanner. It felt like a trick, that Silas had planned something for us…

Something red caught my vision; there was something in the gutter underneath the fountain… the red were numbers… that were ticking down…

Oh scrap.

"He dang well set a trap!"

"Would this be a roll out kind of trap?" Arcee certainly had her way of saying things at certain times…

"Evacuate now!"

We began sprinting away from the area, transforming into our vehicle forms once we'd moved further enough away. The bomb suddenly exploded behind us, its force sending us off the ground. I had to transform in order to land safely back on my feet, otherwise I probably would've landed weirdly, and probably a little painfully. Everyone else must've done the same, because there was metal scraping along the ground around me.

I looked up at the orange flames in front of us, destroying the area we had just been standing in… any later than Optimus' call to evacuate and we would've been more than just burning with it…

I suppressed the cold urge to shudder.

"So, any idea where they're keeping the rest of Breakdown and Moonlight?"

"Dunno 'bout all'a y'all, ah'm jus' wonderin' if we shoulda followed them tire tracks when we saw 'em," Aquastrike shrugged at Bumblebee, who was nodding his head up and down in no doubt agreement.

This lead had clearly been MECH's ploy to try and destroy us to claim more 'technology'. The tracks we saw were almost definitely the lead we should've followed this whole time. Those humans were something else…

I just hope we won't be too late to save Breakdown and Moonlight… Primus, that'll be something I'll never hope for again…

"We're still gon' risk our sparks for 'em?"

I rolled my optics, "Aqua…"

"Ahhh, was just jokin' an' all…" I probably wasn't the only one glaring at her, based on her sudden look away from me, "Kinda."

NORMAL P.O.V

Scars adorned the surrounding area of where Breakdown's eye used to be, nothing left except for bio-circuits; it was an injury he could not feel physically, but one he knew he would eventually feel for the rest of his days. Around his body, the soldiers of MECH continued their work around his body, drills still pressing into his armour and saws also cutting into him.

It was a similar sight for Moonlight, who was now missing her right audio receptor on the side of her head. She had long given up fighting against her bonds; if it weren't for her knowledge that MECH had yet to touch her vocal recorder, she would've assumed she would've lost her voice.

Silas appeared before the pair, "Enjoying the view? Ironically, your would-be rescuers may be in more pieces than you right now."

"Decepticons don't break that easy!" Breakdown grunted.

"Who said they were Decepticons?"

Through the muffled, barely audible voice that Moonlight could hear, she was able to make out the humans words, giving him a confused look, "Autobots wouldn't waste their sparks on us."

A sudden clanging sound deep within the tunnel halted the work of MECH, quickly followed by more metallic clashes. The soldier standing behind Silas pulled up a security camera feed on the orange screens, his leader turning to them immediately. Multiple members of their organisation stood or raced at the sealed door, weapons in their hands to be ready for whatever was creating the large dents in their door. Suddenly, it caved in, revealing the two Cybertronians MECH had planned to take had they not been caught light with their resources.

"Marco!" The army-green former Wrecker called out, swinging his mace around at the fleeing soldiers.

His pink and white masked teammate leapt over him onto the ground, leg swooping around to knock any nearby soldiers off their feet. She looked at her teammate amusingly, "The correct answer is Polo!"

"More grist for the mill," Silas mused, glancing at his projects before walking out the doorway he had originally entered from.

Within the tunnel, the two Autobots continued their charge, armed with their weapons and ready for what more was coming. Upon turning the corner, they paused at what was before them; Moonlight and Breakdown strapped onto the train tracks, experimental weapons at their sides.

Moonlight twisted her helm up at the sight with Breakdown, as Bulkhead stepped forward and deactivated his weapon back into his hand.

"It must be your lucky day."

Expecting the killing blow from the Autobot, Breakdown closed his lone optic and waited for the final punch. Instead, the metal clasps that had kept his arms and legs pinned were ripped off from his body, "W-W-What are you doing?"

"Helping you both escape," Starlight answered, moving to her elder sister's side as soon as her teammate had torn her metal bonds off.

Breakdown looked at Bulkhead's outstretched hand in surprise, the latter giving a shrug, "Yeah. I don't believe it either." With hesitance, the blue Decepticon took the hand, allowing his longtime enemy to help him onto his feet. "Can you walk?"

"I think so," Breakdown replied, closing up his forced-open chest plates.

Starlight gripped Moonlight's shoulders, "Are you able to get up?"

She was met with a bewildered expression, "What?"

"Moon, I know we're enemies, but you're still my split-spark," The small Autobot explained, "Now, can you stand up?"

"Dear sister, you're already a quiet being, why are you nearly silent today?!"

Starlight gave the black and pink highlighted Decepticon a confused expression, locking her eyes onto the side of her sister's face where her audio receptor would usually be. Gasping in realisation, she moved to her other side and gripped her shoulders again, "Can you hear me now?"

"Unfortunately." Keeping the annoyed look off her face, Starlight pulled her sister up onto her feet and watched her reach for the now missing audio receptor. "Explains why I'm half deaf, I guess." She watched her sister smirk. "How nice of you to come rescue me, little sister."

The Autobot folded her arms, "If it weren't for the fact that you were being harmed by this human organisation… along with you being my split-spark, I wouldn't have spared my time."

Moonlight smirked, "I knew you loved me."

Alarms began blaring, red lights started flashing, making the four Cybertronians look around. They quickly realised it was time to escape.

Bulkhead turned his head to Breakdown, "Can you run?"

"Never run when you can fight." The Decepticon activated his hammer.

"Just keep that thing pointed away from me, alright?" The former Wrecker gently shoved the weapon away.

"Are you still armed?" The elder Light sibling held up her knives, showing she still had her full set, making the younger nod. "Bulkhead and I will take the lead." The Autobot quickly took off into a sprint with her fellow teammate.

Breakdown and Moonlight glanced at each other, uncertain over what had just taken place, before the latter shook her head and placed her mouth shield on her face. Breakdown watched her run after the Autobot pair, before also joining the group in fleeing the area.

A group of soldiers fired at the Cybertronians, hitting the group's armour. Bulkhead and Starlight blocked the shots with their arms as they approached them.

"Creature double feature coming at ya!" Bulkhead swung his weapon to the ground, setting up the dust on the ground to cover himself and the others as they continued.

The four left the tunnel in time for more gunshots to head their way from multiple MECH vehicles. More firepower from above made Breakdown shield himself, before activating his shoulder cannon upon the green and black-striped vehicles on the ground. He was able to hit one to make it spin out and crash into a nearby power pole before landing on its roof.

"Surely you 'Bots wouldn't have come running after Breakdown and I without having some escape plan?" Moonlight continued to shield herself.

Bulkhead faced her, "Yep, but you're not gonna like it." He reached for his audio receptor. "Bulkhead to Optimus, rendezvous to mine and Starlight's coordinates. We're in need of backup."

The Decepticon pair glared with annoyance at the answer, as more blaster fire from the ground and aerial vehicles continued. Breakdown grabbed the car he destroyed, swinging it at a nearby helicopter. Black smoke and orange flames immediately came from the collision, before the former Stunticon raced away to deal with another incoming MECH attack.

"Cover me?" Back-to-back with her sister, Starlight overlooked her shoulder at the question. "Can't hear very well in case you didn't know."

"I will attack the ground forces." The Autobot lifted an arm to shield herself. "You can have the helicopters."

"Sharing is caring, little sister."

The battle between the Cybertronians and MECH grew fierce, as the Autobots and Decepticons worked together to destroy the endless incoming forces. Bulkhead smashed his weapon onto a ground vehicle, sending it bouncing into another one, while Moonlight stabbed her knife into the roof of another. With the vehicle still attached, she lifted her weapon up to throw the vehicle into a helicopter, exploding upon impact. Her younger sibling was less eager to harm human life, performing less harmful manoeuvres to stop them.

Breakdown looked at a trio of helicopters, his lone eye locking onto the centre one. A weapon appeared from its underbelly, beginning to wound up in anticipation to strike. It quickly fired, heading to his rescuer who had collapsed onto the ground from the overwhelming firepower.

Inside the helicopter controlling the energy missile launcher, Silas watched the control pad next to the flight controls. It beeped, confirming it was ready to launch. The pilot pressed a button that fired the energy missile towards the fallen Bulkhead, until he was tackled out of the way by the Decepticon he had saved. The missile struck a vehicle that had been behind the former Wrecker instead, and exploded any nearby vehicles.

The brute Cybertronians skidded onto the ground and sat up to see the damage made. They shared a brief glance at each other before they were attacked by more firepower from MECH. Together, the pair got up to return to action, joining the female Cybertronians in destroying their shared enemy that had circled them, unaware that the weapon on Silas' helicopter was getting ready to strike again.

Sudden beeping made the pilot look at his tracker, showing many red flashing dots heading into their area, "Sir, incoming bogies!"

Silas narrowed his eyes in thought, before bringing his walkie-talkie to his mouth, "All units, disengage and initiate Omega protocols." He took the device away from his face with frustration in knowing he had come close to recapturing his projects.

The helicopters flew away from the scene, quickly followed by many vehicles, leaving the four Cybertronians standing in an area now littered with small fires and plumes of smoke rising around them. As the noises of MECH disappeared, they were quickly replaced by more aerial noises.

Breakdown glanced at Bulkhead and Starlight, "Your backup?"

A fleet of aerial jets flew into the area, transforming into Cybertronians in front of the group.

"Commander Starscream?"

"Commander Slipstream?"

The silver, red highlighted Seeker stepped forward, "Consorting with the enemy, Breakdown and Moonlight?"

The blue Decepticon looked back at his rescuers, "But Bulkhead and Starlight got us out of there!"

"We are… grateful for your assistance to the Decepticon cause." Slipstream overlooked her fellow female Decepticon, amused by the situation.

Starscream looked at his soldiers, "Now, destroy them."

Breakdown faced his sworn enemy with hesitance, turning back to his commander, "But you d-"

"Do you plan on joining their ranks anytime soon?" Starscream interrupted, "No? Then be done with it already!"

Breakdown returned his attention onto the Autobot, taking time to think about his next actions. Despite the gratefulness he was feeling for his rescuer, he had a reputation to uphold as a Decepticon. "Tough break, Bulkhead." He activated his hammer. "Maybe in the next life."

He swung his weapon towards the Autobot, who was able to dodge and reactivate his mace weapon. The latter swung his weapon down to send the Decepticon onto the ground.

"DESTROY HIM!" The Seeker was quickly hit by the Autobot's weapon, flying onto the ground behind his Vehicons.

Slipstream narrowed her eyes at the silent pair of Moonlight and Starlight, "Moonlight, that was an order." The continued hesitation from her soldier made the bulkier Seeker prepare her missile towards the Autobot. "You do not want to end your sister? I would be more than thrilled to do it myself."

Seeing her split-spark grow nervous over the threat, Moonlight swung an arm to her Commandar to knock her over, "Ugh, shut up." She unsheathed a knife with an evil smirk to counter the confused expression directed at her. "You only get your life saved by me once, sister. Be grateful."

"Moon, please. You're not one of them-"

"What am I, Starlight?! You should assume if you know me that well!"

"You're my sister."

"HAMMER TIME!" The Decepticon's facial expressions changed at the warrior cry of Bulkhead, as he swung Breakdown into the crowd of Vehicons and punched his fists together, "Come on! I'll scrap all of you!" He glowered at Moonlight. "You're next!"

WINDSWEPT P.O.V

"Leave some of 'em for me!" Typical Aquastrike.

When we got Bulkhead's call to get to his and Starlight's location, I wouldn't say I wasn't surprised… more like, overjoyed with pride for them coming out and taking the high road in saving Breakdown and Moonlight. I had no doubts that was what they were doing; Optimus had initially benched them, after all.

I could see Starscream and Slipstream looking ready to go after my friends, so I sped up my running. Aquastrike must've thought of doing the same as me, because she was speeding in her vehicle form up to them with her activated blasters. The 'Cons were not exactly happy to see us, but they must've known they were outnumbered because they started fleeing in their jet forms out of the area with their dumb drones. Breakdown suddenly got up and smacked Bulkhead in his chassis before transforming after them.

Moonlight looked like she was planning on saying to Starlight, though she also transformed and followed Breakdown too. It was like she thought better of it.

I heard Optimus deactivate his weapons, "Engaging the enemy on your own was even more foolish this time, Bulkhead and Starlight. But I am honored that you both saw fit to rescue your rivals." He sounded so proud. "You have truly risen above yourselves."

"Did ya see? I beat Breakdown and bashed 'em all with his own hammer! I won the rematch!"

…Right, he clearly had figured out that reason why he had to come and rescue Breakdown. I shared a knowing look with Arcee and Bumblebee, "Of course, that's what he gets out of it."

"Ol' Missy Miko's gon' be real proud of ya!" Aquastrike slammed her servo onto Bulkhead, though he seemed to be paying more focus on where Breakdown had gone too.

"You okay, Starlight?" I looked over at Star; she appeared to be contemplating something… I hope she wasn't thinking too hard about Moonlight.

She lifted her helm to 'Bee, "I'm okay… I was wondering about… what intel MECH got from Moonlight and Breakdown."

"Breakdown lost an eye and Moonlight lost an audio receptor," Arcee mused, "Can only imagine what else they got from them thanks to that decoy location."

If I didn't know Starlight any better than I did, I wouldn't have assumed she was saying one thing and thinking something completely different. But… I wasn't going to demand she tell us what she was thinking. She and Bulkhead had gone through a bit tonight; they needed to rest and so did we…

We could worry about MECH and their findings another time, whenever they next turn up… I didn't know if I wanted it to be sooner or later, for many reasons I didn't want to name…

NORMAL P.O.V

Two ground vehicles were speeding along the dirt road when the larger, blue off roading vehicle was forced to brake into a spin to avoid hitting a low flying jet. The second vehicle, a motorcycle, skidded to a stop alongside him.

"One day, you will repay your debt to me, Breakdown and Moonlight," The raspy voice of Starscream began, "The day it comes time to choose sides."

Breakdown transformed with confusion, "Between Bots and 'Cons?"

"Between myself and Megatron." Moonlight joined her fellow Decepticon in standing incredulously at the clarifying statement, "Incidentally, I suggest that Megatron never know of this… rescue." She watched with Breakdown as the silver jet circled them. "You do want him to think you both overcame the puny humans on your own… don't you?"

Starscream flew off without another word, vapour trails being left in his wake as his soldiers watched on in wonder. They were unaware of a purple and blue jet hovering high above behind them, who had also heard the threatening words that had been said.

"The test subjects escaped, but we managed to sanitize the location and transfer most of the newly acquired data to another facility."

The orange screen showed the bioengineering of the two projects MECH had been able to acquire for a brief time. On the left of the schematics was a clear image of another Cybertronian, one named Optimus Prime.

"Our diagnostic scans of the subject's vital components were thorough enough for us to initiate Project Chimera." Silas rested back into his chair in thought. "The power of the living machines will someday soon belong to MECH."