Okay, so I'm adding more changes here, with some more interactions with the Autobots, since I realized I didn't give enough time in the first version where the first three chapters were quite rushed. I don't want to rush this, I would rather build everything up in its own pace.

I hope you can enjoy this chap nevertheless!

Warnings: I don't own Transformers Prime or its characters, I only own my OCs!

Chapter 3: Decepticon ship

...

Halo POV

"Don't be out for long! I will need a servo in...!" Ratchet called after us but we were already storming through the ground-bridge into the open. The vast blue sky was a nice contrast to the dusty surface of the terrain which surrounded us in Nevada.

Bumblebee took the lead and I followed suit, Bulkhead taking the rear with a deep chuckle. I could hear the metal music screaming from his radio, much to Miko's enthusiasm.

My decisions rarely aligned with Crossflare's wishes and I was aware that coming back here from day to day was a great mistake which I will deeply regret later, but for now I had no intention to let go of this little freedom and also my little secret. Mercy and Crossflare had no clue about what I was doing while I was away from home and they had no idea about where I was either.

The first time Miko called me, I was truly surprised. We exchanged comm-numbers during my stay on their base while I was waiting to heal. I didn't expect to use this number for anything in the future though. But here it was: an opportunity I couldn't refuse. She invited me and I happily tagged along.

Maybe I should have talked about this to Mercy. She would keep my secret and would at least know where to search for me if something went wrong, but...it was risky. I know Crossflare wouldn't be happy to hear about it and while I know she can't restrict me for real, I didn't want her to learn about this. She would be so disappointed...

So I returned. Every day. I came through that portal and welcomed everyone with a big grin, ready for fun. When the Autobots were on patrol, I always escorted one of them and we kept chatting on our way. Arcee wasn't as open-minded as the others and she warned me more than once that I shouldn't keep secrets from my friends. She was like my conscience talking... So I started not to be around her that much.

Bumblebee and Bulkhead were welcoming, just like the kids, and especially Miko. I grew to like that little human girl, I have to admit.

Optimus was very patient with me and I've already realized that I shouldn't be afraid of him. I noticed that he had this father-figure role in the team and was more of a family member than a military leader. This didn't make the others any less respectful though. He was cherised and beloved by everybody.

The little funny games and chats I had with the team in or outside the base caused this warm feeling inside my spark to increase and I've grown to like all of the kids to the point where I would drive them around if they asked. Funny how quickly you grow to like people you've just met. Or I was just really craving some social interaction.

These eventful days soon came to an end, because I was careless and stupid. I shouldn't have done this so conspicuously. It was only a matter of time until Crossflare got suspicious of me and she did.

Now I had to face her wrath. Or rather the disappointment in her optics I didn't wish to see. We drove home in utter silence which was killing me and she didn't say anything when we entered the hangar. Mercy was worriedly sitting in her station and her expression only got more worried when she saw Crossflare's dark aura.

"Look CF, I'm sorry," I started, unable to keep my mouth shut any longer, "I'm a total jerk for not telling you I know..."

"When have I ever lied to you?" she asked quietly, her fists clenched, "Why were you deceiving us? What was the point?"

Her piercing optics bore into mine when she turned around and I penitently stared at the ground. I had no excuses. I was stupid and I admitted it.

After not replying for what felt like hours, she asked almost inaudibly:

"Did you join them?"

I jerked my gaze up, taken aback by the question. What was she thinking? Did she really believe I would go there every day because I've decided to join them? That would be unexpected, even from me. But judging by Mercy's shocked reaction, she was also doubting me.

"No! Never! Why would I! Of course not!" I snapped, trying to sound confident.

None of them looked convinced. Crossflare shook her head and let out an exasperated sigh when she turned away and retreated into the shadows of her station.

"Please...CF..." I reached after her, trying to come up with something for a proper apology but words escaped my reach. I didn't know what to do.

"Halo. The best you can do right now is go and recharge," she replied quietly, transforming into her alt-mode and powering down for the night.

I looked at Mercy who quickly caught her gaze away before she asked:

"What did you do?"

"Something stupid..." I mumbled, closing my optics for a moment to think over what happened. Yeah, I screwed up.

Retreating into my own station in my alt-mode, I wondered how will I be able to power down. My conscience tormented me all night, tirelessly, making it impossible to fall into recharge. Did I really need this today? I don't think so.

About 8 am, my comm-link pinged and I growled in annoyance when I saw the caller. Miko. What could she possibly want right now? It's early in the morning! I ignored the beeps but after ten minutes of constant ringing I decided to pick up the call.

"What is it? I'm not in the..."

"Halo! We need you!"

I fell into surprised silence. The despair and urge in her voice got a hold on my attention and my spark jumped in concern.

"What happened?"

"Quickly! Bring Crossflare over, we open a bridge for you! There is no time!"

"B-but wait, what do you need her for?" I transformed, rising to my full height.

"There is a virus and we don't have a cure for it. We need her!"

A virus? My spark was hammering now. Flashbacks flooded my mind and I saw myself in the mirror of my room, my frame dull and gray from the effects of the virus that attacked me. Crossflare saved me. She found a cure.

Without a second of hesitation I ran over to her station and tapped urgently on her hood. There is no time to waste. If someone can find a cure to any kind of virus, it's her.

She came online within matter of seconds and she mumbled incomprehensible things before she sleepily transformed into bipedal mode.

"Halo, what in the name of Solus are you..."

"Quick! You are needed!" I grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her along. Mercy stirred in her recharge and peeked out when we passed by.

"Hey, hey, what is going on? Calm down and explain!" Crossflare released her servo and stopped in the open doorway. I could clearly see the confusion on her face.

"The Autobots are in trouble. It's a virus...only you can help," I was practically begging her, knowing how big of a favor I was asking right now.

She stared at me with wide optics, processing the words I just said. Mercy appeared next to her, completely awake by now and worriedly glancing from her to me.

"Please...if someone can find a cure...it's you..." I was struggling not to cry right in front of them. If anybody knew what it felt like to fall apart - without help to come - from a virus that consumes you from the inside, it was me.

Determination settled on Crossflare's face, a similar expression I had seen when she told me back then,I will save you. Everything will be alright.

"Show the way," she said, lifting a mountain off my shoulders.

Crossflare POV

I looked over Optimus and the ulcers on his face as he lay helplessly on the medical berth that barely fit his size. Third stadium of infection. At this point if he is not treated soon, there will be no way back.

Mercy and Halo both had a painful grimace on their faces at the sight. I can't blame them. We had tragic experiences with all kinds of viruses during the war.

"Get back, for your own safety," I shepherded them away and joined Ratchet's side who was already examining a sample of the Prime's energon.

"Have you found anything to start off from?" I asked, inspecting the readings.

"Not much, only...what? What is going on?" he was disturbed by Arcee's voice over the comm-link and I took his place to let him concentrate on the call.

Trying to exclude the disturbing surroundings of the base, I focused on the construction of the virus. It was a tough one. I believe I've seen this before. It killed millions during the war, many of the Neutrals as well. Numerous other medics and chemists like me were trying to find a cure, without results. We never found one. But Sidewire, I and our team have created a medicine that can slow down the progress and numb some of the pain. If I could recreate that...it would buy some time for Optimus.

Without hesitating any longer I went for Ratchet's laboratory tools in the med-bay and a glass of medical energon. I could only hope he has the ingredients I need to make my medicine work.

"Can I help?" Halo appeared beside me, ready to be of assistance just like in the past. She still remembered how hopeless her situation was at the time when she was the victim of an other virus.

"Yes," I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Please turn that computer on and search the database forinticyllinum."

Mercy POV

Entering someone else's mind sounded creepy enough but to volunteer? Bumblebee sure had courage to even suggest anything like that.

Looking back to where Crossflare and Halo left, I could only pray that they are faster than Arcee and Bumblebee, wherever they were. Just seeing Optimus in that state turned my tank upside down. I wished I could do anything but like always, I was helpless and could only watch.

The strange journey through Megatron's mind only convinced me of the fact that this Decepticon leader was exactly as fearsome as the rumors claimed. Seeing him for the first time wasn't really a pleasant experience. In comparison to Optimus, Megatron wasn't appealing in appearance and the way he tried to cut Bumblebee down with his blade further proved that he wasn't very friendly either.

Then Megatron stirred from oblivion.

Was it possible at all? To be conscious while you are unconscious? It sounded bizarre.

"Bumblebee, we are out of time!" Ratchet urged him and Arcee as well when things began to turn for the worse.

"Maybe not!" Crossflare and Halo turned up suddenly with a syringe full of a dark blue liquid.

"By Primus, what is that?" the medic narrowed his optics at them and Crossflare gave him a reassuring smile.

"Not a cure, but it will gain him some time. Let me inject it and it will soothe his pain."

"Are you certain it's safe?"

"I would put my license on the line," she nodded confidently and a proud smile crossed my face. Crossflare rarely failed. Her medicines were by far the most safe and well-constructed ones, I would vouch for her.

Ratchet nodded with a serious expression and my friend stepped to the berth, placing a hand on Optimus' arm when she injected the serum into his energon line. The Prime groaned quietly and we watched with desperate hope as his pained expression slowly softened.

"We gained a little time," Bulkhead remarked with slight relief in his voice.

"Don't be happy yet," Ratchet turned back to the screens, refocusing his attention on the other problem that needed to be solved.

Megatron and Bumblebee were arguing and it seemed like Bumblebee managed to convince Megatron because he gave in and extended a servo. A cube like formula appeared over his palm, unreadable to me. But he withdrew it a second later, refusing to give it to Bumblebee without his own conditions.

Suddenly Ratchet took over the control, rewinding the footage.

"Arcee, we have the formula! Disconnect Bumblebee now!" he yelled over the comm-link and a second later the dark world of Megatron's mind began to fall apart.

"Bulkhead! Open a bridge for them!" Ratchet pointed towards the controller and the big mech hurried to obey. We all turned to the opening portal with worried but hopeful stares until Bumblebee dashed through with happy beeps, followed by Arcee who landed confidently with a victorious smile on her face.

"Thank the Allspark," I whispered in relief. They all made it.

"Quickly, we still have to bring the formula to life," Ratchet gestured towards Crossflare and they passed by us in hurry towards the med-bay.

"Megatron is no more," Arcee proudly looked up at the kids who stared back in surprise.

"What do you mean?" Jack asked.

"I shot the life-cord out of his chest. He won't get up anymore, hopefully," she smirked.

Miko jumped up in joy and the boys gave each other a high-five. I couldn't smile however. Even if he was an enemy, I could never be happy about someone's death. It somehow felt wrong to kill someone on their death bed, even if their death is an eventual outcome.

Halo stayed beside Optimus, watching him lie almost lifelessly, barely functioning. I walked up to her, placing a servo on her shoulder.

"Memories?"

"Yeah...I know what it feels like to be in his place," her optics wandered over the Prime's figure, then she looked at me.

"Do you think I've made a bad decision?"

Not knowing how to answer that, I hugged her.

"Come on, we can think about that later."

She wasn't satisfied with my answer, I could feel it.

"But...I don't think anyone will scold you for helping to save a life."

This however, put her spark at ease.

Halo POV

Ratchet and Crossflare have worked through the afternoon, not moving away from each other's side. The formula was ready when the sun set under the horizon. Without my friend's medicine they might have had less time. We would never know.

The result was one dose of anti-virus which the medic carefully injected into the Prime's energon line. It didn't show any effect immediately but after half an hour the ulcers disappeared and Optimus could speak clearly again.

Happiness filled the air when he finally rose from the berth with the help of Ratchet and Crossflare from both sides. Everybody gave him a loud applause. He earned it. Very few had the luck to survive this virus.

"Please. Reserve the hero's welcome for my physician, my scout and our chemist ally.

The applause immediately turned towards Ratchet and Crossflare, then Bumblebee, who had the greatest part in this victory. He deserved the praise. Very few would go this far for their leader, but he did it without a second thought.

We left the party at that, understandably, given that we arrived here out of schedule. Funny how the Autobots promised to help us out in any need and we were the ones coming to their rescue. Thinking of it, now we were even. Not in debt to anyone.

When we arrived back to our yard, I awkwardly scratched the back of my head, recalling how our last night ended. I still haven't apologized properly.

"I almost forgot how good it feels to do...what you were destined to do," Crossflare stopped in the doorway of the hangar. Mercy and I exchanged puzzled looks but our friend's pleased smile surprised us both when she turned around, "Halo, I'm not angry with you. I'm worried, yes, I will always be. But you did well today."

She shrugged helplessly. The smile didn't disappear from her face.

"Sorry for acting so awful sometimes."

I was speechless. Why is she saying sorry? I should be the one! I had no idea what to answer to this turn of events.

The tense silence was broken when Mercy pulled us into a big team-hug, giggling cheerfully.

"Who is hungry, because I've been starving since the morning!"

Crossflare and I followed her while laughing together. No matter what obstacles we faced, nothing ever could divide us, I was sure about that.

Even through difficulties, we would always come back and make up and be there for each other. Like a family.

To get my share of work done, I've spent the rest of the week with them, harvesting energon and telling stories about my time spent with the Autobots. Even Crossflare flashed a smile here and there. She wasn't so hostile towards them anymore but she still warned me to be cautious. Especially patrols bothered her the most because I can risk running into enemy during patrol duty. I promised her I won't escort any of them on patrol from now on.

With such conditions I was allowed to visit the base from time to time. Better than nothing I guess. This was an improvement from her side so I was grateful.

It was Sunday when Miko called me over again, and I passed on the info to Mercy and Crossflare.

"Oh, oh, can I come too?" Mercy bounced from one ped to the other in excitement.

Crossflare shook her head with a resigned smile, seeing our enthusiasm.

"Fine, but I'm coming along then."

"Yay!" we hit our palms together high in the air and our older friend followed us calmly into the portal the Autobots had opened for us.

Mercy POV

Just like before, the Autobots greeted us in a friendly way and Optimus was surprisingly happy to see us.

"Interesting to see all of you coming this time," Arcee raised an eyebrow and I chuckled, leaning close to whisper, "Our mommy can't leave us alone for a second. If you understand what I mean."

"Hmph, I think I get it," she smirked in amusement.

Miko excitedly waved her arms in our direction from the platform and Halo jogged up to her with a wide grin. From the corner of my optic I saw Crossflare go over to Ratchet, probably to discuss some medical topic.

I chose to follow Halo who joined in a human form of entertainment called 'videogame' with the boys.

Everything went rather calmly until Ratchet called Optimus over to him and pointed at something on the screen.

"...This is clearly a dark energon signature. And it's moving fast..."

Dark energon? I have heard about it before, it was called the 'blood of Unicron' but I've never met it in any form, so my little knowledge was based on gossips and mythical stories.

"Megatron..." Optimus clenched his fists as the name of his enemy left his mouth.

The last time we were here, I remember Arcee saying that Megatron was no more. Or was that information false? Mentioning his name was enough for me gain my attention so I strolled closer to hear better.

"What's he gonna do with it? Recruit a new army of the undead?" Bulkhead asked sarcastically.

"Zombicons?!" Miko immediately perked up from her spot on the sofa where she was sketching.

"We cannot rule out the possibility," Optimus answered with a serious expression, "Especially since Megatron seems to be heading to a familiar site."

I glanced at my friends who were both staring at the Prime in confusion.

"I can't believe this. We have been living here fordecadesand nothing has ever happened to us," Halo folded her arms with a pout, "Now we come over and meet weird stuff every day."

"You know, it just means our disguise was perfect," Crossflare pointed out with a pleased and proud smile.
Meanwhile, Optimus created a quick plan, assigned everyone a job and prepared to immediately head out. We Neutrals could only watch them, with no intention to interfere. Their problems, they must solve them.
"Go get 'em, Bulkhead!" Miko called after her friend enthusiastically, but didn't glance up from her drawing.
"That's not like Miko to no want to go..." Jack, who was sitting on the opposite sofa narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"She isdefinitelyup to something," Rafael agreed.
"That line sounded exactly like something my dear friend over there would say," Halo laughed, pointing towards Crossflare who only raised an optic ridge questioningly.

"You know, Miko and you have something in common. You both have the potential to be the greatest headache for everyone."

Meanwhile Arcee opened the ground-bridge for the others who rolled through with Optimus on the lead. That was the moment when we should have paid more attention to Miko. At that very second, she shot out of her sitting position like a rocket and dashed off like a mad turbofox towards the ground-bridge.

Jack and Rafael chased after her but they weren't quick enough.

Halo was the next to react in time, realizing what Miko was up to. She quickly cornered the platform to race after the kids who were already at the entrance of the still-active ground bridge.

"Wait! Kids you can't- !" Halo yelled, but reached there too late and they were already gone.

Crossflare and I followed her with calmer steps, knowing that we can't do anything to bring them back.

"Hey, they will be fin-Halo!" I wanted to assure her, but she suddenly jumped through without a warning. We watched with wide optics as the portal shut in front of us.

"For Primus' sake!" Crossflare growled, throwing her servos up in fury.

"Wow, she truly can't stay in one place for long, can she?" I chuckled, trying to ease the tension.

"It's not funny! What's the guarantee that she'll come back in one piece?"

"Hey, she is with Optimus and the others. Everything will be okay," I tried, but Crossflare didn't seem convinced.

"We agreed not to get involved. Halo will be in serious trouble when I get my servos on her," she strolled over to Arcee who was busy at the controller. It seems she hasn't realized what just happened.

"Arcee!" Crossflare impatiently tapped one ped on the ground, crossing her arms.

The blue femme raised her optics questioningly.

"Is something the matter?"

"Miko and the others, they went through the ground bridge. With Halo on their tailpipe."

She stared at us with wide optics.
"Don't tell me..."
We nodded in unison and Arcee immediately raised a servo to her comm-link.

"Base to Optimus, the kids are missing."

A second later we heard Optimus reply: "We have a visual. Send the ground-bridge immediately."

"Understood," Arcee turned back towards the controller, opening a new one.

We stepped back and waited for them to return. There was a strict expression on Crossflare's face and she stood straight with her servos on her hips. Uh-oh, Halo will be in serious trouble. Sometimes I admired her boldness, but this was not the time.

A few moments passed by before the bridge began to make strange noises and seconds later it exploded, blinding us all. We stepped back, raising our arms to block the light until it disappeared. A tense silence followed.
The three of us exchanged confused looks as we slowly lowered our arms. Even Arcee couldn't make anything out of what happened, the worry was evident on her face.

"Arcee, did the children make it safely back to the base?" we heard Optimus ask.

"Negative. You don't see them?" Arcee asked, staring at the bridge.

"No sign," Ratchet answered.
"And Halo? Is Halo okay?" Crossflare now forgot to be angry, what was left was pure concern and fear.

"She is with us," Optimus' assuring voice lifted a mountain off our shoulder-pads, "Arcee, bridge us back to base."

The blue femme sighed in resign and obeyed without a word. Her teammates walked in a moment later. We quickly stepped out of their way, trying to catch a glimpse of Halo but we couldn't see her.

"Where is Halo?" I asked now in concern.

"She stayed back on her own to search for the children. She thinks they landed somewhere close to the original coordinates," Optimus answered calmly, seemingly fine with her decision.

"What? And you let her?" Crossflare stepped forward with sheer disbelief on her face.

"I cannot command her, she falls outside my authority," he replied with a slight raise of an optic ridge, like he expected us to already know this, "But her willingness to help is appreciated."

"Then we are going after her, please send us to her position," my friend made up her mind. But she wasn't happy about it.

Halo POV

I have no idea what was going through my head when I jumped into the ground-bridge to continue chasing the kids, but here I stood now, still searching.

I found them quickly at first, Miko was loud enough spot. But she was very unhappy to hear that I wanted to take her back. To be honest she was angry with everybody, including the boys because she had lost her cellphone - that little device which every human carries around - and she threw a tantrum as if she had lost a limb.

"Come on, we will be in trouble if we don't get back in time," I tried to scoop them up but she jumped off the rock and ran away. I sighed in annoyance and followed the kids until Optimus and the others noticed us. The children were ordered back into the freshly opened portal. The only problem was that two portals opened at once, though I had no idea why.

Before I could've followed the tiny humans, the ground-bridge exploded, throwing me back against the approaching Bulkhead and when we regained our senses, there was no trace of the kids.

Ratchet theorized about some possibilities but I was pretty sure the children couldn't just disappear from being. They must be on either side of the coordinates. The explosion might have thrown them farther than us - or worse - but I didn't want to think about it. Instead I climbed up on a larger cliff, and swept my gaze over the area.

"Halo?" Optimus turned towards me from down there but I only shook my head.

"I'm staying and keep looking. They must be here somewhere. Go ahead and please open me a bridge in thirty minutes."

"As you wish," he nodded and left with the others and I was left on my own..

Just like I predicted, a new portal opened not much later and my two dear friends strolled through. They would be unable to just sit around and wait for me in the base. The thought made me chuckle.

"I'm here!" I waved a hand towards them and they walked up to the foot of the cliff. Crossflare looked up at me in pure anger but Mercy was smiling in amusement beside her.

"Halo, we just agreed on something and you...!"

"I know, I know," I skidded down, drawing a line of dust in my wake, "But I couldn't stop. The kids must be found."

"It's none of our business," she pressed the words impatiently.

"They are innocent children, CF. Itisour business," I tried making those puppy optics again and she rubbed her forehead with a resigned sigh then turned to take a look around. I hoped my older friend hadsome good ideas. She began walking around in a slow pace.

"W-wait! What now?" I ran after her and Mercy followed suit.

"If Miko and her friends disappeared here, maybe they left some clues," she answered, observing the ground thoroughly.

"Ratchet said they saw no sign of them. It isn't likely we would," Mercy ran forward and climbed up to a higher rock to get a better look.

We followed Crossflare on her way, checking every place we could reach but we didn't find a clue. Maybe Ratchet was right and the kids were teleported to an entirely different location.

Our trip lasted longer than we had expected and I suddenly got a feeling of deja-vu. Like we have passed by these rocks once already...

"Hey! We are walking in a circle!" I stopped and my friends looked back at me in confusion.

"You mean..."

"Yes! We've already looked here! How much time did we waste?" I checked my inner chronometer. Twenty-eight minutes since the Autobots

left me behind.

"Girls...I have a strange feeling..." Mercy anxiously fidgeted and her optics snapped from one place to the other as if she saw a ghost, "Isn't somebody calling us...?"

We exchanged confused looks. None of us felt what Mercy was referring to and we spent enough time here to see there is not much to find. What to do? The Autobots will open a bridge for us in matter of minutes.

"I think it's better if we..." Crossflare started, but an unknown voice made the energon freeze in our tubes as it echoed back from the walls of the canyon.

"Skyquake! Your master summons you!"

"Who was that?" Mercy asked in fright.

I pointed behind her back with widening optics and she turned around to see an unfamiliar mech coming in our way. He wasn't as tall as Bulkhead but not as short as Arcee either. He was rather slim - almost like a femme - and had wings on his back. His optics were red like human blood and one of his arms was missing.

"Scrap," I hissed.

"Okay, I haven't seen any Decepticon so far but I'm totally sure he is one," I stated while observing the approaching figure who seemed to be looking for something.

"How do you know?" Mercy backed away.

"Just look at him," Crossflare's expression turned into a piercing glare.

"Shouldn't we run?"

Before we could have decided on hiding or running, the Decepticon noticed us. He looked just as surprised as we did.

"W-who are you?" he asked, taking a step back.

"Yes, we run!" Crossflare pushed us in the opposite direction, and we were ready to dash off when a bridge opened right in front of the Decepticon, blocking his view.

"Hey! This must be ours!" I caught my friends' arms, remembering what I've said to Optimus. Thirty minutes. The timing was correct.

"Can we get such a lucky timing?" Mercy looked at me in doubt. Crossflare wasn't so sure either.

"I told the Autobots to open a bridge for me in thirty minutes. Here it is," I explained quickly.

Suddenly a shout and someone's loud fall made us reconsider our choices again. It came from the other side of the portal.

"This isn't mine!" we could hear the unknown mech shriek.

"It's time we..." I pushed the others forward, but the bridge closed in front of us, chance lost to teleport back to safety.

"No!" I shouted. Why did the Autobots close it? They should have waited until we got through!

The next second a large arm was thrown in our direction and we jumped aside just in time to let it fall to the ground a few feet behind us. We stared after it with wide optics but we got even more freaked out when it started moving by itself.

Today was just not our day.

CrossflarePOV

From the corner of my optics I could see another bridge opening just a bit farther, but everything was happening too quickly for me to keep up.

"Finally!" Halo was the first to get into motion, "We can't lose this chance!"

She ran to the bridge without hesitation with Mercy in tow, but I hesitated to do the same.

"Wait, what if..." I started, but Halo grabbed my wrist and pulled us both through just in time before the ground-bridge closed. When we arrived at the other side, it became clear I should have listened to my instincts. The place wasn't familiar at all.

"Is everybody okay?" I looked first at Mercy then Halo, relief washing over me when I saw they were both unharmed.

Then we all noticed. A Vehicon stared at us like he had never seen a femme before. His hands hovered over the control station he was standing next to, unsure about how to react.

"Hi, um...can you tell us where we are?" Halo improvised, but the Decepticon transformed one of his arms into a blaster in response.

I pulled my friend away and the shot hit the wall instead of her.

"We gotta go," I muttered, pulling both of them after me as we raced out of the Vehicon's sight who probably informed his superiors about the intruders right away. We had to get out of here. After running through series of hallways, we eventually stopped. We needed to get our heads clear and look for an exit.

Halo tip-toed forward to check what lies ahead. We were surrounded by high walls of a hexagon framed large corridor leading from our spot to various other hallways. Like a labyrinth. The poor lighting only made the place appear gloomier.

"I don't think we chose the right bridge..." Halo returned with a little worry in her voice.

"You don't say," I rubbed my forehead in annoyance. Somehow I had enough of Halo's stupid mistakes once and for all, "Okay, from now on I lead and you both do what I say and don't jump into any portals without thinking."

"Sorry mom..." Halo looked down at her pedes with a guilty expression.

"Crossflare, where are we?" Mercy was visibly trembling as she took in our surroundings.

"No clue. We have to find out. Or find a new bridge. I'm sure the Autobots are searching for us right this moment."

"I've brought us here. It's my mistake," Halo slowly turned around. I could see the anger in her optics.

"Halo," I let out a frustrated sigh in attempt to calm down, and placed a servo on her shoulder, "Blaming yourself won't help now. We should concentrate on our escape. Or at least on finding out where we are."

"Understood..." she murmured.

The noise of footsteps silenced us. We froze and listened carefully. The sounds were coming from our right.

"Hide!" I hissed quietly and pulled Mercy after me into the closest open room. We peeked out from behind the corner to see who was coming. Another Vehicon passed by us slowly, probably a guard. After he disappeared from our sight we exchanged troubled looks.

"If there are more of them here...," Halo stated with widening optics, "Don't tell me..."

"Yeah, we are likely in the Deceptions' hideout," I nodded, my voice hitting a dark tone, "We can't stay here any longer."

"But the place is full of guys like these. Is it really a good idea to wander around?" Mercy's whisper was almost inaudible.

"Of course not. But even if we stay they will find us sooner or later."

"Crossflare is right. C'mon!" Halo stepped out of cover with sudden determination.

"Wait, you shouldn't...!" I was about to pull her back when she stopped with wide eyes, staring ahead.

"Hey! Who are you?!" a Vehicon's voice came from that direction and Halo didn't waste any time, she spun around and ran off, followed close by the guard.

"Scrap!" I jumped forth and started running after them. Mercy stumbled after me, trying to keep up. On the next corner we lost sight of Halo and the chasing Vehicon. They were gone.

I came to a halt with the screech of my pedes and I hit a fist against the wall in fury. Again! Am I talking to the wall when I say anything to her?!

In my moment of fury I didn't notice the charging Vehicon from behind, only when it started firing at us. I pushed Mercy aside on instinct. One shot scarred the outer side of my thigh. A silent hiss left my mouth and I was about to run at the attacker when I froze, watching as the Vehicon grabbed Mercy's head and smashed it against the wall with sheer force. The loud crack and her pained shout rang through my audio receptors when she collapsed, hitting the ground with a loud thud. Energon oozed from her head and the sight turned everything upside down in me.

I should've protected her.

Rage boiled through me as I charged against the Vehicon blindly. I clawed into his wrist and held his blaster away from me while I tackled him onto the floor. I had no idea what I was doing. What I knew was that I'm fighting for my life. Fighting for Mercy. With a fierce kick I managed to make some distance between us and I ran to my friend to get a hold of her upper body and pull her away.

I looked around in desperate hope to find something that could save us and I noticed a room on my right. I turned towards it in hurry and was about to slam my servo on the opening panel when the doors slid open and I found myself facing two other Decepticons coming from the inside.

"I advise you not to tell this to anyone, deardoctor!"

One I could recognize, but now he had both arms and the other one was unfamiliar. The only thing registering in my processor about him was a very lustrous red color.

I had no time to turn and run because the Vehicon caught up with us, now both direction blocked by Decepticons.

"Oh no..." I gasped.

I hugged the unconscious Mercy close to my frame as I knelt on the ground, waiting for the worst to come.

The grey mech with wings halted upon noticing us. I could see the recognition in his optics.

"Commander Starscream! Intruders!" the guard pointed at us with his blaster.

"Y-you!?" he yelled in confusion, probably not expecting to run into us again.

"Oooh, what do we have here?" the red one walked closer with a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"What are you waiting for? They must by Autobot spies! Shoot them!" the grey mech snapped at the guard impatiently.

"Wait! Please listen to me!" I yelled in despair, "It's a misunderstanding! We are Neutrals!"

"As if I'm going to believe you," the gray mech grimaced in disdain.

In my last ditch attempt to gain some time I called out to the red mech, recalling that I've heard him being addressed as 'doctor' a second ago which means he must be a medic.

"Please! You are a doctor! My friend needs help!"

"And what does that have to do with me?" he arched an eyebrow but raised a servo, telling the guard to stand down.

"There is a rule! The war rules protect Neutrals! But if that's not enough...then I'm willing to offer information, knowledge."

"What kind of information are you talking about?" the red mech knelt on one knee in front of me and looked me in the optic with a questioning raise of his brow.

"Information on the Autobots," I said reluctantly.

"The Autobots?" now I gained both of their attentions.

"Are you in contact with them?"

I nodded, my spark drumming with a heavy weight. This felt worse than betraying friends... But I decided to deal with the guilt later, now I had to secure my friend's safety. We had to stay alive.

"They can be of use to us later..." the grey mech seemed to take my offer into consideration, "Right. Knock Out, keep them in the med-bay for the time being. Tend to the other one's wounds and don't let them escape!"

With that, the airborne mech strolled past us, with the confused guard in tow.

"Here," the red Decepticon held his servo out, surprising me with the sudden change in manner.

"Will you help her?" I asked, still holding Mercy close.

"I'm afraid I can't help her as long as you keep clinging to her like that," he pointed out with a chuckle and I carefully moved aside to let him gather her into his arms. Walking over to the closest medical berth in the room, he put her down gently, something I didn't expect from a Decepticon.

"Her head is seriously injured. I fear her processor might've suffered damage as well," I placed a hand on Mercy's bleeding wound on the side of her head. It looked horrible.

"Nothing I can't fix, dear," the mech went to bring a microfiber cloth to clean the wound of energon.

Suddenly a familiar voice caught the attention of my audio receptors and we turned our attention towards the door at the same time.

A tall, mainly dark blue colored, faceless mech arrived. His whole appearance and the atmosphere around him made me feel uneasy. Long tentacles snaked in front of him. A certain femme was kicking her legs helplessly in the air, cursing loudly in the grasp of said tentacles.

"Halo?" I was relieved and confused at once. She wasn't injured at least.

"Put me down, you slagger! Keep your fragging weird tentacles away from me and don't hang me midair! Can't you hear me?! I told you to...!...Oh, girls?" Halo stopped struggling after she noticed us.

"More of you? Hm...what a day!" the medic put his servos on his hips with an amused smirk on his face.

"Thank Solus, you are okay," I meant my words to Halo who was promptly dropped on the floor. The masked Decepticon stepped over her and approached the berth where Mercy lay.

"What is he...?" I was ready to protect Mercy if needed, having no idea what the newcomer intended to do, but he pushed the medic and me aside effortlessly with his tentacles and reached a servo out to turn Mercy's head to the side, as if to take a look at her wound.

My spark hammered wildly, my servos helplessly grasping the tentacle that was holding me away from my unconscious friend.

"Whoa, easy Soundwave!" the medic was even more surprised than me, "What has gotten into you? These femmes are our temporary guests, no need to be aggressive!"

Soundwave withdrew his strange tentacles and pointed at Mercy while looking sternly in the red mech's direction.

"Yes, I was about to repair her! Don't you know I hate to be disturbed during delicate operations?"

Soundwave kept staring, then nodded reluctantly and stepped back. He looked over us once more before he slowly retreated and left the med-bay.

"What a creepy guy," Halo dusted herself as she stood.

"So..." the red mech began, "Where did we left off?"

"I was about to do some introductions," I reminded him and he nodded while turning back to treat Mercy's injury.

"What's going on? Befriending the enemy?" Halo cut in with a frown, almost in disbelief.

"He promised to heal Mercy," I answered curtly.

"Really?" my friend glanced over to the working medic in clear distrust.

"What's your name?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation.

"Knock Out."

"Well, I'm Crossflare. The wounded one is Mercy and she is Halo."

"Hm, pleasure to meet you..." he mumbled, more focused on what he was doing than on us.

"Wait, why do you help us?" Halo inquired with a frown.
Knock Out stopped and spared a glance over his shoulder for a moment before he walked to the counter and grabbed some tools: "Because your pretty friend's offer over here was quite generous."

"What?" Halo stared at me with a puzzled and also alarmed expression.

I turned my gaze away, now feeling the guilt stinging my spark even more.

"Sorry. But it was necessary. For Mercy's and our sake."

Aaand, right back on track. I would appreciate comments, reviews, anything. Just to know what you think about the story so far. As my older readers can see I've kept many elements of the old version, barely rewriting the plot so far. (But this new setup will move a few things forward faster than the original, if you know what I mean... ;)

Thanks for reading and see ya later!