Transformers: Sol Wars

by storyseeker7

Fleeing a dead Cyberton the Autobots find themselves in the home of humanity. But unlike in so many other universes the Humanity they find is different, it is a humanity that as spread itself across its home system. Will the Autobots find allies in this different humanity? Or will they find that they are just as divided as Cybertron was?

6. Tension Part 2

Chapter 2 Part 2: Tension Part 2

---

Unknown

Jack woke up feeling like he had been hit by a truck. He reached a hand out to his head, feeling a throbbing sensation there. He groaned as he tried to stand up.

Then, suddenly, he felt a wave of nausea coming over that forced him to sit back down. As he did, he felt a pair of hands guiding him back down. "Easy there, son," a voice said. "You only just woke up. Take a moment to collect your thoughts, then try to get up."

Jack looked to the source of the voice, seeing a blurry blob. It took a few seconds for the blur to come into focus. "Admiral?" Then he looked around to see they were in a small room. Aside from a couple of beds, there was no indication of where they were. "What are you doing here?" he asked the man. "What am I doing here?"

"Now that's a question I would like an answer to," Admiral Cartwell said. "Do you remember what happened?"

Jack searched through the fog of his memories. He recalled that he was talking to the Admiral about something. Something about his father, he thinks. Then he remembers shadowy figures rushing towards him. People dress in dark suits with their faces covered.

Jack's hand went to his head as he remembered one of the figures hitting him. He winced when his fingers felt the bruise there. "We were attacked," he said. Then he narrowed his eyes as he tried to focus on the memory of the attack. He saw himself being dragged as his consciousness faded in and out. He saw a door sliding shut and the roof of a van. Then, he remembers the sound of an engine roaring to life. "They took us."

Admiral Cartwell nodded. "Well, at least you still have your memory," he said. Then, a softer expression spread across his face. "How do you feel? You took a pretty nasty hit to the head there."

Jack nodded. "I'm fine," he said. "Just a little lightheaded. But more importantly, where are we, and how are we going to get out?"

Before the Admiral could respond, they heard a door opening. The two men looked over to see a man walk in. He had short brown hair and green eyes that had a cold intensity to them. He was a wide-chested man that stood as tall as the Admiral. He was flanked by two guards holding rifles. "Oh good," the man said. "You're both awake. Saves me the trouble of having to wake you." Then he pulled out a small package and tossed it over to Jack. "This should help any headaches you might be feeling."

Jack caught the packet and quickly looked it over. Once he was done, he unrivaled it, revealing a small box of medical patches. Jack then looked back at the man, glaring and feeling his muscles tense. He was ready to jump at the man.

A hand from the Admiral stopped Jack. He looked over at the man, seeing a look in his eye. Jack nodded and relaxed his muscles.

Admiral Cartwell looked over the man. "I thank you for your hospitality," he said. "Your invitation was rather forward if I had to say anything."

The man chuckled. "My apologies," he said with a smile that was anything but friendly. "My men were so eager to have a guest such as yourself. That they forgot their manners, I'll be sure to have a little chat with them about proper manners."

"Speaking of manners," the Admiral said. "I believe you have yet to introduce yourself."

The man's smile spread. "Of course," he said. "Where are my manners? You may call me Victor."

Admiral Cartwell nodded. "I suppose there's no need to introduce myself?" he asked.

Victor smiled. "Of course, you don't," he said. 'Who hasn't heard of Fleet Admiral Archie Cartwell, the hero of JXL-108? Or more recently, the Hero of the War for Luna?"

Cartwell's eyes narrowed for a brief second. Then the man turned to face Jack. "Though I will admit that I don't know who you are," he said. "Care to introduce yourself?"

Jack glared at the man. "Airman Jack Witwicky," he said. "Service code SSN-107-54-907."

Victor shot the young man an annoyed expression. One of the guards moved to Jack but was stopped by a hand from Victor. Witwicky, you say?" he queried. Jack nodded. "I don't suppose you have any relation to the famed Fleet Admiral Witwicky currently deployed out in the belt?" The man was met with silence. "I'll take that as a yes. So, I have two honored guests here."

"Now that the introductions are out of the way," Admiral Cartwell said. "Why have we been 'invited' here?"

"Down to the point, I see," Victor said. "Very well then, our client wishes to ask you some questions regarding our newest visitors to our solar system. Our client is shy, so he's having us ask the questions."

Cartwell raised an eyebrow. "Might I ask who this client of yours is?" He asked.

Victor shook his head. "Just a concerned citizen," he said. "Like the rest of us here. Our guests on Luna are strangers. Who can say what their intentions are?"

The Admiral kept his features schooled. But Jack could see the worry in his eyes. "You do realize I am not at liberty to answer all your questions. Not without authorization from my superiors. You understand the need to keep information concealed."

Victor smiled. "Trust me, Admiral," he said. "We can be quite persistent when it comes to information we want. So come now, we have questions to ask."

---

Luna, Autobot starship Ark

Even though Optimus was happy to set foot back on the Ark, he couldn't help but shake the bad feeling he got. Elita-One was waiting for him when he and Wheeljack entered the hangar.

"It's good to see you again, my beloved," Elita greeted him warmly.

"The same to you," Optimus said.

Elita nodded and walked up beside him as he and Wheeljack walked through the hanger. "So, how was your trip to Earth?"

Optimus pondered the question for a moment. "It was not as I expected it to be," he said. The city he had seen was nothing like the ones back on Cybertron. But it still reminded him of them back before the war. So full of life and hope. "For a moment, I felt like I was back on Cybertron, before the war," he admitted.

Elita nodded, understanding where he was coming from. "I look forward to seeing it for myself," she said. "Although if I had the choice, I don't think I would start with one of their cities. Perhaps one of their forests or plains. Seeing the ocean wouldn't be bad, either."

Optimus smiled at his mate. He would not mind seeing more of the human homeworld. "Perhaps you will get to see them all in time," he said. "And perhaps more." His thoughts went to the human colonies spread throughout the solar system.

They entered a turbo lift, taking them to the ship's bridge. "I saw some of the services," Elita said. "But I imagine it was different being there in person. So, to speak."

Optimus nodded. "I felt like I owed them," he said. "Thousands of human lives were lost because of our actions."

Elita held her hand to Optimus's face. "Please don't blame yourself for what happened," she said. "You did what you had to. You can't hold yourself responsible for the actions of the Decepticons."

"She's right, Prime," Wheeljack said. "The Con's choose to attack the humans and start a war with them. We were just lucky that the humans could put up a fight. I bet Megatron will think twice about attacking them again. Assuming he survived his trip through the space bridge."

That Optimus had no doubt about. He and Megatron had been through too much together for something like that to extinguish his spark. Megatron was out there somewhere plotting his revenge.

"The service, from what I saw of it, was a beautiful though," Elita said. "They had a lot of religious figures there."

Optimus nodded. "It seems the humans have many forms of faith," he said. "I doubt that all of them were represented there today."

Elita nodded. "I had the same feeling," she said. "Still, it makes me wonder what happens to humans after they die. Do their sparks," she paused. "Their souls go to their own version of the Allspark? Or is there more to the Allspark than we had thought?"

Optimus nodded, having thought of the same thing. "Who knows," he said. "There is still much we do not know. But either way, if the Humans have their own creator, I hope the souls of the lost from battle will find comfort in their arms."

Elita nodded. "To use a human phrase," she said. "May they rest in peace."

The turbo lift doors opened, and the three walked out. "Well, with that morbid subject out of the way," Wheeljack said. "If we do get to visit Earth again. I was hoping to hit one of their."

"Optimus Prime!" A voice called out.

A white and grey Meche with black highlights runs up to the trio. "Jazz," Optimus addressed his communication specialist. "What is going on?"

"Prime," Jazz started. "I was monitoring the human communications. Mostly their news and entertainment networks. You know, get a feel for what they're like. When I came across something that I think you should know about."

"What is it?" Optimus asked. That feeling he had earlier was getting worse now.

"See for yourself," Jazz said. He guided them to a terminal and activated the monitor.

Optimus's optics narrowed on what was being displayed. It was one of the human news networks, and a human woman was standing in the center of the image. A professional but worried expression spread across her face. Below, he was a line of text that read: Famed Fleet Admiral kidnapped in broad daylight.

"You heard it here today, people," the woman said. "Fleet Archie Cartwell of the 2nd Fleet, also commonly referred to as the Lunar Defense Fleet, was kidnapped in broad daylight. The kidnappers remain unidentified, but video evidence of the incident has been given to the authorities. We have been given permission to televise it. Now I will warn you. What you are about to see is disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised."

The Autobots watched silently as they watched the kidnapping unfold before them. "Is that Jack?" Wheeljack asked as they saw the Human pilot get hit in the head by the butt of a rifle.

"I believe it is," Optimus said solemnly. "And I believe I see one of our own," he saw the minicon get between the attacking humans and the Admiral, trying to calm things down. That is until one of the humans shot him with some kind of electrical pulse. The video ended when the kidnappers dragged their victims into a van, and it drove off.

"That's not good," Wheeljack said. "What are we going to do?" He looked over at Optimus.

Optimus was at a loss. Usually, he would let the humans sort this out for themselves. But the kidnapping had involved one of his own people. Not to mention, the two humans taken were ones he knew and would like to consider as friends.

Optimus rubbed his chin plat as he went over the possibilities in his head. "Contact the Human government," he said. "We will find out what we can and see if there is any way we can render assistance."

"Actually, Prime," Jazz said, looking away from the terminal. "They just contacted us. Turns out one of our people has just been impounded."

Optimus raises an optical ridge. "Impounded?"

---

New York

"Here it is, sir." A human said.

Hotrod looked over to see a pair of humans walking up to him. He was relieved to see that one of them was dressed in official-looking clothes. "Thank you," the man said. "I'll take it from here. If you would please?"

"Of course, Sir," the first human said.

A few moments later, Hotrod was free of the tire clamp, and he was being 'driven' out of the police station. "Thanks for that, man," Hotrod said. "I don't know how much longer I could have stayed in that place."

The man nodded. "It's a good thing you did," he said. "Seeing an Autobot walk out of a police station would have raised some uncomfortable questions. Ones we don't need right now."

"Well, I could have driven out," Hotrod pointed out. He got a sharp look from the man that had him chuckling nervously. "Plus, I had orders from Prime to stay hidden. Uhh? Mind if I ask you for your name? So, I thank you properly?"

The man nodded. "That won't be necessary," he said. "I was just following orders. For now, you can call me Special Agent Isaac."

"Well, Special Agent Isaac," Hotrod said. "Thank you anyway. You know I could take over the driving from here."

Isaac shook his head. "No need," he said. "We'll be at our destination soon enough."

Hotrod grumbled silently to himself. He didn't like the idea of someone else driving him. "I suppose you want to know about what happened?" he asked.

Isaac nodded. "I do," he said. "But that can wait until we get to our destination. Your leader is here on Earth, and I imagine he'll want to hear your story. So, you can tell it when we're all there. I wouldn't want to repeat yourself too many times today."

Hotrod mentally nodded. What felt like hours later, they arrived at a spaceport, then drove into a section that had been reserved for 'guests.' As soon as the doors shut behind them and Isaac crawled out of him, Hotrod transformed into his normal form.

"You don't know how long I've been waiting to do that," he said, stretching his arms and legs out. "I swear if I'd stayed in my alternate form, any longer, my servos would have been permanently stiff."

He heard a familiar snort. "Kid, you were only in your alt form for a few hours," Wheeljack said, walking up to him. "Try being stuck in it for three days in the middle of Con territory. Then you can complain." Then he gave him a good-natured pad on the shoulders. "It's good to see you, kid."

Hotrod nodded. "Same to you," he said. He heard some footsteps heading their way. He looked over Wheeljack, seeing Bumblebee and Optimus Prime walking up to them.

"I'm glad you're okay, Hotrod," Bumblebee said. "But you should have listened to me and waited."

Hotrod rubbed the back of his head. "I know, Bee," he said. "But I couldn't just sit there and do nothing. For Primus's sake, they shot Jix. He could be dead because of those people."

"And for that, you should at least be commended," Prime said. "While I would have preferred that you weighed your options as your brother did. You did what you thought was best at the time. For that, I will not fault you."

"And for as to whether or not your friend is dead," Isaac jumped into the conversation. "I highly doubt he is. The weapon the kidnappers used on him was an electro-rifle. They're meant to stun, not kill. Grant, it's not a very pleasant experience, but he should be very much alive. Though for how long that remains will be seen."

Hotrod looked at him questioningly. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"I'll explain that during the debriefing," Isaac said. "Come, we have established a makeshift communications terminal in the hanger bay."

The group walked into a large hangar that would ordinarily have ships coming in and out of it. But looked like it had been cleared. Most likely to keep the fact that Autobots were on Earth a secret.

They came to the communications terminal. Isaac inputted some commands into it. Moments later, the images of three humans appeared. Hotrod only recognized two of them. Admiral Colson, the man in charge of what the humans called their 1st Fleet or the Earth Defense Fleet. The second man was the Human leader, President Blum.

The third man though Hotrod hadn't seen before. Did look to be around the President's age with short, dark hair. His skin looked several shades darker than the other two humans.

Isaac looked over at the assembled Autobots. "You already know President Blum and Fleet Admiral Colson," he said, gesturing to the two men. "But you have yet to meet the Director of Earth Security, Allen Markus."

The now-named Director Markus nodded his head, greetings. "A pleasure," he said. "Though I do wish it was under better circumstances."

Prime nodded his head. "As do I," he said. "But what has been done, has been done. All we can do now is plan our next move accordingly."

The Director nodded. "I agree," he said. "So, to start off with." He turned to face Hotrod. Hotrod gulps a little. Even knowing that this man was several times smaller than he was, he couldn't help feeling the commanding presence coming from the man. "Can you tell us the events you witnessed and what happened after?"

Hotrod looked over at Optimus Prime, getting a nod from him. Hotrod looked over at the Human Director and nodded. "And that's when I lost them," he finished his story minutes later. "I'm sorry I couldn't do anything else. If it wasn't for that truck driver, I might have been able to catch up to them."

"And do what?" Wheeljack questioned. "Catch them? Do remember we had orders to stay in our alternate forms."

Hotrod rubbed the back of his head. "I don't know," he admitted. "Maybe I could have followed them back to their hideout."

"I suggest that we move on from here," Director Markus said. "What is done is done. What we need to figure out is what to do next. Hotrod, was it?" Hotrod nodded. "Were you and your brother able to identify the kidnappers? The video evidence we got did not provide us with the best of images."

Hotrod looked through his memories, trying to recall what the kidnappers looked like. He shook his head a second later, as did his brother. "No," he said. "They were wearing something over their faces."

"Masks," Isaac said. "It's old fashion, but still an effective way to hide their identity. What about what they were wearing? Did they have any kind of lettering or symbols on them? Did they look like they were wearing some kind of uniform?"

Again, Hotrod looked through his memories. "No letters or symbols," he said. I wouldn't call what they were wearing uniforms. But they all were wearing the same thing."

"That would suggest some form of organization," Wheeljack said. He looked over at Isaac. "Do you suspect that this was more than just a group of criminals at work here?"

"Would you believe that?" Markus said. "Granted, some criminal syndicates could pull something like this off."

Wheeljack shook his head. "While I have no doubt about that," he started. "The way these guys were acting, how they moved. Your kidnappers are no simple criminals, organized or otherwise. These guys are military or something close to it."

Director Markus and Isaac looked at each other and nodded. "We had the same suspicions," Markus said, looking back at the Autobots. "They are likely some kind of Para-military group. Even mercenaries."

"Which begs the question," Admiral Colson said. "Who hired them?" Now, that was a question that Hotrod would like an answer to.

"We can answer that question when we catch them," Special Agent Isaac said. "Is there anything else you remember about the kidnappers?" Everyone looked back to Hotrod. "What about the vehicle they used. Were there any markings on it? Were you able to get a good look at the license plate?"

"License plat?" Hotrod question.

"Think of it as an identifier code for the vehicle," Director Markus explained. "It should be on the back of the vehicle. If you saw it, we might be able to track it back to where the Kidnappers bought it."

Hotrod nodded and looked through his memories for the third time since he arrived. He brought up the memories of the vehicle the human kidnappers got into and the chase that came after. In his mind, he froze an image of the vehicle's back and zoomed in on a metal plate. There, he saw a series of letters and numbers.

Hotrod smiled. "I got something," he said. Then, he recited off the letters and numbers he saw.

By the end of it, Director Markus looked pleased. "Now, assuming this isn't forged," he said. "We might actually have our first lead."

"Do you think this will be enough to track them?" President Blum asked. Hotrod had forgotten he was there with how silent the man was.

"I don't know, mister President," Director Markus said. "I hope so. But these men seem like the professional types. Even if this license plate is real, there is no guarantee we'll be able to trace it back to them."

President Blum nodded. "Very well," he said. "I just wanted something that I could bring to the press. Questions are being asked. A high-ranking official was kidnapped in broad daylight and on Earth, no less. That's gotten more than a few people frightened."

Director Markus nodded. "I understand, Mister President," he said. "But this is what we have at the moment."

"The press?" Bumblebee asked Isaac.

The Special agent looked up at the Autobot. "Another word for news media," he explained.

It was at this moment that Optimus Prime decided to speak his piece. "Mister President," he said, getting the human leader's attention. "What will you be telling this press and the people of Earth?

The human leader took a breath. "All that I can now," he said. "I'll tell them we are investigating the matter and try to assure their fears."

Optimus nodded. "Mister President," he said. "If at all possible, is there any way we may be able to offer our assistance? One of our people was taken in the kidnapping."

For a moment, silence reigns over the man. "I appreciate the offer, Prime," he said. "I will have to discuss it with Director Markus here." He looked over to the Earth Security Director.

The man nodded. "Any assistance would be appreciated," he said. "But frankly, I'm not sure how to help you would be."

Hotrod frowned and was about to say something. When he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked over, seeing Bumblebee looking at him. His brother shook his head. Hotrod opened his mouth to argue but a moment later shut it and nodded at his brother.

But a question did come to Hotrod's mind. "One question has been nagging at me," he said, looking at the group of humans. Particularly at Director Markus. "Why kidnap Admiral Cartwell? Why him, of all people? And why did they take Jack and Jix? They didn't do anything wrong, did they?"

Director Markus rubbed his chin, a gesture Hotrod learned was a common sign for when a human was thinking. "Now, that is a good question," he said. "One that could have any number of answers. For one, he was a high-ranking member of the Military. So, it is possible they are looking for military secrets."

A look of concern shot across the President's face. "You think the League might be involved?"

"It is possible," Director Markus said. "Then again, they could be looking for a ransom. Admiral Cartwell is one of our most well-known officials. So, they could be looking to make a lot of money from him."

"But you don't believe that," Wheeljack said, crossing his arms. "Do you?"

"No," Director Markus said. "Not for a moment. Despite the short amount of time and the popularity of your people. There is a vocal minority that sees things in a different light."

Now, Hotrod was confused. He looked between the other Autobots in the room. By the expressions on their faces, they had some idea of what the man was talking about. Even his brother had a look of understanding.

Hotrod looked back at the human Director. "Okay, I don't get it," he said. "What is this minority you're talking about? And what do they have to do with the kidnapping?"

It was Special Agent Isaac who answered the Director. "Xenophobes," he said. "There are people out there who don't trust you. And think you are a threat to humanity."

Hotrod frowned. "Why would people think we're a threat?" he asked. "Didn't we help save their planet? Shouldn't they be grateful for that?"

"Because people are not the most rational beings," Wheeljack said with a blank face. "It's one of the things both our species have in common. Trust me, before the war, I dealt with plenty of people like that. By the Pit still do sometimes. Once someone gets something in their head, no matter how irrational it is, they'll believe it to their core."

"But didn't save their planet?" Hotrod restated.

Wheeljack snort. "Well, yeah," he said. "But we were also the ones that brought the Decepticons here. And that is what these kinds of people will focus on.

"But," Hotrod started.

"I believe this a discussion for another time," Optimus Prime interrupted him. "You said this group was in the minority of your people, correct?"

Director Markus nodded. "They are," he confirmed, "and I hope to keep it that way. But they are a vocal one," the man looked over at the president. "Our President over here has already received several threats against his life."

Now, that caught Hotrod and the rest of the Autobots by surprise. They looked at the man, who waved off their concern. "It's nothing new for me," he said. "When you hold a position like the presidency, you tend to become the target of such things. Even before becoming the President and I was just a Governor, I had received such threats before. You get used to it after a while."

That did nothing to set the minds of the Autobots at ease. "We still take them quite seriously and increase security around the president when we get them," Director Markus said. "Getting back on topic, we have our suspicions that the kidnapping may have been connected to one of these groups."

"Certainly, what be a good motivation for it," Wheeljack said. "Let me guess, you suspect that these guys might be looking for information. Stuff that proves we're a threat and need to be removed."

"That is our working theory," Special Agent Isaac said. "If it is true, we may have more than just the Admiral and a fighter pilot to worry about."

Everyone looked at the special agent with curiosity. "Care to explain, Special Agent," Director Markus said.

"While the safety of Fleet Admiral Cartwell and airman Witwicky is a cause for concern," Isaac said. "I believe the real danger may be directed at the one called Jix."

For once, Hotrod was the first one to catch on. "Oh, right," he said. "That's because he's a cybertronian like us."

Isaac nodded. "Once the kidnappers realized what they. They attempt to study him," he left the implication to settle in the minds of the others in the room.

Hotrod frowned. "That's all the more reason to find these guys and rescue him and the others," he said, pounding his fist into his hand. "I see we go out there and find our people."

"While I like your enthusiasm," Admiral Colson said. "We still don't know where to look. We only have one lead, and even that might lead to a dead end."

Director Markus nodded. "We will investigate the matter," he said. Then looked over at Isaac. "Special Agent Isaac, while we investigate the lead we got, I want you to investigate the kidnapping scene. See if you can't glean any more information."

Isaac nodded. "Yes, sir," he said. "I will also look into my contacts in the area. See if they don't know anything."

Director Markus nodded. "Very then," he said, then looked over the assembled group. "As much as I hate to say this. We really don't have much to go on. Until we do, I suggest that we remain on standby."

Hotrod frowned and moved forward to say something. But was stopped by his brother. Hotrod looked at him, giving his brother a silent protest. Bumblebee, though, just stared back at him, telling him to keep quiet.

"Once again, I offer our assistance," Optimus Prime said. "If there is any way we can help. Please don't hesitate to call upon us."

Director Markus smiled. "The offer is appreciated," he said. "When we do find them and get to rescuing our people. I will keep your offer in mind. Your assistance may very well be of great help in the operation. Until then, we will keep you informed."

With that, the images of the three humans winked out as the transmission was cut out. Hotrod growled and turned around to leave the hangar. He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Where do you think you're going?" Wheeljack said in a stern voice.

"What do you think?" Hotrod said curtly. "I'm going out there to look for our friends."

"No, you won't," Wheeljack said. "We are staying right here and waiting for the humans to find something."

Hotrod was surprised at what Wheeljack was saying. Of all people, he thought he would be the one to want to go out there and get things done. "But we can't just sit here and do nothing," Hotrod said.

"Correction," Wheeljack said. "That is all we can do. We don't have any leads and have no idea where the kidnappers are."

"But," Hotrod tried to argue.

But was stopped as Optimus Prime walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Wheeljack is right, Hotrod," he said. "The best thing we can do right now is to wait. I share your concern for our friends. But it is best that we let the human authorities handle this for now."

Hotrod wanted to argue with the meche. Say that they should be out there helping. But he couldn't because a part of him knew he was right. Hotrod's shoulders slumped forward. "I know," he said. "It's just, I wish there was more we could do."

Prime nodded. "I understand," he said. "We all do." He gestured to the others.

"Don't worry, kid," Wheeljack said. "They'll be found, and I'm certain we'll be right there to rescue them." Hotrod smiled, feeling new energy wash over him. He hated waiting, but he knew it was the best thing they could do.

"Speaking of," Bumblebee said, giving Optimus Prime a worried expression. "If we do end up being a part of a rescue effort. You do realize that there is a good chance we may engage other human forces? What do we do then?"

Hotrod froze up at that question. That had not been something he had considered. Facing off against human forces, would that mean he would be forced to… Hotrod shook his head, not wanting to let that line of thinking run its course.

He looked over at Prime. The Autobot leader remained silent for a long while, at a loss for words. "That is something we will have to consider when the time comes," he said carefully. "From now, we will wait."

Hotrod nodded. He didn't like doing nothing, but it was all he could do now. That and think.

---

Unknown

"Airman Jack Witwicky, Service code SSN-107-54-907," Jack said. Then, a moment later, he felt a fist connect with his stomach. It was not the first, and he doubted it would be the last.

"I didn't ask for your name," the interrogator said. He cracked his knuckles. "Or your service code. What I want is what you know about the aliens."

Jack glared at the man. "They're called Cybertronians," he said. "More specifically, the Autobots. Maybe if you used proper names instead of calling them aliens or machines, you might get something.

The interrogator glared back at him. "Alright then," he said, bringing his face down to face Jack. "What do you know about the Autobots?"

Jack smiled at the man. "Airman Jack Witwicky, Service code SSN-107-54-907," he said. A moment later, he felt a fist slamming into his jaw. He spat out some blood, unable to rub his bruised jaw, with his hands tied to his chair.

"I hope you realize you're only adding to your list of crimes," Admiral Cartwell said from Behind Jack. "Kidnapping, extortion of classified military information, torture the list is getting long. I hope you're prepared to face the consequences."

The interrogator snorted. "And what do you recommend I do?" he asked.

"Simple, you let us go," Cartwell answered. "Then you help us get out of here and contact the proper authorities. If you do that, I'll argue on your behalf to show leniency in your case."

The interrogator had a blank look on his face. He walked around, exiting Jack's line of sight. A moment later, he heard a hand smacking something. Jack could venture a guess of what it was.

"Looks like your case will be straightforward," Cartwell said. "I hope you like the sight of a forcefield. That will be all you'll see for the rest of your life."

Jack heard the interrogator snort. "They'll have to catch us first," he said. "In case you haven't noticed, no one knows you're here."

"Not for long," Cartwell said. "Earth Security will find us soon enough. You did kidnap us in broad daylight. Big mistake. I have no doubt Director Markus has every agent, every asset, and every officer out looking for us. Your days as a free man are numbered. Urrkk!" Cartwell groaned.

Based on the painful noise, Jack guessed he just got a fist to the gut. "You're not very good at this," Cartwell huffed out. "You've had us for what five-six hours, and you haven't gotten anything out of us. I've seen first-year academy students do better than you."

"Sir," Jack said, getting worried for that man. "It might not be a good idea to provoke him."

"Too late," the Interrogator said. Jack felt a weight shift around behind. The Admiral bracing himself for a beating session.

"Now hold on, Allister," a voice said over the comm. A moment later, the door to the room slid open. Victor and two guards walked in as the door shut. "I told you to question our guests, not torture them."

The interrogator walked back into Jack's field of vision. His body language showed how displeased he was. "I was questioning them," he said. "I was just giving them extra incentive to answer."

Victor looked over the man's shoulder and at Jack and the Admiral. "I can see that," he said dryly. "And you're doing a poor job of it. Please leave. I'll take things from here."

"But, sir," the interrogator tried to argue. But was stopped short by a glare from Victor.

"Do I have to repeat myself, mister Allister?" Victor said with an edge in his voice. The interrogator stiffened and shook his head.

"A nice little show they're putting up," Jack heard the Admiral whisper. "Isn't it?

Before Jack could answer, the interrogator left the room briskly. When the door shut behind him, Victor looked at the tied-up Jack and Admiral Cartwell. "I must apologize for my man's mistreatment of you," he said. "This is no way to treat a guest."

Jack snorted. "How about you say what we really are," he said. "Prisoners."

Victor frowned as he rubbed his chin. "Prisoner is such a harsh word," he said.

"But it is true," Admiral Cartwell said. "So, how about we drop the pretenses?"

Victor snorted but had a smile on his mouth. "Very then, prisoner," he said. "You already know what I want." He walked up to the chair-bound men. "So, tell me everything you know about the Autobots. Their weaknesses. Their command structure. How advanced is their technology compared to ours? And what they may be planning. These are things we must know."

"What for?" Jack asked. "What use could any of that be to you?"

"Quite simply," Victor said, looking at Jack. "There are some people who are understandably nervous about the presence of aliens being on the doorstep of Earth."

"The Xenophobes," Cartwell said. "Should have known they would pop up soon after first contact. There are always going to be those who fear something that is different from them."

"I wouldn't call them Xenophobic," Victor said, walking around to face the Admiral. "I would say they are concerned citizens."

Jack heard the Admiral snort. "And let me guess, you're one of those concerned citizens," he said.

"Not necessarily," Victor said. "I could care less about what is going on even if aliens are on Luna. But these concerned citizens are paying me for a job. One that I intend to carry out."

Jack frowned. "So, you're just a hired thug," he said.

He heard a snort coming from the man. "I am no thug," he said. "I am a professional who is trying to ran a business."

"Either way, you're only in it for the money," Jack said. "You said it yourself. You don't care about what is going on. All you want is a nice fat paycheck from this."

"Well, there is a bit more going on here than just the money," Victor said. "My client was quite generous with his terms of payment. So, because of that, I'm obligated to fulfill the wishes of my client."

"Which is to get information out of us," Cartwell said. "Information pertaining to the Autobots. Tell me, Victor, who is your client?"

Victor chuckled as he walked back around into Jack's field of vision. "I'm afraid I can't tell you that," he said. "My client wishes to remain anonymous. Otherwise, I imagine he would be here questioning you himself."

The Admiral snorted. "Well, I suppose it doesn't matter one way or another," he said. "Earth Security comes smashing in to rescue us. We'll find out soon enough. I'll see to it that your client shares the cell next to yours."

Jack saw the man holding them prisoner smile cruelly. "I wouldn't put your hopes in Earth Security finding us anytime soon," he said. "You see, my client has some powerful connections. He should be able to hold Earth Security back long enough to get the information he wants from you."

Jack had to wonder what sort of connections this client of his needed to slow down Earth Security. That, of course, was assuming the man was telling the truth. "You can't expect them to settle idly by forever," Jack said. "You kidnapped a Fleet Admiral for crying out loud. You don't expect Earth Security is going to want to find him as soon as possible. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Naval Intelligence is trying to get in on this. And I know for a fact that they don't mess around. They're going to find you."

Victor had a considerate look on his face. "Perhaps," he said. "But I don't need my client to stop them from finding us. All he needs to do is slow them down long enough for me to do my job." Then he leaned on the chair Jack was sitting in. He brought his face close to Jack's, breathing into his face. "And believe me, Airman Jack Witwicky, Service code SSN-107-54-907," he drawled out every word in an insulting tone. "I will get that information out of you. I don't care if you are a Fleet Admiral or even the son of one." Victor rubs at his chin, a twisted smile forming on his lips. "Which brings me to a question for you," he said. "How can you stand being around those so-called Autobots? When they are responsible for the death of your boyfriend."

Jack felt like he had just been stabbed in the heart. He looked at Victor with a numbed expression. "What?" He got out.

Victor's smile grew. "Don't be so surprised I make a point to know all I can about my guests," he said. "So tell me. How does it feel knowing that your fuck toy is dead? All because of some aliens brought their war to our solar system."

Jack was at a loss for words as the man's question sunk into his mind. Then that confusion seeped away as it was overshadowed by a white-hot fury that coursed through his being. "How about you come over it and untie me," he shouted at the man. He tried lunging at the man, only for the chair and restraints to stop him cold. Victor's guards swiftly pointed their weapons at Jack. "Then you can find out exactly how I feel."

Jack struggled more against his restraints, wanting so desperately to wipe the smug face off Victor. How dare he bring Conner into this! He heard the shouts of the Admiral for him to calm down, but he ignored them.

Victor's smile only grew by the second. "I think I will pass on that offer," he said. "I will be leaving you two for now. Give you time to think over what I have said and the position you mind yourselves in," he turned around and walked towards the door, his guards turning to follow him.

Victor stopped at the doorframe as it slid open. "Believe me when I say," he said. "I will get the information my client wants. No matter what methods I will have to use."

Jack continued to glare at the man, willing him to be vaporized on the spot. "What? Are you going to torture us?" He mocked the man. "I'm not an intelligence agent or even an interrogator. But even I know that torture is not the best way to get information out of people."

Victor turned his head over, showing Jack a cold smile. "Perhaps," he said. "But there are other ways to get information out of people. Ways that are no less painful, but much more effective at extracting information." With that, he stepped out of the room. Leaving the chair-bound captives to wonder what fate Victor had in store for them.

---

"Have you gotten anything?" Senator Herman said. An impatient expression plastered his face.

Victor kept a cool expression on his face as he addressed his client. "Nothing so far," he said. "But we have only had them for a few hours. Given more time, I believe we will be able to extract the information you want."

A frown crossed the senator's lips. "That may be time you don't have," he said. "Earth Security is doing everything they can to track you and your captives. I've slowed them down as best as I could. But the president has thrown his support behind the investigation. There is only so much I can do against that. Damnable fool, for once, he's doing his job."

"I see," Victor said, frowning. He was planning on the way to get out just in case the senator failed to hold off Earth Security. "You know this job would be much easier if we had a means off Earth."

The senator waved him off. "That won't be possible," he said. "Earth Security has every spaceport on the planet on lockdown. Not to mention, they have been given permission to search any ship that leaves Earth's atmosphere. The planet is effectively on lockdown."

Victor rubbed his chin. "Oh, I'm sure an influential man like you can think of something," he said.

The senator looked at him questioningly. "Explain," he said.

"If you could arrange a ship for us," Victor suggested. "Then we could get off the planet and go somewhere more private. Then we would have all the time we need to question the Admiral and his friend."

Herman shook his head. "I'm afraid even that may be off the table," he said. "The President gave Earth Security permission to stop and search any government ship that tries to leave Earth's atmosphere. Publicly owned or otherwise. If I tried that, it could lead them to finding me. I cannot help you in that regard."

"I see," Victor said. He gestured to one of his men to fetch something. "Then perhaps we will have to use more extreme methods," he said.

"Sir," a guard said, handing him something. A circular object with distinctive markings on it.

Victor nodded at the guard and held the object out for the senator to see. "If we have so little time, we may have to use this."

Victor smiled when he saw the shocked expression spread across the man's face. His eyes dart between him and the object in his hands. "Are you crazy?" he said in a horsed voice. "W-where did you get that thing?"

Victor handed the object back to the guard. "That doesn't matter," he said. "What matters is that it will let us get the information you desire. Sure, we might have to sort through some messy stuff. But you will get what you want."

Herman was still looking at him with a shocked look. "You do realize mind shifters are,"

Victor cut him off. "Highly illegal. Yes. Yes. I'm fully aware."

"And punishable by death." Herman finished. "If they found out that I had a hand in this. I could be," he trailed off, leaving the implication to hang in the air. Then he shook his head. "Are you sure that such a device will be necessary?"

Victor smiled, leaving it to men like Herman to sidestep an issue. "With how little time we may have," he started. "We may have to consider the possibility."

He studied his client's face as a range of emotions flashed by. "Wait for it. Wait for it. Now." One thing Victor had learned over his lengthy career was that timing was everything. Particularly when presenting someone with an alternative.

"Senator," Victor said. "There may be another possibility."

The senator looked at him wearily. "What is it?" he asked.

Victor typed a command on the terminal, bringing up a video feed. The senator raised an eyebrow. "The Admiral's personal mech?" he questioned. "What does it have to do with anything."

"As it turns out, Senator," Victor explained. "This is no simple robot." He zoomed in on the chest plate of the offlined machine, showing a symbol that was quickly becoming recognizable across the UNS. "It would seem that our new friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes."

Herman quickly recovered from his shock. "What is it doing on Earth?" he questioned. Then, he shook his head. "No, that doesn't matter now. Do you believe you can extract the information I want from it? How? It's not anything made by humans."

Victor smiled, glad that the man was catching on. "Senator," he addressed the man. "Alien or not. This thing is just a machine. Its systems can be hacked into. From there, we can learn everything we need." His smile looked positively cruel. Something that could only be found on a devil.

---

Jix had been awake for some time. Not that his captors knew or cared about that. Something he would like to keep that way.

He had woken up in a stupor, wondering what the number of the truck that hit was. When he got a good look at his surroundings that he realized the kind of situation he was in. The memory of bluish arcs hitting his body and the pain that came with it was still fresh in his mind.

Of course, being the intelligent little meche he was, he acted like he had never woken up. He remembered some of the stories the other autobots told, about what they did when they were captured by the Decepticons and how they escaped.

Most of them he noticed consisted of them acting like they were helpless. Something that Jix could do easily enough. After all, the humans probably thought all his systems were fried when they hit with that electric pulse.

So, he kept his eyes closed and his head to the side. He also powered most of his systems down to minimum levels. Jix never thought of himself as a good actor, but he didn't have to be in this case. His efforts (or lack thereof) paid off.

His human captors, thinking he was still offline, had grown careless. Because of that, he learned some interesting things from their idle chatter as they inspected him or one of the monitors nearby.

First was their location, an abandoned warehouse on the city's outskirts. Jix was thankful to Primus that his captors hadn't thought of relocating to another city. Or maybe they hadn't had the time. He would have to check his systems to see how much time had passed while he was out.

Secondly, or more importantly, he learned where Jack and the Admiral were being held. Or rather where they were being interrogated. Jix repressed a shudder as he held no illusions of what could be happening to his human friends.

They were in a room a couple of hallways away from him, the second door on the right.

Lastly, though, was the most concerning part and the chief motivator for him to act soon. His captors were planning on hacking him to find out what they could about the Autobots. He didn't know why they wanted that information. All he heard was something about what their client wanted.

Not that it mattered. All he understood was that them trying to hack into him would be a very painful experience. Even life-threatening. That was something he wanted to avoid.

"I'll be back in a few minutes," someone in the room said. "Keep an eye on that thing, will you?"

"Oh sure," his friend humored him.

Once Jix heard the opening and closing of the door, he opened his eyes to look around. He used his sensors to confirm what he saw. One human in the room, with their backs, turned to him. Jix smiled and sat up on the table he had been laid on. Again, he was thankful to Primus that his captors had not thought to restrain him.

He got off the table and slowly inched his way toward the human. He transformed his hand into a rod and began channeling electricity through it. Using the electric pulse, he was hit with earlier as a baseline, he conducted what he believed would be enough to render the human unconscious.

He reached his untransformed hand out to the human's shoulder and tapped him. Jix smiled when he startled and whirled around. "What the?"

"Hello!" Jix gleefully said. Then struck the man with the electro rod in the stomach. The human let out a loud, pained gasp as arcs of electricity coursed through his body. Jix winced a little, hoping that no one heard him. About a second or two later, Jix cut the flow of electricity off, and the human fell over unconscious, a bit of white smoke coming off him.

Jix transformed his electro rod back into a hand. He did a quick scan of the human and nodded when he detected no serious damage. By his estimate, he would be out for a while.

With one thing done, Jix quickly scanned around the room. Even with one of his captors down, he knew he had little time to act. He found a terminal in the room and ran up to it.

"Now, let's see what I can do with you," he activated it. He frowned when the thing asked him for a passkey. Having no time to figure out that, he held his hand out. From his fingers, connecting wires sprang to life and put themselves into the terminal's ports.

The human-computer was easy to hack into. Its protective systems, while robust, were not much for Jix. He was in and had free reign of the warehouse's systems a moment later. Which included a communications system.

Jix smiled and was about to send out a message to the Autobots. When something caught his attention. There was an outgoing transmission coming from the warehouse. Curious, Jix hacked into the communication to see what it was, maybe it would be useful. He was proven right.

"Do you find this acceptable?"

"Yes, that will do. Just do whatever you must to get the information I want."

"Very, Senator. We will hack into the Cybertronian and find out what it knows."

"Keep me informed. If you don't find anything useful from the thing. (Sighs) You may use the mind shifter on your captives. Whatever it takes to secure the future of the human race."

"As you wish, Senator."

The transmission ended there. Jix frowned, realizing how little time he had. Nor did he like the mention of this mind shifter. Now more than ever, he had to act.

Once he got a message out to the Autobots, Jix shut the terminal down and left the room. He had a pair of humans to save.

---

Hotrod was almost bouncing with excitement. They had gotten a transmission from Jix moments ago, and now Team Prime was trying to decide what to do. "Were your people able to trace the transmission?" Prime asked Agent Isaac.

Special Agent Isaac shook his head. "Didn't need to," he said. Then he brought up a holo display of the Human city. "Your friend Jix was able to transmit his location in addition to his message." The holo-image pulled in on an area on the outskirts of the city. Going down to a warehouse.

"We sent drones to the site and have confirmed the presence of the kidnappers," Isaac continued, explaining. "We have no idea how many combatants we are dealing with or even where the hostages are being held."

"Does it really matter?" Hotrod questioned. "I say we go in now and show these kidnappers what's what," he slammed a fist into his hand.

"Now hold on, kid," Wheeljack said. "While I'm all for a smash-and-grab. It's like what our friend here said," gestured to Agent Isaac. "We don't know where our people are being held. If we go in without a plan, we could get them hurt or worse."

Prime nodded. "I agree with Wheeljack in this matter, Hotrod," he said. "Any rescue attempt we make must be made with thoughtful planning and careful consideration."

Special Agent Isaac nodded. "Normally, I would agree with you, Prime," he said. "But considering the contents of the message. The more direct approach may be our best option."

Prime raised a ridge above his optic. "What did Jix's message that has you so concerned?" He asked.

"Nothing good," Isaac said. "According to Jix, the kidnappers were hired to retrieve information about your people Prime. To that end, they plan to hack into Jix's systems and retrieve whatever information they can."

Hotrod was left flabbergasted enough that it took him several seconds to recover. "Hack him?" He queried. "But you humans don't know enough about our systems for something like that. They could kill him or worse."

Isaac turned around to face Hotrod. "Frankly, I don't think they care," he said. "Especially if one considers what they plan to do if they don't find anything useful from Jix."

"What would that be?" Bumble asked. There was an uncertain edge in his voice.

"If the kidnappers fail to find anything useful," Isaac started. "They'll use a mind shifter device on Fleet Admiral Cartwell and Airman Witwicky."

For whatever reason, Hotrod felt the energon in him turn cold. "A mind shifter device?" Wheeljack quired. "That doesn't sound good. Dare I guess what it does?"

The human took a deep breath for a second or two before he let it go. "I won't go into the technical details," he said. "But to put it in layman's terms. It can extract information from the human brain and encode it as data to be stored in a mainframe."

For a moment, Hotrod was reminded of some of the devices the Decepticons used to extract information from their prisoners. He had a sinking feeling that this mind shifter did more than just take information from people's minds.

"However," Isaac continued. "The experience, as you can guess, is not a pleasant one. The process of taking the information induces severe trauma to the brain. Nine times out of ten, if the victim lives, they're left in a vegetative state."

"What of the lucky one out of ten?" Wheeljack asked.

Isaac remained silent for a second. "Not the same," he said. "For this reason and others, the device is considered illegal throughout the entire solar system. Punishable by death if the perpetrator in question is found to have used one."

"Considering they even have one," Bumblebee said. "I don't think they even care."

Isaac nodded. "Suffice to say, we may not have much time to plan out a proper rescue. Which leads me to this," he turned to face Optimus Prime. "Prime, earlier today, you offered your assistance in any rescue effort we would make. My government has accepted it and formally asks for your assistance."

Everyone in the room turned to face Optimus, seeing him nod slowly and stroke his chin. "We would be glad to help," he said. "But may I ask one question?" He got a nod from Isaac. "Will there be the possibility of combat against human forces?"

Silence fell over the room as the Autobots turned their attention to the human in the room. Hotrod wasn't sure if he wanted to hear an answer from him. "I assume you have some hesitance about taking human lives," he got a nod from Prime, then seemed to mutter something under his breath. "I applaud for your value for the lives of my species, Prime. It is a trait that I wish more people would share. However, you may not have to worry about it. Not if what I have in mind works."

The Autobots listened intently as Special Agent Isaac laid his plan out.

---

Silence reigns over the room. Jack had, after some coasting from the Admiral, calmed down. Now left alone in the room tied to a pair of chairs, they had time to think.

"I'm sorry," Jack said, breaking the long silence. "About losing my temper. That was unfitting of a member of the armed forces."

"Don't apologize," the Admiral said. "That man struck a nerve when he brought up your boyfriend," there was a short pause. "Your ex-boyfriend."

Jack felt a sharp pain in his chest. "Still," Jack said. "I should have kept my cool. Instead, I gave the enemy something they can use against me."

"Try not to worry about it," Cartwell said. "Trust me, I've made some mistakes when I was your age," Jack heard the man make an odd snort. "I still do sometimes. You really did love him, didn't you?"

Jack was silent for a moment. "I did," he said. "I loved him more than anything else in this world. If," Jack's voice trailed off as the words seemed to latch themselves in his throat. "I-if he had. Had asked. I would have said yes."

Jack could feel the Admiral shifting around in his seat behind him. "I see," he said. "I can't say I know how you feel. Not fully, anyways."

Jack turned his head to the side, raising an eyebrow. "There was someone you loved?" he asked.

"Still do," Cartwell said. "But events in my life have kept me from her."

"Is she?" Jack let the question linger in the air.

He saw the Admiral shake his head from the corner of his eye. "Fortunately, not," he said. "But duty has kept us apart."

"I'm sorry," Jack said.

"Don't be," Cartwell said. "It's not anything we would change." Then he saw the Admiral turn his head. "If anyone must apologize, it's me. They were after me, and you were caught in the crossfire."

"You don't need to apologize, Admiral," Jack said.

"Please don't call me Admiral," Cartwell said. "I get enough of that while on duty. I don't need it while I'm tied to a chair. Call me Archie or Cartwell if you think that is too much."

"Yes, Adm," Jack caught himself. "Cartwell," he wasn't sure if he could call the man by his first name. Mentor and friend of his dad or not, it had been drilled into his head to show respect to his superior officers.

He saw Cartwell nodding. "I suppose that will have to do," he said. Then, he seemed to let out a breath. "Well, as seeing we won't be going anywhere anytime soon. There is something I meant to talk to you about. An observation I made."

"Wh-what about?" Jack said, getting an uneasy feeling.

"It's about that young autobot," Cartwell said. "The one that tried to talk to before we left the funeral service. Hotrod, I believe it was."

Jack tensed up at the mention of the Autobot. "What about him?" he asked carefully.

"I noticed that you were a bit," he trailed off. "Standoffish with him. What was that about?"

Jack bit his lips, wondering how he would answer the Admiral's question. "Do I have to answer that, Ad-Cartwell?"

"Not if you don't want to," Cartwell said. "As I said, it was just an observation I made."

Jack remained silent for a while, wondering if he should answer the question or not. It wasn't any of his business, was it? "I'm just a little uncomfortable around him, that's all."

He heard the Admiral humming. "Does this have anything to do with Conner's death?"

Jack felt his heart skipping a beat. How did? "What makes you think that?" He asked.

"Jack," Cartwell said. "I've been in the armed forces for longer than you have been alive. I've seen a lot of things and a lot of people. I know when someone is holding blame for another."

"Blame?" Jack repeated. Inside his mind, he was looking for a way to skirt around the issue.

"You hold him responsible for Conner's death, don't you?" Cartwell said.

The Admiral had cut right to the heart of it. "I don't hold him responsible. N-not exactly," he said. "I just," he paused, trying to look for a way to explain it. "It's," he took a breath. "He shouldn't have been so reckless. If he just had been more careful or if he had been a little more cautious, then. Then Conner would still be alive."

Silence fell over the room as what Jack said sank in. "I'm sorry," Jack said. "I didn't mean to."

Cartwell cut him off. "No need to," he said. "It's natural that you want to blame Hotrod. Yes, his reckless acts caused the device to activate, leading to Conner's sacrifice. But you can't blame him forever. There was no way he could have known what was to transpire. As much as you don't want to hear this, he was acting like a soldier doing what they could to secure the objective."

Jack opened his mouth to offer an objection. But the agreement died in his throat. "I know," he admitted. "But every time I see him, every time I look into his eyes. All I see is Conner and how he died. And I can hear his voice, the last conversation we had."

"Jack, I love you."

Again, silence fell over the room as both men were uncertain what to say. But the silence had to be broken. "You know, you will have to talk to him about this at some point," Cartwell said. "You can't let this fester inside of you forever."

Jack let out a breath. "I know," he admitted. "But can't, not right now. I need time."

Turning his head over, he saw Cartwell nodding. "I'm not saying you had to do that right now," he said. "But it is something to keep in mind."

Jack nodded, thankful for the man's understanding. "Thank you, Cartwell," he said. Then he snorted. "Admittedly, it is going to be a little hard to do that regardless. Considering we are still being held captive by these people."

He heard the Admiral chuckling. "True," he said. "Before anything else, we must find a way out of here. Failing that hope, someone can rescue us."

The door to the room slid open. Jack turned his head to face it, expecting to see their captors walk in, for another session. Instead, he saw Jix sneaking into the room.

"Jix?" Jack said, unable to contain his surprise. The Autobot Minicon perked up when he saw Jack and smiled. Jix ran up to Jack and began to undo his restraints. "What are you doing here? I thought they had you in a separate room."

"They were," Jix said, moving onto Cartwell after undoing Jack's restraints. Jack rubbed his numb wrist, trying to get the blood flowing through them. "But I snuck out."

"We can see that," Cartwell said. "But how?"

Jack stood up and scanned around the room. "Does that really matter, sir?" He asked the Admiral. "We need to escape our captors before they find out we've escaped."

The Admiral looked at him for a moment and nodded. "You're right," he said. "Questions can come later. Right now, let's," he was cut off when the door slid open again.

Two masked men walked, one of them carrying something. Both men stopped in their tracks when they saw the freed Jack and Cartwell.

Before they could recover, Jack threw himself at one of them with a shout. Both went to the floor as Jack tried to hold the man down.

"Security alert," the other man shouted. "The prisoners have," he was interrupted by a loud smacking sound.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a shadow falling to the floor. Jack paid it no mind and focused on the man pinned below him. A moment later, Jack sent a shift punch to his jaw, knocking him out.

Jack looked over to where the shadow fell. He saw Admiral Cartwell standing over the unconscious form of the other man. A second later, he bent down to pick up the man's rifle. "Looks like we might have less time than we thought," as he said this, alarms began to go off.

Jack nodded and searched the man's body for a weapon. He found a pistol and took it out of its holster. Jack stood up, inspecting the weapon. "Jix," he said to the small autobot. "Do you know that way out of here?"

Jix nodded. "I downloaded the warehouse's layout before I came to find you," he said.

"Good," Cartwell said. "You lead us out of here. Jack," he looked over at the pilot. "You take the rear. I'll stay in the middle. Got that?"

Jack nodded. "Sir, yes, sir," he said.

"Then move!"

The trio got out of the room and quickly made their way down a corridor. A couple of turns later, they hit their first bit of resistance. A bolt of white light whizzed past Jack's head from behind them, impacting on a nearby wall.

Still running, Jack whirled around and fired three quick shots from his pistol. His aim was true as one of the plasma bolts struck an attacker in the chest, sending them to the floor.

A moment later, Jack and the others dived into another corridor, avoiding a burst of bolts from a second attacker. The Admiral stretched out across Jack and across the corner. He fired a burst from his rifle. A moment later, Jack heard a body hitting the floor.

The Admiral pulled back. "We need to keep moving," he said.

Jack nodded. "Jix, get us out of here," he called to the minicon.

The next few moments for Jack became a blur. They ran down some more corridors, getting into one or two firefights. But mostly trying to outrun their captors turned to pursuers.

Jack half turned as he ran and fired his pistol. None of the shots hit, but they did force their pursuers to slow down and take cover. In retaliation, two of the pursuers fired their rifles, one bolt of plasma sailing by Jack's head close enough that he felt the heat from it.

Jack turned back around and sped up his running to keep pace with the Admiral and Jix. Speaking of. "Jix," he called out to the Autobot. "I hope you're leading us out of here." They rounded a corner as a hail of plasma bolts came down on them.

"We're almost there," Jix called back. "Just another turn, and it'll be a straight line to the main area of the warehouse. We can get out from there."

Jack nodded and looked at the Admiral. "What do we do then, sir?" He asked.

Jack didn't know how, but the Admiral didn't appear to be winded from all their running. He thought the older man would at least be breaking a sweat by now. He guessed that was just one reason he was a Fleet Admiral.

"Simple," he said. They rounded a corner, coming face to face with a surprised enemy guard. In a flash of light, the man was down with a burning hole in his chest. The Admiral didn't even slow down as he lowered his rifle. "We get as far away from this place as possible. Then contact Earth Security."

Jack nodded. In the distance, he heard running footsteps and shouts of. "After them. Find them," echoing through the halls.

Just as Jix said, once they got out of the hall, the trio ran out into the main area of the warehouse. Once, it might have been home to storage crates as far as the eye could see. Now, though, there was barely anything in it. It was one massive empty room.

Farther ahead, Jack could see what looked like the warehouse's entrance. Or, in this case, the exit they needed. About halfway through, Jack heard a recently familiar voice. "Get them," Victor shouted. "They're trying to escape."

Not a moment later, bolts of plasma flew past them and rained down on them. One shot almost hit Jack in the arm, as it sailed past him. "Careful, you idiots," he heard Victor say. "We need them alive."

The trio of two humans and an autobot minicon continued to run across the warehouse storage area, exchanging fire with their captors. At one point, Jack took a shot at Victor, hoping to take out the leader of their captors or at least get him to back off. But the man was too far away for an accurate shot from a pistol.

That was when the running trio burst out from the warehouse's exit. Jack thought they were home free as they ran into the street outside. Only for this hope to be crushed as they came to face with a squad of armed guards.

The trio stopped in their tracks as the guards pointed their weapons at them. "Well shit," Cartwell said, dropping his weapon and raising his hands in the air. Jack nodded, agreeing with the sentiment. He mirrored the Admiral's actions.

Jix looked between with a questioning look before he raised his hands in the air. A moment later, they heard slow clapping.

"Well, well," they heard Victor say. The trio turned around to face the man. "I will admit I'm impressed. And that is something I don't say lightly."

"Impressed enough to let us go?" Jix said with a hopeful smile.

Victor shook his head. "No," he said. "It is quite rude trying to leave. I have been nothing if accommodating to my guests."

Jack snorted. "Oh, you've been accommodating, alright," he said. "We liked it so well that we wanted to invite others over to see how nice of a host you are."

Victor's smile was anything but friendly. "Now, now," he said. "My invitation was only for the two of you and your friend," he looked at Jix, who gave him a nervous wave of his hand. "It would be rude to invite others."

He signaled for his men to round up the escaped prisoners. "Now then, I believe that is enough of the excitement for the day," Victor said, turning around. "When we get back inside, I have more questions for you. Especially for you, little guy," he addressed Jack.

"I'm sorry," Jack said. "Looks like we won't be getting out of here."

The Admiral looked over at him to say something. That was when the roar of engines reached their ears. "I wouldn't be so certain about that," he said, looking up. Jack did the same, along with Victor and his men. What they saw stunned them into inaction.

"Earth Security! Lower your weapons and surrender!" A voice boomed through the air as several transport shuttles descended to the ground. Before Victor could react, the shuttles landed, and squads of armed Earth Security guards stormed out, surrounding them.

Jack let out a smile and was about to say something to Victor. He saw a blur move behind him before he could register what had happened. Then, the next moment, he felt an arm wrapped around his neck, pulling him in. Followed by a pistol being pressed next to his head.

"Hold it right there," Jack heard Victor say next to his ear. Several Earth Security guards pointed their rifles at Victor and, by extension, Jack. "One wrong move and this pilot's promising career comes to a tragic end."

Jack tried to struggle against the man's grip. But it was too strong for him. Someone walked out from the crowd of Earth security forces. "I am Special Agent Isaac," he said. "And I have one question for you. Why would I care about some pilot?"

Jack wanted to glare at the man and refute him. This was his life on the line. But Victor pulled him back, moving out into the street and away from the Earth Security forces.

Jack didn't see it, but somehow, he knew Victor was smiling. "A good question," he said. "If he were just some ordinary pilot, I would be in trouble. But as seeing he is the son of the Famed Fleet Admiral Michial Witwicky, I don't believe you will be risking his life."

Special Agent Isaac frowned. "I had hoped you wouldn't realize that."

Victor snorted. "Information is key, Special Agent," he said. "Now, if you don't want his death to make headline news. You'll let me go."

Jack clenched his teeth. "What? Not going to help your guys?" He asked the man. "Some leader you are."

Jack felt the pistol be shoved into his head. "Quite you," Victor said. "They're good, loyal men and women. They know their sacrifice will be for nothing." At this, Victor's forces raised their weapons at the Earth Security forces.

The Special agent, though, seemed unconcerned by this. "You do realize that you will never escape from here?"

Victor let out a low chuckle. "And how do propose you'll stop me?"

The Special agent smiled. "Not me," he said. A short distance away, Jack heard the roar of the engines. "Them."

The sounds of the engines got louder as whatever vehicle they were a part of got closer. Jack wasn't sure, but he swore they were coming from two different directions. One from behind him and Victor and the other coming from the opposite side of the street.

His suspicion was confirmed when he saw a yellow and black sports car spreading toward the crowd of armed men. Just before it would have spread through them, it transformed into a giant robot. Bumblebee came to a stop, pointing his arm cannons at Victor's men.

In that same instant, the sound of the other engine ceased as a shadow came over Jack and Victor. Victor turned around just enough so that Jack could see Hotrod standing over them, an arm cannon pointed at Victor.

"What the?" Victor said in surprise. Then, they felt a small trimmer after they heard something impacting the ground. Again, Victor turned, letting Jack see that Wheeljack had jumped down from one of the buildings. Like Bumblebee, both of his arms were transformed into cannons pointed at Victor's men.

"Alright, you little punks," Wheeljack said. "I suggest you drop those little peas shooters and come quietly. Not unless you want to find what these are," he lifts his cannons up and down. "and what they can do to little guys like you."

Jack didn't know if it was a lapse in Victor's judgment or from the shock of the moment, but he felt his grip on him loosen. Jack saw his chance and took it. Jack slammed his foot into Victor's foot. In that same motion as the man let out a yelp of pain; he slipped out of the man's arms. Then he spun around, grabbed the man's pistol, and took it out of his hand. Pointing the weapon at Victor, Jack takes a couple of steps back.

Victor raised his hands into the air. "So, the Autobots were on Earth," he muttered, turning his head over to look at Hotrod.

"That they were," Special Agent Isaac said, stepping up beside Jack. "They offered their aid in the rescue of our people," he looked over at Wheeljack, getting a nod from the meche. Then he looked back at Victor. "In the interest of further interspecies cooperation, we accepted. After all, one of their own was taken by you. Now then, will you hand yourself over peacefully? Or do you need some convincing from our friends?"

Victor had a frown on his face. For a moment, Jack thought that the man would try to make a fight of it. Not that he would get far. Jack had his finger on his pistol's trigger. Then he let out a sigh. "Men," he said. "Stand down. We've lost this one."

---

"In a stunning move by Earth Security. Famed Fleet Admiral Archie Cartwell and a fighter pilot were rescued, who earlier today had been,"

Jack turned the radio off, not needing to be reminded of today's events. He had been through a lengthy debriefing from Special Agent Isaac and knew there would be more to come in the coming days. "This is your stop, I think," Hotrod said.

Following the debriefing, Hotrod had offered him a ride back to the hotel he was staying at. It was an awkward ride, to say the least. Jack looked out the window and confirmed they had stopped in front of the hotel.

"This is the place," he said. Then he rubbed at the back of his neck. "Thanks for the ride." He got ready to get out.

"Don't sweat it," Hotrod said awkwardly. "It's the least I could do. You know, for a friend."

Jack nodded slowly, unsure how to respond. His thoughts kept drifting back to what Admiral Cartwell said. "Well, thanks anyway," he said.

He was about to get out and put a to this awkward conversation. "Hey, uhh, Jack?" Hotrod said. "Before you go. I just wanted to say," he trailed off like he was at a loss for words. "I just wanted to say that I'm,"

Jack put a stop to it right there. "Don't," he said. "I know what you're going to say. So don't," Jack paused, looking for the right way to say this. "I know you tried your best back on Luna. That you tried to help, but that doesn't change the fact that Conner is dead, and I can't forgive you for that."

Hotrod remained silent through the whole exchange. Jack knew he was being harsh with him, and even felt a little bit guilty because of it. But he couldn't just change how he felt. The wound of Conner dying was still too fresh to be able to do that. But maybe in time.

Jack had his hand over the door handle. "Not yet," he added. "I need time to think. To feel things over." He was surprised his voice wasn't shaking. "I can't forgive you for what happened, not just yet. But I might be able to set it aside." How that would happen, Jack wasn't sure.

"I," Hotrod said after a couple more seconds of silence, then paused. "I understand," the door swung open so that Jack could get out. "So, friends then?"

Jack bit the inside of his cheek. He nodded. "I guess," he said, stepping out of Hotrod. "Until then, be seeing you around?"

Jack knew he was smiling even if Hotrod was in his alternate form. "You got it." Then he drove off. Jack watched the Autobot drive off until he had left his eyesight.

About ten minutes later, Jack was in his room, sitting in front of a terminal. He was playing with a data slat in his hand. For several minutes, he wondered if he should put it in and see its contents. In the end, he put the slate in. A moment later, an Image of Conner appeared.

"Hello, Jack."

---

Residence of the President

"Once again, I have to thank you, Optimus Prime," President Blum said. "Without your help, who knows how things would have turned out."

Over the holo-com, Prime nodded. "No need to thank me, mister President," he said. "It was the right thing to do. I am only thankful that the matter could be resolved without bloodshed."

Blum nodded, understanding and sharing the feeling. "How is your friend?" He asked. "Jix, was it? I hope this incident hasn't left a lasting impression."

Prime shook his head. "He is doing well," he said. "He may be young, but he is resilient."

Blum nodded. "The young often are," he said.

"Indeed," Prime said. "Which leads me to ask. How are your people doing?"

"About the same," Blum said. "Admiral Cartwell is an experienced military officer. He's trained for situations like this. As for Airman Jack, he did well, given the circumstances."

Prime nodded. "Regardless," he said. "Send them my regards and my fondest wishes that they make a speedy recovery from whatever scars this matter might have had on them.

Blum nodded. "I will pass them on," he replied. "Along with my own."

Prime nodded. "Now, other matters," he said in a serious tone. "What about this, Victor and his client? What will become of them?"

Blum grasped his hands together as his face took a neutral expression. "They will be tried in a court of law," he said. "And more than likely will be found guilty. Once that happens, they'll be sentenced to serve time in jail. Likely a lifetime sentence."

"I see," Prime said, rubbing his chin. "Have you apprehended this, Senator Herman?"

"A team of Earth Security was sent out just to do that," Blum said. He heard a door slide open. "Just as I'm saying that," he turned around to face the Director of Earth Security. "I assume you're here to tell that you have Senator Herman in custody?"

The frown on the man's face was all the answer Blum needed. "I'm afraid not, Mister President," he said. "My men could not find him in his home or at the Assembly."

Blum frowned at this. "I see," he said, not liking the news he received. He had a feeling that there was more. "Then we'll have to begin a planet-wide search. I would suggest that you start with the residences Herman owns."

Director Markus nodded. "Already on it, Mister President," he said. "But I'm afraid it may be a wasted effort," he handed Blum a Datapad. "It appears that Herman had some friends."

Blum took the pad and looked over its contents. He reread it several times for about a minute before looking back at Herman. "How long ago was this?" Blum asked calmly.

"About an hour ago," Director Markus said. "The shuttle appeared to have come from the Aldrin station. I've sent a team to investigate, we'll find whoever helped the senator."

"I want their names on my desk the moment you do," Blum said, laying the pad on a nearby table. All the while, Optimus Prime watches the scene unfold curiously. Blum nodded at him, knowing he would have to explain in a moment.

For the moment, he focused his attention on the Director of Earth Security. "It doesn't make sense," Blum said. "Where could he be going? Surely, Herman knows that we'll be on the manhunt for him. "There is nowhere in the UNS," Blum trailed off as the realization hit him like a brick wall.

He looked over at Director Markus, seeing the man giving him a grim nod. "The League."

Unknown

Several days later far away from Earth, Herman stepped onto the command center of a ship he never thought he would enter. At least not without it having been towed back to Earth. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

"Greetings, Senator Herman," a man said. Herman looked at him and suppressed a look of disgust. Just a few weeks ago, he condemned this man for his crimes against the UNS. Now, he would be forced to act nice around him. "It is a pleasure," he held his hand out for the former Senator.

Herman faked a smile at the man. "The pleasure is mine, Lord Admiral Sujit," he took the hand of the man. Behind him, the symbol of the League of Independence was illuminated.

"Now tell me," Lord Admiral Sujit said with a cold smile. "About these Cybertronians, we've heard so much about."

---

The 2nd Chapter of the Sol Wars is done, and a new player has been added to the board. What will this mean for the Autobots?