Authors note: Due to some schedule issues, this chapter will be super short until I can edit some more. :) Thank you for your patience!
"Optimus?"
The firetruck was currently staring at the big screen. His yellow optics were narrowed in concentration, while T-ai floated nearby. The Autobot leader had been looking over the information that Doctor Onishi had provided him with. Doctor Onishi truly believed that these kids came from troubled if not abusive homes. The sparklings would shut down anytime questions were asked about their families or anything about their human lives. Crosswise, Sideburn, and T-ai were nowhere near finding a cure for their situation.
"Optimus," T-ai hesitantly asked again. "Do you think these are the kids?"
On the screen, there were images of four kids. Two boys and two girls who had gone missing, but only two weren't reported missing by their parents. The Spychangers had found enough evidence that these are the kids currentlyt living with them. Optimus turned from the screen to look at the hologram. "Unfortunately, yes. I believe so."
Optimus folded his arms, his optics dimming slightly in contemplation. "If the Spychangers' reports are accurate, then these children have been through more than we initially thought. Both at the hands of the Predacons and their families."
T-AI hesitated, her digital form flickering momentarily. "Optimus, what do we do now?"
The firetruck's servos clenched. "We keep them safe. We cancel our search for a way to make them human again and keep them with us."
Just then, the base's alarm blared. A red warning flashed across the screen, and T-AI swiftly accessed the alert. "Decepticons and Predacons are attacking a plant near the outskirts of the city!"
Optimus turned to her, his voice firm. "Who's closest?"
"Crosswise and Ironhide," she reported. "They're already en route."
Optimus nodded. "Patch me through."
The screen shifted, showing Crosswise speeding down a highway, Ironhide close behind. "Optimus," Crosswise's voice crackled through, "we're tracking a disturbance near an abandoned industrial zone. No confirmed visuals on the enemy yet."
"Proceed with caution," Optimus warned. "If the Decepticons and Predacons are involved, this could be connected to the children."
T-AI's expression grew worried. "Do you think they'll eventually stop searching for the kids?"
Optimus didn't answer right away. His optics flicked back to the images on the screen—the missing children, their wary expressions, the unanswered questions surrounding them.
"We can only hope," he finally said. "T-ai. Open the space bridge and call the other Spychangers to meet us and X-brawn to watch the kids."
"Right!" Was the last response Optimus heard before heading out.