Hey everyone! I'm back with another chapter! Sorry it took me so long, been busy with work and visiting family. So because of how much has been added to this chapter, I had to split it into two parts for my own sanity, otherwise it would have taken me longer to post. But I do have a surprise in here so hopefully that makes up for it. Anyway, here is chapter 67! I hope you like it.

P.S. Sorry for any grammatical errors.

Transformers Prime: The Medic's Assistant

Chapter 67: Prey Part 1

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Prime

(Darkmount, NV)

Megatron looked up at the ferocious beast and evilly grinned. This was exactly what he needed to hunt down the Autobots.

Everyone but him and the two scientists were afraid of the beast as they fearfully kept their distance. The Predacon looked at all of them and released a bone chilling roar, frightening them even more.

"A... A predacon?" Starscream stuttered as he cowered. "They... they've been extinct since the beginning of Cybertronian history."

"Indeed," Shockwave said as he approached the predacon and placed his servo on it. "But the specimen you see before you was bred in a laboratory. Cloned from fossilized remains which I've discovered on Cybertron."

"Shockwave, it does my spark good to see you once again tampering with creation," Megatron said. Wanting a closer look, he made his way down from his throne towards the beast.

Starscream was nervous about his leader getting too close to the predacon. "Master, please, keep your distance."

"No need for alarm," Shockwave assured, "the beast is completely under my control."

The predacon lowered its head as it locked optics with Megatron. It remained where it was, knowing not to attack.

"Such primal magnificence," Megatron said as he studied the predacon.

Shockwave looked at Tarantulas. "The sample."

Tarantulas held up a small canister filled with energon and gleefully chuckled. "Right here. Energon from one of our prisoners, spilled during their failed interrogation." He walked over to the predacon and held it up to the beast.

The predacon looked at the energon intently. Its yellow optics then lit up as it got a whiff of the sample.

Megatron evilly grinned. "Let the hunt begin."

Spreading out its large wings, the predacon released a loud piercing roar before it took off in the air and followed the scent.

(Elsewhere)

Once they were sure they were safe, the four regrouped in the woods where Ratchet tended to Stormracer. On the way there, she had slipped into stasis, causing Dreadwing to worry. While she was being given an energon transfusion, Ratchet began repairing her.

Dreadwing was alert as he kept watch for any sign of the enemy but would still glance over his shoulder to make sure Stormracer was alright.

Sierra sat beside Stormracer, worried about her guardian's well-being as she laid there.

Once her energon levels climbed high enough, Stormracer slowly began to stir from stasis. Soon her optics flickered online just as Ratchet popped one of her joints back into place.

"OW!" The femme yelped from the shooting pain. She couldn't help but flinch as she pulled her arm away from the medic.

"Yep, ep, ep, hold still!" Ratchet scolded as he took her arm to finish repairing it.

Sierra stood up once her guardian awakened. "It's okay, Storm. You're just getting patched up."

Stormracer vented through the pain. "How long was I out for?"

"You blacked out during your flight here, but I was able to begin your transfusion in time," Ratchet answered.

Stormracer looked at the tube attached to her, seeing the energon making its way into her system. She looked at the medic, happy to see him again. "Are you alright?" she asked.

Ratchet gave her a look. "I'm not the one who was mangled by an arachnicon."

Seeing the femme was awake, Dreadwing walked over and knelt down beside her. "Welcome back. You gave us quite the scare."

Stormracer softly smiled at him. "Sorry to have worried you."

Not wanting to confess he was, he cleared his throat. "Well, I did promise I would help you. I intend to keep that promise."

"It appears the Decepticons have a new member," Ratchet said. He looked at Dreadwing. "Any idea who he is?"

The ex-con shook his head. "I have never seen that Decepticon before."

"His name's Tarantulas," Sierra said with a frown, "And he's a creep is what he is."

Needing to inform them, Stormracer spoke up. "He's a scientist. He used to go by Mesothulas and studied biological enhancement until he was arrested for illegal experimentations. He turned himself into an arachnicon thanks to his studies, making himself stronger."

Ratchet and Dreadwing looked at her in confusion.

"How do you know all of this?" Ratchet asked.

Stormracer vented. "He was my mechfriend."

There was a long silent pause as the two mechs stared at her in disbelief.

"What?!" Ratchet finally exclaimed.

"Your choice in suitors is… concerning," Dreadwing commented.

"In my defense, he was different when we first started dating," Stormracer said, "but once he joined the Science Division… that's when he started changing for the worse. I don't even recognize him anymore."

"I get you broke up, but why does he hate you so much?" Sierra asked.

"Because when I knew something was wrong, I went to his superiors. They learned the truth because of me. I'm the reason he was locked up."

"And now he seeks vengeance," Dreadwing said. He growled to himself as he tightened his servos into fists. "I should have terminated him when I had the chance."

Ratchet frowned at the thought of his assistant being targeted. "If Tarantulas is after you, I want you with someone at all times, got it?"

Stormracer was worried at the thought of Tarantulas hurting anyone with her. "But what if-"

"Got it?" he sternly repeated.

No use in arguing, Stormracer vented but nodded.

Ratchet began listing her condition. "Though your injuries were severe, I was able to patch up most of them. Your wrist needs to be in a brace until I can find a part to repair it. The denting isn't too much of a worry." He then vented. "Your EMP generator however…" he held it up, showing the severity of it. "Beyond repair."

Stormracer looked at the EMP. The device was completely crushed thanks to Tarantulas. She sadly vented, knowing she had not only lost her weapon, but something sentimental to her. Not only did Ratchet give it to her, but it was a reminder of how they met, and what they went through together. And now it was gone thanks to her carelessness.

The group decided to stay a little longer until Stormracer fully recovered. While Ratchet stayed by the femme's side, Sierra decided to teach Dreadwing how to play Tic-Tac-Toe. Using a long stick, she drew the squares in the dirt big enough for the flier to play.

"Okay," Sierra said, "I'll be X, and you can be O."

Dreadwing was sitting on the ground cross-legged as he looked at the squares in confusion. "What is the purpose of this?"

"It's simple," Sierra said, "We compete to see which one can get three squares in a row while trying to prevent the other player from doing so. For example…" She drew an X in the center square. "Here I have different options to choose from. If I were to try and go down, you would have to put an O on the next square to block me." She demonstrated as she used her stick to show him how it was done. "And I will have to do the same to prevent you from getting three in a row."

Dreadwing soon realized what the game was. "I see. This is a strategy exercise."

Sierra gave him an odd look. "Umm, yeah I guess."

Dreadwing cracked his knuckles. "Very well then. Challenge accepted." He scanned the squares first to figure out his first move before using his sharp digit to draw in an O.

While the two played their game, Ratchet finished patching up Stormracer before putting everything back into his medical kit.

"Sorry about the EMP," Stormracer apologized to him.

Ratchet didn't bother looking at her as he closed his kit. "It's fine. Be grateful you didn't lose your arm."

There was a long pause between the medic and assistant. Stormracer looked at her boss, knowing he was still upset with her as he avoided eye contact. Finally, she spoke.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, "I should have told you about Knock Out."

Ratchet glanced at her before looking away with a frown. "Yes, you should have."

Stormracer sadly looked down. "You have every right not to forgive me. And if you don't want me as your assistant anymore, I understand."

The medic was silent for a moment before he vented.

"You're not just my assistant," he said as he looked at her, "You're... like a daughter to me, meaning I care greatly about your safety. And if something happened to you, I don't know what I would do."

Stormracer's optics widened. She was touched by his words; but at the same time, it made her feel even more guilty.

"What you did made me disappointed, but no matter how big a mistake you've made, I'll never hate you," he continued, "I just don't understand what you saw in him."

Stormracer vented. "I saw goodness in him. He may not show it, but he cares for those close to him. When he lost Breakdown he had no one to talk to, so I went to see him. And then after what happened to Bulkhead, we continued meeting. I never shared any information with Knock Out, I swear. But the more time I spent with him, the more I got to know him. And then... it just happened. I'm really sorry."

Ratchet frowned. "I know you meant well, but what you did was foolish. Your spark is your greatest strength, but it is also your weakness. Something could have happened, and we wouldn't have even known. If you do anything like that again, I will confine you to base permanently."

Stormracer gave him a look for the last part.

"Once we find a new base you will be confined permanently," he corrected.

Knowing he was serious, Stormacer nodded. "I won't do it again. I promise."

Ratchet vented. After a moment, he softly smiled. "I'm just relieved that you're alright."

Stormracer smiled back. However, she soon remembered what Tarantulas told her, making her smile fade. "Tarantulas said Knock Out tried to stop the attack on the base."

Ratchet raised his optical ridge at her. "Do you believe him?"

"I... I don't know. He found out about us, so he could have said it to mess with me. At the same time if he's right, and Knock Out did try to help us... He also mentioned Wheeljack. They both could be in trouble."

"Whether it's true or not, we do not have the resources to do anything about it, nor the numbers," Ratchet pointed out.

Stormracer vented, knowing he was right. "How are we going to defeat Megatron?"

Even though he didn't have the answer, Ratchet lifted his head up. "Before Dreadwing found me, I had already given up. But the war isn't over yet. Even without a base, we must find the rest of Team Prime and plan a counterattack."

"If only we knew where the others are," Stormracer said.

Knowing where two of them were, Ratchet smirked. "And I know exactly where we need to go."

Over at the side playing their fifth round of Tic-Tac-Toe, Dreadwing drew in his last O. "I win."

Sierra couldn't believe it. He had set himself up so he could get three straight across in two directions. No matter which square she'd put her X in, he would still win. He won every round they played!

"How do you keep doing that?!" the girl exclaimed, "How are you so good at this?!"

"When you've been a warrior as long as I have, you always rely on strategy against your opponents. This is mere child's play." The flier smirked. "At the same time, enjoyable."

Sierra grumbled in frustration as she erased the game and began drawing a new set of squares. "Rematch!" she demanded.

"It will have to wait," Ratchet told her, making Sierra stop what she was doing.

Both the flier and girl looked over to see the medic helping Stormracer back on her pedes, showing she had fully recovered.

Ratchet looked at everyone. "Time to roll out."

(Elsewhere)

Having been driving for days, Arcee and Jack had no luck in running into any of the others. They already had a close call with the cons the previous day. The last thing they needed was to get caught again.

Jack was growing increasingly worried about everyone. His mom, his friends... Sierra. He was mad at himself for not saying anything to her. What if something happened and he never got the chance to say what he wanted to say.

Arcee was worried about the others as well, but she kept it to herself. She didn't want to stress out Jack more with the situation. They couldn't lose hope. They had to find at least someone. Scrap, she would be happy to even see Stormracer.

Remembering what happened, she frowned to herself as she shook the thought away. It was bad enough they were on the run. The last thing she wanted was to be reminded that her friend secretly hooked up with a con. She swore if she ever saw Knock Out again, she would offline him herself.

"The last time things looked this bleak, Optimus slipped me that key card," Jack spoke, snapping the two-wheeler out of her thoughts, "Something we can hang our hopes on."

"I know you're feeling helpless, Jack, but this doesn't need to be your burden," Arcee told him.

Jack sadly sighed.

That's when Arcee noticed something in her side view mirror. She saw a dot up in the sky. A helicopter. And from the looks of it... it was following them.

Alarms started going off in her head. "We're being followed."

"Wait, what?" Jack asked as he looked over his shoulder.

Immediately Arcee scanned the area. Seeing an old barn up ahead, the motorcycle sped over as Jack held on. Once there, Arcee circled around the barn and hid behind it. There Jack hopped off as she transformed into her bipedal mode with her blasters out.

The boy removed his helmet and worryingly looked at his guardian. "Decepticon?"

"Not sure," she said. She pressed her back against the wall when she heard the helicopter approaching. Dust flew everywhere as the helicopter lowered down. Soon, they heard a transformation sound, followed by the sound of something big landing on the ground.

Arcee readied herself as she inched her way towards the corner with Jack behind her. She listened carefully as footsteps slowly approached their position. Preparing herself for a fight, she leaped out and pointed her blasters... as did the larger bot around the corner.

The bot before her was a strong built mech with green and yellow armor. His blue optics looked at her warningly as they both kept their blasters pointed at each other.

"So... who shoots first?" the mech asked.

Arcee soon noticed he had an autobot emblem on his chest. However, she wasn't willing to let her guard down. For all she knew, it could be a Decepticon trick. "Who are you?" she asked, "Why are you following us? Are there others with you?"

"Which do you want me to answer first?" he asked cheekily.

"Answer them all," she growled.

"Hard for me to answer with a blaster pointed at me," he pointed out.

Arcee frowned as she kept her blaster on him. "How do I know you're not here to kill us?"

"If I was here to kill you, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

The two-wheeler studied him as Jack nervously watched from behind the barn. After a long stare down, both Autobots lowered their weapons. Feeling it was safe, Jack sighed in relief as he stepped out and joined Arcee.

"Gotta say, after so long it's nice to see a friendly face again," the green mech said with a smile.

Arcee kept frowning at him. "Now answer my questions."

"Down to the point I see," he said as he placed his servos on his hips. "The name's Springer. And you are?"

Arcee was silent as she kept frowning at him.

"Oh, come on," he said, "You asked me who I was. Your turn."

Still nothing.

"Ah, the guessing game then," he said as he folded his arms, "Alright, let's see... is it, Sunshine?... Princess?"

Arcee's frown only deepened with each guess.

He smirked as he snapped his digits. "Cupcake!"

Arcee rolled her optics in annoyance while Jack was trying so hard not to laugh.

"Well, Cupcake," Springer continued, "to answer your next question, the commander and I were able to track your signature, so I flew over to make sure it wasn't some Decepticon trick."

Arcee raised her optical ridge at him. "Commander?"

He smirked. "I think it's time I call him down here." He then pulled out a device and pressed a button. Soon, a Cybertronian ship appeared in the sky as it soared over head. The three watched as the ship landed down in the clearing near them. Arcee was still on guard as Springer approached the spacecraft.

Jack was about to follow before Arcee stopped him.

"Stay behind me," she said.

The ship's hatch then opened as it lowered down like an elevator. On it was a tall bot hidden in the ship's shadow as he made his way down. Once the hatch reached the ground, he stepped off and made his way towards the others.

Springer immediately stood at attention as the bot approached him. "No sign of the enemy, Sir. They're with us."

"Good work, soldier," the tall bot said.

Arcee's optics widened once she saw who it was. "Jack, I don't think we'll need that key card."

Jack was surprised to see the tall bot. His features were almost similar to Optimus' plus he had blue and red armor. He also had a very stern look on his face as he looked at Arcee and him.

"Meet Ultra Magnus," Arcee introduced.

(The Harbinger)

Meanwhile over at the Harbinger, Bumblebee and Rafael were struggling to get the power going. The scout connected a cable to the generator before giving the boy a thumbs up.

"Ready when you are, Raf," he bleeped.

Rafael was standing on the computer console as he hopped on the buttons, hoping to activate the ship's power. "Hold it right there, Bee." After a bit of typing, he looked at the screen and hoped for the best. "And powering up!"

There was a faint beeping sound as the lights faded in and out. For a moment, it seemed to have worked... only for everything to shut down, darkening the room yet again.

Bumblebee's door wings sadly drooped as he groaned at their failed attempted.

Rafael sadly sighed. "Keep trying," he said, "We'll figure it out."

"Yep ep ep!" a familiar voice spoke.

Both the scout and boy stopped what they were doing and turned around to see the medic standing before them.

"Ratchet!" Bumblebee happily bleeped, "you came!"

"Yes," he said, "And not alone." He stepped aside, revealing Stormracer and Sierra.

Rafael was ecstatic to see them both. "Sierra! Storm!"

"Bee! Raf!" Sierra happily cried. The girl rushed over as Bumblebee helped Rafael down. The two kids hugged one another, happy to be reunited.

Stormracer hesitantly stepped closer and waved at Bumblebee. "Hey, Bee."

Bumblebee only folded his arms and looked away with a frown, telling her he was still mad. Stormracer's shoulders sadly drooped as she shamefully looked down.

"What happened in the past doesn't matter anymore," Ratchet said as he glanced between the two, "Now we need to focus on finding the others." He looked at Raf and Bumblebee. "I should probably mention there's one more with us."

Before they could ask, Dreadwing stepped out from the shadows. Both Bumblebee and Raf were startled to see the flier standing before them. In an instant, Bumblebee activated his blasters and aimed them at the ex-con.

"What's he doing here?!" the scout exclaimed.

"Whoa, Bee, it's okay!" Stormracer assured as she got in front of him, "He's with us."

Bumblebee glanced between her and Dreadwing as he frowned. "What did you do?! Befriend another con?!"

"He left the cons, remember?" she reminded him. "He's here to help us."

The scout still had his guard up as he glared at Dreadwing. "Is this true?"

Dreadwing glared at him. If it were not for his promise, he would have struck the yellow autobot where he stood. He couldn't let his emotions get the better of him again.

"It is," he responded.

Ratchet stepped forward. "It's alright, Bumblebee. He can be trusted."

After a moment of silence, Bumblebee deactivated his weapons.

"I'm still keeping my eye on him," he bleeped.

Ratchet looked at Rafael. "Now then, you're mis calibrating the energon transducer." He walked past everyone as he made his way to the computer. "Now stay out of my way so I can work." Immediately he began typing away as he went to work.

Rafael smiled at him, happy to see the medic was back to his regular self.

Ratchet glanced at the boy and smiled back, knowing he had made the right choice.

(Elsewhere)

After a long drive, Wheeljack led the others into a wooded area towards a Decepticon mine. There the group ducked down on top a hill as they looked at the cave entrance down below.

"How did you know this was here?" Knock Out asked Wheeljack.

"The majority of my time on this planet, I've been scouting for Decepticon mines, either to steal from or in this case, blow up," Wheeljack said.

"Oh," Knock Out said with a smirk, "Like the time you blew up that mine to get Hardshell. Thanks for that by the way. I really hated that bug."

"Don't thank me, Red. That was her kill," Wheeljack said as he pointed at Miko.

Knock Out glanced down at the tiny human in surprise. "Her?"

"That's right," Miko said in a tough sounding tone, "so don't be getting any ideas, Doc Knock."

Knock Out wasn't at all fazed by her threat. Still, he was amazed by the thought of a human taking down an insecticon. "Noted," he said.

The four brought their attention back to the mine.

"From the looks of it, the miners must be way down in the tunnel system," Wheeljack said, "we just need to set up as many charges as we can without them knowing."

"Guys, you know I'm all for blowing the scrap out of stuff, but what does flattening a Decepticon mine have to do with getting the band back together and taking down Megatron?" Miko asked.

"Simple," Wheeljack said, "When we light up this place, the blast will be big and unmistakable."

"Any Autobot within five hundred clicks will see the sky glowing with energon and come running," Bulkead added.

Miko smirked at their plan. "Then bring the rain."

(Meanwhile)

Arcee was still shocked to see the Commander of the Autobots standing before her.

"No one's seen or heard from you since Cybertron went dark," she said, "How did you find your way to Earth?"

"Soldier, we may not be on Cybertron, but military protocol remains," Ultra Magnus sternly reminded her.

Since he was her superior, the femme stood at attention. "My apologies, Sir."

Jack was confused by this. "Sir?"

"Advice the native life form to watch its tone as well," the Commander added.

Jack frowned at that. "What?!" He looked up at his guardian. "Who is this guy?"

"Ultra Magnus was Optimus' key lieutenant during the war back on Cybertron," Arcee quietly explained, "Very by the book. Just go with it."

"As for your broader question, my story is that of all Autobots since the Exodus," the Commander began, "I wondered the space ways in search of others, reuniting with some, often only to see them fall at the hands of the Decepticons. I was fortunate to find Springer here who has been travelling with me for cycles now."

"Until you detected the Omega beam and followed it here," Arcee guessed.

"If you are referring to the massive energy burst originating from Cybertron, that would be affirmative. Upon our arrival, it became evident this planet had been invaded. My scanners also detected Autobot life signals, yours being in closest proximity to our position."

"Signals, as in plural?!" Jack asked hopefully.

Ultra Magnus only looked at him sternly.

"Sir," Jack corrected himself.

"Six total," the commander answered.

A grim look swept over the teen. "Out of eight."

"Jack, that doesn't necessarily mean what you're thinking," Arcee assured him, "Autobot signals can't be detected when they're shielded."

"It is paramount that we find them as soon as possible," Ultra Magnus said, "You can fill me in on everything once we're in the air. We head out, now."

The commander turned around and made his way to his ship as Jack shook his head.

"He's going to be fun to be around," the boy said sarcastically.

Springer looked at him. "Don't take anything he says personally, kid. He's a good bot. You'll get used to him." He looked at Arcee with a smirk. "Well then, shall we?"

Arcee rolled her optics at him. "Let's go, Jack."

The boy followed after his guardian as Springer walked behind them to the ship.

(The Harbinger)

Stormracer walked down the ship's hallways to find anything Ratchet could use. Stumbling upon a storage room, she entered and saw a huge tool kit sitting off to the side.

"That could come in handy," she said out loud. She soon realized how heavy it was as she picked it up, forgetting about her injury. Pain shot through her broken wrist as she gasped and dropped the kit, scattering its contents onto the floor. She painfully groaned as she rubbed her wrist, scolding herself for not being careful.

"You okay?" she heard behind her.

The femme looked over her shoulder to see Bumblebee standing there, looking at her with concern. Brushing off the pain, she knelt down to pick up the tools.

"Yeah," she said, "Just forgot to be careful."

Bumblebee walked over and helped her put the tools back in the chest. Stormracer was surprised he was helping her and gave him a soft smile. "Thanks."

He looked at her damaged wrist. "Sierra told Raf and I what happened. Thats gotta be rough, running into your ex."

Stormracer vented as she closed the kit and picked it up by the handle. "Was definitely a reunion I didn't want."

The two stood up but didn't make eye contact. There was an awkward silence between them as they fidgeted.

"Well, uh... be more careful, alright?" Bumblebee said before he headed for the door.

Stormracer stood there for a moment before turning around. "Bumblebee."

The scout stopped in his tracks.

"I didn't mean to hurt anyone," Stormracer said, "You're my friend and I should have said something to you and the others about Knock Out. I'm really sorry."

Bumblebee silently stood there for a moment. He then turned around and approached her. Stormracer was expecting him to scold her or say he would never forgive her. She didn't say another word as she braced herself.

Instead, he wrapped his arms around and embraced her, catching the femme by surprise.

"I know," he bleeped, "I'm still angry that you did it... but you're still my friend."

Stormracer's optics filled with tears as she tightly hugged him back.

After a moment, he then pulled away and frowned at her. "But don't ever do that again, got it?!"

Not wanting to upset him again, Stormracer nodded.

Bumblebee vented as he placed his servo on her shoulder. "Come on. Let's see how Raf and Ratchet are doing."

Stormracer smiled as she and Bumblebee made their way down the hall together. Soon they reunited with the others in the main hangar. Ratchet and Rafael were still at work on the computer while Sierra and Dreadwing searched through the conspiracy site on another computer, hoping to find anyone else.

"I found some tools that might come in handy," Stormracer said as she placed the kit beside Ratchet.

"Good work," he told her.

"Mainframes up and running," Rafael reported as he hopped across the console, "but I'll need help hacking into the operating codes."

"Even if the groundbridge proves functional, it will be next to worthless without a means of pinpointing the current locations of our compatriots," the medic said.

"What do you mean?" Bumblebee asked.

"Use your head, Bumblebee!" Ratchet said, "If the Decepticons had the ability to track Autobot signals, we'd have all been at Megatron's mercy here on Earth a long time ago."

Rafael sadly sighed. "Back where we started."

"But not if I can reconfigure these Decepticon frequencies," the medic said as he brought them up on the computer, "At the very least, we may be able to access their commlink."

Hearing that, Dreadwing approached the medic as he looked at the screen. "I might be able to help with that."

(Meanwhile)

It didn't take long for Arcee and Jack to fill the commander and Springer in on current events. Now fully aware of the situation, Magnus moved on to the next set of signals.

While the commander flew the ship, Arcee and Jack were sitting in the back along the side. The two-wheeler was relieved she didn't have to keep driving and that they were able to find help. At least things were starting to look up.

She was brought out of her thoughts when Springer approached her with a cube of energon. "Here," he said as he offered it to her, "Figured you could use some energon. I'd offer some snacks, but this ain't that type of flight."

Arcee rolled her optics but still accepted the cube of energon. "Thanks."

Springer then sat down across from her. "I think you and I got off on the wrong foot. How about a do over?"

Arcee gave him a look as she studied him. Finally, she vented. "Arcee."

Springer looked at her in confusion. "Huh?"

"My name is Arcee," she explained.

Now knowing her name, the mech smiled at her. "Arcee... Still prefer Cupcake though," he said the last part jokingly.

Arcee scoffed at him. "Oh yeah? And what kind of name is Springer? You a high jumper?"

Springer couldn't help but chuckle. "Good one." He then looked at Jack. "What about you, kid?"

"Oh, uh, I'm Jack," the boy said, "Jack Darby."

Springer nodded at him. "Nice to meet you both. Sorry for the scare earlier. With Decepticons running around, you never know what you might run into. It's a good thing the Commander and I found you both. To be honest, we were starting to lose hope until we detected that energy burst."

"Well, we definitely need the help," Jack said.

"Not only do we need to find the others, but we need to come up with a plan to fight back against Megatron," Arcee added.

"Well then, the sooner we find your team, the sooner we can pay Bucket Head a visit," Springer said optimistically.

"I just hope the others are okay," Jack said worryingly.

Arcee took a sip of her energon before curiously looking at the green mech. "So, how did you stumble upon the commander?"

Springer got comfortable as he leaned back against the wall. "I was following an energon signal to a deserted planet, only to run into a Decepticon platoon. Next thing I know, my ships shot down and I end up crash landing on said planet. Soon the real fight started. I held my own pretty well, got in some good hits, but the cons were relentless. But just as they were closing in, Ultra Magnus appeared and fired down on them. Turned out he was following the same energon signal I was and arrived just in time. We took down the enemy and have been travelling together ever since. Heh, didn't think after all these years I would be happy to see my commanding officer again."

"You worked under him before?" Jack asked.

"Yeah, back when I was-"

"Springer," Ultra Magnus called, "I need you up front, now."

"Yes, Sir," Springer said. He stood up and looked at the two. "Duty calls. Ring if either of you need anything." He looked at Arcee and gave her a smile. "Talk to you later, Cupcake." He then gave her a wink before walking away.

Arcee was taken back by his wink before scoffing in annoyance.

"Heh, looks like someone likes you," Jack teased.

Arcee frowned. "Jack... please shut up."

(Decepticon Mine)

Down in the mine, Bulkhead, Wheeljack, and Knock Out were setting up the explosives along the cave walls. Though the cons were much further in the tunnels, the three quietly worked as fast as they could.

"I'm actually surprised you're both letting me help," Knock Out whispered loudly as he placed an explosive in a large crack in the wall.

"Like I was going to leave you alone with Miko," Bulkhead growled as he also whispered, "and at least this way we can keep an eye on you."

Knock Out frowned at him. "If this is about me capturing your human pets, I was only following orders."

Anger consumed Bulkhead as he fully faced the ex-con. "This isn't about just that," he said as he jabbed his digit into the red mech's chest. "This is about everything you have done, not just to us, but to every Autobot you had at your mercy. You may have fooled Stormracer, but not me. I know exactly what you are. A no good, narcissistic, self-serving, waste of metal." He turned away as he angrily stuck another explosive on the wall. "I can't believe Storm went behind our backs just to see you."

"Hey now, don't be so mad at her," Knock Out said, "I was in a rough spot, and she wanted to help. Isn't that what she is? Compassionate?"

"Oh, so now you know everything about her, don't you?" Bulkhead scoffed.

"I know she cares deeply about all of you," the doctor said, "Speaks highly of you as well. When she and Smokescreen were captured, I told her the only way she would survive was if she joined the Decepticons, but she refused. Do you want to know why? Because she said she would rather give up her own life than betray her team. Mistake or not, you should consider yourself lucky to have a friend like her."

Bulkhead gave him a long hard glare. "You really do care about her, don't you?"

Knock Out went silent as he glanced away.

Though it became clearer, Bulkhead still scowled. "Well, tough," he said, "she's off limits. Especially to you."

Wondering what was taking the two bickering mechs so long, Wheeljack poked his head out from around the corner. "Hey, hurry up already, will ya?" he loudly whispered.

Bulkhead and Knock Out shared one last glare before they resumed setting up the last of the explosives.

Once everything was all set, the three mechs ran out of the cave as fast as they could. Night had already fallen as they ran towards the hill where Miko waited for them. Immediately they took cover as they readied themselves.

"Munitions planted," Bulkhead said.

Wheeljack smirked as he held up his detonator. "Let's get this party started."

"At least this time I get to watch without a five-ton boulder sitting on top of me," Knock Out said as he shot Bulkhead a glare.

"Don't tempt me," the green bot warned.

But before Wheeljack could set off the explosives, the group heard a shrilling sound nearby. Miko immediately noticed something up ahead. "Company!" she warned as she pointed.

Following her finger, the three cybertronians saw something large flying over the trees towards them.

Bulkhead glared at Knock Out. "You ratted us out!"

"I did not!" Knock Out argued, "In case you've forgotten, I'm on the hit list too!"

Wheeljack squinted as he tried to make out the figure. "Megatron?" He asked.

"Nah," Bulkhead said as he shook his head, "Bigger."

The figure then flew up higher and hovered in front of the full moon, revealing itself to be a large creature as it released a roar.

Knock Out's optics widened as he stared at it. "What in the Allspark?"

"I don't remember seeing that in Bucket Head's repertoire," Bulkhead said.

Seeing its target in range, the predacon shrilled loudly as an orange light lit up in its chest. The light then made its way up the beast's throat as it threw its head back. Then to the group's horror, it breathed out a huge stream of fire... and it was heading straight for them.

And that was part one of Prey! I hope you liked it! Springer and Arcee's interactions were inspired by the stop motion fan film 'Arcee Nightmare Planet' on Youtube by Grantman Filmmaker. If you haven't seen it, definitely check it out because it's really good.

Thank you all for reading and hopefully I will post the next part soon. Until next time! God bless!