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What about for title....

'With a little help.' you know as in with a little help from my friends too cheesy right?

And are you kidding me with the Prowl scene?! I am more than a little nervous that you intend on reading my Prowl kink now (is this Host?)... eek... you must be honest and tell me if it works for Prowl.. even though he's not TFA Prowl he's my Prowl but... I have based him on TFA Prowl with movie artistic licensing

Oohh I meant to tell you... on AF.net (you been on that one adultfiction?) there is a story I think you will like... G1 OP/P meet TFA OP/P ... he he he... It's called Better Halves

As a fanboy I wasn't big into the whole Chromia flirting with Prowl thing, though it had an interesting ending. I like how Prowl's changed so much, it's really cool.

And though I may be a fanboy I'll admit to having squeeled like a girl when Lockdown was mentioned. Next to Dinobot, Grimlock, and Soundwave, Lockdown is my favorite transformer of all time. I can't wait to see him and Prowl fight again. (they are gonna fight right?)

Armorock wrote:As a fanboy I wasn't big into the whole Chromia flirting with Prowl thing, though it had an interesting ending. I like how Prowl's changed so much, it's really cool.

And though I may be a fanboy I'll admit to having squeeled like a girl when Lockdown was mentioned. Next to Dinobot, Grimlock, and Soundwave, Lockdown is my favorite transformer of all time. I can't wait to see him and Prowl fight again. (they are gonna fight right?)

Hahahaha, I didn't think these would be your favorite scenes, but I'm happy you toughed 'em out. I'm glad to hear you like how I've written Prowl because I've been at odds with tweakin' his processor so much.

I can certainly promise you some Lockdown/Prowl face-offs. That gritty ol' bounty hunter has a vital role to play in this story and I intend to obsess over every canon detail of him before attempting to write the guy. I wish I could promise more of your favs, but my hands are pretty full with the cast I got now (but there will be some more Waspinator ).

ToysInTheAttic wrote:

Armorock wrote:As a fanboy I wasn't big into the whole Chromia flirting with Prowl thing, though it had an interesting ending. I like how Prowl's changed so much, it's really cool.

And though I may be a fanboy I'll admit to having squeeled like a girl when Lockdown was mentioned. Next to Dinobot, Grimlock, and Soundwave, Lockdown is my favorite transformer of all time. I can't wait to see him and Prowl fight again. (they are gonna fight right?)

Hahahaha, I didn't think these would be your favorite scenes, but I'm happy you toughed 'em out. I'm glad to hear you like how I've written Prowl because I've been at odds with tweakin' his processor so much.

I can certainly promise you some Lockdown/Prowl face-offs. That gritty ol' bounty hunter has a vital role to play in this story and I intend to obsess over every canon detail of him before attempting to write the guy. I wish I could promise more of your favs, but my hands are pretty full with the cast I got now (but there will be some more Waspinator ).

I would gladly go through hours of fangirlish couplings of Starscream and Blackarachnia if it meant thirty seconds of Lockdown. Seriously though, I'm not sure how I can express how awesome this really is. It's satisfying my crave for TFA. I no longer have those awful withdrawal symptoms...

Eeeeeee! And other assorted happy noises.

What IS Chromia up to? Spark Reading? Oooooh I am loving this!

And...the hint about Lockdown in the future? I'm kind of a Starscream fangirl myself, but here I'm going to have to side with both CP AND Armorock and squee for Prowl AND Lockdown.

I am so hooked on this--you're not just continuing TFA, you're *expanding* it.

I love the Blackarachnia development, too--do I see some of my random questions have borne fruit? (Yay! I can occasionally say something helpful!)

HK, I want more Lugnut.

hellkitty wrote:
I am so hooked on this--you're not just continuing TFA, you're *expanding* it.

I love the Blackarachnia development, too--do I see some of my random questions have borne fruit? (Yay! I can occasionally say something helpful!)

HK, I want more Lugnut.

And in expanding TFA, I'm retracting my life! >< and yes your random questions were fruitful.

Just finished obsessively reworking the SS/BA scene. Read at your own risk. I don't promise it'll be any better, just longer with a little more insight into their opinions on life and each other. (can we say filler/exposition scene?) I started this story with the gung-ho drive to pair them up, and now I'm having a helluva time building their chemistry. /sarcasm It probably has nothing to do with the fact that I still don't know what BA wants and that I've completely reinvented the TFA SS into more than just comic relief without stopping to think if I should. /end sarcasm. Whatever, another challenge. Bring em on!

Alright, now to get this Halloween thing over with so I can move onto to writing more Prowl (and Lockdown and Lugnut ).

I was telling my brother about your story and he had a few good questions. Will Soundwave show up and finally work with the 'cons? And will Ultra Magnus ever be fixed? How bad did Shockwave really hit him?

Armorock wrote:I was telling my brother about your story and he had a few good questions. Will Soundwave show up and finally work with the 'cons? And will Ultra Magnus ever be fixed? How bad did Shockwave really hit him?

I honestly don't see working Soundwave in, simply due to the fact that I'd rather focus more in depth on my current cast rather than add more to the mix. I have all kinds of love for the guy and his little critterbots, but I just haven't found a use for him. I imagine there will be some mentions of Ultra Magnus as the story will involve more of the Elite Guard, but as of now, I don't have any plans to fix him. However, in the chance that I stray from said plan and decide to intertwine him into this universe of mine, he will certainly recover from the attack. I mean really? How hard can an intelbot hit?

Thanks again for your acceptance of the madness I call a story! Now, back to my much needed Lockdown research (hotdamn, the more I read into this guy, the more I want to have his sparklings!)

Um there are a LOT of fics about him on AF... you know if it helps ya at all to see other people's vision of him... just saying...

Then again... you may not want to have his sparklings after some of the Prowl/Lockdown stories... does that pairing work for you?...

Anyway... just a thought might help with research...

A/N: If you lived the life of a solitary bounty hunter, you'd talk to yourself too. Oh, and if the time measurements conflict in any way, take it up with TFwiki as that's where I get my info. ^_^

OUTERSPACE - NOWHERE IN PARTICULAR - DEATH’S HEAD CRUISER

The bridge echoes with the displeased murmur from an overtaxed engine, which throws in a few sputters here and there in hopes of reminding its owner of a much-needed tune-up. Such efforts are in vain as the coat-tailed bounty hunter learned long ago to tune out the monotonous soundtrack of his solitary existence. Lockdown preferred the sound of his own voice, be it nonsensical grumbles or a pleasantly melodic whistling of whatever song fancied him in the moment. His current play list consisted only of the time-old Decepticon anthem, stuck in his head since yesterday’s comm call from Megatron.

He collects a couple upgrades from the unorganized shelves then ambles across the room to his throne at the control console. The whistling becomes intermittent as he mumbles the thoughts pressing hardest on his processor.

LOCKDOWN
(flopping into the captain’s chair)
Can’t believe I agreed to be fraggin’ shuttle service.

He places the upgrades in his lap and his single hand starts tapping away at the keypads.

LOCKDOWN
Least I’ll be on Megatron’s good side..if he has one.

A smooth, almost sultry feminine voice fills the room.

SHIP COMPUTER
Now plotting course to planet earth. Estimated time of arrival, 1 orbital cycle, 23 nanoclicks and 56 astroseconds.

Lockdown leans back into his chair and props his feet on the console, slightly scooting and twisting until he settles contentedly into slouching comfort.

SHIP COMPUTER
Hyperspace travel over time periods extending 1 orbital cycle may increase risk of processor malfunctions. It is highly recommended all passengers assume stasis mode for 50% percent of the travel time.

LOCKDOWN
Ah darlin, there you go again…tryin‘ to get me into bed.

He begins fiddling with the buttons on the arm of his chair.

LOCKDOWN
Now for a little entertainment.

The large monitor blips with some static before the beaming purple optics of Swindle fill the screen.

SWINDLE
(cheerfully insincere)
Lockdown, my favorite undecided, to what do I owe this pleasure? How’s that cloaking device treatin’ ya?

LOCKDOWN
Peachy. What’s the freq for the fights?

SWINDLE
You’re interested in the fights are you? Well, it just so happens I’m offering a premium package service that includes a top quality streaming live feed, plus on-call, remastered archive footage of wartime matches--

LOCKDOWN
Cut the crap! Basic frequency…all I want.

SWINDLE
You don‘t know what you‘re missing. Technology marches on my friend, you should really hop on the bandwagon.

LOCKDOWN
(now frustrated)
If it ain’t lethal, I don’t want it!

SWINDLE
(relenting)
Fair enough…Who am I to argue with a bot who knows what he wants. (patches the frequency through) There ya go, but don’t be getting any ideas toward my prize fighter. He’s protected under the truce between Iacon and Kaon.

LOCKDOWN
(sinister smile)
Ain’ no bounty protected from me.

Lockdown minimizes Swindle’s image to a quadrant of the screen then pulls up the arena’s video feed. He squints curiously at the gangling organic form of Waspinator then crinkles his nose in repulsion.

LOCKDOWN
Oh ya, that guy. Sentinel dropped his bounty to well below my standards since they captured the real spy, so you got no worries with me. ‘Sides, he looks like a pain-in-the-aft.

SWINDLE
A very profitable pain-in-the-aft. Now is there anything else you need? I’m a busy mech, got no time to chit chat, although I do understand how your job may get lonely. Perhaps I can interest you in a companion of sorts--

LOCKDOWN
Got what I want. Talk at ya later.

He ends the call and starts tapping into his chair’s buttons again.

LOCKDOWN
Arena feed, check. Cybertronian news…

The newscast appears in the screen’s quadrant where Swindle was.

LOCKDOWN
Check. Optic candy (lower screen quadrant comes to life with trashy femme images)…check. And finally, the soundtrack.

The last quadrant fills with static as a familiar pompous voice of one acting magnus booms over the ship’s ambient noises, and prattles on unaware to the invasion of his private comm line.

LOCKDOWN
Nothing like a little highly classified information to pass the time.

He focuses down on one of the upgrades in his lap, turning it over until its Elite Guard symbol is facing up. His clawed hand picks at the gap in his tooth then lowers and starts scratching off the esteemed red face staring up at him.

SENTINEL
…be sending Rodimus’ team to aid in capturing the Decepticons.

LOCKDOWN
(bursts with laughter)
Guess you guys didn’t get the memo.

OPTIMUS PRIME
…on Dinobot Island.

LOCKDOWN
Well, whadaya know…the big hero himself.

OPTIMUS PRIME
…don’t want another incident within the city.

LOCKDOWN
(mood drops)
What kind of incident would that be, Prime? ‘Nother ‘bot steppin’ up again and filling your shoes as martyr?

SENTINEL
…breech the island undetected?

LOCKDOWN
Dammit…Now I’m in a bad mood.

SENTINEL
You should send the ninjas to scout it.

LOCKDOWN
Ya mean sorry replacements?

OPTIMUS PRIME
…got the Dinobots monitoring. Their last report was an odd one. Said the ‘cons were…having a party.

LOCKDOWN
(nodding in approval)
My kinda bots.

SENTINEL
…you depend on those pee-brained cretins?

LOCKDOWN
Takes one to know one.

SENTINEL
…the latest report on Elita O-- I mean…the traitor?

LOCKDOWN
Ouch.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Her name is Blackarachnia and…I believe she’s…split off from the ‘cons again.

LOCKDOWN
Need t’work on yer bullshittin’ there, Prime.

SENTINEL
…figures. What about Prowl? How’s he feeling?

The bounty hunter freezes as he grows nauseous with insult, then wastes no time venting his anger at deaf ears.

LOCKDOWN
Same as you’d feel if you’re offline!…Kinda glitched up question is that!? (lowering his voice) ‘How’s he feeling.’ You’re a real piece-a-work, Sentinel.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(barely audible)
…very unstable. I thought he was beating it, but yesterday proved us wrong.

The upgrade rolls off his lap and clinks onto the floor.

LOCKDOWN
(perplexed)
Th’spark’s he talkin’ about?

SENTINEL
(actually sympathetic)
…am sorry to hear that. But if it’s any consolation, attacking Chromia isn’t too much of an unforgiving action…(bitterly) the femme can certainly push a ‘bots buttons.

OPTIMUS PRIME
It’s not just that…he’s been locked in his room since yesterday…won’t talk to anyone, not even Jazz.

Lockdown remains frozen in a puzzled state.

SENTINEL
I thought that was normal behavior for Prowl.

The pieces fall into place.

LOCKDOWN
Kid’s alive?

Lockdown drops his feet to the floor and leans forward into the console as if being closer to the screen will pull more details from the Autobot’s conversation.

OPTIMUS PRIME
…don’t know what normal behavior is anymore for Prowl.

Lockdown mutes the call and urgently taps a code into the console. Static washes over the femme pin-ups but the room lingers in silence.

LOCKDOWN
…Prowl?

No response.

Lockdown nearly questions his own sanity when he’s met with nothing but silence. He’s about to close the frequency when a smooth, disapproving voice emerges.

PROWL
What do you want, Lockdown?

LOCKDOWN
(disbelieving but desperate)
Wanna know if I’m talkin’ to a ghost?

PROWL
(hesitates a long moment, then replies morbidly)
That’s one way of putting it.

The line goes dead.

LOCKDOWN.
Kid?…You still there? (slams his hook down) Damn, stuck up little…

He falls back into an angry slouch, grinding his hook into the arm rest. It takes only a few moments for the gritty bounty hunter to regain his careless composure and his tattooed face widens with a crooked smile.

LOCKDOWN
Shoulda known death was too conventional for the kid.

EARTH - AUTOBOT BASE- MAINROOM

Sentinel Magnus’ image beams pompously from the main computer as Optimus, Jazz and Ratchet focus intently on it.

SENTINEL
Rodimus’ team will be debriefed within the orbital cycle. We will deploy them via the Space Bridge tomorrow at 1900 hours your time. Is that enough time to prepare?

OPTIMUS PRIME
Yes, Sentinel…Magnus. We will anticipate their arrival.

SENTINEL
They’re the best ‘bots for the job so I expect nothing less than success.

OPTIMUS PRIME
And that is what you’ll receive. Prime out.

The Autobot leader closes the call with a sigh and turns to look upon Ratchet and Jazz with uncertainty.

OPTIMUS PRIME
We ready for this?

Ratchet is next to his leader, leaning against the console with arms crossed and resting upon his thick midsection.

RATCHET
Ready as we can be, sir. Even if the ‘cons do expect our attack, we’ll have them too outnumbered for it to make a difference…(lowers his voice). Even if we are short one soldier.

Optimus accepts the medibot’s reassurance with a glance then slides a solemn look to Jazz.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Why don’t you go check on Prowl.

JAZZ
(without question)
Sure thing, boss.

The elite bot glides away toward the hallway, giving the impression of cool as always, regardless of whether he was actually feeling it.

Optimus stares into the floor, chewing over some troubling thoughts, then meets the questioning stare of his medibot.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Tell me again what you saw Chromia doing to Prowl?

RATCHET
(disapproving)
Spark reading. Silly metaphysical nonsense. Somethin’ the draft dodgin’ peacenicks use to do for kinky fun…Quite inappropriate behavior for an Elite Guard diplomat of her ranking.

Optimus folds his hands across his chest, then slowly starts to pace in frustration.

OPTIMUS PRIME
It doesn’t make sense, Ratchet. Prowl was fine during the trip back from the zoo. Despite his weakened condition, he seemed to be…all there. We talked at length about his imposter and he didn’t flinch once.

He meets Ratchet’s optics again with stern confusion.

OPTIMUS PRIME
I don’t understand why a…friendly encounter with someone completely unrelated to the human would all of a sudden trigger him?

Ratchet can only reply with a shake of the head and a clueless shrug.

AUTOBOT BASE - HALLWAY

Jazz slowly approaches the door to Prowl’s room and respectfully raps upon it. He waits a moment before sliding his hand to the knob and leaning in to talk softly.

JAZZ
Hey man…I’m coming in, with or without your permission…but I prefer an invite.

He’s met with silence again and vents a sigh of disappointment.

JAZZ
C’mon bro…

He opens the door with hesitation then immediately gasps at the emptiness of the room. There’s a note impaled into the tree by a katana and he rushes to it, fear welling inside his spark. He removes the sword with a yank and slides the note off the blade.

As his optics pass over each word, his processors is stabbed with a growing reality that no amount of wishful thinking can deny. The katana slips from his hands and falls to the floor with a unremorseful clank. The crushed elite bot lifts his hand to the tree and run his fingers over the sap soaked stab wound, soaking in the symbolism with flinching grief.

AUTOBOT BASE - MAINROOM

Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Sari just arrived and wasted no time filling the room with their youthful ever-optimistic presence.

BULKHEAD
(addressing his leader)
The space bridge is in tip top shape, sir. We could even transwarp Omega Supreme if we wanted to.

The suggestion stings Ratchet with irritation.

RATCHET
We’re not subjecting that ‘bot to anymore battles if we don’t have to!

BUMBLEBEE
Calm down, Ratchet, he was only saying--

Jazz commands the room’s attention when he solemnly enters, note in hand. Everyone can instantly see by the look on his face that all is not well.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Jazz…What’s wrong!?

The elite bot approaches his team, spark wrenching even more as he looks over the questioning expressions on the younger bots' faces. He regretfully holds the note up and lowers his head.

JAZZ
He split.

The room hangs in silence as Jazz shifts the note down into his line of sight.

JAZZ
(reads with hesitation)
I’ve done all I can for this team. It’s time for me to move on…Do not contact me. Do not attempt to find me…I prefer that you remember me as the cyber ninja who fought alongside you…not as what I’ve become…Sincerely, Prowl.

SARI
(protesting in denial)
But he still IS that cyber ninja. Bee and I saw it with our own optics!

BUMBLEBEE
(angered)
That note’s a fake! The ‘cons got him again, I bet my chassis on it!

Jazz fights to suppress the young bot’s optimism from giving him false hope and counters their protests with cold hard facts.

JAZZ
This is his hand writing.

BUMBLEBEE
(desperate)
They forced him to write it!

Jazz shakes his head somberly and hands the note to Optimus Prime. He speaks quietly under the false assumption that if fewer audio receptors hear his words, they could be incorrect.

JAZZ
This is Prowl’s very sincere, and uncoerced hand writing.

The Autobot leader takes the note, almost afraid to look at the words then watches Jazz leave the room in defeat. He looks down at the note, wincing at its reality, then lifts his optics to meet the equally helpless stares from his broken-hearted team.

DINOBOT ISLAND - THE FOLLOWING NIGHT

The transparent, rippling patterns signature to a cloaked ship dance high above the island’s jungle landscape. If the Death's Head cloaking device was functioning properly, there wouldn't be any evidence of its presence, but considering the dealer it was purchased from, things could be much worse. For instance, Lockdown's energy signature dampener could be malfunctioning resulting in the unwanted discovery of his earlier arrival by his future passengers. This was not the case, however, and unless any of the Decepticons happen to venture to this particular corner of the island and bother to stare analytically into the sky, the bounty hunter had a few solid hours to prepare before switching on the 'taxi in service' light.

At first glance, the forest below the stealth cruiser would seem unpopulated but when taking a closer look, one might be able to spot the sleek shadowy figure with a thin blue optic visor lurking in the stillness, beholding the animated displacement of the star-littered sky with an uncharacteristic desire.

OMG OMG OMG.... I've already reviewed but well done... very nice chapter...

Story is unfolding nicely, I likes your Lockdown...

I repeat though what's Prowl thinking!? :0 his team need him.... *shakes fist in frustration*

Great chapter good work Toyz

Oh my GOD Lockdown is so spot on! Excuse me while I just spazzflail in happy. I am so hooked on this story!

I love his snark, I love his looking at the trashy femmebots, oh, this is just marvelous fun to read!

I shall just sit here and seethe in envy. And gnaw on my arm until the next update.

HK

Lockdown Rules!
His snarky comments were hilarious, very nice. I loved Sentinel and Optimus's conversation, I just wish Lockdown would provide commentary all the time, haha.

btw, I noticed you mentioned Rodimus. His team were awesome, I would love to see them in your writing, and is there any possibility Team Chaar would be involved? Even as background troops they were cool in TransWarped.

Armorok, glad you like my Lockdown! Here's some more of him. Rodimus' team will have definitely have their moments. Team Charr has been bugging me because I feel like they should be involved, but adding that many new characters is a bit intimidating. If I bring them in, it'll be as background characters. There's a lot of potential to be had with their personalities, but I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. I'm going with the "less is more" tactic.

DECEPTICON BASE - MAIN ROOM

The main room is filled with the air of deserved accomplishment. Megatron stands upon the computer platform with infectious pride that spills over onto his intelbot seated at the console, then continues to spread down to the main floor. Starscream stands, with arms casually crossed over his cockpit, and looks upon his leader with the acceptance that comes from suppressed admiration. Blackarachnia lingers a short distance off the seeker’s side and lifts her optics from the silk-wrapped cyber ninja helm in her grasp to bestow the beaming gladiator with a half smile and yielding sigh.

Lugnut and Blitzwing just covered up the last bit of pink glow from the perfectly rectangular and blanketed stacks lined up next to the tunnel, then respectfully approach the base of the platform.

Megatron looks over each of his soldiers with pride, something he rarely does unless in a really, really good mood.

MEGATRON
Fellow Decepticons, our descent into victory is upon us. Soon, our numbers will grow exponentially as the revived and grateful sentients of Kaon bow in honor to our charity. They will wear the Decepticon symbol with pride as we rebuild their hopes and their city. The disdain they harbor for the Autobots who, for centuries, turned a blind eye to them will be transformed into a well-oiled machine of revolution.

Megatron revels for a moment in his expertly delivered speech, soaking in the expressions of undeniable motivation from his audience, then turns his attention toward the ever-faithful Shockwave.

MEGATRON
Shockwave, I require you locate an unpopulated sector or structure in Kaon where we can land the ship and inconspicuously unload our cargo.

SHOCKWAVE
I’ve already downloaded recent satellite images of Kaon and pin-pointed multiple possibilities, my liege.

MEGATRON
Excellent…Starscream. (he glides his gaze to the attuned seeker) Immediately proceeding our arrival, I want you and Blackarachnia to begin construction of a large-scale converter. I expect you will find adequate building materials in the various dilapidated factories of the city.

Starscream simply replies with an obliging nod.

MEGATRON
(shifting attention to a stern blue face)
Blitzwing, you will be responsible for purchasing a shuttle in which to transport routine collections of organic material from Archa Seven.

The triple changer is unable to mask an expression of doubt which Megatron instantly acknowledges with a questioning pinch of his brown.

MEGATRON
Do you have a problem with this assignment?

Blitzwing tenses at the corner he’s just backed himself into and tries desperately to avoid Lugnut’s glare of fury. He cycles a couple ventilations in order to regain a partially cool composure then concedes to vocalize the justifiable protests pressing at his processor.

ICY BLITZWING
I never sought I’d hear myself say zis, but vouldn’t it be viser to remain on zis planet? It is far richer in organic material zan Archa Seven.

He winces in anticipation of verbal chastisement, but is instead acknowledged with an approving nod.

MEGATRON
This is a wise observation, Blitzwing, but we are not protected from an Elite Guard invasion here. Kaon is the ideal location. Even if the Autobots do discover our presence there, we will be protected under their very own truce.

Blitzwing should quit while he’s ahead but his logic isn’t quick enough to keep up with his mouth.

ICY BLITZWING
Vhat’s to stop zem from breaking zeir own laws?

Again, a regretful wince from the triple changer which quickly fades due to the lack of hostile retaliation from the now snickering Decepticon leader.

MEGATRON
Honor…outdated, ignorant and crippling honor…the fools.

Shockwave borders on respect for the triple changer’s valid questioning and rises to the task of enlightening him with knowledge gained from personal experience.

SHOCKWAVE
The Autobot Council is incapable of abrupt alterations to their system. In order to overturn the long-standing truce between the cities, they would undergo months of drudging deliberations. During that time we will be able to stockpile adequate means of defense, and I use the term adequate conservatively.

MEGATRON
Precisely. Once they learn of our occupation in the city, they will no doubt assume we lack the means to raise a formidable army and will therefore launch a predictably insufficient and disorganized attack against us.

Now that Megatron’s speech has shifted to open discussion, Starscream doesn’t hesitate to add his thoughts to the mix.

STARSCREAM
Do you…oh mighty leader, plan on using the arena again as a recruitment and training facility?

MEGATRON
(maintaining his smile)
Of course, but I intend to delegate such responsibility to the legendary, (gestures to Lugnut) Kaon Krusher.

Lugnut fights to keep his jaw from plummeting to the floor. He stands motionless, questioning if his mentor’s words are merely wishful thoughts toying with his processor. Convinced otherwise by the mix of stares upon him by his peers, especially the approving gaze of his leader, Lugnut beams with exhilarated pride as he primes himself for an unstoppable gush of pontificating.

LUGNUT
It would be my absolute honor, Lord Megatron, to raise for you the grandest of all armies.

STARSCREAM
(rolling his optics)
Here we go.

Blackarachnia elbows the seeker with a shush and focuses on Lugnut, smiling in appreciation at the contagious joy radiating off the hulking mech.

LUGNUT
(continuing)
I would rather extinguish my own spark before I let you down, oh wise leader. Let any mech who dare tread the path of treachery and defile the mighty name of Megatron, be melted into scrap metal and constructed into target dummies.

Shockwave’s and Blitzwing’s optics slide conspicuously toward Starscream who pales nervously with insult.

LUGNUT
We will arise victorious under your masterful leadership and finally claim Cybertron for the glorious name of the Decepticons.

Megatron manages to puff himself up to an improbable bloat of pride of satisfaction.

MEGATRON
Expertly delivered, my loyal subject. I almost couldn’t have said it better myself.

DINOBOT ISLAND - DEATH’S HEAD CRUISER - BRIDGE

Lockdown stands hunched over the control console, grumbling a series of near-inaudible complaints as he plots a course to Cybertron.

LOCKDOWN
First ‘con that complains about the mess’ll be hitchhiking.

From the shadowy corners of the bridge, a smooth voice shamelessly infiltrates the bounty hunter’s assumed solitude.

PROWL
So, you’ve allied yourself with the Decepticons.

Without a thought of hesitation, Lockdown whirls around and fires a net toward the unwelcome presence, an attack easily predicted by the ninja and even more easily dodged with a simple somersault.

Despite the pleasure of being reunited with a formidable foe, Lockdown instinctively transforms his upgraded hand into a raging chainsaw if for nothing more than the effect. An adrenaline-boosted smile spreads across his face as he locks blaring red optics upon the sleek crouched form.

LOCKDOWN
Was wonderin’ when you’d show up. How’d ya find me?

PROWL
The smell.

LOCKDOWN
(laughing heartily)
Rude little punk.

The enthralled bounty hunter advances slowly on the ninja, who maintains his safe distance with graceful sidestepping. Lockdown eyeballs every inch of Prowl with near disbelieving optics. He furrows his brow once realizing that one very prominent upgrade is missing.

LOCKDOWN
Happen to your master’s helmet?

Prowl’s hands are clenched artfully over his shuriken as he fixes his stare upon his opponent’s every move.

PROWL
Wouldn’t you like to know. If I recall correctly, he was your master too.

Lockdown continues to advance and Prowl continues to keep his distance, forcing the two into a gaping waltz across the ship’s bridge. Pacing halfway around the room’s circumference is enough to bore the bounty hunter. He powers down his chainsaw and carelessly leans back against the operating berth positioned in the center of the room.

LOCKDOWN
The hell’s your story anyway? The ol’ coot boot you outta the Well with orders to take me out?

Prowl is insulted by the mech’s casual attitude.

PROWL
I’d rather not talk about my master or my resurrection if it’s all the same to you. (he follows suit out of spite and relaxes his defensive stance). I didn’t come here to fight.

LOCKDOWN
Then what the spark you doin’ here?

PROWL
I wish to discuss a business proposition.

Lockdown twists his tattooed face in silent disbelief. He didn’t see that coming one bit, especially considering the sins he’d confessed to committing during their last encounter. He looks the ninja over with conflicting thoughts of hope and skepticism. The illogical part of him wants to interpret Prowl‘s words as a partnership, but that was a dangerous path to tread. The infuriating rejection that resulted from his initial proposal to the kid was not something he wanted to rehash.

LOCKDOWN
Intriguing as that sounds, your timing is horrible. This ship’s about to be filled with ‘cons.

Lockdown ambles to the control console, managing with near success to convey an aloof state of being.

PROWL
(interrogating)
Why?

Prowl remains still but follows the bounty hunter’s every cryptic move, once again insulted that the mech would regard him so casually.

LOCKDOWN
Am transportin’ em. (slightly shameful) Pay was too good to pass up.

PROWL
Isn’t that the story of your life. (He studies the mech a moment then shifts his tone from hostile to hopeful) So…you’re not joining them?

LOCKDOWN
Spark no!

PROWL
Where are you taking them?

LOCKDOWN
(looking over his shoulder with irritation)
Ain’t telling you that. My customers are entitled to their confidentiality, ‘specially from do-goodin’ little Autobots.

The accusation ruffles the ninja and he breaks his glare against the mech’s back to uncomfortably flutter his optics and shift his glance around the room.

PROWL
That is…not who I am…not anymore.

The kid’s angst is enough to warrant Lockdown’s full attention as he turns around and leans against the console. He watches with skepticism as the troubled ninja struggles to make eye contact then folds his mismatched arms across his chest.

LOCKDOWN
Bullshit.

The ninja snaps his focus up, eager to defend against being called out unjustly.

PROWL
It’s the truth.

LOCKDOWN
Why would I believe that?

Prowl pauses as the ultimate moment of truth is upon him. It didn’t matter how much he practiced the line in his head, it didn’t make it any easier on his pride to actually deliver it in person.

PROWL
Because…I came here to…see if your offer still stands.

Lockdown battles an array of processes flooding his mind from joy to irony then finally, suspicion. He wasn’t protoformed yesterday and wouldn’t allow the devious little Autobot to rope him in at his weak point.

LOCKDOWN
Nice try, kid, but I don’t buy it. (he turns back around to the console and pretends to attend to some important key tapping) You’re up to somethin’. There’s no way you’d abandon your precious Prime. (glancing back over his shoulder with insult) What kind of fool you take me for?

PROWL
(growing desperate)
Listen to me Lockdown, I am no longer one of them.

Prowl grows frustrated that his first attempt failed and stifles the idea of elevating his desperation to the next level. He hopes closing the gap between the two will aid in conveying his point.

PROWL
Everything I did for them…what I sacrificed, was apparently…unappreciated. (his spark sinks) They did not deem me worthy enough to be laid to rest as a hero and instead brought me back to this planet to be buried in dirt.

Lockdown stops his fondling of the keypads and mulls over the kid’s uncharacteristically single-minded behavior. He feels a twinge of nausea at the baseless self-defeat that shouldn’t be spewing from a ‘bot originally deserving of his partnership.

LOCKDOWN
(turning around)
Somethin’s off about you.

He looks over the kid with disappointment.

LOCKDOWN
You’d better go.

Prowls closes the gap further, shamelessly, pitifully and completely abandoning any shred of dignity.

PROWL
Lockdown please! I have no where else to go. At least take me off this planet.

The monitor blips with static then fills with the materializing image of Shockwave.

SHOCKWAVE
Shockwave to Lockdown. Please report.

If the bounty hunter could ever be driven to pity, this would be the moment. Something was completely wrong about the kid and he couldn’t bring himself to send him packing.

LOCKDOWN
I gotta take this. (points to the corner of the room) Get outta viewing range.

He faces the monitor again and opens up his end of the call.

LOCKDOWN
Shockwave.

SHOCKWAVE
Report your location.

LOCKDOWN
Closer than you think. Where you want me to park this gal?

SHOCKWAVE
I will send you the coordinates. There is a clearing in the forest large enough to land your ship in. You will see a crude hole in the ground, do not land upon it, rather next to it.

LOCKDOWN
Gotcha…don’t land on hole.

SHOCKWAVE
When can we anticipate your arrival?

LOCKDOWN
Soon.

SHOCKWAVE
Soon is not a number.

LOCKDOWN
Shortly, then. Lockdown out.

The transmission cuts off in the middle of Shockwave’s frustrated cursing.

Prowl emerges from the shadows but is immediately snatched by the neck and slammed into the shelves. He dangles, growling in protest as a pair of red optics bore into his face.

LOCKDOWN
(viciously)
How can I be certain you won‘t rat out my passengers?

PROWL
(strained)
I…told you…I am…no longer an…Autobot.

Lockdown continues the penetrating glare then eases the squirming ninja down to his feet and releases the hold on his neck.

LOCKDOWN
You fer real, kid?

PROWL
(rubbing his neck)
Yes…(he meets Lockdown’s glare with sincere desperation) What will it take to convince you?

Prowl flinches as Lockdown’s hand glides past his head and into the shelf behind him. He’s uncomfortable by the breaching of his comfort zone, even more so in the fact that Lockdown’s expression is calm and unreadable. The modded hand retreats, now holding a device which is instantly shoved against the ninja’s chest.

LOCKDOWN
Use that. It’ll mask your energy signal.

Prowl grabs the device with a fumbling hand and looks to the bounty hunter with question.

Lockdown tilts his head in a ‘follow me’ gesture and turns toward the doorway.

LOCKDOWN
C’mon. You can stow away in the engine room.

The relieved yet surprised ninja follows the peculiar mech out of the bridge and down the hallway. He tries to interpret the nonsensical grumbles coming from his new ally, but the growing whir of engines from behind the door they’re advancing on makes anything but a shout impossible to clearly decipher.

They stop at the door but Lockdown doesn’t open it. He instead turns and looks down upon the pondering blue optic visor with the intent of more interrogation.

LOCKDOWN
(shouting over engine noise)
How is it you’re not harboring a grudge ‘gainst me for takin’ out your master?

PROWL
(matching his shout)
I do not wish to discuss--

LOCKDOWN
(interrupting)
Look kid, if you’re gonna go into business with me then you need to learn the ethics of communication. How’m I suppose to trust you if you don’t clue me in (taps his hook against Prowl’s forehead) to what’s goin’ on in that twisted processor of yours.

Prowl jerks away from the hook with irritation.

PROWL
Because no one’s past is without blemish, including my own. (takes a moment to regain his composure) Everyone is guilty of treachery in one way or another. Some choose the path of regret, others redemption, and the truly depraved simply wallow in apathy.

Lockdown can only respond with a single raised brow.

PROWL
(continuing smugly)
It is not my place to judge your quality of character, however, I am not without valid suspicion in regard to the path you chose.

LOCKDOWN
The spark kinda religious poppycock you tossin‘ me?

PROWL
If I am not mistaken, you suffer with regret from your treacherous actions against Master Yoketron.

Lockdown’s optics brighten hotly but instead of smacking the kid with a retort, he jams his spiked shoulder into the door and bursts into the engine room. He grabs the large lever on the wall next the door and wrenches it down, immediately causing the deafening engine roar to descend its pitch into silence.

LOCKDOWN
Rest yourself for a klik, darlin’.

Prowl enters the engine room and is immediately engulfed by the bounty hunter’s shadow.

LOCKDOWN
(tapping his claw against Prowl’s chest)
You tryin’ to pin me with a conscience?

PROWL
(rising to the challenge)
No, I’m simply unearthing it. It revealed itself plain as day during our last encounter when you were attempting to boast of your misdoings as a means of getting revenge on me for originally denying you.

This accusation does not sit well with the bounty hunter.

PROWL
(continuing)
…But your words gave you away. You clearly admitted how betraying your sensei was no easy task.

LOCKDOWN
(shaking head in offense)
You got some serious spark plugs, Prowl. If you processor wasn’t already glitchin’ so bad, I’d bust it wide open.

PROWL
(pleased with himself)
Are you going to deny my observations after having just lectured me on communication?

Lockdown is regretfully unable to argue against the logic. The kid made a valid point and somehow, the bounty hunter relents to accept it. However, in defense of his pride, he makes it his personal mission of the moment to glare disdainfully at the smirking ninja while slamming the lever back into its original position, and purposely avoiding the hanging question.

LOCKDOWN
(assuming a power trip)
Do not, under any circumstances, leave this room. Don’t make any noise, don’t draw attention to yourself. If you’re stupid enough to get caught by the ‘cons, I won’t be able to protect you.

The bounty hunter’s last sentence was drown out by the restored engine’s roar, but Prowl clearly understood the severity of his situation. He simply nods in gratification then retreats to the quietest corner of his noisy sanctuary.

Lockdown leaves the room and stomps down half the length of the corridor before allowing the unlikely turn of events to split his oblong face with crooked but contented smile.

aarrrgghhh!!! (this is good screeching)

Excellent chapter Toyz. You have a nice balance between the 'cons and the 'bots, nice to see what's going on at both sides (I tend to be a tad one sided eeek) really good, looking forward to next update...

If Prowl joins Lockdown I am going to slap him upside the head

I already flailed about this on...the other site, but to summarize: Lugnut obsequiousness = win. Lockdown snark = total win. And I am DYING to know what Prowl is up to!

I agree with hellkitty, WHAT IS PROWL DOING!!!?

It's the good kind of suspense though, I can't wait for next update!

And Lugnut is great! And I probably just repeated what the others said, but it's awesome!

A/N: More cringe-worthy Chromia. Sorry, gotta move the story along and fill in some gaps and this just seemed like the way to do it. ::begs forgiveness from Armorok::

CYBERTRON - IACON CITY- ELITE GUARD BARRACKS - CHROMIA’S PRIVATE QUARTERS

The double-agent sits relaxed at her personal computer, legs crossed and one arm half-heartedly tapping the occasional command into the keypads. The familiar sing-song voice rambling in her private comm is commanding the majority of her attention.

SWINDLE
…arena’s where it’s at now, dollface. Ditch those losers already and get on the bandwagon.

CHROMIA
That doesn’t quite fit with my agenda now, Swinny. I’ve taken on a…rather important assignment as of late.

SWINDLE
Trust me, nothing is more important than this.

CHROMIA
Ha! Trust you.

SWINDLE
I’m serious this time. Kaon’s where you want to be. Something big is about to happen and it isn’t going to be pretty for those on the outside.

CHROMIA
Then stop being so vague and fraggin’ tell me what it is.

She jolts at the sudden thudding upon her door.

SWINDLE
The Quints are--

CHROMIA
I’ll comm ya back.

Click.

SENTINEL
It’s me, Chromia.

She pops ups, brightening her optics and shifting into a role of perky innocence as she advances on the door and presses its open button.

CHROMIA
(with fluttering optics)
Well hello there, tall, shiny and--

The royal blue magnus bursts in as if on a critical mission, hardly making eye contact with the femme.

SENTINEL
Stop.

She is taken back by his demeanor but not enough to quit the charade. She approaches his back and reaches out with concern

CHROMIA
What’s the matter?

He snaps around and slams her with a look of retribution.

SENTINEL
Where do I begin? It’s bad enough you left the planet without permission, but…spark reading? (saying the term out loud further raises his anger) What the frag, Chromia?! What’s gotten into you?

She knew this confrontation was inevitable but it didn’t make it any less annoying. She decides to play the pity card with a twinge of groveling.

CHROMIA
He was an old friend…you know this. An besides it was his idea. (lays it on thick) I felt really bad for him, what with all that he’s gone through.

SENTINEL
(unsympathetic)
But spark reading! C’mon. I feel sorry for the guy too, but that doesn’t entitle him to my--

CHROMIA
(snapping in defense)
You’re no pillar of faithfulness. I’ve seen how your optics wander.

SENTINEL
(flabbergasted)
Optics are a far cry from hands and spark chambers!

She accepts the defeat of her attempted misdirection and continues with the pity card.

CHROMIA
I was only trying to help him.

SENTINEL
Look how well that turned out!

The femme needs a new approach and resorts to the classic ‘damsel in distress.’ She closes the gap between them and grasps at his arm.

CHROMIA
Aren’t you relieved that he didn‘t hurt me?

Sentinel’s suspicious of the physical contact but he’s unable to pull away from it.

SENTINEL
If I wasn’t so angry, maybe!…(he starts to give and drops his head in disappointment) How could you be so irresponsible? Inappropriate behavior aside, what if you ran into the ‘cons?

She does an internal victory dance and presses herself harder into him, shifting a hand from his arm to fondle the Elite Guard symbol on his chest.

CHROMIA
(pathetically)
You’re right. I was foolish, and irresponsible. (really plays it up) I wasn’t thinking clearly…all I wanted was to see my old friend again, to help in anyway I could.

Sentinel sighs in acceptance as the warmth of her touch breaks down his defenses. He rests his hand on the small of her back and cups her face with the other, brushing her cheek with his thumb.

SENTINEL
(meeting her desperate gaze)
I don’t mean to come down so hard, but I just…get so frustrated. You should be helping relieve the weight on my shoulders, not piling more on.

She’s struck with an idea and shifts out of his hold to guide him to her berth. She pats its surface, signaling the magnus to sit down. When he complies, she slides behind him on her knees and starts whole-heartedly kneading his shoulders.

CHROMIA
I know…Oh, Primus I really messed up this time. Does Optimus Prime blame me for Prowl’s disappearance?

SENTINEL
(unable to release his tension)
He doesn’t appear to, but no one has a clear picture of what happened. (twists around with intent of interrogation) Why did Prowl attack you?

She pauses the massage for effect as she pretends to be upset by the memory of her encounter with the ninja.

CHROMIA
(avoiding his glare)
Ohh, I don’t wanna talk about--

SENTINEL
(pressing his glare harder)
I know you don’t WANT to talk about it, but you need to (twists back around and attempts to relax as she resumes the massage) …for his sake. So we can try to help Optimus get him back. Believe me, I don’t want to hear the details, but personal feelings aside, we need to know.

The femme knows there’s no avoiding this subject so she concedes to playing the ace up her sleeve.

CHROMIA
(dripping with regret)
Well…I, uh…I…accidentally mentioned…that you guys…denied him a place in the Hall of Heroes. And that’s when he attacked me.

Sentinel jerks around, optics widening with shock, and he grips her upper arms firmly.

SENTINEL
You…accidentally mentioned that! (slightly shakes her) How does an trained intelligence agent accidentally slip up like that!?

CHROMIA
(slumping helplessly in his grip)
Because I wasn’t an agent in the moment. I was a young and reckless academy bot…(bows head in confession) lost in the moment with a kindred spirit. Prowl and I were always very open with each other--

SENTINEL
(releases her)
Enough! I get it. (he twists back around and leans into his legs, pinching his temple) Let’s move onto other matters now before I do something I regret. (rises to his feet and attempts an air of professionalism before delivering his next thought) Some new evidence toward the ‘con’s escape has been discovered.

This is not the subject she hoped he would switch to.

CHROMIA
(grasping at genuine surprise)
Evidence?

SENTINEL
Yes. Perceptor detected substantial amounts of an advanced energon booster in the prisoner rations, which explains how the ‘cons broke through their cells.

She remains seated on the berth like a curious child, tucking her legs further underneath her body and tilting her head in apparent confusion.

CHROMIA
They broke through their cells because the stasis control device faltered.

He confronts her with a matter-of-fact tone.

SENTINEL
You’re wrong. There’s no way they could have broken through those cells without a boost in energon levels.

She leans forward into her hands and really plays up the shocked curiosity.

CHROMIA
How did the cubes get altered?

SENTINEL
(averts his gaze and rubs his chin ponderously)
They’re unclear as to how, but not to when. Perceptor’s analysis of the energon pinpoints its alteration occurring only cycles prior to the ‘cons drinking it.

The femme pales, her ventilations increasing in speed. Her processor grasps at any shred of reasonable defense but to no avail and she relents to accept that her cover may just be blown.

CHROMIA
(wincing)
What are you saying?

Sentinel is oblivious to her shift in composure and continues to stare at the wall, lost in his troubling thoughts.

SENTINEL
You’re not gonna like this, being he‘s your friend an all…but we believe Brawn may be acting as a double-agent.

She practically floats from burden just lifted off her back.

CHROMIA
Brawn! You don’t say, why him?

SENTINEL
Brawn has a long history of breaking protocol and apparently, he’s taken a fancy to Megatron’s gladiatorial arena in Kaon.

The mention of the glorious name encourages her need to float even more.

CHROMIA
How can Megatron run an arena if he’s on earth?

Sentinel’s reacts in frustration at the thought of Megatron and starts pacing in front of the femme.

SENTINEL
He’s not. That dirty dealercon has weaseled his way under the truce and started up the fights again. (raises a curious optic brow to her) I’m surprised you don’t know about this.

CHROMIA
(she practically has the lie in a holster)
Swindle and I are not exactly on speaking terms anymore.

The magnus slams his fist into his palm.

SENTINEL
As it should be! I only wish the same were true of Brawn.

CHROMIA
(eager to change the subject)
Where is Brawn now?

He releases his tension in a disappointed sigh and sits back down on the berth.

SENTINEL
Confined to his quarters until we can approach him with more evidence.

She wastes no time sliding a hand upon his back.

CHROMIA
(gushing with remorse)
Wow. I can’t believe this deception happened right under my nose. (leans into his shoulder) I’m sorry I keep failing you.

He’s buffed by her groveling and swings a thick arm around her frame, pulling her against his broad chest.

SENTINEL
Don’t apologize. It’s not in your capacity to fathom, let alone detect such actions of mutiny.

It takes everything in her being not to rip his vocalizer out. She allows a few twitches to escape before cooling off and resting her head against his chest.

Sentinel’s elevated state is interrupted by the beeping of his private comm.

SENTINEL
(opening the call)
Magnus here.

RODIMUS
Sentinel Magnus, we are about to deploy through the Space Bridge. I anticipate our arrival on Earth within the megacycle.

SENTINEL
Thanks for the update. Who did you find to replace Brawn?

RODIMUS
Cliffjumper.

CYBERTRON - SPACE BRIDGE TERMINAL

Rodimus Prime stands proud with his team upon the transwarp platform. The team consists of Hot Shot, Ironhide, Cliffjumper, Warpath and Red Alert who are all standing in erect formation behind their Prime.

CLIFFJUMPER
Yes sir?

Ironhide elbows the scrappy mech.

IRONHIDE
He’s talkin’ to Sentinel, not you.

CLIFFJUMPER
Oh…well pit, he said my name…Someone should tell Rodimus to tell Sentinel to reinstate Brawn. The bot’s not a traitor. There’s foul play at work--

HOT SHOT
Shut it, Cliffjumper!

CLIFFJUMPER
(defensive)
But it’s a crock a’sludge that he’s under house arrest.

HOT SHOT
I agree, but now’s not the time.

WARPATH
Whoever the traitor is better pray I don’t get a hold a’them…(gestures some boxing moves) BAM, POW.

RED ALERT
(agitated whisper)
All of you, keep it down. This is a serious mission, we need to stay focused.

CLIFFJUMPER
(lowering his voice)
Easy for you to say. You just gotta sit back and wait till someone gets hurt.

Warpath, maintaining a proper forward-facing stance, snaps his arm out and clamps his bulky hand around Cliffjumper’s neck.

WARPATH
(calm but threatening)
Way outta line, soldier.

This action doesn’t escape the prime’s peripheral. He twists is head back with a raised brow, pinning Warpath with a glare.

RODIMUS
(into comm)
I’ll update you again once we’ve arrived on Earth. (gestures his disapproval at the tankbot) Rodimus Prime out.

Warpath release his victim with indifference. Cliffjumper grumbles and rubs his neck until the prime’s glare slides to him, forcing him back into a respectable composure.

RODIMUS
(shifting his focus to the bot at the control console)
We’re good to go, Wheeljack.

(she practically has the lie in a holster)

Sorry: there are a lot of great lines in this fic, but this one deserves a moment of...just...quiet...worship.

Ooooooh I hate Sentinel so much!

HK, I hate everyone right now, though.

I forgave the Chromia stuff as soon as I heard Rodimus's name. And Warpath? Seriously? Are you writing this just for me, or is it just coincidence I love everything about it?

Though you did spell my name wrong...oh well, wonderful story here. And they think BRAWN is a traitor?!?! Crazy. Can't wait for next update.

btw, the Swindle's mentioning the Quints. Wonderful. I think I'm going to join HK's silent worship now...

A/N - Hurray! I have a title! (it only took 3 months ><

I think I have a crush on Rodimus...I KNOW I have a crush Lockdown! ^_^

...and Ratchet is just a grumpy old fragger (accept when he's not).

DETROIT - SUMDAC TOWER ROOF

Optimus Prime and his team gaze upon the space bridge with anticipation as it fills with radiating light. The sun is just setting over the city and is casting a dazzling orange glow that gradients into purple when meeting the blue transwarp energy. The silhouettes of five elite bots materialize before the earthbound team then fill with their distinguishing details as the transwarp glow descends from its climax and retreats to a singularity. Rodimus Prime’s striking orange flames are captured brilliantly by the matching sun beams as he steps down from the platform and greets Optimus with a firm and respectful handshake.

The primes’ teams follow suit and great each other with varying degrees of respect, some happy to be united, others unable to resist sizing one another up. Warpath and Jazz greet with the respectful half-bows of trained cyber ninjas, while Ratchet and Red Alert meet with a hug. Bumblebee raises a brow to Ironhide who smirks sheepishly and pegs the yellow bot with a firm but friendly punch to the arm.

Once the proper greetings and introductions cease, Optimus leads the group to the transport shuttle parked atop the tower--the same shuttle Optimus Prime ‘borrowed‘ from Iacon. There’s an uneasy tension as everyone boards, mainly due to the fact that such a high-risk and serious mission is being conducted from a shuttle designed to taxi Cybertronian tourists. After everyone finds a seat, there are only a few empty spaces left. The primes take their places at the helm while everyone else splits off by twos as that’s how the seats are laid out.

Rodimus observes as the other prime flips switches and throws levers to power up the ship, then swivels in his copilot’s chair to look upon the crew with a smirk.

RODIMUS
Not exactly an Ark but who am I to argue.

OPTIMUS
(chuckling)
We work with what we have, old friend. The energy signal dampener Professor Sumdac installed on this rig is all we need to breech the island’s perimeter undetected.

Ratchet leans forward from his front row seat next to Red Alert and wastes not time barking his opinion.

RATCHET
So long as you land in the lake as we planned not on top of their base! You sure you don’t want me to man the helm, sir?

OPTIMUS
(casting a glance over his shoulder)
I’m fine, Ratchet, and I thank you for the encouragement.

RODIMUS
(lowering his voice to Optimus)
Medics…they think they’re beyond rank I’ll tell ya.

Red Alert reacts with insult and pokes Rodimus in the arm.

RED ALERT
I heard that!

As the shuttle lifts off into the pink and orange sky, everyone slightly shifts in mood toward the reality of the mission at hand. Rodimus waits until they finish their ascent and the ship levels out before he rises from his seat and looks over the mix of expressions.

RODIMUS
(typically calm and collected)
Should I go over the mission details again or are you all clear on your assignments?

The crew murmurs with an array of responses, all of which uniquely answer the prime’s question with a unified ‘yes, we’re clear’.

RODIMUS
Good!…Now, who is going to--

He’s interrupted by the sound of static blaring from Optimus’ comm link, static which then bleeds into the hefty vocals of one speech-enabled Dinobot.

GRIMLOCK
Grimlock calling Optimus Prime.

RATCHET
(typically irritated)
Will that buffoon ever learn your private comm frequency?

OPTIMUS PRIME
(into comm)
Prime, here. What’s the situation, Grimlock?

GRIMLOCK
Me Grimlock think island haunted.

Rodimus twists around to display his shock at Optimus.

RODIMUS
That is your informant?

Optimus gestures to the flame-painted bot to lower his voice.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Just…give it a cycle. Grimlock’s methods of reporting are…somewhat vague, but we can usually piece together his meaning...after some…deliberation. (into comm) Haunted, Grimlock? What do you mean?

GRIMLOCK
Me Grimlock see robots rise out of dirt carrying pink thingies, disappear into air, reappear on ground without pink thingies and then sink back into dirt. This happen over and over until they no more reappear from air. Me Grimlock think island haunted with robot ghosts.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(rubbing his forehead with impatience)
Were the robots see-through like ghosts, Grimlock or were their chassis solid?

GRIMLOCK
They solid.

Optimus switches to rubbing his chin as he mulls over the Dinobot’s report, straining to piece together a clear image.

RODIMUS
(arrogantly)
The ‘cons are alive. This much we know.

Jazz rises from his seat two rows back and advances on the primes with urgency.

JAZZ
Yo primes, you diggin’ the dude’s vibe?

RODIMUS
(raising a brow to Jazz)
Apparently you are.

JAZZ
The ‘cons are packin’ up their life juice and hittin’ the road via one incognito ride!

RATCHET
(snapping at Jazz)
Is it below you to talk like a normal bot?

The primes look at each other with worried realization then lock optics onto Jazz for verification.

Jazz sighs with frustration before delivering his next line.

JAZZ
(severely lacking intonation)
The Decepticons are loading energon cubes onto a cloaked ship.

RODIMUS
(with authority)
Who do we know of with a ship like this?

RATCHET
Lockdown!

RODIMUS
(turning to Ratchet)
Do you have a means of contacting Lockdown?

OPTIMUS PRIME
(with a defeated droop of posture)
We used to. Prowl was the only one who knew his comm frequency.

RODIMUS
(obviously uniformed to the Prowl situation)
And…where is Prowl?

Jazz is stung by the memory of his absent friend. He somberly turns away and slumps down into his seat. He is immediately consoled when the red-haired teenager draped over the back of his chair lays her tiny hand onto his shoulder. He rests his hand upon hers and gives her a smile of gratitude.

The ship’s entire crew give Rodimus a disapproving look.

RODIMUS
(offended)
What?! I thought he was brought back to life!

Red Alert shakes her head and points to the co-pilot seat with a snap.

RED ALERT
Just sit down and rest your mouth for a cycle.

Grimlock’s voice bursts back into the room, complaining like an attention-starved child.

GRIMLOCK
Why truckbot stop talking to Grimlock!?

Optimus Prime is snapped back into the present situation by the Dinobot’s voice.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(into comm)
I, uh…sorry, Grimlock. Now…tell us…are the robots loading the pink thingies as we speak.

GRIMLOCK
No! Why must Autobot make Grimlock repeat himself? Me Grimlock say robots stop carrying pink thingies and disappear into air!

OPTIMUS PRIME
(growing with paranoia)
When, Grimlock!? When did they stop!?

GRIMLOCK
Umm…fiery ball in sky--

OPTIMUS PRIME
Today! It only just happened today? (turns to Rodimus with hopeful urgency) We may still be able to intercept them.

Grimlock roars angrily, capturing the attention of the entire crew.

GRIMLOCK
Stop…interrupting…Me Grimlock!…(huffs a couple times) You stop talking, now?…Can Me Grimlock continue?

Optimus pinches the bridge of his nose as if to keep his processor from bursting out from between his optics.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Go ahead, Grim--

GRIMLOCK
(interrupting)
As Me Grimlock saying, fiery ball in sky show up after robots disappear into air. It almost been full cycle of fiery ball since Me Grimlock last see robots.

Optimus whips his glance to Rodimus with panic.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(into comm)
Last night! (panic morphing to frustration) This happened last night and you’re just now telling me about it!? What part of ‘report any unusual activity the instant it happens’ did I not make clear to you?

GRIMLOCK
(calm but offended)
Me Grimlock go now since bossy Autobot be rude.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(desperately)
No, wait!

Rodimus shakes his head with disgust and pounds his fist on the console.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Grimlock, can you please scan the island for energy signatures…of any kind…be it Decepticon, Autobot or Starship.

GRIMLOCK
You mean use thingy given to Grimlock by funny-looking human?

OPTIMUS PRIME
(patience hanging by a fraying thread)
Yes! Use the energy tracker given to you by Professor Sumdac to search the island for any signs of Cybertronian machinery.

After several sanity-prodding cycles of Optimus Prime playing energy tracker tech-support to the Dinobot, Grimlock successfully carries out the request. The results, however are not to the liking of the prime, or anyone else aboard the shuttle, as the scan proves the island completely devoid of anything bearing an alien energy signature.

Optimus and Rodimus are left blankly staring at each other while the entire ship’s crew stares at them with anticipation of a new plan.

RODIMUS
(too baffled to be anything but dangerously calm)
How could this have happened?

Optimus leans his aching processor into his hands.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(speaking only in earshot of Rodimus and the medics)
This is all my fault. I should’ve sent Jazz to scout the island, not rely on the Dinobots.

Ratchet, although softening in sympathy to his prime, is not about to let him continue down a path of regret.

RATCHET
(reassuring)
Shoulda, coulda, woulda…don’t beat yourself up, Prime. These last few orbital cycles have been rather taxing. (he rests his hand on Optimus’ forearm and lowers his voice to a rare, soothing level) We all put our efforts where they were most needed…into Prowl’s wellbeing. How would we have seen this coming?

The Autobot leader lifts his head toward his medic, his regret sliding by the wayside as a painfully dawning expression forms across his face.

OPTIMUS PRIME
(quietly)
That was their plan, Ratchet…don’t you see it now?

Ratchet looks questionably to his leader.

OPTIMUS PRIME
That’s why they resurrected Prowl…to distract us while they collected energon and made their getaway. (voice drops into humility as regret overwhelms him again) And we blindly fell right into it.

The shuttle’s occupants grow restless and mumble amongst themselves what they think the discussion is at the helm.

Rodimus sits and festers in his own thoughts, fingers impatiently fidgeting with one of his arrows. He refuses to let this turn of events get the better of him and with a snap of the arrow, he forces a shift back into his commanding role then rises to face ship’s crew.

RODIMUS
Autobots! As you are aware, there has been a slight alteration to our mission. The Decepticons have rerouted the battlefront to a destination unbeknownst to us. (he puffs up at the sound of his own vocals and takes a proud step closer to his captivated army). My question to you all is, what is the obvious location of this battlefront if not here on this planet?

Bumblebee pops his hand in the air like an eager teacher’s pet.

BUMBLEBEE
Ooo, Ooo, I know, I know!…(he looks around, cheerfully indifferent to the stares locked on him) They’ve gone to Cybertron!

RODIMUS
(points an empowering finger to Bumblebee)
That is correct, young bot. (jolts his glance over his shoulder at Optimus) Can this baby take us to Cybertron?

Optimus raises his head at the question, processor working overtime to fathom the possibility of leaving Earth so spontaneously.

OPTIMUS PRIME
Yeah but…we can’t just pick up and go…not without…proper planning, and--

RATCHET
(snapping at the primes)
Both a ya need to pull yer heads outta each others afts…sirs. Why the spark would we fly this thing to Cybertron when we have a fully functioning space bridge.

RODIMUS
(knocked down a couple notches)
Excellent observation, Ratchet. (attempts to recover his pride) The sooner we get there the better. (turns to address the crew) Somebody needs to update our Magnus on this turn of events.

The entire crew immediately breaks optic contact with the prime.

RODIMUS
(knocked down another notch)
I guess I’ll do that. (turns back to Optimus, once again restoring some pride) C’mon soldier! Let’s turn this ship around. (takes his seat next to his fellow prime) There are new horizons awaiting us.

DEATH’S HEAD CRUISER- EN ROUTE TO CYBERTRON

The claustrophobia of his ship’s bridge is too much for the bounty hunter to bear. The Decepticons seem to be on a mission specifically goaled at annoying him, what with Megatron conquering his captain’s chair and Starscream tactlessly poking around his trophy shelf. The others were just loitering--obnoxiously loitering; taking up what little space was left around the massive blanketed stacks of their ’classified cargo‘ with petty arguments and mindless banter. Lockdown can’t take it anymore and not-so-politely excuses himself from the bridge, grumbling his way down the hall to his recharge quarters.

As he approaches the door, he pauses to cast a glance at the engine room door, but then forces himself to deny the temptation of checking on his stowaway. The last thing he needs is to risk summoning the scrap storm that would come from the ‘cons discovering of the kid’s presence. He tries to put the ninja in the back of his mind as he enters his quarters. His optics instantly lock on the alien object sitting on his berth; an object bearing the indistinguishable form of a cyber ninja helmet, with its colors masked by the purple fibers encasing it. He rushes over to inspect it but is caught off guard by the raspy feminine vocals ambushing him from the darkest corner of the room.

BLACKARACHNIA
Don’t you touch that!

Lockdown spins around to face the presence, cursing himself for failing to account for the stealthy spiderbot’s whereabouts on his ship. He watches the techno-organic with hostility as she drops down on a silken rope then skitters onto the berth, protecting the helmet as if it were her offspring.

LOCKDOWN
Th’spark you doing in here?

The predacon elegantly transforms into robot mode and steps down off the berth, snatching up her prized possession and clutching it against her chest.

BLACKARACHNIA
Same as you, I’m guessing.

LOCKDOWN
Barging in on a bot’s private space? Nah, darlin’, that’s not what I’m doin’.

She sizes him up with a sneer, baring the full body of one porcelain fang between her parted lips.

BLACKARACHNIA
You want me outta here?…Fine. (she sways past him, aiming for the door). I’ll seek my solitude behind the only other door of your cramped little world.

The hunter’s optics brighten with paranoia and he reaches out in a snap and grabs her forcefully by the arm.

BLACKARACHNIA
(hissing with surprise and insult)
Get your hand off me!

He pulls her back toward the berth, indifferent to her colorful protests, then flashes her a gap-tooth grin as he gently releases her arm.

LOCKDOWN
(oddly cheerful)
By all means, stick around.

He casually approaches his berth and flops down onto it, kicking his feet up and crossing them with annoying placidity. He inspects her head to toe as she tries to interpret his actions, then dares an antagonizing wink at her.

LOCKDOWN
Can think of a few ways to pass the time.

The predacon gasps in repulsion and huffs back a couple steps from the berth.

BLACKARACHNIA
You’re disgusting!

The bounty hunter simply retorts with a hearty chuckle and leans forward to playfully nudge her hip with his hook.

LOCKDOWN
Just messin’ with ya, gal. Fer Primu’sake, take it easy. (gestures to old oil drum near the berth) Have a seat…tell me about that…thing yer coddlin’ like a sparkling.

She continues to regard him with disgust, attempting for a moment to translate his sudden shift of mood, then quickly bores of his obnoxiously contorted grin. She glowers in reluctance as she lets her guard down then glances at the oil drum behind her. Her optics drop to the helmet as she takes a seat.

BLACKARACHNIA
None of your business.

LOCKDOWN
Sure it’s my business! Thing used to belong to me.

She looks to the hunter with doubting puzzlement.

BLACKARACHNIA
Impossible. This belonged to the Autobot ninja, Prowl, and to his master before him.

LOCKDOWN
(still grinning pompously)
Never heard of ‘em.

The predacon shakes her head in annoyance and rises from her seat.

BLACKARACHNIA
You’re so full of it! Pardon me if I seek out more genuine company.

She makes for the door but Lockdown tosses the nearest object he can find at her(a empty can of low grade), stopping her with a halt as the item whizzes by her face.

LOCKDOWN
Sit yer spiny abdomen back down. I’m all the genuine company you need, ‘specially considerin’ yer options.

She can’t help but crack a smile at his arrogance and rolls her four optics as she returns to her seat.

BLACKARACHNIA
At what point did you get your slimy servos on Master Yoketron’s helmet?

The question wipes the hunter’s grin clean off his face and he’s nearly impressed by the femme’s casually oblivious ability to cut him to the core with one simple question.

LOCKDOWN
Rather not talk about it.

BLACKARACHNIA
(with a baffled shrug and another roll of her optics)
‘Course not! Why would you?

LOCKDOWN
(slightly miffed by her sarcasm)
Why should I share my story about it if you won’t share yours?

She thoughtfully chews on the irony of his observation a moment then vents a relenting sigh.

BLACKARACHNIA
We took it from Prowl after we resurrected him. (arches a glance to him)…You heard about that, right?

Lockdown fights the urge to interrogate the femme about the events potentially responsible for Prowl’s glitched processor, fearing his displayed interest in the kid may raise too many red flags.

LOCKDOWN
I caught a rumor. (shifts his shoulders so they’re comfortably flush against the wall) Why’d you take it?

BLACKARACHNIA
I didn’t take it…Starscream did. (her mind drifts as she thinks back to the gifting of the helm; a corner of her mouth curls up slightly) He gave it to me…to help with--

She cuts herself off, already regretting what she let slip and afraid to look at the bounty hunter’s reaction to it.

LOCKDOWN
(with a spreading grin)
Ahhh, how sweet.

BLACKARACHINA
(optics widen in protest)
It’s not like that…(back peddling) we were going to disassemble it into its more basic components, to study the molecular composition in order to--

LOCKDOWN
(interrupts with condescending)
Of course you were. (grabs a can of low-grade from the shelf next to him) Want one?

BLACKARACHNIA
No!…(settles down a bit) thank you.

LOCKDOWN
(shrugs)
Your loss. (uses his hook to impale a wide hole in the can’s lip and, to the spiderbot’s repulsion, and takes a long, noisy slurp of the foul liquid) So…you and your seeker sweetheart are gonna rip apart a perfectly good trophy for what now?

BLACKARACHNIA
(huffing)
He’s not my…it doesn’t matter now…I’m not going to use it for that. (drops her gaze down to the helmet and slowly trails her claws across it) I want to give it back to Prowl.

Lockdown chokes at hearing this and nearly sends his last gulp of oil projecting back out through the gap in his teeth.

LOCKDOWN
How you planning on doin‘ that, what with you en route to Cybertron and the kid back on earth?

He instantly regrets the implication that could be made by the vocalizing of his personal nick name for the Autobot, but then relaxes when the femme appears unaffected by it.

BLACKARACHNIA
(furrows her brow in uncertainty)
Not really sure.

Lockdown puts back the last gulp of oil then crushes the can and tosses it to the ground; a routine he could undoubtedly do while in stasis.

LOCKDOWN
(chuckling)
Heh, you got it all planned out dontcha?

She regards the discarded can with the same resentment she feels for his sarcasm.

BLACKARACHNIA
(with a snooty shrug)
I’ll figure something out.

Lockdown can no longer resist the urge to learn more about this femme’s concern for his new partner. He drops his legs down off the berth and leans into his knees, hoping his sincere body language will help soften the femme to his interrogation.

LOCKDOWN
Why give it back? What’s in it for you?

She drops her optics back on the helmet and pauses in contemplation before answering.

BLACKARACHNIA
Clear my conscience, I guess.

LOCKDOWN
Conscience?…Oh right…you got Autobot programming.

She looks up at him, her next line armed with irony.

BLACKARACHNIA
If I’m not mistaken, so do you.

LOCKDOWN
(snapping sternly)
Don’t change the subject. (rolls his shoulder a half-turn creating a popping sound in his neck) So…what sins you commit against the kid?

He curses himself for slipping again.

BLACKARACHNIA
(regretfully)
It’s not what I did...rather what I allowed to happen.

The bounty hunter starts growing impatient with her vague responses.

LOCKDOWN
Whatever! Th’spark happen to him!?

Blackarachnia thinks back to Starscream’s mention of Processor over Matter and how he believed the ninja capable of beating his human influence. She desperately wants to accept that as the truth and decides to steer the conversation out of regret and into optimism.

BLACKARACHNIA
(meeting the hunter’s optics with hope)
Nothing that can’t be undone by Processor over Matter and (gestures to the helmet) reuniting with his master.

Lockdown sits uncharacteristically still, dawning to the positive impact the helmet will have on the kid’s tweaked processor. He’s leery to the notion that a properly functioning Prowl may very well reject his partnership again, but the hunter couldn’t live with himself if he didn’t do everything in his power to restore the Prowl he once knew and respected. He looks down at it, mulling over thoughts of how to relieve the predacon of the item, then finally decides on the most direct route.

LOCKDOWN
(sincere)
I’ll get it to him…I’ve got more business to do on Earth after I drop you ‘cons off…I’ll be able to make contact with him much sooner than you will.

She beholds him with enough skepticism to practically turn his joints to putty.

BLACKARACHNIA
(properly insulted)
What kind of half-wit do you take me for?…You expect me to believe YOU would go out of your way to selflessly hand a valuable trophy over to an Autobot?

Lockdown is forced to smile at the sheer ridiculousness of his offer and doesn’t at all blame the femme for her reaction.

LOCKDOWN
Fair enough.

He starts questioning the likeliness of Prowl’s cover being blown if this femme were to learn of the bounty hunter’s odd relationship with him. He figures there’s no way she could know of his interest in the kid, let alone suspect the ninja’s presence on the ship. After a couple introspective scrapes of his hook across his thigh, he settles on the justification that a unique acquaintance isn’t enough evidence to convict the kid, especially since the femme is apparently unaware of Prowl’s deserter status, and is obviously concerned for his well being.

Blackarachnia can’t help but wonder if the bounty hunter’s extended silence is incrimination to his possible sincerity.

BLACKARACHNIA
(still clinging to disbelief)
You’re serious aren’t you?

LOCKDOWN
(hesitantly)
As a spark attack…Kid n’ I…got this thing…we can’t help but bump into each other every now and then. S’only a matter a time ‘fore the next…encounter.

She never suspected the bounty hunter could regard another bot in such a manner; and she finds this quite amusing.

BLACKARACHNIA
(raising a brow)
Sounds…complicated.

LOCKDOWN
Y'don’t know the half’ve it. (he drops his focus and starts fidgeting with his hook, taking a moment to formulate the inevitable words required to convince the femme of his sincerity) Look darlin’…I…promise you…on the respect of our mutually rejected Autobot heritage…that I’ll get that thing back on Prowl’s head…where it belongs.

BLACKARACHNIA
(fully entertained by his bared state of being)
You can’t base a promise on a treacherous act.

LOCKDOWN
(temper rearing its head)
Well, I did anyway…now dammit, gal, you gonna trust me or not?

His uneasy levels of irritation are all she needs to see to take his word, but she decides to hold off on her acknowledgement of this. Watching the cocky mech squirm in discomfort is the most fun she’s had in a while.

BLACKARACHNIA
(playfully smiling)
Are you even listening to yourself?

Lockdown groans in frustration and leans his forehead into his hook, nearly scraping the paint off the tattoo above his eye.

LOCKDOWN
(growling through desperation)
If returning that helmet means fixin’ the kid’s processor, then I assure you, I will do it.

She rises up with a proud chuckle and, to Lockdown’s jolting surprise, drops the helmet on his lap.

BLACKARACHNIA
(smug)
You’re right. Your company isn’t so bad…at least once you’ve rolled over and exposed that soft little underbelly.

His only retort is a pouting grumble. He has the helmet now; his mission accomplished. Unless there is a shred of hope at scraping his dignity off the floor, there is no more to say.

I can see why you have a crush on LD... I love the way you write him... I'm taking notes as we speak...

excellent update!

"You can't base a promise on a treacherous act"
"Well I just did!"

Wonderful writing. And I love the title. Animated has always been about trust, between Megatron and Isaac, Optimus and his crew, the Elite Guard and the other Autobots, Starscream and Megatron, I'd say 'A Time For Trust' is the perfect title.

And I love the way you wrote Grimlock. He's hilarious, and still awesome.

A/N: Some serious turn of events here. O.O...not sure what else to say about it besides, enjoy!

Armorock, I sincerely apologize for misspelling your name earlier. I'm very happy you like my Grimlock and still like my Lockdown. ^_^

btw, [this is silent commspeak]

DEATH'S HEAD CRUISER - SOMEWHERE NEARING CYBERTRON

Starscream is bored. Nearly an orbital cycle has passed since they boarded the ship and he is desperate for a form of stimulus. He had already exhausted the entertainment value of Lockdown's trophy shelf within the first megacycle of their journey. Where normally he would resort to teasing his fellow Decepticons for the cheap thrill of watching their tempers peak, he didn't dare risk a fight breaking out in the limited and volatile space of the ship's bridge. He wants to track down Blackarachnia's whereabouts, but each of his attempts to excuse himself only invites 'the look' from Megatron. He's a seeker. He needs to seek, not sit. Finally, the moment arises where Megatron is distracted by Shockwave's useless rambling and Starscream slips out unnoticed.

As he ventures down the hall, his optics lock on two doors. He can tell by differences in design that one clearly leads to a berth room which means the other must house the engine room. Uninterested in what the bounty hunter does behind closed doors, he chooses the door that promises a tour of the ship's mechanics. It takes a few hefty shoves to fling it open. He's instantly rattled by the deafening engine roar, but enters regardless, reasoning that the engine was easier on his audio receptors than Megatron's talking calculator of an intelbot. He shuts the door behind him, cutting off any and all light.

Pitch black. Not ideal for inspecting an engine. He's about to turn on his infrared when his heightened senses, signature to all seekers, pick up the signal of another presence in the room. Whoever it is, there is no doubt the seeker's entrance didn't go unnoticed. There isn't anyone on board who could pose a threat to him, but he switches on his infrared anyways, expecting to find four arachnid optics staring at him with primus-knows what intentions. His expectations are shot down as nothing apparently sentient comes to view. Impossible. He knows there's someone in here and he wasn't going to be made of a fool of. He's hit with an idea and runs a scan for a nearby comm frequency. No one can hide from a seeker, especially not one as brilliant as him. His scan proves successful but the results are not what he intended. An Autobot. The same Autobot they resurrected. Little did Starscream know when he sniped the Autobot's comm frequency during the resurrection, how soon he'd find a use for it.

STARSCREAM
[Am I correct in assuming you're not here to spy?]

No response.

STARSCREAM
[I know you're here, Autobot. Show yourself.]

Still no response.

STARSCREAM
[For spark's sake, Prowl, I won't turn you in. Blackarachnia would crucify me if I did such a thing.]

A long pause, but finally, a response.

PROWL
[You expect me to believe you now value my well-being after what you did to me?]

Starscream is pleased with himself for invoking a response, but disregards the attempted guilt trip by the ninja.

STARSCREAM
[No.]

He casually takes a seat on the first object he sees resembling a flat surface and dives right into a pressing thought on his processor.

STARSCREAM
[But I do value your insight as to how you overcame your condition with Processor over Matter.]

PROWL
(After a pause)
[You are misinformed. Processor over Matter only weakens a damaged processor.]

Starscream is neither satisfied or convinced with this answer.

STARSCREAM
[Sounds like you're the one who's misinformed.]

The jet is surprised at the ninja's skewed logic. Chromia certainly must've done a number on him.

PROWL
[What do you know of Processor over Matter?]

STARSCREAM
[I know you successfully held off Megatron and Lugnut with it.]

PROWL
[Briefly held off. We would have perished if Optimus Prime did not intervene. I have no insight to offer to you and I request, that if you don't intend to turn me over, that you leave me be.]

Starscream can't help be impressed by the ninja's stealth, but that doesn't stop him from continuing his meticulous scanning of the room.

STARSCREAM
[I'm going to deny that request as this is far more entertaining than my previous engagement of doing nothing.]

Prowl doesn't reply so Starscream continues the conversation, indifferent to the Autobot's disinterest of his company.

STARSCREAM
[I have a hunch that Processor over Matter may just be the key to removing the unnatural intrusion we're both victim to. The human brain is, after all, only matter.]

PROWL
(interest peaked)
[You do not appear affected by your human influence.]

Starscream scowls at the thought of his recent bouts of morality.

STARSCREAM
[Trust me, I am.]

PROWL
[What is your hunch based off? You have no training in Circuit-su. How can you presume to know anything about Processor over Matter?]

Starscream grins proudly.

STARSCREAM
[Because I am a genius.]

Prowl doesn't reply to this, but his curiosity in the one bot who shares his condition is undeniable. He emerges from his stealthy nook near the ceiling, accepting this Decepticon's claim to keeping his presence a secret. The ninja flings a shuriken into the door handle, creating a makeshift lock, then drops down, passing by Starscream as he seeks a seat within a safe distance of the Decepticon.

Starscream utilizes the ninja's temporarily close proximity to run a scan (with his highly-tuned seeker senses) for organic readings. He's perplexed when the scan yields only his own organic readings and looks upon the ninja with near-reverence.

STARSCREAM
[You beat it.]

PROWL
[What are you talking about?]

STARSCREAM
[Your human counterpart. You rid yourself of it.]

PROWL
[You may be a 'genius' with scientific matters, but that does not make you an expert on my--]

Starscream interrupts with a screeching outburst that can be heard over the engine noise.

STARSCREAM
Jeffrey Simon!

PROWL
(leaps up and shouts back in terror)
Don't!

Prowl instinctively drops his head down and clutches desperately at it, awaiting the inevitable intrusion of thought.

Starscream simply watches him with amusement, crossing his arms pompously over his cockpit.

Prowl lingers a moment in a cowering posture then lifts his head and looks upon Starscream with questioning and a twinge of relief.

PROWL
[How is this possible?]

STARSCREAM
[I told you, you beat it. Probably with Processor over Matter, just as I expected.]

PROWL
[That's impossible. Processor over Matter was the first technique I tried when learning of my condition. It is not a cure, merely a temporary suppression of my imposter.]

STARSCREAM
[When was the last time you encountered your 'imposter'?]

Prowl drops his head regretfully and sulks back into his seat.

PROWL
[When I attacked Chromia.]

The seeker chuckles at the image, suppressing the urge to applaud the ninja. He'd love to see Prowl's reaction upon learning of her treacheries, but he logically refrains from blowing her cover. Stripping the Decepticons of their inside edge surely wouldn't sit well with Megatron.

STARSCREAM
[Did this 'Chromia' say your imposter's name?]

Prowl strains to recall the events clearly in his processor. He remembers spending time with her but the details of their encounter is a blur. He recalls when she entered his room that she wasted no time shamelessly flinging herself upon him. He can safely blame his juvenile lust over his imposter's needs for giving into her seduction and slips a smirk at the faint memory of their...interaction. He can't recall in detail what happened after that, at least up until the point where Bulkhead burst into room.

STARSCREAM
(impatient)
[Well, did she?]

PROWL
[I cannot recall. She was aware of my condition and therefore should have known better than to speak the name.]

STARSCREAM
[Is there anything else that can trigger your imposter?]

PROWL
[Anger...and reminders of betrayal from those who are suppose to be trustworthy.]

The ninja pauses in thought as the pieces slowly fall into place. It wasn't his imposter's anger or memories that triggered that attack. It was when she told him the cold, hard and painful fact about his teammates.

PROWL
[I attacked her out of my own will...The truth she spoke of was too much to bear.]

STARSCREAM
[What did she say?]

PROWL
[That my peers do not respect me or my sacrifice.]

Starscream is now undeniably impressed and almost sickened by Chromia's work on this hapless Autobot. As much as he'd like to believe Autobots to be as shallow as the ninja claims, he knows they're not. The moral pings the seeker has put up with are nothing compared to what this Autobot must be dealing with. He cringes at the idea of being handicapped by demented processes and is grateful his own human counterpart has been mostly beneficial to him. His regard to Prowl has now shifted from curiosity to pity, and while internally cursing himself for succumbing to yet another moral emotion, he carries on with attempting to help the Autobot.

STARSCREAM
[When was the last time you can clearly remember your imposter surfacing?]

Prowl pauses, playing back events in his mind, then brightens at a particular event. He's so excited by his revelation that he forgets to use commspeak.

PROWL
The zoo!

Starscream smiles, pleased to see the ninja's lift of mood and even more pleased that his hunches are proving factual.

STARSCREAM
[See, I told you. Processor over Matter.]

Prowl's afraid to accept this as fact. It seems too easy. He didn't want to get his hopes up only to have them crushed.

PROWL
[But, I used it on Megatron and Lugnut, not myself. It doesn't make any sense.]

STARSCREAM
[Of course it doesn't. It's a spiritual phenomenon. It obeys its own set of rules…much to science's disapproval.]

Starscream flinches to the sudden infiltration to his comm by the all-too-familiar frequency of his leader.

MEGATRON
[Get your weaselly aft back to the bridge. We will soon be landing in Kaon.]

Starscream pinches his face in annoyance and takes all of an astrosecond to decide on procrastinating the tyrant's order.

The ship's engine drastically drops its pitch as the Death's Head begins her descent. Her deafening roars sound pleased to finally ease up and the room quiets down. The room's occupants are relieved to finally be able to communicate vocally.

STARSCREAM
(looking to Prowl with urgency)
What's your plan, cyber ninja? I assume this is where you get off?

Due to the changing of events, paranoia is now added to Prowl's mix of excitement and confusion.

PROWL
I...do not know anymore.

Starscream's patience starts to give as he yanks the shuriken from the door handle and tosses back to Prowl.

STARSCREAM
It's not a difficult question, Autobot. Do you want my assistance at covering your exit or not?

PROWL
(beholding Starscream in surprise)
You would...do that for me?

STARSCREAM
(bordering on irritated)
If you make a decision like, NOW, then yes, I'll help you.

The ninja frantically runs the scenarios through his processor: partner with Lockdown, a potentially suffocating existence where he would always be looking over his shoulder, or build a new life on Cybertron? If there is a chance he's truly cured of his condition, then he has no reason to fear a solitary existence. The idea of such a life taunts the ninja; one of peace, simplicity, independence, all beckoning to him like an old friend.

PROWL
Yes!...I want off the ship.

Starscream nods at the ninja then yanks the door open.

STARSCREAM
I'll comm you when the coast is clear. Are those rocket boosters on your shoulders or just bulky decora--

PROWL
(interrupting)
I am capable of flight. Are you suggesting I leave before the ship lands?

STARSCREAM
That would be best. Primus knows the madness that'll incur upon landing...what with my colleagues making mad dashes for the exit to escape the close proximity of each other.

The jet leaves the room, mumbling something about his own claustrophobia. He pulls the door shut, then notices the door across the hall slide open. Blackarachnia emerges and beholds Starscream with question.

BLACKARACHNIA
What are you--

Starscream immediately grabs her shoulders and guides her down the hallway toward the bridge.

STARSCREAM
(urgently)
I need you to cover for me...say I was with you these past several cycles, if the question arises.

His request and his actions peak her curiosity.

BLACKARACHNIA
Why? What's going--

STARSCREAM
(pleading through impatience)
Just...trust me.

Starscream and Blackarachnia enter the bridge. Starscream takes a mental inventory of its occupants, making sure all the Decepticons and the bounty hunter are accounted for.

Megatron hovers over Lockdown as the bounty hunter steers the ship down into the speckle of lights that is Kaon. The Decepticon leader insists they land in the arena, despite the bounty hunters attempted protests. Megatron reasons its open roof will make for an easy landing plus the towering walls will hide the ship while they unload their cargo. He is under the assumption the arena is still inactive and figures there will be nobody of importance to witness their arrival.

Starscream watches from the back of the bridge as the city lights grow larger and brighter, then discretely delivers his promised message.

STARSCREAM
(to Prowl's comm)
[Go now...and...best of luck.]

PROWL
[Thank you.]

CYBERTRON - KAON - GLADIATORIAL ARENA

The red lights of the descending Death's Head cruiser command the attention of the spectators and they react with a resounding murmur of surprise. Waspinator is readying a final blow on his limp opponent, but refrains when hearing his audience's change of mood. The predacon looks across the crowd, highly insulted that something else has apparently become more interesting than his battling prowess. His opponent's optics widen and he points a weakened hand to the sky and attempts a stuttering warning.

Swindle rises from his cushy seat in the VIP booth, dropping his jaw at the unplanned turn of events. He gasps when the invasive and very familiar aircraft plants down in his precious sporting grounds, nearly crushing his dumbfounded prize fighter. He immediately gets on his comm, face awash with frustration.

SWINDLE
(into comm)
Lockdown, what in Cybertron do you think you're doing!?

DEATH'S HEAD BRIDGE

Lockdown scowls at the command in his comm then turns his contorted expression toward Megatron.

LOCKDOWN
Got Swindle on the comm. You want him to explain the arena's activity, or would ya rather keep assumin' the place is abandoned.

Lugnut's optics brighten furiously to the bounty hunter's lack of respect.

LUGNUT
How dare you address the mighty--

Megatron silences the hulking purple mech with a belittling glare, then slides his focus back on the unnerving spectacle of a populated arena.

MEGATRON
Patch him through.

Lockdown complies and the comm screen fills with the disapproving visage of Swindle.

SWINDLE
Are you going to explain yourself Lockdown or-- (he cuts himself off when he sees Lockdown's passengers; the dealer's signature grin spreads across his face) Megatron!

MEGATRON
(temper rising)
Swindle...you will explain this instant what in the name of the All Spark is going on in my arena.

SWINDLE
(pandering)
I'd love to! My oh my, how I wish I knew you were coming.(slides a subtle glare to Lockdown) ...We would've rolled out the red carpet, broken out the high grade, reserved you a seat in the VIP--

MEGATRON
(infuriated)
Enough!

The enraged tyrant cuts the call off then snatches Lockdown by the neck and pins him into the console, red optics boring into the tattooed face.

MEGATRON
Did you know about this!?

Lockdown knows when he's outgunned with size and force but he tries to maintain a semblance of pride.

LOCKDOWN
(strained by the fingers squeezing his neck)
Tried to...tell ya earlier...Ya wouldn't listen.

Megatron flings Lockdown to the floor behind, frustrated at the stinging fact that the bounty hunter is right. He leans into the console, anger rising at each passing moment that his processor doesn't yield an acceptable solution to the change of events.

Shockwave approaches his leader with apprehension, taking it upon himself as second-in-command to break the tense silence with a logical explanation.

SHOCKWAVE
My liege, permission to sp--

MEGATRON
(shouting)
Say it!

SHOCKWAVE
This turn of events is not to our disadvantage. We have just made an impressive entrance, and what better way to win over the population than to offer our charity of energon right here and n--

The intel bot is interrupted by the ship's warning alarm and the computer's feminine vocals.

SHIP'S COMPUTER
Warning. Hostile action detected. Missile lock from alien source confirmed. Approximate time of impact: 189 astroseconds.

MEGATRON
(disbelieving)
What is this?

Lockdown springs to his feet, panic surging through his processor.

LOCKDOWN
It can't be.

Swindle pops back onto the bounty hunter's comm.

SWINDLE
[My advice, old friend, get off your ship...right now.]

Everyone on the bridge lingers in silent disbelief, eagerly awaiting orders from their leader. Megatron remains quiet, back turned to his soldiers and festering with an overload of processes.

Lugnut's not the brightest of the bunch but he knows a dangerous situation when it rears its head. He grasps his leader's arm and yanks him toward the exit, shouting to the rest of the 'cons to follow.

ARENA GROUNDS

The Decepticons and the bounty hunter dash down the Death's Head exit ramp and frantically seek a safe distance from the ticking time bomb. Lockdown freezes in his tracks, clutching tightly the cyber ninja helmet in his grasp and cursing loudly at his forgetfulness. He heads back to the ship with a critical mission but freezes again when a lethal song of whistling missiles stings his audio receptors. He can only stand helpless as his ship ignites in a massive explosion.

The blast flings the bounty hunter to a far corner of the sporting grounds. He slams into the ground with an abrupt grunt, but the resulting pain is the least of his concern. He immediately looks over the spectacle of a bewildered audience, grounded Decepticons, and then finally, the blazing remains of his precious home, still erupting with exploding energon cubes. The loss of the Death's Head would've normally been a severe blow to him, but this particular situation has him paralyzed with shock over another loss.

LOCKDOWN
Prowl.

Everyone lingers in a state of shock as Swindle's greasy image fills the giant screens encircling the sporting grounds.

SWINDLE
(typically cheerful voice blaring over the loud speakers)

Megatron. Decepticons. Faithful attendees of the arena. I sincerely apologize for our explosive disruption to tonight's events. My colleagues felt that was the only viable course of action, given the immense energon reading they detected aboard the vessel. You see, we have a delicate balance of power to maintain in this reborn city, and we cannot allow the esteemed Decepticon leader --the arena's founding champion mind you-- to tip the scales with his dynamically persuasive influence. That would only invite conflict and uprising.

Megatron absorbs the events like a cornered, feral beast: his optics blaze a lethal crimson, his ventilations dangerously high. In his grasp, clutched protectively, is the energon converter.

SWINDLE
On that note, allow me to introduce the beings behind the curtain of our thriving community. The driving force of our arena's rebirth, watching omnipotently as we speak from their cloaked warship above.

Swindle's image is replaced with the egg-shaped, multi-faced and tentacled oddness that represents an infamously threatening alien invasion.

SWINDLE
I present to you, the Quintessons.

Ha ha read it again! Loved this this chapter. Well done!