Switch - Ch. 8

    "Red, are you quite sure that this is the place?" Hoist asked, directing his sensors every which way. Hound and Beachcomber were driving beside him, also trying to find any sign of Bluestreak and Smokescreen, but the desert-like terrain they were traversing seemed empty of life.

    "I'm positive," Red Alert answered via the radio-transmitter. "The last transmission came from the coordinates I gave you."

    "How odd. I don't detect any energy signatures within the area…"

    "Hey, Hoist! Over here!" Beachcomber said, transforming to his robot mode.

    "Hold on, Red," Hoist said and he put the security chief on hold. Once transformed, he walked up to the minibot, regarding him curiously. "What is it?"

    "That chasm wasn't here till yesterday, man," Beachcomber said, pointing at the large gap on the ground before them.

    "Oh, dear. Do you think Rumble might have anything to do with it?"

    "It's probable," Beachcomber answered with a shrug.

    "Not just probable," Hound said then, stepping close to the chasm. "I'm picking up an Autobot energy signature. It's faint, but it's there."

    "One energy signature?" Hoist asked worriedly.

    "Yeah," Hound answered.

   "Right." Hoist transformed back to his vehicle mode and drew out his pincers. "One Autobot coming up."

    Using his sensors to guide him, Hoist reached down the chasm and, a few minutes later, his pincers clanked lightly - a sign that they had come across something metallic. Relieved, Hoist clasped the pincers around the Autobot and took him out of the chasm to place him on safe ground.

    Beachcomber winced visibly as he saw Smokescreen's chest wound. "That doesn't look good."

    "Smokescreen? Can you hear me?" Hound said, shaking the offline form gently.

    "I doubt he will respond," Hoist said, still in his vehicle mode. "My sensors tell me he's on the verge of a stasis lock."

    "But we need to find out what happened to Bluestreak!" Hound said. "She can't have just disappeared!"

    "I am quite aware of that," Hoist said. "But Smokescreen also needs immediate repairs which I can't do – this wound is too deep. We have to get him back to the Ark and Ratchet."

    Hound and Beachcomber understood. As soon as they loaded Smokescreen securely on Hoist, they followed the truck back to Headquarters, all the while hoping that Bluestreak was safe… wherever she was.

---

    Though Prowl was in his office, he hardly did any work. He simply kept staring at the datapad in front of him, tapping his stylus absentmindedly on the desk. It was true that the tactician didn't usually let his thoughts run away with him while working but, this time, focusing was a nigh impossible task.

    There was no doubt in Prowl's mind that the Decepticons were behind this attack. But the thing that truly puzzled him was Bluestreak's disappearance. Logic dictated that the young one was taken captive, yet why? Bluestreak was of no use to the Decepticons information-wise, unlike Smokescreen. So what made the difference now?

    "Prowl, do you read?"

    Grateful for the distraction, Prowl activated his transmitter. "Prowl here. What is it, Ratchet?"

    "Smokescreen is online. You can talk to him if you want."

    "I see. I'll be right there."

    With that, Prowl walked out of the office and headed straight for the medbay. When he pressed the call button, Ratchet opened the door and ushered the tactician inside.

    "His chest suffered a lot of damages and he lost a lot of fluid, but he's out of danger now, thankfully," the medic said, debriefing Prowl on Smokescreen's condition. "Nevertheless, you shouldn't tire him out."

    "Understood," Prowl said, and he walked up at the former gambler's side. "Smokescreen?"

    Smokescreen onlined his optics slowly, and his gaze locked on Prowl. "You're here," he whispered.

    "I am," Prowl said with a nod. "You should thank Hound, Beachcomber and Hoist at the first chance. They're the ones who found you and brought you back here."

    "And Bluestreak?"

    Prowl sighed. "Actually, I was hoping you'd tell me."

    "She's been captured then," Smokescreen noted, guilt crossing his features. "I'm sorry. I tried to protect her."

    "I know you did," Prowl said in a kind tone. "Do you know who attacked you?"

    Smokescreen shut his optics for a moment as he replayed the events in his mind's eye. "There were three energy readings. But I only managed to see Skywarp before he shot me."

    "I see," Prowl said softly. He stood up, and he patted the former gambler on the shoulder. "Thank you, Smokescreen."

    The tactician headed for the exit, believing that his work was done; however, Smokescreen voice stopped him.

    "Prowl, there's something else."

    Prowl faced the blue Datsun, intrigued. "Tell me."

    "Bluestreak said that she'd been watched this past week. I didn't really believe her at first but now… I don't think that was a random attack."

    The tactician considered Smokescreen's words for a few moments. "No, it doesn't sound like one anymore," he finally agreed, and a small smile appeared on his lips. "Thank you, Smokescreen. This will be useful."

    Smokescreen closed his optics, obviously relieved to hear that. Prowl didn't stay in the room, though. Now that there was finally some progress, he had a lot of work to do.

---

    Bluestreak came around with a wince, her cranial unit practically killing her, and the first thing that she saw as her optics came online was the dim light that the energon bars cast into the cell she was in. Alarmed, she tried to spring back on her feet, but she only ended up back on the floor with a yelp, as if an invisible force pulled her back down.

     Except… it was no invisible force. She held up both her hands, and she was dismayed to see that her wrists were cuffed to a chain on the wall.

    "Swell," she huffed. Still, she attempted to get up once more, careful not to make any sudden movements. Though she finally stood up, the chain was so short that she could barely take a step. Not that she could really go anywhere, admittedly. She couldn't blast her way out nor contact the Ark; a quick diagnostics scan revealed that both her rocket launchers and her transmitter were torn apart. In other words, she was stuck as a prisoner and there was nothing she could do about it.

    Speaking of which, where was she exactly? This place didn't look like the Nemesis; it didn't resemble the interior of a spaceship anyway. So, logically, she was probably in one of the temporary Decepticon bases that she remembered Prowl talking about. The tactician had been trying to locate at least one of them for months on end, but without luck.

    Blast it.

    "Enjoying your stay?"

    Bluestreak faced Rumble, who was standing outside the cell with a very pleased look on his features.

    "What are you doing here?" she asked, glaring at the cassetticon.

    "Checking on you," Rumble replied cheekily. "We wouldn't want you to think we're bad hosts or anything."

    "Too late for that, sorry," Bluestreak retorted. "Now will you let me go?"

    "That soon? I don't think so, doll," Skywarp said then, appearing beside Rumble. "You still haven't served your purpose yet."

    Bluestreak tensed as she got a bad feeling about that. "And what would my purpose be?"

    Skywarp didn't bother with an answer. He activated his communication frequencies instead. "Hey, Ramjet…"

    "Wait!" Rumble grabbed Skywarp by the arm and forced the radio-transmitter off.

    "What was that for?" Skywarp demanded.

    "Do you really want Soundwave to intercept that message? Nobody is supposed to know she's here, remember?"

    Skywarp considered that for a few moments, and then nodded. "Good point. You go and fetch him."

    "What about you?" Rumble asked, red visor flaring as he regarded the purple Seeker suspiciously.

    "I'll just start without you," Skywarp answered, and he teleported inside the cell with a big grin on his lip components.

    "Well, doll… it's just you and me now," he said. "I suggest you don't fight back. It will be over more quickly this way."

    Bluestreak cringed.

---

    "Are you sure about this, Prowl?" Optimus asked, regarding the tactician curiously. Both Autobots were in the control room, discussing the matter of Bluestreak's kidnapping in a confidential tone.

    "Affirmative," Prowl answered. "Whoever was behind this attack, he had targeted Bluestreak from the start."

    "But why would Megatron want Bluestreak?" the Autobot leader mused, rubbing his chin in thought. "That doesn't sound like him."

    "I agree," Prowl said with a nod. "Megatron is far too ambitious to concern himself with what he would believe were trivialities. His subordinates, on the other hand…"

    "Ah," Optimus's optics reflected the knowing smile that had formed underneath his battle-mask. Directing his gaze on the control panels, he pressed one of the buttons and opened all communication frequencies. "I think it's high time we made a call."

    "Yes, Sir," Prowl said, understanding perfectly.

---

    When Megatron sat that day in the control room of the Nemesis to prepare his new plans for conquering the universe, he hadn't expected to hear the characteristic sound of an incoming message. As far as he knew, Shockwave had everything under control back on Cybertron, and he had ordered Soundwave and the others to remain on standby in their temporary base. So what was the problem?

     The signal went off again, and Megatron decided that he should determine the meaning of such a rude interruption. Keeping his jaw tight, he examined the nature of the signal; he had to know who was about to get an audio-full, after all.

    An Autobot frequency? Now that was strange. Raising an optic ridge in curiosity, he put the caller on screen.

    "Prime," Megatron said as soon as he saw the Autobot leader. "To what do I owe this… pleasure?"

    "Your subordinates," Optimus replied, straight to the point. "It seems you have trouble keeping them in line, Megatron."

    Megatron frowned and leaned closer to the screen. "And what gave you that absurd idea?" he asked, practically growling the words. If there was one thing the Decepticon leader absolutely loathed was to have his leadership skills doubted.

    "Three Decepticons who kidnapped one of my soldiers," Optimus answered. "Unless, of course, that was your evil-plan-of-the-week all along."

    Megatron tapped his fingers on the surface of the computer, contemplating Optimus's words carefully. The Autobot leader didn't sound like he was lying; he was too good and honourable for that (Megatron actually felt a little sick for a brief moment there). But, then again, all was fair in war…

    "Let's just say for argument's sake that I believe you, Prime," he finally said. "Which Autobot was it?"

    "The gunner. Bluestreak."

    Megatron chocked back a guffaw. "Don't be ridiculous, Prime. I have no need of that weakling, and neither do the rest of the Decepticons!" What the Decepticon leader left unsaid was that Bluestreak was also under the 'Leave him be' list. The last time that they had captured the gunner, that fool had talked his captors' audios off to such an extent that the Decepticons had no choice but to return him without so much as a scratch on him.

    "There are witnesses, Megatron," Optimus insisted. "The identity of one of the Decepticons has been confirmed."

    "And who is it?" Megatron asked, feeling quite amused. None of his subordinates would be idiots enough to…

    "Skywarp."

    … Fine. There was one.

    "Hold that frequency open, Prime," Megatron said, and he activated the radio-transmitter in his forearm. "Soundwave, do you read?"

    "Yes, Megatron," Soundwave answered from the other side of the link. "What are your orders?"

    "Locate Skywarp at once and tell me where he is."

    "As you command," the spy answered. There was a small pause, during which Megatron was sure Soundwave was scanning the Decepticon base. Tapping his foot in an impatient manner, the Decepticon leader waited till he finally heard an answer.

    "Skywarp: Located. He's in the brig."

    "Really?" Megatron said. "Very well, Soundwave. Wait for my new orders in a few moments."

    "Understood," Soundwave said, ending the transmission temporarily. Meanwhile, Megatron returned his attention to the other conversation at hand.

    "Are you still there, Prime?" the Decepticon leader asked.

    "Still waiting, Megatron," Optimus answered.

    "Good. Your precious gunner is held in one of our temporary bases quite close to Portland. I'm sending you the coordinates as we speak. Oh, don't give me that look, Prime," he added, noticing the dubious expression on the Autobot leader's face; after battling him for so many millennia, Megatron knew him like the back of his hand. "I'm only doing this because I don't tolerate disobedience."

    "I understand," Optimus said, nodding.

    "I'm glad you do. Now… In an Earth hour, the Decepticon base will be vacant. It will be your best chance to attack and retrieve the Autodolt. I suggest you take it. Megatron out."

    With that, Megatron ended the transmission. As soon as Optimus's face vanished from the screen, he reactivated the communication frequencies and contacted Soundwave.

    "Soundwave, is Skywarp still in the brig?"

    "Yes, Megatron," the spy replied. "Observation: Ramjet and Rumble have also joined him there."

    "Have they now?" Megatron said, curling his upper lip component in distaste. "Here are your new orders, Soundwave. All the Decepticons are to leave the base within the next Earth hour but… make sure those three don't notice a thing. Is that clear?"

    "Yes, Megatron," Soundwave said.

    "Excellent, see to your orders at once," the Decepticon leader said. "And one more thing. Have Laserbeak monitor the base from a safe distance. Something tells me we will have quite the entertainment soon."

    "Yes, Megatron," Soundwave said, and he cut off the communication frequencies.

    Megatron grinned cruelly and rubbed his hands. This day promised to be very gratifying, even if it didn't involve conquering the universe.

---

   Mirage still looked around the Decepticon structure, hiding in his invisibility cloak. He didn't want to be detected by the enemy, although he had to admit that the place looked particularly quiet. Somewhere in the back of his mind he argued to himself that it was perhaps too quiet but, so far, nothing gave the impression that he was currently walking into a well-staged trap. Maybe if he had time to investigate the base further, he would have found something, but Prowl's instructions had been specific: scout ahead, check things, then get back in five minutes. So, Mirage transformed to his vehicle mode and drove off to a large rock formation less than a mile away from the Decepticon base.

    "Well?" Prowl asked as soon as the Autobot spy got out of his invisibility cloak and transformed.

    "No Decepticons in sight," Mirage replied. "In fact, if I didn't know any better, I'd say the base is abandoned."

    "Nevertheless, we shouldn't take any chances," the tactician said, and he directed his gaze to the rest of the Autobots, who were standing a little further away. With a brief wave of his hand, he beckoned everyone to gather round so he could address all of them at once.

    "Right. So what's the plan?" Sideswipe asked, regarding Prowl curiously.

    "The plan is as simple as they come," Prowl said, trying not to mind Sunstreaker; the yellow Lamborghini kept fidgeting next to his brother. "Mirage, Trailbreaker and I will provide you two with cover so you can infiltrate the base without being noticed." He pointed at a couple of air ducts on the left side of the building. "These will be your entrances; they should guide you safely inside. Once you're in, you have to contact me so we can pull back and give the impression we're retreating. That way--"

    "This is taking too long," Sunstreaker declared and took out of subspace his gun. Before anyone could stop him, the yellow warrior had let out a great battle cry and charged forward. And if that weren't enough, Sideswipe hurried after his brother, shouting at Sunstreaker to wait for him.

    Prowl stared at the scene that unfolded before him, blinked, then looked at Mirage and Trailbreaker. They just looked back at him expectantly.

    Well, as much as his processor protested against that idea, he had to accept that he was also out of alternative options. So…

    "Change of plans," he said, and he charged as well, wielding his rifle in a threatening manner. To his relief, nothing bad came out of that absurd strategy, and he even managed to reach the main entrance of the base without crossing enemy fire. Even so, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe had gone out of sight; they were obviously even further ahead.

    "Sideswipe! Sunstreaker!" he cried, but he didn't get any response. Huffing in indignation, the tactician signalled to Mirage and Trailbreaker to follow him, staying alert at all times.

    Now, which way should they go?

    Prowl got his answer when he suddenly heard shouts of dismay and the unmistakable sounds of a scuffle taking place. It didn't take a great mind to guess what was happening, so Prowl, Mirage and Trailbreaker hurried to the left to offer the twins their help.

    As it turned out, it was hardly necessary. By the time the three Autobots finally found Sideswipe, the red warrior was standing over the offline forms of Rumble and Ramjet, a big grin on his youthful features.

    "Heh… took you guys long enough," he declared cheekily.

    "Don't look pleased; you've still disobeyed orders," Prowl pointed out. "Where's Sunstreaker?"

    "He went ahead to the brig, where Bluestreak is. They were kind enough to tell us so before Sunstreaker put them to sleep," Sideswipe replied, pointing at the unconscious Decepticons. "You might catch up with him if you're quick enough."

    Prowl nodded his understanding, and he faced Mirage and Trailbreaker. "Stay with Sideswipe. We'll meet you back here."

    "Okay," Trailbreaker said, but Prowl had already run down the corridor Sideswipe had shown him. His footsteps echoed hollowly, filling the silence that surrounded him, and a part of him couldn't help but find this unsettling. Surely the Decepticons should have counter-attacked by now. Why did they find only two Decepticons in the entire base? True, Megatron had said that the base would be vacant but… he wasn't the leader of the Decepticons for nothing.

    Prowl's musings were instantly cut off, for he came across another Decepticon: Skywarp. There was no need for alarm though; the Seeker was sprawled on the floor, his optics dimmed, obviously unconscious. Apparently, he was unlucky enough to get in Sunstreaker's way and, considering what the yellow warrior was capable of, Prowl was surprised that the Seeker was still alive.

    Prowl was even more surprised, however, when he saw Sunstreaker burst out of room a couple of feet away and run as if Unicron himself was after him. And was that fluid gushing from his nose?

    Curiosity overwhelming him, Prowl decided to check the room. If Bluestreak was in there and Sunstreaker had to run off like that, the tactician didn't dare think…

    Everything came to a screeching halt. Bluestreak was indeed in the room and, more importantly, unharmed. At least… as unharmed as a femme dressed in a leather outfit which barely concealed her chestplate or hips while a veil cascaded down her… thighs… was…

    Wh… what?!

    "Um… Hey, Prowl," she said, blushing profusely. "Can you get me out of these? Apparently, Skywarp and Ramjet have a thing for Star Wars and they wanted to see how a femme would look in a Princess Leia outfit. I must look hideous, because Sunstreaker just gasped and… Prowl? You okay?"

    But Prowl barely registered what Bluestreak said. His computer had already crashed, and all that was left for him to do was collapse on the floor very much like a stiff board.

TBC…