Misgel: Whoo! Longest chapter yet! A lot goes down in this one, so I hope you guys enjoy!

Rian: Yus! Hardest chapter to write too. In my opinion anyway, lol. Our endgame is getting closer and closer!

Also, who are you guys favorite and least favorite Transformers in Prime? If it wasn't already blatantly obvious my favorite is Megatron. Least favorite is Smokescreen. Guy comes in, has a few important episodes, then he's brushed aside for the rest of the series. Plus he never got in trouble for anything. A quick apology and it was brushed aside.

Lennox should have known that Galloway would not have stayed away from the base forever. As usual, Galloway showed up without a word. The security advisor was like a cockroach that refused to go away. The NEST commander wished he would crawl back into whatever dark hole in Washington D.C. he had come from.

"Where is it?" Galloway demanded to know the instant he stepped off of the Boeing, pushing his glasses up impatiently.

"Depends on what you mean by 'it,'" Lennox retorted in a mutter.

"Don't screw with me, Lennox! The Decepticon!"

"The prisoner is currently being contained in medbay."

"On ice?"

"...No."

Galloway's eyes flashed with rage. "Why?"

"The Autobots conducted an interrogation immediately after the capture—"

Lennox wasn't even able to finish his sentence as the security advisor cut him off angrily, "You interrogated that thing? Without informing me?"

"Well, it wasn't anything to report. It was an emergency. We needed information."

"And what exactly did you learn from the prisoner?" Galloway insisted, already pushing past Lennox to make his way to the medbay.

It was one of the few times in the soldier's career when he didn't know what to say. "Erm…"

"Well?"

"...He wouldn't talk," Lennox admitted begrudgingly.

Galloway stopped, pausing to stare at the lieutenant. "So as usual you have nothing to show."

"It isn't that simple," Lennox defended, trying to keep the rising anger from his voice.

"You keep talking, but all I hear is excuses."

The quarrelling pair entered the medbay, only for Galloway to come to a complete halt. Instantly the security advisor's eyes widened at the sight of the unnatural, dark figure lying upon the medical berth. He blanched when he noticed the faceless visor that was angled right at them, as if they were being watched. Yet the body of Soundwave did not react.

"What is that?" Galloway gaped.

"His name is Soundwave," Ratchet answered from where he was working at a nearby console. "He is Megatron's chief of surveillance and third-in-command."

It took a moment for Galloway to regain himself. He swallowed and pulled at his collar uncomfortably, forcing himself to look away from Soundwave's eerie, lifeless gaze to look up at the medic.

"Third-in-command," the man repeated. "And you weren't able to get anything?"

"No, unfortunately. Soundwave has always been Megatron's most loyal—and most zealous follower. Rather than giving up intel, he deactivated his own drives."

Galloway squinted in confusion. "Meaning…?"

"It's like when a computer crashes," Lennox explained. "He was working… and then he wasn't."

The security advisor sputtered. "Well, can't you fix it or something? Hit it until it turns back on?"

"I'm afraid you will find that Cybertronian biology is more complicated than your basic solution to damaged hardware," Ratchet interrupted contemptuously, rolling his optics.

The pair of humans glanced up to see the old medic stomping towards them, is gaze narrowed at the security advisor. Obviously unhappy by Galloway's persistent pronoun use. Enemy or not, Soundwave was more than just an "it."

"Besides, even if we managed to get him back online, there would be no data left to receive," Lennox added.

"So that's it?" Galloway scoffed.

Ratchet and Lennox exchanged uncertain glances, neither knowing what else could be said. Before Lennox could try anyway, the security advisor spun around to scan his surroundings, only for his scowl to deepen.

"And where the hell are the other ones?" he demanded impatiently. "The big robot, Optimal-something? Are they supposed to be here?"

"Optimus Prime," Lennox corrected. "They went to investigate a Decepticon base that was recently raided."

Instead of being content with that explanation, Galloway's eyes widened. "Raid? What raid?"

Apparently when Fowler promised to keep the security advisor busy and away from the Autobots, the government liaison must have kept the most recent incursion from his reports. Fowler must have had his reasons, considering Galloway's face reddened with anger.

"We received intel on the location of a Decepticon facility, which housed the Predacon cloning factory," Lennox was careful to exclude where that "intel" came from. "The Autobots led a frontal attack and managed to destroy it, shutting down the entire project."

Galloway didn't react positively to the good news. "And no one told me about this? You're telling me the Autobots led a military operation without prior approval?"

"Time was of the essence. If we did not move immediately, then we could have lost a significant advantage. The Predacons would have—"

The security advisor cut Lennox off with a raised hand. "Do we have any proof of this occurred?"

Lennox blinked. "Proof, sir?"

"Evidence. Something that tells us that those beasts are actually dead."

Ratchet scowled. "We are not liars, Director Galloway."

"Your word alone isn't enough to prove that claim." Galloway turned to Lennox. "I want boots on site, now."

Lennox frowned at that. "Actually, sir… as a result of the explosion that occurred following the conflict… the base had been deemed too unsafe for military presence."

It was the truth. The laboratory had been constructed underground, and after such a violent explosion, there was no doubt that the caverns would have been rendered structurally unstable. And that was without including the twisted mess of metal that filled the entire cavern, which could easily cut or spear any careless soldier. Then there was the radiation. According to Ratchet, the explosion was set off by a chain reaction. An unprotected human would only be able to stand in the toxic waste for a few minutes.

Galloway raised his eyebrows in a skeptical look. "Oh, that's convenient. So tell me, Colonel, what is it exactly that the Autobots are 'investigating'?"

"They went to strip the base for any energon, their fuel source," Lennox answered swiftly.

"En-er-jon," the government agent repeated, like he was trying to learn a new word.

"The Autobots' supply is dangerously low. They are desperate for anything right now. Without it, the 'Bots can't function."

"So they just left, with a prisoner still in the base?!"

"Since Soundwave is no longer functional, he has been deemed no longer a threat."

Galloway opened his mouth as if to retort, only to be interrupted when pedes echoed from an adjacent hallway. Far lighter than the likes of Optimus or Bulkhead. There was a flash of yellow, followed by bright orange and then blue.

"I think I'm getting better, Bumblebee!" Raf piped excitedly as he walked in the medbay. Although he still slightly wobbled on his pedes, the fact he no longer leaned on Bumblebee for support was an improvement.

Bumblebee chirped and beeped, whatever he was saying lost on the humans' ears. But it must have been reassuring, considering Raf's bright smile. Smokescreen looked just as excited.

"Yeah! You'll be back to tip-top shape in no time, Ra—er... Joltsting!"

The LeMans racing car's exclamation ended in an awkward stutter once he noticed their uninvited guest. Bumblebee and Raf halted beside him, following his gaze only to become still as statues.

"Oh, er, hi," Raf greeted lamely.

"Hi," Galloway replied flatly before turning back to Lennox. "I thought you said they all left."

"Joltsting is still recovering from his injuries," Lennox explained. "He hasn't been cleared for field duty. Bumblebee and Smokescreen opted to stay behind with him."

Lennox had noticed the Autobots were exceptionally protective over their youngest recruit. Either because of... what happened, or that he was by far the most inexperienced of their number. Perhaps both.

Galloway only narrowed his eyes at the newcomer with a suspicious glare.

"So…." Smokescreen broke the brief silence that had fallen, ignoring the intense stare. "Anything new with Tall, Dark, and Scary, Doc?"

"My name is not Doc," Ratchet uttered irritably. "And no, nothing has occurred since he went into stasis."

The blue and yellow Autobot glanced at the unmoving Decepticon, making a face. "Then can we get at least a tarp over him? He's creeping me out. It looks like he follows you whichever way you move."

Smokescreen shifted side to side, as if trying to escape Soundwave's line of sight. Lennox admitted with his blank visor, it appeared that his unseen gaze was watching them. Judging by his uncomfortable expression, Galloway seemed to agree.

And then the window shattered.

Everyone jumped at the horrible sound, whirling around to the source of the noise. There was a flutter of metallic wings and a shrill shriek that pierced audios and ears alike. Then they were all greeted with a small figure, hovering in the air of their base.

Laserbeak.

"Oh, no," Lennox gasped.

Smokescreen's servo shifted into a cannon, taking aim at the little Transformer. He opened fired, but Laserbeak effortlessly weaved through the volley of energon. With a furious shriek, the Decepticon shot back, raining down fire upon them. Everyone scattered, ducking out of the way of the symbiote's ruthless attacks. Galloway let out a high-pitched scream, frozen under the assault. Lennox had to snatch his arm and practically drag him to safety.

Laserbeak used the opening to approach Soundwave, still bound to the berth. It fired upon the restraints, the energon bands dissipating into nothing. The symbiote let out a happy squawk at his success.

"He's after Soundwave!" Lennox cried out.

At his shout, Bumblebee activated his blasters and Raf's servos morphed into stingers. Lennox pulled out his pistol from his holster, taking aim and firing. The bullets harmlessly bounced off Laserbeak's hide. All three Autobots assaulted the trespasser, but every single bolt of energon missed.

Then Laserbeak transformed and attached himself to Soundwave's chest.

Immediately the Decepticon's visor came to life. Alien script raced across the screen as the symbiote reuploaded data into his master's drive, fully restoring him. A quiet engine rumbled and systems hummed. Soundwave moved, plating shifted as he slowly rose into a sitting position. A thin servo rose to his helm, almost if the Decepticon was fighting off a hangover.

Bumblebee took advantage of the prisoner's disorientation, charging forward with a raised fist to knock Soundwave back into unconsciousness. Only when he did, a data-cable shot from the flyer's chest, attaching onto Bumblebee's chassis. Electricity coursed through the cable and invaded the scout's systems, making him convulse violently with a high-pitched scream. He was carelessly dropped onto the ground, moaning as he fell into stasis.

"Bumblebee!" Raf wailed.

Before the little 'Bot could run to his fallen guardian, Smokescreen rushed forward. He leapt into the air with a vicious battle cry. Second data-cable to emerged in a blink of an eye, catching the Autobot mid-air. He received the same treatment as Bumblebee before he was thrown to the opposite side of the hanger.

Lennox cursed. In a matter of seconds, two of the Autobots were already knocked out. He looked around, trying to find a way to fend off the vicious Decepticon. There!

The lever to the fire alarm. On the other side of the warehouse.

"Cover me!" Lennox told Galloway as he darted from their hiding place.

"What? Wait a minute!"

The security advisor panicked once he found himself alone. As Lennox ran across the open space, he saw in the corner of his eye as Galloway shakily took hold of a fire extinguisher. With a shout that sounded more like a terrified cry than a roar of fury, the man sprinted towards Soundwave. He wildly swung the extinguisher through the air, in an attempt to strike the Decepticon.

Yet Soundwave didn't even spare Galloway a glance as a data-cable struck out, batting him aside. He practically went sailing through the air with a horrified wail. Not exactly what Lennox had in mind, but it gave him the distraction he needed to clear the distance. The NEST commander reached out towards the lever, and—

Lennox felt something hard strike at his back, sending him into the floor. Claw-like clamps dug into his back, keeping him pinned. Before the man had the chance to fight back, suddenly excruciating pain coursed through him like fire. Lennox couldn't even scream as every muscle in his body seized.

Then just as quickly as it started, the wave of agony stopped. The weight on his back disappeared. Yet Lennox still couldn't move. His body spasmed uncontrollably and darkness lined the edges of his sight.

Through his horribly blurred vision, Lennox watched as Soundwave stalked towards Ratchet and Raf, extended data-cables crackling with electricity. The human-turned-Cybertronian had been shoved into the corner during the chaos, the medic wedging himself between him and the Decepticon. Raf stared wide-eyed at Soundwave, his frame trembling as he cowered from the third-in-command's sight. Ratchet's servos transformed into twin scalpel-like daggers.

"You'll have to take him over my cold, lifeless husk!" the medic bellowed, putting on a brave facade.

The last thing that Lennox saw was the Autobots' terrified looks as the Decepticon loomed over them. Just as his vision darkened, pained screams echoed in his ears.

The first thing Raf registered was pain. It rolled over his body in waves, burying into his struts The youngling groaned. He shifted, but the deep ache made it a challenge to even move. His optics were slow to online, but only when they did, the world was horribly bright and unfocused. If he had been human, Raf would have surely flinched at the glare.

Odd, the lights of the base never bothered him before. The human-turned-Cybertronian had to wait several long moments until his optics adjusted to the alien glow. Finding himself in an unfamiliar room of black metal. A dark material he was all too familiar with.

Raf's spark went cold with terror. He was on the Nemesis.

Suddenly memory files reopened in a flood of data. He was at the base, with the Autobots, then… then Laserbeak came. Soundwave. The Decepticon incapacitated the 'Bots in a matter of seconds, and then… the last thing Raf remembered was Soundwave stalking towards him, tendrils crackling with electricity, the mech's terrified face reflecting off his visor…

What had happened? Were the Autobots okay? Were they even still alive? What about the base? Megatron had been ruthless the last time the base was destroyed. How did Laserbeak even find it?

The Autobots had taken him through a groundbridge, making tracking him impossible. The warehouse was shielded, preventing Soundwave from communicating with his comrades and his signal from being detected.

Then Raf remembered. Ratchet had taught him about Cybertronian anatomy, including hosts. They were Cybertronians that formed bonds with smaller and lesser individuals. The little Cybertronians, symbiotes, would stunt their growth, all in order to link to their master at will. Ratchet had told that the bond could not be severed. Only death could do so.

Was… was it possible the bond between a host and a symbiote could be so strong, not even cloaking technology could shield it? Laserbeak was nowhere to be found when Soundwave was captured. The little flyer never left his master's side. Why would Laserbeak just abandon him, at his greatest time at need?

It didn't make sense. Why was Soundwave at that powerplant, anyway? There wasn't any reason for him to be there. The communications officer spent most of his time on the Nemesis, monitoring Decepticon missions from afar. He almost never engaged in combat. Especially not against Optimus Prime.

The gears started to turn in Raf's helm as he recalled how the Autobot leader confronted the Decepticon third-in-command. Optimus had only recently been given the gift of flight. Prime or not, as a born-grounder, he was still adjusting to his newfound ability. Unlike Soundwave, who had been a flyer for eons.

Yet Optimus Prime managed to best him in aerial combat. It was impossible. It was simple statistics. Basic math. There was no way that Soundwave, Champion of Polyhex, would lose. Unless—

Realization dawned upon Raf.

It had been planned.

From Soundwave's capture to his escape from the base. To learn of their location and destroy the Autobots once and for all. No, not only that. It was a plot to kidnap Raf. And it had worked.

The human-turned-Cybertronian shakily rose into a sitting position, trying to take in his surroundings. That was when he realized he wasn't restrained. He was left on a berth, in what looked like a medbay. There were several tables throughout the space, covered with medical tools. Machines hummed and screens blinked. And Raf was alone.

Where was—

"—able, Lord Megatron," a familiar voice came, muffled by the thick metal of the door. "Some burnt internal wires, but nothing serious. I expect the mutant to make a full recovery."

It was Knock Out's voice. Coming closer.

Panicked, Raf rapidly glanced back and forth, trying to find somewhere to hide. He found none. Acting quickly, the youngling fell back to the berth. He shut his optics and went limp, feigning stasis lock. Not a moment too soon, as Raf heard the hydraulic door open with a hiss. Followed by light pedes and a thundering, reverberating stride.

"See to it that his injuries are tended to Knock Out," came Megatron's gravelly growl. "I want him fully operational."

"But, of course, my liege! I am quite the mistro at quick repairs, if I do say so myself."

"You are also adept at babbling."

Raf heard a nervous chuckle from Knock Out at Megatron's blunt snarl. Instantly his cocky drawl vanished, replaced by a submissive tone. "Haha… Well, I suppose that, too. Though even if I do say so myself, no one has a flashier paint job than me—"

"Leave, Knock Out," Megatron interrupted gruffly.

"Pardon?"

"Go. I will watch over the youngling."

There was an awkward pause and Knock Out stuttered. Raf could practically picture the medic flinching under the warlord's intense glare. He heard Knock Out retreat from the lab, the doors closing behind him.

There was silence for several long seconds, then Megatron's pedes strode across the floor. Only to stop when they were right next to Raf. The youngling could not stop the flinch as the Decepticon leader's rumble came from right above him.

"I know you're awake."

Raf dared to open his optics—only to lock his gaze with those of a vermillion shade. He jerked backwards with a gasp, nearly falling off the medical berth as he did so. The mech almost screamed when silver claws clasped his arm. But instead of a cold, crushing grip, Megatron's servo merely kept him in place.

"Easy, little one," the dictator hummed, his voice almost gentle. Nothing like the harsh growl he spoke with a matter of moments ago. Megatron's servo guided him back to the safety of the berth. "There is no reason to be afraid."

"L-let go of me!" Raf shouted, trying to pull himself out of the tyrant's grip.

Surprisingly, Megatron did so, slowly retracting his deadly talons out of the youngling's personal space. Still, Raf leaned as far away from him as possible. The Decepticon leader was just as titanic the last time the mutant was captured, his massive frame blocking out the fluorescent light as he loomed over Raf.

The former human couldn't keep the tremor from his voice. "W-what do you want? Why am I here?"

"Why to reunite you with your old friends, of course." Megatron's mouth curled into a wide smirk, optics glinting.

Raf's processor latched onto a single word. His friends.

Somehow just the thought of them gave him courage and his voice rose in volume as he demanded, "Where are Jack and Miko? What have you done to them?!"

"They are perfectly fine, I can assure you."

"You're lying," Raf accused venomously.

The mech expected Megatron to be angry, but instead his optics only flashed with pity.

"I suppose I cannot blame you for coming to such a conclusion. After what the Autobots have been feeding you all this time."

"Optimus saved me! After you used us as hostages!"

"I admit, war brings out the worst in me. But so does Optimus Prime."

Raf shook his head. "No! Optimus is nothing like you! He actually cares! He wants to protect people!"

"Such as when he continued the War on Cybertron? After he jetted the Allspark into deep space, dooming our race to extinction? Further doing so, by destroying the Omega Lock, the only means of restoring our planet? Or... after he left your friends to rust?"

Raf opened his mouth to refute Megatron's words, but no sound came. The smirk widened.

"I think we both can agree your precious Prime is not so innocent. He preaches about preserving all sentient life, but he does not hesitate to decree an entire species to extermination before they are even born."

The tyrant did not need to explain what was the subject of his words. Raf's spark twisted without his permission.

"B-But the Predacons had to be stopped!" the mechling retorted. "Th-they were going to destroy the Earth!"

"I would not have allowed such a thing. I want to save your planet, not ruin it."

"You've been tearing it apart ever since you came here!"

"Because Optimus Prime left me no choice. He was the one that chose Earth as the battleground of our fight, placing humankind in the crossfire." Megatron looked away, his optics dimming, looking almost mournful. "Placing you in the crossfire. And I fear you have paid the ultimate price."

Raf stiffened at that. He glanced down, looking at his body of metal. As his flesh had long been destroyed.

Megatron's voice lowered to a soft, remorseful whisper, "I… am sorry for what has happened to you."

The human-turned-Cybertronian's body trembled without his permission. He looked away from the Decepticon dictator, trying to hide the coolant that threatened to escape his optics. He… he tried to be strong. He had to. He was a Cybertronian now, wasn't he?

But Raf still remembered. He still remembered what it was like to be human. And it hurt.

He almost jumped out of his plating when talons tentatively touched his shoulder.

"Prime only wants to use you," Megatron continued. "He wants your power all to himself. It was why he took you." Raf looked up at the warlord, squinting in confusion. "You are young and inexperienced. He hoped to use that to manipulate you."

"Then why did you kidnap me?" Raf demanded, but his voice wasn't as strong as he wanted it to be.

"To free you from the Prime's tyranny, of course."

"Soundwave… you let him be captured, just to get to me."

Megatron grinned and he gave a hum of approval. "Ah, perceptive. Quic—Jack mentioned your intellect."

The name made Raf blinked. Wait, Jack talked about him? Why? Was he forced to?

"H-He did?" the former human lamely asked.

"He has told me much about you, Rafael."

A chill went down Raf's spine at how easily Megatron purred his name. As if he was a friend. The warlord went on in that smooth tone as he looked up and down the youngling's frame.

"You must be starving, little one. Just a moment."

With that, Megatron turned on his heel. Raf watched as the tyrant moved to what must have been a cabinet of some sort. He returned with a shining cube of energon in his claws. Raf eyed it suspiciously.

Though the substance had the same cerulean glow the youngling was used to, he would not put it past Megatron to have tampered with it. Was it drugged? Poisoned? Seeing his scrutinizing gaze, the Decepticon leader offered him assurance.

"It is merely energon," he promised, holding the cube towards Raf. When the youngling refused to take it, Megatron gave a small sigh before taking a small sip for himself. Raf waited for something to happen… but nothing did. "See, little one? There is no reason to be concerned."

After another long moment, the human-turned-Cybertronian hesitantly reached out, taking the offered cup into his own servos. He stared down at the liquid. He knew he should refuse. This was the enemy. This was Megatron.

And yet Raf couldn't ignore that dull ache in his fuel tank. After the destruction of their base, the Autobot's storage had been horribly low. They had been living on rations, and sometimes Raf would go for days without a single drop of fuel. The energon in his servos looked warm and inviting. Gathering his nerves, Raf took a tentative sip.

He braced himself for the foul taste of low-grade he was used to, but instead a sweetly smooth taste washed over his glossa. It was pleasantly warm as it flowed down into his tanks, more filling and electrifying than the energon Ratchet had processed. Already he could feel fresh energy running through his lines.

Before he could stop himself, Raf tilted the cube higher, guzzling it all down within seconds. He was almost disappointed when there wasn't more. He handed the empty cube back to Megatron, who took it with a smile.

"Was that satisfactory?" the Decepticon leader asked, but Raf could swear he heard something mocking in his tone. The answer was obvious, but when silence hung in the air, the youngling obliged him.

"It… tasted good," he admitted hesitantly.

Megatron nodded, but Raf couldn't tell if it was in approval or if the warlord simply expected as much.

"No doubt better than what the Autobots have given you. Our work in the mines allows us an adequate supply of energon, enough to fuel an entire army."

Raf glared at the warlord. "While the Autobots have to live off of your scraps."

"Only because they have brought it upon themselves."

Raf could not help but flinch at the words. Megatron had spoken in a harsh growl, but once he noticed the mech's anxiety, his expression morphed into one of pity.

"But none of this should be your burden. You were forced into this conflict, and unfortunately it is you and your friends that must suffer the consequences. But it doesn't have to be this way." Megatron then extended a servo, offering it for him to take. "Come, I will show you. You desire to leave this medbay, do you not?"

"I...what?"

"Unless you wish to remain in here, of course," Megatron added. "Though I'm certain you are eager to see the remainder of my ship."

Raf paused, staring at the talons that could easily tear out his spark. But did he have a choice? The youngling wasn't naive. He was well aware he was a prisoner. Caught in the enemy's grasp, in an airship that was miles in the sky.

Bulkhead and Smokescreen had managed to escape on their own, but Raf knew he would not be as lucky. If he wanted to get out of this, he had to do what he was told. Perhaps he could use it to learn about the Decepticon warship. And maybe… maybe he could find Jack and Miko.

"...Alright," Raf finally accepted, reluctantly taking the offered servo.

He half-expected for Megatron to rip his arm clean off, but the warlord merely acted as an anchor as Raf shakily slid off the berth. The human-turned-Cybertronian wobbled for a moment, but he managed to stay on his pedes. Megatron raised an optic ridge, but before he could comment, Raf gave an assuring nod. It seemed to satisfy the Decepticon leader, who turned, leading him out of the medbay.

The black hallways were as eerie as Raf remembered, filled with an alien light. He found himself instinctively analyzing his surroundings, but everything looked the same. He noticed though Megatron was walking slower than his usual purposeful stride. The little mech still had to walk briskly to keep pace, but they managed to stay side-by-side. While Raf warily eyed the warlord, Megatron didn't spare him a glance.

As they continued their journey deeper into the ship, anxiety gripped at the mutant's spark. What if Megatron was leading him into a trap? Or forced him to watch his friends being tortured? Neither was beyond the cruel dictator. He wasn't stupid. Megatron wanted something from him.

At long last, they came upon a door that hissed open at their arrival. Raf halted, his optics widening at the sight that greeted him. No doubt it was the bridge.

The walls were filled with flashing, colorful monitors and advanced control panels. Numerous drones were posted at stations scattered across the room, optics never straying from their work. They did not even pause to regard the newcomers. Raf couldn't help but stare at everything in view. It was so different from the Autobot base. It was so much more… advanced. The wall at the front of the bridge was filled with screens, displaying what lay beyond the ship.

Raf gasped. Half of the wall was filled with a brilliant blue, interrupted by dark, asymmetrical shapes and white, swirling botches. It took the human-turned-Cybertronian several seconds to realize he was staring at the surface of the Earth.

The world curved against the black canvas of space. Thousands of lights were scattered across it, each one representing a distant star. Glistening specks of varying colors, their lights flickering. In the distance, tucked behind the Earth, was the moon. Raf had never seen it so close before. It was like a little ball, shining on the edges with a radiant white light. Dark shadows cloaked the moon's surface where the light of the sun couldn't reach.

It took several seconds for Raf to process what he was seeing. As a human, Raf was fascinated by images taken by NASA vessels, but the pictures hardly gave the view justice. They were in Earth's orbit. They were in space!

"Magnificent, isn't it?"

Raf jolted at the gentle rumble beside him. If he was still human, he would have flushed when he noticed Megatron's stare. He shifted awkwardly on his pedes, gripping one arm as he avoided optic contact.

"...Y-yes?"

Megatron chuckled softly at his awkward response. "This is nothing. You will find we are capable of far more impressive feats. Come, look."

With that, the Decepticon leader stalked forward, leading Raf further into the bridge. At the heart of the bridge was a platform occupied by a complicated control console, overlooking the bulk of the command room below it.

Megatron gestured to the control panel, which was filled with alien schematics, "Our molecular masking field."

"Your cloaking device?" Raf translated.

The very technology capable of hiding an entire warship from being detected by radar systems. It even masked the Nemesis's heat signature, so not even infrared cameras could locate it. Such a feat should have been impossible. Yet this was the invention capable of doing it?

Curiosity getting the better of him, Raf tentatively stepped forward. Megatron moved to the side, allowing him a better view. The control panel was built for taller frames, so the little mech had to balance on the tips of his pedes to see.

"How does it work?" Raf asked before he could stop himself, servos reaching forward towards the screen. His optics brightened with fascination as he analyzed the device.

"That is a discussion for another time," Megatron brushed aside, causing Raf to pull away from the console once he remembered just who he was dealing with. "There is more I'm certain you'll want to see, such as our energon transfusion capacitor."

The youngling stiffened as the warlord reached over his shoulder, tapping at a couple keys. The screen flickered and changed to another set of alien data.

"It allows us to maximize our consumption a thousand fold," Megatron explained,

aiding in preserving our energon stores."

A thousand fold? Yet the Decepticon leader described it as though it were a simple feat, not something that should be beyond the realm of engineering. If the Autobots had this, they wouldn't have to scrounge for energon! No one would be deficient!

"That's… .amazing," Raf exclaimed, only to gasp once he heard what he said.

He clasped his servos over his own mouth, as if to take his words back. He shouldn't be impressed with the Decepticons. He shouldn't want anything to do with them. To his horror, Megatron's smile widened to a shark-like grin.

"It's only natural you would be impressed. Decepticon ingenuity is a sight to behold, is it not?"

"It's..."

The words died in Raf's mouth, as he could not deny what Megatron said. The Autobots had to make do with subpar human technology and convert it as best they could. Ratchet always made a point to complain about it.

What else did the ship have? Only when the thought finished processing, a wave of guilt washed over Raf. He should be trying to find the ship's weaknesses, how to contact the Autobots, or where they were holding Jack and Miko! He couldn't let Megatron distract him!

Why was the Decepticon leader showing him all of this, anyway? Considering his previous hostile confrontations with the Decepticons, Raf expected to be tortured or for Megatron to simply use the cortical psychic patch. Before the former human could work up the courage to speak his thoughts, the tyrant was already gesturing for him to follow after him again.

"If you find this intriguing, then I'm sure you will enjoy the contents of our laboratory even more."

Raf eyed the warlord suspiciously. Why would Megatron allow him access to his labs? Wouldn't the dictator fear that he would tamper with something? Then Raf realized. Megatron did not even perceive him as a threat.

Considering how inexperienced the youngling was, he had no chance against the mighty Decepticons. Raf had no choice but to cooperate with the tyrant. With that solemn understanding, he cautiously fell into step beside Megatron.

The Decepticon leader led him through the winding halls of the Nemesis. They passed squadrons of drones, who paused to bow to their lord. Megatron didn't pay them any mind, while Raf was all too aware of their scorching optics boring into his back. Eventually they came upon another door.

It opened to reveal another large room, almost as expansive as the bridge. But except for control panels and guarding Vehicons, the room was filled with tables and complicated machines. Raf couldn't even begin to describe the tools and devices that were scattered everywhere. His optics became as wide and bright as moons.

There was so much! This was nothing like on Earth. Decepticon engineering was incredible!

A rush filled Raf, the same one that filled a child walking into a candy store. He scurried from one invention to the next, trying to analyze every detail. Then a particular machine caught his optic—a large cylinder with a crimson power core in the center. Raf tried to pick it up, but the device was huge and heavy—too difficult for his little servos to hold.

"What is this?" Raf asked. It hadn't reacted to his touch, so he assumed it was safe enough.

"A quantum cryo inducer—one of only three ever made," Megatron identified, stepping forward with his talons clasped behind his back. "You are holding the original prototype."

"I think I've heard Ratchet talk about these—"

Raf stopped mid-sentence.

Ratchet.

Where was he? The last thing the mech remembered was the Autobot medic standing between him and Soundwave, just before the Decepticon attacked. Was he hurt? Or… was he trapped on the ship, too? Raf hastily released the contraption and stepped away from the table, his spark hammering in his chest.

"R-Ratchet," he stammered. When Megatron only frowned, Raf demanded, "Where's Ratchet?"

"Unharmed," the warlord assured.

Raf didn't feel any more relieved. Being Lord of the Decepticons, the youngling couldn't believe a word he said. This entire tour could be a facade.

In a moment of courage or lunacy, Raf gritted his denta and demanded, "That didn't answer my question. What is all of this, Megatron? What are you after?"

"The same it has always been. Although mortal enemies, Autobots and Decepticons do share one common goal. We both desire to see the ruins of our devastated homeworld returned to their former brilliance."

"You would just try to take over Cybertron all over again. And enslave anyone who refuses to pledge allegiance to you!"

Raf was only half-aware he was raising his voice at the most feared mech in the galaxy. Maybe the fear was clouding his judgement. Or it was the rage that had been pent-up in his chest for the last several months. Or maybe Ratchet was just rubbing off on him.

Megatron hardly seemed offended by Raf's sudden outburst, merely scoffing at his accusation, "Of course I would! And your comrades would attempt to stop me as ever! But at least we would possess a planet worth fighting over!"

"But you wouldn't stop there. Earth would be next—if not first. How do I know that you would leave humanity alone? Or that you wouldn't kill me when you get what you want?"

"None whatsoever," Megatron admitted shamelessly. "After all, we both know that as a Decepticon any assurance I might offer would be… worthless. But that does not change the fact that you may be Cybertrons only hope of seeing life again."

"What could I possibly do—"

"You have the power of a Prime."

"What?! No! I'm—I'm not a Prime!"

Raf vigorously shook his helm in denial, yet that did not seem to deter Megatron's intense gaze.

"The Omega Lock converted your body of flesh into one of our own—a feat that should be impossible. It was the Will of Primus that granted you with life. He gifted you with abilities that only the Primes once possessed. Perhaps you are not a Prime, but you carry their legacy."

The youngling wanted to ignore the silver-tongued demon's words, yet he found his processor was taking each one, reshaping them into a puzzle piece and placing it into the gap. Raf remembered when he had first discovered his powers, when he saw the inner workings of the Harbinger and manipulated the ship to his will.

Bumblebee had told him he had the power of Alchemist Prime. It was so long ago, and so much had happened, Raf never had time to digest the revelation. Yet he was not oblivious to the Autobots whispering around him, eyeing him with looks of awe and concern and even possessiveness. Even Optimus gave him a look.

Did… did they all know?

Raf was ripped from his thoughts as Megatron went on, "Rafael, you were blessed with incredible power. One that may be the only chance to save Cybertron, restore it to its former glory."

Restore Cybertron? How? Raf could only control machines! He wasn't like the Omega Lock!

Like he could read his mind, Megatron went on, "Allow me to show you."

Raf blinked up at the warlord. What else could there be, if this was where all Decepticon technology was being held?

He didn't have to be told to follow as Megatron led the way out of the laboratory and down another hallway. This one was more crowded, filled with drones walking to and fro. Some carried datapads or tools or large pieces of machinery, focusing solely on their task and destination. The Decepticons only paused to bow their lord as Megatron calmly strode through the chaos.

Raf's optics darted back and forth, trying to take in everything around him. What was going on? Suddenly a tingling sensation spread across his neural net, making his protoform crawl. The mech became aware of the hum of power, reverberating the walls around them and sinking into his EM field. The Decepticons around him didn't even seem to notice.

At long last, they came to a broad door. By now the hum was deafening, filling Raf's audios with white noise. His neural net felt like it was on fire, as all his senses were screaming at the overload of information. It made his helm ache with pain.

"Wh-what is this?" he asked aloud.

Rather than answering, Megatron's lips curled into a crooked smile, baring his fangs. His long talons pressed against a brightly-colored control panel and the door opened with a hiss. Raf was assaulted with a barrage of bright light, so harsh he had to turn his helm to allow his optics to properly adjust. Only when they did, the former human collapsed onto his knees.

Before him was the ship's main hangar, but something was terribly wrong. Gigantic, empty tubes lined the walls and workstations filled the space between them. The bay doors were left open, showing the surface of the Earth far below. But that was not what captured Raf's attention.

An immense structure jutted out from the belly of the Nemesis. Drones crawled among it like cockroaches, each busying themselves with a different task. Sparks flew from high-powered tools as they attached new wires and welded metal plating together. Some Eradicons circled the construction, jetting from one platform to another.

Raf knew what lay before him, and even then, it took himself several long seconds to identify what it was.

"You're… you're reconstructing the Omega Lock..."