Darkness

Ch.26: Easy as Pie

"You are absolutely not going on that ship," Ratchet stood closer now, arms crossed and stance firm, making it clear he intended there to be no further discussion on the matter.

I was beyond the point of really caring, even though I knew he was saying so literally for my benefit. It was a ridiculous idea.

Jazz looked uneasy, "And don't be sayin' you got no spark, Kath. You got tons of spark, I can already tell you humans got it." I could see how it had affected everyone in the room, they looked a little disturbed and uncertain. I guess it was like saying I had no soul. I could see why they'd be weirded out.

"According to the ship I don't have one though," I said. "I'm invisible to it, right? Think about it, what else do we do? I get in, get Henry, and get out."

"Don't pretend this is some simple task," Ratchet said, "You'd be on the Decepticon warship. There are multitudes of unknown variables, not to mention the risks if you get caught. Should I bring up the obvious and remind you that last time you did get caught."

"I'll have your help this time," I said.

"You will not!" Ratchet turned to Optimus, "This is ridiculous, clearly this isn't an option."

There was a long pause before Optimus spoke. He was studying me, I guess I had surprised him too. "Kathrine, I understand your desire to help, but perhaps this is too dangerous."

"But what options do we have?" I argued, "We have to get Henry out and we have to get the device off him in order for any of us to survive this. Not only am I invisible to the security, but I'm smaller than you guys, I can stay hidden, and this is for Henry too. You think he's going to go along with some other giant robots who come to snatch him?" I stood straight, thumb pointed to my chest, "I'm the proof that he should come with us. He'll trust me."

I looked over at Ratchet. He looked livid.

"I have to do this," I said.

"You have to do nothing," Ratchet snapped.

"This isn't about pride," I said, "Henry is on that ship and needs our help, and who's going to be able to get him? I can get past the security, I get to Henry. I do this. Who else is going to?"

"We have scouts"

"And the security?" I asked, "Who gets past that? My way is the most discreet. I give us the best chances." I looked around, "Am I wrong?"

Everyone was looking a bit shocked. Jazz had a small frown, even Nautica's usual smile was absent.

Prowl had an unreadable expression, "Perhaps she is correct. But surely this is not ideal."

Magnus was frowning too, but that wasn't exactly unusual for him. He spoke matter-of-factly. "You hardly have the training for this."

"Then train me," I said, "Do whatever you need to do to get me ready, but I can do this. Me being organic makes me the best option you have."

Optimus was looking at me intently, as if picking me apart with just his gaze.

"I have to do this," I spoke calmly, forcing myself to meet his eye. "I have to do it for Henry. We have to do it for Henry. Please. Let me do this."

Optimus didn't even blink. I guess he didn't need to, but the effect still made it feel like I was drowning under his view.

"Please," I said. "I can do this."

"Perhaps," Optimus said very slowly, "We could consider this option. But your safety must remain our highest priority."

"Uh, we sure about this?" Jazz asked.