Transformers Prime *The Decepticon Femme* Optimus Love Story

Ch. 30 Haunting Past

Halo POV

I watched NightWave and the others dash into the Groundbridge before it shut down after the last bot passed through it. At the Autobot base now, the only people remaining were Jack, Miko, Agent Fowler, Ratchet, and Bulkhead. I walked carefully in the direction of Bulkhead when I heard him collapse back down where he had been seated.

"Hi, Bulkhead. Are you okay?" I asked cautiously, fearing that he would become angry with me like he had a few days prior when I attempted to comfort him.

"What do you think!" Bulkhead screamed fiercely, crossing his arms. I jumped and cast a brief, disappointed glance downward. I feel Bulkhead sigh as he looks at me.

"Sorry" He murmured. I quickly looked up and gave him a sad smile. I tried to cheer him up by switching my sad smile for a cheerful one.

"It's okay. Stay strong, Bulkhead. I have no doubt that you're almost there. Only a bit more, and you'll be ready for duty" I remarked. He let out another sigh.

"Still, I can't help but feel out-of-date seeing the newbie so fired up" He continued to speak.

"Indeed, but you possess years of real experience, while Smokescreen does not. You just have to wait and see. I have no doubt that after a few more days of healing, you will return to the field" I stated. He grinned as he glanced at me.

"Thank you, Halo. I needed that" He murmured. I grinned back and turned to face the monitors, Bulkhead trailing closely after.

":: Ratchet, we require backup::" Optimus' voice suddenly emerged from the computer.

"Backup?" I questioned, straightening my posture and glancing in Bulkhead's direction.

Bulkhead turned around and said, "I'm there," lightly pushing himself, but Ratchet quickly stopped him.

"Ep, ep, ep" Ratchet said while grasping his arm. At that moment, the voice of Optimus came back up from the computer.

":: Can you remotely disable project Damocles under Agent Fowler's advisement?::" Optimus asked.

"Oh, that kind of backup" I mumbled, pitying Bulkhead a little bit.

"On a human based computer network, without my backup? Without Rafael?" Ratchet asked, sounding disappointed with himself for not being able to do the work himself.

":: How about NightWave?::" joining the call Bumblebee suggested.

":: Huh, what do you mean?::" NightWave asked, sounding puzzled.

":: I mean, didn't you mention you were quite familiar with technology and computers? Can't you go back and assist Ratchet in disabling project Damocles?::" Bumblebee questioned.

"Mm, it's not a bad idea" Ratchet replied convincingly. "NightWave, I'll dispatch a Groundbridge to return you to base" He started typing on the computer, but NightWave intervened before he could finish.

":: As much as I appreciate your faith in my abilities, it is not going to be possible. I won't be able to stop them from getting the code, considering I got all my skills from my older brother, Soundwave, who I believe is the one who is acquiring the code right now. I was never able to beat him. He'll have me shut down immediately::" NightWave responded. I frowned because I thought NightWave wanted to help, but she was merely scared of failing, especially since she was going up against Soundwave.

"It appears that we must turn to the last person who is the best at this kind of stuff" Miko said, capturing all of our attention, "And that is Raf. Ratchet send us to his home. He will most likely be able to di it from there. After all, he really is that talented."