When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 17

The humans had been able to keep the autobots from noticing the strange signal for longer than they thought. Bulkhead and Bumblebee had been out harvesting the energon for the last two hours, and it would seem that it would take many more hours to harvest all the energon. The decepticons had left the autobots alone, which was a bonus, so Bulkhead and Bumblebee have not contacted the base since they started. Ratchet remained in his lab, which meant he found something to do and Jack had managed to convince Arcee to go through with her routine diagnostic. It was only Optimus who wasn't doing much.

He did leave the lobby though, and he has been in his berth room since. Raf and Miko were happy, because they were the only ones keeping an eye on the strange signal. However, as the time went by, a second signal popped up. And it was behaving the exact same way, and it was even more concerning. Especially since the two locations were far apart on different sides of the country. And they knew that if the autobots saw these signals, they would bridge there.

Raf and Miko did try to figure out what Mech was using to try and lure the autobots, as the system wasn't recognizing what kind of signal it was. Which further solidified that this was Mech. But it could also be the decepticons, even though it was unlikely. And Fowler hasn't contacted about the signals, so only the autobot technology picked these up. It was possible that the decepticons have as well, but they haven't sent a message about it.

"You know, it would be totally strange if Soundwave didn't pick these up," Miko commented as she was sitting on a chair next to Raf. "He is the one who would pick it up on the warship before anyone else."

"I think he has. But Soundwave may not think it is something worth to be concerned about. Especially if the decepticons know this might be a human thing, which it is, they could choose to ignore it. But as they haven't reached out to through the com link, I am surprised they would be keeping quiet." Raf adjusted his glasses and leaned back in the chair. "We can be just glad that the base is not alerting the bots."

"But still...I feel bad about keeping this to ourselves...it's worse than when Jack, Arcee and Bumblebee tried to hide their racing." Raf seemed surprised that Miko would even compare this situation to that. "I know this isn't really the same thing, since racing and the safety of both Azura and Optimus are totally different. But...I will never forget Optimus's talk to us after that happened."

"I get it. Lying isn't good. But we need to ensure that the autobots stay away from these places. Since there are now two signals, more might show up. We cannot risk Optimus getting captured. If any of the autobots go, and there is trouble, we all know Optimus will want to help his autobots. Even while his body is clearly preparing to birth Azura." Miko sighed deeply as she listened to Raf. They were all worried. "And...I hate to say it, but Silas probably is going to be counting on Optimus to do that. Even if this is extreme, but we are now the only ones protecting the autobots. Lying isn't good, but this has to happen. And we are technically not lying either. We are just not telling them what is happening right now."

"I guess...but you are also right. Optimus would absolutely go and try to help. I bet he can't transform right now too. He hasn't tried, but I am pretty sure that he can't." That was also a concern on Raf's mind. They knew Optimus could probably still use his weapons, but he wouldn't be able to transform into his vehicle mode. He might not be trying, as he has no reason to, but it would mean he couldn't flee a location if he had to. He would be able to run, but not as well as he could if not for Azura within him. "Still...Raf, I know it has only been a couple hours, but this is driving me crazy!"

"You will be fine, Miko. Besides, with all the bots preoccupied, we might be at home and they won't notice until tomorrow."

"Eh...I don't think we will have that luck. I bet they will notice sooner than that." Miko stared at the screen for a moment. "But how are we going to try and stop them from going through that bridge if they do find out? Begging probably won't help."