Transformers Prime: Evolution

13. The Chase for Evolution

The desert sun beat down on the convoy as it sped toward the Hoover Dam. Optimus Prime led the charge, his massive, red-and-blue truck mode gleaming beneath the harsh light. Behind him, the other Autobots followed in formation: Bumblebee protecting Raf in his yellow Camaro mode, Mirage with Jack riding shotgun in his sleek sports car form, and Topspin rumbling ahead, carrying Miko, whose grin spread wide as they sped over the rough terrain.

"Topspin, think you can handle some rougher ground?" Miko shouted, barely containing her excitement.

Topspin's voice crackled over the internal comms. "Rough? I live for this stuff. Hold on tight!" His massive wheels tore through the dirt as he accelerated, kicking up a cloud of dust.

From the lead, Optimus's calm voice echoed through the team's shared link. "Stay focused, Miko. This mission is delicate. We're here to negotiate, not to engage."

Miko grumbled under her breath but acknowledged the Autobot leader. "Right, right. No smashing stuff."

In the backseat of Bumblebee, Raf sat nervously, his eyes glued to the horizon. "Do you think Sector 7 will actually listen to us?" he asked, casting a glance at Bumblebee's dashboard.

Bumblebee's chirp-like beeps responded cheerfully, his internal radio translating for Raf: "They have to! We've got Optimus. Who could say no to him?"

Raf smiled, feeling a bit of reassurance in Bumblebee's optimism, though the tension in the air was palpable. Negotiating with humans—especially ones like Sector 7—was never simple. They'd dealt with Cybertronian threats before, and their wariness would make this mission harder than usual.

In the cab of Mirage, Jack sighed. "Man, this feels like it's going to go sideways. You think Sector 7's really going to give us the Codex? Especially after what happened with M.E.C.H.?"

Mirage's voice, cool and distant, replied. "Humans are unpredictable, Jack. They may say one thing, but their fear makes them do another. Let's just hope Optimus can persuade them."

As the convoy approached the dam, the looming structure rose before them—imposing, ancient, and seemingly untouched by time. At the base, a group of black SUVs stood in a tight formation, marking the presence of Sector 7. Soldiers armed with high-tech weaponry lined the perimeter, their gazes fixed on the incoming vehicles.

Optimus slowed his speed, transforming in a smooth motion as his truck mode shifted into his towering robot form. The other Autobots followed suit, each of them rising to their full height, casting long shadows across the concrete ground.

"We're here," Optimus said quietly, his deep voice laced with both caution and authority. He scanned the area, his optics locking onto a figure stepping out from one of the SUVs.

Agent Seymour Simmons, clad in his black suit, walked toward the Autobots with a swagger that barely masked his unease. He stopped a few paces away from Optimus, squinting up at the massive leader.

"Well, well. If it isn't the legendary Optimus Prime," Simmons said, his voice dripping with his usual snark. "I'm guessing you're here for the Codex?"

Optimus nodded slowly, his tone respectful but firm. "We are, Agent Simmons. The Codex of Solus Prime is a relic of our past, and it cannot fall into the wrong hands. The Decepticons are already moving to claim it."

Simmons crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed. "You think I don't know that? Sector 7's been dealing with Cybertronian artifacts long before you bots showed up. We know the danger better than anyone."