Silence (TFP)

chapter 4

Chapter 4

"Are we all clear on the plan?" Optimus asked. No one denied, so Ratchet put the coordinates into the ground bridge control.

"I shall miss you dearly," he whispered to me as he held me against his chest carefully. As he did so, I felt him slip something into my back pocket. "Just in case," he whispered more quietly. He held me out then, giving me one long last look before setting me in Prime's hand. He pulled the handle down to activate the ground bridge. I saw the blue and green swirl and was instantly mesmerized. It was short lived as Optimus walked through. There was no one of thing around, but I figured it wouldn't be that way for long.

"Optimus?"

"Yes, Jessica?" he replied as he looked down at me.

"W-what exactly is the plan?"

"The ground bridge will remain open. When Megatron shows with your mother, the other Autobots will come through and take her. We will then return to base, all without the Decepticons having you in their possession."

"I hope it wo-" I was cut off as the Decepticon warship, the Nemesis, came into view. It was enormous, much larger than I was picturing. The intimidating form of it was what got to me the most. "I-I'm scared."

"Do not worry, young one. Things will turn out alright."

I noticed he didn't say what I wanted to hear, that the Decepticons wouldn't get me. He only said that things would be alright, meaning that today...things may not turn out well.

The ship landed, and out stepped the gray warlord. In his right hand was my mother in a large, clear canister. Her eyes widened when she saw me in Optimus's hand.

Megatron came closer and closer to us. He stopped his progression when he came into conversation distance.

"I'm glad to see that you decided to show up, Optimus. As you can see, I've held up my end up the deal and came alone." I was glad that he came alone, but one look at Optimus told me that the Prime knew something I didn't.

"I see. Thank you."

The other Autobots came running through the bridge, all headed toward Megatron. He must have been expecting a trick because he called forth his Decepticons.

"Decepticons!" A car, helicopter, and two jets came out of the Decepticon ship and transformed next to their leader, ready to back him up. Megatron changed his hand to a blaster and held it up to my mother's canister.

"Autobots, stand down!" Optimus ordered.

"Yes, Prime, call off your little lackeys," he laughed. I foresaw you trying to pull one of your tricks, which is why I had my Decepticons waiting at the door. Now, hand over the girl and we will be on our way."

There was silence as Optimus assessed the situation.

"You win," he finally decided.

The darkest Decepticon, the one with a visor stepped forward and held out his hand. Optimus set me carefully in his hand. I looked up at the Autobot leader in shock and fear. Why would he just hand me over?

He watched me with saddened eyes. "I have failed you," he whispered.

Megatron tossed my mother to Optimus, who caught her gently.