The Beauty and the Predacon {ON HOLD}

Chapter 13

Optimus looks at Soundwave as he lays unconscious on their medical berth, he has shut down his own hard drives to keep the Autobots from getting information. Optimus is upset that they couldn't get anything out of him, not even the condition and whereabouts of Arcee. Optimus can feel his spark sink in its chamber when he thinks of her and how they have done nothing to try and get her back. They've been trying to find out where the Nemesis is located so they can attempt a rescue but they have been unsuccessful and Optimus feels bad that they haven't been trying hard enough.

"Is something troubling you, sir?" Ultra Magnus asks as he walks up to stand beside him.

"Was just thinking about Arcee. I wish Soundwave would have at least shed some light on her well-being if she's still active and doing well or..." Optimus trails off, he doesn't want to think about the other outcome that could have happened.

Ratchet walks over to them, "We're all worried about her but she's a strong soldier. I'm sure she's still alive and we will find her and bring her back."

"I really hope so."

A moment later, they get a call from Agent Fowler and Optimus goes over to the monitors to answer the call with all the Autobots standing behind him.

"I'm on my way to the base but I just got word... The 'Cons busted into the Solaris Particle Collider project at the South Pole."

Optimus starts turning around, "Autobots..."

Magnus steps forward and tries to clench his claw servo but Ratchet speaks up in protest until Wheeljack steps forward, "Doc, the commander is ready." After a second, Ratchet relented and allowed Magnus to go.

"Bulkhead, Smokescreen, remain here to guard our prisoner," Optimus says before he starts heading for the Ground Bridge, "Everyone else, transform and roll out."

Ratchet opens the Ground Bridge as Optimus, Magnus, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee transform and they drive through the Ground Bridge. The four make it through into the freezing temperatures of the South Pole and they transform to start their trek to the destroyed building in front of them. When they get close, Optimus pauses to examine their surroundings and he gets a call from Ratchet.

:: Optimus, I know that this hardly seems the time but it may aid you in your task. ::

Optimus puts up his servo to halt the three behind him before he removes his face mask, "Go ahead."

:: I believe that Megatron may be attempting to rebuild the omega lock. Do we let him? ::

"No. For you know as well as I that Megatron will use a reconstructed lock to recyberform both Cybertron and Earth. And that is one abuse of power that we cannot allow."

Ratchet releases a sigh as he gives in.:: Understood. ::

Optimus and the others continue with their trek toward the building until they hear a screech coming from behind them. They look back to see Predaking flying towards them before he stops to build up a fireball. He shoots the fireball at them but they all duck out of the way. Optimus appears to be unphased by it as he transforms his servo into his gun and starts shooting.

Predaking flies towards him dodging all of his shots, he flies over them before going up to circle around. The other Autobots rise back up and prepare to shoot but Optimus stops them, "The Decepticons must not be allowed to secure their target." Predaking flies up into the sky as he circles around to come at them again. "I will engage the Predacon," Optimus says as he walks past the three to stand in the Predacon's line of sight.

Wheeljack and Bumblebee look at each other before looking back at Optimus with concerned looks. "You heard your leader, forge ahead!" Magnus says before he starts running towards the building. Wheeljack and Bumblebee turn to follow him leaving Optimus alone.