Enter Dante, The Rev-9: Book 2: Revelations

Chapter 12: Tunnel Vision

3rd Person POV

Autobot Base

Dante leaned against the wall in Cybertronian size, an arm around Arcee as Optimus said, "If we are to have any hope of recovering the Iacon relics before the Decepticons do, we must divide our resources."

"But, Optimus, when it comes to numbers, we are already at a grave disadvantage," Ratchet protested.

Dante stepped forward. "We should divide and conquer. One team per relic."

"Under the circumstances, swiftness of action is paramount," Optimus agreed. "This is one race that we absolutely cannot afford to lose."

One of the monitors started beeping, and Ratchet walked over to it. "Here's a twist," Ratchet muttered. "It would appear that the Decepticons have retreated from Manhattan."

Elita frowned. "They just up and left?"

"It is more likely that Megatron has already set course for the second set of coordinates, having dispatched a unit to this relic's underground location," Optimus stated.

"Without busting up a city block to get to it?" Arcee said dubiously.

"They used subway tunnels." Everyone turned to face Jack. "New York has a whole network of them running beneath the city."

Optimus nodded. "Since the human population no longer seems to be directly threatened, maintaining our disguise will be necessary."

Dante stepped forward. "Might I add something?"

Optimus nodded, and Dante turned to face the others. "Alright. I don't really know much about what happens in this part of the timeline, but I have a rough idea of what we should do. We'll need to divide into teams. Arcee, Elita, and I should take the Subways since we're the most suited for the task, and I can help divert human attention. As for the equator, Bulkhead and Bumblebee have the best vehicle forms for that, and the Antarctic is where Optimus should go. Ratchet, I know you won't like this, but for the fourth set, you'll need to go with Wheeljack."

"But—" Ratchet was about to protest, but Dante cut him off. "It's either that or risk the apocalypse, your choice. However..." He turned to face the entire group. "I don't know much more than that. I'm sorry I couldn't be of better use."

Everyone nodded.

"Guys," Jack spoke up. "New York has more than eight million people. The odds of being spotted by at least one of them are pretty high. Even if they are headed underground."

Dante raised an eyebrow. "Why do you think I'm coming?"

"Still," Jack said. "You're going to need a face man."

Everyone gave him a confused look.

"A what now?" Dante asked.

"Someone who can speak on their behalf," Jack elaborated. "A human who can run interference if their cover gets blown."

"Jack, that's exactly what I'm built for," Dante smirked. "Infiltration. That's pretty much the whole point of me."

Miko stepped forward. "Well, I've actually been in subway stations. I grew up in a major metropolis. And no offense, Dante, but I probably know my way around a subway better than you or Mister 'I've never been outside Jasper, Nevada'." She shot Jack a glare.

"None taken," Dante said thoughtfully, somewhat wondering why Miko was acting so hostile toward Jack. "And you're right, most of the subways were collapsed during Judgment Day. Katie and I didn't really travel underground much for fear of running into some of the sewers."