When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 15

"I would like to hope your mind will change, Megatron. I know you are now used to the way you are, but I still hope things will change." Megatron's grin just widened in amusement as Optimus was still observing him. "So what exactly has Soundwave been able to pick up? Any particular time or location that Mech decide to try and take down an autobot?"

"Unfortunately, Mech seems to know about the ground bridge technology we use. While Mech probably has no means of building one successfully, they know that is how we get around quickly. So it seems Mech is going to create a plan to lure the autobots to a location before using some kind of weapon to knock you out. As they've taken Breakdown, I do believe they would be capable of that. They've left a lure before." Optimus knew that as well since he had sent Bulkhead to check out the strange signal at the time. "Though Soundwave didn't pick up what kind of signal that would be used. They may use an energon signal, but only if they even know what energon. My guess is they will use something like they did before, but it will be different."

"And there's no way to determine when and where this will happen...so we may totally be blind to it when it occurs." And Optimus knew they didn't have anyway to determine if the signal would be real or fake. "At the very least, I am unlikely to inspect the signal."

"Then why are you here with your scout, Prime?" Megatron questioned as he raised an eyebrow. "If you already know you and Azura are the targets, I would have thought that a little recon in finding energon wouldn't be a good enough reason to leave the base."

"Because Optimus needed to take a drive, that is all." Megatron frowned and looked at Bumblebee as the scout responded. "There was no sign of Mech activity when I checked the area first, so Optimus will be okay. But he might be carrying, he can still fight and defend himself."

"I never doubted his ability to fight, scout. But I had doubted wisdom on your part. However..." He looked at Optimus again and smiled at him. "I guess it is easier to forgive a carrier when they are uncomfortable. I am lucky to no experience it, but witnessing it has always been fascinating. Especially when it is a Mech who is carrying when they were never meant to."

Optimus rolled his optics in irritation. "I wouldn't leave the safety of the base without making sure it is safe, Megatron. It is something I am not used to, but it is something that has to be done. You are right that you will never understand what it is like to carry a sparkling, much less a sparkling who has already seen seventeen years."

Megatron chuckled softly at Optimus's response. "At least I doubt you have a lot of time left to carry our sparkling. So you won't need to do that soon. But I am not surprised by how you have had to adapt, Prime. I find it very amusing." Optimus narrowed his optics and Megatron stepped back before looking at the energon crystal for a moment. "I believe the mine here isn't very big, Optimus. You and your bots can have it, since I prefer to harvest larger mines."

Bumblebee rolled his optics. "Gee, how generous of you..." Megatron looked at Bumblebee with a sharp glare and the young bot just shrugged. "I don't suppose you got other information, or was that it?"

Megatron looked back at Optimus's abdomen and glanced at Optimus's optics. "I don't suppose that I could..."

"No."

Megatron was surprised by Optimus curt, blunt response and Bumblebee chuckled. "He doesn't let anyone touch his abdomen, Megatron. Only Ratchet when he has a check up done. No need to feel angry over it. He will definitely shoot you if you try."

Megatron said nothing for a moment before he shrugged. "Well, since everyone isn't allowed to, I won't press it. But I do hope you will keep your word and allow me to come to your base to be there for Azura's rebirth. I will not get in the way of your medic, nor will I cause destruction to your base. Our sparkling is all I care about."