Given to Fly

"I had hoped that my growing expertise on the subject would remain purely academic," Ratchet stated as he looked at the computer, "but though faint, this is clearly a dark Energon signature, and it's moving fast."

Optimus narrowed his eyes. "Megatron."

Marty leaned against the rail, listening intently as Arcee and Bulkhead walked up.

"Where'd find more of the bad stuff?" Asked the motorcycle.

"And what's he gonna do with it, recruit a new army of the undead?" Added Bulkhead.

Miko's head snapped up from where she was drawing. "Zombiecons?"

"We cannot rule out the possibility, especially since Megatron seems to be heading to a familiar site," Optimus looked back at the screen, watching as the glowing dot made it's way to Skyquake's grave. "Megatron has barely emerged from stasis, and it seems he's already making up for lost time. Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Ratchet, prepare to roll out."

Ratchet turned around. "Me?" He questioned.

Optimus nodded. "If we are dealing with dark Energon, I may well require your expertise. Arcee?"

She nodded. "Bridge operator. Got it."

Miko didn't even look up to watch them leave. "Go get 'em Bulkhead. Bring the hurt!"

Marty furrowed her brow. That's not normal.

"Thats not like Miko to not want to go," Jack muttered.

Raf nodded. "She's definitely up to something."

Arcee powered up the ground bridge and the Bots transformed and went through. In an instant, Miko jumped from the couch and ran.

"Making a break!" Marty ran after her friend, running down three steps at a time. Jack and Raf followed.

Although Marty had the lead, Jack was faster and caught up to Miko first. He grabbed her wrist. "It's not safe!"

The pink haired girl glared at him. "I am not gonna miss my first Zombiecon throwdown!" She jerked free and ran through the portal.

"Miko!" Marty growled as she chased after the girl.

They emerged behind the Bots and in a desert canyon. Making an educated guess, Marty figured they were still somewhere in Nevada.

Miko clambered up a pile of rocks, finally making it to the top. Marty and the boys followed after her. The Bots were approaching a Decepticon, but it definitely wasn't Megatron.

"That's not Megatron," Marty murmured.

"Let's see some fight of the living dead, already!" Miko encouraged.

Jack shot a glare at the girl. "Miko, what were you thinking?"

"She wasn't," Raf huffed.

The pink haired girl looked at them. "Hey, I totally missed out last time. This could be my only chance to take some snaps." She reached into her pocket, but her hand came back empty. "My cellphone! I must have dropped it back at the base."

"Starscream!" Optimus said to the Decepticons. "Stand down."

"Megatron's second in command," Marty whispered.

"You know that guy?" Jack asked.

"Sometimes I go through the database and read," the brunette answered.

"You stand down!" Starscream fired a missile at the Autobots.

Marty shielded her eyes from the explosion. When the fire cleared, she found her guardian sheltered by a boulder.