Endpoint (A TFP Fanfiction)

Chapter 10

"Ratchet, how do we shut down the Omega Lock?" he asked seriously.

The medic responded by ushering them over to the exit. He peeked around the corner carefully, before signing that it was all clear. Optimus figured he was taking them to where the lock was located. He also noted that Bumblebee stayed very close to the medic, his faceplate remaining one of fear and worry. Normally, it was the scout who went first, but this time he seemed afraid. Like he expected to be caught. The Prime felt his spark twist, knowing that whatever the young mech had gone through had been traumatizing. He tried to put that in the back of his processor and focus on the objective. The three silently rounded corners and slipped through halls, avoiding any kind of contact with the Decepticons. Eventually, they reached a control room, where Ratchet immediately ran forward and brought his servos to the console.

"I will try shutting it down manually," he told them. "If this doesn't work, we will have to destroy it with our own servos."

Bumblebee inched closer to the medic, drawing his blasters. He stood back to back with Ratchet, facing the door and ready to shoot if anyone came in. Optimus saw that a bit of bravery had returned to the young scout, and smiled to himself in relief. He, too, turned towards the shut door, preparing for battle. Ratchet typed away at the monitor furiously, only for the system to shut him out again and again. He finally growled angrily and banged his fist on the keyboard. The other two turned in surprise, though Bumblebee had been startled enough to nearly point his guns at the frustrated doctor.

"Looks like we're going with the second option," he grumbled bitterly, transforming his servos into blades.

Optimus nodded and put his servo on the scout's shoulder plate. The young mech jumped, but relaxed as he looked up to his leader. The Prime looked at him sadly. "Are you sure you wish to join us?" he asked seriously and gently.

Normally, the scout would be appalled if anyone had asked him such a thing. This time, he hung his helm and stared at the floor, his chassis beginning to shake violently. Ratchet looked to Bumblebee in worry and put his now servos on the scout's chest chassis.

"You do not have to fight if you do not want to," the medic assured him. "I understand if you want to remain behind."

Bumblebee continued to look at the floor for a few more moments before he looked back up at the two again. When he did, his optics ridges were furrowed and his optics shown with determination. His brought up his blasters and took a step forward.

"<I will fight,>" he said with bravery. "<To my last vent.>"

Both the anxious medic and the war torn leader gave a warm smile to their scout, relieved to see some of his old self again. The three nodded to each other in silent understanding, and each of them felt a warmth in their sparks they hadn't felt in a long time. Grinning to each other, they turned to the door, Ratchet taking the lead. He approached it slowly before allowing to open.

When he turned to corner to check the area, he was suddenly thrown back by a powerful force to his lower chassis. He crashed into the ground with a shout, while the other two watched him fly by the door in shock. Optimus immediately felt his Energon buzz and boil, his chassis going tense. Bumblebee whirred Ratchet's name, fear returning to his faceplate. His spark was still in the fight, however, and he ran out the doorway with his blasters out. Optimus followed, hearing a few shots before another clash of metal. He came out and saw a silver titan holding Bumblebee's helm with his servo.

"You have been a very naughty group of playthings," Megatron growled darkly, throwing the scout into a nearby wall. "And your efforts are for nothing. The Omega Lock is already activated and will fire upon the planet below us any klik now."