PROLOGUE | THE SHOT

Here it is! The first of three chapters I am going to post here. I hope you guys enjoy!!

Optimus Prime smashed his fist into the faceplates of the last Vehicon that stood in his way, straightening his back struts as his optics scanned the perimeter. Bulkhead was currently dispatching a Decepticon mining drill, Arcee and Bumblebee scouting ahead to ensure there was no one else in the mine with them. They were desperately low on energon, and needed all the fuel they could find; if they took even one mine, the next several solar cycles would go easier on their sparks.

::Objective secured,:: Arcee commed them, transformed into her bipedal mode and gazing around the mines. ::No other Decepticons in sight.::

::This was almost too easy!:: Bulkhead crowed, his maces returning to servos in order to break off a nice chunk of raw energon, tossing it back and forth.

::Which is why we must proceed with caution,:: Optimus reminded them all. ::I fear this could very easily become a trap. Autobots, begin to cart what energon you can with caution!::

Bumblebee whirred his confirmation, the four Cybertronians quickly working to fill up as many energon carts as they could. Though they did not want to be selfish - doing so made the chances of a Decepticon retaliation even higher - they also needed this fuel, and would be idiots to only squander a meager amount due to fear.

::Ratchet, we are in need of a Groundbridge,:: Optimus contacted his old friend, a digit to his audio receptor. ::And ensure the human children are out of the way. We are bringing in several carts, all of which may take up most of the floor space.::

::Groundbridging to your location,:: The medic did not confirm nor deny that the children were out of harm's way, though Optimus trusted that they had heard his message and were doing as instructed. Miko would certainly be disappointed that she had missed out on the adventure, but it was for the best. The very last thing the Prime wanted was the death of an innocent on his spark.

The Groundbridge opened up as promised, Optimus pushing several carts through. His tanks wobbled a little while he walked; a familiar sensation that he had gotten used to. This time seemed a little more intense, but he would not be surprised if it was due to him pushing the carts, the effects of the brief battle wearing off, or a number of other variables which could cause this phenomena.

When he emerged on the other side he did not pay Ratchet any mind, turning and instead waiting for his other comrades to join them. As the last cart was pulled through the Groundbridge died, Optimus turning to speak to the medic.

"Ratchet, we - "

He stopped, the other Autobots freezing up as a blue Cybertronian, with a familiar frame type, froze at the computers, They spun around with surprising speed, mouth dropping open in shock. His optics nearly bulged out of his helm, stumbling back and pressing his back against the computers.

"O-Orion Pax?" Knock Out screeched, looking at the rest of the team in shock and fear. "How in the Allspark did you get in here?!"