Megatron's optics mimicked his fury, flashing bright and fiery as he stormed into Optimus' housing unit. The Prime jolted and dropped his paintbrush, whirling around to face him as he came barreling into the room. "Megatron! You're-"

"About to hang Knock Out from Iacon Tower!" The warlord barked. "The cortical psychic patch was found on the north outskirts of the city, torn to shreds. It is beyond repair. Knock Out must have destroyed it after I threatened to use it on him. It has to be him! Who else would have done it?"

"Slow down." Optimus closed the paint can he had been using and wiped off his servos. "How can you be certain it was Knock Out?"

"The diva is a coward, he knew I was going to find him out. I told you, he's easily bribed. They must have-"

"Megatron. Did you not previously deduce that it wasn't him?" Optimus found it hard to believe. Knock Out had been an overwhelmingly positive presence since the war ended, he and Ratchet had become friends. "Who else knew you were threatening the patch?"

"All of those I interrogated." Megatron was pacing before him. "It can only be him."

"Where is he now?"

"In a cell. He's not talking." Optimus balked at that.

"You put Knock Out in a cell? Over a suspicion?" He watched the warlord pace like a caged tiger. "Megatron, you're wrong about this." He insisted. "What are you planning on doing to him?"

"Getting the information out of him." Megatron snapped, as if it were obvious. "He'll crack easily, I know exactly how to get into his circuits."

Optimus shook his helm, reaching out to halt the gladiator. "Be sensible. It could have been anyone. Perhaps someone was listening in on your interrogations?" He frowned at the furious look he received. "In any case, we need to pull it together. We have three more weeks until I am to deliver Predaking's head to Rumble, and that is something I absolutely cannot do. I need you to keep all possibilities open, including the one where Knock Out isn't the mole."

"Some mechs, family and friends of one of the mechs I helped save after the building collapsed. They are all very sweet, they've been volunteering in the medbay ever since. It's real helpful since Ratchet isn't around right now."

The red medic's words came to Optimus' mind at that moment. He recalled the fact that a small group had been helping out in the medbay as of late. Dread gathered in the pit of his stomach as he wondered if someone had won Knock Out's favor through gifts in order to get in closer.

"I doubt Knock Out is the culprit, but we need to monitor who is spending time in the medbay. Chances are, it's someone who has been there often as of late."

Megatron growled, shaking his helm in frustrated thought. "Fine, Prime." He took a breath, shoulders slackening. "Whoever the mole is, we frightened them. We are close."He turned towards the door. "I will update you."

"Megatron. . . How did you get into my house?"

A week of interrogating Knock Out in harsh conditions paid no promising results. Optimus had to beg Megatron to release him. The poor medic had sworn up and down to have nothing to do with the mole, offended that such a betrayal would be thought of him. Optimus purchased limited edition wax from a mech in one of the tents, and gave it to Knock Out as some sort of compensation. The red mech privately asked for his trust, going forward. Optimus told him that he would always have it.

Bulkhead and Kickback were already preparing for reconstruction. They had been on top of it, gathering resources and hastening the cleanup process. The pair had grown into quite the team.

Everyone who had returned was rightfully upset with Optimus. He had stripped them of their homes, just like Megatron had, eons before. He didn't tell them what was happening, he didn't tell them that it was his selfishness that destroyed the city. But he did promise that it would get better.

Optimus had reached out to Rafael, to ask what had been done to handle Soundwave. The small boy informed him of the usage of the Shadowzone. It was decided that once Ratchet had been rescued, they would carefully send someone into the dimension to retrieve Soundwave's remains from the Nemesis. It was painfully clear that the silent mech would have starved in the time he had spent alone in the Shadowzone. Optimus was troubled with relaying this information to Megatron. It was a horrible way to die, to watch one's energon reserves dwindle, until powering down forever, alone and forgotten.

But he hadn't been forgotten. Megatron had made certain of that.

Now, there were two weeks left. Time was running short. Bumblebee put together a team, to locate the predacons, at the very least. Knowing where they were couldn't hurt.

Megatron and Optimus were awaiting their return with intel, seated at a table and sipping warm energon, when the door opened, a tall figure willing the doorway. Both of their helms turned, Megatron setting his datapad down in surprise. The large white mech was above doorway height, bending over to step inside. "Hello," he greeted politely. "I hope I am not interrupting anything. My name is Jetfire."

"It has been some time." Megatron felt small, and squared his shoulders to compensate.

Optimus scanned the mech over. He was big, but his energy was gentle and calm. His optics were soft and kind. He struck Optimus as an old soul. "I am Optimus Prime." He greeted, rising from his seat.

"It is an honor." Jetfire bowed. The Decepticon insignia glinted on his chest. He seemed to notice how it caught Optimus' eye. "Worry not, I disown this badge." He touched it softly. "I come here, not as a Decepticon, but as a friend. I wish to take part in rebuilding our world, restoring it to a glory greater than before."

"That is good to hear. You may join us for energon, if you'd like." Megatron sent Optimus a frustrated look; they couldn't discuss the dire situation at hand in front of the newcomer. Optimus and his manners.

Jetfire took a seat. "I am so proud to see what you've been putting together." He didn't pay Megatron much mind, sat facing Optimus with a kind smile. "To see both factions, putting aside their differences. . . This is the end to the war I dreamt of for eons." He swirled his energon thoughtfully. "I even saw an Insecticon. All species, living in harmony. . ." He sighed happily.

"You met Kickback." Optimus nodded, smiling. He hadn't heard this kind of positivity in weeks. "I was pleasantly surprised by his presence. He has taught me that redemption reaches farther than Autobot and Decepticon."

"Admittedly, I was frightened when I ran into him in the outskirts. Back in the day, Insecticons were nasty little fighters, but he shook my hand and welcomed me to the city. I dare say he's changed my mind about his kind." Jetfire took a sip of his energon, humming pleasantly. Out of the corner of his eye, Optimus noticed Megatron had gone rigid. "Optimus, you seem to attract the most wonderful individuals. I hope to befriend you."

"Where did you say you met Kickback?" Megatron asked tensely. He was gripping his energon cube so hard it cracked.

Jetfire spared him a glance. "The outskirts, north of here."

"When?" The warlord demanded.

"I had just arrived. . . I would say a week ago. I myself circled the city for some time before entering. At the time, I was uncertain if I would be welcome." The white seeker shrugged, chuckling softly. "But when I met him, and learned that even he was welcome into the city, I knew I wouldn't be turned away."

Optimus' mouth went dry, and for a moment, he only heard static. Megatron was gripping his shoulder, pulling him towards the door. "Excuse us, for just a moment." The warlord murmured to Jetfire, shoving Optimus into the hallway rather roughly. The seeker stared after them, puzzled.

Outside the conference room, Optimus' thoughts were racing.

"It's him." Megatron hissed. "That bug. . . He destroyed the patch, and dumped it in the outskirts."

"You threatened him with it when you interrogated him. He covered his tracks." Optimus was clenching and unclenching his servos, a whirlwind of emotions building up inside him. "Why else would he be in the north outskirts, where the patch was found?"

"Optimus. . . He's the mech on the inside." Megatron was saying this to himself, more than anyone, shaking his helm in disbelief. "He's the one pulling the strings."

Everything was coming to Optimus all at once.

The mole had memorized Optimus and Ratchet's schedules.

"Optimus! You forgot your schedule." The Insecticon slowed to a stop and offered him his datapad.

The mole had access to the work site, to sabotage the building, creating a distraction.

"Kickback and I built the foundation ourselves, and I've been reviewing all the plans and how they were executed. . . It couldn't have collapsed like it did on it's own. I think it was sabotaged."

The mole had warned Rumble of the rescue mission.

Kickback stood up and moved towards the door. "I'm going to call my buddies. They might have some additional firepower for us to borrow." He announced as he stepped into the hallway.

It was Kickback.

Kickback was the puppet master behind all of this.

"Where is he now?" Megatron demanded.

"With Bulkhead, beginning reconstruction. Do you have cuffs on you?" Optimus was already taking long strides down the hall.

"Yes. Wheeljack, prepare a cell, a real one this time." Megatron murmured into his com link, optics flashing excitedly. "Optimus, we've done it."

"If we still had the patch, we could find the location of their hideaway." Optimus cursed the Insecticon, growling.

"I'll get it out of him, one way or another." Megatron snarled aggressively. "I'll tear that bug open."

"Wait. . . It can't be obvious. If he knows that we've discovered him, he could contact Rumble, and. . ." Optimus stopped dead in his tracks. "We have to be strategic."

"Call a meeting with Bulkhead and him, consult them about building plans. We'll have to kick Jetfire out." Megatron was dragging him back towards the conference room. "Primus, Optimus, we found him."

They burst back into the room, and Jetfire startled. "Jetfire, I must put a halt on our discussion." Optimus tried to be polite, but his spark was racing. "I would like to personally take you on a tour, if you're interested, but for now, I must ask that you leave." The seeker nodded kindly and left without question. Megatron was pacing behind Optimus as he spoke over his com, "Bulkhead, an idea was just pitched to me, regarding reconstruction. I would like to see you and Kickback for consultation."

"We'll be right over, Boss."

Wheeljack entered the room just then, looking between them with wide optics. "What's going on? Who's the cell for?"

"The mole." Megatron beamed triumphantly. "Have a seat."

Kickback followed Bulkhead through the halls, flicking through a datapad absent mindedly. "Someone pitched an idea?"

"Perhaps a better design, but I think our first one was pretty flawless." The wrecker replied, chuckling. "Ratchet helped with the architecture. That's probably why it turned out so great."

"It's such a shame, that it had to come crashing down." The Insecticon mumbled bitterly. There was nothing genuine to it.

They entered the conference room and sat down at the table. Energon wasn't offered like normal.

There was something different about the atmosphere. Optimus was rigid, optics stony and unreadable. Megatron was restless. Wheeljack was eerily silent. Even with the intensity of their situation, the room was never this tense. Everyone was always working or discussing. The silence that hung in the air was stifling. Bulkhead cleared his throat, looking around at everyone. "Uh. . . Is everything alright? What did you want to talk about?"

As if on cue, Optimus rose to his pedes in one fluid movement, servo transforming into a blaster. The barrel was pressed to Kickback's forehelm, whirling to life with a hum. The Insecticon jolted in surprise, gasping. Megatron slipped behind him, his fusion activating loudly. "Wh-What?!" Kickback sputtered.

"Woah!" Bulkhead looked between them, servos up. "What is happening?"

"We've discovered the mole." Megatron answered with a satisfied grin. "Much to Kickback's dismay."

Bulkhead gaped. "What? Really?"

"This insect has been playing us this whole time." Wheeljack crossed his arms over his chest. "But his web of lies fell apart, didn't it, Kickback?"

"I don't know what you mean." Kickback stared into Optimus' optics, looking stricken. "Optimus, you don't believe that, do you? Frag, I adore Ratchet! Why would I hurt him?" He searched Optimus' face for help. He found none.

"Servos out in front of you, now." The Prime ordered. His voice made the Insecticon jump.

Megatron slipped cuffs on him, and he was dragged to the brig.

The change in Kickback's demeanor was chilling.

Like a switch, the charming, kindhearted mech they had met was gone, a cruel monster in his place. The moment Kickback realized the gig was up, he made the swift change, startling the Autobots in front of him. He had been cuffed to a chair in an interrogation cell, his com links severed, his signal scrambled. He had no way of reaching Rumble, and had no way of escaping. It didn't seem to phase him.

"You know, Prime, burning Ratchet was my idea." He was purring, a sickening sound from deep in his throat. "It was horrible, wasn't it? I am so sad that I didn't get to see it. I'll bet his screams were glorious."

Optimus stood a small distance away from him, mask covering his face to hide his look of fury. "Tell us where Ratchet is being hidden." He ordered, his voice tense and low. The change in the Insecticon was frightening. He had considered this mech a friend, and to see him transform into this villain. . .

"I don't think I will." Kickback shrugged, smirking. "I think I'll watch you struggle to give in, only to fail and watch your mate be slaughtered." He sighed in mock sadness. "It's unfortunate, honestly. I really did like Ratchet. And he liked me, didn't he? Such a shame that I had to be here, when I could've been there, talking him into my berth." His visor flashed in a predatory way. "I bet I could."

"He'd slice your throat open if he heard you say that." Knock Out muttered. He was standing by a table of various interrogation instruments that Megatron asked him to collect. Optimus hoped it wouldn't come to that.

"Ratchet won't have to worry. I'll do it for him." The warlord snarled. "You'd best get talking."

"And not about how you'd frag Ratchet, because ew." Knockout mumbled. Optimus flashed him an offended look.

Kickback chuckled, low and throaty. "I invite you to do your worst, Megatron." He leaned forward, bracing against his restraints. "But let me ask you something, first." Optimus turned his helm to glimpse Megatron's reaction as the Insecticon spoke, "Tell me, how does it feel to be an utter failure? Look at what you've become, my dear Lord Megatron. A puppet. You were Unicron's puppet, and now you're Optimus'. You lost to a pitiful army of misfits, only to become a slave, losing your free will to your masters. Unicron threw you around like a toy, didn't he? And now, here you are, serving Optimus." Kickback shook his helm, laughing. "So ironic, that me, an Insecticon, has wound up above you. You are nothing more than a puppet, bound by strings. And I am a puppet master, controlling the wire with a flick of my wrist. How is it to have plummeted to these depths, my dear?"

The snarl that left Megatron made Optimus jump, and the Prime clasped his forearm to keep him from attacking. "Don't." He warned. The warlord stilled, plating rattling with rage.

"Look at you, obeying your master." Kickback crooned. "Like a good little miner."

Optimus released Megatron, venting as the warlord's field ripped around him like a storm. "Kickback, tell us where Ratchet is." He repeated. "This will be easier on you if you help us save him."

"I have no intentions of helping the selfish mech who ripped homes away from innocent mechs and femmes so he wouldn't have to sleep alone at night." The Insecticon barked.

"Wow, he really is a glitch." Bulkhead said unhelpfully over the com. The others were outside, listening.

"Let me interrogate him my way." Megatron looked at Optimus, optics flashing with excitement. "He deserves it." He added when the Prime sent him a doubtful look.

There was a moral debate going on in Optimus' helm. He never believed in torture, and had always relied on intimidation or negotiation to get what he wanted. But Kickback was a special case. This was a cruel, dangerous mech that had threatened his family. He told himself that he wasn't doing this out of spite, but for Ratchet. "Update me when you can." He said softly to Megatron. He wouldn't watch.

He left the room, stalking past his Autobots and down the corridor.

"Where are you going?" Arcee demanded.

"Bulkhead, will you show me where Kickback has been staying? I want to search his quarters." His helm was aching. Inside the cell, the Insecticon was screaming.

"Yeah, let's go."