The day the first deadline ended, Rumble contacted Optimus. Per usual, Ratchet was behind him, bound on his knees in between the seekers. "Let's see if your mate did his job." The small mech drawled over his shoulder to the medic. A glare answered him. "Well, Optimus?"

"We have harvested and processed two thousand pounds of dark energon." The Prime held a cube up as evidence. It glowed violet in his servo. "How do you plan on collecting the supply?" Across from him, Bumblebee was ready to write down the details. Megatron had suggested an ambush.

"Unfortunately, we cannot trust you to perform a rendezvous. I'm sure you've been debating on an ambush, or a stealth team to follow us home." Rumble quirked an optic ridge, smirking. "I can't hand you an opportunity to swipe for your mate."

Optimus frowned. "Then how do you suppose I deliver the supply to you?"

"You won't. You'll do us a favor by holding onto it, for now. When the time comes, if you follow through, you will hand over the supply when I return your mate to you." There was a giddy flash in his visor. "That dark energy reading will draw in a lot of attention, won't it? I wonder what incoming Cybertronians will think when they find their high and mighty Prime, collecting dark energon."

Ah. Rumble wished to drag Optimus' name through the mud. Optimus sighed slowly. "Will you negotiate?"

"No, but I can always consult Mama-bot, if that will motivate you," at the implication, Skywarp reached forward to drag a talon down Ratchet's cheek.

"Very well." Optimus said quickly, venting in relief as Skywarp stopped immediately. "I will see to your other demands."

"Very good, Prime." The feed ended.

"Damn it!" Bumblebee groaned. "There goes that plan. I thought Megatron said he wasn't smart."

The door opened then, and Knock Out casually strutted in, setting a bottle in front of the scout. He didn't explain himself until the two were done talking.

"Megatron believes that there is someone else behind the scenes." Optimus set the datapad down and rose to his pedes. "Do you know where he is?"

"Early this morning, he was sending patrols to the abandoned seeker bases for reconnaissance. I haven't heard anything else."

"Thank you."

Bumblebee turned his attention to the bottle of polish before him. "Where did you get this?" He picked it up and read over the label a couple times in disbelief. "Knock Out, this stuff hasn't been in production since years before the war. I never thought I'd see it again."

The red medic beamed, plopping a basket down on the table. Beneath a giant red bow, there was an assortment of bottles. Optimus had never been the preening type, and didn't recognize any of the brands, but the look on Bumblebee's face was enough to tell him that these were a big deal. "I never thought I'd see any of these. It's been eons upon eons since I've had cosmetics of this quality, back in the day, this scrap was expensive. Elites from all around would come to cosmetic shops to be groomed with this absolute treasure." Optimus didn't think he had ever seen Knock Out speak so passionately.

Bumblebee sifted through the basket. "Where did you get these?" He demanded. "They've been out of stock since the war, and there aren't any factories up and running yet."

"This was all a gift. I have some friends that saved these all this time, and they were kind enough to pool together for a surprise." Knock Out swooned. "Not to boast, but I've worked my way into a lot of sparks as of late."

"Who?" Bumblebee pressed.

"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."

Optimus didn't voice the fact that he disliked how a random family had replaced his mate in the medbay. He knew it was unreasonable resentment, and they were just being helpful.

Bumblebee thanked Knock Out profusely for the bottle, before turning his attention back to Optimus. "So. . . What now?"

"I need time to consider." Optimus rose from his seat, leaving the room quietly. The two stared after him.

The next demand on the list was the destruction of the city, and was no easy task. Four weeks to destroy everything they built was far from generous. If Optimus had to do it, he would need to start immediately. He decided to give himself three days to decide, three days for Megatron to find Ratchet. He didn't want to have to choose between the city and Ratchet. The city dwellers had been kept in the dark, and had no idea what the Prime was going through. If it came to tearing down everything, they would have to be informed. In that case, discovering the mole would be much harder.

Optimus had compiled a list of everyone who knew. It consisted of everyone who was present at the meetings, those who may have overheard Knock Out in the medbay, and the friends the Autobots had made. It wasn't too long, and Megatron insisted it would be easiest that way. They would knock people off as they went. Optimus was certain that it wasn't anyone who had been in the meetings, as they were all close friends of him and Ratchet. Megatron suspected them despite that.

Megatron was in his quarters when Optimus visited him, sitting at his desk and scribbling things down. Optimus sat down across from him silently. "Knock Out is easily bribed." The warlord thought out loud. "It was a consistent problem on Earth."

"He has been loyal to Ratchet and I for some time." Despite that, his new basket of goods came to mind. Optimus tried not to get caught on it.

"His loyalties change." Megatron looked up at him, narrowing his optics. "He betrayed both Starscream and me. He easily could have done the same to you." He sat back in his chair. "I'm going to interrogate him."

Optimus winced. "Is that necessary?"

"We have to keep all possibilities open." Megatron nodded.

Changing the subject, the Prime asked, "What results have the patrols yielded?"

"Nothing. The seeker bases have been dormant for eons." Growling, the warlord shook his helm. "I know someone else is to blame for this, but I can't find them until I know who."

"There are still more potential hideaways that we haven't searched." Optimus said hopefully.

"I'll have them all searched by next week." Megatron was on top of everything, and Optimus felt grateful that he was present. "Bumblebee informed me that the ambush isn't happening."

"Rumble predicted our next move."

Raising an optic ridge, the warlord rumbled, "Whoever is leading Rumble predicted that." His optics found the list, and his expression hardened. "I am going to interrogate everyone. Perhaps even use the patch. It is one of these mechs, and I will find which. Starting with Knock Out." He ignored Optimus' unhappy look. "I am going to turn this place upside down looking for that mole."

"How long will it be?"

"Judging by your time restrictions, not fast enough to save the city. This has to be done carefully, we can't chase the mole off." Megatron watched his expression closely. He didn't bother being delicate. "So are you going to sacrifice Ratchet for the city, or rip your world apart?"

Optimus closed his optics, a pang of sadness pulsing in his spark. "I can't lose him." He admitted weakly. "And to lose the first sparkling born after the war. . ."

"Hopefully, your new followers hold the same values." Megatron rose from his seat. "You need to prepare for deconstruction, in the event that we can't find Ratchet in time. I suggest that you focus on taking care of your city, and allow me to work."

"I can't stand aside while you work to save my mate."

"But you will." The warlord said simply. "I am going to have a little conversation with Knock Out."

Three days yielded nothing helpful, and Optimus had no choice but to begin with deconstruction. Hesitantly, he stepped down and allowed Megatron to run the case of rescuing Ratchet, and he turned all of his attention to the city. Kickback led a group to clear a site, and prepare to move Cybertronians into tents, temporary homes while the city was being torn down. The Insecticon worked hard in creating resources for those losing their homes, building tents and rationing out living spaces to be filled. Bulkhead began tearing up the roads farthest from the center of the city. Optimus personally saw to it that everyone understood that they were to pack everything they had and be ready to move to their temporary home. He also helped with the heavy lifting, taking it upon himself that he assisted as much as he can in deconstructing the roads. The apartment building would be the last one to crumble, he would procrastinate for as long as possible.

When he wasn't working, Optimus was decorating his home. It made him feel somewhat better to be preparing for Ratchet's return. He put together bouquets to lighten up the berthroom, and painted crystals on the walls. In the sparkling's nursery, he painted flowers. He hung an Autobot flag in the main living space.

He hoped that Ratchet would like it.

Optimus was surprised to hear a knock at the door. Nobody took the time to walk to his home, if he was needed, they would call him. He set his paintbrush down and made his way to the door.

Kickback was on his porch with a basket. He smiled timidly. "Hey, Optimus. I thought you might like some company."

Optimus wanted very badly to turn him away. This was his alone time, this was his time to cry and show his emotions. But there was something on Kickback's face that compelled him to indulge. "Come in." The Insecticon had brought two cubes of high grade. They settled in the nursery, where Optimus showed him images of flowers from Earth. Kickback picked up a brush and started helping him paint. They spent most of the time in silence, sipping energon and painting away, but Optimus could tell that there was something on the Insecticon's mind. He was hesitant to ask, he wasn't in the mood to play therapist. "Do you want to tell me something?" He asked anyway.

There was a moment of hesitance. "I wanted to. . ." Kickback vented, seeming to stumble over words. "I want you to know that it's okay if you suspect me." Optimus stopped, looking at him. "What I mean to say is. . . I know that Megatron is interviewing everyone. He's made that clear. There has to be a reason for that, you have to have found something. I don't know what it is, and I don't expect you to tell me." He vented as he stroked purple onto the wall. "But I do know that I am going to be at the top of the suspect list."

"I don't-"

"I'm not upset about it, and I know that you see me as more than an insect. But the point still stands, I was a Decepticon. I did horrible things. I. . . I wasn't a good mech." His voice cracked a bit. "And I showed up at a real convenient time, right before everything went to scrap. All this to say, you should suspect me, you have every reason to think that I'm involved. I don't want you to hold back because you feel bad, I want you to do what you have to, to bring Ratchet home." He turned his helm away, and Optimus figured that he was embarrassed. "That sounds stupid, right? Me, giving you permission to suspect me. You don't need permission. I guess it just makes me feel better."

Optimus vented slowly, turning back to painting. "I appreciate the thought, Kickback." He sighed. "It's not because you're an Insecticon." He wanted to dismiss any belief that this was based off of Kickback's species. "I don't think any lower of you."

"I also wanted to thank you for believing in me." Kickback's voice was quavering, and Optimus knew that tears were being hidden from him. He inwardly crumbled. He really didn't want to play therapist. "I have worked so hard to be more than just a member of a hive, to have my own thoughts and ambitions. When I first came here, I thought you'd dismiss me, because of what I am. But you offered me a chance at redemption, and I can't thank you enough."

"Everyone has a role to play in this new era." Optimus pretended to not notice the fact that Kickback was crying a few feet away from him.

"When it comes time for me to be interrogated, don't hold back, please, I want you to find Ratchet, whatever it takes."

Optimus looked at him. "Do you know something?"

"No, no, of course not, what I mean is, if you look into me and deem me uninvolved, it narrows the list, and gets us closer. I don't want to jeopardize that, I want you to be sure before you make a call." He looked at the Prime. Tears were running down from beneath his visor. "I just want to be of use."

"You have been, and you will be." Optimus set his paintbrush down and took a long drink of his cube.

Kickback sighed, long and slow. "You're a really good mech, Optimus." He laughed, wiping his face. "I'm sorry for coming in here and doing this to you, you were probably relaxing. Nobody wants a crying mech in their home." He cleared his throat, trying to regain composure. "I'm determined to rewrite my wrongs. Optimus, I'm going to help you find Ratchet. I swear to you, we'll bring him home, and I will be in the front line of defense when that sparkling is born. I want to protect your family. Nobody is going to get through me."

"That's very noble of you, but when this is over, my personal life is off the table. I am done having it torn to pieces for everyone to see." Optimus watched him. "When this is over, I need you to focus on yourself."

"Anything, Optimus. I just want to prove myself. I want to make everything right."

"You will, Kickback."

Megatron had Wheeljack seated across from him, and was watching the wrecker closely. "You've told no one of Ratchet's capture?" He was questioning firmly. "Even under the influence of high grade?"

"You're fragged in the head if you think I'd ever do anything to hurt Ratchet." The white mech spat.

"But what about Optimus?"

"I don't always agree with him, but I would never betray him. He's a good mech and a good leader. He doesn't deserve what is happening to him." Engines rumbling in frustration, Wheeljack crossed his arms.

"You haven't confided in anyone about the situation?"

"I don't confide in 'bots easily." Wheeljack shrugged. "I've said nothing."

Megatron didn't bother to hide his skepticism. "You're free to go for now." He waved a servo dismissively, ignoring the wrecker's glare as he stood up and left.

Four interviews had given him nothing to work with. Knock Out had been helpful, providing names of everyone who may know, and was clear and insistent that he had accepted no bribes. He had even offered to let Megatron peer into his mind. Bulkhead and Arcee had been the same, and he had no reason to suspect them. They were Ratchet's friends, and both despised Decepticons. Kickback had looked a little hurt when Megatron implied that he may be involved, but he had been overwhelmingly compliant. Megatron doubted that he was involved due to his own personal belief that Insecticons were merely members of a hive mind, with no leadership qualities. In addition, Kickback had expressed affection towards Ratchet and the unborn sparkling. Kickback should have been the most suspected mech, but Megatron wasn't one to pick the lowest hanging fruit.

He still had many more to interrogate, but the results thus far had put a damper in his hope. Knock Out had been his prime suspect, but Optimus was right about him. He had changed.

None of the seeker bases showed any signs of life. Nothing tied to Skywarp and Thundercracker was useful. Megatron began to search through data tied to Soundwave that could be associated with Rumble. The thought of the silent mech had summoned a wave of nostalgia in him, and he wished Soundwave was there.

Megatron's daily patrols had yielded nothing. His frustration was growing, and the Autobots around him were losing their faith in him rapidly. He knew he could find the damn medic, if only he knew who was pulling the strings here. Arcee still seemed to believe that it was him.

The warlord paced in the interrogation cell, servos clasped behind his back. His patience was dying out, he was done asking questions. He was ready to start using the patch on everyone he interviewed. It wasn't ethical, and perhaps was cruel, but if it would save both the city, and Ratchet, and get him his reward. . .

Yes. Everyone on the list would be tested.

He also had a new demand.

Two weeks before the second deadline, almost every road had been ripped apart, and the smaller buildings destroyed. The temporary home site was ready to support life.

Megatron sat Optimus down, and sternly informed him of his plan to use the patch. As expected, Optimus argued against it.

"I run the investigation now." The warlord insisted. "I will choose how I do so. Do you want Ratchet back or not?"

"It would be a betrayal of trust."

"And sabotaging you isn't?" Megatron growled, deep in his chest. "You don't have much longer, that apartment building is going to have to come down. This is an opportunity to save Ratchet before then."

Optimus shook his helm. "Your methods are cruel, Megatron." He reasoned. "It would be wrong to do this. How many have you threatened with the patch?"

"Every single mech that I have interviewed, and I plan on making good on those threats." Gesturing angrily, Megatron hissed at him, not unlike a snake. "This isn't up to you. I will do what I have to." He turned, barking into his com, "Knock Out, fetch the cortical psychic patch, and summon Wheeljack to the cell."

"Megatron-"

"That's enough out of you." Megatron flashed him a glare. "I have a new demand." Optimus stared at him, looking caught. "I want to know what you did to Soundwave. I want access to his body."

"Why?" The Prime delicately asked.

"A loyal, honorable mech like him deserves a proper burial. You will assist me in retrieving his remains, and burying him in Iacon's Memorial Grounds." There was a hint of pain behind Megatron's words, and Optimus didn't push it. He nodded slowly, softening his voice in sympathy.

"I will make that happen." He sighed. "If there is no other way to uncover the mole, I will allow you to exercise your. . . Unethical methods. My team will understand." Anything for Ratchet, he reminded himself. "Anything else?"

"Megatron," Knock Out's sudden voice was panicked as it came over the com. "We have a problem. The patch is missing. I haven't touched it since. . ."

"Since you used it on Ratchet." Optimus finished bitterly.

"I have no idea where it could be! We're ripping the lab apart now to locate it, I was so sure of where it was, positive, even. I think. . . I think someone took it."

"I'll handle this." Megatron was already on his way to the door. "You'll just get in the way." He snapped when Optimus began to protest. "See to the city. It appears we have a setback."

Bulkhead met Optimus in front of the apartment building. "Give me one more week, and I'll have everyone evacuated." The wrecker was scrolling through a datapad. "We're so close. . . And I have the explosives rounded up. We'll have the place safely torn down just in time for the end of the deadline."

"Thank you, Bulkhead. I am sorry that this is what has to happen." Optimus sighed. "You have worked hard for this."

"We have the resources to rebuild. I'm not worried about it, I have all the time in the world." Smiling, Bulkhead shrugged. "Anything for the Doc."

"I admire the mech you have become."

Exactly a week later, the building came crashing down, and Optimus watched the world he had built crumble to bits.