Transformers Prime: A New Beginning

Chapter 47: Tunnel Vision

Normal Perspective:

A day had passed since the humans stopped Trypticon and freed everyone from their frozen states, and now, the Autobots, plus Knockout and Breakdown, were preparing themselves for the journeys ahead.

"If we are to have any hope of recovering the Iacon relics before the Decepticons do, we must divide our resources." Optimus was saying to the others.

"But Optimus, when it comes to numbers, we are already at a grave disadvantage." Ratchet reminded. "Even with our recent additions."

"Under the circumstances, swiftness of action is paramount." Optimus said, knowing that they had no choice. "This is one race we absolutely cannot afford to lose."

Ratchet then went over to the console, looking at the location of where the Nemesis was.

"Here's a twist," The CMO said, having just found that the Nemesis was on the move again, and was no longer in Manhattan. "It would appear that the Decepticons have retreated from Manhattan."

"They just... up and left?" Arcee asked, surprised.

"It is more likely that Megatron has already set course for the second set of coordinates." Optimus said. "Having dispatched a unit to this relic's underground location."

"Without busting up a city block to get to it?" Arcee asked, knowing that with the Decepticons, they would no doubt do such a thing.

"They used subway tunnels." Jack said, making everyone look at him. "New York has a whole network of them running beneath the city."

"Since the human population no longer seems to be directly threatened, maintaining our disguise will be necessary." Optimus said, and turned to the others. "Arcee, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, you are the best choices to navigate through such a densely populated area."

"Optimus, New York has more than eight million people." Jack pointed out. "The odds of being spotted by at least one of them are pretty high, even if they are headed underground."

"Where are you going with this?" Arcee asked, hesitant.

"You're gonna need a faceman." Jack answered, to which Optimus and the others, aside from Michael, only stared at him. "Someone who can speak on their behalf." Jack explained. "A human who can run interference if their cover gets blown."

"Well, I've actually been in subway stations." Miko said, remembering her time in Japan. "I grew up in a major metropolis unlike Mr. 'I've never been outside Jasper, Nevada'."

"I have been to Cybertron." Jack reminded.

"Cybertron doesn't have subways!" Miko argued, but then became curious. "Does it?"

"Agent Fowler's field experience makes him our best candidate." Optimus said, and turned to the man, who was laying on a gurney, still out of it from his shocking experience the previous day.

"If he weren't still recovering from his encounter with the Decepticon Warship." Ratchet said as he walked over to them.

"Which we all survived." Miko said, trying to convince the Prime to let them go. "Without incident."

Optimus looked hesitant for a moment, but realized that they had no choice.

"Very well." He conceded. "Miko, Jack, Jessica, and Vince, you will accompany Arcee, Bumblebee, and Cliffjumper."

"Yes!" Miko cheered.

"I've honestly always wanted to visit New York." Jessica said, smiling, as she and the others got ready to leave.