Transformers: Of Bots and Men

Processor Over Matter

Optimus looked at Wheeljack, his confusion and horror giving way to suspicion and trepidation. The bots knew that it wasn't directed at them, but at what they had just suggested.

"Ratchet, are you sure about this?" He asked, "It is no secret that you care for the organic, and I fear that Massacre may be trying to use that sentiment against you."

"Believe me, I was skeptical too." Ratchet told him. "But she knew things, things only the organic could have possibly known. I don't know how it happened, but my friend is alive, and she needs help."

"She said that cons were trying to find her, and we could hear them in the background." Wheeljack added.

"Optimus, if the organic really is inside Massacre, we can't just stand idly by while Megatron does Primus knows what to her."

Optimus mulled this over, looking at the three bots before his optic sensors settled on his old friend.

"I am not saying we shouldn't look into this," Optimus decided, "but we will take all necessary precautions. Ironhide and I will accompany you to Massacre's location."

"Optimus, you're going?" Ratchet questioned.

"I've extinguished her spark before," Optimus explained, "and if this proves to be a trap, I will do so again."

...

Huddled in her hiding spot along the ridge, Massacre waited. Every servo in her body wanted nothing more than to run for the hills, but she knew that if she was to get away online, she had to wait for Ratchet. Her audio receptors picked up a strange sound, almost like the one her cannon made when she powered it up. However, this sound was far louder and deeper, and its source became quite apparent rather quickly.

A large, swirling green portal opened up behind Massacre, bathing her ridge in the vortex of light, she peaked around her ridge to see three bots emerging from the light. One was a large red bot that was twice as big as any bot she'd ever seen. The second was a blue and red bot that she did recognize, and the third was a familiar faceplate that she was so happy to see.

"Autobots, fan out." Optimus addressed the two bots he was with. "And Ironhide, this is a search and rescue mission until I deem it otherwise. That means you do not engage Massacre."

"I hear ya." Ironhide told Optimus. "I may not like this, but ya ain't led me astray so far."

Massacre took a deep breath, then called out.

"I'm over here."

The three bots paused, both Optimus and Ironhide bringing out their weapons. Massacre flinched at the sounds, but forced herself to stay calm.

"Come out with your servos up." Ironhide ordered.

Massacre slowly got to her feet, lifting her hands up in a pacifying gesture as she came into view of the Autobots. She locked gazes with Ratchet, giving him a small smile.

"Hey Ratchet." she said softly. "Thanks for coming."

"You think I'd let my friend rust away in that sadistic con's body?" Ratchet questioned.

"Hold Ratchet." Optimus warned. "While I trust your judgement, until we can be certain she is no threat to us, necessary precautions must be taken."

Ironhide reached for his hip, pulling out a pair of cuffs hooked onto it. Before he could even take one step towards Massacre, a voice called out from the skies.

"Optimus Prime!" Starscream called out. "Thank you so much for finding our wayward Decepticon!"

The four bots turned as Starscream landed behind them, a platoon of vehicons behind him. They all aimed their weapons at the bots, Optimus and Ironhide doing the same. Ratchet instinctively moved himself between the cons and Massacre.