Shattered

Chapter Six

"Ironshadow, you say Iron Blade had Skyshadow captured. Why not simply take her to the brig immediately?"

"She probably has loads of info on the Autobots, dude," added Soundwave exuberantly.

"Soundwave is correct. We could have interrogated her."

Ironshadow shook his helm, a grave expression on his faceplate as he turned his gaze to the two mechs.

"My friends, while I agree that Skyshadow has a wealth of useful information about her faction, I had no other choice. She was only here for knowledge of her missing comrade's well-being.

"And how long do you think we'd be able to keep her imprisoned?"

All mechs were silent for several kliks.

Skyshadow had a reputation of being a very skilled escape artist.

"You may be correct, Ironshadow," Megatron said, a hint of disapproval in his tone. "However, that does not explain or justify your choices this day."

"Megatron," Ironshadow said, his formerly calm voice revealing a slight hint of irritation. "You know what the alternative would have been.

"My daughter as you know is a very capable fighter."

Starscream rose an optic ridge, crossing his servos. "And so is your oldest son. Who had her captured."

"While that is true, dear friend," replied the older Vosian. "I do not know that they are as evenly matched as they once were. And while Iron Blade may possibly be the more skilled at combat- "

The Armada captain shook his helm once more, looking out at the sky through the giant window at the end of the bridge.

"I fear that my wayward daughter is too unpredictable to trust not to take drastic measures to escape her brother. And while he knows that, he would not be prepared to take similar action."

"So Skyshadow fights dirty sometimes," Soundwave said with a shrug. "She's a wild card, yeah. But we could still take her."

"And risk the troops?"

Megatron interjected. "You believe that if Skyshadow was not permitted to see the Autobot Sideswipe, she would have taken- More drastic measures to find him anyways?"

"That is what I fear," Ironshadow replied soberly. He turned his helm back to look at the Decepticon leader.

"Though Iron Blade and I still share a bond with Skyshadow, neither of us have been able to predict her or tell what her motives are for many vorns. If pushed, she will not show restraint."

"I understand," Megatron said, tone mirroring his captain's. "I apologize for doubting you, Ironshadow."

"No reason to apologize, Megatron. Your concerns were well founded."

"What do you suggest we do then, Father?"

All four mechs involved in the conversation, along with the eavesdropping troopers, turned at the new voice.

Iron Blade leaned against the door frame, scowling.

His gaze was directed at Ironshadow alone as he spoke again.

"What do we do when my sister returns for her friend?"

Megatron and Starscream exchanged a look before turning back to the Vosian captain.

The mech had turned fully towards the window, gazing out into the cloud filled sky.

"We will be ready," he said quietly. "And hopefully, Sideswipe will have recovered enough to return to the Autobots with her."