Having slipped passed Ratchet's radar, Smokescreen wonders through the halls of the makeshift Autobot base, the young recruit is very curious of the human world and the new base he has taken shelter in, even if such a trait often lead to a lecture from the grumpy doctor.

Through one of the many large doors, a shimmer of silver catches his optics, gleaming out from behind the dirty glass. Smokescreen hums in thought and turns, placing one hand over a control panel the causing the door to creak open. The gears groan in dire need of oil, the Elite Guard winces covering his audios at the horrid sound, “Primus I know these humans have oil! Poor thing... I'll bring you some later alright?” he speaks the old machine in pity. Shaking away the ringing noise he walks into the hanger, he reaches out to the hidden silver object, the slight gleam beaconing him closer, wanting to be held again. With two fingers he grabs it, it feels like the fabric humans wear, but, with the same texture as his own skin. Smokescreen pulls it free and discovers the item to be a human clothing article meant for the torso with a helmet attached to the rear neck line to be easily pulled up.

“The scrap is this?” He finally mutters, “No one said anything about the humans having armor....” One quick twist of his right wrist and the back of the garment is displayed, showing off a Decepticon symbol stitched with surgical precision and care. But it is a vibrant red, not a vile purple.

“Hey Smokescreen!”

“Ah!” the white with blue and red Autobot jumps and spins, looking towards the ground finding his human friends at his feet, “Oh! Hey, Jack, Miko, Raf.” He greets them still holding the odd piece of armor, “I thought you were still at the Hall of Learning.”

Miko raises one eyebrow, “You mean school? Yeah, the seniors have state finals so everyone else got out early today! Isn't that great!”

“I.... guess,” Smokescreen answers unfamiliar with Earth learning rituals.

Rafael steps back a bit looking up at the Autobot's hand, “What are you holding?”

The white titan blinks then looks back at his right hand, “Oh! This, I'm not sure. I found it.” He drops to one knee and lowers the fabric to them, “Looks about your size though.”

Jack grabs it and holds it in front of him then flips it over to see the back, “Hey, its of the hoodies Knockout made us.”

“Knockout made you that?” Smokescreen asks confused then smirks, “Haha, very funny. Seriously, what is it?”

Miko takes the hoodie, “Just what he said it was. An armored hoodie Knockout made us. Well, not our Knockout. A mirrored Knockout!” She smiles brightly holding up the red Decepticon symbol so Smokescreen can get a better look.

“Mirror Knockout?” Smokescreen inquires even more confused.

Rafael nods, “Before you crashed here, there was a malfunction the the ground bridge that flung the three of us into a Universe that mirrors our own. Everything was reversed of what it is here. Optimus was Megatron. Megatron was Optimus. The Autobots wanted to destroy the planet and the Decepticons wanted to save Earth.

“There were even mirrored versions of us there,” Jack adds.

Smokescreen barks a laugh, “Okay, you three are making this up. Even if it did happen how did you three get back here?”

“A solar flare!” Rafael answers in a matter of fact tone, “Mirror verse and our verse are one week apart. They are behind us and we used that to get back home.”

“It was amazing!” Miko states, “I wasn't scared! Megatron and his good 'Cons saved us from the evil 'Bots and we brought down there strong hold then Soundwave got us back home!

“You are making this up!” Smokescreen declares not believing a word.

“No we're not” Jack counters, “It's true!”

Smokescreen shakes his head and stands back up, “If I saw it with my own eyes I would believe you three and not a second sooner.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Across the dimensional plane, in a world considered the mirrored version to our own, a strange pod has crashed on Earth carrying a scrambled Decepticon signal and an unintended passenger. Both Megatronus Prime and Optimus order their troops to investigate the find in hope of beating each other. However, a curious native to Earth discovers it first. A human teenager with black hair wearing a  camouflage pattern tee shirt and brown cargo pants, clutching a sketch books against his left side hurries across the landscape, bounding over the terrain as he follows the trail of smoke. His frantic pace slows once the pod comes into view.

Jack let's out a low whistle between pants for air, “Maybe that's one of Megatronus's troops. Dreadwing said there were many more scattered to the stars. Hmm, I wonder who this is?” The humans looks left then right, no sign of the titan aliens as of yet, he opens the sketch book and quickly begins to draw the pod.

A sudden click is heard causing Jack to jump, his pencil scratching across the page making a dark unintended line. He ducks behind the boulder and peaks out around the lower edge. The pod slides open giving off an soft light. Its passenger groans and places both hands on either side of the opening and pulls itself up. Jack's heart leaps into his throat, another titan! Surely it was a Blue-Eye, er, a Decepticon. It had to be! Excitement takes over, he flips the page and begins to the sketch the newcomer.

The newcomer slowly looks around then over his right shoulder and to the ground near where Jack was hiding. Light from both the pod and the dimly lit sky above shows this alien to have deep dark purple and red markings with striking marks of bright blue. But easily the brightest light source, which froze Jack in place, are the newcomer's gleaming red optics. The human gasps in fright and backs into his hiding spot in hope he wasn't spotted.

The newcomer let's out a short 'hmph' then turns to looks towards the sky, “Here comes the welcoming committee. I'll give Megatron a good what for! He and his troops will never know what hit him!” The titan turns and runs from the crashed pod, Jack quickly spotting the Autobot symbol flanked by a three lines on the newcomer's shoulder.

“What is he?” the human muses looking at his half drawn picture, “A special ops Autobot?”

A loud thud shakes the ground causing Jack to look back out. A large green flier stands near the pod then looks at the ground, “Dreadwing to Starscream! Whatever was in this pod took off towards the west!”

“Follow it on foot, I'll follow by air. Breakdown is heading to your position with orders to follow you,” Starscream replies over the com link, “And watch out for Optimus's insect pets will you!”

“I won't let them chomp on me again,” Dreadwing replies and starts towards the west, “Jack, You stay there.”

“How did you see me!” Jack protest crawling out from under the rock.

Dreadwing looks at his small friend and smirks, “You were in the area, of course you would be here. Now stay hidden in case they come back this way-”

“Dreadwing look out!” Jack suddenly cries out.

The bulky flier was given little time to react to the warning as a large robotic insect pounce him with an  loud mechanical roar. Dreadwing cries out at the bug bites down then uses his free hand to bash against his opponent's head, “Let go of me you blasted bug!”

Several more of the cries erupt through the forest as more Insecticons emerge from the over growth charging towards their captured meal. Missiles whistle from high above exploding around the hoard of over sized bugs as Starscream performs a nose dive into the clearing, “Get off of him!” The sleek white seeker snarls as he opens fire.

Dreadwing frees himself from his attacker and quickly tosses it into the on coming hoard, “Scrap! He snarls pulling out his large gun and firing into the masses as he starts a slow retreat.

“Hey save some fun for me!” a red Decepticon appears swinging his large hammer, “Get in line! I'll break all of you!” Breakdown yells as he swings.

Starscream leaps from the middle of the mayhem and back to the edges near his comrades and yells into the forest, “Hiding behind your bugs again, Optimus! Come out and show yourself you coward! Or are you so broken by the true Prime that you never wish to show your face again!”

“Says the one hiding in the skies!” Optimus roars back emerging from the trees, his armor gleaming black and red as he opens fire on his opponents, “Fall back my pets! We will handle these intruders! You there!” he snarls looking at the newcomer, “If you truly are an Elite Guard step forward and prove it!”

“With pleasure!” the young Autobot runs back towards the fight firing towards the Decepticons.

Breakdown simply laughs, “That's your Elite Guard! He is too young to be of any use!”

The newcomer snarls, “The name's Smokescreen! And I'm the last opponent you'll ever face!”

“Try me!” Breakdown counters rushing ahead to meet the young gun as Starscream and Dreadwing offer up cover fire.

The large red Decepticon swings his hammer wide, but Smokescreen easily jumps over the brute kicking him from behind then opening fire, “Come on wrecker! Is that all you got! Are have you been turned soft by that medic!” He then smirks at Breakdown's snarl, “What? I spent a lot of time in the Hall of Records. Plenty of time to read you know, well, maybe you don't!”

“Fire in the hole!” Dreadwing shouts tossing several live grenades into the battle field.

Breakdown quickly shifts to his wheels and races from the landing site. Smokescreen blinks looking at his opponent fleeing, “Hey! I'm not do-”

“Get out of there you idiot!” Arcee calls out too late. The grenades explode knocking Smokescreen face down into the dirt  forcing him to scramble back towards his leader as his back cries out in burning pain.

Optimus snarls, “Pull back! We got what we came for!” He harshly grabs Smokescreen and drags him as they run back through a ground bridge.

Starscream snarls watching as the Autobots retreat and the Insecticons flee, “And they get stronger still, just great!”

Breakdown huffs, “That young gun? We don't have a thing to worry about! He's all talk and no show.”

Jack climbs back out of his hiding place and looks up at his friends, “So... what's an Elite Guard anyway?”

Dreadwing turn to and picks up Jack letting the human sit in his hand, “Nothing for you to worry about. And you really must learn the concept for staying away from fights.”

“Hey!” the human counters, “I got a good sketch of him at least,” Jack opens his book to his partial sketch of Smokescreen but none of his allies look impress.

Starscream draws his palm to his face, “Tell me again why keeping the young humans around is a good idea?”

“They're resourceful,” Breakdown simply states as he starts to list off examples, “They can get into small places, Miko is as good as Soundwave when is comes to decoding and programs, Raf is one heck of a mechanic and Jack, has sharp eyes for details.”

Dreadwing muffles a snicker as Starscream simply glares at Breakdown, “I still do not see what Megatronus does in them. Let's get out of here.”

Back at the Autobot's makeshift base in an abandoned factory, Ratchet gives the new recruit a look over and informs Smokescreen of the past occurrences and the lost of the Matrix from Autobot hands. Smokescreen looks at Ratchet in disbelief, “Megatron took the Matrix from Optimus? How the scrap did he manage that!”

The blue and white medic huffs, “I am not sure. We had fled once our mighty fortress began to collapse. We waited a solar cycle before heading back, we had thought for certain both Optimus and Megatron had been flatted under the rubble and already began to rust. When we got there, there were tracks from the Decepticon forces, we assumed they dug their leader out. That was later proven correct. Optimus was no where to be seen and his signal was gone. Wheeljack suggested he was a goner but Bumblebee and Arcee began to dig. Bulkhead and Wheeljack were of no help leaving only Bumblebee, Arcee, and myself to search while they insisted we should just leave. Thank the Allspark Bee proved them wrong and found our leader on the brink of deactivation, the Matrix ripped from his spark. He took me quite some time but I did repair our leader. And I will continue to do so until the Matrix is rightfully returned to his hands.”

The young recruit barks a laugh, “What a joke! Optimus couldn't keep a hold of the Matrix of Leadership! Perhaps he does not deserve it then.” Smokescreen gags as Ratchet swiftly clamps one hand around his throat.

“Say that again I will rip your spark out through your mouth,” the medic snarls, “Hear me?”

“Loud and clear, sir,” Smokescreen wheezes out as the medic drops him. Smokescreen rubs his throat and walks from the med-bay looking up towards the ruthless leader of the Autobots. He smirks again keeping his thoughts to himself, 'I knew Optimus couldn't keep a hold on the Matrix. No, even Alpha Trion knew it. Why, he is not fit as a leader. No, but, me, why it's my destiny to be great! And who would be greater then the ruler of Cybertron with the Matrix under my control!'
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Bumblebee and Smokescreen travel side by side on a long stretch of highway with no sign of life save for the rare semi-truck barreling by. Smokescreen drifts over towards the side looking up at the grand rock formations, “Wow, this planet is beautiful. Look at all this green! Bulkhead could almost hide in it! I never saw anything like it on Cybertron.”

“Doesn't Cybertron have plants?” Rafael questions watching Smokescreen out of Bee's rear window. The yellow scout play a negative note then switches to cherry beeps and whirs. “Crystal plants?” the young human echoes, “Sure that looks pretty but do they have a purpose? I mean, these plants make oxygen for us humans to breathe.”

Bumblebee begins to answer but his beeps slow down and seem to fizzle out unable to think of a logical answer, Cyberton had no use for oxygen, the plants used the same energon they did which created a soft glow from their leaves at night, and the crystal nature shimmering the dawn's light in a wondrous display. Aside from looking pretty Bumblebee could not think of anything else.

Smokescreen pipes up, “I heard they were leftovers from ancient Cybertron. One of the ancients, and maybe on of the originals found a plant similar to it and wanted to share its beauty with the rest of Cybertron. The first crystal plant still stands, or at least it did on the out skirts of Iacon. It's probably been uprooted or destroyed by now.” The young Elite Guard becomes sadden by the idea, “I hope not....”A longing whir of agreement comes from Bumblebee.

Rafael smiles, “Maybe it was based off an Earth plant! A lot of the plants hear are hard to kill. Maybe its still alive, just asleep.”

Across the invisible mirror that separates the worlds and hides each from the other, Knockdown and Breakdown enjoy a similar drive down a deserted highway. The blond headed leather clad youth in Breakdown's passenger seat sits his hands pressed to the glass, “The news is nothing but lies. At least hear. The United States aren't a barren alien wasteland. Still plenty of green here.”

“Think Optimus and the Autobots caused too big of a scare,” Breakdown notes.

Knockout agrees, “From what we've observed those who have remained here have returned to a, what's the term, pioneer like state of living? I think. Your human history has far to many moments in too short of a time frame.”

“You live for only one hundred years, you do what you can in that time,” Raf points out.

Knockout chuckles, “Indeed. If you keep up with your studies under our watch you could be a medic in no time!”

“I still don't care for your idea Knockout...,” Breakdown voices tightening the seat belt around Raf some.

The young human laughs and pats Breakdown's dashboard, “Relax big fella. I'm still learning the ins and outs of Cybertron anatomy and biology. But what if its just you and me all alone and we can't contact Knockout or the other, then I could fix you. Wreckers should be able to fix other wreckers, right?”

“Primus I hope that never happens,” Breakdown groans, “But, yes, you should know how to fix me and I you. Though, we are both fuzzy on the subject.

Knockout laughs, “Oh yes be afraid. You could get stuck in the mirror world with only Rafael!”

“That anit funny,” Breakdown growls at his partner, “I never won't to be somewhere were I have to ask Optimus for help.”

“Would you though?” Rafael inquires sitting back on the seat.

Breakdown barks a laugh, “I'll go head to head against Unicron with one arm tied behind my back before I ask an Autobot for help!”

Knockout pulls off to the side behind an abandoned farm house, “Let's stop here for a moment. I need to stretch.” The blue medic offers before shifting and standing, stretching his limbs as the sun catches his various battle scars, Breakdown joining him while Rafael stands under them.
-----------

“Hey,” Smokescreen chirps to his companions, “Let's stop for a moment, I need to stand up.”

Bumblebee whistles and leads them to a farm house providing enough coverage for the large aliens to stand while still be hidden from view.

Rafael rolls his shoulder then places his remote control car on the ground, “Might as well test the thing out.” He starts the small toy and sends it speeding across the dirt, chasing after it playfully and weaving it through Bumblebee and Smokescreen's legs, “Alright, now for a range test!” he orders the car away from them down a beaten path towards the dead crop fields.

Rafael places his latest device on the ground typing in a few figures, “Hands free, test three. Start!” The device whirs to life, a small camera looks around the proceeds down the path towards the abandoned fields with Rafael trotting after it.

Sooner then expected, the remote control car looses the signal causing Rafael to run out to get it, “Aw man! Need to fine tune it some more. Maybe if I-” He reaches out the pick up the small yellow car but is suddenly zapped seemingly by thin air, “OW!” The youth cries out dropping the remote, hissing then tries to cool his burnt knuckle with his tongue.
----------------

“OW!” Rafael standing on the opposite side of the mirror cries in shock having received the same burn from the thin air shock, “What caused that!”

“Are you okay?” Breakdown asks running up to his friend.

“Static shock,” Raf answers, “Powerful one, though.”
-----------------

Bumblebee let's out a worried beep dashing to Raf's side. “I'm okay. Static shock, I think.”

Though rarely one for sullying his pristine red armor in combat, Knockout slowly approaches Smokescreen and Bumblebee his stun prod out and ready, “Those humans really are a deadly distraction. Oh Breakdown, how I miss these days. You're brutish nature would be quite handy right now.”
----------------

Across the mirror, Smokescreen sneaks up on his prey of medics, “With those battle wounds you stick out like a broken frame. Hey, now there's an idea....” The Elite Guard silently chuckles drawing his blaster.

Rafael finally give in with a groan allowing Knockout to inspect the minimal wound, “its nothing honestly.”

Breakdown looks up and around, “Might be static in the air from a coming storm. All that water in you probably attracted it.”

“I've never heard of that happ-” Raf goes wide-eyed spying the sinister red eyes of the Autobot intruder, “It's Smokescreen! Behind you!”
------------------

“Behind you!” Rafael calls out, “Knockout!”

“Scrap!” the red medic snarls and charges towards them, Smokescreen drawing his weapons to attack, Bumblebee transforming and scooping up Rafael then races from the battle field.

“Pest!” Smokescreen snarls and charges in firing madly.
------------------

Breakdown roars at his opponent and draws his hammer charging at the intruder. Knockout shifts and opens his door for Rafael, “Let's run for-oof!” Knockout gets knocked away from the human, Smokescreen having slipped pass Breakdown's attack and scoops up the human.

“Well look here! I got a squishy trophy!” the young warrior laughs as Raf beats against his hand.

“Put him down!” Breakdown snarls in anger.
----------------

On the other side, Smokescreen charges at Knockout, wanting to keep all attention on him so that Bee and Raf could safely escape, “Bring it on Doc Knock!”

“A young gun like you should learn some manners!” the medic counters forcing his rod against Smokescreen's spark chamber causing the Elite Guard to scream in pain, “Lesson one. Respect your elders.” He pulls away the stun rod and kicks Smokescreen back.

The white Autobot stumbles still dazed from the first attack before hitting something solid. Whatever it is promptly shocks him again and pushes him away, “What the?” Smokescreen inquires looking over his shoulder but sees nothing.
------------------

His mirror counter part stumbles as a similar electric jolt jars him back forward, the dark purple 'Bot turns expecting Knockout but finds no one there, “What hit me?”

“Gotcha!” Breakdown grabs Smokescreens wrist twisting various pressure points forcing his grip on Rafael to loosen, “Rafael! Hop on and hold on!”

“Thanks!” the human youth drops to Breakdown's arm and scurries up the titan away from the struggling Autobot as Breakdown keeps a firm hold on both his arms.

Smokescreen snarls, “Let go of me wrecker!”
-------------------

Knockout smirks, “Lesson two! Always keep your eye on the prize!” The medic charges and slams Smokescreen hoping to knock him down. Instead, Smokescreen gets pushed back and hits the invisible barrier again. The young warrior yells in pain at the shock runs the length of his back and up his wings taking on a blue hue. Knockout blinks going wide-eyed at trying to figure out what was causing this.

On the other side of the barrier, mirror Smokescreen was howling in pain as well, leaving his opponents to stare in shock at the shocking attack changes from blue to green, followed by yellow then a vibrant orange.

The color change happens in sync in both times escalating the pain. Both Smokescreens try to stop their yell, feeling like a magnet was trying to force them away from whatever was causing it but they were unable to move becoming more and more frozen in place as the colors intensify.

“Breakdown!” Knockout calls to his red ally, “What are you waiting for!”

“Right!” By all means Breakdown should have simply let go and let Smokescreen drop and rust. Such a forceful electrocution would knockout even a much larger mech for couple solar cycles. They would have gotten away scratch free, hell maybe even rid themselves of an Autobot. But no, this Autobot had tried to harm Rafael! Breakdown wanted this youngster to bear a permanent reminder and warning to never try such a thing again. Breakdown pulls his head back and smashes his forehead against Smokescreen's.

The barrier could take no more abuse. Now burning a bright red around both of the Smokescreens as they were being pushed against it, coupled with Breakdown's last assault, a shatter is heard. Everything around Breakdown suddenly goes red as he feels himself falling forward. He pushes his opponent down and away while jumping. But his foot catches on something causing him crash face first in to the ground. Rafael hangs on for dear life curling his small self into the spare wheel on Breakdown's back trying to hide away from the intense heat and deafening noise.

When the shatter occurs, Knockout releases Smokescreen without hesitation and darts away holding up his arms. The pain gone, and feeling something pushing him, the young warrior stumbles backwards then collapses on his back feeling the cracked earth under him. With a groan he blacks out into a forced power down.

This was bad, this was bad! Three human youths pound their feet as the run through a nightmarish landscape that was, perhaps once upon a time, their home of Jasper, Nevada. They weren't sure as to how they got here, something must have caused the ground bridge to become unstable. Suddenly the lone female of the group darts behind some rubble, then grabs and pull the tallest male, who in turn grabs their youngest member. At last, a chance to catch their breathe and clear their lungs of smoke. They cough heavily then breathe through either sleeves or collars.

“W-where are we?” Rafael whimpers in fear.

Miko answers sarcastically, “Jasper, Nevada. Welcome to Hell on Earth! Enjoy your stay.”

“Miko!” Jack snarls at her looking out from their hiding place. This was wrong, this wasn't the Jasper they knew.  Raf's idea of going to a different dimensional seems more logical by the second, more so after crossing what they thought was a Decepticon, but its eyes were blue, not red.

They can't run forever. Humans by nature had large brains, time to use them to figure out this mess. Another explosion, guess they would have to think on the run! The trio climbs up the rubble pile and slides down the other side, starting their sprint once more. But not full speed, keep a steady pace, endurance was needed more importantly then speed. Speed they could use when danger was close by. How had all this happened? Rafael stares straight ahead following after his faster friends trying to put two and two together.

~One hour earlier ~

A Saturday like any other. Spring Break had started and Jasper was soon to become a ghost town as many left for vacation. But not Jack, Miko, and Rafael, nothing offered by normal vacation standards could best spending a week at a secret base of giant alien robots. As far as Miko's host family, and Rafael's parents knew, a school event had been arranged for Spring Break that the trio would be attending. With June as a 'volunteer chaperon' they agree to the matter. The children would be on a safe educational trip for a week to learn of the native wildlife and how life was before technology.

Bumblebee celebrated the idea if it meant more time with Rafael, the young scout considered the him like a little brother. Bulkhead jumped at the idea, now him and Miko could have a blast just like any best friends would during a week long holiday. Arcee had no arguments to to idea, her and Jack could use to time to prefect her performance as well as give Jack adrenaline pumping entertainment that any teenager desired. Optimus Prime was unsure of the idea, concern for their safety, one false move and the humans would be squished. But, the idea of them recharging in the higher areas of the base and agreeing to not be under foot soothed the leader into allowing the idea. Ratchet was the lone bot to despise such an idea. The humans were bad enough on the weekends, but now to have to listen to their mindless chatter and harsh noises for a week! The medic groans at the idea but was severally outnumbered. He begrudgingly agrees, if nothing else, perhaps young Rafael could be of some aide with this horrid human technology.

But of course, the Decepticons remain ever present as the secret war rages on. It would appear they were getting an early start, and already the Autobots were getting called to battle. Miko saw it as a perfect way to start the vacation. After making sure Ratchet wasn't looking, she darts for the bridge. Jack calls after and races to catch her. Raf looks up and runs after Jack trying to stop the oldest youth from running through, you would think Miko would learn by now such activities were dangerous.

At the other end, Bulkhead is the last to hop out but the ground bridge does not fizzle as normal behind him. With the humans still inside, it stays lit as Ratchet reaches towards the lever to close it. But suddenly, the ground bridge begins to shake and warp tossing the three humans within. A warning beeps on the screen catching his attention, “What the... electro magnetic interference? What could be causing th-” he cuts himself off turning to see the humans gone. His mind suddenly clicks, “A solar flare? No! Ratchet to Optimus! Anyone! Look behind you! Are the children inside the bridge?”

Bulkhead turns and sees the kids struggling to keep balance inside the ethereal tunnel, “What are you doing! Go back!”

“No!” Ratchet cries, “Get them out of a there! A solar flare is intervening with it! Get them out! Now!”

“Bulkhead!” Miko calls out in fright. 

“Miko!” Bulkhead reaches towards the ground bridge to grab them as the trio dashes towards the large hand.

But both parties are to slow. The blue and green swirl suddenly changes to yellow, then orange, and finally takes on a reddish hue. The bridge collapses in on itself with the humans still inside. Out both ends is shot a hot blast of air, strong enough to knock Bulkhead back and to his hind side with a hiss from the heat. On the other side, the air whips out and knocks Ratchet into the computer causing it and him to the fizzle for a few minutes.

Bulkhead looks up in shock, “Miko!”

“Jack!” Arcee calls out.

Bumblebee let's out a worried beep.

Optimus stares in shock, “No! Ratchet! Get a fix on the humans!”

Ratchet struggles back up, the hot blast nearly crippling the old medic, as he begins to frantically search for them, “Come on come on.”

“Ratchet!” Optimus calls again almost angry, his voice holding urgency.

“By the All Spark....” Ratchet answers, “I... I'm sorry. I can't detect them. They've seemed to have disappeared from the very planet.”

“No!” Optimus cries out, no humans were suppose to be harmed, much less killed!

But they lived. As for where they were, neither had a clue. It looked like Jasper, but also like a nuke had been dropped on it. Jack, Miko, and Rafael push themselves up, skin singed by the looks of a sunburn, what a trip. “Way to go Miko,” Raf comments.

“Hey, you didn't have to follow me, pipsqueak,” Miko points out.

“Not now guys,” Jack speaks pulling out his phone and trying to call his partner, “Arcee! Arcee, can you hear me?” His signal seemed clear, a blessing in itself.

But the voice that answered wasn't the Arcee he knew, “How did you get this com link?”

“Arcee?” Jack questions looking at the phone, “Is that you?”

“Who is this!” the female voice hisses.

Jack cocks an eyebrow, “Th-this isn't a time for games! Look, I'm sorry we went through the bridge. But, can you and the others come get us. I'm not sure were we are. Jasper, I think. Or what used to be it.”

The voice sneers again, “You got some nerve human, I'll enjoy ending your life.” And with that the line goes dead.

Jack stares at the phone in shock, “Whoa... she's mad.”

“Great...” Raf groans.

Miko growls, “Another lecture from Optimus. Fantastic!”

“Guys, she threaten to end by life,” Jack points out.

Miko looks at him in disbelief, “Did you get the wrong number?”

Suddenly a shot rings above their heads crumpling what was left of a building. They look to their attacker finding... Arcee? No, it couldn't be. This Arcee... her optics were red! Her colors were darker, a more silverly blue, and red instead of pink accents, “Hello, human. Needed a lift?” Her voice drips with venom, bearing a dark reminder to that of Arachnid.

The humans back away from the killer two wheeler as she makes a slow approach, “Have you chosen to turn yourselves over as our slaves?”

“Slaves! Arcee! You're an Autobot! What happened to you!” Jack demanded looking at this rouge.

“Oh, nothing, just taking over you planet, piece by pathetic piece,” with a dark laugh she reaches down to them as they scramble up against the rubble. This was wrong, did they land in an alternate reality? Why was Arcee behaving like a Decepticon!

A battle cry came above them, something purple and white leaps from behind the rubble and tackles this fake Arcee away. Webbing flies and ties down the Autobot, the white figure stands on eight legs and looks under her self to the humans, “Run you fools!”

“Spider bot!” Miko cries out, indeed it did look like Arachnid, but different, first her color, and her optics, they were a brighter purple, full of concern for them, not hate. But the sight of a familiar foe was enough to get their legs moving and off the trio runs as the red eyed Arcee frees herself and launches at the white spider.

Keeping together, the trio runs through the ruins, first thinking to head towards the Autobot base. That idea quickly changed seeing a dark formidable tower standing in it's place, a purple Autobot symbol was illuminated bright on one side. This was wrong, they must be going mad! What was going on! What was happening? A Decepticon had just saved them from an Autobot, and Autobot that tried to kill them, tried to enslave them!

More shot fire around them, seems they had ran into a battle field. No time to think, no time to plan, only time to run. Something flies in front of them for a moment halting their run. It was Starscream! But, bearing a Decepticon insignia that was colored red. His colors were brighter, no longer that dull silver but more vibrant, like he stood for the shining hope of the future, not dark destruction. They catch a look at his optics, burning a brilliant blue. Whatever blast rocketed him towards them left a mark on one shoulder, but the energon that leaked out was pink, not blue. The Decepticon appears to not have seen them, he jumps back up and launches several missiles fleeing back into the fray, “Come here Autoscum!” Nice to hear his insults were the same. So far that was the only thing that was familiar.

A clear path, they run ahead, looking around perplexed and scared, Rafael at one point swearing he saw Bumblebee, but his colors were inverted, and the scouts optics glowed red like Arcee's had.

~Present~

Raf wasn't sure how much longer he could run, his small body was built for technological work, not long distance running. He began to slow down out of breathe, “Guys! Guys wait!”

Jack slides to a halt retreating to grab Rafael and pull him forward, “Come on! We have to keep running Raf!”

“I can't!” the blond headed boy protest.

Miko rebuttals, “The red eyed 'Bots are going to catch up! Or the blue eyed 'Cons will see us! Come on!”

“Well, well,” a familiar deep voice rings from above, “Look what I found.”

They look up, it was Bulkhead, but his optics to were now a sinister red, the army green now a toxic looking shade. Wrecking ball raised he chuckles, “How squishy are you three?”

“Bulk...” Miko looks up in disbelief, “Bulk! No! It's me! Miko!” tears begin to run down her face.

“That's not our Bulkhead!” Jack points out. He looks around but they were trapped by the towering Autobot.

With a battle cry, he swings the wrecking ball, the humans brace for impact. Another cry is heard followed by the sound of metal hitting metal. They hadn't been squashed. Miko looks up, is was Breakdown who rescued them now! Breakdown's colors were changed from blue to red, his face yellow and the optic they briefly saw closer to orange, the gray however remained to same

“Whoa....” was all Miko could manage.

“Leave the humans alone!” Breakdown snarls knocking the wrecking ball away and hammering into Bulkhead, “Get out of here you three!”

No time to ask questions. The trio of human youths take off again new energy found after seeing Bulkhead nearly squash them on purpose. They make it out of the city and into the open desert hearing the battle wage on behind them. It seems Jasper had been lost to the Cybertron Civil War. The rest of the planet surely knows by now. Not sure where to go, but unable to stay, they head off at a slower pace, Jack thinking of a stream he and Arcee had located. They couldn't call for back up, that risk them getting harm. Arcee, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead were now their enemies. Did that make all Autobots the bane of mankind now? Then... that would mean the Decepticons are the good guys!

Jack groans at the thought, “Bot are bad and Cons are good. What are we going to do? We are so dead.”

“Have to agree with ya there, Darby,” Miko replies.

Raf whimpers still trailing behind them, “Its like we are in a mirror universe. We some how shattered the glass and got to this side.”

“I hope we can re-shatter it and get back,” Jack notes.

They hear an aircraft above but out in the wide open there was no where to hide. Was it Megatron? And if so, was he now a good guy? Whoever it was, drops from the sky, its armor a deep black with dark red markings hinted with gold. The being towers over them at least two maybe three stories tall. They screech to a halt and look up at the alien.

It finally speaks, making a cold chill run down their spines, “Well, well, look who I found.” The figure turns around revealing himself to be none other then... Optimus Prime. Normally this would make them jump for joy but not this time, this time, he was the last being they wanted to cross paths with. He resembles the harbinger of death cast in a Cybertron form, optics a horrid terrifying shade of red. He draws his weapon and aims it at the humans, “Only time I will ask you this, join as my slaves, or perish.

The humans step back and topple to their rears. There would be no running from this, no where to hide. They were far from the battle, no mirror verse Decepticon to save them this time. They look at the powerful leader of the Autobots in pure fear. Pulses racing, breathes grow short, tears begin to roll down their cheeks. This was the end of their short lives. Never again would they see their families, never again would they see the Autobots they once knew and loved. Miko and Raf huddle behind Jack, who bravely shields them. But it would be no good, one shot would destroy them in a matter of seconds.

The dark Optimus narrows his eyes, “Then per-”

“Optimus!”

Another familiar, this one causes the humans' stomachs to sink even lower and their hearts catch in their throats.  Both parties look to the west. Optimus's jaw is greeted with a swift punch from Megatron himself. The Decepticon leader doesn't let up and continues to pound the dark Prime with various kicks and punches knocking him away from the humans.

The dueling titans then draw their swords and clash against each other, “Optimus! Have you not caused enough damage already!” Megatron snarls, “Already have you plunged Cybertron into darkness, poisoning her by take that which does not belong to you! You are now so low as to attack children!”

“Spare me Megatron,” Optimus snarls, “You, a gladiator, have no business becoming a Prime. What was the council thinking, those blind fools.”

“The council is dead!” Megatron spits back, “Do you intend on darkening the entire Universe! Enough of your madness! Stop this! Now!”

“And let you, and your foolish ideas come to fruition,” Optimus scoffs, “I rather Cybertron dead then to continue as it was, under your guidance.”

Megatron grunts and looks to the startled humans, “Then I at least ask, leave the humans out of this! They have no part in our fighting!”

Optimus laughs, “Oh but they do. Purely by being on a planet where so much was stowed away. They are in my way, no better then scraplets these fleshly pests!”

Rafael gapes at the scene in awe as the titans engage their shoving match, “Are... is Megatron saving us!”

“I think so,” Jack answers.

Miko swallows, “Weirdest, Spring Break, ever.”

Suddenly a portal appears, a heavily scratched and dirty blue sports car speeds through, followed by a bulky green flier. The sports car calls out, “Megatron! Jasper is lost! We have to get out of here! Hurry!”

“Knockout! Get the humans!” the blue eyed leader calls out.

Knockout pauses then spies the humans, “Scrap....” None the less he races forward causing them to jump to their feet as he whips around, “Hop in you three!” The medic orders swinging open his doors. No longer pristine, he chassis was covered by marks of war aplenty.

“Are we seriously siding with the Cons?” Miko questions.

“We are seriously siding with the Cons,” Jack answers nearly pushing them into the sport car before jumping in behind them.

“Dreadwing!” Knockout calls heading back to the bridge, “Cover me!”

“No!” Optimus snarls breaking free from Megatron only to meet a barrage from Dreadwing's canon. Megatron hurries away from the fight turning and firing at his rival motioning for Dreadwing to retreat as Knockout races back through, then following after them. “Soft spark cowards!” Optimus cries out leaping at the portal, but it vanishes before he makes contact. Clenching one fist, Optimus Prime snarls, "Autobots to me. Send the drones and put our new slaves to use finishing my fortress of power on this world.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

At lastlong, they could catch their breathe. Hours it feel liek they ran, legs burning from over use, lungs stinging from the hot air filled with shrapnel and smoke. They cough into their clothes once more fully aware of who they were getting a lift from. But... if these was truly a mirror universe to their own, they should be safe.... right?

“Are you three okay?” Knockout suddenly asks slowly riding through the Decepticon base back to the main bridge.

Miko and Rafael freeze to frighten to answer. Jack, being in the passenger seat stutters, “Ye-eah....Are... is your name... Knockout?”

“It is,” the car answer calmly.

Jack continues, “A-A Decepticon, m-medic. Correct.”

Knockout suddenly stops jolting his passengers, “How did.... we've never met! How did you know that!”

“Long story,” Jack answers and Knockout continues through the base, “But... this is Earth. Right?”

“Are you sure you are okay, human?” Knockout questions, “Where else can you locate your species? You seemed surprised, and well... we are aliens. There is no need to fear us Decepticons. It is the Autobots you should worry about. As you saw. You are lucky to have survived an encounter with their leader.”

“Optimus Prime,” Jack comments.

“A false Prime at that!” Knockout snarls, “But... no, it would be best for Megatron to explain.” The doors suddenly swing open as he halts. The humans look out seeing several familiar, and what they recall, unfriendly forms. Thus they refuse to move, instead scooting further inside.

“It's okay,” Knockout gently nudges them with his seat belts, “We don't hurt humans. Come on.” His tone was comforting, another in a long list of oddities this world gave them. The humans trade and look, Jack nods and steps out first, the other two following. They step in front of the sporty car regrouping into a tight huddle. Knockout transforms without warning standing back up causing the humans to dart from him.

Miko suddenly halts causing Jack to run into her, Raf content to stay hidden between them, thankful he was roughly half their size. They look up locking gazes with Megatron. The silver tyrant was no more, instead of a dark take, his armor was light, his bright blue optics hold hope for the future, not hate towards all he saw.The scars they recalled on his face were gone save one, running down the inside curve near his right optic. He easily outmatched the other Cons in size, the group of humans slowly turn their heads. Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Knockout, Breakdown, Arachnid, Dreadwing, and even a small number of Vechicons standing outside the circle.

The sound of gears churning, Miko and Raf look back ahead and yelp running into and around Jack and getting behind him. Megatron stops his reach towards them retracting his clawed hand then turns it to offer his palm, getting down on one knee, “Do not be afraid, young humans. Are you alright?” Jack turns and look up at him along with the other two humans, an eerie resemblance to how they first met Optimus came to mind. Megatron tilts his head and gives them a soft smile, his expression softening towards the small organics, “I suppose I owe you an explanation. My name is Megatron.” he gestures to those standing around him, “and these are my loyal Decepticons. Do not let our title frighten you. It was a name given to us by the False Prime to strike fear into others. If our means to restore Cybertron are Deceptive in their eyes, then we gladly wear our name. Those who attempted harm to you, are called Autobots. Their leader, the one I was fighting is called-”

“Optimus Prime,” Jack interrupts.

Megatron gets taken back, “You know him?”

Jack shakes his head, “Yes and no. We know his name, and actually all of yours as well.” The humans turns one by one pointing and correctly naming those present, “And.. if this world is what I think it is, it is because of Optimus and the Autobots that Cybertron went dark. And you, Megatron, you were to be the next Prime, but... correct me if I'm wrong, Optimus took it from you and ran. His hate poisoned Cybertron. He named you Decepticons to strike fear into others. But instead you are fighting to revive Cybertron, to make it better then it once was.”

Starscream speaks, “How do you know that...”

“And us!” Breakdown points out.

“W-would you believe us if we told you,” Rafael shyly questions, fearful of the titans surrounding them.

Megatron answers, “We have no reason not to believe you. You have been correct so far, somehow.”

Jack sighs, “Okay... how to explain.”

“Short version,” Miko chimes in, “Where we are from, you are the bad guys and the Autobots are the good guys.”

“And the long version?” Arachnid asks.

Miko breathes deeply, “We befriended the Autobots helped them fight against you guys, Megatron made Cybertron go dark, Optimus Prime is a real Prime and wants to relight Cybertron but doesn't want humans harmed while the Decepticons don't care who gets hurt or how many planets they destroy in Megatron's path to defeating Optimus, somehow we got sent here with no clue other then a groundbridge malfunction.” The female then pants having lost her breathe doing that.

“By the All Spark,” Megatron speaks, “Well, know you are safe here aboard my ship. In fact, this may be the safest place for you.” He takes both hands and gently scoops up the human children in his clawed hands, “But not on the floor.”

A sound of static comes from Soundwave as he points at the humans his colors having a less dramatic change, the silent informent still bore his darken palette but with shades of gold and silver instead of black and purple. His facemask however remaines as dark as ever.

“Then we must watch our step,” Megatron answers then looks back to them, “Now, what do you mean by 'your world'?”