Marcus's POV
Marcus: "So, you're the medic here, huh? By the way, are those people hiding back there going to show themselves, or are they staying hidden? If not, that's fine too."
Marcus (thinking): 'Clearly, it's Jack, Miko, and Raf. How did they get here? It seems like the plot is still following its course somehow.'
Ratchet (frowning): "What are you talking about? There's no one else here except us Autobots."
Marcus: "Yeah, you're probably right. Maybe I'm imagining things. Besides, what would humans be doing on an Autobot base?" I gave him a casual smile before pulling out a strange device from my bag. "By the way, do you know what this is?"
I held the object up, watching Ratchet's expression change as he immediately recognized it.
Ratchet (shocked): "That... that's an Energon Harvester! How in Primus' name did you get your hands on it?!"
Marcus (amused): "Energon Harvester, huh? Judging by your reaction, it's quite valuable. Its name gives away its function extracting Energon, right? I wonder if it works on Cybertronians. You know what you can keep this."
Before Ratchet could respond, Optimus's voice echoed through the base, asking for the Ground Bridge to be activated. Ratchet quickly turned, opening the bridge, and within moments, the Autobot team arrived. Optimus held a cylindrical object in his hand the Data Cylinder I had told them about.
Marcus (grinning): "See? I told you there was a Data Cylinder. And yet, some of you doubted me. Good thing it's in your hands now. Imagine if the Decepticons had gotten it what a disaster that would've been."
Optimus approached, his tone cautious but grateful.
Optimus: "I don't know your true intentions, Marcus, but I thank you for providing the location of the Data Cylinder. However, I must ask how does a human like you have access to Cybertronian knowledge?"
Marcus (smirking): "Even if I told you, Optimus, I doubt you'd believe me. But let's talk about what's really important. What's in that Data Cylinder? it has some of safety mechanism that prevents foreign beings from accessing it."
Ratchet (eyes widening in shock): "That's why you gave us the location!"
Marcus: "Exactly. Why do you think I would give up such valuable information so easily? Now, go on, I'm curious to see what's inside. Although," I thought to myself, 'I already know exactly what it contains just waiting for the formula to be complete.'
Optimus handed the cylinder to Ratchet, who examined it carefully. A few moments later, he let out a gasp.
Optimus: "What's in it, Ratchet?"
Ratchet (in disbelief): "It's a formula for... Synthetic Energon. I can't believe it. This could change everything."
Marcus (nonchalantly): "Yes, it is amazing, isn't it? Now, you won't have to worry about Energon shortages while you're here on Earth."
Arcee (suspicious): "Why are you so fascinated by all of this, Marcus?"
Marcus: "Miss Arcee, this formula could help power a Space Bridge something quite useful for me. It's not like I can go around fighting Decepticons for Energon, right? Anyway, now that done let's move on to the deal. I came for the Space Bridge information."
Ratchet (confused): "Didn't you just say you needed the Synthetic Energon formula to power the Space Bridge?"
Marcus: "Yes, but I'll manage. I just needed to understand the concept behind it. That's all." 'And thanks to you, I've already memorized the formula. The incomplete errors are now easy enough to solve.'
I smiled inwardly at how smoothly things were going.
Marcus: "So, can I have the Space bridge technology? I've completed my side of the bargain."
Optimus took a deep breath before responding.
Optimus: "Ratchet, give him all the information he requires. But Marcus," he added, turning to me, his tone firm, "I need your word that you won't reveal the location of our base."
Ratchet was about to protest, but Optimus raised his hand, insisting that the deal be honored.
Marcus (smiling): "You have my word. Now, can I get the information?"
With that, the deal was sealed. I had what I needed Space Bridge technology, Synthetic Energon, and soon enough, the knowledge to create Cybermatter. Everything was falling into place.
Autobot Base – After Marcus Leaves
As Marcus disappeared from sight, the Autobots stood in uneasy silence. There was a palpable tension in the air, and it was clear that not everyone felt comfortable with how things had unfolded.
Bulkhead (grumbling): "That guy gives me the creeps. There's something off about him."
Ratchet (crossing his arms): "You're not wrong, Bulkhead. I don't trust him either. How does a human know so much about Cybertronian? And how did he get his hands on an Energon Harvester, of all things?"
Arcee (nodding): "Exactly. Humans shouldn't have access to that kind of tech, let alone be bargaining with it."
Before anyone else could chime in, Miko, who had been eavesdropping on the conversation from behind a console, suddenly popped up, her eyes wide with excitement.
Miko (grinning): "You know what he sounds like? An evil mastermind! he's mysterious, and he's, like, one step ahead of everyone. Totally suspicious if you ask me!"
Bulkhead chuckled at Miko's excitement, though his expression remained wary.
Bulkhead (half-joking): "Wouldn't be surprised if he's got a secret lair somewhere, planning world domination."
Ratchet (serious): "This isn't a joke, Bulkhead. What if he's working with the Decepticons? He knew about the Data Cylinder, has information on the base. If he's not with the Decepticons, then he's certainly planning something on his own."
Arcee (glancing at Ratchet): "He's dangerous, no doubt. He played us, and we handed over critical information. Optimus, I know you wanted to honor the deal, but we have to be careful with him."
Optimus had remained silent throughout the conversation, his gaze distant, as if deep in thought. When everyone turned to him, he finally spoke.
Optimus: "I understand your concerns. Marcus Allen is not an ordinary human his knowledge of Cybertron and its technology is... concerning. However, I do not believe he is aligned with the Decepticons."
Miko (in disbelief): "Wait, what?! How can you say that, Optimus? He totally looks like the type to join Megatron and start some evil plot!"
Optimus (calmly): "While his methods are questionable, I believe Marcus has his own motivations. He is neither reckless nor malicious. He did, after all, assist us in recovering the Data Cylinder a critical piece of Cybertronian history. And let us not forget that he aided in Cliff jumper's recovery."
Ratchet (sighing): "Still, Optimus, he's manipulative. He didn't help us out of the goodness of his heart. He wanted something in return."
Optimus (nodding): "True. Marcus operates with self-interest, but that does not make him evil. It makes him... strategic. He is playing a long game, and we must remain vigilant. However, I do not believe his goal is to harm us or this planet."
Bulkhead (frowning): "So what's his deal then? What's he after?"
Optimus's expression remained thoughtful, as if he was piecing together Marcus's motivations.
Optimus: "That is what we need to uncover. Marcus seeks knowledge and power, that much is clear. But I sense that he is also trying to protect something perhaps this planet, or perhaps something larger. Until we know more, we must tread carefully ask Agent Fowler for the information."
Miko crossed her arms, still not convinced.
Miko: "Well, I still think he's up to no good. Evil mastermind vibes, for sure."
Optimus gave her a small smile, his tone steady.
Optimus: "Your concern is understandable, Miko. We will keep an eye on him. But for now, let us focus on our mission. Marcus Allen is not our enemy at least, not yet."
The group fell into an uneasy silence, each of them turning over Optimus's words in their minds. There was no denying that Marcus was an enigma, and while Optimus saw potential for something more, the rest of the Autobots couldn't shake their suspicions.