As the sunlight faded over the base, Optimus stood at the overview terminal, projecting a map of the planet — a network of blue lines pulsing with energy. On one continent: India — a thin signal line flickered, reflecting a possible Energon cluster.

"This is your target," — he said, turning to you. His voice was deep and measured, as if each sentence carried the weight of a decision.

"Our scanners have detected an underground signal within the abandoned city. The rest of us are busy eliminating Decepticon activity in South America. You'll go alone."

You nodded.

"Understood. I'll do it quickly, Optimus."

Ratchet, standing next to him, gave a brief but anxious glance.

"'Fast' is the last word I want to hear in operations like this. Don't forget, Energon signals are often booby-trapped."

"Oh, come on," — Wheeljack replied over the comm, grinning.

"She'll handle it. Anyone can handle it if they know where to hit."

You snorted, holding back a smile.

"Remind me, which one of us blew up half the base trying to 'know where to hit'?"

A short pause, and then laughter over the radio. Even Optimus lowered his head quietly, clearly holding back a reply.

"Caution is your ally," — he finally said.

"Return with good news."

And now, you're there.

The city in India looked like a ghost frozen in dust — wide streets covered in sand, windowless buildings, towers rusted by the sun. The wind raised clouds of dust, tearing off the remains of paper signs and blowing them between houses where neither footsteps nor voices had long since passed.

You stepped slowly, carefully, but confidently. The metal beneath your feet echoed dully. In your hands, the Energon scanner emitted a soft bluish glow.

"Ratchet, the signal is strengthening. There seems to be an underground entrance somewhere nearby," — you said into the comm, quietly.

"Be careful," — he replied.

"I'm getting the same response. It could be an old storage facility, but I can't confirm."

"Copy."

You added a little more quietly, smiling, — "If anything happens, tell Wheeljack I'm still alive."

"Huh, he's already placed his bets," — Ratchet muttered.

"I guess he'll have to accept defeat."

You laughed softly.

The sound echoed off the walls — light, but alien in this deathly silence.

Step by step, you descended the stairs deeper into the dilapidated building. The air grew thicker, cooler. Below, among the rusty supports and dangling wires, a faint blue light flickered, like the breath of Energon seeping through the earth.

"I think I found it," — you said, activating the recording.

"The flow is stable. About twenty meters south of my position."

Silence on the line.

"Excellent work," — Optimus replied.

"Gather the data and return. We'll send transport if the signal is confirmed."

"Understood."

You stepped forward, scanning the gloom, and didn't notice the shadow behind you barely move. Somewhere above the ruined dome, a glint of red metal flitted past.

Knockout watched.

He appeared silently, his movements precise, almost predatory. His hull reflected the dim light of the Energon, and his optics flared crimson whenever he paused for cover.

"Mmm," — he sighed quietly, activating the scanner, — "looks like the Autobot star has decided to brighten up my evening. How sweet."

He didn't attack right away. He just watched. You moved too precisely, every stop, every turn of your head showed you weren't losing your focus. Every time he got closer, you seemed to sense something and turn around.

You walked along the old production line, illuminated by the blue flashes of Energon. Glass crunched under your feet, and you crouched, touching the panel with the ancient company logo — a man clutching lightning.

"It's funny," — you said into the radio.

"Humans created energy, but they couldn't even hold their own city."

"And yet they continue to fight," — Optimus responded.

"Their strength lies not in technology, but in spirit."

"Hm.." — you smiled slightly.

"Sounds like something you'd say at an awards ceremony."