The Autobots, armed with Sparkplug's sensible plan, speed into Center City and park in front of City Hall. "Wish me luck," says Sparkplug as he jumps out of Optimus Prime, but the Autobot leader doesn't answer. A talking truck would frighten the earthlings.

Inside City Hal, Sparkplug speaks urgently with Mayor Todd. "I tell you, Center City is right on the fault line. You've got to evacuate the people *now*."

Mayor Todd is convinced by what Sparkplug is saying. It's not really Sparkplug's words that convince him but the look of urgency tinged with fear in the mechanic's eyes. With one phone call from the mayor, every radio station in Center City is broadcasting earthquake warnings. But because there's a workable evacuation plan, the people don't panic. They gather peacefully in the streets, and soon the first group has been loaded into the Autobots. The vehicles make a quick trip to a campground outside the city. Cosmos hovers high in the sky so the people don't see him. He keeps a sharp watch for approaching Decepticons.

After four more trips, the Autobots are losing some power—but every single person in Center City has been evacuated. As Optimus Prime pulls into the campsite with his last load, Cosmos radios him, "Decepticons approaching."

The Autobots see the Decepticons flying in, but they can't stop to fight. It is more important to carry the humans to safety.

The Autobots and humans watch as the buildings of Center City begin to quiver ever so slightly. The humans look at each other in bewilderment, but the Autobots know that the Destruction Beam has hit and made a deep crack in the foundation of the city—a crack just waiting to be split wide open by the Decepticons.

"I guess the others couldn't stop the beam," observes Beachcomber. "I wonder what that means."

"I don't know," admits Optimus Prime, "but let's unload the last of these humans and get to Center City. Maybe we can stop Rumble."

The humans can't believe their ears! Talking cares and trucks? But the Autobots don't have to worry about that now.

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