Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

What if we rewrite the stars?
Say you were made to be mine
Nothing could keep us apart
You'd be the one I was meant to find

Orianna P.O.V

The heavens.

I had always been drawn to the inky vastness of the night sky. The countless stars twinkled like silent sentries standing watch as the very fabric of the universe unravelled before them, and a myriad of fates followed their paths towards their destinies.

I had lost track of how long I had been laying on the cool earth, my arms propped under my head as a makeshift pillow, whilst I reflected on my current situation. The cool night air caressed and tickled my face and tugged playfully at the loose strands of long black hair that had fallen out of my ponytail. Never one to care too much about appearances, I let them dance about my face rather than tuck them back into subordination. I raised one of my legs and crossed it over my other knee, tapping it in time to a soundless rhythm, as I replayed the day's events in my mind.

I'd lost my job, my ''home'' and my boyfriend all in one day, not a bad effort – or a colossal fuck up – depending on your point of view.

I hadn't decided where I stood on the matter yet, I was still processing.

To be fair, losing my ''home'' and my boyfriend weren't my fault. I came home early from work, having been fired, and well, caught my boyfriend cheating on me. Not too surprising I have to admit as I sensed this was coming, I had noticed he was becoming more and more detached from me, distant. I guess I could have tried to do something, but past experiences have taught me better. I simply grabbed my few belongings and wordlessly left him, and his '''friend with benefits,'' in an awkward position and silently and purposefully walked out his life.

As for the job? A ghost of a smile formed at the corners of my full lips. /Yes, that HAD been my fault/.

I am not a perfect person, far from it. I have my faults and failings, as do most of us. However, one thing I am is fair minded. I cannot stand injustice. Apparently, from a very young age I would always champion the underdog and stand up for those who could not do so for themselves. A noble quality? Perhaps. Today, at my previous place of employment, my ex-boss was berating a new employee for not doing something quickly enough. Who knew you had to set a new land speed record when filing record cards!

I had watched the interchange for about five minutes, finding it increasingly difficult to refrain from saying something. With every snide comment and swear word, the new trainee turned darker shades of red on her dainty cheeks and her eyes mist up with tears. A white-hot rage started to course through me and I made a choice. Without a second thought I rose from my desk and tipped over the pile of record cards awaiting filing and stalked over to my boss who paused momentarily from his stream of expletives. I deliberately placed myself between him and the girl and in a saccharine sweet voice laced with sarcasm I glared at him, ''Didn't your mother ever teach you if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all?"'

His face turned a delightful shade of aubergine as he managed to splutter out, "Orianna Connors! What the hell do you think you're doing? Get your fucking nose out of my fucking business and get back to YOUR fucking work!"' His sausage like finger drilled holes into my chest with each expletive that spewed forth from his frothing mouth.

Naturally, I ignored him and instead opted to raise both my hands and "shove him"' across the room. When I say ''shove'' I mean fling him clear across the room to land in an unceremonious pile of blubbering nonsense. The girl was staring at me wide eyed; half impressed, half terrified. I turned to her and encouraged her, ''You don't have to put up with that shit." After a thoughtful pause I added, "'Come to think of it neither do I." She simply mutely nodded her head in agreeance. ''I suggest you follow my lead and find employment elsewhere.'' With that I started to collect my things and walk towards the exit.

A vitriolic volcano in the form of my boss erupted from across the room, ''You're fucking finished you hear me Connors! You'll never work for me again!"' he screamed. I could feel his anger radiating off him in thick waves.

''Oh, I plan on that dickhead,'' I yelled as I casually waved in his direction and strode out the door. I didn't even look over my shoulder as I stalked out the office and into my car, an old Coniston green 1997 Land Rover Discovery called ''Relda'', short for ''Esmeralda.'' She was not much to look at, but then again neither was I really. But she was tough and reliable, bit like me actually. /Well/, came the sarcastic thought, like a mental boil that needed lancing./I can ALWAYS be relied upon to stuff things up – again/.

You see, I have a secret.

One that I have been trying, with differing degrees of success, to hide. Some may view my ''secret'' to be a blessing, a gift. I personally have trouble viewing it as such given it has done nothing but bring heartache and pain, especially since it started developing with awkward tenacity, much as I did through my teenage years. Navigating your way through puberty is a difficult enough challenge as it is. When you threw into the mix my ''gift,'' well, shit happens! I exhaled out loud, releasing a breath I didn't even realise I had been holding in, as if the process itself could somehow cathartically rid me of all my woes.

You see, when you possess the power of psychokinesis life automatically becomes that much more difficult.

Now I know in the movies like X-Men and everything, it is amazing and everyone secretly, or not so secretly, wishes they could move things with their mind like Jean Grey, a bad ass character to be sure. But fiction and box offices are one thing – reality quite another.

We go to the movies to escape reality, immerse ourselves in worlds and storylines that don't exist, could not POSSIBLY exist in reality. However, when the lines between fiction and fact, pretend and real are blurred and, in my case, altogether erased, you find people a little less accepting of such gifts and a lot more scared, suspicious or hostile. Only natural, I guess. Maybe I am being a ''glass half empty'' kind of gal but when your gift becomes more of a curse, the rosy tint begins to wear off those glasses.

My ''gift'' tore my family apart, ensured I never had a stable home, having to always move on when people became suspicious of "'that funny girl''. I have been unable to hold down a job for any great length of time and, perhaps the most painful of all, has ALMOST guaranteed I will spend the rest of my days single and alone. At this thought a single tear coalesced at the corner of my eye and began to track its way down my lightly freckled cheek. I roughly wiped it away, I would not cry. /Besides/, I thought ruefully, /I really don't think I have anymore tears left/.

For what seemed the millionth time that night I exhaled my troubles away and began to mull over what I was going to do about my sleeping arrangements, or sudden lack thereof. Relda's boot was big enough for me to crash in tonight out here but it certainly wasn't a long-term solution. However, that was future Orianna's problem. Right now, I just wanted to sleep and maybe, hopefully, I would wake up and everything would have been a dream. My life would start to take a turn for the better. A girl can hope – can't she?

I slowly got to my feet as gracefully as my aching body would allow and started to make my way to my car. I had escaped to a seemingly quiet roadside out of town near a large field. I took one last look at the night sky and my beautiful stars. /If only I could rewrite MY stars and change my destiny/, I thought sullenly as I placed a hand on the boot handle.

It was then that I saw it.

What seemed to be a large incandescent, flaming fireball streaking across the night sky. It was both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. ''Maybe I am more tired than I thought'', I whispered to myself, as I rubbed my eyes. But no, this was very much real.

I tracked its approach towards earth, only belatedly realising it was going to impact not very far from where I now called ''home.'' I put my hands up in front of me to try and protect myself with my ''gift,'' ready to move or block flying debris should the need arise but instead, I was flung to the ground as the meteor smashed into the ground with a large ''BOOM'' and the earth shuddered under me. I got to my feet, almost instantly, in one swift motion, adrenaline coursing through my body.

''What. The. Hell. Was. That!'' I panted out loud as I scanned the field before me, searching desperately for the source of the explosion. My eyes came to rest on a column of smoke and a soft fiery glow emanating from a large crater in the ground. Without even realising it my feet began to move me towards the crater, almost of their own volition. I know I should have stayed away, should have run screaming in the opposite direction like any normal person would. However, I was not just any person and I was certainly not normal. Besides, something deep inside me urged me to go to it. That what lay beyond was of great importance to me, to my future.

I found myself gathering momentum, running as fast as I could towards the site. In the distance, also running towards the crater were two teenagers, a boy and a girl from what I could tell, /where had they come from?/. Not wanting to draw attention to myself I instinctively hunched down as I continued my approach. It was then that I saw… it.

A very large, very alien looking robotic form of some sort. It looked about as wary and frightened as I felt. It glanced frantically around itself, searching for something – shelter, protection - others? It showed no sign of hostility towards those two teenagers and instead ran in the opposite direction only to stand atop a high embankment beside a road.

I watched transfixed as it crouched down and a large Peterbuilt looking cab truck, with tacky blue and red flame decals drove past, oblivious to the alien lifeform watching it pass by. What happened next defied belief. It transformed – changed - from a skeletal looking robot to an imposing red and blue flame decaled truck! For what must have been the millionth time that day I cussed.

The teenagers had since run off towards a bright yellow muscle car of some sort, a Camaro, I think. /Gees, some one's daddy must be rich/, I thought absent mindedly, as the car started to follow the truck.

A million thoughts raced through my mind as I watched the yellow sports car tear off after the impressive truck, but I latched onto the only one I thought was important at the moment – /follow them!/.

I ran back towards my car and leapt inside. As I turned the key to Relda's ignition and she rumbled to life, a second thought snaked through my mind, /What could possibly go wrong?/.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

As I drove through the back streets keeping what I thought was a ''safe and undetectable'' distance, I once again said out loud to no one in particular, ''This is crazy!'' It had been a mantra I had been saying to myself on repeat like a broken record since I first got in the car to follow the alien truck and the rich kid's Camaro. Where were they headed? I had no idea. Was it safe? Likely not. Was I going to turn around and stop? Hell no! Something akin to excitement was bubbling away, coursing through my veins. That, and a healthy dose of fear, curiosity and disbelief – in equal parts.

After about twenty minutes I noticed the Camaro peel off down a side street and the imposing flame decaled truck did so a few streets later. I decided to follow the Camaro as it seemed the less threatening of the two, just some spoiled brat's car not some giant alien robot in disguise.

Carefully steering Relda down the same alleyway, I cut the lights, parking her not long after. Her loud diesel engine would surely give me away. I carefully closed and locked the door and made my way on foot down the rest of the alleyway. Up ahead I could hear a car engine idling and muted voices, /the teenagers/ I assumed.

I kept to the shadows as much as possible trying to find my inner ninja. Approaching the corner, I took the scene in. The kids and the Camaro were parked facing the opposite direction and I could see bright lights coming down the alleyway from the opposite side, /the truck/, I thought to myself. I quickly slunk around the metal fence to hide behind an old discarded yellow truck.

No sooner had I found a place to hide than more lights appeared, and a small group of cars drove down the alleyway from where I had just walked. I am no car enthusiast, so I didn't know what kind of cars they were; they were simply a sleek, sporty looking one, a huge black pick up one and a bright yellow medical hummer looking one with lights flashing. /Wow, discreet/, I thought absent mindedly.

At that moment, the large truck rolled to a stop in front of the children and the Camero and I stood transfixed. It looked magnificent. All of a sudden metal panels started to shift and move, and the truck unfolded before my very eyes and transformed into a towering 30-foot robot.

My heart skipped a beat and I found myself placing a hand over my own mouth to stop from crying out. His ''head'' had soul piercing blue eyes and a noble visage. On the side of his head he had two antennae looking devices – /were they his ears?/ A battle mask seemed to slide back to reveal metallic ''lips'' set in a hard line. He had a huge barrel shaped blue and red chest with silver smokestacks behind each of his arms. His chest tapered down to a ''slender waist'' before flaring out into large, powerful silver and blue legs adorned with wheels ending in large metallic feet that made the ground shake slightly as he established his footing.

My eyes travelled back up his impressive body to notice his large metal hands clenched in fists by his side as he stood regally before the children and their Camaro which now reversed. /Wait a minute!/ The car moved and the kids were outside. My mind barely had time to process this before the Camaro began to transform into a less statuesque, about 18 foot, yellow and black robot with a large cannon on his arm. He bounced around with the energy and enthusiasm of a teenager himself.

''So…. NOT a rich kid's car.. another alien robot… which means,'' I whispered to myself. At that moment the other vehicles also transformed into their respective robot modes, all of them impressive and all of them now staring at the two teenagers. /Sucks to be you/, I thought.

The truck lowered himself down to the two teenagers, a boy of about 17 years of age and an attractive girl of the same age. As soon as, what I assumed to be the leader of the robots, was eye level with the children he opened his mouth to speak. A rich baritone voice as deep as the ocean permeated every cell of my being. It was both comforting and commanding. He questioned, ''Are you Samuel James Witwicky, descendant of Archibald Witwicky?''

The girl whispered, ''They know your name.''

To his credit the boy, Samuel, did not run away but stood his ground and replied with a dry rasp, ''Yeah.''

Satisfied with the answer the imposing robot continued, ''My name is Optimus Prime'' the rich voice intoned, ''We are Autonomous robotic organisms from the planet Cybertron''.

Then the yellow medical looking robot spoke up, ''But you can call us Autobots for short.''

''Autobots'', Samuel tried out the word.

The smaller sporty looking car then spoke, ''What's cracking little bitches,'' and then back flipped before whirling around to sit on an old, abandoned car.

Optimus introduced him, ''My first lieutenant, designation Jazz.''

The sporty car reclined on the hood of the abandoned car, ''this looks like a cool place ta kick it''. I had to stifle a laugh when I heard the alien robot refer to the children as ''little bitches.'' /Oh, we could be friends/, I mused.

Samuel then asked the question on my lips, ''What's that? How did you learn to talk like that?''

Optimus drew himself back resting one arm on a bended knee, kneeling before the children. He blinked and stated matter of factly, ''We've learned Earth's languages through the World Wide Web.''

/Oh, but of COURSE you have!/ I thought to myself.

He then gestured towards the cocky, tough looking black robot. ''My weapons specialist, Ironhide.'' Said robot then produced two massive cannons and aimed them at Samuel and the girl and in a Clint Eastwood like manner asked, ''You feelin' lucky punk?'' Again, I felt a laugh bubble up in my throat.

/Oh yeah, that makes sense/, I thought bemusedly. /He totally looks badass enough to carry that off/.

''Easy Ironhide'', Optimus warned.

The black warrior looked hurt, ''Just kidding, I just wanted to show him my cannons.''

Prime continued with the introductions, ''Our medical officer, Rachet.'' At this the yellow robot seemed to ''sniff'' the air and announced ''the boy's pheromone levels suggests he wants to mate with the female.'' Both of the teenagers looked mortified and embarrassed.

I actually giggled to myself. /They obviously didn't take the time to google social protocols while learning to speak our languages!/. The image of these giant sentient robots crouched over a computer trolling Google flashed into my mind and I laughed a little louder.

The medic continued to sniff the air before announcing, ''Wait. There is someone else here. A female - hiding''. At this my blood froze and my heart constricted. All eyes, both human and robot scanned the area before resting on my hiding place. The weapons specialist, Ironhide, reproduced his cannons and made for my direction.

Not wanting ''Clint Eastwood'' to blast me to pieces, and knowing I had an ace up my sleeve in the form of my ''gift'', I took a deep breath before stepping out from my hiding place and waving casually to everyone before me. ''Ah,hi!'' I waved sheepishly to all gathered around. ''Lovely evening to be meeting giant sentient robots from Cybertron isn't it?'' I asked rhetorically as I took a few steps closer, my hands held upwards and palm out in the universal, or so I thought, gesture of peace and surrender. Then again maybe I just gave them the equivalent of a Cybertronian ''middle finger.''

The large, black Autobot's face twisted into a grimace, ''The alleyway appears to be infested with humans. Optimus, should I terminate her?'' Ironhide asked with a hint of disdain in his voice. I looked both mortified and indignant at the same time. But before I could make a snarky reply, the one called Optimus came to my rescue.

''We do not harm humans Ironhide, what is wrong with you?"' he looked at me after admonishing Ironhide and seemed to stare right through me. I felt something inside me burn. I couldn't name the sensation exactly, but the feeling wasn't altogether unpleasant. Optimus then spoke in that soothing deep voice, ''You seem to have us at a disadvantage. You likely know our designations, save one, but we are yet to learn yours''. He blinked what passed as his ''eyelids'' I guess.

/Oh right/, '''Sorry about that, my name is Orianna Connors.'' Optimus Prime seemed to flinch slightly as I gave my name to him. I ignored his reaction, passing it off as his way of processing my unusual name. I was used to it. I continued ''Or you can call me 'OC' for short. I originally came from a country called Australia, but moved to LA about 10 years ago for,'' I faltered slightly in my explanation, ''family reasons. I am a Gemini, I like dogs and walks on the beach, starlit nights and my favourite colour is blue...'' I trailed off at the quizzical looks the robots and humans alike were giving me.

I took tentative steps towards the teenagers, who in truth looked relieved to have another human, an older one at that, with them. ''I mean no disrespect or harm, not that I could do any harm to any of you,'' I grinned sheepishly at them all. Sam and the girl smiled at me in agreeance. I walked up to them and stood with them before the Autobots, the girl quickly introduced herself as Mikaela.

Optimus inclined his head, ''Indeed, Orianna,'' though he held my gaze momentarily. That was all he said before he went on to introduce the remaining member of the team, the energetic yellow and black Camaro. ''You already know your guardian, Bumblebee.''

At this introduction the happy bot seemed to bounce around and shadow box an invisible opponent whilst playing a song on his radio. ''Bumblebee? You're my guardian hunh?'' The bot nodded. As it turns out his vocal processors, his voice, were damaged in a battle so he spoke through the radio.

/Cool/, I thought to myself. /So not a rich kid's car then but a robot protector/. A small part of me felt jealous that this boy, who likely had parents, now also had a cool robot protecting him and looking out for him. All I had was myself and well, Relda and I was pretty sure she was not a transformer.

Mikaela's question interrupted my pity party, ''So why are you here?'' Good question.

''We are here looking for the Allspark and we must find it before Megatron.'' Optimus Prime then placed a metal finger on the side of his head and all at once the ground beneath our feet seemed to crumble away revealing a volcanic and battle ridden alien planet, Cybertron I assumed. Prime went on to explain how their once peaceful planet had been ravaged by this megalomaniac called Megatron who led the Decepticons, the faction who were the antithesis of the Autobots.

This Megatron, it seemed, would stop at nothing to obtain this Allspark thing, following it to Earth. As it turns out, Sam's Grandfather was the one who found Megatron and unwittingly intertwined the fates of Autobots, Decepticons and humans alike. When he happened upon Megatron, who lay frozen in ice, he activated his navigation system which etched the coordinates to the Allspark cube onto his glasses. I couldn't help but think you had more chance of winning lotto -Jackpot!

After Optimus finished his monolog and once again impressed upon Sam, Mikaela and myself the importance of finding these glasses, Mikaela turned to Sam and asked in a desperate tone, 'Please tell me you still have those glasses?"'

"Yeah, I think they're at home in my backpack.'' Sam replied, his voice not at all sounding concerned that he may or may not have the key to saving both Earth and Cybertron stowed away in his backpack.

''Then we must move now, time is of the essence'', Optimus spoke gravely. "While it grieves me to say this, whether you like it or not, all of you are now part of our war, we must work together to stop Megatron before your planet suffers the same fate as ours''. There was no mistaking the gravity of the situation. Yet despite this I couldn't help but feel excited, if that was even the right emotion. Maybe relieved. If a war was coming these guys could be handy to know and I had met some new ''friends,'' I wasn't alone. Plus being able to spend time with Optimus may also have held some appeal, he intrigued me, and I looked forward to getting to know him if I could.

Sam and Mikaela made to get into Bumblebee as he transformed back into his Camaro. Jazz, Ironhide and Rachet also transformed, Optimus hesitated and called out to me as I turned around to head back down the alleyway. "'Orianna, where are you going?' You are welcome to join us, we could do with more allies."

I smiled, ''Oh I'm coming with you, I just need to get my car. I parked it further down the alleyway so I wouldn't… ahh… get discovered,"' the last I said with a slight smirk as I realised my plan hadn't quite worked. Optimus must have realised this too as his face plates moved into what I assumed was the equivalent of a smile.

''Quickly, every moment counts''. At this he transformed and waited for Bumblebee to lead the way towards Sam's house. I ran down the alleyway and jumped into Relda, her engine roared to life and I set out to follow the others. Funny how life's twists and turns come about. Only a few precious hours ago, I had no job, no home and no one. Now, I had new friends and a most important job to accomplish. What else would the night bring, only time would tell.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

The sound of helicopter blades and the sight of black SUV's faded and disappeared into the night. My spark felt heavy as I knew one of my own was with them along with our newfound human allies. At the sound of my approaching troops, I swung my large form down from underneath the bridge. Jazz clambered down towards me, ''Optimus. Are we jus' gonna stand here an' do nothin'?'' His tone boarded on insubordination, but I would not reprimand him for it. /Perhaps his tone was well deserved?/.

'There is no way to free Bumblebee without harming the humans,'' I responded logically.

''But it's not right!'' Jazz retorted, reluctant to drop the issue.

''Let them leave.'' I knew my first lieutenant did not agree with my decision but I also knew he would obey my command. I paused in my descent as I spied something on the ground. Bending down I carefully picked up the tiny precious object we had been searching for all night.

The glasses.

They must have fallen out of Sam's pocket or bag as he fell. At this thought my spark ached. It was my fault. I should have sent the children and Orianna with one of the others in vehicle mode. Maybe I should have fought them off, I was certainly capable of it.

I stifled the desire to make a small sound of frustration. This was the part of being a leader I hated most. The guilt, the self-doubt. When you must make a thousand decision every day, you are bound to get something wrong, even if you are the /Great Optimus Prime/ I thought derisively. And tonight, it seemed, I did get it wrong. Our new friends were gone. /We had the glasses, but at what cost?/ I looked the fragile object over in my servos. The key to finding the Allspark lay in my servos. /Why then did I feel so awful?/.

I raised my helm to peer in the direction Orianna, Sam, Mikaela and Bumblebee had been taken. In the short time I had known them, I had grown fond of the three humans, especially the eldest female, /She interested me/, though I would not admit it to anyone. She was a puzzle I wanted to solve. She had a quiet strength that radiated from her and there was something else. When Mikaela fell, Orianna did something.

As I replayed the events in my processor there was no way Sam could have had the strength to hold both himself and Mikaela by my shoulder strut for that long, especially when the helicopters flew underneath him. Out of the corner of my optics, I recalled Orianna had one hand grasping my smokestack for dear life and the other, it was stretched out as if trying to hold them in place. /Had she somehow, in some way stopped them falling?/.

It seemed illogical but the universe was immense, and I had seen a great many things, often unexplainable, in my time. With a final glance in the direction Orianna and the others had last headed, I gave the command to the others to transform and roll out.

/Primus help me make this right/, I thought to myself as I led what remained of my team away to find a place to inspect the coordinates on the glasses in peace.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

The night had given way to a new day and we currently found ourselves in a helicopter enroute to Hoover Dam. Turns out we weren't the only ones the government had decided needed ''special attention'' due to our involvement with giant sentient alien robots.

Sharing the ride with us was another attractive woman, blonde and older than Mikaela but younger than I and Australian, so I naturally felt a connection with her. The other person was a stocky black American man named Glen. As we sat there speeding towards our destination the blonde girl, named Maggie, asked Sam, ''So, what did they get you for?''

Sam replied in a slightly sardonic tone, ''Bought a car. Turned out to be an alien. Who knew?''

Maggie simply nodded, as if that was a totally plausible reason to be sitting opposite her right now. Mikaela and I shared our small roles in the evening's events, and Maggie explained her role as a signals analyst who actually worked out how the bad alien robots, which we know knew to be called Decepticons, had hacked into the US military's defence system and stole sensitive information linked with the Allspark. I assumed that had something to do with where we headed right now.

I was impressed. She seemed barely out of University, or college. Glenn, as it turns out was even more technologically adept than she. After some further small talk, and some quiet moments of tired reflection, we each found ourselves staring out the windows as a massive concrete structure loomed into focus – Hoover Dam!

As we disembarked from the helicopter and were ushered towards what I assumed was the ''military front door'' to Hoover Dam, I took a moment to take in the sheer scale and immensity of the site before me. To say it was impressive would be a gross understatement. The thing that got me though, was all around us there were tourists milling about, taking holiday snaps, oblivious to the top-secret Government drama unfolding around them. /Ignorance truly is bliss/ I thought to myself.

As we walked along the concrete walkway that led to a heavily guarded door, I was aware of several soldiers in their military regalia saluting none other than John Keller, the US Secretary for Defence. This, it would seem, was a pretty big deal. I heard part of the conversation between Keller and the men and it seemed they were the ones responsible for gathering information, or intel, during the first alien attack on a military base in Qatar. They had also managed to use some sort of weapon to do damage to the Decepticons, which apparently all military craft were being fitted with now. I made a mental note to stick by those guys for the duration of our ''stay'' here.

As we walked along behind Secretary Keller, a familiar, yet unwelcome presence stepped up to block our path. Simmons. He and another guy, Bannacheck, I believe, began to speak to Sam and Mikaela as they attempted to follow Keller. Simmons seemed less aggressive than just a few short hours ago. /Bi-polar much?/ I thought to myself.

''Hey Kid. I think we got off to a bad start hunh. You must be hungry. You want a latte, ho ho, double venti macchiato?'' Simmons tried to butter up Sam.

Sam interrupted his placations, ''Where's my car?'' I felt a smirk spread across my face at the look of annoyance Simmons was fighting back.

Bannacheck tried to smooth things over, ''Son. I need you to listen to me very carefully. People can die here. We need to know everything you know; we need to know it now."'

I was about to intervene on Sam's behalf when he determinedly replied in a calm and rather authoritative manner, ''Okay. First, I'll take my car, my parents. Maybe you should write that down. Oh and her juvie record that's gotta be gone, like - forever.''

/What!? A juvie record? What had she done?/ I made a mental note to ask Mikaela later what had transpired in the car ride prior to the bridge fiasco.

Mikaela thanked Sam. A whole new emotion seemed to cross her face as she flashed him a dazzling smile. It would seem my comment to her in the alleyway may come to fruition after all, it would seem she was getting to know Sam a whole lot better.

Bannacheck, in a means to appease Sam and get the ball rolling, promised to discuss ''the car'' if Sam would come with him. We all followed suit, except for Simmons who paused to mutter something about an extortionist.

We had travelled deep down into the bowels of the dam. Simmons had now regained his composure and was explaining to us the ''situation'' and our involvement as we had had direct contact with NBE's. One of the formidable looking soldiers, Epps, I believe his name was, queried Simmons, ''NBE's?''

''Non- biological Extra-terrestrials. Try to keep up with the acronyms,'' Simmons replied with an air of smug hostility.

Banncheck continued, ''What you are about to see is totally classified.'' Despite the gravity of that comment, we still weren't prepared for what we walked into. There, frozen in stasis was Megatron and he looked like a nightmare.

Keller was taken aback as were the seasoned soldiers around him, ''Dear God. What is this?'' he asked incredulously as his eyes struggled to take in the sight before him.

Bannacheck went on to explain how he thought Megatron came to be on our planet, how our North Pole's gravitational field messed with his telemetry resulting in his crash landing and subsequent freezing in the ice a few thousand years ago and how he had been contained in this facility since 1934.

Simmons interrupted, ''We call him NBE 1''.

Sam countered, ''Sir, I don't mean to correct you on everything you think you know but that's Megatron. He's the leader of the Decepticons.''

Bannacheck once again took the narrative, ''Your great-great grandfather made one of the greatest discoveries in the history of mankind.''

I felt my jaw drop open slightly though I managed to keep my thoughts to myself. /Wow. An impressive branch to have in your family tree/.

Simmons took over once again, ''Fact is you're looking at the source of the modern age. Microchip, lasers, space flight, cars all reverse engineered by studying him… NBE 1… that's what we call it''. The last was said very pointedly towards Sam in the silent pissing contest they had both entered into.

At this Keller interjected, ''And you didn't think the United States Military might need to know that you're keeping a hostile alien robot frozen in the basement.''

Bannacheck replied honestly, ''Until these events we had no credible threat to National security"'.

Keller looked incredulous, ''Well you got one now!" and he stalked off. Something told me from the tone of Keller's voice and the barely contained seething contempt he held for these two that if we survived what was undoubtedly to come, Simmons and Bannacheck would be looking for new jobs.

It was then that one of the other soldiers spoke up, "'So why Earth?'' Glancing at his uniform I noticed his name was ''Lennox.'' He was a rather tall, rather handsome man. Come to think of it, looking at all the soldiers standing around, was it just me or were they all rather easy on the eye? /Perhaps it was a new military requirement/, I thought distractedly.

Sam once again retook the reins of the exchange, ''It's the Allspark.'' I reluctantly turned my attention away from the visual smorgasbord standing before me and tried to focus once again on the important issue at hand.

Keller, clearly confused, asked, ''Allspark? What is that?''

It was like watching a verbal tennis match and Sam, impressively, was holding his own.

Sam replied, ''Well they came here looking for some sort of cube looking thing. Anyway, Mr NBE 1 here, a.k.a Megatron, that's what they call him, who's pretty much the harbinger of death, wants to use the cube to transform human technology to take over the universe. That's their plan.''

Simmons looked at Sam with a rather serious look on his face, ''You're sure about that?''

''Yeah''. Sam paused taking in Simmons' reaction. Then, slowly, as though a light globe had been switched on, understanding dawned on Sam's face. He chuckled softly, ''You guys know where it is don't you?''

Bannacheck, stony faced simply said, ''Follow me.'' I threw Sam a quick ''thumbs up'' signal to show he had done well. He shot me back a quick smile of gratitude. We were then ushered off to another secret location.

My head was spinning with all of the information and the seriousness of the situation, not to mention the blow to the back of my head still stung like a bastard. We were taken into a room seemingly hollowed out of the stone underground, with a viewing window towards - The Allspark!

''Our crown jewel,'' Simmons introduced.

As we all stood there processing all of this top-secret information, Maggie cut through our thoughts. 'Wait, back up. You said the dam hides the cube's energy? What kind exactly?''

''Good question,'' Bannacheck commended. I shot my compatriot a quick smile.

As we followed our ''Government tour guides further into the bowels of the military facility, I couldn't help but think silently to myself, /What the bloody hell have I gotten myself into?/. I began to subconsciously wish the others, especially Optimus, were here and I silently wondered how they were faring.

Optimus P.O.V

/So delicate/.

The glasses, obtained at a price, were delicately grasped in my servos, glinting in the first rays of dawn's glow. I stood on the platform of Griffiths Observatory inspecting them. I turned them over carefully in my massive metal hand, before whispering an impassioned plea to Primus, ''Please… let this work.''

The thought of Sam, Mikaela, Bumblebee and Orianna flashed through my processor. I had no idea where they were and or what had become of them and I felt a slight shudder ripple over my frame. /Do not think about that now, you have to focus/. Thankfully, Jazz's voice interrupted my morose thoughts.

''Fire it up Optimus'', he encouraged.

I held the glasses in front of me, hesitating as my spark seemed to stop pulsing momentarily. /If this didn't work../. Without further hesitation, I accessed the coordinates etched into the glasses. A holographic image of the globe indicating the location of the Allspark flickered before us. My spark began to beat again, and I relayed the location to my team. ''The code. The code on these glasses indicates the Allspark is 230 miles from here.'' Relief flooded my systems, but it was short lived.

Rachet intoned solemnly, ''I sense the Decepticons are getting ready to mobilise.''

Ironhide agreed, ''They must know it's here as well.''

Jazz's previous animosity towards my decision to abandon Bumblebee rose to the fore yet again, ''What about 'Bee? We can't jus' leave him ta die, become some human experiment!'' He stalked back and forth, like some caged Cybertronian turbo fox.

I cut in, my own frustration and temper starting to rise, 'He'll die in vain if we don't accomplish our mission!' Bumblebee is a brave soldier; this is what he would want.'' /Would he?/ the unbidden thought goaded me.

Ironhide stepped forward to question my directives. ''Why are we fighting to save the humans? They're a primitive and violent race.'' Once more his apparent disgust and distrust towards humans concerned me and I made a mental note to keep an eye on him.

''Were we so different?'' I turned my helm to challenge him. When it seemed Ironhide was dissuaded I pressed my point, ''They're a young species they have much to learn. But I have seen goodness in them. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings.'' I paused momentarily as I weighed my next words carefully. ''You all know there's only one way to end this war. We must destroy the cube! If all else fails, I will unite it with the spark in my chest.'' At this I opened my chest plates to reveal my pulsing blue spark. My life source.

The thought of my sacrifice horrified Rachet and he did little to hide the shock in his tone, ''That's suicide, the cube is raw power! It could destroy you both.''

My voice softened as I blinked my optics slowly, ''A necessary sacrifice to bring peace to this planet. We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes.'' For a brief moment I was lost in thought. /I will not let YOU pay for our mistakes Sam, Mikaela and Orianna, I simply cannot/. Once again, my spark twisted thinking of what was happening to my newfound allies and my brave scout. The thought spurred me into action.

''It's been an honour serving with you all. Autobots, roll out!'' and leaping down off the platform, I led my team in a desperate race to find the Allspark, hoping against hope we would not be too late.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

If I hadn't have seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it. Simmons was just able to funnel the cube's energy into Glen's phone and bring it to life, and it had been pissed off! My stomach turned at the thought of Megatron getting his hands on the cube. If this cube did indeed hold the power to transform human technology into mean, single minded killing machines, then we had to stop at nothing to prevent him from getting it!

It was at this moment that a loud explosion could be heard reverberating throughout the dam, the room shuddered, and the lights flickered. Everyone looked around at each other sharing the same thought – time was up, secret's out!

It was Keller that voiced our thoughts first, ''Gentlemen, they know the cube is here.''

Bannacheck pressed a button on a nearby comm, barking down the line, ''Bannacheck, what's going on?''

A fearful voice on the other end explained, ''The NBE hanger has lost power and the backup generator is just not going to cut it!''

Lennox stepped up, ''Do you have an arms room?'' Bannacheck and Simmons led everyone out of the ''Freddy Krugger'' room and towards what I hoped was some weapons to defend ourselves.

''Get everyone to the NBE 1 chamber now!'' Bannacheck screamed.

''Wait, hang on,'' I tried to yell out amongst the confusion and panic to anyone of rank that would listen. I hadn't had much to say up until this point but I sure as shit had something to say now. ''The NBE hanger has MEGATRON in it! We have just had confirmation that the cryogenic process is failing, and the backup generators WON'T cut it. Do you really think it is wise to send everyone right into the very room Megatron will soon be defrosted like one hell of a pissed off barracuda?'' Lennox and Epps seemed to pause and take into consideration what I was saying. Mikaela and Sam also hesitated, looking to the soldiers to direct them.

Lennox paused for a moment before shaking his head, ''There's no time, we have to get to the arms room otherwise no one will stand a chance'', he reasoned. And with that we took off in haste.

I shepherded Sam and Mikaela before me like a protective mother hen. As soon as we got there Lennox, Epps and the other soldiers started to expertly select and load various weapons. Simmons yelled out, '40mm Sabo rounds on that table''. As the soldiers began to stock up on the preferred weapon of choice, another blast rocked the building and the lights flickered. I felt a cold rush of fear wash over me. This was getting tense.

I looked at Sam and whispered, ''Bumblebee.'' Sam nodded and ran over to Simmons, ''You gotta to take me to my car.''

Simmons seemed reluctant so Sam repeated, ''You gotta take me to my car, he's gonna know what to do with the cube'.

Simmons refused, ''Your car's confiscated.''

''Unconfiscate it,'' Sam retorted.

''We don't know what will happen if we let it near this thing, maybe YOU know what'll happen, but we don't.''

Sam yelled, ''What, you want to just wait here and see what happens?''

''I got people's lives at stake here!'' Simmons was raving, like a mad man.

At that point Lennox rushed up to Simmons and grabbed him by the shoulder forcing him against some equipment, ''Take him to his car''. One of the Sector 7 soldiers drew a gun on Lennox who in turn pulled out a gun and in a calm and no-nonsense tone told him to, ''Drop it''. Almost simultaneously Epps and another of Lennox's men disarmed other Sector 7 soldiers forcing some sort of tense stalemate.

Bannacheck, Glen and several others held out their hands in an appeal of reason and calm, ''Woah, woah, woah!''

/Holy shit/, that escalated I thought. I fought the urge to raise my hands in the air.

''Drop your weapon soldier,'' Simmons warned to Lennox. ''There's an alien war going on and you're going to shoot me?''

Lennox retorted, ''No, we didn't ask to be here.''

Simmons ploughed on, ''I am ordering you under S7 executive jurisdiction..''

Epps backed Lennox up, ''S7 don't exist.''

Lennox fixed a very serious stare at Simmons. ''That's right. We don't take orders from people who don't exist.'' Lennox was getting very fired up.

Simmons still persisted, ''I'm going to count to five.."'

''Well I'm going to count to three...'' Lennox retorted immediately. Sweat trickled down his forehead and a look of steely determination was etched into his face. /My money's on Lennox/. I liked this guy; he took no shit.

It was at this point that Keller stepped in. ''Simmons?''

Simmons removed his eyes from the weapon for a moment, ''Yes Sir?''

''I'd do what he says. Loosing is not really an option for these guys.'' I had noticed Mikaela had gone over to Sam and she was now holding his hand. A brief smile flashed across my face. /Sweet/.

Simmons seemed to consider for a moment before changing attitude. ''Alright, okay. You wanna' lay the fate of the world on the kid's Camaro, that's cool.'' The stalemate deescalated as quickly as it began as we all made for the room Bumblebee was being held captive.

As we entered the chamber where Bee was kept, we could hear him whining and whirring in what could only be described as heartbroken cries. Renewed anger began to pulse inside me, and I clenched my fist by my side, trying to quiet my gift from springing to life. /How dare they do this to Bee?/ At that point I really was ashamed to be a human and vowed I would do all I could to help the Autobots. They had showed more compassion and determination for preservation of life (save maybe for Ironhide), than we humans had.

Sam ran up to the men holding Bee captive and yelled out to them to stop. Bannacheck and Simmons also told them to cease. When Bee heard Sam's voice, he turned to look at him but then just as quickly slid a battle mask on and armed his cannon, as if ready to blow anything away that threatened to treat him like that again. Maggie, Glen and Keller all looked incredulously at Bumblebee, their introductions to alien lifeforms moving at breakneck speed.

Sam pressed on, ''Listen to me, the cube is here, the Decepticons are coming''. When Bumblebee seemed to ignore this as he was too focused on keeping his attackers at bay, Sam tried to explain that they no longer posed a threat, ''Don't worry about them, they're ok. They're not going to hurt you.'' He kept reassuring Bee until he lowered his weapon. ''Now, come on we're going to take you to the Allspark.''

Bumblebee was led to the room where the Allspark was kept. He did not have the luxury of taking it in as we had had. Time was running out. He walked up to it making a reverent whirring noise and placed his hands on it. Electricity sparked and crackled through it.

''Oh.. okay.. he doin' something'', Epps cautioned, ''he doin' something.''

He had indeed done something. The cube, that had been almost as large as the cavern it sat in, began to fold down in on itself, transforming until it was able to fit inside Bee's palm. Everyone, myself included, stood transfixed. It seemed anything was possible since I met these amazing beings. Perhaps everything would be okay after all?

Bumblebee then used the radio to communicate, ''Message from Starfleet Captain. Let's get to it!''

Lennox announced, 'He's right. If we stay here, we're screwed with Megatron in the other hanger. Mission City is 22 miles away. We're going to sneak that cube out of here and we're going to hide it some place in the city.''

Keller, sprang to life, ''Good right!''

I could not stop a small snort escaping my lips, ''And a city is the best place to hide that thing? Aren't there going to be lots of people around?'' I challenged Lennox's choice of proposed hiding place, perhaps not wise given how he had so deftly and decidedly put Simmons in his place, but it had to be said.

Both Lennox and Keller either didn't hear me or chose to ignore me. Lennox cautioned Keller, 'But we cannot make a stand without the air force.''

Keller reasoned, ''This place must have some kind of radio link short wave, CB''.

Simmons was now almost frantic with renewed hope and awe at seeing the cube shrink the way it did. ''Right, yes! Anything is possible did you see the phewp thing!'' indicating the cube.

Lennox warned Keller, ''Sir, you must find a way to get word out to everyone''. And he took off to execute his part of the newly formed plan, leaving Simmons, Keller, Maggie and Glen to discuss and execute how they were going to find a way to get word to the Air force of the impending Alien attack on Mission City. I shouted out to them and wished them luck as I ran off after the others. I hoped I would get to see them again, well maybe not Simmons.

Sam, Mikaela and I got into Bumblebee, it felt good to be reunited with him. 'Bee whirred a soft greeting to us, as though he shared the same thought. In the background Lennox continued to shout out orders. /He would get along with Prime/, I thought somewhat amused. And with that we took off at great speed out of Hoover Dam.

As we exited the building, we heard sirens wailing and the sound of panicked people screaming which could mean only one thing – Megatron! There was nothing we could do but continue and put our plan into motion and just hope and pray that we could find a way to stop him. I took a moment to close my eyes as 'Bee sped up the road.

''S'the cube okay? Sam asked me in the backseat. I simply nodded.

Mikaela turned around, ''Yeah, it's fine.''

'Bee covered ground quickly as he made his way through the desert like landscape towards Mission City. As the miles sped by, 'Bee suddenly made an excited chirruping sound and Sam yelled out, ''It's Optimus and the others!"

At this announcement I felt my heart skip a beat and tears prickled in my eyes and I strained my head to try and catch a glimpse of the flame decaled truck. Whether it was from the thought of much needed reinforcements or the sense of protection Optimus Prime seemed to exude when in his presence, as soon as I saw him, I felt ''better.'' A quiet determination once again filled me as Optimus and the others did a 180-power slide and followed 'Bee and our small convoy towards Mission City.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

/Surreal. This is all surreal. Any moment now I am going to wake up in Relda's boot, back in that field and none of this will have happened/, I thought to myself as Bumblebee sped down the highway towards Mission City with Optimus and the others in hot pursuit.

It felt all too much like a video game, ''Grand Theft Auto'' or something, except there was no restart on this, no second chance. The finality of what could happen at any moment, mixed with the adrenaline of racing at breakneck speed inside an alien ''car'' with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, was a heady feeling indeed.

Megatron was now free from his icy prison and his minions were gathering to unleash hell to claim the Allspark for their own twisted machinations. All that stood between him and victory was a handful of Autobots, two teenagers, a ''slightly'' abnormal middle-aged woman and the US Air force. Whether it was enough, time would soon tell as we drew inexorably closer to our destination.

As we hurtled down the highway, doing our best to avoid collisions with civilians, I suddenly heard Sam let out a scared ''Oh no, Oh no!''

Mikaela asked, ''What's wrong?''

''It's the same cop!" I had no idea what he was talking about, but I whipped my head around all the same to scan for the offending vehicle. Sure enough, speeding up menacingly behind Optimus, Ironhide and Rachet was a Police car, some sort of Mustang but definitely not law abiding. Prime and the others moved to block him from getting through. It was a game of vehicular chess and we were the pawns.

We had only just allowed ourselves to breathe again when I heard the unmistakable sound of transforming. Once again, I turned around to see what the problem was. My heart stopped. It was no longer the police car we had to concern ourselves with but the large vehicle in front of it. A huge, armoured vehicle of some description was looming menacingly, casually tossing cars from side to side with a huge metal fork. Things were about to get interesting in a horrifying way.

The behemoth gained momentum, skating, yes skating down the freeway at ridiculous speeds, shoving, shunting, and destroying vehicles like some sort of hockey player on steroids, striving to get to us!

"'This is not fucking good! Bee!'' although I was vaguely aware Bumblebee knew what was going on, I could not help but voice my rising concerns. Sam, Mikaela and I all began to panic, we needed help!

It was at that point I noticed a familiar red and blue flame decaled truck transform, gracefully leaping to the defence, carefully avoiding any vehicles as he turned to face his opponent. My heart skipped a beat as Prime turned.

As I watched the events unfold in slow motion, a thought flashed into my mind. /He would be off balance, he could not possibly absorb the impact and stay upright!/ With that, his attacker slammed into him, a body jarring tackle that pushed them both off the side of the highway, tumbling over the guard rails and out of sight onto the roads far below. I was barely able to stifle a scream as I watched Prime disappear. ''Oh no! Optimus!'' I cried, starting to absent mindedly undo my seatbelt as if I could somehow help him.

Bee whirred and beeped before he reattached the seatbelt. The sounds of Billy Ocean filled the car, 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going,'' closely followed by Stan Bush's, ''You've got the touch!"'

I closed my eyes briefly and breathed deeply, ''Are you saying he'll be okay Bee?'' I asked plaintively. Mikaela had reached towards me and held out her hand comfortingly, grasping mine. Sam gave a shaky smile of comfort. /And I'm supposed to be the adult!/ I closed my eyes somewhat embarrassed and desperately trying to contain my rising fear for Optimus.

''You're simply the best, better than all the rest!'' the line from another song burst out over the radio and I closed my eyes. Swallowing the fear that had risen within me, I nodded silently, accepting the yellow scouts assessment of the situation.  

I exhaled defeatedly, ''Ok, I'll trust you.'' I had no choice anyway. There was nothing much I could do. We were about to have our own problems anyway as Mission City loomed ahead and the sound of jets could be heard in the distance.

Optimus was on his own.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

So. Many. People.

I inwardly chastised this Lennox guy for his choice in ''hiding places''. Although people were starting to flee when the military showed up and they were told to evacuate immediately, there would not be enough time for enough people to leave. The casualties would be astronomical. /Then again if the Decepticons got their hands on the Allspark/. I derailed that train of thought; it didn't bare thinking.

Lennox signalled for us to stop. Pulling up in the middle of what would have been a busy downtown street and was now rapidly emptying, I couldn't help but feel the corner of my lips curl at the sudden ironic connection. How aptly named our chosen defensive position was - ''Mission'' City. I couldn't help but think what a mission this was indeed going to be.

Within seconds Lennox came running out of a pawn shop, holding what appeared to be radios of some sort. ''Alright mount up!" he yelled to the cars around him, as he quickly handed the radios to Epps. Lennox jumped back in his car and they took off down the street.

As we rounded the corner onto what appeared to be the main street, the roar of an approaching jet shattered the sky. We had all grouped together in the middle of the road, Bumblebee, Sam, Mikaela and I surrounded by Ironhide, Rachet, Jazz and the Military. Lennox had leapt out of his vehicle announcing, ''Airforce has arrived – pop smoke!''

''Raptor, raptor, do you copy?'' Epps tried to communicate with the circling jet. ''We have your visual. Green smoke is the mark, provide aircover and vector Blackhawks for extraction.'' As the jet tore through the sky ignoring all radio communications, my stomach began to turn.

Ironhide transformed after the menacing jet flew past. ''It's Starscream!" he shouted in angry recognition.

''Please tell me you copy,'' Epps pleaded to the airwaves.

''Back up, take cover!'' Ironhide gestured to Rachet and the others. ''Bumblebee'', he called Bee over towards a small van asking for help to lift it. At the sight of alien robots appearing before their very eyes, the humans that were still around screamed and began running. There was no time to try and explain that these were the ''good guys''. Instead, like Lennox and the others, I moved to get out of the way.

In the melee Sam and Mikaela got separated from me. I could feel every muscle in my body tense with terrified tension as my body braced for whatever was about to happen.

''Oh no, no, no,no…MOVE!'' Lennox's voice screamed an order.

''Incoming!'' Ironhide yelled as the sound of a missile sliced through the air and found its target.

The world around me exploded. I was thrown a few metres from where I had been standing only seconds before. Debris rained down on me and smoke stung my eyes and nostrils. My ears buzzed, ringing from the sudden and loud assault. I could vaguely hear someone shouting, ''Anybody hurt? Everyone ok?''

I started to sit up, clutching my head that still hadn't fully recovered from its introduction to the butt of a gun. Where was Sam and Mikaela? The panic started to rise in me as it took a moment to find them. I was about to scream out their names when I heard Sam talking to Bumblebee. My breath caught in my throat and tears began to well up in my eyes. Bumblebee was hurt - badly. Sam was encouraging him to get up, but he had no legs! They had been blown off in the attack. Bee was crawling along the road, a soft whining noise coming from him. ''RACHET!"' Sam screamed.

I stood up as quickly as my legs and spinning head would allow and began to make my way over to Mikaela and Sam, threading my way through piles of rubble and smoke. I could hear Lennox and Epps arguing in the background as I placed a hand on Mikaela's shoulder, she turned quickly and gave me a hug, fighting back tears.

'Are you ok?'' I asked. She nodded. Taking in the scene before me, Sam desperately urging Bumblebee to get up, I encouraged Mikaela to go over to him. ''Go help Sam, he needs you.'' Her eyes widened for a split second, as if scared of not knowing what to do. Then almost instantly she nodded quickly and ran over to him. I stood there gingerly holding one foot off the ground.

''What the hell was that?'' Lennox yelled at Epps.

'What are you talking about?'' Epps angrily spat back.

''Whadda you mean ''what was that?'' They shot at us!'' Lennox's frustration and confusion evident in his tone.

Epps bit back, ''F-22 pilots would never fly below buildings – that's alien, that ain't friendly.''

As I heard Epps radio coordinates to the real Airforce, a large explosion slammed into the ground before Epps and Lennox. Screaming and chaos anew ensued. Another Decepticon had arrived. A huge tank came lumbering down the street, clearly unconcerned about minimal impact. Shaking my head and saying out loud to no one in particular, ''These guys really are arseholes.''

Even as the tank was firing, I couldn't believe how some people were just standing watching. ''Get out of the way! Fuck sake! Move, come on move,'' I began to shout to people to try and snap them out of their shock. Some of them thankfully heard me and began to run away, screaming in the process. Others continued to stay put, some were even filming the events on their i-phones. /Natural bloody selection at its finest! / I thought to myself.

I could hear the sound of engines revving as I saw a blur of yellow and silver/grey race towards the offending tank. Jazz and Rachet. Thank God! Ironhide had also reappeared looking none the worse for wear after his encounter with Starscream. Aptly named.

As I watched all three Autobots converge on the tank, hope began to bubble up inside again. Ironhide deftly dodging missiles like an armoured ballerina, Jazz stealthily sneaking up and grabbing hold of the tank's muzzle and twisting it around to deflect the shot elsewhere before ripping off some of its weapons. Rachet leapt over the tank, an enormous saw slicing through the tank's arm like a hot knife through butter.

Lennox and his team had also arrived and were concentrating their fire on the tank. Both Autobot and soldier working in unison to bring a shared enemy down. ''Yeah!'' I punched the air with my fist. It felt good to have something go right. But something was missing – /Optimus! Where are you?/.

A loud explosion and a crash snapped me out of my ''moment.'' The tank was down! However, there was no time to celebrate. I heard Rachet yell out in a slightly panicked tone, ''It's Megatron! Retreat. Move! Fall back.'' He motioned to Jazz and any others nearby to get away. Clearly, he knew they were no match. Once again, my thoughts turned briefly to Optimus and his very noticeable absence but that was all I had time to think before I saw a menacing and towering figure loom out of the alleyway behind where the tank had just fallen.

My eyes must have been the size of saucers and my voice cracked as I took in the hulking, aggressive looking Decepticon leader. ''Holy shit!'' I stood transfixed.

Jazz valiantly, or stupidly, decided to stand his ground and shoot at Megatron. It did nothing but seem to anger him. He fired a single shot at Jazz and sent him flying. /Jazz.. what have you done?/. Even as every fibre in my being screamed at me to turn and flee like everyone else had, I could not in good conscientious leave Jazz to battle Megatron alone. I mentally slapped myself. /Stupid woman! You have an ace up your sleeve no one else here has!/. My ''gift''. I had not used it since the bridge incident and, ready or not, I had to try and use it again.

As Megatron strode towards the fallen Jazz, intent on claiming him as a prize, something in me clicked and I sprang into action. I began to run towards Megatron, screaming, ''Hey, you ugly bastard! Hands off!'' I had almost reached Jazz's location when I stopped short, planted my feet firmly on the ground closed my eyes and summoned my gift. I felt the familiar power surge through me coupled with a wave of indignant rage. I yelled out as I pushed my hands forward, an unnecessary display but I had to release my sense of uselessness, desperation and seething rage in some way.

I focused all these emotions with the thought of pushing Megatron away. Megatron, who had barely glanced in my direction as a lion would towards a mouse, continued to bend down to snatch Jazz up. Jazz heroically prepared to do his best to fight off Megatron – but never got the chance.

Megatron was sent stumbling backwards several paces, almost falling over. Shock very evidently plastered on his metallic face as he looked around wildly in an effort to see what or who had dared to do that to him. A brief feeling of satisfaction bloomed quickly inside of me but was almost instantaneously snuffed out with the urgent need to get away. I wasn't sure I had it in me to do that again.

I screamed at Jazz, ''Get up! Get out of here!'' Jazz looked just as perplexed as Megatron, though did not take as long to process what had just happened and how. He saw his chance to get away and took it. Casting a quick and very puzzled glance in my direction, he kicked his legs out and flipped himself up onto his feet, grabbing me up in his hands in a smooth motion and began to run back towards the others. I was grateful for the ride as I didn't think I could run at that point.

Returning to where Mikaela, Sam and Bumblebee had been earlier, I noticed 'Bee was now attached to the rear of a tow truck and was looking a little more spirited. Mikaela was at the wheel. Another mental note to ask how and where she got the car from. There definitely seemed to be more to her than meets the eye. Sam, standing off to the side near Lennox, held the Allspark, and our hopes, in his hands.

''There ya' go lil' lady,'' Jazz deposited me on the ground near where the others were standing with a gentleness belying his size.

I looked up at his visored face and smiled, ''No worries Jazz.'' He gave me a quick nod, stared at me a moment, as if working out it was really me who played a role in saving him or just a stray shot that found its mark at the right moment. A second later he was gone, off to join his team combat the remaining Decepticons.

As I turned my attention to Lennox, Sam and Mikaela, I heard Lennox try to drill into Sam that like it or not he was a soldier now and that he had to get the cube to the top of a landmarked building in the area for extraction. I could tell Sam was hesitant, but he knew it was up to him. I walked up to him and gave him a brief hug, ''You can do it Sam, this is your moment to shine. What was it your grandfather used to say?''

Sam gave a small smile, ''No sacrifice…''

''No victory'', I supplied. I smiled fully now, a strange thing to do in a moment like this but humour had always been my out to diffuse situations, ''I'd take it myself but there is a reason more often than not in the movies it falls to some young fit person to save the world, I'd likely have a heart attack it after a block or two!'' Sam chuckled at this. Sobering suddenly, I warned, ''I will see you again Sam,'' and I stepped back to give Mikaela a moment.

''Sam, whatever happens, I want you to know. I'm glad I got in that car with you.'' And they embraced. My heart both melted and shattered at the same time. I was so pleased for them to have found someone, but also somewhat jealous. /It would be nice to have someone there for you no matter what/.

Both Lennox and Ironhide started to break up the tender moment, /they work well together/. ''Sam, get to the building!'' Rachet and Ironhide flanked Sam as he began to sprint down the debris strewn road, offering cover fire as he went. Up ahead I could see another Decepticon open fire. My heart clenched, /Please, let the kid be ok/.

Lennox broke into my silent thoughts, ''Girl, get that tow truck outta here!'' he all but screamed.

Mikaela finished hooking Bumblebee up ''I'm going, I'm going.''

''I'll ride with you,'' I offered. Mikaela seemed grateful for the company. We both jumped into the tow truck and Mikaela steered the car skillfully through the ruined streets, seeking shelter as the world fell apart around us.

It didn't take long for Mikaela to find a relatively ''quiet'' street a few blocks away from where the fighting was taking place. As soon as she pulled up, she lowered her head on the steering wheel and burst into tears, her emotions contained for so long now let loose. I placed a protective hand on her shoulder and rubbed in slow circles, trying to comfort her. There was nothing to say, what do you say in such a situation? ''It's going to be okay?'' because to be honest at that point in time, I didn't know if it would. Empty platitudes would not be an adequate balm, they never worked for me. So, instead, I sat in silence trying to pick up broken pieces.

Then, as suddenly as it started, Mikaela raised her head and looked at me briefly and then back towards 'Bee. He must have heard Mikaela crying and he had been looking in her direction. When he saw Mikaela look to him in a silent request, he nodded his agreeance.

A look of steely determination descended over Mikaela's face. She threw the truck into reverse and took off back up the street towards were Lennox and his team were pinned down by the large tank I thought they had killed earlier. Fuck these things were hard to kill!

Mikaela shouted out to 'Bee, ''I'll drive, you shoot!''

'"And I'll hold on tight!'' I offered.

The tyres screeched as Mikaela sped off backwards down the road. Hot wiring cars, driving backwards with ease, clearly the girl had grown up around cars, or with someone who had. Still, I held the Jesus handle in the cabin till my knuckles were white. ''Shoot, shoot!'' Mikaela told 'Bee.

''Look out, look out!'' I screamed with my eyes half screwed shut.

'Bee began to punch and shoot cars and debris out of the way and, as we got closer, he zeroed in on the large Decepticon Lennox and his team were being harassed by. A hail of bullets and shells were being rained down upon the tank. ''Come on, die already!'' I heard myself scream out loud in the car, the tension and anger reaching boiling point.

It was in that moment a well-aimed shot from Bumblebee found its mark in the thing's chest and it fell in a burning heap into the building Lennox and his team had been hiding in. I screamed out loud and punched the air with great enthusiasm and relief. Mikaela also yelled out. She brought the car to a stop just outside the building.

We sat there for a second trying to calm ourselves down from the adrenaline rush we had just experienced. After a minute we both got out of the car and headed towards Lennox and his team. Mikaela acknowledged Bee as he transformed his cannon back into his hand, ''Nice shot!''

''Awesome shooting!'' I yelled to 'Bee. ''That tank is definitely dead now.'' There was a brief nod of thanks towards Mikaela, but no time for congratulations and celebrations, there was still plenty of fighting to be done.

''Alright we got business!'' Lennox continued. Further down the street, towards the building Sam was last seen sprinting, we could hear explosions and screaming. A helicopter, perhaps the one with Sam and the cube in it, was knocked out of the sky by a missile. Lennox rallied his team for a final push.

''I'm coming with you!'' I yelled out.

''No. Stay here, it's safer,'' Lennox countered. His men already starting to file out the building and down the street.

I placed my hands on my hips, a sure-fire sign to anyone who knew me, I was about to verbally throw down. ''Look around you Lennox NO WHERE is safe at the moment!'' I paused for effect. ''Now, we can either stand here and discuss varying degrees of ''safe'' and the benefits of remaining in said areas OR you can shut up and accept I am coming with you?'' hands firmly on hips and eyes set on his, I prepared for a counter argument.

'Bee made a whirring beeping sound and blinked his eyes, giving a little salute. Lennox stared at me in a silent battle of wills. I briefly thought, /any second now he is going to whip out his gun and start counting to three/.

Without another word, Lennox nodded and ran off to lead his team. I turned to Mikaela and 'Bee, ''Sorry guys, I gotta do this. Optimus, he hasn't shown up. I might be able to help. I can..'' I was about to share my gift with them when I thought better of it, ''I can only try.'' My voice trailed off. The look I gave them was a cross between an apology and a plea. Both Mikaela and 'Bee nodded. I was sure they wouldn't be far behind anyway as they had both come to care for Sam.

With that, I took off after Lennox and his team. A small voice in my head repeating, ''He's gotta be okay, he's gotta be okay.'' An even smaller voice in my head, more an unsolicited thought, whispered through my subconscious, ''are you thinking of the boy or Optimus?'' Shaking my head as a physical means to rid myself of unhelpful and ludacris thoughts, I refocused my energies on keeping up with the team.

This had indeed been one hell of a mission so far and, as a large Decepticon helicopter flew overhead and landed in the street out from the alleyway we were running down, I instinctively knew things were about to get a hell of a lot worse before they remotely got better – if at all.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

Positioned at the back of the group, I crouched low so as not to be detected. I watched and listened as Epps and Lennox took in the scene before them.

''Fighter jets in 60 seconds. We got friendlies mixed with bad guys. Targets will be marked.'' Epps whispered into the radio, producing a laser.

I inched closer, being drawn out of the alleyway by some unknown force. I could hear the sound of metal clanging and smashing. An epic battle of some sort was taking place just around the corner.

Lennox patted Epps on the shoulder, ''Bring the rain!' Let's kill these things.'' At that signal Lennox, Epps and some of the others began to pour out of the alleyway in silent succession. As I followed, I heard Lennox remind the soldiers, ''Remember, aim low, the armour is weak under the chest.''

I slunk out of the alleyway, keeping against the wall. Lennox was making his way towards a motorbike that lay discarded in the middle of the road, picking it up and starting to climb onto it. /What on earth could he be…. Oh no!/. I had quickly connected the dots and realised what his intentions were. He was going to ride the bike down the street towards the giant helicopter!

At the same time Lennox was preparing to carry out this daredevil and insane plan, Epps had pointed the laser sight onto the helicopter as it walked slowly and purposefully towards to gigantic metal figures locked in battle.

My heart skipped a beat and I caught myself holding my breath as I realised who was engaged in the battle. /Optimus!/.

He gave a savage backhand to Megatron before kicking out with his feet. The sound of a motorbike engine roaring to life like an angry mosquito, tore my attention away from Optimus for a split second. Lennox had begun his charge down the street, his face set in a cross between grim determination and mania.

The sound of a large cannon preparing to fire and Epps' voice yelling, ''Move out!'' made me whip my head back around in time to see a fireball explode in front of some parked cars near where Epps had been standing. The force threw a few guys off their feet. I instinctively ducked.

As Epps hit the ground he screamed, ''Incoming!'' The roar of jet engines approaching only served to make my heart race once again – Starscream or friendlies?

Through the clearing smoke I could see Optimus, who had just thrown a punch at Megatron, falter as his attention was drawn momentarily in our direction. It was the opportunity Megatron had been looking for. Prime was knocked off his feet and sent flying.

''NO!'' I screamed in both terror and anger. I began to move from my position hugging the wall towards Optimus. The sound of missiles tearing through the sky towards their target and Lennox screaming as he slid along the road, firing at his quarry with uncanny accuracy as he did so. I faltered in my stride as the large alien helicopter shuddered and fell to the ground in a smoking mess, blue liquid oozing out of several places.

Lennox had since regained his footing and was calling the others to push forward into the fray. I didn't need to be asked twice. As we dashed the final few metres down the road, a flash of brown and blue darting from one scrap pile to another caught my attention as our little group quickly took refuge amongst whatever cover we could find. Sam! My God, he was still alive! I silently sent a thought of gratitude towards the heavens. Though my relief was soon replaced by fear and anger.

My heart twisted in my chest as Optimus was sent flying by a powerful kick from Megatron, as though he were a mere metallic rag doll. Once again, the sky was torn apart as the sound of jets bore down on us. Lennox and his men were firing everything they had at Megatron. At the same time several well aimed missiles slammed into Megatron's chest and back, sending him stumbling and falling towards where Prime lay battered and Sam lay cowering, desperately clutching the Allspark in his arms.

''Not on my fucking watch you don't!" I growled, raising my hands and not caring who saw, though I doubt anyone did as they were busy surviving. I deflected flying shrapnel away from Optimus, even as he put his arm out to shield himself from blows that never landed.

Sam, seeing Megatron almost upon him began to run past Prime. Megatron lunged at him. As Prime brought his great metal foot out to trip Megatron, I used my gift to simultaneously shove Megatron away as he fell and pulled Sam towards the ground out of his reach. It wasn't much but it helped.

As Sam rolled onto his back and started scrambling away from a clawing Megatron, I did my best to force Megatron back, slow his approach but I had very little left in the tank. Never before had I used my gift so extensively. /Just a little longer!/ I coaxed myself. Straining, I mentally ''pushed'' against Megatron trying to keep him from reaching Sam and the Allspark.

''I'll kill you! Mine. Allspark.'' Megatron's hatred and focus was singular. How could such narrowminded greed, vengeance and hatred possibly be deterred let alone contained? I began to falter.

Prime, who had been dragging his battered and beaten body towards Sam shouted at him, ''Sam! Push the cube in my chest – now!"'

/NO!/ I mentally screamed.

Sam rose to his feet, his chest heaving with the effort to both stand after all of his exertions and decide what course of action to take in such intense circumstances.

''Sam! No Sam!'' Optimus implored, slamming his giant fist into the ground. It was a heartbreaking sight.

Without warning I felt my gift fade and I opened my mouth to scream. Megatron made a guttural, feral growl and lunged towards Sam. In that moment Sam had made his decision – he stepped towards Megatron, with the Allspark held aloft like some trophy, and forced the cube into Megatron's chest!

Megatron's chest burned and began to melt, the cube absorbing itself into him, sparks flying everywhere. Megatron groaned and clutched his menacing claws at his chest. He sank to his knees before Sam, a look of incredulity, utter loathing and contempt set on his face. He groaned and screeched, twisting in agony before succumbing and falling unceremoniously on the ground – a burning, beaten shell. His large metal arms stretched out in a failed attempt to grasp his precious Allspark.

Sam stood transfixed for a moment. No doubt his mind racing to catch up with what had just transpired. I felt myself start to breathe again and hot tears started to spill from my eyes. So close - we came so close to losing them both. Standing alone amongst the clearing smoke and debris, I closed my eyes and covered my sobs with my hand, allowing myself to fall apart for a moment.

Optimus stood; his footsteps as heavy as his heart no doubt as he made his way over to the fallen Decepticon. Standing above Megatron, his tone was strangely wistful and sad, not relieved and elated as it seemed it should have been, he watched the glowing red eyes fade to black.

''You left me no choice – brother,'' Optimus whispered in a voice raw with emotion. Listening to this declaration I felt whatever anger, hatred and fear I had coursing through my body, dissipate and be replaced with – sympathy. I knew what it felt like to lose family through bitter circumstances. I wiped the tears from my face, drew a deep breath in and started to make my way over to where both Optimus and Sam stood.

Optimus had carefully lowered his great metallic body down to be at eye level with Sam. The Prime's face was battered and scarred, his armour singed, torn and dented but his voice didn't waver or show any signs of pain as his deep baritone voice intoned, ''Sam. I owe you my life. We are in your debt.'' His azure eyes shining with what one could interpret as gratitude. Sam simply nodded his acknowledgement.

Slowly, Optimus raised himself to his full and imposing height once again. As he did so he caught sight of me as I threaded my way over to where Lennox and the others stood. Optimus paused and inclined his head towards me in a subtle gesture of acknowledgment. Taken off guard, I simply gaped at him for a second before recovering my composure and returning the gesture. /What was that for?/.

At that moment a familiar vehicle pulled up, an equally burned and battered Bumblebee in ''tow.'' Mikaela emerged and walked around to stand not far from Sam. Her face lighting up when she saw him. A smile graced my lips. /Ahhh…. Young love/.

The sound of heavy footfalls interrupted my thoughts as Ironhide, Rachet and Jazz approached Prime, they all looked both relieved and pleased to see that their leader had survived. Something told me that the Prime was the glue that held this lot together. As everyone stood around, taking in the events of the day and processing their victory, Prime spoke in a commanding voice, gaining the attention of all who stood nearby. ''We gained new comrades today. Thank you. All of you. You honour us with your bravery.''

At this the sound of static filled the air and Bumblebee spoke. My mouth flew open. ''Permission to speak Sir.''

Prime sounded equally surprised but pleased as he stepped forward to address Bumblee, ''Permission granted old friend.''

Sam spoke for the first time, "'You speak now?''

''I wish to stay with the boy.'' I simple but earnest request.

''If that is his choice,'' was Prime's equally simple reply.

Sam slowly nodded, as though he had no energy left to do anything else, a small smile forming on his face. ''Yes.''

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I looked around me. Only 24 hours earlier I had been alone, discarded. Now, I felt a connection to all of the people and beings in this moment. A sense of ''family'' – something I hadn't felt in a long time. A feeling of joy began to bubble up in me and I couldn't contain the laugh that escaped my lips. Lennox, Epps and the others turned to look at me quizzically.

I shook my head in amazement and addressed Sam, ''You know Sam. I was wrong about you.'' I admitted.

He raised an eyebrow in silent inquiry, ''Oh yeah? How so?''

I smiled, ''When I first saw you, I made a judgment call. Turns out, you're not a spoiled brat. Just a mildly neurotic pain in the arse with a good heart and a best friend who happens to be an eighteen-foot sentient robot from Cybertron who communicates through the radio.'' At this everyone in the group stopped and stared, eyes wide and mouths working in disbelief and shock. I shrugged my shoulders as I folded my arms across my chest. ''It's a classic scenario really.'' 

Sam stared blankly at me for a moment before I arched my eyebrow and allowed a playful smile to tug at the corner of my lips. It was Lennox and Epps who began to laugh, slowly at first and then with greater gusto, as if the horrors of the day had just been erased. They were soon joined in by most everyone, save Sam who stood pouting somewhat, hands on hips.

Ironhide and Rachet allowed a small smile to form on their faces. /Progress - I'll take it/.

I walked over to him and gave him a playful, gentle punch in the shoulder, ''Just joking mate, you did great, top effort.'' At this Sam's expression changed from feigned hurt to embarrassment as I grabbed him in a huge hug. Mikaela made her way over towards Sam too and I stepped back to allow her the opportunity to reconnect with and congratulate him.

I made my way back to Lennox and Epps who gave me a nod much like Prime did and slapped me on the back, ''Good call…uh…?'' They both looked at me in a sheepish confused manner and it just occurred to me that I knew their names, but they didn't know mine.

''Thanks, and the name's Orianna Connors or OC for short.'' I smiled. It felt so good to have this again.

Optimus, clearly not used to engaging in such light hearted banter, seemed to ignore what had taken place and instead bent down over Megatron's crumpled body, his large metal hand seeming to reach down into his chest and retrieve something, holding it tight in his fist. As Prime looked off into the distance I mused, /I wonder what that was?/.

''Alright, everyone, fun's over.'' Lennox had put his leader's cap back on. Prime had become strangely silent. ''There's a shit load of work to do, people to help and the arrival of giant alien robots to this earth to cover up, let's get to it''.

Taking one last look around at my new ''family,'' I moved my aching body to help in whatever way possible.

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

As I stood on a large grassy hill overlooking Sam's hometown, I cast my optics to the sky now turning varying shades of reds, oranges and yellows as the sun set on this world. My processor sifted through my many thoughts of the past cycle, or day, as the humans would refer to it.

The species of this planet, the humans, had proven themselves to be worthy allies in my team's time of need. Courage, honour and self-sacrifice, all qualities I look for in those I surround myself with, had been demonstrated ably by those humans that stood with us against Megatron and his followers.

I shuttered my optics in thought and glanced towards where Sam and Mikaela were laying atop Bumblebee in a rather intimate way. I frowned to myself as I shook my helm. Even, or perhaps most especially, the younger humans, had shown great bravery under fire and duress, /much like the young mech, Bumblebee/. While they indeed have much to learn and are, in many ways a primitive race, there is a goodness and potential in them that I cannot ignore. Like us, there is more to them than meets the eye.

At this thought I turned my head to look at Orianna Connors as she sat on the hood of her green vehicle ''Relda'' I believe she called it? She seemed content to be near everyone but on her own. She seemed to be casting her gaze towards the skies as well.

Like Sam, Mikaela, Epps and Lennox and the many others who fought with us earlier, she too possessed courage, honour, bravery and self-sacrifice. However, I could not escape the feeling in my circuits and my spark that she was different to the others. As I thought back to my few interactions with her; from our meeting in the alleyway, to the moment she defied my orders under the bridge and after my fight with Megatron, there was something about her that stood out.

My processor played back the incident under the bridge when Mikaela fell. While I cannot be certain, I have a feeling that Orianna played a major role in saving their lives, that she possessed some ''ability,'' not usually found amongst her kind.

I continued to gaze at her as she gazed at the stars. I could tell from this distance through my sensors that she was at peace, calm but also an air of uncertainty and a sadness shadowed her. I tilted my helm as I took in the puzzle that was Orianna Connors.

Then, without warning, she turned and stared at me, as though she had senses of her own that alerted her to my ''visual prying.'' She did not seem angry that I had somehow interrupted her silent reverie, rather the opposite. She smiled and waved at me, a human gesture of acknowledgment and greeting. Taken aback by her sudden openness, I simply once again inclined my helm in her direction to let her know I saw her and acknowledged her in return. Orianna paused for a moment as though thinking something through, what it was I could not be sure, and then she simply turned her gaze back towards the darkening sky as the stars came out to shine. /Something different indeed/.

I cast my gaze skyward one more time, reflecting on the message I had previously sent to my brothers and sisters taking refuge in the stars. We would remain on this planet, waiting for their arrival and watching over the humans in secret.

Taking one last look at my team and our new human allies, I turned to walk off down the hill to where Lennox and Epps were currently making their way with intel on what was to become our new home here on Earth – a Military airbase located in the Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia. Although it was not Cybertron, and my spark clenched at the grief of losing my home world, it felt good to once again have a ''home,'' a place to feel connected to and with.

Afterall, it is the connections in life that we have and make that anchor us to ourselves and our purpose.

Orianna P.O.V

/Beautiful/, I thought to myself as I took in the incredible hues of the evening sky. My stars were slowly revealing themselves as darkness raced to claim the land once again. A gentle breeze tugged at my long hair and brought cool relief from the exertions of the past 24 hours. Thankfully I had been reunited with my beloved green Land Rover Discovery ''Relda'' and I now sat on her hood, pondering the events of the past 24 hours.

After doing what could be done in Mission City, we had headed back towards Sam's home for some much-needed R &R, and for Sam, for some much-needed reassurance for his parents that he was alive and well. While Ron and Judy, Sam's parents, had been shocked, awed and proud of their son's involvement with alien Robots, they seemed to take it in their stride. As long as their boy was ok and the Government would cover any ''financial losses due to robot renovations'', Ron and Judy were ok with the new arrangements of having a transforming Camaro living in the garage.

I was introduced to Sam's parents as a friend who had helped save his life during the Mission City event. Ron and Judy welcomed me enthusiastically after that – no questions asked, /Just the way I like it/. After some showers, clean change of clothes (given I was living out of my car I had a portable wardrobe), and some food (God – when had I last eaten?), we bid our farewells and headed out to meet Lennox and Epps outside of town for info on where the Autobots would be calling ''home.''

A small smile spread across my face as I reflected on what had taken place. Never in my life had I thought I would have been involved in such crazy events, and this was coming from a woman who had lived with psychokinesis for most of her life! In a matter of hours my life had taken a dramatic turn and set me on a new course – though at times it had been terrifying, it had never been dull and I had felt a realness, a purpose and a connection to others I had not felt in such a long time - /If at all/.

While I have been on my own before and am more than capable of looking after myself, after the past 24 hours I have come to realise I don't want to be on my own – I need to feel connected. /Don't we all?/. Sam, Mikaela, Epps, Lennox, Optimus and the others, whether they liked it or not, they were now my family, my people.

A cold shiver passed over me and a dark shadow flittered over my heart. /But do they see you that way – would they want you around? No one else seems to/. Before I could follow that self-loathing train of thought I felt something else chase away the darkness and self-doubt. A feeling. Warmth, kindness – curiosity? I felt as though I was being watched but not in a bad way.

I turned my head towards where Optimus stood, like a large metallic sentinel, watching me. He was regarding me with a thoughtful and curious expression, well what I assumed to be anyway as their faces don't allow expression as well as our human faces do. I couldn't be sure what he was thinking but I smiled and waved to him to let him know I saw him and that I was ok.

He seemed taken aback by my sudden gesture, as if he did not suspect I would notice him. He once again simply inclined that noble head of his and acknowledged my presence and gesture. /I want to go to him. Talk to him/. For a moment I fought the urge to get up and approach the Prime – to say what? What would or could an insignificant human such as me have to say to such a powerful being as Optimus Prime that would capture his attention? No. Best to stay put and converse with my stars. So, I did just that.

Shortly after my decision to avoid the Prime, I heard his heavy footfalls as he walked off down the hill. There had been talk earlier of Epps and Lennox meeting us out here to inform Prime of where he and his team would be stationed for the foreseeable future. /Perhaps that is where has gone?/.

As I gazed at my beautiful stars shining brightly above, I silently prayed that wherever they were going, I would be welcome to join them. Afterall, home is where the heart is, and my heart belonged to the Autobots.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

So, turns out home sweet home was going to be none other than a small footprint shaped island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. At least that's what I could make out from my Google search of ''Diego Garcia" on my phone.

When Lennox and Epps had indeed showed up to both inform and escort Optimus and his team, save Bumblebee, to their new ''digs'', that was the name Optimus had relayed to his team and to us. A military base apparently leased out by the US from the British. A very strategic military base. A very secret, strategic military base - about to be made even more so by the arrival of Sentient Robotic lifeforms from Cybertron – /and one middle-aged woman with psychokinesis/.

When Optimus had told his team about Diego Garcia and how they were moving out immediately, the fear and sadness I had been feeling moments earlier at the thought of being separated from the Autobots bubbled to the surface like icy molten lava, unable to be contained. My words erupted, not unlike a volcano; suddenly and somewhat violently. ''I'M COMING TOO AND YOU CAN'T STOP ME!'' All heads and eyes, brown, green and blue, turned to look at me in unison.

It was Lennox that spoke first. ''Sorry OC, that's not really an option nor has it been vetted by anyone,'' he said with a sad smile. At my crest fallen expression and obvious upset at these words, Lennox quickly offered, ''Look OC you've been a great help, really you have, for a civilian, but the ride stops here.'' I felt my hands move to their hips of their own volition.

The next words that came out of my mouth were of stark contrast to those spoken only moments ago, a slightly cold, hard edge to them. ''Lennox, I'm sure we'd all agree that up until this point you have proven yourself to be an intelligent and reasonable man, able to make sensible decisions based on information provided to you,'' his somewhat puzzled but curious expression did nothing to deter me. ''I strongly suggest you keep that record and opinion intact by making a concession and allowing me to come along''.

There were a few awkward coughs and shuffling of feet from various bystanders as they took in the scene unfolding before them. Epps, Mikaela and Bumblebee had some idea of what was to come as they had recalled my efforts back in Mission City and I was vaguely aware of smiles breaking out on their faces. Despite only standing about 5' 5'' I could be a force to be reckoned with when determined, like a Blue Heeler Cattle Dog doggedly wearing down far stronger and larger opponents with sheer single bloody mindedness and a refusal to give in.

''While I can understand…'' Lennox started to volley back with a rebuttal, but I did not give him the chance.

''Lennox.'' I paused to allow the weight of what I was about to say sink in. ''Please, wait. If, after what I am about to say to you all, you disagree or remain unmoved, then I shall accept your decision." Lennox looked contemplative for a moment and then nodded his acquiescence to my terms, folding his arms over his chest. /Perhaps his equivalent of my hands-on hips/ I mused briefly to myself.

I took a deep breath; I hadn't spoken of this to anyone for so long. The voice that came next was strangely calm despite the swirling emotions churning inside of me. ''I am not one who usually dumps the weight of the world on the shoulders of others. I prefer to keep my private business to myself, but I feel I need to explain why I want to come along with you to Diego Garcia.'' Here goes….''I am alone.''

Three words.

So very easy really but so very hard to say out loud. ''I have no one, and I mean no one in my life. My family all – died - years ago when I was living in Australia. Since I have come here, about 10 years ago I have had a few relationships, the last ending oh'', I glanced down at my watch to check the time, ''about 36 hours ago, give or take.'' At this Lennox and the others' expressions changed, a shadow of shock and sorrow fliting over their faces.

I ignored them and continued. 'So now I have nowhere to live. I am effectively homeless.'' I exhaled softly as I quickly glanced at the ground near my feet. ''I've never really had any friends growing up as my family kept moving around and the habit seemed to stick as I made a new life for myself here.'' I snapped my head back up to look imploringly at Lennox and Epps. ''I know I can be of use to you. I could be some sort of Autobot/human liaison''. I felt my heart beat speed up and my breath hitch as the following words were almost wrenched from my mouth, ''For most of my life I have felt – lost, useless and broken,'' at this confession I started to feel tears prickle the corners of my eyes and my nose began to run. I wiped furiously at them lest the dam burst.

Lennox went to say something, to stop me, but I held up a hand to silence him. I told him I would be honest and that was what he was going to get, whether he liked it or not. ''Since I have met up with you all, I have felt a sense of belonging and connection I have not had in the longest time, maybe never.'' At this point I looked at each and every one of the people and beings stood before me. Some of the eyes I looked into held tears like my own, some held silent support and understanding, some held capitulation and some held an emotion I could not quite read – as long as it was anything but pity. I don't do pity.

I took a deep breath again, ''With all of you – I feel a sense of home, of purpose and direction, like I can help - make a difference. Please.'' Almost a whisper now. ''Please don't take that away from me.'' I closed my eyes at this last plea, partly in embarrassment and partly in silent prayer that my words would not fall on deaf ears.

There was silence.

/Have they walked away?/. I reopened my eyes. Lennox had taken a step towards me and had placed his hands on my shoulders. He looked down at me for a second as if forming the words. ''I'll see what I can do OC. As far as I am concerned, welcome aboard.'' The breath I didn't know I had been holding exhaled roughly and I blinked away fresh tears rapidly. Mikaela and Sam came over to give me a hug as did Epps.

'Bee took a tentative step towards me. Crouching down he gently extended one of his arms out towards me allowing one of his ''fingers'' to brush down the side of my face, ''You go girl!'' followed by the sounds of the Sister Sledge, ''We are family'' blasting through his radio. I managed a small laugh and heart felt sigh, ''Thanks 'Bee. Back at you.''

Looking over at the other Autobots, something I had tried to avoid after my initial brave stare down, there were mixed emotions. Jazz was excited and gave me a thumbs up, ''Hey girl we roomies now.''

Rachet seemed indifferent though not annoyed but Ironhide looked like he had just swallowed something distasteful. /Yeah – the news more humans would be crawling around him/.

Prime. Prime had not said anything or shown any real reaction - as if he had been contemplating what I had just poured out. Ironhide not happy with me tagging along was one thing. Optimus not wanting me around – for some reason that was a whole other issue and one I had to clarify now.

''Optimus?'' It was a whispered request. The great Prime heard and lowered himself down to address me on my level.

''Yes, Orianna?'' he said simply.

''Do. Do you mind? Is it ok with you if I come along with you and your team to Diego Garcia?'' I paused a moment, almost not believing what I was about to say. ''If you don't want me to come along, I will honour your wishes and remain here.'' I cast my eyes to the ground, my heart clenched as it prepared to be dealt a harsh blow.

Instead, I felt the strangely warm tip of a giant metal finger ever so gently touch the underside of my chin, encouraging me to look up into two azure pools of kindness, wisdom and acceptance. It was as though everyone and everything had frozen – awaiting what was about to be said.

Prime's deep baritone voice rumbled, ''Orianna Connors. I thank you for your honesty. You have once again demonstrated your great capacity for bravery and self-sacrifice. I would be honoured if you would join my Autobots and I at our new base and help to establish a human/Autobot liaison programme to facilitate our transition to your planet.'' What could be taken for a small smile graced his ''lips'' /must learn what ''their'' body parts are called. ''I believe Captain Lennox stated it best…. Welcome aboard.''

Without thinking I grabbed the tip of Prime's finger and hugged it to my face. So many emotions flowed through me, the most pressing one being gratitude. I released Prime's finger, looking somewhat embarrassed and allowed the noble leader to once again regain his full height and composure.

''Thank you. Thank you all so much!'' I was practically radiating with happiness.

''Well'', Epps said, clapping his hands together. ''Hate to break up the fun but Lennox, we got some calls to make and some deals to wheel.'' Epps started to head back to their black SUV.

''Indeed, we do Epps, best get to it.'' Lennox sent a smile out to me again, and I nodded.

As he walked away, I couldn't resist it. ''Hey Lennox?'' He turned. ''That's twice, but who's counting.'' I broke out into a radiantly, cheeky smile.

Lennox, seemed at a loss for a moment, before recognition dawned on his face as he realised, I had out argued him twice. ''Oh, this will be fun living with you on Garcia. Bring it!'' He turned to address the others, ''Sam, Miakela, 'Bee, we'll be in touch. Thank you all for your help. Optimus, we'll meet you and your team,'' he turned to face me, ''plus one, at the designated rendezvous point at 06:00 hundred hours as discussed.''

''Affirmative,'' the Prime intoned.

And with that they drove away, and the new chapter of my life began, one I could hardly wait to start writing.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

I had forgotten how much I hated flying! I was torn between looking out the window of our transport to try and get a visual on Diego Garcia and closing my eyes and starting a litany of prayers that we would reach our destination safely. I went with the latter.

''Nervous flier?'' Epps' voice interrupted my Hail Mary's.

I gave him a cursory glance. ''Uh. You could say that. The flight from Australia to the US by myself all those years ago must have been so traumatic I blocked it out of my memory.'' I offered a weak smile.

Epps laughed a deep, throaty chuckle. ''Well, best get used to it if you intend on hanging around us and the Autobots.''

My smile faded, ''Really?'' Epps raised an eyebrow, as if to indicate my naivety in thinking otherwise. ''Well", I swallowed. ''I guess I better take a cup of cement and harden the hell up then!"

Epps let out another laugh and slapped me on the shoulder, ''Good attitude, that'll help.'' We sat in companionable silence for a few minutes. The Autobots were all in their vehicle modes to allow for space inside the aircraft. Despite the cavernous size of the Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, with the Autobots and Relda parked inside, space was limited. 

I had not really spoken to the Autobots during our flight. I had been focused on not disgracing myself and vomiting during take-off and they had also seemed preoccupied with their own thoughts. Besides, I had no intention of wearing out my welcome before the plane had even landed so I kept to myself.

''Oh look, there it is!'' Epps tapped me on the shoulder and pointed out the window. I nervously allowed my gaze to travel along his outstretched arm to take in the sight far below. It was actually quite a pretty site. The island was indeed in the shape of a foot, not like Italy though and much, much smaller. /Will it be big enough to hide the ''cargo''?/ I wondered.

I could make out a runway /damn it looked small!/, some buildings or a small town nestled in amongst what appeared to be bushland and some beautiful white sand that contrasted amazingly with the aqua shallows of what I assumed were reefs. Dotted inside the island on its bays and lagoons were, what I presumed were ships, though from up here they looked like matchsticks that had been haphazardly dropped on the ocean. As far as homes went it seemed more than suitable and I felt a small glimmer of excitement.

''They call the island, ''The Footprint of Freedom,'' Epps broke into my thoughts.

I nodded to indicate I had heard him. ''Uh Epps?''

''Yeah?'' he replied.

''That, ah… that runway… it IS able to accommodate this?'' My voice trailed off and I gestured around the whole aircraft we were currently sat in. At that point, the hulking plane gave a shudder as its engines slowed and it banked to prepare for landing.

''Well,'' said Epps, ''I guess you'll find out soon enough''. He gave me a wink and headed off to check everything was ready for landing.

''Smug bastard!'' I yelled after him, but the drone of the engines had drowned out my retaliation. I began to take deep breaths and felt my stomach drop as the aircraft banked to begin its descent. Every groan and creak of the mighty aircraft made my skin crawl, and I could feel a light sweat break out on my forehead. /Maybe this was a bad idea after all/.

I could feel my knuckles tighten on the sides of my basic seat as the plane circled ever closer to its destination. It was all I could do to not scream out in panic as I heard and felt the enormous aircraft shudder as it straightened up to approach the runway. I could not bring myself to look outside the window, my eyes were firmly shut. I could feel the distance between sky and ground disappearing.

Out of nowhere I felt a lurch and a bump as the massive wheels made contact with the tarmac and the roar of the engines as they were thrown into reverse thrust and the Boeing fought to slow its considerable momentum and pull itself up. I was sure my teeth were going to be ground down to nubs by the time the plane came to a standstill. /At least now we are ON the ground/ I tried to comfort myself.

I was vaguely aware of the pilot speaking to us to inform us we had arrived at Diego Garcia. The plane had successfully landed on what I was sure was the world's shortest runway and was now taxing back to what appeared to be some large hangers.

I finally released my death grip on my seat and began to feel my heart rate return to a somewhat normal pace. There were a few other aircraft parked off the runway and I could make out some military jeeps here and there, no doubt racing about in preparation for our arrival. I was busy watching them when Lennox's voice interrupted me.

''Ok OC, you asked for it. Here it is - Diego Garcia in all its glory.'' He gestured outside the window.

''Yeah. It seems nice Lennox. Thanks again, I really appreciate it, more than you know.'' Lennox had had to pull a few strings and personally vouch for me, the enormity of which was not lost on me.

He smiled and briefly patted me on the shoulder. ''Don't thank me yet. You might hate the place and book the next flight out of here! Well, cargo bay door will be opening any moment now once we have clearance. You might want to be ready to move that rolling green turd of yours out of the way.''

My face darkened somewhat, ''Lennox given you have helped me I shall let that offensive comment slide about my beloved Relda but you have been warned, any further name calling of my car will result in an all-out verbal slinging match which may or may not be accompanied by practical jokes and pranks that may or may not involve pain and embarrassment ln your behalf.''

Lennox simply continued to smile. /So, he doubted me. We shall see then/.

''Whatever you say OC. Now, if you could make your way to…..'', he paused and seemed to reconsider his words, ''your car…. I would be much obliged''. /So, not a fool then/. He turned and walked off no doubt to inform Prime of disembarkment procedures.

I smiled a small victory smile, /that's three times/ and quickly unfastened my seatbelt. All of my belongings were in Relda including her keys in the ignition. I walked up to her. I had to undo the massive tie down straps that had held in her in place during the flight. One of the crew that had travelled with us helped. After thanking him, I climbed in Relda and patted her steering wheel, ''This is it Relda. Our new life. Don't fuck it up!'' Though the last was more a threat to me if truth be told.

The fuselage suddenly filled with bright light as the rear of the plane was cracked open like a giant mechanical maw. Once given the go ahead, I carefully drove Relda down and out of the plane, following the directions of the ground crew. I had been directed to the largest hanger off the runway and so I made my way there, parking Relda where I thought I would be out of the way.

As I sat there, I watched the Autobots roll out of the Boeing and towards the same hanger - Prime, naturally at the front leading the others. His paintwork, though somewhat tacky, shone brilliantly in the sunlight, despite the numerous scratches, dents and gouges from his battle in Mission City. I found it hard to take my eyes off him. To anyone he looked the world like a Peterbuilt 379, no one would ever suspect he was actually a giant alien robot that could transform. More than meets the eye with these guys.

I marvelled at my new ''family'' as they rolled into the hanger and came to a stop inside. I started Relda again and followed, parking off to the side next to Jazz.

Lennox and Epps had hitched a ride over in another black SUV and had made their way to the centre of the hanger and what appeared to be a large catwalk of some sort. /What on earth was that for?/. Once all the Autobots and Lennox and Epps were safely inside the hanger, the massive doors were closed. At this point the unmistakeable sound of gears moving and transforming broke out as Optimus and the others shifted back into robot mode.

''At last! I was seriously crampin' up! While I look cool either way, stayin' in vehicle mode for hours on end is tha pit,'' Jazz stretched his arms and legs out.

''The pit?'' I queried.

He turned his head to look at me, ''Oh, hey lil' lady. Well ta put it in your terms, hell, shit - fucked up,'' an equivalent of a grin broke out on his ''face''.

''Right, makes sense. I guess now that I am, or will be, designated as your ''Human/Autobot Liaison,'' I need to start learning about you guys, your language, history,'' gesturing to all of Jazz I simply said, ''You''.

''That's cool OC, be happy to 'splain everythin' I know,'' Jazz gave the thumbs up signal. I smiled back at him, hoping I could pick up their body language, quirks and mannerisms as fast as they have done with ours.

''Well there's the shortest data pad ever written!'' Ironhide had weighed in to the conversation as he strode past.

Jazz looked like he started to bristle but then changed tactic, ''Aww..Don't mind 'Hide OC. His processor needs defragging and he's just jealous you asked me and not him.'' Jazz sent a cheeky wink towards Ironhide. /Jazz, cool by name and nature it would seem/.

I gulped expecting the infamous ''cannons'' to reappear. Instead Ironhide simply grunted and walked off closer to Prime who was now engaged in a discussion with Lennox. I was relieved to not have to try and intervene in an Autobot scuffle day one of arriving in my new home and new job.

''Prime, we will soon have a secure link open to General Morshower, who will be liaising with us and establishing the outline of our new operations as directed by our President and his advisors, parameters of action and basic protocol whilst residing in Diego Garcia''. Lennox, now a Major after his efforts in Mission City, began to walk up the catwalk towards the various monitors and equipment.

''Affirmative,'' Optimus replied taking a step towards the gangway where Lennox now stood. It was a simple reply. The Prime, I had noticed, chose his words carefully, and seemed to only speak when necessary. I gazed up at him and marvelled. /How did I get here?/ I simply took a seat on Relda's hood once again to listen to the proceedings and see if there was anything I needed to add or help with.

Shortly after one of the monitors sprang to life revealing an older, bald man in a khaki coloured shirt with several gold stars along its collar. Despite his age he looked sharp as a tack, radiating a sense of calm and no nonsense at the same time. First impression was - I liked him.

''General Morshower,'' Major Lennox saluted, ''reporting for debriefing. Whilst I can't let you see him, sir, I would very much like to introduce you to the leader of the Autobots – Optimus Prime.''

Morshower had nodded his greeting, ''Major, understood, proceed''. Like Prime, a man of few words.

Optimus' deep voice reverberated around the hanger as he addressed the General. ''General Morshower, it is an honour to make your acquaintance. My name is Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. We are indebted to you and your Government for granting us asylum on your planet and providing us with a base for operations.''

The General simply nodded towards where he must have thought Prime stood. ''Whilst the casualties were high in Mission City, the report Major Lennox and his team filed indicates that without your assistance, the outcome would have been disastrous. We, in turn are indebted to you Optimus Prime for choosing to ally yourself to us and fight alongside us.''

The Prime inclined his head even though Morshower could not see, ''Freedom is the right of all sentient beings General and the Autobots and I hope to sustain a mutually beneficial relationship and continue to work alongside each other to eliminate Decepticon activity on your planet.''

''To that end Prime I am under instruction from my President and Joint Chiefs of Staff, or JCS, to relay to you and your team, in conjunction with Major Lennox and his team, your capacity, conduct and jurisdiction under our newly formed Classified Government documents, ''Alien Autobot Cooperation Act and Non-biological Extra-terrestrial Species Treaty.''

/So many big words. Might need to purchase a dictionary. Focus OC!/.I thought to myself.

''Major Lennox and his team are to work alongside you Optimus Prime and your team, in hunting down, capturing or exterminating enemy Decepticons that pose a threat to our Nation and way of life. You are to engage in such activities in as secretive and covert way as possible to avoid arousing public suspicion of giant alien robots walking amongst them. Any major loss of life and property during these engagements will be looked upon harshly by our Government and your actions WILL be called into question and held accountable for, understood?'' The General stared firmly towards the screen, clearly unintimated by whatever or whoever stood on the opposite side.

''Understood General. Avoiding unnecessary casualties and loss of life is of paramount importance to my Autobots and I,'' Prime intoned.

/Except maybe Ironhide/ I thought wickedly to myself.

General Morshower continued, ''Good. You and Major Lennox will be acting as part of Operation N.E.S.T - ''Non-biological Extra-terrestrial Species Treaty,'' the document I referred to previously. Deigo Garcia is to be your base of operations for the foreseeable future. Whilst there is a minimal civilian population and all Military personnel have been briefed as to your existence, I strongly suggest you and your team exercise caution whilst residing here. Interpret that how you will. That goes for your newly appointed ''liaison'' that I believe will be staying with you and working alongside you. She is to follow protocol as strictly as other members of the team. I am unsure as to whether this liaison is a good idea but in my experience Lennox's judgement has been above reproach. I shall be monitoring her involvement and conduct closely.''

I subconsciously stood to attention, my stomach knotting. /Should I go up there?/. Lennox must have sensed my intention as he looked in my direction and shook his head subtly but quite firmly. /Fine by me!/.

Prime replied, ''Agreed and acknowledged General. I shall be sure to convey to my fellow Autobots, and our liaison, your wishes,'' he shifted his considerable weight from foot to foot. /Agitated or bored?/ I wondered.

''Good. Major Lennox?'' The General barked out.

''Thank you, Sir, yes Sir?'' Lennox snapped to attention.

''I believe we have covered all essential communiques for now. Do you have anything to add?''

''No Sir. My team and I will begin settling the Autobots and their liaison into Deigo Garcia, outline a strategic approach and report back to you tomorrow Sir.'' Lennox once again saluted.

''Good. Great work. Prime, welcome to Deigo Garcia and best of luck,'' the General once again nodded.

''Thank you once again General Morshower''. And the screen went blank.

Lennox visibly relaxed, Optimus looked contemplative and I collapsed back onto the hood of Relda. /How often do I have to do that?/.

The Prime turned around on the spot to address his Autobots, which now included me. ''No doubt you just heard the message conveyed by General Morshower and the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in. It is of utmost importance that we honour the Government's wishes and work alongside our human allies to rid this planet of Decepticon hostilities. Although this base seems to be secure enough, I warn all of you to keep a low profile if possible, to minimise drawing attention to ourselves.'' Prime's tone indicated he was indeed serious. ''Any objections?''

None of the Autobots gathered said anything, there was nothing really to say, I guess. It would seem if Optimus had given the order and his word, they would carry it out. What the Prime said, went, it appeared.

''Orianna?'' He now turned to face me. I felt my heart both speed up and contract at the same time.

''Yes Optimus?'' my voice sounded pathetic.

''No doubt you heard the General's exchange with me regarding your conduct and role?'' I nodded. ''Then you would be aware of the need to exercise caution and secrecy when interacting with us whilst residing on this island?''

''Yes Optimus, I am aware, and I assure you I intend to do you, Major Lennox and your team proud,'' I looked at him trying to convey my sincerity.

The Prime stared back at me for a moment, those azure eyes shining, ''I am sure you will Orianna. Major Lennox,'' Prime now turned to face the Major who remained on the catwalk.

''Yes Prime?'' Lennox leaned on the gang walk's rail.

''I believe we have a shared understanding of what is expected of us. Now, if you would be so kind as to show my team and I, and Orianna where we can set up our personal quarters and conduct a basic tour of our new base, we would be most grateful.''

''Of course, Prime,'' Lennox started to descend the stairs. ''Well as for the Autobots this hanger, Hanger 1, will serve as communications/intel and general debriefing. Hanger 2 further down that way,'' he said gesturing towards some bush area, ''will serve as your team's personal quarters and recreation area and hanger 3, next door, will serve as a munitions and weapons facility.'' Lennox had come to a standstill beside Prime's feet. Epps had since joined him.

''That is agreeable, thank you Lennox. And Orianna, where shall she be stationed?'' The Prime asked.

''OC, will initially be stationed in the downtown area on Eclipse Point. There are plenty of military barracks there, shops, ''creature comforts'' she may wish to avail herself of,'' Lennox smiled. ''That's where most of the civilians and some of the military personnel reside.''

Although I really would have preferred to be closer to Prime and the others, I wasn't about to be a spoiled and ungrateful brat, ''Thanks Lennox, sounds great. When do we get going? I could do with a hot shower and a meal.'' I stood up clapping my hands together.

''No time like the present I believe. Let's go.'' Lennox started to move off.

''Oh wait!'' I burst out. Lennox froze. ''As the Autobot's liaison I should first ensure they are settled into their quarters and if they have any questions.''

''That won't be necessary Orianna,'' Optimus replied. ''Though we appreciate your diligence in your role, we shall be able to organise ourselves sufficiently.''

''No seriously, I insist. Least I can do to help out. I can hitch a ride with Lennox, help you settle in and then hitch a ride back to Relda and be on my way.''

Lennox gave a sigh. ''Prime, recent experience has told me it may just be best to agree. OC can be very - persuasive.'' Lennox warned Optimus.

There was a small smile on Optimus' face. ''Very well. If that is what she wishes.'' With that Prime ordered his team to transform and roll out towards Hanger 2. I climbed into the black SUV with Lennox ready to follow them and commence my roll as the newly appointed ''Autobot Liaison.''

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

It was a short drive from Hanger 1 to Hanger 2, probably could have walked upon reflection. The hanger lay secluded behind some trees and scrub. Around it looked like numerous cement pads for what I am assuming were once upon a time tents.

''It used to be called ''Tent City,'' Lennox answered my silent thoughts.

''What happened to the tents? Don't they need them anymore?'' I asked.

''No. However, the facilities are kept well maintained by Airmen of 36th Mission Support Group, Detachment 1, so it's always ready to go again if need be.'' He nodded off in the direction of a sizeable building. ''That large disused complex which used to be a dining facility, post office, gym, internet café, movie room and barber shop is what will now host the Autobots, with a little renovation,'' Lennox explained.

We had arrived outside Hanger 2, or the disused complex. Both Lennox and I got out of the car and headed over to where Optimus and the others awaited in vehicle form. There was a large roller door unlike the one on hanger 1 and a smaller double door. Lennox and I approached the large roller door and opened it to allow the Autobots to drive inside. It had been largely gutted to accommodate the new ''occupants'', there was much work to be done to make it suitable for the Autobots but I am sure it would do.

''Well,'' I said as I walked up to Optimus and the others. ''What do you think of your home sweet home?''

With that the Autobots transformed and looked around. ''Primitive,'' Ironhide once again turned up his ''nose''.

''Looks like a cool place to kick it,'' Jazz took in the space around him.

''Very crude. Where is the medical bay going to be situated?'' Rachet asked Lennox. ''I need somewhere I can repair my team.''

''There is another smaller hanger just over the compound near the lagoon, if you like we can look into converting that into the Autobot medical centre or we can perhaps section of part of Hanger 3?'' Lennox offered.

''What? Have me operating surrounded by explosives?'' Rachet seemed incredulous. ''I think the other option sounds more appealing.''

Lennox nodded, ''I'll look into it immediately.''

''Thank you,'' was all Rachet said.

''Major Lennox,'' Optimus asked, ''I noticed another hanger between these two. What is that facility being used for?''

''Mainly vehicle maintenance, why?''

''I was wondering if my team and I might be able to use it for a training room of some sort to avoid drawing too much attention to ourselves training out in the open. Though I understand that will also be necessary at times.'' Prime had a good point.

''Again, I'll look into it, we might be able to move the vehicle maintenance to another location.''

Prime nodded his acceptance.

I chose that moment to speak up, ''So, been meaning to ask you guys, what do you eat or drink? I am pretty sure it isn't Pepsi Max and burgers.'' I thought I might as well begin the journey of learning about the Autobots, what better way than finding out what sustains them.

Prime knelt down to address me. ''Orianna, we consume a substance known as energon. It is both food and drink to us and is what sustains us, our lifeblood. Without it, we would eventually perish. Your planet is actually rich in resources that we can convert to energon.'' He shuttered his 'eyes' again, frowning. ''Unfortunately, the Decepticons are also aware of this and I fear they may try to plunder your planet's natural resources to obtain it.'' Prime's eyes seemed to flash anger and his lips set in a hard line. ''One of our primary goals must be to stop them when possible.''

I nodded. ''So, do you have any energon now? I mean, I didn't see you get a chance to make any since I've seen you.'' I was curious.

''Good question Orianna. Affirmative. We do have some energon, basic field rations that we have stored in our subspace, but it is very minimal and with our recent battle we will need to replenish our supplies very soon..'' Optimus was interrupted by Rachet addressing Lennox.

''Speaking of the recent battle, I will need my medical supplies as soon as possible as my team need immediate attention Lennox, Optimus alone has hours of work ahead to have him fully operational again.'' Rachet was clearly a dedicated medic and cared deeply for his team.

''I will get onto that immediately Rachet, could you possibly procure me a list of essential items to get you started while we source the larger more difficult items?'' Lennox asked the medic.

''Um, as their liaison couldn't he tell me, and I pass it on to you?'' I offered.

Lennox gave a little chuckle, ''With all due respect OC, given your civilian status, and the nature of the items Rachet is likely to require, I think it is best I send a military team with mechanical background over to liaise with Rachet.''

I gave a small indignant snort, ''What? You think a spanner, a rachet and a hammer are items beyond my mere comprehension?'' I raised an eyebrow.

Lennox froze, his mouth open. The Autobots, including Ironhide, gave little chuckles. ''Burn, baby burn!'' Jazz seemed impressed.

Lennox looked both peeved and contrite, ''Fine. You've got me there OC.''

''Actually Lennox, I've got you several times, but who's counting,'' I winked at him.

Lennox closed his mouth into a thin line of annoyance but resignation. ''Fine. Three it is.'' He shook his head at me, I simply smiled sweetly at him. ''Anyway, as I said before I was rudely interrupted,'' Lennox pointedly explained, ''I will send a team over straight away to help organise some of your essential medical supplies.''

''Thank you for your assistance Lennox, we are grateful,'' Optimus had once again regained control of the conversation.

''Is there anything else I, or we, can help you with?'' I asked.

''Negative. My team and I shall take this opportunity to become acquainted with our immediate surroundings and discuss possible solutions to our current living quarters to make them adequate for our needs as well as discuss strategies to share with your team Major Lennox. If this is agreeable to you?''

''Of course Prime, this is your home now. Decorate away!'' Lennox turned to me and clapped his hands together. ''Well then OC, let's say we leave them to it and plan to meet up again tomorrow morning say 0600 hours?''

''Um, is that 6am?'' I asked already knowing the answer.

''Yes, why?'' Lennox again looked genuinely confused.

''Well, I generally only acknowledge one 6 o'clock and it isn't in the morning!'' I looked mortified.

Lennox laughed and good naturedly punched my shoulder, ''Well OC, I suggest you buy an alarm clock downtown and get used to it. You're in the military now.''

''Ah, civilian liaison to the Autobots,'' I corrected.

''Who are now a faction within the military… ergo….'' Lennox looked like he was the cat that got the cream.

My turn to force my mouth into a thin line of annoyance. ''Fair call. That is still only one''.

''Oh, I'll take it. Alright let's head off then OC, before you decide to speak again.'' Lennox waved farewell to the Autobots and made for the door and the awaiting SUV.

''Oh, you wouldn't like to hear what I had to say anyway, definitely NOT PG rated." I muttered under my breath. I waved to the Autobots, ''See ya round like a rissole guys''. At their clearly perplexed expressions I quickly explained, ''It's an Australian expression, just means catch ya later, see you ''a-round'. Rissoles, a burger type meat, are ''round'' in shape, play on words.'' They nodded slowly, seeming to understand my explanation.

''Couldn't you have just said ''Goodbye'' like most other humans would say?'' Ironhide asked.

''Well, I could have Ironhide,'' I shrugged. ''But where's the fun in that?'' I smiled brightly up at the menacing black robot. 

Ironhide just stared at me for a moment. ''You are a strange, annoying individual,'' Clearly, we had some walls to tear down.

''Take's one to know one I guess,'' and I winked as I turned around and walked away. ''See you tomorrow at 6 o' bloody clock,'' and I exited the hanger to the sounds of Ironhide grumbling to Prime about why I was here again and Jazz and Rachet laughing. Prime, as usual, was silent in the face of such banter, though his eyes shone brightly as he regarded me.

Once back at the hanger I jumped in Relda and followed the road with the directions Lennox had explained. It would have been very difficult indeed to get lost, but I didn't have the best sense of direction.

After a short drive I arrived in the ''downtown'' part of Diego Garcia. It actually seemed quite nice. I found my quarters on the lagoon side of Eclipse Point, I noted it actually looked down the bay towards Point Marriane where the Autobots were stationed in their hanger. Once in the basic room, I placed my bags on the double bed and surveyed the room. Not bad at all really, I'd had worse. There was a small kitchenette, a table that sat four, a lounge and tv area off to the side. A small balcony with a view down the bay and a bathroom and bedroom. There was also a closet with laundry facilities inside – yes! I quickly unpacked my few belonging I had hastily gathered when I left my ex's house in what seemed like years ago and made my way to the bathroom to have a well-earned shower.

Emerging minutes later I felt my tummy rumble and realised once again I had not eaten in some time. Grabbing my phone, I left my room and headed outside to take in the local area. It was now after 7pm so I thought I had better find a place for dinner post haste as I had no idea when things closed down around here. After wandering the streets and taking in the local scene, I settled on a small takeaway shop that sold some fish and chips. /Yes!/, I thought excitedly when I spied a Pepsi Max in the fridge. I grabbed several. I was not a coffee drinker or even not much of an alcohol drinker but ''Max'' was my preferred drink. Totally unhealthy I know but hey – we all have to have at least one vice!

As I sat on my little balcony, looking out over the calm waters of the bay eating my dinner and swigging my Pepsi, I reflected on the day and my current situation. In less than three days I had gone from losing my job, my boyfriend, my home and nearly my life to meeting Alien robotic lifeforms that were now my new ''family,'' new friends, a new ''home'' and a new ''job''. /Now if I could just find me a suitable boyfriend, I'd be happy as a pig in shit/. ''Then again,'' I thought out loud to the cool night breeze, ''Only heartache comes from giving your heart to another, maybe I am best to hold on to mine for the foreseeable future and be content with what I have?'' It seemed reasonable advice, but why then did my heart ache at the thought?

I turned my gaze towards Point Marianne and where the Autobots were sequestered in their hanger and sighed out loud. /I wonder what they are doing right now? Do they sleep? Have they ''eaten''? Is Ironhide still being a pain in the arse?/. I chuckled at the thought of Ironhide. He would be a tough nut to crack but I loved a challenge.

Without warning I felt my eye lids start to droop with the weight of sleep. I sighed again, stood and packed everything away. Turning off the light I slid into my bed, and lay staring at the ceiling, listening to the sounds of the ocean. My last thoughts I recalled, before darkness claimed me, were of a pair of penetrating, azure eyes and red and blue flames consuming me.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

. . . ?/.

My alarm had rudely awoken me at 5am to allow me time to meet Lennox and the others at 6am as agreed. Despite a relatively early night, crashing out about 10pm, I was still very much aggrieved at having to drag my arse out of bed at this ungodly hour. Fumbling with my alarm, I threw the covers off and sat up, blinking rapidly in a bid to wake myself up from this nightmare. Stumbling into the bathroom, I began my morning ablutions ready to take on the day.

Emerging only twenty minutes later I changed into a pair of dark denim jeans, black button up shirt and Colorado boots. Definitely not a fashionista was I, especially at 5:30 bloody am! I quickly fixed a breakfast of toast and Chai tea, supplies I had grabbed form a corner store on the way home, and headed out to Relda. As I finished munching away my honey toast, I resolved to find somewhere that sold vegemite. Any self-respecting Australian HAD to have a jar on standby!

Driving through the streets towards the Autobot N.E.S.T hangers, I was struck by how many people were already up and about. ''Welcome to military life!'' I muttered to myself absent mindedly. The morning sky was being streaked with brilliant colours as the new day arrived and I pulled up out the front of Hanger 1 fifteen minutes early.

Looking rather pleased with myself, I locked Relda's door and made my way inside, nodding my head to the various military personnel who passed me. There were some ''looks'' of ''who the hell is that and what is she doing here?'' but no one tackled me - so far so good.

Major Lennox was already inside with Epps and the Autobots. Apparently my fifteen min early arrival was still late. My smile faded.

''Ahh OC, so nice of you to join us,'' Lennox teased as he walked briskly past me.

''Morning to you too Lennox, Epps, Autobots,'' I nodded to everyone in turn. ''Oh, Lennox?'' He stopped in his tracks and turned to face me. I proffered my Chai tea to him, ''would you like a hot cup of kiss my arse?''

Jazz snapped his metallic fingers again, ''Ouch! She got you good again Lennox. Way to go lil' lady.'' Jazz smiled fondly at me and I felt myself beam at his praise.

The smile disappeared from Lennox's face except for his eyes. Epps laughed and Ironhide spoke up in a gruff and grumpy tone, ''You might want to pace yourselves you pair, the sun has not long risen.''

I bit back a snarky reply, /walls, remember the walls… we are taking them down not ''building them up!/. ''Good point Ironhide. I'll play nice.''

There was silence. Epps and Lennox raised their eyebrows and The Autobots tilted their heads to the side. I wasn't sure if the shock was due to me surrendering so quickly or the fact I had spoken civilly to Ironhide. ''Seriously guys, if I had a white flag, I would wave it. We have work to do and I promised Prime I would make him proud of me, one thing you will learn about me is I keep my promises. Now. What's the plan for the day?'' I asked cheerfully.

''The plan Orianna, is for Major Lennox, Captain Epps and myself to report back to General Morshower regarding the strategies N.E.S.T intend to implement in hunting down and despatching of Decepticons,'' Optimus Prime spoke for the first time. ''It is important we don't allow the Decepticons too much time to regroup and strike again. Without Megatron leading them they are vulnerable and so we must act swiftly if we are to neutralise their threat.'' Prime blinked those penetrating azure eyes in my direction.

''That's a good plan Optimus.'' A thought popped into my head. ''And by the way, you can call me OC if you like. Orianna seems, well, rather formal.''

Optimus nodded, his eyes shining, ''I understand. Though if it is all the same to you, I prefer your original designation.''

I couldn't help but smile and shrug my shoulders. ''Oh well, suit yourself Optimus.'' I took another sip of my tea. ''So - while you are all doing that, what are the rest of us doing?'' I asked earnestly.

''Well Orianna, Ironhide and Rachet are going to be liaising with Major Lennox's teams to begin refitting what will be our medical hanger and our quarters.'' He added belatedly, ''Though the medical hanger takes priority at the moment,'' Optimus cast a quick glance in Rachet's direction.

It seemed to me that although Prime's authority was absolute and he seemed to fear nothing, that very subtle, very brief exchange indicated to me that perhaps Optimus was not totally unafraid. It would perhaps be wise of me to keep on the good side of ''Nurse Rachet''. I held in a little snigger at the analogy of a 20-foot alien robot with the sadistic nurse from ''One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.''

I nodded biting my lip softly to keep from sniggering at my own silly thoughts, ''And Jazz?'' I queried.

Jazz's upbeat voice cut in, ''I get the privilege of kickin' it with you lil' lady! Prime thought I might be a startin' point for you ta learn about us Autobots.''

''Cool, sounds great!'' I was genuinely happy to be hanging out with Jazz, I liked him. ''So, I got an idea Jazz. If Prime and the others can spare you how about we take off for a ride around the island. That way we can both check out our surrounds, you can protect me if the need arises and I can ask you some questions without getting underfoot?''

''Fine by me OC, I love to cruise around,'' the SIC turned his head to Prime asking for consent.

''That is acceptable Orianna, very good reasoning.'' A small ''smile'' graced the Prime's lips. /SO going to ask what their body parts are!/. ''If we have need of either of you, we shall contact Jazz or your mobile phone. Enjoy your morning,'' and with that Optimus turned around and reengaged in discussion with Epps and Lennox.

''Well, let's get goin' then. Catch ya later guys, some of us have work to do!'' Jazz transformed into his sleek sports car mode and I jumped in quickly before Ironhide had a chance to bitch.

We sped off out of the hanger in a south-easterly direction heading in an anti-clockwise direction around the small island. At the speed we were going we would be back here in ten minutes. As we got further out of sight, I tapped Jazz's dashboard, ''Hey, show pony? Fancy slowing down a bit so I can actually see what the island looks like?''

Even though Jazz was in his car mode I could hear his voice, he chuckled before adding, ''My bad OC, just been itching to stretch my ''legs,'' Jazz apologised.

'S''okay. I don't blame you for wanting to put some distance between you and the eighth dwarf, ''Snarky'' aka Ironhide.''

There was a moments silence as Jazz quickly googled the meaning of my comment, then there was another chuckle. ''He can be a bit grumpy or ''bitchy'' as you humans tend to say. But, ol' Hide isn't all prickles and stings. He is actually a very loyal and caring mech. You just got to get to know him.''

''Mech?'' I asked. Here we go, my education starts now.

''Well a mech is I guess equivalent to your men or males and before you ask the women or, females, are called ''femmes.''

''Right, so guys = mechs and girls = femmes,'' not so hard to understand. ''Why is he so grumpy then? Old age?''

Jazz scoffed, ''You could say that. Us Transformers live a hell of a lot longer than you organic based life forms do. For instance, you'd be what….''

I cut in, ''Careful Jazz! The next words you say could be your last, we women can be sensitive about our age being brought up, just F.Y.I in the interest of exchanging cultural information etc.'' I smiled to his presence.

''So what, you'd be in your mid thirties?'' I could hear Jazz's voice trail off uncertain if he had just signed his death warrant.

''Well done Jazz! But not quite. I am actually forty, but thanks for the forewarned discretion,'' I had a teasing tone in my voice. ''So, I am not quite young but certainly not old by any means. Approaching middle age, I guess.''

''Right, for us Autobots, Bumblebee is the youngest, in human terms he would be the typical teenager. He is actually, and hold on to your mind here little lady, about four million years old.''

''Holy shit! That is amazing!'' My mind reeled. A took a moment to process this. After a moment I finally spoke again, ''So, if 'Bee is four million years old and he is the youngest, Prime, I am assuming is the oldest of you and he would be..''

''About nine million years old give or take… and that doesn't count his life before becoming Prime, when he was just Orion Pax.''

My heart actually stopped. How could something that is not a mountain range, or a planet live that long and show no real signs of aging by the way? ''You aren't shitting me are you Jazz?''

''I swear on the Allspark OC, all true.'' Jazz's voice was the most serious I had heard it.

''Wait a second,'' something I had just heard popped in my mind,'' You said before he became Prime, does that mean Optimus has not always been Optimus? How is this possible? And what is a Prime anyway, I mean clearly, he is a leader of some sort.'' I was genuinely interested in learning about the Autobots, truth be told, especially in Optimus, he intrigued me. We had rounded the southern tip of the island ''Turtle Bay''. Jazz kept driving despite the sand and the water looking inviting.

''Well, in the simplest way without frying your brain - Oh frag it! Let's start at the start.'' With that Jazz pulled over to the side of the road, opened his door to let me out and then transformed. We walked the short distance to sit down by the beach. Quite a lovely spot actually but I was far more interested in what Jazz was about to tell me than the scenery.

''You see Transformers, most of us, believe we were born or created from the ''Well of the Allspark'', the mystical font from which Primus, our God, birthed our Cybertronian Race.'' Jazz shrugged his metal shoulders, ''I guess it's our version of ''Robot Heaven'' to put it in terms you would understand.'' I nodded to show I followed. ''Well, when Prime was first brought into existence, he was not Optimus Prime as you know him now but a much different mech called Orion Pax, smaller, less important and a lot nerdier than he is now.''

I giggled. Nerdy would not be a word one would use to describe Optimus Prime.

Jazz continued, ''Orion Pax was an archivist or a data clerk, he loved history and felt there was much we could learn from it. Whilst Orion Pax was not yet Optimus as we know him, they both had similar characteristics, most of which made the transition into the conscience and spark of Optimus when he was re-built''.

''Wait? Hold up a second? Built? How did he stop being Orion? What is a spark?'' I had so many questions.

Jazz held his hands up in mock defeat, ''Slow down! We got time OC. Well a spark is our version of a heart I guess you could say, your heart beats, our spark pulses. It houses our very essence, our soul if you will. Orion ceased being Orion and became Optimus after Orion was killed in an explosion fighting someone he had previously looked up to and admired. You see, Orion was killed by - Megatron.''

My mouth flew open. ''Shut up!'' I screamed.

Jazz stopped talking.

When he didn't start again, I had to explain how it was just a phrase. ''So, you're telling me that Optimus Prime – the Optimus Prime who just helped kill Megatron was once a fan of Megatron?''

''Hard to believe isn't it?'' he sent me a sad smile.

''Ya think! I thought the age thing was hard to process but that - Mind blown!'' I scrunched my eyebrows up in thought. ''Jazz, if Orion looked up to Megatron, then why did he die fighting him?''

What passed as a smile appeared on Jazz's face. ''You are a quick study aren't you?'' Jazz said with a little pride. ''Orion had begun to see how power hungry Megatron was. He had thought Megatron, or Megatronous as he was known then, wanted equality for all and a change in the status quo that would benefit all Cybertronians – turns out power corrupts the hearts of many.'' Jazz's optics seemed to dull for a moment as he recalled painful memories and narratives. ''Orion lost faith in Megatron and stood up to him but was clearly no match. He both died and was reborn that day.'' Jazz's voice trailed off and he looked out over the ocean.

After a moment, Jazz turned to face me, ''He was rebuilt by Alpha Trion, a very wise, very old Autobot, as Optimus Prime, a mech that was stronger and more able to endure what was to come. He was a natural born leader, wise, courageous and selfless to a fault and he has led us ever since and we have followed willingly. I don't think there is an Autobot among us who would not lay down their life for Prime – as we know he would do the same for us. He is quite the mech.''

''I'll say'', the words were out before I had time to realise what I had said. Jazz looked at me his head tilted. ''I mean, of course he is! He is imposing, regal, brave yadda yadda…'' Jazz nodded slowly as if comprehending something.

''You know Prime wasn't the only one who died that day. He had a girlfriend, Ariel.'' Jazz's expression softened.

My eyes must have looked as round as dinner plates. ''He what? Had a girlfriend?'' My mind reeled taking in this new information.

''She was rebuilt too, into Elita One, and she helped lead the femme Autobot resistance on Cybertron. You see, Optimus and Elita One were spark bonded.'' Jazz looked at me with a penetrating gaze.

''What do you mean by that? Spark bonded. A spark is a like a heart so does that mean they were like…'' I started to gesture with my hands as though I could somehow pluck the words from the very air. At my obvious inability to put thoughts into words Jazz stepped in.

''It means they shared their sparks, bonded, joined by the spark in mutual affection and love. And yes, before you ask Transformers, Autobots, can feel and express ''love,'' though maybe not in the same way you humans do. Prime and Elita were once in love.''

I titled my head as I processed this new information. ''Once? What happened? They break up or something?'' I asked, a slight tinge of hope in my voice and I mentally slapped myself for several reasons.

''Not quite. You see, when Prime left Cybertron in search of the Allspark with his crew, Elita One stayed behind to continue the fight, both were naively unaware of how long they would be separated. We would hear from time to time of Elita and her femmes but after a while - nothing. The fighting had gotten so fierce it seemed they had perished. Prime's link, or bond, with Elita faded. At one point they could hear each other's thoughts and feel each other's emotions through their bond, but due to distance, time and, sadly death, the bond fades or is broken.''

Jazz sighed out loud as he looked out over the water of the bay. ''Most bonded Transformers die not long after their partner does, but Prime, being our leader and being the mech he is, did not allow his broken spark to completely shatter. He has changed a bit since then, but only to those who know him best.''

''And that would be?'' I asked trying to change the subject from the melancholy turn it had taken.

''Ironhide has known him the longest.'' Jazz turned back to face me. ''Ol' Hide is actually older than Prime.''

''Oh, I believe it,'' I snickered.

''Rachet and I make up the rest of the list of those mechs who know him best. 'Bee is too young and also a little too hero struck. He worships Prime. Truth be told, we all do.'' Jazz gave the equivalent of a shrug.

''Not hard to see why really Jazz.'' I patted his leg. ''So, a few more questions and then I promise we'll take off again.''

''Shoot OC,'' Jazz had perked up again.

''So, given all the age stuff we were just talking about, do Transformers have ''birthdays'' like humans do? Do they acknowledge the day they were created in the Well of the Allspark?'' I was curious to know how their culture celebrated what was to humans, a big deal. Well, most of the time.

''Um not really. There are some Transformers who mark the day of their creation but that is only a few, none that I know of. I think it is more a human fascination and observance.'' Jazz turned to face me, ''Why do you ask?''

''I was just wondering if you did when all of your birthdays would be so we could celebrate them. You see to me, a little ol'' human, birthdays are usually important events. Having said that, given I have been alone for a while I have kind of forgone the usual celebration, what's the point when there is no one to celebrate with...'' my voice trailed off and I could feel a sadness settle around my heart.

Jazz must have noticed as he gently placed his large metal hand around my back, ''Don't you worry lil' lady, you got me now, well us - all of us. We are your family now. You are not alone anymore, promise.''

I swiped away at a tear that threatened to fall. ''Thanks Jazz, that means a lot.''

''Happy to help baby girl. Say. When is your birthday anyway?'' Jazz cocked his head to one side.

''Um, it was actually a few weeks ago, 7th June, my 40th birthday.'' A milestone birthday, ignored and forgotten.

''Well ''Happy Birthday'' OC, for what it's worth anyway.'' Jazz offered.

''Thanks Jazz, you're the first to wish me a happy birthday.'' I beamed up at him and his face broke out into a smile too, or what I assumed was a smile. /That reminds me/. ''Say Jazz?''

''Yeah?''

''So, do you guys have lips or what? Totally unrelated question in case you hadn't noticed.''

Jazz simply laughed, ''I had. And yes, we do but we don't call them that we call them ''dermas.''

''Ok and what do you call your hands?''

''Servos.'' He paused for a second. ''OC, are we about to have an anatomy class 101?'' Jazz asked with some trepidation.

''Uh, possibly? Is that ok?'' I asked hoping it would be.

''Sure, I guess. But Rachet is probably the best one to talk to about that stuff. Anyway, I'll get you started on the basics, can we roll out though? I am keen to drive around more''.

''Sure, suits me. In fact, I could really go an ice-cold Pepsi Max right about now''. It was 11am. We had been driving and talking for about four hours.

''What is that?'' Jazz stood up gracefully ready to transform.

''It's a kind of drink, or beveridge. Some humans love it, some humans hate it. It's kinda like my energon.'' Jazz simply nodded and transformed. /Would I ever get used to seeing that?/.

I jumped in and we took off back towards base and the promise of refreshments. Jazz educating me in basic Transformer physiology and anatomy along the way. So far this morning I had learned about sparks, body parts, mechs and femmes, spark bonding and a bit about Optimus Prime's past. All in all, a very successful start to my new role.

Still, I couldn't help feeling sorry for Prime. He had been through so much heartache, pain and stress for so long and still he endured for those he cared about. I just hoped deep down in my ''spark'' that I had somehow made that list too. I didn't want to examine why, I just knew I wanted to be as important to him as his ''men'' were.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

It was late at night and I lay on the cool bonnet of Relda looking down the reef towards ''Turtle Bay'' where Jazz and I had chatted earlier in the day. I had managed to find this open grassed area behind the tree line that surrounded what was once ''Tent City'' and was now the Autobots base of operations. It was quite secluded yet open at the same time. A perfect place to once again gaze at my stars and simply ''be''. It felt like an age since that had happened.

I lay there, arms under my head as makeshift pillow, one leg crossed over the other, my foot occasionally tapping away, and reflected on the day that was. It had been a busy day all around. Prime, Lennox and Epps had discussed N.E.S.T tactics and strategy with General Morshower. Rachet and Ironhide had made a great start with Lennox's team in gutting and fitting out the medical hanger. The personal quarters of the Autobots were still a mess, true to his word Prime had encouraged the completion of the medical bay first. It was mostly fit out, just awaiting the arrival of the larger medical items that would be necessary.

I had caught Rachet wandering around the hanger inspecting every nut and bolt, shelving unit and cabinet, all that had to be built to ''transformer'' suitable size. /I would hate to be the site manager for this job/ I thought ruefully. It truly was a marvel how much they had accomplished in a day. At this rate it should be a fully operational medical bay in less than a week, something I knew Rachet would be pushing for, but truth be told they needed. They all still sported dents, scratches and gashes from their Mission City battle, Prime especially.

Jazz and I had returned from our trip and, once refreshed, Jazz had dropped me home at Prime's request. Jazz was needed to help Rachet and Ironhide and Prime wanted to debrief his team as to the outcome of General Morshower's discussion. There had been nothing I could do that the present time, so I was cleared to head back to my apartment and take some R&R.

Although I wanted to stay and help the others, I also didn't want to get in the way and appear like a needy little brat so I agreed and spent the remainder of the day doing some grocery shopping, site seeing around the downtown area and just trying to relax. By late afternoon though I had gone a bit stir crazy and had realised my Relda was still parked back at Hanger 1 so I decided I would walk back there, achieving two objectives; waste some time and try to improve my fitness levels.

I had underestimated both my fitness levels and the distance it would be to walk there. Even though the sun was starting to dim in the sky and evening was advancing, it was still quite muggy and hot, being an island in the tropics. My clothes were soaked, and I was generally feeling uncomfortable. I hated the heat! I would have preferred a place in much cooler climes if possible. Still, I was grateful to have a home and be with the Autobots so I simply had to deal with it.

Finally, after about fifty minutes of jog/walking, the runway and the hangers loomed in the distance. The road ran parallel to the runway on the lagoon side of the island. I had followed it down along, Eclipse Bay until I had reached the military check point allowing me to gain access to the airfield and hangers beyond.

I had showed them my newly acquired pass that allowed me access. They double checked me – perhaps the overly rosy cheeks, the sheen of perspiration over my face and my hair tied back in a very messy bun had them perplexed if this was indeed the Orianna Connors on the picture. After a moment's hesitation and confirming my reason for being here (to retrieve my car and touch base with Major Lennox), I was granted access.

By the time I had made it to the hanger where Relda was parked I was somewhat out of breath and looking very much unappealing and worse for wear. Lennox had initially seemed alarmed to see me looking so – dishevelled - but then when he knew I had simply ''walked'' here he gave me shit. This then led to a five-minute verbal sparring match which ended in a good-natured truce when Lennox was called away on official business.

After that, not seeing the Autobots around, I had jumped in Relda and gone for a little drive past their hangers towards the secluded grassy beach area I had now found myself on. It as a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. I had taken a quick dip in the ocean in my underwear when I was sure no one was around. Luckily, I had left a few items of clothing in the back of Relda, a loose shirt, some shorts and a towel. Score!

As I lay there looking up at my beloved stars, I was suddenly aware of another presence. I froze momentarily, until I heard gears and pistons moving and the ground shook slightly. Someone rather large was approaching. My heart sped up a little as I turned to take in my guest. As quickly as it had sped up - it stopped. Ironhide.

''What are you doing out here at this hour away from your domicile?'' Ironhide barked in a gruff tone. He stood slightly in front of me and placed one servo on his hip. ''Shouldn't you be recharging?'' I could tell in the moonlight that he had raised one optical ridge or eyebrow, in silent challenge.

''I could ask you the same question 'Hide.'' I shot back.

Ironhide grunted removing the servo from his hip, ''Hunh. Patrol. And you?''

''Same. Patrolling the stars to make a wish,'' I smiled up at him regardless of whether he could see me.

He shook his helm, ''You humans have some strange ways, you especially,'' Ironhide had an exasperated tone to his voice.

''Thanks, Ironhide! You do know how to make a woman feel special,'' I gushed.

At this I could see him momentarily clench his servos into fists and his many gears and pistons move as he shifted his weight from one pede to another, trying to dispel the agitation and annoyance I was clearly making him feel.

I took a deep breath, and sat up on Relda's hood, looking directly at him. ''Look. Ironhide. I think you and I got off on the wrong foot.. er… pede. I actually, really am a nice person and I do genuinely want to get along with and learn from you guys,'' I hoped I sounded sincere as I meant it. ''And, I am sure there is much I can learn from you, as I found out today you are the oldest, even more so than Prime, and I bet you have seen and experienced a lot of things in your long life in this universe.''

Ironhide's stance changed and he seemed to relax his guard a little. Appealing to someone's vanity, however buried or non-existent it may seem, usually worked. ''Look Ironhide, I don't want to fight you, I want to fight alongside you, we're on the same team here. Truce?'' I stood up and held out my hand to him.

He seemed to pause a moment, considering his options, before reaching down and offering a large, chunky metallic digit. ''Truce.'' I grabbed hold of it as best I could and we both gave one shake of hand and digit.

''Great! Would you like to pull up some sand and we can have a chat about anything you like, or do you need to continue your patrol? I'd hate to stop you from doing your important job''. I smiled sweetly at him.

''While the idea of sitting in sand sounds so appealing, I think it best to continue my nightly patrol of the perimeter,'' while there was some sarcasm in his tone there was also humour. Perhaps we had succeeded in bringing down a wall today.

''Fair call on both counts. I'll catch ya later Ironhide,'' I waved at him and lay back down on Relda's hood.

''Good evening Orianna, don't stay out here too late. Prime would not like it if something happened to you.'' With that he turned and walked back off into the night to continue his patrol. Of what I wasn't sure, it was pretty quiet and hardly anyone was around. /Maybe some disgruntled sea turtles were staging a coup?/.

I returned my thoughts to the last thing Ironhide said before he left. /Prime would not like it if something happened to me?/ What does that mean? Before I had time to dissect that thought any further, the sound of heavy footfalls came from behind me. I didn't even bother to turn around, ''Miss me already did you?'' I laughed.

''Given I haven't seen you for most of the day and when I last saw Major Lennox he told me how – dishevelled and distressed - you were, I thought I would take it upon myself to check in on you,'' an unmistakable, smooth rumbling voice. The tall and regal visage of Optimus Prime came to stand beside me, concern on his faceplates.

My heart, my poor heart. At this rate I was going to be a candidate for a pacemaker. /Fucking Lennox!/, I bit back sharing the thought out loud. ''Oh, Hi Prime. I uh, I thought you were Ironhide.'' I sat up offering a weak laugh and smile in apology.

''Yes, I saw you both talking before. I was – impressed - with how you managed to smooth things over with Ironhide. He can be stubborn and seem cool and dismissive at times but he is a very loyal soldier with a good spark, once he gets to know you and trust you, he will do anything for you.'' Prime had moved so he was now standing before me. The moonlight shone off his armour, even though it was dented and scratched with gauges here and there, he still looked magnificent. His eyes shone brightly as he took me in. I felt he was looking into my very soul; it was unnerving and captivating at the same time.

I stood up on Relda's bonnet, I was speaking to a Prime after all, laying down causally did not seem to be proper etiquette, plus I would be that much closer to him and not have to crane my neck. /Yeah! 5'5'' closer, big help!/. As if sensing what I was trying to do, Prime himself, began to crouch down so he was kneeling on one knee, one large red and blue flamed arm resting on said knee, the other against the sandy ground below.

''Yeah, I got that impression from him. I am just glad we are on the same page now. I really do want to learn from you all and get along with you.'' I stilled for a second. ''I truly meant what I said back in the States before we came here. I don't want to be alone and I do want to continue working alongside you all…'' my voice trailed off, I did not trust myself to speak any further.

Prime spoke softly and with great kindness, ''Orianna, I am very much aware what you said was heartfelt and true. Your honesty and willingness to lay bare your feelings, even at great personal cost to yourself, is a quality to be admired, and appreciated; especially by those who find it hard to do so themselves.'' At this there was a slight pause and he blinked his optics, turning away from me momentarily. ''The Autobots, Major Lennox and his team, are all glad to have you here with us. I am glad.'' Although Prime did not reach out and offer any physical support as he did back before we left for Diego Garcia, I could feel the sincerity of his words and the silent comfort he was sending me.

I stood there regarding him. I could easily see why his men thought so highly of him and were so willing to give their lives in protection for his. Optimus had this way of making everyone around him feel important and protected, he radiated strength and wisdom. I gave a slight mental shake encouraging myself to respond, ''Thanks Prime, that means a lot.'' And it did.

Optimus simply nodded his helm in recognition.

''And, as you can see,'' I said gesturing to myself, ''I am fine, just a little tired if anything. I think I shall start walking and exercising more often. I've obviously been lazy enough long enough.'' I gave a weak chuckle.

''Well, as long as you are well and not harmed, I shall leave you be,'' Prime made to stand.

''Prime… I,'' I began to speak.

''Yes Orianna?'' Optimus tilted his helm to the side, an idiosyncrasy I was coming to recognise as his way of encouraging and processing.

''I…. I'm sorry.''

''For what Orianna? What have you done to be sorry for?'' The Prime seemed to be genuinely confused.

''For all you have lost. For all of those you have lost.'' At this subtle yet pointed comment, Optimus seemed to tense up a little. His demeanour, just moments before calm and relaxed, changed almost imperceptibly, as he quickly schooled his features and reactions back to neutrality. /Millenia of practice/, I thought wryly.

''Thank you, Orianna. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some unfinished business to attend to from today's meetings,'' and with that he stood, nodded briefly and walked back in the direction he had first materialised.

/Nice going you bloody idiot!/, I silently chastened myself. I finally get a moment to chat to Optimus alone and then I go and offend him by unnecessarily bringing up painful memories. I sighed out loud and raised my eyes to the skies looking for comfort. With that, a shooting star burned its way brightly and quickly across the velvet night sky. I closed my eyes and wished.

Only time would tell if it would come true.

With that thought echoing around my head, I jumped off Relda's bonnet, started her engine and headed off for my apartment. As I passed the Auotbot's hanger, I sent a mental apology to Prime, /I'm sorry/, and I didn't look back as I threaded my way home on the moonlit ribbon of road.

Optimus P.O.V

I stood under the trees that lined the side of the road and watched as OC and Ironhide made some sort of truce. It had been no secret the two of them had butted heads since our arrival but now, watching the scene unfold before me, I held hope that that was in the past.

While I know my team don't always get along and there are disagreements and good-natured banter, it is important that when necessary they are able to function together, work together and respect each other. Now, it seemed, the newest member of my team, Orianna or OC, had worked that out for herself and had taken the first step to smooth things over /Full of surprises/ I thought to myself.

After Ironhide had walked off, I exchanged a brief nod of recognition and approval towards him for his newfound truce with Orianna, I made my way over to her. I had not seen her all day and after I last spoke to Lennox, he had said she looked somewhat dishevelled and worse for wear earlier in the evening. It was important to me that all my team were in good health, mental as well as physical.

As I approached her, she laughed out loud and asked if I had missed her. I almost stopped in my tracks caught off guard by her comment but then almost immediately realised she had mistaken my approach for that of Ironhide. Watching her try to recover from her mistake and hide her apparent embarrassment was somewhat endearing. Orianna could be tough and determined one minute, full of jokes and humour the next and in the same heartbeat shy and vulnerable. /A puzzle indeed/.

After our brief exchange regarding Ironhide, Orianna had made to stand to address me, out of respect. She showed an awareness of deference and social hierarchy that most did not seem to grasp so astutely – though it was appreciated, it was unnecessary. I bent down as a mutual show of respect towards her.

Orianna had once again turned serious, thanking me for allowing her to be a part of this team. Her honesty and willingness to lay bare her innermost feelings both flawed and mocked me at the same time. While I believed most strongly in honesty and integrity, demanded it of myself and my team, I could never bring myself to lay bare my inner most thoughts and feelings – those rarely saw the light of day. A Prime had to be strong for his people. An emotionally crippled and doubt filled Prime could not lead with the necessary determination and resilience needed to sustain and support his race – his people. I envied her.

After assuring me she was fine, of which I was glad to hear, I began to leave as I did have other work that needed attending to. Orianna spoke once more and what she had to say rocked me to my core. ''I'm sorry for those you have lost,'' the meaning unmistakable.

Jazz must have told Orianna about… her.

My spark clenched with renewed grief and pain that I thought I had buried so deep within my soul as to never see the light of day again, save when alone with my thoughts in my darkest moments of despair and loneliness.

Before I allowed my feelings to overwhelm me, I quickly squashed them back down and only just managed to stop myself from engaging my battle mask in an effort to hide them. ''Thank you Orianna.'' /I need to leave/. ''If you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to.'' I am sure, being the astute individual she is, that she noticed the change in my manner and demeanor, but thankfully she did not press me further.

I did not turn back but simply strode back to our personal quarters, finding most of the others in the vehicle mode and recharging, I did the same. Though sleep would not come to me.

As I sat there in vehicle mode, thoughts and emotions swirling around my processor and spark, I heard the rumble of Orianna's car go by. It both pained and relieved me. I did not mean to upset her and, in time, I would apologise for my abrupt departure, but for now I was glad to have some distance between us.

A wound that I had thought long scabbed over had been picked at, peeled back and had started to bleed again. /Time heals all wounds/ a human expression I had come across in my scrolling of the internet in learning Earthen languages. /How much more time would I need to heal this wound? Apparently, millions of years would not suffice/.

As the sound of Relda's engine faded away into the night, so too did my thoughts, into the darkest recesses of my processor and spark.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

It had been about six months since the events of Mission City had taken place and I had come to live on Diego Garcia with the Autobots. We were drawing to the end of the year and I couldn't believe how quickly time had flown by.

I had almost gotten used to the oppressive heat and stickiness living in the tropics can bring. I had also toned up a bit and dropped a few kilos, which had definitely helped. True to my word I had taken up walking and exercising more often in a bid to develop greater fitness, not just to help myself feel better and for health reasons, but to while away the hours when I was not needed at base to aid the Autobots or Lennox and his team. Some days I would be busy from sunup to sundown, other days I might go hours at a time when I was not needed, or even a day or two. That was usually when the Autobots and Lennox were on a mission. During those times I felt utterly useless and helpless.

My heart ached and my stomach knotted every time I saw them drive aboard the Boeing C17 Globemaster and take off. /Would they all return? Who would get hurt this time?/. It was during these times I would try to find quiet, secluded place and practice my ''gift''. I had not used it very often since Mission City; I had been preoccupied with my new job and life and had not needed to use it but when I had nothing but my troubled thoughts for company, I made use of the time by trying to develop and practice my ''gift'' of psychokinesis, who knows, maybe one day it might come in handy again?

I stood inside the Autobot training hanger that had since been made operational. The doors closed so I would have warning if anyone came barrelling in. I had set myself several training tasks to try and develop greater finesse and duration in the use of my gift. I had really practised on choosing a random object in the hanger, smaller objects, focusing on it, picturing it in my mind and then imagining, visualising moving it. I would ''pick it up'' and practice moving it in all directions, varying heights and speeds. I would even practice making it hover in place for a while.

The latter ability I began to practice after I would occasionally wake up in the night after a nightmare – I had not been able to save Mikaela that night, that my ''gift'' had not worked. Since then I made sure I worked on the ability to ''hold something in place'' for an extended period of time. Gradually, I was building up to bigger objects, tyres, lengths of metal. I was impressed with myself as to how adept I was becoming with my gift, my growing control and my ability to manipulate objects of increasing size.

I was about to select another bigger object when I heard the distant roar of a large aircraft approaching. /They're back!/. I immediately abandoned my secret training and made my way out towards Hanger 1 and the runway where I knew they would eventually end up.

As I watched the large aircraft bank and line itself up, I felt my stomach turn. /Glad it's you and not me guys!/ Still, I did wish I was with them, I missed them when they weren't around.

Over the past six months I had developed a good relationship with most of the Autobots, even Ironhide. Lennox and Epps were like annoying younger brothers to me, but I loved them dearly. I had hoped to one day meet Lennox's beautiful (and patient), wife Sarah and his gorgeous daughter Annabelle as I had heard so many stories about them. They felt like family even though we had never met.

We had managed to meet up with 'Bee, Sam and Mikaela during the Thanksgiving holiday from school when they came to visit. It was so good seeing them again and we had a blast showing them all around the island. 'Bee was like a puppy dog bounding around his team, he had missed them. However, all too soon they had to leave. It was so hard saying goodbye to them, but we kept in touch when possible.

The plane was now making its final approach to the runway below. Everything had been going well, except for one thing. The only member of the team I considered to have not made very much progress with, and perhaps the one whom I most wanted to get to know, also kept me at the greatest distance – Optimus Prime.

Ever since that night by the beach I had noticed a subtle shift in the way Optimus conducted himself around me. He was never rude, and he did not shut me out totally, that was not how Prime operated, but there was a definite barrier up. Whether by chance, or careful orchestration, Prime and I very rarely had any time alone and when we did it was not for very long as Optimus always had some important business to attend to.

I tried not to take it to heart too much, after all, it had been my fault for getting to this situation. I was the one who couldn't leave painful memories alone. The amount of times I wished upon a star to be able to take that moment back, but – here we still were. Clearly, wish not granted. I let out a loud sigh and hugged myself close. The plane was almost about to touch down. /Hopefully everyone is ok/. I would soon find out, I guess.

I watched as the Globemaster kicked up a swirl of dust and smoke as the massive tyres made contact with the runway. The engines changed their roar to a high-pitched whine as they were thrown into full reverse in an effort to pull it up before taking a swim. I held my breath each time – each time they were fine.

I stood waiting as the large aircraft taxied back towards Hanger 1. A few ground crew were running here and there ensuring all would be ready for its arrival. Before long the hulking plane stood imposingly before me and I held my breath, waiting for the cargo bay door to open and a procession of stylish cars and a rather impressive truck to file out.

It wasn't long and I saw the familiar and very dear figures begin to emerge. Lennox waved to me, as did Epps as they walked down the ramp. My heart relaxed a little. A rather handsome man with striking grey-green eyes walked closely behind them and he smiled at me as he passed. /Who is that?/, I thought to myself, I haven't seen him before. As quickly as the moment between myself and the mystery man took place it was over as I saw the remainder of my ''family'' process out of the plane - Jazz, Rachet, Ironhide and finally, the Prime. I closed my eyes and offered a little prayer up to the heavens. My family were safe again.

The rest of the team filed out too, there appeared to be no injuries to anyone, and perhaps more importantly, no deaths. There were no coffins this time. They were the hardest days. Every loss to the team was painful and difficult to bear. I waved to the Autobots as they processed into the hanger, Jazz flashed his lights and honked his horn in greeting. He was probably my closest friend out of the Autobots, we got along so well and, as the appointed liaison to the ''liaison'', we spent a bit of time together. Rachet and Ironhide also gave a brief honk of acknowledgement – Prime did neither. /He has to be more reserved – He's the ''Prime''/.

Still it hurt.

As Lennox and Epps approached, I gave them a quick hug each. ''Great to see you guys again! In one piece too – always a bonus,'' I lightly slapped them on the shoulders.

''OC, how you going? You getting taller?'' Lennox pretended to look perplexed as he cast his eyes over my frame.

''Yeah, will be Lennox when I sink my boot in your arse!'' I winked at Epps who just threw his head back and laughed.

''Ahh OC!'' He gave me a high five. Turning to Lennox he laughed, ''She got you back good man!'' Shaking his head, he walked inside with the Autobots.

Lennox quickly reached and grabbed me into a headlock and rubbed my head, yep little brother indeed. He quickly let me go and we headed inside. Most of the Autobots and a few of the soldiers were sniggering and smiling. Epps had clearly shared what just went down between Lennox and I.

''Girl, you do me proud,'' Jazz wiped a mock tear from his eye. He reached down and gave me a gentle fist bump as I walked in past him.

''Well nice to know I make someone proud Jazz,'' the words slipped out before I had registered them. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Prime's frame stiffen slightly and a sad expression settled on his features. ''Anyway, how did it all go?'' I jumped up onto a stack of wooden crates that had yet to be stored away.

''Smoke and mirrors really. There was minimal engagement with the ''Cons this time. Despite an increase in Decepticon activity, they seem unwilling to engage us in face to face combat,'' Lennox seemed a bit frustrated.

''Well with Ironhide on your side, so would I!'' I threw 'Hide a wink. He puffed his huge barrel chest out and gave me a nod of approval and thanks. We had been growing closer and developed a comradery I did not think would be possible when thinking back to our first encounters. It felt good.

''They appear to be searching for something, but as to what that may be, we cannot ascertain at this point in time. All we can do is remain vigilant and continue to countermand Decepticon incursions when possible,'' Prime's baritone voice rolled like a deep ocean in very purposeful tones.

''Well, I for one am glad they don't want to fight you guys. Do you have any idea how much it hurts watching you take off, not knowing how many, if any of you, will make it home in one piece?'' although it was said in a light tone, the weight of emotions behind the words hit their mark. ''Alright, moving on. What needs to be done now?'' I slapped my hand against my knee.

''Well, Optimus and I need to report back to General Morshower basically immediately, so there's that. The rest of you probably need to head over to the medical bay for a routine quick examination by Rachet to ensure you are all fit and fully functional and OC, YOU have a very important job.''

I leaned forward in anticipation. /Finally!/.

''I need YOU to rustle us up some food, we're starving!'' Lennox winked at me.

I narrowed my eyes at his smug face. ''Just be aware that right now, I am hurling daggers at you Lennox, and so far, they have ALL found their mark!''

Lennox clutched his chest, ''Ouch, you got me!'' he pretended to double over in pain before snapping back upright, ''Make mine a burger with the works OC and an ice-cold coffee,'' and he headed up the catwalk with Optimus turning to follow.

I sighed. ''Anyone else need an order fulfilled?'' Several other men yelled out for various items and I whipped out my phone and entered them into my notes. ''Righto, be back soon guys,'' and with that I wandered over to Relda, waving goodbye to Jazz and the others and took off downtown to grab some food and drinks.

Later that afternoon, after all the lunches had been handed out and some light-hearted banter had taken place. The team began to disperse. Lennox headed off to make a call with Sarah and Anabelle as the satellite was in optimal range. Epps had some reports he had to fill out, some of the other men had various jobs to do, from cleaning weapons to cataloguing supplies.

The Autobots had since regrouped back at their personal quarters for some energon as it was too risky to keep it stored anywhere near explosive devices. I now found myself with nothing particular to do and no one in particular to talk to.

/Might as well go for a drive to Turtle Cove and the nursery there, I might even be lucky enough to see some hatchlings/. I had since learned that green turtles and hawksbill turtles nested there, and it was about this time they would be coming ashore to lay their eggs. I didn't particularly want to be alone at the moment for reasons I couldn't really explain, but rather than annoy the Autobots, I decided to try my luck at finding some smaller, much slower company.

Jumping in Relda, I started her up and we headed off down the road towards Turtle Cove. The sun was starting to set so I put my headlights on. Shortly afterwards, I pulled up not far from one of the beaches. Gabbing a jacket, it got surprisingly cool of an evening, I threw it on and trugged the short distance to the beach.

I found an open spot and sat myself down in the cool sand to wait. I was enveloped in silence, save for the sound of the waves breaking gently against the shore. The sky was turning remarkable shades of reds, purples and oranges, my breath hitched, and I felt tears prickle at my eyes. /What is wrong with me?/, I mentally chastised myself.

Instead of wiping away my tears as I usually did so no one would see them fall, I let them fall. Let them slide down my cooling cheeks and drip onto my lap and the sand below. I began to sniff a bit. I scanned the horizon, hoping to see a shadow emerge from the water. Nothing. I felt so alone. I hugged my knees up under my chin and buried my head and let the dam break. I felt my shoulders shake with heaving sobs as I cried and cried. I began to rock myself forwards and backwards, attempting to soothe myself. /From what? Why are you so upset?/. It was at this point that I heard it.

Heavy footsteps, cautiously approaching. ''Orianna? Are you ok? What's the matter?'' The one voice I both wanted to hear and was afraid of hearing both wrapped me in warmth and sent icy shivers down my back. I hugged my legs closer for a moment as if trying to desperately squeeze strength from within myself.

I raised my tear stained face and looked at Optimus who had knelt down cautiously beside me, concern etched into his faceplates, blinking rapidly as he took in my distraught form. I used my jumper sleeve in a very undignified way to wipe my nose, but at that point I didn't care. My heart hurt. I didn't care how I looked. ''I'm fine,'' I said in a level voice.

Prime tilted his helm and almost scoffed, almost. ''Orianna, anyone with optics can see you are not fine. Why are you so upset? Are you injured? Has someone hurt you?'' He genuinely looked concerned.

A part of me did scoff out loud. Six months of distanced and strained contact. Six months of feeling sick in the pit of my stomach that I had ruined any chance of developing the comradery I had with the other Autobots with him. Six bloody months of being kept at a very long arm's length and now he suddenly seems concerned for my well-being! Something snapped inside of me.

''Yeah actually, someone has hurt me!'' I raised glaring eyes up towards the towering leader, my body shivering with either cold or rage.

Optimus was taken aback for a moment by both my tone and the fact he had heard that someone had indeed hurt me. ''Orianna! Who were they? What did they do?'' He almost reached out for me, but I cut him off.

I jumped to my feet in one surprisingly swift move, ''It was YOU, you bloody clueless idiot!'' Fresh tears spilled down my face, a veritable river cascading, unchecked. I stood there, shaking with pain and shock. I wrapped my arms about myself for comfort. /What had I just done?/.

The arm and servo Optimus had been cautiously extending was snapped back as though it had just been burned. Perhaps it had. ''Orianna… I…. I….'' He struggled to form a sentence, something I had never seen the great Prime struggle with before.

''It doesn't matter anyway, it's my fault!'' with this crashing realisation I started to run towards my car again. I had embarrassed myself and ruined any chance I had at healing the wounds between the Prime and I.

''Orianna! Stop! Wait!'' and with that a large metal servo came crashing down in front of me, not close enough to hurt me but close enough to halt my retreat. ''Please. Please wait,'' the pleading tone of his voice, broke my heart anew. I stopped. Prime lowered his servo. A silent invitation to climb on board.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should accept or run. /You have never been a coward, don't start now/, a quiet voice whispered in my head. I took a deep breath and, reaching out for a digit, I climbed aboard. His servo was warm to the touch and it soothed the icy fire that raged inside me. I held tight as he drew his servo towards his face, close enough that I could see the fine wires and cables that made up parts of his optics. Optics that shone so brightly yet held such sadness as to almost consume me.

The softest voice was torn from his dermas, ''Orianna, forgive me, please. I, I had no idea my actions hurt you so. I would never intentionally cause you pain. You must believe me on this,'' Optimus blinked his optics and looked beseechingly at me.

A moment stretched out between us.

I closed my eyes, willing my heart to keep beating, willing my mouth to work. In an equally soft voice, barely a whisper, ''It's ok. I'll forgive you, if… if you forgive me? I should never have said what I did to you, I should have respected your privacy.'' I forced my eyes open and looked Optimus dead in the optics. I was drowning in his azure gaze. I could feel myself getting lost.

Prime blinked his optics slowly, breaking the spell. ''Orianna, there is nothing to forgive on your part. It is I who reacted badly to a friend who simply reached out in support and tried to offer comfort.'' At this he paused momentarily, casting his gaze to the ground. ''I am not used to the one being comforted, especially about something I had buried deep inside me long ago.''

He fixed his gaze back on me. ''I have not had the chance to properly grieve her loss. The war'', his voice hardened, ''took so much from us – from me.'' There was now a fire burning in those optics, a hard edge to his tone. Subconsciously I ran my hand down his digit as if trying to soothe him. He must have felt it as the fire burning in his optics slowly quelled and when he next spoke it was with a more even tone. ''Elita One, was the other half of my spark. When she died, a part of me did too. In fact, I don't know how I didn't follow her into the Well of the Allspark'', Prime's voice trailed off as he grew introspective.

It was then that I spoke up, ''Because you are YOU.'' He raised his optics and helm again to look at me, an unnamed emotion swirling inside them. ''I can't explain it Optimus. I do not know you as well as the others because you distance yourself. Probably to shield you from ever feeling that sense of overwhelming loss and pain again,'' I ventured.

An almost imperceptible nod of his great helm.

I continued, ''But from what I do know of you and what I feel about you is you care deeply about everything and everyone. You tear yourself apart, literally sometimes, trying to protect those around you, you fight for those who cannot fight for themselves and the thought of letting your team down, your Autobots – gnaws at you. It pushes you to hold on when you think you can't, forces you to get up when you get knocked down and holds together the shards of a broken spark even, when it feels as though it must shatter into a million pieces to let the pain escape.'' I lay my hand gently on his servo.

The Prime closed his optics for a moment and his intake valves cycled air as he processed my words. I waited until he fixed me with his gaze again before I continued, he needed to hear this.

''I never had the privilege of meeting Elita One, but I bet she must have been a lot like you.'' I smiled at him. ''She must have been special and, like you, I bet she felt the same way about her Autobot femmes. Had it been you that died, while no doubt she would have grieved, her spark never the same again, she would have continued like you do now. To save her people – to fight each day to not let them down, to help them find peace.''

I paused a moment and reached out my hand towards his faceplates. He brought me closer so I could touch his helm. A great gesture of trust. I laid my hand on his helm between his optics and he closed them. ''Just like I am sure she would want you to be at peace with what has happened. She will always be in your spark Optimus. Those we love the most never truly leave us. Carry her forward with you, don't hide her away,'' I intoned solemnly.

I felt tears sting my own eyes as I thought about what I had said and reflected on those I had lost. ''And…. If you ever need someone to talk to about her, about anything, I am here for you. Don't shut me out, I only ever want to help you. I care about you, all of you.'' I wanted to say more but all I could do was gently rub my hand against his helm.

I felt his other servo move to cradle me, pulling me close to his helm, the closest thing to a hug. I closed my eyes and placed both of my hands across his optic ridge, a vain attempt at hugging him back. We stayed like that for a moment, both giving and receiving much needed comfort.

Optimus slowly lowered me from his helm and fixed me with an intent gaze, his optics shining with gratitude and something else – affection? His voice, barely a whisper and laden with emotion when he spoke, ''Orianna, thank you. You humble me. And, despite what you think, you know me far better than most, including myself.''

I automatically dipped my head, slightly embarrassed by the praise, ''Just glad I could help Prime. Are we… are we good now?'' I looked up at him once more and he gently traced a digit down my tear stained face.

''Never better. I will take what you have said on board. I will try to not shut you out again and I may even take you up on your offer of being a sounding board. After all even Prime's need to vent from time to time,'' there was a hint of humour in his tone and I laughed. It felt good to talk like this with him.

''As long as you return the favour and listen to me when I need to unload, deal?'' I reached out my hand.

''Deal,'' and he extended his digit and we shook on it. ''Now,'' his usual deep baritone voice cut through the night air. ''It is very late, and we should head back before Ironhide sends a search party out for us.''

I laughed again; a weight lifted off my shoulders. ''Oh shit, quick let's get out of here!''

''Indeed.'' he smiled back as he lowered me towards the ground and I jumped off.

A thought struck me and I turned to face him. ''Say Prime?''

''Yes Orianna?''

''Why did you come out here?'' I raised an interrogating eyebrow. ''Surely you haven't taking up turtle watching as a hobby just recently?''

''Actually Orianna, in truth, I came to find you! To apologise and talk about what happened that night about six months ago,'' his optics shone brightly with humour as he carefully walked behind me.

''Oh. Well… Mission accomplished Big Guy!'' I smiled back at him as I reached for Relda's doorhandle.

I climbed into Relda, turning the keys in the ignition. Her engine rumbled to life and I let her warmup a bit. ''Thanks Optimus. I'm glad we talked.''

''Thank you Orianna, as am I.'' He tilted his helm as he gazed down at me. ''Do you need me to escort you back to your apartment?''

I gave a little chuckle. ''Sweet of you to offer Prime, but nah, I'm good.'' I started to drive off, ''I'll see you tomorrow,'' and I waved. Optimus waved back and then transformed, his own diesel engine rumbling along behind me as he shadowed me back to Hanger 1.

As I continued past Hanger 1, I watched Prime's headlights flick once at me in a silent farewell. I could not contain the goofy grin that spread across my face. It was okay. We were okay.

Everything was going to be okay.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

The saying ''time flies when you're having fun'' essentially summed up life. In the blink of an eye I found myself entering my eighteenth month living on Diego Garcia with the Autobots and Lennox and his team.

N.E.S.T had expanded with the arrival of more Autobots who had followed Prime's signal to earth. Sideswipe, a sleek but tough, wise crack who enjoyed pulling a prank almost as much as he loved smashing Decepticons. Apparently, he had a twin brother, Sunstreaker, similar to him in most ways, ''except not as good looking'' according to ''Sides as he was known to many of his team. He was waiting for him to arrive. Despite the trash talk he gave about ''Sunny'' I got the feeling he was missing his bro deeply and that if these two ever got reunited, life on the base would become – interesting.

We also had some female back up arrive in the form of Autobot femme Arcee. A tough, skilled fighter capable of holding her own against the ''Cons. She was ninja fast and, despite her delicate frame, tough as nails. Kind of like the poster girl for ''girl power.'' It was nice to have another ''woman'' around, there was so much testosterone sometimes. There were only a few females stationed on the base or working within N.E.S.T. Nice to see one more added to the list.

As Autobot liaison it was my task, once they had been cleared by Rachet, Prime and Lennox, to help introduce them to Earthen culture and transition to life on our planet. Both 'Sides and Arcee adapted quickly, picking up most things immediately. Then again, when your ''brain'' can access Google and download information almost immediately, you would be hard pressed to stuff up royally.

The Autobots and N.E.S.T had been involved in an increasing number of skirmishes with Decepticons, some over before they began and others, kept Rachet busy for a few days. It felt like all this activity was building towards something but what – was anyone's guess. As long as my little family remained safe, I didn't care.

Life was going well. So, naturally, something bad was bound to happen to screw that up. One ordinary afternoon during a routine day on base, that something happened. Life would never be the same again.

I had been in the training hanger with the Autobots, Lennox and Epps. Ironhide and Jazz had wanted to put the ''new recruits'' through some training to assess how they were adapting to fighting alongside humans. Epps and Lennox were standing in as the N.E.S.T agents in the field. Ironhide was to play the role of a ''Con and Sideswipe, Arcee were to work alongside Lennox and Epps to bring the ''Con'' down efficiently and effectively.

Jazz was there to observe and offer feedback. Rachet was busy in the med bay and Prime, on a rare break from meetings and field work, had stopped by to watch how his team were getting on and just to ''hang out''. I was there to observe too and to just hang out as I had nothing else to do and nowhere else to be at that point in time.

The training room had a large area in the middle reserved for hand to hand combat maneuvers, kind of like a large boxing ring but without the rings. There were various stations around the room and there were all sorts of nasty and lethal looking Cybertronian weapons adoring the walls and some sort of obstacle course designed for agility and speed. Target practice was usually conducted elsewhere on the island under strict supervision. The large floor in the middle of the room was where all of our eyes and optics' focus was now held as Ironhide prepared to fight ''Sides, Arcee and the humans. Live and full power ammo was strictly forbidden in here.

On Jazz's signal, the ''battle'' unfolded. Ironhide lunged with a speed that defied his hulking size as he tried to take out Arcee, but she had already deftly flipped out of the way landing to the side of Hide, managing to get in a quick kick to the back of one of Hide's legs.

In a fluid motion, Hide went down to that knee and using his other arm to support him and did low sweeping kick that knocked Arcee onto her back. Continuing in his momentum, Hide rose and gave Sides a right hook in the face as he came in to attack, the force of which sent Sides stumbling back a few paces. /Go Ironhide! Guess you don't live for over 9 million years, most of which is spent fighting a war and NOT learn a trick or two!/.

Both Arcee and Sides were no quitters and they recovered almost immediately and were back to attack Ironhide. In the meantime, Epps and Lennox had their guns trained on Ironhide and were shooting paint pellet ammo to indicate ''kill shots''. The Mission City battle, as well as discussions with the Autobots, had helped determine where ''weak spots' were in Decepticon armour.

Lennox and Epps were moving around the edge of the battle from ''cover to cover,'' though I noticed with a little concern, Lennox was getting rather close. I began to tense up and pay very close attention. Prime had also noticed this and had stood a little straighter, his servos clenched by his side and his optics firmly fixed on the scene before him.

Ironhide, consumed in the battle, went for Sideswipe with a barrage of punches to try and maneuverer Sides between him and the human contingent thus preventing their kill shots getting through. It appeared to be working until – Lennox chose that moment to run to a new ''cover'' to the left of Ironhide. At the exact same time Ironhide connected an almighty punch with Sideswipe's jaw that sent him flying through the air - towards Lennox.

What happened next changed everything.

I was vaguely aware of some screaming,'' LOOK OUT! LENNOX!'' I recall Ironhide's faceplates moving from fierce determination to horror in a split second, Prime began to run in an effort to somehow stop the tragedy unfolding but he would never have made it. The next thing I know I am on my feet, hands outstretched, and I am holding Sideswipe in the air, frozen in place, unable to continue his lethal trajectory.

Lennox, who had almost instantly realised his mistake and crouched down out of instinct, holding his hand out in front of him as if it could protect him, had realised the lethal crushing impact had not come. Several tonnes of Transformer did not come hurtling onto him. He slowly stood up, transfixed by the suspended Autobot.

Everyone simply froze, in shock as to how or what or who had caused this. At that point, as I walked slowly towards the scene arms still outstretched, concentration etched onto my face, I was aware of every set of eyes, except Sideswipe's, resting on me.

''What the? Frag it.. What's going on? Put me down!" Sideswipe's pleas seemed incongruous to the otherwise silent scene. Focusing my attention and harnessing my gift, I gently lowered Sideswipe to the ground, so he was standing on his feet. Once he was down safe, and Lennox was safe. I lowered my arms and then - my head. /Oh you've done it now/.

The silence stretched out forever as everyone struggled to take in what they had just witnessed. Lennox simply took turns in looking from me to Sideswipe and back again, while normally very astute, he was struggling to process what had just happened. Some of the others actually took a step ''away'' from me. I wrapped my arms around my waist, forcing myself to hold it together.

It was Prime's deep voice that shattered the moment, allowing time to continue, ''How long Orianna? How long have you been able to do that?''

I looked up at him /Not a question of why can you do that? or what was that? But How long? Had Prime known about my ''gift''?/.

Before I could answer I heard Jazz's voice cut in, ''I would say at least since the Battle of Mission City,'' his head was tilted to the side as he took me in, thinking. ''It was you wasn't it lil' lady? It was YOU who saved me from Megatron that day. YOU were the one who sent him staggering backwards before he grabbed me, allowing me to get away.'' Comprehension and the gravity of this slowly dawning on his face.

I turned to look at him and gathered myself up to my full height. /Why should I be ashamed, I had saved him, Lennox too/. I swallowed once to ensure my voice would be steady and strong when I spoke, though I could do nothing to stop my body trembling. ''Yes Jazz. That was me.'' Jazz said nothing just stared at me, a small smile on his faceplates.

I then turned to Prime to confirm what he already suspected. ''Yes Prime, that awful night under the bridge with Mikaela and Sam, that was me too. I held her and Sam for as long as I could to give Bee time to arrive and save them. Before Sam plunged the Allpsark into Megatron's chest, it was me that sent Megatron sprawling to the side when you tripped him Prime and then me who pulled Sam out of the way at the same time. It was me who used my ''gift' to try and drag Megatron away from Sam and the Allspark - and you.''

My jaw set firmly, my hands down by my sides, fists clenched I could feel my heart racing trying to escape my chest, my chest rising and falling as I tried to contain a myriad of emotions from escaping me. ''My gift, or curse, depending on how you want to look at it, has been something I have had since I was child.'' I shrugged my shoulders. ''I have just learned to live with it and tried to control it.'' Pleading eyes turned to look at everyone in the room. ''Please don't hate me for it.'' I looked imploringly at Optimus. ''Please..''

Prime closed his optics slowly, as if replaying every detail of those moments to indeed confirm what I had just announced. When he opened his optics again there was no judgement there, no anger or disgust, no fear. These were the emotions I had always seen in people's eyes, the few times my ''gift'' made itself known. Instead, I found myself gazing into two azure optics that held nothing but kindness, compassion, care and wonder. As I stood there trying to adjust to this newfound reaction, the others must have snapped out of their shock and began to speak.

''Orianna,'' Lennox, had begun to walk towards me slowly, slightly shaking his head in disbelief. ''You, you just saved my life. I don't know how you did that, but I am so thankful,'' when he reached where I was standing he grabbed me into a huge bear hug, holding me tight. ''Thank you''. All I could do was hug him back just as tightly as he hugged me. I didn't trust myself to speak knowing what nearly happened.

''That is some freaky ass shit OC, what the hell did you just do?!'' Epps had managed to process what he had seen and was now torn between fear and amazement.

''Yeah, I'm with you Epps, how the slagging pit did you do that?' 'Sideswipe chorused.

''Well,'' Arcee walked up to Sideswipe and pushed him in the shoulder, ''freaky or not, lucky for YOU and Lennox she DID do it, or we would have lost two team members today – Major Lennox and you Sideswipe! Lennox would have been a human pancake and Sarah would have ensured YOU Sideswipe would have been robot shish kebab,'' she looked over to me and gave me a wink. I smiled at her. /Gotta love the Sisterhood/.

Jazz walked over to me and knelt before me. Lennox had since released me from the hug and stepped aside. Jazz looked earnestly and seriously into my eyes, ''Girl, you an' I have always got on like a house on fire, I knew you was special but now,' he shook his head in amazement, ''You in a league of your own! Thank you OC, for savin' ma life. For savin' so many of our lives, quietly from tha sideline.'' He then tilted his head to the side and scoffed, ''Ta think, all this time I thought we were protectin' you,'' Jazz chuckled, ''who knew it was tha other way around!'' and he lent down and scooped me up into his arms for a hug.

It took me a moment to return the hug until I worked out where to place my arms and hands. A part of me thought how surreal this was to be embracing a giant sentient robot like this, the other part of me thought how nice it was to be embraced. ''You're welcome Jazz, just glad you don't hate me.''

''Hate you?'' he said in disbelief, as he placed me back on the ground. ''Why on earth would I hate you for saving my life and the lives of my friends?'' He looked incredulous.

I gave a derisive chuckle, ''Oh you'd be surprised the number of times people have looked at me with disgust, fear and hate when I have used my gift in some way,'' a shadow of pain and anguish flittered over my face and my voice trailed away as memories buried deep began to kick and scream their way to the surface.

I turned the corner of my mouth up in wry contempt, ''People tend to fear that which they do not understand or know. YOU Autobots should know that by now – why do you think you need to disguise yourselves? Most people would not cope well knowing you walked among us. Same goes for me. If most people knew about my ''ability," I shrugged.

Ironhide spoke for the first time then, ''They would have to get through ME before they could do anything to you OC,'' and to prove a point he walked up and stood protectively by my side, glaring at the others in the room.

I patted him on the leg and looked up into his face, ''Thanks Hide, that means a lot tough guy.''

Optimus, who had remained strangely quiet, as though he had been gauging reactions and processing everything, from every angle, walked towards me, knelt and finally spoke again. ''Orianna, while you have had to hide who you truly are from the world for so long, please do not ever think that you have to do so from us.''

Tears began to spill from my eyes as a weight I had been carrying nearly my whole life was suddenly picked up and dropped from my shoulders. ''While you may have been made to feel ashamed and angry about what makes you different, with us, know that we celebrate you for who you are, all of you. Your ''gift'' is part of what makes YOU special.'' He gently reached out a digit to touch my face, as if trying to wipe my eyes, ''Orianna, why try to fit in, when you were born to stand out?''

At this the dam burst yet again and years of silent tears and pain, held at bay, cascaded down my cheeks. I grabbed hold of Prime's digit, afraid that if I didn't, I would fall to my knees. I buried my face and held on for dear life, sobbing my pain, my fear, my happiness and my relief. Optimus gently scoped me up into his servo and held me against his massive chassis, above where his spark thrummed. He simply held me while I cried, offering silent support.

Arcee and Sideswipe looked momentarily shocked to see their Prime hold a human like this. At Ironhide and Jazz's stern expression, they quickly schooled their face plates into a more neutral appearance. After all, they were not aware of the deepening bond Optimus and I shared. After a few minutes I felt myself able to gather some semblance of calm and I smiled up at Optimus, patting his chassis. Prime smiled back and lowered me to the ground.

''That's right OC,'' Lennox spoke up again, having recovered from his near-death experience and moved towards me placing a protective arm around my shoulder. ''You are family to me, to all of us, and ANYONE who has a problem with you automatically inherits a problem from ME - from US. Am I right?'' At this he looked around at every person and Autobot standing in the room – daring them to say different.

Every one of them either yelled out, ''That's right'', ''Yeah,'' or nodded their approval at Lennox's words. Even Epps had gotten over his initial concern and nodded his approval.

I felt such a sense of warmth, of love and acceptance that I had not felt since that fateful day back when I had basically begged to be adopted by the Autobots and Lennox. Maybe everything would be okay after all?

Then a strident voice yelled out from the hanger doorway, ''Orianna Connors! You need to come with us please.''

/Okay, so Murphy IS an asshole and clearly nothing would be ok/, I thought mockingly.

It was the Military Police, and they were barrelling their way towards me, guns held at the ready. ''We have just been informed of certain activities you have performed, and you are required for immediate interrogation and review by the JCS as to whether you are a threat to our National Security.''

My heart stopped. /Definitely going to need a pacemaker/.

Lennox and Prime made to stand in front of me as did Ironhide. ''Under whose orders?'' Lennox demanded. /Oh God - he's going to count to three again!/.

''General Morshower himself,'' one the of the men looked smugly at Lennox. He made to grab me and was nearly decked by Lennox.

''NO!'' I shouted. Lennox stopped. ''It's ok. I'll be ok guys. Just don't do anything to get yourselves in trouble on my account, it's not worth it.'' I stepped forward, hands out willingly to be cuffed. I was NOT going to be the cause of my family falling apart over heated and hot-headed actions.

''Taking her is a big mistake, she has done nothing wrong. Rest assured I will be following this up with General Morshower personally, this will NOT be tolerated,'' Prime's tone had an icy edge to it that made the MPs hesitate momentarily.

I gave a weak smile to Optimus and the others. ''S'Okay guys, getting arrested by Military Police was on my bucket list of things to do, so you know, CHECK!'' They started to haul me away. ''I'll be okay,'' was all I could manage before they pulled me away from my family and out towards a waiting black SUV.

I could feel the palpable anger radiating from Optimus and Lennox as they immediately stalked towards Hanger 1 ready for a video conference with General Morshower that I absentmindedly thought, /I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall for that/

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

As we drove back towards my apartment in downtown Diego Garcia, I wondered what was going to become of me. Like a lot of other people, I had watched the movies where civilians who knew something they shouldn't about the Government were taken away to be interrogated for hours or days at a time. Beaten and tortured to within an inch of their lives at the hands of madmen bent on turning them to their will.

I swallowed down rising bile at the thought of what might happen to me. No matter what though, one thing was for sure. I was NEVER going to do anything to put my family at risk, especially Prime.

As the scenery whipped by and we rapidly approached our destination, I reflected back on that fateful night at Turtle Cove when we both allowed ourselves to be vulnerable in front of each other. Since then, Prime and I had grown closer, developing a deep mutual respect and understanding towards each other.

While Jazz was perhaps my best friend within the Autobots, Prime was /something more, something special,/ the thought coalesced in my mind even as I consciously thought about it. I didn't get a chance to pursue that thought any further though as I heard the passenger in the front seat, the one who had handcuffed me and confronted Lennox, answer his phone.

''Sir! Are you sure? We have the woman in our custody right now enroute to her dwelling.'' There was a pause, and I could see his jaw clench in annoyance. ''Yes Sir. Understood.'' The last word seemed to be wrenched from his lips as though he was fighting to obey the direct command he had been given.

Without a word, the large SUV was hastily turned around and pointed back in the direction we had just come from. A snarky, irritated voice was directed to me from the front seat, ''So, looks like it is your lucky day Orianna. Isn't it nice to have friends in high places?'' He turned to face me after asking the rhetorical question, as if wanting a reply. He then looked me up and down, in a twisted menacing, leering manner before saying, ''I'm not sure what talents you have used to make these friends and influence them, but it seems they have worked in your favour.'' He held an ugly sneer on what would have otherwise been considered a handsome face to most people.

''I hope it rots,'' was my simple reply.

He fixed me with a confused stare and blinked once, ''Hope what rots?''

I adopted my best blank expression and levelled my gaze at him, ''Whatever it is that crawled up your arse and died today.''

I heard a light snicker from the man driving the car which was enough to send ''G.I. Joe'' into apoplexy. ''Who the FUCK do you think you are? You are nothing but a freak and a stuck-up bitch and I guarantee you, one day you'll get yours you piece of shit.''

I could feel anger rising in me, along with a healthy dose of defiance. ''Your little robot friends and that pansy Lennox won't always be around to protect you and when they aren't,'' he laughed in a low, disturbing chuckle, ''THAT'S when you'll be taken down.''

I fixed him with an icy stare, ''Are you threatening me arsehole?''

He stared at me a moment longer. ''Oh, I don't make threats. I make promises,'' his eyes held a wildness to them, and I could tell even the driver of the car was questioning his sanity.

I should have been terrified, but I only felt anger towards this dick. How dare he belittle the Autobots and Lennox, how dare he threaten my family. I lent ever so slightly forward in my seat, Hanger 1 loomed large in the window, and in the deadliest whisper I could muster I replied to him, ''Good. I hope you keep your promise you pathetic sack of shit and seek me out one day. No body threatens my family, or me for that matter, and gets away with it!'' I continued to hold my gaze even as the car pulled up and I saw Lennox and Prime walking towards me, the others not far behind them.

''GI Joe'' gave me a sickly-sweet smile before saying something that caught me off guard, ''Well that was a fun road trip, maybe we can all do it again some time.'' He unclipped his belt and leapt out of the car to open my door and roughly drag me out.

I was on the opposite side of the car to Lennox and Optimus, so they didn't see what transpired, /Lucky for arsehole here/. He then whispered in my ear as he went to uncuff me, ''Now Orianna, you gonna run crying to your little friends and dob on me like some little weak bitch, or you going to play nice and keep our ''little chat'' between us?'' I sensed a small amount of fear within him at the thought I might run towards the towering blue and red Autobot that was currently striding towards us with an angry expression, and blab what had transpired.

I turned around whilst rubbing my wrists and looked at the name badge on his chest, which had been obscured up until now, /SAVOY/. I committed it to memory. 'Well Savoy,'' I started.

''James, if you please,'' the prick interrupted me.

I ignored the request, ''As much as I would love to see a 28 foot mad as hell Autobot crush you like the insignificant little bug you are, I much prefer to take care of my own shit,'' Savoy seemed to visibly relax a little. /Full of piss and wind/, I thought to myself. ''Yet that is precisely what you are, a steaming pile of excrement that, when the time is right, I will personally scrap off the ground and dump unceremoniously into the trash.'' Blue/grey eyes filled with seething anger did their best to unnerve me. I simply gave him one last look of smug defiance and turned on my heel towards Optimus and Lennox.

I did not turn around when I heard the tyres screech and the car pulled away much faster than necessary. Lennox covered the remaining ground between us and drew me into a hug, ''You okay OC? Did they do anything to you?'' He pulled back, holding my shoulders, his eyes searching mine for an answer. Optimus stood behind Lennox and knelt to conduct his own assessment of my wellbeing.

I smiled at them, pushing my anger and mild trepidation over my encounter with Savoy deep down inside, they would not know about this. ''I'm fine guys, truly,'' I spun around on the spot. ''See, not a scratch.'' I faced them once more, ''We didn't even make it back to my place for house arrest,'' I folded my arms across my chest, ''they ah… they received a phone call and next thing I know we are heading back here.'' I arched an eyebrow. 'So, what did you tell Morshower in that phone conversation?''

''Well to be honest, Prime did most of the talking,'' Lennox sheepishly admitted.

I turned my gaze up to Prime, 'Well Prime, what did you say?" I looked expectantly at him.

Prime returned my gaze and answered in that delightfully deep baritone voice of his. ''Orianna, I do not believe a full recount of the contents of our conversation is necessary. Suffice it to say Morshower was simply, persuaded, to drop any and all charges against you and release you back into our care,'' his azure optics held the remnants of icy rage as he held my gaze.

''Persuaded?'' I encouraged as I folded my arms across my chest.

Optimus blinked his optics. ''I simply pointed out to the General that your ''gift'' would be rather advantageous to our allied forces against the Decepticons and that if you were allowed to train, under strict and supervised conditions by both myself and Major Lennox, as part of the N.E.S.T team, your strategic deployment in the field may significantly help to reduce any collateral damage and casualties.''

I nodded at his cool logical argument at the same time excitement and worry coursed through me at the thought of joining the elite soldiers and Autobots as part of N.E.S.T.

''I also promised to provide General Morshower and the JCS with regular updates and information regarding your abilities and progress whilst training,'' Optimus continued to hold my gaze as he spoke. ''When that reasoned argument failed to totally dissuade him from ensuring your release, I simply reminded him that we Autobots make far better allies than enemies.'' The Prime simply shuttered his optics once more.

I stood there, unaware my jaw had dropped open during Prime's explanations, 'Do you mean to tell me that YOU, the noble and moral Optimus Prime, threatened General Morshower, the JCS and the President of the United States in a bid to have me returned?'' I was incredulous.

Optimus allowed a small smile to grace his dermas, ''Orianna, I do not make threats. I make promises but read into that what you will.''

At those last words my breath hitched, and I visibly flinched as I thought back to Savoy only moments ago. My reaction did not go unnoticed by both Prime and Lennox.

''You okay OC?'' Lennox asked reaching out for me.

I quickly shook my head, ''Yeah, fine, just blown away and a little humbled actually,'' which was actually the truth on both counts. I looked up at Optimus and spoke very seriously to him, ''Optimus, while I appreciate your interference and your efforts to help me, don't you EVER go compromising your integrity or your honour for ME,'' I continued to hold his gaze, my mouth set in a thin line of determination.

Optimus returned my gaze with equal determination, defiance burning within his optics as he replied to my request, ''Orianna, that is a promise I cannot and will not make.'' He blinked once and then looked away, rising to his full height again, signalling the end of our silent battle of wills.

Lennox chose that moment to speak up, ''Well - long story short, they agreed to the terms Prime outlined and - Welcome to the team!'' Lennox smiled brightly at me and slapped me lightly on the shoulder.

''Aah Lennox,'' Sideswipe had rocked up with the others. ''Did I miss something? She's already on the team.''

Arcee rolled her optics in a mimicry of human like behaviour, ''Why is it always the pretty ones! What he means 'Sides, is Orianna is now on team N.E.S.T.'' She looked at Sideswipe waiting for the light globe moment to occur.

Sideswipe took a nanosecond to react and then commented, ''OOOHhhhh… well in that case, WELCOME TO THE TEAM!''

My head began to spin with this new realisation. My family, and the US government, now knew about my gifts and 50% of those mentioned were cool with it, I was now going to be training with an elite faction of the US government to combat and eradicate Decepticons. ''Ahh, thanks guys. I am really excited but, if I am to be honest – really nervous. I mean, look at me! Do I LOOK like the kind of person who should be part of an elite US faction of soldiers hunting down alien sentient beings?''

''Didn't stop you in Mission City,'' Ironhide reasoned without skipping a beat.

''He's got a point,'' Jazz chimed in in.

I frowned up at them, considering their comment before I shrugged my shoulders and grinned. ''Well, I guess that's settled, you guys now have a cuckoo joining your little N.E.S.T.''

Lennox and Epps laughed, ''Well, does help to be a little crazy being a part of our team,'' Epps winked.

''Well,'' I clapped my hands together, ''When do I start training?'' I looked between Optimus and Lennox.

The Prime spoke first, ''Well Orianna, first I believe it would be wise to visit Rachet in the medical bay to get him up to speed on what has transpired today and to seek a medical examination from him to ensure you are indeed fit for your training. He may also wish to conduct a few, ''examinations'' regarding your gift to learn how it may be triggered, controlled or enhanced.''

Optimus turned to address his team, ''Autobots you may spend the evening as you wish. Ironhide take first watch and arrange a new duty roster to allow for increased patrols for the first few days. Orianna's actions may have attracted some unwanted attention.'' My heart skipped a beat, did he know what happened somehow? He then turned to Lennox, ''Major Lennox may I suggest you take one of your trusted female soldiers and drive back to Orianna's quarters to collect some clothing and essentials. I think it wise she stay with us for the time being. Can you also please arrange for suitable bedding to be brought to Autobot personal quarters?''

''Of course, Prime, good idea. Jazz, give us a lift?'' Lennox started to walk towards the Pontiac Solstice.

''No worries mate,'' and he transformed and revved his engine. Clearly hanging around an Australian was rubbing off on Jazz.

''Don't forget the vegemite!'' I yelled out. Lennox rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue in mock disgust.

''That stuff tastes like shit!'' Lennox pretended to dry reach.

I raised an eyebrow at him, ''Really? How would you know? You eat shit Lennox?'' I teased.

Lennox stopped for a moment, threw his hands in the air and shook his head, ''Should a let you rot in jail!''

''Missed your chance, maybe next time,'' I called out to his retreating form. ''Besides, it's not meant to be slathered on bread or toast, it's not bloody Nutella! Less is more when it comes to vegemite,'' I tried to reason with him.

Lennox let out a loud laugh as he slid into Jazz's front seat, ''Yeah! Same goes for YOU OC!''

There were a few sniggers around me, and I glowered at him, but inside I laughed. /Touché/.

As Lennox and Jazz sped off to carry out Prime's requests, Optimus transformed and opened his door for me to climb in. Before I shut the door, I heard Sideswipe speak up.

''Glad it's you and not me visiting ''Hatchet'' OC, Sideswipe interrupted. ''He has a mean temper on him when it suits and he has perfect aim with a spanner from virtually any point within the Med Bay,'' Sideswipe genuinely looked fearful.

I smiled and waved, ''Thanks for the heads-up 'Sides, but don't forget with my ''gift'' I can send said spanner right on back at him if necessary,'' and I gave him a wink.

Sideswipe's dermas parted in shock for a moment, before shouting out to us as we pulled away, 'You're my new hero!'' I simply laughed.

It was not a long drive before we reached the Med Bay, so we shared the trip in companionable silence. I took the opportunity to stare in awe around Prime's cab, running my hand along the leather door trim. As we pulled up out the front of the hanger, Rachet came walking out.

''Optimus, Orianna, to what do I owe the pleasure? I was just finishing up for the day and coming over to join you all,'' Rachet looked pleased but curious at our arrival.

''Rachet, old friend, I believe it might be best if we go back inside the Med Bay and have a chat about some ''events'' that took place today. I feel it best you are aware of what has transpired as your expertise may be required as we move forward,'' Prime had gently clasped Rachet's shoulder and was politely shepherding the confused Medic back into the Med Bay. I followed several paces behind.

Once inside Optimus asked Rachet to sit at his assigned ''desk'' while he recounted the events of the day. It was quite interesting to watch Rachet's face plates, optics and optical ridge display a range of emotions from shock, anger and confusion to curiosity. After half an hour Optimus finished his recount of what had transpired, ''So, you see Rachet, Orianna, is to join N.E.S.T and work with us to develop and harness her gift to help eradicate Decepticons. Are you, able and willing to help her, help us, with this?'' The Prime asked cautiously.

Rachet sat for a moment, he blinked his optics once before rising from his seat. ''Of course, I am willing and able to help her Optimus, why wouldn't I?'' He almost seemed annoyed by Prime's insinuation that he would be otherwise. ''First, I will need to run some diagnostics and tests, heart rate, brain waves, motor control; at rest and under duress,'' Rachet had turned away and was looking for various equipment.

I spoke up for the first time since I had entered the building, ''Ah Rachet, is this going to hurt much?'' While I had a reasonable pain threshold, I did not enjoy putting myself in a position to experience pain if possible.

Rachet answered somewhat distractedly as he rifled through various cabinets and drawers, ''Pain? Ah, not really.''

''Not really? So, is that a like a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10?'' There was no response.

Prime turned to leave. ''Where do you think you are going?'' I asked.

''Orianna, I have to go and liaise with Major Lennox and ensure your new quarters are suitable for you when you are finished here,'' Optimus shifted quickly from one pede to the other, his optics darting to the door once or twice.

I stared at him for a moment, ''You are seriously going to dump me here and take off to make my bed when….'' I paused, taking in the change in Prime's countenance as he watched Rachet place several pieces of equipment on the table.

I allowed a grin to spread across my face as I understood Prime's urgency to leave. ''Optimus Prime! You can face down Megatron and God knows what other dangerous villains, you can threaten what is arguably the strongest country on our planet but, you cower at the thought of visiting the doctor's?'' I laughed out loud.

Optimus' optics continued to dart between the door and various medical instruments. He didn't seem at all annoyed or perturb that I had just called him out on his little phobia.

Rachet remained oblivious to our exchange finalising what he required to run some tests. At Prime's pleading expression I took pity on him, he did after all save me today. ''Fair enough Prime, go, leave me here with ''Doctor Rachet. I'll hopefully be seeing you soon.''

Prime nodded his head in appreciation at my understanding, ''Rachet, I'll leave you to it. Please inform me when you have finished and I'll come and collect Orianna?''

''Of course Prime,'' was the medic's quick reply and with that Optimus strode out of the hanger.

''Now, OC, if you'll come this way please,'' Rachet lowered his servo so I could climb aboard and be lifted onto the table to begin my tests. ''Don't be too hard on him Orianna,'' Rachet implored as he attached human sized wires and pads to my head, chest and various other places. So, he had heard our exchange, ''When you have seen the inside of a Med Bay, often with your life hanging in the balance, as Prime has, you are allowed to take a dislike to them.'' Rachet gave me a small smile.

I smiled back at him, ''Fair enough Rachet, understandable. It will be our secret that our courageous and noble leader has a fear of going to the doctors,'' I winked at Rachet.

''Indeed - pinky swear if you like,'' Rachet fixed me with a dead pan stare and raised his large metallic ''pinky digit''.

I laughed out loud. ''Rachet! Who knew you had a sense of humour!''

''I did,'' he continued to stare at me which only served to make me laugh harder. After a moment he refocused his attention to the equipment he had placed on me and turned the monitors on. ''Now Orianna, let's find out if everything is A ok with you, what's going on in that brain of yours.''

''Not much I'd wager Doc,'' and I snorted self-deprecatingly.

''On the contrary Orianna, from what I have witnessed of you and heard Optimus speak of you, you are fairly intelligent. Plus, this ''gift'' of yours, the way you have trained yourself thus far to control and use it, I'd say takes a great deal of intelligence, discipline and skill.'' Rachet fixed me with a stern stare, ''Do not be so quick to put yourself down and doubt your abilities Orianna. Believe in yourself as I do, as Prime does.''

I cast my eyes towards the floor in embarrassment, ''Thanks Rachet. I wasn't fishing for compliments.'' After a brief pause, I asked a question I felt I knew the answer to but desired to hear the answer to all the same, ''Prime really believes in me?''

Rachet paused in his ministrations and looked me dead in the eye, ''You wouldn't be sitting here right now if he didn't, wouldn't you agree?''

I had the decency to look contrite.

''You'd be holed up in some Government cell being interrogated from what I understand.'' For the second time in as many minutes I cast my eyes to the ground in embarrassment. ''Orianna, I am one of Prime's oldest and most trusted friends, believe me when I say you possess qualities and abilities that Optimus admires and holds dear himself. I would also go so far as to say that since you have joined our team Optimus has begun to change. It is as though he has ''come alive again,'' and I believe that is largely down to your influence and support.''

I gave a small gasp of shock and felt my cheeks blush with heat.

He paused and looked at me, ''I am aware of those late-night chats you and Optimus have on your little beach.'' When I looked a bit guilty and shocked Rachet explained, ''It's ok. I'm just glad he is opening up to someone and talking again. Ironhide and I have stood in as his sounding boards over the past millennia,'' at this he gave a derisive snort, ''a cranky medic and snarky weapons specialist, wouldn't take a genius to figure out that compared to us YOU are a welcome change. So yes, Orianna, in summation, Prime does believe in you - most fervently.''

I nodded and felt the heat from my blush rise in my cheeks though I ignored it and fixed Rachet with a serious stare, ''Then I shall do my best to prove worthy of his belief.''

Rachet smiled warmly at me, ''Of that Orianna, I have no doubt. Now. Let's get started.''

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

It was later that evening when Rachet paged Optimus to let him know he had conducted enough tests at the present time, and I was cleared to leave for the evening and, perhaps more importantly, cleared to begin my training with N.E.S.T.

True to his word Optimus met me at the Med Bay door to escort me back to the Autobot personal quarters hanger where I would be staying for the time being due to my ''display'' earlier today.

When Prime lowered his servo for me to get on for a ride back to the hanger, I ventured a favour. ''Optimus?''

''Yes, Orianna?'' he tilted his helm slightly as he began to exit the Med Bay.

''I know it's late and it's been a big day, but would you mind if we went for a walk to our beach – just you me and our stars? We haven't had a chance to do so for a little while and my brain is buzzing.'' I smiled apologetically at him. I knew it was late he was possibly exhausted himself.

''Of course Orianna, if that is what you wish,'' he smiled down at me warmly and turned to make his way through the tree line and onto our clearing, picking a spot down by the beach but not quite close enough to the sand which seemed to irritate his gears and cogs.

Very carefully he lowered himself into a sitting position and placed me on the ground beside him and I sat opposite him. I preferred sitting with him like this so we could converse, and I could take in his expressions and mannerisms. ''Is there something on your mind Orianna?'' Prime tilted his head again in that questioning fashion.

''What? You mean apart from; revealing my ability to move and manipulate objects with my mind to you all and the US Government, being drafted into N.E.S.T and then made to feel like a lab rat for several hours. No – nothing much Optimus!'' /I certainly won't tell you about Savoy too/.

Optimus shuttered his optics rapidly and the corner of his dermas twisted up into grimace.

At his aggrieved expression I quickly apologised for my tone, ''Sorry Optimus, it's just been a big day, as you are fully aware, and my life as I once knew it, has changed forever. Whether it is for the better remains to be seen.'' After my initial relief when Optimus and the others reassured me they were okay with my ''gift'', I was now having second thoughts.

''Oriana, regardless of whether it is for the better or worse, do not forget that we are in this with you,'' he paused and looked at me, ''that I am in this with you and together we will work this out and weather whatever storm shall come, you have my word.''

 ''Thanks Optimus, I appreciate your support.'' I felt a huge grin spread across my face. ''You know, that's one of the things I love about you, the way you look out for everyone all the time, support them and help them stay the course.'' I gently tapped his huge pedes with my foot, though he doubtless hardly felt it, it was a little gesture of acknowledgment and affection. ''Was that part of the job application in becoming a Prime?''

Optimus laughed, a deep rumble that shook his chassis like a mild earthquake, ''Orianna, you never fail to amuse me,'' his optics shone brightly.

I fixed him with a mock look of shock and disbelief, ''Optimus Prime! You laughed! I thought that was against the laws of being a Prime! Clause 3, paragraph 5 subsection C addendum B,'' I rattled off random legal sounding jargon much to Prime's amusement. ''On Matters Concerning a Sense of Humour: As a Prime thou shalt not be seen to possess a sense of humour, much less laugh, lest you no longer be taken seriously by your loyal subjects and the universe falls into utter disarray.'' I threw back my head and laughed a little at my own tongue in cheek comments. Though Optimus chuckled initially at my commentary, he slowly sobered up, growing serious again.

I looked disbelievingly at him. ''What? That isn't ACTUALLY a law is it?''

He looked at me and gave a slight chuckle, ''No Orianna it isn't, though it certainly feels like it is sometimes,'' his voice held a slight sorrowful tone to it.

I stood up and walked over to his servo that was lying flat on the ground beside him and placed a reassuring hand on his arm. ''Optimus, I cannot imagine the stresses placed upon you as a leader of a dying race, a race at war, a race whose home planet has been destroyed. I know your soldiers look to you for guidance and wisdom at all times, and I confess, I do too sometimes.''

Optimus turned bright optics towards me, pinning me with an intent stare.

When he stared at me this way it was both unnerving and intoxicating. I felt as though he was staring right into my soul. I pressed on. ''Whether you are aware of it or not, you just exude a presence of calm, assurity and strength but,'' I paused for a moment, ''I guess you don't always feel this way yourself though, do you? You just don't ever let on.'' I patted his servo again. Optimus redirected his gaze out towards the ocean for moment, as he processed my words.

After a moment, he turned his optics towards me again and they held such self-recrimination and doubt, I took a step back. ''Orianna, I have lost track of the times I have had to bury the feeling of uncertainty, doubt and even, fear - not so much fear for my safety but fear that I have let my Autobots down and made the wrong decision.'' I stepped back towards him and placed my hand on his servo, encouraging him to continue.

He shuttered his optics as he took the sight of me comforting him in. Though he said nothing. A spark beat later he returned his gaze towards the swirling waters. ''As a Prime I have to make countless decisions every day and I have been doing this for millions of years!'' his voice began to rise in a rare show of agitation and frustration, ''It's not that I don't want to laugh or express joy, it's just that for the longest time I had forgotten how to! I have not had a reason.''

/Oh, how I understand that Optimus/, I thought to myself, /how similar we both are in many ways/.

His deep voice rolled on and he turned to face me once more, ''When I was Orion Pax, I was very different in some ways, I could laugh, I did laugh. I did not have this constant weight on my shoulders,'' Optimus tore his gaze from me then and stared up at the stars, as though he could not bear to face me as what he was about to say tumbled out of his dermas. ''While for the most part I am honoured to have been chosen as my race's Prime and I have done my utmost to fulfil that role to the best of my abilities, a small part of me hates it and wants to cast it aside. The burden the mantel of leadership places on you can crush your spark to the point you feel you can't breathe, that you feel you are losing your sense of self as you struggle to be everything for everyone else.''

At this point he paused and looked back at me. ''To use a human analogy Orianna, I feel sometimes like I am at the point of drowning and I am just keeping my helm above water and I am searching for a life line but there is none to be found, so I just have to keep treading water - waiting, hoping.'' His voice trailed off and his optics held such sadness.

I exhaled the breath I did not know I had been holding. ''Then let me be someone who can throw that line to you when you need it.'' I placed my hand back on Prime's arm and looked up into his optics. ''I guess no one ever thinks that you need someone to lean on because you are the Prime.''

Optimus nodded his helm slowly and purposefully in acknowledgment of the kernel of truth I uncovered.

''I guess by virtue of your title alone most people, and Autobots, think you are impervious to most anything, when in truth, if anything, it makes you more susceptible as you shoulder not just your own doubts and fears but that of everyone else's!''

A look of gratitude passed over Prime's face plates as he realised someone else finally understood what he had been feeling for millennia now but felt he could not burden another with or could not find the right way to express it.

Without thinking I began to hum a song I had heard many years before that had brought me some comfort as I imagined someone being there for me at my lowest times. Optimus tilted his helm towards me at the sound of my humming. I closed my eyes and began to sing the chorus.

''Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone''

When I opened my eyes, I noticed Optimus staring at me, his azure optics brighter than I had ever seen them. ''Thank you Orianna. Yet again you humble me with your unwavering support and kind words, they mean more than you can imagine.'' He paused and tilted his helm in the opposite direction. ''I didn't know you could sing.''

I simply crossed my arms and smiled up at him, a playful mood returning once again, ''You didn't ask if I could.''

Optimus straightened his helm and enquired, ''Can you swim?'' Then cast his optics out towards the dark waters of the reef.

I looked at him blankly for a moment, what an odd question, ''Ahh, yeah, why?''

''I merely inquired as I am tempted to throw you into the ocean for your impertinence towards a Prime,'' he continued to gaze at the reef.

I looked at him aghast, ''You wouldn't…''

Optimus then turned his helm to look back in my direction once again, a smile on his dermas and his optics full of mischief.

I laughed out loud, ''Wow! Optimus, laughing AND making jokes in one night! I think I am having an effect on you,'' I pointed an accusatory finger at him.

Optimus paused and lowered himself towards me. His face was mere metres away and he placed a digit under my chin with great care and gentleness, tilting my head up towards him, ''More than you know Orianna. More than you know,'' his low voice rumbled with emotion.

I felt my heart flutter in my chest as though it had dissolved into a million butterflies all eager to escape at once. A heat crept across my cheeks. /What on Earth?/. Prime released my chin and ex-vented softly. ''Perhaps it would be wise to retire for the evening Orianna. It is past midnight and tomorrow you commence your training.''

I shook my head to regain some clarity and stammered, '' Y.. You're right. Good call Optimus.'' At that point I felt a bone tiredness seep into my bones. It was as though all of the events of the past twenty-four hours had finally caught up with me, ''Mind if I get a lift?''

Wordlessly, Optimus lowered his servo and allowed me to climb aboard. Cradling me carefully as though I was a precious baby bird, he walked back towards Autobot personal quarters and my awaiting makeshift room. The gentle swaying motion of Prime walking was enough to lull me to sleep and the last thing I recalled was the feeling of being wrapped in warmth as Optimus must have gently placed me in my bed and pulled the covers around me.

Prime P.O.V

As I finished placing Orianna in her bed, I took a moment to regard her. So small and seemingly helpless as she lay there, surrounded by her light blanket. Yet this woman had such strength, and not just her ''gift''. Her spirit, her capacity to reach out to others in their time of need and help them, guide them, taking on their burdens as her own. /Like a Prime/. The thought passed swiftly across my processor like a shadow.

I had to restrain myself from reaching out to touch a digit to her face. Since that fateful night at Turtle Cove, I had come to rely on Orianna as my sounding board more and more, enjoying our conversations of an evening under our stars on our beach.

A wry smile graced my dermas. A Prime's time is often consumed with endless meetings, data analysis, strategy, liaising with the chain of command, ensuring your troops are in good health and a million other, at times, ''mundane and draining'' chores. Any time I spent with Orianna was beginning to feel like a release, like a moment free of a gilded cage where I could soar and be free to truly be myself, share my worries, my concerns without fear of judgement. I began to look forward to stealing away a few precious moments or, when delightfully possible, hours with her.

Orianna stirred in her sleep, giving a small moan, followed by a grimace. I began to lower a digit to try and sooth her but thought better of it. Shortly afterwards, the grimace was replaced with a soft smile. My spark pulsed strongly in its casing at the sight.

/What was that?/. I recoiled slightly at the unexpected, though not unpleasant, sensation. While tonight on the beach I had admitted to Orianna that she was indeed having an effect on me, my spark's reaction just now concerned me as to the depth. I cast my optics about, as if expecting the answer to materialise in thin air and to see if any of my team had noticed my reaction. Nothing.

I refocused my attention on the small figure laying before me. My spark still ached for Elita, perhaps it always would. Though as I knelt there in her silent presence, and as I reflected on the past few years with Orianna and how she had become a part of my life, I could not help but notice how the pain and the emptiness began to recede when in her company, like the dark and turbulent waters of a flood once the storm had passed and the sun shone once more. /My little ray of sunshine/.

I smiled softly once more at my dear friend as she lay blissfully unaware of my silent reveries. With a final glance at her, I quietly rose and walked away to my own quarters in a bid to allow recharge to find me.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

I grunted in pain as my shoulder hit the mat hard, but it didn't hurt as much as my jaw which had just received a wicked right hook that had sent me flying. I used my momentum to continue the roll and regain my footing, rising to my feet to square off against my opponent. I was ''fighting'' another member of our N.E.S.T team, Olivia Winters, a younger, fitter and, it would seem at this point, more determined, fighter than I. She was one of the few females in our little family and she was proving a tough opponent.

Epps and Lennox watched from the sidelines, reviewing my progress and taking notes to inform me how to improve. Optimus and the others weren't around as they were busy having training of their own back in the Autobot hanger. /Kinda glad they aren't here to see me get my arse handed to me by a school girl!/.

At that point Olivia rushed at me unsheathing a training knife in preparation to stab at me to put me ''out of action''. I instinctively raised my hands up in front of me bouncing on the balls of my feet and prepared to quickly step to the side. As she lunged with the knife in her right hand, I stepped to her right and blocked with the back of my left arm and in the same movement, hooked my hand around her wrist keeping the knife at bay. I began to rain punches down on her with my right hand.

Olivia began to step back under the fury of my attack. After several quick punches, I used my right hand to grab the fingers curled around the knife and twist her wrist around, wrenching her fingers off the handle. I reefed the knife from her hand and stepping out of her reach quickly, threw the knife out of the field of battle. A small trickle of blood was running down from her nose and a dark look settled over her fine features. /Ok… shit got real now/.

Olivia seemed to allow her rage to consume her as she charged for me almost blindly. She rained down a hail of blows on me, right hooks, upper cuts, jabs, the occasional sweep with her leg. I managed to block most of them and even landed a few solid hits myself. We were both lathered in a sheen of sweat but neither wanted to yield. So, first to slip up would be the ''loser,'' as was always the case on the battlefield.

I could feel an anger rising up in me and could feel the urge to use my gift but I had been told not to on this occasion, I had to learn to defend myself in a variety of situations against a variety of opponents. I tampered the urge down and looked for a swift way of ''dispatching' of my opponent. All of a sudden, Olivia overextended her punch slightly in her equal haste to down me and threw herself off balance momentarily. I seized the opportunity.

I grabbed her arm and stepped into her, flipping her over my back and onto the floor - hard. In the same motion I had removed my own ''knife'' and crouched down over her, holding it to her throat.

''Enough!'' Lennox yelled from the sideline. ''Well fought, kill shot to Orianna.''

I internally cheered, exhaled loudly and sheathed my knife before extending my arm to help Olivia up. ''Well fought Liv, you almost whooped my arse again!'' I managed to pant out.

Though she was panting heavily, Olivia allowed a small smile to grace her face, ''Who said you can't teach new tricks to old dogs,'' and she winked at me.

''Cheeky cow! Well, THIS old dog just beat your arse soundly.'' I returned a mischievous smile. ''Weren't you ever taught to respect your elders?'' 

Olivia just laughed and fake curtsied at me nodding her head, 'Well played Madam.''

I slapped her on the shoulder, ''Till next time Liv,'' and we parted ways. I walked over to Lennox and Epps and Liv departed in the direction of the showers. ''So,'' I asked with some excitement, ''how'd I do this time?''

''Well, you're not dead so you did ok I guess,'' Lennox replied.

Epps chimed in, ''Not bad for someone who's only been training for six months. You still need to work on your endurance and cardio though, you were tiring quickly. If Liv hadn't overextended she would have got you in the end as she has a slight advantage over you in stamina.'' At my indignant expression Epps added, ''at the moment'' with a wink and a stunning smile.

''Well we all know I could have ended that fight in a second had I been allowed to use my gift to sort her out,'' I could almost hear myself pout and internally winced.

''Yeah Orianna we know. You are getting really good at combining your gift with hand to hand combat but just in case some day you can't use your gift, we want to know you are able to defend yourself and not get dead. We're kind of fond of you you know.'' Lennox smiled at me.

''Aww Lennox! Warm and fuzzies,'' I replied. Lennox rolled his eyes in mock exasperation.

''Alright Orianna, just for that you can go and give me an extra session in the gym.'' He snapped. ''Work on your cardio by doing some skipping as well as some weights to build your strength. Get to it!'' and he turned to walk off.

I made some snort of indignation. ''You aren't serious mate, surely?'' I asked in disbelief. ''I have just been fighting hand to hand for the better part of the morning not to mention the 10km run I started the day with at the butt crack of dawn.'' When Lennox's face remained impassive, I added, ''YOU will be what kills me, not some Decepticon or rouge agent. Bloody William, bloody Lennox - Major Arsehole.'' My words died on my lips and I froze.

You know that feeling when you feel you've overstepped some imaginary line and pushed your luck too far? Well, that feeling began to settle in the pit of my stomach as Lennox's eyes took on a dangerous look and his mouth thinned out into a hard line.

'You think I'M tough Orianna? Wait until you are in the heat of battle with opponents surrounding you all with the same desire – you dead. Wait until you are in the middle of the desert climbing sand dune, after rolling sand dune with no end in sight having just watched half your team – seasoned soldiers, get slaughtered without a chance. Wait until you have to make split second decisions that can lead to either life or death. So, if you want to bitch about an extra session in the gym, then go ahead, says more about your character than it does about mine!'' Lennox was breathing heavily at this point. Epps looked like he was a tightly wound spring ready to intervene if Lennox chose to leap at me.

I could not bring myself to look at him. I had been suitably chastened. I bit my tongue and simply nodded my head in defeat and supplication, ''You're right Major Lennox, absolutely right. It was childish and immature of me to complain when your motives are simply to prepare and protect me. I am very sorry - Sir.'' I looked him square in the eye, straightened and saluted before heading off in the direction of the gym at a slow jog.

''OC?'' Lennox called after me.

I stopped and spun around, ''Sir, yes Sir,'' I replied without any sass or tone, just respect.

''Thank you. That's all,'' and at that Lennox and Epps both walked off in the direction of Hanger 1.

I nodded and continued on my path, a slightly wiser woman than I had been a few moments ago.

I ached, I was sweaty, and I was tired BUT I had deserved this extra punishment at the gym for my bratty, insensitive comments towards Lennox so I was going to suck it up and get through it as best I could.

I made my way over to the side of the room where the skipping ropes were hanging on the wall. /Might as well get the shitty cardio out of the way/. I found an area where I would neither be in the way or be annoyed and began to skip.

At first, I didn't really pay attention to the figure off to the side on a bench watching me, I was focused but, as I started my last set, I became painfully that someone was indeed watching me. As I put the rope away and turned to head off to the next piece of equipment, the rowing machine, I chanced a glance at them.

He looked familiar. Where had I seen that handsome face before? /At least I know it's not Savoy – heard the arsehole left. On to bigger and better things supposedly with the CIA/.

As I placed my towel on the seat of the rowing machine, the man in question began to approach me. He was just shy of six-foot-tall, fairly well built but not ridiculously so where his muscles had muscles. He had short dark brown hair and lightly tanned skin. What I noticed the most about him though was his eyes. They were an extraordinary grey-green colour like the ocean after a storm. Suddenly, it hit me as to where I had seen this man before. /The plane! Over a year ago. He smiled at me after disembarking behind Lennox and Epps. Wonder where he has been all this time?/. I had climbed aboard the machine and had just started my workout when he came to stand beside me.

''Hey,'' his voice was like honey, ''I don't mean to be rude, but this is not how you use this machine,'' his mouth curved up into a cute smile.

I paused what I was doing, grateful for the respite truth be told, ''I'm sorry? And you are?'' I looked questioningly at him.

''Oh sorry, name's Chase Ryder,'' and he extended his hand which I shook firmly.

''I'm Orianna Connors. Nice to meet you.'' I gave a quick smile, pumping his pro-offered hand firmly.

''Good firm handshake! I like that in a woman, none of that dead fish crap,'' Chase smiled again as he stood there like a finely sculptured statue.

''Ah, thanks?'' I smiled at him. ''Now, I don't mean to be rude Chase, but there really isn't a way you can stuff up using this machine so I'm not sure what I am supposedly doing wrong, care to elaborate?'' I sat back slightly and crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow in silent challenge.

Chase simply ducked his head slightly and placed his hands in the air in mock surrender. ''Ahh you got me Orianna. To be honest, I just wanted to come over and introduce myself to you and it was the only way I could think of doing it without sounding….''

''Lame, stupid or like a stalker,'' I finished for him.

He chuckled, ''Yeah, something like that ma'am.'' Damn, those eyes, that smile.

I stared at him for a second. Things like this don't usually happen to me, hadn't ever really happened to me. I glanced around quickly to make sure he hadn't mistaken me for some other woman, but I was the only one around. I know I had toned up quite a bit since my training had intensified and I was actually in good physical shape, best ever, so maybe he really was interested in me.

I bit my lip in quiet consideration. /What the hell, you only live once/. I gave him one of my killer smiles and replied, ''Well played Chase. However, seeing as you interrupted my workout to tell me I was using this machine incorrectly, I think it only fair you now join me and set a good example. Wouldn't you agree?'' I smiled sweetly at him.

''You're on Orianna. I bet I can make you sweat even more,'' he returned a killer smile, his grey-green eyes shining with mischief.

I raised my eyebrows at his unintended insinuation, ''Captain Ryder! I have just met you!'' I said in mock indignation.

Chase looked at me quizzically for a moment as he climbed aboard the machine. It was endearing to watch his expression change to one of mortification as he realised the innuendo of what he had said. ''Ma'am I am so sorry, I meant nothing of the kind,'' he looked at me apologetically.

I smiled and let out a chuckle, ''No worries Chase, just teasing you.'' At my comment he seemed to visibly relax. I added, ''Well, maybe you mean ''nothing of the kind'' at the moment,'' I threw a sideways glance at him with a grin and started the machine up again.

Beside me Chase gave a small laugh, ''Yes Ma'am!'' before he too began to start rowing.

''And stop with the ''Ma''am business,'' I panted lightly, ''It's Orianna… or OC. I feel about 60 years old when you address me like that!''

''Yes M'… OC,'' I could feel him smiling in response to my request.

In the most unlikely place, at the most unlikely time, looking crappy as hell, it had happened.

My heart started to beat rapidly, and it wasn't just due to the exertion of using the rowing machine. /It's all about the thrill of the ''Chase'' isn't it?/. I cast a sideways glance at the handsome man working out beside me. /And from what I could tell, Chase did seem quite thrilling/. I gave a little internal sigh and then shifted my focus to actually trying to look good in front of him.

Even though my arms burned, crying out for a reprieve, I worked even harder to keep pace with him. I wanted to impress him. /Hey, he came to you, chances are, somehow, he already is/. I felt a simile spread across my face and heat across my cheeks. /I must remember to thank Lennox when I see him next, a great suggestion coming to the gym/, and with that last thought, I cast another glance towards Chase only to notice he was already looking at me with a goofy grin.

I laughed out loud, a purely happy and joyous sound. At this moment in my life I felt – excited. Excited for what the future held, excited to perhaps, finally, no longer be alone.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

As I joined the Autobots and Lennox the following day for further training, I couldn't help but smile to myself. After our workout, even though I was exhausted, I didn't want to leave and neither did Chase. I stood there during briefing and couldn't help but let my mind wander to the events of last night.

We had stood outside the gym talking, all the small talk, pleasantries one does when you first get to know someone. Where are you from? Do they really have kangaroos in the main streets of Australia? What role do you have here? Is it really cool to hang out with giant sentient robots all day? The usual.

Before we bid each other a good evening, Chase managed to pluck up the courage to ask me out for dinner, ''Might be nice to have a conversation with you where we both aren't sweating profusely,'' he had said. At the raising of my eyebrow and slight chuckle, he shook his head, ''Damn OC, I am going to have to watch myself around you, aren't I?''

''Actually, I was thinking the same thing about you,'' I bit my lower lip and coyly looked away. As I turned to look back at Chase and accept his invitation, I felt my face gently clasped between his hands and before I could gain my senses, his lips were on mine in a soft, sweet kiss.

I closed my eyes and savoured the feeling of closeness. /Too long/. It had been much too long since I had had this connection with another. I moved my hands to cup his face and deepened the kiss. The feeling of his soft, warm lips was….

''OC! OC!" Lennox's voice echoed throughout the hanger and I felt something connect with my chest. He had thrown something at me to get my attention!

''Hey! What?'' I looked around. Everyone, Autobots included, were looking at me, some holding back a snigger of laughter, others a disapproving shake of their head. I realised I had allowed my little recollection to interrupt my focus and I was now being brought to task in front of my peers. I blushed a little. ''Sorry everyone, lost focus for a moment''. True enough.

Lennox looked disapprovingly at me. ''Just remember it's one thing to lose focus during a briefing and have a pen thrown at you, another to lose focus in the field and have a grenade thrown at you.''

''Yes sir, sorry Sir! Point made Major Lennox,'' I held his gaze as I spoke and indicated that my daydreaming session was at an end. Lennox stared a moment longer and then went back to addressing his team and the Autobots.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Prime still looking at me. He had a concerned look on his face, though most people would not have noticed, I knew him better. /There will be questions later/. I resigned myself to the fact that I would be getting a well-intentioned grilling from the Autobot Commander at a later point today. I shook my head and derailed that train of thought, focusing 100% on Lennox and what he was talking about. While I am capable of making lots of mistakes, I generally try not to make the same mistake twice - especially in rapid succession.

After a few moments we were sent off to carry out our duties for the day. I was going to be practising using my powers today under the careful supervision of the Autobots, a simulation of working in the field with them and how my gift could enhance and support their effectiveness in the field to minimise casualties and collateral damage. I was wearing my army fatigues and a stern expression when I heard a voice call out to me, ''Hey, OC! Fancy meeting you here.'' My face lit up.

/Chase!/.

He came jogging over to me, looking rather fine in his army fatigues himself. /Hell, he could be wearing a garbage bag and look amazing/. ''Chase! Where'd you come from? I thought you weren't working today?'' I only just managed to refrain from reaching out to give him a hug and a kiss, as did he, bringing our arms by our sides awkwardly at the last second.

''Ahh I wasn't meant to be. Got rostered on at the last minute,'' looking me over and whispering conspiratorially, he smiled, 'Kinda glad I did, got to see you.'' His grey-green eyes shone with mischief and his smile tugged at my heart.

''You are a smooth operator Chase,'' the others had transformed and headed off to the Autobot hanger all save Optimus, who was now watching our interaction with reserved interest. ''Ah, I better get going, I have stuff to do.'' /Yeah, stuff that would likely make you run in the opposite direction and never look back!/. I squashed the thought down. I knew I would have to tell him about my ''gift'' eventually. Any relationship, if it's to last, has to be built on honesty. I just wasn't ready for that level of honesty just yet. ''See you later tonight?'' I asked hopefully.

''Already counting down the moments OC,'' he looked around quickly and swiftly took my hand in his and brought it to his lips for a quick kiss before smiling at me, ''See ya later,'' and raced off in the direction of Lennox and the rest of the team.

I stood there for a split second with a goofy grin on my face before the sound of transforming interrupted my instant replay. Prime was indicating it was time to go. I ran over to him and hauled myself into his cabin. We drove a few metres before I heard his rumbling voice, ''I assume Orianna, that that young gentlemen may have been the source of your previous inattention during briefing?''

I blushed but could not hide the truth from Optimus. For one he had been standing not far off during that unexpected exchange, for another he's the Prime and you don't lie to a Prime and finally, and most importantly, he is my dear friend whom I have come to feel very close to. I was not going to betray his trust by lying. ''Ah, yeah. He was.'' /Why did I feel so – embarrassed - to be discussing this with Optimus?/.

Prime continued, ''I don't recall you ever speaking of him before today Orianna. I would venture that you had only just recently met however, the manner in which you both parted would indicate that you are - close. Forgive me if I have misinterpreted something.'' Trust Optimus to be both interrogative and apologetic at the same time.

I felt a blush rise in my cheeks, ''Well, you would be right on both counts Prime. We have just met, last night actually, at the gym while I was carrying out an extra workout, I had earned for being a little brat towards Lennox.'' I could ''feel'' Optimus raise an optic ridge at this which meant further questioning at some stage. ''He came over to me and struck up a conversation, said he was looking for an excuse to meet me,'' I blushed anew with the thought. ''We got to talking and, well we kissed, and we are going on a date tonight. So yeah, I guess you could say we are close.'' Before I could even register the words and why I would say them they tumbled out of my mouth, ''You aren't mad are you?''

There was a measured silence before Optimus spoke, ''Why would I be mad at you Orianna? You have indicated and insinuated on a few occasions since I met you that you are lonely, so it is only natural that you should seek and desire company. He is, I would imagine, a man worthy of your affection as I doubt you would give your heart to just anyone and - he is a man,'' the last comment threw me, ''it would be a far more profitable use of your time spending it with someone of your own kind than in the company of those who are not even the same species as you,'' at this last comment Prime fell silent.

Perhaps because he had said all he had to say on the matter or perhaps because we had just, thankfully, arrived outside the training hanger. However, I couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of pain at his last comment which was almost spoken with – resentment? /Nah! You are reading into things big time OC. He has basically just given you his blessing, you should be thankful/.

Optimus opened his cabin door without a word, a gesture for me to exit. I climbed down in silence and, once he had transformed, we both walked into the hanger towards the rest of the awaiting group. Clearly there would be no more discussion on this topic today. A fact I was both grateful for and yet, somewhat perturbed by.

Optimus strode to the middle of the room to address his troops and commence training for the day. He had now transitioned from my concerned friend to my leader. I cleared my mind of any remaining doubts regarding our conversation moments ago and focused on the task at hand. I would not become distracted by my own thoughts again and cause an issue. From the outset I said I would make Optimus proud of me and I intended to make good on that promise. I stood next to Jazz and listened to Prime as he explained what we were going to do.

''Autobots, and Orianna, today our task is to practice training together and observe how Orianna can best employ her powers to enhance and supplement our own abilities to significantly reduce casualties and collateral damage.'' Prime cast a glance in my direction, ''Orianna, we know you have been working hard on your hand to hand combat without using your powers and Major Lennox informs me you have been doing well on this, given the short time frame in which you have had to train.''

I nodded thanks to Prime. ''However, today you will be using your powers in both a defensive and offensive capacity to determine and assess where you are at and what you are able to do. This will then provide an avenue whereby we can help you develop and hone your powers to a greater extent or flag any concerns we, or you, have.''

Optimus paused and took in the crew before him. ''Rachet your main capacity at this point is to observe Orianna during training and monitor her vitals and health, her safety and well-being is always of utmost importance, is that understood?''

Rachet nodded his understanding, ''Of course Prime, without question.'' I felt relieved.

Optimus continued, ''The first drill we will run today will involve Orianna intervening in a defensive capacity. Arcee and Jazz you will play the role of Decepticons attacking Ironhide and Sideswipe, Orianna,'' Prime turned to face me, ''You will use your powers to hinder or prevent the ''Decepticons from injuring or gaining the upper hand in combat. Just so we are clear, we are using NON-LETHAL force during this exercise, select the lowest setting on your weapons when they are in use, other weapons, swords, blades etc may be used at any time. Questions?'' Prime surveyed the room. No one spoke. ''Alright, let's begin.'' Optimus stood back to watch his team at work.

At that command the tone in the room changed, the energy level spiked as we all proceeded to get into battle ready stance. Arcee paired off with Sideswipe and Jazz with Ironhide. I stood off to the side of the training area, watching and reading the stance and moves of the ''Autobots as they engaged their ''enemies''.

At first, I did nothing when they all engaged their respective target as I wanted to see what scenarios would arise and in what manner I could intervene. As Arcee landed a series of blows on Sideswipe and then proceeded to take aim, I stepped into action and promptly disarmed her by ''mentally'' wrenching her laser out of her hands and off to the side and pulling her legs out from under her at the same time so she collapsed on the ground allowing Sideswipe to move in and pin her to the floor with a ''kill shot''.

I then turned my focus to Jazz and Ironhide who had been duelling each other with increasing tenacity. Jazz had selected a large lethal looking sword that he was using to slash at Ironhide in between a barrage of kicks and punches. Jazz was fast, ninja fast but 'Hide was a seasoned soldier, and he was holding his own. I waited.

''Arcee, Sideswipe. Attack Ironhide!'' Prime bellowed from the sidelines.

/WHAT? Three on one! Not fair Prime. Then again I doubt the Decepticons would be fair/.

Arcee and Sideswipe both split off and approached Ironhide from either side, like two stealthy lions preparing to take down larger prey. Jazz was working towards backing Ironhide up against the wall and seal off any escape as they all worked as one.

''Anytime you want to step in Orianna, you feel free,'' Ironhide bellowed.

Taking the hint, I sized my opportunity. ''Ironhide duck!'' Hide did so immediately just as Sideswipe had lunged at him and I sent him flying into Arcee on the opposite side. They landed heavily on the opposite side of the room, but Arcee was rolling to her feet almost immediately and producing her laser. She let off several volleys at Ironhide's chest, kill shots, I immediately ''blocked'' them as I ran to be closer, circling behind Ironhide.

Sideswipe had also gotten to his feet and was now rolling over at a fast pace to attack Ironhide from the left as Jazz had continued his assault cutting and slashing at Ironhide from the front in a series of quick lunges before he ran and leapt high into the air. This was becoming intense, holding off laser volleys to protect 'Hide at the same time I shifted my focus to Jazz and sent an almighty shove in his direction, similar to the one I sent Megatron that day.

Jazz went sailing through the air and landed into Arcee taking her out of commission. Ironhide punched at 'Sides who deftly dodged his blow and spun around on his wheels to try and land a sneaky stab to Ironhide's back with the swords that protracted from his wrists.

But the blow never landed.

I had held his arms at bay long enough for Ironhide to send a reverse kick that sent him flying to land near Prime's feet. Ironhide and I stood on the training mat surveying the damage and maintaining readiness in case our enemies continued the attack. I was breathing heavily and held my arms raised in front of me, in an intuitive defensive position and standing on the balls of my feet ready to move in any direction. Ironhide was ex-eventing heavily from his exertions though he remained alert as well.

''Enough!'' Prime's baritone voice rang out around the hanger. Without another word. Optimus advanced from the sidelines and unsheathed his two deadly swords from his hands, his battle mask sliding into place. /Holy shit!/. I momentarily began to tremble from the sheer awesome sight and the blind terror that began to take hold. /Focus! Or you are both dead!/.

''Orianna. Imagine I am Megatron. I will give no quarter as would he. Now – DEFEND yourselves!'' With that Optimus ran at Ironhide and brought his left sword down with a mighty blow sending Ironhide, who had instinctively put both arms up to block it, to his knees with the strength and ferocity behind it. Optimus then kicked at him and sent him flying against the back wall, though I used my powers to stop him connecting with the wall.

Optimus then advanced on me. Stalking, swords by his sides, mask obscuring his face to hide his emotions. His eyes, once gentle and wise were now fierce and focused. I swallowed my terror. /Time to see what I am made of/. I could hear Ironhide getting to his feet and preparing to attack again but I had to hold Prime off.

Prime had started to pick up his pace, jogging at me, his sword arm raised. He was not going for Ironhide he was levelling this blow at me! Instead of running for cover or planting my feet firmly in the ground to brace me as I sent a huge ''shove'', I did something I didn't think I was capable of.

I charged at Optimus.

I ran towards him. Determination etched into my features. Neither of us was giving quarter to the other. As we were about to reach each other, I used my power to knock Optimus off balance and pull him towards the ground. He fell and automatically went into a roll, easily preparing to spring back up. At the same time, I had rolled and shot back up to be facing the opposite direction.

By this stage Ironhide had reached Prime and had levelled a shot in his back, not enough to hurt but enough to jolt Prime into sheathing his swords again and reverting to the use of his fists. He turned on Ironhide as he prepared to fire his cannons and blocked the shot with his left arm. At the same time, he brought his right arm around in an almighty hook that rattled Ironhide's faceplates, drawing energon from his dermas and sent him sprawling to the side of the mat.

In the same motion Optimus had turned on the spot to face me once more and produced his laser rifle aiming it at me – he fired two shots in rapid succession. I instinctively put my hands up to deflect the first shot and sent the other shot back at him which, only glanced his side doing little to slow his progress towards me. His sword arm was drawn again, and he kept his blaster in the other. He was running at me. Baring down on me like a lion moving in for the kill.

Seeing 'Hide injured on the ground and Prime's own words of /''Use non-lethal force''/ echoing in my head, I was filled with rage at him. Optimus let a volley of shots off and prepared to swing his sword at me. Something snapped inside me, and I yelled out loud at him. I felt my power surge within me as never before. I sent his shots hurtling back towards him like so many cannons, finding their mark at various points on his chassis.

I then raised my arms and planted my feet firmly and yelled in a guttural, primal voice, ''NO!'' I sent a wave of anger, defiance and fear in his direction and it connected with him as a tidal wave, sending him soaring through the air to land roughly on the other side of the hanger, a large dent in the wall from the impact.

As I stood there, my body heaving with emotion, exertion and shock I was vaguely aware of Rachet's voice as he knelt beside me, ''OC? Are you ok? That was extraordinary. How did you do that?''

I could also hear the other Autobot's cries of amazement and surprise at what I had just done to their Prime. In the distance I saw Optimus get to his feet, somewhat shakily but clearly no real damage done. His sword retracted behind his servo and his weapon was placed into subspace again. His battle mask withdrawn as he began to walk towards me.

His optics.

They were no longer ferocious and filled with danger. They were back to being azure pools of kindness and calm. As he came to stand before me and the others who had gathered around, his optics shone down at me with – pride. He knelt before me, ''Well done Orianna. I knew you had it in you.''

I felt tears sting my eyes as I looked at him. I was angry with him. He had no right to force me that far that fast. What if I had failed to block those shots? What if I had not had the strength to do what I had done? Would he have swung that sword on me?

When I just stood there shaking, my eyes misting up. Optimus, tilted his helm and spoke softly, ''Orianna? Are you ok?''

Rachet spoke up then, ''Her heart rate is erratic, her breathing shallow and laboured, her blood pressure is rising, and her body is flooded with adrenaline. Rough guess I'd say she is not ok Prime.''

Optimus looked from Rachet to me with concern. ''Orianna? What's wrong?''

I closed my eyes and let some tears roll down my face as I whispered, 'What was that about?''

Prime tilted his helm in the opposite direction. ''I thought I made it clear at the beginning of our training session Orianna. Our objective today was to see how you performed under both offensive and defensive situations.''

''No'', it was a softer whisper. ''Why did YOU do that? Why Did YOU attack me?'' I levelled him with an accusatory stare.

Optimus blinked once and then straightened his helm to stare straight at me. ''I attacked you because I believe you needed an extra push to move you out of your comfort zone and challenge your abilities. I attacked you because I needed to see how you would react to an enhanced level of danger in a controlled situation. I attacked you because,'' he paused, somewhat flustered, ''I want you to be safe. I need to know that you can and will defend yourself at all costs in any situation.'' His optics pleaded with me to understand.

I looked away from him. ''You scared me. Your face. Your optics. You were going to hurt me.'' The last was said as barely a whisper and I wrapped my arms about me seeking to comfort myself.

Optimus went to reach out to me but stopped himself. ''Orianna. Like it or not, you are a soldier now, training for a war that may come at any day. And when it comes, I am afraid that many people will get hurt. What we do in here is a means to prevent and curb that pain and hurt. You have a rare gift to be able to save so many people. You proved that today. You have to learn to trust yourself, your instincts. Do you honestly think I would have allowed hurt to befall you? Do you honestly think I would for one moment have truly hurt you?'' His optics flickered briefly with pain.

I shook my head slowly. ''No. I guess not.'' I forced myself to look at him again.

Prime's optics dimmed for a moment, ''I had hoped you would be more earnest in your belief of that. In your belief in me.'' With that Optimus ex-evented loudly. A human trait of frustration he had picked up over the years. ''Perhaps I did push you too far today. My apologies.'' With that he rose to his full height again and turned to face his medic. ''Rachet please take Orianna to the Med Bay and ensure her vitals are once again stabilised and she is feeling better.'' He glanced back at me quickly. ''Orianna, that is all for now. I shall not be requiring your presence any further today. I suggest you go and rest and - enjoy your evening.''

I went to say something but Optimus held his servo up to silence me and stalked off towards the other end of the mat. As I was escorted out of the hanger by Rachet I heard Prime's voice in a rough growl, ''Autobots, new task. Hand to hand melee fighting. All of you - against me.'' My heart beat faster of its own volition and I cringed as I heard his battle mask clamp shut over his face – and his emotions.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

The night had gone so well. After the initial first date nerves had settled down, we had both just ''clicked''. Chase had taken me out to dinner at a restaurant, not much of a choice in town really but the company more than made up for the lack of ambience.

We had then gone to see a movie, what it was about I couldn't really recall because the moment his hand slide along my leg and captured my hand in his, I lost focus. My world narrowed down to the feeling of his calloused hand on mine and the heat being generated. I felt like a teenager all over again but this time a much wiser, surer teenager – one more confident in themselves.

As we left the cinemas, holding hands Chase turned to me and asked, ''Can I interest you in something sweet?''

I arched an eyebrow, ''That depends. What's on offer?'' I looked expectantly at him.

Chase fixed me with an intense stare and stepped closer he leant down towards me and I felt myself tingling in anticipation. He was centimetres from my face when he whispered, ''Ice-cream.''

I drew myself back indignantly and gave him a playful slap on the shoulder, ''You idiot!'' though my laugh gave away how I truly felt.

''Come on gorgeous, let's get an ice-cream and go sit by the beach,'' he captured my hand again and led me off to a nearby shop where we purchased two ice-creams and walked the short distance to the beach.

I kicked off my heels, relieved to be free from their constraints. I hated getting dressed up usually, preferring to be comfortable over glamourous but I wanted to make an effort. Chase was seeming to be worth it. Chase also slide off his shoes and we carried them a few paces until we found a spot suitable to sit down on.

We had strolled around to Eclipse Point and found a spot we could look out across the moonlit waters towards Marianne Point. I momentarily thought about the Autobots, and in particular Prime, hoping they were ok, but I quickly banished any further thoughts of them as Chase sat right beside me, our thighs touching. The ice-cream was delicious, and we slurped and munched happily away in companionable silence. After a moment I felt Chase reach for my hand again and we sat there, side by side, my head resting on his shoulder. I felt so content and also shocked to think I had only known this man for about 48-hours and I already felt so at ease with him.

''You know Orianna, I've got a confession to make,'' Chase spoke up.

My heart stilled. /Oh no/. I knew it was too good to be true. I forced myself to turn and face him and whisper, ''and what would that be?''

Chase turned his grey-green stormy eyes towards my brown and gold flecked ones, staring into them intently. ''I've been wanting to get to know you for a while now.'' My heart started beating again. He turned his gaze towards the stars. ''I noticed you a while ago, kinda hard not to.'' I blushed as he reached his hand up to brush a strand of hair from my face as the wind gently whipped it about.

He sighed softly as his fingers rang down my cheek leaving a trail of fire in their wake. ''You're so - real.''

At my quizzical expression he continued, ''You're not fake. What you see is what you get, there's no bullshit, I like that. I hate to play games. Not to mention you are pretty easy on the eye.'' He leant forward and planted a soft kiss on my forehead.

A small part of my stomach knotted. /Oh Chase. There is something you need to know, but I can't bring myself to tell you in case this dream shatters/. I took a deep breath. ''Chase, I'm flattered.'' He broke out in an earth-shattering smile and leant in for a kiss, but I held up a hand to stop him. He looked confused. /Now or never OC, honesty - always demand it, always give it. I just hope your heart can take it/. ''Chase there is something I need to tell you too, something that is very hard for me to tell you, because I…. because I can feel myself falling for you.''

At this comment he rushed forward before I had a chance to stop him and captured my lips in a deep and passionate kiss. I returned the kiss with equal fervour to show him the truth of feelings. After a moment, I regained my senses and put my hands up on his chest to stop the kiss. We broke apart, our breathing slightly laboured. ''Chase! I need you to listen to what I have to say. If we are to go any further in this relationship, I need to tell you something.'' I looked into his eyes pleading for him to listen.

Chase, noticing the tone of my voice, stilled and looked at me intently, ''Of course Orianna. I'm all yours.''

I closed my eyes momentarily at those words. /Yeah, maybe not after I tell you this/. I took another calming breath, opened my eyes and spoke to him. ''Chase I am not like most other women.''

It was his turn to look confused. I continued, ''I have a special gift, or a curse, depending on your point of view. I was born with it, or picked it up somehow, I don't know. All I know is for many years I have been able to… to… '' /Damn it to hell! Why won't the words come out. Fuck it!/. I concentrated on our shoes laying in the sand and used my powers of psychokinesis to pick his shoes up and ''bring them to me''.

At first Chase didn't notice what was happening as he was staring at me waiting for my ''reveal''. When he became aware of his shoes floating in the air next to his head. He froze. His eyes darted between me and the shoes.

''Ah? OC? Is, is that.. Are you seeing this?'' He looked a little terrified.

I sighed. /Here it comes/. ''Chase – I'm doing it!'' To prove my point, I raised my hand and made a motion with it to move them away and then back towards us. The shoes followed dutifully.

Chase's eyes went wide as dinner plates though he didn't move. He stayed where he was. Watching them float in the air. ''Can, can you put them back?''

I obliged and gently lowered them to the ground. He nodded. ''Can, you do it again?''

I tilted my head in surprise and confusion but once again obliged his request, picking his shoes up and bringing them to him. I sighed as I wrapped my arms about my legs, ''I bet you want to grab them and run now don't you,'' I could not help but let some of the pain and hurt seep through into my tone.

''Actually,'' Chase said with a strange smile plastered on his face, ''I think it is pretty fucking cool!''

My head snapped up and my eyes went wide, ''Are you serious? You aren't freaking out? You aren't terrified of me? You don't want to run away and never see me again?'' The questions were shot out of my mouth in rapid succession.

Chase simply laughed. ''Orianna, slow down! I'm the one meant to be freaking out here!'' He smiled. My heart melted and I felt tears sting my eyes. ''I just told you how I had wanted to get to know YOU for some time now. I have just told you how I liked your ''no-nonsense what you see is what you get'' attitude. You have been straight up 100% honest with me, even at the risk of allowing yourself to get hurt.'' His hand reached out and traced another line of fire down the side of my face. I closed my eyes, savouring his touch. ''Orianna, now more than ever, I am so glad I walked up to you that night. You, are the whole package.''

The tears I had been holding back, spilled and went streaming down my cheeks. I grabbed his hands in mine, to stop myself from falling. He brought me forward in his arms and kissed my forehead so gently and reverently bringing fresh tears to my eyes. ''I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me I'm afraid.''

I sniffed and drew in a deep breath, looking up into his beautiful eyes. ''Chase, I… do you have any idea what this means to me? What YOU mean to me? I have waited my whole life to hear someone say something like that to me, to want me for ME. I… I,'' I had no words.

''Shhh'' he simply dried my eyes with his thumbs and captured my lips in a soft, tender kiss. After a moment, that seemed to last forever, he pulled away and gave a low chuckle, ''Ahh Orianna, haven't you ever heard the saying? Good things come to those who wait? And you, my gorgeous girl, were worth waiting for.''

I surged forward and wrapped him in my arms, my mouth hungrily claiming his as I sought to show him how he had made me feel. We lay there, entwined in each other's grasp. His hands moved from cupping my head to sliding down over my shoulders and along my back, pulling me towards him with desperate need. I felt my own hands gliding over his firm body, a warm, delicious heat rising between us. So lost in each other were we that the Decepticons could have attacked and I wouldn't have known or cared.

Eventually, I broke the kiss off and lay there, my head resting on his chest as it rose and fell, my arm draped over his body. ''Well,'' I panted, ''all in all I'd say this was a pretty good first date.''

Chase laughed a breathy laugh, ''Yeah, not bad as first dates go.'' He looked over to me again and gave me a soft kiss. Then sighed. It was late. Very late. ''Come on Orianna, I had best get you home.''

I groaned. I didn't want this moment to end. However, more training awaited me tomorrow and Chase had his own work to do. Our bubble of happiness had to burst. ''Fine. I guess you're right.''

Standing up, Chase offered his hand to help me up, pulling me into another lingering kiss. ''You know, you are making it very hard to say goodnight!'' I chastised him.

''Maybe that is part of my devious plan OC,'' and he winked at me. I slapped him playfully on the shoulder and we walked back to his car.

On the drive back to the Autobot hanger we held hands. A final nagging thought skittered around in my mind. ''So, does this mean we are officially a couple now?'' I couldn't help but ask hopefully as I looked at him.

Chase turned to me momentarily, ''What do you think Orianna?'' and he kissed my hand.

I allowed myself to break into a huge smile and laugh. I kissed his hand in turn. ''I'm going to go with a yes.''

Moments later we pulled up out the front of Hanger 2. Although the Autobots no doubt had someone on patrol who would already be aware of our presence, not to mention all of their early warning systems they had personally, I'd wager they all knew I was back. Still, I was trying to be respectful and not cause unnecessary noise and commotion.

Chase got out of the car and came around to hold the door open for me and help me out. ''There you go M'lady,'' he said as I stepped out, ''home sweet home.''

I tucked an errant strand of hair behind my ear. ''Yeah. About that,'' I grinned sheepishly at him. ''Not that I am rushing into this, but I have been thinking for a while now it might be time for me to move back to my old apartment in downtown. I just seem to have found a ''motivation'' to do so sooner. Would you have any objections?'' I arched an eyebrow in silent questioning.

Chase gave a little laugh and kissed me soundly once again. After he pulled away, he breathed, ''What do you think?''

I simply sighed and run my hand down his face, ''Good night Chase, and thank you for an amazing evening.''

''Night Orianna. Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow sometime?'' he asked hopefully.

''Oh, I think I can arrange that.'' With that he turned and got back into the car, started the engine and took off back towards downtown.

I stood there for a moment, the cool night air gently tugging at my long black and red locks. Surreal. It had been surreal. Nothing could ruin how I felt in this moment.

''Orianna?'' A deep and familiar baritone voice rolled through the night air. My heart stopped.

/Well, almost nothing/.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

The unmistakable figure of Optimus Prime stepped out from the tree line from the direction of our beach. He had a slight limp as he approached slowly. My heart twisted slightly. /Had he been sitting there by himself waiting for me to come back and how badly did he hurt himself today?/.

''Yes Optimus? Sorry if I have disturbed you. I was trying to be quiet.'' I lowered my eyes from the towering figure's gaze. Not quite sure why I could not bring myself to look at him.

I could feel Prime continuing to pin me with a penetrating gaze. ''You did not disturb me Orianna. I have not yet been to recharge. It was my turn for patrol duty.'' His voice was slightly strained.

''Oh, ok. Glad I didn't disturb you then.'' I was a little concerned for him. He did look worn out. I turned to walk inside to my bed. ''Well, make sure you get some recharge soon, you look like you need it.'' 

''Orianna!'' The slightly urgent tone in his voice stilled my departure and I turned to look at him. After a brief pause Optimus spoke in a soft tone laced with regret. ''I want to apologise for today.''

''Optimus,'' I began but he once again held up a servo to silence me for the second time today. /He better watch that!/ I thought somewhat annoyed.

''Orianna, please let me finish.'' I nodded but I folded my arms across my chest, an action that didn't go unnoticed by the Prime. ''I apologise for interrupting you just now and stopping you from speaking. I do not mean to be rude I would just like to say what I need to say without interruption.''

I nodded and lowered my arms, in silent recognition of his apology. At the change in my body language Optimus took a few steps closer and knelt slowly, trying to bridge the physical distance between us. ''Orianna, as I said before, I want to apologise to you for my actions today and the subsequent manner we parted ways. It has been playing on my processor all evening.''

I returned his gaze and made to reply but recalled his request and simply nodded for him to continue. ''I need you to understand and truly believe that I would never deliberately or willing put you in harm's way, especially by my own hand,'' his azure eyes filled with concern and pain, fixing upon me with such intensity, my breath hitched. ''Your safety and well-being will always be of the utmost importance to me,'' he blinked those captivating optics once. ''Your friendship has come to mean..'' he paused a moment as if searching for the right word, ''..a great deal to me - and today I feel as though I damaged that friendship through my own poor judgement and personal - inadequacies.''

He shuttered sorrowful optics at me. ''I hope I have not damaged this friendship beyond repair. Please, Orianna. Forgive me.'' It was a heartfelt, earnest and raw request. My heart lurched and for the millionth time tonight I felt tears sting my eyes as I stared into Prime's optics.

''Oh Optimus!'' I walked up to him and he lowered his servo to allow me to climb on, raising me to his chassis. I spread my arms across his broad chest, trying to encompass as much of him as I could. I could feel his spark thrumming rapidly in his chest. /Was he nervous or worried?/. I simply stood there, my body pressed against his warm chassis and in that moment - there was nothing else in the world except the Prime and I. ''Of course I forgive you Big Guy!'' I stood back and looked up into his optics. ''It would take far more than that to get rid of me Optimus. Besides,'' I looked slightly sheepish, ''truth be told I must take a portion of blame for today's – debacle.''

Optimus tilted his helm in that endearing manner to indicate he did not quite understand what I was saying. ''You were right. I do need to trust my instincts and my abilities more. I also know, truly I do, that you would never hurt me and that I can trust you, probably more than anyone else I know. I'm sorry I gave you the impression otherwise, so – to that end – can you forgive me?'' I looked up into his faceplates with a small smile on my face.

''Always,'' came the instant reply.

I felt a huge grin spread across my face and I indicated to Optimus to be brought closer to him. He obliged and brought me up to be centimetres from his face. I leant forward and placed both of my hands on his dermas and then, very gently, placed a light kiss. ''Thank you Optimus. I know I can always count on you.'' I murmured against his dermas before I withdrew and stood there looking at him.

Optimus shuttered his optics rapidly several times before a small smile spread across his dermas, a soft chuckle emanating from his 'lips'. ''Always.''

I folded my arms and arched my eyebrow at him, ''Quite the conversationalist tonight aren't we, don't get too verbal with me or anything.'' I laughed.

Prime allowed a small laugh to shake his frame. ''Speaking of conversations, how did your date go tonight?''

I felt myself light up and giggle like a hormonal teenager, ''Oh Prime. I had the best night tonight – Chase is – wonderful!'' At the last word my voice trailed off into a breathy sigh. ''No – he's amazing! We spoke for ages and got along so well; I feel so comfortable around him even though I have only known him for a short time. We just click. That ever happen for you?''

''Once,'' was Prime's wry response.

At the implied meaning I stopped suddenly and touched his digit nearest me, ''I'm sorry Optimus – I didn't think. I mean…''

''It's okay Orianna, please continue,'' Optimus waved away my comment with his other servo.

''Well, we had a lovely dinner, went to the movies and then got an ice-cream and… I told him about my gift. Well showed him actually.''

''You must really trust him to have made that decision,'' Optimus considered me for a moment. ''You really care for him, don't you?''

I closed my eyes and nodded my head slowly, ''Yes, yes, I do.'' I exhaled loudly. ''Optimus, I think I'm falling in love with him.'' Looking into his optics, a shadow quickly flickered through them only to disappear just as suddenly.

He regarded me for a moment before he spoke. ''Then I am happy for you Orianna. I would like to meet this Chase one day soon if I may?''

''Well Optimus you might get your chance very soon. There is something I would like to discuss with you.'' I took a deep, steading breath before leaping in. ''I have been thinking maybe it is safe enough for me to move back into my old apartment in the downtown area. There have been no attempts made on my life, no nefarious actions towards me and it's been six months. I think I'm safe.''

Optimus ever so slightly recoiled at the mention of me moving away, though he quickly gained control of his reactions. ''If that is what you wish Orianna,'' he simply stated in that low rumbling voice of his. He started to lower me to the ground. ''Not to mention now you have commenced a romantic relationship you would both naturally desire and appreciate your privacy.''

''Well, yeah, I would. I would still be back every day or every second day to train with you all and hey, Diego Garcia ain't that big an island. It's not like you'll never see me again!'' Prime's servo lay on the ground and I jumped off, turning back around to look at him.

''Very well.'' Optimus rose to his full height. ''You might like to make the arrangements with Major Lennox tomorrow. I'll let the others know too. Perhaps if this Chase comes to help you collect your things, I might have the pleasure of making his acquaintance?''

''Sure, I'd love for you to meet him,'' I paused a moment. ''My two favourite guys in the world, catching up, getting to know each other, shooting the breeze. Just no embarrassing stories or anything okay?'' I pleaded.

''Orianna, I make no promises,'' Optimus said flatly.

''Hey, I thought you said before that you don't make threats, just promises?'' I challenged placing a hand on my hip and pointing a finger accusingly at him.

''Well, then, let's hope I don't need to threaten him,'' he raised his optic ridge slightly.

''Optimus!'' I sighed, choosing to ignore the loaded meaning behind his comment and throwing my hands into the air in frustration.

Prime looked at the stars and ex-vented softly. ''I guess you and I will no longer have time for our little chats of an evening under our stars.'' He sounded genuinely sad and regretful.

''Optimus,'' I levelled a very serious stare at him, ''I will always have time for you, no matter what or who comes into my life, please - remember that.''

He simply nodded once and then motioned towards the hanger. ''It is very late, and you best get some recharge. You must be tired.''

''Well, now that you mention it, I am pretty tried. You coming in soon?''

He shook his helm, ''Negative, I still have a few joors left before my duty is over. Go, rest. I will see you tomorrow some time.'' With that Optimus nodded his helm at me and turned to walk away into the night.

''Night Prime,'' I whispered to his retreating form. Although that uneasy feeling that had snaked its way into the pit of my stomach earlier today had been somewhat mollified by the events of this evening and our apology to each other, it was not entirely dispelled. As I watched Optimus retreat into the darkness to continue his lonely vigil, it began to claw at my insides again. Shaking my head and internally quelling that gnawing feeling, I turned and made my way to bed.

As I slipped between the covers my mind replayed moments of the evening with Chase. I sighed out loud and closed my eyes as a feeling of utter happiness and warmth enveloped me, and I succumbed to sleep.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

My life had suddenly become the living embodiment of the saying, ''As bad as things were, that's how good they became.'' Two days after our first date and my late-night discussion with Optimus, I moved out of Autobots quarters and back to my old apartment in downtown. True to his word, Chase had come and helped me pack up my few belongings and make the short drive back to my place, which, if things went the way I hoped, would become ''our place''.

Unfortunately, Optimus had not been around when Chase came to help me move out. He had been called away to Hanger 1 for a satellite link meeting with Lennox, General Morshower and the JCS to discuss, among other things, my progress and abilities.

Part of me was gutted that I could not introduce Chase to the other most important being in my life and the other part of me was somewhat relieved too. /Oh well, another time/, I thought to myself. Chase did get to meet the other Autobots though and he was suitably impressed, especially with Ironhide and Sideswipe, they got along a little too well and I could tell I would have to keep my eye on them all.

Jazz was initially slightly cool towards him and gave him a slight grilling under the guise of ''jus' looking out for his lil' lady.'' Arcee gave me a sly wink and thumbs up shortly before we left to indicate her approval.

And Rachet.

Rachet remained somewhat impassive towards Chase. He was neither rude nor overly welcoming. I guess he was still deciding if Chase was the real deal or not. So apart from Prime, 'Bee was the only other Autobot I needed to introduce Chase to, and I intended to call Sam, Mikaela and Bee later today to catch them up with recent developments.

When I had explained to Lennox and Epps my reasons for moving back to my apartment, they had initially both tried to play some scam on it being against regulations to date someone from within the team, and I almost fell for it. Sensing my rising ire, they both cut me some slack and burst into laughter, grabbing me into a hug. ''That's great news OC, 'bout time someone around here noticed the quality person, and solider, you are. Chase Ryder, he's one of the good ones, you have our blessing.'' It had been heart-warming, not to mention relieving to hear.

As we got in the car to drive away from Autobot quarters and my home for the past six months, I felt a sudden sadness sweep over me, and a lump caught in my throat. My breath hitched and I gasped out loud.

''What is it babe?'' Chase had asked, grabbing my hand in concern.

''I don't know,'' I said honestly, ''I just feel – sad.''

''Are you sure this is what you want? Are you ready to move out and away from the Autobots, from Optimus?'' Chase did not sound upset, only concerned.

''YES!'' I shouted almost too loudly. ''I definitely need to do this I just… The Autobots are like my family, my best friends. Living with them this past six months. I don't know. It's just the closing of another chapter in my life I guess.'' I bit my lip as we passed Hanger 1. /Sorry Prime/.

''Yeah, I get that. But just think Orianna.'' I turned to face him. ''We get to write this next chapter TOGETHER,' and he raised my hand to his lips and kissed it.

I smiled at him. He was right. I kissed his hand in return and once again focused my attention on the passing scenery. As the base behind us began to shrink in the distance, I suddenly became aware of a large blue and red figure in the rear-view mirror, standing out the front of Hanger 1, watching us disappear. I whipped my head around.

''What is it?'' Chase asked concerned once again.

''It's Prime! He must have finished his meeting.'' I craned my neck to catch a final glimpse of him.

''Do, do you want to go back,'' he asked hesitatingly.

I bit my lip in indecision. In the next moment I caught Prime's form fold into his unmistakable truck mode and speed off towards the firing range. He had made the decision for me. ''No. No that's ok. We'll see him tomorrow, or later in the week. Just as long as it is soon Chase. He really wants to meet you and I really want you to meet him too, he is – important to me,'' I fixed Chase with a very serious stare.

''Of course OC, if that is what you wish.'' I found myself holding my breath. /So alike and yet so different, the two ''men'' in my life/. Shortly afterwards we pulled up out the front of my old home. /Time to start the next chapter of my life/.

OPTIMUS P.O.V

As I stood there watching their car disappear in the distance, I felt a sudden sadness envelope me, crushing my spark though it was shortly replaced by – anger. A fiery white-hot rage quickly pulsed through me and I shocked myself with how quickly I had shifted emotions and in such polar opposite directions. /I had missed her – and him - all because of my never ceasing duties as Prime!/. I felt a low growl threaten to erupt from my dermas.

For a moment it looked as though they might turn around and come back but I did not trust myself in this moment so I transformed and began to roll towards the one place I knew I could count on to help alleviate any feelings of anger or sadness with minimal injury to anyone, including myself – the firing range.

Thank Primus when I arrived, I was the only soul there, I was in no mood for company or small talk. I stalked to the range and produced my large blaster from subspace, priming it for action. The targets lay some distance beyond, quite easy range really for a Cybertronian and our weapons. I let a quick volley of shots off. All finding their target with pinpoint accuracy. It wasn't enough. With a low growl, I planted my pedes and took aim. I lay down a spray of fire, sweeping back and forth, smoke spewing from my weapon and I was vaguely aware I was yelling my frustration out to the skies.

I ceased firing with a final shout and collapsed to my knees, my blaster laying on the ground in front of me smouldering away, red hot from its efforts. I felt myself ex-venting heavily, for no reason other than it helped me gain some control. In the distance all I could see were charred and smoking piles of rubble. There were no more targets, I had laid waste to them in my blind fury. /No doubt I will hear of this at some stage/.

Without warning I raised my servo high in the air and clenching it into a fist, I brought it down heavily, pounding a crater in the ground from my exertion. I closed my optics and fought to gain control of my emotions; an icy cold wave of heat coursed through me. I continued to ex-vent, eventually my ''breaths'' coming slower and more measured. /What in Primus' name is wrong with me? Why am I acting like this? She is your friend and a soldier on your team you have no reason or right to act like this/, the thoughts raced through my processor.

Quietly, like the faintest whisper, another thought in the deepest part of my processor began to rise like a fine mist, ready to snake its way around my spark. I quickly and angrily squashed it down before it could form any further, /NO! I will NOT allow myself to think that. I will NOT torture myself. ENOUGH!/. With a final pound of my fist into the ground and a deep and heavy ex-vent, I rose to my pedes and cast my eyes skyward. /Please, Primus… help me/.

As always silence greeted my audials but as I stood there in the fading sunlight, my anger began to dissipate only to be replaced with a feeling of resignation. /What cannot be helped must be endured. And I had endured more than my share of heart ache, pain, suffering and horror in my long-life span/.

With a final look towards the remains of the targets, I sighed and began to walk back towards Autobot quarters. I was in no hurry to get there. Tonight, it would be that little bit emptier and colder.

Orianna P.O.V – Following morning

I awoke in the early morning light with the gentle ocean breeze caressing my skin and the feel of a warm body against mine. A smile began to tug at my lips. I opened my eyes to take in the familiar surrounds of my old apartment and the sleeping form of Chase stretched out and comatose beside me.

We had spent the evening unpacking my belongings and rearranging the small apartment to accommodate some of his belongings too. It had been a long, physically and emotionally tiring day and we had crashed out by 11pm, falling asleep in each other's arms. I was so thankful I didn't have to do anything today, requesting a rest day to settle back in and relax after a gruelling few months of training. Despite not having shared a bed with someone for a few years it felt completely comfortable to have Chase curl up with me.

I propped myself up on my elbow and stared at him for a moment. His lightly tanned skin and athletic body a welcome sight to wake up to. /I feel like any moment I am truly going to wake up and discover this was all some crazy dream. How did my life suddenly become so damn near perfect?/ I thought to myself.

I absent mindedly reached out and placed my hand on his chest as he lay there, desperate to simply feel him, to reassure myself this was indeed real and not some dream. Chase began to stir and, not intending to wake him, I removed my hand quickly.

''S'nice,'' a sleep drenched voice slurred.

''What's that?'' I whispered.

''It's nice - your hand. Put it back,'' and to illustrate his point he reached out to recapture my hand and place it on his chest.

I let a small laugh escape, ''Well if you insist, who am I to deny you?'' I snuggled in beside him, placing my head on his chest and lightly draping one of my legs over his left shin.

''Mmm.. feels even better now,'' and he snaked an arm out to wrap around me and pull me even closer. Grey-green eyes fluttered open to meet my own brown and gold flecked eyes. Chase smiled and kissed me lightly on the forehead. ''Well, I must say this is a far nicer way to wake up than back in my military dorm surrounded by three other men, farting.''

I laughed out loud, ''Well, I would hope so!'' I returned a light kiss to his cheek and ran my finger down his right cheek to his chin.

He captured my hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing my fingers and then my palm and then lightly nibbling on my wrist.

I let out a soft gasp at the sensation this caused. Grey-green eyes stared intensely at me as he continued his ministrations. I bit my lip. ''So… ah… what time do you have to report for duty today?'' I asked him slightly breathless.

Chase gave a low chuckle as he continued to kiss along my arm, up my shoulder to my neck and up my jawline, pausing briefly, ''I don't have any duties today – except maybe one.'' He leant in to capture my lips in a soft, slow kiss.

/God, help me!/. After he released my lips and traced a fingertip back and forth along my cheek and jaw line, I finally discovered the power of speech again, ''Oh really? And what might that duty be?'' I felt I knew the answer, but I was enjoying this playful, teasing mood between us.

In one swift movement Chase rolled me onto my back and pinned me down beneath him, that familiar heat rising between us as our naked bodies moulded together. A lustful fire was burning in his eyes as he gazed down at me, ''Orianna, I thought that would be obvious.'' The corners of his lips curled up as his eyes roamed appreciatively over my exposed breasts and body.

I fixed a look of mock indignation on my face, ''Duty? How rude to insinuate that it is some sort of arduous ''duty'' to be with me Chase Ryder,'' I pouted.

Chase bent his head down to capture my lips in a searing kiss before he pulled away and whispered in a low, sexy voice, 'Oh, I imagine it would be anything BUT arduous to be with you OC,'' he leant down to taste my lips again, kissing me deeply and slowly grinding his hips against mine.

I moaned into his kiss and felt my own hips mirroring his actions as I sought to be as close to him as possible. /Fuck me I need this! I need him!/.

When we broke apart, I fixed him with an intense stare as my hands ran up his well-muscled arms and grabbed his broad shoulders, ''Imagine? Why don't we stop ''imagining'' and find out?'' and I pulled him down towards my body.

He let out a feral growl, ''With pleasure,'' and he enveloped me in his arms. The world narrowed down to just Chase and I, lost in each other, in this moment.

In this moment, nothing else – no one else - existed.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

It really is amazing how time flies when you are having fun and surrounded by people you love and care about. My work life had been hectic too with more and more Decepticon sightings and skirmishes and N.E.S.T being deployed on a regular basis around the world.

Sometimes I accompanied the Autobots and Lennox and the rest of the team to earn some field experience, but I was always carefully supervised by either Lennox or Prime himself and those missions always turned out to be more surveillance or reconnaissance than out and out combat. /Something I feel both Prime and Lennox carefully planned/.

More often than not I remained behind on base at Diego Garcia to continue developing my powers and my fighting ability, both of which were coming along incredibly well if I do say so myself. Before long another five or six months had slipped by.

Chase and I had gone from strength to strength. We were now officially living together and were a ''couple.'' It was quite serious as we had purchased a few house plants together. Nothing says commitment like the shared responsibility of keeping something alive. Who knew, in time we might even get a dog.

Chase had also become a semi-permanent fixture amongst our little family, spending more and more time with me meant spending more and more time with the Autobots, Lennox and Epps. At first Chase had been somewhat overwhelmed and in awe, especially of Optimus. I certainly didn't hold that against him – Optimus can be very awe inspiring.

When Chase first met Optimus a day or two after I moved out, he had kept referring to him as ''Sir'' and had been rather formal with him. I suspect the reason had been two fold; it had something to do with knowing how important Prime was to me and wanting to make a good first impression to show him he was indeed worthy of me, and the fact Prime was so imposing.

When I had introduced Chase to Prime the Saturday morning after I moved out, Prime had stared at him for a moment, regarding him closely, his large metallic red and blue forearms folded across his massive barrel chest. He blinked his optics and then lowered himself down until his face was mere metres away before speaking in a low rumble, ''So, Chase Ryder, you are the man responsible for taking Orianna away from us - from me?''

Both Chase and I had gasped in shock at this blunt question from the normally very reserved and politically correct leader. The other Autobots gathered around also showed similar shock, except Rachet who seemed to smirk slightly. Chase began to stammer, and I simply yelled out, ''Optimus!'' and placed my hands on my hips.

He continued a beat later, a small smile forming on his dermas, ''I believe you are also the man responsible for making Orianna the happiest I have seen her in the relatively short time I have had the pleasure of knowing her.'' He blinked again and looked sideways at me for a moment before looking back towards Chase and continuing, ''for this I thank you and am happy to make your acquaintance.''

I removed my hands from my hips and gave Optimus a huge smile before I walked up and wrapped my arm around Chase's waist. At this gesture of comfort, he seemed to find his voice, ''Thank you Sir! It is indeed a privilege to know Orianna and to be introduced to yourself. Orianna always speaks so highly of you Sir.'' Chase risked a quick glance towards me to confirm that he had not misspoken. I simply grinned at him and then back at Optimus.

''Does she now?'' Prime arched an optic ridge at me in silent enquiry. ''Well, I shall do my best to live up to the image Orianna has surely - embellished of me,'' while there was a serious edge to his voice, there was also a playful undertone as Optimus once rose again to his full imposing height.

''Yeah,'' I called out to him, ''you're off to a cracking start so far,'' the cheeky tone in my voice elicited a grin from Prime.

''I aim to please Orianna,'' Prime responded with equal wit. Turning his attention back to Chase he asked, ''I assume you have met the other Autobots under my command?''

''Sir, yes Sir! I have had that pleasure,'' Chase responded only just refraining from saluting.

''Bloody hell Chase, relax! You're not normally this ''formal.'' I chastised him. I heard Ironhide and Sideswipe snigger in the background and I sent a withering glare in their direction – which did nothing.

Chase turned to me and nervously laughed, ''Yeah, but I also don't normally converse with giant alien robots who have a vested interest in my girlfriend either.''

''The man has a point Orianna,'' was Prime's mirthful response. Optimus ignored the ''death stare'' I levelled at him and continued, now turning his attention to Chase, ''While I appreciate the respect you have shown Orianna, myself and my team Chase, you do not need to be so formal around us - around me. Please, call me ''Prime'' or ''Optimus'' there is no need for any other designation.'' He allowed a small smile to grace his dermas.

''Si… Okay - Prime. Thank you.'' Chase corrected himself.

Optimus nodded. ''Now, I don't know if Orianna has had the chance to show you around our facilities, but you are welcome to have a look around. I am sure Orianna, Ironhide, Sideswipe and the others, if they so choose, would be all too happy to give you a tour and answer any questions you might have about us.'' Optimus turned to leave.

''Where are you going?'' I asked raising a hand as if to stop his retreat, slightly hurt that he wasn't going to be hanging around a bit longer.

Prime's optics shone brightly for a moment, ''I have business to attend to.'' Without meaning to I allowed my disappointment to show on my face. Prime continued, ''but I will try and catch up with you all later.''

It was not a promise but at least he indicated he would try and spend some time with Chase and me. I brightened, ''That would be great.''

At this Optimus inclined his helm towards both Chase and I, ''It was a pleasure meeting you Chase Ryder. Perhaps we will see more of you around, you would be welcome. Orianna, always a pleasure to see you.'' Optimus stared a moment longer at us both before taking his leave of us all and walking off towards Hanger 1 and no doubt Lennox and an awaiting satellite link to General Morshower.

''Well,'' Rachet's voice piped up. ''You shall have to continue the tour without me as I have duties in the Med Bay. Feel free to stop by later if you like Orianna and show Chase around. Chase,'' Rachet inclined his helm and also took his leave.

''And then there were six,'' Jazz called out.

''Make that five,'' Arcee interrupted. ''Patrol beckons me,'' she sounded slightly disappointed. ''Nice to see you again Chase and Orianna, maybe we'll catch up later?''

''No worries Arcee, good to see you again too. That'd be great!'' As she transformed, Chase stared mesmerised by the process, she then sped off to begin her patrol. I turned to the others, ''So… who is in for a tour?''

''I'll take some of that action,'' Jazz announced.

''I can show Chase more of my weapons. Maybe we can even go to the firing range, there are new targets?'' Ironhide sounded hopeful.

''OOhh….Count me in, I'm always down for a bit of fun,'' Sideswipe announced.

''What happened to the old ones,'' I asked inquisitively.

''Ahh… routine maintenance. They needed replacing. Upgraded now,'' Jazz had quickly explained.

I simply frowned at this explanation. /I don't recall the targets being that badly damaged a few days ago as to warrant complete replacement/. Before I had the chance to verbalise this thought, Chase interrupted in excitement.

''That'd be awesome! I'd love to see you guys in action. I'd love to have a crack at it myself too.'' Chase puffed out his chest. ''I'm actually a fair shot if I do say so myself,' Chase admitted proudly. I beamed at him.

''Only too happy to oblige Chase,'' Ironhide replied. I had a feeling if I wasn't careful, I would have to vie with Ironhide for Chase's attention. ''Be interesting to see if you can shoot as well as you boast to.''

''Okay, well I guess it's settled then. We'll all head to the firing range for a demonstration of sheer Autobot awesomeness and maybe a little friendly competition and then perhaps by the time we have finished there, Optimus and the others might join us for the rest of the tour,'' I had sounded hopeful but knew deep down I didn't think it would happen.

Everyone nodded in agreeance and we headed off towards the range. Chase and I opted to travel with Ironhide and leave my beloved Relda behind at Autobot quarters.

It had been a great afternoon. As the hours ticked by, Chase began to relax in the company of the others, showing them his true self. He was funny, a good marksman and a bit of a prankster, keeping Sideswipe in line, no mean feat. By the time we had finished at the range it was late afternoon, Arcee had joined us and it was Jazz's turn to tag in and do patrol.

''Later man,'' Jazz called out to Chase, ''Cool ta hang with ya,'' and he gave Chase a gentle fist bump. He turned to me and whispered, ''Lil' lady, he's a keeper,'' Jazz gave me a wink before he transformed and rolled out.

'So,'' Arcee had asked as she strode towards us, ''Who's aft needs handing to them?''

Sideswipe gave a disbelieving snort, ''Like you think you could best me?''

Arcee laughed, shoving Sideswipe playfully on the shoulder strut as she walked past. ''Oh Sides, I don't think - I KNOW I can best you!''

Amongst the outburst of laughing Sideswipe scowled before a dangerous smirk spread across his faceplates and he followed Arcee. ''Bring it!''

And with that the competition started anew.

As I watched Arcee and Sideswipe and the others prepare to engage in a new ''friendly'' showdown, I blurted out, ''So, is Optimus going to be joining us?''

Arcee turned her dainty helm to face me as she scored a direct hit on the target to Sideswipe's annoyance, ''No, sorry OC. He said to give his apologies he is held up with meetings and is afraid he will not be able to join us today.''

I could not help the disappointment that crossed my features. ''Oh well, his loss I guess.'' I primed my own weapon and aimed at one of the targets, ''Another time maybe.''

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

Since that first day Chase meet Optimus and the Autobots, he had definitely relaxed around the them, even Prime, who did eventually make good on his promise and spend some time with us on occasion. Either at the range, the training hanger or, on the rare occasion, on a drive to one of the many pretty beaches and inlets for a bit of RnR.

It was during these times when I had my two best ''men'' with me that I felt happiest. Optimus never stayed too long with us citing he had business to attend to or that he didn't want to intrude on our time together. Still, I was grateful that he made the effort. It meant the world to me that he accepted our relationship.

One ordinary evening, I stood in our kitchen finishing the dishes after our dinner. I was lost in thought when I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist and pull me close. ''Hey gorgeous girl, need a hand?'' Chase kissed my neck.

''Sure babe.'' I turned to place a kiss on his cheek. ''Grab a tea towel and do the drying if you don't mind,'' I smiled at him. We stood there in companionable silence and carried out the mundane chore. It was in little moments like this that I knew we were going to make it. Most of my ''relationships'' in the past had never felt this comfortable, especially when doing the little things and to me it's the little things that add up and can make a huge difference in a relationship.

While it is wonderful to have someone tell you they love you, and it is important to both say and receive such affirmation, I have always preferred someone showing me they love me through thoughtful and selfless actions. Something as simple as asking if I needed a hand doing the dishes, wordlessly cooking dinner after a long day at work, valiantly removing any frogs from the bathroom (I had a legitimate fear about them), making sure there was always cold Pepsi Max in the fridge. Chase did these things. He not only told me every day he loved me, but he showed me, and to me – that meant the world and I fell deeper in love with him every day.

''He really cares for you, doesn't he?'' Chase's voice broke into my reflections.

''Hunh? Who really cares for me?'' I asked with genuine misunderstanding as I finished wiping down the sink.

''Prime. He really does care for you and is concerned about your welfare,'' Chase repeated.

I paused for a moment. ''Well, yeah, I guess he does. After all, I am part of his team and Optimus always looks out for those under his protection, part of the job description.'' I smiled up at him.

''No,'' Chase countered. ''It's more than that,'' he replied, finishing the last dish and putting it away. He stood opposite me with his arms folded over his broad chest. ''I can tell by the way he looks at you, interacts with you and you with him, there is genuine affection and concern between you both.''

I looked at him carefully, my head slightly tilted to the side, a habit I had picked up from the subject of our odd discussion. ''Well, yes Chase. I DO genuinely care for and have affection for Optimus, he has become a very dear friend of mine these past few years, even before I was lucky enough to find you.'' I paused a moment. ''I am not sure where this is going?''

I studied his face for a moment, the thin line of his mouth and the way he shifted from foot to foot. It dawned on me. ''Chase! Are you jealous? Do you think that I LOVE Prime or that he loves me? That there is something going on between us?'' I couldn't help but speak in an incredulous tone.

Chase did not respond immediately but simply took a deep breath and levelled me with a serious stare, ''No… I guess not.'' Then very timidly, ''D… do… you?''

I actually laughed out loud, ''Chase I do not know what has brought this conversation on but let me assure you Optimus and I are NOT in love and there is nothing going on between us, apart from being very dear friends. Yes, apart from YOU, he is the being I trust the most and turn to for advice and comfort but since you arrived on the scene YOU have taken over that role.'' Chase seemed to visibly relax somewhat at that announcement.

I paused for a second to let what I was saying sink in. ''For Christ's sake he isn't even the same species as me, he is made of metal and is as tall as a building, don't you think that poses just a FEW problems even IF there was some sort of feeling there?'' I tried to reason with him though at the back of my mind the thought came unbidden, /I wonder if I should tell Prime about this conversation, the look on his faceplates would be priceless, he'd think it as preposterous and laughable as I do/.

Chase started to nod his head in agreeance. ''I guess so. It does seem a little bit silly now you put it like that,'' he had the grace to look a little sheepish at his outrageous accusation. ''I'm sorry OC, I guess I just got a little jealous.'' In a soft voice, barely a whisper, he said, ''I don't want to lose you. I love you.''

I walked over to him, wrapped my arms around him and, standing on my tippy toes, gave him a kiss, which he returned. ''Oh Chase, you're not going to lose me. You have had my heart for quite some time now and believe me when I say, I love YOU too.'' I kissed him again, deeper to show him the truth of my words. Once again, he returned the kiss with equal desire and need. I sighed. ''I don't know what brought this on tonight, but I am glad we talked about it. I don't ever want us to have any barriers up, total honesty and trust. I demand it and you should too,'' I looked into his beautiful grey-green eyes searching for a response.

''Me too Orianna, and yes. I agree with you 100%. Total, heart wrenching, soul searing, gut tearing honesty,'' He started to smile.

''Yew! Bit full on but yes, that is the general gist of it,'' I gave him another quick kiss and started to move off, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back into him.

''Where do you think you are going?'' he asked me in a serious tone.

''Umm, to get ready for work tomorrow, it's Friday, and to send Bee, Sam and Mikaela a quick message to confirm when they are arriving for their visit on Saturday,'' I replied slightly confused. School had ended for the academic year and Sam was off to college in the September. To celebrate and catch up, they had all arranged to come for a visit for a week or two.

''No, you're not,'' was his quick reply. I tilted my head unsure what he was talking about. ''Orianna, we have just had our first ''fight''. He started to smile seductively and pull me closer to him. ''We need to ''make up''. 

I giggled and wrapped my arms about his neck. ''You classify that as a fight?! Wow, clutching at straws Chase, but hey, I am more than happy to make up with you anytime,'' and to prove a point I grabbed hold of his shoulders and leapt up to wrap my legs around his waist and capture his lips in a kiss. ''So, where shall we say ''sorry'' to each other,'' I laughed as I rained light kisses over his face.

Chase didn't reply, he just started walking towards the bedroom, pushed the door open and said in a raspy voice, ''Let's start here shall we. Then - we'll see.''

I laughed out loud again, ''If you wish my dear,'' was all I had time to get out before his lips were devouring mine and I once again lost myself in his arms.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

''They're going to love you,'' I reassured Chase as we drove the short distance towards Autobot quarters and the little party we had organised to celebrate having the whole family back together again.

Chase simply let out a nervous chuckle. ''Well, I hope so. Too bad if they don't, cause I'm not going anywhere,'' and he kissed my hand again in a show of affection.

I had spent Friday evening and the better part of Saturday morning setting up an area near Autobot quarters for a well deserved party. Tables, chairs, a fire pit, lights strung up, music, BBQ's and of course - some refreshments. The Autobots had helped when possible and they seemed as excited as I was to be reuniting with Bumblebee, Sam and Mikaela. Not to mention the chance to unwind and relax given all of the hard work involved being on team N.E.S.T.

As Relda rolled along eating up the miles and closing the distance to our destination, I felt small waves of excitement course through me as I anticipated seeing my friends again, introducing Chase in person and spending time with those that mattered most to me – all in the one place! As Hanger 1 loomed in the distance, my stomach began to do flip flops and I felt myself fairly bouncing up and down in my seat.

''Will you calm yourself down Orianna! Pace yourself already,'' Chase gently admonished me and let out a small laugh as we drove past the hanger and towards the lights and smoke in the distance. I could make out the shapes of most of the Autobots milling around amongst the people. Chase flashed Relda's lights as he pulled up a short distance away from the action. As soon as the car stopped, I reefed the seatbelt off and opened the car door in one motion.

''Chase, will you grab the esky and bring it please?'' I yelled out to him as I readjusted my dress. I walked around to the boot where Chase was dutifully lifting the esky out and locking Relda. Grabbing his arm, we headed over to the tables and fire pit where everyone seemed to be gathering. My eyes scanned the crowd to find the faces I had been missing.

We had almost made it when I heard a high-pitched squeal of delight followed by my name and an attractive young lady came running up to me closely followed by her boyfriend.

Mikaela and Sam.

''OC! It's so good to see you!'' Mikaela embraced me in a tight hug. I held her close for a few moments, tears stinging my eyes. /Thank GOD I wore the waterproof mascara tonight!/.

''Kaela!'' I returned her greeting with equal enthusiasm. ''So good to see you too, I've missed you all so much.'' After a few moments we released each other and then Sam, who had since arrived on the scene, stepped up to greet me.

''Hey OC, how ya been? Long time no see. I hope you've been keeping the others in check,'' he gave me a quick hug before releasing me and stepping back beside Mikaela.

I smiled at him. ''Well I try but honestly, sometimes, it's like pushing shit up a hill!''

Sam laughed as Mikaela looked me up and down in my figure hugging deep blue dress, which showed off just the right amount of tanned skin, ''Damn OC! You look amazing!''

I blushed slightly but it felt nice to hear the compliments. Before I could speak Chase had walked over, esky in hand and piped up, ''Well I think she looks amazing all the time anyway.''

I started in embarrassment. ''Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry babe! How rude of me,'' I apologised to Chase. ''Mikaela, Sam.'' I gestured towards the handsome man on my arm. ''This is Chase - my boyfriend and main man,'' I gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

Chase put the esky down and shook hands with Sam. ''Nice to meet you Sam, heard a lot about you,'' he turned to Mikaela, ''You too Mikaela. Any friend of OC's is a friend of mine,'' Chase smiled.

Sam and Mikaela both took it in turns to shake Chase's hand, ''Nice to put a face to the name we have been hearing so much about,'' Mikaela said as she gave a quick glance up and down Chase.

''Yeah,'' Sam commented, ''Orianna has done nothing but rave about you for weeks now,'' Sam sent me a teasing smile as he winked at me.

I began to walk towards the party indicating for the others to follow. ''Would we use the word ''rave'' Sam, maybe gushed would be more appropriate,'' I tried to argue.

''Well don't believe everything you hear, I am sure OC has embellished me a bit to you both,'' Chase modestly interrupted.

We had reached the area where the drinks and food were set up and Sam and Chase went ahead to put our esky down and get drinks for us. As soon as Chase and Sam were out of earshot Mikaela grabbed my arm whispering conspiratorially in my ear. ''He seems wonderful OC. And damn he is fine!'' She gave me a wink.

''Oh, he is wonderful and so fine in so many ways,'' I sighed out loud. It was true. It was how I felt. ''I finally feel as though everything in my life is on track and I feel so happy. I have a wonderful boyfriend, great friends who are basically family, a great job. For the first time in forever I am loving life and life is loving me!'' I smiled at Mikaela. ''The ONLY bad thing is that I don't get to see you, Sam and 'Bee as often as I would like.''

Mikaela gave a small smile, ''Well it does suck but it's the way it's got to be. Sam is getting ready for College, I am working full time in my father's garage now he is out of prison and 'Bee… 'Bee won't leave Sam… at least not at the moment,'' at that Mikaela stopped herself. ''Speaking of which, have you seen him yet?''

''No, no I haven't actually! Where is he?'' Surprisingly I had not noticed the 18-foot bright yellow and black Cybertronian milling about and began to glance about, looking for him. At this point Lennox and Epps had wandered over followed by Sam and Chase.

''Hey OC, great party, great idea,'' said Epps as he gave me a quick hug hello.

''Yeah, I guess she does have good ideas every now and then,'' Lennox smiled as he stepped up to say hi.

''Ahh, Lennox,'' I smiled sweetly. ''I give you the man who's last ''good idea'' involved hiding alien technology in the heart of a bustling city,'' I raised an eyebrow at him defiantly.

Lennox stopped in his tracks. His smile died on his face and quickly turned into a pout. Epps burst out laughing as did Sam and Mikaela, ''She got you there Lennox!'' Epps frowned in thought. ''What's the tally up to now?'' Epps pretended to count the stings.

Lennox nodded in my direction. ''OC, always fun seeing you, if only you were as fast with your fists as you were with your mouth imagine what you could do for N.E.S.T then,'' his smile returned.

Before I could rise to the bait, I heard a familiar beep and whirring sound and Lionel Richie's ''Hello, is it me you're looking for?'' burst through the radio waves as Bumblebee appeared from inside Autobot quarters.

''Bee!'' I ran up to him and he bent down to give me a hug. ''I've missed you, it's so good to see you,'' I did my best to wrap my arms about his chest. 'Bee simply made whirring noises and played snippets of ''I'm so excited,'' sounding just as happy as I to be reunited.

After a moment, 'Bee placed me carefully back on the ground and I motioned for Chase to come over, which he dutifully did. ''Bee, I'd like you to officially meet my boyfriend, Chase Ryder.''

Chase stepped up to the yellow and black scout, ''Hey there Bumblebee, honour to finally meet you.'' He extended his hand for a handshake.

Bumblebee eyed him for a moment before clapping once or twice and announcing, ''You da man!'' and stooping down to extend one of his metallic digits for Chase to grab and pump once or twice in greeting. I couldn't help but smile. /Now he has met all of my family – life's good/.

''Look who finally decided to show up,'' Ironhide announced walking up to join us with Jazz and Sideswipe in tow. ''Were you trying to make yourself look pretty Chase?'' he folded his huge metallic arms over his chest, his cannons glinting menacingly under the lights.

Sideswipe sniggered behind Ironhide. ''That would explain why it took so long for OC to drag him out here.'' Ironhide turned and gave him a smile.

''Boys, boys, boys,'' Chase retorted. ''You're both just jealous because I have a gorgeous girlfriend and you don't and Sideswipe, you're brave being seen out in public with a mug like yours! The party would be over before YOU had time to make yourself look decent,'' Chase smiled teasingly back at them with a satisfied look on his face. Everyone, Autobot and human alike broke out into laughter.

''Oh, you got burned ''Sides,'' Jazz smacked Sideswipe on his back struts.

'Bee just clapped again, 'Another one bites the dust,'' by Queen blared out. ''You're beautiful, you're beautiful,'' he said pointing to Chase who puffed his chest out proudly at having soundly dissed both 'Hide and 'Sides.

''Yeah well,'' Sideswipe stuttered. ''You wouldn't be laughing if Sunny was here,'' was all 'Sides could mutter as he gave the equivalent of a robotic pout.

Suddenly, a familiar clipped voice interrupted our verbal sparring. ''I could surgically remove it if you like Sideswipe,'' Rachet's voice cut in as he and Arcee appeared next to Bumblebee.

''Remove what exactly Rachet?'' Sideswipe looked dumbfounded.

''That stick up your aft,'' Rachet continued to stare seriously at 'Sides which only made us laugh all the more.

I stood there taking in the scene before me. I had everyone I cared about, everyone I loved right here in front of me, laughing, having a good time and simply enjoying each other's company. I stopped myself. /Well ALMOST everyone I care about is here/.

Optimus was noticeably absent from the gathering. Though given Chase's concerns the other night I was reluctant to bring the topic up. I decided to wait and see if Prime turned up of his own volition.

''It is SO good to have everyone here, it's been too long,'' I announced to the group, bringing a more serious tone to the discussion.

''Well not EVERYONE OC,'' Sam spoke up. Sam cast his eyes about the area and the gathered crowd, searching. ''Where is the Big Guy?'' Chase reflexively pulled me closer to him. ''I haven't seen him since before the party started.''

At this Prime's second Lieutenant, Jazz spoke up, ''Prime said he would take first patrol tonight to give everyone a chance to catch up. He said he might join us later.''

/That was thoughtful of him/. ''Might?'' I asked interrogatively.

''Don't take it personally OC,'' Arcee responded. ''Prime's usually don't join in such celebrations anyway. Mind you,'' she continued, ''There haven't really been many opportunities for such occasions for millennia.''

A part of me wanted to take Arcee to task for making such assumptions about her leader but I restrained myself for several reasons; I didn't want Chase to possibly misinterpret my intervention on Prime's behalf in the wrong way, Arcee has known Prime a lot longer than I have and I didn't want to ruin the mood of the evening by causing any disagreements or arguments.

However, I stood there silently thinking /the Prime I know actually needs a chance to take a load off and relax, to not think about all of the problems and issues, to simply be himself – be Orion and not a Prime for one night/. I kept my thoughts to myself.

Sideswipe spoke up for the first time after his previous put down by Chase. ''All the more reason for us to get stuck in and enjoy ourselves as who knows what tomorrow will bring!''

''I'll drink to that,'' Lennox spoke up, ''I'm sure the Big Guy will turn up when he is ready. ''Till then, who wants a drink?'' Lennox was greeted with several chorus' of ''I do!'' and the group slowly gravitated towards the fire pit as the night air started to turn slightly chilly and a breeze picked up.

As we settled in around the fire and our discussions turned to various topics; how have you been? What have you been up to? What's the latest news or gossip? I forgot about Prime and focused on the people with me here and now. A few hours went by and, aided by alcohol and energon, the conversation took an interesting turn as the midnight hour approached.

'Wadda a minute, wadda a minute,'' Chase said slightly slurring his words. ''Are you serious you've NEVER done it?'' He said directing his attention to Sam.

All eyes turned to the young man in question, awaiting his response. Sam stared daggers at Chase. ''I'm not going to answer that Chase, it's a personal, private, personal thing,'' and he took another swig of his beer.

''Well if YOU'RE not going to answer it, we can just go straight to the source.'' Epps teased Sam. Sam's face turned white. Mikaela giggled.

''Yeah that's right! That's right, THEY'LL 'fess up,'' Lennox yelled out loud. ''Hey 'Bee!'' Lennox half turned in his chair to face the scout. 'Bee beeped and whirred at him. ''Tell us honestly, Autobot code and everything, DOES Sam fart in you from time to time?''

''BEE!'' Sam shouted at his friend from across the fire. ''Do NOT answer that question, you gotta have my back on this,'' Sam was trying to guilt Bee into silence. The yellow scout tapped his metallic digits together and he looked nervously away.

''Come on Man! Everyone does it from time to time driving in their cars, I bet sometimes, even just ONCE you have let one rip in 'Bee,'' Chase continued, determined to get Same to confess.

Ironhide spoke up matter of factly. ''For the record, can I just say that Lennox has - on numerous occasions.'' Ironhide made a distasteful expression with his face plates. ''It is very irritating not to mention unpleasant.''

''Yep,'' Lennox put his hand up in the air, ''guilty as charged! Sorry 'Hide but when you gotta go, you gotta go.'' Ironhide simply grunted at him and folded his arms over his chest.

''Well,'' I interrupted the conversation, ''can I just say Sam, given your over reaction to such an innocent question, and the overwhelming mounting evidence contrary to what you maintain, I am going to say you HAVE done it, likely multiple times!'' I offered to the group with a smile on my face.

''Yeah!'' everyone chorused.

'Bee's radio broke into various snippets. ''The truth! You. Can't. Handle the truth!''

Sam glowered at all of us shaking his head, ''I gave up the first week of my last holidays before college to come here and get verbally abused and interrogated by you all, shame on you.''

Everyone simply sniggered at him. Sam turned to face his Autobot friend. ''And 'Bee, you let me down, you let me down big time.'' 'Bee looked hurt at the assertion. ''I thought you were my buddy. And OC, don't even get me started on you!'' Sam jabbed his finger at me and pouted before he threw his hands up in the air and yelled out, ''Fine, yes, if it will shut you all up, fine I HAVE FARTED WHILE SITTING IN BEE!'' Sam admitted to the group to the sound of high fives and laughter.

''There now,'' Chase soothed. ''Don't you feel better for admitting it?'' He smiled.

''Actually,'' Jazz spoke up, ''shouldn't you say 'Don't you feel better for letting that out?'' he joked. Everyone, including Sam, cracked up at the comment.

The conversation continued to move from topic to topic, some serious, some decidedly not so serious including asking 'Bee if he got annoyed when he heard people shout ''SPOTTO'' all the time as he was a yellow car. There was more drinking and laughter as the night progressed and before I knew it, it was about 3am and everyone, Chase included, was a little worse for wear.

As the fire started to die down, I called it quits. ''Chase, I think it's time we got you home and into bed,'' I said to him patting him on his knee.

''Oh yeah, you're gunna take me to bed, woooh! Let's go,'' He started to try and stand up and fell back down again into his seat.

/This is going to be fun/. ''Yeah.. to SLEEP Chase, to sleep. You're pissed as a newt and in no condition to do anything except sleep it off babe,'' I gently admonished him. I stood up trying to help Chase. He was a dead weight, and I was struggling. ''Ahh, a hand here someone?''

''Sure,'' offered Lennox, at which point he slipped off his chair and onto the ground laughing. ''But who's going to help me?'' I rolled my eyes.

''Come on Sam, time for us to head off too,'' Mikaela tapped Sam on the shoulder.

''Hmm… yep… time to head home…'' Sam started to stand but promptly sat back down in his chair too.

''Let me help you ladies with this,'' Jazz spoke up. ''Bee, transform will ya?'' Bee immediately transformed, albeit a little slowly, into his Camaro form and popped his doors open. Jazz carefully picked Chase up and placed him in the passenger seat. He then collected Sam and placed him in the driver's seat. Mikaela and I fitted our respective partner's seatbelts. ''Now, if you like ladies I will give you a lift home and help your fellas at the other end.''

''You are a life saver Jazz,'' I was very appreciative of his help as I honestly didn't know how I was going to get him in the car and out of it again. /Could use my powers?/ came the latent thought.

''Jus' wait a sec I'll get Lennox and Epps into Ironhide, 'Sides can help get them out back at their places,'' Jazz took a moment to organise the others. Most everyone else had the good sense to depart earlier in the evening so it was just us left anyway.

When everyone was safely seated inside their designated cars, and quick, drunken farewells were made, we headed for home.

A short time later Jazz and Bumblebee pulled up out the front of my apartment block. We had managed to arrange a room there for Sam and Mikaela during their stay which was convenient, especially now! Mikaela and I got out of Jazz and walked over to the waiting Bumblebee to unclick the seatbelts. Jazz carefully lifted Chase out.

''Umm… how are we going to get them inside?'' I said out loud. I started to gently tap Chase on the cheek. ''Wake up honey, nearly home, just gotta get upstairs.'' Chase began to stir a little but was still mainly comatose. I thought for a second. ''Hey, Jazz? You think you could lift Chase up onto our balcony and Sam onto his balcony? From there we can go inside and either drag them in OR I could use my powers to get them inside.''

''Good call OC, on to it,'' with that Jazz carefully raised Chase and then Sam up onto our balconies. ''I'll wait here until I know you are all safe n sound inside,'' Jazz replied.

''Thanks Jazz, I owe ya,'' Mikaela and I walked into our apartments, and unlocked the balcony door, we tried to drag them in but in the end to speed it up I cheated a little and used my ''gift'' to help. Mikaela, although she knew about it, had never seen it, and she was both blown away and slightly scared by it.

''That is kind cool OC, and I must say, very helpful at the moment.'' Once Sam was in bed, I bid good night to Mikaela and left to get Chase inside.

''Hey Jazz,'' I called out, ''Could you hang around for a minute, I'd like to hitch a ride back to the hanger and get Relda.''

Jazz smiled up at me, ''No need lil' lady, get her tomorrow. We'll keep an eye on her,'' Jazz tried to reason.

I sighed. ''Ok, but I also haven't seen Optimus today and I just want to check he is alright,'' the truth came out.

Jazz's expression softened, ''Oh, well in that case, of course lil' lady. Be waitin' right here for you.''

I smiled my thanks and carefully ''moved'' Chase into our apartment and into the bedroom to lay on the bed. I took his shoes off and his jeans and pulled the covers over him. He stirred slightly but didn't wake up. /Dead to the world!/. I smiled at him and then placed a little kiss on his cheek.

I turned to leave. A part of me felt like I was betraying Chase sneaking off like this to check on Prime, but I knew there were no sinister motives and, like it or not, Optimus was in my life BEFORE he was.

Having successfully reasoned my way out of guilty waters, I turned and made my way down to the awaiting Jazz and Bee.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

A short moment later we pulled up out the front of Autobot quarters. The fire had died out and the lights had been turned off. Stuff was strewn about everywhere but that was future OC's problem.

Ironhide and Sideswipe had not long returned from their trip too and were heading in to recharge for the night. Rachet and Arcee had already turned in for the night. I got out of Jazz and looked around.

''I can't see him anywhere Jazz. Surely, he would have finished patrol hours ago. Where could he be? He isn't inside is he?'' I started to walk towards the hanger.

''No, he isn't OC.'' Jazz said softly, after consulting his internal tracking system that allowed him to know where his Autobot comrades were.

''Well? Where is he?'' I asked, slightly concerned.

Jazz gave a small smile. ''Where do you think he might be sitting at this time of the night under the stars?'' and with that he turned and walked inside.

'Bee walked up to me and leant down to place a hand on my shoulder, he let out a few quiet beeps and whirs before allowing the words, ''You've got a friend in me,'' from that Toy movie to play softly on his radio.

I smiled up at him. ''Thanks 'Bee. I have missed you too,'' and I gave his servo a gentle pat. He patted my back and walked inside the hanger.

I took a deep breath and walked over to Relda, starting her engine up and slowly driving her down to ''our'' beach.

I had no sooner driven onto the familiar open grassy patch than I saw the imposing outline of a certain Autobot leader, seemingly lost in thought, casting his optics out to the moonlit waters. My heart skipped a beat and an unsettling feeling gnawed at my stomach. /What, why?/. I chose to ignore this feeling and squash it down as I brought Relda up to park beside Prime.

As I cut her engine and climbed onto her hood, very carefully mind you given I was still wearing my figure-hugging blue dress. As I did so I discarded my heels on the ground. Once I was sure I wasn't going to slip and embarrass myself, I lay down with my arms under my head.

Prime turned his regal helm to acknowledge me. ''Orianna,'' he nodded to me, his optics burning brightly. "What are you doing here at this late hour? Shouldn't you be deep in recharge by now?'' his voice held concern for me.

''I possibly should yes, but I wanted to come and check on you,'' I continued to stare up at my beautiful stars.

Optimus simply blinked his optics and turned his gaze back to the moonlit waters. ''I thank you for your concern, but I assure you it is unnecessary. Did you enjoy your evening with everyone?''

A small smile spread across my face. ''Oh yeah it was great thanks, except everyone wasn't there.'' This time I turned my head to looked up at him accusingly. ''Where were you all night, why didn't you join us after your patrol ended?'' I couldn't prevent the slightly hurt tone of my voice from seeping out.

Prime regarded me for a moment, blinking his azure optics once. ''I am sorry Orianna. I thought Arcee would have relayed my message about being on patrol to…''

I interrupted him. ''Allow us to enjoy each other's company and relax, yeah, I got it. And that you might show up after your patrol ended.'' I paused for a moment to try and tamper down the inexplicable anger rising in me. ''Prime, last time I checked, patrols were not scheduled to last from sundown to sunup, you usually get relieved after a few joors or have I missed something?'' I sat up and stared at him. ''You deliberately chose not to show up and join in the celebrations, didn't you,'' it was both a statement of fact and an accusation rolled into one.

Optimus returned my gaze, ''Yes. I did Orianna.''

''Why?'' I pressed him. ''Why would you choose to isolate yourself from us when you have confided in me how you long to be able to put the mantel of Prime aside for a moment to simply 'be'?''

He didn't reply.

I pressed him further. ''I know you care a great deal for all of your team Optimus, we are your family'', at this he turned his helm to look back out to the waters. ''Did you ever think that they see you the same way, that they want to spend time with you as well, but it is you who keeps us all at arm's length?''

Still no response. His broad shoulders started to tense, and his optics started searching the waters rapidly darting here and there. He was losing an internal battle of wills.

I closed my eyes and pressed even further ./What have you got to lose?/. ''Tonight, was the perfect chance to unwind, get to know everyone better, let them get to know you and see more to you than the façade of a Prime.'' I folded my arms across my chest and stared pointedly at him. ''What are you so afraid of letting people see Optimus? What are you afraid will happen?''

That did it.

He rounded on me like a cobra poised to strike, barely contained anger and fear flashing in his optics, his voice, like thunder, rolled in waves that crashed down upon me. ''I am AFRAID of losing those I care about Orianna! For millennia I have watched countless sparks under my command perish,'' his voice began to soften as his anger began to dissipate, and pain took its place. He tore his gaze away from mine and searched the darkness yet again. ''Growing closer to someone only causes you more pain - when you lose them.''

At this last comment he turned his optics towards me again. They were filled with such sadness and loss. I couldn't help but reach out for him. But he kept his distance. ''Attending the party tonight, though part of me really wanted to spend time with you all, I did not want to be reminded of what I could lose - of what I have lost already.'' His voice trailed off to a whisper as his optics flicked over my face.

''So,'' I replied, bringing my hand back by my side as Prime made no move towards me. ''You close yourself off from everyone to protect yourself and indirectly them, as an emotionally unattached Prime is a far better leader.''

Optimus tilted his helm to the side slightly as he took my comment in. I gave a rueful smile and lay back down on Relda's hood, folding my arms underneath my head as pillows.

Changing tone and tact, I continued. ''You know, I have noticed something about you Optimus'', not waiting for a response from the Prime and with a thoughtful expression on my features, I simply continued. ''Your team, all the personnel here on base, more than likely every mech and femme you have ever encountered you see, they all worship you.'' Prime visibly flinched at my words. ''They have put you so high up on a pedestal as to be unattainable,'' I gave a small derisive snort, ''and no wonder given the distance you keep everyone at!''

At this Optimus shifted uncomfortably on the spot, his gears and pistons hissing and grinding seeming to protest the accusation.

''They all think you are perfect and in a lot of ways, you are. You're wise, strong, noble, heroic - the list goes on,'' I said with a dismissive wave of my hand. Prime once again shifted uncomfortably in his spot beside me and made some sort of whirring noise as if about to brook his disagreement or embarrassment, but I was undeterred in my observation. I was not intimidated by ''The Prime''. "And they love you for it. But…" I went on unphased by his reactions, ''I don't buy it''.

At this Optimus froze, his azure optics focused intently on me as I sat on the hood of Relda. ''You see Optimus, I think, no, I know you to be very much fallible and real and dare I say, all too human.'' At this I made a little chuckle at my own witty comparison.

I carefully rose to my feet and turned to face him, an air of seriousness descending over me once again. ''While you don't have many faults and failings, you do have them, I've seen them. Everyone has them,'' the last was said with obvious self-derision. ''To think otherwise is ridiculous and dangerous. No one can possibly live up to the expectations of constant greatness as you are supposed to – as you make yourself try to.'' I gazed intently into his optics, taking in his reactions.

Optimus simply gazed back into my own brown and gold flecked eyes, seemingly mesmerised by a woman who spoke so brazenly to him. ''You don't deserve to be put on a pedestal, no one does.'' The gentle breeze tugged at my long strands of black hair with red highlights, my eyes shone with an unnamed and raw emotion. I placed my hand over my heart. ''You Optimus Prime, deserve to be held here,'' and I reverently patted the spot over my heart.

Prime flinched and drew a sharp intake of air into his vents, a learned human trait of expressing shock. Of all the things I might have said to him in that moment, THAT was certainly not what he expected. For the first time in the longest time, Optimus seemed to be at a loss as to what to say. His dermas went to move but nothing came out, his optics blinked rapidly.

/Touched a nerve I'd say/, I thought amusingly to myself.

Noticing Optimus' apparent awkwardness, and the late hour, I spoke up, taking pity on him, using humour to defuse the situation. I let out a laugh and shook my head, ''It's okay Big Guy, it's not like I was proposing to you or anything!'' This only seemed to fluster the great Prime even more, /imagine if he knew about the conversation Chase and I had the other night!/.

I chuckled out loud and waved to up at him. ''Well Optimus, I'm glad you are relatively ok. It was good to see you. I'm off to check my eyelids for light leaks'… and just in case you are unsure as to what that means, I'm off to recharge.''

This sudden change in topic snapped Optimus out of his stupor and he automatically and wordlessly lowered his servo, offering a lift to the ground. I accepted the offer and climbed aboard, holding onto one of his digits. It felt good to have a connection with him again, however brief.

I gracefully stepped down off Prime's servo, picked up my shoes and opened Relda's door, clambering in and starting the engine. I was about to drive back towards my apartment and a comatose Chase when I heard the sound of gears and pistons moving.

The giant Autobot leader crouched down beside my car next to my window, his unmistakable voice rumbling to life. ''Thank you Orianna. As usual, your insight and honesty, both humbles, honours and - challenges me.'' Optimus held my gaze, his optics burning brightly with affection. ''And I confess, it was good to see you too, however brief. I do enjoy your company – very much.'' He inclined his head in silent thanks and farewell.

I gave him a huge grin, my eyes lighting up, ''My pleasure Optimus, night!'' and with that I drove off into the early morning shadows, leaving a very quiet and contemplative Prime alone with his thoughts.

Chapter Text

I now know I want you,
It's a secret I try to hide.
I wished you wanted me,
But I have to let you decide.

Optimus P.O.V

I had lost track of how long I had been sat here on ''our'' little beach, looking at the stars and the water. I had finished my patrol a few joors ago and contemplated joining the others at the party, but something held me back. I did not have the spark to assign patrol to another, they had all earned a break, so I simply sat here, scanning the area every few moments for any issues and letting my team enjoy each other's company.

Watching the water lap at the sand, my processor drifted back to days of old on Cybertron when I had not long taken over the mantel of leadership, the few precious times we celebrated a small victory with extra energon rations - the laughing, comradeship permeating the team. Until the light of the next solar cycle brought with it renewed death and slaughter. I shuddered at the memories.

Eventually, the sound of laughter and music at the party tonight faded away and I was aware of the party coming to an end. I had hoped they enjoyed themselves. My mind turned to Orianna and I wondered what she was doing now.

I had not seen her all day; our paths had led us in opposite directions. I gave a snort of derision. /How true that was lately!/. I sat there unable or unwilling to move from my spot on our beach as I thought about her.

It was in that moment that I heard what had come to be a comforting sound to my spark. The rumble of Orianna's car Relda as it approached. I allowed a small smile to form on my dermas.

Orianna parked her car beside me and had carefully climbed on top of the hood, no small feat given what she was wearing. I took note of the colour of her dress – dark blue, coupled with her long black locks and red highlights. My smile remained.

After exchanging perfunctory greetings, my spark both clenched and beat faster when Orianna made it clear by her tone and accusations that she had missed my appearance at the party. I could not truly explain to her why I had decided not to come, the reasons had not been clear to me either.

However, Orianna, would not be deterred in her interrogation and I could feel my ire and irrational irritation rising as she pressed me for an answer. /Why can't you leave some wounds to scab over?/, I thought angrily to myself until she asked me what I was afraid of?

I could take no more. I am ashamed to say I turned on her, unleashing the pain and anger that had been lurking beneath the surface as I had sat here pensively all evening.

As I felt the venomous words leave my dermas, I thought surely, she would turn and flee. But she didn't. She stood her ground, even reaching out to comfort me. My spark ached to reach out and receive comfort from her – but I could not bring myself to do it as my own words echoed in my processor, /''Growing closer to someone only causes you more pain…. when you lose them''/. Who was I referring to here? The countless soldiers and friends I have lost under my command, or a certain woman I had lost to another?/.

I gazed at her, taking her in. Her form, though minute in stature in comparison to myself, had come to bring so much happiness and comfort to me. Again, my thoughts mocked me, /''I did not want to be reminded of what I could lose… of what I have lost already''/.

/Why do you grieve what was not yours to lose?/. Before I could follow that grain of truth, Orianna had changed the subject in a most unusual manner. I managed to squash down those thoughts and feelings to examine at a later time.

She had begun to make one of her very insightful observations, though truth be told, what she was saying about my ''being on a pedestal and being almost perfect'', stirred within me feelings of gratitude, pride, and a great deal of embarrassment, a bizarre concoction of emotions to ingest.

Though I had wanted to interrupt her and beg her stop, she was not to be deterred and seemed to ignore my apparent discomfort. I was both mesmerised and captivated by her frank and brutally honest appraisal. Only my closest friends, Rachet and Ironhide, dared speak to me this way. The fact this woman, extraordinary as she was turning out to be, dared to do so was – refreshing - and I felt myself drawn to her even more.

And then Orianna said something that I had never dreamt I would hear her say, sentiments I had not heard uttered for millennia. The words then had been spoken by another femme who had been as bold, intelligent, compassionate, honest and wise as the one who stood before me earlier with her hand over her heart. ''You Optimus Prime, deserve to be held here,'' as she patted the place above her spark.

My world had been blown apart and I was furiously trying to piece it back together again under her keen and penetrating gaze.

I was vaguely aware of how ridiculous I must have looked. The leader of a giant race of sentient robots, capable of almost anything, brought low by a heartfelt, honest observation and confession by a human woman.

Fresh waves of turmoil washed over me as Orianna made some flippant comment about ''not asking me to marry or spark bond with her''. It was only when Orianna, mercifully, bid me good night that I recovered some of my senses and was able to help her down.

As I offered her my servo and she climbed on, the touch of her hand on my digit burned pleasantly on my metallic ''skin.'' I took note of the reaction and knew I would examine this later at my leisure when I was alone with my many thoughts. Watching her drive away had stirred feelings of both relief and bereavement.

Sitting on our beach long after Orianna had driven off into the night, the first hint of dawn began to smudge the horizon. My processor was in overdrive sifting through my emotions and memories of our conversation and recent events with her.

I examined each memory as though it was being played out on a projector screen in my mind's eye, images of; the moment Orianna stood before me begging to join my team on Diego Garcia as she was all alone in this world, Orianna screaming in anger at me on Turtle Cove sharing her hurt and pain and our mutual healing. Of Orianna and I sitting right here under our stars talking and laughing, the moment I saw her hand captured by Chase and brought to his lips, the moment Orianna admitted falling in love with him, the way she lit up when she saw him, the feel of her soft lips against my dermas in that chaste kiss and the vision of her standing before me tonight, hand on her heart telling me I deserved to be loved and held in one's heart.

My spark twisted and ached. Though I felt the familiar shadow of loneliness descend over me, a small smile tugged at the corners of my dermas. For just as the light of day slowly crawls across the land, the dawning comprehension of what Orianna had come to mean to me slowly coalesced in my processor.

She was my light - true and comforting.

She kept the darkness that threatened my soul at bay and surrounded my spark with warmth and joy. She was my ray of sunshine. Recalling the memory of her driving off early this morning, my dermas clamped together in a thin line of pain and I closed my optics. /She was busy casting her glow on another/.

In the depths of my spark I felt a coil of cold jealousy begin to wind itself about my spark, trying to constrict it. I fought to tamper it down into submission with cold hard logic that I whispered to the morning breeze. ''This is ridiculous! She is a human, you are a Cybertronian. She is flesh and bone and blood courses through her veins, you are metal and cables and energon flows through your lines. Her life span is but a heartbeat, yours, an endless strand of time stretching out forever. Her heart belongs to another, your spark is damaged and broken.'' My voice rose in frustration as I reached the inevitable conclusion to my argument, ''It CAN NOT and WILL NOT be!''

I stood slowly to greet the new day, ex-venting deeply, willing myself to find calm and focus as my processor reeled. A flame, small as it was, had been lit within my spark. /I would have to be diligent in extinguishing it lest, in time, it burns so brightly as to put the sun to shame/.

I cared deeply for her, maybe even lov…. ''NO!'' I growled out loud as I shook my helm roughly to rid myself of these ridiculous and illogical thoughts. I ''sighed'' out loud. I wanted her to be happy. She deserved happiness, even if that meant mine was lost.

I closed my optics, my resolve strengthening within me. With that last thought, I took one last look at the rising sun and I turned to walk back towards the hanger, steeling myself to face whatever this new day would bring with it.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.OV

All too quickly it was time to say goodbye to Sam, Mikaela and 'Bee again. The last two weeks had been two of the happiest and most memorable weeks of my life. When not busy working and training, I had hung out with Chase, Sam, Mikaela and the Autobots. There had been sunny afternoons on the beaches, site seeing, ''friendly'' competitions at the firing range, dancing and a few more parties, mostly impromptu, though all highly entertaining and enjoyable. They served to bring us all closer together.

I am not sure whether my interrogation and discussion with Prime that night on the beach was the impetus or not, but he did attend one of the parties - the farewell party we had to say goodbye to Sam and the others. He did not stay for very long, leaving before the party turned raucous. I couldn't help but feel that was why he had left when he did, he knew what was coming and perhaps wanted to keep his dignity and aura of ''Primly'' authority intact.

Perhaps he knew his team would be more inclined to relax and unwind without the presence of their ''imposing'' leader? /At least he had attended for a short time - progress/, I thought proudly to myself. I also laughed a little at the recollection of the look on Arcee's faceplates as Optimus walked into the party and began to circulate, an energon cube in his servo. I remember arching my eyebrow at her in a decidedly ''told you so'' manner whilst she simply stared at me with a mixture of shock and admiration.

I had simply winked at Optimus when our eyes and optics connected across the room and gave him a subtle ''thumbs up'' gesture to indicate I was proud of him for making the effort. His optics shone brightly for a moment and his dermas curved into a slight smile before he continued in his conversation with Lennox, Ironhide and Jazz.

Bringing my mind back to the here and now, I sighed out loud. I was feeling depressed. Saying goodbye to Sam, Mikaela and 'Bee had been hard. It was as though my little family was breaking apart and each time it took longer to bring it back together again. Who knew when the next time would be?

I sat in our apartment on the lounge, idly flicking through T.V channels, not even really focusing on the images on the screen but merely seeking to distract myself.

''How you are going gorgeous?'' Chase had flopped down beside me, wrapped his arm about my shoulder and put his feet up on the coffee table. He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.

''Hmph,'' I made some non-committal sound and continued flicking through the channels.

Chase stared at me a moment longer. ''Want to talk about it?'' He rubbed his hand up and down my arm.

I sighed out loud again. ''Not really. Talking about it only hits home the fact that they are gone again, and my family is incomplete,'' I pouted.

Chase pulled me close and kissed my head. ''You know, that is one of the many things I love about you Orianna.''

I turned to face him, arching an eyebrow. ''Oh yes? And what would that be?''

He smiled at me and kissed my hand, ''The way you care so deeply for people. For the things that matter most to you. You are like a mother hen fussing over her little chicks, fiercely protective.'' He leaned down and kissed me softly. I sighed into his kiss.

I laughed a little. ''Yeah, well you do all drive me ''clucking mad'' sometimes I have to say.''

''Oh, you did NOT just go there!'' Chase groaned, rolling his eyes. ''That is almost a crime.'' He laughed.

My mood changed suddenly as I smiled at him. His chiselled jawline, his beautiful eyes crinkled in laugher, his strong arms holding me. I felt a surge of love and desire flood through me, my depression and sadness evaporating like a pool of water on a sunny day. I changed the tone of my voice as I teased him running my hand along his thigh. ''Oh really? Bad enough to ''need punishing?'' My eyes both burned with desire and twinkled with mirth.

The smile on his face slowly turned to a predatory grin. ''Actually, now you mention it, it was indeed quite punishable,'' he turned to embrace me and pull me down onto him, our mouths seeking each other in a familiar dance. I felt a welcome heat rising between us as we hungrily sought to claim each other, only to be replaced by a white-hot wave of anger race through me a moment later as his phone rang.

It was Lennox. /Bastard! His timing is once again shit/.

''Can't it wait?'' I begged as I tried to recapture his mouth. He quickly gave me a kiss and moved to get off the lounge.

''OC, as much as I would LOVE to continue… this…. You know as well as I do what that call means,'' Chase strode over to his phone and answered. ''Lennox, Chase here,'' he went silent as Lennox proceeded to talk to him. I could tell by his reaction that something had happened. A small part of me began to feel cold. ''Understood. I'm on my way.'' Chase cast an apologetic glance in my direction before letting out a frustrated sigh as he rubbed his face.

''Let me guess, the Decepticons have made their presence known somewhere and we are all needed to deter them?'' I couldn't keep the annoyance out of my voice. /How DID Prime manage to keep his sanity all these millions of years when no doubt he had been interrupted on numerous occasions with Elita only to answer the same call/. The comparison was both strangely comforting and unsettling. I sighed again, ''Ok. I'll grab my stuff and be ready in five. Where we headed anyway?'' I moved to get up.

Chase ran his fingers quickly through his hair and darted his eyes away for a moment. ''Ahh… Shanghai and Lennox said you're not needed this time, have a break and continue to hone your powers here. Morshower's directive is minimal impact. Apparently, story to public is gas leak or some such thing. Trying to locate, neutralise and get out with minimal detection.''

At the darkening look on my face, Chase disappeared into the bedroom to quickly pull on his N.E.S.T uniform and bring his boots out to lace up. He continued, ''Seems Lennox has been getting some heat from this newly appointed National Security Advisor, Director Galloway, making waves about how we handle things. President just appointed him liaison to N.E.S.T. Sorry babe, I know how you enjoy the opportunity to rough up the ''badies.''

''Great!'' I yelled from my position on the couch as he got ready, ''So not only do I NOT get to finish what we started but now I don't even get to be around you for the next forty-eight hours or so,'' I folded my arms across my chest in annoyance and pouted. I felt childish but couldn't help it.

Chase sighed as he finished pulling his boots on and grabbing his backpack of gear, car keys and wallet. He walked up to me and pulled me up to stand in front of him. Damn he looked hot in his uniform – this really wasn't fair! ''I know it sucks and believe me; I will get right back here to you as soon as possible Orianna.'' He gently clasped my face in his hands and rubbed my cheeks with his thumbs. He looked into my eyes and sighed. ''I love you; you know. So very much.''

I closed my eyes for a moment. ''I know Chase, and I love you, so very much too.'' I gave a self-depreciating snort. ''Part of why I am so annoyed I am not going with you. I just want to be near you.'' I looked down at the floor suddenly overcome with emotion.

Chase gently raised my head and my tear-filled eyes to meet his. ''Believe me baby girl, there is nothing I want more than to be with you too,'' he paused. ''Well,'' he continued, ''there is something I want more but now is not the time to discuss it.'' He smiled and kissed my lips in a soft and tender display of love.

I sighed and opened my eyes again. ''Chase Ryder, that is a decidedly irritating thing to say to someone you are about to leave for the better part of two days. Can't you just tell me now?''

Chase laughed. ''Patience woman! Remember, good things come to those who wait, and I promise this will be worth waiting for.''

I sighed exasperatingly. ''Fine! Irritating, gorgeous man that you are, be gone with you if only so you can hurry back here to me.''

He threw his head back and laughed out loud once more. ''As you wish Otianna,'' and he pulled me into a tight embrace, kissing me soundly.

I took a moment to steady myself. I would NEVER get tired of kissing this man. ''Right. Fine. If I can't go with you at least I can drive you there and spend a final few minutes with you.'' I demanded.

Chase went to argue but the look on my face silenced him. ''Well we better hurry.'' Chased shouldered his backpack and I grabbed my wallet as we walked out the door and downstairs to Relda. Her engine rumbled to life and we pulled away from our little home.

It was not a very long drive to the hanger and we simply held hands and enjoyed each other in silence.

A few minutes later we pulled up outside Hanger 1. The Globemaster III and various other aircraft and vehicles being loaded and prepped for take-off. I could see Lennox and a few others running around barking orders and finalising equipment and crew to be loaded. In the distance I saw Prime and Ironhide walking towards the plane, the others must already have been inside.

I parked Relda and we both got out. As Chase came around the side of Relda he pulled me into one more quick hug, holding me tight. He kissed me quickly, he was ''at work now''. ''Bye Orianna. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can.''

I sighed into his chest before I looked up into his handsome face. ''I'll be waiting, and you better be ready to have that conversation with me!'' I warned him, ''It's the second thing you'll be doing,'' and I winked at him.

He laughed, his grey-green eyes flashing with desire and happiness. ''Yes Ma'am!'' he teased. At my playful swipe at his shoulder he turned to head off to the waiting plane and the rest of the team. He turned back a few strides later, ''I love you Orianna! I'll see you soon,'' and he blew me a kiss.

My heart stopped, melted, then began to beat again. ''Love you more Chase Ryder, I'll be waiting,'' and I waved goodbye. He turned and walked up the ramp and into the belly of the beast. He was gone. I began to blink my eyes furiously, trying to keep the tears at bay. /Why am I so emotional?/.

In the distance I saw Optimus, his blue and red armour glinting in the afternoon sunlight. He was about to board the plane after Ironhide who had already transformed. He caught my gaze and we stared at each other for a moment. Tears started to stream down my face. I wrapped my arms about my waist.

Prime stood still, his gaze never leaving mine. I took a deep breath and waved at him before blowing a kiss. /Such an odd thing to do really/. ''Look after him, come back to me in one piece,'' I cupped my hands and yelled the words across the tarmac and the increasing noise. I doubt he even heard me.

Optimus inclined his helm at me and gently tapped his servo over his spark, mirroring the action I had made that night after the reunion party. My breath caught in my throat. Before I could say anything else, he turned, transformed and drove up the ramp, disappearing inside the maw of the plane.

I closed my eyes in a silent prayer. /Please bring them home safe to me, ALL of them/. As I watched the last of the soldiers and equipment load up and the several large aircraft taxi to the end of the runway to prepare for take-off, my stomach lurched, and I felt a cold wave of fear wash over me. It wasn't just because they were about to take-off and I had sympathy pains, something just didn't feel ''right''. Watching the people I love and care about leave to engage with a ruthless enemy never got any easier.

I continued to stand there and hug myself for comfort, watching in awe as the behemoth of a plane defied gravity and took to the skies, taking my heart with it. As it gained enough altitude and banked to head towards its destination, I let out the breath I had been holding and looked futilely around me.

One moment ago, this tarmac and hanger was a flurry of activity, noise and life. Now it was as empty and quiet as I felt inside. Letting out a loud and heavy sigh of distress and frustration I decided to head to the Autobot training hanger to let off some steam.

I made my way to Relda, driving the short distance in silence. Pulling the door open and walking in I went up to the sound system and selected my usual work out mix, turning the volume way up as if it could drown out my sorrows and misgivings.

Standing in the middle of the training mat I began my warmups. As I felt my muscles and sinews stretching, I willed myself to focus on the here and now. My body warmed up, I began to put myself through a vigorous and demanding workout, pushing myself to my limits. I wanted to be exhausted, body and mind, so I would not be able to think. I didn't want to think about the fact that I was here – and they were there.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

The sound of distant rumbling awoke me from my sleep. I had crashed out in my old bed in Autobot quarters, not willing or wanting to head back to our apartment. I wasn't sure why all my stuff was still here as I had moved out well over six months ago, but I was grateful it was. I sat up in my bed and rubbed my face. The unmistakable sound of the Globemaster's engines roared through the skies. I felt my stomach assaulted by millions of butterflies.

/Chase! Prime! They're back!/.

I jumped out of my bed and ran out to Relda, heading back to the hanger as quickly as possible. I wanted to be there to see them land and be ready to greet them all. Pulling up out of the way, I stood back near the hanger, watching the plane bank and prepare for landing.

As the large aircraft inched its way closer to the ground, my heart suffered obligatory palpitations as I waited nervously for the wheels to make contact with the tarmac. A second later, the puffs of smoke rose from the ground and I closed my eyes in thanks. The aircraft taxied back from the end of the runway and I felt myself growing nervous in anticipation of seeing Chase, Prime, Lennox and the others. I was a little worried too.

My stomach knotted up as the plane came to a halt and the large rear cargo door began to open, like a large metallic mouth about to spit out its contents. I started to walk slowly towards the plane, my arms wrapped around me again, my eyes darting here and there, willing to rest upon the faces I loved and cared about.

Epps and Lennox came into view along with a handful of other soldiers from N.E.S.T walking down the ramp with their rifles raised against their shoulders, emotionless looks on their faces. I stopped in my tracks.

/Something's not right/.

Lennox and Epps saw me, and they paused momentarily in their descent of the ramp. Lennox closed his eyes briefly and Epps looked to the heavens. Something was definitely not right; my stomach was now one large knot of anxiety and I felt bile rising in my throat. As Lennox and Epps walked up to me, I saw Prime and the others roll down the ramp, Prime towards me, the others towards the hanger – in silence.

I felt tears begin to sting my eyes and I closed them rapidly, batting them away. /No… no…no… no/, the mantra started. I felt a wave of icy fear wash over me and wrap around my heart, constricting it until I could not breathe. I gasped as Lennox and Epps stopped in front of me.

''Orianna, I…'', Lennox started to say, his voice raw with emotion and his own eyes starting to water. He reached out for me to pull me into a hug. Epps, standing beside him reached out to place his hands on my shoulders, the sound of muffled sobs coming from him.

I could hear my heart pounding in my chest. ''Orianna. It's Chase.'' I held my breath. I was on the edge of a moment that was about to change everything. ''He's, gon..'' Lennox started to speak the words, but I would not hear them, I couldn't.

I closed my eyes tight as I felt my world crumble around me. ''No.'' I whispered at first, as I shook my head. "'No… no… no… no… no…no… no….'' I muttered the word over and over as if the repetition of that one word alone would somehow reverse what had been done.

I began to feel myself start to sink to the ground, vaguely aware of Optimus transforming behind Lennox and kneeling down before me. He was just a large blob of red and blue and silver.

Epps tried to comfort me by squeezing my shoulders tighter, trying to give me what strength he had left and hold me up, ''I'm so sorry Orianna. There was noth…''

My eyes flew open, tears streamed down my face. ''NO!'' I screamed the words with utter vehemence and disbelief. In the same motion I shoved Lennox and Epps away from me with enough force to send them to the ground.

Prime tried to speak to me. ''Orianna, please, let me help you,'' he reached out his servo imploringly towards me.

''LEAVE ME ALONE! DON'T COME NEAR ME! DON'T TOUCH ME!'' It was as though I was having an out of body experience and I was watching some mad woman scream at the people she loved. Prime's servo stilled, and his helm flinched at the utter despair and anger in my voice. ''This isn't happening… this isn't happening…'' I began to mutter again. I was almost hyperventilating. My chest hurt, it ached, I could hardly breathe, I began to back away from them on shaky legs.

Lennox and Epps were back on their feet, slowly trying to move towards me again, their hands outstretched in a gesture similar to someone trying to calm and then capture a wild animal.

''Shh… OC, it's ok… it'll be okay… please let us help you. PLEASE,'' Lennox's voice was pleading with me, his face pained.

The primal urge to ''fight or flight'' began to kick in and I cast my eyes around me wildly. I had to get away. Away from them, away from here, away from the pain. It hurt so much. ''Okay?'' My voice found its way out of my throat somehow as I continued to back up, ''Okay? Are you FUCKING serious? HOW THE FUCK CAN IT BE OKAY LENNOX!'' I screamed incredulously at him so loudly my throat felt it would bleed. I turned on my heels about to run - when I saw it.

The coffins.

Draped in American flags being carried with great respect and reverence down the ramp. I brought my hand to my mouth to stifle the silent scream that emanated, and I closed my eyes as tears cascaded down my face. I dropped to my knees and collapsed forward onto my hands, my shoulders shaking in great, heaving sobs. /Chase/.

As I crouched there, swallowed by my grief, I slowly became aware of the presence of another kneeling nearby. A familiar presence. Not trying to touch me, just offering silent support as time seemed to stand still. A deep, rumbling voice drenched in sorrow and regret broke my bubble of pain momentarily. ''Orianna, I am so very sorry. I haven't the words, but know I am here for you. Anytime, anyway you need.''

I raised my head, my eyes red and swollen, my face wet with tears. All I saw was the coffins. /Which one are you in? Where are you?/. I stood on shaky legs and started to move towards the coffins, ''Chase? Chase?'' I could hear myself calling out plaintively. ''Where are you?''

The men carrying the coffins all stopped and lowered them gently to the ground, some of them crying themselves and wiping at tears. I started looking around frantically, touching them all. ''Where is he Lennox? WHERE IS HE? I CAN'T SEE HIM! I NEED TO SEE HIM!"

Out of nowhere I felt Lennox wrap his muscular arms about me and pull me close, holding me tight. ''Oh Orianna! Don't, please,'' he begged, his voice trailing off, thick with emotion. I could feel him holding me tight at the same time trying to pull me away from the morbid scene. For a moment I allowed my head to rest against his chest and I sobbed out loud. ''It hurts! Lennox it hurts SO much!'' I brought my right hand up to clutch at my heart.

His hand clasped the back of my head and he pulled me against his tall, solid frame. ''Oh Orianna I know, I know. Please, come with me, let us help you.'' I was suddenly very aware of everyone looking at me, Autobot and human alike, in pity, in sorrow, in shared pain. It was more than I could bare.

''NO! Leave me alone!'' I shoved him in the chest and pushed away from him. I ran. I ran blindly to the one place I felt I could go and release all of my pain. The adrenaline and pain surged through my body allowing me to ignore the burn in my legs as I sprinted towards my destination.

I was panting heavily, tears blurring my vision as I tore through the tree line and towards my little grassy beach. As I reached the white sand, I threw myself down on the ground, onto my knees, I threw back my head and howled to the heavens a sound of shear despair and pain. I repeated this several times, punching the sand as the last desperate scream passed my lips.

I collapsed to the ground and lay there, sobbing, my hand raking through the soft, white sand, as if trying to claw my way out of this abyss I was falling into. /Chase… come back! I need you! Don't leave me!/. I curled myself into the foetal position, trying to keep all of my pain, all of my memories of Chase, from escaping.

I lay there, sobbing until I had nothing left, no tears, no feeling - nothing. Closing my eyes, I succumbed to darkness.

Optimus P.O.V

As I saw her crumpled form laying on the sand, my spark ached and twisted in my chassis. I paused momentarily in my approach, torn between wanting to back away and leave her to her grief and wanting to surge forward, pick her up and hold her to my spark and soothe away her pain. I closed my optics in indecision, clenching and unclenching my servos by my side. After a beat my pedes started to move again, very slowly towards her.

My spark had made the decision for me.

My own internal systems scanned her, assessing how she was feeling. The last thing I wanted to do was bring her any additional pain or discomfort. I knew exactly how she felt, I have lived it for many millennia now. That gut wrenching, soul shattering moment you know the other half of your spark is gone. The anguish, the pain, the anger, the regret, the self-recrimination, the bitterness, the darkness, the eventual acceptance and the lingering shadow of pain that attaches itself to you – she will come to know these very well.

/At least she has the opportunity to openly mourn and grieve - she doesn't have to cast her grief aside and internalise it in order to save her race and survive/, the jealous thought teased, and I angrily silenced it. Orianna needed a trusted and loyal friend, now more than ever. Whether she knew it or not, accepted it or not. Allowing my own jealousies, weaknesses and insecurities to creep in and take hold was both inexcusable and unacceptable. For her, and for Chase, I would not allow it.

As I cautiously approached her small form, huddled in on itself as if it could somehow offer protection from the emotional assault, my scans indicated she was asleep. /Likely overcome with exhaustion and shock/. I knelt down carefully beside her and looked at her. Her face was twisted in pain and her hands clutched at her chest as though trying to wrap around her heart and either stop it beating or soothe it. I ex-vented softly. /Oh, Orianna! I wish that I could take this pain away from you/.

As I knelt there looking at her, my processor flashed back to Shanghai and the devastation and carnage. We had lost a lot of men there, Chase one amongst them, and while each life lost weighed heavily on my spark, when I heard from Major Lennox about Chase, the weight of his loss threatened to crush me. I knew what this would do.

He had been in the front line searching for Demolisher, the Decepticon scum who had wrought so much death and destruction before I gladly, and thankfully, ended his miserable life. /But NOT soon enough!/ The bitter thought teased me. Anger flashed in my optics and I felt my servos clench. Chase had died doing his job, brave and true, a loyal soldier to the end. There was nothing anyone could have done, though I had spent almost every second since going over what I should have done differently, what Major Lennox should have done differently, but the answer always came back to mock me – nothing. There was nothing we could have or should have done differently. It is simply the way it is.

All those men, Chase included, were seasoned soldiers, trained and ready to face difficult and challenging situations, accepting the dangers that came with the territory and job description. /It simply is the way life goes when you are a soldier in the field fighting a war/, the rueful thought flashed through my processor. That knowledge doesn't lessen the pain or grief but, eventually, it helps you understand and accept it. Orianna stirred. /Well - most of the time it does/.

I heard her whimper in her sleep ''Chase… No…. Don't leave me… I need you''. Her breath hitched and my spark clenched again in shared recognition of pain. I tentatively reached out my servos to try and scoop her up and carry her back to the med bay for Rachet to sedate and check over. If I had to collect half the beach under her in an effort to not wake her, then so be it.

I carefully scoped her up, my precious cargo, and when I saw she had not stirred, I held her to my chassis wrapped in my servos. If I thought for a moment I could have protected her from all that was to come, I would have held her like that forever, but I knew that was not possible.

Closing my optics briefly as I held her against me, I made a silent promise to Chase. /I will protect her for you, keep her safe from harm and watch over her. I will lay down my life for her, as would you. I will care for her as long as the sun and the moon endure, you have the word of a Prime/. Opening my optics, I glanced at Orianna once more. Her features seemed more relaxed and she had curled up against the warmth of my chassis.

I allowed the smallest of smiles to grace my dermas as I started to walk towards the Med Bay and the awaiting Rachet. We were all in for a terrible time as we dealt with the fallout of Shanghai. I had a meeting with Lennox, the JCS and Morshower that I had postponed while I dealt with more important matters, that ''matter'' now cradled in my servos.

There would no doubt be repercussions from the carnage of Shanghai, and what that would mean for N.E.S.T I was unsure. The warning that Demolisher gave before I ended his life also came back to me in a chilling wave. /This is not your planet to rule. The fallen shall rise again/. What that meant I was unsure as with the cube's destruction much of our history was lost with it.

The reminder of that loss sent a new wave of sadness and pain through me. I had a feeling it did not bode well, however; I pushed the feeling down as I approached the Med Bay and a waiting Rachet who looked as sorrowful as I had seen him in some millennia.

''How is she Prime?'' Rachet asked as I walked through the doors towards the human sized berth awaiting Orianna.

''About as well as can be expected old friend given the circumstances. She is asleep, I fear she is emotionally exhausted.'' I gently placed her on the bed and stepped back to allow Rachet access to tend to her.

Rachet carefully and deftly administered a sedative, ''And likely shock too. Any wonder. This sedative should put her under for the next eight to twelve hours to allow her to rest.'' Rachet stood back and looked at Orianna. ''I am amazed that she was able to contain her powers during that ordeal, I fully expected her to level everything in her path, the fact she didn't is a testament to her skill and strength,'' Rachet finished with no small amount of pride.

''OR,'' I continued, ''shock. I don't think everything has fully sunk into her yet. When it does Rachet, you will know. We all will.'' I intoned gravely.

Rachet simply nodded his agreeance. ''Well for now, let her sleep. She will be out to it for a while so go, attend to your ''meetings''. She will be here when you have finished.'' He turned to face me. ''I would say to you to go and get some recharge yourself but I know better than to come between you and someone you care about so deeply,'' Rachet allowed a knowing smile to play at his dermas.

I simply stared at him blinking my optics, processor racing. /Did he know? How did he know?/ Was I that obvious in my actions and manner around Orianna? /Then again, Rachet was one of my oldest friends/.

Rachet simply clasped my shoulder strut and urged me again. ''Go Prime, they're waiting. I'll watch over her and keep her safe. You have my word,'' and with that he turned to go about his duties.

I blinked my optics once more and then glanced down at Orianna, silently sending her support, before I turned and headed towards Hanger 1 and the awaiting maelstrom.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

Breathe.

In.

Out.

Repeat.

Even though it had been a fortnight since – that horrible day – it still felt as though I was reliving it each day. I felt numb. I didn't want to eat. I barely slept because when I closed my eyes the nightmares came. I didn't want to leave my apartment. I didn't want to see anyone. I just wanted Chase. I wanted to turn back time and stop him from walking out the door. I wished it had been me - or both of us.

At first, Lennox and Epps took it in turns to call by and see me each day, as did a few of the other N.E.S.T team I had been friendly with. After the first few days the visits dwindled for a number of reasons; Decepticon activity was at an all-time high and N.E.S.T was operating constantly and people didn't know what to say to me. What do you say to someone in this situation that has not already been said? It was awkward and I didn't help by sitting and staring or crying. Eventually, most people stopped calling by and Lennox and Epps only called by every other day making sure I had food and encouraged me to eat or shower. Most of the time I did it to shut them up and make them leave.

The Autobots had taken it in turns to call by my place and sit outside in vehicle mode – watching, waiting, offering silent support. Bumblebee, Sam and Mikaela had flown back for the funeral. It had been surreal. To think only a few weeks before I had been introducing Chase to them and now – they were helping me bury him. The thought brought fresh tears to my eyes which surprised me in a way as I did not think I had anymore left.

The evening shadows began to crawl along the wall. I stayed where I was on the couch. The bedroom held too many memories. My world had come down to this one room. Cocooned in light blankets on the couch I watched as the last rays of day were consumed by darkness. I sat there. Alone. Until I heard a familiar rumbling engine and the sound of a truck's compression brakes kicking in.

/Prime/.

Every evening without fail he would arrive outside my apartment and sit below my window in the street. He would not move until the following morning when another Autobot presented themselves and took over duty. He was the one constant in my life – apart from the pain. I lay there listening as his engine rumbled for a few moments before it was cut. I almost expected him to transform but there was nothing – silence. He did not push me to speak, he did not offer empty platitudes, he did not expect anything from me, just offered silent and constant support.

Since that day, I had shut everything and everyone out of my life – shutting down to cope with the magnitude of pain I was going through. I even shut Prime out for the first few days until one evening I heard the lyrics to a familiar song playing on the radio outside, drifting up to my window.

I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you
It's hard to find relief and people can be so cold
When darkness is upon your door and
You feel like you can't take anymore

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone

I had gotten up off the lounge and walked in a trance like state to the balcony and simply lent on the railing and cried. I slumped there, crying softly. Cathartic tears of pain and thanks fell from hollow, sunken eyes down my pale cheeks and I clung to the lyrical lifeline Prime was throwing to me as though my life depended on it – maybe it did.

After what felt like an age, I stood up and wiped my eyes. The large red and blue truck shone in the moonlight. I took a deep breath and waved, whispering the words, ''Thank you''. The lights on the truck flashed once in recognition and the song played again. I had walked back inside and lay back on the lounge. The song drifting up into my room and cocooning me in warmth and comfort. For the first time in days I had fallen asleep in relative peace, my heart feeling a little lighter.

Now, once again, he had come to keep me company, a silent sentry guarding a broken heart. I closed my eyes and sighed. Gathering my blankets, and my strength, I stood and walked towards the balcony. Opening the door, I stepped outside into the cool night air and up to the railing to take in the outline of my dear friend waiting below.

For a long moment neither of us spoke. I looked to the heavens, seeing my stars for the first time in a fortnight and I closed my eyes and exhaled heavily. Prime remained silent – ever patiently waiting for me.

''You know Prime,'' my voice sounded foreign even to me. ''Bumblebee might be annoyed if he found out that you're muscling in on his territory by using the radio to communicate," my voice, although weak held a slightly playful tone to it.

At the sound of my voice and the tone within it, there was a hissing of gears and pistons as the truck transformed into an impressive robot that knelt below my balcony like a giant, metallic Romeo. One of his servos lay across his bent knee, the other clasped the balcony beside me. His optics shone brightly /How I have missed seeing those ''eyes''/ and a smile played on his dermas. He didn't speak, just let the lyrics, ''I get knocked down, but I get up again, you are never gonna keep me down,'' by Chumbawamba play through his radio.

I laughed out loud at the combined hilarity of Optimus ''playing Bumblebee'' and the fact the stoic Prime referenced a drinking song. The sound of my laughter elicited a bigger smile from the Prime and for a moment it was as though nothing had happened. As my laughter subsided, I shook my head slowly, tilting it to the side as I considered my dear metallic friend, ''No. Doesn't suit you. Your voice is meant to be heard,'' and I sent a weak smile towards him.

Prime's deep baritone voice rumbled softly, ''Then I shall gladly talk with you all night if that will help you in some small measure Orianna.''

I tentatively reached out my right hand from under the blankets and slid it along the rail towards Prime's servo, though I stilled it before it touched the digit nearest me. If I reached out and touched him it would mean reconnection – it would mean I was choosing to step out of the darkness and back into the light. I hesitated – did I want this?

Without saying a word, and in a cautious manner, Optimus gently slid his servo along the rail the remaining distance until we were touching. He had made the decision for me – and I was grateful. The warmth of his metal servo began to banish the cold that had taken hold of me. A mixture of grateful and regretful tears welled in my eyes and I sniffed them back. ''Prime, it… it hurts so much. I feel… empty - numb,'' I turned misty eyes up to his optics. ''Will it ever stop?'' I asked beseechingly. While I was no stranger to loss and pain, being an orphan, this was a different kind of hurt.

His gaze softened and he spoke softly to me. ''In time Orianna. The pain will fade. You will be able to breathe again; you will feel again, and you will function again. You will never forget, but you will be able to move forward.'' He kept his servo beside my hand and kept his gaze fixed on me. Blinking once.

I looked back at his servo against my hand, that simple connection. I took a deep breath and looked back into his optics. ''Is… is that what happened for you with Elita? How, how did you cope?'' I asked hesitantly, unsure I should be asking and unsure I wanted the answer.

Optimus turned his optics to the heavens briefly, as if drawing solace from them, before looking back at me. His optics carried within them shadows of the pain that coursed through me. ''When I lost contact with Elita and our bond was severed, I felt as though my spark had been ripped in two, as though a gaping hole was torn in my chest threatening to consume me. I felt anger, overwhelming sadness, loss and disbelief.''

I nodded my head as I recognised those same feelings at war within myself. He closed his optics as though remembering. Without knowing, I moved my hand to rest on top of his digit in silent support and comfort. He opened his optics again, casting them down towards my hand before speaking again. ''I did not have the opportunity to grieve Elita. I was fighting a war of survival. I was Prime and my first duty was to my Autobots – not my spark. I had to bury my pain deep inside, switch it off and focus on what had to be done, not what I needed to do.'' I closed my eyes in silent sympathy for what he had had to endure – alone.

He paused, raising his optics to focus on me again, ''Talking to you, and at times to Rachet and Ironhide, is the only opportunity I have had to process my emotions and thoughts. When it first happened I would take it moment by moment, then hour by hour eventually becoming day by day until one day, you can get through the whole day or the whole week without the memories threatening to overwhelm and consume you.''

I removed my hand from his servo and gave a self-depreciating snort, ''And here I am, having known Chase for a second compared to the time you and Elita had together in your relationship and I have done nothing but wallow in self-pity and sorrow,'' fresh tears stung my eyes and the recriminating tone in my voice made Optimus raise his servo and gently touch his digit under my chin, bidding me look at him.

''Orianna,'' Prime admonished gently, ''You do whatever you need to do to get through this. If you have the need, or the opportunity to grieve, take it! It is not a sign of weakness Orianna, to allow yourself to fall apart. Do not perceive yourself as anything but strong, for you are indeed strong, in so many ways. Though it may feel otherwise now, this will not destroy you. You will build yourself back up again – and I wish you would let me help you do that.'' Optimus' optics looked imploringly into mine, searching for acquiescence.

I moved both of my hands to grab hold of his digit and bringing it to my face, I closed my eyes, as I pressed my cheek against it. After a moment of comfort, I opened my eyes once again, a new and determined fire burning in them. ''On one condition Optimus,'' I challenged.

The Prime tilted his helm, ''And that would be Orianna?'' he asked tentatively.

I smiled at him, releasing his digit and gesturing for him to move his helm closer to me, which he did obligingly. As he was mere centimetres from me, I reached out, placed both my hands on the crest between his optics and placed my forehead against his. ''You take your own advice and allow yourself to grieve. Let me help you heal too,'' and I gently caressed his helm as our foreheads rested against each other.

I felt Optimus' body relax slightly, as though the tension he had been holding within him for millennia, was released, and I heard him ex-vent deeply as though expelling his own demons, ''Orianna, you have already helped me in so many ways, but, I will gladly accept your offer if that is what you wish,'' his voice rumbled deeply.

I caressed his helm one last time and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, stepping back. Prime moved his helm away to look at me again, his optics shining brightly with some unnamed emotion. I smiled up at him, ''Yes, that is what I wish.'' I sighed. Optimus returned my smile.

My heart felt lighter, as though a burden had been lifted, the pain, although still there, was not as raw and all consuming. /Perhaps it has already begun?/, I thought to myself. The journey towards healing had started. Though I knew it was going to be a long path, one that might not end for many months or years yet, the point was I would survive and come out the other end, perhaps stronger and more resilient for it.

The proof that it was possible, was kneeling before me.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

I looked around the almost empty apartment and sighed deeply. After that night on the balcony with Prime, I did some real soul searching. I came to the conclusion that to stay here, surrounded by my memories, would only hinder my healing. I also knew in my heart that Chase would want me to move on, move forward, and not allow my grief to hold me prisoner, just as I would want him to do if the situation was reversed. I would honour his memory by making sure I lived a life he never got to.

When I told Optimus of my decision to move out and back in with the Autobots, his faceplates broke into a massive smile and his optics lit up. ''Orianna, I think that it is a very wise decision and you would be more than welcome to re-join us. You have been sorely missed by everyone.''

The following day I started packing. Lennox and Epps called by to help and when they arrived, I gave them both a huge hug and cried into their shoulders for a moment, thanking them for not giving up on me and apologising for being so distant towards them. They both squeezed me tight and Epps gently admonished me, ''OC! You have nothing to be sorry for. You are family to us, and family don't give up on each other.''

Lennox chimed in, ''That's right. We knew it was going to be rough, but we also had every faith you would whether the storm. Just remember – we're on your side,'' and I relished the contact as they had hugged me again.

It didn't take long to pack most things away and move out the few items of furniture I owned. All that was left to do was to go through Chase's clothes in the bedroom and I wanted to be alone to do that. Lennox and Epps had taken over the various boxes and belongings to my new ''old'' room in Autobot quarters. I would follow later that evening when I had completed the final task here. A task I was dreading.

I stood in the middle of the bedroom, casting my eyes about the place. Flashes of memories raced through my mind. When I first arrived here by myself, the first morning Chase and I had woken up together and spent an amazing day wrapped up in each other, the lazy Sunday mornings cosied up together, the night we ''made up'' after our first ''fight'' over Optimus. I laughed a little at that recollection. I closed my eyes, and I could see Chase sitting on the end of the bed, putting his N.E.S.T uniform on, how handsome he had looked in that. Tears stung at my eyes and I wiped them away furiously.

/No. Not yet/.

I took a deep breath and walked over to the closet and then the chest of drawers. I began to pull all his clothes out and place them on the bed. One by one, I held them close to me, as if hugging him one last time. I drank in his scent that still clung to the fabric of his shirts and I remembered. I locked away those memories for safe keeping and I began to place the articles of clothing into large black plastic bags for donating and a small bag for keeping.

There were a few things I just couldn't bear to part with – not yet. His black peaked cap he had always worn, one of his N.E.S.T uniforms, a faded grey t-shirt he used to wear around the apartment and a warm navy hoodie. I placed the cap, shirt and uniform in a separate bag to take and picked up the warm hoodie, holding it close to my chest.

Something poked into me.

My eyebrows crinkled in surprise and curiosity as I reached my hand into the pocket only to pull out a small, blue velvet jewellery box. My heart began to beat rapidly and my hand trembled as I brought the box up before me. The hoodie now lay forgotten on the bed beside me. I closed my eyes, swallowed and carefully opened the box – my heart filled with nervous anticipation and a small amount of fear. I opened my eyes slowly.

There, glimmering like a tiny star, was the most perfect engagement ring.

A silver and gold infinity band bedecked with tiny diamonds along the sides like stars in the night sky, both wrapped about a single, beautiful diamond. My heart stopped, my breath hitched, my free hand came to my mouth to try and stop the anguished cry from escaping. My shoulders shuddered and the tears fell uncontrollably.

I held the ring tightly to my chest and crumpled around it. /Oh Chase! THAT was what you had meant when you said there was something more you wanted than to just be with me! You were going to ask me to marry you and be yours forever!/. The thought tore through me, shattering the resolve I had been carefully building the last few days.

I collapsed on the bed, clutching the ring tightly in my hand to my chest, as if trying to bring it against my heart. Great heaving sobs wracked my body and I allowed myself to fall apart, utterly and completely. I had to. I had hit rock bottom. There was only one way to go from here.

I don't know how long I had laid on the bed, lost in my grief. The last rays of sunlight were being chased from the sky and along the bedroom walls, swallowed by the evening shadows. My body ached and I felt exhausted. I still held the ring firmly in my hand. As I lay there willing myself to rise and start to move forward, I heard my phone ring. /Lennox, I bet/. I dragged myself to my feet and looked at my phone. There was a missed call from Lennox. I was about to ring him back when the phone rang again –I pressed the answer button.

''OC? Are you alright? You were due back here a few hours ago. Prime contacted me to say you had not arrived and had not sent word. He is worried, as am I. Do you need help, is everything ok?'' His voice held concern and worry.

I closed my eyes and tried to steady my voice, ''I'm sorry Lennox, I ran into - a complication. I… I… found something in Chase's pocket.'' I breathed deeply trying to summon the courage I needed to say the next words out loud. ''Lennox – there was a ring. He was going to propose to me!'' I felt my world fall apart all over again and I sobbed loudly.

I heard Lennox swear on the other end of the phone, ''Oh Orianna, I am so sorry! Truly I am. I am coming to get you.''

''NO!'' I all but yelled down the line. ''No, I need to do this by myself. I am almost done here. Just, give me a bit longer. I can do this. I have to do this Lennox.'' I surprised myself at the resolve in my voice and the sudden strength that filled me.

There was a heavy sigh on the other end of the line, ''Ok. If that's what you need to do. But if you aren't here within an hour, I AM coming to get you, understood soldier?'' there was no mistaking the order and I nodded before replying.

''Ok, fair deal. Tell Optimus I'll be there within the hour.'' I hung up and set the phone down. I dried my eyes with the back of my sleeve and took a steadying breath. Once, twice, three times.

I slowly stood and collected the few plastic bags, hefting them out into the loungeroom and near the front door. Walking back into the bedroom, I picked up the separate bag filled with the items I could not part with. I stood on the spot and turned around slowly, clasping the precious ring to my chest. I glanced about the room, which now felt empty, devoid of any trace of the two people who had lived, laughed and loved here. /This is the last time I will look upon these walls, the last time I will walk around these rooms/. The memories flooded through me and a single tear tracked down my cheek. /Goodbye Chase. Thank you/.

Taking a deep breath, I turned on my heel and walked to the front door. I placed the ring back in its case and placed it in my pocket safely. I collected the bags, turned back towards the room and with a final nod, opened the door and walked out into the hallway. I didn't look back.

I carefully placed Chase's belongings in the back seat of Relda and started her engine. I drove in silence towards the base and Autobot quarters. This didn't seem quite real. As I drove past Hanger 1 and down the track that led to the Autobot quarters, I could make out the large metallic shapes of familiar friends all standing about waiting for me. I could see Lennox waiting too.

I parked Relda out the front of the hanger and slowly got out. Lennox came straight up to me and wrapped me in a hug. ''OC,'' was all he said, and I burst into tears. I clung to him. Crying my pain and heartache into his shoulder. He simply held me. The Autobots had gathered around too. Their expressions held such sadness and concern, it broke my heart anew. After a while I felt the tears subside and I drew in steadying breaths. I slowly pulled away from Lennox and wiped my eyes.

''I seriously can't have many more of them left!'' I said out loud, looking slightly embarrassed.

''Baby girl, no one would blame ya if ya did. You let 'em fall whenever you want,'' Jazz's voice spoke up and I sent him an appreciative smile.

''That's right OC, you do whatever you need to do. We've got your back,'' Sideswipe chimed in.

Ironhide's gruff voice rang out. ''Is there anything we can do for you Orianna?'' he asked tentatively.

''Apart from turn back time 'Hide and make this shit all go away, not much no,'' I smiled ruefully at him. ''Just, forgive me if I seem a little distant or not myself for a while. I will get through this, but it may be a bumpy road. Having you all by my side means the world to me and I thank you for your support.'' I smiled at them all through misty eyes.

''Of course OC, where else would we be?'' Rachet offered his support.

Optimus had remained unusually quiet during the reunion, watching me intently.

Lennox patted me on the shoulder, ''Well Orianna, you've had a big day. You must be exhausted, let's help you get your things inside and settled and call it a night hey?'' He moved to open Relda.

''Sure. Lennox all those black bags, can you take them please and find a home for them? The other bag, that's mine.'' I directed.

''No worries, sure thing,'' he grabbed the black bags and hefted them over to his car. I felt tears well up in me again as I watched him close the door on Chase's belongings. It was like I was saying goodbye to him all over again. /Will this ever stop!/. Lennox came back and grabbed the other bag and took it inside to my room. When he emerged, he came over and gave me a big hug. ''You take care of yourself OC. Try and get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow. If you need anything..'' he started to say.

''I'll annoy Ironhide,'' I chimed in shooting Lennox, and then Ironhide, a quick teasing smile.

Lennox and the others burst into laughter and Ironhide simply folded his massive arms across his chest and grumbled, ''I'd like to see you try.''

I sighed. ''Sounds like a challenge to me 'Hide. Be careful what you wish for,'' and I winked at him. He shifted nervously from pede to pede unsure what to make of my veiled threat. I simply laughed, surprising myself that I could under the circumstances. /Maybe it will be alright?/.

''Alright OC, if you need anything, annoy Ironhide or me or any of the others. All you need to do is ask,'' he smiled once again and then waved to the others as he got into his car and headed off.

I stood there for a moment watching his car disappear and suddenly felt myself feel very tired. I exhaled loudly as a bone weary feeling descended over me. ''Well, while it has been lovely seeing you all again, I feel I must bid you goodnight and head off to bed. I am feeling pretty tired.''

Optimus spoke up then. ''Of course Orianna, that is completely understandable. I trust you remember where to go?'' he smiled down to me.

I snorted softly, ''Alzheimer's hasn't kicked in just yet Prime, I think I'll manage,'' I waved at them all and turned to walk inside. 'Night all.'' As I walked inside, I heard a chorus of farewell's and the sound of heavy pedes dispersing to various destinations. Some to recharge themselves, others to patrol.

I entered my old room and lay down on the bed. It had been made up with fresh linen. /Thank you Lennox/, and I had all my belongings sat around me. As I pulled the covers up and over me, I put my hand in my pocket and pulled the box containing the ring out and held it to my chest. My eyes did feel so very heavy, like leaden weights. Within moments I felt the pull of sleep try to claim me and I willingly submitted.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.OV

There was a series of enormous explosions, the sound of metallic scraping as gears and cogs moved, transforming something very large. Men's screams shattered the night, confusion, chaos and a single voice cutting through the maelstrom, ''Orianna! I love you!''

I sat bolt upright in my bed, drenched in sweat, my heart pounding. My cries of anguish died on my lips as I cast my eyes wildly about the room, unsure where I was or if that had been real. I looked down to my hand and saw clasped tightly within it the small blue, velvet box. I closed my eyes. /Not real, a dream, or rather more accurately – a nightmare!/. I exhaled deeply and threw the covers off. Glancing at the clock on my phone it read 2:30am. /Great/. I sighed. ''Well, I won't be going back to sleep anytime soon!''

Standing up, I slipped my shoes on and grabbed Chase's navy hoodie, slipping it over me. It seemed to swallow me up and wrapped me in comfort as though in some small way I was getting a hug from him. Placing my hands inside the front pocket and grasping the ring protectively, I made my way out of my room and down the hallway, trying not to disturb anyone.

As I stepped outside into the cool night air, I took a deep breath, trying to cleanse myself of the last vestiges of my nightmares. I glanced about. No one was around. I walked silently towards my destination – my little beach. I did not feel like being inside, I had missed my stars and I felt – restless. My heart hurt.

I pushed my way through the tree line and surveyed the area before me. I had missed being able to wander down here when I felt like it. It was a bastion of solace and comfort for me and right now, I needed both. I walked down towards the water, stopping where the grass met the sand and sat down.

Pulling my knees up under my chin, I cast my eyes skyward. A billion stars shone brightly, like someone had flecked a brush covered in white paint against a black canvass. /If only the stars could talk/, I thought to myself. All the things they would have witnessed; the heartaches, pain, tragedies, destruction, the joys, happiness and wonders all played out on life's stage below them.

As I peered into the heavens, I found myself wondering where Chase's soul was. /Was he at rest? Was his soul wending its way through the cosmos? Was he here right now with me?/. At that thought I pulled out the box and opened it to look at the ring nestled inside. It shone in the moonlight and I pulled it out carefully to examine it. It truly was beautiful. /Couldn't have chosen better myself/.

Placing it at the end of my ring finger on my left hand, I paused momentarily. /Chase had hoped to do this for me but that was not going to happen/. I felt a dull ache in my chest. I missed him desperately and I wanted to feel connected to him in some way. I sighed and put the ring back in the box. I couldn't bring myself to do it. Not yet – maybe not ever.

''Orianna? Are you alright?'' came a tentative voice behind me.

I started. I had been so wrapped up in my own thoughts I had not heard Prime approach me. ''Optimus!'' I gasped. ''You scared me. I couldn't sleep, I had a nightmare and decided to come down here for a bit.'' I cast my eyes up his tall frame to find his optics. They shone like two azure diamonds. ''Sorry if I woke you.'' I smiled sheepishly up at the towering mech.

He carefully lowered himself, so he was sitting beside me. ''I know. I heard you scream out. I followed you down here to make sure you were okay. Forgive me for the intrusion.''

I gave a small chuckle. ''Stalker alert!'' I joked.

Prime shifted nervously and cast his optics about. ''That's not what I intended…''

''I know Optimus, I'm stirring you.'' I sighed out loud, stretching my legs out before me. ''To be honest I am grateful for the company,'' I smiled up at him, ''and you are never an intrusion.''

He smiled back and we sat there in mutual silence for a moment before his baritone voice rumbled through the night air. ''Lennox told me about why you were late getting here.'' I felt myself tense at his words and his gaze as it settled on me, ''I am so sorry Orianna, truly I am.'' He blinked once. ''Did you want to talk about it?'' he offered.

I shook my head. ''I don't think I can Optimus. I am still trying to come to terms with it myself.'' I felt tears forming in my eyes. /Fuck! How is it possible!/.

''As you wish Orianna, but please remember, I am here whenever you are ready.'' He cast his optics out to the ocean then, watching the dark waters wrinkle and crash upon the shore. I took strength from his silent presence as we sat together.

I felt inside my pocket and clutched at the box that held the ring. After a few minutes, I closed my eyes and whispered into the night, ''I feel angry Prime. Unbelievably furious and so desperately sad that fate has stolen my chance at a life with him.'' I opened my eyes and fixed my gaze on the dark waters swirling and crashing before me, reflecting the emotions raging within me. ''I know about Transformers' spark bonding and I believe in Earthen customs and culture; marriage is the closest thing we have to that. Two people promising to entwine their lives together and commit themselves to each other.'' I looked over to him and he returned my gaze, listening intently to what I was saying.

I gave a snort of derision and looked back towards the ocean, ''Mind you, a growing number of people these days seem to take that commitment very flippantly and when the going gets tough, they bail.'' Without warning my mind selected a memory of my own parents, how their marriage fell apart as my ''gift'' became more apparent. ''My own dad couldn't handle the strain and stress living with my ''gift'' brought and after yet another move, he thought leaving would be his best option for a life of ''normality'' and he abandoned us all. So, I didn't really have the best example of marriage to start with,'' my voice was laced with bitterness.

I drew my knees up under my chin yet again, hugging myself, before I continued, ''But you see Optimus, most women, myself included, we grow up hoping that we will find ''the one.'' That someday we will marry, make a life with and grow old with that person.'' I gave a small laugh before ploughing on. ''Despite not having had the best example, I always knew that if I found someone who loved me for me, that was willing to accept me, with all my faults and failings, I would commit myself to them, totally and utterly.''

I laughed out loud then in a self-depreciating manner as I shook my head. ''Mind you I never thought the day would come, I thought I was destined to live and die alone, but then I met Chase,'' my voice faltered.

Optimus had been staring intently at me, listening as I poured my heart out, his optics glowing softly with sympathy. ''Orianna...'' he started to speak to me, but I cut him off.

I pulled out the ring from the box and held it in my hand. ''He was going to ask me to marry him Prime. I found this when I was going through his things. He never…'' I felt fresh tears sting my eyes as once again what I had lost, what I had stolen from me, hit home. ''He never got the chance to ask and I never got the chance to hear those words - to say ''yes''. I let the tears fall and I held the ring tightly in my hand, as though I was somehow holding a part of Chase.

Prime brought his right servo out to wrap around me as I sat on the ground. ''Orianna, there truly are no words I can say that would comfort you save for these,'' the corners of his dermas curved into a small smile, ''spoken to me by a very wise person not so long ago.'' I wiped at my eyes, sniffed in a very undignified manner and turned my head to look up at his helm.

Optimus fixed me with a serious stare, his voice rumbled gently, ''The people we love never truly leave us, they are always a part of us. Don't hide them away Orianna, carry them forward with you.'' His optics shone brightly down at me as he recalled the very words I had spoken to him all those years ago at Turtle Cove.

That did it.

I fell apart again, my shoulders heaving with great sobs, my cries shattering the night. Prime picked me up gently in his servo and brought me up to his chest, holding me close. I curled up against his chest plates, desperately trying to hug him. We sat like that for the longest time, Optimus offering me silent comfort while I allowed myself to grieve all that I had lost.

After a long while my sobs began to subside and I slowly sat up, wiping my eyes and my tear-stained face. The first rays of dawn had started to streak the sky and I was vaguely aware of the birds beginning their morning chorus. I looked up into Prime's faceplates and saw concern, compassion and some other emotion shining in his optics. I took a deep, steadying breath, ''Thank you Optimus, I needed to hear those words.''

I carefully stood up on his servo and held the ring reverently in my palm. I stared at it before bringing it up to my ring finger on my right hand. While I couldn't bring myself to wear it on my left hand, I wanted to wear it, to have it close to me. I took a breath and then slid it down my finger. It fitted perfectly and it looked beautiful!

I held my hand up to catch the first rays of a new day and the ring glimmered and shone. My eyes must have been puffy, my face a sight but in that moment I didn't care. ''Beautiful, isn't it Prime?''

He regarded me carefully, nodding his helm slowly, before he whispered softly, ''Yes Orianna. Beautiful.'' His optics shone brightly.

I brought the ring to my lips and kissed it gently. /Thank you, I love you/. I let the words flow through me into the ring, as if Chase were here himself and, in some small way, he was. All at once I felt tired, exhausted. ''Optimus?'' I called out, ''Do you think you could give me a lift home? I suddenly feel so very tired and think I might try and sleep some more.''

Prime nodded his helm his voice rumbling to life, ''Of course Orianna. It would be my pleasure.'' With that he rose gracefully from the ground while holding me carefully in his servo, close to his chest. He walked back towards Autobot quarters, cradling me carefully. ''I have some meetings to attend to today but nothing so important that if you needed me, I could not be there for you,'' he glanced to me.

I patted his chest. ''Thanks Optimus, but it's okay. I am sure I'll be fine. The way I feel right now I think I shall sleep the most part of the day anyway and if I don't, I will find a way to entertain myself. I will be okay, but I am so grateful for your friendship and your support, it means more than you know.'' I smiled at him once again.

Prime let out a soft chuckle. ''I have no doubt in my processor that you will be okay Orianna, and I do believe I have some idea as to what my friendship and support mean to you as I am only returning the favour you bestow upon me,'' he smiled down at me, pulling me closer towards his chest.

I tried to hug him, but ended up yelling out in frustration. ''Damn it! This really does suck you know not being able to give you a proper hug, you're just too damn big Optimus!''

At this he did laugh out loud, a sound that sent a wave of happiness through me, ''Works both ways you know Orianna, except reversed of course,'' and he gave the equivalent of a wink. I laughed back at him.

Arriving outside Autobot quarters, Prime lowered me gently to the ground. ''Sleep well Orianna, and remember, if you need me, you have only to call for me.''

I turned to look up at the towering colossus that was Optimus Prime, my dear friend. I may have lost Chase and my heart was still grieving but knowing I had not lost Prime, that he was still in my life, was a much-needed balm for a wounded soul. ''Thanks Optimus, I will. I'll see you later?'' I asked tentatively.

''Count on it,'' he rumbled and with that he turned and walked towards Hanger 1 and whatever tasks awaited a busy Prime for the day.

I sighed and walked inside. My head had barely hit the pillow when I felt my eyes close and everything faded away as sleep claimed me yet again.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

Time truly does not stand still. It keeps soldiering forward.

Before long, September had arrived. It had been almost two months since I had lost Chase. At first, some days the grief and pain were as fresh and raw as it had been the day it had happened. Other days, I almost made it through the day without recalling what had happened.

I had resumed my duties with N.E.S.T though I was not back full time. Lennox had thought it best if I ''eased'' back into it. In some ways I was grateful for the distraction as it gave me something useful to do other than be alone with my thoughts.

Optimus had been right. I took it moment by moment, day by day and just adapted as best I could. Having Lennox, Epps and the Autobots, especially Prime, to support me helped me get through the darker days and gradually, the weight started to lift, the pain started to ease, and I began to function again. Chase's ring still adorned my right hand and at times throughout the day, and night, I would find myself absentmindedly touching it, twisting it from side to side. Maintaining that tenuous connection - and remembering.

I found myself sitting on my beach often, mainly of an evening. It had long been regarded by all on the base as ''OC's beach'' and, especially now, most people stayed away to allow me some privacy, which I appreciated. Optimus would often join me of an evening, and we would either discuss events of the day, heal each other's emotional wounds or simply ''be'' in each other's presence, no words necessary. Just silent companionship as we stared at our stars. On one of these evenings, I turned to Prime and asked him, ''What is it like?''

He inclined his helm in my direction. ''What is ''what" like?'' he asked, slightly perplexed.

''To travel through space, amongst the stars. I imagine that being an a sentient being from ''another planet'' you would have had to travel through space to get here, and,'' my voice shifted to a higher pitch, ''I did kinda see you crash land all those years ago.'' I ducked my head slightly in embarrassment. I had never mentioned that to Prime before.

He blinked his optics at me, and he brought one of his huge red and blue arms to lay across his lap as he sat there, one long leg stretched out before him and the other propped up, a mirror reflection of how I had been sitting. ''Oh. I did not know that. Is that how you came to be in the alleyway that night? You saw me in the field and decided to follow me?'' He raised an optic ridge in silent inquiry and accusation.

I felt myself blush slightly. ''Ahh… yeah. Guilty. I had been sitting out in the field nearby, much like we are now, mulling over what to do about my life when I saw you ''land,'' I used my fingers in an air quote to emphasis the word, a smile playing on my lips.

Optimus mimicked the way I had emphasised the word. 'What about my ''landing'', he then crossed his arms across his huge chest which sent me into peals of laughter. ''Orianna…'' Prime threatened.

''Sorry Optimus, seeing you do the whole ''air quotes'' thing, just threw me,'' I tried to stifle my laughter. ''As for the landing, well…. Let's just say you didn't stick it.'' I stifled another giggle.

Optimus set his dermas into a thin line of annoyance and fixed me with a stern stare, though his optics held mirth within them. ''I would like to see YOU try to control a landing on a foreign planet after hurtling through the atmosphere, burning up. I doubt you could do any better,'' his annoyance soon gave way to a smile as he clearly processed some rebuttal. ''In fact you would do MUCH worse given you are organic. You wouldn't even survive the entry into the atmosphere, you would have burnt to a crisp and even if you HAD have survived that, the impact would have seen you turned into, well, mush.'' He had a satisfied grin on his face and mischief dancing in his optics. I was enjoying this side to Prime.

I held my hands up in mock surrender. ''Woah! Ok… you got me, you win! This squishy organic concedes defeat.'' I laughed out loud.

Prime unfolded his arms and placed them by his side, leaning back and allowing a deep chuckle to emanate from him. ''Quick! I'm adding this to my internal data base. Orianna admits defeat and concedes that I was right,'' his optics shone brightly with amusement.

Now it was my turn to raise my eyebrows and fold my arms in mock indignation. ''Yeah, well, enjoy it Optimus.'' I sighed and then steered the conversation back to where it had started from. ''Anyway, you didn't answer my question. What is it like out there?''

Prime cycled some air through his vents, as if breathing in, and cast his optics to the heavens above. ''Orianna, it may seem wonderous to journey amongst the stars but in truth,'' he returned his gaze to me, ''it is cold, bitterly so, due to a lack of atmosphere and the vacuum-like nature of space — with very few molecules to energetically bounce around, there can be no heat. It is silent too. Sound travels through the vibration of atoms and molecules in a medium, such as air or water. In space, where there is no air, sound has no way to travel.''

Optimus paused briefly in his explanation as he watched my face slowly change from excited anticipation to one of horror. He gave the equivalent of a cough before speaking again, ''Then again Orianna, when you gaze upon the many wonders of the galaxies, the various planets, the structures of the clouds of interstellar gas and dust such as that of ''The Pillars of Creation'' in the Eagle Nebula.'' A small smile spread across his dermas as he appeared lost in memory for a moment. ''It is indeed spectacular.'' He turned his gaze back to me tilting his helm. ''Is that what you wanted to hear?'' he asked.

''Ahh.. Yeah that's more like it. Mind you, I might look at my stars a little differently,'' I sighed. ''I like the slightly more romantic view of them, you know, wishing upon stars, that somehow our fates are connected to them and that our destinies are written in them.''

I turned to face Optimus. ''Like for instance, you and I meeting. I like to think that it was predestined, meant to be,'' my voice dropped to a whisper. ''And Chase, that we were meant to be, if only for a short time. He was meant to find me and I him,'' I stopped myself then as my voice began to falter.

Prime regarded me for a moment. ''Orianna, from a purely scientific standpoint, I find that train of thought, difficult to grasp, wildly inaccurate and implausible,'' I started to tense my shoulders defensively though Optimus continued. ''However, from a purely emotional, creative and spark motivated standpoint,'' he turned to face me, ''a rather pleasant way of viewing things.'' I smiled at him.

''Perhaps,'' he considered quietly, ''there may be some truth to it. Of all the places I could have landed that night, in that moment, it was right before you, and, of all the bases we could have been deployed to, it was here, where Chase was stationed.'' Prime ex-vented slowly as if thinking over his own words. ''Orianna, whether it was the stars or fate or coincidence, I am grateful our lives were entwined that night,'' he fixed glowing azure optics on me.

I allowed a single tear to fall from my eye, smiling back at him I whispered, ''Me too Prime, me too.'' We had simply sat there then for a while, silently reflecting on our own journey to this point, relishing the company the other provided. In that moment a thought crystallised in my mind, /What would I do if I Iost Optimus?/. The thought sent an icy wave of panic and terror coursing through me which led me to visibly shake myself to banish the wholly unpleasant thought. It was an action that did not go unnoticed by the Prime.

''Orianna? Are you okay?'' he asked, concern filling his voice.

''Yeah.'' I sent a weak smile towards him. ''Just… just a little cold and maybe getting tired.'' I started to stand up. ''How about we call it a night?''

He regarded me for a moment longer, and I could tell he did not fully believe me, but he did not press me further - thankfully. ''If you wish.'' He lowered his servo and allowed me to climb on and then gracefully rose to his full, imposing height and turned to head for home.

As he carried me against his chest, I felt myself move to be as close to him as possible. /No, I can't think about that, I don't want to think about that, it doesn't bare thinking. To lose Chase AND Prime, it would be more than my heart could bare/. I snuggled in closer and placed my arms against his chest plates, as if the action itself would stop any unforeseeable force form taking him away from me.

Optimus simply closed his servo around me a little tighter and held me closer, in a soundless gesture of comfort that seemed to indicate he knew what I had been thinking and he was reassuring me.

As I lay in bed not long afterwards, I couldn't help an uneasy feeling settling in the pit of my stomach. The last time this happened, I lost Chase soon after. /Please, please go away, leave me alone! I can't lose anyone else, PLEASE/, I implored the emptiness of the night.

Only time would tell if the darkness would listen.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

One thing about being in the military, your body clock is almost constantly set to ''butt crack of dawn o'clock!'' I used to be able to sleep in until the late hours of the morning, now, 7am was a huge sleep in! Once again, I felt myself rousing at about 5:00am. I simply laid there, allowing myself the luxury of not having to do anything or be anywhere and slowly embraced the day. I thought through what the day might bring and mentally prepared myself for the onslaught of tears (not all my own for once), and the high emotions that were bound to be tearing about the place as Sam left for Princeton.

It had been so good to spend the last week with the Witwickys, but the time had come to part ways as Sam was heading off to college and in truth, I was ready to head back to Diego Garcia. I was missing my friends, my car and a certain Autobot Commander in particular and given how Judy had begun to crumble the last few days, I wasn't too fussed on hanging around to deal with the fall out coming the empty nester's way. 

I stretched languidly in bed enjoying the solitude and a small smile spread across my lips as I thought about the polar opposite ways in which both Ron and Judy had been dealing with this new phase in their lives.  Judy was taking this next step particularly hard and I would often see her standing around the house at various times silently crying, reflecting on the fact she was about to lose her ''little boy.'' At first, I would comfort her but then I realised she needed those moments alone to grieve. It was a rite of passage for her. 

Ron, on the other hand, seemed happy to be gaining his independence from ''dependents''. You could almost hear the cogs turning in his head as he planned out what he was going to do with Sam's room. Though every now and then I would catch him with a wistful smile on his face whenever he looked upon various items belonging to Sam; baseball mitts, family photos, even the gnarly jumper he wore in Mission City, the day they almost lost their son and their lives changed forever. Though he seemed loath to admit it, Ron, like Judy, was struggling with Sam leaving home – he just hid it better.

I sighed out loud and reached for my phone, giving a small groan. I had been laying there for half an hour. I shoved the covers back and rolled out of bed. Time to get up and go for a jog and maybe get some breakfast while out. Padding to the bathroom, I completed my morning ablutions, changed into my sportswear and sneakers and grabbed my i-phone and headphones. Moving quietly and carefully down the stairs, I let myself out.

I called via the garage to let Bumblebee know my plans and my route and estimated time of return so he could come looking for me should I be late. I also had a panic alarm and a direct line back to 'Bee should I run into any immediate danger. Even though I had my powers and my training to protect me, I wanted to make sure I was being sensible. /Optimus would kill me if I died/, the thought teased a smile to my face.

Once satisfied that I would be safe, I bid farewell to 'Bee and headed out the front. I took a moment to do a few stretches to warm up, put my headphones in, selected a kickarse song from my ''Pumped Up'' play list and began to jog off into the early morning light.

As my feet pounded the pavement, and the tunes pumped out motivating me, I felt myself begin to relax, all the worries and fears left me as I focused on my breathing and the rhythmic sound of my feet hitting the ground below me. The sun had risen further in the sky bathing everything in a lovely glow, the air was cool and life – life was good. /Let's aim for 15km's today/, I thought to myself, push yourself and give the Witwicky's some time to get ready for the day. I felt myself pick up the pace slightly as I settled into a steady rhythm. /What a beautiful day, what could go wrong?/.

Perhaps I should know better than to tempt fate.

As I slowed to a walk in front of Sam's house, the morning paper and a bag of Crispy Crème donuts firmly in my grasp. Something did not seem right. I continued towards the front door, unlocking it and walking into the kitchen. It was a mess! Shit knocked over, the juicer that had sat on the bench the night before was missing as was a few other electrical items. My heart began to beat a little faster. /Something is not right/. I put the newspaper and donuts down on the island table and that's when I noticed something. Something that looked familiar and alien at the same time.

A small piece of metal, a sliver of something that appeared to have markings on it, lay in the middle of the bench. Small wisps of smoke was coming off it. I tilted my head as I took it in. /Where have a I seen something like this?/. My mind searched my memories, a warning tingle crawled over my body but at the same time it urged me to pick up the metal sliver. It was as though some unseen force had usurped control of my body as I felt myself reach out my hand and slowly wrap my fingers around the piece, bringing it up to my face for closer inspection.

I noticed what appeared to be alien writing, or at least parts of a symbol. /Wait a minute../ my mind reeled and a wave of recognition slammed into me, ''The Allspark!'' I felt myself exclaim out loud in shock. At the same time recognition tore through me, so too did a burning sensation and surge of power unlike anything I have ever experienced.

My body convulsed and my hand reflexively closed around the shard, the jagged edges slicing into my palm, causing me to drop it back on the kitchen bench top. Fire raced through my nerve endings, burning me from the inside out, my lungs felt like they did not work anymore as any air had was forcibly expelled. Symbols, Cybertronian in nature, raced through my mind and danced across my eyes.

I fell to my knees on the floor, desperately trying to suck in some air and make my lungs work again, my head started to ache as it desperately tried to make sense of and ''store'' the images it was being fed at high speed. I absentmindedly brought my hand to my head and felt the warm sensation of something trickling down my wrist. Slowly, I began to breathe again, great gulping gasps of air, the fire within started to abate and I glanced towards my right wrist.

My eyes slowly coming into focus again. /For fuck sake! Hurt myself again/. I noticed a decent cut in my palm from where the shard had sliced into me – I stopped breathing for a moment. Not because of the cut – I had received plenty of those. It was because of what was oozing out of it. There was blood to be sure – a dark, velvety red colour, it was more the bluish tinge around the wound that concerned me. /What the actual…/.

It was at that moment that I become aware of muffled noises around me. I realised I still had my ear buds in and as I took them out the sound of gunfire, screaming and the acrid smell of smoke, assaulted me. All thoughts of what had just happened to me fled, and I focused on Sam and his parents /Where are they?/.

''SAM! RON, JUDY?'' I bellowed as I shot to my feet, my eyes sweeping frantically around me. ''Where are you?'' I could hear explosions above my head – Sam's room. I was about to tear off upstairs when I heard the sound of breaking glass and the next thing I saw was Sam airborne falling to the ground. I didn't even have time to use my powers to help him before he crash landed. Luckily he rolled upon impact and didn't seem to hurt himself.

I bolted out onto the veranda, my head whipping around as I heard Ron shouting and diving for cover behind the fountain. As to where Judy was, I had no idea. I took a moment to survey the scene unfolding before me. Little machines, /Is that the blender?/, were advancing on them and attacking them.

Without a second thought I raised my hand to send them on their way when something incredible and not a little disconcerting happened – a fireball exploded out of my hand and blew the little blender away! I tried it again and the same thing happened, this time to the toaster.

''BEE!'' I heard Sam call out for his guardian and friend, with that 'Bee came crashing through the garage door, guns blazing. I jumped off the veranda and once again tried to use my gift of psychokinesis to attack the machines but instead flames and fireballs erupted. ''WHAT. THE. FUCK!'' I yelled out loud in shock, confusion and anger. The sound of Sam's room exploding into a fireball drowned out my cries.

As I stood there, the world seeming to shatter around me, I held my hands, both now seeming to be on fire, in front of my face. Though flames were seeming to ''burn'' on the palm of my hand and from my fingertips, I felt no pain, no burning sensation. I was vaguely aware that as I stood there, all of the debris that had rained down from the room exploding, did not touch me, it was deflected away from me. /So… my other gift must still be working too/, I thought as I continued to look at my hands, mesmerised and not a little afraid.

''BEE! What was that? What do you call that?'' the sound of Sam yelling and 'Bee stamping his huge pede in frustration and anger, brought me out of my daze. With my focus interrupted and the threat seemingly dealt with, the fire stopped, it was gone. The sound of Judy running screaming from the house with a waffle iron on her head and subsequently knocking herself out on a hanging basket brought my attention back to the here and now and I went over to help her.

''OC, where have you been?'' I could hear Sam's voice cut through the sound of sirens in the distance. To say he was a little pissed off was an understatement.

''Hunh?'' I was having some trouble forming words, my mind was reeling. I blinked, ''Sorry Sam, I.. I went out for a jog early this morning. Got some breakfast and a treat for you all.'' I looked around me at the damage that had been wrought. ''I… I thought I would give you all some time to enjoy your last morning together… I uh… guess that was a bad call?'' I screwed my face up slightly and shrugged my shoulders.

Sam looked a little incredulous. ''You think?'' The sound of a motorbike pulling up out the front distracted him. Mikaela had arrived to say goodbye.

''I'm sorry Sam.. I,'' I doubled over in pain, clutching at my stomach.

Sam ran over to me, his anger forgotten. ''Are you okay OC?'' he asked as he reached out to me.

''Oh Hi Mikaela, I have a bald patch,'' I could hear Judy sarcastically call out in greeting as she marched past Mikaela over to Ron.

''I don't know Sam. Something happened to me.. kitchen.. something on the bench.'' I sucked in gasps of air and still clutched at my stomach.

At this admission, Sam snapped his head up as if remembering something, ''Come with me NOW!'' he grabbed me by my arm and dragged me inside, a very confused Mikaela left standing outside.

As we approached the kitchen bench Sam grabbed some tongs out of the drawer and a small container. He went straight to the sliver of the Allspark and picked it up, being very careful not to touch it, and put it in the container.

''You're smart,'' I said to him. ''I should have thought to do that, I touched the fucking thing!'' I said with a little irritation at myself.

Sam froze and blanched at my comment, ''What happened?''

I cast my mind back to the moment my hand touched the shard, ''Pain, searing pain, couldn't breathe, cut my hand on the jagged edges, symbols flashing through my head and eyes. Why?'' I tilted my head but kept my hand protectively over my stomach as the pain subsided.

Sam blinked once, ''Ahh… I kinda touched it too. Upstairs, when I got my ''D Day'' shirt out, the shard fell out and onto the floor. I picked it up and… pretty well the same thing happened to me, but I didn't get cut by it, I dropped it as soon as it burnt me.'' Sam looked thoughtful for a moment. ''I feel fine though, almost as though nothing happened. You on the other hand, you don't look so crash hot OC.'' His voice held concern.

Truth was I didn't feel so good either. Waves of nausea washed over me, and I felt clammy. ''Yeah, not feeling too crash hot either Sam, like I am coming down with something.''

As firefighters rushed inside and other first responders appeared on the scene, Sam pursed his lips as he focused back on the task at hand. ''Well, I better head back outside. Mikaela and my parents will wonder where we are, and I got to get this somewhere safe.'' He frowned in my direction. ''Maybe you should go and lie down or something?''

I had to fight down the urge to vomit and my hand that had been cut started to throb painfully as I clenched my teeth and nodded at him. ''Mmmhumph.'' I decided not to tell him about the fireballs. /One thing at a time/. ''I'm gonna head upstairs and pack my things. Let you guys sort out whatever the hell happened and get ready.'' 

Sam nodded and turned to leave. My hand shot out and grabbed his elbow. ''Don't tell anyone what happened Sam and please tell Bee to hang around for me. I think we might try and catch an earlier flight from Edwards Air Base back to Diego Garcia.'' I smiled weakly at him. 

''Yeah, good call on both counts.'' Nodding curtly, he took off outside. 

As I made my way upstairs, I grabbed the handrail tightly trying to steady myself. I felt like everything was spinning. /Just don't vomit, please!/. I managed to keep it down and started to pack my things and by pack I mean throw everything in the suitcase haphazardly. I had to pause every now and then as I felt as though I had no energy left, I felt drained.

/What the hell have I done?/, I thought anxiously to myself. /Optimus will be so pissed at me/… and with that thought, everything went dark.

I must have passed out for a moment because when I came to I could hear the sound of heavy footsteps thumping around downstairs and Ron's voice, ''Alright come on everyone, time to head off, let's move it! Sam go check Orianna is packed up and out of the room.''

I steadied my breathing and slowly stood up, feeling a little shaky but much better than I was before. I grabbed my suitcase, something I was able to do with relative ease, and made my way to the door just as Sam rounded the top of the stairs.

''Oh, good you're alive,'' he looked relieved.

''Yep,'' I smiled. ''I feel a little better too, must have just needed a rest, I kinda fell asleep I think.''

Sam eyed me cautiously. ''Well okay OC, but just take it easy, you really didn't look good before, I was worried.'' He reached out and took my suitcase from me, 'Here let me help you with that.''

''Thanks Sam, appreciate it. You all packed and ready to go?'' I asked as we descended the stairs.

''Ahh… yep'', he replied, casting one quick glance around. The sound of a car horn broke through the afternoon.

''Wow, Ron is patient,'' I laughed.

''You have no idea,'' Sam also gave a little laugh and opened the front door. Once through he locked it and gave it a quick pat in final farewell. I could sympathise with him.

I could see Mikaela over near the side of the road wearing a breath-taking white dress and holding some flowers. I grinned to myself. /Nice try girl.../. I grabbed my suitcase from Sam and gave him a gentle shove towards his gorgeous girlfriend. ''Go on Sam, I've got it from here, thanks. See ya around.'' I walked towards 'Bee who opened his door, and I placed the suitcase inside.

Waving to Ron and Judy I called out, ''Thanks guys, appreciate everything, great to see you again, take care and enjoy your trip!'' They waved back and smiled but they were more interested in watching their son say goodbye to his girlfriend. I shook my head slightly in disbelief and slid into the front seat of 'Bee.

I didn't want to hang around while Sam said his final farewells to Mikaela at least we would respect his privacy. Bumblebee made a loud beep and pulled away from the curb. /Okay, well maybe not totally private/. I heard Bee sigh and I patted his dashboard gently in silent support, ''I know Bumblebee, I know. I'll miss them too.'' We sat in silence for a while as 'Bee sped towards Edwards Air Force Base and our awaiting ride home to Diego Garcia.

We weren't far away from our destination when the pain ripped through me again, much stronger this time – I could hardly breathe. I started to convulse in my seat. ''BEE! I managed to wheeze out, ''Get me home, please!'' I gasped in between convulsions. ''Need - help.''

Frantic beeping filled the interior as Bee flicked through the radio stations. ''Stay. With me. Don't you. Be no quitter.'' I could feel him speed up, weaving his way through the traffic deftly. I could also hear him send a transmission; I couldn't even bring myself to care who it was to.

Another wave of pain ripped through me and I felt my vision cloud, all I could see were symbols. My palm that had been cut was on fire, the bluish tinge spreading. I began to sob softly, ''Bee, hurry, please! Optimus. Get me to Optimus, I need him''.

It was my last thought as everything went blank and I succumbed to the pain wracking my body.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

I woke up screaming, flinging myself forward from my pillow. /I must be in bed somewhere?/. I flailed my arms about me frantically in the semi dark room. ''WHERE AM I?'' I screamed out loud. I could feel sweat trickling down the sides of my face, and I felt like I was burning up.

''Orianna! It's okay, you are back home on Diego Garcia, in the Autobot Medical Bay. I am here with you, as is Rachet,'' Optimus' voice washed over me as he tried to soothe me.

At the sound of his voice, I felt myself relax and begin to calm down. Prime's voice was a source of strength and comfort for any fragile mind or heart. ''Optimus! Hurts.'' I gasped out, turning towards him. ''How did I get here? Last thing I remember is sitting in 'Bee.'' I reached out, searching for his servo, my eyes wide. ''Is 'Bee okay?''

Prime immediately moved his servo so I could grasp a part of it, carefully placing it so as not to hurt me but to provide a measure of comfort and support. ''Orianna, we received a distress transmission from Bumblebee late Wednesday afternoon to say you began to experience extreme pain and convulsions en-route to Edwards Air Force Base,'' at this Prime's voice faltered slightly. ''Following his transmission Lennox and I contacted Edwards Air Force Base and had them move the flight forward in order to evacuate you as soon as possible.''

He shifted slightly as he knelt beside me. ''We arranged for a medical team to meet you and aid with the flight home. The moment you arrived on base Bumblebee drove aboard and the medical team transitioned you to a bed and stabilised you, giving you sedatives and pain killers.'' He blinked those azure optics and focused intently on me. The next words he said were barley a whisper. ''Orianna, they nearly lost you.''

I visibly flinched.

Again, even softer. ''I nearly lost you''. Optics closed briefly as The Prime allowed the thought to wash over him.

I grasped his servo tight, ''Well. You didn't. I'm here now Optimus and I appear to be somewhat okay.'' Though I tried to alleviate his fears I couldn't help shaking my own as I knew I was not well. I hadn't been since…

Prime spoke again, ''Bumblebee is fine, worried about you, but otherwise fine and glad to be among his team again. Orianna, when you arrived you were sedated and had been stabilised. You have been asleep since arriving Thursday evening. It is now early hours of Friday morning. Rachet and I have barely left your side.'' I squeezed his servo though I doubt he really felt it.

My mind felt a bit fuzzy and I had flashes of those symbols every now and then. I rubbed my eyes and sighed. Then something occurred to me. ''Wait a minute. You said you have ''barely'' left my side. What happened since I arrived? Something big must have happened, I can tell.'' I fixed him with an interrogative stare.

Optimus ex-vented in a show of learned human behaviour and gave a low chuckle. ''Orianna, I cannot fool you. Sick as you are and you still pull me up on such inaccuracies,'' he shook his helm slightly in wonder. ''I did not tell you this before as I felt there was no need to, but now I feel it is vital that you know this.'' He shuttered his optics. ''That day in Mission City when Sam pushed the cube into Megatron's chest,''

I gasped slightly and Prime stopped and stared at me, taking note of my seemingly odd reaction, though he did not question me. /Yet/. After a moment he continued. ''Before we left, I noticed a small shard of it in his chest and I collected it to keep it safe, a reminder of what we had lost.''

/Ahh so that's what he had picked up that day, I had always wondered/, my mind momentarily cast back to that point in time.

Optimus blinked his optics and they darkened slightly. ''At your Government's request we gave permission for that shard, the last remaining piece of the Allspark, to be kept under highest supervision and guard here on Diego Garcia. Yesterday afternoon, just after your plane landed, it was stolen in a Decepticon attack!'' Prime's other servo clenched into a ball as he fought to contain his anger. I subconsciously stroked his other servo trying to calm him.

Just then Rachet walked up to us. ''Orianna, how are you feeling?'' He stood before his monitors, quickly taking in the various information they were feeding him. ''You've given all of us a good scare.'' A scowl seemed to form on his faceplates.

I smiled weakly at him. ''Hey Rachet. I'm sorry. I certainly didn't mean to upset anyone, and I certainly didn't mean to get so sick.'' My voice dropped to a mutter, ''I had no idea this would be the result.''

Both Prime and Rachet fixed very intent gazes on me. It was Prime who spoke first. ''Orianna, when I was talking a moment ago relaying recent events, I noticed you flinched when I mentioned the shard. Your comment just now, coupled with that reaction is concerning me. What did happen to you just before you came back here?'' He leaned imperceptibly closer. I held my breath. ''We need to know so we can be prepared and treat you as best as we can.''

''That's right Orianna, I need to know exactly what I am up against here if I am to get you back to full health.'' Both Rachet and Prime folded their arms across their chests. I felt myself gulp.

My chest was hurting, and I felt a bit breathless, not just because I had two very stern and intent Autobots, one of whom was a rather concerned Prime, baring down on me, but the pain was coming back again. I could feel it building. I gave a small whimper. ''Umm… ahhh..'' I rode out the wave of pain.

''OC! WHAT happened? Tell us NOW!'' I had never heard Prime so blunt and demanding with me before. It vaguely reminded me of the night he had spoken to Agent Simmons, telling him and his agents to get out of the car. Rachet was eyeing the various machines, concern etched on his face.

I took as deep a breath as my lungs would allow and ploughed ahead, ''Wednesday morning I came back from a jog.'' /Breathe/. ''When I got inside something didn't seem right. I noticed something on the kitchen bench. It was metal and had some kind of alien writing on it.'' At this both Optimus and Rachet tensed up and visibly flinched. ''Optimus,'' I sucked in more air as my lungs seemed to tighten and constrict me. ''Ahhh….. I don't think that piece you had here was the last one,'' my head throbbed, my hand ached and I noticed it was bandaged. I was burning up. ''OOhh… ahhh…'' I clutched my stomach. Tears began to sting my eyes.

''OC! WHAT DID YOU TOUCH? WHAT WAS IT?'' Optimus yelled at me, his optics wild with fear. His servos only just restrained from grabbing me.

I screamed out in pain. ''SHARD, ALLSPARK. PIECE OF THE ALLSPARK!'' The tears streamed down my face as I felt my body trying to tear itself apart. I screamed again. ''SAM! TOUCHED IT TOO. CUT ME. NOT HIM. 'KAELA HAS IT. SAFE.'' I screamed again in agony and writhed around on the bed. ''PRIME! RACHET! M'SORRY! HELP ME!'' I began to sob loudly.

''RACHET, DO SOMETHING!'' Prime commanded sternly.

''MOVE!'' Rachet commanded back. Optimus moved slightly to allow Rachet access to me and the various machines I was connected to, though he never left my side. Rachet began injecting some sort of blue liquid into a machine set up by an intravenous drip and he had a massive needle prepared. ''ASSISTANCE NOW!''

I became aware of human doctors and nurses bustling about me, checking lines and prepping for my sedation. I eyed the massive needle warily but at this point I did not care what they did. I just wanted the pain to leave me. My vision was blurring, the symbols coming thick and fast.

I felt my stomach churn and turn and the acid taste of vomit as I emptied my stomach all over the floor, trying to purge myself of this ''thing.'' I heaved clutching the side of the bed. My eyes watering. The nurses began to wipe my face. I paused. My vomit was blue. ''THE. FUCK?'' I screamed and began convulsing.

Beside me, the sound of Prime's voice, as anguished and fearful as I have ever heard it erupted. ''ORIANNA! FIGHT! STAY WITH US! DON'T LEAVE ME!''

/PRIME!/, I tried to call out to him.

''Optimus, we're losing her,'' Rachet's voice sounded so far away. And with that all was dark and cold.

Chapter Text

Optimus Prime P.O.V

One spark beat. One heartbeat.

That's how quickly your life can be turned upside down. Just as mine had been when I heard Bumblebee's frantic transmission. My spark stopped.

Something had happened to Orianna and she was in great pain, great danger and she was on the other side of the world! The fear lasted a moment before millennia of leadership kicked in and I felt myself move to manage the ''situation.'' Major Lennox had been stood beside me when the transmission had come through and he was equally shaken, though he too began to move. We had luckily been in Hanger 1 finishing some meetings with JCS.

Major Lennox had yelled at one of the communications team to get a secure line to Edwards Air Force Base immediately, specifically the Brigadier. As he did that, I contacted Rachet and informed him of what had transpired and told him to prep the Medical Bay for any eventuality.

''Prime!'' the Major had called out, ''I have Brigadier General Teichert online, he's the Commander of Edwards.''

I turned to wards the screens above the catwalk to begin my audience with the Brigadier. Major Lennox had already informed the Brigadier of security regarding my identity, so I launched into my greeting and my request. ''Brigadier, I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots and a member of N.E.S.T. I apologise for this intrusion and the haste with which I make this request.''

''Optimus Prime, to what do I owe this honour?'' the Brigadier queried.

I fought back mild irritation as such cordial small talk stole precious moments from achieving my goal. ''Brigadier we have a N.E.S.T team member who has taken gravely ill and is currently en-route to your base as we speak. She and another of our team, an Autobot named Bumblebee, were scheduled to leave your base at approximately 19:00 hours this evening.'' I reached out and placed my servo on the railing, fighting the urge to crush it. ''I am urgently requesting you clear it with the necessary powers to not only move that flight forward to an immediate departure for Diego Garcia, but I would be indebted to you if you could arrange for a medical team to be on site and to help transport this team member to our facility safely.''

There was a moment's hesitation as the Brigadier digested this information. ''I imagine I shall be able to honour your request Optimus Prime. Leave it to me.'' The Brigadier continued, ''However, if I am unable to organise a medical team…'' he began to explain.

I broke into his reply with a grave warning. ''Then a life will likely be lost. Brigadier, forgive my blunt response, but failure to procure a medical team is not an option.'' I stared at the screens with an icy glare. ''Please see to it. I look forward to hearing from either yourself or the relevant chain of command within the next fifteen minutes for confirmation of this request.'' My tone brooked no argument, and while a part of me felt embarrassed to be so rude and demanding, the greater part of me steeled myself to be even more demanding or threatening should the need arise.

''Understood. We will be in touch shortly,'' the Brigadier, though somewhat annoyed by my curt request, seemed to understand the severity of the situation and my own personal interest in this case and deigned to help us.

''My sincere thanks Brigadier, it is an honour to work with you,'' I inclined my helm towards the screen even though he could not see me, I wanted to pay due respect. With that the screen went blank.

''Major Lennox!'' I barked at him, he snapped his head towards me. ''If we do not receive a transmission from Edwards within fifteen minutes, I want to know about it!''

''Of course, Prime!'' Major Lennox had looked at me with some concern. Walking up to me and leaning on the rail of the catwalk he leaned in towards my helm in a somewhat conspiratorial manner. I leant forward to listen to what he had to say, clearly for my audials only. ''Prime,'' he whispered, ''Do not think you are alone in caring for OC, there are many others here on base who are fond of her, myself included.''

I felt myself look away in slight frustration and embarrassment. Embarrassment to think that I alone cared for her and frustration that I could not, and was not able, to tell Major Lennox just how deeply I cared for Orianna. /Mainly because I was struggling to understand it and accept it myself/. I turned my helm back to face my friend. ''I understand Major Lennox. My apologies if I gave that impression. I know Orianna is well liked and respected. I shall take what you have said under advisement. Thank you for your help.''

''It's okay Prime, any time.'' Major Lennox fixed me with a steady stare. ''I am sure she will be okay. If there is one thing I have learned about OC it's that she is tough. She is a fighter, she doesn't back down. I am sure there will be nothing to worry about.'' Whilst the Major's words were no doubt intended to comfort me, it almost sounded as though he was trying to convince himself of this fact.

I nodded at him and walked towards the hanger door. I needed to get outside for a moment, I felt oppressed.

As I stood outside Hanger 1, I cast my optics to the sky. /Please, Primus let her be okay/. I knew I would not get an answer, but I had to offer the thought up, for my own mollification if nothing else. Though it felt like an age while I awaited that call from the Brigadier, it was in truth perhaps ten minutes later the call came through.

Major Lennox had called out to me and as I walked in, he raised both his thumbs in the air and shouted out, ''DONE! Medical team scrambled as we speak, plane being prepped for take-off. Wheels up in fifteen minutes. Bumblebee just contacted us. He and Orianna are five minutes from the base. I have informed him of the situation. She is unconscious but seems to be stable.'' Major Lennox closed his eyes briefly in silent relief.

I mirrored his actions closing my optics for a moment. Emotions of every kind assailed me, though the most prominent remained fear. /What has happened to her? Why is she suddenly so sick?/. My old friend ''self-recrimination'' crept upon me. /I should never have let her go over there by herself. I should have gone with her!/.

Trying to ignore the growing anger towards myself, I called out to the figure on the catwalk. ''Thank you Major Lennox. I am heading over to Rachet to check on his progress in preparing the Med Bay and organising a team of human doctors and nurses to assist him. Please, keep me informed of any developments.'' The Major had simply nodded his acknowledgment.

As I drove towards the Medical Bay I was sorely tempted to turn off and drive to ''our'' beach instead. Even as my spark turned off the road and headed towards the beach, I physically kept driving forward. First, I had to check on Rachet and see if there was anything I could do to assist. I had a feeling it would be the longest twenty-two hours of my life as the plane winged its way from the Edwards Air Force Base to Diego Garcia.

I felt my dermas twist into a wry grin. I could withstand the heat of battle, the pain of severe wounds inflicted upon me, the struggles of leadership and the burden it bestows upon you, even the soul-destroying loss of a spark mate did not break me.

But this.

This interminable waiting. Useless, helpless waiting while Orianna's life hung in the balance. This I could not stand. /What cannot be helped must be endured/, I thought to myself for what seemed the hundredth time in the past six months.

I only hoped I could endure what was to surely come.

Chapter Text

Rachet P.O.V

When I received Prime's communique regarding Orianna's condition, my spark stilled and concern gathered about me like a dark and ominous cloud. Orianna had become a good friend and valuable team member in fighting our cause and I cared for her. However, it was more how Optimus would react if the worst should happen and we lost her, that caused my spark the greatest amount of fear.

Over the past three years I had watched Oriana and Prime grow closer, break down each other's walls and lean on each other for support, dragging the other out of dark and dangerous depths when needed. I was thankful for her helping our Prime as I know what a burden he must bear.

And now.

That support, that pillar of strength for him had her life hanging by a thread. A strange illness now griped her, and I feared the worst. As I busied myself rushing about the Medical Bay, checking instruments, supplies, running through possible scenarios and treatment options, I spared a moment to think, /What did she do? Why now? Is it some human illness that plagues her or something more sinister?/. I had just finished briefing the human nurses and doctor's sent to support us, as the door to the Med Bay burst open and the rather agitated form of Optimus Prime strode in.

A quick glance at his faceplates and his optics told me my concerns were not unfounded – he was fighting a silent war inside himself right now and I could tell this was a fight he may well lose.

''Rachet, I have come to check on your preparations here. Is everything ready? Do you have all you need?'' Optimus locked me with a hard stare, his servos clenched by his sides as he barked out the questions.

I raised both of my servos in supplication. ''Optimus, please. Everything is under control.'' I paused a moment and ''eyed'' him carefully. ''Are you?''

His optics flashed fire as he glared at me. ''Of course I am! What do you mean by that?'' the acid in his tone made me flinch, though I did not back down. Millions of years serving my Prime, my friend, I would not abandon him now. /Now might be a good time for a ''talk''/.

''Prime, I merely made the comment as I can tell you are on edge. I do not blame you. I am concerned for Orianna too.'' He made to interrupt me, but I forged on. ''However, you of all mechs know we cannot allow our emotions consume us when we face our greatest challenges - our fears.'' The fire in his optics simmered and his massive shoulders seemed to slump - in defeat or shame I did not know, neither did I care.

I stepped towards him and placed a servo on his shoulder, noting how he tensed. ''Prime, we have the better part of a day ahead of us while we await her arrival. I think you and I can spare a moment to ''talk''. Let's get out of here for a minute.'' I motioned towards the Med Bay doors and though he initially made to refuse my offer, he reluctantly turned and led me out of the door.

Once outside I indicated for him to follow me down to their beach. I knew it was a place he would find some small measure of comfort. We walked in silence and stood in the middle of the clearing. Neither of us wanted to sit. Optimus stood beside me, shifting his weight agitatedly from pede to pede. /He needs this. He needs to talk, to vent/. ''Prime, I may not be Orianna, but I hope you will trust me, as you once did, with what burdens your spark. Though I dare say I know.'' I levelled a keen gaze at his optics.

Optimus turned his helm towards mine, and his optics radiated great sadness. ''I am sorry old friend. Forgive me. Of course, I trust you.'' He turned his gaze onto the dark waters crashing in the distance, his words were but a whisper, quieter than the sea breeze that blew around us. ''Rachet I am afraid.'' He paused at this as though the very admittance of his fear was a most serious transgression.

When I made no reaction, he pressed on. ''I am more afraid than I can recall being in the longest time. I feel as though my spark is trying to escape my chassis and when it isn't pulsing rapidly it is constricted as though my very essence is being wrenched from my body.'' He turned wild optics on me. ''I do not understand why, when I have witnessed so much death and tragedy in my life, when I have faced down countless foes without a second thought of fear for my own life, why I am so afraid of losing Orianna?''

A felt a small, knowing smile tease the corners of my dermas as I listened to my friend attempt to put into words what, to me, was so obvious. I simply folded my arms across my chest and nodded for him to continue. I knew he had more to say.

He shook his helm in seeming disbelief, ''One human. She is one human. So many have lost their lives already since we came to this planet and brought our war with us,'' the last was said with such vehemence it felt like venom being spat into the night air. He raised his helm to the night sky and yelled in a guttural, feral growl, raw with emotion, ''Rachet, why?''' at this last question he crashed to the ground on his knees and punched the earth so hard it left a crater like indent.

I simply stood there for a moment, watching my friend and my leader brought to his knees by the strength of his emotions and his inability, or unwillingness, to recognise them for what they were. I placed a servo gently on his shoulder strut, and I felt him tense slightly for a moment before he relaxed at the comfort being offered. ''Optimus,'' I said in a very steady, calm and serious tone, ''Don't you see? It's because you love her.''

/There. It was said. It cannot be taken back now/.

At the mention of the word, I felt him flinch, and I could almost feel his barriers slam into place. He rose to his pedes again, lightning fast, ''Rachet! I… That is ridiculous!'' he stammered as he took a physical step away from me, away from the topic. His optics at war between, anger, fear and recognition.

I eyed him carefully and once again folded my arms across my chest. ''Is it? How so?'' I didn't mean to goad him. /Then again, maybe he needed it!/.

Prime stopped, stood still, clenched his fists by his side and levelled me with a withering glare. ''Well for one thing Rachet she is a human and I am Cybertronian. We are not even of the same species!'' He threw his arms up in the air as if in silent surrender.

I shrugged my shoulders and merely replied, ''So? Love is more than just something physical, it transcends such things.''

His dermas moved into a thin line of determination when I did not yield to that logic and he placed his servos firmly on his hips. /Just like Orianna when she gets ready to prove a point/, I thought amusedly to myself. His next words erupted like verbal lava, spewing forth in rapid succession. ''Rachet, her life is but a heartbeat compared to mine, she is flesh and blood and I am metal and energon, she has just lost the love of her life barely two months ago and I lost mine millennia ago and - I am the PRIME!'' His chassis was rising and falling with barely contained frustration and anger. ''I cannot allow myself the distraction and the weakness of caring for someone so deeply lest I fail our people!'' By the time he spoke the last words his right servo pointed accusingly at me and the other lay by his side tightly clenched. He stood there, chassis heaving in barely contained rage, frustration and grief.

I closed my optics for a moment. /So, there it was. All of this has been gnawing at him like some rabid animal for Primus knows how long! How cathartic it must feel for him. Painful, yet cathartic/. I ex-vented out loud as I shook my helm. ''Optimus. I am sorry.'' At my words he gave me a confused look and some of his ire leached from his frame. An apology was not what he had been expecting.

''I am sorry that as your friend and physician I did not see what has been so blindly obvious and offered you council and comfort. I am sorry that you feel you have had to bear these feelings on your own, unable to share them with another, thus allowing them to fester. And I am sorry that you are so boneheaded that you cannot come to terms with your own true feelings!''

Prime, took another physical step back at my words as though I had slapped him and in truth, I felt l like I had. He needed it! Before he could say anything, I launched into my own tirade. ''Prime, have you never heard the Earth saying, ''It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all?'' A life lived with the one your soul aches to be with, however brief, is far more appealing than a life lived in loneliness and fear of being hurt. Besides, although we are capable of living for millions of years, Prime, you know as well as I that at any moment in battle our lives can be lost. So that point, as far as I am concerned, is moot.''

His dermas moved silently as if trying to form a response, but I held my servo up to silence him. ''As for being made of flesh and blood and you of metal and energon. What does it matter? As I said before love comes in many forms Prime. It is irrelevant that you should be of different sizes, races, constitutions. The heart, or spark, wants what it wants. As for Orianna losing Chase, yes. I agree the timing is not the best. She did indeed love him, may have married him and bonded herself to him.'' He flinched at the thought. I bit back a smile. ''But Optimus, if you could see the way she is when she is around you, the way she seeks you out, lights up when she sees you. I would not go so far as to say Chase was the love of her life, a deep love yes. But I can't help feeling that, like you, Orianna has fooled herself as to the depth of her feelings for you!''

At this he flinched yet again, and something akin to hope briefly flashed through his optics, though he quickly quashed it. I allowed a small, sad smile to spread across my dermas. ''As for you and Elita. I know how deeply you felt for her and loved her and how you feel that loss still.'' Prime once again shifted on his pedes and shuttered his optics trying to contain his emotions.

I forged on. ''But Prime she is gone! She is not coming back, and I know in my spark, as I am sure deep down you do too, she would want you to be happy.'' My friend imperceptibly nodded his helm. /FINALLY! Something was sinking in/. ''Orianna brings you that happiness. I have seen it with my own optics.''

Optimus turned to look at me, his shoulder struts slumping in defeat. ''As for the last argument you put forth. Bullshit!'' I spat out using an Earthen cuss to make my point. He whipped stunned optics up to mine and straightened up again in shock. ''You are our Prime, and in my humble opinion, the best we have ever had.'' Upon hearing my praise, Optimus shifted awkwardly on his pedes, casting his gaze out to the rolling waves in the bay. Though he was quick to praise others, Optimus found it hard to take a compliment himself. ''I am sure I speak for all Autobots when I say this; in all your millennia of service and leadership, you have never let us down and I highly doubt you ever will – whether on your own or not.'' 

I ex-vented softly. ''Personally, I would rather endure the burdens of leadership with another spark by my side, one who knows my own as intimately as I do, than to face it alone.'' I paused briefly as I allowed my optics to show all the support, kindness and compassion I felt towards our Prime shine through. ''Optimus, you deserve to be loved. You deserve to love. But it is up to you to allow that to happen.'' I fell silent on the matter. I had said my piece. There was nothing more to say.

Prime stood there. In the whole time he had not spoken. I had not let him, but he had not tried to interrupt either. /Perhaps I have finally succeeded in getting through to him?/. I was about to reach out to him when my communicator went off, ''Rachet here.'' The next words froze my spark and sent waves of fear pulsing through me. ''Understood. I am on my way.''

At my words and my change in manner Prime's optics shot to mine and his huge frame tensed. ''Rachet, what is it?''

I closed my optics for a moment to gather the strength I needed to say my next words to him. ''Prime. They nearly lost Orianna. She.. she stopped breathing, convulsions… her heart couldn't take it. They.. they managed to stabilise her. She is ok. For now….'' I did not want to continue that train of thought. Especially after our discussion.

I hoped never to see such a look darken my leader and my friend's faceplates ever again. It was as though he ceased to be for a moment. As though all life had left him, an empty shell. /How can he possibly deny his feelings now?/. He slowly sank to his knees and then into a sitting position, as though he could not bear his own weight, the weight of his emotions, anymore.

''Rachet,'' the word was barely audible. ''I need to… I can't… I need to be alone for a moment. Please.'' He did not look at me, simply stared fixated on the dark and crashing waves before him.

My spark ached for him, but I simply nodded my understanding of his request. ''Of course, Prime. I shall return to the Med Bay and prepare for her arrival. You take as long as you need. I will arrange for Ironhide and Jazz to meet the plane...'' I did not get to finish.

''NO!'' He yelled out loud. ''No,'' much softer. ''I promised her I would be here waiting for her when she got back. I will honour that promise… regardless of…'' He stopped speaking, unable to bring himself to finish the sentence.

I nodded. ''Very well Optimus. You and I shall meet the plane. I shall inform Jazz he is in command effective immediately. You, have bigger concerns.'' I would not be swayed on this.

Prime simply nodded his acquiescence. I placed my servo on his shoulder and squeezed it in a show of silent support and offering strength. ''Optimus, I do not know what the outcome of this will be. I pray to Primus she will be fine. But, just know you are not alone. You will not be alone.'' I stopped myself. What else do you say?

My Prime merely nodded and continued to stare. I released my servo and nodded. I turned on my pedes and strode back towards the Med Bay. I had my own demons to face now as Orianna's life would be placed squarely in my servos. I only hoped they had the strength and the skill necessary to save her – lest we lose two lives out of this.

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

''ORIANNA! FIGHT! STAY WITH US! DON'T LEAVE ME!''I could feel the terror and the desolation welling up inside of me.

Seven million years. Such an extraordinary amount of time when said out loud, and yet, there is no time, WE have no time left! As I watch Orianna slip away from me, her fragile human body convulsing as pain tore through her bod, I am vaguely aware of myself yelling at Rachet to, ''DO SOMETHING!'' and he ushers me out of the way.

I will not leave her side.

Since the plane touched down early Thursday evening and they brought her down the ramp, I have been beside her, hoping in some small way she can sense my presence and know that I have kept my promise to her. She had said she was afraid of losing me that day before the plane took off and she did not know what she would do without me.

Now, as I watch Rachet and the team of doctors and nurses fight to save her life, I want desperately to be able to say the same thing to her. I am afraid of losing her and, after last night's very confronting talk with Rachet, I truly do not know what I would do without her. It is all at once a sobering, comforting and confronting thought.

My optics never leave her as Rachet says the words I had dreaded to hear, ''Optimus, we're losing her.'' My spark is torn in two all over again, as the same pain I felt when I lost Elita comes flooding back. ''No,'' it is barely a whisper because it is all I can manage to raise. ''This can't be it. No.''

I am forcibly shoved out of the way by Rachet as he moves around to oversee the nurses and doctors. There is a flurry of activity, but I do not see it. All I can see is Orianna, looking so very fragile and so very small.

All I can hear is the horrible sound of the heart monitor indicating Orianna's heart has failed. That constant beeping sound, grates at my nerves and tears at my sanity. /No. Please. Primus, hear me. Not like this. Not now. Please!/ I close my optics for a moment to try and centre myself. I am falling into an abyss.

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

A deep gasp for air.

My optics fly open. Orianna is surrounded by nurses and doctors. She has a mask quickly placed over her mouth and her eyelids briefly open, searching for something, then they flutter closed. /She is ALIVE!/. I take a step away from the abyss and walk back towards my light. Another needle is administered into her arm. /A sedative?/.

''That was too close,'' one of the doctor's spoke up. ''If that happens again, we will lose her. I dare not give her anymore adrenaline. God alone knows how her heart has already been affected, not to mention the possible long-term effects to the brain.''

He turned to face Rachet. ''She has been given a strong sedative and the anesthetist has put her under. She should be stable and relatively comfortable for at least 8 hours. After that, it is hard to say what will happen. She may make a full recovery; she may take a turn again.'' He paused a moment and eyed both Rachet and then me carefully. ''I do not know what has happened to her, but I do know this is rapidly advancing out of human science and expertise. You said she had a cut from something metal?'' He eyed us suspiciously.

I could not speak at present; all I could do was look from Rachet to Orianna and the steady beeping image on the screen that assured me she was here with me.

Rachet spoke up. ''Yes. She did. We are uncertain as to the origin of this metal at present and, as such, the full ramifications of her contact with it.'' He lied to the doctor.

The doctor shook his head. ''In all my years of practising medicine I have never seen a patient vomit blue liquid that has not been drunk on blue curacao.'' He gave a light laugh before he grew serious again. ''Her right hand, where she was cut. It's changing. It is not wholly a soft tissue, flesh and skin. It is turning into something else. I can't be sure...''

At this he shook his head and let out a huge sigh of disbelief, shock and frustration. ''As I said before, this is becoming a matter beyond what I can treat and understand.'' He fixed both Rachet and me with a serious stare, ''I just hope you are able to take over from here or that poor girl's life is as good as over.'' I flinched and Rachet set his dermas in a thin, irritated line.

''Thank you, Dr Andrews. We appreciate your support and the support of your staff at this time. If there is nothing further you can do to aid Orianna, I suggest you leave and get some much-needed rest.'' Though it seemed Rachet was being polite, those who knew him would have detected the barely restrained hostility bubbling away.

Dr Andrews took one last look at Orianna and then smiled and nodded towards us both. ''I believe there is nothing further I can do. Some of the nurses will take it in shifts to assist you and help monitor her progress. I wish you all the best of luck,'' and with that he strode out of the room to clean up and move on.

Rachet watched him go with no small amount of displeasure. He then turned his optics on me, and they softened. ''Prime. Are you okay?''

I had somehow knelt beside her and was staring at her intently. ''I thought we lost her,'' I closed my optics.

''We nearly did old friend, we nearly did.'' Rachet ex-vented in seeming relief as he tentatively patted my shoulder. ''But she is a fighter. She is fighting for something,'' I felt his optics stare intently at me as he spoke, ''or someone.''

I opened my optics and let them rest on Orianna's sleeping form again, choosing to ignore Rachet's pointed comment. ''Is what Dr Andrews said true Rachet? If Orianna has that, ''episode'' again, will we lose her?'' My own voice, normally steady and commanding, was now laced with fear and uncertainty. Though I felt myself cringe inwardly, I could not bring myself to care too much at this point in time.

Rachet ex-vented heavily. ''I don't know Optimus, though it would seem likely to be the case. Her body has been through quite an ordeal.'' He sighed out loud. ''One I feel is far from over.'' Rachet turned to acknowledge the gowned women still monitoring Orianna. ''Nurses, thank you for your help, it is greatly appreciated. She is sedated for now and I can take it from here for the moment. Would you kindly give us a moment?'' The handful of women had simply nodded or made a simple comment and left the room.

After they had gone, I asked the question I had wanted to ask since Dr Andrews made his observations known. ''Rachet. What do you think has happened to Orianna? Her hand, her, ''purging''. Combined with what we know happened to her, what she touched. What does this mean and what do we do from here?'' I gave Rachet my full attention now.

Rachet once again ex-vented and pinched the place where his nose and his optical ridge met, it would seem he had also picked up a few human habits. ''Prime, I have several ideas and theories, but they are just that. I have never had this happen before. This will be a ''wait and see and roll with the punches'' case scenario. Not ideal I know, but unavoidable.''

I nodded my understanding but made no move to interrupt or question him further.

''We now know both Orianna and Sam touched a shard of the Allspark. It is possible, possible that when that happened, some of the knowledge contained in the Allspark was absorbed into them both. ''Transformed'' so to speak.''

I felt my optics widen in shock before Rachet continued in his explanation, ''Before you ask, I do not know the effect this will have on an organic human brain! It would at the very least have caused significant pain and headaches for them both, not to mention some sort of seizure as their brain tried to ''process'' the alien information at rapid speed.''

Rachet paused a moment, considering to himself, ''Perhaps that is why Samuel's grandfather Archibald went mad?'' Rachet then physically shook himself out of his own train of thought. ''However, Orianna was cut by the shard of the Allspark, Sam was not. This means that Orianna's reactions and the effect of her contact will be more significant and, likely harmful than Sam's exposure.'' Rachet shifted on his pedes. ''Somehow, in some bizarre twist of fate or cruel joke, there was some energon on or in that shard. Be it from the cube or…'' Rachet's voice trailed off.

Realisation slammed into me, ''MEGATRON!'' the energon in my lines seemed to freeze. ''Rachet, does this mean..'' I could barely bring myself to say it, ''Orianna will become… she will..''

''NO!'' Rachet burst out. ''Orianna is in no more danger of turning into Megatron than you are when some of his energon is splashed onto you in battle, or a human has of turning into their blood donor during a transfusion.'' Rachet quickly expelled my fear on that matter and I visibly relaxed. ''What it does mean, I think, remember this is a theory, a hypothesis, is that when Oriana closed her fist around the shard and it cut into her skin, the energon on the shard, not to mention miniscule fragments of the shard itself containing Transformer CNA, seeped into her and entered her blood stream.''

I nodded my understanding as I flicked my optics over the supine woman in the bed beside me.

''At the same time the remnants of the ''the cube's'' transformative properties within that shard, set off some sort of ''transformative reaction'' within her as her blood and organic tissues were mixed with and exposed to our alien CNA and energon.'' He furrowed his brow as he looked down upon Orianna. ''Her bodies' natural defence systems, immune systems, will try to combat it and see it as a threat that has to be gotten rid of and it will send antibodies to attack it. What this will do I have no idea.''

I pressed Rachet further. ''That is an interesting theory Ratchet, but what do you think will happen?''

Rachet turned his optics to look at me before once again letting his gaze rest upon the unconscious form of Orianna. My own optics followed his, and I felt a faint stirring in my spark as I took in Orianna's comatose form, though I fought to ignore it. ''Usually, a person will be sick for a period of time while the body tries to heal itself and repair. They may develop fevers, nausea, dizziness and various other symptoms, all of which Orianna his displayed. Then they often make a full recovery and have developed some immunity to that "threat''.

So, she may make a full recovery?'' I asked hopefully.

Rachet shook his helm. ''Optimus, this is no common cold or viral infection she is fighting here. She has an ''alien, alien'' substance invading her body and, coupled with her ''gift'', I have no idea of knowing what will eventually happen. Either way Prime, whatever happens to Orianna from here on out will have some significant impact upon her.''

He walked around to her right side and carefully lifted her right hand. ''It would seem Optimus, that Orianna's body may be undergoing some kind of ''transformation'' the likes of which I am unsure will be the result, both as to the end result and the likelihood of her surviving. And that is the honest truth.'' Rachet ex-vented deeply and fixed me with an exhausted stare.

It was while Rachet was holding Orianna's right hand that I noticed something, apart from the very bizarre physical change taking place. ''Rachet! Where is her ring?'' I yelled out in slight alarm. I knew how important it was to her.

''It's ok Optimus. Apparently, the nurses took it off as she was being prepped. Human patients usually don't wear any jewellery when entering such medical situations. It is removed and kept safe.'' Rachet indicated some human sized drawers off the side of the room. ''It is in the top drawer on a chain. It is safe.'' His optics shone with compassion. I relaxed my frame a little and nodded my understanding and appreciation.

I Looked at Orianna again. Such a remarkable woman in so many ways. /If anyone can fight this and survive, it has to be her/, I thought to myself determinedly. ''Rachet, old friend, I am so very thankful to have had you here tonight fighting for Orianna. You have done me, and Orianna I am sure, very proud. We are truly thankful.'' At my words the veteran medic seemed to radiate pride and a little embarrassment.

''Happy to help Prime. Orianna means a lot to me too. I am just grateful we were able to stabilise her. The next 12 to 24 hours will be critical for her. That is the danger period where it could go either way.'' At my tensing frame Rachet continued, ''Rest assured I am going nowhere during that time and beyond if need be, until I am satisfied I have done all I can for her. You have my word.'' Rachet's optics shone with determination.

I nodded my understanding and my thanks. ''Thank you. That provides great comfort. I know she is in the best servos.'' I looked back up to Rachet. ''And Rachet, thank you for earlier.'' I felt myself tense slightly. ''Your ''talk''. While it may not appear to be the case, I appreciate your honesty and your support.'' I tore my gaze away from him and shuttered my optics, ''You have given me much to think about.''

Rachet merely nodded again, ''You're welcome Prime,'' before he allowed a small smirk to spread across his faceplates. ''Just don't think too much and over analyse it. It really is quite simple.'' With that he turned and walked over to check some equipment he would likely need later.

I knelt there a moment longer taking in the small, pale and exhausted figure of Orianna as she lay wrapped in white blankets on the gurney, various lines and tubes going into and out of her body. I tilted my helm as I quietly considered her. So fragile, yet so strong. So brave yet so vulnerable. So full of love, yet so full of sadness and loss. Orianna was indeed an enigma, but one I wanted to spend whatever time I could getting to know and understand.

I felt a small smile form on my dermas. /Perhaps it really IS simple? Perhaps… in time we could…/. I was torn abruptly from my silent reflections by my comms line beeping.

::YES!?:: I barked down the line.

::Prime. It's Jazz. Sorry to interrupt ya, I hope OC is okay?:: I could hear the worry in his voice.

::For the time being Jazz, she is:: It was the truth. ::What is it?:: I fired more tersely than was necessary.

::Sorry Prime. I thought I should inform ya of a situation we have brewin'. That Allspark shard that was stolen in the Decepticon attack here, well, Lennox was just informed by Morshower that there was a confirmed hit by the various nets protectin' NBE 1 that hostile bogey contacts have made their way into and then  out  of the Laurentian Abyss just now. Significant damage sustained ta one of the submarines. All hands on deck were lost::

My spark stopped.

::Prime. I think..:: Jazz started to voice what my processor and my spark already knew and feared.

::Megatron. He's back!:: The words were fairly spat out of my dermas. I felt white hot anger quickly replace the cold wave of fear. /We trusted the humans to protect our Allspark shard and now… look what has been allowed to happen! This would NEVER have happened if we had taken custody of our own property instead of trying to appease and maintain relations with the humans/. I could not help the poisonous thoughts and my disappointment in the humans – in me - for allowing this to happen, from tearing through my processor. I felt my fists clench by my side as I looked at Orianna. /How many more lives must be lost as a result of our war, and my mistakes?/.

::Prime?:: Jazz inquired tentatively. :I understand I'm in acting command at present and I will gladly assemble all available Autobots and act in your stead. But I thought ya should…:: Again, I interrupted my Second in Command.

I closed my optics briefly, though all I wanted to do was stay by Orianna's side, I knew that was not possible. I was Prime. It was time to act like it. ::No Jazz. That will not be necessary. If Megatron is indeed back, he will likely be seeking revenge:: Galloway's words echoed in my processor, /''What is there to hunt on earth except you!''/.

::Jazz we must locate Sam and speak with him. I fear the Autobot/human alliance is in a fragile state, especially now with recent events unfolding. We must remind our human allies of the trust we share in each other. Sam is key in that::

/And… if he did touch the Allspark, he is likely a target/, I thought silently to myself. 

::Jazz assemble all Autobots in active duty for immediate departure. Rachet is exempted. Inform Bumblebee once we land, he is to retrieve Sam. I will send coordinates for our meeting location after he has Sam in his possession::

::Affirmative Prime:: Jazz responded.

::Jazz, I need you to contact Major Lennox and arrange transport to Washington DC right away. If there are any issues, patch him through to me:: I commanded.

::Yes Prime, right away:: he replied. The line went dead.

I closed my optics momentarily again and ex-vented heavily. /Some days it just doesn't pay to wake up from recharge!/. I opened my optics and focused on Orianna again. She had not moved, her face expressionless and pale. I reached out a digit and gently touched her face. ''I'm sorry Orianna. I wish I could stay here with you, but I have to go. My duty as Prime demands it''. I allowed my digit to remain against her face. ''But know you come with me. Wherever I go, you are in my spark, always.'' For a brief moment I thought she would open her eyes and smile at me, but it was only wishful thinking. She remained motionless.

I reluctantly removed my digit from her face and stood up. ''Rachet?'' I turned to try and locate him.

''Yes Prime?'' Rachet strode over from the other side of the room.

''I have just received a distressing communique from Jazz. It would seem the shard that was stolen from here not long ago by the Decepticons - has been used to revive Megatron.''

''Slag it to the pits!'' Rachet growled his optics flashing with fire.

''I know, my thoughts exactly.'' I turned to look at Orianna. ''Rachet I have scrambled the Autobots for an immediate departure to Washington DC. As I am sure you would agree, you are to remain here and watch over Orianna.'' I felt my spark twinge at the thought of leaving her in such a state, but I had no choice.

''Of course, Prime. I will stay by her side come what may,'' Rachet stared solemnly at me.

''I have a feeling Sam's life is at risk too. If I stay with Orianna, Sam may be lost. If I go to see Sam, Orianna may well die in my absence. Either way Rachet, I lose someone I care deeply about..'' the tone in my voice was cold.

''Not on my watch you won't Prime!'' Rachet's voice had a determination burning within it I had never heard before. ''I will do whatever must be done to save Orianna! I swear to Primus. Go, find Sam. I will protect your Orianna.''

I shuttered my optics and flinched slightly at the way he referred to Orianna just now. /Was she mine? Did I really see her as such?/. I nodded slowly, as I looked at OC's sleeping form one more time. ''Thank you Rachet.'' I paused a moment. ''If she wakes up tell her..''

''Tell her yourself when you get back! Now GO! The sooner you leave, the sooner you get back!'' Rachet began to usher me towards the door.

''Very well. You are to comm me if anything happens, that is an order,'' tearing my eyes away from Orianna, I turned and walked towards the doors of the Med Bay.

''Understood Prime, see you soon,'' I heard Rachet call out to my departing form as I strode towards the doors. ''We'll be waiting for you.''

I couldn't bring myself to look back because if I did, I knew I would not have the strength to leave. I kept walking and shoved the doors open roughly, allowing some of my frustration and sorrow some release.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Optimus Prime

I felt a white-hot rage building up inside me, possessing me as I was tackled to the ground. All of my emotions I had been holding at bay over the past few days, maybe the past few millennia, were unleashed in a torrent. All my fear, anger, frustration, hurt, grief, and worry flooded my systems and spurred me on as never before.

Leaping back to my pedes, I grabbed a fallen tree trunk, slamming it into Megatron. ''WEAK!'' I growled the taunt after I knocked him off balance. Casting the tree aside, I deflected his right hook with my right forearm before landing a solid punch in the middle of his back. ''PUNY!" I yelled at him and he grunted as my fists connected - metal crunching brutally against metal. Megatron turned back to hit me and I ducked easily before brining my right arm around to connect with his face. ''WASTE OF METAL!'' The power of my blow sent him flying backwards.

I unsheathed my energon blade from my right arm and stepped up to slice at Megatron as he rolled back to his pedes. ''JUNK YARD SCRAP!'' As I brought my blade down several times round his helm and chest before backhanding him hard with my right servo, sending energon flying. I spun around before him, grabbed his helm with my left servo and threw him to the ground with a growl.

At my frenzied and savage attack, I could sense the smallest amount of fear emanating from Megatron as he yelled for his minions to join the attack. ''DECEPTICONS!'' I was aware of Grindor landing off to my right and Starscream had arrived too, slamming into some trees. /AUTOBOTS! WHERE ARE YOU?/ The urgent thought tore at me. Though I was a Prime and my skill on the battlefield had been finely honed after millennia of fighting, the odds were suddenly tipped well out of my favour.

Furrowing my brow in determination, I continued to fight Megatron until I noticed Starscream run towards something. /SAM!/. Noticing the fleeing form of the boy, Megatron had also tried to disengage me and follow after Sam. Once again I was consumed by rage and bloody minded determination as I chased him. After tackling him to the ground, I quickly sprung up, deflecting a blow and grabbing a leg he kicked out at me. I brought my energon blade down on his leg joint with enough force to severely bend it out of shape and almost snap it. I took some small measure of delight in the growl of pain and anger that was torn from his dermas. Bringing my left knee up to slam into his helm, I sent him backwards onto his aft.

I had lost sight of Sam which hopefully meant he was safe somewhere. At this point Starscream made his presence known as he ran at me firing. I turned around and gave him a solid right uppercut to his helm at the same time bringing my left arm down and punching him in the back of the helm with my left servo. I pivoted around with my momentum as he lurched to the ground and then grabbed him in a helm lock as he began firing.

My body was starting to fatigue even as the sound of Bumblebee's and Ironhide's engines roared loudly in the distance as they raced to my position. /HURRY/.

''THERE IS ANOTHER SOURCE OF ENERGON ON THIS PLANET. THE BOY COULD LEAD US TO IT!'' The guttural voice barked at me. I swung back at Megatron and sent him stumbling backwards again before Starscream caught me off guard and punched me from behind. As I struggled to regain my footing, Grindor grabbed me by my helm and lifted me off the ground, running his blades against my side. I slashed back at him with my energon blade and he dropped me for a moment before Starscream took over again.

I tried to defend myself, but I was surrounded and could feel my energon reserves depleting rapidly, my battle-damaged CPU began to issue different codes and malfunctions at me. I stumbled slightly and then I felt Megatron slam into me, hitting me across my back before grabbing me by my helm and sending me flying backwards. I narrowly missed impaling myself on a jagged tree trunk.

I rolled to my pedes as quickly as possible, but I was too late to defend myself against the roundhouse kick Megatron delivered. I groaned out loud as his pede slammed into my faceplates, shattering my face, ripping one of the metal visors from above my windscreen off and sending energon flying. I fell heavily to the ground as I heard Sam scream in terror, ''OPTIMUS!''

Pain tore through my body. Having been severely jolted, I shakily began to get to my pedes only to be greeted by a blast to my chest and several rapid fire machine gun blasts Starscream sent in my direction which sent me stumbling backwards past Megatron. A feral grin spread across his dermas as he savagely backhanded me and fired his canon point blank at me. 

Flames and heat tore through me. The force of the impact sent me soaring backwards and I landed heavily on the ground before a fleeing Sam. Rolling gingerly to my side, my body was on fire, it ached and bled. I could feel the dents and gouges, the severed lines, the torn and jagged metal. I spat broken bits of metal plating from inside my dermas, along with bits of dirt and grass I had ingested as I landed on the ground. /Primus, give me strength!/.

Megatron slowly stalked towards me, unsheathing his own blade. ''Is the future of our race not worth a single human life?'' he taunted me as he snipped his claw like ''servo'' together in wicked triumph.

I could hear Sam, who was cowering behind the root of the fallen tree calling out to me. ''Come on, up… get up!''

I knelt there momentarily, venting heavily to try and stop my rapidly malfunctioning systems from over-heating, my right blade drawn, my left arm supporting my weight. /THIS IS IT/. I ex-vented heavily as I prepared for my final assault. /ALL OR NOTHING!/.

A renewed sense of righteous anger and purpose surged through me as I cried out, ''YOU'LL NEVER STOP AT ONE!'' Unsheathing my other energon blade from my left hand, I spun around challenging, ''I'LL TAKE YOU ALL ON!'' I slammed my energon blade into Starscream and sent him flying backwards to Megatron before I rounded on Grindor and severed his arm with the rotor blades as well as some of his helicopter blades, sending them careening towards Megatron and Starscream, who narrowly avoided being sliced.

I spun around slashing in turn at Starscream and Grindor before rolling across Starscream's back and forcing him to shoot at Grindor. I sent Starscream sprawling before I stabbed my left blade deep into Megatron's damaged leg, almost severing it. I punched at his side before bringing my blade back down to stab into his chest. I rained blows down upon him, eventually sending him flying again. /Keep. Fighting. Don't. Stop/. The words were almost all I had left to give. 

Starscream had since returned and I easily grabbed his right arm as he took a swing at me. I brought my left blade down hard, severing his right arm and then using it as a club to beat him with. I was possessed. I heard Starscream scream out in pain and horror at my bloodlust. After I gave a mighty swing and sent him flying backwards, I leapt at Grindor who had tried to silently creep up on me, transforming my blades to hooks, and sinking them into his chest, I scaled up his larger torso as though he were nothing but a mighty, metal mountain.

Once I had positioned myself atop his shoulders, I sunk a hook into either side of his face and pulled it apart. Grindor's scream of pain combined with my yell of fury echoed throughout the woods. As I leapt down from his shoulders towards the ground again, I sunk one of my hooks into his back struts to topple him to the ground as though he were a metal tree that had just been felled. ''PIECE OF TIN!'' I cursed as he crashed lifelessly to the ground.

Badly damaged systems screamed at me for urgent repairs, I stumbled almost blindly as I clutched at my chest. My body felt broken and pushed to its limits, but I had to keep going. ''SAM! WHERE ARE YOU?'' I cried out as I fell to the ground. It was in that moment a sharp talon like digit seized my left shoulder and a blade pierce my chest plates from behind, narrowly missing my spark chamber.

I cried out in agony, clutching at my chest to try and remove the offending weapon. I screamed out in pain as I was lifted bodily from the ground, Megatron's blade impaling me. His triumphant growl deafening and mocking in my audial, ''YOU'RE SO WEAK!''

''UNH.. NO!'' I cried, wildly flailing my arms about trying to grab purchase of Megatron and fight with my last ''breaths''. I heard the click of his blaster.

Time slowed for a moment as the end drew near.

/NO! SAM. MY AUTOBOTS. ORIANNA..../. The sound of his cannon blasting through my chest and tearing me apart, ripped the very thoughts from my processor as excruciating pain coursed through my body and my chest was blown apart.

For a moment he held me aloft - his prize – after millions of years of fighting.

Megatron simultaneously released his claw like grip on my arm and withdraw the blade from my chest, I slid down to my pedes, teetering upright for a moment, in disbelief and shock. I felt my systems crash one by one, the immense pain that had ripped through me, began to fade as my spark slowed, my life force draining from me rapidly. I collapsed to the ground slowly, unable to break my fall, but I didn't feel anything, save for the crushing knowledge I had failed. 

I had nothing left to give.

I was spent.

Smoke billowed from my chest cavity and my optics began to dim. I rolled slowly onto my back, my right servo laying limply across my body. I turned my helm around slowly to face Sam who stood there amidst the smoke, a look of utter disbelief, shock and sorrow etched into his face. There was nothing I could do to help him except try to warn him. With the remaining strength I had, I used my dying breath to issue a warning, ''Sam….. Run.. Ru…!'' It was up to him to heed my warning.

I was vaguely aware of the sound of my Autobots firing. /I'm sorry..../. 

Darkness began to claim me, my optics shone brightly for a moment as my last thoughts flashed to ''my light''. My Orianna. An image of her face smiling up at me as I rested my digit under her chin flashed through my processor. / I DIDN'T GET TO TELL YOU…/. 

It was the last image and the last thought I had before all went dark and my spark beat its last.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

So cold.

I had felt so cold.

Darkness surrounded me until a single light penetrated the gloom, growing brighter and brighter until it engulfed me. The moment I became slightly aware I was ''awake'' I bolted upright and began to breathe heavily.

Only to find I could not get breath.

Panic slammed into me again as I clutched at my throat, I could feel my chest rising and falling but I was not ''breathing''. I went to scream but no sound came out. /WHAT THE BLOODY HELL!/, I screamed inside my mind. /WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?/. I cast wild eyes about me.

It was then that I saw a familiar face loom in front of me. I reached out for him, grabbing him as though he might disappear. I worked my mouth, trying to form sounds while still clinging to my throat, as if the actions alone would indicate my dire situation.

''Orianna!'' His faceplates flooded with joy and concern at the same time and he slowly raised his arms up, in a similar manner to Lennox the day I lost Chase, clearly trying to calm me down. ''It's ok. I am here. You are okay. It's okay.''

I stared at him for a moment, thoughts of breathing suddenly forgotten. Rachet had always been so big before, they all had. Now. I stared at him and he seemed. Well, ''normal size''. I felt my eyes go wide. /Am I hallucinating? Did I die? WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING TO ME?''/.

Rachet must have sensed what I was feeling as he placed both servos on my shoulders and spoke to me in a steady, calm voice. ''Orianna. I need you to listen. You are OKAY. You are alive but, you have been through some umm - changes.'' He began to slowly lower his servos. ''Nod if you understand''. 

I stared at him a moment, slowly lowering the hand from about my throat as I strangely realised, I was not going to suffocate, I was alive and breathing but not ''breathing.'' I slowly nodded and continued to gaze at his face, slightly dazed and in shock as I tried to process what had happened.

He nodded in return, ex-venting heavily. I mimicked him. /Ahh… that felt better. It gave me the sensation of breathing. But what is with the noises when I did that?/ I went to look around me and I felt Rachet shake me gently bringing my attention back to him.

He had a huge smile on his dermas, something that set me on edge as Rachet hardly ever smiled. ''Orianna. I need you to continue to listen to what I have to say and focus, and most of all I NEED you to not panic okay?'' He raised an optical ridge at me in silent query as to my response.

I went to talk but found I could not speak as he could. I began to feel panic rising in me but closed my eyes and ex-vented again before opening them and fixing his gaze with mine.

''Well done Orianna! I'm proud of you! You are doing so well,'' I had never seen Rachet look so happy and so pleased with me before. My curiosity and concern escalating in equal measure. ''Orianna, I don't know if you remember what happened or not, but you got sick.'' His tone softened. ''You touched a piece of the Allspark. Do you remember? Nod if you do.''

I nodded slowly. I had indeed remembered. I went to look at my hand but Rachet shook me. ''NO! Listen,'' he ordered. I froze. ''Orianna. After you touched that shard something happened to you. There was some energon and tiny fragments of the shard with our Transformer CNA got into your blood system. It made you very sick, you nearly died but you are okay now, you're okay,'' Rachet reaffirmed as he saw my eyes go wide. I stilled for a moment before the memories slammed into me...

/Orianna! STAY. FIGHT! Don't leave ME!/. 

/Optimus, we're losing her!/. 

/PRIME!/ I mentally screamed. I began to flail about, moving my mouth, straining to form his name. ''P…Pr… Prime! Wh.. where is he?'' I froze. ''My voice?'' It was my voice, but it didn't sound entirely like me, more metallic and ''bigger.''

Rachet shook me again. ''Orianna! Listen to me, I will tell you about Prime in a minute, but you MUST finish listening to what I have to say PLEASE!'' The look in Rachet's optics silenced my newfound ''voice''. I nodded again.

''As I said the shard made you sick and we had to restart your heart three times,'' my eyes went wide but I remained silent. ''You had us all worried, but you pulled through, you're a fighter alright,'' a small smile formed on his dermas. ''Orianna, while you were unconscious, something amazing - bizarre - but truly amazing has happened to you.'' Rachet's optics were flicking rapidly over me, a sense of awe reflected in their sky blue depths. ''You - your body. It's changed.''

I raised an eyebrow, ''Wh…whhat? As in I lo…lost a few more pounds Rachet?'' I couldn't help myself. I was starting to get the hang of this ''speaking'' thing.

A smirk before a slightly strained, ''No, Orianna. Something decidedly more significant than that. Whatever happens next, it is important you stay as calm as possible and remember I am here with you and for you, you are okay.''

I tilted my head just as Prime would do in bewilderment. /NOW, I understand why he would do that!/.

''OC,'' Rachet released my shoulders and took a step back, turning around briefly to check something on the bench behind him, which by the way I don't remember the bench being so ''small'' before. ''You have transformed. Your body has transformed. Have a look at yourself. Raise your arms and hands in front of your face.'' I saw him reach behind his back and grab something. /What on earth is he doing?/. I slowly raised my arms up in front of my face.

I froze.

They were not the arms I remembered. For a start they were metal. I had no skin, no flesh. Instead, I had polished silver metal with brilliant splashes of red, gold and blue here and there. I began to freak out, ex-venting heavily and stuttering nonsensical sounds. Rachet took a step closer with one of his arms behind his back.

''Are you okay?'' he asked tentatively. '''How do you feel?''

I looked at him for a moment, a slight sneer on my lips, ''Yeah sure Ra… Rachet, NO fu…fucking worries here mate!'' I barked at him. ''I fe..fee…feel fine. Probably about as good as you would feel if yo…you fell asleep as a Trans…former and woke up a bl…bloody human being!''

Rachet looked away a moment, embarrassed by his stupid question at this point in time. ''How…how is this even possible, has this ever happened before? I mean… what the fuck Rachet?'' The words were coming easier now.

Rachet took another step closer. ''Orianna, in truth I still don't know why or how this happened. I am trying to figure it out, though I doubt I will ever truly understand why this happened and how you were able to survive such a process.'' He began pacing about before me, an almost crazed look on his face. ''It defies logic, biology, science, you name it! This has never happened before.'' He stopped abruptly and turned to face me, that same small smile on his dermas. ''You are truly unique.'' The sound of awe in his voice embarrassed me for a moment and I ducked my head.

A whole slew of emotions and thoughts raced around inside me but one thought rose above the others. /I wonder what Optimus will think of this?/. ''Rachet, where is Prime? Has…. has he seen me? Where did he go?'' I went to try and stand up but Rachet raised the servo that wasn't behind his back to stop me.

''Orianna, you may be best to stay sitting for a while longer. You have already had to overcome the shock of adapting to not having ''lungs'' as such or vocal chords. I think you need to take it easy. Let's crawl before we walk hey?'' He smiled gently at me.

I ex-vented again in frustration. ''Fine,'' I conceded defeat for now. ''But where is Optimus? If you don't tell me right now, I am getting up off this bed and going looking for him – with or without your consent!'' My eyes felt like they flashed dangerously, and I folded my arms across my ''chest.''

Rachet nodded. ''Fair enough Orianna. I am sorry to inform you that Prime is actually not here.'' He must have seen the disappointment, sadness and a little fear cross my visage as he quickly added, ''There were some developments while you were undergoing your ''transformation''. He had to leave you to attend to them. Trust me on this when I tell you he did not want to go. He stayed by your side for as long as he could and ordered me to stay behind and take care of you until his return.''

Squashing down the slight fear that started rising in me I asked Rachet, ''What ''developments'' are we talking about exactly Rachet? When is he due back? Have you heard from him?'' I rapidly shot out my questions.

Rachet held a servo out to try and slow down my questioning. ''Easy Orianna! Firstly, the developments are not pleasant at all.'' A barely contained rage burned within his optics and I ''sensed'' a change in his being. Copious amounts of data began to feed through my 'processor'. His spark rate increased, and his systems vented heavily to prevent him from overheating due to a build-up in pressure, perhaps ''anger''? I silently thought to myself how cool and amazing it was to be able to ''read'' another being like that. /Maybe this ISN'T such a bad thing after all?/.

''Can you elaborate on it or is it too difficult to talk about Rachet?'' I asked sympathetically. I was desperate to learn about Optimus, but I also did not want my friend working himself up into such a state.

Rachet closed his optics momentarily. ''No. It's decidedly not okay Orianna.'' He fixed me with a firm gaze. ''This may shock you, but you need to know. Megatron. He was brought back to life with the shard they stole from here the evening you arrived back on base.''

A strangled cry of shock escaped my dermas. ''OH NO! You're shitting me!'' My hand, or rather ''servo'', flew to where I felt my new ''spark'' pulsed momentarily. This was decidedly NOT good news in any way. ''Rachet, have you heard from him? What about Sam? How has he fared since he touched the spark too? Has he ''transformed'' too?'' A million questions raced through my ''brain'' /processor/, I checked myself.

''Again Orianna, slow it down with the questions!'' Although Rachet was trying not to get cranky with me given my current situation, I could tell he was starting to get frustrated with me. ''In truth, I have not heard from Optimus or the others for a long while.'' He shook his helm. ''I know that Major Lennox and his team left not long after Prime and his team touched down in Philadelphia. Optimus must have required their assistance.'' Rachet must have noticed the look on my face because he made a strange coughing sound and sent me a quick smile. ''I am sure when Prime is ready he will comm me to inform me of the situation and, more importantly, to check on you and your progress.''

I felt myself heat slightly at the mention of Optimus' attention to my health and wellbeing. ''I… I miss him Rachet.'' It was barely a whisper. I dared not look at him. ''Since Chase,'' I paused a moment. The familiar sting of tears did not come. /I cannot cry? What the../.

A knowing smile seemed to spread across his dermas and he folded his arms across his chest as he levelled his gaze at me. ''Tell me Orianna. Why do you miss Optimus?''

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

I looked away again suddenly feeling flustered, though I had no idea why. ''Well Rachet, ever since Chase's death, Optimus has been the one constant in my life. Thinking back now, I guess he kind of always has been.'' I shrugged my shoulders as I somehow found the courage to look Rachet in the faceplates. ''I don't know what I would do without him. I truly don't.''

Rachet had a small smile playing at the corners of his dermas. ''Have you told Optimus himself these things? Is he aware of how you see him?'' There was an interesting tone in Rachet's voice, one I could not quite place.

I furrowed my optical ridge as I recalled our conversations of late. ''Um, yes. I have actually. Just before I left, before - all of this,'' I gestured to myself, ''I had this feeling before I got on the plane, I was worried, like I might lose him like I lost Chase that day.'' A silence fell between us for a moment and I closed my optics as I rode out the linger wave of pain as memories of that day washed over me. The feeling of a servo on my shoulder brought me back and I opened my optics only to be met with a gentle smile from Rachet. 

I smiled back at him and placed a servo over his giving it a gentle squeeze of thanks. He removed his servo as if suddenly uncomfortable with such vulnerability. He made some coughing noise again as he shuffled on his pedes. ''Why did you think you'd loose him Orianna?''

Shaking my helm I snorted, ''I don't know Rachet! It's stupid really, I mean he is Optimus Prime! '' I ex-vented softly.  ''I told him that day that I couldn't lose him, that I needed him, and he meant so much to me. I've also told him he deserves to be loved and held in someone's heart, not put on a pedestal like so many people and Autobots do.'' Rachet's smile spread and he let out a small chuckle. ''What?'' I folded my arms across my chest reflexively.

He just fixed me with that same ''grin'' and said, ''I think maybe you and Prime should have a talk when he gets back. I think there are - things - you both need to clear up and discuss.''

I tilted my helm to the side and allowed what I am sure was a weird expression to grace my faceplates, my arms remained crossed. ''What on Earth, OR Cybertron, are you getting at Rachet? What ''things'' do you mean and what needs to be ''cleared up?''

Rachet allowed the smile to slowly fade from his dermas and fixed me with a kind and sympathetic look and shook his helm slowly. ''Amazing! You don't realise it either, do you?'' His voice trailed off, ''Both as stubborn as the other, both as blind as the other as to what is right in front of them.'' It was as though Rachet was thinking out loud to himself.

I unfolded my arms from my chest and started to push myself to my pedes. Rachet made to stop me but I was through with the medical advice for now. I swung my pedes off the berth and placed them on the ground. Rising carefully to my pedes, I felt slightly shaky at first but almost straight away I was able to stand. I realised, with great surprise, that I stood about four feet taller than Rachet, though I did not dwell on the fact too long as I had an important issue to clear up.

Placing my servos on my hips and glaring down at the Autobot medic and my friend I challenged him, ''Exactly what do you mean by that comment Rachet, and answer carefully,'' I don't know why I had suddenly become so defensive and why my spark had started beating faster. /What was I getting flustered over?/.

Rachet gave his helm a little shake and ex-vented like a snort, ''Orianna, your feelings for Prime. They run very deep, don't they?''

I scoffed out loud. ''Of course they do! I care very deeply for him, I…'' I didn't get to finish my sentence as Rachet interjected with an observation that rocked me to my core.

''You love him.'' He fixed me with a hard, interrogative stare.

My optics widened in shock, my dermas opened and closed involuntarily, and I took a step back, falling against the berth I had just stood up from. I finally found my words. ''Rachet, that is just… so… ridiculous! Why would you say that?'' I looked at him slightly hurt and a little annoyed that he would open such a Pandora's box of emotions, especially now when I had just gone through this traumatic upheaval and Optimus was nowhere to be found.

''Orianna, I say it because, it is true. You may not have come to realise it as fact yet, but I am sure if you truly reflect on your feelings for Prime, what he means to you, how you have grown closer these past few years, and if you are truly honest with yourself, you will also know it to be true,'' his optics beseeched me to listen to what he said.

I sat there dumbfounded for a brief moment before I countered what he had to say. ''Rachet, I don't know if you have noticed but we are two different species..''

Rachet cut me off immediately. ''WERE OC! By some bizarre twist of fate, you are now a Transformer! For better or worse, you are no longer a human.'' I shuttered my optics as I began to truly process and let my head and heart (or rather spark), catch up. Rachet gestured towards me. ''You ARE the same species; your physical differences are no longer an issue or relevant as a supposed stumbling block between you. Even if you were human, love transcends the mere physical Orianna, you know that.'' He had a gleam in his optics. /This bastard is enjoying this!/.

''Yeah.. well… Rachet. Prime still loves Elita, always will. I have no right to take her place in his spark. It belongs to her. And.. I loved Chase.''  I glared at him. ''You expect me to just forget Chase and move onto Optimus five minutes after he died!'' Guilt and anger tore through me now. /Who are you mad at OC? Yourself for being so blind, or at Rachet for opening Pandora's box?/.

Rachet went to speak, ''Orianna I…''

''And if THOSE points weren't enough to prove why your comment is out of line, then how about the fact he is THE PRIME! OPTIMUS PRIME! A noble, heroic, amazing, incredible leader and I am just ME!.'' I began to stalk away from my friend, trying to shake off these feelings and thoughts. ''Who am I to be so worthy of someone such as HE?!'' I shook my helm as if to emphasise the point. ''He would NEVER see me in such a light. I am his friend, a very dear friend, but nothing more. That is the end of it Rachet."' I was shaking with anger, fear and frustration. I felt my body burn as though a wave of fire travelled through me.

Rachet went to speak, but he stopped abruptly, his optics, focusing on my servos. They were on fire. ''ORIANNA! WHAT IN THE SLAGGING HELL?''

I looked down at my servos. Strangely enough I was not scared. I had seen this before at Sam's place just after I had touched the shard. ''What? This?'' I raised my servos, palm up. The fire burned harmlessly in my palms, seeming to grow as I felt myself become agitated and upset.

''YES THAT! What on... How…'' Rachet could not speak as a look of incredulous fear settled on his features.

I gave a wry snort. ''Yeah, seems I have somehow developed another ''skill''. Since I touched the shard, I have been able to do this.'' I manipulated the fire in my servos, encouraging them to dance and then jump from servo to servo and then, in an effort to vent some of my emotion, I aimed a shot at some random item on the bench and shot a ball of fire at it.

Rachet yelled out and ran over to it, putting the flames out before turning around and eyeing me warily. ''Orianna. Can you control it? Can you ''stop'' it now?''

''I guess so.'' I took a deep ''breath'' and tried to calm my emotions. The fire was gone. I levelled my gaze at Rachet and his open dermas.

''Orianna! That was…'' he could not seem to find the right words.

''What? Freaky, dangerous? There you go Rachet. Another reason why Optimus and I could never work. Look at me! I'm a FREAK!'' I turned my helm away from him. /GOD I wish I could cry!/.

Rachet slowly approached me, cautiously raising a servo towards me. Though I tensed, I did not recoil from the feel of it upon my shoulder. In truth, I was desperate for some sort of comfort, some sort of reassurance that everything would be okay. That I was okay. ''Orianna, I was actually going to say ''amazing'', that was amazing. YOU are amazing. In so many ways.'' He shrugged his shoulders. ''Dangerous, yes, you clearly have the potential to be, but I know you will use what gifts you have for good. A ''freak'' as you say? Never!''

A very serious look descended upon his features. ''As Prime said to you that day we first became aware of your psychokinesis, your gifts are what make you, you! Don't ever hide that from us. We are your family, we accept you for who you are.'' He squeezed my shoulder. ''As Prime said, ''Don't try to fit in when you are born to stand out!'' 

I looked back at him, overwhelmed by so many emotions swirling about inside me. ''Rachet, I want to cry but I can't! Crying is so cathartic; I feel like I need to release my feelings. What do you guys do?'' I stared at him imploringly.

Rachet gave a small chuckle as he removed his servo. ''We beat up Decepticons Orianna, throw a wrench or two, yell or obliterate practice ranges,'' and he gave me a little wink.

I stared at him for a moment before I laughed out loud at both the comments and the image of Rachet winking conspiratorially. ''Right! Great. Let's go do one or all of those things please.'' I ex-vented. ''Rachet. I'm sorry about my reactions earlier. It's just a lot to process and..''

Rachet held out a servo. ''I am the one who should apologise Orianna. I should perhaps have kept my dermas closed on the matter, but I will say this before I say nothing more. You are right. Optimus did love Elita very much, just as you loved Chase. But Orianna, sadly neither of them are coming back and I know both Chase and Elita would want you and Prime, respectively, to be happy.''

I stood there for a moment letting his words sink into me. The oppressive feeling of guilt and anger began to recede and nodded slowly in understanding.

''I have seen how happy you both are in each other's company, how you both come to life around each other. While I know Elita and Chase will forever hold a special place in your sparks, do not think there is not enough room in Optimus' spark to allow another to find its way in. Maybe now is not the right time, but one day, who knows. Do not be so quick to think Prime's spark is a forgone conclusion.''

I snapped my helm towards Rachet as a small wave of ''hope'' washed over me, though I quickly shook my helm to banish the pointless notion.

Rachet gave me a knowing smile. ''As for your other comment about Optimus being THE PRIME and as such he is somehow out of reach and unattainable. I call bullshit!''

I gasped out loud and felt my dermas part in shock. I felt myself physically recoil from his verbal slap and the shock of hearing the medic use a crass human term. ''RACHET!''

He brushed off my reaction. ''You yourself even said to him, he deserves to be loved and held in a spark not placed up on a pedestal!'' He raised an accusing optical ridge in my direction. ''Is that not a huge contradiction to cite his status as ''PRIME'' as an argument against having feelings for him?''

Once again, I tried to make my dermas work, to form some sort of rebuttal but I could not. He had a point. /Damn it!/.

Rachet looked at me with what could only be described as a sheer triumph as he hit home his last argument. ''Finally, as for your being unworthy. I also call bullshit! Orianna, you are more worthy than you know for so many reasons. Would Optimus spend hours with you sitting on your beach talking to you if he did not think you worthy of his attention? Would he have stayed by your side for hours on end while your life hung in the balance, only leaving you for Megatron's resurrection if you were beneath him?'' He shook his helm at me. ''No Orianna. You are very much worthy of our Prime. I just wish you would believe that.'' And with that he fell silent.

I sat there a moment, feeling both embarrassed and thankful for such praise from the notoriously crotchety old medic. ''I… suppose you are right Rachet. I'll try to keep that in mind.'' I gave him a small smile. ''What a day hey? Change from being a human into a Transformer and then have a huge revelation shoved in your faceplates!''

''Don't forget the pyrokinesis!'' Rachet smiled.

''Oh yeah, right, that too!'' I laughed. All at once I felt drained. Like a battery almost out of charge. Depleted both emotionally and physically. ''Rachet? I think it best I recharge for a bit, I feel, drained to be honest. I desperately want to see Optimus, for so many reasons, but I think it best I get some rest. Could you please wake me if you hear from him?''

He nodded. ''Of course, Orianna. I think it is a wise course of action. I shall stay nearby to keep watch over you and to inform you if Prime makes contact, which I am sure he will do soon anyway. In fact, I might contact him myself in the next few joors if I don't hear from him.'' Rachet gestured to the berth I had woken up on in the med bay. ''Lay back down on this berth Orianna.'' I nodded making my way towards it.

''Thanks, Rachet. For everything. Saving my life, helping me, talking to me. I really appreciate it and it means a lot.'' I returned his smile before I lay down on the berth.

Rachet briefly patted my shoulder. ''You are welcome Orianna. Glad I could be of assistance. Now, get some rest, you'll need your strength,'' and he walked off to the other side of the med bay.

I closed my optics and allowed myself to drift quietly into recharge. As I did, a cold feeling nestled in the pit of my spark. I didn't want to focus on the feeling too much as I had enough on my processor, so I pushed the feeling deep down. /Probably nothing anyway/, I thought as once again darkness took me.

Chapter Text

Rachet P.O.V

Incredible. Astonishing. Amazing.

There were not enough superlatives to describe Orianna and her transformation. How she had survived being ''poisoned'' for want of a better word, with energon and then survived such an extensive transformation process without any noticeable side effects, had me in awe and beyond shocked. In all my years as a medic, and one who has an excellent grasp and understanding of the sciences, I could not explain or understand what, why or indeed how it had happened. It was as though Primus himself must have orchestrated it all.

I shook my helm as I took in her recharging form.

It was not only the actual process itself that had me baffled and in awe of Orianna, but the way she dealt with it and simply seemed to ''accept it,'' that I also found amazing. Perhaps it was all her time spent around us and being our liaison, learning about our culture, our physiology that had helped with this rather unusual and challenging transition? Perhaps had she been an ''ordinary'' human being she would not have coped in the least. Still, her ability to adapt, process and accept everything was nothing short of miraculous and highly admirable.

I turned back to the medical supplies I was cataloguing, trying to focus my attention once more to the tedious though important task. I ex-vented softly as I continued to consider all that had led to this moment. Over the past three years I had developed an increasing respect and acceptance of Orianna. Her loyalty to us and our cause, her determination, her skills and keen mind, and her sense of humour endeared her to many on the base. I snorted softly. /Even I was no exception to this/.

When Orianna returned to us, her life in the balance, I was scared. More scared than I can recall being in an age. I knew if I failed to save her, the impact on our team would be significant indeed. Above all I knew what a blow it would be to our leader, Optimus Prime.

I turned once more to look upon the femme that lay silently in recharge, a small smile on my dermas. Both Orianna and Prime had grown to be close over the past two years, in fact I believed them to both have feelings beyond mere friendship and affection. I believed them to be in love. I smiled ruefully. /Though they both refuse to see it and admit it/.

I had now spoken to each of them, individually, on the matter, trying to help them along, to see the light, but I couldn't help but feel that maybe I should have left things alone. It was only done with good intentions, but then the humans have a saying. ''The road to hell is paved with good intentions,'' I whispered the saying as I rose to my pedes and made my way to her side. /I guess only time will tell if I acted wisely or foolishly/.

I ran an internal diagnostic on OC's vitals and when I was sure she was indeed deep in recharge and all was well with her, I took a moment to step outside into the evening air. It was late Sunday morning. I gave a huge stretch to relieve the tension on my aching cables and wires. This was the first ''break'' I had had since…. /Wednesday?/. I allowed myself to ex-vent deeply and rub the point where the bridge of my nose and my optical ridges met. I was tired. So very tired. /Perhaps I should go and recharge myself?/.

I was about to head back in and make good on that train of thought when my comm link went off. ::Rachet here::

::Rachet. It's Jazz:: 

Something was wrong. For Jazz to contact me and not Prime did not bode well. /Maybe he has been badly injured?/. ::What is it Jazz?::

::We are with Lennox at tha NEST base in New Jersey. I have some bad news. Some very bad news man:: He paused a moment before asking, ::Is OC okay? Where is she?:: the tone in his voice had my receptors on edge and my processor working overtime.

::What? What is it? OC is fine. She has undergone some significant changes, but she is alive and well, for now. She is in recharge::  I could not keep the worry from my voice. ::Jazz WHAT has happened?::

::It's Optimus, Rachet. He's dead:: There was silence. Or maybe I just did not hear whatever Jazz said next as my processor shut down momentarily.

I closed my optics in grief, pain and disbelief. ::No, it can't be Jazz:: My words were barely a whisper. ::How? When? What's happening?:: I began to fire questions at Jazz, who had in effect become our new leader.

Jazz's voice took on an icy tone with barely restrained anger and vehemence. ::Megatron killed him! After Prime rescued Sam he took on Megatron, Starscream an' Grindor on his own as we tried ta get ta him. He was able ta kill Grindor and damage Starscream badly, but Megatron got ta him as he was lookin' for Sam:: I could feel the utter hatred, rage and self-recrimination burning though the comm link.

/Of course he did that! Of course he put himself in such a dangerous situation to protect a human - even if he was a friend/. My anger strangely became directed at Optimus himself. For putting us in a situation to be without him.  

::By the time we arrived only a second later, it was too late, he was gone. We were able to save Sam. He is with Bee, Mikaela and another human boy at an undisclosed location. They are all wanted by the ''Cons and tha humans alike:: Jazz ex-vented down the comm line. ::Lennox has arranged transport of Prime's body back to base::

All of a sudden Ironhide's gruff voice interrupted our discussion. ::Jazz. Prime is loaded up, we are ready to depart:: There was no warmth, no civility in his tone. It was cold, it was bitter. 'Hide was pissed. He was more than pissed, but even worse than that - he was deeply hurting. 

::It gets worse Rachet:: Jazz continued as though he had not heard Ironhide at all.

::Worse? How much worse can it get Jazz, our leader and our friend is dead!:: I could not believe what I was hearing.

::Well, that slagheap Galloway has disbanded N.E.S.T. Lennox, all of us – done! No longer useful. We are ta return ta Diego Garcia immediately an' await further instructions as ta what our ''fate'' will be. Sideswipe an' Ironhide want ta leave this planet. I can't say I blame 'em:: I could hear the indecision in Jazz's voice.

::But that is not what Prime would want is it Jazz?:: I somehow found the ability in my own grief and shock to reason with him. ::We must honour his wishes, you know that::

::You're right man, an' we will. We will stay an' help tha humans even though they don't deserve it. For Prime:: Jazz paused a moment. ::Orianna? You gonna tell her? She is not gonna cope with this man. First Chase an' now Prime. Lil' lady is in for a whole world of hurt::

I ex-vented deeply. ::Yes Jazz she is not going to cope with this at all, especially with everything she has gone through recently. This will likely destroy her. Orianna and Prime…:: How did I explain this?

::They love each other man, well ''loved'' each other. I know:: Jazz commented matter of factly.

Even though my friend could not see me, I allowed myself to give a small, sad smile. ::You saw it too didn't you. I guess you know them both better than most don't you?:: I stated.

Jazz gave a snort of derision. ::Man, anyone with half a processor an' a spark could see that pair had somethn' goin' on, even if they themselves were oblivious to it!:: Jazz sobered again. ::I don't know how much pain a spark or a heart can take Rachet, but I believe OC is about ta find out tha hard way::

::Unfortunately, my friend, I think you are right. I do not even know how to tell her this especially seeing as we just had a discussion about this very topic and I may have well, ''opened' her eyes to her feelings for Prime and now…:: I couldn't bring myself to finish that train of thought.

::I feel ya man. Glad it's you an' not me. Anyway, I gotta go, 'Hide is firing up his cannon. See you in about 20 joors man:: and the line went dead.

I stood there for what seemed an age, letting my emotions flow through and over me. /Optimus. Dead. It can't be/. How on Cybertron was I going to tell Orianna this news? How would she cope with it? How will she react? I knew one thing, I had to be ready to take her out if things went – badly. With her powers and her new form coupled with such devastating news I did not want to think what could happen if Orianna ''lost it''.

Setting my dermas in a thin line of determination, I ex-vented heavily. /Might as well get this over with. Delaying the inevitable won't change what has happened/. With that, I turned on my pedes and strode back into the Med Bay only to see Orianna awake and looking at herself in a large mirror towards the back of the room.

She actually looked happy as she examined her new form. /Primus help me, I am about to shatter her world/. I sighed out loud for what seemed the millionth time today and made my way to her.

Orianna P.O.V

I had awoken from my recharge all alone. For a moment I panicked as I could not ''breathe'' but then I remembered what had taken place and I ex-vented deeply, cycling air through my intakes. Rachet was not to be seen. /Maybe he is having a well-earned break somewhere?/.

I decided to get up and try walking in my new form. I also remembered there was a mirror in here from one of my previous visits. No doubt a human inclusion as Transformers had no real need of one. I thought I might go and have a good look at my new body and see what ''improvements'' there were.

My first few steps were wobbly /Like a newborn foal/, I thought to myself. I took my time and focused on moving one pede at a time, trying to think about balance. It was a bit weird seeing everything on a different scale than I was used to, it helped muck my sense of balance and spatial awareness up at first. By the time I had reached the back of the room I felt more comfortable moving in my new body.

I stood there taking in my new form. It was both surreal and amazing at the same time. To think that was ''me'' and yet completely and utterly not me was something else.

I took my form in. I was tall. Not as tall as Optimus who stood at about twenty-eight feet tall. I figured I must be about twenty-six feet tall. My body was not bulky, but neither was it as petite as Arcee's, it was sturdier than her form. /More robust, I guess/. My overall colouring reminded me of Prime but with differences here and there. I had predominantly red, gold and blue coloured plating broken up by silver metal.

I looked at my ''hands', or rather ''servos'' now, much larger but still not as big as Prime's. They were silver. Red casings over my servos flared out into sleek red arm guards emblazoned with yellow flames edged in blue. /Great! Tacky flame decals just like Prime!/ I internally winced.

My gaze slowly travel down my body, taking in the feminine swell of my ''chest'' plates, the red Autobot insignia proudly displayed at the base of my neck, my flat metallic stomach where I could see some wires and hoses here and there, but most were hidden behind sleek metal plating. The image of a sun rising adorned the middle of my stomach. /Kind of cool/. Narrow metallic hips that had red and blue metal pleats like the kind you would see on a Samurai and a blue metallic rope or ''braid'' hung about my waist in a cinch and draped off to the side. I smiled. The colour reminded me of Prime's optics.

I had two shapely silver thighs that looked strong yet feminine, my legs tapering down around my ''knees'' were two red metallic guards that had what appeared to be golden feather shaped motifs etched into them. /Strange?/ I thought. My two pedes were at once both feminine and sturdy looking.

What really got my attention though was my helm and my shoulders. My ''face'' seemed familiar in a way. My eyes or ''optics'' surprised me. The Autobots optics were blue, the Decepticon's were red. Mine. Mine were an amber colour with flecks on gold in them. /My eyes had not changed in colour!/. I had a similar mouth to Prime but mine had slightly softer curves to it. I also appeared to have the same plating down the side of my face that Prime had. /I wonder?/. I focused my attention and imagined a battle mask sliding into place. Almost immediately in a similar motion to Prime, a metal mask transformed from either side of my mouth producing a mask over the lower half of my face.

With one difference.

It appeared to protrude slightly further than Prime's, curving down a bit, almost like a beak of some sort. /What in the world?/. I focused my thoughts and it immediately slid back into place. /Amazing!/ As tempted as I was to continue doing that over and over for a while, I restrained myself. This is serious.

Atop my brow was a large blue chevron slightly swept back and from it a single, large golden metallic feather which curved over the top of my blue helm. As if that wasn't awesome enough, set behind my neck and shoulders were six large, curved metallic spikes, three on each side of my body. They were golden in colour too. And had similar markings to my feathers. /I wonder what on Earth they are for and what they do? /And what's with the ''feather'' motifs?/ I thought to myself.

All in all, I looked - badass and pretty cool if I do say so myself.

I laughed out loud. ''Not bad Orianna, not bad at all. Could have been worse, I'd say you landed on your feet.'' I laughed yet again as I turned my body from side to side trying to admire different angles. I was about to try and work out what those things on my back were for when I heard the doors open and Rachet walked in.

I turned to face him. ''Oh, hi Rachet, I was just… '' I stopped. His face was hard, and his dermas set in a thin, tight line. I could sense waves of pain, anger and worry radiating from him. ''Rachet, what is wrong?'' That cold feeling in my spark made itself known again, intensifying with each step Rachet took towards me. I placed my servo on my chest.

''Orianna. I..I need to talk with you about something. Come with me please.'' He gestured for me to walk ahead of him.

I followed his instructions coming to stand beside the berth I first woke up on. ''Rachet, what is going on? Please tell me, I know something is not right?'' I paused a moment taking in his visage and the torment and pain I saw there made my spark stop. I forced the whispered question out of my dermas. ''It's Optimus, isn't it?'' I felt my knees start to weaken but I would not fall.

Not yet.

Rachet closed his optics for a moment and cycled some ''air'' before he gave a slight nod. I closed my optics and brought one of my servos up to cover my mouth, while the other wrapped about my waist tightly. ''Orianna… I… I don't know how to say this to you...''

''JUST TELL ME!'' I screamed at him.

Rachet flinched. ''Optimus is… dead,'' he started to reach for me.

My world crumbled. It fell apart at the utterance of those three words. I felt a strangled cry erupt from the depths of my soul, torn from my dermas. It was a sob of disbelief, of fear, of pain, even greater than the pain that tried to rip me apart when I was being transformed. This was pain I had never known could exist. I stood there my body shaking, trembling with utter grief and despair.

I closed my optics and saw Prime's face, those beautiful optics staring into me, that small smile that tugged at his dermas when I had amused him in some small way. /NO… Not again… not again….WHY?/. I felt my insides turn to hot, liquid magma as I was consumed by anger and hatred.

''NO, NO, NO!'' I screamed. I brought both of my servos in front of me now. I could feel the fire burning through me. My servos lit up, flames leaping high into the air, my whole body felt as though it was on fire and in truth, I think it was. I was vaguely aware of various objects around the room beginning to float and rise into the air.

I didn't care.

I hurt. I hurt more than I had ever hurt in my life. I had to release this pain I felt. It was consuming me, tearing me apart, swallowing me whole. ''CHASE….NOW PRIME…. NO… NOT AGAIN… I CAN'T LOSE HIM TOO… NO…"'

''OC! PLEASE, LISTEN.'' I could vaguely hear Rachet's desperately trying to reach me.

I snarled at the figure before me, ''GET AWAY FROM ME – LEAVE ME NOW!'' My whole body was shaking with rage and pain. ''RACHET GET AWAY.. I CAN'T STOP.. LEAVE!'' I gave a loud scream that sounded almost like a screech, anguished and bitter, filled with rage and terror, pain and desolation. The flames grew bigger, the room started to shake and vibrate. I felt like I was about to explode, and I didn't care. If Chase was dead, if Optimus was now dead, there was nothing left for me here.

I would happily join them wherever they may be.

I felt a pair of strong arms around my torso and a sharp prick in one of the cables in my neck, I screamed in anger and shock and flung whoever did that to me across the room, sending two large fireballs in either direction. I turned on them, only to see Rachet's injured form crumpled against the wall, trying to stand. He held out a servo, pleading with me.

Some of my pain and rage, dissipated at the sight of my friend and what I had done to him. The flames began to die down, the maelstrom of objects crashed to the ground. ''Rachet,'' I sobbed, ''I'm sorry. So...much... pain.'' I stumbled to my knees, putting my servos out to stop my fall. Raising my helm slowly I saw Rachet. He looked at me with such sorrow and guilt.

''Oh Orianna. I'm so sorry. I HAD to.. it will be okay. I will be here for you.''

And with that, my optics shuttered closed and fell into the awaiting abyss.

Chapter Text

Rachet P.O.V

I don't think I will ever forget that sound Orianna made. It was as though her anguish would tear her apart if she didn't allow it to escape. It was a deafening screech of anguish, filled with rage and terror, pain and desolation. My optics went wide as I noticed at the same time, the flames spewing from her servos and her body grew bigger. The room started to shake and vibrate. I HAD to act.

While she had her optics closed in momentary pain, I made a move. I raced around behind her, producing the syringe filled with sedative I had hidden in my subspace a few joors ago when Orianna had first woken up and realised she was now a Transformer. I had it in case she lost control. While I hadn't needed it then – I sure as the pits needed it now!

I lunged at her back and wrapped an arm about her torso as tightly as I could, the flames did not concern me. I didn't care if I got burned. I sunk the needle into the main cable in her neck, injecting it all. I barely had enough time to do that before she screamed in indignant rage and flung me, as though I was a small sparkling, clear across the room. I was sent crashing into the wall. My shoulder hurt and the impact left a dent, but I had narrowly avoided being consumed by the fireball she shot in either direction, obliterating the wall on either side.

Orianna turned on me ready to confront whoever did that to her. I held out a servo, pleading with her. The sight of me must have stirred some sort of recognition in her as the flames began to die down, the maelstrom of objects crashed to the ground and my friend sobbed out loud, ''Rachet, I'm sorry. I can't… so much pain,'' and she stumbled to her knees.

I felt so guilty for having to do that to her and so sorry that I could not help her in her grief and pain. ''Orianna, I'm so sorry. I HAD to.. it will be okay. I will be here for you.'' I tried to comfort her. With that the sedatives kicked in and she shuttered her optics and fell into darkness.

That had been several joors ago. I had promptly put out the fires and scooped her up, placing her on the berth again and checking all of her vitals. She was in a deep recharge, but otherwise unharmed. I could not say the same for the Med Bay.

There were two huge holes in two of the walls where Orianna had blasted them with fireballs. There were piles of broken glass and rubble from the various objects she had moved and thrown with her psychokinesis. /No doubt there will be trouble over this. I don't know what will happen to Orianna, especially with her newfound powers and her new powerful form. With Optimus gone, who will stop the Government from taking her away – apart from herself I guess?/.

I stood guard over her comatose form, placing a servo on her arm. ''I'm sorry Orianna. I wish there was something I could do to take your pain away from you.'' I knew the pain and anger my own spark felt at Prime's loss, I could not imagine what she must be feeling, knowing she had fallen in love with him. I busied myself by placing restraints on her servos and her pedes. /Perhaps, if I could somehow restrain them it might be harder for her to channel that power again?/. Anything was worth trying.

I checked my internal chronometer. They had been in the air for about six hours, so they had at least 14 more hours of flight time before they would land. Orianna's sedative I had administered although fast acting, would only last for another hour or two. If I had to, I would sedate her again, but I doubt I would get away with it again. I just hope she is able to keep some control.

Out of the blue my comm sounded. ::Rachet here:: I growled as exhaustion and frustration took their toll on me.

::Rachet, it's Jazz. You haven't told OC about Prime, have you?:: He sounded – excited.

I cursed in Cybertronian. ::Well of course I slagging have you son of a glitch! And for your information it did NOT go down well::

::Oh. We knew she'd be upset man..:: Jazz started to talk.

::UPSET? JAZZ, she nearly exploded with grief! I have never seen anything like it:: I could not keep the anger and pain out of my voice at recalling Orianna so upset and at the apparent nonchalant reaction Jazz had given.

::She fragging what? HOW?:: Jazz was incredulous.

::She nearly exploded Jazz. I will not discuss this with you now but Orianna is not the same as you remember her. She has been through some significant changes – in more than one way. Suffice it to say as a result of these changes I had to sedate her before she destroyed herself, me and the Med Bay:: I spat out at our acting Commander.

::HOLY FRAGGING HELL!:: Jazz exclaimed.

::You can say that again! Why have you contacted me anyway?:: I asked somewhat annoyed and intrigued.

::Well that there Rachet pal is tha kicker. Ya see… an' hold on ta ya hats here… Sam… thinks he has found a way ta bring Optimus back ta life!:: Jazz could not contain his excitement.

For the millionth time in the past few days my spark stopped. ::What the slag Jazz! Are you slagging joking me?:: I felt a wave of hope flow over me. ::How can he do that?::

::Man I don't fully understand it but somethin' 'bout tha Matrix an' tha Dagger's tip. We are headin' ta Egypt now with Prime's body. We just ditched Galloway so should be smooth sailin' without that arsehole!:: Jazz sounded so excited.

I looked down at Orianna. ::Jazz if there is the slightest chance this will work, PLEASE do everything in your power to bring Optimus back. It has to work. Without Prime, I fear all will be lost::

::Oh, you can say that again Rachet, don't need ta tell me how important tha Big Bot is. We are talkin' end of tha World here. That Fallen. He is real! One of the Thirteen Primes turned evil. Only a Prime can defeat him. That's why they needed Sam, ta get ta Optimus an' kill him so tha Fallen could finish what he started millennia ago – destroying Earth!::

I closed my optics. /Primus help us all. Please… return Optimus to us/.

::I gotta go man, jus' thought ya should know what we're up ta. I don't know when we will be back..:: Jazz's confidence dimmed slightly. ::Or even if we will be back::

I growled down the comm link, ::Do NOT talk like that Jazz. It will work. It HAS to work; the alternative does not bear thinking. Have Prime contact me as soon as he has defeated the Fallen and you are all safe::

Jazz laughed. ::Wish I had your confidence mate, but will do. See ya Rachet!:: 

Again, silence.

I cast my optics down to Orianna. She was stirring. It would not be long now before the effects of the sedative wore off and she would be wide awake. Before that happened, I had to think of what to say to her to try and cast some light down into the dark hole I knew she was in. I gently brushed my thumb down her face. ''Please Orianna, hold on, don't give up. It will be okay. Optimus is coming back to us – to you! Hold on.''

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

Once again, I was aware of light piercing the darkness. Very faint at first but becoming stronger as the moments passed. My body felt so heavy, as though I was weighted down. Slowly, I blinked my optics trying to focus on my surrounds. My processor hurt. /What on Earth had happened?/.

I tried to bring my right arm up to my helm to rub it. It wouldn't move. I tried again. Nothing. I tried moving my other arm and the same thing happened. I felt panic start to wash over me. I began to try and move my arms and legs all at once and again – nothing. I was about to scream my frustration and fear when a familiar face loomed above me.

''Orianna! It's me Rachet,'' he placed his servos on my shoulders trying to still me. ''Shh… it's ok, you're okay. Be still. I will explain everything but first I need you to try and calm down and be still.'' Rachet eyed me carefully. ''Can you do that for me? Do you trust me?'' 

I stilled a moment against his servos. I closed my optics and cycled some air deeply before opening my optics again and nodded slowly. I did not speak.

Rachet allowed a large smile to break out on his dermas. ''Good! Well done Orianna, thank you. I am so proud of you. I will explain why you can't move and why that had to happen. Please, try to just listen and process what I am saying to you WITHOUT reacting. Can you try to do that for me?'' His optics searched mine again.

I nodded slowly. ''I… I'll try.'' It was weak and uncertain.

Rachet nodded. ''Fair enough.'' He cycled air deeply himself and then began. ''Orianna, you are unable to move as I had to restrain you. I had to do this to keep you safe, and me as well - truth be told.'' I felt my dermas fly open in shock and a look of horror descended on my features. Though I did not speak.

Rachet levelled me with a very steady and serious stare. ''OC. The reason I had to restrain you was you had become very upset about - something - something bad that had happened. Your new powers, you were out of control and you were about to do harm to yourself, me and the Med Bay. I had to sedate you and then restrain you to make sure you would be okay.'' He gave a small brief smile. ''When I am positive you are able to control yourself and you are no longer a danger to yourself or others, I will happily and immediately set you free.''

I nodded again.

Rachet continued to hold me by my shoulders and look at me intently. ''Orianna. Do you remember what happened before you woke up just now?''

I stared at him blankly for a moment. My whole body ached as though I had been punched all over. My processor was foggy, as though it had crashed and was slowly starting to come back online again. My spark. It hurt. Like someone or something had twisted it and tried to pull it out of me. /Perhaps it is the sedatives wearing off?/, I thought to myself.

I looked up at Rachet and slowly shook my head. ''N.. no.. I can't remember. I just feel. In pain. Horrible. What happened Rachet? Why did I suddenly end up like this? Last thing I remember was looking in the mirror at myself and my new form.''

Rachet closed his optics and ex-vented heavily. ''You don't remember anything from between looking in the mirror and just now when you woke up?''

I paused a moment searching my processor. Flashes of emotion pass through me. A wave of deep sadness, anger, grief. I knitted my optical ridge in confusion. ''I feel all of these emotions passing through me, but I cannot recall the cause of them.'' I felt anger and irritation rising in me. ''Rachet, what on Earth happened to me! Why can't I remember? Is something wrong with me?'' I looked at him pleadingly, begging for an answer to the puzzle that seemed to be ''me''.

Rachet released his servos from my shoulders, sat back and rubbed his optical ridge in a very human like manner before sending a sad smile towards me. ''Orianna, it would seem you have suffered some type of ''Post traumatic amnesia'' brought on by experiencing a traumatic event. Your mind, in an effort to cope with and protect itself and you from the ''event'', has effectively tried to ''dissociate'' that memory from your experience.'' Rachet must have seen the increasingly horrified expression on my faceplates as he continued, ''It is perfectly natural and may only last a few hours, days or weeks. The chance of it being more permanent is rare.''

''Oh goody!'' I couldn't help the sarcasm from tainting my comment. He narrowed his optics at my tone.

''Well,'' I addressed Rachet again, ''YOU might be able to tell me what happened to fill in the pieces and jog my memory, you were obviously here when it happened!''

Rachet removed his servos and sighed out loud again. ''Orianna, I can indeed tell you what happened, but I am concerned that it may just trigger another episode. The fact you have developed some sort of amnesia as a result of the stress and trauma brought on by experiencing this event does not bode well for you hearing it a second time!'' he tried to reason.

''So what? I just have to stay latched to this berth until I remember the event, freak the fuck out and then calm the fuck down again? Oh, that is a brilliant plan Rachet!'' I was starting to lose it and began to fight against my restraints again.

Rachet's servos flew to my shoulders again before more forcefully getting my attention. ''OC! That is enough. STOP IT!'' He glared at me. I stilled. ''Orianna. I will tell you what happened, despite my misgivings, only because I have some new information that I believe may help the ''traumatic news'' become more palatable.''

He removed his servos again and pinched the bridge of his nose as he spoke. ''You have to PROMISE me that you will hear me out all the way to the end of what I have to say before you react.'' He lowered his servos and held my gaze steadily. ''If for one minute I think you are about to become dangerous I WILL sedate you again. Is that understood and agreeable?''

I thought for a moment before nodding slowly. ''Yes Rachet, I agree to those terms. Tell me what happened that made me so… upset?'' A thought skittered across my processor and I stopped for a moment and looked around me. ''Say Rachet? Where is Optimus? I haven't seen him for a while, do you know where he is? I really want to see him, I miss him.'' I fixed him with a concerned and slightly quizzical gaze.

Rachet shuttered his optics rapidly, a look of sorrow and pain briefly flickered across his face plates before he spoke softly to me. ''Orianna. There is a reason why Optimus isn't here.'' He sighed. ''After you touched the shard and become very ill, eventually transforming into your current form, Prime, who had stayed by your side the whole time, was called away to Philadelphia to watch over Sam as he had also touched the Allspark. Do you remember that?''

I nodded.

''Good. Well, while he was there the Decepticons who stole the other shard from here, had used it to bring Megatron back from the dead.'' I flinched and gasped in shock. ''I know, Orianna, I know.'' He fixed me with a deadly serious stare. ''Orianna, the part I am about to tell you is what set off your reaction and traumatised you to this point.''

I felt myself tense within my restraints. ''Just tell me Rachet for fuck's sake!''

''Before I say it remember your promise to hear me through and know that there is some good news to add since I last told you this. Some light to try and banish the darkness from closing in. Please remember that.'' Rachet cycled deeply. ''Orianna, Megatron and some of his minions kidnapped Sam and were going to torture him. Optimus, he rescued him but in doing so, he was involved in a massive battle.''

My processor flashed a memory quickly, /''NO…NO…NO… NOT AGAIN… I CAN'T LOSE HIM TOO''/. My ''breath'' hitched and began to cycle air furiously as the mental wall came tumbling down even as Rachet spoke.

''Orianna. Optimus was killed in battle.''

I closed my optics as the horrific memories came flooding back into my processor. I screamed out loud and bucked up against my restraints. ''NO! NO! RACHET NO! NOT THAT.. PLEASE! ANYTHING BUT THAT! I began to scream. I twist and turned trying to tear loose of my bonds.

Rachet reflexively grabbed both of my shoulders and pinned me down hard before he continued on, all but yelling in my face. ''OC! THEY HAVE FOUND A WAY TO BRING HIM BACK. THE MATRIX OF LEADERSHIP. SAM, HE IS GOING TO USE IT TO BRING OPTIMUS BACK. THEY ARE ON THERE WAY TO DO IT RIGHT NOW AS WE SPEAK….. OC… LISTEN TO ME…''

When I continued to twist and turn and scream, Rachet grabbed my face in a vice like grip and brought my face to within an inch of his yelling forcefully at me, ''OC! LISTEN, THEY CAN SAVE HIM, THEY CAN BRING HIM BACK. HE WILL LIVE AGAIN! STOP!''

Somehow the words ''save'' and ''live again'' crashed through my barriers and helped to still my actions. I froze. My optics widened.

Rachet maintained his vice like grip on my face and lowered his voice slightly. ''GOOD. LISTEN. IT WILL BE OKAY ORIANNA. BE CALM… FOCUS… THEY CAN SAVE HIM.. ALL WILL BE WELL… SHHH.'' As my body began to go limp from shock and relief, I was vaguely aware of Rachet stroking the side of my face as you would a frightened child or sparkling.

I cycled air and ex-vented deeply trying to calm myself. The news Rachet had just given me both destroyed me and saved me. It tore me apart and built me back up again. I shook with the depth of emotions coursing through my frame. ''Rachet. Is… is it true? Are you sure? Do NOT lie to me!'' My optics searched his for any trace of a lie. ''Not about this!''

Rachet gently released my face but his optics never left mine. ''Orianna, I believe it to be true with all of my spark. Optimus will live again. But you have to fight the darkness. You cannot let it consume you. You are stronger than you know. You must fight it -for Prime!''

I closed my optics and allowed all of my emotions to wash over me and crash through me like a swirling torrent that races down a riverbed after a storm. Pain, fear, anger, grief, desolation, hope, joy….. love. I let them swirl around within me; claw at me, soothe me, burn me, heal me. I felt my servos clench and unclench by my sides. /I WILL fight this. I will NOT lose myself to this. I will NOT. For Optimus/.

Slowly, ever so slowly, I felt my servos relax. My processor slowed and began to clear from its irrational, foggy and desolate thoughts. My spark began to slow from its rapid and erratic flight and pulse in a steady rhythm. I felt calm descend upon me. I opened my optics to find Rachet staring at me, a small grin on his face.

''What Rachet? What is it?'' I asked slightly perplexed.

''You Orianna. You never cease to amaze me.'' He reached out and patted my shoulder. ''You're going to be okay.''

I snorted. ''I bloody hope so.''

''I know so,'' he countered. ''Now, do you feel as though I can release you from your bonds? Do you feel in control of your emotions enough to be able to be freed?''

I thought a moment and ''sighed''. ''Rachet, I cannot be entirely certain, but you have my word that I shall try.''

''That Orianna, is good enough for me.'' Rachet leaned over and undid the locks on the restraints. I lay there for a moment taking everything in before I sat up slowly. After a moment I noticed something. There were two huge holes in the walls of the Med Bay.

''Ah Rachet, what happened here?'' I asked concerned.

''YOU did Orianna. You, remodeled the place after you found out...'' Rachet's voice trailed off not wanting to bring the topic up again.

I ducked my helm. ''Rachet! I am so sorry!'' My helm snapped back up to him and worried optics took him in. ''Did I hurt you?''

Rachet laughed, ''Nothing I haven't already had happen to me OC. I'll live. It's okay. We can fix all of it.''

''I truly am sorry Rachet. I would never hurt you on purpose.'' I felt deeply embarrassed by my actions.

''Orianna, honestly, I know that. It is okay. Please, forget it.'' He patted my shoulder again. ''Now come on, I think we have both earned a little walk outside. Perhaps we can go and sit on your beach and just listen to the ocean,'' Rachet paused a moment. ''Unless that would be too painful to visit your beach for you?''

I stilled for a moment considering the suggestion. ''If what you said is true Rachet, if there is hope, then I can see no harm in visiting our beach. In some small way it will be like Optimus is with me.'' Rachet smiled and offered me a servo to help stand to my pedes. I gratefully accepted.

We walked in companionable silence, Rachet supporting me as I adapted to my new form. After a few minutes we found a spot on the grass to sit. We both sat quietly, each caught up in our own thoughts and reflections. ''Rachet?'' It was a soft and tentative query.

Rachet turned his helm, ''Yes Orianna?''

''Thank you,'' I leaned against him, desperate for some kind of touch, /perhaps a remnant of my ''humanness''?/.

At first Rachet sat rigidly still as if some horrifying thing had just curled up in his lap, but after a moment he relaxed and seemed to almost lean back into the contact. ''Orianna, you are most welcome.''

''You saved my life countless times; you threw me a lifeline when I was drowning.'' I sat up slightly and raised an optical ridge at him. ''You know, you really aren't half as bad tempered and crotchety as the Autobots make you out to be.'' A small smile spread across my dermas.

Rachet frowned and snorted, ''I am indeed! I will happily throw a spanner at you Orianna to prove a point.'' For a moment, my smile stilled before I noticed the corners of his dermas twitch up as he tried to contain his own smile. I burst out laughing, Rachet soon joining me. It felt somewhat strange but good to laugh, Primus knows we both needed it.

After a moment the laughter subsided, and we sat quietly again. The Sunday evening shadows were growing longer, and the light was fading from the sky. ''Rachet?'' another tentative question.

''Yes Orianna?'' Rachet didn't even turn to face me this time, just sat there his optics slightly closed.

''When was the last time you recharged?'' I turned interrogative optics on him.

Rachet furrowed his optical ridge in thought. ''OC, I honestly do not know. Possibly not since last Wednesday when you arrived back here, but I cannot be sure. I have lost track of time. Why do you ask?'' He turned to face me.

I raised an optical ridge. ''Oh nothing, just that you seem to be falling into recharge and I know how much ''drama'' has taken place in the last few days and having some idea of the dedicated medic you are. I would hazard a guess you would put your own needs well below that of your patient's.''

Rachet gave a self-depreciating snort. ''I'm fine Orianna.''

''Well, I disagree but I won't argue with you.'' The evening stars were starting to appear in the night sky. I laid back on the ground and used my arms as ''pillows''. ''Why don't you join me for some good ol' star gazing? Optimus and I loved doing this...'' My voice trailed off slightly.

To my great surprise Rachet reclined back on the grassy field beside me and followed suit with his arms. He ex-vented deeply after a moment. ''Actually OC, this is quite pleasant. I can see why you both enjoy coming out here.'' He gave a small laugh. ''I might actually have to steal this spot for myself or at the very least join you.''

I dug one of my elbows into his shoulder playfully, ''Hey old timer, I called dibs! You are welcome to join us but hands off,'' I gave a soft laugh and replaced my arms under my helm.

Rachet sputtered fake indignation. ''Old timer! That's gratitude for you after I just saved your life several times. No respect these young whipper snappers.'' I could hear the mirth in his tone.

''Gees Rachet, how long are we going to be peddling that story, ''I saved your life?'' I allowed another laugh to bubble forth. This was cleansing – for both of us. A moment of calm and good-natured fun in the eye of a storm we had both weathered.

''A while! Given I am already over 9 million years old, you do the math OC,'' Rachet fell silent then. We both just laid there gazing into the inky darkness as a billion pinpricks of light illuminated nature's heavenly canvass.

After some time, I heard Rachet's systems power down and his pale blue optics fluttered closed. He was finally in recharge.

I let a smile tug on my dermas. I laid there in silence, unwilling to do anything to disturb my friend who desperately needed this rest.

/My turn to watch over you Rachet, sleep well my friend/. I continued to gaze into the heavens. All at once a brilliant shooting star blazed across the sky. I closed my optics and made my spark's deepest wish. If there was ever a time I wanted a dream to come true – this was it. /PLEASE – Primus, God, anyone! Hear me tonight and grant my wish/.

I opened my optics again and continued to gaze into the night sky, imagining a pair of kind, wise and intense azure optics staring back into mine.

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

Calm. Peace. It surrounded me, embraced me.

So long, so utterly long it had been since I felt at rest – well almost. Something tugged at what passed as my consciousness or remnants of my spark. Something was missing. Someone was missing. Butwhom? The answer skittered just out of reach. I felt incomplete. I also felt as though there was something I had to do, something unfinished…. I could not ''think.''

I did not want to think.

I allowed myself to be wrapped up in the feeling of warmth and light and for the first time in millions of years - I surrendered. Unburdened by a crushing weight, my spark light and not weighed down with grief, fear and anger, I allowed myself to drift away.

Moments later, or possibly eons later, a sharp stabbing pain ripped through ''me,'' a blinding light, like a small sun engulfed me and carried me away from that place of peace and slammed me back into a world of pain and confusion. I felt my optics fly open in shock to find myself suddenly ''alive'' again. A great power surged through my body, electrifying my circuits, kick starting my now healed and pulsing spark.

I coughed, spluttering the remnants of sand and dirt that had found their way into my dermas. /Where had that come from?/. As I lay there for a moment, my processor kicked into gear, images flashed through my mind. The battle… that battle where Megatron had killed me. I had died. I remembered. Something moved awkwardly off my chest back to the ground.

/SAM!/.

I gave a loud groan as I moved to get back to my pedes. Every joint, gear, piston and cable ached. Torn and bent metal scraped and screeched in protest as I moved my damaged frame to kneel. I truly felt as though I had gone through a massive battle and come out worse for wear.

As I knelt there, my optics focused on the equally battered body before me. Sam had somehow brought me back. A sense of amazement and gratitude flooded my systems as I peered down at him. ''BOY, you returned for me!'' Sam simply looked at me with shock and amazement, even though it was he who brought me back, he could not believe it had worked and I was alive and kneeing before him.

''A living Prime!'' An unfamiliar voice boom out beside me, coughing and spluttering. ''I don't believe it!'' The same amazement on Sam's voice rang through the voice.

Before I had a chance to locate who had spoken, there was an eerie boom like sound and all at once a large, menacing figure appeared before me and, in my weakened state, knocked me to the ground. He disappeared briefly before reappearing placing a pede on my chest as he reached out and, in a voice, laced with evil, malicious intent, plucked the Matrix from before me. ''My Matrix!''

That voice – /The Fallen!/. I laid there, my body, although starting to power up again, was still recovering from the massive beating it had taken, I was weak, confused and in pain.

''Get up, get up!'' Sam yelled out to me, scrambling towards me. I could hardly move. Pain, confusion, weak. I wanted to do as Sam bid me, but my body would not obey.

''Get up Prime!'' Ironhide added his gruff voice to the urgent pleas.

I tried to move my limbs, make them cooperate but it was as though the weight of the world lay on them.

Rolling my battered body onto my side, I tried to stand. ''He's got a machine. You gotta stop him. OPTIMUS!" he screamed my name in such a desperate manner that perhaps it was the fate of the world that weighed me down.

I was vaguely aware of N.E.S.T soldiers preparing to engage the enemy in a last-ditch attempt to stop The Fallen's sinister plan. The sound of heavy artillery fire and rockets launching assaulted my audials. Though it was closely followed by the sound of explosions and crashes as they were rebuffed and despatched of by the Fallen.

It was in that moment, when all seemed lost, that the large unknown Transformer, ancient in appearance, addressed me. ''All my Decepticon life, I never did a thing worth doing until now.'' I raised my helm to gaze upon him. /He was one of the oldest, a seeker from memory, though his name escaped me… Jetfire?/. ''Optimus, take my parts and you will have a power unlike any you have ever known.''

I cast my optics away, unable to meet his steadfast gaze. /One more spark lost in this Primus forsaken war/. ''Fulfill your destiny!'' With that he reached into his chest cavity and wrenched his own spark out before collapsing to the sand below.

I tried to crawl towards this brave Transformer as Ironhide began to bark orders. ''JOLT! Electrify. Transmit those after burners.'' Electricity coursed through me, bright flashes of light as pieces of metal and parts flew through the air and were integrated and fused to my armour and my body. Large guns, wings, afterburners. As the parts attached themselves to me, I felt a wave of power and strength surge through me along with a renewed and burning sense of purpose and righteous anger as I took to the sky.

It was time to finish what I started and end this!

Reaching up with both servos, I grabbed the Fallen's staff, twisting around as I tried to wrench it from his control. ''You picked the wrong planet!'' I managed to pull it from his grasp and, using my spinning momentum, I turned around and stabbed the staff back down and through his faceplates.

I shoved him bodily up against a pillar and bent the staff back on itself about his face. ''Give me your face,'' my own voice seemed foreign to me, filled with malice and sadistic pleasure as I tore his faceplates from him. He had orchestrated my demise. He had tried to destroy this beautiful planet.

/He had taken me from my Orianna/. 

I heard with no small amount of satisfaction as my ancient, evil brother, let out an anguished scream of pain as he sank to his knees. I stepped up behind him and without a moment's hesitation, placed my right servo on his shoulder and forcefully plunged my left servo through his back, into his chest cavity. Tearing his spark out of its casing, I squashed it like some putrid, vile bug, before retracting my servo, and the fragments of his spark, through the gaping hole in his chest.

''The Fallen'', collapsed in a shuddering mess, a burning hole smouldering in his chest, and what remained of his face, twisted and contorted in agony and defeat. I rose confidently and proudly to my pedes. ''I RISE, you fall!''

/So many lives lost as a result of your bloodlust, greed and evil – Chase among them. Orianna injured, almost lost to me!/. Though normally the use of violence and the loss of life saddened me, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction at the quivering mess that lay before me.

The sound of jet engines taking off nearby roused me from my reflections. /Starscream and Megatron, retreating like the cowards they were/. I let them go. There had been enough death and destruction for one day. Taking one last glimpse at the vanquished pile of scrap at my pedes, I turned and walked back towards my Autobots and my family.

As I stood on the crest of a large dune, looking down among the smokey piles of debris and wreckage, I could hear the faint sounds of celebration and triumphant shouts of relief and joy drift up towards me. I could see familiar faces, Sam and Mikaela hugging, their shared ordeal seeming to have brought them closer. I could feel Sam's gaze rest on me and send me silent thanks.

I could see Epps, Lennox and Simmons slapping each other on the back and embracing each other in shared victory. Though as I stood there taking the moving scene in, there was one face, one figure, not among them. /My Orianna/.

Since my rude awakening and subsequent battle, I had not had time to think of her. Now, knowing for the moment all was well, my foes vanquished, my processor whirred back to what seemed an age ago when I was with her in the Med Bay back on Diego Garcia. Recalling her small, pale and helpless frame lay amongst the blankets, my recently healed spark seemed to ache slightly at the thought.

/What has become of you my Orianna? Do you live? Have I saved the Earth only to lose you?/.

Despite knowing the outcome, I tried anyway. I activated my comms trying to get hold of Rachet. Static. I tried once more, closing my optics as though it might somehow aid the process, willing Rachet's voice to burst forth on the other end.

Nothing except cackling and static.

The damage sustained in my battles must have compromised my comms abilities. I allowed a very deep, spark weary ex-vent to escape my dermas. It would seem I must wait a little longer before knowing the fate of my dear Orianna. Squaring my shoulders, to once again take up the mantel of leadership and the burden it requires, I began the slow descent down to be welcomed back and greeted by those who had fought alongside me and those I call family.

As I approached them, they looked at me with grateful and appreciative eyes and optics as though their hope had their future had just been restored. While it was good to walk amongst my human and Autobot friends and allies again, my spark ached for another, one whom I did not even know if she lived or had perished.

Once the initial euphoria of victory had worn off, we immediately turned our attention to aiding the injured and stabilising them, recovering those who had been lost, aiding any civilians, clearing up and arranging transport out of here. I managed to hail my second lieutenant Jazz aside for a moment. ''Jazz, a moment of your time please.''

''Of course, Prime, gladly.'' He walked over to me a massive grin on his dermas. ''Man are you a sight for sore optics,'' his grin faded. ''Thought we'd lost ya for good Prime,'' his normally upbeat and cheery voice quietened, and a sadness momentarily flashed across his visor.

''For a moment you did my friend,'' I reached out and patted his servo. There was no denying the truth of the matter. ''Jazz, I have been trying to get a hold of Rachet to inform him of the situation here and to check on Orianna's status.'' I felt my voice tighten slightly.

Jazz considered me carefully but didn't say a word.

''With everything that has, eventuated, I have not had the chance to speak with him regarding her condition. The last I saw she was heavily sedated and still very ill.'' I paused, forcing myself to calm my rising emotions. ''I would very much like to know her status.'' Years of practice masking my emotions allowed me to meet Jazz's gaze in a calm and authoritative manner.

Jazz allowed a small smile to form on his dermas. ''Of course you would Prime. I can comm Rachet right now if you like?''

I shook my helm, ''Negative Jazz. I wish to speak with Rachet and Orianna myself.''

Jazz nodded his helm, a small smile playing on his dermas. ''Fair enough Optimus. I understand completely.'' After a moment's hesitation my second continued, ''We can arrange a satellite connection once on board the USS John C. Stennis later this afternoon. However Prime, I can inform you that as of about twenty-four hours ago, Orianna was alive. She was sedated and recovering from her ordeal.''

''Ordeal?!'' I furrowed my optical ridge in confusion as a wave of trepidation swept over me. ''Has something happened to her as a result of touching the Allspark shard?'' I could not hide the growing concern from my voice.

Jazz held both of his servos out towards me in a bid to calm me. ''Easy Prime! In answer to your questions. Yes, something has happened to her as a result of her interaction with the Allspark, what exactly I don't know as Rachet would not say, only that she is not the same Orianna we remember.''

My processors reeled with this information. /WHAT changes? Not the same? How?/.

Jazz continued. ''And the ''ordeal'' she was recovering from was news of your death. She did not take it well Prime.'' He fixed me with a serious and penetrating gaze. ''Ya know. OC cares for you so very much, Optimus. When she heard the news you had died well,'' Jazz's voice trailed off, ''she nearly died herself.''

I stood there; my dermas open in shock as I processed this disturbing news. /How could that even happen? Though we have a close friendship and care a great deal for each other, we are not bonded…/. I struggled to comprehend how Orianna could have had such an extreme reaction. The thought of her dying was hard enough but dying because of me - as a result of my own death. It was more than I could bear.

After a moment I was able to speak, the words a soft whisper, ''Jazz. Please see to it that we double our efforts here. We need to get back to base. I need to get back to base without delay.'' I managed to cast a quick glance in my second lieutenant's direction. ''As you can see, I am urgent need of repairs and if the Allspark has indeed adversely affected Orianna, I feel responsible for her welfare and would like to see for myself what ''changes'' have taken place, if she is well and what can be done to help her.''

Jazz opened his dermas as if to ask something but thought better of it and instead saluted me. ''Of course Prime, at once.''

As he turned to stride off and check on progress, I called out after him. ''Jazz!'' My SIC whipped back around to listen. ''Please ensure the remains of that selfless and brave Seeker Jetfire, are respectfully collected so we can give him the funerary rites and honour he deserves.''

Jazz bowed his helm solemnly. ''Of course Optimus. I'll personally see to it.'' With a final nod of his helm Jazz turned on his pedes and strode off to carry out my orders.

I stood there for a moment surveying all around me. So much destruction, sadness and devastation. So many lives lost, our human and Autobot relationship hanging by a thread no doubt after this. Yet I could not feel defeated and smothered by the weight of it all. My lifeline, my light, was alive and waiting to see me again and selfishly, in this moment, that was all I could think about.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

He was alive! It had worked.

Optimus was currently steaming through the ocean aboard the USS John. C Stennis. I lay under a blanket of stars on our beach and could not keep the goofy grin off my face. My ''spark'' felt light and as though it was racing. I felt a sense of ''happiness'' and excitement course through me. It was both similar and yet very different experiencing emotions in my current state – as a ''Transformer''. /Well, we don't even know if I can transform yet. I have not had the opportunity to explore that much about my new form/. I had a feeling I could given my effort with my own version of a battle mask but as to what I would change into – I had no idea!

As I lay under the stars I wondered if Optimus himself was somehow gazing upon them and thinking of me? A brilliant burst of light streaked across the sky as a shooting star faded away. I refrained from making a wish. My wish had already come true, I did not intend to be greedy. Just the night before I had begged the cosmos and made a most fervent wish to please bring Optimus back to us – to me.

And now he was on his way back here to me.

My body went rigid as something occurred to me. /What is Prime going to think of you? Will he be okay with your new form or will he be disgusted and repulsed? Maybe your friendship, as strong as it is or was, may not survive this change?/. My sabotaging thoughts fired away at me, trying to unnerve me and make me crumble in self-doubt.

I gave a loud snort and said out loud to no one in particular, ''Don't be so stupid OC! The Prime you knew and cared for would never be so shallow as to abandon you based on your appearance. Give him more credit than that.'' However, the thought that our friendship might now change as a result of this, ''event'', gnawed at me silently. ''Of course, it stands to reason that it has to change, you're a fucking robot now not a human.'' I reproached myself for my stupidity.

All at once my conversation with Rachet and the ''Pandora's Box'' he opened about Prime and I came flooding into my processor. I had challenged him on the fact we couldn't possibly have feelings deeper than friendship as we were two different species. I heard Rachet's voice echo in my thoughts, /'WERE! OC, by some bizarre twist of fate, you are now a Transformer! For better or worse, you are no longer a human''/.

I lay there staring at my stars, mulling over the term, ''For better or for worse''. At this point in time, it was hard to say exactly what impact this ''change'' would have on me and my life – /bloody massive I'd hazard a guess though/. As for Optimus and our friendship - again - it was too early to tell what impact this significant change would have. /I imagine at the very least it will make giving him a hug easier!/. I laughed out loud at the thought.

The number of times I felt so frustrated because I wanted to give Optimus a hug to show affection and thanks and I was reduced to patting his chest plate. Mind you, being a human, I could and likely did get away with hugging ''The Prime'', as part of our squishy, organic culture. As a Transformer, I did not know if it would be welcomed or frowned upon.

Given I had never seen Optimus or any of his soldiers ''embrace'' in a show of friendship or something more ''amorous'' made me lean towards it perhaps being taboo or frowned upon. /Then again, he did have a partner, a spark bonded - Elita 1. So I would assume they must have had some sort of intimate contact – perhaps hugging was part of it?/.

I sighed out loud and once again, engaging the evening air with a rhetorical discussion, ''Never assume anything! I wish I had have asked Jazz or Rachet more questions along those lines.'' I brought my knees up under my metallic chin, wrapping my arms around the as I snorted derisively out loud. ''Then again who'd have guessed something like THIS would have happened!'' I released my legs, stretching them out before me as I leaned back on my servos, shaking my helm. 

My stomach, or ''tanks'' felt as though they twinged or rumbled. /Must be time to refuel on some energon/. The thought made my dermas twist in disgust. Now THAT was definitely a negative to my change. Energon was so damn tasteless! The thought of never again being able to drink Pepsi Max or eat chocolate was almost enough to make me wish I had not survived the process of touching the Allspark – almost!

I sighed out loud in seeming resignation yet again. A human habit I would likely to hold on to. I decided to head back to Med Bay to refuel and recharge – or at least try to. Optimus and the others should be arriving late tomorrow afternoon and I wanted to be ready. Standing up from the grassy ground, I stretched up towards my stars, feeling my cables and wires pull and various gears, cogs and pistons move. It was both kinda cool and definitely freaky at the same time to think how my ''body'' had changed. I don't think it had truly sunk in yet but for now, I was rolling with the punches.

I took one last look at the night sky and turned for the Med Bay.

Optimus P.O.V

As the imposing naval ship ploughed its way through the dark waters of the Indian Ocean, I stood on the bow of the flight deck, alone with my thoughts. Sam, Mikaela, Major Lennox and my Autobots, were all taking a well-earned break and resting. Though I should have been doing the same, I could not bring myself to recharge. Instead, I stood there, servos on my hips, helm tilted back gazing at the glorious night canvass stretched out before me and wondering if Orianna was staring at the same stars tonight.

The journey back to base was proving to be one of the longest trips I cared to remember. Though we had made good time aboard the USS John C. Stennis, I was anxious to return and learn of Orianna's true condition. We had managed to contact Rachet not long after boarding, however, Orianna had been in recharge.

Though I felt disappointment course through me, I was also glad she was resting. Rachet, who was overjoyed at the sound of my voice, reassured me she was well but did indeed reiterate the fact she had undergone changes and was not the same as I recalled her.

When pressed on the matter he had simply said, ''You will have to see for yourself.'' Since then, my processor had been working over time trying to contemplate what Rachet had said and his meaning. After several hours of thinking I resolved that as long as she was alive and well and that same spirit, that same soul still dwelled within her, it did not matter what changes had occurred.

I was prepared for whatever may come my way.

Fluttering. Nervous tension. Excitement. Worry. A sense of urgency. Hesitation. Relief. A myriad of emotions and thoughts whirred about my processor and flooded my spark as I transformed from vehicle mode and prepared to walk the last few steps into the Med Bay back on Diego Garcia.

I was about to reach out a servo and open the doors when the sight of Rachet filled the doorway and blocked my progress. ''PRIME!'' the medic's optics shone brightly with strong emotion and he reached out to grasp my shoulder struts in a show of friendship and comradery. ''By Primus are you a sight for sore optics!'' His keen optics swept over my battered, dented and damaged frame.

His dermas momentarily set in a thin line of annoyance. ''Is there any part of you that wasn't damaged in battle?'' though there was a tone of good humour in his voice, there was also an underlying sense of exasperation at the thought of the joors of repairs he would have to perform.

''Rachet old friend, it is good to see you too.'' I squeezed his shoulders in a returned gesture of thanks and recognition. ''I am sorry to burden you with such major repairs, though I would hope they are preferable to the alternative,'' I allowed a small smile to form on my dermas.

Rachet released my shoulder struts and gave a small ''cough.'' ''Well, yes, indeed. That is correct.'' He shifted the weight from one pede to another awkwardly.

I began to move forward. ''Rachet, Orianna? Where is she?'' His servo came out once again to rest on my left shoulder.

''Optimus, I must remind you that Orianna has undergone some – extensive - changes, since you last saw her. She is not the same being you last recall seeing.'' His optics held mine in a very serious stare.

''Rachet,'' I returned his stare with equal seriousness, ''as long as she is well and unharmed, I am not concerned as to what changes have taken place. I am quite prepared. Let me pass please, I need to see her.'' I made to move forward, and I felt Rachet remove his servo.

''Oh, I doubt you are prepared Optimus, but nevertheless, come this way.'' Rachet turned before me and led me through the large double doors and down a corridor towards the back of the Med Bay where the individual recovery rooms were located.

He led me to the last one on the right and stood to the side in front of a large mirror. ''She is in there Optimus.'' He sent me a small smile. ''I'll leave you two alone.'' I nodded my thanks as Rachet discretely walked away. My spark fairly leapt out of its casing as I opened the door and began to walk in.

I froze in the doorway.

There, leaning casually against the berth within the room, was a very striking looking femme I had never met before, her arms crossed over her chest and the largest smile I have seen on a pair of dermas in my life.

At the sight of my battered frame filling the doorway, her optics shone brightly, she let out a loud shout of joy and yelled my name, ''OPTIMUS!''

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

In one step the attractive femme had closed the distance between us, moving to wrap her arms about me. I made no move to stop her, but she stopped herself at the last moment, bringing her servos to rest on my shoulders instead. Her optics drank the sight of me in, sweeping over my faceplates as though committing me to memory.

Slowly, she raised her right servo and laid it gently and reverently against the side of my helm before closing her optics for a moment. ''You're really here, you are alive.. I… thought… I..'' She opened her optics again, ex-vented deeply and gently traced a digit down my faceplate. ''I thought I'd lost you too Optimus.''

Her touch.

The sensation burned like fire and ice. It was both unnerving and addictive at the same time. I had not managed to say a word, transfixed as I was by this femme. There was something so familiar about her, but I could not yet place it. I brought my left servo up to capture hers and still her actions, though I did not break the touch.

My optics were drawn to hers. I stared into them, searching them. They were neither blue nor red. They were an amber brown colour with flecks of gold, a quiet fire burning within them. The thought slammed into me like a tidal wave of realisation.

/Orianna! YOU are my Orianna!/. 

My voice, when I managed to find it, was barely a whisper. ''Orianna? It's you! You…'' I was so shocked, relieved and overrun with emotions I could no longer speak. She closed her optics again at the sound of her name from my servos. Her other servo came up to capture my helm. I covered her servos within mine and let my helm fall forward slightly against hers. I closed my optics in silent awe and thanks. After what seemed forever, I opened my optics to find her gazing at me with a small smile on her dermas.

''Yes Optimus, it's me. Surprise!'' she chuckled as she seemed to step closer to me and gently, tentatively, placed her helm against my chest above my spark, her servos moving to rest over my shattered windscreens and on my shoulder struts in a kind of ''hug'' as the humans would say. I heard her voice, so familiar yet so different, murmur against my chest plates. ''I have wanted to do this to you for so long and now I can!''

At her words and her touch, I felt my spark pulse so strongly as to send a wave of energy throughout my body and cause me to shudder for a moment. /What in Primus?/. Orianna immediately stepped back from me, a look of fear forming on her faceplates. ''I'm sorry Optimus! Did I hurt you?''

I quickly shook my helm, as much to snap me out of my stupor as to reassure her. ''NO! No, you did not hurt me, quite the opposite.'' I blinked my optics at her. Primus she was – beautiful.

As a human, Orianna had been considered reasonably attractive, especially after her training with N.E.S.T intensified. But it was her; her presence, her mind, her humour, her compassion, her honesty, her sense of justice that I had been drawn to. Physical appearance was less important to me than character, morality and personality. As my optics quickly took the sight of Orianna's new form in, it was clear that she possessed it all!

I felt something deep within my spark catch on fire. That tiny flame that had been lit that night on the beach, when Orianna had told me I deserved to be held in someone's heart and not a pedestal, sprang to life and began to burn intensely. It felt as though every nerve, wire, cable and circuit was on fire. I was being consumed from the inside out. It was both terrifying and exciting.

''Well, as long as you're okay.'' Orianna stood there unsure what to do, her arms now wrapped around herself and her optics darted over my damaged frame as if properly ''seeing'' me for the first time. Her dermas twisted in distress as she took in my battered form. One of her servos was brought up to her dermas and she covered it as if to stop herself from sobbing out loud. ''Oh Optimus! Look at what they did to you…'' her voice trailed off.

I stepped towards her and somewhat hesitantly, in case I sacred her and given what had happened before, carefully pulled her towards my chest again into an embrace. My arms wrapped around her leaner frame, her helm reaching the top of my two windscreens. She once again rested her face against my chest plates, and though a warm heat radiated from her touch, there was no pulse this time.

I did not know whether to be relieved or bereft. I tried to soothe her, ''Shh.. Orianna. Despite my appearance, I assure you I am well,'' I allowed a smile to form on my dermas. ''All the better for knowing you are alive and well and standing right before me in my arms.'' I felt her smile against me and lean into me. I allowed my chin to gently rest atop her helm as I tightened my hold on her and I closed my optics. ''You have not lost me; I am here where I belong.''

Neither of us spoke.

We simply stood there, wrapped up in each other, giving and receiving comfort and reassurance from each other's presence. Apart from my brief sojourn to what I assumed was the Well of Allsparks, I had not known such comfort and peace as I did in this moment, not since…/Elita….Chase/. A wave of guilt washed over me, all but smothering the newly kindled flame and I felt myself withdraw slightly from Orianna and begin to remove my arms from about her, stepping back.

''Optimus? What's wrong?'' Orianna sensed the change in me, her confusion plastered on her face as she silently regarded me, searching for the answer as to what had happened. ''Are you okay?'' She went to reach out a servo to me and although I wanted to take another step away, I stilled my retreat and simply grabbed her servo in mine giving it a gentle squeeze of reassurance.

''Nothing Orianna, I'm fine, just… tired.'' I sent her a small apologetic smile. ''Perhaps I overestimated my energon reserves. You must be feeling the same. We have both had quite an extraordinary few days between us and perhaps we should rest and take it easy to recover and adapt to… the changes in our lives.'' I gave her servo a quick squeeze again before releasing it.

Orianna stood there, a corner of her dermas twitched up and she tilted her helm to the side in quiet consideration. My processor whirred taking in the similar mannerisms to me. In fact, upon closer inspection there were a few similarities between us. Orianna's paintwork was similar to mine she was predominately red with yellow flames and some blue, the same colour as my optics, splashed here and there.

Her forearm guards were similar in appearance to mine and she had a similar helm to me without the large audials and a feather motif curving over the top of her helm. The feather motif repeated itself at various points in her armoury and plating and I found myself curious as to its meaning as well as that of a rising sun on her abdominal plating. /Why does she seem to be modelled on a similar schema to me? Why has this happened and what does this mean?/.

Her voice brought me back to the present moment, ''Right. I don't entirely buy it Prime, but I cannot argue your comment on the whole ''extraordinary days and adapting to changes'' line of reasoning.'' She ex-vented heavily. ''I guess seeing me like this would have been a massive shock for you, something that requires processing and adapting to.'' She paused a moment, her features hardening, and her optics dimmed briefly. I felt my spark constrict at the sight of her clearly upset on my account.

''I should not have forced myself on you so quickly, I was just so happy to see you again,'' There was a slight chill to her voice as it dropped and her manner also changed, ''I missed you and I…. I'm sorry.'' Orianna, or this new form of Orianna, began to move past me to stalk out the door. As quick as lightning I grabbed her arm to stop her retreat.

''Orianna! Please,'' She paused, though did not look at me. ''Do not be angry or upset by my reaction just now. I do not want to overwhelm you. Yes, I will not lie to you. Seeing you like this,'' I gestured to her with my other servo, ''is indeed a surprise and wholly unexpected. But it is not an unpleasant one.'' She turned her helm up to look at me then. ''We both, indeed all of us, I imagine, will have to take some time adapting to this change, you especially. But do not for one astrosecond think I am not overjoyed to see you again and have you back in my life, to be back in your life.''

My voice, raw with emotion, lowered in a low rumble. ''I missed you too Orianna, more than you know.'' My optics shone brightly, and I tightened my grasp on her arm. ''Please, believe me on this.'' She did not need to know about my feelings of guilt. Everything else was the truth.

She searched my optics for a moment. We were both essentially the same person or being we had been before and yet, as a result of our recent ''experiences'' and the deepening unspoken feelings developing between us, we were different. Our ''relationship'', our friendship was now different. A new ability to demonstrate physical gestures of affection, such as being able to properly embrace each other, brought with it a new element of intimacy that had previously not been possible.

Something was changing between us. It was perhaps inevitable.

Orianna, sighed softly, seeming to accept my explanation. I released her arm but did not look away from her. ''Okay Optimus. I believe you.'' She smiled weakly at me. ''I think you should go and see Rachet and start the process of being repaired.'' As changeable as the wind, her expression switched to one of mirth. ''You look like shit.''

I gave a small grunt and allowed a small smile to form on my dermas, 'You dare be impertinent towards a Prime?''

Orianna's smile spread in recognition of a similar conversation we had in what seemed a lifetime ago. ''Dare? I just was''. Her optics shone and she let out a small laugh. My spark lurched again at the sound and sight of this beautiful, mercurial femme stood before me. ''Come on Optimus, I'll go with you.''

I held up a servo. ''That won't be necessary Orianna, I..'' I started to argue.

''Prime,'' Orianna placed her servos on her hips in a familiar posture. /There she is!/. ''I know your little secret about not being fond of visiting the doctors.'' I flinched a little, ''and besides, it's the least I can do after you stayed by my side when I was sick.'' She smiled in a sweet, yet challenging way.

I ex-vented deeply and shook my helm. ''New body or not, you are still the same Orianna.''

Her expression changed slightly, and a small, sad smile formed for a moment. ''Just remember that Optimus - please?'' I nodded my helm almost imperceptibly. Orianna allowed another smile to grace her dermas. ''Come on. No doubt Rachet will be wondering where you are and what I have done to you.'' She gestured to the doorway and for me to follow her.

As I watched her form walk out the door, I closed my optics briefly, /Indeed, what have you done to me Orianna? I wish I truly knew and, more to the point, wish I could tell you/. I sighed and followed her down the hallway.

Despite having fought Megatron twice, dying once, coming back to life and vanquishing ''The Fallen'', I couldn't help but feel the pit of my tanks start to churn and agitation build up inside me as we approached Rachet's form moving about the Repair room of the Med Bay.

Seeming to sense my unease, Orianna, turned and smiled at me, reaching out to grab my servo in hers. Immediately I felt calmer. With Orianna by my side I felt as though I could face anything. /Except your own true feelings/, came the snide and self-depreciating thought. I squashed it down, deep down. Now was not the time.

''Hey Doc, your two thirty appointment is here to see you,'' Orianna called out to Rachet as we entered the room. /How can she be so flippant?/. She released my servo as Rachet turned around.

Rachet turned to face us. ''Ahh… good. I was beginning to think you two had gotten lost back there,'' I could hear the smile in his voice. Rachet pointed to the large Transformer sized gurney. ''Come on Prime, you know the drill.''

''And the spanner and the wrench and the….'' Orianna had a smile on her dermas as she walked over with me to the gurney.

I couldn't help slight irritation seeping into my voice, ''You know Orianna, I was not so unsympathetic and flippant when you were in this position not so long ago.'' I winced inwardly at the slight ''pout'' in my voice as I settled on the gurney, laying down. Orianna stood beside me and once again grasped my servo with hers.

''Well, I was unconscious so I wouldn't know if you were or weren't being flippant, and I guess you missed your chance Optimus,'' she smiled before she brought her other servo up to gently caress my face and her expression sobered. 'I'm sorry. Don't worry Prime. I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay right here by your side; I won't leave you.''

I tightened my grip on her servo and a wry smile formed on my dermas, ''I'll hold you to that Orianna.'' And I stared into her optics even as I felt Rachet jab me with his needle and my world started to blur and go dark.

Once again, Orianna's beautiful face was the last thing I saw as darkness claimed me. Only this time, I knew I would see her again and the thought made my spark sing.

Orianna P.O.V

He was here!

I could hear him as he greeted Rachet. That voice, that deep, rolling baritone voice broke upon me like a wave, flooding me with joy. My spark was racing a million miles an hour, trying to leap out of my chest. Every circuit in my body felt electrified with nervous tension. /For fuck sake! HURRY UP RACHET!/. It was all I could do to stay ''hidden'' in my little recovery room.

Rachet and I had thought it best Optimus be the first to see me and that we reunite in the privacy of these rooms. We didn't want to overwhelm everyone else with my ''transformation'' straight away. Rachet and I had also carefully avoided discussing and addressing why it should be Optimus first and why we needed to be alone – it was just a mutual decision.

I heard Prime urge Rachet out of the way, ''Rachet, as long as she is well and unharmed, I am not concerned as to what changes have taken place. I am quite prepared. Let me pass please, I need to see her.'' My spark beat even faster if that were possible. The fact he sounded almost desperate to see me made me think for a brief moment, perhaps there was truth to Rachet's observations. /Perhaps…/. I dismissed the thought as I heard heavy pedes move towards me.

Rachet almost laughed, ''Oh, I doubt you are prepared Prime but nevertheless, come this way.'' I closed my optics. /Oh, I KNOW you are not prepared Prime. Nothing could prepare you for what you are about to see. Please, please don't hate me!/.

As the heavy pedes draw inexorably closer, I felt myself trying to both run away and run towards them. I mentally slapped myself and took a deep breath, leaning against the berth in the room. I folded my arms over my chest and fixed my gaze on the door. /Calm OC. Be calm. It's just Optimus - your friend. What are you working yourself up for?/. I heard Rachet's voice just outside the door. 'She is in there Prime. I'll leave you two alone.''

/Just. ''Breathe''/.

I closed my optics for a final time and when I opened them again, there he stood. His large frame filling the doorway, those amazing azure optics focused solely on me, taking me in. Though I could tell he was perplexed and taken aback by the ''stranger'' who stood before him, I had no such difficulty in recognising him. I could not hold back my emotions any longer and I let out a shout of sheer joy and happiness at having my dearest friend returned to me.

''OPTIMUS!''

I closed the distance between us in one huge step, bringing my arms out to engulf him in a hug, though at the last second, I thought better of the action and managed to place them on his shoulders instead. My optics darted about his face. I had thought I would never see him again, so I drank the sight of him in, committing him to memory. He did not withdraw from me, but neither did he seem to understand who it was who addressed him so familiarly.

He was almost frozen. I reached a servo out to tentatively lay it against his helm, as if making sure he was indeed standing right before me and not just a willing figment of my imagination. My servo felt solid, warm metal under it. I closed my optics in silent thanks. ''You're really here, you're alive.. I… thought.. I.'' I had to open my optics again to look at him as the next words tumbled out of my dermas. I ex-vented deeply and absentmindedly traced a digit down his faceplate, ''I thought I'd lost you too.'' God, how I wanted to cry in relief!

Azure blue optics continued to stare at me, searching mine. At my touch he raised his servo and captured mine, holding it in place while he processed all that was unfolding before him. This simple contact between us, my servo on his face, his holding mine, this new intimacy, burned like fire and ice. Addictive and unnerving.

I continued to hold his gaze, unwilling and unable to look away. His optics, which had darted about my face, searching for some recognition, came to light on my optics again. It was then I saw him start to notice. My optics remained the same colour they had been when I was human. Amber brown with flecks of gold in them. I tried to show him who I was as I gazed back into his azure pools.

All at once, it dawned on him, I saw the change in his features as he finally came to realise and accept who I was. His voice, usually so strong and sure, was barely a whisper, as if he thought the moment would shatter if he spoke too loudly, and I would disappear. ''Orianna? It's you! You…'' I closed my optics as I let his words flow over and through me, placing my other servo on his helm. I felt myself tremble slightly as he covered my servos with his. After a moment, I opened my optics to gaze upon him, his helm bowed in silent relief, his optics closed as he, like I had a moment ago, seemed to struggle to contain strong emotions swirling inside him.

I allowed a small smile to form on my dermas. ''Yes Optimus, it's me.'' I took a step closer, so our chassis were almost touching, and gently, tentatively, placed my helm against his chest above his spark. I moved my servos to rest over his windscreens and on his shoulder struts. Giving a soft sigh, I could not help confiding to him, ''I have wanted to do this to you for so long - and now I can!''

It was in that moment that something truly bizarre and somewhat unnerving happened between us. A wave of energy, almost a ''pulse'', seemed to travel between us. /OH MY GOD I HURT HIM!/. I gasped and took a step back, my faceplates clearly showing my concern and fear. ''I'm sorry! Did I hurt you?''

Optimus seemed to recover quicker than I and shook his helm, trying to reassure me. ''NO! No, you did not hurt me, quite the opposite.''

/Quite the opposite? So… that… whatever it was….felt good? Was a good thing?/. I stood there unsure what to do or what to make of the situation as Optimus was not forthcoming on any more details or explanation. He seemed to simply be staring at me, focused and intent, lost in his own thoughts. I wrapped my arms about myself and allowed my optics to take in his figure, finally truly noticing his badly damaged frame as if ''seeing'' him for the first time.

My dermas twisted in distress and I could not stop myself from bringing one of my servos up to try and cover a loud sob. ''Oh Optimus! Look at what they did to you…'' my voice trailed off as I tried not to think of the harsh and brutal punishment he must have received, the pain he must have felt and the fact I was not there to help him.

My reaction to his appearance must have roused him from his own reveries as he stepped towards me and somewhat cautiously and carefully, pulled me towards him, embracing me. As I felt his large, powerful arms wrap around me, I felt so safe and so relieved that he was indeed alive and able to hold me, that I rested my face against his chest plates.

I felt my spark radiate warmth and joy as I heard his words drift down to me, ''Shh.. Orianna. Despite my appearance, I assure you I am well. All the better for knowing you are alive and well and standing right before me, in my arms.'' I could not contain the grin as I leant into him, desperate to be as close as possible. I felt his chin gently rest atop my helm and his hold on me tighten, as he spoke again, ''You have not lost me; I am here where I belong.''

I felt my spark swell and almost burst with such happiness, joy, affection, contentedness…love? In that moment there truly was nothing and no one else in my world. This feeling between us, whatever it may be, felt so right and so true there could no longer be any denying….

All at once, Optimus stepped away from me, extricating himself from my embrace. I suddenly felt bereft of warmth and comfort as he broke contact with me as though some sort of switch had been flipped inside him. It was as though he had heard my thoughts and had found them ''distasteful'' or ''undesirable''. /What else could have made him suddenly retreat like that?/.

I could not contain my confusion and hurt as I raised my optical ridge questioning him. ''Optimus? What's wrong? Are you okay?'' I tried to reach out to him to re-establish some form of contact between us, but he seemed to almost take a step back away from my touch, as the thought of it repulsed him, but at the last second, he accepted my offered servo and gave it a gentle squeeze of reassurance. The gesture seemed in total contrast to the intimate physical contact we had mere seconds before. My processor reeled as it tried to account for the sudden change in his actions, his manner.

His deep voice broke the silence. ''Nothing Orianna, I'm fine, just… tired.'' He sent me what seemed like an apologetic smile. ''Perhaps I overestimated my energon reserves. You must be feeling the same. We have both had quite an extraordinary few days between us and perhaps we should rest and take it easy to recover and adapt to… the changes in our lives.'' He tried to send me another reassuring smile as he gave my servo a quick squeeze again before releasing it.

I simply stood there staring at him in quiet consideration, tilting my helm as I did so. Once again, he seemed to just stand there, lost in thought. /He does not like you; he is trying to think of a way to distance himself from you without hurting your feelings/. I tried to stop the negative, self-depreciating thoughts from flooding through me, but I might sooner have held back the tide.

Not wanting to let him know how I felt, I pretended that I thought he was hiding something. ''Right. I don't entirely buy it Prime, but I cannot argue your comment on the whole ''extraordinary days and adapting to changes'' line of reasoning.'' I ex-vented heavily trying to rid myself of the pain and embarrassment that threatened to overwhelm me. ''I guess seeing me like this would have been a massive shock for you, something that requires processing and adapting to.''

I tried to remain devoid of emotion. ''I should not have forced myself on you so quickly, I was just so happy to see you again,'' There was a slight chill to my voice and I almost couldn't speak for the strong emotions raging through me as I almost told him how I thought I felt, ''I missed you and I…. I'm sorry.'' I began to move past him to stalk out the door and remove myself from this situation, but he prevented me from leaving, grabbing my arm as I made to walk past him.

''Orianna! Please,'' he all but begged.

I paused, though I did not look at him, I was too angry, hurt and confused. /FUCK SAKE PRIME! MAKE UP YOUR FUCKING MIND!/.

Once again, he seemed to read my mind. ''Do not be angry or upset by my reaction just now. I do not want to overwhelm you. Yes, I will not lie to you. Seeing you like this,'' he gestured to me with his other servo, ''is indeed a surprise and wholly unexpected. But it is not an unpleasant one.'' I turned my helm slightly to look at him then as he continued. ''We both, indeed all of us, I imagine, will have to take some time adapting to this change, you especially. But do not for one astrosecond think I am not overjoyed to see you again and have you back in my life, to be back in your life.''

His voice, laced with emotion, lowered in a deep rumble. ''I missed you too Orianna, more than you know.'' His optics shone brightly, and he tightened his grasp on my arm. ''Please - believe me on this.''

I wanted to scream at him, hit him. First, he goes and dies on me leaving me alone, in a body I do not know to navigate a life I do not understand. Then, by some miracle, he comes back to me, makes me feel as though I am important and special to him, almost as though I am ''loved.'' Then in the same breath he pushes me away and is almost repulsed by me, only to once again reach for me and tell me how much he missed me and cares for me.

/Maybe all these years fighting in a Godforsaken war, dying and coming back to life has finally sent him mad?/.

I searched his optics for a moment. Our ''relationship,'' our friendship was indeed now different. Something had changed, between us. /Pandora's Box indeed/. Still, I cared for him, deeply. I would weather countless storms to keep him in my life. I did not understand fully what was changing between us, I did not want to examine too closely what my feelings truly were, but I just knew, I had to have Optimus in my life in some capacity.

I ex-haled softly, defeated by my own loyalty and stubbornness. Prime released my arm but did not look away from me. I turned my brown and gold flecked optics to stare into his azure ones. ''Okay Optimus. I believe you.'' I smiled weakly at him trying to change the subject. ''I think you should go and see Rachet and start the process of being repaired.'' I could not help making the baited comment as I felt my old sense of humour kick in. ''You look like shit.''

He gave a small grunt and allowed a smile to form on his dermas, 'You dare be impertinent towards a Prime?''

I returned a smile of recognition at the recollection of a similar conversation we had in what seemed a lifetime ago. ''Dare? I just was''. My optics shone and I let out a small laugh as I felt some of the tension dissipate between us. ''Come on Optimus, I'll go with you.''

He held up a servo, ''That won't be necessary Orianna, I..'' he started to argue.

 ''Prime,'' I placed my servos on my hips preparing to counter argue. ''I know your little secret about not being fond of visiting the doctors,'' and I watched as he flinched a little, ''and besides, it's the least I can do after you stayed by my side when I was sick.'' I smiled in a sweet yet challenging way.

He ex-vented deeply and shook his helm. ''New body or not, you are still the same Orianna.''

At his words, my expression changed slightly, and a small, sad smile formed for a moment. ''Just remember that Optimus - please.'' He nodded his helm almost imperceptibly in acknowledgment. I allowed another smile to grace my dermas. ''Come on. No doubt Rachet will be wondering where you are and what I have done to you.'' I gestured to the doorway and for him to follow me, which he did after a moment's hesitation. /Maybe he is thinking about running away?/.

As we walked down the corridor towards the operating room and Rachet's form milling about, I could almost sense Prime's hesitation and fear radiating from him. I turned and smiled at him, reaching out to grab his servo in mine to help calm him. He seemed to appreciate the gesture.

''Hey Doc, your two thirty appointment is here to see you,'' I called out to Rachet as we entered the room. As I saw Rachet about to turn I released Optimus' servo. /No need to add fuel to a non-existent fire/.

Rachet turned to face us. ''Ahh… good. I was beginning to think you two had gotten lost back there,'' you could almost hear the smile in his voice. Rachet pointed to the large Transformer sized gurney. ''Come on Prime, you know the drill.''

''And the spanner and the wrench and the….'' I could not help making the jokes at Prime's expense. Though I felt bad, a part of me also felt he deserved it.

I had to stifle a laugh as I heard Prime, the ever patient leader, speak with slight irritation. ''You know Orianna, I was not so unsympathetic and flippant when you were in this position not so long ago.'' I grasped his servo as he laid down preparing for Rachet to see to his wounds.

Quick as a flash I shot back, ''Well I was unconscious so I wouldn't know if you were or weren't being flippant, and I guess you missed your chance Optimus,'' I smiled at the pouting face before me. I could not help bringing my other servo up to gently caress his face as I thought how close we came to losing him forever. How close I came. All traces of anger and hurt over our ''misunderstanding'' blew away as dust in the wind. 'I'm sorry. Don't worry Prime. I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay right here by your side; I won't leave you.''

I felt him tighten his grip on my servo and a wry smile formed on his dermas, ''I'll hold you to that Orianna,'' he rumbled softly. For a moment, as Rachet administered the sedative and Prime hovered on the edge of consciousness, we were both back in that ''moment''. Where there was just the two of us, lost in each other's presence, giving and receiving comfort, seeking and finding redemption.

As I stood there holding his servo watching him drift into unconsciousness, I was powerless to stop the small, hopeful thought from taking seed in the depths of my processor and spark. /Perhaps I do love him…. And maybe, just maybe he loves me too. It's not impossible/.

Afterall, stranger things have happened – I was proof of that.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

You think it's easy
You think I don't wanna run to you
But there are mountains
And there are doors that we can't walk through
I know you're wondering why because we're able to be
Just you and me within these walls
But when we go outside, you're gonna wake up and see
That it was hopeless after all

True to my word I did not leave Prime's side. I was there when he awoke almost fifteen hours later after Rachet had repaired the more sensitive and debilitating wounds that required sedation. The look on Prime's face as he came to, made the long wait worthwhile. His optics had darted about the room frantically, once he had managed to open them, searching for something.

''Prime, it's okay, I'm here,'' I reached out and held his servo, leaning over him slightly. As his optics took in my form and felt my servo grasp his, his whole frame seemed to relax. He appeared to have found what he was searching for.

''Ahh… Orianna! You stayed, you're here,'' his weak voice seemed almost amazed.

I gave a small laugh and squeezed his servo. ''Of course I am Optimus! Where else would I be? Besides, I promised you I would stay by your side. I am not inclined to break my promises.'' I smiled down at him.

Optimus returned the smile and gently squeezed my servo in return. ''Something I am very grateful for, I assure you.'' All at once his face seemed to change as though a dark cloud had swept across it, his optics grew dim for a moment, and he turned his helm to the side as though he could not look at me.

/Not again!/, I thought briefly to myself as he once again seemed to do a one-eighty and emotionally shut down.

''Unlike me, who promised you I would never leave you - that I was not going anywhere - and look what happened!'' His voice, although a low whisper, was so full of self-loathing, regret and anger, I almost stepped back in shock. ''I allowed myself to be killed at the hands of Megatron which, in turn, almost led to the destruction of this planet and its people.'' His optics closed and I saw a slight shudder run through his healing frame. ''And almost led to your own death Orianna.''

I stared at the Prime for a moment. This was a side to him that most mechs and people never saw. The part he literally took great pains to hide and prevent others from seeing, not for his sake, I assumed, but for theirs. /Ever selfless/. The guilt ridden, self-doubting, second-guessing, unsure Prime that seemed almost crippled by his insecurities and the ever-growing weight he tried to carry on his shoulders.

/Well not on my watch! He was going to stop trying to take responsibility for everything!/.

I leant over him, reaching for his helm and gently encouraged him to turn his gaze back towards me so he could see and hear what I had to say. He reluctantly obliged. I left my servo where it was as I gazed down at him, a slight smile on my dermas and a fierce fire burning in my optics. ''Oh Optimus,'' I stroked the side of his helm. ''What a pile of scrap!''

His optical ridge immediately shot up in surprise and his dermas slightly parted in shock. /Clearly not what he was expecting me to say, good, I'll press my advantage/. ''Optimus, I do not mean to make light of your feelings, but your logic behind them is totally unwarranted and well - illogical.'' I removed my servo from his face and lay it on the gurney beside him. ''You did not allow yourself to be killed by Megatron any more than I allowed myself to be turned into a Transformer. It was something beyond your control and from what I hear you put up a bloody good fight when it was three on one and you basically kicked all their afts!'' I tilted my helm. ''I bet Megatron only bested you because you had your back turned as you searched for Sam.''

Prime's optical ridge had resumed its natural position and his dermas had closed in a thin line as he lay there listening. ''While your - passing,'' /fuck that was hard to say and not a little weird as he lay there alive listening to me say it/, ''allowed for certain events to take place, it was also YOU who eventually stopped the chain reaction and saved everything and everyone – including me!''

I felt my intake valves start to cycle air rapidly as my emotions bubbled to the surface, remembering the horrible moment when I learned of Prime's death and the subsequent sheer joy at his possible resurrection. His servo squeezed mine in quiet encouragement and support and I brushed his face with my digits. ''You promised you would never forsake this planet and its people, which still includes me, so you see - you didn't, you haven't broken your promise. 

I smiled at him as he lay there, his optics blinking rapidly as he processed everything I had just said, as well as fought off the aftereffects of being sedated. /Great he may not even remember anything I said to him!/. ''Not even death itself stopped you keeping your promise Optimus Prime.'' I let out a sigh and before I could register my own actions, I leaned down and gently kissed his cheek. 

Prime froze, his servo tightening on mine as my dermas grazed his cheek.

As I pulled back, I spoke once more, ''Optimus, you are a great many things, but someone who does not honour their promises, someone who does not stay true to their word, you most definitely are not! So please, do not ever say that about yourself again.'' I stopped speaking and simply stood there, allowing him to come to terms with my observations.

Optimus did not speak for a few minutes. He closed his optics, as if in silent thought. He did not let go of my servo. When he opened his optics again and turned to look at me, they were bright with emotion. ''Thank you Orianna, for your support and your – unique – way of making me see sense.'' He began to try and sit up, propping himself on his right side for a moment before swinging his pedes slowly over the side of the gurney and sitting upright.

For a moment he swayed unsteadily as his body adjusted to being upright. He reflexively reached out to grab me and I him. We were both at optic level in this position, mere metres separating us, holding each other by the arms.

His deep voice washed over me, and I closed my optics, savouring every word, ''Yet again you break my fall, yet again you save me from myself,'' I felt his large right servo move to cup my cheek, his digit brushing against it softly before he began pulling my helm towards his, slowly, deliberately. I dare not open my optics in case the moment shattered. ''My Orianna. My light''. I could feel the heat of his ''breath'' on my face as he ex-vented softly.

I tensed in anticipation – /for what?/. Every fibre of my being was on fire, electricity tore through me.

My helm came to rest against his as his other servo came up to cup my face in a chaste yet intimate display of deep affection and trust. I brought my servos up to cup his face too, mirroring the gesture, desperate to maintain this contact. I opened my optics only to find them gazing directly into Prime's, our dermas almost touching. Never had I been so close to him in such a manner. It was all at once unnerving and yet breathtakingly hypnotic.

We both seemed to be staring into each other's souls, searching for answers to questions we did not know and could not give. Neither of us spoke. How do you put into words feelings you don't fully understand, are afraid of and are overwhelmed by? It felt as though we each had a servo on the lid of Pandora's box and were on the verge of opening it. His optics searched mine desperately as his dermas started to move. ''Orianna I..''

''AHEM!'' Rachet's ''cough'' broke the bubble we were in. Our moment shattered, and whatever opportunity may have been about to present itself, was lost. We both withdrew quickly from each other as though we had been caught out doing something highly illegal. ''Well. I can see you are feeling much better Prime.''

/The smug bastard!/. I glared at Rachet.

''Orianna, I'd say our patient is going to make a full recovery, wouldn't you?'' He began to walk over towards us from wherever he had appeared, data pad in his servo.

I could feel myself grind out under my breath, ''More than I can say for you.'' My optics flashed daggers at Rachet for his ''impeccable'' timing. /I thought he was the one who ''wanted'' Prime and I to confront our supposed feelings for each other?/.

Beside me I could feel irritation and a little embarrassment radiating off Optimus as well, though he seemed to do a better job at hiding it than I. ''Rachet, how – good – to see you again old friend.'' He tilted his helm towards me. ''I was just thanking Orianna for her support when you so diligently turned up to complete your rounds.''

I had to stifle a laugh at the slight sarcasm Prime was throwing Rachet's way. /Good to see I am not the only one slightly pissed at the interruption/. Optimus made to stand up.

Rachet called out, ''Just stop right there Prime! Last time I checked I was the doctor around here and I am the one to clear patient's before they leave my Med Bay. You have just been through quite an extensive repair. You need to take it easy and rest, not put yourself in stressful situations in case you injure yourself.'' Rachet's optics slowly moved between Prime and I, as though addressing us both. ''Take it slow, take time to heal and adjust to your new improvements and modifications before you go rushing into things - or you might get hurt.''

A small part of me wondered if Rachet was trying to warn Prime and I to back off for the moment, see how we, perhaps especially me, adjusted to this change between us before we did anything we regretted.

Optimus must have had the same thought as he looked at me and gave a soft, almost apologetic smile before he replied, ''Alright Rachet, I shall yield to your medical wisdom and advice and take it easy. Am I required to lay back down again?'' Prime raised an optical ridge.

Rachet gave a snort. ''It wouldn't hurt you, neither would getting some additional recharge. You are still slightly groggy from the sedatives I gave you not to mention a bit tender from the beating your body has taken.'' At this point Rachet turned to address me. ''Wouldn't you agree Orianna?''

I was slightly shocked that Rachet would consult me on medical matters pertaining to an Autobot, but I surmised he was simply seeking support on ensuring Prime took it easy for a bit. Perhaps he thought Prime would be more likely to listen to the both of us? After a moment's hesitation as I processed this, I responded. ''Uh hunh. Yep, absolutely, what Rachet said. I think you are still under the effects of the medication and coupled with what you have been through I feel it a wise idea for you to stay here for a little bit longer and recover.''

Prime's optics seemed to sadden for a moment at the thought of remaining in the Med Bay. ''Very well then, I shall take it easy and continue to rest for a day or two..''

''Try a week,'' Rachet's voice interjected.

''Try three days,'' Optimus' equally stubborn voice retorted. ''I do not have time to be absent from my position as Prime. ''Besides, I must report back to General Morshower. The relations between humans and…'' Prime made to stand again.

Rachet placed a servo on his shoulder to keep him in place, ''Will survive a few more days without your presence in Hanger 1. I have already spoken to Major Lennox regarding your condition and the importance of you taking some time to recuperate if you are to resume effective leadership. Lennox has already debriefed Morshower and Jazz has taken command of the Autobots effective since your operation.'' Rachet gave Optimus a small smile. ''So, you see Prime, the only thing needing to be taken care of is for you to follow doctor's orders and rest!''

Optimus sat there somewhat stunned and somewhat annoyed to suddenly seem – superfluous. ''Well then Rachet, it seems you have thought of everything and I appreciate your concern for my well-being old friend. However, I am absolutely not staying in here one more moment than is necessary.'' He started to stand then as physical demonstration of his eagerness to be out of there. Both Rachet and I hovered by his side for support if needed. ''If I am to ''rest and relax,'' as you say is necessary, then I shall do so back in the privacy of my own quarters if you please.'' Prime stood tall and proud; a look of determination set on his faceplates. ''That is non-negotiable Rachet.'' 

Rachet nodded his helm, ''Very well Optimus, as you wish. However, I will be checking in on you and Major Lennox to ensure you do not stray in the direction of Hanger 1.'' Optimus nodded. ''Orianna, I am sure will also support me in ensuring you get some rest,'' he cast a serious glance in my direction.

''Ah, yes, I guess I shall try my best to encourage you to take it easy.'' I thought for a moment, ''Perhaps you can counsel me on how to adapt to my ''change'' and help me navigate this new direction in my life?'' /Give him a task to keep him busy and it should help to distract him/. I squashed down the idea that it would also allow me to spend more time with him, possibly alone.

Optimus seemed to think for a moment, ''Perhaps that is a good idea.'' After a moment's thought, he addressed Rachet once more. ''We need to look into making modifications to our personal quarters area to accommodate Orianna's needs. For instance, where is she recharging at the moment?''

I spoke up, ''Well here. I kind of haven't really left here since everything happened. The Med Bay has become my ''home'' I guess,'' I shrugged my shoulders. A visible shiver went down Prime's frame.

''Absolutely not! That is not an acceptable situation at all. I will speak with…'' Prime paused as he saw both Rachet and I cast a stern glance at him. He frowned though relented. ''Very well. Jazz, is to speak with Major Lennox tomorrow regarding immediate renovations to our quarters.''

''Understood Prime, I shall convey your request. For now, I suggest you make your way back to your quarters and rest before I prepare a room for you here!'' Rachet allowed a teasing smile to spread across his dermas. ''Orianna, would you mind accompanying him?''

I was slightly startled that Rachet would now encourage me to spend time alone with Optimus after he so unceremoniously interrupted us before. ''Sure Rachet, I think I can manage to deliver ''the prisoner'' safely to his cell.'' I gave a wink and a small smile and started to move towards the exit, gesturing for Prime to lead the way.

Optimus gave a small grunt in both indignation and effort as he began to move his large frame causing him a small amount of pain. As he limped past me, he muttered in my direction, ''To think I missed you.''

I gave Rachet one last, ''you sure about this?'' glance before I made to follow Prime's bobbing figure out of the door.

Before I could walk off, Rachet's servo shot out and grabbed my arm, bidding me to stay. ''Orianna. I'm sorry about before. I just… feel it is best you take some time to get to know each other as you are now. Then… later on… who knows.'' He gave a quick smile before turning about and going on with his business.

I stood there for a moment dumbfounded by Rachet's apology and advice. The sound of the Med Bay doors banging shut alerted me to the fact Optimus had continued on without me. I shook my helm in frustration and raced after him.

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

As I raced out the door I yelled out to the large red and blue figure limping along before me. ''Hey Optimus! Wait up!'' He dutifully stopped and turned to face me. I was by his side after a few strides. ''Where do you think you are going?'

He shuttered his optics and looked at me blankly for a moment. ''I thought that would be obvious Orianna. I am following doctor's orders and heading to my quarters to convalesce. It is quite unnecessary to accompany me.'' My shoulders sagged and I could not stop a soft exhalation of disappointment. Upon seeing my reaction, Optimus continued, somewhat more upbeat. ''However, I would be glad of the company.''

He gave me a smile and gestured for me to walk beside him. I gave a quick smile of thanks in return and fell into step beside him. We walked for a few paces in silence. I couldn't help thinking that less than half an hour ago we were helm to helm in an intimate embrace, on the verge of expressing some sort of feelings for each other.

But Now.

Now we were walking silently side by side in companionable silence, our ''moment'' seemingly forgotten, /or perhaps avoided given Rachet's none too subtle subtext/. Optimus seemed lost in his own thoughts and I certainly wasn't going to say anything if he was making no motion to. /Maybe he was under the influence of the medication and not quite himself?/. I let a sigh escape my dermas.

''Are you okay Orianna?'' Prime asked as he hobbled along, turning his helm slightly to address me, though not slowing down.

I was not expecting him to have noticed so I gave a slight start at the sound of his deep voice. ''Yeah. Sorry, didn't mean to do that out loud. It's just - been a long day.'' I paused for a moment. ''A long few days, as I am sure you would agree.''

Prime chuckled, the sound sending a wave of warmth to envelope me. ''Yes, indeed.''

There was another pause. I decided to take another tact and change the subject. ''So tomorrow, if you are feeling up to it, I thought I might try and see what this new body of mine is capable of. Like, can I even transform? What am I capable of?'' I could not keep the growing excitement out of my voice.

Optimus gave another low chuckle that shook his frame. ''Patience Orianna! Remember to walk before you run. You have been through a monumental change. While your seeming adjustment to this change is nothing short of remarkable, it is important you take your time to adapt to your new life and abilities. Don't rush into things.''

I gave a little snort. ''Not the first time I have heard that tonight.'' Then immediately regretted saying it in case it made Optimus feel awkward about before.

Again, there was a gentle, yet somewhat exasperated sigh from the Prime. ''I know Orianna, but it is wise advice that is perhaps worth heeding.'' He came to a stop outside the entrance to the Autobot hanger and turned to face me.

I stopped beside him, wondering if he was referring to my eagerness to explore my abilities or what had transpired between us before. Once again, I gave a loud sigh of resignation. ''I guess you're right.'' I smiled softly up at him. ''Doesn't make it easy though.''

Optimus gave a small nod of agreement and took a step forward, placing a servo on the side of my face, brushing it with one of his digits. /NOT helping!/. I felt my body heat up again at the contact. ''Indeed, it does not Orianna.'' His servo remained where it was, and his optics shone brightly as he gazed at me. ''However, I believe you have a saying here on Earth...''

I felt myself tense up. I knew what he was about to say. /Please don't say it!/.

His deep voice rolled on unaware of the impact they were about to have, how could he. ''Good things come to those who wait.'' While his optics shone, and his dermas curved into a smile thinking he had given me some comforting advice, I felt myself react. I visibly flinched and stepped away from him, hugging my arms about my waist and making a sobbing sound.

Immediately Optimus reached out towards me, all traces of a smile erased from his faceplates, ''Orianna! What is wrong? What did I say?''

I curled in on myself as I felt the memories of Chase wash over me in a painful wave. Prime's servo came to rest on my shoulder gently in a comforting gesture. ''Orianna? Please! What in Primus is wrong? What did I do to upset you so?'' I forced myself to look at him briefly, his optics held concern and not a little panic as they darted all over my face, searching for any sign of what had triggered my reaction.

Closing my optics, I ex-vented deeply. ''I'm sorry Optimus…'' The feeling of his servo on my shoulder and his frame so close to me again after our shared moment earlier, sent a whole new wave of feelings through me, including guilt. I stepped back away from his touch so I could process everything I was feeling at a safer distance. I could feel waves of confusion and worry rolling off Prime as he fought to understand my reactions and condition.

I opened my optics again, forcing myself to look at him. I ''sighed'' deeply. ''It's just that… that is what Chase used to say to me. He said it the night of our first date, after I had showed him my powers and I thought he would run away from me,'' I paused a moment to let the memory wash over me, ''he said good things come to those who wait and that I,'' /Oh the pain!/. My spark clenched and ached and felt as though it shattered all over again. ''That I was worth waiting for!''

I raised a servo to my dermas and covered them to try and stop a strangled cry from escaping. The emotional and mental band aids I had carefully been placing over my ''heart'' and mind since Chase was lost, were suddenly wrenched off and my wounds lay gaping and exposed once again.

Optimus, who had closed his optics as I explained my reaction to his words, stood there for a moment unsure how to react, clenching and unclenching his servos by his side. He opened them once again and began to reach out to me to comfort me, stopping short as he must have noticed my frame tense. He hesitantly brought his servo back by his side and spoke in a low, soft voice laden with guilt and sorrow. ''Orianna, I am so sorry. I had no idea, please forgive me. You must know I would never do or say anything to deliberately cause you pain.'' His optics focused on mine, desperately pleading for forgiveness and understanding.

I slowly removed the servo from my dermas and wrapped it back around my waist to try and comfort myself as I did not feel it appropriate to be comforted by him at this point in time. I gave him a brief smile. ''It's okay Optimus, how could you have known, and I know you would never do anything to hurt me. It's just… bad timing I guess.'' I closed my optics to try and centre myself amidst the maelstrom of emotions swirling about inside of me and felt some of the pain leave me.

Looking back towards him, I spoke again, ''I guess I just have to accept the fact that there will be times when memories of Chase will flood back into my processor.'' I shrugged my shoulders. ''Often when I least expect it and I guess I just have to deal with them and then let 'em go.''

I stood a little taller now as the emotional weight began to lift from me, slowly dropping my arms by my sides as I let go of some of the hurt. ''It's going to take some time, but a wise ''individual'' once said not so long ago, carry the memory of those you love with you, don't hide them away.'' I sent Prime a sad smile.

He stood there for a moment, his optics dimmed, no doubt processing his own remembered pain at the passing of his spark bonded Elita One. Slowly, they brightened as he refocused his gaze on me and a small smile formed on his dermas. ''Yes. A very wise individual indeed.'' He continued to stare straight at me, into me - through me. ''An individual I am truly honoured to know and consider a very dear friend.''

I turned my helm to the side, overcome with emotion and feeling somewhat embarrassed by the high praise Optimus Prime just gave me, and the accompanying feelings they stirred inside me. I wanted to reach out to him, hold him and be held - but I just could not do it, not at the moment.

With the memory of Chase still circling, I felt in some small way I was betraying him, especially as I recalled that conversation we had had about Prime in the kitchen. /Perhaps that is why he pulled away from you so suddenly earlier tonight in the Med Bay during our ''moment'', he felt guilty about Elita?/. I once again wrapped my arms about myself and turned to face Optimus again. I smiled up at him. ''Thanks Optimus, I appreciate your words. They mean a lot to me.''

''It is the truth Orianna. I meant every word I said.'' He gave a small, sad smile again before he sighed deeply, his servos remained clenched by his side. ''Well, I guess I had better let you head back to recharge for what remains of the evening. Please do not feel the need to rise early, you are still on ''leave'' for the time being until we can think of a way to explain what has happened to you to General Morshower and the JCS''. His dermas twist into an unpleasant grimace of sorts at the thought of how that would go down.

I gave a small nod. ''Well the same goes for you too Optimus. You ARE meant to be taking it easy for the next three days. That means you are allowed to stay in recharge for as long as you like and are forbidden from visiting Hanger 1.'' I gave him a cheeky grin and unwrapped my arms, letting them rest on my hips in a playful, bossy manner. ''I will be watching you!''

Prime laughed out loud, a sound I delighted in. ''Yes Rachet's apprentice! I will behave myself.''

''Good, glad to hear common sense wasn't knocked out of your head in that battle of yours.'' My smile faded slightly as I recalled flashes of memories. I pushed them down. ''Now, I believe YOU should turn in for the evening Prime and get some recharge, I have a feeling you need it greater than I at the moment after all you have been through too.'' 

''Agreed.'' He took one step closer to me though did not make an effort to reach out to me. ''Will you be okay Orianna? Do you need me to stay up with you?'' His voice held nothing but concern for me.

I shook my helm. ''No Optimus, I'm fine. I will be fine.'' I waved towards the door leading to the Autobot sleeping quarters. ''You go inside now. I'm actually quite tired. But thank you for the offer, I appreciate it.'' I sent him another quick smile. ''I'll see you, and the others, tomorrow,'' I started to turn and walk off in case I changed my mind.

Prime's voice called out after me. ''Good night Orianna, recharge well.''

All at once, I was overcome with a sudden feeling of gratitude as I realised I would get the chance to see Optimus again tomorrow - and the day after and the day after that because he was alive again! I whirled about on the spot and looked back, calling out to him, ''Hey Prime?''

Prime froze in his tracks as he turned back to me. ''Yes Orianna? What is it?''

I allowed the biggest smile to spread across my face. ''I missed you and I am so glad you are back here with us – with me''. I raised my servo up to tap the place above my spark twice.

Optimus stood still for a moment, staring at me before he too raised a servo and mirrored my actions. ''As am I Orianna. More than you know''. A wistful smile played on his dermas for a moment, and it looked as though he was about to say something else but instead, he simply nodded his helm at me and turned to walk inside.

I smiled at his retreating form and turned on my heels, walking back to the Med Bay in silence as my body was bathed in moonlight. For a moment I contemplated heading to my beach to watch the sunrise but as I continued to walk, I felt my body ache with tiredness. Today would be a big day. I would get to see the others for the first time in what seemed forever, and it would be – interesting – to see how they coped with what had happened to me. I might also get to try out a few things with this new form. Might being the operative word. Prime's words echoed in my thoughts, /walk before you run Orianna/.

A look of determination fixed itself on my faceplates as I strode the final paces into the Med Bay and to my berth. I whispered to myself softly as I laid down to recharge. ''Just don't expect me to walk for too long Optimus. I am itching to run!''

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

I felt myself rouse from recharge, feeling slightly groggy. I consulted my internal chronometer, one of the very cool things I was discovering about being a Transformer. It was mid-morning. /WOW – longest sleep in since I had touched the Allspark shard and undergone my ''change''/.

With a few creaks and groans of protesting gears (not much different to abused and stiff human joints!), I thought in amusement to myself, I stood up off my berth in the Med Bay. Making my way out to the main room, I hope to find Rachet, which I did - along with Prime. I started slightly as I did not expect to see Optimus so soon, thinking he would still be deep in recharge after our late-night chat and his operation.

I nodded my helm towards them both as I walked into the room, ''Morning Rachet, morning Prime.'' I grinned at the striking red and blue Autobot Commander as he silently regarded me. ''I didn't expect to see you up so early Optimus.'' I threw him a cheeky smile as I made to get some energon. ''Disobeying doctor's orders, are we? Let me know how that works out for you.''

Rachet nodded at me and then cast Prime a ''I told you so'' glance. Optimus ignored both my comment and Rachet's glare, simply giving a small cough before he and greeted me. ''Good morning Orianna. I trust you recharged well?'' There was a shadow of concern in his tone.

I downed the energon cube, ''Eww.. that stuff is just so damn nasty, definitely one of the worst things about being a Transformer! Give me a cold Pepsi Max any day.'' I turned to face Optimus. ''Ah yes, I did actually Prime, I crashed out. You?''

He shifted from pede to pede awkwardly. ''Same. I too feel into a deep recharge''.

I nodded my helm and smiled at him. ''Good, I'm glad to hear it, you certainly needed it.'' /Liar!/, I thought to myself. Shifting from pede to pede like that was a tell of Prime's that meant he was uncomfortable and about to say something difficult or not entirely true, something which did not happen often as Optimus was very honest. It only made it easier to detect. I decided not to press him on the matter. He likely could not switch his processor off after all that had transpired, I didn't blame him.

''So,'' I clasped my servos together in anticipation. ''What's on the agenda for today? When do I get to see the others and when do I get to see what my new form can and can't do?'' I looked eagerly from Prime to Rachet.

Rachet spoke up then, ''Well the others are already waiting for you in the training hanger. As for your ''experimentation'' with your form, as I am sure Prime has told you, slow and steady Orianna. I am still learning how your gifts and this new form will meld together and the effect the one will have on the other.''

Prime spoke up. ''Orianna, Rachet is right. As I said to you last night, take it easy, do not run before you walk.''

I cast them both a withering glare. ''Well just don't expect me to ''walk'' for too long you pair, I am itching to run!'' I sighed in exasperation as I took several steps towards the exit. ''Anyway, I am going to head over and see the others, I have missed them and no doubt they are – curious - to see what has become of me.'' I paused a moment, ''By the way, exactly how much do they know about me and what has happened?'' I tilted my helm in silent query. 

Rachet stood up and walked over to me. ''They are aware you are not the same as you used to be and that you have gone through some dramatic changes.''

I made a groaning noise and threw my servos in the air. ''Bloody Hell Rachet! They might think I have turned purple and grown a second head or something! You could have been a little more forthright on the details mate.'' I folded my arms across my chest.

Optimus gave a low chuckle as he shook his helm. ''interesting image Orianna.'' He began to walk towards the exit of the Med Bay. ''I shall accompany you and, Rachet, perhaps you had best come along too to explain any scientific aspects of the discussion?''

A grunt and a surly expression was sent in our direction. ''Sure, it's not like I had anything to do here.''

''Aww Rachet, feeling the love.'' I walked over and quickly threw my arms about his shoulders giving him a hug. As expected, he bristled at the contact before resignation set in. ''I know you like me and that you really are just a big cuddly koala''. I couldn't help giving a little laugh at his expense. Optimus watched us both with a little fascination and – /was that jealousy?/. I couldn't be sure as his expression immediately changed to one of impassivity.

Rachet sputtered. ''I am NOT a furry Australian Marsupial thank you. And as to the notion of ''liking'' you, that is highly debatable.'' Though he sounded irritated, I could hear the playful exasperation in his tone. This was how we operated, pardon the pun. ''I'd like you a whole lot more if you saw fit to keeping your arms to yourself!'' 

I quickly released my arms and stood back in mock surrender. ''Ok Rachet, I concede. No koalas here and arms,'' I lowered them by my sides, ''firmly by my sides.'' I smiled, ''Now, can we all go and see the others please?''

Rachet grumbled but walked towards the exit and Prime stood back and gestured for me to follow Rachet first. /A gentlebot/, I thought amusedly to myself as I walked past him and out of the Med Bay doors.

Flanked by Optimus and Rachet, I felt the nerves and anticipation build as we covered the short distance to the training hanger quickly. /PLEASE, let them be okay with this, with me!/. I placed a servo on the Autobot sized pad by the door and quickly keyed in the code then stepped back to allow the other two to enter before me. It slid open and we all walked inside.

There, standing around the huge mat in the centre of the room stood the rest of my family; all the other Autobots, Lennox and Epps. My spark beat fast in excitement at seeing them again and in nervous anticipation. All optics and eyes turned to face the door as Prime and Rachet walked in first, effectively hiding me.

Jazz spoke up first. ''Hey Optimus! Rachet! Where's OC at? I'm hanging out ta see 'tha lil' lady!''

Ironhide noticed my figure hidden behind Prime and Rachet, his gravelly voice drifting across the training room. '''Who is that with you?'' He craned his helm to get a better glimpse of the stranger. /Is he going to bust out his cannons?/, I thought to myself. ''Do we have a new Autobot joining us?'' His voice held a hint of excitement and irritation that he had not been privy to this information.

Optimus and Rachet came to a stop and Prime placed his hands on his hips. ''Well, you are half right Ironhide.'I could hear the smile in his voice. ''We do indeed have a new Autobot with us. However, they are also happen to be an old friend of yours.''

Ironhide looked both inquisitive and doubtful at the same time. At his words, the others all turned and began to try and peer around and behind Prime and Rachet. I closed my optics and swallowed in an old human habit. /Here it goes!/. I opened my optics and stepped out from between Prime and Rachet.

''Hey 'Hide.'' I nodded at him. ''Hey Jazz, everyone.'' I waved a servo at them and then stood there nervously for a moment. ''It's me, Orianna.''

All sets of dermas and mouths flew open and audible gasps echoed around the room at my declaration.

I squared my shoulders and stood tall. This was my family. They would love me no matter what – /wouldn't they?/. 

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

There was a collective gasp in the room from both Autobot and human alike as their minds reeled to process this information. ''No fucking way!'' Lennox and Epps echoed.

''Seriously Prime, where is Orianna? Is she ok?'' Lennox started to walk towards us, determined to learn the truth. Epps followed closely behind him. ''And who IS this new Autobot?''

''Major Lennox, this new Autobot IS Orianna,'' a hint of exasperation permeated Prime's voice and I bit back a smirk. Prime waved a servo in my direction as Lennox and Epps came to stand before us. ''And as you can see Major, Orianna is alive and well.''

''Well?'' Lennox's eyebrows shot to his hairline as a look of incredulity flashed across his face. ''If that IS Orianna, how can she be well? She's no longer a fucking human but a fucking robot Prime!'' Lennox growled at the Autobot Commander and I took a protective step towards Optimus almost placing myself between him and Lennox. Not that Optimus should feel threatened. 

I knelt down to be closer to them. ''Hey Lennox, Epps. I know this is… difficult… but try to understand and accept. It truly is me, Orianna.'' Lennox and Epps stared at me long and hard for a moment. The Major's face was scrunched up as he seemed to weigh up all the possibilities. 

Jazz and Ironhide were the first to move towards me from the Autobots, they had not spoken yet, their optics scanning my figure. Bumblebee, Arcee, Sideswipe, Jolt and the twins remained rooted to the spot, as if unsure of what to do.

''That's some crazy shit right there!'' I heard Skids mutter to Mudflap, and I felt my spark sink as I clenched my dermas together.

/This was not going well/. 

As Jazz and Ironhide came to stand before me, I rose to my pedes and fixed them both with a determined stare. My brown and gold optics held both joy to see them again and not a little trepidation at the same time. It was a little unnerving but also somewhat empowering to be standing taller than they both were now. ''Hey guys, what's up?'' I shrugged my shoulders and snorted. ''Apart from trying to get your processors around the fact that this strange femme standing before you is in fact me - OC.''

Jazz spoke first. ''OC? Is that really you lil' lady?'' He started to reach out a servo as if needing to have physical proof.

I grasped his shoulder strut. ''Yes Jazz, it is me!'' I laughed softly, ''though I'm not so little anymore. You might need to find a new nickname for me.'' He peered into my optics and a slow grin spread across his face.

''OC! By the Allspark, it is you!'' he also reached out and grabbed my arms as he looked me over. ''Damn girl! You grew up.'' He made some sort of whistle sound and shook his helm as his optics scanned my figure. ''And you grew up fine!'' I felt myself heat up and I looked away.

''Jazz!'' Prime interjected tersely and took a step closer towards me and roughly shoved Jazz's servos off my arm. ''I'll thank you to refrain from making such comments.'' A new wave of heat coursed through me at Prime's protective tone.

Ironhide who had come to stand beside Jazz, also peered at me carefully. ''If you really are Orianna, then you'd know I was your first friend amongst the Autobots.'' Ironhide folded his arms across his barrel chest in mock triumph as he thought he had found a way to debunk this charade and cut through the bullshit.

I laughed out loud.

The others had moved towards me slowly, gaining greater confidence. Optimus and Rachet continued to stand silently behind me, allowing the others to decide for themselves. ''Oh Ironhide, what a pile of scrap that is!'' His optical ridge furrowed as he tilted his helm and regarded me carefully. ''We detested each other; in fact, I would go so far as to say you were my first ''frenemy''. We loved to hate on each other''. The smallest of smiles began to spread across the surly black mechs dermas.

My optics held a warm regard as I continued, ''But one night down on the beach during a routine patrol, we came to an understanding and now, I am proud to call you one of my closest friends.'' Ironhide's expression moved from that of deliberation to acceptance and then joy as he realised it was indeed me.

''Orianna! It truly is you. Welcome back,'' he stepped forward and gave me a rough whack on the shoulder, causing me to lurch forward slightly. ''Sorry.''

''Don't mention it 'Hide, just glad you're happy to see me and kinda ''cool'' with this new me''. I smiled at him and then turned to look at the others.

Lennox sighed out loud as he ran his hand through his hair and placed his brought his hands to his hips. ''I mean…. I THINK it's you OC… especially after what you said about Ironhide.'' Lennox looked confused, hurt and curious all at once as he shook his head. ''But what the hell HAPPENED? How the fuck did you end up looking like THAT?'' The other Autobots had since gathered around closer. Curiosity, some fear and indecision mirrored in their optics too.

I ex-vented and turned to Rachet. ''How about it Doc? We tell them the story of how Orianna came to be a Transformer?'' I grinned at the chartreuse medic. ''It's a classic tale.''

''Classic my aft! However, I guess we have reached the point where explanations are due.'' Rachet gave a transformer version of a protracted sigh and stepped forward, ensuring he could be seen and heard. ''Well, what happened was…''

''No, no, no Rachet!'' I waved my servo at him. ''You're meant to start with; 'Once Upon a time, or, It was a dark and stormy night'. That is much more interesting.'' I smiled at him teasingly.

''Yep. It's OC alright!'' Epps snorted derisively as he folded his arms across his chest. ''No mistaking that ''sense of humour,'' he shook his head at me.

I peered down at Epps. ''Seriously? THAT'S how you work out it's me? By my bad jokes?'' I raised an optical ridge towards my friend. ''Just remember I can easily squish you now Epps, so watch it,'' Epps unfolded his arms and started to step back but I flashed him a smile to show I was joking, and he returned it, relaxing once again.

Rachet gave an audible and slightly exasperated sigh as he pinched the bridge of his 'nose.' ''As I was saying,'' he turned pointedly towards me and continued. ''IT ALL HAPPENED when Orianna accidently found a piece of the Allspark at Sam's place.''

Sideswipe stepped forward and made to speak at which point Rachet glared at him as he raised his servos in the air,'' And before you say anything, we do not know how it came to be in Sam's possession.'' Sideswipe grunted and folded his arms in annoyance.

Convinced he would not be interrupted again, Rachet continued. ''Orianna, not knowing what it was she was dealing with, touched it. The sharp edge of the artifact cut into her palm and, as luck would have it, there must have been some energon residue on that piece of shard and it was transferred and absorbed into Orianna's bloodstream.'' Rachet paused at this point and looked about his captive audience to ensure everyone was up to speed. When no one spoke up he continued, ''Orianna's body was pushed to the limits as it tried to adapt to and fight the alien CNA and substances invading her body.'' Rachet shuttered his optics and his voice dropped to a low whisper. ''She almost died several times.''

Behind me I heard the faintest of gasps from Optimus and for a split second I registered a marked spike in his readings, his spark pulsing rapidly. I turned around, concerned as to what caused this sudden change in him, only to see a neutral expression on his face, his readings once again normal. I frowned at him. 

''At some point following Orianna's arrival back on base,''Rachet nodded at the Autobots gathered, ''and your departure to fight Megatron,'' he all but growled his name in detest, ''Orianna's body underwent a remarkable and unique transformation, one that has never before been heard of let alone survived.'' 

The scientist in Rachet was looking at me in awe. I smiled at him. 

Ironhide grunted. ''Where were Sam and Bumblebee while this was happening?'' 

''Sam was battling half of the kitchen appliances as it turns out.'' I broke into the conversation. ''When he dropped the shard, it seems like it ''transformed'' any electrical equipment into evil little mechs out to get Sam. I came home to find the kitchen upturned and the shard. I knew something was wrong.'' I turned to face Bee. ''Bee was in the garage until Sam called him out to help get rid of the creepy little shits, which he did in terrific style,'' I grinned at 'Bee and he whirred somewhat embarrassed.

''What happened then OC?'' Sideswipe asked. I raised an optical ridge at the use of my name. /Finally sinking in that it IS me?/.

''Well 'Sides, even though I was fighting the effects of the shard, I went outside to try and use my powers to help and that's when...'' I paused again and looked at Rachet who nodded. /Here goes nothing/.

''What? When what happened? Don't leave us hangin'!'' Mudflap cried out, grabbing hold of his twins' arm and leaning forward.

I closed my optics and channeled my concentration on summoning the flames. All at once fire began to dance about my outstretched palms as I held them up in front of everyone. ''This happened.'' I turned away from the group and let of a small fireball on the ground nearby that did very little damage.

Everyone, including Optimus, gasped and flinched at what I just did. ''Are you fucking kidding me right now?'' Lennox screamed.

''Oh, hell no!'' Epps yelled, stepping back behind Lennox. ''This is some bullshit right now!''

''Holy fragging hell!'' Sideswipe yelled, ''That is sick!'' He slapped Arcee on the shoulder struts in his apparent delight. Arcee glowered at him and returned stunned optics towards me.

''Oh, do it again, do it again!'' Mudflap and Skids chanted.

Bumblebee beeped and whirred in a crazy manner ''Ah. Say. What. NOW!'' random words flicked through his radio.

Jolt and Ironhide looked stunned but refrained from saying anything.

Jazz whistled out loud. ''Damn girl, you really are on fire now! Talk about a ''hot'' femme,'' he sniggered. I smiled at his innocent word play. Jazz and I had always got along well and teased each other.

Prime took a threatening step towards his second and scowled at him. ''Jazz, if you make one more comment like that, you will have ME to deal with!'' Optimus obviously did not see the innocent side of it and Jazz silenced himself immediately. Prime turned his optics back to me. ''Orianna? Why didn't you tell me about this before?'' His tone held both reproach and hurt in equal measure.

I extinguished the flames in my servos and faced him. My optics held a silent apology. ''Optimus, you had just been killed, resurrected, battled Megatron, killed the Fallen and gone through an extensive repair.'' I folded my arms across my chest. ''I think you had enough to deal with and I didn't think that my new power quite made the list of ''important things Prime should have to deal with upon his return''. I stared at him in silent challenge.

Rachet spoke up again as he shrugged his shoulders. ''She has a point Prime.''

Optimus nodded curtly, and fixed me with a very serious stare. ''Very well Orianna. But from now on I want all changes to your abilities, health and wellbeing discussed with me before it is made public knowledge.'' He glared at me. ''Is that understood?''

''Of course, Optimus,'' I unfolded my arms. He stared at me a moment longer before nodding his helm curtly in acknowledgment. 

''So, now you can shoot fireballs as well as manipulate things with your mind AND you are a Transformer?'' Lennox's comment brought us back to the topic at hand.

''It would appear so Lennox, kinda cool hey?'' I smiled and shrugged.

Rachet spoke once again, ''Well we think it's cool. We still don't really understand the full ramifications of this change combined with Orianna's powers.'' He produced one of his scanners and I felt a slight tingle as he ran another diagnostic test. ''Hopefully nothing serious will come of it.''

''Serious? Like what?'' Sideswipe piped up. ''Like when Orianna in a bad mood we all gotta run for cover in case she set our afts on fire?'' He sniggered.

''Like death,'' Rachet bluntly retorted.

Sideswipe stilled.

''Rachet,'' Optimus took a step towards me, his optics conducting his own assessment of my well-being. ''Surely Orianna has demonstrated her body has somehow managed to survive the transformation process and she is safe from any harm?'' the worry and concern in Prime's voice was unmistakable and endearing.

''It would seem that way Prime, but we do not know how long the effects of this transformation will last. It could be days, months, years or forever. Orianna was not ''created'' a Transformer. She was an organic exposed to energon and miniscule amounts of our metal, Transformium, and CNA, or Cybertroniasknucleic acid, Transformer DNA, for want of a better term. It is unknown what the exact results of this process will be and when you throw in her powers….'' Rachet's voice trailed off as he ex-vented loudly and shook his helm, seemingly perplexed by the riddle that was me.

The excitement and energy from earlier seemed to die off as the weight of what might happen, sunk in. I smiled brightly and clapped my servos together in an effort to change the mood. ''Hey everyone! Cheer up. It is a might and a very big one at that. I feel fine, best I have ever felt to be honest. Besides, I don't plan on living like I could die at any moment, and neither should you. Carpe Diem!''

The twins looked at me askance. ''The what now?''

''It's Latin for ''Seize the fish!'' I winked at them and they nodded slowly.

Optimus shot me a ''look'' before he turned towards the twins. ''Actually Skids and Mudflap it is Latin but perhaps ''Seize the day'' is a more accurate translation.'' He turned back in my direction and shook his helm at me. The smallest of smiles formed on his dermas. ''And perhaps that is wise advice Orianna.'' Though his optics still held concern he pushed it aside. /No doubt there will be a discussion about this later/.

I nodded and gazed around the room at everyone. ''So,'' I asked, ''is there anyone who still does not believe it is me – Orianna?''

Everyone shook their heads and helms to indicate no, they all accepted it. I sighed out loud, 'Well that is awesome, 'cause I had no idea what I was going to do next to try and prove it!'' I laughed.

Rachet piped up again, ''Are there any questions?'' Mudflap and Skids raised their arms and made noises. ''Is there anyone else that has a question?'' Rachet ignored them.

''Well, that's rude!'' Skids muttered.

Optimus turned his attention once more to the twins. ''Yes Skids, what is it you want to know?'' though I could tell Prime was trying to be inclusive, you could hear the slight exasperation in his tone.

''Well, what we wanna know is, what does OC transform into?'' Skids asked.

''Yeah! What else can she do?'' Mudflap piped up too.

I turned to face Optimus and Rachet, folding my arms across my chest, as a rather pointed look spread across my faceplates. ''Yeah Optimus! What do I transform into?'' I asked.

''What, you mean you don't know?'' Sideswipe sputtered in disbelief. 

''What weapons do you have? Cannons, lasers?'' Ironhide interjected almost angrily.

I simply raised my optical ridge as high as it would go, ''Yeah Optimus and Rachet. What CAN I do and what weapons do I have?'' I challenged them. I felt a bit like a spoiled brat pushing for their way, but this was kind of important too. I needed to know about my own body. At the moment I kind of felt like an ''alien, alien''.

Optimus cast me a thunderous look before he raised his servos asking for silence. ''Yes, it is true Orianna has not yet transformed nor has she had the opportunity to explore her abilities and new form.'' There was a slight murmur amongst the Autobots. ''Rachet and I both felt it in her best interests to ease into this transition and adapt to this change.''

I felt anger begin to build within me. /I am not a fucking child!/, I thought with growing irritation.

''With all due respect Prime,'' Lennox scoffed and shook his head before he nodded in my direction,  ''If I had gone through what OC had gone through, I would damn sure want to know what I was in for and what my new body was capable of, if only to be able to protect myself and know my limits.''

''Yeah,'' Epps seconded. ''I wouldn't want to just sit around twiddling my thumbs, I'd want to be tearing that shit up!'' Some of the Autobots nodded their agreement and made comments supporting Lennox and Epps' comments.

Optimus looked to Rachet silently conferring with his medic. Rachet nodded his assent. The Prime turned his helm back towards me, fixing me with a very serious gaze, though the corners of his dermas curved into a small smile. ''Very well then Orianna. Time to run.''

Chapter Text

Orianna P.O.V

''YES!'' I fist pumped the air as I yelled out in triumph and excitement. 

''However,'' Optimus continued, ''You must remain inside the hanger as we have yet to explain and confirm your transformation with the JCS and Morshower and most of the base is unaware of what has taken place. Optimus folded his arms across his chest. ''It is necessary at present to exercise caution. What we all witness here is to remain here, understood?'' Prime looked sternly about his team. Everyone nodded their assent. ''Very well, let's begin.''

Rachet spoke up then. ''Okay Orianna, head out into the middle of the training mat, everyone else, stand well back we don't know how this is going to go. Be prepared for anything!''

''Duck, dive and dodge hey? Kind of like a game of dodgeball!'' I laughed as I strode out. Lennox and Epps sniggered from the sidelines. As I reached the centre of the room I pivoted about on my pedes and faced my ''audience''. ''Ok. Now what?''

Rachet continued. ''Well, now you transform.''

And that was it. No other instruction was forthcoming. 

I looked at him like he had sprouted a second helm. ''Just like that hey? No, explanation, no diagrams, just; ''TRANSFORM!''

Optimus looked from Rachet to me. ''Orianna, all Transformers have what is called a Transformation Cog or T-cog for short. It is a mechanism that allows us to transform from one mode into another. You should have it too, by rights. For any transformer, the act is automatic, like breathing would be to a human. For you however, you are going to have to actively think about it to engage it.''

I nodded, Optimus was making a great teacher. /Maybe the ability to synthesis and relay information might hark back to his days as a data clerk?/, I thought with great amusement. /Optimus– ''The Library Nerd!''/. I had to stifle a laugh at my own silly thoughts and shake my helm to focus on the task at hand. ''Thanks Optimus. Ah, one thing though. What do I think of? Like, what form am I going to take? A car, a truck, a jet?''

Optimus stood quietly in thought for a moment. ''Ironhide, transform.'' Ironhide did so straight away. ''Orianna, I want you to look at Ironhide and try to activate your scanner. It will take a scan of Ironhide's schematics and imprint it into your processor which will in turn inform your T-cog of the transformations required. It is important that you scan vehicles that have roughly the same mass as you do.'' I nodded.

Prime waved a servo towards Jazz. ''For example, I would not scan and transform into a Ponitac Solstice like Jazz as I am far more – bulky – I have a greater mass''. Jazz sniggered and Optimus shot him a glare. ''Do you understand?''

''Got it. Limit myself to whatever my fat arse will squeeze into,'' I gave the thumbs up gesture. Everyone laughed.

''Oh no OC,'' Jazz gave a whistle. ''It's a fine ar…''

''JAZZ! Enough!'' Prime bellowed as he clenched his servos and ground out, ''What is wrong with you?'' He glared at his second who had a smirk on his faceplates and mischief danced in his optics. Prime's irritation was palpable. He shook his helm. ''Orianna. Look at Ironhide and try to activate your scanner, it should be built into your processor.''

I nodded and stared at Ironhide. I concentrated, looking at his form, trying to imagine the various parts. Without warning a laser like light flashed out from my optics and ran over Ironhide's body. Immediately my processor was fed schematics and formula I did not quite understand. ''Ok, that seems to have worked Prime.''

Optimus nodded. ''Good. Now, what you have to do is try to send that information to your T-Cog. Try and visualise yourself turning into that vehicle. It's ok if you can't do it on the first go, or even do it at all today. You're already doing so well Orianna.''

I felt myself heat slightly with his praise and nodded. I closed my optics for a moment and internalised my thoughts. /TRANSFORM! MOVE DAMN IT!/. Nothing happened. I let the wave of disappointment wash over me. /Do it AGAIN!/. I closed my optics, pictured the vehicle in my mind, the schematics, I imagined my body shifting, changing and I focused all of my energy and concentration.

Slowly, I felt my body start to fold in on itself, panels shifted, armour plating slid up, around, down. I felt myself changing. It was both amazing and terrifying to have your body alter in such a fashion. I was vaguely aware of everyone shouting and yelling.

I felt my battle mask slide into place and a visor flick down over my optics, changing my view and enhancing my vision. I seemed to grow in size somewhat, /WHAT THE HELL!/. I felt the three spikes on either side of my shoulder struts grow larger and extend out to the side, forming some sort of framing. Immediately metallic like webbing formed between them – /Wings!/. The feather on my helm behind my chevron felt as though it grew larger and more prominent as well as several others appeared beside it like a feathered crest.

The samurai type pleats about my waist shifted about my body and became long tail-like feathers. The sun emblem enlarged and covered my entire midsection and part of my chest. Talon like claws, three on the front of each pede and one on my heel, shot out like curved blades. My digits retracted into my servo and talon like claws also shot out.

I raised my arms up in the air in shock. I felt a tremendous power coursing through me, fire flowed through me, through my circuits. I closed my optics and focused on it, let it travel where it wanted, harnessed it. I was becoming aware of what I was – what I was meant to become. Deep in my processor, images flashed.

Flames. Sun. Power. Death. Rebirth - Phoenix.

My optics snapped open and I brought my arms down with a triumphant yell of self-awareness and recognition - a loud screech. Flames burst forth along the wing-like frames and danced in the palms of my servos.

I stood there, a flaming, metallic monolith; I had indeed transformed.

Everyone, Autobot and human alike, stood frozen. Not a sound was made. Dermas and lips open wide in absolute shock and awe. Before them stood a blazing, winged bird like titan. I stood much taller than even Optimus now – about 40 feet tall. My wings spanning out in wide sweeps either side, a flaming arch of some 200 feet in span. Suddenly, the training room seemed rather on the small side as the room was stretched to its limits to accommodate my wings.

I looked at everyone else, especially Prime. He stood there, arms outstretched in shock, his dermas open and his optics wide and filled with awe and shock. I had never seen him so unguarded before. 

''Well, I did it''. My voice sounded deeper somehow, still my own voice but more commanding, kind of like Prime's in a way but with feminine undertones. ''Surprise! I'm not Ironhide.'' I stood there looking at everyone before me and moving my servos around manipulating the fire that flickered there. Though my hands and wings seemed to be on fire, I felt nothing, like it was a part of me, and I had some sort of immunity towards it.

''You slagging got that right!'' shouted Ironhide.

''Holy shit, holy shit, what the hell!'' Lennox and Epps both repeated over and over as they slowly walked towards me. Their eyes rapidly looking me up and down in amazement.

Bumblebee whistled out loud and made excited beeping and whirring noises.

Optimus still did not move or speak, he seemed transfixed by the being before him. 

Mudflap spoke up. ''Was dat suppos' ta happen? I tought she was gonna turn into Ironhide?

Skids echoed his confusion. ''Yeah! What gives?''

''How on Cybertron?'' Rachet had a rather perplexed look on his faceplates as he looked over my frame. He began to walk towards me, starting to circle me as if to see what was going on from every angle. ''That should not have happened. I mean, you scanned Ironhide, you should have transformed into him given your similar mass. And yet..'' He gestured towards me, his servos trying to conjure the answer from the air.

Finally, Optimus spoke. ''Orianna, how do you feel? Are you in any pain?'' His optics searched mine for any indication I was hurting.

I thought for a moment, ''No Optimus, no pain at all. In fact, I feel amazing! I feel such power flowing through me that I reckon I could take on Megatron himself right now and manage to kick his aft.'' There were a few snorts and giggles at my seemingly outrageous comment.

''She's a Transformer for all of five minutes and already thinks she knows everything, you're good Orianna but not that good!'' Lennox chided me.

''Yeah, Optimus himself has been unable to defeat Megatron after millions of years of combat and you think you could take him on your first outing?'' Ironhide gave a dismissive snort. ''You're essentially a sparkling OC! Besides it's going to take more than a few fireballs to snuff Megatron.'' 

I raised an optical ridge and my arms up in the air as my wings flared out in fire, burning more intensely for a moment, like a prominence on the sun's surface. With a loud, metallic like screech, I brought my servos down again, a large sword shot out of the wrist on my right arm and a wicked looking sai like weapon out of my other wrist. I took a menacing step towards everyone, as I glared at Ironhide. 

''I may stand corrected,'' Ironhide gave a slight nod of his helm, appreciation and a hint of respect playing in his optics.

Arcee had a massive grin on her faceplates and she folded her arms across her chest, ''Looks like the girls just got some serious fire power their way boys.'' And she cast a pointed gaze at Sideswipe.

Rachet was still circling me, his optics darting about my frame. Optimus spoke again. ''That is very impressive Orianna. You are very impressive.'' His azure optics travelled slowly over my frame as if cataloguing every detail. I felt a slight shudder go through me. ''I have no doubt that given the proper training and time to hone your gifts and skills, you would make a fearsome and worthy adversary capable of great feats of strength and courage.''

He started to walk towards me. ''Again I encourage you to adapt to these new powers and this new form with caution and respect lest you injure yourself or others. We do not know all that you are capable of and must move forward carefully.'' He came to stand before me, and it was quite bizarre now being the one to tower over him!

I lowered my helm to look at him. ''Thank you Optimus for your belief in me, and yes, I understand the need for caution. Believe me, the last thing I want to do is hurt any of you, or myself, I guess.'' I extinguished the flames in the palm of my talon like servos and those along my wings.

Optimus nodded. ''Orianna, can you transform back into your previous form?''

''I don't know, I hope so.'' The smallest surge of worry coursed through me. /What if I can't?/.  

''Just do the opposite of what you did before. Envisage what you were like before and try to ''transform'' back into that form''. Optimus stood back a distance and folded his arms across his broad chest, as though about to assess my abilities.

I gave a quick nod and did as instructed. Almost immediately I felt my armour plating, panels and various cogs and gears moving and rearranging themselves into my ''robot'' mode. My wings folded back down in on themselves, my talons retracted on my servos and pedes, my battle mask and visor retracted, and my metallic feathered crest changed back into a single plume over my helm. I felt myself, my mass shifting back to my previous size. Once again, I stood there before everyone as ''OC'' again.

Rachet had finished circling me and was standing off to the side the chin of his helm held in one servo as though deep in thought. He began to speak, ''I do not know what happened then. Once again Orianna, you defy the natural law of things. You should have transformed into Ironhide's alt mode; the scanning process, the schema, the t-cog, everything should have worked a certain way, in a certain order. Instead, you become this massive, bird like warrior figure.'' He shook his helm. ''I do not even understand the reference of this image''.

I gave a small smile. ''Perhaps I can shed some light on that?'' He looked at me, as did everyone else, with interest and not a little confusion. ''You see, as I started the transformation process and my body began to change, I received flashes of images in my processor, emotions, feelings.'' I recalled the images; ''Flames. Sun. Power. Death. Rebirth.''

I looked around at everyone's face waiting to see if anyone realised what these images meant. No one, not even Optimus seemed any the wiser. ''You see in ancient mythologies from various cultures around the world, including Egyptian and Greek, there is tell of a legendary bird. While there are some differences in each culture about this bird and what it can do, there are key factors that remain the same; the figure is powerful, it is connected to the sun and it's plumage reflects that, it is relatively long lived.''

I began to pace about before everyone. ''There is another thing too. This bird is will rise again from its own ashes – reborn, renewed.'' A smile spread across my dermas as I reflected on my own journey to this point. ''This bird is known by many names but perhaps the most popular is…''

''The Phoenix,'' Prime spoke up, clearly having given in to the data clerk side of himself and quickly conducted his own research. A look of wonder on his faceplates.

I turned to face him, ''Yes Optimus. The Phoenix,'' I repeated. ''I heard that name in my processor. Rachet I am as puzzled as you as to why what happened, happened. I don't know why those images flashed through my processor, I do not know why my body took on the form of the Phoenix, I do not know if I have inherited the same qualities of this mythological figure. All I know is, this is who I am now meant to be. In every circuit and wire, in the depths of my processor and spark – I am the Phoenix.''

I allowed a soft, rueful smile to form on my dermas. ''Like my new name sake I have undergone a powerful transformation; physically, emotionally, mentally. I too am rising from the ashes.'' I stopped for a moment, thinking – reflecting.

Everyone stood silently regarding me as they considered my words.

I looked around the room, a determined look on my face as I made a decision. ''From now on I no longer want to be referred to as Orianna.'' I gazed at each person and Autobot, letting my optics rest on Prime's face as I finished my request. ''I want to be called - Phoenix.'' There were some gasps of shock and Optimus himself flinched slightly as my words settled in his audials.

''Are you sure about this Orianna?'' Prime's voice was hesitant and soft.

I nodded. ''I am Optimus. I will always be ''Orianna'' in essence. I am the same ''person'' so to speak, but I am not. I have changed, in many ways. It is difficult for me to reconcile my current form with the mentality and image of my previous ''human self''. Like the Phoenix I need to be ''reborn''. In a manner of speaking - Orianna has to die.'' Prime and Rachet visibly recoiled at my words, as though recalling that night in the Med Bay and their efforts to save me.

''This is a lot to take in Or… Phoenix. I mean,'' Lennox glanced at his watch. ''About two hours ago I saw you as a Transformer for the first time, watched you become this flaming bird like behemoth and now you are telling me I have to let go of my friend, OC?'' He shook his head, ''I don't know if I can do this, not yet. This is too much.'' He put his hands up on either side of his head and squat down, breathing.

''I'm with you on this Lennox, I need some time to work this shit out,'' Epps echoed. I noticed the deliberate avoidance of using any of my names, as though he was trying to decide what to do.

I turned to face Optimus. Of all the individuals in the room, despite how much I cared for them all, his opinion, his thoughts were what mattered most to me. ''Optimus? How do you feel about this? Are you okay with it?'' I held the breath I did not need to take. 

Optimus stood for a moment in quiet consideration before his deep voice rolled about the room. ''In truth I must confess I am shocked by your words and your decision. Orianna - the human woman - had become – rather important to me.'' I felt myself both heat up and tense. ''However, I understand why you have made this choice and, if it will help you adjust to this new form, if it will help you navigate this next stage in your journey, if it will help you feel happy in any way,'' He took a step towards me and placed a servo on my shoulder. ''Then I support it and I support you. Orianna, Phoenix, they are but names. The essence of your spark, what makes you, you, that will never change.'' His optics shone brightly at me.

I felt such a wave of relief and happiness wash over me as he put into words what I could not. I reflexively stepped forward and embraced him in a hug. ''Thank you Optimus,'' I whispered in his audials. ''I knew you would understand. Thank you.'' For a moment Prime flinched from my embrace as he realised everyone was watching us and this display of affection, no doubt making assumptions and inferences. It was as though he was torn between resuming his mantel of Prime and embracing his friend.

A spark beat later he decided, as his arms came around me and returned the hug. ''You are welcome – Phoenix. Though forgive me if I slip back into old habits and say Orianna every now and then.'' We held each other for a moment longer, it felt good. For a moment the room started to fade away and it was just us again.

''Well, if you're givin' out free hugs, I'll take one!'' Jazz's voice interrupted our moment and brought me back to the present. He started to walk up towards me, arms outstretched. I couldn't help but laugh at his audacity.

Optimus released me and rounded on him swiftly, ''I think not Jazz, no more hugging today''. A smug grin began to form on Prime's dermas. ''Besides, you have work to do. As acting ''Prime'' I know you are already behind schedule for the day, so you best be leaving to make up for lost time.''

Jazz gave a thoughtful nod. ''Ahh… it would seem you are correct,'' and he turned to leave. ''However, if I am acting Prime, that means I have your authority, which means I can override YOUR orders and request Phoenix to give me a hug''. Jazz folded his arms across his chest and allowed a Cheshire like grin to form on his face.

As I burst out laughing, a thought meandered through my processor, /What is he playing at? He seems to be deliberately needling Prime; I've never seen him like this before/. Optimus drew himself up to his full, imposing height and stepped menacingly towards Jazz, his optics flashing angrily. The laughter began to die down as I witnessed this transformation within Optimus, save for the battlefield and in training at times, I had never seen him so – fired up.

/Frustration?/ I reasoned.

All at once, Jazz shot Rachet a quick glance and seemed to smirk, before he held his servos up in mock surrender to his leader. ''Okay, okay, jus' jokin'. I'm leavin'.'' Jazz gave me a quick nod and a little wink. ''Later Phoenix,'' and he turned and walked out of the room. Prime bristled for a moment and then visibly relaxed at his departure.

''Well, that was – odd, even for Jazz,'' Sideswipe mused out loud. ''Ol' Jazz is either stupider than I thought or braver than I thought openly razzin' Prime like that.'' Optimus turned and raised a challenging optic at the frontliner. ''Stupider, than I thought - definitely stupider.'' The silver prankster admitted quickly and looked away awkwardly.

Arcee rolled her optics. ''Well YOU would be in a position to comment on that wouldn't you Sideswipe!'' the laughter around the room seemed to break the tension that had built. Arcee looked at me, ''Well Orianna, Phoenix, whatever you want to be called, I agree with Prime and I'm also just glad you're on our side!''

She smiled warmly at me before she turned to Sideswipe. ''Come on 'Sides, we have patrol,'' and she tapped him on the shoulder strut as she walked away, a decidedly annoyed Sideswipe muttering under his breath followed her. /If I didn't know any better, I'd say those two have something going on/.

Lennox and Epps walked over to me, their faces reflecting their uncertainty. ''Orianna, I think I need a little more time to process this, if that's ok with you. I mean, I get it, I just have to get it.'' Lennox gave a shrug. Epps stood beside him nodding.

''Yeah, me too. It's just a lot to take in and..'' Epps began to say.

I held my servos up. ''I get it guys, no worries. Take all the time you need.'' I smiled at them, ''It's not like I'm going to ignore you if you call me Orianna or OC over the next few weeks,'' I gave them a smile before sobering again, ''but it would really mean a lot to me if you could try and come to terms with it all.'' They both nodded.

''Seems fair. Alright, we gotta get going. Prime,'' Lennox turned to face Optimus, ''We need to talk to Morshower soon about… Phoenix.'' I gave Lennox a big smile.

Rachet interjected, ''He is on leave for the next three days so it will have to wait until then.''

''I think I can stall him for a while, but it has to be straight after that.'' Lennox fixed Optimus with a pointed look.

Optimus nodded. ''Understood Major Lennox, and thank you.'' Lennox returned the nod and with a wave to us all they exited the building.

The group had now dwindled. Prime ex-vented in apparent relief. ''Alright Autobots. No doubt you all have tasks to do. Please see that you undertake them now.''

There were a few grumbles but all of them began to move off. Some of them waved at me. Bumblebee came over and gave me a quick hug. Optimus didn't seem to mind Bee's gesture of affection. /Maybe because he is just a kid himself?/. Jolt, the twins and Ironhide all exited the building with a combination of waves, nods of acknowledgment and noise. Eventually it was just Rachet, Optimus and I.

''Well,'' I cycled air through my vents deeply, ''That went well.''

Rachet grunted. ''If you say so.'' The grumpy medic had returned.

''I do say so.'' I grinned brightly at him. ''Thanks Rachet for coming over but I'm sure you can run back to the Med Bay now and start organising your needles in order of which inflicts the most pain or hefting your wrenches or whatever it is you do all day in there,'' Beside me I heard Optimus stifle a laugh.

Rachet simply stared at me and blinked. ''How did you know that's what I do?''

''Alright you pair,'' Optimus broke into the conversation, ''Let's all head back to the Med Bay.'' 

''Actually Prime, I would advise you head back to your quarters and rest. It has been an, interesting, morning and you are still healing. Besides, you promised you would take it easy and rest.'' Rachet folded his arms over his chest. ''OC..'' at my look he corrected himself, ''Phoenix and I will head back to the Med Bay. She could do with a recharge herself and I would like to run more scans and tests on her.'' Optimus made to argue but instead simply nodded.

I visibly slumped and audibly sighed, ''Do we have to?''

''Yes, if you want to start progressing to training.'' Rachet counter argued.

''Fair point,'' I stood tall again. ''Lead the way Hatchet.'' He raised an optical ridge at me but otherwise ignored me. We all three headed towards the door.

Once outside, Rachet began to walk towards the Med Bay. I hesitated and turned to Optimus. ''Thanks again Prime, for your support back there, it really means a lot.'' I reached out to grab one of his servos, giving it a squeeze of thanks.

Optimus returned the gesture, ''You're welcome Phoenix.'' I closed my optics at the sound of his voice saying my new name. I liked it. It was different, but still wonderful. I opened my optics again and sent him a quick smile before I went to release his servo – but Optimus held on for a moment.

I stared at our interlocked servos in confusion.

''Phoenix...'' Optimus started to speak as he held onto me. ''I wanted to say how impressed I was by your efforts in there this morning. To be able to do what you did so quickly, with such confidence.'' He shook his helm. ''You amaze me.'' He smiled at me and I felt my spark speed up and his digits brushed the backs of my servos. Fire once again coursed through me.

''Phoenix – now!'' Rachet called out, interrupting our moment yet again. ''Things to do!''

I narrowed my optics in exasperation as Optimus released my servos, somewhat begrudgingly. He sent me a small smile of apology. ''Well, I gotta fly. But I'll see you later?'' I asked hopefully. 

Optimus chuckled, his broad chest shaking. ''Indeed you do and indeed you will.'' He held my gaze a moment longer, his voice dropping to a lower register. ''Given all of the crazy mechs I seem to be surrounded with lately, yours is the one face I do look forward to seeing Phoenix.''

I felt myself shift on my pedes awkwardly at his unexpected praise. ''Right back at you Optimus!'' I smiled brightly up at him, his optics flashing in response to my comment. I turned to head off towards the impatient Rachet. 

Walking in silence beside Rachet back to the Med bay, my processor reeled as it took in everything that had happened last night and this morning, hell - everything that had happened over the past few years!

I thought determinedly to myself, /It's time to rise from the ashes of Orianna and see what you are truly made of. It's time to be reborn!/.

Chapter Text

Phoenix P.O.V

''What the hell Ironhide!'' I yelled as I stumbled backwards off the training mat. I rubbed at my shoulder that now had a dint in it from where the solid mech had punched me.

''You think Megatron will think twice before striking at a femme? He will hit and hit hard with every intent to kill or maim.'' There was a hard edge to 'Hide's voice. ''You must be prepared to defend and fight back Phoenix, with lethal force if necessary. I have told you this before! Now - stop holding back!'' He held his servos up and clenched them into fists of iron. ''FIGHT ME!''

I rotated my shoulders and stepped back onto the mat, my optics locked onto Ironhide, fire coursing through my body. I too held up my servos and we began a deadly dance about each other. /You asked for it/.

Jazz looked on from the sidelines, watching my every move and preparing to give feedback or suggestions, just as he had countless other times over the past two years. Ironhide and Jazz had been tasked with teaching me how to fight like a Transformer.

Arcee had also been called in to help to give a femme point of view and to demonstrate the more ''supple'' Ninja like moves I might be able to incorporate into my fighting repertoire. They were all effectively my drill Sergeants – and they were tough. Still, their efforts, relentless drills and training sessions had helped me progress rapidly in my training and I was becoming rather adept at fighting.

I studied Ironhide's body language, looking for a hint of which direction he might move. When Ironhide was not forth coming I decided to try and harry him into action to force a mistake. I stepped towards him quickly and made to throw a right hook at him. He went to block it and at the same time brought his right servo around to return the favour. I ducked under it and to the side quickly, rising back up and driving my left servo hard into his side before stepping back and bringing my right pede up to kick him in the chest. Ironhide stumbled back slightly. I pressed my advantage.

I stepped up to him, quickly assailing him with a serious of left and right hooks about the face and chest area. Having fought with 'Hide so many times I began to look for tells. I stepped back and brought my left servo down to block the right hook that came for my face, sending a hard right jab into his face and hearing a crack and a groan.

I did not stop. A kind of frenzied, feral anger had consumed me.

As Ironhide momentarily reeled from my servo cracking a cheek plate, I grabbed his helm with my servos preparing to bring it down and drive my knee up into his face, but Ironhide was a seasoned soldier and he was able to remove my servos quickly, punching me in the abdomen hard.

I felt myself stumble backwards. Ironhide charged at me but instead of panicking at the sight of the armoured warrior bearing down on me, I remained calm and consulted my battle CPU and my common sense. I waited until the last moment and then grabbed him by the chest and allowed myself to fall onto my back in a backwards roll movement, using his forward momentum and one of my pedes to help successfully flick him over me and go crashing into the ground.

Ironhide rolled to his pedes again quickly, but not quick enough to deflect the kick I gave to his mid-section as I completed my roll, and I found my own pedes a split second before him. He lost his footing and stumbled backwards. Recalling Arcee's instructions, I cartwheeled quickly and then as my pedes touched the ground, dropped to the floor and swept my left pede back around in a sweep kick to bring Ironhide's pedes out from under him.

As he crashed to the ground, I felt the sword in my right wrist unsheathe and the sai in my left wrist slid out as well. My battle mask slid into place. ''GET UP!'' I yelled at him in feral growl. I stalked towards him.

Ironhide, groaned for a moment before getting to his pedes and rolling his shoulders. He noticed my weapons and my battle mask, and a smile spread across his faceplates. ''Good,'' he said, ''That's more like it!'' Without warning he raised a cannon and fired at me. Using my gift of psychokinesis, I was able to deflect it off me and into the ground leaving a scorch mark.

Whilst in the training hanger, weapons were on lowest power settings, not enough to kill but they would still do some damage. He let off another quick volley and charged at me. I deflected them all and began to run at him, vaguely aware of the sound of a guttural growl coming from my own dermas.

A silver blurr appeared to my right as Jazz entered the fray. /Oh, they are serious! You're now playing with the big boys/, I thought to myself as I felt Jazz knock me off balance as he crashed into me. I rolled fluidly to my pedes again and brought both of my weapons down by my sides as I eyed my opponents.

Ironhide had since retrieved a sword from the wall and re-joined the skirmish. Jazz had his own wicked looking blade and an equally feral grin on his face. For a brief moment I felt myself lose focus and confidence. These were two of the most seasoned soldiers in Autobot ranks. What hope did I have against them both? I shook my helm to rid myself of such negative thoughts. Seeming to sense my distraction both Jazz and Ironhide used this to their advantage and both drove forward to attack.

Jazz attacked from the right and Ironhide from the left. I wielded both of my weapons simultaneously, blocking, parrying and striking when I saw an opportunity, of which there were few. I would drive forward towards one and then both kick and slash back the other. I would bring them in towards me and then deftly and swiftly spin about back into one and elbow them in the chest while at the same time, retracting my sai and punching forward with my other arm into a face before stepping away and bringing both my weapons to bear again.

This deadly dance continued - none of us giving quarter. I felt myself begin to tire. I was not used to prolonged battles with multiple adversaries. They were pushing me. But I would not quit – /never!/.

I gave a loud yell and used my psychokinesis to send Ironhide flying backwards and then pushed forward attacking Jazz relentlessly with my sword and a combination of punches. While he was able to block most, I saw a flicker of uncertainty in his optics. I felt the grin form under my battle mask. Ducking under one of his blows, I retracted my sword and then used my sai to shove it into Jazz's pede, effectively pining him to the ground for a moment. He gave a loud yell of pain and I quickly brought my right servo up in a right uppercut that carried all of my weight, and a loud yell behind it. Jazz went flying backwards in a heap. There was silence.

I turned around in time to block a sweeping arc of Ironhide's blade with my sword as he aimed for my chest. ''Come on Phoenix is that all you got!?'' He taunted. I felt rage burn through me, my optics flashed fire.

''Let's find out,'' my voice held an icy edge to it and my sai slid out again. I swung both of my weapons at him mercilessly. Again, and again I slashed at Ironhide. I barely registered the look of worry cross his features as he desperately tried to block my advance and attack.

Pressing my advantage, I shouted angrily and brought my sword down hard against his, knocking it from his servo. I retracted my blade and sai and fire danced in both of my palms and my optics. Flames begin to consume my body and I raised my servos out to deliver a final, fiery blow. The slightest trace of fear registered on Ironhide's face as he held a servo up before him, ''Phoenix - hold!''

''PHOENIX ENOUGH!'' A loud voice that boomed like thunder echoed off the walls and distracted my bloodlust. I turned my helm to take in the sight of Optimus Prime as he stood in the doorway his servo stretched out both pleading and commanding me to stop. Realisation dawned on me and I turned back to Ironhide.

I retracted my battle mask and the flames subsided. I stood there for a moment, a small part of me feeling ashamed and horrified by my actions, but I couldn't help but send a small smile towards the black mech on the ground before me. ''So, you might have noticed I didn't hold back and I clearly had more to give.'' I held a servo out to Ironhide. Which he took with a little caution. ''But I bet you're gad I didn't, hey 'Hide?''

He rose to his pedes deceptively gracefully for a mech of his hulk. ''Hmph… I might have to be careful how I word things to you next time. But yes, you fought well. Very well in fact.'' A look of pride and approval glowing in his optics. Ironhide looked over at Jazz who was only now slowly and groggily getting to his pedes. ''Mind you, I think I fared better than Jazz.''

Optimus had since walked over to Jazz to help him up and noticed the damaged pede, shooting me a quick glance filled with both shock and admonition. Jazz groaned and shifted the weight from his injured pede to the other. ''Damn girl, that was dirty play,'' he stopped for a moment and then flashed a huge grin and winked at me, ''I like it.'' For a moment I thought Optimus was going to drop him on his aft, but he refrained.

Prime helped Jazz towards Ironhide. ''I take it Phoenix performed well today?'' he enquired as he approached.

''She has learned well Prime and demonstrated natural instinct in battle. She has listened to instruction and proven she is not to be underestimated.'' He sent a nod of approval in my direction and I felt a slight heat at his praise. Ironhide was not one to throw away a compliment so I took his words as great praise indeed. ''However,'' my spark stopped for a moment, ''She still allows her emotions to get the best of her, her anger to blind her. While her abilities provide her extra protection the average Autobot does not have, I do not think it wise to rely on them.'' He looked at me with some concern.

Jazz spoke up then, ''What you saw just now, that was a side to Phoenix we have not yet seen. We pushed her today and I have a feeling we are just scraping the surface of what she can do. I am wondering if in those moments, she will still have the ability to control her emotions and not lose herself.'' Jazz and Prime now stood opposite Ironhide and I.

Ironhide continued, ''We do not know the extent of her pyrokinetic powers and what losing control would do. Innocent lives could be lost if she were to truly let go in a moment of blind rage.'' Ironhide turned to face Optimus then. ''For that reason I, or rather we, believe she is not ready to engage in extensive field work at this point in time, not without further training and discipline.''

I felt my shoulder slump slightly and a very brief surge of annoyance at Ironhide, though that was quickly swept away as I accepted his summation of my current abilities. /He's right about your temper/, I thought ruefully to myself. If I was in the middle of a battle would I be able to deal with numerous attackers or would I be too focused on dispatching one at a time? As for the pyrokinesis, I also didn't know the full extent of my powers. I had blown out two walls in the Med Bay over two years ago when I learned about Prime, but since then, I had never really been in a position where my emotions were pushed. /Until today that is/. Perhaps I needed to try, if only to see what I was capable of?

Prime regarded me for a moment before speaking, ''Thank you Ironhide and Jazz for your efforts in helping Phoenix learn to fight and defend herself. You have done well.'' He turned to face me as he motioned for Ironhide to take Jazz. ''And well-done Phoenix on your ability to learn and apply these skills so quickly.''

Ironhide shouldered Jazz. ''Ironhide would you please escort Jazz to the Med Bay and have Rachet take a look at his pede please?'' The weapon's specialist moved to assist his friend. ''Jazz, I need you fully operational to take the Bumblebee, Sideswipe and Dino out on a sortie with NEST to the Middle East to help take care of an illegal nuclear site''.

In the past two years new arrivals had come to Earth following Prime's transmission. They had arrived in a space shuttle called the ''Xanthium'' and had bolstered the Autobot's numbers by five. Aboard had been Dino, Que and the three ''Wreckers;'' Leadfoot, Roadbuster and Topspin.

Dino and Que had come back to Diego Garcia though would often head over to NEST's Washington DC headquarters too as well as the NASA base to assist the Wreckers. The ''Wreckers'' had opted to stay at the NASA base and continue to work on the shuttle repairing it for the day they may need it to return to Cybertron. It was possibly a good thing they stayed out of the way as they were definitely an interesting crew, especially Roadbuster who appeared to have a Scottish accent and a wicked temper. The words ''socially awkward and slightly psychotic'' came to mind when describing him and his fellow crew. Though they were exceptionally good at melee fighting and, as the name suggested, ''wrecking'' their opponents.

''Oh, that sounds like fun,'' Jazz clapped his servos together. ''Come on 'Hide, let's get ''hoppin'', Jazz gave Ironhide a tap on the shoulder.

Ironhide narrowed his optics in disgust. ''That was terrible. You sound like Phoenix you know.''

''Hey!'' I piped up for the first time, placing my servos on my hips. ''I am right here you know, and I can hear you. You need your aft handed to you again 'Hide?'' I mocked.

Ironhide merely grunted and started to lead Jazz out of the hanger. Optimus watched them go in silence. After the door slid closed, he turned towards me folding his arms across his broad chest and a look of consideration on his face. ''Actually, he is right. That is the kind of thing you'd say,'' he allowed a small smile to form on his dermas.

I fixed him with a look of mock indignation, ''Oh great, now YOU'RE going to side with Jeykell and 'Hide? I thought you were my friend Optimus.'' I raised an optic at him challengingly though a teasing smile spread across my face. ''Don't tell me I have to kick your aft too?''

Prime let a deep chuckle shake his massive frame. ''Prior to walking in this afternoon, I may have said something to the effect of, ''I'd like to see you try,'' but now I am thinking you may just be able to manage that.'' A look of appreciation passed over his features, followed swiftly by concern. ''What was that all about Phoenix? What were you about to do because I am concerned if I hadn't walked in when I did there would be two Autobots on their way to the Med Bay, one of which may have been in very bad shape indeed.'' He sent me a look of gentle admonition and awaited my reply.

I felt myself look away for a moment as shame swept over me. ''I.. I don't know Optimus.'' I shrugged my shoulders and returned my gaze to him. ''As I was fighting, I felt myself growing angrier especially when Ironhide taunted me and challenged me saying, ''Is that all you got?'' I paused for a moment reflecting. ''He said at the beginning when I was holding back that I had to be ready to defend myself with lethal force if necessary and that I was to attack him and not hold back.'' Once again, I felt my shoulders move of their own volition as I gave a shrug. ''I guess I just followed his orders.''

Optimus regarded me for a moment. ''Phoenix, that is all well and good to defend yourself and others who cannot do so. That is the Autobot way. There are times when we have to use lethal force against Decepticons in order to save our fellow Autobots, ourselves or innocent lives. However, it should always be as a last resort. Ironhide was not a Decepticon and he was unarmed. The battle had been won, and yet you appeared to be ready and willing to do him harm.'' Prime fixed me with a very serious stare. ''That is what concerned and frightened me the most.'' A slight shudder went through his frame as he must have recalled the moment he saw me standing over Ironhide, poised to finish him off.

Prime paused as if letting the gravity of the situation sink in. He then continued, speaking gently but with great conviction. ''Phoenix, there is a fine line between allowing anger to help fuel your motivation and desire to achieve victory in battle, but do not let it blind or consume you.'' Optimus' optics grew dim as shadows from the past flickered across his optics. ''That path only leads to pain and suffering, the likes of which I would never wish upon you or anyone else.''

Azure optics held brown and gold flecked one. ''Always hold to your morals, always fight for what is right, always seek peace over anger if possible and always fight with honour Phoenix. That is the Autobot way, and you,'' for a moment it seemed as though he was going to reach out to me though he refrained. ''You are more an Autobot than you know, don't forget that.''

Chapter Text

Phoenix P.O.V

I hung my head in shame and felt my arms wrap around me as they did when I was seeking comfort or trying to protect myself. I closed my optics in silent self-reproach. There were many things I could tolerate but Prime's disappointment was not one of them. The thought I had let him down gnawed at my spark. His approval was something I had been desperate to earn from almost the first instant I had met him.

''Phoenix?'' I heard Optimus' tentative enquiry.

I cycled deeply and forced myself to look him in the optics. ''I'm sorry Prime, truly I am. I would never want to hurt any of my fellow Autobots in that way and I never want to let any of them down, especially you.'' I unwrapped my arms from about myself and stood tall as I fixed him with a determined stare. ''You have my word that I shall do my utmost to honour you and the Autobot cause. I shall bear in mind what Ironhide, Jazz and you have told me today and I thank you for your honest advice and feedback. I won't let you down again.''

Optimus smiled at me and at that point he did reach out to me to clasp my shoulder gently. ''Of that I have no doubt Phoenix, but it is yourself you should strive not to let down. Be true to yourself, the rest will flow from that.''

For a moment Prime seemed to gaze off as though lost in his own thoughts before he once again fixed me with a small smile and optics bright with emotion. ''Phoenix, I am proud of the way you have embraced all the changes in your life. Your powers, your new form, life as a Transformer. You have met every challenge head on and gone from strength to strength – almost literally!'' His servo moved to my cheek and brushed it gently sending fire once again coursing through me.

It was just the two of us alone in the hanger and this intimate contact was something that I had missed. During the past two years we had rarely found ourselves alone. At first it seemed as though Optimus, after ''that'' night in the Med Bay and outside Autobot quarters, had withdrawn from me again. He had limited his time around me and the once easy comradery and sense of closeness we had enjoyed, seemed to slip away for a while as we navigated this change in our dynamic, in our ''friendship.''

Although I was hurt by it at first, a part of me was also glad about it as it gave me a chance to sort through my own grief over the loss of Chase and my own feelings towards Optimus, which I knew were changing and deepening ,but I didn't want to dwell on that too much. He was ''The Prime'' after all and someone such as I could not possibly hope to gain the attention of a mech such as he beyond that of mere friendship. I would settle for that anyway. As long as he was in my life in some capacity, that's all that mattered.

We had also been distracted by the business of everyday life, new arrivals and I had to learn quickly how to become a Transformer in case Megatron decided to attack again. That meant constant drills and training. Basic anatomy and history lessons. I was essentially a student back in school except my teachers were giant sentient robots from another planet!

Optimus and I would still share some precious moments on our little beach of an evening every now and then, gazing at the stars and talking. Sharing frustrations or concerns or just simply sitting in silence enjoying each other's company. It was moments such as those that I looked forward to and longed for without realising how much.

And now this.

The simple act of his servo on my cheek, being alone with him in close proximity like this, reawakened feelings I had tried to ignore and dismiss. My spark seemed to pulse rapidly and I cycled air quickly through my intakes. His optics seemed to stare right through me. It felt as though any moment he might ''see'' what I was feeling. /And what's wrong with that?/, I silently challenged myself.

I tried to centre and focus myself as I returned his gaze. My helm came to just below the top of his windscreens on his chest. While he was still taller than me in this mode, there was not as much of a difference between us now as there had been when I was a human, so I was able to look into his optics with greater ease. A fact that was both unnerving and wonderful. For a moment neither of us spoke, relishing this re-established connection between us. I leant into his touch, ''I have missed this''. The words were out before I could stop them.

Prime closed his optics momentarily too. ''As have I Phoenix.'' He opened his optics again and gave a wry smile, ''the gift of your becoming a Transformer gave us a chance to be ''closer'' but it has also seen to us being apart more often.'' I nodded in agreeance, my optics not leaving his. ''I have tried to give you space to adapt to all of the changes in your life, and you know the demands placed upon a Prime better than most.'' He too gave a protracted ''sigh'' of sorts. ''I guess that hasn't left a lot of time for – our ''friendship''.

Optimus had seemed to search for the right word for a moment to define what there was between us. ''I miss it. I miss spending time with you every day.'' He brushed my cheek again and took a small step closer towards me. My spark skipped a pulse and I raised one servo to place on his arm.

My voice sounded a little unsteady as I spoke again as a range of emotions tore through me. ''Optimus. You and I know better than most not to take the time we have with those we care about for granted. Life is precious and, although I guess my life span is now significantly increased, a long life is not promised to anyone.'' I closed my optics tight as I felt the wave of remembered pain at losing Optimus wash over me.

After a moment I opened my optics again. ''Something we both have experienced and witnessed firsthand.'' I gave him a sad smile, which he returned. 

Once again, I closed my optics for a moment as I felt a fresh wave of pain wash over me as I recalled memories of Chase. While it had been over two years since I had lost the man I never got to marry, I still ached when I thought of him and what we lost. ''I was robbed of a chance to spend a life with Chase as you were with Elita. I wish things could have been different for us both on that count but there was nothing we could do to change that.'' I removed my servo from his cheek and stepped up to wrap my arms about his chest, he embraced me and held me tight.

The comforting touch felt so good.

For a moment I simply stood there in his arms as I thought carefully about my next words. I looked up into his optics. ''Optimus. I care a great deal for you, more than I do for anyone else.'' Azure optics shone brightly, and he held me closer for a moment. ''We were lucky enough to get you back after you died because of the Matrix and Sam's steadfast belief, which I am eternally grateful for. But who knows what will happen next time. Who knows if something might happen to me?''

I raised my servo to his cheek. ''Perhaps… perhaps we both need to make the effort to spend more time with each other?''

Optimus visibly flinched at that comment and pulled me nearer. I continued. ''Let's make a promise to each other right now, that we will make the effort to spend more time with each other. Deal?'' I looked expectantly and hopefully into his optics.

Prime continued to stare at me for a moment. ''Phoenix I could not agree more with just about every sentiment you expressed. How do you manage to seemingly reach into my processor and pluck the very thoughts from there?'' He shook his helm slowly and gave a soft chuckle as he once again brushed my cheek. ''Phoenix I would love…''

There was the sound of the large metallic door to the hanger sliding open and we barely had enough time to step apart before Rachet, Jazz and Dino walked in.

Optimus shot me a slightly exasperated and apologetic look and I gave him a quick smile before he schooled his features to address his teammates. As they all approached, I wondered quietly to myself, /JUST about every sentiment? Does that mean he disagrees with something I said? I wonder what that could be?/.

''Rachet, Jazz, Dino. To what do we owe the pleasure?'' Prime greeted them all in a pleasant manner. He really was masterful at masking his emotions. ''I can see you have been repaired already Jazz, swift work Rachet.''

''Nothing swift about it. It was mainly superficial, and you have been absent for some time Prime.'' Rachet gave both Prime and I a knowing smile. ''I had thought you may have come to the Med Bay yourself, but I see you have been otherwise – engaged.'' Jazz also had a smile on his faceplates and Dino looked quizzically between us all.

I looked at the floor momentarily, suddenly very interested in the scorch mark I left from earlier today. Optimus did not miss a beat as he responded to Rachet. ''Yes, I have been. I was talking to Phoenix about her training session earlier today and the mishap that lead to said injury and her seeming loss of control.'' He shuttered his optics and placed his servos on his hips. ''I have been impressing upon her the importance of being able to control one's feelings and not let them consume you as they can impair your judgement.''

Jazz spoke up as he sauntered towards us a funny grin on his face as he looked between Rachet and Optimus. ''Oh I don't know Prime, sometimes I think it is very important to lose control of ya feelings and let everyone know exactly how ya feel.'' He shot both Prime and I a very pointed look as he came to stand before us, folding his arms across his chest. ''Bottling up ya emotions and feelings, especially deep feelings,'' Jazz gave me a wink which Optimus bristled at, ''can actually impair ya judgement even more as ya can't think straight.'' Jazz turned to Rachet, ''Wouldn't ya agree Doc?''

Rachet now stood before us with Dino off to his left. ''You might have a point there Jazz. In humans the release of the chemical serotonin produces a feeling of….''

''THANK YOU Rachet and Jazz for your – opinions.'' Optimus interrupted swiftly. ''Is there a point to your visit, or are you merely here to bestow your wisdom upon us?'' He folded his arms over his chest and stood authoritatively before them.

Rachet and Jazz shot each other a quick look before Jazz spoke again. ''Well actually, there is Prime. I await ya orders regardin' tha sortie with Bumblebee an' tha others ta tha illegal nuclear facility. We're ready ta roll out followin' final briefing. Also, Que patched in a call from NASA base. Seems tha Wreckers, in particular Roadbuster, an' that Director of National Intelligence, ya know tha one who now oversees tha plans executed by tha fighting NEST Autobots?'' Jazz seemed to have forgotten her name despite her seeming importance.

''You mean Ms Charlotte Mearing?'' Optimus supplied the name.

Jazz clicked his metallic digits in recollection. ''Yeah, that's her! Well, they seem ta be clashin' pretty bad at tha moment over tha Xanthium an' certain base regulations an' rules. I'll let you fill in tha blanks regardin' Roadbuster's comments.'' Jazz's visor flashed with humour and a smile spread on his dermas. ''Ya might need ta go ''do ya thang'' an' diffuse tha tickin' timebomb with your abilities as tha ''Royal Primeness''.

I couldn't help it, I burst out laughing, quickly covering my dermas with a servo when Prime shot me a slightly disapproving glare. After a split second I removed my servo and spoke up. ''Oh, come on Optimus! That was pretty funny! Lighten up.'' While I respected Prime greatly, I would not be intimidated by him.

Jazz walked over to me and placed an arm about my waist, pulling me close for a moment. ''See, Phoenix here appreciates a sense of humour.'' He squeezed me tight again which earned him a withering glare from Prime who tensed up slightly at the site of Jazz with his arm around my waist.

Jazz noticed it, though did nothing to alleviate his Commander's apparent upset. In fact, he encouraged it. /What is he up to?/. Not wanting to antagonise Optimus any further, I stepped out of Jazz's arm and moved to stand beside Prime. He visibly relaxed and shot Jazz what could only be described as a ''gloating'' smirk as he sifted his weight, so he was that little bit closer to me.

Rachet and Jazz once again gave each other a fleeting look before Rachet spoke up, ''And while you are attending to that issue, Phoenix needs to accompany me back to the Med Bay so I can assess any minor damage to her and check her vitals to ensure she is 100% fit for duty.'' I felt myself stifle a groan. I had a newfound appreciation for Prime's dislike of the Med Bay. /How had he put up with it for millions of years?/.

Dino spoke up for the first time, ''Ahh mi scusi signorina Phoenix, Ironhide has requested that you accompany me to the firing range after your assessment witha Rachet for weapons practice and assessment.'' Dino's Italian accent, although in keeping with being a red Ferrari 458 Italia, still seemed somewhat bizarre that a sentient life form from another planet would have such an accent in the first place. However, it was no less charming, and I loved to hear him speak.

I smiled warmly at Dino. ''Of course Dino, no worries.'' In comparison my Australian accent seemed – less cultured - for want of a better term. While it was not as ''thick'' as it had been when I first arrived in the States over 13 years ago, there was no mistaking my country of origin. I had always been a proud Australian, hanging onto my cultural identity. Now though, I wondered exactly what I was? Was I an Australian Autobot, an Australian Cybertronian, An American/Australian Autobot or quite simply a Transformer, formerly a human of Earth, who had sided with the Autobots and happened to have a slightly Australian accent? I shook my helm slightly to rid myself of the inane thoughts. /Who gives a shit you bloody idiot! Focus!/.

Optimus gave an audible sigh. ''Alright, I guess we had all be heading off to see to our respective businesses. Jazz, as for your mission, Major Lennox and I'll transmit exact coordinates of the site once you are airborne. Essentially, you and the others are there to assist in ensuring the facility ceases operation. Discretion is essential as is minimal damage and loss of life. Exercise extreme caution and diplomacy in assisting with our human allies on this mission.''  Jazz gave a small nod but did not seem to move off just yet. ''Report back to me when complete.''

Prime ignored him and turned to Rachet and Dino. ''Rachet, I expect a full report on the extent of Phoenix's injuries and her health status.''

Rachet nodded. ''Of course Prime.''

''Dino,'' Optimus turned to face the Ferrari. ''Please relay to Ironhide that I would also like a full report on the success of Phoenix's weapons assessment and if any further weapons upgrades are granted.''

Dino gave a slight bow of his helm. ''Of course Prime, consider it done.''

He then turned to face me, and I awaited his orders. ''Phoenix, have fun at the doctors and the firing range.'' He gave me a small smile.

I raised an optical ridge at him and folded my arms across my chest. ''What? No report for me to complete for you?''

Optimus gave me a dead pan stare. ''If you feel the need, then by all means, report away Phoenix. I would look forward to reading it.'' There was a teasing tone to his voice. He then ex-vented deeply and, taking a quick glance at us all, spoke once more. ''Alright, best of luck with your respective endeavours or activities. If I am needed, I shall be in Hanger 1.'' With that Prime nodded his helm at everyone, his optics lingering on mine for a brief moment, before he headed towards the door. /So much for spending time with each other/, I thought morosely to myself.

I sighed out loud, ''Alright Doc, let's get this over with.'' I started to walk towards the hanger door, silently following Prime's retreating form. I took the opportunity to appreciate his powerful figure from this angle. /I hate to see you go, but baby I love watching you leave – isn't that the stupid saying?/. I stifled a laugh as I processed the puerile thought.

''In a minute Phoenix.'' I paused in my retreat and, as Optimus had now left the hanger, returned my attention to Rachet and the others. ''I just want to do a final check over Jazz before he departs momentarily to ensure all his systems are fully functional. You head over now, and I'll meet you there shortly. Dino, you might accompany her?''

''It would be my pleasure, Signorina Phoenix, after you,'' Dino gestured towards the door, his aggressive looking blades on his forearms in stark contrast to his polite nature.

''Fine,'' I eyed them suspiciously and almost told Rachet I was not going anywhere but thought better of it. ''Let's go Dino,'' and I continued towards the door Prime had just exited from, Dino right behind me.

The last thing I heard as I walked out of audial shot was snippets of a very conspiratorial whispered conversation between the Prime's second in command and his chief medic that seemed to be centred around Optimus himself and someone else. I couldn't quite work it out. I mentally shrugged. /Nothing to do with me I guess/, and I continued walking towards the Med Bay.

Chapter Text

Jazz P.O.V

As we opened tha hanger door in search of Prime an' Phoenix, I caught a glimpse of them both standin' rather close ta each other. /Were they embracing?/. I couldn't be sure as tha moment tha door slid further open, there was a flash of movement an' tha two subjects of our search party, were now standin' decidedly apart. I felt a mischievous grin spread across ma dermas as I approached with Rachet an' Dino.

Prime spoke up, clearly tryin' ta hide tha fact he was almost caught out doin' somethin' he felt was ''inappropriate''. ''Rachet, Jazz, Dino. To what do we owe the pleasure? I can see you have been repaired already Jazz, swift work Rachet.''

His greetin' seemed pleasant enough, but I could tell ma friend an' ma leader was less than impressed with our timin'. /Oh, I am gonna have some fun with him again. He is too easy ta wind up! For tha love of Primus, I wish he would just get on with it an' tell Phoenix how he felt about her/.

Rachet returned his greetin'. ''Nothing swift about it. It was mainly superficial, and you have been absent for some time Prime.'' It was all I could do not ta laugh out loud at tha none too subtle inference Rachet made. ''I had thought you may have come to the Med Bay yourself, but I see you have been otherwise – engaged.'' 

I turned briefly ta Rachet an' gave him a knowin' smile as we continued our advance. We both ''knew'' about Prime an' Phoenix's unspoken love for each other. Rachet had even had the gumption ta approach them both about it, separately of course, over two years ago. When he found out I also had ma suspicions about them both, we become partners in our own ''under cover'' operation ta bring our two friends we cared for, together.

At Rachet's comment, I watched Phoenix take a sudden interest in tha scorch mark she left from earlier today. Ma grin spread. Prime did not seem perturbed by tha comment, though I bet inwardly he was squirmin'. ''Yes, I have been.'' He didn't miss a beat as he responded. ''I was talking to Phoenix about her training session earlier today and the mishap that led to said injury and her seeming loss of control. I have been impressing upon her the importance of being able to control one's feelings and not let them consume you as they can impair your judgement.''

/Oh, no – he did not just say that! He couldn't have set me up better if he tried! Does he even hear himself speak sometimes?/. I was barely able ta supress a smirk an' a laugh at tha ''choice'' in his words.

I sauntered towards them with a funny grin on ma face. I couldn't help but look between Rachet an' Prime before I selected ma words carefully. ''Oh I don't know Prime. Sometimes I think it is very important ta lose control of ya feelin's an' let everyone know exactly how ya feel.'' I shot both Prime an' Phoenix a very pointed look as if somehow, ma words might make it through their thick helms an' tha light globe of realisation might ''click'' on.

I stood before 'em, foldin' ma arms across ma chest, silently challengin' them both ta really listen ta ma words. ''Bottlin' up your emotions an' feelin's, especially deep feelings, can actually impair your judgement even more as ya can't think straight.'' I turned ta Phoenix an' gave her a wink which I know makes Prime bristle. /Stir the pot Jazz!/. I faced Rachet, time ta tag in. ''Wouldn't you agree Doc?''

Rachet had since come ta stand before Prime an' Phoenix along with Dino, who, unfortunately had no idea what this exchange was really about. Rachet took up where I left off. ''You might have a point there Jazz. In humans the release of the chemical serotonin produces a feeling of….''. But he was unable ta say much before Prime interjected. His irritation was seepin' through his usually tough façade.

''THANK YOU Rachet and Jazz for your – opinions – is there a point to your visit or are you merely here to bestow your wisdom upon us?'' Prime had folded his arms over his chest an' stood authoritatively before us. /Nice try Optimus, ya don't scare us/.

Rachet an' I shot each other a quick look. /Touched a nerve I'd say/. I spoke again, ''Well actually, there is Prime. I await ya orders regardin' tha sortie with Bumblebee an' tha others ta tha illegal nuclear facility. We're ready ta roll out followin' final briefing.'' I tilted ma helm as I shifted on ma pedes. ''Also, Que patched in a call from NASA base. Seems tha Wreckers, in particular Roadbuster, an' that Director of National Intelligence, ya know tha one who now oversees tha plans executed by tha fightin' NEST Autobots?'' I couldn't quite recall that chick's name.

''You mean Ms Charlotte Mearing? Optimus supplied tha name.

Recognition flooded ma processor, an' I clicked ma metallic digits. ''Yeah, that's her! Well, they seem ta be clashin' pretty bad at tha moment over tha Xanthium an' certain base regulations an' rules. I'll let ya fill in tha blanks regardin' Roadbuster's comments.'' My visor flashed with humour an' ma smile spread across ma dermas as I prepared ta tease Prime. ''Ya might need ta go ''do your thang'' an' diffuse tha tickin' timebomb with ya abilities as tha ''Royal Primeness.''

Prime, as suspected, was not amused by ma comment an' simply stood there, narrowin' his optics slightly at me. Phoenix however, burst out laughin', quickly coverin' her dermas with a servo when Prime shot her a slightly disapprovin' glare. I thought she might have quailed at Prime's silent rebuke but, damn, that ''lil' lady had some gumption. Removin' her servo an' speakin' back ta him, ''Oh, come on Prime! That was pretty funny! Lighten up.''

Like Rachet an' I, Phoenix was not intimated by Prime, she knew him very well, an' while, like us, she respected him, she knew him well enough ta call him out when needed. /Another reason why they would be so good together an' needed one another. Two halves of a spark - one ta make tha other whole/.

Everyone knew about Phoenix's previous life as OC an' how she had lost her boyfriend in tha Shangahi attack over two years ago now. It was less common knowledge that Chase was goin' ta propose ta her when he returned, though sadly he never got tha chance. She had found tha ring when goin' through his things an' had been devastated.

Prime, who was pretty close ta OC as she had been known then, was tha one who helped pull her through. Perhaps it was because he too had suffered a huge loss with tha death of his spark mate, Elita One. They had a shared grief. Pretty well since Prime an' OC had met, they had shared some ''connection''. A connection that had only seemed ta deepen an' grow as time passed into somethin' much more than mere friendship.

Unfortunately, as I stood here watchin' them both neither one knew how, or was willing, ta admit it. /Well, that's where ol'' Jazz steps in! I am gonna keep needlin' Prime an' stirrin' him until he finally steps up an' acknowledges his feelings/.

I walked over ta Phoenix an' placed an arm about her waist, pulling her close for a moment. Prime radiated irritation an' jealousy. /Good!/, I smirked as I addressed him. ''See, Phoenix here appreciates a sense of humour.'' I squeezed her tight again which earned me a witherin' glare from Optimus who had tensed up at tha site of me with ma arm around her waist. I noticed it alright, but there was no way I was gonna do anythin' ta alleviate ma leader's apparent upset. In fact, I wanted ta encourage it! Make him confront his feelin's of jealousy an' annoyance for what they were – fear that someone else might steal Phoenix away from him. That he was indeed in love with her an' wanted her.

I could tell Phoenix was becomin' suspicious of ma actions. We had always gotten along well. Hell, lil' lady had saved ma life from Megatron in Mission City. Least I could do was help her find love. I wanted her ta be happy. However, Phoenix, seemin' ta be aware of my tauntin' an' not wantin' ta antagonise Prime any further, stepped outta ma arm an' went ta stand beside Prime. At Phoenix's actions Prime visibly relaxed an' shot me a ''gloatin' smirk, as he stood that little bit closer ta her. It was actually quite heart-warmin' an' endearin' ta watch these two dance about tha issue.

Rachet an' I once again gave each other a fleetin' look before Rachet spoke up. ''And while you are attending to that issue, Phoenix needs to accompany me back to the Med Bay so I can assess any minor damage to her and check her vitals to ensure she is 100% fit for duty.'' I almost heard Phoenix's groan.

I continued ta watch tha exchange between Dino an' Phoenix an' then Prime as he gave his final briefin' for ma upcoming mission. ''Jazz, as for your mission, Lennox and I'll transmit exact coordinates of the site once you are airborne. Essentially, you and the others are there to assist in ensuring the facility ceases operation. Discretion is essential as is minimal damage and loss of life. Exercise extreme caution and diplomacy in assisting with our human allies on this mission. Report back to me when complete.'' I gave a small nod but did not want ta leave just yet, I had another secret agenda ta attend to. Prime seemed ta ignore ma choice ta stay put for tha time being.

I watched as Prime gave his final orders ta everyone, includin' Phoenix. ''Phoenix, have fun at the doctors and the firing range.'' He gave her a small smile.

She raised an optical ridge at him. ''What? No report for me to complete for you?'' I almost laughed out loud at her comment. /Oh, how I love tha way she sass's him an' teases him. He needs someone ta help him lighten up. Primus knows how much stress an' strain he has been under. He needs her mischievous spark ta brighten his darkness/.

Optimus gave her a dead pan stare. ''If you feel the need, then by all means, report away Phoenix. I would look forward to reading it.'' There was a teasing tone ta his voice. /A light in his darkness for sure. Phoenix was aptly named for a variety of reasons. One of which was tha fact, whether he knew it or not, that she was helpin' Prime ta rise from tha ashes of spark break an' open his spark ta love again. If he would only give in an' stop fighting it!/.

Givin' his final dismissal to everyone, his optics lingering on Phoenix's for a brief moment, he headed towards the doors. /I love how they think they're foolin' everyone, including each other!/. With Prime gone, it was just Phoenix an' Dino ta get rid of before Rachet an' I could have our ''chat''. Thankfully Rachet spoke up an' told Phoenix ta head ta tha Med Bay with Dino an' he would catch up shortly, citin' checkin' ma injuries as a ruse.

/Brilliant!/.

We didn't even wait 'til Phoenix an' Dino were out tha door before we began our chat. I had a feelin' Phoenix, heard some of our discussion though she didn't turn around or refuse ta leave. ''Could Prime an' Phoenix be more obliviously unaware of their feelings?'' I all but shouted ta Rachet. ''Can ya believe he said what he said about ''not letting feelings get in tha way lest they impair judgement or some such scrap?'' I asked incredulously.

Rachet snorted. ''I swear he doesn't even hear himself speak sometimes or he has deluded himself that much about his feelings towards Phoenix he just doesn't make the connection.'' Rachet shook his helm.

''I know right! Man, we are gonna have ta step it up Ratch. I all but told them both ta tell each other how they felt an' they both still didn't get tha message!'' I couldn't help keepin' tha frustration out of ma tone. ''For two intelligent individuals, they're awfully dense on this topic.''

Rachet sighed. ''Well, think about it Jazz. This is Prime we are talking about. He is notoriously slow to deliberate on serious and important matters, wanting to ensure he makes the best choice for all parties involved. I admit I may have impeded things a little.'' Rachet looked a little chagrined. ''Remember how I told you after Prime was brought online again after his operation, how he nearly told Phoenix then how he felt but I interrupted them?''

I nodded. ''Well, I did it because I was concerned it was the wrong time for them. I wanted to make sure they had the best chance, so I wanted them to get to know each other with this change in their dynamic. Phoenix alone had so much she had to sort through emotionally, mentally, physically. Adding a new relationship to that could have been disastrous for them both!''

''I know Ratch. It was tha best choice at tha time. However, I fee Optimus may have taken your advice on waitin' an' gettin' ta know each other all over again a little too seriously!'' I snorted out loud in frustration. ''I mean, two years already for frag's sake.'' I threw my servos up in tha air in mock defeat. ''I have made that many suggestive comments t'wards Phoenix in Prime's presence that Sideswipe asked me if I needed ta talk about ma feelin's towards her!'' I gave a frustrated groan. ''I mean I care about her an' all, but she's like a little sister or somethin'. I'm jus' tryin' ta make Prime jealous an' spur him into action, which I know has been workin' ta an extent, but he's too scrappin' hard ta crack.''

Rachet gave a little laugh. ''Did you see the look he gave you when you put your arm around her waist? Man, if looks could kill Jazz, you'd be a gonner! I thought he was going to go over and deck you.'' The Doc bot grew reflective for a moment. ''However, Phoenix showed some insight. I swear she knows what we are up to. Plus, she also proved how much she cares for Prime by choosing to go over and stand by his side when she noticed his reaction. It was almost as if…''

''She was sayin' ta him, ''Don't worry, I'm yours.'' I finished for him.

''Yeah! And did you see the smug look Prime gave you and the way he subtly, or so he thought, stood closer to her?'' Rachet shook his helm again, ''Those two could write the data pad on ''denial''.

I laughed out loud at that, ''Absofraggin' lutely Rachet! De-nile ain't just some river in Egypt!'' Rachet burst out laughin' at ma pathetic pun an' I joined him for a moment before I quietened down. ''I jus' hope one of 'em works it out or is brave enough ta take tha first step soon cause I don't know how much longer I can convince 'Sides there is nothin' goin' on between Phoenix an' I''.

Rachet put a servo up ta his chin an' tha other on his hip, deep in thought for a moment. ''Perhaps… perhaps I could say something to Phoenix this afternoon when I see her, you know, stoke the flames a little?''

A wicked glint flashed across ma visor. ''Oh Rachet, I do love how ya mind works. Do it! I'm gonna be unable ta do anythin' for a few days with this mission. However, when I get back, full steam ahead!'' I shook my helm. ''So help me, if those two haven't confessed their love for each other by tha end of tha year I'll….''

''You'll what?'' Rachet challenged.

A devious look crossed ma features. ''I'll publicly declare ma love for Prime! THAT ought ta light a fire under his aft an' make him confess ta all an' sundry that his affections lie elsewhere with a particular femme.''

Rachet's look of shock gave way ta utter amusement. ''Oh, I bet you would do something like that Jazz!'' Rachet patted me on tha shoulder struts. ''Come on, we best be moving on. Good luck with your mission, come back in one piece.''

''Thanks Doc. 'Course I will.''

We walked towards tha exit of tha hanger in good natured silence until Rachet half turned ta me an' spoke with a slight smirk in his voice. ''You know. I would LOVE to see you do that Jazz. I kind of hope they don't admit their feelings just yet so I can witness you tell Prime, our stoic, straight as an arrow leader, that YOU love him!''

I gave a low, wicked laugh. ''Oh I do love a challenge Rachet, you know that. I might jus' do it anyway.'' I clapped ma friend an' co-conspirator on tha back as we walked outta tha hanger.

Chapter Text

Phoenix P.O.V

I felt myself tense up and flinch slightly, not as a result of the various tools Rachet was using to repair my damaged arm and abdomen, but as a result of the direct question he just threw to me.

''So, have you spoken to Optimus about how you feel?'' I could almost ''feel'' the raised optic ridge on his faceplates. ''Easy,'' Rachet put a servo on my shoulder as he watched me tense up. ''Relax Phoenix.''

''Relax?'' I scoffed out loud. ''Rachet, you have a welder, a massive scalpel looking thingy, a massive blow torch and various other tools and torture devices sitting beside you, NOT to mention that you just threw me the mother of all curve balls of a question and you ask me to RELAX?'' I threw him an incredulous look. ''You really need to work on your bedside manner Doc!''

''Duly noted.'' Rachet seemed unfazed by my comment and somewhat annoyed I had not seen fit to answer his question yet. ''Well, have you?''

I sighed, an old ''human'' habit of mine. ''It's complicated Rachet. Can we just leave it at that?'' I implored.

Rachet paused in his ministrations, looking at me slightly confused. ''Complicated? How so? I mean you love him, don't you?''

I flinched at how blunt Rachet was being on what was a delicate subject, at least where I was concerned. ''Well, I think so. I... oh, I don't know!'' I yelled as a look of frustration and annoyance descended over my features. ''See! How am I meant to talk to Prime about my feelings when I don't even fully understand them myself!'' I spat out at Rachet as I went to fold my arms over my chest and winced. I had forgotten the injury I had sustained in yet another training exercise with Ironhide, Jazz, Dino, Arcee and Sideswipe. I lay my arms by my sides in defeat.

''Easy,'' Rachet cautioned once more. ''Phoenix,'' Rachet sighed himself, ''You DO understand your feelings, all too well actually. You just don't want to admit them, and you don't want to get hurt again.'' Rachet levelled a piercing gaze at my optics.

I flinched again. My shoulders slumped. I could not look at him.

Rachet continued. ''What is it you are so afraid of?'' Rachet did not move to repair me. He stood by my side, his arms folded over his chest and a serious gaze on his face.

I growled in frustration. ''Everything!'' I ground out to the Medic. I snapped my helm up to look at him as the words tumbled out. ''I'm afraid he won't see me that way and I'll ruin what we do have between us. I'm afraid I'm not good enough for him, he's the Prime for Primus sake!'' I threw my servos up in the air in a futile attempt to bring credence to what I was saying. ''Who am I to be with someone like him Rachet?'' The Autobot medic simply stared at me.

I ex-vented loudly and shuttered my optics as the most worrisome thought flashed through my processor. ''Most of all, I'm afraid that he will return my feelings and I will lose him – just like I lost Chase and he lost Elita. I don't...'' I returned Rachet's gaze, letting him read the pain, uncertainty and conflict in my optics. ''I don't think I could survive that again Rachet. It's just safer this way.'' I hung my head in both shame and defeat. If I could cry, I am sure I would have had a river flowing down my cheeks.

A servo gently touched my shoulder as Rachet reached out to me. ''Phoenix, they are all very valid reasons for you to fear sharing your feelings with Optimus but in my humble opinion, they are all unfounded.'' I looked up at him and he smiled warmly at me. ''As for your greatest fear let me ask you this. What if you kept your feelings to yourself to make it ''easier'' for you and Optimus was to die anyway – as may well happen?''

My spark constricted tightly at the terrifying thought. ''How would you feel then knowing you never got the chance to tell him how you felt? That he never got to hear how much you truly cared for him?'' Rachet stared deep into my optics as he let his words settle on my spark. ''What do you think will cause you more hurt Phoenix – love or regret?''

I closed my optics as a shudder ran through my frame. /Damn it all but he was right!/. I nodded slowly in acceptance and understanding. ''Well, you certainly have a way with words Rachet, don't you?''

Rachet simply gave a cocky smile and puffed out his chest. ''Just one of my many talents Phoenix.'' He grew serious again for a moment. ''Please, promise me you'll think about what I said and talk to Prime soon?''

I was about to nod my assent when a thought popped into my processor. ''Say Rachet, why do you keep asking me about this anyway? You have been prodding and prompting me about this on and off for almost a year, ever since that afternoon with Ironhide and Jazz in the hanger and my little - outburst.'' I paused a moment considering. ''At first you seemed to caution me that day in the med Bay after Optimus came back online from his repairs and you deliberately interrupted that ''moment'' between us.''

I raised an optical ridge towards him as he shifted on his pedes before me. ''Now it seems you bring it up every chance you get.'' I eyed him suspiciously. ''You got a bet going or something?'' 

He scoffed. ''Hardly!'' The medic then changed his tone to one of earnest sincerity such as I had never heard from him before. ''Phoenix, as hard as it may seem for you to understand, I just want you, and Optimus, to be happy. You both deserve it.'' He shrugged his shoulders. ''The way I see it, you pair being together gives you both the best shot at that happiness.''

I felt a warm wave of affection wash over me and I smiled at him. ''Wow. Thanks, Rachet. I really appreciate that.''

The gruff medic returned my smile briefly before continuing. ''Mind you, that is not a bad idea having some sort of betting pool going? I could make a killing with a little inside information,'' he raised an optic ridge at me in silent, devious questioning before winking conspiratorially.

I slapped him playfully on his shoulder. ''Insufferable Mech! Slag off!'' I laughed.

''Fine, ingrate. Now, if you don't mind, I have some repairs to see to.'' Rachet the medic was back.

However, before he had time to raise his tools, my comms went off and I felt myself heat up at the deep voice that flooded through my audials. I whispered to Rachet, ''Well speak of the devil, must be missing me,'' and I gave him a wink.

Rachet smiled. I activated my comms. ::Hey Prime, Phoenix here::

::Phoenix, I trust you are well and Rachet is attending to your injuries as we speak?::

I smiled at the concern in his tone and as Rachet's words came rushing back to me, I ventured being somewhat forward with him. ::I am well, all the better for hearing from you Optimus:: The smallest of gasps could be heard down the line and I pressed on. ::And Rachet is just about to sort me out:: I sniggered down the comms line, recalling Prime's fear of the med bay. ::He has his instruments of death and torture all laid out. Shall I describe them to you?::

::NO!:: His deep voice rumbled down the comms line at once. It was all I could do to bite back my laughter. ::That won't be necessary Phoenix, thank you:: There was another pause down the comm line.

::So, was there something you needed Prime? Or was this just a social chat?:: I couldn't help teasing him.

::Actually Phoenix there was a purpose to my contacting you, apart from having the pleasure of hearing your voice...:: I felt my spark constrict momentarily at his loaded comment... ::When Rachet has finished his repairs on you and, provided you are well enough, I would like for you to make your way to the firing range. Ironhide, Jazz and I will be here waiting for you. I'd also like Rachet to attend so please inform him of my request::

My curiosity was piqued, but I decided to let it go. /Pick your battles Phoenix/. I nodded my helm. ::Sure Prime, consider it done. I'll see you there soon and I'll bring the package with me::

::Excellent. I look forward to seeing you soon Phoenix. Prime out::

Before I had time to reply, the comm line went dead and I sat there with what I am sure was a goofy expression on my face.

Rachet eyed me curiously. ''Well? What did he want?''

''He ah, Prime requests my presence at the firing range with Jazz and Ironhide after I have finished here, providing I am well enough of course.'' I eyed Rachet who simply nodded. ''I have no idea as to why and I didn't think to question him about it.'' I shrugged my shoulders.

Rachet shrugged his shoulders too. ''Oh well, we best get to work then.''

''By the way, he asked me to bring a package along with me.''

Rachet picked up a scalpel. ''And what package  might that be?''

I smiled sweetly. ''Why, you of course Doc Bot.'' I winked at him.

Rachet's optics narrowed and he put the scalpel down, picking up the welder instead. ''Change in plans Phoenix.'' He lit it up, bringing it near to my abdomen and the nasty gauge there from Dino's swords. ''Now,'' he said with a wicked smile. ''Hold still, this won't hurt…. much''.

A few joors later, I gracefully came to land on the firing range not far off from Optimus and the others. It had been almost a year since I first transformed into ''Phoenix'' and in that time I had learned quite a lot about my new form. I had mastered the art of transforming into and out of my alt mode as the Phoenix. I had also learned how to fly – some of the most amazing, exciting and terrifying months of my life.

Given there really wasn't any Autobots amongst our ranks that had the ability of flight, I had to give myself, pardon the pun ''a crash course in flying''. I had read up on all the technical aspects of it, the theory so to speak. I had discussed the mechanics of flying with N.E.S.T pilots but then, when it came down to it, I just had to do it.

My first few attempts were woeful, and I ended up in the Med Bay on several occasions. Trying to wrap my processor around the fact that I was indeed able to fly, the very feeling of being in the air off the ground took a bit of getting used to. Especially seeing as prior to becoming the Phoenix I was terrified of flying! Fate has a sense of humour it would seem.

Optimus was one step away from banning me from flying for the foreseeable future, but then – it clicked! I never looked back and was only becoming more graceful and agile in the air with each passing day and continued practise. I felt the exhilaration of soaring through the air slowly leave my body as I transformed back into robot mode and walked over towards Optimus, Ironhide, Jazz and Rachet, who had since arrived on the scene.

Prime was watching me intently with those azure optics of his as I approached and he nodded as I drew close. ''Phoenix, lovely to see you again.'' He smiled. ''I trust you are feeling well after your repairs?''

I returned his smile. ''Wonderful to see you too Optimus,'' His optics flashed brightly and I turned to nod at Rachet. ''I'm feeling pretty good. Old Hatchet here is a whizz with a welder.''

Rachet merely smirked at me as Prime tried to suppress a shudder.

''I see. Well, if you are feeling up to it, we'll get on with the true purpose of our meeting here.'' Optimus turned to look briefly at the others, who all nodded. ''Phoenix, we believe it is time for you to really test your powers. See what it is you can do.'' I felt my spark speed up in excitement.

Since my battle with Ironhide and Jazz in the hanger and I had gone a little ''feral''. I had kept my promise and worked hard to not allow my feelings to cloud my judgement in battle but channelled them to my advantage. I had also graduated to fighting multiple adversaries but had still not fully used my powers. I was awaiting approval from Prime for that and, it seemed that day had arrived! My optics lit up. ''Are you serious? Like, right now?'' I looked from Optimus to Rachet and then to Ironhide and Jazz.

Prime's dermas curved into a small smile as he replied. ''Yes Phoenix. Like - right now.''

Ironhide spoke up. ''We figured now might be a good time to try this given your earlier battle, subsequent damage and repair. It might be interesting to gauge your abilities in your current state and not functioning at full capacity….''

Jazz interjected, ''Though I still think you'll pack one hella'va punch lil' lady!'' Despite being about 9 feet taller than Jazz, he still kept his nickname for me from when he first met me.

I smiled at him, ''Thanks for the vote of confidence Jazz.''

''Now, while we want you to see what you are capable of Phoenix, we don't want you over doing it and risking injury to yourself or us!'' Rachet warned.

Optimus nodded and fixed me with a very serious stare. ''This is a test not only of your abilities when not holding back Phoenix, but a test of your ability to hold back if necessary. If you sense danger to yourself or any of us, you need to demonstrate self-restraint and sound judgement in ceasing the use of your powers immediately.'' This was Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots addressing me now, not Prime, my dear friend. ''Is that understood?''

I nodded and returned Prime's serious gaze. ''Absolutely Prime. I understand and acknowledge what you are asking of me and assure you I will honour your request.'' I looked around at them all. ''I would never want to do anything to hurt any of you, ever!''

Ironhide gave a loud, derisive snort. ''Could have fooled me! About 8 joors ago you were beating the ever-living energon out of 'Sides.''

I had the grace to look embarrassed for a moment before I retorted, ''Well Ironhide. Do you notice Sideswipe standing here amongst you?'' I smiled sweetly at him. ''I said would never hurt any of you.'' 

Ironhide gave a quick chuckle that shook his barrel like chest. ''Fair point, lucky us.''

''Well, we had best get started.'' Optimus nodded towards me. ''Phoenix we are going to use various scrap and targets for this test as opposed to Autobots.'' His servo swept across the large field before him strewn with massive piles of scrap metal. ''The goal of this test is to see what you are able to manipulate with your psychokinesis and then bring to bear your pyrokinesis to see what damage can be wrought. You will not be engaging in any hand-to-hand combat.'' That sexy half smile of his returned. ''We are already well aware of your abilities in that area.''

''Well, you aren't!'' I challenged. ''You're the only one I have not squared off against as Phoenix.'' My voice held a teasing tone.

Prime ignored my comment, focused on the task at hand. He began to walk towards the massive open field from atop the ridge we had been standing on. True to his word out amongst the firing range were various parts of tank shells, cars, and other large pieces of scrap littered around. Ironhide and Jazz must have organised this earlier with some help from the newly appointed ''Colonel'' Lennox who was strangely absent.

''Hey Optimus? Where is Lennox? I thought he would have wanted to be here to witness this if only to help in his feedback to Morshower and Director Mearing''. It had taken Lennox and Epps the better part of three months before they had accepted my transformation and felt comfortable in my presence. Lennox still called me ''OC'' on occasion, but was quick to correct himself. While the dynamics of our friendship had changed somewhat based on my physical transformation, we still got along well, and I was a bit disappointed that he wasn't there.

''Colonel Lennox was going to attend Phoenix, but he got called away early this morning. Apparently, a new Russian contact has reached out to Director Mearing with some information that might prove useful. She sent him immediately to gather intel,'' Prime continued walking, only casting a cursory glance backwards.

I ex-vented. ''Oh well, his loss, I guess. Hope it is worth the trip.''

We had descended to the bottom of the sloping ridge. ''Phoenix, I want you to walk out about another 30 paces. Visualise the piles of scrap as enemy targets and combine your powers in an effect manner to neutralise them.'' He turned to face me, ''Direct your fire power out over the ocean if possible, not back towards us.''

I nodded. Rachet spoke up, ''I will be monitoring your vitals during the process to see how your systems are coping and how they, and you, react to whatever it is you do.'' he assured me. Rachet cleared his throat in a decidedly human manner, ''I also have some sedative here just in case…''

''I go berserk and lose control,'' I interjected dead pan.

Rachet gave a weak smile. ''Yeah, something like that.''

''I understand Rachet, no judgment but I assure you, you won't be needing it.'' I turned to face them all. ''I feel as though I have a much better gauge of my abilities, I feel more comfortable in my own body than I ever have. I'm ready for this next stage.'' I cycled deeply. ''Let's do this.'' I nodded to them all and walked out as instructed by Prime.

I heard Prime call out behind me. ''Good luck Phoenix, please be careful.''

I was aware of the sound of heavy footfalls as Optimus and the others retreated back up the small ridge to view my display. As I approached the designated distance I came to a standstill. I initiated the transformation process seamlessly and smoothly, changing into ''The Phoenix''. I felt myself dig my pedes and talons deep into the ground, anchoring myself. My large, metallic wings spread out behind me. My battle mask and visor had slid into place helping to centre and focus my thoughts.

I focused myself inward. I encouraged the power to build within me, the fire to course through me. Flames burst into life along my wings and I raised my arms up slightly by my sides. Balls of flames danced about my palms to my command. I scanned the field before me, surveying the piles of scrap. I began to imagine them as Decepticons. Starscream off to my right, Megatron before me in the centre of the field. Other names I had heard flowed through my processor, /Shockwave, Ravage, Soundwave, Barricade/.

I began to feel the power build. Reaching out towards the piles of scrap, I began to visualise them lifting – rising into the air. Not just one or two of them but all of them at once! If I was going to do this, I was doing it all the way. /Prime said ''don't hold back''/. Slowly, the piles rose into the air – higher and higher.

/More../. I needed more – anger – more emotion- to push me to be able to do what I had planned.

I closed my optics, whilst focusing on the piles of scrap, I also recalled those moments of heightened emotion. The Mission City Battle, training with N.E.S.T, touching the Shard, waking up as Phoenix, battling Ironhide and Jazz.

''Is that all you got?'' I gritted my dermas at the remembered taunt. Every dent, every punch I had received in training. Power coursed through me and my whole body felt as though it was vibrating; I was vaguely aware I was beginning to growl. Higher and higher the objects rose. My final thoughts and emotions flashed through my processor; that night at Turtle Cove with Prime, meeting Chase, losing Chase… losing Prime… The pain… The utter spark ache…

That did it!

Everything within me connected. I threw my helm up, opened my optics and, pushing with all my strength as though from the deepest part of me, I stretched my arms out before me and unleashed - screeching my heartache, pain and anger as a cathartic release.

A monstrous wave of fire erupted from my servos like a fiery shockwave, flying rapidly towards the targets that still hung suspended in the air. The air was torn apart by the loud explosion as within seconds all of the targets, and those that lay at the furthest end of the field, were consumed and then obliterated by a wave of fire that swallowed all in its path. The wave travelled on out past the furthest targets and over the ocean. My body was consumed in flames – though I felt nothing.

I stood there motionless as the fire began to die down. My chest rose and fell as if I was trying to take in great sobs of air that I did not need. My shoulders slumped as though every ounce of energy had been taken from me. The acrid smell of smoke, burnt metal, rubber and earth hung in the air about me. There were patches of fire burning all over the field, pillars of smoke rose from tiny patches of rubble that dotted the landscape before me, there were no large piles of scrap to be seen.

Transforming back into my robot mode, I sunk to my knees.

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

/So graceful, so beautiful!/. I could not stop the train of distracting thoughts from running through my processor as I watched Phoenix wing her way through the sky. My optics fixed firmly upon her as she came to land a short distance away from where I was standing with Ironhide and Jazz at the firing range.

For two years I had tried to step back and give her space to grieve the loss of Chase and adapt to her new life and form. For two interminable years, I had kept physical contact with her to a bare minimum, only allowing myself to watch and admire her from a distance. It tore my spark in two and ate at my self-restraint, but I had to do it – for her, for us.

However, since that fateful afternoon a year ago when Phoenix had almost let her powers consume her when fighting Ironhide and Jazz, I had found an opportunity to reconnect with her. The moment my servo touched her cheek and she leant into my touch, embracing me, a fire was sent racing through me and all but crumbled my resolve.

In that moment, there was no denying it any more, I loved her, I truly did. The realisation had sent a wave of relief washing over me and it was though a massive burden had been lifted from my spark. I had almost confessed my feelings to her after she had told me how much she had missed this connection between us and when she had said she wanted us to make time to be together. Yet once again, fate had a different idea, and we had been interrupted by Rachet, Jazz and Dino. I began to wonder if we would ever get our moment!

Now, as I stood watching her walk towards me; her optics alight with that beautiful soul of hers, I knew the moment was fast approaching. I could no longer deny my feelings towards her. /Yet, how do I tell her? When do I tell her?/. Nervous anticipation coursed through me as she came to stand before me, but first, there was something important that had to be done. Something that hopefully would bring my precious Phoenix some joy, fun and answers.

I nodded my helm in greeting to her. 'Phoenix, lovely to see you again.'' I smiled at her. ''I trust you are feeling well after your repairs?'' 

She returned my smile. ''Wonderful to see you too Optimus.'' My optics flashed brightly at the sound of my name coming from her dermas. She turned to nod at Rachet. ''I'm feeling pretty good. Old Hatchet here is a whizz with a welder.'' Rachet merely smirked at me as I tried to suppress a shudder.

At the thought of the Med Bay, I felt a shiver sweep over me. I ignored it and continued speaking. ''I see. Well, if you are feeling up to it, we'll get on with the true purpose of our meeting here.'' I turned to look briefly at the others, who all nodded. ''Phoenix, we believe it is time for you to really test your powers. See what it is you can do.'' I watched her optics light up in excitement and felt my own spark twinge to see her so happy.

''Are you serious? Like, right now?'' She was looking from me to Rachet and then to Ironhide and Jazz, as if sensing we were playing some horrible joke on her.

I allowed a small smile to form on my dermas as I replied. ''Yes Phoenix - Like right now.''

Ironhide spoke up. ''We figured now might be a good time to try this given your earlier battle, subsequent damage and repair. It might be interesting to gauge your abilities in your current state and not functioning at full capacity.'' 

Jazz interjected, ''Though I still think you'll pack one hella'va punch lil' lady!''

I watched the interaction between Phoenix and the others, especially my second in command, very carefully. Ever since Orianna had become ''Phoenix,'' Jazz had paid her closer attention. I could understand his interest as Phoenix was indeed a very striking femme, though his suggestive comments and openly forward behaviour towards her, really grated my nerves. I guess Jazz just saw Phoenix in a whole new light and was not backward in coming forward about it – /unlike myself!/.

A small coil of jealousy wrapped itself about my spark like a cold snake and squeezed. If I did not act soon perhaps someone else – namely Jazz -would! I tried to quell the feeling and shifted between my pedes momentarily to dispel the sudden rising anxiety I felt.

I refocused my attention as Rachet finished reminding Phoenix that while we want to see what she is capable of, she is not to overdo it. I nodded and fixed her with a very serious stare. ''This is a test not only of your abilities when not holding back Phoenix, but a test of your ability to hold back if necessary. If you sense danger to yourself or any of us, you need to demonstrate self-restraint and sound judgement in ceasing the use of your powers immediately. Is that understood?'' I needed her to understand the seriousness of this situation and I tried to speak to her as though I was her leader, not someone who cared about her very deeply.

She nodded and returned my gaze with equal seriousness. ''Absolutely Prime. I understand and acknowledge what you are asking of me and assure you I will honour your request.'' She looked around at all of us. ''I would never want to do anything to hurt any of you, ever!''

Ironhide gave a loud snort. ''Could have fooled me! About 8 joors ago you were beating the ever-living energon out of 'Sides.''

Phoenix had the grace to look embarrassed for a moment before she retorted, ''Well Ironhide… Do you notice Sideswipe standing here amongst you? I said would never hurt any of you.'' She smiled sweetly at him.

I only just managed to stifle a laugh./Oh my Phoenix how much joy you bring me!/, though out loud all I said was, ''Well, we had best get started!'' As we strode down the incline towards the field, I explained to Phoenix what her objective was and the parameters of the exercise. Phoenix understood and was ready.

She cycled deeply. ''Let's do this.'' Nodding her helm to all of us, she walked out as I had instructed.

I felt a part of me want to reach out and stop her and call it all off. I was worried, fearful something would happen to her. But I could not in good conscience prevent her from realising her true powers, her true self. I simply allowed myself to call out encouragement and a gentle warning, ''Good luck Phoenix, please be careful.'' And we all turned and walked back up the ridge to a safer distance, awaiting the display.

As soon as she approached the designated distance she came to a standstill and initiated the transformation process, seamlessly and smoothly changing into ''The Phoenix''. I was transfixed as I watched her change. /Power, beauty, terror and awe/.

As her wings burst into flames and she began to command the fire within her servos, I felt myself drawn to her and at the same time, I was also transported back to another time and another place to the only other femme who had captured my spark. For the first time in the longest time I allowed the memories to wash over me…

A vision of an attractive femme with white and pink armour plating, fine features and a strong, yet dainty appearance, flickered through my processor. Her optics held a vivacious spirit and determination, and her spark held my own.

Elita 1 had been special too. She too had possessed an amazing gift. Though it was nothing as ostentatious as bursting into flame and manipulating objects with her mind, her power had been no less incredible. She had been able to manipulate time itself, freezing it in order to correct one small mistake that could be the difference between life and death, victory and defeat.

She had only ever used it a handful of times as it drained almost all of her energy to the point of being near death, one of those occasions was to save my life. She did not even hesitate, even knowing what it would do – selfless and self-sacrificing to the end. She had loved me with all of her spark and I her… But she was gone…. And though I never thought it would be possible… I had finally allowed my spark to open itself up to another soul… one as bright as the sun itself…

A loud screech that seemed to encapsulate all the anguish, pain and spark ache I had felt at recalling the loss of Elita shattered my thoughts and catapulted me to the present moment.

I was mesmerised as I watched Phoenix send a massive wall of fire and power bursting forth from her servos and wings, obliterating all before it. My spark stopped as I took in the scene before me and the flaming figure at the heart of it. /She was incredible!/.

In a matter of seconds all the piles of debris had been reduced to patches of fire burning all over the field, pillars of smoke rose from tiny patches of rubble that dotted the landscape before me, there were no large piles of scrap to be seen. I was vaguely aware of the shouts of awe and amazement from Rachet, Jazz and Irondhide. Phoenix seemed to falter, transform back into my robot mode and  sink to her knees.

Immediately, I ran towards her, /Primus please be alright!/. ''Phoenix! Phoenix, are you alright?'' I called out to her, not caring if she or anyone else heard the concern in my voice. My face hovered before hers as I knelt above her, worry etched all over it. I clasped her shoulders with my servos, gently shaking her. ''Phoenix? Can you hear me?''

She looked at me, tilted her helm and blinked. She nodded slowly to indicate that she could indeed hear me. I felt the instant relief spread across my face and I could not help grasping her shoulders tightly for a moment. She smiled, ''I'm… I'm okay Prime.. I just… that was… intense.'' I held her close for a moment.

Eventually, after Rachet and the others were happy she was alright, I spoke gently to her. ''Do you feel able to stand?'' I turned to Rachet, ''Is it okay for her to stand?''

Rachet nodded. ''If she feels up to it, I don't see why not. She may feel a little shaky given the huge effort she just expended but she should be fine.''

Phoenix nodded and began to move herself to stand but I could not stop myself from wrapping my arms about her chest and help pull her carefully to her feet. She stumbled slightly and fell into my arms and I gladly and willingly caught her. I steadied her carefully and held her, making no move to extricate her from my grasp.

''Sorry Prime!'' she apologised quickly and looked up into my optics smiling weakly. ''Guess my equilibrium is a bit mucked up and I haven't got my balance just yet.'' 

My spark tightened and sped up as I stared into her optics. ''You have nothing to apologise for Phoenix, it is to be expected after your efforts.'' I shook my helm in amazement as I gazed at her. ''Incredible. You are incredible.'' I spoke in a whispered tone overcome with sudden emotion. I began to bring one of my servos up towards her face, wanting to brush her cheek again but at the last moment I recalled we were not alone and I quickly placed it on her shoulder. I swear she almost pouted at my actions. A flash of hope burned through me.

 ''Well, I guess you could say Prime, that Phoenix has fallen for you,'' Jazz piped up, a slight triumphant chuckle in his voice before he added, ''or is it the other way around?'' Rachet had laughed out loud and even Ironhide had grunted in amusement. 

Normally, I would have instantly dismissed and rebuked the comments in a bid to maintain a façade of control and authority, but I could not bring myself to do so. It was true. I had indeed fallen for Phoenix. I locked my optics onto hers, willing her to see the depth of my feelings within them. I spoke softly, directing my reply to her even though it was aimed at Jazz. ''Indeed Jazz. Perhaps you are right.'' Out of the corner of my optics I noticed Jazz, Rachet and Ironhide's expressions reflect the shock they felt at the closest thing to an admission of feelings from me.

Phoenix had furrowed her optical ridge for a moment in confusion as she seemed to internalise my comment and try to decide what I had meant by it. After a moment she shook her helm and pushed free from my embrace, taking a step away from me. I felt a part of my spark ache at the silent dismissal. /Why didn't you just tell her! You are weak, Megatron was right/, I felt the thought mock me.

She seemed to be trying to move her dermas as if she was attempting to say something, but nothing would come out. /Had I scared her? Had I embarrassed her?/. A million thoughts and feelings churned through me though I refrained from speaking. It seemed as though Jazz's ''innocent'' comment had once again pushed us towards the edge of that precipice, and we were standing there on the edge together, but something had stopped us from jumping.

''Well, I guess we could call Phoenix's effort here today a success? Rachet? Prime?'' Ironhide turned towards our medic and then me. A part of me felt grateful for his redirection and yet I was also angry at myself as I felt the opportunity to let Phoenix know how I felt, fade away like smoke. 

''Ah yeah, Ironhide,'' Rachet replied. ''I'd say so.'' I detected the disappointment I felt reflected in his voice.

I remained silent, simply listening to the exchange between Rachet and her. I still did not trust myself to speak.

As Jazz walked over to her and reached up to give her a playful pat on the shoulder, I felt myself bristle with jealousy. ''See, told ya lil' lady, you'd pack a punch. You were amazing!'' He smiled warmly at her and something in me snapped and spurred me into action.

I stepped towards them and placed myself between Jazz and her, puerile I know but I thought perhaps actions may speak louder than words. ''Yes. Phoenix you were amazing, incredible. Though there was never any doubt from any of us I wager, that that would be the case.'' She cast her optics to the ground at the praise I was giving her. ''However,'' I intoned as I had to make the concern that had crept into my spark and processor at her display known. ''As successful as today's efforts were, it also brings into play a more serious matter.''

I cast my optics around the small group of trusted warriors, advisors, friends and medics. ''The urgent need to keep Phoenix a secret from the Decepticons for as long as possible.'' I returned my penetrating gaze to her as she had once again raised her helm. ''With her power and abilities if the Decepticons were to find out about her existence they would stop at nothing to try and capture her for their own evil machinations or, destroy her to spite us and stop us from holding any sort of advantage.'' My tone held barely checked anger and fear at the same time as the thought of that happening to her tore at me. Everyone nodded in agreeance - except her.

I felt myself tense as I had a feeling, I knew what was to come.

''Well hang on a moment there Prime.'' Phoenix folded her arms across her chest. ''While I appreciate the sentiment and motives behind your words, I am not sure I like what they imply. I have no desire to remain hidden behind locked doors, skulking around the base like some mysterious monster. That would be like trading one prison cell for another. While I am thankful for your concern for my well-being, truly I am, with all due respect Optimus, I will not be kept under lock and key due to Decepticons.'' Her optics flashed as she spoke, and she seemed to be fighting back rising anger.

I turned to face her more directly, my own anger fuelled by my fear forced my servos to clench by my sides. Rachet, Ironhide and Jazz began to step back away from us as the mood changed and they sensed the rising tension between us. ''Phoenix,'' I began with a slight edge to my voice, ''I don't think you fully understand the gravity of the situation and what the Decepticons are capable of. Yes, you have fought against some of them and you have had a glimpse of what they are able to do, but you have not had to endure their depravity and their thirst for domination and revenge for millions of years.'' I took a step towards her. ''You would be seen as a prize to claim and bend to their will or destroy!''

My voice had risen as my emotions, which were usually so carefully held in check, seemed to be slipping past my barriers. ''They would stop at nothing, and I mean nothing, to get to you. Do you have any idea of the carnage and death that could bring about?'' Both of my servos were now clenched in tight fists.

Rachet, Ironhide and Jazz had stepped further away to leave the two of us facing each other in a battle of wills.

Phoenix raised her servos to her hips equally defiant. ''Yes Optimus. I DO have some idea! I was in Mission City that day and I lost Chase to them in Shanghai..'' I flinched when she had mentioned Chase's name and a felt a surge of pain flash through me as I recalled my inability to save him. She snorted angrily. ''So YES. I do have some fucking idea what they are…'' Her voice had also risen. 

 ''NO YOU DO NOT!'' I roared, interjecting her comments furiously as I felt my emotional dam burst.

Phoenix flinched, her servos momentarily leaving her hips in shock at the anger radiating off me and in my voice. Even though a small part of me wanted to reach out to her and grab her servo and apologise, I could not bring myself to stop, I had to make her see why she had to be cautious. ''YOU have NO idea of what they are truly capable of, you have had a taste, a glimpse. They would hunt you down mercilessly and ceaselessly, capture you, torture you till you begged for mercy or until you took your own life.''

I had subconsciously stepped closer to her, my face reflecting the pain and anger that had bubbled to the surface as I recalled going through this with Elita One and how no doubt she had perished at their hands. The thought that I had not been there to save her gnawed and clawed at my spark like a rabid, wild animal, spurring my fury at myself on. /I would not make that mistake twice!/. ''If they knew what you were capable of Phoenix, they would level entire cities, continents to claim you. Millions would be killed.'' 

Phoenix's optics were shuttering rapidly as she stared at me, though she did not back away or stand down. My optics fixed hers with a fiery stare, my right servo had unclenched and was now stabbing the air, accentuating every word I said as I inadvertently drove home how much I cared for her and feared losing her. ''We could not protect you – I could not protect you. I WILL NOT LOSE YOU TO THEM TOO PHOENIX!''

My chassis rose and fell rapidly with the emotion and anger I had allowed to explode from a place deep within my spark. My face hovered before hers as I had stepped up to drive home my words. I hoped she could see the pain, the frustration and the absolute fear written within my optics and I think she did as she seemed to back down. Nodding her helm, she wrapped an arm about her waist and took a half step back from me. 

My voice then dropped to a whisper so even Phoenix could barely hear it as I hung my helm in defeat and I confessed the truth behind my fear and my desire to keep her safe. ''That day. I made a vow to Chase I would watch over you and keep you safe at all costs.''

Phoenix froze. Her helm snapping up as her arms hung rigidly by her sides. 

I paused and ex-vented deeply. ''I cannot lose you Phoenix - I simply can't.'' Initially I had made my promise to Chase to keep her safe to honour his memory and because I had cared for Orianna deeply as a friend. However, since that horrible day, I had fallen in love with Orianna - Phoenix as she was now known- very deeply, and the thought of losing her destroyed me. I could not go through that. As my admission hung in the air between us, I thought to myself, /Surely, she now knows how I feel about her. There could be no doubt/.

Slowly, I raised my helm hoping to see her smile at me and acknowledge my feelings – perhaps, hoping against hope to even return them. Instead, I was met with an icy voice whispered as quietly as my own had been moments before. ''You what?'' her servos now clenched by her sides as her body radiated anger, pain, disbelief, rejection, fear and a myriad of other feelings I could barely take in at once. Though at the fore was anger and pain.

/This is NOT how I thought she would react/. My shoulders slumped at the vehemence in her voice. 

I raised my optics to hers. ''I made a vow to Chase that night he died, and I brought you back from the beach. I promised him I would protect you, keep you safe from harm and watch over you.'' Phoenix appeared to be shaking. I cycled air through my intakes deeply and stood slowly back up to my full height, preparing for the renewed verbal slinging match between us. 

I continued, ''I promised him I would lay down my life for you, as he no doubt would have and that I would care for you for as long as the sun and the moon would endure''. My optics shone brightly at her as I remembered the moment and I felt my feelings towards her bubble to the surface again. My gaze did not falter as I finished speaking. ''I gave him my word as a Prime''. /Why was she so mad at me? Couldn't she see why I did what I did?/.

Her face was contorted in anger and pain and she raised a servo in the air as if to slap me across the helm. I did not move. If she needed this to release some of her pain and hurt at whatever wrong I had done to her, I was prepared to receive the blow and a thousand more. She started to bring her servo swinging down towards me..

But the blow never landed.

She shook her helm several times as she made a loud sobbing noise. ''How dare you..'' She whispered as she clutched at her waist, turning on her pedes to leave. I had never seen her like this before, especially with me.

Panic and fear wrapped around my spark and I instinctively reached out a servo to grab her arm and prevent her from leaving me. ''DO NOT TOUCH ME!'' She spun around and yelled at me in a voice dripping with anger and vehemence, a voice that shook me to my core. She violently refed her servo from grasp. ''How dare you? How dare you make such a promise! How dare you pretend to care about me! Make me think you...''

All at once my confusion at her reaction was swiftly cast aside and my optics widened in shock. Too late it would seem, realisation sunk in as to how Phoenix had perceived my words and actions just now. /Primus no!/. I slowly shook my helm, as I took a step towards her. ''Phoenix, no! That's not..''

''DON'T!'' She barked as she raised a servo to silence me. With a final shake of her helm, she covered her dermas with her servo, turned on her pedes and ran up and over the ridge, transforming and taking to the sky. I could not stop her.

The weight of our misunderstanding and the subsequent fallout crashed down upon me like a mountain, and I was unable to move as I watched her disappear into the fading light of day. She did not turn back. Overcome with despair and grief, I sunk slowly to my knees. I was vaguely aware of Rachet, Ironhide and Jazz rushing up to me, but I did not hear their words. At first, all I could hear were Phoenix's words echoing through my processor and audials like verbal bullets.

My shoulders rose and fell as I cycled air deeply through my intakes and I placed a servo on the ground before me to stop me from collapsing to the ground entirely. A sharp stabbing pain, galled my spark and an anguished groan was torn from my dermas as I lost sight of Phoenix in the skies above. In this moment, the great ''Optimus Prime'', the mech who supposedly had all the answers, rarely made a mistake and always triumphed, clutched at his chest as his own spark tore in two.

I felt as though the one I loved was lost all over again. And once again – it was all my fault!

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Phoenix P.O.V

In a matter of moments, I had covered the distance across the bay to Point Marianne and ''our beach.'' I had circled once above, my optics searching for the one mech I both hated and loved in equal measure at this point in time. My scanners located him within seconds.

He stood halfway down the beach, what little light the stars and moon cast this evening were being reflected off his armour. He was like a lighthouse emitting flashes of light every now and then as he shifted, nervously, from pede to pede. However, this lighthouse was drawing me in – wanting me to approach – not desperately seeking to send me away. I saw his helm tip up towards me as I began my descent, and I noticed his large, powerful form tense slightly as he waited.

I landed further down the beach away from him, transforming gracefully and immediately back in robot mode. I stood there for a moment, watching him. Ordinarily at the sight of Optimus, my spark would pulse rapidly and I would feel a sense of joy and happiness such as I have never felt with anyone before, not even Chase. All I would want, was to be near him and with him.

Now, I didn't know what I wanted.

I stood there with my servos clenched by my sides, torn in two. A part of me wanted to run to him and be enveloped in his arms and sob my pain out to him while he soothed the hurt away. The other part of me wanted to be nowhere near him as it was, he who had caused this intense pain and hurt that seemed to be consuming me from the inside out. It was he who had caused that pain by making me question if he ever really cared for me personally, or whether I was just some sense of duty to be fulfilled.

At that thought I felt my dermas tighten into a thin line of anger and I felt fire course through me. /Time to find out once and for all I guess/. I began to stalk towards him, my optics blazing.

Optimus turned towards me, his face filled with sorrow and pain. His servos were not clenched in fists but rather hanging limply by his side, as though all the fight had gone out of him. I stilled momentarily in my approach, I felt some of the fire inside me die as I took in his appearance.

He looked as I had felt.

For a mech such as Optimus Prime, who was usually so sure and strong, so regal and so confident, to look so full of uncertainty and pain, it was indeed unsettling. He must have taken my slight hesitation as an opportunity to capture my attention and begin to plead his case, his deep voice shattering the night air and the tension between us.

''Phoenix, please, forgive me.'' I took my final steps to close the distance between us, and he began to stretch out a servo towards me, as if begging me reconnect with him. I stopped in my tracks and folded my arms across my chest, silently rebuking his offer.

Prime's servo stilled for a moment before he slowly withdrew it and held both of them up before him in appeasement and supplication. ''Phoenix, I am SO very sorry for what I said before, or rather the way I said what I did to you. You must know…''

I tersely cut him off, my tone filled with icy anger and dripping in pain. ''Know? All I KNOW Optimus, is that you promised my Chase that you would keep me safe always, that you would protect me forever more. That YOU would do your duty and suffer my presence so that he could rest easy and you could ease your conscience!'' The words were spat out like venom and Optimus visibly recoiled at the incandescent rage rolling off me. My smaller frame shook with the strength of my emotions.

He closed his optics and started to shake his helm slowly from side to side. ''Oh Phoenix, that is not…''

I did not allow him to go on, I had to get these poisonous thoughts and feelings out of me, they had to be leeched out otherwise they would slowly consume me and taint every last feeling I had towards him. I screamed at him, allowing the pain that was trying desperately to find a way out, some release. ''HOW DARE YOU PRETEND TO CARE ABOUT ME! MAKE ME THINK YOU CARED ABOUT ME, BACK WHEN I WAS ORIANNA AND NOW AS PHOENIX. WHEN IN REALITY YOU NEVER DID. I WAS JUST SOME SELF-APPOINTED PRIVATE MISSION YOU SET FOR YOURSELF!'' I was right in his face now, my servo pointed at his chest accusingly as I continued to vent.

Optimus made no move to defend himself, he simply stood there and allowed me to tear strips off him. I continued my rant. ''You had NO right to make such a promise Prime, especially one you KNOW you can't keep!'' I felt a sob hitch in my chest as I recalled his death yet again.

He reached for me and I shoved him back from me angrily. I saw a flash of fire in his optics too, but he quickly tampered it down and continued to stand there, impassively taking whatever I dished out to him. ''You promised to care for me?'' I shook my helm and snorted derisively. ''Look at what you have done to me! YOU BROKE MY SPARK!'' I screamed at him again.

My optics held such pain and betrayal in them it made him look away from him for a moment. He cycled air deeply as he fought to control his own emotions. ''Do you have any idea how it feels to think someone you look up to and admire and care for deeply, who inspires you to return those same feelings,'' his helm snapped back towards me and he took a step closer to me but did not reach out to touch me, ''only to discover it was all just some act, some lie?''

I shook my helm at him. ''How do I know if anything between us was real? How do I know if you ever truly cared for me?'' I hung my helm in utter dejection and sorrow, and I brought my arms about my waist trying desperately to console myself as I stood before him so raw and broken. ''How can I trust you Optimus?'' After a moment I sunk to my knees and then onto the ground as I brought my knees up under my chin, hugging myself close.

I was vaguely aware of Optimus moving to sit near me though I did not speak, I had nothing left to say. I hurt.

A tentative voice tested the swirling emotional current. ''Phoenix, may I please explain and respond to what you have said?'' I nodded almost imperceptibly. Prime gave an audible sigh and turned in his sitting position to face me as best he could. ''Phoenix, let me start by once again, earnestly and sincerely saying how truly sorry I am for what and how I said what I said earlier this evening,'' he gave a protracted sigh. ''You have no idea how sorry I am.'' I almost turned to face him.

He sighed yet again. ''Phoenix, you would have every right to be angry and distrustful of me IF that was indeed the truth of the matter, but I assure you, from the bottom of my spark, that what transpired between us tonight was a misunderstanding.'' I forced myself to look at him, blinking my optics. ''Driven mainly by my own insecurities and fears and inability to convey my own true emotions.'' There was a self-depreciating tone in his voice as well as a sense of deep irritation at himself as he held my gaze. He smiled back at me, a soft, gentle and sad smile that made my spark flutter.

''Oh Phoenix, yes I did make that promise to Chase that night,'' as he saw me tense, he quickly continued, ''but it was done with pure and honest intentions. Yes, I wanted to honour his memory by keeping safe the person he loved in life and ensure they stayed safe,'' I felt myself close my optics in pain and recalled grief even as Prime continued, ''but I also made that promise to Chase, Phoenix, because I cared about you and I wanted to make sure no harm came to you.'' 

He started to reach out towards me again and although I felt myself tense, I made no move to withdraw. ''Oh Phoenix, you have NEVER been a burden or sense of duty to me EVER and I am incredibly regretful and sorry that you felt that way even for a moment. It is simply not true.'' After a moment, I felt his servo touch my arm. Instant fire spread through me, a warmth and a need. Optimus must have felt something too as he paused and closed his optics. 

I forced myself to speak. ''But… but you said you made a vow to Chase to watch over me and keep me safe at all costs. That you cannot lose me – you simply couldn't. What did you mean by that?'' I looked at him imploringly, begging him to explain himself. ''Because to me it sounded as though if you didn't uphold your promise and I was killed, you would be neglectful in your sense of honour and duty towards Chase.'' 

Optimus gave a small snort. ''What? You think that is the ONLY reason I cannot lose you Phoenix?'' He shook his helm and spoke in a sad and wistful tone. ''Oh Phoenix, that could not be further from the truth!''

''Well, what is the bloody truth? Do you or do you not actually care about ME Optimus Prime?'' I had removed my arms from about my waist and I had turned to face him. He sat there staring at me, his optics flickered over my face, searching. My voice rose in frustration and uncertainty, ''Well, DO you?'' I had to know.

Optimus continued to stare at me for a spark beat. I could not read what he was thinking. His optics were bright and intense and filled with some emotion I could not quite place.

But he did not speak.

In one swift movement his servos came up behind my helm and pulled me towards him. In that instant, my world was turned upside down as his dermas captured mine in an intense and searing kiss that said what words could not.

Longing, desperation, fear, joy, passion, hope, need.

Without thought, my own servos come up to grab his face and pull him into me, deepening our kiss. All at once, I felt my spark fill with such warmth, happiness and desire, I sighed out loud. All the pain and anger I had been feeling evaporated. All reason was gone, I did not care if this was wrong, it felt too right. I did not realise how much I wanted this with him, from him. How much I wanted and needed him.

Neither of us pulled away. For what seemed an eternity we sat there clinging to each other as though one of us would disappear if we loosened our hold, our dermas locked together as we gave in to our unspoken feelings. His strong servos gripped my helm almost painfully as he drew me deeper into the kiss. Without warning I felt him move his body to push me down to the ground, pinning me beneath him as he sought to claim me.

I was surrounded by him, enveloped. It was intoxicating and I arched my body up, delighting in the feel of him against me. He moaned out loud again into our kiss and removed his iron like grip from my helm, his servos coming to rest either side of my shoulders as he tried to take the considerable weight of his frame. For a moment I caught his optics as he gazed down at me. They were dark with desire and love. A raw need burned within them as he bent his helm and once again, continuing to possess me. I moaned into his dermas and willingly let him.

I was his. /Always was, always would be/.

All at once, as quickly as it had happened, Prime's dermas left mine and he scurried back, a look of wonder and yet panic crossing his features. ''Phoenix! I… I.. I'm sorry I should not have done that! I'm sorry, I just needed to show you… Please, please forgive me!'' While he kept his distance, one of his arms was outstretched as if beseeching me to hear his impassioned pleas.

I sat there, torn between utter shock and feeling bereft of his dermas on mine, his body against me. I cycled air quickly as I struggled to comprehend what had just happened between us. The random thought fluttered through my processor, /Well, Pandora's box is well and truly opened now! Flung open in spectacular style/. I still could not speak as the sensations continued to flood my systems. I was on fire. All I could do was stare at him as if ''seeing'' him for the first time.

''Phoenix? Are you okay? Please, say something!'' Prime's face was twisted in torment as he waited for me to either reject or accept his apology.

I turned my gaze to him, taking him in. /Primus but he is so handsome!/. I had always felt some kind of attraction to Optimus, since I first met him. He had the kind of aura about him that demanded attention, regardless of species. As my optics flickered over his frame, I saw him in a whole new light. I could neither hide nor contain my feelings for him.

Any trace of hostility, mistrust or anger I had felt towards him over our misunderstanding was gone. It was a slow path to realisation, hampered by my own unwillingness to somehow admit the truth and depth of my feelings, passing them off as ridiculous and one sided. But now, after that kiss, a flame ignited inside me, quickly consuming me, hope burned as bright as the sun and realisation crashed down upon me like a thunderous wave.

I wanted him. I needed him. I loved him! I loved him desperately. That is why I had been so upset. I had loved him so much that the thought he did not care for me at all, rocked me to my core.

My spark pulsed strongly in its casing as this realisation flowed through me, as if my very essence itself was finally applauding my awakening. I brought my gaze to rest firmly upon his handsome, yet panicked, visage. /With Pandora's box opened now, there is no going back. For better or worse, we move forward – now!/.

I slowly raised myself to my knees and made to stand, Optimus mirrored my actions, swiftly getting to his pedes and cautiously offering to help me. I accepted his servo and felt the fire burn through me at his touch. /This is real, this is true/.

Optimus continued to cast concerned optics over my face as he whispered, ''Phoenix, please. I beg you, say something. I'm sorry, I…''

I raised a servo and placed it over his dermas to still his apology. I stepped closer to him until our chassis were touching. Electricity seemed to course through me, between us. I fixed my optics on Prime's, his own optics widening as he must have read my emotions. He seemed to still and I removed my servo, bringing both of them to rest gently on his shoulders.

Optimus brought his servos up to hold me about my waist, his chest seemed to rise and fall rapidly as he too cycled air furiously, sensing this change between us and what was possibly about to happen.

I closed my optics for a moment as I summoned every ounce of courage and strength from within my soul and I spoke in a steady and earnest voice. ''Optimus. You have nothing to be sorry for,'' I felt myself smile. ''If anything, I should be thanking you, for having the courage to do what I have been unable or unwilling to do for many years now due to my own insecurities and blindness. I should be thanking you for opening my optics to see something I had felt was there, but did not dare hope to believe it could be true.''

I reached a servo up to gently caress his cheek and he leant into my touch, closing his optics momentarily. /How could I have been so blind, he has always cared for me, maybe even loved me too/.

When he opened them again his voice was but a whisper as he gazed down at me, disbelief and hope burning in his optics. ''Phoenix. What… what are you saying? Do you,'' he paused a moment as he too seemed to try and summon the courage to speak. ''Do you feel more for me than just a deep friendship?'' His optics searched mine desperately seeking an answer to his question. He brought a servo up to cup my cheek. Fire and ice burned at the contact as his optics burned into mine.

I stood on the tips of my pedes and moved my servos behind his helm, gently requesting he lower his helm down to mine, mimicking the gesture we shared over three years ago in the Med Bay. As I felt his helm touch mine and our servos grasp each other's faces, I knew in the deepest parts of my soul that we were right. We belonged together.

Smiling against his helm, I moved in to capture his dermas once again. My voice held a slightly teasing tone to it as the distance between us disappeared. ''What do you think?'' Once again, our dermas conveyed what words could not as I gently captured his lip components in a soft, slow and deep kiss. I wrapped my arms about his helm and pulled him in towards me as I tried to let all my feelings, all of my need, my want, my love, my desire burst forth and flow through my dermas into his, from my spark and into his.

Optimus groaned into the kiss and pressed his chassis closer to mine. Moving his strong arms to wrap tightly about my waist, he momentarily pulled me off my pedes as he brought me close against his frame in desperation and need.

My name was whispered like a prayer as he hungrily devoured my dermas. His glossa danced teasingly along my dermas seeking permission to enter so he might taste me. I willingly submitted, my own glossa snaking out to explore and taste of him. My servos dug into his helm painfully as I clung to him and I heard him groan in pleasure yet again as I claimed him for my own.

My processor raced as it tried to sift through all the emotions raging inside of me and the depths of feelings Optimus was returning made my soul sing. I kept my optics closed. I never wanted this moment to end.

/So long!/.

Without even knowing it, I had waited so long for this moment between us. Truly, nothing else existed in this moment except, Optimus, me and our stars that shone down upon us, silent witnesses to this new and exciting journey we had finally embarked on together.

Eventually, we slowly pulled apart, Optimus placed a chaste kiss on my helm and brought one of my servos up to his dermas and kissed it before placing it above his spark. A huge smile was plastered over his face as he looked down at me. ''MY Phoenix,'' he whispered voice filled with amazement and not a little tone of possession. ''I'll take that as a yes?''

I laughed out loud, ''Yes, MY Optimus, that is indeed a YES!'' My optics shone with joy and happiness as I felt his spark thrum under my servo, pulsing as rapidly as mine had been. ''I have felt more for you than friendship for some time now, I was just too scared and too afraid that you would not share my feelings and I would somehow lose you.''

I looked embarrassed for a moment, ''That is why I was so upset when you told me about your promise, it sounded as though you didn't care for me when I knew how much I cared for you.'' I placed my helm against his broad chest. ''There was also the concern that you are ''The Prime'' and, as such, unattainable for one such as me.'' A sadness passed over me.

Optimus closed his optics, kissed my servo again and sighed as he placed a digit under my chin in that familiar gesture and raised my face to meet his. His gaze expressed a sense of regretful happiness. ''Oh my Phoenix, I have always cared for you. Please don't ever doubt that again.'' He shook his helm and sighed. ''And what on Cybertron do you mean by ''One such as you?'' He brushed his digits down my cheek and I captured his servo in my own as I leaned into his touch. ''I can think of no one more worthy than you, or more deserving of my affections and attentions.''

He bent to kiss me once more and I savoured the touch of his dermas against mine, the taste of him yet again. Pulling away he spoke in a rueful tone. ''How foolish we both have been. Until now, I had felt just like you. Knowing I felt more than friendship yet too afraid to speak to you of it for fear that YOU would not return my feelings and I would lose you! The thought of not having you in my life was more than I could bear so I kept silent. Waiting, hoping, that one day, I might be able to tell you and show you how I felt.''

Once again, I laughed out loud as I shook my helm in surprise at how blind we had both been. Optimus sighed deeply and once again caressed my cheek. ''How I love your laugh Phoenix, always have.''

I kissed his servo as I smiled mischievously up at him. ''Well Optimus. I guess one day has finally arrived. So… how do you feel about me?'' I raised an optic ridge as I teasingly requested, he open his spark to me and lay bare his feelings.

Optimus arched his own optic ridge in reply, an equally teasing tone filling his baritone voice as he spoke in a low and suggestive tone. ''I would be more than happy to once again show you how I feel Phoenix,'' and he moved to capture my dermas again, but I held my servo out to stop him.

''I can't believe I just did that, 'cause believe me, I want that, but, first I want to hear how you feel about me Optimus. Please, tell me.'' I lay my helm against his chest and revelled in the feel of his strong arms wrapping around me and his chin resting upon my helm as his voice reverberated through me.

''As you wish my Phoenix,'' and he placed a light kiss on my helm before he drew back slightly and lifted my chin to once again stare into his optics. '''Though I doubt there are enough hours left in the night to express all that I feel for you,'' and he smiled down at me in wonder.

I felt my spark burst with such joy and love at this new side to Optimus, that I could not contain myself. I surged forward and kissed him yet again. At first, he was shocked but soon returned the kiss with equal passion. After a moment I pulled away from him, ''breathing'' deeply as I fought to regain my composure. ''Sorry Optimus, I ah, couldn't help myself.''

He gave a low chuckle. ''Oh, don't be sorry Phoenix! I would gladly do that with you all night but, I thought you wanted to hear how I felt about you?'' His tone was teasing as he reached out for me to step closer to him again.

I gave him a playful slap on the shoulder strut as I stepped towards him. ''Impertinent Prime!''

''About time I got to return the favour!'' he smiled at me and wrapped his arms about me again.

I shook my helm in no small amount of wonder. /How easily we seem to have recovered from our fight and misunderstanding and made the transition from friends to…. /Well, whatever we are now/. ''Okay, okay, I deserved that, but seriously Optimus,'' I sighed deeply. ''How do you feel about me?'' I looked up into his optics hopefully.

He reached up and clasped my face gently in his powerful servos as he gazed lovingly down at me. ''Phoenix I…''

All at once, his comm went off.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

''Optimus!'' my name was said with such hostility and hatred as Shockwave emerged from the writhing metallic arms of his pet - ''The Driller''. I growled out loud and raised my sword arm and shield, preparing to engage him in battle yet again. I had just managed to leap through the air and sever one of the Driller's tentacles that held the mysterious part Colonel Lennox and his team had radioed me about whilst inside the facility.

Shockwave glowered at me menacingly before he and his pet retreated underground, no doubt regrouping to wreak havoc and death once again. I felt the tension and hyper alertness that comes with battle slowly fade away as our enemy disappeared. I rose from the crouching position I was in back to my pedes, walking slowly back towards Colonel Lennox.

''The hell was that thing?'' The Colonel panted out loud asking no one in particular.

''That,'' I paused for a moment as I prepared to spit his name out, ''Is Shockwave.'' I threw my sword to the ground in anger.

At the sound of my reply, Colonel Lennox turned to look at me before heading over to the abandoned part laying on the ground. He crouched down eyeing it suspiciously. ''Why was he after this?''

I reached the same spot where he was now crouched, and I dropped my shield in shock as I noticed for the first time what the object was. I bent down slowly, kneeling before it. ''It's impossible! This is an engine part, from a long lost Autobot ship.'' I felt memory wash over me as I recalled the exact ship this came from and sadly - its fate. I felt myself transition from shock to grief and then to seething anger as the realisation of its discovery and what this meant sunk in.

Colonel Lennox eyed me carefully noting the change in my mood and my demeanor. ''Prime?'' he asked cautiously, ''are you okay?''

I grasped the part in my servo, collected my shield and rose back to my pedes. ''We have what we came for. We leave – now!'' I said nothing else to the Colonel as I strode back to collect my sword and transformed into my truck mode, my trailer also transforming back from its flight deck and armoury. Once attached, I drove off back towards where Rachet was waiting.

I felt Colonel Lennox watch me in concerned silence, though he began to order the men to wrap it up and head back to the drop off point in preparation for immediate departure.

As I pulled up back in the courtyard we had first arrived in, Rachet alerted me to the demise of the Russian contact who had been murdered in his car while we had been engaging with Shockwave. ''There was nothing I could do for him Prime; he had been shot through the windscreen several times at fairly close range.''

I felt the anger within me boil even more and a ripple of rage washed over me. I said nothing. Rachet sensed my anger, more importantly the severity of it, and decided to leave me alone.

Moments later, Colonel Lennox arrived with the remainder of the team, the few who had been injured and the unlucky few who had perished. He also had the box from the Sputnik space mission which he packed inside my trailer. Once all were aboard, I started my engines and rolled off in seething silence.

Only forty-eight hours ago I had been incredibly happy and carefree as Phoenix and I had finally had an opportunity to confront and share our feelings towards each other. I had discovered against all hope that she returned my feelings and cared for me beyond that of a friend. We had only had but a few precious moments between us before I had been called away by Colonel Lennox to this Primus forsaken place. And now – instead of love and a sense of amazement, rage flowed through me along with a sense of deep betrayal by the humans we called our ''allies''.

Given the nature of the items we found, and the fact the contact wound up dead, I knew Director Mearing would want to be involved. I also knew Que our scientist, would want to look at it. This meant that we would likely be heading State side to our Washington DC facility.

I sighed internally. All I wanted to do was head back to Diego Garcia and our beach and be with Phoenix again. The thought of being parted from her for the next few days or even weeks tore at my spark. At once, I made a rather selfish decision. I sent an internal comm to Jazz. I was in no mood to talk so I made my contact brief and to the point. ::Prime here. Heading to Washington DC with important intel. Make immediate arrangements for Ironhide, Dino, yourself and Phoenix to meet us there. Prime out::

::You got it Prime. See ya soon man:: I could sense Jazz's concern at my abrupt communique, but he knew better than to question me now. 

My wheels chewed up the miles to the airport, leaving me to my thoughts. I knew even if they departed within the hour, they would still likely arrive a few hours after we did. Still, at least they would be on their way. I continued to drive towards the base and our ticket out of here. I could sense Colonel Lennox and Rachet's unease over my silence, though neither of them made to talk to me. And so, I stewed in my own anger as we boarded the Globemaster C17's and, as predicted, departed for Washington DC.

Despite some delays in leaving the Ukraine, twelve hours later we arrived at Andrews Airforce Base in Washington DC under the cover of darkness. Jazz had managed to make record time in scrambling the Autobots and Phoenix and they were airborne within twenty minutes of my communique. They were still about ten hours away and while I should have made my way to our secret facility, I wanted to stay and wait for them.

It was Phoenix's first time leaving the island as an Autobot and she could not seem to scan and transform into any other alt mode other than ''The Phoenix,'' and while the people of Earth were aware of our race walking amongst them, it seemed wise to avoid unnecessary detection from both the humans and any possible prying Decepticon spies. She would need to be transported within my trailer or similar such vehicle to keep her hidden from sight. I informed Rachet of my intentions to stay put until further orders.

As we landed and proceeded to file out of the Globemaster coming to stop in the hanger, Colonel Lennox had risked speaking to me again. ''Prime, Director Mearing has been informed of the events in Chernobyl and the demise of our contact.'' He exhaled heavily, his own weariness and frustration seeping through. ''She has instructed me to schedule a meeting at our N.E.S.T facility here in a few hours to discuss the particulars of our recon. We'll need to head out shortly.'' He grabbed the Sputnik box and the part in question that had led to my current mood. He was clearly taking them to N.E.S.T headquarters for observation and reporting to the Director.

I made no move to reply to him as I remained in my truck mode. Rachet spoke up. ''Thank you Colonel, but we will be waiting here until the remainder of the team arrive, including Phoenix.''

He brightened up. ''Phoenix is coming? You should have said. I've missed her.''

Rachet nodded. ''As it is her first trip outside of Diego Garcia since becoming an Autobot, we will remain here to aid in her transportation to the facility as she seems unable to assume a vehicle alt mode. Feel free to depart before us and we shall arrive as soon as possible.''

Colonel Lennox nodded though I felt him eyeing me carefully as he whispered to my medic. ''Say Rachet, is Optimus going to talk again soon? 'Cause I know Director Mearing will have a few questions.''

I felt myself bristle in anger. They just did not get it. Working in partnership, as allies, involved a level of trust. That trust, as far as I was concerned, had been broken when I discovered that part.

Rachet, replied on my behalf. ''Lennox, Optimus is – deeply troubled by what he discovered in Chernobyl and what this means for Autobot and human relations. I dare say he will speak again shortly, but your Director may not like to hear what he has to say. I suggest you give him some space and time.''

The Colonel looked as though he was about to say something in response but clearly thought better of it. He merely nodded slowly and gave a brief smile to me. ''Well, for what it's worth, thanks Big Guy for your help back there, once again you saved the day.'' He reached out and patted my driver's door. ''I'll see you later.'' His hand remained where it was. ''And… I'm sorry… for whatever it is we humans have done to offend you. I am sorry for my role in it.'' He gave a final pat of acknowledgement and apology before he turned and walked off outside the hanger towards awaiting transport that would take him to our N.E.S.T facility here in Washington DC.

While Colonel Lennox's words helped in some small way, the anger and deep sense of betrayal I felt still wounded me greatly and I sat motionless, waiting for my team and the other half of my spark to arrive.

The only light in the darkness I found myself currently surrounded by would hopefully be winging her way through the skies towards me shortly. I took some solace in the fact I would soon see her again.

A further twelve hours later and my team – and Phoenix arrived. Though there would not be much time for a happy reunion as Colonel Lennox had commed Rachet several times to see when my team and I would be arriving at the N.E.S.T facility. I watched as the plane landed and Ironhide, Bumblebee, Dino, Sideswipe, Jazz and lastly Phoenix, filed out. I transformed back to robot mode and started to walk towards them from out of the hanger.

As soon as her optics located me, Phoenix lit up like the sun and it was all she could do to restrain herself from running towards me. I felt the dark, morose mood I had been in lift momentarily as I took the sight of her in. /My light! My Phoenix!/. I had to remind myself that even though Phoenix and I had taken that leap off the precipice and declared our feelings for each other, it was not common knowledge among others, and we had decided to keep it that way for now. As hard as it was going to be, I had to greet her as I always had done, I just hoped I had the strength to do so.

Jazz spoke first as we all gathered together. ''Prime, good ta see ya in one piece, we came as soon as we could.''

I nodded to him and the others. ''Jazz, thank you for responding so quickly. Good to see you all too.'' My optics scanned the group quickly though they came to rest on Phoenix and lingered there. She smiled brightly at me. /Primus but I wanted to reach out and hold her/. She must have felt something similar as she stood with her servos wrapped around her waist, an action she used when trying to keep overwhelming emotions inside her. ''We cannot delay; we have to move to our facility in town. Colonel Lennox and Director Mearing are awaiting our arrival.''

I turned to face Phoenix and addressed her. ''Phoenix, as you are unable to transform into an alt mode, it is perhaps best you travel inside my trailer. I know it is not very dignified, but it is perhaps the safest option given it is daylight and we do not know who else may be watching.'' My voice held an apologetic tone to it though it also held no room for opposition, I was still very angry, and I allowed some of that anger to show in my interaction.

Phoenix nodded. ''Fine by me Optimus if that's what needs to be done. I'm just glad to be off the bloody island and here with you all.'' She fixed me with an intense stare, her meaning all too clear. I almost reached out to her, only just managing to refrain at the last moment.

I nodded and turned to transform into my truck mode, my trailer appearing out of subspace and I quickly hitched up to it, opening the trailer door. Phoenix took a moment to decide how best to get in and with some assistance from Jazz, was soon safely inside. The door closed and I began to roll off in the direction of the N.E.S.T facility, my team close behind me.

Once inside and underway I heard my comms go off and the sound of Phoenix's voice filled my audials. ::Hey you. This is an interesting side to you I haven't seen? Never thought I would end up hitching a ride in well… ''your boot''::

I made a small sound like a grunt. ::Well, I guess life sometimes has a way of blindsiding us all and we find ourselves in positions and situations we didn't think we ever would be or hope to be:: If anyone could ever get through to me it was Phoenix, but right now I did not want to talk.

Phoenix seemed to gauge how I felt. ::Optimus, I can tell you are majorly pissed off about something or someone and I won't push you. Just remember I am here for you. Just don't shut me out okay?::

::Understood:: was all I managed to say.

We rode the rest of the trip to N.E.S.T secret headquarters in silence. The words ''Department of Health and Human Services'' written in large writing across the building was a ruse to the true nature of what went on inside. Once there, and we had gotten clearance through the gates, I pulled up outside the hanger to allow Phoenix the opportunity to get out and walk the remainder of the way. Once again Jazz assisted her. As soon as she was out, I returned my trailer to subspace and continued to drive inside the hanger, the remainder of my team including Phoenix, following behind.

''All arriving Autobots, MTAR training and debriefing in 15 minutes,'' a voice announced over the loudspeaker. I inwardly growled to myself.

''Dino, report to bay 23.''

''Sideswipe, to bay 37 for weapons assessment.''

One by one my team were called away to attend to various business. Bumblebee was called over to assist in showing new recruits how to perform a Decepticon kill head shot. I continued on through the hanger, past the catwalk that was used to conduct satellite link conversations with various JCS members and ''important'' Government personnel. I pulled up before a table that Colonel Lennox had placed the part on previously. I remained in truck mode.

Behind me, I heard Phoenix approach though she made no move to talk to me, simply stood off to the side of me in silent support. In the distance I heard the sound of a woman talking into her phone. /Director Charlotte Mearing!/, I thought to myself as the tone of her voice indicated a high level of authority and self-importance that can be attached to rank for some humans. I did not care to hear the conversation she was engaged in, so I paid no attention to the words, even as her footfalls drew closer.

Colonel Lennox had also heard her approach and had since walked up to meet with her. He seemed on edge. ''I can't really tell you definitively. These Autobots they're like teenage kids, they like to sneak out of the house every once in a while.'' I felt myself bristle even more at the Colonel's comment, even though I knew he was trying to cover up Autobot involvement at the secret Iranian nuclear facility.

Director Mearing turned on the recently promoted Colonel. ''Colonel Lennox. Are you in command or are you not?''

''Yess Ma'am, I am..'' he replied with some degree of resentment.

''STOP with the Ma'am. Enough with the ma'am. Do I look like a ma'am?'' Mearing turned to her offsider. Who rapidly shook her head.

Colonel Lennox tried to appease her but continued to trip over his own words. I felt the anger course through me and build as this woman approached. Phoenix watched her with some interest, though she said nothing.

Que, who had been showing Ironhide a new gun turned around to face the approaching Colonel Lennox and Director Mearing, a certain amount of relief showing on his face and in his voice. ''Ah, good you're here! I do hope you have some answers for him. I've never seen him so upset.'' I had commed Que whilst waiting for the arrival of the others and gave him a brief outline of what had transpired and the object we had found. He knew how I felt.

I sat there watching them advance towards me, feeling every circuit, coil and wire within me vibrate with irritation and anger.

''Optimus, do you remember Charlotte Mearing, Our Director of National Intelligence?'' Colonel Lennox called out to me in greeting and introduction as they came to stand before me.

I made no reply.

Dino, who had been standing beside me and was ushered back by Ironhide, spoke up. ''He's inna bad mood,'' he shook his servo. ''He's notta talkin' to anybody today.''

Phoenix raised an optic ridge at the scene unfolding before her, though she simply folded her arms across her chest and observed the interactions taking place.

Director Mearing, who seemed a little irritated by my presumed arrogance to ignore her, turned to Colonel Lennox and scoffed. ''What is this? The silent treatment?'' She raised an eyebrow towards Ironhide.

Ironhide replied, ''We've seen that, and this is not that.''

''Definitely not,'' Que interjected. I felt myself bristle even more.

''This is something worse. Prime!'' I heard Ironhide yell commandingly at me, ''make something of yourself!'' with that I felt his servo tap me on the roof.

That did it.

The rage that had been building up was released aggressively as I transformed into robot mode, hisses and huffs of steam vented from me.

''He's pissed!'' Ironhide announced to those standing nearby, as if the emotion needed to be named.

I slammed my servos down onto the ground either side of the table and brought my helm down low towards Director Mearing. ''You lied to us!'' I felt a burst of steam escape from one of my vents on my chest as I accused her. ''Everything humans know of our planet we were told had all been shared,'' I brought my right servo up and pointed to the offending engine part laying mockingly on the table, ''so why was this found in human possession?'' I then jabbed my servo towards the Director herself and the other Government cronies standing behind her. I felt the irritation and anger radiating off me in waves and I fought to maintain some control of my emotions.

Phoenix took a small step closer towards me, but said nothing.

Director Mearing, although initially slightly intimidated by me, composed herself again and replied to me. ''We were in the dark on this also. It was Director only clearance at Sector 7, until now!'' She turned to her aide and barked an order to bring a bag over.

Once the correct bag had been brought forth, she reached in and pulled something out. ''This is a secret few men know, and even fewer still remain alive.'' She paused a moment and, while holding the object, turned to face an entrance to the room where some notable looking men now entered. ''Allow me to please introduce to you, two of NASA's founding Mission Directors and Astronaut Dr Buzz Aldrin.''

She walked over to greet the approaching group of men, in particular the man who stood at the front of the group, presumably Aldrin himself. ''One of the first two men to set foot on the moon,'' Director Mearing pumped his hand in greeting, her face showing admiration for this man and his efforts. ''Sir.'' She turned back towards me, ''Optimus Prime.'' And then stood aside.

Dr Aldrin raised his head up to look at me, awe and respect clearly evident on his face. ''From a fellow space traveller, it's a true honour.''

I curbed my hostility and anger. This man had done nothing wrong. He had just been following orders from higher up. He had demonstrated exceptional bravery in venturing into outer space, I would show him the due respect he deserved. I knelt down towards him before I replied. ''The honour is mine.''

The Director, who had since climbed up the catwalk to address all those below, continued in her explanation as to why the part came to be in human possession. I returned my attention to her and her words. ''Our entire space race of the nineteen sixties, it appears was in response to an event.''

One of the other men from the group, presumably one of the Mission Directors, continued, ''Our astronauts investigated a crashed alien ship. No survivors on board.''

''We were sworn to secrecy by our Commander and Chief.'' Dr Aldrin interjected.

The same man as before resumed talking. ''A total of 35 people knew the real plan at NASA.''

''The Soviets managed to land unmanned probes. Somehow, they must have managed to pick up that fuel rod.'' Another man spoke up. 

Director Mearing once again shared her part of the story and I trained my optics warily on her. ''We believe that the Russians deduced that the rod was a fissionable fuel assembly, believed they had it mastered and then tried to harness it at Chernobyl.''

The same man in the Grey suit stepped forward to speak again. ''We landed six missions in all, took hundreds of photos and samples and locked them away forever. The moon programme was shut down.''

Phoenix, who had remained quiet stood there in shock, her dermas parted and her optics wide. Having been a human most of her existence and obviously learning human history, this sudden alteration to what she thought had been the truth about the moon race, what she had been ''fed'' over the years in history books, must have shaken her. She seemed to be reeling from the new evidence she had just heard, though she remained silent – for now.

Beside her, Colonel Lennox also also looked shocked, though his military training helped him mask his reaction with greater tact than Phoenix. 

Ironhide spoke up then, voicing what was on my processor. ''Well did you search the crash vault?"

Director Mearing, Dr Aldrin and the others looked at each other and then towards us in confusion and sudden concern, as though a massive oversight had just been revealed.

Which it had.

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

''The ship's name was the ''The Ark.'' I watched it escape Cybertron myself.'' I blinked my optics as I recalled what had happened millions of years ago. I started to walk towards Director Mearing on the catwalk. ''It was carrying an Autobot technology that would have won us the war, and it's Captain.'' I could not help letting the sadness in my tone leech out. I had reached the walkway and wrapped my servo about a rail as I stared at Ms Mearing.

''Who was its Captain?'' she queried.

''The Great Sentinel Prime, the technologies inventor.'' I looked away for a moment, recalling my old friend and mentor. ''He was commander of the Autobots before me.'' I removed my servo from the railing and turned to address Phoenix, Colonel Lennox, my Autobots and the remainder of the people in the room. ''It is imperative that I find it before the Decepticons learn of its location.''

I turned back towards Director Mearing and brought my helm in closer towards her to emphasise my point. ''Our Autobot spacecraft has the ability to get there, and,'' I paused to let the gravity of my words sink in, ''You must pray it's in time.''

Director Mearing looked concerned, as well she should be. If the Decepticons were to get a hold of the pillars the ramifications would be disastrous for life on Earth. I sent Phoenix a quick glance. She stood there with her dermas in a tight line and one servo wrapped about her waist, her optics fixed firmly on me. She clearly understood the seriousness of the situation. The thought of anything happening to her made me sick to my spark. I returned my gaze towards Director Mearing awaiting her response to my warning and offer.

The Director blanched for a moment, gripping the railing to steady herself as the meaning and warning of my words sunk in. She raised her eyes to my optics and slowly nodded her head. ''I will gain the necessary clearance Optimus Prime. Prepare your spacecraft for immediate departure.''

I nodded my helm to her. The conversation, the explanation, and what passed for an apology, was at an end. Now all that remained was for action to right this wrong.

Director Mearing disappeared down the catwalk. Followed by her aide and the other Government officials. I nodded to Dr Aldrin and the other NASA representatives and they too disappeared from wherever it was they had come from.

''Well, anyone else here who is a human or was a human, and just had your mind blown, raise your servo.'' Phoenix spoke for the first time and the shock was evident in her voice.

/And here it comes!/. I fought back a small smile of endearment and turned to face her.

''How you holdin' up Lennox? Cause I know my processor is fried.'' She threw her servos in the air. ''Man, you think everything you learned in history class is true. That the facts in history texts are accurate. Then along comes some hardnosed bitch with a massive sense of self-importance,'' I heard a few sniggers come from Bumblebee, Ironhide and Dino not to mention Colonel Lennox gave a quick smile before looking around him, ''and she blows everything you thought you knew about one of the greatest events in human history, clean out of the water.''

She shook her helm and looked at me, her shock giving way to anger. ''I'm with you Optimus! How dare they lie to us, presume we are not able to deal with the truth and cover up what really happened.'' Her optics flashed with barely contained rage. ''Let this be a lesson for you Optimus, and you,'' she gave a cursory glance towards the other Autobots. ''Humans lie! They do it all the time, to each other, to visiting alien races, to themselves.'' Phoenix gave a self-depreciating snort of recognition. ''Some of them get so good at it, they forget what truth even looks like.''

Phoenix turned to face me. ''So don't take it personally Prime. Get used to it!'' She spat out the words and stalked back towards the wall, leaning against it. Folding her arms across her chest she changed the topic to the pressing matter at hand. ''So! When are we heading off to the moon to check out the crashed Ark? I've always wanted to go to the moon, see if I can find that ''man'' they talk about.'' She gave a small smile.

As changeable as the air was my Phoenix.

I shook my helm at her slowly, she was not going to like what I had to say but she would have to accept it. I could not allow our new ''relationship'' to affect all of the decisions I made as leader. I had to begin the process of balancing my role as Prime with whatever it was Phoenix and I had. ''Sorry Phoenix. Not all of us will be going. This is essentially a quick reconnaissance and rescue mission. To that end I will be going myself and,'' I turned to face Rachet who had stood silently at the back of the group. ''Rachet will also attend in case his medical expertise is required if we find Sentinel Prime aboard.''

She glowered at me for a moment, her optics narrowed dangerously and flashed angrily at me as some strong emotions swirled about them. I did not falter in my decision and I returned her gaze with my own hard stare. A silent war of wills was being fought across the room and only a handful of those present knew the true reason why it was taking place.

Jazz made a sound like a cough. ''Well, ya all heard Prime! Anyone not involved in tha mission ta tha moon ya'll are dismissed an' need ta attend ta ya stations or previous tasks.'' He made a gesture with his servos as if ushering the rest of the Autobots and humans away from Phoenix and I.

Very slowly they all peeled away and moved off into the various bays and areas of the large hanger. I nodded to Jazz in thanks as he also made to move off. Colonel Lennox had likewise given me a nod and cast a quick nod to Phoenix too, who appeared to ignore it, before he also gathered up the humans around and sent them off on their way. Soon it was just Phoenix and I standing in the same room – though we were miles apart. Not wishing to continue a silent war of wills, I walked over to her to speak with her in private. She bolted upright off the wall as I approached.

I held my servos up before me in placation. ''Phoenix, I understand you are upset at the thought of being left behind yet again…..''

''Damn straight I am Prime!'' She glanced away from me, furrowing her optic ridge and clenching her servos before turning back to address me, her tone allowing her hurt and annoyance to seep through.  ''I can't help but feel,'' she cast her optics about to check no prying audials or ears were listening before she continued, lowering her voice, ''that ever since our ''moment'' on the beach less than three days ago, I have barely seen you! We have waited years for the chance and the courage to share how we feel about each other and now,'' she cast her optics to the ground, and I felt waves of sadness and frustration roll off her form, ''now it seems as though fate cruelly separates us at every possible turn.''

I stepped closer to her and placed my servo on her shoulder under the guise of a sympathetic leader offering counsel, when in reality it was an excuse to touch her. I ex-vented deeply before dropping my voice to a low whisper. ''Oh my Phoenix! Believe me, I share your frustration and anger at the present situation between us. There is nothing more I would like than to be back on our beach on Diego Garcia with you wrapped in my arms.'' I quickly glanced around before I raised my servo to her face, brushing her cheek plate for a moment. She leant into my touch, briefly grabbing my servo in hers.

I turned my body slightly to try and block the tender moment between us from any optics or eyes that may stray in our direction. It took every ounce of will power and strength I had not to wrap my arms about her and hold her to me.

Sighing out loud, I removed my servo and took a step back from her, trying to reduce temptation. She also gave a sigh and let her shoulders slump, before wrapping one arm about her waist. In a voice that was barely a whisper she spoke to me again. ''Optimus, it was hard enough before watching you go off on dangerous missions, being separated from you for days or weeks on end until you returned. But now that things have changed between us,'' she paused a moment her chassis heaving with the effort of keeping such strong emotions inside, ''it's going to be damn near bloody impossible to let you go!''

My spark ached inside its casing as she raised her optics to look at mine. ''I understand you are The Prime and you still need to act as such, that whatever ''we are'' or have between us, has to learn to live in balance with that role you play,'' she sighed out loud.

/Oh, how I loved this femme/.

Phoenix continued, ''But it just makes it harder knowing I will always have to give you up for moments such as this. That we will never truly have the chance to be just us, to be together, not constantly called away to save the world.'' She looked away from me then with a rueful smile on her dermas.

/Could she be rethinking her decision?/. I felt a spike of terror tear through me and I had to voice my worry. ''Phoenix? Are you saying you wish to take back what you said to me?'' The words came out as a faint whisper, the pain and fear I felt at the thought she was regretting her decision very evident in my tone. ''Do you no longer wish to be with me?'' 

Phoenix gave a small smile and unwrapped the servo from about her waist before stepping forward and giving me a quick hug. For a moment I tensed thinking everyone could see us. In almost the same thought cycle I thought to myself, /Slag it to the pits, let them see!/.

I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close, savouring the touch. Her voice slightly muffled against my chest. ''Oh Optimus! NEVER!'' I felt myself relax and my spark pulsed again strongly as she laid to rest my fear. ''I will never regret being with you, I would only regret not having you in my life.'' I squeezed her tighter.

She made to pull away from me and I reluctantly let her go. ''However,'' she looked me in the optics, ''that doesn't mean it's going to be easy, for either of us.'' A smile spread across her dermas, ''Especially for me seeing as I have not had millions of years to adjust to this kind of life sharing a ''PRIME'' with his people and the universe. Nor have I had the practice of repeatedly putting others before myself for millennia as you have done. I guess I am kind of selfish in that respect.'' She shrugged her shoulders. ''You'll have to have patience with me.''

I smiled back at her and once again gently brushed her cheek with my digits. ''My Phoenix, you give yourself far too little credit. Besides, do not think yourself so far down the list of priorities in my life. You my dear Phoenix, are right at the top.'' My digits quickly brushed over cheek and down over her dermas and I felt myself leaning down towards her, aching to capture them in a quick kiss.

Phoenix gave a derisive but playful laugh and gently tapped me on my chest which, thankfully, halted my actions. ''Yeah, sure Optimus! It goes Universe, Earth, Your Autobots and then Me,'' she teased before correcting herself quickly. ''No wait! The Autobots, me and then Mudflap and Skids. In that order.'' She smiled once again at me and I shook my helm at her cheeky impertinence.

I dropped my voice to a lower register to avoid being heard and as a veiled threat. ''Watch it Phoenix or the twins might be bumped up the list.'' Though my words sounded menacing, my optics shone with mirth and affection. She pouted at me playfully and for a moment it was as though we were back on our beach having one of our chats.

Phoenix raised an optic ridge at me. ''Oh really? Sounds like a challenge to me.''

There was a cough off to our right as Rachet appeared. Both Phoenix and I turned to face him, the smiles slowly slipping from our dermas. ''I'm sorry Prime and Phoenix to interrupt your – conversation - but I have just heard word from Colonel Lennox that Director Mearing has received approval for our mission, and we are to depart for Cape Canaveral at once.'' I nodded my helm in acknowledgement. 

''On a more personal note, I am glad you have both had the chance to sort things out between you.'' He smiled warmly at us both. ''I truly am happy for you both.''

I cleared my throat in a decidedly human manner. ''Thank you Rachet for the message and your kind words. However, we would appreciate it if you, Ironhide and Jazz kept it to yourselves for a while longer.'' I turned to face Phoenix and my optics shone as I smiled yet again. ''While we have indeed finally confessed that we have feelings for each other,'' Phoenix smiled brightly at me and then Rachet as I continued, ''We have not yet had the chance to fully discuss and explore this new aspect to our relationship and would appreciate the chance to do so before announcing it to everyone''.

Rachet nodded though he gave a smile. ''As you wish Prime and Phoenix, though, you were doing a pretty good job of ''announcing it'' yourselves a moment ago with your hug and intimate gestures.'' I felt myself freeze and Phoenix ducked her helm in embarrassment. ''You might want to watch that if you do indeed wish to keep your relationship a secret much longer. I'll meet you out front Prime.'' He gave us both a playful smile and a nod before walking off towards the entrance of the hanger.

As soon as he was out of audial range Phoenix spoke. ''I'm sorry about that Optimus.'' She looked apologetically at me. ''That was my fault.'' 

I shook my helm. ''Nonsense Phoenix! I must share a portion of the blame too. I could not keep my servos to myself.'' My optics darted quickly over her attractive frame and I dropped my voice to a seductive lower register. ''And can you blame me,'' I said suggestively to her. /Primus but I wanted to push her up against the wall and claim her, taste her yet again/.

Phoenix's dermas flew open and she let out a small gasp of shock. ''Optimus! That is most unbecoming of a Prime. I had no idea you were capable of such comments.'' She shook her helm mischievously. ''I like it!'' and she laughed out loud.

I returned her smile. ''You better be careful what you say Phoenix. You might just lead me astray even more than you already have.'' I gave another loud sigh as she bashfully turned her helm away. ''Well, I hate to say it my Phoenix, but the time has come for me to depart. I will return as swiftly as possible and hopefully with Sentinel Prime and his technology safely in our grasp.''

Both mindful of Rachet's words spoken a moment ago, I tried to banish lustful thoughts and refrained from reaching out to her. Phoenix did the same. ''Be safe Optimus and good luck.'' Phoenix gave a small nod towards me and brought her arms back around her waist. ''I'll be waiting for you.'' I returned her nod and let my optics linger on her frame a moment longer before I turned and walked out towards the entrance to the hanger.

As I transformed and led Rachet back to Andrews Air Force base to fly down to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the awaiting ''Xanthium'' at Kennedy Space Centre, the thought that Phoenix was indeed right coursed through me. As hard as it was before having to leave her to go on missions such as this, it was going to be damn near impossible now! With each passing mile between us I felt my spark ache and I missed her terribly. I had not had to balance my role as ''Prime'' with a relationship for millions of years. And while the same was as true then as it was now, that it hurt to be separated from the one you loved, somehow, it was worse this time around.

Perhaps it was because Elita One had been a seasoned leader herself, commanding the female Autobots? Perhaps it was in part due to fact that Elita and I did not actually get to spend much time together, being so busy fighting and leading a war with our respective teams?

Whilst we were still fighting a war with the Decepticons at present, the constant intensity seemed to have lessened and there had been periods of time with very little activity. As a result, Phoenix and I had had a chance to spend more uninterrupted time together getting to know each other over the past few years than Elita and I had in almost our entire relationship together. Maybe I had had a chance to grow closer to Phoenix as a result?

Whatever it was, for a brief moment, I felt my resolve and my confidence waver. /Can I actually continue to lead the Autobots and give Phoenix all she needs from me, all I want to give her?/. The thought continued to plague me for the next six hours as we made our way to the awaiting spaceship and our mission to rescue Sentinel Prime. /Maybe if Sentinel Prime can be reactivated, I won't have to lead the Autobots anymore?/.

The thought both saddened and excited me for reasons I did not wish to examine too closely at the present moment.

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

''Xanthium approaching Tranquility base.'' I notify Director Mearing and the other Government and NASA officials involved in our unscheduled and secret mission to the dark side of the moon to investigate a crashed spacecraft. A craft whose existence, until a few joors ago, had been kept a secret from us. A craft cloaked not only in the darkness of the far side of the moon, but in bureaucratic red tape and lies.

As we approach the landing area, my optics take in the wreckage of the ''The Ark.'' For a moment I am transported back to Cybertron and that fateful moment as I watched this same craft leave my home planet carrying with it our hopes of winning the war and my mentor and old friend Sentinel Prime. I closed my optics for a moment as regret and sadness washed over me at the sight of the shattered wreckage. Its twisted and mangled shell a reflection of my shattered hopes.

''You're a go for landing,'' a voice replies from the other end. As Rachet and I carefully maneuverer the Xanthium into landing position, I begin to consider what we may find. /Perhaps there is nothing here? Perhaps Sentinel Prime perished in the crash along with the crew? Perhaps the pillars he had fought so desperately to keep safe, have also perished?/.

As the engines powered down and I prepared to leave the craft, I make a conscious effort to focus on the present moment. /Do not think what might be. It is time to find out what is/. ''Rachet, let's roll!'' I call out to my medic and friend as we exited the ship. It is easy to take large strides towards the crashed Ark and we soon arrive, using our lasers to cut a way in through the side of the craft.

Walking inside the massive structure, I announce to those back on Earth, ''We're entering the Ark.'' Using my headlights to illuminate the darkness that surrounds me, I lay optics on the button that activates the ship's crash vault. At the press of the button, a hidden compartment in the ship's floor slides open to reveal its precious cargo – Sentinel Prime and five of his pillars, including what looks to be the control pillar. Feelings of relief, excitement and concern course through me in equal measure.

''His levels are faint. He must have locked himself away to guard the pillars,'' Rachet surmised as he performed a quick scan of Sentinel's vitals.

Bending down I carefully place my arms around Sentinel's frame and lift him out of his prison. ''Sentinel, you're coming home old friend.'' His face seems almost devoid of life, his frame limp in my arms. I activate my comm unit and inform those back on Earth. ''This is Prime. We have Sentinel and the pillars. We are preparing to leave.''

I turn to face Rachet. ''Conduct a quick sweep of the rest of the ship for any possible signs of survivors. Though I dare say it is futile, we must try.''

Rachet gave a simple nod and performed an immediate scan of the area before walking off a short distance and sweeping the remainder of the area. He shook his helm, a look of sadness creeping over his features. ''Negative Prime. No other survivors.'' I felt my spark ache for a moment at the loss of more fellow Autobots. ''They likely all perished in the initial blast or subsequent crash as they were not safely sealed in the vault.'' Rachet cast serious optics towards me. ''To be honest it is miraculous Sentinel has managed to survive this long, we must move fast if we hope to use the Matrix to revive him.''

Nodding my agreeance, we both move swiftly back towards the Xanthium. Once Sentinel was safely strapped to one of the medical births, I began the sequence for take-off whilst Rachet tended to Sentinel. As the Xanthium easily broke free of the gravitational pull of the moon and travelled swiftly and purposefully back towards Earth, I couldn't help but feel that this was the easy part of the path that lay before us.

Though I was proof of the power of the Matrix and its ability to restore life to Transformer, there was that small twinge of doubt in my processor. /What if it fails? What then?/. There was also the worrying thought of keeping Sentinel away from the Decepticons. If they knew that we had Sentinel Prime in our ranks, two Primes, they may feel forced to intensify their hostilities in a bid to weaken us.

As we hurtled through space the thought of Phoenix also crossed my processor. /And how do you explain Phoenix to Sentinel?/. He will know as soon as he looks at her that she is a femme he has never seen and question where she has come from. /Do I tell him the truth?/. I had just seen what comes of lies and concealing the truth. I resolved to tell Sentinel of Phoenix's origin should he enquire. As to our feelings towards each other and our new relationship, that would remain unspoken for now. It was ''need to know'' basis and at the moment, no one but Phoenix and I needed to know.

I allowed my thoughts to drift to that of my beloved Phoenix. Due to our advanced Autobot space craft, the journey to and from the moon had been considerably shorter in duration. Still, I had the better part of at least twelve earth hours ahead of me as we made the return journey, and as I rarely had the luxury of being able to just 'sit and think'' about anything, but especially personal matters, I allowed my processor the guilty pleasure of replaying those precious moments between us.

As I recalled the feel of her servos on my helm, the taste of her glossa as it danced with my own, and her warm body pressed against mine, a wave of excitement and urgency swept over me. I sighed out loud within the cockpit of the craft. ''Soon my Phoenix, soon I will be back by your side and in your arms where I belong. And hopefully, with the revival of Sentinel Prime, we shall be able to spend more time together.'' I couldn't help a small, hopeful smile from spreading across my dermas as I continued to think about the other half of my spark and the distance between us grew smaller and smaller...

''All N.E.S.T officials clear the floor. We have ten minutes until attempted contact,'' the announcement echoed around the hanger informing those necessary to make their way to the large bay we were now situated in as Sentinel's seemingly lifeless body prepared to be reawaken by the Matrix that resided in my chest cavity.

I stood nearby, my Autobot troops and Phoenix also gathered, watching me nervously and carefully. Rachet and I had not long gotten back to N.E.S.T HQ in Washington DC after our connecting flight from Cape Canaveral. Once Director Mearing had learned of the pillar's survival, she had requested that her Government take them into immediate possession for further study and to decide if they posed a threat to Earth.

At first, I hesitated given the disaster that befell us after we allowed humans to take possession of the supposed last shard of the Allspark. However, I soon relented as we were guests on their planet and human and Autobot relations were becoming strained of late. /Perhaps this would be a gesture of goodwill that might continue to smooth the path between our races and remind each other of the trust we share?/.

Phoenix watched me closely, offering a smile of support and encouragement, her optics conveying what words could not. Yet again, I had found myself unable to spend time with her as I had to meet with Director Mearing immediately and prepare Sentinel Prime for reactivation. I fought down a rather undignified sigh of frustration and turned to face the sound of voices. Though they were standing behind a glass barrier, my audials could still detect their words. It was Colonel Lennox and the Director.

''Sentinel Prime,'' Colonel Lennox explained to the woman beside him. ''These things run on energon and he's out of it. He's in some sort of sleep mode,'' I listened as the Colonel explained in simplified terms what the current situation was to Director Mearing.

I had also seen Sam and Carly enter the room. I had not seen Sam or Carly for quite some time. The duties of a Prime often prevented me from socialising and Sam himself had been busy finishing college and looking for employment. Mikaela, as it appeared, had not been the spark for Sam. He seemed to care deeply for Carly, and she for him. I wished them well.

I redirected my attention to the task at hand. The moment had arrived to trust in the power of the Matrix and attempt to bring back my mentor and friend. ''Let us begin.'' I opened my chest cavity and guided the Matrix out. Its bright blue light pulsing within its metal casing within my servos. I strode towards Sentinel, my own spark speeding up in nervous anticipation. I dare not look towards Phoenix.

I was vaguely aware of Colonel Lennox explaining what it was I held in my servos and what was about to take place. ''The Great Matrix of Leadership. He holds the only thing in the universe that can repower a Transformer's spark.'' /Let's hope/, I thought to myself as I came to stand before Sentinel's reclined form. /Please, let this work/.

''This is incredible,'' Carly whispered.

I held the Matrix aloft for a moment. ''Sentinel Prime. We bid you return!'' I plunged the Matrix in his chest. At once Sentinel's form began to twitch and jolt and the sounds of choking, gurgling noises could be heard as his optics came online and his body reanimated. Before I could say another word to welcome my mentor and friend back, he had shoved me to the floor and drawn his impressive blade, bringing it to rest threateningly on my helm. He pinned me down, the sound of growls and gurgling as Sentinel strained to speak again.

''Hold your fire!'' I heard Colonel Lennox shout out as he ran down the stairs towards Sentinel and myself.

I brought my servos up to try and push Sentinel off and hold him back all the while trying to talk reassuringly to him. ''Stop Sentinel! It is I, Optimus Prime. It is alright you are safe.'' Though the blade remained near my helm and neck, a killing blow was not delivered as Sentinel tried to process what was happening. /I should have known he would be disoriented and confused after millions of years in stasis/.

I heard my Autobots step forward in preparation to defend me if necessary, Phoenix at the fore. /Perhaps she was the reason a killing blow never landed as she used her powers?/. Rachet spoke up trying to soothe Sentinel. ''There is nothing to fear.'' They stepped closer, though Ironhide waved them back, silently reminding them to be cautious and not get too close.

Sentinel's optics, initially wild and fearful, looked around, comprehension slowly dawning. The blade was slowly removed from its deadly position. ''We are here. You are home Sentinel,'' I spoke to him again in reassuring tones.

Sentinel removed his blade and stepped back from me, allowing me to collect the fallen Matrix and begin to get off the floor. ''The war? The war?'' Sentinel asked in a raspy voice as vocal processor left unused for millions of years suddenly began to work again.

I slowly got to my pedes again. ''The war was lost. Cybertron is but a barren wasteland.'' My spark ached to tell my mentor how I had failed and what had become of our home. ''We have taken refuge here on planet Earth. Its human race is our ally.'' I replaced the Matrix within my chest cavity for now.

Sentinel seemed to take what I said with remarkable resilience. ''My ship? We came under fire. The pillars?'' Sentinel's voice rose in alarm and concern as he recalled what his mission had been. ''Where are the pillars?''

''You saved five of them, including the control pillar,'' I reassured Sentinel as I stepped towards him.

Sentinel's tone was one of equal annoyance and shock. ''Only five? We once had hundreds!''

I was unaware of that and for a moment a flash of worry raced through my processor. /What had happened to the others?/.

At this point the strident and demanding voice of Director Mearing rang out. ''Excuse me Gentlemen. May I ask what is this technology you are looking for?'' While Ms Mearing could be abrasive and unpleasant at times, you could not question her bravery and singlemindedness in performing her role.

Sentinel turned his helm towards her, looking down upon her. ''It is the ability to reshape the universe. Together the pillars form a space bridge that I designed, and I alone can control it. It defies your laws of physics to transport matter through time and space.'' Though it was explanation enough, I could not help detecting a small amount of arrogance in Sentinel's tone.

I dismissed it.

Director Mearing challenged Sentinel. ''You're talking about a teleportation device, aren't you?''

I could sense the Director's rising stress and concern and I spoke to try and alleviate it, reassuring her of its intended purposes. ''Yes, for resources, for refuges.''

Mearing took a step backwards as she processed this information and drew an unpleasant conclusion. ''Refugees or troops of soldiers! Weapons, maybe bombs! A means of an instant strike. That's its military function isn't it?'' she demanded.

Once again Sentinel spoke with an air of arrogance and self-entitlement that set off a whisper of concern within me. ''It is our technology and it must be returned.''

Director Mearing was not to be deterred. ''Yes, if humans say so! You can't just bring weapons of mass destruction into our atmosphere. Kinda have to clear customs first. A little formality called paperwork that kind of separates us from the animals.'' Mearing's initial annoyance and disbelief at being misled had given way to sarcasm and this did not sit well with Sentinel Prime. Whilst I normally would have replied, Sentinel was my superior and Director Mearing seemed to be directing the questions to him, so I stood back to observe.

The annoyance Sentinel was clearly beginning to feel towards being spoken to in such a manner leeched through into his tone and his words. ''I will overlook your condescending tone if you heed the gravity of mine. The Decepticons must never know the space bridge is here, for in their hands it would mean the end of your world.'' He fixed her with an authoritative and dismissive stare.

The room was thick with tension and I was about to speak when Sirector Mearing, shooting Sentinel her own warning glare, replied. ''Understood and agreed. However, Sentinel, for the time being, the pillars will remain in human possession. That is non-negotiable.'' She turned on her heel and, followed by Colonel Lennox and the other various Government officials, disappeared down the walkways into the bowels of the building. Sam and Carly gave me a brief wave and I inclined my helm in their direction before they followed in her path.

Sentinel Prime scowled in anger and frustration. ''How dare she speak to a Prime with such disrespect.'' Sentinel moved to follow her. I reached out my servo to place it on his arm and prevent him from following. He turned to first look at the offending servo and then towards my helm, searching for an explanation of my actions.

''Easy Sentinel. I can only imagine how confusing this must be for you being awoken in a world whose race and customs you do not understand. The humans of this world are capable of a great many things. While they can indeed be disrespectful and seemingly arrogant, they are also capable of great courage, honour and wisdom. Please, give them a chance to show you this,'' I entreated my mentor.

He stilled for a moment clearly considering my words before giving a brief nod of his helm. ''Very well Optimus. I shall yield to your advice - for now.'' I removed my servo from his arm and nodded, again that whisper of uncertainty echoed through my processor.

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

Sentinel Prime looked around him as if truly taking everything in for the first time. His optics alighted on my Autobots and he nodded towards them, acknowledging them. ''Rachet, Ironhide, Jazz it has been some time.'' Being the eldest members of my team, apart from myself, Sentinel clearly remembered my medic, my weapons specialist and special operations and second in command, as they served under him.

''Sentinel,'' Rachet, Ironhide and Jazz all intoned at the same time, returning the nod of acknowledgement.

Rachet continued, ''It is good to see you alive.'' He sent the Prime a small smile. ''I had feared the worst. When you are ready, I would request that you allow me to perform a medical examination to ensure you are indeed fully functional.''

Sentinel returned the smile and nodded towards Rachet. ''Ever the dedicated physician Rachet. Of course, I would expect nothing less from you.'' Rachet shuffled awkwardly on his pedes at the praise.

Noticing Sentinel's gaze shift to the remaining Autobots I spoke up. ''Come Sentinel, let me introduce you to the remainder of our team on Earth. You would likely not have had the opportunity to meet them yet.'' We stepped towards the group at the rear of the bay and I went along the line of my soldiers. ''This is Dino, Bumblebee and Sideswipe,'' they all nodded their helms as their name was announced.

A touch of awe radiated off Bumblebee as he beheld yet another Prime, especially one who had mentored me. I knew of Bumblebee's admiration towards me and I was humbled, if not a little unsure, of the faith he placed in me. I smiled fondly at the innocent and awestruck young scout.

Sentinel's gaze swept almost dismissively over them before he froze, his gaze came to rest on a figure at the back of the group. ''Who is that? I do not recall a femme such as her back on Cybertron Optimus.'' He furrowed his brow in thought. ''If I recall, there were not many of them left anyway, the few that did exist fought with Elita One..'' His voice trailed off and his optics travelled over her form. I felt a surge of sadness and loss followed by protective jealousy burn through me all at once and I fought to keep them at bay.

I stood beside him allowing my gaze to willingly travel to Phoenix and I smiled. ''Sentinel, allow me to introduce you to our newest member of the team – Phoenix.'' My voice held a warmth to it that was not present when introducing the others and I made a silent note to myself to be cautious and guard my feelings more carefully. Sentinel, turned his helm towards me for a moment, raising an optic ridge.

Phoenix nodded her helm in deference to Sentinel. ''Sentinel Prime, it is an honour to meet you,'' Phoenix graciously acknowledged my mentor.

Sentinel inclined his helm briefly towards Phoenix, barely acknowledging her words. ''Tell me Phoenix, where were you stationed on Cybertron? What unit did you fight with? I don't recall seeing or hearing of you fighting with Elita One's femmes''. Sentinel seemed to take an interrogative step towards Phoenix. If she was intimidated, she did not show it.

''I apologise for any confusion Sentinel Prime, but I was never stationed on Cybertron and I did not have the pleasure or privilege of meeting Elita One and her brave femme soldiers,'' I felt my spark both clench with sadness and swell with pride and appreciation as Phoenix so eloquently replied to Sentinel and so humbly referred to Elita and her team.

''Not stationed on Cybertron?'' Sentinel struggled to comprehend where Phoenix could have come from. ''Where were you stationed? Where have you come from?'' Sentinel took another step closer towards Phoenix, his optics seeming to peer straight through her as he searched for answers.

I took this moment to speak as Phoenix threw me a quick glance that sought my help. Sentinel followed her gaze towards me and turned to face me, seeming to eye me with some suspicion as he folded his arms across his chest. ''Sentinel, Phoenix is,'' I sought the correct word to use, ''unique among us in that she was not always a Transformer.''

Sentinel's optics shuttered rapidly, and he unfolded his arms for a moment. ''What do you mean by that statement Optimus? Explain yourself - quickly!'' Sentinel demanded. Sentinel was indeed an intelligent and scientifically minded Autobot though I had a feeling he was about to have his understanding and grasp on the truths in our universe shattered.

I nodded. ''Very well.'' I walked over to stand near Phoenix and turned back to face Sentinel. ''You see Sentinel, Phoenix was a human.''

''A HUMAN!'' Sentinel sounded both incredulous and shocked, as he had every right to be.

I continued in my explanation, ''Her name was Orianna Connors, or OC for short and she was one of the first humans to befriend us when we first arrived on Earth nearly five years ago.'' I watched Sentinel as he took in my words, a variety of emotions flickered acoss his optics. ''As the human Orianna, she fought bravely for us using a unique skill she possessed, demonstrating time and again that she possessed the spark, or heart, of an Autobot.''

I turned once again to face her and allowed a small smile to spread across my dermas, one which she returned. I heard Sentinel make a small grunt as he watched this interchange between us. I turned back towards him, undeterred. ''About three years ago an incident occurred that changed Orianna's life forever and led to the femme you see before you today being ''created''. You see Sentinel, Orianna somehow managed to touch a piece of the Allspark, a shard that had fallen out of another of our human allie's, Sam Witwicky's jacket. Unfortunately, Sentinel, we had to destroy the Allspark in order to defeat Megatron when we learned of his existence here on Earth.'' Sentinel flinched slightly at this mention of Megatron which seemed odd.

I pressed on, ''One of these remaining shards of the Allspark is what was used to bring Megatron back to life about three years ago and the other, is what Orianna, or Phoenixas she is now known, touched.''

Sentinel interrupted. ''How was that even possible? How could a human become a Transformer? It should not be possible for so many reasons. It defies logic.'' Phoenix raised an optic ridge at Sentinel and his tone.

Rachet, weighed into the conversation then too. ''That is something I am still trying to figure out Sentinel. By rights it should not have been possible, and even more confounding is the fact she survived the process! Phoenix is, as Prime said, truly unique.'' He smiled at Phoenix.

Phoenix herself spoke up then. ''I understand your disbelief and shock Sentinel Prime believe me, I too have had difficulty coming to terms with this ''change'' but I assure you I am as much a Transformer as any of you and I believe fervently in the Autobot cause, as you do.''

Sentinel gave what could only be described as a scowl and sneer at Phoenix's words. ''You presume much Phoenix to think yourself as much of a Transformer as I. We shall see.''

I could not help but give a small start at Sentinel's tone and his distrust of Phoenix's heartfelt words. ''Sentinel, I can vouch for Phoenix's sincerity myself.''

Sentinel ignored my comments and instead turned to Rachet for an answer on what took place. ''Rachet, what happened when she touched the shard?'' I fought back a sudden rise of irritation at Sentinel's blatant dismissal of me. /Give him time, he has had to process much in a short time, he is overwhelmed and is not quite himself/.

Rachet looked from me to Sentinel before replying. ''Well, from what I can surmise there was a small amount of energon on the shard sliver which was absorbed into her bloodstream when she grasped it and the serrated edge cut into her palm. There were also miniscule pieces of the shard, fragments of the metals of the Allspark itself and our CNA that must have also been absorbed. When combined together in her body, it must have set off some sort of ''transformation process'' when her own immune system failed to fight off the invading alien substances.''

Rachet nodded towards Phoenix again. ''Coupled with her gift, it led to a bizarre, unusual and amazing result. The femme you see standing before you right now. Who I would also like to state has demonstrated a remarkable adaptability and resilience to transition from human to Transformer.'' I watched as Phoenix dipped her helm in embarrassment before giving Rachet a huge smile.

The medic continued. ''She has also demonstrated all the hallmarks of a fine Autobot warrior and is a most welcome addition to our team and cause.'' Rachet nodded at her before returning his gaze to Sentinel, as if challenging him to rebuke his words. The other Autobots nodded in agreeance.

I also returned my gaze to Sentinel to see his reaction. He said nothing, he did not move. It was as though he was processing everything. After a moment Sentinel returned his gaze to Phoenix. ''I hear tell of a ''gift'' you have. What is this gift?''

Phoenix's gaze never left Sentinel's as she gestured with her servo and picked up a barrel that had been knocked over when Sentinel pushed me to the ground. She brought it before him, allowing it to hover in the air. ''This is the gift they refer to Sentinel Prime. Humans refer to it as ''psychokinesis,'' the ability to move objects with our minds. There is not much known about it and many even believe it to be a hoax, not even possible.'' Phoenix's dermas curved into a wry smile as she stared at Sentinel. ''You seem to doubt much about me, so I shall leave you to form your own opinions on this matter.''

I only just managed to withhold a small, rather undignified snort at Phoenix's deliberate accusation and challenge towards Sentinel. She did not elaborate on her ''other gift'' so I followed suit and refrained from mentioning it. As did the other Autobots.

Sentinel, who had flinched in shock at Phoenix's revelation, his dermas dropping open in disbelief, recovered and schooled his features into neutrality, giving little away of his true emotions. ''Indeed Phoenix. You challenge one's perceptions and defy logic on many levels, especially for one who was a human. I shall indeed watch you with interest.'' Phoenix did not respond, merely nodded her helm and kept her gaze on him. There was a moment of unspoken tension between them both as they silently sized each other up. I would speak of her with this later.

I stepped back towards Sentinel. ''Old friend, you must be tired and somewhat confused by all that has been discussed and revealed just now. Please, allow Rachet to accompany you to the medical bay for observation, assessment and refreshment. Given your stasis for so long, I doubt you shall want to recharge, though please do so if your feel the need. Later, when you feel ready, you might like to accompany me on a trip so I can show you some of this new planet we now call home.'''

Though Sentinel gave a slight sneer at the last comment, he nodded in agreeance. ''There has indeed been much for me to take in Optimus,'' he cast a quick pointed glance towards Phoenix. ''Perhaps it is a wise suggestion for me to head to the medical bay with Rachet. I would also very much like to accompany you to get a feel for this new planet I now find myself on.''

''As you wish,'' I replied. ''Rachet, would you please accompany Sentinel to the medical bay?''

''Of course, Optimus. Sentinel, right this way,'' Rachet indicated for Sentinel to follow him and both mechs headed off to another area of the hanger.

Once out of audial range, Phoenix spoke again. ''Well, that was an experience.'' She scoffed. ''I'm sorry Prime, I know he was your mentor and friend many years ago, but I do not particularly like him. Something seems ''off'' about him''. Phoenix gave a visible shudder as she recalled her conversation and interaction with him.

Jazz spoke up. ''Yeah Prime, I know it has been millennia since we last saw Sentinel, but I don't recall him ever being so...''

''Arrogant, dismissive, judgemental and narrow minded?'' Phoenix supplied.

Jazz shrugged his shoulders. ''Well I wasn't gonna use those words exactly but, yeah, inna way. I mean tha way he cut ya off when ya went ta vouch for Phoenix an' he jus' dismissed YOU - his equal, a Prime. That was not tha Sentinel I remember from Cybertron all those years ago.''

I turned to face Jazz and Phoenix. ''While I admit that Sentinel Prime did seem not entirely himself just now, we must also take into consideration what he has been through and the fact he was awoken in a strange place surrounded by those he had not seen in millenia.'' While that whisper circled about my processor, I refused to believe my mentor and friend capable of such a change. It simply could not be true. ''He is bound to need some time to readjust to the present situation and we will give him that.'' 

Bumblebee made a few whirs and beeps towards Sideswipe. ''Yeah Bee, I'm with you.'' The Silver frontliner spoke up for the first time. ''For all the legends and talk of Sentinel being a great Prime, I think Optimus is far better.'' I felt myself heat up slightly embarrassed by the praise my troops were giving me, though I remained silent.

''Still, let's listen to Optimus and give Sentinel a chance. Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves.'' Sideswipe chuckled. ''I mean look at me! If Prime didn't keep giving me chances to right my wrongs, I'd have been out my aft vorns ago.''

Dino also spoke up. ''Well he certainly was inna bad mood today!'' Dino had started gesticulating with his servos as he spoke, waving them about to help explain and channel his emotions. ''I never met Signor Sentinel until now and I must say, I no lika him at the moment. I mean the way he talka to Singnora Phoenix and Signor Prime. He was offensivo, scortese.'' He shook his helm, ''Non ci credo!'' Clearly Dino was upset as he had started talking in his Italian accent.

''Thanks for the support Dino,'' Phoenix smiled at him before she turned to face me, her optics fixing me with a very serious stare. ''Optimus, I just don't trust him. His words, his tone, his demeanour, everything about him screams to me he is not who you once remembered him to be.'' She tilted her helm towards me. ''You said he was carrying with him your last chance to win the war? Sentinel was your predecessor was he not?''

I nodded my helm. ''Yes Phoenix, on both counts.'' I did not like where she was going with this and I felt myself tense up.

Phoenix nodded and continued. ''Prime, desperation can make people, and it would seem Transformers, act in ways they would not normally act, make choices they would not normally make and change in ways you thought they could not possibly change.'' She folded her arms across her chest, a thoughtful expression on her beautiful face. ''What if the fear of losing his home world and his people has triggered changes within Sentinel that even you thought him incapable of? The weight of responsibility takes its toll on a leader, you know that more than anyone else in this room.''

I started to walk towards her. ''What is your point Phoenix?''

Phoenix took a small step towards me, bridging the distance. ''What if Sentinel Prime has allowed that weight, that burden, to get to him?'' She reached out and placed a servo on my shoulder, an act I would normally find comforting and pleasing, yet at the moment, it was neither. ''The pressure of succeeding to ensure the survival of his planet and his people rising above all else, including his own sense of morality and his own code of ethics. Is it not possible that Sentinel has changed, you just don't want to believe it?'' Phoenix removed her servo and folded her arms over her chest again, staring at me determinedly but without malice or self-righteousness. She was simply trying to put her point across.

I faced her and her alone, though what I had to say was for all Autobot audials, I wanted Phoenix to hear directly. ''Phoenix, I thank you for your observations and your comments. However, I believe that they are unfounded.'' She closed her optics and brought her servos down by her sides, clenching them. I felt myself bristle slightly though continued to speak. ''While I agree with what you say about desperation and the weight of leadership, Sentinel is above that. He was my mentor, he was the one who taught me that freedom was the right of all sentient beings. Do you think a mech such as that capable of acting in a manner you just described?'' I raised a challenging optic ridge at her.

Phoenix opened her optics again and a quiet fire burned in them. In a final hushed voice, she spoke to me, offering up a warning. ''Optimus, I sense a darkness in him. Please, for your sake, for the sake of everyone, take what I say into consideration. Tread cautiously with Sentinel until we can be sure all is well with him.''

It was clear she would not yield on this matter, though neither would I. ''Phoenix, Sentinel was my mentor and my friend, two very good reasons to give him the benefit of the doubt. I believe your fears are unfounded. While you are entitled to make your own opinions and voice them, as an Autobot under my command,'' I felt myself wince inwardly at my tone though I had stand firm in my leadership in front of the others, regardless of the nature of our relationship, ''My decision is final, and I would respectfully request you accept it.'' I did not take my optics off her, watching the same determination dance within hers as I am sure was reflected in mine.

After an interminable moment, Phoenix gave an audible sigh and looked away. ''As you wish Optimus Prime. Against my better judgement I will support your decision. I just hope you are right.'' With that she turned and stalked off towards the personal quarters. I made no move to follow her though I desperately wanted to.

''Prime, what are your orders?'' Ironhide spoke up for the first time, choosing to ignore what had just transpired between Phoenix and me.

I continued to stare after Phoenix for a moment, torn between running after her and pleading with her to understand why I said what I said and wanting to punch a hole through the wall in frustration and annoyance. I turned to face Ironhide and the remainder of my team. ''Ironhide, Jazz, Dino and Sideswipe, you are to stay here on base with Phoenix. Watch her, protect her and await further instructions. Sam was here earlier due to a Decepticon attack on him. He may be in need of further protection.''

''Bumblebee,'' I turned to face the yellow scout who stiffened in anticipation at my address, ''I want you to accompany Sam and Carly home. You are taking up primary guardianship duties. Report back any suspicious activity. You are to call in for back up immediately should you perceive a threat. Understood?''

Bumblebee saluted me and gave a few quick whirs and beeps, quickly scanning his radio frequencies, ''Of course... Sir… I'm on my way.'' With that the youngest member of my team turned and headed off in search of Sam and Carly. I watched in pride as he went about carrying out his task. Such dedication and faith.

I turned back towards the others. ''I will head off for some recharge myself for a few joors while Rachet is seeing to Sentinel. If Sentinel feels up to it, I shall take him for a short trip to see some of this beautiful planet. Jazz in my absence you will be in command. If Bumblebee calls in for backup, you are to coordinate support. Ironhide,'' I turned to face the seasoned warrior, ''You are to remain on base at all times with Phoenix. She is unable to leave given her lack of an alt mode so she will need both company and perhaps, protection.''

Ironhide gave a small dismissive snort. ''Protection?'' He shook his helm. ''Prime, company I understand, but protection? Phoenix is in no more need of protection than I am.'' At my darkening look Ironhide shifted on his pedes and continued, ''Though I shall remain here as requested to carry out both roles - if necessary.''

I nodded to them all. ''Very well, you are all dismissed.'' Dino, Sideswipe and Ironhide nodded back at me before heading off in various directions. Jazz remained behind.

''Prime?'' he asked tentatively.

''Yes Jazz, what is it?'' I asked though I had a feeling I knew what he wanted to know.

''Have…. have you and Phoenix had that ''talk'' yet?'' he asked hesitantly, 'Cause it sure didn't seem like ya had just now.''

I sighed in barely restrained frustration. ''Jazz, I would appreciate you keeping this to yourself but, yes, Phoenix and I have indeed talked, and we have indeed confessed our mutual feelings towards each other,'' I allowed a small smile to form as Jazz's dermas split into a massive grin.

''Oh, hey man that's so cool! Finally! I never thought you'd get around ta it. I thought I'd have ta keep stirring ya for vorns yet.'' Jazz gave a small laugh.

''Well, let's say the thought of that prompted me to act.'' Jazz laughed a little louder. ''Besides, I could no longer contain how I felt about her. I did not want to lose her. It was time to be honest with her and with myself.''

I shook my helm sadly. ''Though ever since that amazing moment Jazz, I have barely had a moment with her and now, with what has transpired with Sentinel Prime, it feels like we are slipping away from each other.'' My voice trailed off as I could not seem to find the words to describe how I felt and what had happened.

Jazz placed a reassuring servo on my arm. ''Hey Prime, don't worry man. I know it seems ya are both poles apart at tha moment but from what I have seen of ya both an' how ya feel about each other, what you guys have is tha real deal. It would take more than a disagreement, more than an argument ta break what ya have. Hell, even death could not separate ya both an' keep ya apart! You'll see.''

He patted my arm. ''Phoenix may not be happy with ya now an' perhaps vice versa, but do not for an astro second think she does not love ya. It's because she loves ya Optimus that she challenges ya, questions ya and will call ya out.'' He removed his servo. ''She only wants for ya ta be safe jus' as much as you wish that for her an' if that means second guessin' your decisions,'' he shrugged his shoulders. ''She'll do it.''

I felt myself nodding slowly in agreement with Jazz. ''Thank you Jazz, you make a valid and wise point. I will take that into consideration.''

Jazz gave a small smile. ''Thanks Prime. However, Phoenix also made some valid an' wise points earlier.'' I felt my optics flick to Jazz's. ''I know ya feel ya cannot let ya new relationship cloud ya judgement over ya leadership, but jus' remember tha reverse is true too Prime. Don't let ya leadership cloud ya judgement over what you know of Phoenix an' her intuition.'' 

Jazz was staring very seriously at me, something the silver saboteur rarely did. ''While it's okay ta overrule her an' stand firm on your own decisions, it's also okay ta concede ta her in front of ya troops if she indeed makes a valid point or argument. No one would think ya were givin' preferential treatment. We all know ya too well ta think ya capable of that.''

I placed a servo on Jazz's and smiled warmly at my friend. ''You do indeed know me well Jazz, and I thank you for trying to alleviate some of my concerns.'' I removed my servo. ''I will bear what you have said in mind. After I get back from my drive with Sentinel, I shall try and spend some time with Phoenix, alone and.. perhaps apologise to her.''

''There ya go Prime! I'll run interference for ya. I'll get Sentinel ta tell me more about tha pillars an' how they work. That'll give ya at least a few joors!'' He winked at me conspiratorially.

I laughed out loud. ''I'll hold you to it Jazz, now if you'll excuse me, I must go and recharge if I am to be prepared for what the coming day shall bring.'' I tapped his shoulder once in friendly thanks and turned to head off towards my personal quarters, which happened to be in the opposite direction to Phoenix's. For a moment I stood in the hallway, torn between heading to my own quarters for some much-needed recharge or going in search of Phoenix for some much-needed discussion and time alone.

After a moment of indecision, I turned and walked slowly towards my quarters, opening the door and hearing it slide behind me. /When I return from my drive with Sentinel, I shall ensure Phoenix and I have some uninterrupted time alone/. As I felt myself drift off into recharge that whisper that had echoed through my processor earlier, returned. Only this time, it was louder, more demanding. /What if she's right? What if Sentinel Prime has changed?/.

As I closed my optics, my final thoughts echoed in the darkness. /All of us have a capacity for darkness inside. I guess time will tell if Sentinel has allowed his to consume what was once the brightest of lights/.

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

''So majestic and peaceful this planet,'' Sentinel scanned the horizon before him, the way the light casts shadows and illuminated the landscape around him was breathtaking and its beauty was not lost on him. ''Unlike the final days of Cybertron.'' The sadness in his voice mirrored the regret I still felt to this day and had voiced to no one – until now.

I walked slowly towards Sentinel, my mentor and friend. ''I've wondered what might have been if you had fought the final battle instead of me.'' The thought had indeed plagued me since that fateful day millions of years ago. /Perhaps if Sentinel had led the Autobots instead of I, we would still have a home? Perhaps my race would still be thriving not dying?/. It gnawed at me, and now Sentinel knew too.

He turned towards me and gave me a small smile of understanding. ''Never mourn the past young warrior. Thanks to you, our race survives.'' His words helped to alleviate the weight that had settled around my spark for millennia, though I doubted I would ever truly be rid of it. Still, his words were a balm to my spark.

/It is time/, I thought to myself. Opening my chest cavity, I removed the Matrix of Leadership from its place of safe keeping. Kneeling before Sentinel Prime, my predecessor I offered it up to him. ''You were our leader Sentinel. It is your right to lead us again.'' As the Matrix left my servos and floated towards Sentinel, I felt a great weight and a feeling of freedom flood my system and yet at the same time, a feeling of grief and loss, as though I had just given him a large piece of myself.

Sentinel considered the Matrix for a moment, as though he may take it and all that it encompassed. However, after a moment, he sent the revered object floating back towards me. ''In a world I do not know. I am no longer your teacher Optimus, you are mine.''

As the Matrix returned to my servos and Sentinel's words echoed in my audials and processor, I felt my shoulders sag with renewed responsibility and the addition of becoming mentor to my mentor. I had hoped that Sentinel would resume his position as rightful leader of the Autobots so that I may be free of that responsibility and could dedicate more time to my relationship with Phoenix, something I had never been able to do with Elita One and regretted deeply.

It would seem, once again, my own personal wishes and needs would have to give way to the ''greater good.'' I sighed inwardly. ''As you wish Sentinel,'' was all I said out loud as I once again stowed the Matrix back within my chest, its power flowing through me and providing the strength and resolve necessary to rise to my pedes and once again shoulder the mantel of Leadership.

''Now,'' Sentinel turned to face me once more. ''Tell me more of how you came to find your way to this planet and the subsequent loss of the Allspark.'' The rays of the rising sun reflected off his plating as he furrowed his brow and folded his arms across his chest. ''I wish to know more of the circumstances surrounding that event and what became of Megatron.'' I nodded as I moved to stand beside him.

He grunted, stiffening slightly as he continued. ''I would also like to know more about these human allies you have deigned to ally yourself with, in particular this - Phoenix.'' At mention of her name I could not help the ghost of a smile from forming on my dermas. Sentinel spared me a sideways glance, the distasteful look upon his face as he noted my reaction sent a ripple of concern coursing through me once more and Phoenix's words of warning echoed within my processor. 

''As you wish Sentinel.''

He returned his gaze towards the horizon. ''She could prove to be a useful ally with her unusual gift, IF she can be trusted that is.'' I shifted uncomfortably on my pedes at the warning and the threat implicit in his tone. ''Something that remains to be seen.''

I narrowed my optics and ex-vented softly. /Indeed. Though she is not the one who perhaps needs to prove their trustworthiness?/. I too kept my gaze on the horizon when I next spoke. ''Sometimes Sentinel, in order to gain trust, you must first give it.'' I turned to face my mentor. ''I trust Phoenix with my life. As a Prime in my own right, and your once trusted pupil, I would hope my opinion might bear some weight with you.''

The corners of Sentinel's dermas curved into the smallest of smiles as he turned to face me. ''Your opinion Optimus, has been duly noted.'' The smile faded. ''Though as you just now pointed out to me, I am the rightful leader of the Autobots and one who has borne the title of Prime far longer than you.'' My dermas drew together in a thin line as I held his gaze. ''Though you know more of this world and its - inhabitants -  than I, I shall keep my own counsel as to who is deserving of my trust.'' 

''Indeed Sentinel,'' I took a step away from him, suddenly desiring distance between us. Moving further down the hill, I turned back to face him. ''I would never presume to tell you what to do..''

''Good!'' His countenance changed at once as he followed me and placed a servo on my shoulder. ''Then I believe we have an understanding?''

I eyed him very carefully before I nodded. ''I believe we do Sentinel.''

''I am glad to hear it Optimus.'' He patted my shoulder and smiled warmly as he gestured for me to continue in our direction. ''Now, young warrior. Pray tell me more the Allspark and Megatron's demise. I wish to know exactly what happened to him.''

Chapter Text

Phoenix P.O.V

'Hide, you've known Prime the longest, has he always been so stubborn and pigheaded?'' I threw my servos up in frustration as I paced the REC room back in N.E.S.T HQ. Ironhide stood opposite me, his arms folded over his broad chest as he considered my question. The others had been called away to assist Sam and Simmons and some Russian Cosmonauts with some reconnaissance in connection to the dark side of the moon or some such thing, so it was just the two of us.

''Phoenix, I sense a growing irritation within you.'' 'Hide had a small smile on his dermas.

''Ya think Captain Obvious!'' I all but growled at him. ''I mean, I always considered Optimus to be fair minded and wise, incredibly wise in fact. He always seemed to be able to read everyone else so quickly and put two and two together before most others.'' I continued to pace.

''Except when it came to the both of you,'' Ironhide interjected.

''Right! Except… HEY!'' I stopped pacing and glared icily at him. ''Watch it,'' I warned. I was in no mood for cute antics.

Ironhide held up his servos in mock surrender. ''What? It's true! You both were guilty of that.'' He shrugged his shoulders. ''Jazz, Rachet and I even commented on it. For two individuals who were so astute in many things, you were both incredibly slow on the uptake in matters of your own sparks.'' He smiled warmly at me, an action that disarmed me as it was so unlike the fierce warrior to do so. ''But, in the end you worked it out, didn't you?''

I stared at him for a moment. ''Well, I guess so. I mean we have told each other we have feelings beyond friendship, have had for some time. But we have not had a chance to say or do much else.'' I felt my dermas clench in frustration. ''In fact, we have hardly had a moment to ourselves!'' I resumed pacing in frustration and agitation.

''From bloody Chernobyl to the moon and now Sentinel comes along, it seems like Optimus and I are destined to never be together, or lately, even on the same page.'' I ex-vented deeply and sat down on one of the large Transformer sized benches. I hid my helm in my servos as I tried to contain all the emotions swirling within me. I heard Ironhide's heavy pedes walk towards me and a large servo came to rest on my shoulder.

''Phoenix, Prime has indeed always been stubborn. Even when he was Orion Pax, when he got a notion in his head that he believed to be true and fair, he would doggedly follow it and see it through. It's part of how he came to be our Prime, that stubborn commitment to what is just and right, seeing something through no matter the personal cost, has earned him a respect and allegiance that few Primes, if any, have ever come close to emulating.'' He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze of support.

''While it can be beyond frustrating, and I should know having served him for over 7 million years, it is also one of his greatest qualities.'' He paused for a moment as if considering his own advice. ''You know you are similar in that respect Phoenix.'' I looked up towards him preparing to stubbornly refute his comment, when I noticed he seemed lost in thought for a moment.

''Irondhide?'' I asked quietly. ''You okay?''

He removed his servo and shook his helm after a moment, looking down at me with a sad smile. ''I was just thinking of a femme I used to know back on Cybertron.'' His voice dropped to a lower register as he recalled this femme. I gave him my full attention. Ironhide never spoke of such things.

''What was her name?'' I asked him tentatively.

He smiled fondly. ''Chromia. Her name was Chromia. She was sort of my spark mate.'' I felt my dermas fly open in shock.

''Ironhide!'' I stared incredulously at him. I had no idea you had a spark mate; you never speak of her.'' I felt such a sense of sorrow for Ironhide and what he had lost, that I reached out and placed my servo on his shoulder in a show of support.

Ironhide gave my servo a quick squeeze before shaking it off. ''Yeah well, I guess I never felt the need to. Besides, talking about her won't bring her back.'' He shrugged his shoulders dismissively. ''She fought with Elita One and the other femmes.'' He chuckled softly. ''She was also stubborn as a mule as you'd say here on Earth, was one of the best shots in the team, tough as iron and enjoyed a good fight almost as much as I did.''

I smiled at him. ''Wow Ironhide! She seems like the perfect femme for you! You must have made quite the team.''

Ironhide's optics shone brightly as he recalled his mate. ''Yeah, we did. We balanced each other out. When one of us became overwhelmed with all that was going on, the other served as an anchor. When one of us became so filled with rage and frustration at the futility of war, the other served as sparring partner and a sounding board. When one of us became lost in darkness, the other was there to guide them back to the light.''

Ironhide fixed me with a steady gaze. ''And when one of us became too stubborn to listen to reason, the other would swallow their pride and support them come what may.'' His optics seemed to pierce right through me as he drove his point home.

I returned his gaze with equal determination. ''And when that stubbornness brought pain and suffering or trouble? What then Ironhide?''

He allowed a rueful smile to grace his dermas. ''Then the other would be there to pick up the pieces, rebuild and move forward.''

I closed my optics and nodded. /Ironhide was right/. Optimus and I had to balance each other out. We had to give and take, agree and disagree but always support each other regardless of what came our way. We were a team. Right now, Prime needed me to support him and even though I had misgivings, I would give him that because it was what he needed from me. I just hoped I would not need to pick up any pieces and that Prime was right – Sentinel could be trusted.

I smiled at Ironhide. ''Thanks 'Hide, I needed to hear that. You know, you actually are pretty wise yourself.''

Ironhide shuffled on his pedes in embarrassment. ''Well, you don't get to live to be my age and not learn a few things about life and yourself.''

I nodded. ''Indeed. I hope I can grow to be as wise as you one day.''

''I hope you should live so long to have that opportunity Phoenix.''

I laughed out loud. ''And why wouldn't I when I have you to keep me safe,'' I stood to my pedes and quickly reached out to give him a quick hug. Shock flowed through me when I realised, he was returning it.

''Always,'' the rough mech replied gruffly. If I was able to cry, I would have felt tears flowing down my cheeks. I squeezed him tighter as I did not have the words.

''We have an energon alert! Energon readings detected on the DC parkway. Currently tracking three black Suburbans,'' the announcement came blaring over the PA system in the hanger. Ironhide and I quickly stepped back from each other, the tender moment between two friends shattered by reality.

A moment later our comms went off and Prime's deep voice rolled through our audials. ::Phoenix, Ironhide. I have just received word from Sam. It appears Simmons and he have discovered a link between the pillars, the moon, Sentinel and the Decepticons. Sentinel is the key, the Decepticons are coming for him. We must protect him!:: There was an urgency and an underlying fear in his tone that put me on edge. ::Sam, Bumblebee, Dino, Sideswipe and Jazz are enroute back to base with Sentinel. I am not far behind, we got separated. Be prepared for an imminent attack, be on alert. Phoenix, please, be safe::

I felt my spark ache for him.::You too Optimus! Please hurry back::

::Believe me I am Phoenix. And Ironhide..::

::Yes Prime?::

::Look after her::

::Always Prime. With my very life::

::Prime out:: I could hear the gratitude in his tone.

Ironhide turned to start heading for the exit. ''Where are you going?'' I yelled after him.

He turned back briefly, ''Preparing for an imminent attack.''

I snorted. ''Hide there is nothing..''

Ironhide's comms went off and the sound of Bee whirring frantically floated through the air. ''I'm on my way Bee, hang in there.'' He turned to me with a smile on his face. ''You were saying? Bumblebee has requested backup with those SUV's. It's the Dreads.'' He went to race off.

'' WAIT! Ironhide!'' I called out. He turned back. ''Thank you for sharing with me. I'm honoured that you trusted me enough to let me hear that. I will not forget your advice.''

He nodded at me. ''You're welcome Phoenix. Now, stay put and stay SAFE! I'll be back in a minute after I see to these punks.'' With that he turned and transformed, speeding out the exit.

I felt my spark twist for him too. /You better come back in one piece or I'll kill you myself!/. Despite having gotten off on the wrong pede, Ironhide and I had become good friends and I cared deeply for the old mech. /If anything happened to him…/.

I began to pace nervously and helplessly. Everyone I cared for was not here! I could hear car types screeching in the distance and cannon fire. The fight was drawing closer. /Optimus said to prepare for imminent attack/. ''Ironhide had said to stay put.'' I mused out loud to myself. A smile grin spread across my dermas. ''But he didn't specify where''. With that I raced out of the exit in the same direction I had seen Ironhide disappear minutes ago.

As I arrived at the front gates of N.E.S.T HQ, I noticed Sentinel drive in, followed by Bumblebee, Dino, Sides, Jazz and Ironhide! /They're all safe/. I felt my spark pulse in relief at the sight of most of my family appearing to be well and unharmed. Lennox was also there directing them all to safety.

''Get inside! Let's go! Move.. Keep moving!'' he waved the cars on.

Something still did not sit right with me, a sick and worrying feeling gnawed at me. I came to stand in the loading bay amongst the trucks. Sentinel pulled up just before me and I felt my whole body tense at the sight of him. /I know that Prime said to give him a chance, but I know how I feel/. Sentinel began to transform and as he did so, his optics briefly rested on me and he gave a malicious smile. My energon seemed to stop flowing. I trained my optics on him and watched him like a hawk.

 ''Lennox!'' Sam jumped out of Bumblebee and ran towards Lennox.

Lennox continued to wave the Autobots in. ''Go, go, go!''

''We got Decepticons everywhere!'' Sam yelled at Lennox.

Lennox turned to Sam and replied. ''I've got my whole team deployed looking for them.'' He turned to Ironhide, who had clearly dispatched of the Dreads. ''Ironhide! Protect Sentinel, get him locked up inside.''

Ironhide had transformed back into his robot mode. ''Consider it done!'' He moved to stand before Sentinel and me, preparing to usher Sentinel inside. Though Sentinel made no move to do as he was asked.

''You've got to guard him, 'cause he is the key to the whole thing!'' Sam explained urgently to Lennox as he listened as carefully as possible as he continued to wave everyone back towards the building.

It was at that moment Sentinel spoke, a warning tone in his voice. ''Indeed I am. What you must realise my Autobot brothers is we were never going to win the war.''

I tensed. His tone, his stance, his arrogance, his treats. It was as though he was not himself. No longer an Autobot but a…

''For the sake of our planet's survival, a deal had to be made. With Megatron.'' My dermas flew open as the dots were finally connected in my processor. Even as I heard Sentinel's cannon power up and he went to fire it at Ironhide's unsuspecting form, I was moving.

''IRONHIDE!'' I screamed desperately. Stretching a servo out, I used my psychokinesis to shove him roughly towards the ground and the direction of Bumblebee and the others. At the same time, I grabbed Sentinel's weapon and forced it skywards as it fired, the shot missing its intended mark. Sentinel growled viciously at me, roughly shoving me off and swinging around with a left hook that connected and sent me flying into one of the trucks parked nearby.

''Get back!'' I heard Lennox yell belatedly as he realised Sentinel's betrayal.

Sentinel turned towards me and began to shoot wildly at me. I managed to deflect most, but one of the blasts hit me in the left servo. I cried out in pain and a satisfied grin spread across Sentinel's face. He raised his cannon to take aim again, but I sent him stumbling backwards with a ''shove''.

Taking advantage of his temporary distraction, I rolled to my pedes and leapt over the railing onto the road below that lead to the back gate and the main hanger. Torn between staying and helping Lennox and the others and racing ahead to warn the people inside of Sentinel's betrayal, I quickly began sprinting down the road. /The Autobots, Lennox and Sam will have to look after themselves, they are better prepared than those inside/.

As I ran, I glanced down at my left servo and my spark stopped. My servo was being eaten away, rusting before my very optics! It was spreading fast. As I came to a stop before the hanger entrance, I paused for a moment, stealing myself for what I knew I had to do. I unsheathed my energon blade and held it high. With a primal yell of anger, pain and fear I brought the blade down hard, slicing the lower part of my arm off, in a desperate bid to stop the corrosion from advancing.

For a moment, I felt myself falter in my steps, shock threatening to overwhelm me.

In the distance I could hear Sentinel, who had clearly regained his footing, blasting away indiscriminately. A feeling of determination and a resolve to try and stop Sentinel tore through me like a wildfire.

I withdrew my energon blade and raced into the hanger, screaming my warning. ''TAKE COVER! Sentinel is in league with the Decepticons. He's coming for the pillars. Get out!'' I was waving my remaining servo about frantically. Some of the soldiers and other military personnel paused momentarily before they began to run out of the building. /Good, they listened/. Even as I finished yelling my warning and some of the people had fled, the sound of explosions and screams tore through the building. Debris flew everywhere as Sentinel charged his way through the hanger.

I watched as some of the brave N.E.S.T soldiers, their training taking over, stood their ground, firing upon the rouge Prime as he wrought a path of destruction. /Like mosquito bites to him!/ I thought, even as I tried to contain the blasts and explosions to lessen the impact and save as many lives as possible. Sentinel saw me and began to stride towards me, arrogant rage etched in his visage. I felt myself get into a battle-ready stance.

An angry, authoritative voice rang out over the melee, ''HEY! Sentinel. What is going on? What do you think you are doing?'' I turned abruptly to follow the voice to its source, though I knew whom I would find. Director Mearing had arrived to bravely, though foolishly, challenge Sentinel on his actions.

She barrelled along the catwalk towards Sentinel, some of her aides cautiously following her and trying unsuccessfully to stop her from addressing the enraged Prime. At that moment a N.E.S.T soldier fired upon Sentinel. He merely turned and deflected the missile with his massive shield. I was able to contain most of the explosion and prevent it from injuring Mearing and the others, and I moved into position to defend Mearing and her aides if necessary.

Sentinel turned to arrogantly dismiss the Director. ''I am a PRIME! I do not take orders from you!''

I could not help in that moment but draw a comparison between the two Primes – Optimus and Sentinel. The contrast between the two amazed me, and I felt grateful that a Prime such as Optimus was on our side. ::WHERE ARE YOU OPTIMUS?::

Colonel Lennox, along with Sam and some of the other soldiers from outside had arrived and run up the stairs to intercept Mearing. ''Director Mearing come on. We can't fight him. Let's go. We have to go!'' Lennox urged as he tried to steer and handle her away from the rapidly escalating scene.

Sentinel turned and refocused his attention his primary goal – obtaining the pillars. In a loud and demanding voice Sentinel addressed Mearing and any other person who was able to give him what he wanted. ''Now – RETURN WHAT BELONGS TO ME!'' He roared the words in anger, throwing twisted and burning chassis of helicopters into a pile of various destroyed military equipment.

I heard Director Mearing yell, the uncharacteristic emotion of fear permeating her voice. ''Oh. My. God.'' I watched as Lennox ushered her and Sam away, though Sam paused a moment to take in the scene before him, disbelief written all over his face.

My left arm throbbed excruciatingly though I would not be distracted. Lives were at stake – including my own.

Sentinel cast his optics towards me again and they flashed a warning. ''You will do well to stay out of my way you abomination. As you can see, I am willing to injure or kill to obtain what belongs to me,'' he gave a quick nod towards my injured left arm.

I let a small, feral smile spread across my dermas as I engaged my battle mask.

''MAKE ME!'

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

I pulled up quickly near the Lincoln memorial, having tracked Sentinel to this point. I had come in a last desperate bid to sway his decision and reason with him, in the hopes of preventing this current madness from unfolding. I transformed and stared in disbelief at the large silver and red mech, the figure of my once mentor and friend, as he placed his servos on the pillars to activate the space bridge.

''Commencing transport,'' Sentinel's gravelly voice announced as he began to trigger the disastrous event.

I rushed towards him, my servo outstretched, begging for his attention. ''STOP! NO! No, no Sentinel!'' The disbelief and utter desperation saturating my words.

''Forgive me,'' the two words were spoken in a regretful and saddened whisper as though he had no choice. Even as I continued to move towards him, a column of light and electricity sprung forth from the pillars he had so carefully orchestrated into position. A gateway into the heavens to bridge reinforcements. /What have you done Sentinel? What have I allowed to happen?/. The words echoed through my processor and tore at my spark.

For a moment, nothing happened, just a pillar of blue light and crackling electricity pulse and dance above the reflective pool. I was unable to move as the gravity of what was about to occur hung like a weight upon me, fixing me to the spot, forcing me to watch the horror unfold. Within seconds, menacing looking Decepticon figures and spacecraft leap from within the column of light.

Director Mearing's words echo through my processor. /''Troops of soldiers, weapons, bombs! Means of an instant strike, that is its military function is it not?''/. I closed my optics in silent repentance. /Forgive me/. In the distance I heard the engines of my team, Bumblebee, Dino, Jazz, Ironhide and Sideswipe as they arrived with Colonel Lennox and the other N.E.S.T soldiers in a vain attempt to contain or confront the enemies spewing forth.

The sound of cannon fire and explosions erupting around me, wrenched me from my observations and roused me into action. Sentinel had begun to withdraw, running away from me, turning to shoot a volley of fire at me. The blasts exploded around me, forcing me to the ground to avoid getting hit. /We cannot hope to engage them here, not now/. As I raced to chase Sentinel down in a final attempt to make him see reason, I called out to my Autobots, and Colonel Lennox, ''Autobots – retreat!''

I followed Sentinel as he cut across the reflective pool, splashing through its still waters. Giving a loud and angry growl, I crash tackled him into the set of stairs on the opposite side, bringing both of us down in a loud metallic crash. I sprang to my pedes almost immediately, but Sentinel was surprisingly quicker, and he drew his weapon on me, aiming it at my helm as he shoved me roughly against the concrete pillar of the statue.

I could hear myself grunting and growling in annoyance, anger and effort to fight off my traitorous friend. I thrashed about, trying to push him away and off of me. He easily knocked my servos away. ''WHY Sentinel, Why?'' I begged the answer to my question. The pain of his betrayal, his incomprehensible actions, the hurt and anger, all of it, twisted together in the tone of my voice.

He shoved me back roughly against the concrete monument behind me. ''For Cybertron! For our home!'' He pushed me again, slamming me into the concrete, using my body to accentuate each statement. ''What war destroyed we can rebuild, but ONLY if we join with the Decepticons!'' He pushed me once more and brought the blade of his sword against my throat in a menacing and threatening manner.

I was rocked to my core as I stared up into the steely optics of my once mentor and friend as he pinned me down and threatened me. There was no kindness there. No compassion, no wisdom. His whole reasoning defied reason! I grabbed his sword arm and pushed him off me momentarily. ''NO! that is not the only way! This is our home!'' His sword arm came back to rest against my neck. ''We must defend the humans!'' His blade pressed sharply against me as I desperately tried to reason with him. He leant down to speak to me in a mocking tone.

''So lost you are Optimus. On Cybertron we were Gods!'' Sentinel removed his weapon and stepped back from me, turning away for a moment. ''And here they call us machines!'' The disgust and anger rolling off him permeates his words and makes my spark constrict. /Oh, my friend. Where have you gone?/.

He turned back towards me, bringing the point of his blade against my neck cables and his cannon to bear on me as well in a final threatening display. ''Let the humans serve us or perish!'' His face is hard and twisted by hate, malice and a sense of superiority. As quickly as he bought his weapons upon me, he pushes away and begins to stride off.

As his figure retreats into the night, he spares a final glance, sending me a warning. ''You're lucky I didn't kill you. In time, you'll see.'' Perhaps it was a final gesture and acknowledgement of our friendship and student mentor relationship that stayed Sentinel's servo. I will likely never know, though in that moment I knew he was walking away from the Autobot cause, from me, for good.

Slowly, rising to my knees, I feel my servos clench by my sides as the anger, frustration and grief wash over me. ''It's not over,'' I grind out. Though I doubt he heard me, I send the words; a promise, a challenge, and a threat, rolling out into the cool night air.

My gears and pistons groan and hiss as I rise to my pedes once again. I now know beyond any shadow of doubt that there is nothing I can do to get through to Sentinel. He was beyond lost. /Just as Phoenix had said/. I stared in the direction Sentinel's form had disappeared into the night shadows and I bid him a silent farewell. /Goodbye old friend. When next we meet, it will be as enemies in the field of battle/.

Before tonight I had resolved to try and convince Sentinel to abandon this course of action, to join us again and wipe clean his treachery. Now I felt a new resolve steal throughout every fibre of my being. The resolve and determination to stop him and bring him to justice, and if that meant killing my old mentor and friend, I would do it. As Phoenix said, ''I would right my wrong.''

/No matter the cost/.

Having returned from confronting Sentinel, I sat quietly in the semi-dark recovery room of the base's Med Bay. ''You were right My Phoenix. Once again, I should have listened to your wise words.'' I sat beside the recharging form of my dear Phoenix, holding her right servo in mine as she recovered from the repairs to rebuild the lower portion of her left arm. My spark ached to hold her and pull her close to me, but she had to rest and recover.

Rachet had seen to my superficial injures I had sustained while engaging with Sentinel and had now left me alone with Phoenix for some privacy. Despite the fact she was in not in any condition to talk with me, just being near her was enough. It would have to be enough for now.

I raised my other servo to brush my digits against her cheek and her helm. I ex-vented deeply as I took in her form. /How I loved her/. Thinking back now, I had always felt drawn to her, even as a human. She had a presence about her. I wanted to get to know her. As the years went by, she demonstrated time and again her bravery, compassion, good humour and loyalty towards my team and me. Not to mention the unique skills and talents she possessed that she used to protect and defend those around her.

She cared so deeply for us all and our cause. She spoke to me with such raw honesty, demanded it from me. She saw through the aura that most others placed around me and reached up to pull me down from that pedestal I had been placed on, offering a hand of true friendship. Phoenix saw through me, through the barriers I put up. Saw all my faults and failings that others were blind to, or did not want to see, and she called me on them. But she also accepted me for them.

Cupping her cheek, I brought my helm down to hers. I did not recall the exact moment my feelings shifted from friendship to love; all I knew was that I loved her. With all my spark. What had started as a friendship, had grown, and blossomed into a deep and all-consuming love. I could not imagine my life without her in it, nor did I want to.

I gently kissed her dermas before slowly pulling away and sitting upright again. I smiled down at her. For millions of years my spark had been cold and ached with the loss of another I had loved. I had never thought it possible for that love to replaced, even more so to be eclipsed and yet, as I gazed down at Phoenix, I knew it to be true. Phoenix was not just the other half of my spark; she was my spark.

/Tell her! Stop holding back and tell her exactly how you feel, how important she is to you. Why are you waiting? Time, life, they are precious – you know that. Why waste it?/.

I smiled at my own foolishness and felt my optics fix on her beautiful face, as if committing it to my processor. Grasping her right servo in mine, and squeezing tightly, I allowed the declaration to tumble out of my dermas. ''I love you Phoenix. With all my spark I love you.'' I brought her servo to my dermas and kissed it. For a moment I thought she might stir, look up at me with bright optics and say it back to me, but she continued to slumber.

I sighed. A wry smile twisting my dermas. /Now, if you can manage to say that to her conscious form, you'll be doing well!/. Once again, on que, my comms unit went off. ::Prime here::

Jazz's voice flowed through my audials ::Prime, I'm sorry ta interrupt ya but I think ya oughtta head up here. Things are gettin' tense. I have a feelin' our contingency plan is about ta come inta effect:: Jazz's voice held deep regret and sorrow.

I closed my optics as a spike of fear and pain lanced through me. ::Very well Jazz. I shall be there directly:: I cut off the comm link and looked down at Phoenix. ''Oh, My Phoenix. How I wish you were awake to be with me now, I need you. I need the strength you offer me. But I have to do this alone without you.''

Once again I brushed her cheek with my digits and bent to kiss her helm. ''It must be done this way if what I think is about to happen - unfolds. I must keep it a secret even from you, especially from you. We must make the world believe we are gone if we are to change their mindsets and truly help them.'' I reluctantly rose to my pedes.

''Please, my Phoenix, forgive me. All will be well. I will return to you and I will tell you to your face that I love you. You have my word.'' I gazed at her supine form once more before I turned and walked towards the comms room and the awaiting mayhem.

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

As I strode into the comms room at our HQ in Washington DC, I was immediately aware of General Morshower on screen liaising with Colonel Lennox and the other JCS members. I walked over to stand beside Jazz, nodding my helm in greeting.

''Combantant commands are now at DEFCON 1,'' Morshower intoned, his voice laden with concern.

Colonel Lennox replied, ''There are now approximately 200 Decepticons in hiding. Energon detectors have been triggered as far away as South America and China.'' My spark twisted painfully and felt heavier at this news. /My fault. I told them whom to trust/.

At that point I saw another soldier approach Morshower. ''We received an encrypted audio file. Say it's from the leader of the Autobots.'' I felt a flash of anger roll through me. /I am the leader of the Autobots! Sentinel relinquished that honour when he betrayed us and the people of this planet, we now call home/.

A familiar gravelly voice, once filled with wisdom and kindness, now exuded hostility and arrogance. ''Defenders of Earth. We have come for your natural resources to rebuild our damaged planet. When we have transported all we need, we will leave your world in peace.''

I felt my servos clench by my sides. /How misguided he is to think Decepticons would honour that!/. ''For such a peace to exist you must immediately exile the Autoboot rebels you have harboured. Non-negotiable! Renounce the rebels. We await your reply.'' At that last comment the lines of communication went dead.

The message had been delivered. The message was clear.

The treaty between Earth and the Autobots was officially terminated. Our alliance was at an end. With a heavy spark, I closed my optics and let the thought sink in and permeate throughout me. The humans could not and would not say no to this request. Our allies knew our number - nine Autobots. The Decepticons now numbered in the hundreds and Sentinel had the means to deploy countless more. In terms of military tactics, numbers and statistics it was a sensible choice and the only option. In terms of honour, courage and sacrifice, it was a low blow and one that was a bitter pill to swallow.

Opening my optics, I turned to Jazz and in a low whisper gave him my command. ''Jazz. Tell the Wreckers to go ahead with our contingency plan. It is only a matter of moments before Director Mearing contacts me to formally request our surrender and exile. I had already contacted Arcee and the others back in Diego Garcia when Phoenix was injured in case we needed more back up. I have diverted their plane to head to Cape Canaveral. They should arrive there shortly.''

Jazz nodded his understanding and then added, ''And Phoenix? Will she be comin' with us? Should I have Rachet wake her?''

I shook my helm. ''Negative Jazz.'' His face registered his genuine surprise at my comment. ''If this plan is to work then we need everyone to believe we are gone. This includes Phoenix.'' Jazz slowly nodded his agreeance. ''I doubt Sentinel will notice Phoenix's absence as he sees her as beneath him and, as such, not worthy of his attention.''

''Okay Prime. But I think she is gonna be pissed when she wakes up an' we have all done tha Harry Holt an' disappeared on her. Especially you!'' Jazz made a low whistling sound and shook his helm. ''I hope ya relationship is strong enough ta survive tha wrath she will bring your way.'' 

I allowed a small chuckle to escape my dermas. ''Me too Jazz, me too. But it has to be this way. Hopefully, in time, she will understand why we had to do this.''

At that point I heard my comms go off /Mearing/. ::Director Mearing, this is Prime:: Jazz gave me a knowing nod and I dipped my helm to him as he headed off to put our plan into motion. As I listened to Director Mearing relay to me what I had already known was going to happen, I felt my processor leave the conversation. /Am I doing the right thing? Should I take my Autobots into hiding and refuse to leave? Should I wake Phoenix and take her with us?/.

::I'm sorry Optimus Prime. But you must surely understand the situation we are in and why we must take this course of action. I wish you all well:: Mearing gave the closest thing to an apology I have heard.

::You must do what you feel is right, naturally, Director. I had hoped it would not come to this, but I have given my word. If you ask us to leave peacefully, we will honour that request. Though I do recall telling the previous Government liaison - Galloway - what if we leave and you are wrong?:: There was a sharp intake of breath through the line as no doubt Mearing herself considered this a very real possibility. ::I hope you are prepared to accept the consequences of your actions. I wish you well too:: At that the line went dead. Silence filled my audials for a moment. The calm before the storm. I steeled myself for what was about to come.

::Rachet:: I commed my Medic. ::Please check on Phoenix to ensure she is sedated enough for the next 24 hours and that she will be in good health upon waking. I will be by shortly to - say goodbye myself:: My spark constricted.

::Affirmative Prime:: Rachet replied.

::Ironhide?:: I commed my weapons specialist. ::Inform all Autobots we will be departing for Cape Canaveral and the Xanthium within the hour. We have been asked to leave Earth::

There was a moment's silence before Ironhide replied ::Understood Prime. Consider it done::

Taking one last look at the screens before me and the images of the JCS, Colonel Lennox and Morshower discussing military tactics, I felt a deep sense of betrayal and sorrow. For a brief moment Colonel Lennox looked up and caught my gaze. His face expressed all the bitterness and sorrow I felt in my spark and he gave me a brief nod of thanks and farewell. Dipping my own helm in acknowledgment, I turned and walked away towards the Med Bay.

It was their fight – for now.

The Sound of a helicopter's rotor blades echoed overhead as my Autobots and I were escorted towards the awaiting Xanthium. The human soldiers we once called our allies, were now on hand to ''make sure we cooperated and left peacefully''. As we pulled up on the landing pad, I heard the cars carrying Sam and the ex Sector Seven Agent, Simmons, come to a stop. This was going to be hard, but it had to be done.

''Check the nitrogen levels, we're booking outta here!'' Leadfoot, one of the Wreckers announced as Sam walked towards me. Our young friend seemed in a weird mood - though given the circumstances perhaps it was understandable? His right arm was held tightly against his body and he was very twitchy, more so than usual for him. I was on alert.

''Optimus?'' It was a one-word question laden with so much pain, fear and concern. Sam looked imploringly at me.

I slowly turned to face him. ''What your leaders say is true. This is all my fault. I told them whom to trust. I was so wrong.'' I shuttered my optics and let the pain and self-recrimination flow through me.

Sam shook his head at me. ''That doesn't make it your fault. It just makes you human for a change.'' His words offered some comfort for me.

''Remember this. You may lose your faith in us, but never in yourselves.'' I tried to send him some comforting words as I could tell he was becoming upset.

He flinched in agony and clutched at his wrist. /Something is not right/. I gave a quick scan of his body and detected faint energon readings coming from the watch on his wrist. I inwardly growled. /Decepticons!/. I did not let on to Sam that I knew he was being manipulated. Even if he wasn't under their control, I would not be sharing with him our plan.

Slowly, in short, gasping breaths, Sam asked what I knew would be coming. ''I need to know how you're going to fight back. I know there is a strategy. You're coming back with reinforcements, or something! I know there is a plan. You can tell me; no other human will ever know.'' He exhaled roughly as though what he said had taxed him greatly.

The way he said ''humans'' he was trying to alert me in his own way. I felt a flood of warmth and endearment towards Sam.

I blinked my optics at him before replying dead pan. ''There is no plan.''

Sam became upset and agitated. ''But if we just do what they want, how are we going to live with ourselves?''

I bent down towards him to address him seemingly one last time. ''You are my friend Sam, you always will be. But your leaders have spoken. From here, the fight will be your own.'' I did not trust myself to keep speaking. /What else do I say?/. I turned away from him and walked towards the Xanthium. My spark felt heavy with sadness and a bitter taste assailed my mouth at the sound of my own deceitful words. /I am sorry Sam. It is for your own good. Soon, all will be revealed/.

As I walk towards the shuttle, I noticed Bumblebee lurking behind one of the pillars of the launch structure. He was itching to talk to Sam, pleading with his optics. I relented at seeing my young scout so wrought with emotion. ''Make it short, we're loading up.'' I did not hear all Bumblebee had to say to Sam as I continued on my path to enter the ship.

I was eager to get our journey underway and put our plan into action.

Later that night, I tried to settle into my cramped position within the first booster rocket, surrounded by my team. We were all crammed in and the air felt heavy with mixed emotions. The rocket itself is not just a powder keg waiting to ignite, several Autobots' simmered on the edge as they painstakingly awaited what was in essence, a very risky gamble.

My thoughts turned to Phoenix who was still sedated back at N.E.S.T HQ in Washington DC under the watchful eye of trusted medics who promised to watch over her. I felt my spark weigh heavy with the burden of deception it bore. First Phoenix, formulating this plan and not telling her, and now Sam and our human allies. I closed my optics and tried to justify my own deceit. /Our plan's success relies on total secrecy and believability. We, I, had to omit certain truths. I had to keep Phoenix in the dark/.

Even though I was surrounded by my team, my friends - I feel utterly alone. The other half of my spark, my spark itself, lay slumbering in her own darkness hundreds of miles away, abandoned by our human allies, totally unaware of our plan and our departure.

Jazz's words echo through my processor. /''I hope your relationship is strong enough ta survive tha wrath she will bring your way!''/. I inwardly sighed as I silently battled my demons and counted the moments 'till dawn would set in motion our plan -our greatest deceit and what will hopefully lead to our greatest victory.

/Please Primus – let it work!/.

Chapter Text

Phoenix P.O.V

I slowly open my optics, trying to allow for the brighter light after being unconscious for Primus knows how long. I shutter my optics a few times and I listen to the beeping of various machines as they monitor my vitals. There are no blaring alarms, so I assume all is well.

''Ra… Rachet?'' I hear my own voice weakly call out, searching for my friend, expecting to see him loom into my sight at any moment to check on his patient. ''Optimus? Where are you?'' I expected to at least see Prime sat beside me to greet me after my operation. /Note to self to take this up with him as poor form in the ''newly formed relationship'' guidelines. Prime or not/.

Nothing. No one.

''Rachet? Where are you?'' I start to push myself up into a sitting position on the gurney. I look down at my left forearm and can't help the smile spread across my dermas as it looks as good as it did before that miserable bastard shot me. I flex my servo to check it works. Check. Looking around carefully I then unsheathe my sai which slides out immediately. Check. Rachet is a genius.

With a satisfied grin I put my weapon away and look around the med bay. /This is most unusual for Rachet to not be around when a patient comes out of sedation?/. I slowly move to dangle my legs of the edge of the gurney, growing more concerned by the minute. ''He is always hovering nearby, ready to welcome them back and talk them through the procedure and what they need to do to aid recovery.''

A cold coil of worry begins to twist itself about my spark and a heavy feeling settles in the pit of my tanks. I slide off the gurney slowly and take a few tentative steps on my pedes. I am slightly shaky but am soon able to move around fairly confidently. ''Rachet! Come on mate, where are you? This isn't funny now. Stop playing silly buggers.'' Nothing. Silence. ''Optimus?''

Walking towards the Med Bay door, I punch in the code. Exiting into the hall I notice how devoid it is of action and beings. Neither human nor Transformers appear to be milling around. /Something is not right here/.

I begin to walk towards the main hanger and comms room. /Perhaps Prime is there?/. Suddenly I freeze on the spot. The last time I saw Optimus he was going to talk to Sentinel to try and convince him to abandon his unholy alliance with the Decepticons. /Did he…. Was he…./. I felt my spark tighten painfully and I catch my ''breath.'' ::PRIME? WHERE ARE YOU?:: I tried to comm him. No response. Static.

My energon froze in my lines and a faint choked sound is forced out of my dermas. I begin to run in the direction of the comms room. I needed answers NOW!

Bursting into the room, I am greeted with a flurry of activity. People running about here and there, every monitor was on. Voices were strained and very serious. I heard Lennox and Morshower's voices and I saw Director Mearing and that annoying agent Simmons! I hadn't seen him since I first met the Autobots. I had heard of him and how Sector 7 was shut down. I knew of his involvement in Egypt through various conversations with Optimus. To actually see him though, and in a wheelchair no less, heightened my concern.

Something had indeed taken place.

''Hey!'' I yelled into the throng of people and the mass of screens. I stepped forward towards that hard-nosed Mearing woman and Simmons, intent on answers. ''Can someone tell me what the hell is going on?'' I cast interrogative optics towards Mearing and Simmons respectively. ''Where is Rachet and Prime? Why aren't they here and why won't they respond to my comms?'' 

All eyes turned to me for a brief moment before most of them returned to whatever it was, they were focused on. Clearly listening to and aiding an angry, slightly confused twenty-four foot tall female Autoboot was low on the priority list. I heard Lennox's voice call out. ''Phoenix? Is that you? What are you doing there? I thought you were with the others?''

I stepped up towards the screen so Lennox could see me better. ''What do you mean ''what am I doing here?'' Rachet had to operate on my injured arm and I have been sedated since before Optimus went to talk to Sentinel Prime one last time.'' At this I noticed Director Mearing and Agent Simmons exchange looks and Lennox closed his eyes briefly.

''You mean to say you have no idea what is going on or where the Autobots are?'' the Colonel asked tentatively.

I nodded. ''And the winner of ''Guess the Bloody Obvious'' goes to Colonel Lennox,'' I replied in a sarcastic manner. ''Where is Optimus? Where is Rachet? Where are any other Autobots? What the hell is going on around here?'' I folded my arms over my chest.

Lennox was about to reply when the faint sound of a familiar but strained and urgent voice broke out over the channels. ''Hello, hello… Can you rotate or something? Come on man, work, work!'' It was Epps!

Lennox immediately focused his attention on the screens and the voice coming through them, ''Epps! We got Epps. Alright turn the volume up on that.''

Simmons and Mearing turned around in surprise as Sam loomed into focus. ''It's the kid!'' Simmons announced, a hint of shock and wonder in his voice.

Mearing had a look of disbelief and annoyance on her face as she whispered his name. ''Witwicky.''

Sam stepped up to the screen and began to speak in a hurried and desperate manner. ''Okay Chicago is ground zero, do you understand? You hear us, do you understand?''

Sam stepped back to allow the attractive but equally serious and desperate Carly crouch down to talk into the screen. ''Please listen. Sentinel Prime is here, and he has the pillars to his space bridge. They're on top of a building on the Chicago River it's owned by Hodgekiss, Gould Investments. Now the pillar that controls everything is in the south east coupla.''

''You gotta destroy the pillar! You have to shoot down the pillar or they're gonna transport Cybertron here. Do you understand? Do you understand?''

Colonel Lennox was already barking orders to his team in the room with him. ''Give me a GPS on that building and on that drone, let's go.''

''Guys on the tarmac, five minutes,'' Lennox taped the screen and headed off. ''Alright''. With that he disappeared.

The image of Sam, Carly and Epps disappeared.

Mearing, Simmons and the others seemed to replay the footage that had been recorded over and over to try and decipher what they had meant.

''WOULD SOMEONE MIND TELLING ME WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON AROUND HERE?'' I screamed to anyone who would listen. I felt my ire rising drastically as I could tell something serious was happening, something that involved those accursed pillars and that arsehole Sentinel Prime, and Optimus was nowhere to be seen after he had gone to talk to him. My servos were on my hips and the first faint signs of fire danced along my forearms and within my optics as I tried to fight back the growing anger boiling inside me.

Director Mearing and Agent Simmons looked up at me and immediately ceased what they were doing. Simmons spoke first, ''Look I don't know who the hell you are, I have never met you before and we are in the middle of a highly…''

''Actually, you have Simmons.'' His brow furrowed. ''Just been a long time and I've - let's say had ''some work done.'' My optics glowered at him. ''It's Orianna Connors, or Phoenix as I am now known. We met at Hoover Dam a few years back. ''Lovely to see you again, now, if you don't mind, what the bloody hell is going on?'' I bent down menacingly towards them both.

Simmons' mouth flew open in shock and disbelief, his eyes darting all over my frame. ''What the… I mean how the..''

Director Mearing rolled her eyes. ''Look Phoenix, as you can see, we are kind of busy here with top level National Security but to make a long story short. Sentinel Prime issued a threat to exile the Autobots or he would destroy us all.'' My dermas flew open in shock. ''The United Nations agreed.''

The flames began to dance higher, and my optics narrowed dangerously, a fact which was not unnoticed by Mearing. ''None of us wanted that to happen but we had to. The Autobots left at dawn yesterday and…'' she faltered as if considering her words carefully as she took in my response. ''We have not heard from them since. We assume they will return shortly to support us but until then, we are on our own.''

I looked at Mearing. ''That does not make sense. Why would they leave me here? Why would they leave Earth unprotected without a fight?'' My voice dropped to a whisper. ''Why would Optimus leave me without saying goodbye at the very least?'' I pondered out loud.

Simmons seemed to go to say something, but Mearing turned to level him with any icy glare that immediately silenced him. I folded my arms across my chest. ''And why would you look at Simmons like that?'' Her expression softened and she seemed almost flustered. I raised an optic ridge at her and folded my arms. ''You're hiding something Mearing.'' 

The Director blanched slightly though Simmons jumped in. ''Look, Phoenix, Orianna, whatever your name is, essentially Sentinel and the Decepticons have set up shop in Chicago and we have just discovered, as you are aware, that they intend to use the pillars to bring Cybertron here in a matter of hours! So as much as we would love to chat with you about..''

He had a point, this could wait until later, she said the Autobots were likely rendezvousing later. ''Why is Sam, Epps and Carly the only eyes you have in there? Where are N.E.S.T and your other assets?'' The flames died down as I began to think this through.

Mearing seemed to sigh a breath of relief. ''We can't get anyone in there. They keep shooting down our drones, as you just saw. Luckily that one still functioned. They want us blind to whatever they are doing there. Our high range bombers have been knocked out of the sky. The enemy air defenses are tight.''

Simmons tagged in. ''Thanks to the kid, we now have an understanding of their game plan and how we can go about taking them down.''

The Director spoke again, ''Colonel Lennox and his team are enroute now from Grisham Air Force Base about ten minutes from the battle zone. There are special forces trying to gain access to the city and we have infantry staged at the perimeter. We just can't seem to penetrate their air space.''

''Until now.'' I looked at both of them with determination.

Simmons allowed a smile to spread across his face and a slightly dubious snort erupted from his lips. ''What? YOU? Look Phoenix, given you are…'' he looked me over again, ''What you are, I have no doubt you can bring some pain their way, but cause some serious damage?'' he shook his head. ''I'm sorry, but without the backup of the other Autobots and Prime, I think it is best you wait this one out.'''

His voice lowered and took on a sad tone. ''I don't want to see any more of my friends die today.''

Mearing went to speak but I held up a servo to silence her, and fixed Simmons with my own smug smile. ''Oh Simmons, how much you don't know. I appreciate the concern but really, it's the Decepticons who should be concerned. Not you.'' I turned to Mearing. ''You need every possible asset to gain the upper hand and stop that prick Sentinel.'' I rose to my full height. ''Permission to head to Chicago and engage the enemy Director Mearing?'' I bent down conspiratorially towards her. ''But just so you know, I am going anyway…. Just being formal.''

She nodded curtly. ''Permission granted Phoenix.'' She gave me a small smile. ''Unleash hell on them and especially that double crossing bastard Sentinel.''

I nodded my helm as I returned her smile. ''Yes Director, my pleasure.'' She gave me another smile of appreciation as I had deliberately not used ''ma'am'' to address her. ''Simmons just keep watching your screens, you'll see what I can do.''

And with that I turned and strode quickly towards the exit. It was time for me to find out what I could do in the field of battle. It was time for the Decepticons to find out I existed. And most importantly it was time to make good on my promise to Sentinel.

I ran out of the exit and transformed into my alt form of ''The Phoenix''. My form burst into flames, my wings dwarfed the trucks in the cargo bay where only days before Sentinel had shot me and stopped me being with the Autobots, wherever they were now. /You better have a bloody good explanation for why you left me Optimus and you better bloody well show up again soon or there will be no place you can hide from me!/. With a massive flap of my metallic, fiery wings, I took to the sky.

There was no need to hide anymore. The world well and truly knew Transformers existed. Now they would know also know - so too did a Phoenix.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Phoenix P.O.V

Home.

Such a simple word really that implied so much; comfort, security, love, connection. We were finally back home on Diego Garcia after what had felt like a lifetime being away. Optimus had managed to convince Director Mearing that we would not be a security threat and that it might be in the best interests of all parties that we were out of the way of the public eye for the time being given the disaster that had befallen Chicago.

I think that fact that Mearing had been relived that the Autobots had come back to help them take a stand against the Decepticons and Sentinel, not to mention that Optimus himself had dispatched of both Megatron and Sentinel, had helped greatly in swaying her mind. Whatever the case was, I was just thankful we were now back at our base – even if we were currently in the Med Bay!

''Alright you pair, we might as well get this over and done with,'' Ratchet hoovered around in the background as he prepared the necessary tools and medication to perform his repairs on both Optimus and I. He had already repaired Arcee, at Prime's instance, and seen to the minor repairs for the other functioning team members. Optimus had wanted me to be seen to first, but I stubbornly refused opting to wait until he was repaired too. We were the last Autobots to be seen to.

As Prime's badly damaged frame lay on the gurney beside me, I could feel him begin to tense, though he tried to hide his fear from me. I had known for some time now that the seemingly invincible and incredibly brave 'Optimus Prime' did indeed have one fear – the medical bay! Ratchet had explained that Optimus had been in and out of medical bays for the better part of his at least 9-million-year life span so, naturally, it was understandable he took a dislike to them and felt uncomfortable in them.

I grabbed his servo as I lay on a gurney beside him. ''It's okay Optimus, I'm right here. And I'll be right here when you wake up, you know I will be.'' I smiled warmly at him and squeezed his servo.

He turned his helm towards me and smiled weakly at me. ''I know Phoenix.'' He gave a rather undignified snort. ''I just wish that the only great length of time we seem to get to spend with each other lately wasn't spent in Medical Bays of all places!''

I laughed out loud. ''You know I hadn't thought of that! Well, not much longer now and, with a bit of luck, you and I should be able to avoid them for quite some time.'' I raised an optic ridge at him, ''Just don't go sacrificing yourself for the greater good so readily and we should be fine.''

Ratchet gave a derisive laugh as he approached us. ''Phoenix, you'd have more chance of convincing a Decepticon to renounce their ways and join the Autobot cause and for Director Mearing to suddenly develop a sense of humour, than you would of stopping Prime from doing that!'' He smiled teasingly at us both. ''Then again, perhaps he might be more inclined to listen to you.''

''And there I was thinking now you were a Prime yourself you might have outgrown being impertinent towards me?'' Optimus teased me.

''Never! If anything, I think it entitles me to get away with it more,'' I began to lean over to give him a quick kiss only to feel Ratchet's servo on my shoulder.

''Uh none of that if you don't mind. I am about to perform extensive repairs on you both! Prime or no Prime, it's important you don't strain yourself and you relax,'' Ratchet warned me.

I felt a quick rush of annoyance and irritation wash over me as once again I was denied the chance to display my affections, however brief, to Optimus. ''Ratchet, seriously mate, if you interfere one more time, it'll be YOU laying on one of these gurneys!'' I heard myself grind out rather tersely.

He removed his servo, though his rule remained in place. ''I'm sorry Phoenix but it has to wait, we are ready now''. Dino had come in to assist Ratchet given Jolt, who had usually assisted Ratchet in the Med Bay when need, had sadly lost his spark in the battle.

I sighed out loud and I felt Optimus squeeze my servo in a role reversal of comfort. ''Well, if you really wanted me to be relaxed you should have found a bigger gurney to accommodate the both of us together Ratchet.''

Ratchet simply laughed and shook his helm. ''Alright Dino quick, before she starts talking again!''

Before I could retaliate, I felt a small sting in the cabling in my neck as Dino administered the sedative required to ensure I was not awake for the extensive procedure. The last thing I heard as I began to drift off was the sound of Optimus talking to Ratchet.

''Have you found anything yet?'' Prime's deep voice rumbled quietly to his chief medic.

''Nothing yet Prime. We shall keep searching,'' Ratchet's voice replied.

''Please do,'' Prime's deep voice was the last thing I heard as the darkness claimed me.

Bright.

It was so bright. Blindingly so – ethereally so. I opened my optics expecting to see Ratchet leaning over me, welcoming me back to the Med Bay as I awoke from the effects of the sedative.

Yet he was nowhere to be seen.

I blinked my optics several times to adjust to the increased luminosity. And found that I was not laying down on the gurney, but kneeling. /How on Cybertron did I get here? Did I fall off the gurney at some stage?/. I cast my optics around wildly, trying to find the form of Optimus who should have been right beside me, but he too was nowhere to be seen.

I felt my spark skip a few pulses and speed up. That familiar constricting feeling in my chest began to assail me as it always did when I was worried about the mech I loved.

''You will not find him here with you Phoenix, but rest assured Optimus Prime is safe, as are you.'' A voice unlike any I have ever heard echoed around me. It was as deep as the deepest ocean, as warm as a Summer's day and as wise as the cosmos itself.

I held a forearm up to cover my optics and for protection. ''Wh… who… are you? Where am I?'' I tentatively asked. ''How do you know whom I seek?'' I lowered my arm and looked around, determined to find who addressed me, me desire to know and my intense need to protect Optimus helping to banish any need to protect myself. I did not unsheathe my weapons. I would not show aggression unless provoked. /Peace was the Autobot way/.

I heard a deep chuckle, though it contained no malice. ''Very good. You are indeed worthy Phoenix.''

I started to rise to my pedes. ''Worthy of what exactly?'' I queried the light that surrounded me. ''And once again I ask, who are you, where am I and how did you know whom I referred to? Answer me please!'' I challenged, my voice rising slightly in irritation and frustration.

It almost sounded as though the presence smiled at me, if that were even possible. ''My dear Phoenix. Always impatient, unafraid of letting your emotions show. Quick to anger but quick to forgive. Brave yet vulnerable..''

I couldn't help but interrupt the presence at that point, ''Shall we add, 'So curious yet so annoyed,'' to this helpful list?''

Another chuckle. ''Not to mention irreverent yet capable of great respect. My dear Phoenix, in answer to the first question you just asked me, you are indeed worthy - of my most favoured Prime, Optimus.''

I gave a slight start at this ''beings'' mention of Prime so casually and that fact that he was his ''favourite.'' I said nothing though as I wanted answers and it sounded as though it was finally going to give me some.

''I have been watching you for a while now Phoenix, who was once Orianna Connors.'' I felt my dermas fly open in shock.

''How the hell do you..'' I could not finish the sentence.

Again, a chuckle.

I failed to see what was so amusing. ''I know a great many things my newest child. Nothing escapes my attention. In answer to your second and third questions, I am Primus, the creator-God of the Transformers and I have brought you here to the astral plane as I believe it is time to shed some light on recent events.''

I felt myself baulk and a strangled, disbelieving cry escaped my dermas. ''The Primus? As in the actual bloody Primus?'' I scoffed out loud and shook my helm in disbelief. ''You cannot be for bloody real! I am hallucinating or having a really vivid dream or something.'' A concerning thought suddenly coalesced in my processor. ''Wait…Am I dead? If I'm on the astral plane, am I about to enter the 'Well of the Allspark?' I felt the panic begin to rise though I fought to keep it at bay. ''Can I even do that?" Prime! What about Prime? I CAN'T leave him, I need him!'' 

I felt a blanket of calm descend upon me, as though two enormous servos wrapped about me willing me gently to be still. ''Be still my young child, all is well. I am indeed who I say I am, and you are not dead. Optimus Prime is waiting for you when you awake.'' I felt myself relax somewhat, though I was still on edge. /This is just too much!/.

''I have watched as your life became inextricably linked with that of my Autobot children. I saw how you felt drawn to Optimus, sought his attention and his affections as you saw in him a soul as lonely and worthy of love as your own.''

I hung my helm in embarrassment to have my deepest fear and wish laid so bare before me by a stranger. The deep voice continued. ''In watching you interact with Optimus and speak with him, I know how lonely you have been in your life, how you have longed for, prayed for someone to come along who would love you just as you would them.''

I felt myself begin to sink to my knees in shock. /HOW. THE. HELL./.

''I also know about your gift you have had since birth and how it has brought both sadness and happiness to your life. I have seen how you have fought for him and his team, your loyalty to my dear Autobot children never wavering. I have watched as you patiently, carefully and lovingly encouraged Optimus to open his spark again.'' The voice seemed to fill with a great sadness. ''I watched in great sorrow as Optimus sacrificed himself to save the other human Sam Witwicky, whom I have been watching and whose destiny was entwined with that of Optimus'.''

At this I closed my optics and felt a shudder run through me and a sob left my dermas. The voice seemed to wrap around me offering comfort and strength. ''My dear Phoenix, I know how keenly you felt his loss, how you feel it still and that the thought of being separated from him tears you apart.''

I felt myself nod almost imperceptibly to this disembodied voice that seemed to know the deepest parts of my soul. ''Rest assured Optimus feels the same way for you. He needs you just as much you need him. Together you balance each other out, strength when the other is weak, calm when the other is angry, reason when the other is shrouded in doubt, forgiveness and compassion when there is blame and self-recrimination.''

I felt my chest rise and fall with the strength of my emotions as I struggled to take this in. The voice ''smiled'' again and seemed to draw nearer. ''It is for this reason my Dear Phoenix, that the Allspark called to you.'' My helm snapped up and my optics went wide. ''Yes. You have wondered why what happened to you that day years ago, happened and how you survived.''

Again, I nodded silently, and I felt the whisper of a touch graze my cheek, but I did not recoil in fear, it was comforting. ''You touched that shard because I called to you. You survived because I favoured you. You transformed so you could fulfill your destiny. That day I gave you your second gift so you could become The Phoenix, and like your name sake, rise from the ashes of your past to embrace your future.''

I closed my optics as I knelt on the ground and then tilted my helm towards the sound of the voice, a smile of gratitude spreading across my dermas. ''You see my Phoenix, like the Prime you have grown to love, you bring hope to those who have lost theirs, courage in the place of fear, faith and resolve when only doubt and uncertainty surround and the warmth of love to a spark that had grown cold and scared of letting another in.''

I opened my optics and though immense gratitude filled my spark, I still had one question to ask the benevolent deity. ''If I may be so bold as to ask Primus, the markings that have shown up on my body, Optimus says they mean I am a Prime, though according to Optimus, it is decreed in the Covenant of Primus that Cybertron can only have one Prime at time.'' I rose to my pedes again, a renewed strength filling me as I pursued this final kernel of truth. ''Is this true? And if so why? Why have I been given this title when there already exists a Prime and one as amazing as Optimus?'' 

Again, the voice seemed to chuckle, ''You may be so bold Phoenix,'' before growing serious. ''What Optimus says is indeed true. There can only be one Prime at a time on Cybertron.''

I felt my knees buckling again, though I remained upright, my optical ridge furrowing in confusion as I tried to reconcile this information with recent events. ''But Primus, Sentinel Prime existed while Optimus lived just now. With all due respect, how can what you say be true?''

The equivalent of a sigh flowed over me, and I felt myself, or my consciousness blush. ''Because my dear child, Sentinel Prime upon leaving Cybertron and laying dormant in the Ark for all that time, relinquished his role of Prime. Optimus, with some trepidation not knowing his own worth, took up leadership of the Autobots in Sentinel's stead. So, you see, Sentinel was no longer truly a Prime.'' The voice grew melancholy. ''And as you saw, he lost his way, his actions alone making him undeserving of the title.'' 

I felt myself nodding in understanding.

''Besides My Phoenix,'' as changeable as the air the voice now contained a ''smile,'' as it addressed me. ''You and Optimus are not ON Cybertron. The rule pertaining to one Prime would not seem to apply here, would it now?''

I felt myself blush a little at this obvious loophole. ''Umm, no I guess not Primus.'' Once again, I had the temerity to question the deity. ''But Primus, why now? Why not millennia ago when Optimus could have done with some support and someone to shoulder the weight of responsibility you knew he carried alone?'' Though it was not intended, a subtle tone of reproach permeated my words.

A sound like gentle, rolling thunder echoed around me as Primus laughed. ''Such a loyal and worthy spark for my Optimus. I have indeed made the right choice. Phoenix, I have bestowed this title upon you, as a gift for you, for all of my children and my favoured Prime - Optimus. It is a necessary protection and means of support for what remains of my race and the planet that has offered protection and a home for them.''

Though I desperately wanted to question the God, I had learned to hold my glossa until all explanations were complete. Primus intoned gravely. ''A great darkness is coming and if you are to stand any chance of defeating it, you must accept your destiny as The Phoenix and your newly bestowed title of Prime and stand with Optimus to defeat it.''

I felt my optic ridge furrow further in confusion and some concern. ''What? What do you mean a 'great darkness?''

The voice of Primus boomed around me once more;

''Two halves to make a whole,

Two battered sparks become one soul.

Where there was one, there shall now be two.

Two Primes bound by fate, to see their people through.

You must stand together, despite the trial that awaits

For if you break ties, the impending darkness will seal all fates.

I shook my helm, a quizzical look clouding my features. ''But what is this darkness? What trial? When will it come? What do you mean by ''break ties"? Is Optimus going to die again? Am I?'' Once again, I felt a swell of fear rise within me along with uncertainty. /Why did Primus choose me? Who am I to carry out this task? I don't even seem to understand the bloody instructions!/.

There was a gentle and knowing chuckle. ''You will my Phoenix, in time all will become clear. Just heed my words and my warning and all will be well. You are more than you believe yourself to be. Trust me.'' I felt myself sigh in resignation. ''I must leave now. It is time for you to return to our dear Optimus. Farewell my Phoenix.''

I cast my optics about a final time, hoping futilely to catch a glimpse of Primus himself. My dermas began to move before I registered what I was about to say. ''Thank you Primus. You have demonstrated kindness to me beyond measure and more than I surely deserve. I will do my best to ensure I am worthy of both you and Optimus Prime.'' I lowered my helm momentarily. ''Though I do not truly understand what you have revealed to me, I shall do my best to heed your advice and your warning and bring what you say to fruition.'' I raised my helm once more. ''You have my word – as a Prime.'' It felt strange to say the name in reference to myself but at the same time it felt right and, if what Primus said was true, then I had to start seeing myself in this light.

A final chuckle echoed around me as I felt myself being pulled away from this place of blinding light and truth back into darkness. ''Of that I have no doubt – Phoenix Prime.''

All at once I felt my optics open once again. A sense of Deja vu enveloped me as my optics were greeted by a bright light, though not nearly as bright as before. I blinked several times to adjust. A warmth that had previously cocooned me, began to fade and I gave an involuntary shudder at its loss.

''Phoenix? Are you alright?'' A familiar rumbling voice caressed my audials and a pair of concerned azure optics gazed into my own as the visage of Optimus loomed into sight. I felt my dermas erupt into a smile and my servos reached out to touch him, capturing his face. /He IS alright, he is alive!/.

''Optimus! I missed you, it's so good to see you again!'' I tried to sit up to embrace him, but Prime's strong servos shot out to stop me. /Clearly Ratchet repaired his arm/.

''Easy Phoenix! You are recovering from your repairs. You were under for some time. Ratchet encountered some difficulties.'' His voice dropped. ''We nearly lost you.'' He leaned down slowly and placed his helm against mine gently, sighing. ''But you came back to me, you are safe, that's all that matters.''

I shuttered my optics for a moment, even as I reveled in his touch. /Astral plane, nearly lost me?/. I kissed his helm. ''Always Prime, I will always come back to you.'' At his knowing ''look'' he cast me, the recollection of his death and subsequent revival tore through me. I added contritely, ''IF possible.''

He pulled away from me to look at my face, cradling it gently in his servos, before bending down to capture my dermas in a soft and gentle kiss. I felt fire burn through me at his touch. /How I have missed this!/. All too quickly Prime pulled away from me and I heard myself give a plaintive moan.

''Phoenix, you must rest. There will be time for that later, I promise,'' Prime chuckled at me. His laugh, it sounded so familiar, not as deep though. /Who did he remind me of?/.

I allowed the corner of my dermas to turn up in a smirk. ''You sound like our favourite medic,'' I teased. ''Say, where is Ratchet anyway?''

''Right here, and thanks for the compliment Phoenix.'' The yellow and silver form of the medic appeared out of nowhere to stand behind Prime. He folded his arms across his chest and gave me a reproachful look. ''Once again, you gave us both a bit of a scare. You seem hell bent on ensuring our sparks cease functioning or at the very least, are damaged.''

I dipped my helm in apology. ''I'm sorry Ratchet and Optimus, truly I am. It's not like it is on purpose or anything, trust me.''

''Of course not Phoenix, we know that,'' and he cast a glance back at Ratchet who merely shrugged his shoulders. ''Anyway, you're back safe and sound to us.'' Optimus reached out and stroked his digits over my face, tracing something. ''Now you are awake again, and after we have rested for a bit, we shall continue to investigate why this symbol of the Primes showed up in the first place!''

I felt my dermas flew open in shocked and excited recollection. ''I remember!'' Optimus and Ratchet stared at me with confused expressions.

''Remember what Phoenix? You've been sedated for quite a few joors now.'' Optimus sounded somewhat concerned.

Undeterred I continued, ''Prime, Rachet! About that, I think I can shed some light on it.''

Ratchet, gave a smirk. ''Oh really, how? 'Cause you have been unconscious for the better part of a day. When did you have time to pop out and do some research?'' He gave a snort of derision.

Optimus gave him a stern look before returning his gaze to me. ''Phoenix, I am unsure what you mean and how you might be able to shed some light on it, but by all means tell us what you know.''

I started to sit up, as I felt my strength return to me, ignoring the initial pleas of both Optimus and Ratchet. ''Honestly, I feel fine, better than fine.'' I moved to sit up on the gurney and swung my pedes around to hang off the side, facing them both. I felt a huge smile spread across my face. ''You are likely not going to believe what happened to me, but I hope you do, 'cause I believe it.''

Optimus and Ratchet looked at each other and then back at me. ''Try us,'' they both said in unison.

Chapter Text

Optimus P.O.V

Phoenix took an unnecessary breath before she began to talk. ''Well, while I was unconscious, I met Primus.'' 

Of all the things she could have said to us, that was not what I was expecting to come out of her dermas. Ratchet and I simply stared blankly at her for a moment as we processed what she had just said. After several beats, Ratchet started to laugh slightly and shake his helm as though Phoenix had just made a funny joke that he only now understood. ''Phoenix..'' I was about to question her when she continued.

''He took me to the astral plane to shed some light on a few things that have happened in my life.'' We started dumbfounded at her. Phoenix simply shrugged her shoulders. ''Look, Optimus and Ratchet. I KNOW it sounds crazy; I get that. BUT it did happen!'' She waved a servo at me. ''You said yourself you nearly lost me.''

An involuntary shudder ran through me at the recollection. I nodded my helm. ''Yes. Phoenix. We did.''

She furrowed her optical ridge in thought. ''Ya know, I bet that was when Primus took me to the astral plane and when you said I suddenly came back to you, that was when he sent me back.'' She fixed me with a very serious stare. ''Makes sense doesn't it?'' I simply stared back.

I shuttered my optics several times. Primus – our God – had not shown himself to anyone for millions of years. /As amazing as Phoenix is, why would he speak to her?/. A quick stab of jealousy flared through me and I quickly fought it back. /If Primus DID appear to or talk to Phoenix, there must be a reason why he chose her/.

I felt myself sigh out loud. ''Okay Phoenix. I believe you.'' She was the other half of my spark. To doubt her was to doubt myself. /You have to believe her/. I reached out and wrapped my servo around hers, taking delight in the beaming smile she was sending me. ''So, what did he say?'' 

Ratchet turned to me as though Phoenix weren't in the room. ''Prime, surely you don't…'' he scoffed. 

I raised a servo to silence him. ''Ratchet, in all the time we have known Phoenix, even when she was Orianna, did she ever give us cause to doubt her character and not believe her?'' I turned to face him.

Ratchet paused for a moment, his dermas working silently as he tried to form an argument. He soon abandoned the idea. ''No.'' He had the decency to look contrite and gave Phoenix a quick smile. ''She has not.'' Though he did not say he believed her, his silence on the matter indicated his assent to continue.

Phoenix positively glowed at me. ''Thanks Optimus! Primus was right – we really do balance each other out. We really are meant to be together.'' Her words, incredulous as they were, also gave me some hope and sent a wave of warmth throughout me. /If she really did meet Primus and HE approves, maybe everything will be okay for us both?/.

''Please, continue Phoenix. I am interested to know what the two of you spoke about.'' It was the truth.

Phoenix nodded. ''Well at first all I could see was brilliant light, blinding. It surrounded me everywhere. I was scared at first because I could not find you anywhere. Then a voice even deeper than yours Optimus, spoke to me. He must have known who I was looking for, because he told me I would not find you there but that you were safe and so was I.'' Her face was alight with awe and amazement as she recalled the moment she met our deity.

''Well, naturally I wanted to know who I was talking to, where I was and how they knew about you Optimus, so I asked them. Primus answered some of my questions and told me I was indeed worthy.'' She dipped her helm slightly. ''I was unsure what he meant by that, and he hadn't quite answered some of my other questions so I, ah, asked again a little more forcefully.'' She seemed embarrassed that she had raised her voice to our deity.

''Yep,'' Ratchet threw his servos in the air before he folded them across his chest. ''That sounds like something she would do. Come face to face with a deity and dare to argue with them!'' He gave a snort of laughter.

Phoenix gave Ratchet a baleful stare before continuing. ''Anyway, Primus went on to list some of my qualities, I won't bore you with the details but basically he said I was worthy of YOU Prime and....'' She smiled at me brightly. ''Optimus, this may come as a shock to you, but YOU are Primus' most favoured Prime, he told me so himself.''

I felt myself start at her comments, a look of what I am sure was utter disbelief crossed my features and I felt my dermas fly open as I struggled to find the power of speech. ''He... he did?''

She nodded her helm determinedly. ''It's true Optimus. Primus favours you above all other Primes.'' She reached out and brushed her servo against my cheek. ''And if you ask me, so he bloody well should!'' I felt myself blush at her comments and the thought of holding such a place of esteem with our God. I felt unworthy of both, though I admit a sense of pride began to radiate throughout me.

Phoenix turned to face Ratchet then, dismissing my disbelief. ''He told me that he had been watching me for a while and even used my other name, Orianna Connors! Naturally I had trouble believing he knew such things, so he then saw fit to tell me who he was, that he was Primus, the creator-God of the Transformers and that he brought me to the astral plane to shed some light on recent events.''

She had turned back to me. I still felt numb. Phoenix ploughed on undeterred by our silent reactions. ''Well, just like you both are doing right now, I had a hard time believing I was talking to THE ACTUAL PRIMUS.'' The light momentarily dimmed from her optics and a look of worry descended on her features. ''Then I was worried I had somehow died and was separated from you Optimus,'' she reached out for me and took my servo in hers as she continued to speak. ''But Primus reassured me I was alive and would be returned to you shortly.''

Phoenix squeezed my servo, almost for her reassurance as much as for mine. ''He went on to tell me he knew about my gift and about my life, how I had been so lonely and wanted someone in my life to love me like I wanted to love them.'' She dipped her helm once more, looking shyly away for a moment, her servo never leaving mine, which gave me comfort. ''He told me about how I had fought bravely and loyally for the Autobots and how I had grown to care deeply for you Optimus.''

A flicker of sadness darkened her optics at her next words. ''He even told me how he had watched in sorrow and sadness as you sacrificed yourself for Sam.'' I squeezed her servo even as I felt a shudder run through me as I recalled that terrible moment, when I thought I had failed everyone and left Phoenix all alone.

Phoenix seemed to consider her words carefully for a moment before she spoke again. ''He knew how losing you affected me, still affects me and that you need me just as much as I need you.'' She raised her optics to mine as if seeking my response to this.

I nodded my helm. ''Indeed Phoenix, I do, very much.'' I could not bring myself to say anymore at the moment.

She smiled radiantly at me again before she once again fixed both Ratchet and I with a very serious stare. ''You know how none of us could work out WHY I survived the Allspark and the Transformation process?'' Phoenix turned her optics to Ratchet specifically as he was the more scientific minded of the two of us and had been perplexed by the whole process.

Ratchet nodded and spoke for the first time in a while. ''Yes. I still don't know how or why it happened.''

Phoenix smiled at him teasingly. ''Would you like to know?''

Ratchet began to nod, very slightly. ''I would, very much.''

Phoenix nodded in reply. ''Well, turns out I touched that shard because Primus himself called to me. I survived because Primus favoured me. He told me I transformed so I could fulfill my destiny.'' At her words both Ratchet and I gave an audible gasp. It seemed arrogant for someone to say Primus favoured them. Yet Phoenix was anything but arrogant. /Why would she say such a thing unless it was true?/.

''And that's not all,'' I snapped my helm back towards her. ''That day, he gave me my second gift, the gift of pyrokinesis and the ability to transform so I could become The Phoenix, and like my name sake, rise from the ashes of my past to embrace my future.'' 

Ratchet spoke up looking truly shocked. ''Well, if Primus himself was somehow involved, that would certainly explain why you survived the whole transformation process then. But, we still don't know why you now have the symbol of the Primes on you.'' He turned questioning optics towards her. ''Primus didn't happen to mention anything about that did he?'' I leaned forward, eager to know the answer, though I thought my processor might explode with all I had to disseminate.

Phoenix smiled. ''Ten points to the medic! I am getting to that now. Well, like you Ratchet, I wanted to know why I had these markings and how there could be two Primes at once, especially since learning about the Convent of Primus AND seeing as Optimus Prime is so amazing!'' Phoenix winked at me and I felt myself heat up at her comments yet again.

She folded her arms over her chest and gave a small laugh. ''Well, it would seem your God has a sense of humour. When I asked him about how there could be two Primes at once with that rule in place he simply laughed and said, ''You and Optimus are not ON Cybertron. The rule pertaining to one Prime would not seem to apply here, would it?''

Ratchet and I both looked at each other, our dermas slightly parted in shock at this new morsel of information. It would indeed appear that our God had a sense of humour and we had overlooked such a simple loophole and possible explanation for this turn of events. I shook my helm and chuckled.

A perplexed look descended on Phoenix's features as she spoke about the last piece of the puzzle. ''It also turns out that Primus bestowed this title upon me, as a gift not only for me, but for all of his children and for YOU Optimus – Primus' favoured Prime, as a necessary protection and means of support for what remains of our race and Earth.''

''Protection?'' I looked quizzically at her. 

''Against what exactly?'' Ratchet chimed in.

Phoenix shook her helm. ''I don't know. Primus just said, 'a great darkness is coming and if we are to stand any chance of defeating it, I must accept my destiny and my title and stand with you Optimus to defeat it'. He also gave me this little riddle which I still don't get, perhaps you both could shed some light on it?''

I leaned forward in anticipation. ''I shall try Phoenix. What was it?''

Phoenix furrowed her brow as she tried to recall the words.

''Two halves to make a whole,

two battered sparks become one soul.

Where there was one, there shall now be two.

Two Primes joined by fate, to see their people through.

You must stand together, despite the trial that awaits

For if you break ties, the impending darkness will seal all fates.''

When she had finished speaking, she cast a quizzical look at us both. ''Any ideas on what the hell that all means?''

''None that immediately come to mind Phoenix.'' I shook my helm, a confused look clouding my features as I replayed the words over in my processor. I truly had no idea what the words could mean and the line about ''breaking ties" was indeed unsettling. /Did it mean Phoenix would die or leave me or I her?/. I tried to banish the deeply horrifying thought from my processor. 

Phoenix spoke once more. ''Well that was pretty well all Primus said except to say it was time for him to go and for me to return to you Optimus. He told me, ''Just heed my words and my warning, that you am more than you believe you are and all will be well. Trust me''.

She paused for a moment before she let a huge smile spread across her face. ''He called me – Phoenix Prime.'' She shrugged her shoulders and looked shyly up at me. ''I kind of like it.'' Though she seemed somewhat embarrassed by this elevated titled she had been bestowed, she also seemed proud. /And why shouldn't she be?/ It was indeed a great favour bestowed upon her.

I smiled at her warmly. ''I like it too – it suits you.'' I paused a moment before trying it out myself. ''Phoenix Prime.'' Phoenix ducked her helm for a moment before raising it, her beautiful face alight with pleasure and happiness.

Ratchet had seemed to not hear us as he had been considering Phoenix's words carefully. ''A great darkness is coming? That does sound rather ominous doesn't it.'' He gave a loud, disappointed sigh. ''With most of our information and history still being pieced together from what Sam and you obtained from the shard pieces, or just plain lost, I am sorry to say it may take a while to work out what this darkness could be.'' Ratchet turned questioning and concerned optics towards me. ''Maybe it is something we have faced before and there is a clue that may help us face this unknown threat?'' 

I nodded. ''I agree Ratchet. It does not sound good. Though hopefully, we may have some respite before it is upon us. We only just saw off the last threat!'' I could not help keeping the weary and slightly exasperated tone out of my voice. ''I give you full permission Ratchet to scour the archives to ascertain what this threat may be. Enlist one of the others to help you if needs be.'' I rose to my pedes. ''Perhaps Arcee seeing as she should be on light duties for a while as she recovers?''

Ratchet smiled. ''Oh yeah! She'll love that.'' He turned optics filled with humour towards me. ''You know Prime, a former data clerk would be preferable in this situation as I am sure they could sift through the zettabytes of data much faster than a medic and soldier.''

I gave a low chuckle of amusement at the ploy Ratchet had tried to use. ''Perhaps they would Ratchet, however, as you well know, that former data clerk also happens to be your Prime and a Prime much in need of some rest and some time alone with...'' I paused momentarily. /What WAS Phoenix to me officially?/.

I felt her optics burning into me, eager to hear me finish the sentence. ''His special, significant other.'' I felt myself cringe at my own ineptitude. /YOU suck Optimus, truly you do!/, I mentally castigated myself. Before me, Phoenix sighed in frustration and Ratchet raised an optic ridge at me in amusement.

''Well, I guess you have a point.'' The medic smiled wryly at me. ''Perhaps, during this time of rest and relaxation you might like to set aside a portion of it to discuss with Phoenix exactly what the status of your new relationship is.'' He reached out and patted me on the shoulder. ''If only to avoid any future embarrassment such as that Optimus.''

''Oh believe me that will be on the list Ratchet,'' Phoenix spoke up. ''And fairly high up I would imagine.'' Though I could detect disappointment and a small amount of hurt from her, Phoenix still had a playful tone in her voice.

I nodded. ''Indeed. Now, if you will excuse us Ratchet. Phoenix and I would very much like to begin said time alone immediately.'' I turned my helm towards her and smiled, her optics brightened. ''I believe we have waited long enough for some quality time alone and so; we shall take it.''

I offered my arm to her, which she gladly took, smiling at me as she also rose to her pedes. ''Please inform Jazz he is in command of the Autobots until further notice.'' I began to lead Phoenix out of the Med Bay, perhaps more hastily than necessary. ''And Ratchet?'' I cast a determined stare back at him. ''We are NOT to be disturbed unless it is of the utmost importance.''

I heard my old friend give a laugh as we began to exit the med bay and head back to our quarters. ''Understood Prime, utmost importance. Like end of the world, great darkness approaching or life altering and affecting events. Check.''

The sound of his laughter was drowned out by the Med Bay doors slamming shut and the look of pure joy my Phoenix Prime was giving me as we walked arm in arm towards some quality time - alone.

Chapter Text

Phoenix P.O.V

As the door to our quarters slid open and we walked in, I felt a sense of overwhelming joy and sheer happiness consume me. I felt so alive. So free. So intoxicatingly ecstatic as the thought flashed through my processor and spark. /Finally! Finally, we are together. Alive. Safe. Alone/. I could not stop the giggle form bursting fourth from my dermas as I stepped into the room.

Optimus keyed the door shut behind us. ''Care to share what that was for my Phoenix?'' I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around me as he stepped up behind me and pulled me in for a hug. My giggle turned to a deep sigh as I reached up to grab his arms and return the gesture.

''Oh that. That Optimus, was the sound of one very contented, happy and overjoyed femme who has finally got what she has been waiting for – seemingly her whole life.''

Prime turned me about in his arms so I could face him and, grasping my cheeks in his servos, he brushed them gently with his digits. ''And what, pray tell, Phoenix Prime, might that be?'' /OH, how I loved the sound of my name when spoken in that deep rumbling voice of his/.

I placed my servos on his and looked up into his handsome face. Azure optics shone brightly down into mine. ''YOU! I finally got YOU Optimus. Every wish I have ever made upon a star has led me to you – my spark's truest desire.'' I heard a faint gasp before I was pulled towards him in a crushing embrace and his dermas captured mine with such desperation and passion, it almost overwhelmed me.

With nothing and no one around to disturb us or stop us, I returned his kiss with equal fervor and need. As the kiss deepened, I felt myself bodily lifted from the ground as Optimus sought to hold me as close as possible to him. I closed my optics as my spark sped up and pulsed erratically, to the point I felt like it was trying to burst out of me and leave me entirely.

Optimus must have felt something similar as we both pulled away at the same time. ''Woah, that was intense!'' I managed to gasp out. I slid to the ground and we both cycled air through our vents furiously as we fought to regain control of our emotions and systems. Prime only nodded, seemingly unable to talk at present.

After a moment, he pulled me back towards him and held me close to his chest. ''Phoenix…'' his voice was unsteady as he spoke, as if he was still struggling to gain control of himself. He rested his helm upon the top of mine as he held me close to him. I could faintly hear his spark thrumming inside of him at a much slower pace. ''That is the most beautiful thing anyone has said to me. I am truly humbled.'' He kissed my helm gently.

I raised my optics to look at him. ''You mean not even?'' I could not bring myself to say her name. Ghosts did not belong here in this moment between us.

Optimus shook his helm at me in silent answer to my unfinished question before he placed another kiss on my helm and pulled me closer, as if trying to ensure we could not be separated again by any means.

I sighed deeply into his broad chest. A sigh of contentment - and relief. His deep voice rumbled against me, though it seemed somewhat distant, ''We did not share our emotions as, willingly, as you seem to be able to do and seem to be able to elicit from me.'' He gave a derisive snort that was tinged with bitterness. ''We never really had much chance to do so anyway as we were so caught up in the war. In fact, I believe that we..'' All of a sudden, he stopped. ''Anyway, this is not the time to discuss the past.'' He looked down at me and smiled. ''Not when I have such a beautiful future standing in my arms.''

I stood on the tips of my pedes and wrapped my arms about his neck, pulling him towards me, I kissed him tenderly. After a moment I pulled away and once again burrowed into his chest. ''That was beautiful Optimus.''

He gave a little laugh. ''Well I am glad you think so, it was meant to be a compliment and it is indeed true. Though for a moment I thought you were going to tell me it was, what do the humans say, 'corny'?''

I fired back immediately, ''Oh it was! Beautiful and corny in equal measure,'' I laughed at him.

''Duly noted my Phoenix Prime,'' and he wrapped me in his arms again. How good it felt to be here, in this moment, in these arms. /Good things do indeed come to those who wait/ and while a brief stab of pain shot through me as I recalled Chase saying those words, the feeling did not last. I knew deep in my spark, Chase would want me to be happy, he would want me to love again. I would always carry him in my spark, he would always be a part of me, but I would move forward.

I had moved forward.

A smile slowly spread across my face as I recalled a certain night with Chase in our kitchen in which he had thought Optimus and I had feelings for each other. I shook my helm in wonder at the memory. /Perhaps Chase was right and I just didn't want to acknowledge it, wasn't ready to accept the fact I had indeed fallen in love with Optimus Prime/. I stepped out of Optimus' embrace for a moment and with a mischievous smile asked him, ''Would you like to hear a funny, somewhat amusing story that may interest you?''

He raised an optic ridge at me in slight suspicion and curiosity. ''I feel as though I should say yes, though I admit I am hesitant Phoenix. Besides, I was enjoying the feeling of you in my arms just now.'' Despite his words he started to move towards a massive, raised platform on the opposite side of the room which I assumed was our sleeping berth. Obviously during our repairs Optimus had thoughtfully requested his quarters be made suitable for a ''plus one.''

I shook my helm. /Is there nothing that escapes his attention? If I am to be a Prime, I have much to live up to and learn!/. I gave a quick glance around the room, noticing it for the first time. I had never been in Prime's personal quarters before. I guess I had had no reason to be there, even though I had wondered what it looked like. There really wasn't much in the way of furniture or decoration. Transformers did not have all the same needs and quirks humans did.

In terms of furnishings, they were quite minimalist in their approach. There was a sleeping berth, an energon dispenser, /possibly a perk of being the Prime/, a desk, some shelves filled with data pads and a large screen on a wall which I assumed was a monitor for meetings or maybe even served as a tv. However, I doubted Prime was the type to sit and watch the soaps.

I followed him to the berth and lay down beside him, snuggling into him. He continued to speak as he pulled me near and placed a kiss on my helm. ''You do realise it has been millions of years since I have been able to hold a beautiful femme in my arms,'' he began to chastise me good humouredly.

''Nonsense!'' I retorted, ''I was in your arms about forty-eight hours ago on that bridge in Chicago. You exaggerate to try and earn sympathy points Optimus, I'm onto you!'' I laughed at him.

He held up his free servo in surrender. ''Guilty as charged. Still, you can't blame a mech for trying.'' He smiled down at me and gave me a quick kiss. ''Now, what is this story you have to tell me?'' and he pulled me against him, laying his helm on top of mine.

For a moment I did not reply, just savoured this contact and this feeling between us. /Any moment now I am going to wake up alone in my old room or back as Orianna and this will all have been some crazy dream/.

''Phoenix?'' His inquiring voice stirred me out of my thoughts.

''Ah right, yeah. Anyway, the story I want to tell you takes place quite a few years ago, when Chase and I were together.'' My voice dropped slightly, and I felt Optimus tense a bit at the mention of Chase's name. ''It's okay Prime,'' I reassured him. ''I can talk about this now. I kind of feel I need to. I don't want there to be any secrets between us.'' I looked up at his face. ''That is one thing I insist on between us if we are to be together. I don't do lies and secrets.'' My optics fixed firmly onto his.

Optimus nodded. ''Of course my Phoenix, I would expect nothing less from you than honesty and integrity and you shall have nothing less from me.'' As I nodded, he continued. ''You may not always like what I have to say, or agree with what I have to say.'' His voice lowered slightly as he recalled recent events. ''Something you have already experienced. And I am sure I will not always like or agree with what you have to say to me, but we must both encourage and demand that from each other. All relationships are built on trust.''

I nodded; I had said that same thing to Chase all those years ago. ''Agreed.''

''Now, what is this story you wish to tell me involving you,'' a slight pause, ''and Chase?'' Optimus asked.

''Well, one night I was doing the dishes in our unit and Chase had come in to help. Nothing unusual there, he often helped me do all that boring stuff that's how I could tell he loved me.'' I suddenly stopped myself.

Optimus gave me a gentle squeeze. ''You don't have to tell me this if you aren't ready Phoenix.''

''No, I want to.'' I sighed out loud. ''Well, I don't know how it is for you Optimus, but for me, the way I tell someone really cares about me is the way they do the little, boring, everyday stuff in the relationship. Like dry the dishes without being asked, remove scary creatures like frogs, get dinner ready and have a cold Pepsi Max in the fridge.''

Prime's chest vibrated against me as he chuckled out loud. ''Well, I am sorry to report my Phoenix, but Transformers don't really use dishes and it would be a bit difficult for me. There may be more breakages than it is worth.'' He ex-vented softly. ''Same with said scary creatures, especially such tiny ones. Sadly, I would end up squashing them. Besides,'' Prime's tone held a hint of incredulity, ''how can you fear a frog? They are harmless and somewhat cute.''

I looked up at him and shuffled back from his embrace, fixing him with a shocked and horrified expression. ''Well, that is good to know before we embark on this relationship any further Optimus! Cute is a word reserved for baby lambs, foals or puppies. NOT bloody frogs!'' I began to wriggle away from him. ''If you see frogs as cute, I am sorry, but we really should call it a day now before we go any further.'' A strong arm snaked out and wrapped itself around me, dragging me back against his broad chest. His actions elicited a playful giggle and a scream from me all at once.

''Get back here Phoenix!'' He said gruffly as he kissed my helm. ''Alright,'' He conceded. ''Though we may agree to disagree on their appearance, I will ALWAYS promise to protect you from vicious frogs - whenever there is call for it. Happy?'' He looked down at me, a grin upon his dermas.

I nodded. ''Fair enough, guess the relationship is back on.'' I kissed his cheek.

''As for having dinner ready, I can whip up a mean cube of energon when the need arises. I am sorry about your Pepsi Max though. Guess it is one negative about being a Transformer.'' Optimus sounded genuinely remorseful for me; it was quite endearing.

''You know Optimus, I have never really thought about the pros and cons of my transformation.'' And I truly hadn't. Now that he mentioned it, several things sprung to mind, but they would be a topic for another time. ''Anyway, I have a story to finish.''

Prime nodded as he entwined his servo with mine and kissed my helm. ''Right, my bad, continue.''

I gave him a smile. I loved it when he used Earthen terms like that in context. ''Anyway, that night in the kitchen Chase was helping me he suddenly, out of the blue, says to me, ''Prime really cares about you, doesn't he?'' I turned about in his arms to look at him. ''Which confused me because you care about everyone don't you?''

He nodded. ''I must confess, some more than others, such as present company.'' His optics shone brightly for a moment as he looked down at me. ''But yes, I do care about my Autobots, my team very much.''

I nodded. ''Which is what I told him, that you care about everyone in your team and everyone under your protection. As I was part of that team, it included me. I told him it was part of your job description as a Prime.''

''And he believed you?'' Optimus asked almost hesitantly.

I shook my helm. ''No, he didn't. He told me there was more to it than that between us. That the way you looked at me, interacted with me, and I with you, that there was a genuine affection and concern between us both.'' My voice had trailed off slightly as I processed my own words and their current significance.

''There was. Perhaps more from me than was necessary.'' Prime's voice sounded almost apologetic. ''What did you say to that?''

I looked at him. ''I explained to him that you were a very dear friend of mine, had been for a few years, even before I was lucky enough to find him.'' I snorted softly. ''I asked him where he was going with his line of questioning and then I put two and two together and worked out he was jealous.'' I stared intently at Prime as I spoke my next words, trying to gauge his reaction. ''I asked him if he thought I was in love with you or you with me and if there was anything going on between us.''

Optimus did not speak. He had tensed up slightly and his optics could not hold my gaze as he looked away for a moment. I made a note to come back to that in a moment. ''What did he say to that?'' he asked softly.

''At first he denied it, but then he came out and asked if there was anything going on between us,'' I supplied matter of factly.

Optimus lay still, his optics once again came to rest on my face, and in a quiet voice he asked, ''And what did you tell him?''

''Don't take this the wrong way Optimus, remember at that stage I was with Chase and I was in love with him and you were, well YOU! The leader of the Autobots. A female human was not really of interest for you.'' Again, his optics darted away, unable to look at me. ''To be honest, I actually laughed out loud and told him I didn't know what brought the conversation on, but he could be rest assured there was NOTHING going on between us, we were just very dear friends.''

Prime's optics darted about the room nervously for a moment before they came to rest on mine again, though a strange emotion flashed in them. ''I told him that apart from him, YOU were the being I trusted most and turned to for advice and comfort, though since I was with Chase, he had taken over that roll.'' A fleeting sadness seemed to radiate off Optimus, as though he was recalling that point in time, though once again he quickly shook it off and refocused.

I gave a little laugh at the irony of our current situation before I spoke again. ''You know, it is kind of funny NOW, but by that point Chase still didn't seem convinced so I told him, ''For Christ's sake he isn't even the same species as me, he is made of metal and is as tall as a building, don't you think that poses just a FEW problems even IF there was some sort of feeling there?'' Prime flinched physically at my words and closed his optics.

I eyed him carefully before concluding my story. ''After those comments, Chase seemed to think the idea of you and I having feelings for each other beyond friendship somewhat silly and he apologised for his jealousy and told me he loved me, that he didn't want to lose me.'' I gave a half-hearted laugh. ''I guess he was worried you would steal me away from him.'' Considering the situation now, Chase's fears had seemed eerily accurate.

Optimus extricated himself from me and sat up on the edge of the sleeping platform, his helm lowered slightly. /Perhaps not such a funny story after all?/ I chided myself. ''Optimus? Are you okay? What's wrong?'' I reached out to him and came to kneel behind him.

He cycled air through his intakes and sat in silence for a few more moments, as if considering how to express what he wanted to say. He did not look at me, but he did raise his helm and look at the wall on the opposite side of the room and spoke in a whispered voice. ''In truth Phoenix,'' he turned to face me, ''Your words just now, I found painful to hear,'' he grabbed my servo. ''Not because of what you said, but because of my own feelings at the time. My deception towards you and Chase and – to myself.'' His voice held a deep sense of self-reproach and regret.

I moved to sit beside him and turned to face him, placing my servo on his knee. ''What do you mean Optimus? You mean to tell me you had feelings towards me way back then?'' It seemed impossible to believe that Optimus Prime had harboured feelings for me even then.

His helm once again slumped, in either shame or fear of reproach. He said nothing for what seemed an eternity before the smallest whisper passed his dermas. ''Yes, I did.'' He slowly looked up and his regretful optics found mine. ''Thinking back now, I think I have always had feelings towards you Phoenix, even when you were Orianna.'' He gave a dismissive snort. ''Just a human female who should not have been of any interest to me, the leader of the Autobots. A being made of metal and not even of the same species!'' I placed an encouraging servo on his knee. 

His optics searched mine. ''But you were of interest. Have always been of interest to me. I just did not want to acknowledge why. I was confused and scared by what it meant. Scared of how much I cared, especially when I knew I should not.'' He turned away from me and lowered his helm. His shoulders slumped, and his voice held such sadness and sorrow. ''Hearing your words just now Phoenix made me feel guilty and ashamed of my feelings back then.'' His voice was cracked slightly and was the faintest of whispers. ''I guess Chase was right. I did steal you away.''

I quickly scooted off the berth and moved to kneel in front of him, leaning forward and placing my servos on either side of his helm, gently encouraging him to raise his helm. He did so reluctantly, though his optics were unable to look at mine. I rested my helm against his. ''Oh Optimus! You have nothing to be ashamed of or sorry for. Feelings are nothing to be ashamed of and are difficult to control and contain. But you did! Acting on your feelings is where it can get tricky.'' I pulled back from him and placed a servo under his chin like he often did to me to get my attention. ''Did you actively try and break Chase and I up in any way while we were together?'' I raised a questioning optic ridge at him.

His helm snapped back in horror. ''NO! Never. I wanted you to be happy Phoenix, even if that meant I was not. I would never have deliberately tried to come between you and Chase.'' He looked away again for moment. ''Being totally honest, that is why I did not go to the party that night. It tore at my spark to see you with Chase and it would have just reminded me of what I could not have. Of what I had lost – to him.''

I felt as though another piece of the jigsaw puzzle that was ''us'' suddenly clicked into place /So THAT is the real reason he did not show up that night!/. I shook my helm in wonder as I took in all he was telling me. /How blind you have truly been Phoenix. How did you not see?/. Even though Optimus felt wracked with guilt and shame, I could not feel anything but joy and happiness. He had cared for me, had feelings for me even when I did not think it possible, dared not hope he did.

Optimus once again found the courage to look at me. ''Seeing how happy you were with Chase, though it hurt, made me happy for you. That is all I want for you. Your happiness.'' He paused for a moment and added quickly, ''and your safety. That is of great importance to me too.''

I smiled brightly at the handsome blue and red mech before me and leant forward to place a gentle kiss on his dermas and then his helm. ''Oh Prime! You did not steal me away from Chase, despite what our current situation may look like – death did!'' He flinched at the harsh truth of my words but I continued, determined to make him see sense, and perhaps tell a little truth myself. ''If Chase had not died that terrible day, who knows what may have happened. I would have likely married him and been happy BUT,'' once again I fixed my optics firmly on his and placed a servo under his chin to ensure I had his full attention. ''I didn't. Fate, had other plans for him - and for us.'' I felt myself gather the courage I needed to say the words out loud. ''And I for one am glad to be with you.'' /As harsh as those words were, it was true/.

Optimus once again flinched in shock, giving a gasp of surprise. His azure optics rapidly searching mine for an explanation of such a seemingly callous statement. ''But, but you loved him,'' he stuttered.

I nodded. ''Yes. I did. Very much. I guess a part of me always will – as you well know that feeling.'' I gave him a small, sad smile and he gave a weak smile back at the intended meaning of my words. ''But Prime, my feelings towards YOU, for you, far outweigh anything I ever felt towards Chase.'' I smiled warmly at him and stroked his cheek; though his dermas were parted in stupor as he struggled to process my words, he leant into my touch.

''Thinking back now, I have always had feelings towards you, even when I had no business crushing on the amazing, imposing and wonderful Autobot leader – and even if he was a different species.'' I laughed. ''I did not want to face my feelings towards you! I didn't know how and the depth of them scared me!'' I shook my helm and gave another laugh.

''You know something Optimus?'' Prime turned to look at me, his optics shining with wonder. ''Being totally honest with you and myself, I think the real reason I went back to you that night on the beach when you didn't show up at the party was because I had feelings for YOU, deep feelings that I could not explain. I just knew I had to see you. I had missed you and I was hurt you did not show up.''

He bent his helm, placing it gently against mine. ''Oh Phoenix…'' he could not find the words.

I sat there for a moment, relishing the contact and honesty between us. After a moment I pulled back and smiled at him as a thought struck me. ''You know that gesture I made to you that night?'' He nodded silently and tapped his chest twice before laying his servo over his spark. I laughed. ''Yeah that one! Well, thinking back now, I think the reason I made that gesture, told you that you deserved to be held in someone's spark and not on a pedestal, is because that is how I honestly felt about you!'' I shook my helm in wonder at my own flash of insight. ''It was my funny roundabout way of telling you I had feelings for you.''

Optimus shook his helm in awe as he appeared to make some connection. ''And that was the moment I knew you had lit a flame in my spark my Phoenix. A flame that only burned brighter and stronger with each passing day, despite every effort of mine to ignore it.'' Prime raised his servo to brush my cheek briefly as he smiled warmly at me. ''So, I really didn't steal you away? YOU had feelings for me back then too?'' He looked hopefully into my optics. ''Even though you were with Chase and loved him, deep down you had feelings for me too, you just didn't want to acknowledge them?''

I thought about his words for a moment. ''Well, yes, I guess that is what I am saying. See Optimus. You don't have anything to be guilty or ashamed of. If anyone does it is ME!'' He started to shake his helm to refute my words, but I raised a servo to halt him and continued. ''However, I do not. I cannot feel guilty or ashamed of what we have and what we felt and after my discussion with Primus, now more than ever Optimus, I know we are meant to be! Two halves of a spark destined to become one.''

He smiled at me and nodded his agreeance. ''I am so glad to hear you say that Phoenix.''

Leaning forward, I wrapped my arms around his neck again and pulled him towards me. ''In fact, now there is no longer an irritating medic around to stop us, I would very much like to show you how I feel about you Optimus.'' Without another word, I kissed him deeply and passionately, trying to convey all I felt for him.

Chapter Text

Phoenix P.O.V

Soon all thoughts of past misunderstandings, pains and hurts was forgotten.

The sound of Optimus groaning softly into our kiss was intoxicating and I brought myself closer to his chassis, my servos once again digging into his helm, my glossa flicking out and stroking along his dermas, coaxing entrance so I could claim what was mine. Optimus willingly obliged and gave into what was now becoming a familiar and heady dance between us.

I felt his strong arms wrap about me and silently drag me up to straddle his lap - our dermas never broke contact. Having been contained and restrained for so long, we were finally at liberty to let our desire and our need for each other roam unchecked after. The feeling of my thighs against his powerful legs, his arms wrapped tightly about my frame, pulling me into his broad chest as his glossa and dermas alternated tasting me was pure ecstasy.

''Optimusss, yesss,'' I moaned into his mouth as I felt his servos begin to gently caress my back and move down to run along my abdomen, feather light touches against my body that sent waves of pleasure rolling through me. His servos moved towards my thighs and grasped them. I dug my digits into his back struts and without thought, arched forward and rolled my hips into his leaving no mistake as to what he was making me feel.

Optimus briefly released my dermas, his optics aflame with desire and need as he looked up at me. ''Phoenixxx! MY Phoenix!'' Optimus growled at the feelings I must have been stirring within him. Without another word he reached a large servo up behind my helm and the other snaked around my waist, his other servo resting on my aft as he pulled me towards him. He surged forward and without warning, I felt his dermas on my neck, his glossa flicking out to lick slowly.

''Fuck Yesss,'' I groaned as I ex-vented deeply. I had no fucking idea he knew how to do this! That he, my proper and restrained Prime, could act this way. I was heating up, burning from the inside out as desire, need and love for the mech beneath me swept through me. I felt a sharp sting as his denta bit down possessively onto an exposed neck cable and I gave a small strangled cry; a mixture of shock, pain and desire.

''Mine, my Phoenix. Always MINE!'' Optimus' voice had dropped to an even lower register if that were possible. A kind of feral hunger had seemed to take control of him, and I was powerless to resist. I yearned for it – for him!

I felt my body tremble as he aroused in me sensations I had never felt before. I arched against him again my servos grasping each side of his helm and pulling his face back to expose his neck. I looked down into his optics. ''Yours!'' A lascivious grin spread across my dermas and I felt Optimus shudder beneath me as he took in the sight of his Phoenix straddling his lap, looking down at him with such wanton abandon and desire. I removed one of my servos to trace a line of fire up his abdomen, over the bonnet of his truck form, his windscreens and up his neck. Prime's body responded in kind, a shudder rolling over his massive frame and a sharp intake of air through his vents assured me I was having an effect on him.

At the same time, I leant forward and ran my glossa, slowly, teasingly up the length of his neck, sucking and licking, smiling against his neck as I heard another sharp intake and a shocked gasp. I continued my path, licking up his jawline towards his audials. My servo behind his helm pulled him slightly closer towards my dermas as they hovered near his audials, my other servo moved to lay across his chest where his spark was. I felt it pulsing rapidly and erratically. For a brief moment I wondered if this was normal.

My own spark had been pulsing almost painfully in my chest; throbbing, swelling. /The intensity of emotions no doubt/, I reasoned. Prime's servo on my aft grasped tightly and pulled my hips into his as his other servo moved to cover my own spark in mirror to mine. I whispered in a low sultry tone into his audials; ''Tell me Optimus, who do you belong to? Who does your spark pulse for?'' I flicked my glossa out to run over his audials.

''NNnnggh,'' Optimus made some unintelligible sound. ''YOURS! Phoenix. I am yours. Only yours!'' His ''breaths'' were shallow, his words, short and pointed as he struggled to speak.

Before I could say anything else, Prime's chest components began to move, and a blinding, blue light began to shine through. My own chest felt as though it began to ''open''. My spark was pulsing out of control and I felt as though it was trying to leave my chassis. My optics went wide, and the first faint sliver of fear and uncertainty managed to pierce the desire and need that had overtaken me. /What IS happening?/.

With a loud growl Optimus turned away from me, removing his servos from my body he yelled, ''NO! Not yet!'' His servos flew to his chest as if trying to stop the bizarre process and he flung himself backwards onto the berth away from me. ''My Phoenix, I'm sorry!''

I rolled off his lap onto the berth away from him, laying on my side facing him, my own servos coming to light on my chest, trying to keep my spark safely contained there. I could feel my air vents, rapidly cycling air as I fought to control my systems. I closed my optics to try and centre myself and process what had just happened. ''Op… Optimus?'' My own voice sounded shaky and uncertain where only moments ago it was laced with desire and need.

I felt a large servo reach out to grasp my own in it and I turned my optics to face Prime, his own optics filled with a mixture of sorrow, apology and wonder. ''Oh, my Phoenix I…I am so sorry. I… I did not think this would happen.. not yet.'' He closed his optics and his massive chest rose and fell as his own systems struggled to kick in and restore a sense of calm and control.

I grasped his servo tightly, desperate for contact again. For a moment we both just lay there as we allowed our sparks the opportunity to slow to a normal pulsing rhythm and for each of us to regain control of our emotions.

After a few moments, Optimus moved his body to be closer to mine, his strong arm reached out and invited me to curl up next to him. I raised an optical ridge at him, silently asking if it was safe to do that. There was a faint rumble of laughter as he answered my unspoken question. ''It's okay Phoenix, nothing will happen. But please, take things at your own pace. I would never force you to do anything you don't want to do.''

Upon his words I immediately moved to lay against him. I trusted him implicitly. I ''sighed'' out loud against his chest as he wrapped an arm about me holding me close to him. ''Optimus? What, the hell was that? Wh… what did you not think would happen yet?'' I fixed confused optics on him.

He too sighed and kissed the side of my helm. ''That my Phoenix was the beginning of something truly wonderful, though something that should be entered into with mutual consent and willing sparks. And something that usually takes a lot longer to happen between two Transformers.'' At the look on my face Optimus continued. ''That Phoenix, was both of our sparks seeking to join each other.''

I gasped out loud in shock. ''You mean….'' I fought to put into words my understanding of Transformer physiology and customs.

Optimus nodded. ''Yes Phoenix. A spark bond. Your spark and my spark were seeking to join together.'' A look of wonder descended upon Optimus' face as he gazed at me, and he gently caressed my face with his digits.

The same sense of wonder must have been reflected in my optics and face as Prime gently kissed my helm. ''My Phoenix.''

As I reveled in his touch I asked with no small amount of concern, ''Is… is that normal? Does it happen like that all the time when two Transformers….'' I could not put into words what I was trying to say. I was so overwhelmed by what had just happened not to mention the range of emotions I had just gone through from joy, happiness, desire, lust, shock and fear.

Optimus nodded his helm. ''Yes Phoenix it is a normal process and that is usually how it happens or starts. However, as I said before, it does not normally happen that quickly between two Transformers who have just formed a - relationship or romantic bond. It may take many months, or even years of ''intimacy',' to reach that moment and sometimes, though very rarely, it may never even happen.'' Prime smiled warmly at me as he once again caressed my face. I leant into his touch.

''Will… will it happen again next time we… you know,'' I fumbled with my words. ''Next time we are..''

He chuckled against my helm as he kissed me yet again. ''Yes Phoenix, there is every chance it will happen again when we are being intimate and expressing a deep physical and emotional connection. It will likely keep happening until our sparks bond.'' Optimus gave a slight shrug of his broad shoulders. ''The spark wants what the spark wants and in this case, our sparks most definitely want each other!''

I ''sighed'' out loud. ''Well that is the understatement of the year Optimus!'' and I moved in to place a chaste kiss on his helm before capturing his dermas once again for a long, languid kiss.

As we broke apart, Prime sighed out loud again, but this time it was a weary sigh. ''Phoenix I am more than happy to talk about this with you, and answer all of your questions as, to be honest I had hoped that one day you might be willing and able to spark bond with me, but we have had a massive day.'' He kissed my helm again. ''Despite what took place earlier between us, as amazing and exhilarating as it was, perhaps it is best if we retire for the evening and seek recharge?''

I sighed out loud. ''Perhaps you are right Optimus, as difficult as it will be for me to switch off after that performance from you, perhaps it is best we get some rest.''

Optimus chuckled and I felt his laugh reverberate through my frame, a pleasant feeling. ''My Phoenix, that performance you are referring to,'' his dermas nibbled gently against my cheek, ''was just a warmup. I assure you there is so much more I am capable of and want to do to and with you….''

My helm snapped back in shock and anticipation. ''SERIOUSLY you are going to say THAT and then expect me to fall asleep? Optimus, you have got to be bloody joking!''

Once again he laughed out loud and squeezed me tight. ''I'm sorry my Phoenix. I did not mean to be so thoughtless.''

''Yeah, sure you didn't,'' I mocked him.

''Truly I did not, but there will be time for that later, I promise you. For now – rest.'' Optimus gently kissed my helm yet again.

We both moved to lay down on the large berth together. Prime sighed out loud as I once again nestled into him. ''You know Phoenix, I am not ashamed to admit I have often thought how lovely it would be to fall into recharge with you by my side and now, finally, I no longer need to imagine.'' He drew me closer into his arms, almost possessively, and kissed the top of my helm again. /I could get used to this/.

I sighed out loud. ''Well be thankful I am a Transformer because back when I was a human, I did have a habit of snoring, so, it may not have been so appealing for you after a while,'' I gave a nervous laugh.

While it seemed the most natural thing to lay down beside Optimus right now to recharge, for a moment I also felt a myriad of emotions swirl around inside me. I was nervous, anxious and slightly on edge as I had not slept in the same bed as someone since Chase. Falling asleep with someone is an act of intimacy and requires a certain level of trust as you are at your most vulnerable. I felt a smile forming on my dermas as I cuddled into his side and we lay still for a few moments. /And I trust Optimus with my soul/.

I felt myself relax as I listened to the sound of his systems powering down slowly, felt the warmth of his metallic plating against me and the gentle thrumming of his now steady spark beneath my helm as I lay on his chest. A smile began to spread across my face. /For two beings who took so many years to admit their feelings towards each other, we seem to be diving headfirst into a lot of things now/.

A sudden frown furrowed my brow as I realised, we hadn't really admitted our love for each other. We had danced about the issue quite nicely all evening, and, while I knew Optimus loved me, must have known I loved him, we had not said the words out loud. As we lay there in the dark of our room, in each other's arms, alone at last, I felt the words tumble out of my dermas before I could stop them. ''I love you Optimus Prime, with all of my spark.'' I felt myself tense slightly as I awaited what he might say in response.

Nothing.

I carefully raised my helm, with a slightly indignant expression plastered on my faceplates, to look at him. His optics were dark and his dermas slightly parted. Optimus was deep in recharge; he had not heard a word I said! I gave a small snort and gently shook my helm /bloody typical!/. I continued to gaze at him for a moment before a soft smile broke out on my dermas. There would be plenty more opportunities to say that to each other over the coming days, weeks, months, years and forever. /What's one more day?/.

Lowering my helm to rest on his chest, I whispered to the darkness, ''Good night Optimus, sweet dreams.'' I closed my own optics and followed the other half of my spark into welcome recharge.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text