Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Prime! The ship is loaded, fueled an’ ready to launch!” Optimus Primes’ second in command, as well as communication officer Jazz reported in. The black and white mech met his commanding officer as they had started to head toward the ship. The ship appropriately named The Ark, was pivotal to the Autobot movement. Recently, their head scientist Perceptor found a planet supposedly rich in energon, which made everyone excited. Energon, which was running lower and disappearing faster than ever, was essential to Cybertronians. Autobots and Decepticons alike need energon to continue to live and function.

“How much longer until we will be ready to launch?” Optimus asked, as they made their way through the base.

“No more than in the next few cycles. We should be able to launch soon and reach this planet soon after.” Prowl stated as he kept pace with Optimus’ hurried stride. He was put in charge of the management of all aspects of the launch, including overseeing the selection of Autobots to accompany them on their voyage. Not an easy task for anyone, but Prowl prided himself on his analysis of the choices made.

“Hopefully this fraggin’ planet will be worth it, ah aint gonna like leaving Cybertron at ah time like this.” Ironhide mused. All the Autobots selected for this venture were uneasy as the time to depart drew nearer. They knew that they needed the energon, but to go out on a scouting mission now? Most Autobots hadn’t left Cybertron in a very long time. Not to mention how quiet the Decepticons have been, it had been particularly unusual of them to keep in hiding for as long as they had been in. That’s what scared Optimus the most about leaving.

“I understand your concerns Ironhide, but we need energon to continue the fight. We must also stay on high alert, Megatron is planning something. I can feel it in my spark,” Optimus informed his seconds. It was a risky decision to bring all of his seconds along with him, he knew the value of Jazz, Prowl and Ironhides’ guidance, however it was even riskier to lead the voyage himself.

Ultra Magnus walked silently behind the group of four. Optimus Primes’ top lieutenant had voiced his opinion frequently. Knowing that the Prime himself was leaving didn’t sit well with him. Being given the commanding position was an honor to have in his absence, but knowing he’d have no second council was irritating. Ultra Magnus hoped to remain in communication as much as possible during this scouting trip. But the fact that Optimus Prime trusted his leadership abilities to stay on Cybertron comforted his spark for now.

Time passed slowly for those Autobots who were selected and had to wait to board. The collective uneasiness turned into impatience and boredom. Everyone except for Wheeljack, who was not waiting and mulling over this trip, had recruited Bumblebee to gather last minute supplies before the launch. The two had not needed to go far before Wheeljack signaled him to stop driving.

“Alright, Bumblebee,” he said while he transformed from his alt mode, “The energon rods I need are under this panel!” he pointed at the ground, lights on each side of his head flashing with each word.

Bumblebee laughed, “Oh, now I see why you needed my help Wheeljack!” he exclaimed with some humor regarding the smaller size of the panel.

“Ha! Thanks for your help again.”

“No problem Wheeljack. It’s good to be outside one last time before we leave. It’s kinda peaceful out here.” Bumblebee replied as the two of them managed to pry off the panel, revealing several, but not all glowing energon rods.

“As peaceful as this place is ever gonna get anyway.” Wheeljack grunted as he transformed back into his alt mode. “Just load ‘em carefully Bee, leave the drained ones behind.”

As Bumblebee continued to load the delicate energon rods, Wheeljack suddenly detected a very distinct signal coming in fast.

“Scrap!” He shouted “Bee grab what you can! We got Seekers!” He exclaimed as he revved his engine, rushing the minibot faster.

“I’ll cover you!” Bumblebee yelled at Wheeljack “Go!” he commanded, and transformed as both he and the engineer took off just as Decepticon fire rained down on them.

“It must be a Seeker patrol!” Bumblebee yelled dodging laser fire, and attempting to get a clear shot back at the fliers.

“They shouldn’t follow us – ugh” Wheeljack started to say but cried out as he was hit from the side. Shaken, but not slowed Wheeljack pressed on, paint blistering. Bright pink energon dripped from the wound, as they were but minor injuries, he pressed on. Static erupted through his comm link system as he tried to pass on the Decepticon encounter. “Slag – they must be blocking the comms!”

“Scrap, you’re right.” Bumblebee tried his comm too, as the Seekers seemed to lose interest, once they started to reach closer to the main city of Iacon. “You alright Wheeljack?!” he asked has he noticed the energon trail Wheeljack was leaving behind him.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Hopefully though, I won’t see Ratchet before we leave.”

They continued to chat as they drove past many more familiar buildings and over several bridges. Just as they went past the last bridge and entered their city-base of operations, a Decepticon silently watched them, listening to every word they spoke. He was the reason the Autobot comms were down so he could listen to every detail spilled.

At the mention of ‘leaving’ Soundwave; Megatrons’ communication officer as well as one of his most loyal Decepticons, became increasingly more interested. “Laserbeak: eject. Surveillance; Priority: High.” He told his Cassetticon as he released him from his chest compartment.

\”Hey, Boss! When are ya gonna let us out!?\

\”Yeah Boss! Let’s crush those two Autoscrap!”\ Rumble and Frenzy commed to Soundwave, a bit jealous that Lazerbeak got to leave and they didn’t.

“Assistance: Unnecesary. Return to headquarters.” He told his cassettes in a monotone voice. He’d hope Laserbeak would come up with more information, as he headed back to report to Megatron about the information he gained.

Bumblebee grabbed the energon rods so Wheeljack could transform. The wound he had gained was on his left arm, it wasn’t bad, but Ratchet, being Chief Medical Officer, would throw a fit. More literally than one would expect.

Examining the exposed wires, Wheeljack asked Bumblebee if he could carry the rods to his lab, where the rest of the things he was planning to bring on board were. Bumblebee not having anything else to do before the launch, happily agreed.

“Thanks Bumblebee. Are you sure you don’t need any repairs? I could save you the trouble!” Wheeljack offered eyeing his friends’ own blast marks and peeled paint.

“It’s nice of you to offer Wheeljack, but I should probably go report this to Prowl or Optimus. They’ll want to know that there were Seekers this close, and comms down outside the city.” The minibot frowned, hoping that the launch would go uninterrupted.

“That’s probably for the best,” Wheeljack admitted. As they reached his lab, he found it already open. Peeking in he saw Perceptor on his stool examining some data pads in hand. “Hey Perceptor! What brings you here? Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the launch?” the engineer questioned. He turned to Bumblebee, “You can put those here,” as he pushed random equipment aside on a table.

“Alright! Bye Wheeljack, bye Perceptor!” Bee said as he left to make his report.

As the lab doors shut behind him, Wheeljack looked at his friend. “That’s what I came to speak to you about Wheeljack. I cannot make this trip.” He said somberly.

“Wh-what!? Perceptor! You found this planet! It was your research that discovered it could have energon!”

“I understand that Wheeljack, but Ultra Magnus has requested that I stay behind, in case the planet does not. Finding energon would be highly likely considering its organic nature, but if it dosent... It’s a very long shot, but my skills are still needed here. That’s why, Wheeljack, I’m letting you have the position of head scientist on this trip. And –I hope I do not regret to say this- full scientific freedom. Collect as much data as you can.” The scientist handed over a stack of data pads into Wheeljacks’ arms. “Here; I’ve even prepared some data pads of things I would like you to look into. If, you could.” Perceptor explained.

Wheeljack stood silently as Perceptor shared his decision. He was right, it was a long shot. But if there was energon on this organic planet it could mean so much to everyone.

“Alright Percy. I can do that for you. Just promise me you’ll look after my lab for me, okay?” Wheeljack agreed, he’d miss his home lab here, but Optimus had provided him and Perceptor a lab on the ship, he guessed it was just his own space now.

“I’m actually very interested in the organic-ness of this planet, Wheeljack – I know you’ve met some in your time before the war, albeit briefly. Do you still have your notes? I’d like to compare them quickly…” Perceptor began again excitedly.

Optimus and his main command, entered the makeshift hanger bay for the Ark. Many Autobots were there waiting to finally board, and those not going stopped to say their goodbyes.

Trailbreaker called Ultra Magnus over and spoke briefly first further away, as Optimus and his seconds evaluated the hangar bay. Trailbreaker walked over to Optimus to report in.

“Are all here and accounted for?” Optimus asked, as he too let his seconds mingle before departure.

“Well-mostly-yeah.” Trailbreaker hesitated. Optimus confused, eyed Ultra Magnus. “All Autobots accounted for except Elita-1 and her squadron.” He finally admitted.

Optimus Prime vented air, cooling down his system before they could even remotely over heat. He pinched his nose bridge, of course Elita would be late. For a good reason, he thought, but sill, why wasn’t she here yet?

“Very well, Trailbreaker, make the final announcement, could you?” Optimus asked, “Have everyone be here shortly, and those who are ready may begin to board.” as he also commed Elita-1.

\Elita?\

\Yes, Optimus?\

\…Why aren’t you at the hanger yet? We’ll be boarding soon.\

\I understand Optimus, we’ll be there soon. We just needed last minute items.\

\Very well Elita, I trust your judgment.\

\You better! See you soon.\

Optimus Prime reassured his lieutenant that Elita-1 and her femme squadron would be arriving soon. The stoic lieutenant only gave a slight nod in response.

“Do not worry Ultra Magnus; hopefully we will not spend long traveling.” He paused to look at the Autobots in the hangar all gearing up. “Have you decided as to who your seconds will be?” Optimus asked.

“I was thinking of Kup, he is a reliable soldier and his knowledge of the outpost will do well. Other than that, I was thinking of… Springer.” Ultra Magnus confided in Optimus.

Springer was a younger bot, but his ability to triple change was not a secret. An excellent fighter, though headstrong, would be an interesting match-up with Ultra Magnus’ stricter personality.

“I will trust your judgment Magnus. I now you will do well. I also assume Jazz’s position will be filled by Blaster?”

“Yes. Blaster is the logical choice.”

“Magnus, make sure you keep in contact with us as much as possible.”

“Yes, Prime.”

As Optimus walked away from Magnus, Laserbeak had recorded all that he could before Soundwave requested him back.

Megatron grew increasingly interested at the static-y sights before him. A ship? When had the Autobots had time to build such a vessel? That fact irritated him, but none the less he was proud of his communications officer for bringing in such information.

“Excellent job Soundwave. And to you too Laserbeak,” he complemented the mechs. “This information will provide us with an advantage!”

“What advantage mighty Megatron? The knowledge that some of the scared little Autobots are running away?” Starscream asked, mocking Megatrons’ interest in the ship. Starscream, second in command, and leader of the head Seeker trine had a fatal flaw. He tested Megatrons’ patience, knowing that Megatron needed him. But to Megatron that was not even remotely true.

“Because Starscream.” Megatron snarled, an Autobot ship is always something to have interest in, especially one that large.” Megatron kept staring and examining the footage Laserbeak took.

“Lord Megatron, if I may, if the Autobots do plan on leaving, why not follow and crush them?” Megatrons’ top lieutenant Shockwave suggested. “The Nemesis is fully operational and is the top ship of our fleet.”

“An excellent idea Shockwave. This ship of yours could become extremely useful. Soundwave, send Laserbeak and Ravage back out. I want them to sabotage the Autobots’ launch!” Megatron ordered. “Shockwave, prepare that ship. And Starscream, I will be more than happy to leave you behind the next time you doubt my leadership. Is that clear?” he asked standing up from his throne to his full height.

“Oh, yes, mighty Megatron.” Starscream praised as he half bowed to the tyrant. Some say Starscreams’ presence just makes Megatrons’ grimace etch deeper into his faceplate; and on this occasion the stories do not lie.

“Optimus!” Bumblebee called as he crossed the hanger bay.

“Bumblebee, how are you?” Optimus asked eyes smiling.

“I’m good but you have to listen to this, me an’ Wheeljack, we left the city to get some energon rods, and while we were only a few clicks from the city, Decepticon Seekers started to fire at us! We would have commed, but they had blocked that too. We drove them off, but they were really close to the city!” Bumblebee spat out, at a rate that would make Bluestreak look slow.

“Decepticon Seekers?” Optimus reiterated worried. “We may need to leave sooner than I thought. If the Decepticons find out, I shudder to even think. Thank you Bumblebee, this is good information to know.” Optimus nodded, and walked over to Prowl who was speaking to Smokescreen.

“Prowl. A moment.” Optimus said as he pulled his second aside. “Bumblebee reported Decepticons outside of Iacon, we need to move up the launch to a few breems from now. Can you do that?” Optimus asked, already knowing Prowl could have his command fulfilled.

Prowl nodded, his CPU kicking into overdrive as he started to analyze the best possible moments for the launch especially if he took into account the possibility that the Decepticons could know of their plan. Prowl was Optimus’ tactician, no move was made without his cost analysis. This decision was no exception. “I’ll get everyone moving,” Prowl shared. “We’ll begin final boarding.” He stated as he started to walk away to perform and handout boarding duties. He paused, “That means Elita-1 as well.” He reminded Optimus.

“I know. Thank you Prowl.” Elita-1, he thought to himself, where are you?

As jobs were being assigned and Autobots running about performing final tasks before the launch, no one noticed a small, slim, black figure lurk in the shadows; waiting for his opportunity. Ravages’ job was to sabotage the launch, as Laserbeak watched silently overhead. The pair of Decepticons had a job to do and it needed to be done right.

“Moonracer! Hurry up with those crates! We don’t got all day!” Firestar called out. “We actually have to make it to the launch!”

“I know, I know, I’m coming!” Moonracer huffed as she helped move crates into their transport shuttle. The Autobot femmes were strong fighters, but Elita-1 had insisted that the femmes have their own squad, led by her. She insisted to make her femmes a special operations unit and to move underground to avoid any detection.

“Alright, that will be good enough. We need to start leaving for Iacon. Let’s roll out!” Elita commanded, as the transport shuttle was loaded and ready to leave.

“An organic planet! This is exciting!” Lancer exclaimed.

“Yeah, I doubt you’ll be saying that when ya get there. Ha!” Chromia replied sarcastically. “Organics are nothin good.”

“Now Chromia…” Elita began.

“I know, I know, freedom blah blah sentient beings blah. Until I see even organic with one single sentient thought with my own eyes, I’ll believe it.” Chromia snapped.

“You’re just excited to see Ironhide, aren’t you Chromia?” Firestar pushed, as she nudged Chromias’ shoulder.

“And what mech are you there to see Firestar? I… I think I lost count which one it could be.” Chromia retorted tapping her chin.

“Ha. Ha. Very funny.” Firestar said flatly, walking to the back of the shuttle in a huff.

Elita-1 smiled, her femmes were funny and took jabs at each other as often as they could, but in all good humor. Their shuttle was slow, but quiet and hidden from possible threats, as they made their trip to Iacon.

\Optimus. All mechs onboard, an’ all mechs cleared from the hangar floor. ‘Cept you that is.\ Jazz commed his C.O. as everyone was settling into their positions.

\After Elita arrives you can close the ship doors.\

\Yes, Prime! Jazz out!\

Optimus walked into the Ark and anxiously awaited the femmes arrival. 

\Alright mechs!\ Blaster’s voice was heard through the ship. \I know ya need some last minute passengers, but ol’ Blaster here is gonna make sure things are lookin’ sharp!\

However, unknown to the Autobots, Ravage had found himself below the hangar floor, right where the mechanisms that turn the ship nose up when ready for launch. Destroying a few struts, that would secure the flooring, that would be an easy task for him. Ravage began his mission to sabotage the departure of the Autobots piece by piece.

Laserbeak had also taken it upon himself to perform his own sabotage duties as well, changing the frequency and the timing of the launch by hacking into the unsuspecting Autobots’ systems. Their collective goal was to launch the ship early before their systems were fully operational and overload the ship. Hopefully they could blow up the ship during it’s launch.

\Laserbeak, Ravage: Return. Duties: Fulfilled.~\ Soundwaves’ voice filled their audios. And both Decepticons left as quietly as they arrived.

“Excellent job my Decepticons. Optimus will have no idea of what he’s gotten himself into.” Megatron noted from the commanders chair of his own ship, waiting to watch a hopeful fireball on Cybertrons’ horizon. But in case, their ship was fueled and ready to launch as well. What they lack in numbers, they had the firepower to take down more than just the Autobot ship. “Shockwave, come here.” The tyrant ordered.

“Yes, my Lord Megatron?” he asked.

“In my absence, I trust your loyalty. I want you to lead here on Cybertron.” Megatron looked down into his lieutenant’s optic.

“Of course Megatron, I will not change a thing. Cybertron is for you to rule alone. Not those Autoscum. I will assure that much.” Shockwave confided in his leader.

“Very well, Shockwave, very well.”

As Blaster and Perceptor ran through the launch sequences, several errors started to reveal themselves, as they pressed through the start ups.

“This is interesting.” Perceptor analyzed. “I’m not entirely sure what’s wrong.” He stated as his fingers quickly brushed over the controls, figuring out why the systems are producing errors.

“What’s happening?” Ultra Magnus asked concerned.

“There’s just some nasty bugs in the system, there! All- “Blaster started as he and Perceptor attempted to remove the possible causes. Until one screen popped up that shouldn’t have been engaged yet.

[Thrusters: OFFLINE] it flashed, before it turned green and flashed once again [Thrusters: ONLINE].

“Frag!” Blaster yelled as the thrusters began to glow and engage. The entire command booth shook as the engines of the Ark, were turned on to full throttle.

“Turn them OFF!” Yelled Ultra Magnus as he grabbed onto a chair tightly, trying to keep his balance.

The Autobots on board were shocked as their ships’ thrusters turned on, without being in launch sequence, and they were thrown about.

\Blaster, man! What’s wrong?!\ Jazz’s voice was barely heard above the thrusters in the command center.

\Shut down the ship immediately!\ Prowl ordered as the command sequence was taken from him and the ship began to start up.

\I’m tryin’ man! The only thing I can do is launch ya guys! A virus took over the controls! But the ship aint ready for it!\

“Elita.” Optimus whispered and ran from the main control deck.

At the sound and shake of the thrusters, Elita and her femmes stopped unloading their transport and stood in silence, shocked and even more surprised.

“Those… can’t be the engines. Can they?” Arcee asked quietly.

Elita flinched and held her hand up to her audio to hear better, as Optimus’ voice rang out her name.

\Elita!\ His voice came through her comm.

“Run.” She commanded as they all took off running.

As they entered the hangar floor, it wasn’t a smooth launch surface anymore. The heat from the thrusters tore through the metal foundation. She could see Optimus hanging out of the loading doors.

“Optimus!” She cried out, but was drowned out by the engines.

\Optimus! What should we do?!\ Ultra Magnus repeated into the comm.

Prowl watched as Optimus left, and he saw the grimace on Ironhides’ face that he was failing to conceal. But Prowl couldn’t ignore the other mechs on the ship. He looked at Jazz, and Jazz just gave him a quick nod.

\Ultra Magnus, this is Prowl. I need you to launch the ship immediately. Is that clear?\

\But-\

\Immediately.\

Ultra Magnus’ frown etched deeper into his faceplate. “Launch The Ark! Now!” Perceptor and Blaster silently followed the orders given, as they began the full launch sequence of The Ark not knowing what to expect next.

“Elita!” Optimus called as he clung to the ship, as he was unable to leave. The ship had started to point skyward, making him slip in the loading door frame, but he quickly regained his balance.

“Stay here!” Elita called to her femmes, giving Chromia a grave look as she stood dumbfounded. She rushed through the hot, cracked floor to try to meet Optimus.

\Prime! We are shutting the loading door!\ a voice called through his comm, irritated he shut it off. The loading door began to shut while he was still in the frame of it.

“Elita.” He sighed as he tried to grab her hand and try to pull her up, but as the door was being shut he was using much of his own strength to keep it open.

“Optimus! Let me come with you!” She cried out, trying to get her hand up to him, but the sound of the thrusters drowned her voice out.

\Elita\ he commed quietly. They both knew they could not be together for this journey, though neither would say it. \They need you here Elita, please.\

\I know. But I still want to be with you.\

\You will, in time, I’ll see you again.\

She could barely see his face, as the only thing keeping the door open was his arm, which was starting to spark and get crushed between the door.

He watched the ship create distance between them and she scrambled to get out of the way of the engines. Optimus Prime realized that actually he was having a harder time getting his arm out, as his armor started to bend. Until, that is, a red hand helped push the door far enough to release it.

Optimus looked down guiltily into the angry, but understanding optics of their Chief Medical Officer, Ratchet.

“You’re a fragging idiot. Get your aft back to that command deck before I kick you up there.” Ratchet scolded. He also eyed the new dents in the Prime’s arm. The pair made their way back, as the ship started to take off. No one wanted to say anything, but so far at least they were in one piece. “And turn your comm. back on. Don’t make me do it for you.”

Elita-1 and her femmes made their way slowly up to the command deck above the melted hangar ground, her head held high, to meet with Ultra Magnus.

“Well that was somethin’,” Blaster commented, as the Autobots watched the ship disappear from sight.

“Contact the ship. Make sure we have communications.” Ultra Magnus ordered.

“Soundwave, launch the Nemesis.” Megatron ordered as he watched the Autobot ship glow in take off. The remaining Decepticons also now watched as their leader left Cybertron to follow his foe.

\Blaster ta’ Jazz can ya here me?\

“Loud and clear Blaster man! One fraggin’ launch though. Remind me not to do that again for a while.”

\Just keep ya optics peeled man, that asteroid field is up ahead and she aint lookin’ too pretty today!\

“Will do. Jazz out! Hey Prowl, Blaster says we got an asteroid field up ahead.”

“Noted. Field check report says we’re in the clear for now.” Prowl confirmed. He took note of Optimus and Ratchet entering the command center.

 “Thank you, Prowl.” Optimus said returning to his commander duties, and pushing aside the sabotaged launch. “Keep her steady. Teletrann-1, how long until our arrival at this planet?” Optimus asked the ships’ computer.

[Maintaining course: Destination arrival: 2 cycles with no space bridge use.]

“Ugh that’s so long, and why can’t we just bridge there?” Sideswipe whined. One of Optimus’ greatest fighters, but also one of the youngest. His immaturity can keep the Autobots on their toes, but his tricks at times keep the morale up.

“Ah shut ya mouth,” Ironhide retorted. “Ya better not whine th’ entire trip.”

“Do we have enough energon to use the space bridge?” Optimus asked.

“We would have enough to bridge, but I wouldn’t suggest it. I would wait until after we leave this asteroid field at least, but who know what we could encounter there. I would save our energon.” Trailbreaker responded looking over his monitors as well.

“I agree,” Prowl started, “We should save ener-“  Suddenly, Prowl was cut off and the Ark’s warning alarms sounded [Impact Alert: Collision Imminent]

\There’s two large asteroids about to impact into each other dead ahead in your path!\ Perceptor commed warning the Ark crew.

“Primus, you don’t say?” Ratchet commented as he gripped Optimus’ chair.

“Optimus?” Prowl asked, giving him a glance. Optimus Prime weighed his options quickly.

“Prowl, Ironhide! Prepare to bridge! We’ll warp just before the asteroids collide!” Prime ordered.

\Ultra Magnus to the Ark, be careful! Watch-\ as the com system stopped abruptly.

“Ultra Magnus! Ultra Magnus come in!” Optimus pressed.

“Com lines are out! I’m trying to bring ‘em back online!” Jazz reported.

“Asteroids are getting’ closer!” Ironhide yelled.

“Prowl warp…” Optimus waited to give the command as he watched the asteroids in front of him, and just as they began to touch; “NOW!”

As the Ark lurched forward into the space bridge, the warp took pieces of asteroid with them, but no Autobot expected that when they warped closer to their destination, it would land them in another asteroid belt, not far from the organic planet they were heading to. The crew of the Ark were too busy keeping the ship from another disaster to notice the blue dot of a planet they were headed to.

“Frag it all.” Ironhide muttered.

“The asteroids are hitting us!” Prowl informed the crew, “Our shields will not be able take much more! We are down to 60% after the warp.”

“Sideswipe! Use the lasers and clear us a path!” Optimus ordered.

“Finally, some action!” Sideswipe said giddy.

“Whatever, they’re just rocks. Not even Cons. What fun is that?” Commented his yellow twin Sunstreaker.

Meanwhile, Megatron followed the Ark just out of sensory range. He was curious. Why was Optimus in such a hurry to leave Cybertron? What could he possibly have interest in?

“Asteroid Collision: Imminent.” Soundwave reported.

Megatron watched as the Ark warped out of sight, and all he could see with his own optics were asteroids.

“Soundwave! Track them down! Find out where they warped, now!” Megatron ordered.

“Well, Megatron, it seems this time the Autobots slipped from your grasp.” Starscream commented.

“Coordinates: Obtained.” Soundwave countered.

“Excellent, Soundwave. Warp, now!”

Starscream stood baffled, those coordinates seemed familiar, and Starscream searched his processor for the lacking information.

“Megatron finally get you to shut up this time Screamer?” Skywarp asked jokingly.

“Knock it off Warp.” Thundercracker scolded. “Now isn’t the time.”

Skywarp and Thundercracker were the two Cons apart of Starscreams’ Seeker trine. Skywarp; the cocky idiot, Thundercracker; the quiet thinker, and finally Starscream, the pompous leader.

The Nemesis followed the Ark and warped not far behind.

“Follow them!” Megatron cried from his seat, enraged. The Autobots were not slowing down, but were using most of their fire power to create a maneuverable path through the asteroid debris.  The Nemesis, being a larger ship, had more trouble following, but the asteroid pieces merely bounced off their stronger shields.

Clear of the debris, and all Autobots shaken, Prowls’ voice was heard above the commotion. “Field check report Prime, -we are being followed.”  No Autobot had hoped the Decepticons had followed them, but that would mean that they had underestimated their long time foes.

“Megatron.” Optimus snarled, “Prowl, the controls!” as he sat and took control of the navigation, and steering The Ark away from the Decepticons ship.

“We have been detected.” Soundwave reported. Megatron grimaced, he knew the Autobots would notice, but so soon were not in his plans, the warp put them closer than anticipated.

“Stay with them Soundwave.” He ordered.

The two ships glided through space, trying to outmaneuver each other, in the hopes that the other would fall behind. Starscream immediately grew tired of the chase. “Let’s just blow them away already!” He whined, “They’ve seen us!”’

“Quiet Starscream. I want to know what they’re after. Optimus wouldn’t just leave without this being of great importance.” He mused, thinking over his possibilities. “Prepare the tractor beam!” He commanded his crew. As the Nemesis flew next to The Ark, tractor beam activated and quickly locked their ships together.

“They’ve activated their tractor beams! I can’t shake ‘em!” Jazz called out.

“Fire our lasers!” Optimus desperately ordered.

“We got nothin’! Fire power’s all used up!” Ironhide responded frustrated, “Someone used it all up to destroy them asteroid bits!”

“Nice going Sides. Way to screw up.” Sunstreaker scoffed, pushing Sideswipe back into his chair.

Megatron smirked; he knew if the Optimus had the power he would have already fired upon their ship. “Deploy the boarding chute,” he said smugly. The boarding chute was deployed from the side of their ship and attached to the side of the Ark. The inside of the Ark started to burn and become filled with smoke as the chute made a hole for the Decepticons to enter.

\All hands at the main command deck!\ Prowl commed to everyone. \The Decepticons are coming aboard!\

Optimus Prime stood at the head of his warriors, and looked them over. There was no retreating this time, this fight could very well be their last. With a silent nod he turned and exclaimed “Prepare for battle!”

Megatron and his soldiers entered the ship with determination. “Attack! Attack!” he screamed out pointing to the Autobots, with his eyes on Optimus Prime. The battle had just begun in full swing in the main command deck of the Ark as both Autobots and Decepticons fought each other in such close combat, they all assumed in this battle only one could truly be a victor. Until the Ark started to shake uncontrollably and threw around Autobot and Decepticon alike.

Mid battle with Megatron, Optimus knew something was wrong. “What’s going on!?” he cried as he hit Megatron hard enough, with the help of the tipping Ark to make him go flying.

“It’s the g-forces! The planet is dragging us down!” Wheeljack shouted out only one side of his head flashing, “We didn’t realize the pull that the planet had was this strong! This is incredible!” he exclaimed dodging lasers to get closer to Optimus. He and Optimus were trying to stabilize the ship, but the added weight of the Nemesis, which was still attached, made it difficult.

“We’re out of control!” Optimus yelled as the ships entered the atmosphere, pieces of both falling off and burning up.

“This is definitely not good.” Wheeljack commented as the Ark started to glow red and heat up significantly.

“You think!?” Ratchet sarcastically called from off to the side, as he quickly patched quite a large hole in Bluestreaks’ side. He was a fragging good sniper, but in close hand to hand he fell short.

As they passed through layers upon layers of white smoke, or what they thought it was, the organic planet grew nearer and nearer as they fell. The Nemesis chute broke off from the Ark and was sent spiraling off in another direction. As Megatron got up and watched his ship slowly drift in the opposite direction, he grew enraged.

Mad with Optimus Prime for leaving Cybertron, mad that all he had was on his home, mad that all his supplies were on his ship and mad that Optimus was stopping him at every turn and mad that Optimus Prime wasn’t dead yet.

“NO!” he cried, reaching for Optimus Prime as the ship neared an organic obstruction that didn’t look it was going to move for them. He tried to lunge at Optimus Prime but before Megatron could move Starscream had lost his balance with the forces of the open hole in the Autobot ship, slamming into the Decepticon leader and sucking them both out of the ship. Only the last two Decepticon Seekers on board remained, and outnumbered they chose to flee the same way they entered, but at these forces, that almost caused them to be ripped to shreds in the process.

Someone shouted, “BRACE FOR IMPACT!” above all the noise, damage and chaos and the Cybertronians world went dark as they crashed.

“Ultra Magnus to the Ark, be careful! Watch out! We’ve detected Decepticon signals behind you!” Ultra Magnus tried to warn Optimus. “Optimus Prime, do you read?”

All that Magnus got in response was static.

“What’s going on, why are communications down?” Elita-1 asked. “Blaster what can you pick up?” she asked.

“I’m not pickin’ up anything.”

“Perceptor. Coordinates?” Magnus asked still hopeful.

“I can’t find them, they’re off the radar. I can’t pick them up anywhere. Even near the organic planet.” Perceptor admitted grimly.

“What do you mean you can’t find them!? What the frag is that supposed to mean, where did they go!” Chromia snapped furious.

Ultra Magnus hung his head, Optimus Prime, what have you gotten us into? He thought.

Chapter Text

Inside the volcanic mountain range, unknown to anyone on the planet was a truly gigantic spaceship embedded into the rock. The earthquake, not a large scale one, but stronger within the Earth had the spaceship incased within its rocky grasp. Being there for centuries, time can even eventually break through Cybertronian metals. The Ark shook violently and this time just by chance had awoken its central computer, Teletrann-1. Hardly a true testament to the endurance of the Cybertronian technology, but in no time, it slowly began to activate and turn on system by system.

Unknown to the ship’s computers, the earthquake provided more than just a new awakening, rocks on the surface slid from the top of the mountain. Parts of The Ark started to become visible as the yellow ship started to make its presence known.

[Engines: OFFLINE] [Communications: OFFLINE] [Visuals: OFF- OFF- ONLINE] [SCANNING] [Sky Spy: ACTIVATE- LAUNCH].

Sky Spy launched opposite than it would normally, rocks blocked its path upward, so it scanned and launched inside the broken ship. Much like a satellite it hovered as it surveyed the damage as well as an appropriate way to the outside world. It scanned over the stasis locked bodies, damaged parts and organic rock that had enter through the crash. The damage was severe but according to Sky-Spy’s scans the crash had jolted all the Autobots into the forced stasis-sleep, surprisingly they had encountered no fatalities.

A small sliver of light brought Sky-Spy to the loading deck of the ship, just below the thrusters. There the rock had been displaced enough to allow light from the organic planet to seep into the dark ship. It was just large enough that by twisting its scanners, it would be to make its way up and out, out of the ship and outside to the unknown planet. Its objective was to gather as much intel as possible, so it scanned the immediate area, with nothing but organic material for a close range, Sky-Spy made the executive action to launch itself into the sky.

As Sky Spy entered the stratosphere the intel satellite was captured in the planets’ orbit. Not surprising due to the amount of force the gravitational pull was that brought down both Autobot and Decepticon ship earlier. The surprising fact, however, was that Sky-Spy was not the only satellite orbiting the planet. So, there it stayed, sat above the blue planet, gathering more information on their destination, silently.

[Objective: REPAIR]. 

Teletraan-1 started to examine the contents of the ship for possible outcomes for repair, as it waited on the feedback from Sky-Spy, as the Ark slowly came alive. Small buzzing, beeping and whirs was all that echoed through the damaged halls. A scan was taken over the central command deck, available to see who it was that Teletraan-1 should start repairing first. The scan landed two potential matches for it to begin activation and repair. It was Optimus Prime of course, as well as the Chief Medical Officer Ratchet. Ratchet it concluded was the logical choice, Teletraan-1 had limited capabilities to repair, and Ratchet was the ideal choice to help it repair the rest of the crew. So, it began its probes to reactivate and repair the stasis locked Autobot.

Coming back online usually didn’t come with too many complications, but Ratchet knew that something was wrong right away. He remembered the fight that broke out, and the crash that followed, as all of his systems screamed at him. He groaned as his own status screens flashed before his closed eyes. Coming out of this stasis lock was not pleasant.

He finally opened his eyes, as the glow of his blue optics barely made a difference in the dark room. Teletraan-1 was saving all energon it could, especially by keeping the ship dark, though a few processing screens were lit up behind him. As he slowly sat up, his air intakes cycled, causing a cloud of dust to be dispersed around him, as well as dust falling from his own body. He finally noticed his own leg; the bottom half was twisted at an angle that it should not be.

“Primus…” he began as he looked around at his comrades onboard and the shapes of their bodies thrown about. “Teletraa-“

[All crew accounted for. No fatalities. Cyro-Stasis Lock. Medical attention needed.] Teletraan-1 interrupted him.

Ratchet sighed in relief as he pressed his nose bridge. “Thank Primus.” He did not need a mass casualty to deal with on his own. He had already lost too many, and this crew was not one he needed to watch their sparks extinguish. “How are our energon reserves?” He asked as he pulled himself up on his good leg, dust falling off him.

[Energon Reserves at 80% capacity.]

“Not terrible. Turn on the lights if you can.”

[Turning on Lights in Command Deck.]

There was a slit buzz that Ratchet heard as the lights flickered on and off in the command deck, one buzzed so loudly then popped with a display of sparks. Several lights were out, but enough that Ratchet could properly survey the damage.

He hobbled over using the consoles to keep him from falling, to the first bot he knew he needed to take care of, pulling some tools out of his subspace. “Alright Prime, let’s get you up.”

Several cycles later the crew of the Ark was slowly waking up to the realization that they were not in fact dead mechs. Cryo-stasis lock is the deepest lock you can go into when you’re severely damaged, and all of them had succumbed to it. A triage was set up in the command deck, as the Med room was too far away at the moment for Ratchet and now the awake Wheeljack to help with repairs.

Those who were more able bodied, went looking up and down the halls for the bots that weren’t in the command deck, and bringing them in for reactivation.

Optimus Prime stood silently observing the room in front of him. He had not spoken much since Ratchet brought him back online, but he was glad that his crew was alive and accounted for. Prowl stood next to him, just as silent as well. Taking in the chaos and damage, trying to rack his own processor for their next steps. He wanted Teletraan-1 to give up the data it had collected, but even the ship’s computer was just as slow and was not done collecting the information they needed to process.

The Autobots were damaged, dusty, and trapped, on a planet they hardly had any information on. The one thing they wanted to know so desperately that Teletraan-1 wouldn’t give up, was how long they had been indisposed for.

\Ratchet?\ Optimus opened a comm

\What is it Prime\ He replied not even looking up from his current repair

\I’m going to take Prowl, Jazz and Ironhide. We need to find a way outside the ship\

\Fine – but you cant take Ironhide – he’s still in bad shape no matter what he thinks\

\Very well.\ Optimus vented air, dust swirling around him. He opened a new link.

\Prowl, Jazz – let us take a walk.\

Two \Yes, sir’s\ echoed back in his audios. As he turned and walked out of the command deck.

 “’Ey! Wait for m-“ Ironhide protested as he tried to get up, but was interrupted by a properly aimed scrap bolt right in between his optics.

“Sit your aft back down.” Ratchet scolded.

“Fraggin’ energon rich planet my aft.”

“We need to figure out how to get our systems back on – and to get out of the ship. Primus only knows how long all of this will take.” Optimus began to explain to his seconds as they walked the ship halls.

“Prime we don’t even know how long we have been in stasis on this planet.” Prowl countered. Their walk was slow, as they tried to access all bay doors that could lead to the outside. There wasn’t many to try but maybe one could open up.

“Communications are still down – but I’m workin’ on that.” Jazz offered up typing on a data pad as he walked. All three of them continued frustrated, hardly having any resources to them at their disposal. They made their way to the back of the ship, at the loading bay, and as they got closer more rocks and rubble had made it’s way onto the ship. Some even breaching the hull as the force of their landing made the rock embedded into the sides of the Ark.

Optimus paused and one especially large rock formation jutting through the wall and placed his hand on it. “I promise you both that we will return to Cybertron quickly. We will figure this situation out. This mission is important to the future of Cybertron and the Autobot cause and while we recover, we can’t forget why we left in the first place.”

Prowl and Jazz shared a glance at each other- they knew this mission was important, but at what cost. One final blast door remained until the loading bay, located just below the main thrusters at the ship, it was the largest access point to an opening. As Prowl opened the door, all three of the looked at the bay in awe.

Not only was the bottom loading platform ripped to shreds, organic rocks and rubble filled the bay to the brim, still blocking any way out.

“That-“ Optimus pointed to the small sliver of light that previously Sky-Spy, unknown to them had escaped from, “Is our way out.”

Any Autobot that was physically able to was working on moving the rocks from the loading bay. It had to be strategic – something Prowl was grateful for, an assignment to keep everyone busy and not asking too many ‘what if’ questions that he didn’t have answers for, and for him to keep his mind busy.

They had to move the heavy rocks, and not cause too many vibrations while breaking up the pieces, to make it all fall in on top of them.

Wheeljack was the first to notice that the sliver of light that had once beamed in from the unknown outside world had disappeared. He paused moving the rock work to check one of his many data pads provided by Perceptor. This planet did in fact revolve around a star, so that meant it had rotated away from the direct light of the glowing gas giant. He made sure to make note of that for the future as they continued to work.

“And we still cant blow all the rock to bits again because why?” Sideswipe asked again sourly. He was tired of hauling rocks.

“I agree, I’m getting far too many scratches on my paintjob for this.” Tracks chimed in.

“We could end up trapping us in here more. Would you like the Sideswipe?” Prowl answered.

“What stuck with you Prowl till the end of time? Absolutely not.”

“I thought as much.”

“Hey, it shouldn’t be too much longer now Sides, at least you’re picking up the heavy ones.” Jazz grinned looking at Sunstreaker, who grimacing as he was carrying exceptionally small rocks, very far away from his body.

The work to remove the rock from the loading bay, revealed more and more damage to the ship. It wasn’t leaving any of the Autobots in high spirits, all this damage, who knows when they could return home.

They started to work in shifts to move the rubble, and it didn’t take them that long to break through. Hound was actually the first mech to break through the last layer of rock, allowing them more light and the first glimpse to the outside planet.

“Prime! It shouldn’t be long now!” he called over as he was able to stick his hand through the hole he uncovered. He stood on another larger rock and peered through the hole, as other bots moved closer to him, curious on what was on the other side.

“What do you see Hound?” Bumblebee asked.

“It’s very- green.” Hound mused taking in what he could. Hardly any of the Autobot crew had ever seen a fully organic planet, let alone been on one. He was in awe, to see all the organic-ness of this planet, its actual life and not just the rock they had been hauling around.

Other mechs called out to Hound asking for a turn to see the outside, taking turns peering through the hole.

Optimus was relieved that at least some of his crew were entertained at this moment, as he chuckled to himself. “Alright everyone, we’re almost done. Let’s finish this up.” He told his crew as he grabbed another rock next to the hole, making the opening even wider.

As he dropped off the rock to the side where Prowl directed, he walked over to Wheeljack who was still pouring over the data pads, in between helping Ratchet with the harder repairs, including Ratchets own damaged leg.

“Wheeljack.”

“Hm, yes Prime?” he answered without looking up.

“What other information about this planet did you go over with Perceptor before we left? Anything we should be aware of?” Noticing the conversation about their crash-landed planet – Prowl also made his way over.

“I mean- nothing that really stood out Prime. He noticed it due to its ability to make energon, but other than that it just seemed like your normal baseline organic planet.”

“So, no-“ he paused “organic sentient life?” Optimus Prime, being the leader of the Autobots had dealt with a variety of other species of organics in his lifetime, but it was rare to find an uninhabited planet untouched with so much energon. Energon, was found vast among the universe, and many planets and the species they inhabited, organic, techno-organic, technological based lifeforms all relied heavily on it for their own livelihoods. Megatron was not afraid to decimate other planets with species and take their energon, but most held their own against any potential Decepticon attack.

Optimus Prime and the Autobots would not take another planets energon just to continue their war, so this planet with such energon resources at its disposal, with no other sentient species who needed it was the only way Prime could justify the journey. 

The group of bots in front of him looked between Optimus and Wheeljack during the questioning.

Wheeljacks head fins glowed with is response, “No Prime, that was what we made sure of – there is the basics of organic life, but definitely no organic sentient life.”

Optimus was reassured by the scientist in front of him, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that even still – they were missing something.

“AH HA! Yeah!” Jazz hollered from where he had set up trying to restore communications, breaking the heavy conversation that they had just had.

“What is it Jazz?” Prowl asked for the group.

“Teletraan-1 had actually sent out Sky-Spy before we all got back online!”

“So communications to Cybertron are still down?” Prowl replied flatly not sharing Jazz’s enthusiasm.

“Well yeah, that I’m still working on – but this is the right direction Prowler man, having Sky-Spy in orbit gives us a longer range signal.”

“What have ya been able to get outta it?” Ironhide huffed.

“Chill man, just getting the data has taken this whole time, now I gotta download and look it over, give me a few clicks. We aren’t running super fast now.” Jazz replied shrugging, data pad in hand.

“Brawn! Not that ONE!” Echoed through the halls. Everyone turned just in time to see Brawn grab one of the largest rocks remaining, though from the bottom of the pile. That in turn was causing the rest of the rocks to fall, just as the bots at the front jumped out of the way so they didn’t get crushed by the rock slide.

When the dust settled and they could see that no one was hurt, the Autobots were greeted by the daylight of the outside world they now found themselves on.

“By the All-Spark.” Ratchet muttered

The group of Autobots slowly made their way outside the Ark to the see for the first time, the planet that was so important to their cause, to leave their very own home.

“Hound was right,” Bumblebee pointed out “it is very green.”

All the Autobots, who were very low on energon, tired and exhausted only wanted to explore the green planet. Energon came in many different forms, liquid, crystal and synthesized. All were hoping it was the first two forms on this planet, it would make their lives a lot easier.

 Standing just outside in the light of the star the planet revolved around, Prime began handing out orders. “Wheeljack, Ratchet, after the most pressing repairs, see what you can do about finding energon. Jazz, please continue working on getting communications up, as well as accesing the data from Sky-Spy, if you need more bots help just ask. Prowl, Ironhide, set up a patrol and watch, we still have no idea where the Decepticons are in all of this and I do not want us to be caught by surprise.”

A chorus of ‘Yes, Sirs’ echoced his command back.

“And Autobots, until we are more knowledgeable about our situation. Do not leave the confides of the Ark.”

“But Prime!” Cliffjumper called out, “We can take on those Decepticon rust buckets anytime. We can’t be cooped up like turbo rats, and just wait!”

A few Autobots murmured in agreeance with the red mini bot.

“I understand your frustrations Cliffjumper, but I do not want to be taken by surprise. You all fight passionately, but this planet,” he paused to look around at the wind rustling through the taller organic life, “there is something here that I feel in the Matrix we are woefully unprepared for.”

“’Ight you heard Prime. ‘Ya got jobs ta do! Come see Prowl ‘n I for assignments.” Ironhide called out ushering the group back inside.

Ratchet walked up to Optimus as they both watched the crew ready themselves for the next phase of their reawakening. “In the Matrix, huh?” He asked the Prime.

“There is something involving a bigger plan Ratchet, but I can’t place it.” Prime admitted.

Ratchet scoffed, “Well you better tell that Matrix of yours to hurry up and explain it then. We don’t have all cycle.”

Hound was the most curious about this new planet, and as a scout himself with a very keen sense, he volunteered to take the first watch at the new opening of the Ark. He didn’t mind the quiet of the outside as he scanned small life form after life form. They were all small, some smaller than nanites, others smaller than turbo rats.

Cybertron didn’t revolve around a gas giant of a star, so the light that poured over everything seemed almost magical. Where the lights on Cybertron made their metal home sparkle, the light from above made everything seemingly glow. As time went on the light got dimmer, but the sky above started to change colors. First the blue became yellow, then orange and even pink as the vapor waves in the sky absorbed the color too. It was a sight to see, and Hound was excited to be one of the first mechs to experience this.

Meanwhile, Jazz sat in the Command Deck by himself, the only sound was the lights lowly buzzing and the fast tapping of his fingers as he himself was silent as he worked through the data pulled from Sky-Spy. It was no easy feat to decipher it as quickly as he was going.

His primary concern was reconnecting communications to Cybertron, keeping his reaching signals under any possible Decepticon interference was proving the harder task. Based on their coordinates they ended up on the correct planet after their space bridge jump, so that was one less worry, even though it the space bridge for a return jump was very far away from a repair to jump back.

In his focus, he missed over several radio waves originally, now being called out by the satellites receiving data. They were not hidden or coded, not too unusual as radio frequencies could be picked up from planets away. But as he searched through Sky-Spys data, he noticed there wasn’t just a few of them, there were millions of them, emanating from this planet. He decided to pick one thread and follow it. This one in particular contained a video feed attached to it.

Accessing the feed, he watched it displayed on the monitor in front of him, of two organic creatures sitting at a desk, seemingly talking. The view changed as it showed another creature at a different location. Symbols scrolled across the bottom of the feed as well as they ‘spoke’. A language he didn’t even have saved in his processor, as the communications officer, was almost impossible.

 This meant one of two things. Either they warped somewhere vary far away by accident and their own coordinates are wrong. Or, this planet had sentient life, which Wheeljack just assured Prime that it didn’t not – Jazz had triple checked the research report now. He wasn’t sure how fast organic life takes to become sentient, but these creatures would have noticed their ship crashing onto their surface by now.

A concept so impossible crossed his mind, as he dug, rushing to find more information through the radio waves, and translate this Primus forsaken language.

He eventually discovered that these creatures had an inter- planetary network, was a shock, and was added to his list of strange secrets this planet held, but made his deciphering easier.

“… well Sam it looks like our time on the broadcast has come to an end. Don’t forget folks, the summer solstice has just begun, and enjoy your well-deserved summer breaks.”

Jazz sat back staring at the screen as he heard this new language for the first time.

 “…Goodnight Portland, and we will see you tomorrow evening for the 5 o’clock report.”

Not that he knew what most of what they actually meant was, but he realized that this species had units of time, a quick search led from ‘what a year is’, to a day, an hour, a minute, a second.

He checked their location, and what a ‘Portland’ was, thanking Primus for the inter-planetary network, and realized the rock they were digging up was from a geological site. Since they were under the rubble, he checked to see how long these organic rock formations took to form. 800,000 years. He did the math compared to his own Cybertronian units of time.

“Oh frag.” he cursed out loud finally.

Mirage silently walked out to visit Hound, he was not on rotation for patrol for several cycles, but he enjoyed the other mechs company. The sky was beginning to darken from its previous array of colors.

“’Aint it beautiful Mirage?” Hound asked acknowledging his arrival.

Mirage looked up, not as impressed at this planets beauty like Hound was finding. “I suppose.”

Hound chuckled, “It’s no Cybertron, but it seems peaceful.”

Their quite observance was interrupted by Ironhide, as he joined them. Ironhide knew something was wrong with this organic planet, he knew it in his spark.

“’Ah might be early in th’ shift swap.” He commented, “’Ah don’t think any mech, would notice if ah bot was just ta’ take ah quick look ‘round.”

Hound and Mirage stared at the red mech, basically offering to either of them to directly disobey Primes orders.

“Ironhide – you’re not actually suggesting –“

“No consequences?” Hound was cut off by Mirage, who was more intrigued.

“’Ahm not sure what you bots ar’ yappin’ about, ah didn’ see anything.” Ironhide mused looking away from the two mechs.

Mirage and Hound shared a glance, Mirage shrugged and took a step forward, using his special tactic to become invisible. Unlike on Cybertons fully metallic surface, on this planet you could only tell where he was due to his feet pushing the organic matter flat beneath him.

“Mirage!” Hound hissed quietly, as his hand was grabbed, making the scout invisible too.

Ironhide leaned against the rockwork along the outside of the Ark, as the quiet sounds of the two mechs disappeared in the distance.

/Mirage! This is not a good idea./ Hound commed him to help keep their presence hidden.

/You of all mechs, I would assume would want to venture out./

/I do – but…/

/But what?/

/Prime gave an order not to leave./

/Don’t be such a kink in a coil./

/I am not – do you even know where to go?/

/..No./

/Primus, let me lead then./

They switched positions, Mirage allowing the scout to go first. Even invisible, they could read each other, as Hound held up a hand and paused. Listening and understanding the new planet.

/This way./ He turned a different direction than they had originally started off at.

Mirage followed in silence, avoiding the organic growth as best he could, very aware there were small organic creatures making noise all around them. The growths began to clear some as the night sky came into view ahead of them.

/Hound, this is a dead end./

Hound didn’t answer as he kept moving to the edge of the growth clearing. Just as they got to the edge, the scout stopped abruptly.

/Hound?/

/Oh by the All Spark…/ Hound muttered as Mirage stepped to the side to stand next to him following his eyeline.

The silence between them was overwhelming, as they both stared at the sight below them. The nighttime sky deceived them, as it was not stars that they were seeing, but a city engulfed in light. Buildings, access roads, and the lights! The lights lit up the whole area, red, white, yellow, blue, green, moving lights on the traveled paths, buildings and windows lit up in an array of colors. It almost looked like Cyberton.

The two-invisible alien mechs stood watching the sight of an advanced sentient species below for the first time, for what seemed like breems.

/We need to go back. Now./

Chapter Text

Jazz took off running, he didn’t even waste time giving Prime or any other mech a heads up as he raced to find him.

He narrowly crashed into the group of minibots as he turned a corner of one of the halls.

“Hey!” Gears exclaimed to the taller bot, “Watch-it!”

Bumblebee looked surprised as the normally calm Jazz didn’t even say anything as he watch him take off to the med bay. Cliffjumper elbowed the yellow mech, “What’s got his tail pipe in a twist?”

“Not sure.” Bumblebee admitted, “Maybe he got through to Cybertron.” He thought out loud hopeful.

 Jazz finally made his grand entrance into the med bay, and was greeted by surprised looks from Prowl, Ratchet and Optimus Prime.

“Jazz, what –“ Optimus began before he was cut off by Jazz grabbing the closest monitor and looking it over.

“What are you doing?” asked the medic, as Jazz had pulled everyone’s attention with his chaotic actions.

“Does this even work?” Jazz finally asked frustrated. Ratchet calmly walked over and turned on the monitor that the mech was struggling with.

Not used to Jazz acting so frazzled, the mechs watched in silence has he scrambled to connect the data pad in his hand with the monitor. Once on, and mirroring the data pad he turned to the group and vented air through his engines in a brief paused before addressing the group. “We have a problem.”

Prowl’s interested peaked first, “Were you able to contact Cybertron?”

Jazz met his optics, “Not yet.”

“By the all-spark,” Ratchet interjected “Spit it out then already! You barge in and -”

“Jazz,” the Prime spoke over the medic, “What is the matter?”

His fingers brushed over the data pad as he pulled up the same live video feed he saw earlier on the monitor, as well as simultaneously sharing a file with the three other mechs. All optics were glued to the monitor of the organic creatures being shown to them.

Ratchet gawked at the file Jazz sent, “Is that a language file?”

“It ain’t perfect.” Jazz admitted, “But say – hello, to this planets’ local life forms.” He spoke in Cybertronian first, then switched to a language even the Cybertronians didn’t understand.

The Prime and the two Autobot commanders were silent. Optimus was the first one to incorporate the new language file that Jazz sent into his data banks, he stood up, looking intently at the monitor showing the organic species.

“…it looks like we are getting reports of a major accident on War Veterans outside exit 249. So, if you are headed to the airport from that direction, I would find an alternate route. Looks like we have reports of 2 of the 3 lanes closed now.”

The species continued to talk as now all four Autobots stared at the lifeforms reporting on, something. They could understand the words but not all of their meaning and context.

Not speaking this new language just yet, Prime asked in Cybertronian, “How is this possible? Wheeljack and Ratchet just confirmed the original reports on this planet.” His shock was not hidden in his words.

“Tha’ might be the other problem.” Jazz gave in, not happy to be the one to deliver bad new on more bad news.

“How many more ‘problems’, are there?” Prowl reiterated Jazz’s choice of words.

“I need Ratch’ or ‘Jack to help me confirm, but we – we’ve been in stasis for a lot longer than we thought. It’s a rough estimate, but I calculated 9,500 vorns.”

The silence between mechs cut off by Ratchet laughing, “Oh frag! Now that Jazz- is probably the best joke I’ve heard in actual vorns! You meant cycles, right?”

Jazz stared at the CMO, not saying a word.

Prowl spoke up, “I think he means actual vorns Ratchet.”

Ratchet glared at the second in command, “If he means vorns, Prowl. Actual thousands, of vorns…” he trailed off.

“What has become of Cybertron in our absence?” Optimus finished the medics somber outburst.

“Prime, tha’s why I need to confirm, but I don’t think this info is wrong.” Jazz admitted.

Optimus Prime shook his head in disbelief, “I trust your information Jazz, it- it is just a lot to take in at the moment.”

He looked up again at the organic creatures still on the monitor, looking at them as like they were staring into his own spark. They looked different than any other organic species he has come across before in his time, but still so familiar. “Does anyone else know of these details?” The Prime asked finally.

“Nah, I came straight t’ tell ya first.”

“Then lets keep it that way – for now.”

“But Optimus!” Ratchet protested, “This is not something to hold on to. For any of us or the crew.”

“I understand Ratchet, but-“

“Frag you do Prime. If we’ve been in stasis for vorns, that is something all the mechs under your command need to know.”

“But that also means Ratchet, that if we have been in stasis this long, these creatures are not advanced enough to have discovered the Ark.” Prowl chimed in.

“And what if the Decepticons have awoken first? For all we know they could have taken over this planet and we are none the wiser.”

Ratchet opened his mouth as he was about to snap back, but quickly shut it as he was outnumbered in this argument.

“Ratchet, old friend, all I am asking is that for a short while, we keep this to ourselves as we find out more. Jazz, please work with Ratchet to help elaborate more on this new information. Ratchet, you may tell Wheeljack to aid in your research. Prowl, keep the patrols tight, and do not allow any bot to leave the Ark.”

Jazz, Ratchet and Prowl gave soft ‘Yes, Sirs’ as they were ordered to their duties. With one final glance at the monitors, Optimus Prime left the med bay and began to walk down the corridor back to their new makeshift entrance of the Ark.

The star that revolved around this planet was now slowly rising from the darkness that engulfed it. Trailbreaker was next on outpost duty and he regarded the Prime with a silent nod as he returned his gazed back to the organic foliage.

Optimus Prime looked up into the sky, as the distant stars were starting to disappear with the light. His spark seemed like it was being torn in two, one for his home that he was lightyears away from, and one for this planet they so desperately needed for the war. A war he had no idea if it was still raging on or not. The feeling that came from the Matrix washed over him again, that there was more to this planet, more to this journey that they had all taken, that no Autobot was prepared for.

He might not be as rattled by the news of their long stasis sleep, if not as if the Matrix already knew that it was deemed like a necessity. But for what reason he had no idea what to make of this feeling. His thoughts turned to those left behind on Cybertron; Kup, Blaster, Ultra Magnus, Elita-1. Primus, Elita-1, what of their fates and what kind of Prime would it make him to so easily abandon them all.

As their commander left the med bay, the three-remaining ranked Autobots took turns staring at each other and the monitor displaying the organics in silence.

“Turn that fragging thing off Jazz.” Ratchet snapped finally.

When Wheeljack was invited to the med bay to debrief him about the new status of the planets’ inhabitants, Prowl excused himself to take care of the rest of the crew.

Wheeljack, compared to Ratchet was not so upset about how long they had been in stasis, but was incredibly more excited to find out about more of the organic creatures that called this planet home. Jazz was more than happy to hand over everything he found to the scientist to dig through the data.

Wheeljack’s energetic demeanor was a nice break from Ratchet’s permanent scowl and his radiating displeasure for the situation.

“Fascinating!”

“If you say ‘fascinating’ one more time Wheeljack, I’ll disassemble your vocal processor.” Ratchet growled.

“Ratchet, this is a new species, an unknown in the universe. You can’t tell me you don’t find that a tiny bit interesting?” Wheeljack prodded.

Ratchet’s reply was a deeper etched scowl.

“You really think that these guys haven’t been touched by the Galactic Alliance?” Jazz thought out loud, leaning back in a chair.

“It’s highly unlikely, I’ve got nothing in my files from Cybertron either. There’s just so much data to sort through that they have available, but I can’t tell just by skimming through it all.”

Prowl gathered all the Autobots who currently were not either direct assigned cleaning or patrol tasks into the largest room of The Ark.

He could feel how low their collective morale was. The new orders he had were not going to help. Checking attendance, Ratchet, Jazz and Wheeljack were working through their newest problem, Trailbreaker was on current patrol, and Prime were the only Autobots not present. He called off the names off the group.

Ironhide. Bumblebee. Cliffjumper. Gears. Brawn. Windcharger. Powerglide. Grapple. Hoist. Inferno. Red Alert. Hound. Mirage. Tracks. Sunstreaker. Sideswipe. Bluestreak.

The looks on all their faces were either, boredom, irritation, and worry. Prowl wouldn’t admit he may have felt the same, but he had a job to do. They all did.

“I have asked you all here to go over our next steps.” He began addressing the Autobots. “Due to the recent,” he paused, “Decepticon attack that left us stranded here on this planet. We have to remain vigilant, and overly cautious. So I am here to assign you your new duties and schedule.” Prowl briefly looked over the data pad in his hand.

“Trailbreaker is currently on patrol duty, next will be... Sideswipe.” He looked up eyeing the younger red mech.

“We will be on 36 cycle duties. I will send a patrol schedule short to you all. However, this patrol duty is different than most. You must not leave the entrance of the Ark or it’s immediate radius.”

Sideswipe vented, “That’s boring.”

Prowl ignored his comment and continued on, “All other duties, as of now, will be turning this ship into an operational base. That means cleaning, fixing, and recovering as many supplies you can, as we set up functional rooms. We will need a Med Bay, Offices, and quarters for you all. There is not enough rooms for each of you to get your own, so you will have to share.”

A collective groan of frustration was let out by all of the Autobots.

“And as of this breem, no mech is allowed to leave the Ark.”

This order caused the most outrage. “What?!” Cliffjumper yelled out. “That’s a load of scrap!” Sunstreaker added. Ironhide was the only one who sat stoic, as Hound and Mirage shifted uncomfortably in their own seats.

Prowl had to yell over the commotion, “This is a direct order from Prime.”

“If you have an issue with it. You can take it up with me.” The voice of Optimus Prime said from the back of the room, which caused the mechs to quiet down and turn looking at their commander. For such a large mech, no one heard him enter the room during all the yelling.

Prowl nodded as he stepped to the side, allowing Optimus the center of the room to address his Autobots.

“I know that this is not ideal. However, these are uncertain times. We do not know what awaits us out there. And with no knowledge of the Decepticons, our limited energon and resources. I do not want to risk your lives unnecessarily.” He paused, “Again.”

The mood in the room shifted. Prime was taking on the whole responsibility for their situation.

“Any news on contacting Cybertron?” Bumblebee asked breaking the silence.

Optimus looked the minibot with a small smile in his eyes, “That is what Jazz, Wheeljack and Ratchet are working on. But as of yet, nothing.” He regarded the room again, “Any other questions?”

After their meeting, most Autobots scrambled to the makeshift quarter rooms, pairing off, if not willing but by proximity. Hound found Mirage standing in the doorway of one room, it was hardly a ‘room’ if you could call it that, more like a closest that could fit two berths.

“Mirage!” He said quietly as he grabbed the other mechs wrist, “We need to tell Prime!”

Mirage whipped around and dragged the green scout into the room with him, shutting the door behind him. “We, are not going to say anything.” He hissed back.

“What?! This planet has beings on it! We have to say something.” He argued, concern glowing in his optics. “We disobeyed Prime’s orders! We left the Ark!”

Mirage scoffed, “Before he ordered them. Besides, Ironhide gave us a free pass.” He said sitting on one of the berths, folding his arms.

Before Hound could argue again, the door slid open, revealing Prowl. He looked into the room at the two mechs, “Good. You two are some of the first to decide to room together. Mirage, I’m surprised you didn’t want to room with Tracks.”

Just then a loud crash and cry was heard drawing all their attention before either of the mechs could say anything back.

“Tracks!” Prowl yelled, “You do not get your own room!” Making his way down the hallway.

Most Autobots had paired off, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, Grapple and Hoist, Inferno and Red Alert, had all easily chosen rooms. Ironhide was standing his ground in the doorway of his room, assuming to share with Trailbreaker who was currently on duty. Which left Tracks, whose larger frame, with hands on both sides of the doorway, guarding it from entry, while staring angrily at a red minibot in front of him.

“I am not sharing it with you.” He seethed, venting air from his systems.

“Well too bad darlin’, I’m all that’s left, now move your skid plate.” Cliffjumper yelled back.

Tracks gripped the door frame, and quickly lifted his foot, planting it square in the minibots’ chest plate, sending him flying into the wall behind him.

“Tracks! That’s enough.” Ironhide yelled out grabbing his wrist and spinning him around so he was pinned against the wall. “We’re all makin’ sacrifices, now deal with it.”

Prowl gave his free hand out to Cliffjumper helping him up. “You two better agree now to be civil and share this room. Or…” he paused for effect and said it loud enough for all the Autobots to hear, “I will be assigning you to your rooms.”

Ironhide released Tracks from his grasp, “We good?”

Tracks narrowed his optics at all the Autobots around him, before landing on Cliffjumper, “Fine.” Before turning into the room, and sitting on the berth.

Prowl and Ironhide shared a suffering look.

“I am filthy. This planet is disgusting. And now? I have to share a room with that angry red minibot.” Tracks complained.

He had forced his way into Sideswipe and Sunstreakers quarters and was adamantly venting about anything and everything he could possibly think of.

“It’s not that bad.” Sideswipe offered.

“It is that bad Sides. This is awful.” Sunstreaker agreed.

“You two can then continue your shared love of complaints. I apparently have patrol next." Sideswipe grumbled pushing past his twin and the vain mech.

“And I thought I was talking about me.” Tracks commented.

Sunstreaker rolled his optics. He took his finger and ran it across Tracks’ chest plate, leaving a cleaner line while he examined his digit, now covered in dust. “I think you’re filthier than me.”

Tracks’ optics went wide and revved his engine, before getting up and leaving angrily.

Chapter Text

“Why are you coming with me?” Sideswipe huffed as he walked the tattered hallways of the Ark before his turn on patrol

“You think I want to sit there and listen to Tracks complain about Cliffjumper for cycles?” Sunstreaker vented back.

“You’re just going to go on your own patrol eventually.” The red mech pointed out.

“So?”

“Do you expect me to come with you on your patrol?”

“What is your problem?”

“My problem?” Sideswipe stopped short in surprise. “What do you mean, my problem?”

“You know what I’m talking about.”

Sideswipe glared at his brother. “Not leaving this slagging ship is no different than being thrown in the brig.” Primus how he hated being confined to a single space.

Sunstreaker smirked, “Well, there’s no true brig yet. And you’re on patrol. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if you had happened to see something, and need to ‘investigate’.”

The red mech smiled, “And this is why I keep you around.”

“Because I’m smarter than you.”

“Uh. No.”

“Your great ideas get us both in trouble.”

“And you think your grand plan won’t?”

Sunstreaker paused, mouth open to say some smart comment back, but this twin beat him to it.

“Yeah I thought so too.” He laughed. “Let’s find out what this planet is really about.”

“Sir… I think you should take a look at these readings.” You could hear the nerves underneath the worried tone.

The two men watched as a seismic needle jumped up and down on the paper. Indicating all the tremors coming from deep within the Earth. Earthquakes seemingly bounced around and under Mt. Saint Hillary, a volcano connected to a mountain range. “Make sure you keep an eye on that.” The gruff voice of the senior analysist said.

Another analysist burst through the door in a hurry and out of breath, “Are-Are you guys looking around Mt. Saint Hillary?”

“Yes?”

“Oh, you guys- are not going to believe what we just captured.”

“You know – I’m glad we can still do this.”

“What this is our group’s thing? Why wouldn’t you think we could do this?”

“When people leave to go to college, some high school friends don’t stay friends.”

The group of four humans sat around a small bonfire, watching the sunlight go down in the trees all around them.

Raoul shoved Mack, who was sitting next to him, while she reminisced on their friendship. “Not all of us are at college.”

“You totally could have gone Raoul,” Carly interjected throwing a graham cracker at him.

“’Aight miss smarty pants- not all of us could be valedictorian. ‘Sides college aint my vibe.”

“Yeah you just wanted to make cash at your uncles auto shop.” Spike joked with him.

“’Ey it’s good money. I got more stacks than all you combined.”

Spike sighed, “And that – I am envious of. So next time, you get to buy the snacks.”

Raoul shot up in his chair, “Not that many more stacks! And just you wait, my music is gonna take off. I hope all youse have been adding to my stream count.”

The whole group laughed at their playful joking.

The group of friends consisted of Mack, short for Mackenzie, Carly, Raoul, and Spike, whose real name was Sam, but had forever been known as Spike since he was a little kid.

Mack, Carly and Spike had all left for college, while Raoul stayed in Portland as was learning how to fix and enhance cars in trade school.

 Mack Donovin, and Carly Spencer had been friends for years first. The two were inseparable as kids. Their fathers both worked for the government after being soldiers together. So many late nights Mack stayed with the Spencer’s if there was any time her father had to work late. Spike Witwicky made their duo a trio, as a freshman in high school, his goofy demeanor was something fresh compared to the two strong willed girls’ attitudes. His father worked offshore on oil rigs, and when he did come back to land, was a construction worker. Raoul Sanchez moved to Portland from New York, and while he initially wanted nothing to do with the new hipster city, fell into their group when he was forced to be Spikes’ science partner.

They all had their own dreams, goals and aspirations in life, but now it was the summer after their sophomore year of college and they had returned back to Portland to be home and relax even for a short while before the summer ended and they split up again.

They were currently camping at one of their favorite spots around Mt. St. Helens, a place where they could go and hide away from the chaos of the world and their growing adult responsibilities. After the ‘earthquakes’ it was peaceful, other people stayed away from the mountainous volcano, but all that meant for these four was that it was extra quiet.

They all laughed late into the night as they fell asleep under the stars.

Whispers and rumors don’t spread too fast at the Portland Military base, but this was surprising news for everyone. Government clearance or not, everyone has heard about a remote satellite being launched, which isn’t a usual surprise, satellites launch all the time. However, no one knew where this one came from, or even who launched it, or the fact that it was launched from the middle of the woods.

Kevin rolled into work assuming it would be just another day, when he was met with a flurry of commotion. Everyone was still bustling about from third shift, in a state of busy work. He barely had a minute to put his bag down in his office when he was singled out.

“Donovin. Glad you made it in.”

“General! What a lovely surprise. What can I do ya for?” He looked at the General in front of him, her hair was slicked back into a tight bun following all regs to a t, and her uniform looked like she got it yesterday.

“I have a job for you, it seems just anyone nowadays, is launching satellites. Reach out to your contacts – see if you can find anyone who might know more.” She looked him up and down, in his unusually clean formal suit attire, as she spoke.

“Launch- Launching satellites? Wait, here in Portland? Is that why everyone is running around mad?”

“Yes, it seems that way.”

“Yeah, I’ll make some calls then, it’ll take a minute.” He noted, as he began to boot up his computer.

“Be sure to report back anything you hear.” She turned to walk away from his office and she paused, “And good luck on your interview today.” She said matter of fact-ly with a sly grin.

“Yes ma’am” he saluted as she left, and breathed a sigh of relief. “Just another day Kev- just another day.”

Kevin Donovin was an Intel Ambassador for the government, what that truly meant, no one could really lay a finger on it. Ex-Marine, decorated, honorably discharged and with all that still couldn’t shake the hold that the government had on him. He was a commander in Iraq and he’s got friends in even higher places now. Which meant climbing the governmental corporate ladder like the good little military monkey he was.

His own father said ‘a good leader always rises to the top’, but nowadays some men, or women too, that were extra slimy got slick and wormed their ways up to the top too. Part of his job was to find and weed them out.

On to today’s emergency task, on top of everything else, was finding out, who the hell, launched a satellite.

The star that rotated around this planet was bright by the time it was ready for the patrol swap. Trailbreaker waited patiently outside the entrance of the Ark. Sideswipe wasted no time, trying to rush the mech through his report.

“I didn’t notice anything strange,” Trailbreaker began, “few small organic creatures, but they kept their distance if I shown a light on ‘em.”

“Yeah yeah I got it.” Sideswipe rushed him through.

Trailbreaker had a flat expression, even more flat with his visor.

“Heard Prime say not to leave the confines of the Ark, even on patrol.” He stressed.

“What me? What are you worried about ‘Breaker? Me getting into a little trouble? What’s new?” Sideswipe asked innocently.

“Uh huh, just giving you fair warning.” Trailbreaker said as he walked inside to rest, “Have a good shift Sides.”

Sideswipe smirked has he raised his finger to comm his twin. “Oh, I will.”

The yellow mech walked into the light and joined his brother. “Primus, I look even worse out here.” He scoffed at his dusty, scratched and slightly dented form. “Ratchet needs to start doing cosmetic work again, we’re all functioning, isn’t that enough?”

“Oh yeah, you’ll get buffed out in no time.”

Sunstreaker revved his engines in objection. “So where are we going?”

“We,” Sideswipe paused for effect, pointing at the organic foliage, “are going in there.”

-

The two Cybertronians left their post and began to wander, as quietly as they could through the dense foliage. With how much noise they were making but just walking and ever so slightly trampling through the growths, they decided to stay silent for as long as they could.

/There is way too much organic-ness everywhere./ Sunstreaker complained.

/Weren’t you proud this was your idea?/

/Not anymore./

Their red and yellow frames stood out against the green and brown colors of this place, and the light filtered through showing light spots reflecting off their metallic bodies. They slowed their pace, as the foliage lessened a little, opening to a clearing like around the Ark.

Sideswipe held up a hand to stop, and crouched down, urging his brother to follow his movements.

They both watched the clearing as an organic creature on four legs walked into the open space. It was brown with different shades coloring, a long snout, and tall ears. It began appear to eat the foliage from the ground, but ever so cautiously also keeping aware of it’s surroundings.

/What is that thing?/ Sunstreaker commed.

/Primus if I know./ Sideswipe replied staring at it.

It didn’t stay long, eventually its head shot up, looking around, and it took off deep into the growths.

“Where did it go?” Sideswipe asked quietly.

“I don’t know, we probably scared it off.”

“We haven’t mo-“ Sideswipe was cut off by Sunstreaker clamping his mouth shut, and before Sideswipe could make a scene, and demand an explanation, he followed his brothers’ optic line to a very different organic creature now walking through the clearing.

Prowl walked down the corridors of the Ark, data pad in hand. There was so much to do. So much to get his ship in order and back working. He could focus on the crew and their responsibilities. But he also needed to manage the restoration of the important areas of the ship, actual functioning areas. The Med Bay, Wheeljacks’ Lab, and the recharge stations were the priority, they only had so much energon left, and they needed to find or make more.

As he walked the halls, planning the next several moves ahead, he eventually bumped into Trailbreaker, who was returning from patrol.

“Oh hey Prowl.”

“Trailbreaker. How was patrol?”

The other mech chuckled, “Uneventful. But that’s better than the crazy we’ve been dealing with.”

“You are correct. I look forward to your report.”

“Yeah, my report, I’ll get right on that,” Trailbreaker sunk a little in his frame, “thanks for the reminder.”

“You’re welcome.” Prowl replied unphased at the sarcasm from the mech.

“Sides is out there now.”

Prowl thought for a moment. Sub spacing his data pad. “I will go see how he is doing with this new patrol schedule.”

Trailbreaker tried to hide his own smirk, “Oh yeah, I would definitely go out and see him. Catch ya’ later Prowl.” He said as he hastily made his own exit, not wanting to be anywhere near the radius of a Prowl and Sideswipe standoff.

The SIC made his way to the entrance of the Ark, expecting Sideswipe, and maybe even his twin to be lazily lounging at the front. But when he arrived there was no mech to be seen. He walked the perimeter of the front around the rock jutting out of the ground where the new entrance of the Ark was in the ground. With no luck, no Sideswipe to be found. Of course, no Sideswipe.

The only grateful thing about being on this planet so far, is that the weight of their bodies against the organic dirt, made it oh so reliable for tracking. As two sets of ped prints left on the ground from the entrance of the Ark aimed for the dense foliage.

Oh, Sideswipe was a dead mech.

The next morning the gang, woke up slowly and proceeded to pack their bags even slower. Sleeping outdoors is a great experience, but not when the cool dirt floor keeps you awake half the night.

Raul groaned through a yawn, “¡Ay, Dios mío!”

Spike repeated the yawn, eyes barely open, “I second that.”

“I think we need to upgrade from camping to glaming.” Carly whined as she flopped back down in her sleeping bag.

Mack held a thermos of coffee in her hands, blinking the sleep from her eyes. “I second that.”

A little while later, they had all managed to round up their things, the goal of the Parks Service, to never leave a trace. And they made their way back down the trail to where they parked the night before.

-

“Shit, I forgot a bag!” Mack cried out as they put the last of their belongings in the car.

“What at the campsite?” Carly asked triple checking their bags.

“Well I definitely didn’t drop it on the way down. Sorry, I’ll just run back and grab it.”

“Don’t take too long.”

“Yeah mija, you better actually run!” Raoul hollered.

“I won’t I promise.” She said as she headed back up the trail to where they had just camped out for the night.

The trail back up wasn’t hard to follow, Mt. Saint Helens was an easy hike for a mountain, and they didn’t stray too far from it. At the base it was mostly open, it really just wound through the forest that surrounded it.

The trail made its way into a larger clearing on the way to the campsite, on entering the clearing, she heard something that didn’t sound like it belonged to the forest. It sounded like chirping, but not from any bird she had heard before, she paused trying to find the source. But it went very quiet. Unable to locate it, she shrugged it off and continued on her walk, when a much louder screech type chirp stopped her mid step.

/Sideswipe!/ Prowl hissed through his comm as he made his way through the organic foliage. /I know you are out here – and you better pray to your creator that I find you before Ratchet does./

Prowl didn’t get an answer, which made him angrier. Sideswipe and his brother had always gotten on his nerves, but now on high alert, with little to no data, no knowledge of what to do next. It was driving Prowl insane they would not just listen to him.

Thankfully in all this green growth, his dusty red form was easy to spot ahead. Prowl’s anger and exhaustion was getting the best of him as he trudged forward following the Autobot.

/Sideswipe!/ he called over the com again getting no response. “Sideswipe!” he finally called out loud, which finally made the young bot look over his shoulder, optics wide as Prowl grabbed Sidewipe by his chest plate, bringing his face to his own.

“Sideswipe! You directly disobeyed a direct order. You were to stay at the Ark. I should –“

“Prowl.”

“Have you thrown in the brig for abandoning your –“

“Prowl!” Sunstreaker hissed again interrupting the SIC verbal abuse.

“What!?” Prowl yelled back, locked eyes furious on the other twin too.

Sunstreaker didn’t answer, but just pointed to the small clearing where they at one point were trying to ‘lay low’. Standing there, now realizing why the twins were so silent to begin with, was one of the sentient organic creatures that call this planet home. It was frozen, its own optics wide, staring at the commotion they had caused in front of it.

Prowl vented air, “Frag.” He cursed.

Now with three sets of optics looking directly at it, it did what any logical organic being would do, when outnumbered and out sized.

It ran.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

She couldn’t think straight. What the fuck were they?

Robots? Giant fucking robots?

She ran back through the trees, trying to find the trail that she had followed up, but it getting turned around was easy to do.

She kept running, trying not to think about if those things followed her. Her mind was racing faster than her feet were going. Which normally would be a bad thing, except running through a forest was not a great idea.

Of course, she tripped.

It sent her tumbling to the ground, but thankfully for the most part landing on flat grass. Mack quickly got to her knees, as she groaned in pain from the tumble and when she looked up to see where she was, in the short distance, emerging from the rock of the mountain was orange metal.

By the orange metal was several more of those robots, moving and rearranging the rocks uncovering more and more of the metal embedded in the mountain.

She heard a noise off to the right of her as the same three GIANT robots she saw earlier emerged. Making chirping and buzzing noises in different tones.

She froze again, unable to believe that in her rush and panic she ended up not even far enough away from them.

Thanking the universe however, she still had not been noticed, she slowly got back to her feet, until that is, her luck ran out.

Her phone rang.

Of course, her phone rang.

If this was a horror movie, she thought, I’d be the first to die.

And not only the three robots who saw her earlier looked her way, but the other robots in the distance also stopped and looked in her direction.

The robots and her stood there, neither one moving, as her phone kept ringing, it was the only noise heard across the clearing.

She slowly stood up and took a step back, heart racing, and turned starting to take off on her run for her life again when she heard a voice call out.

“Wait!”

She immediately froze in her tracks. She snapped her head around to see one of the larger robots a few more steps ahead of the rest with its hand reached out in her direction.

This one was larger than the rest, it was mostly red, blue and white, and it had a mask over its face.

She wasn’t going to waste time trying to sort through if she was hearing things or not, and turned to run again, but this time however she ran straight into – nothing? She fell on the ground looking up to see nothing in her way, until she felt pressure in her midsection as she was grabbed around the middle by an unseen force and hauled up into the air.

Eventually the invisible force, became visible as a small flicker of multicolor lights shimmered off its form, as it was another one of those robots. The air was knocked from her lungs between the fast-upward climb and the tightness of the clutches around her ribs. It had its hand around her chest and waist, as she grabbed the top of its blue hand as her legs dangled in the air. It kept its arm outstretched from its body. As it chirped something at the other robots, while almost having a look of – disgust on its face.

“Frag.” Prowl cursed venting air through his systems.

“What was that thing?” Sideswipe asked excitedly, scanning the surrounding forest for it.

“An organic.” Sunstreaker answered unenthused. He went and pulled his brother off the ground, before acknowledging Prowl. “How did you know about it?” He questioned the SIC.

Prowl narrowed his optics at the two young mechs, his mouth drawn into a tight line. “Back to the ship. Now, that’s an order.” Was all he was willing to offer them.

Sideswipe rolled his optics, “But Prowl! That was an organic, we’ve never seen one up close!” He whined as Prowl herded them back to the Ark.

“You don’t need to. They are all the same.”

“I don’t want to see one up close. Organic fleshies are disgusting.”

The three Autobots made their way back to Ark entrance through the forest, ahead, Optimus Prime had gathered a small crew to remove some more rocks from the entrance and clearing a proper path. He managed to round up Jazz, Ironhide, Hound, Brawn, Bumblebee, and Bluestreak.

Bluestreak noticed the group arriving and gave a small wave, prompting all the mechs to turn and look at the trio.

“’An what the scrap do ya think those two got into already?” Ironhide commented to Prime.

Prowl and the twin mechs had just emerged from the trees, Sideswipe still chatting about their encounter. “Sideswipe, you are not to say anything about what you saw. Is that clear?” Prowl ordered.

Just then a loud ringing sound lightly echoed, not anything like the Cybertronians had heard before. They all turned to look, and see the same organic creature now in the clearing near the Ark, on all fours on the ground now staring at them.

“What like that?” Sideswipe asked smugly pointing at the creature.

The ringing sound continued as the Autobots and the organic just looked at each other. It got up in and took a step back before it turned to continue its flee.

“Wait!” Optimus Prime called out, and then quickly again, “Wait!”, in a language that the other Autobots did not understand. /Mirage!/ he commed quickly, taking a few steps toward the being.

Everyone froze at the sight and interaction before them. Except those privy to Jazz’s intel, they all had believed that this planet was uninhabited.

Mirage looked down at the organic in his grasp with utter disgust. He had outstretched his arm to keep if as far away as possible from his own body. If Prime had not asked for him to grab the creature, he would never in a million cycles choose this action on his own.

It stared at him silently, as it squirmed in the realization he was not planning on letting it go, and he did not like that.

“What if this thing has viruses.” He asked disgustedly slightly nodding to it.

Optimus Prime, followed quickly by Jazz and Ironhide, walked in large strides to reach Mirage and the organic that he had in his grasp. “You can put it down Mirage.”

Mirage began to lower his arm.

“An’ what if it runs Prime?” Ironhide scoffed, “Might as well blast the scrap now ‘for it takes off ‘an runs more than those tiny peds.”

Optimus Prime looked at the organic being, as it intensely stared back at him also. “We will do no such thing Ironhide.” As he lowered himself onto one knee joint, following Mirage as he continued his descent, he placed the being down, and under its own weight sat flat on the ground, held upright by its own servos, chest chassis rising and falling fast. 

The group of Autobots who were all originally tasked with rock clean up, now had their full attention on the organic and what was going to happen next. This was all new to the Cybertronians as well.

“Hello.”

Its eyes snapped to Optimus, getting wider and looking him up and down quickly.

It didn’t say anything but just continued to stare.

“Maybe it just aint the right language, I picked up several on my –“ Jazz began.

“No- no wait. Um, hello?” It responded.

Optimus’ eyes glowed a little brighter.

“My apologies for the commotion. It was never anyone’s intention to frighten you.”

It paused before saying anything back, in shock of the situation. “It’s fine.” It said hesitantly.

“I am glad.” Prime paused before continuing. “My name is Optimus Prime, and these” he gestured to the growing group getting closer, “are the Autobots.”

It looked around at the encroaching circle of the Autobots. It blinked twice, and shook its head, before looking back at the Prime. “Mackenzie. My name is Mackenzie.”

“Prime, what is it saying?” Bumblebee spoke up for the group of Autobots watching.

The sounds of the chirping Mackenzie had heard earlier, she now realized came from them, as they talked to each other.

Optimus looked at the group of Autobots watching the newest interaction unfold. “Jazz, please share the language file you had acquired.”

“Prime, I don’t think that is the correct move at this point.” Prowl spoke up in protest from the back.

“It may not be the correct move Prowl, but it is the one we will do. Jazz?”

“You got it.” Jazz sent the language file, not only to the Autobots witnessing this occasion, but all the Autobots inside the Ark as well.

-

Mackenzie watched the scene of ‘Autorobots’ talk amongst themselves while completely ignoring her.

She stared at all of them, and how enormous they all were. This is unreal. She thought, this is some Sci-Fi movie thing, this doesn’t happen in real life. Does it?

All their eyes were blue, different shades, but all blue. The big one that spoke English – it called itself ‘Optimal Prime’ or something like that? Her mind was going a mile a minute and everything seemed fake.

I could run. She thought again, but they could definitely squish me. As she eyed their giant feet-ish things. Not to mention her ribs still ached from big blue disappearing act, holding onto her for dear life and squeezing all air from her lungs. It was so going to leave a mark.

“Primus, language files are so heavy on the processor.” One of them finally said, not the same one that talked before, but the big red that she saw in the woods.

“Really strange.” Another said as it rubbed its temples.

“I don’t know, its actually really different, I mean when was the last time we all downloaded a language file! It’s been vorns, so many vorns –“

“Ah right ‘Blue.”

Mackenzie was dumbfounded, one second, they were chirping and buzzing away, and now they all spoke perfect English. She didn’t even notice her mouth open until she heard laughing and silence.

She didn’t realize it was her own laughing until her ribs ached from her muscles contracting so hard.

The robots watched her as she fell back, rolled over and stood up, all while laughing.

“This – is – absolutely – crazy!” She said in-between laughs. “This isn’t happening, it can’t be happening, I think I just hit my head. Like really hard, hit my head.”

Before her hysterical rant was interrupted by any of the robots around her a loud yell was heard from across the clearing coming from the direction of the orange metal.

-

Ratchet hastily walked over to the gathering of mechs outside the Ark. He had gotten Jazz’s language file that was sent to the whole crew. Knowing that Jazz would never make a mistake or go against an order, especially when Prime asked to keep this information quiet, he knew something was going on. A big something.

“OPTIMUS!”

Ratchet was angry. Primus was he angry. First, he was told the secret existence of the sentient life of this planet was to remain a secret and now it was no longer, so why in the name of Primus would Prime –

Ratchet froze when he saw what the commotion was about.

There in front of the Ark, was one of those creatures.

Chapter Text

CRUNCH.

Ratchet had only taken one step closer to the being, when he stepped on something. Surprised, he lifted his servo revealing what was once a small electronic device, was now a flattened piece of scrap metal.

The organic stared at the remnants. “Oh no, not my phone.”

“What’s a phone?” Bumblebee asked out loud.

“A phone?” The organic repeated confused, “To make calls?”

“A communication device then.” Hound understood.

“Oh, is it because you can’t do them yourself.”

“What can you do?”

“Can you spit acid? I’ve heard some organi-“

“ENOUGH!” Ratchet yelled at the group.

Everyone stopped and look at the very angry CMO.

“If I see a single mech who is not in charge out here still in two nanoclicks, I will personally send you to the pit, myself.”

Before Ratchet even finished speaking, almost every mech took off back in the safety of inside the Ark, and far far away from the wrath of the medic. This left, Ironhide, Jazz, Prowl and Optimus Prime with him outside.

And of course, the organic creature.

His wrath was aimed precisely at the Autobots.

“Do you think this is how you are supposed to operate?” He began his verbal abuse. “I have half the mind to put your processor up your aft, because it already looks like it’s there!”

“Ratchet, please –“

“Shove it up your tailpipe Prime. How would you like it if you were surrounded like that, fragging overwhelmed? Primus only knows if you are going to cause it to go on the fritz!”

“Excuse me.”

“This is not how you introduce yourself to a slagging new species!”

“Uh, excuse me.”

“Slag it all to the pit, this is the exact-“

“HEY! I’M RIGHT HERE.” The voice of the creature yelled loud over Ratchet’s attack.

The five Autobots turned to stare at the little organic being.

“And you!” Ratchet got down on one knee, as it in its own surprise outburst took a step back. He vented air, throwing a glare at the others. “Let’s start over. How does that sound?”

It nodded.

Ratchet raised a brow ridge. “My name is Ratchet. I am the Chief Medical Officer of the Autobots. And you are?”

“Mackenzie.”

“You have met Optimus, and this is Jazz, Prowl and Ironhide.” He gestured to the others standing around as well. Jazz gave her a smile and a two-finger salute, Prowl nodded slightly, and Ironhide crossed his arms for his introduction.

“Now, some other questions. What do you call the planet you live on?”

“Earth.”

“Very good. Now what do you call your kind?”

“My kind?”

Ratchet shot a look at Optimus. Even he winced under the CMO’s glare, “We didn’t get that far.” He admitted.

“Yes, your species.”

“Oh, uh Human. We’re humans.”

“And what of your gender, I have heard organics have multiple.”

“Uh, female.”

She eyed the metal sticking out of the rock behind them, “So you said you’re Auto-something right? Who,” she paused picking the right words. “Who built you? Are you some AI government experiment or…?” She trailed off not knowing how else to ask.

“We are Autobots, yes, but we are all Cybertronians. Our home is the planet of Cybertron, which is very far from here. We are all created there.” Optimus explained the short version of their history.

“Aliens.” The human laughed out loud, “You guys are real, actual aliens.”

The Autobots stared at her laughter in surprise.

 “So, you never met anything or anyone from another planet before?” Jazz spoke up.

“What?! No, absolutely not.”

“So, you have never heard of any others that look like us, but call themselves ‘Decpeticons’?” Optimus Prime asked sincerely.

Mack paused, taking in his seriousness, “No, not at all. I think you guys are, you know, the first.”

“The first what?” Prowl asked pointedly.

“You know, aliens? E.T.? Extra-terrestrials from another planet?”

The Autobots looked at each other, it was hard to imagine a planet so out of touch from anyone else in the Universe.

“Ya aint lying ta us now? Are ya?” Ironhide glared at the human. “Ya know we’d find out real quick if ya were.”

“What?! No swear.” The human made a quick motion with her finger across her chest, in an ‘x’ shape.

Optimus turned to his thoughts, thinking of an array of many more questions to ask this human. But one other pressing one came to mind, “We came here looking for something called ‘energon’, you may have another name for it, but it is what fuels all of our kind. Our planet was running out of it.”

He flicked his wrist slightly, and then in his hand appeared a pink, slightly glowing cube. It looked like it had a thin acrylic around it all, as the pink liquid swirled and sloshed around inside. He placed it on the ground next to the human.

“Our ship crashed here, on your planet, on Earth, in search of more.”

The cube was almost as tall as she was, about 4 feet in all dimensions. The Autobots watched as she eyed it.

“Energon?” She asked again as she placed her hand on the side of the cube. It was warm to her touch even from the outside.

“It is our life force, without it we will not survive.”

Mack blinked looking at Ratchet, who made the heavy statement. She pulled her hand back, “I-I’m sorry, I’ve never seen or heard of anything like this. Ever.”

Ratchet looked at the Prime, as he vented air. “Maybe in this form?” Prime asked again, bringing a crystal into his hand. It was purple, with pink, and blue veins running through it. “This is a crystalized version of energon. Before it is processed into the liquid in the cube.” He held out his hand with the crystal on it, showing the human.

The girl examined the crystal, “Maybe? I can’t be too sure, I don’t recognize it. But, I’m not the right person to ask. I couldn’t tell you that from any other kind of crystal.” She admitted.

“Well aint tha’ just great.” Ironhide spoke up, silently watching. “All th’ way here, crashin’ on this slaggin’ planet, and th’ fleshy is sayin’ there’s not a lick of energon.”

“Ironhide –“

“Well I’m sorry. Not that I thought this was how my day was going to go, but just so you know –“ She reached up to touch the top of the pink energon cube, unlike the sides that were a harder material, the top was more like a thin film. The unexpected sturdiness compared to what she previously touched on the side took her by surprise as her hand splashed into the pink liquid.

Normally, to Cybertronians or many other species they had encountered, contact with energon was not normally an issue. But it immediately seemed for the human species, it was volatile.

The human sucked her teeth, shaking her hand to try to get the liquid off. “Fuck!” she cursed, looking at her hand that was shaking and beginning to turn red. It felt like a burn, a really nasty burn.

The Autobots froze in surprise, as they had never seen anyone be injured by energon. Ratchet was the only one to react fast, watching the injury to the human’s hand grow. A red outline of where the flesh of her organic body met the energon was starting to become pronounced.

He didn’t hesitate to pick her up around the middle. Which caused her to squeak in surprise. Ratchet’s hold was definitely more careful than the other blue ones was, but it still didn’t mean she had to catch her breath.

Ratchet quickly whisked her away headed into the ship that was protruding from the mountain. Storming past any strange onlookers trying to get a glimpse of the organic being.

Optimus vented air as he turned to watch Ratchet quickly take off with the human.

“I would point out I highly advise against this course of action.” Prowl stated.

“You don’t say.” Optimus grumbled, as he got up and began to follow the medic.

Ratchet quickly turned down the hallways before making his grand entrance into the Med Bay. He placed the human on one of the tables, before he turned and suck his head out of the doorway to eye the onlookers that, now caught, tried to act like they weren’t following him.

“If I hear one single attempt to enter my Med Bay, I’ll rearrange your circuits into glitch mice.” He growled, pressing a button that slammed the automatic doors shut.

Ratchet focused his attention now to his unfamiliar patient. He didn’t have much knowledge of organic medical treatments, but he knew a burn when he saw one. He flicked his wrist producing a small vile of water, small for him, but large enough the human could cover her whole body in it, and tilted it at an angle. “Put your digits in here.”

Mack did as she was told, her hand felt like it was on fire, the cool water helped alleviate her pain as she gripped the vile with her other hand.

“What is that stuff made of?!” She asked, swirling her injured hand slightly in the water.

“Essentially, it’s pure energy.”

The human stayed quiet in thought looking at her hand.

Ratchet took this moment to scan the girl, to see her overall functionality. He would have to piece together what he was reading, trying to understand the human biology quickly.

What he didn’t notice however, was as he scanned, the human body had an involuntary reaction. Tiny muscles under her skin tightened, causing the hair on certain areas of her skin to raise, as she shivered slightly.

A central nervous system, one heart, two lungs, two optics. Ratchet noticed nothing unusual compared to other organics he had met before. Organic beings could vary greatly in appearance, but these humans, surprisingly, were designed close to Cybertronian basic framework.

“Are you damaged anywhere else?” He asked finally.

Mack looked up at the bot, never hearing an injury be called ‘damage’ before. “Nah, I’m fine.” Shrugging it off, the pain from her hand was the worst of it.

Ratchet raised a brow ridge as he put his face closer to hers. “I do not understand your interworking’s – yet. I cannot assist if you do not tell me, you could have hidden damage.”

“You can tell that to my ribs.” She laughed and then winced slightly.

Ratchet furrowed his brow, but he stayed silent.

Realizing he was not going to drop it, she sighed, giving in. “I think Mr. Now You See Me Now You Don’t just was a little too grabby.” As she pulled up her shirt on her side, revealing large pink lines that circled her body.

The medic vented air – “Mirage.”

“How does he even do that by the way is it-“

“Stop changing the slagging subject.” Ratchet caught on quickly.

Mack smiled at the medic, caught in the act. “Worth a shot.”

“How can that be repaired?” He said pointing to the damage part of her side.

“It’ll heal on its own, don’t worry.”

“Your body will repair it on its own?”

“Yeah you really –“

Mack was cut off by Optimus Prime, and his fellow commanders entering the Med Bay. “Hey Doc Bot! How’s th’ patient?” Jazz asked cheerfully.

“Fine. No thanks to you all.” He pulled one of the few clean cloths he had from subspace before placing it in front of the human, before crossing his arms. Before he could continue berating his fellow Autobots, the door slid open again.

This time it was Red Alert. He stood angrily in the doorway and glared at the human on the table.

Ratchet took a step to the side in front of the table, blocking the view of the human. “What did I say about coming in my Med Bay?” He growled.

“Red, what is it that you need now?” Optimus asked, wanting to know the meaning of the interruption.

The security officer looked around the room, “We have a problem.”

“Come on- call her again.”

“Raoul I’ve been trying.”

“It’s been an hour Carly. How much longer are we going to wait?”

Carly sighed, “Okay one last time.” She dialed the contact again and put it on speaker. It didn’t ring. It automatically went to an automated voice. “I’m sorry the number you dialed is out of service. Please hang up and try again.”

Carly looked at the boys, “Okay, now we have a problem.”

Kevin Donovin had made a few of his calls trying to find the source of the satellite launch. It seemed like a wild goose chase. He had narrowed it down to outside the city, and was driving around trying to find more information.

He was making his way out to the forest around Mt. St. Helens when his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID, Carly Spencer.

Kevin picked it up without a second thought, she was like a second daughter to him.

“Carly! What do I owe the pleasure of getting to talk to you about today?”

“Hi Mr. Donovin, do you have a minute?”

“Yeah of course,” He noticed the stress in her voice, “What’s the matter kiddo?”

“We have a problem.” Carly proceeded to dump the entire story on him, from their overnight camping trip, to Mack running off for her bag, and being an over an several hours now in which she hadn’t returned. “We didn’t call the park rangers, I wanted to call you first, then my dad.”

As Carly spoke, Kevin put his foot down on the gas and headed to where she said they were waiting. His knuckles turning white as he gripped the steering wheel. “Carly you did the right thing. I’ll call your dad, you head home. I don’t want your mother getting worried sick about you.”

“I’m so sorry Mr. Donovin.” She said quietly on the other end of the line.

“No. Don’t apologize, now go home. I’ll take care of this.” He ordered as he ended the call. He picked up the phone and dialed out another number.

“Sterling – I need a favor.”

-

Kevin made it to the parking lot where the kids had been waiting previously, he made it in record time, and the sun was high but heading to the tail end of the day.

He jumped out of his car, and dug through the back, grabbing a flare, flashlight, and first aid kit and throwing it in a backpack. He had a badge on his belt, and add his gun to his holster. He didn’t have to wait much longer before Sterling- Carly’s father, and a few other agents rolled up, quickly ready to join the search.

Sterling put his hand on Kevin’s shoulder, “We’ll find her Kev, don’t worry.”

One of the other agents piped up, “Don’t you think we need more eyes? Why not call the local guys in?”

“No, we’ll find her. I don’t need it getting sticky with their extra hands, it’ll just make a mess.”

Sterling spoke up, taking over the direction of the search. Kevin didn’t fight it, he knew he need to take the backseat. “Alright men, up the trail was the last she was seen. Head up that way and then fan out.”

The small group of agents took off in the direction of the trail.

-

Kevin stuck close by to Sterling as they made their way up the trail.

“Mackenzie!”

They took turns calling out for the girl.

“So, I heard you’re on the crazy satellite manhunt.” Sterling tried breaking the tension. “How’s that going?”

Kevin sighed, pinching his eyes shut, “Not great. Like a needle in a haystack. It’s like its off the grid.”

“Well I don’t envy you. Not a detail I’d want.” His friend chuckled.

They both entered a clearing, about halfway to the campsite. As Kevin looked around, he noticed off to the left several broken tree branches. Low to the ground, and significantly higher than normal a tracker would notice.

He went in for a closer look, picking up the snapped branches and examining them.

Sterling noticed his friend wasn’t at his side any longer. “Kev?”

“I’m going this way. You keep going.” He said, making the trek through the forest.

Red Alert brought up the monitor in the Med Bay, revealing is scans from around the Ark. The radar revealed several blinking dots in the nearby forest area. Switching to an infrared vision, it showed the heat signatures of more humans.

“There’s more of them.”

“Oh no.”

The Autobots turned to the human standing on the table, surprised at her outburst.

“What do you mean –“ Prowl had began.

“How long have I been here?” She interrupted.

“How long?” he repeated.

“Yeah, how long.”

Jazz ran a quick calculation in his head. “Five – I think you call them ‘hours’.”

“Five hours?!” She squeaked, grabbing her wrist. She looked at the infrared of the other humans on the screen. “My Dad is going to kill me.”

Optimus looked at the human. “Someone is trying to harm you?”

“No. What? No. I’m pretty sure that’s my Dad. I’ve been missing for five hours. I was just supposed to get my bag and leave, not get sucked into alien drama!”

“So, you are not in danger?” Optimus wanted a confirmation.

“I will be! He’ll never let me outside ever again if I don’t get out of here!”

“That seems like you will be in danger from this ‘Dad’.” Optimus vented concerned.

“No, no. He’s my Dad. He’s just looking for me, since I basically just disappeared. My phone, which got squished, I check in with him and I don’t normally go this long without doing that. He probably thinks somethings’ wrong.” She rambled on.

“Are you confused?” Jazz whispered to Prowl, “I’m confused.”

Prowl vented air through his systems, “Then we must return you so that you are back where you belong, and more humans do not find us.”

“Prowl is right. Let us not keep you here any longer.” Optimus went reach out and pick up the human like Ratchet and Mirage had done prior. But Ratchet grabbed his wrist before he picked up the girl, he shook his head in disproval.

“Not doing that, we’ll find another way.” He ordered.

The two looked at each other, Ratchet standing up for his new human patient.

/It’s damaged./ He sent a quick comm to Prime. Which Optimus understood and nodded his head.

“What do you suggest Ratchet?” He asked as he took a step back.

They all looked at the human, who was at the mercy of the Cybertronians around her.

-

She held on to a red finger as she tried to keep her balance. The hand belonged to Ratchet as he was the only one that was deemed ‘careful enough’ to test this new transportation method. Ratchet kept the back of his hand close to his chest, as his other hand blocked her view as he held it upright to ensure she didn’t fall forward either. She was grateful for that at least, it was a long way down to the ground if she fell.

Following behind Ratchet, was Optimus, Jazz, Prowl, Ironhide and Red Alert, as they made their way back to the front of the Ark.

“I don’t know if this is better.” She whispered, as she peered over the edge of his hand.

“Better than being squished?” Ratchet shot back.

They made their arrival, as Prowl scanned the edge of the forest. He cursed the prints on the ground that he had originally thanked previously for tracking the twins. There were everywhere now leading to and from the Ark. He made a note that they would have to find a solution to this issue in the future.

“They’re getting closer.” Red Alert pointed out, not looking away from his data pad. “No visual yet.”

“Noted.” Prowl replied.

The six Autobots waited patiently for the next move, Ratchet made no attempt to deposit the human on the ground just yet either.

Kevin continued tracking silently. As he followed the trail, he began to notice large divots in the dirt, large rectangular shapes. Not natural or belonging to the forest. He pulled out his gun and cocked it. “Somethin’ aint right.” He whispered, as he followed them further.

He continued to the tree line, pausing before the forest cleared to the base of Mt. St. Helens. From behind a bush the man paused to take in the sight before them. Giant robots. Six in total, standing, seemingly waiting for something.

What. The. Hell. He thought.

Kevin crouched, this was not what he had planned to encounter. His heart beat fast in his chest, those things could be the only possible explanation as to why his daughter had been lost and not able to contact. What kind of secrets were the government hiding from its people, to keep this hidden? He didn’t care what kind of trouble he got in, he needed he to find Mack. Kevin finally got up and walked from the trees into the clearing, gun still in his hand, as he made in presence known.

“Prime, we have another one.” Prowl announced.

“Weapon.” Ironhide growled seeing the human emerging from the forest.

Ratchet turned his body and his hands away from the approaching new human, thinking this ‘Dad’ was a danger to this human after all, despite her earlier protests.

Ironhide, Jazz, and Prowl all drew from subspace their own weapons, having them appear in their own hands.

This caused the new human to pause in his arrival.

Optimus Prime took a step forward, ready to redeem his prior first encounter with the humans for the better. This caused the human to raise his weapon and aim it at the Prime.

“Please, we mean you no harm.” He spoke. This caused the human to slightly, but not by much, lower the weapon in surprise.

“What the hell are you?” It asked.

Mackenzie recognized the humans voice without having to see who was there. “Ratchet!” She whispered, “That’s my Dad!”

“He has a weapon. I cannot deem it safe for you.”

“Of course, he has a weapon Ratchet! He’s a federal agent.”

“Federal agent?” He asked surprised.

“Yeah, works for the government. He used to be a solider.”

Ratchet raised a brow ridge, looking at the other human. He quickly scanned her, not detecting any fear or worry in her tone of voice. The medic decided to bring her to the new human, as he stepped forward in front of Prime.

“Ratchet?” Optimus asked surprised, as he watched him get on one knee and place his hand on the ground. He moved his other hand, allowing her to step off, and revealing the girl to the human.

The human male gasped, lowering his weapon completely.

“Mackenzie!” He ran forward pulling the girl into a tight embrace.

The Autobots watched carefully, now protective of the human girl.

“I’m alright Dad. I’m sorry. Things just got, carried away.” She broke his grasp, gesturing to the group of Autobots.

“You don’t say,” he gasped in awe at the robots.

Optimus leaned down. Mackenzie dragged him over, “Dad, this is Optimus Prime. He’s from a planet called Cybertron.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you Dad.” Optimus Prime nodded to the human.

“Uh no, my name is Kevin. Dad – is not my name.”

“What in the name of Primus is a ‘Dad’ then?” Ratchet asked.

“He’s my father.” She offered up trying to make it clearer.

Ratchet looked at Optimus, both mechs still confused.

She thought for a minute, “Guardian?”

“Creator.” The male human joked.

The word struck a chord with all the Autobots, who reacted in surprise. “This other human is your creator?” Ratchet asked shocked.

“Yes, I guess that’s one way to say it.”

“Yeah, this is my little girl. Raised her from the day she was born.” He turned and grabbed her shoulders, “I was so worried about you.”

“I’m fine! Really.”

“You didn’t call!”

“Oh. It got squashed.” She said sheepishly.

Kevin looked surprised but didn’t say anything. Mackenzie pointed to the Autobots feet. “Big feet.” Was her only explanation. “It might be time for that upgrade I was wanting.” She smiled while she shrugged.

“Shit. Speaking of.” He pulled out his own phone, pressed a few buttons and held it up to his ear. “Sterling! I got her. Yeah, no she’s good,” he paused looking at the Autobots, who were watching expectantly, “she broke her phone, and got turned around. Nothin’ crazy. Y’all can head back, it’ll be a minute we’ll get out. I’ll let you know when we get home. Tell Carly she’s okay. Thanks buddy.”

Optimus wasted no time, “I thank you for keep our secret.”

Kevin laughed, “I’ve seen some shit in my day, but this is a first. I’m not letting anything get screwed up meeting aliens, actual aliens for the first time.”

“Ah great. Now we got two of ‘em.” Ironhide grumbled.

“I just got one question for y’all.” Kevin addressed the group.

“Of course.” Optimus answered, it seemed the next few cycles, were going to be full of questions.

“You guys, didn’t by chance happen to launch a satellite, now did you?”

The other Autobots looked at each other full well knowing. From behind his mask Optimus smiled.

Chapter Text

Ever since her first encounter at the Ark with the Cybertronians, things moved fast. Her father found the time to keep himself busy helping the Autobots navigate secretly, on top of his current job. At work he was hiding the Autobots activity, keeping wandering eyes away from the Cybertronians stuck inside Mt. St. Helens. Stepping up, as Optimus Prime had begun to call him their ‘human ambassador’ to the outside Earth world. He filled the gap between trying to find supplies that the Autobots needed, but could not obtain on their own. Their main concern was energon, which they were still on the hunt for. Wheeljack had begun the process of trying to make some.

Mack was content keeping this secret of the Autobots. No government agency, or her father was going to stop her from showing them the ropes.

That was another thing she had to get used too. The Autobots that cared to chat with her and wanted to learn more about Earth and humans, had to get a whole bunch of crash course lessons on humanity. Mack was also learning a lot from the aliens about Cybertron.

Many bots were going out of their way to interact with her and learn more. She had met Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Hound, Bumblebee, Bluestreak, and Wheeljack. Not to mention the commanders that she had been surrounded on her first encounter, Optimus Prime, Prowl, Ironhide, Jazz, and Ratchet. Some other bots she had seen around the base, but they hadn’t stopped to chat with her. Sideswipe was all over her, asking all the questions he possibly could. He would chat away, while Sunstreaker glowered, hardly speaking a word to her.

One of the first things she had learned about was their transforming ability. It was different seeing them so easily change into unrecognizable vehicles. However, with Optimus’ order still in place to not leave the Ark, transforming wasn’t very common as they didn’t have to go anywhere far. If they ever eventually needed to leave the ship, they needed to become invisible. Turning a fifteen-foot-tall robot invisible, was apparently Mirages’ thing. But they had to hide in plain sight, as Optimus Prime explained to the human duo.

Luckily, Earth was jam packed full of cars and vehicles that were the perfect way to disguise themselves if the need arose. Today she was sitting in their Rec Room as they called it. It wasn’t full of robots- or mechs- she corrected in her head, Mack had spent the day showing and explaining the best vehicles to pick from. Some Autobots could care less what Earth vehicle they transformed into, others cared way too much, and spent hours deciding on what they called ‘alt-mode’.

“Your alt mode is a part of you! A part of who you are! You can’t tell me that this isn’t the best one for me!” Sideswipe explained.

Mack looked at the photos on the data pad he shoved in her face, as he swiped through them.

“Sideswipe, aren’t you supposed to, you know, be in hiding in your alt-mode? A Lamborghini – that’s a little flashy even for humans.”

“But look, it’s sleek, it’s sexy, and it’s fast.”

She eyed the big red bot.

“Besides, Sunny likes it too and we always match.”

Sunstreaker grumbled in the corner of the Rec Room, “We do not.”

“Two Lamborghinis?! I don’t know Side-“ Mack stopped mid-sentence, as she looked over at Sunstreaker who was staring her down with his light blue glowing optics. So, she threw her hands up in defeat. “Fine you win. Lambos it is.”

Sideswipe cheered in victory, ready to take his turn to download the schematics from Teletraan-1 to update his appearance.

By the time Jazz strolled into the Rec Room, looking for approval from the human girl to see what she thought of his choice of alt-mode, she was lying flat on the table swiping through pictures of cars with Ironhide.

“I think this one is it Ironhide.” Mack said pointing to the most recent photo she researched.

Ironhide grumbled something quietly, but didn’t make any effort to look at the vehicle.

“Hey lil’ lady.” Jazz greeted the girl.

“Hey Jazz!”

“Ironhide, you can’t decide on an alt-mode?”

“Ah don’t care.”

“You say that, but we’ve spent the last twenty minutes looking, and you still haven’t picked a single one.” The human groaned.

Jazz chuckled and sat at the table next to Ironhide. “Well you’re in luck, I picked mine out already.”

Mack perked up, “Oh let me see!” Jazz opened his data pad and showed her. “A Porsche! Wow, with the racing stripes. Classic.”

“Ah thought Prime said ‘nothin’ flashy’.” Ironhide questioned.

“Ironhide. Jazz is like, the tenth bot to show me an expensive fancy car as their alt-mode. I’ve given up trying to argue with reason.”

“The humans got some sweet designs, I’d be doing a disservice pickin’ something without some style.” Jazz commented, excited about the change.

Ironhide furrowed his brow, “Ah’m done this is fraggin’ nonsense. Give it. Ah’ll pick my own slaggin’ alt-mode.” As he swiped the data pad from the table, and stormed out of the Rec Room.

The doors shut behind him and he only paused to look at the data pad, seeing the latest image of a car that the human girl deemed the ‘right one’ for him. It was a big red van with the title under the picture that read ‘1979 Chevrolet G20 Beauville Van’.

“Huh. Well ah’ll be a load of scrap.” He commented as he changed direction to head to Teletraan-1.

“I think he hates me.”

“Who? Ironhide?”

“Yeah.”

“Nah, not Ironhide. Doesn’t hate anyone. Except ‘Cons. Trust me. He’s just, well, that’s Ironhide for ya.” Jazz pointed out.

“If you say so Jazz. I don’t think anyone could hate me more than I think Sunstreaker does.”

Jazz started laughing. Cybertronian laughs were different to human ones, it was like a combination of their voice, the purr of an engine, and air venting from their systems. It was usually low in tone. Mackenzie began to notice she really enjoyed listening to them laugh. When they did laugh, it was like they hadn’t done so in a long while.

“Oh, that mech hates you for sure.”

“Fantastic.” She rolled her eyes. She walked over to where is hand was resting on the table and leaned against it looking up at his bright blue visor. “So – you gonna take me with you so I can be the first to see your new slick alt mode?”

Jazz grinned as he flipped his hand over on the table, letting the human step up into it, before they both made their way to Teletraan-1.

“Does it hurt?”

“Whatcha mean?”

“To get a new alt-mode? Does it hurt at all?”

After the pair entered the main monitor area for Teletraan-1, there were only two other Autobots that had already been in there downloading schematics for alt-modes. If the Autobot didn’t chat with the human about it, Teletraan-1 had amassed a data base of vehicles and their schematics and was able to help decide for the bot based on their current frames, what Earth vehicle was best. Some were easy picks, like Ratchet, who didn’t need to have it explained twice why he should be an ambulance.

Others, like Tracks, was amazed at the possibilities, and were spending hours picking just the right alt-mode for ‘his beautiful frame’. He was still currently undecided.

Hound and Bumblebee were currently downloading schematics to take their turn to update their appearance in the reformatter to join Earth’s vehicle fleet.

“It doesn’t hurt,” Hound spoke up. “It’s just different. You have to get used to your new parts and look.”

“What if you don’t like what you picked? Can you just change it?” The human asked.

“It’s not like it’s permanent.” Jazz answered, “If your alt-mode doesn’t feel right, after you pick it, you can always find a new one.”

“Feel right? What does that mean?”

Jazz paused trying to come up with the right explanation for the human. Hound beat him to it. “Your alt-mode is part of you,” he began while he crouched to be optic level with her. “We all have cogs- transformation cogs, that’s what controls our ability to transform.” He explained while tapping his chest. “So, when you transform its still you, and if you don’t feel comfortable in that mode, then you just wouldn’t feel like yourself at all. Picking an alt-mode is a big deal. Usually you just know right away what feels right. Sparklings change theirs a lot until they find what fits them. But most of us now know what to look for in alt-mode.”

The human listened to the mech taking in what he was saying. “So, your alt-mode is an extension of you, and your personality.”

“Exactly!”

“A lot of us just haven’t had a new alt-mode in a while.” Bumblebee joined in the conversation.

Jazz smiled, “Bee’s right, it’s been vorns since I updated my alt-mode.”

“Well then Jazz, you go first. I know you have patrol soon.” Bumblebee laughed.

Jazz walked over to the console and selected the schematics for the ‘Porsche 911 GT3’ he downloaded the scan, and a small card popped out of Teletraan-1. He grabbed the card and walked over to a large tube-shaped reformatting system in the corner of the room. He pressed a button on the side, as it slid open and he stepped inside. He put that same card in the device and smiled as the door slid shut.

A loud hum began to be heard and the device glowed from the inside.

“It like a mad science experiment.” Mack said in awe.

“Oh, just you wait until you see what Wheeljack can cook up, if you’re looking for an experiment!” Bumblebee laughed.

Not less than five minutes later the door slid back open revealing Jazz once again. He stepped out, hands on his hips, smiling at the trio waiting for him.

“So, how’d I look?” He did a quick turn on his heel to show off the physical change to his body from picking his new alt-mode.

Previously where his flat shaped chest was with, inset lighting, was now replaced with the front paneling of the car, headlights, grill and all. His original paint job remained, the red and blue stripes looked more intentionally place like racing stripes. Now, he also had two tires and two doors that stuck out from his back, like wings, and the other set of tires and fender rim were set into his feet. Other than the very obvious Earth car part additions, he still looked like Jazz.

“That. Is. Insane.” The humans’ jaw dropped.

“That ain’t even the best part.” Jazz smirked, as he took a running step forward and transformed midair – landing on the ground as a Porsche, spinning around leaving black tire treads on the floor, before launching himself back up and landing as a bot in excitement. “Woo! Primus. Having wheels is so different! I like it.”

Hound and Bumblebee laughed, “That first transformation after an update – there’s nothing like it!” Hound said.

“Jazz you look amazing!”

“Thanks, lil’ lady.” He held his finger just over her head and she jumped up and smacked it with an open hand.

Hound and Bumblebee looked confused at the interaction the two shared.

“What was that?” Hound asked.

The human laughed, “It was a high-five! It’s how we show excitement or celebration sometimes.”

Hound copied the movement Jazz did, raising a finger over the Mack’s head and she jumped up and smacked it.

“Why high-five?” Bumblebee asked as he held out his smaller hand, open like she had done.

She wiggled her fingers before smacking his open palm too. “Five fingers.”

“’Aight bots, your turn. Show us that new look.” Jazz pressed urging them to update their alt-modes too.

Hound went next, and after his time in the reformatting tube, he emerged looking almost exactly similar. The only big difference was the front of his chest had the iconic Jeep grill. His wheels were at the back of his arms and in his heels like Jazz.

Hound transformed revealing the hunter green version of a Jeep in front of them, twisting his wheels left and right, before transforming back. He lifted his arms in a stretch and moving his joints.

“And that – feels just right.” He said chuckling. “Alright Bumblebee, you’re up!”

“Alright see you on the other side!” The yellow mech joked as he entered the reformatting tube.

“A Jeep Wrangler is a good pick.” Mackenzie commented, “I’ve always like those.”

“Lookin’ nice Hound.” Jazz added.

“I liked the look of it, plus all the pictures you humans take of them are almost always outdoors.”

Now it was Mack’s turn to chuckle, “Well yeah. Jeeps are outdoors-y type cars. They have 4-wheel drive, they’re meant to be out on the open or dirt roads. We call it ‘off-roading’, you could take it for a drive on the roughest terrain. For a while they were military vehicles back in the day.”

As she explained the humans’ own uses for the type of vehicle Hound had picked out, he listened intensely, his warm blue optics glued to her.

“So, you humans have different personalities that match with your Earth vehicles.” Jazz realized.

“Well yeah! We rely on them so much, you pick a car that fits you and your needs. Just like you were saying Hound. It’s just we don’t turn into them.” She laughed at her own joke.

Hound smiled brightly as the connection was made between his new alt-mode and the how the humans had used it for their own needs. It was a perfect fit.

Jazz leaned down, “And what about mine?”

The human thought for a minute, “Porsches’ are classic, sleek, they’re luxury cars. But they’re also fast, they can also be racecars too.”

“Hear that Hound? Luxury.”

The reformatting tube, slid open revealing Bumblebee. Just like Hound, and Jazz he didn’t initially look any different, but he gained wheels on his shoulders and heels. A seemingly common place for wheels to be added to their bodies. This time, his chest was the roof of a vehicle, and his feet were actually the front bumper and hood of the car. Mack couldn’t place exactly what he was until the mini-bot transformed.

Mackenzie let out a squeak before placing her hand over her mouth to muffle her laughter. But it was no use, she burst out laughing giving in to the connection.

Bumblebee transformed back as he looked at Hound and Jazz for an answer to the humans’ laughter. They both shrugged not knowing the reason.

“What?!” He asked looking at his new form, “Do I have a tail pipe in the wrong spot?”

“No, no,” Mack said through her laughter, before calming down to just slight giggles. “You picked the perfect alt-mode ‘Bee. On Earth we have a nickname for that car. It’s called a ‘Bug’.”

Bumblebee pouted still unsure as to what was so funny. “I don’t get it.”

“’Bee! It’s in your name. Bumblebee. Bug. Beetle. You picked an alt-mode that we have a nick name for, it’s a ‘Volkswagen Beetle’ but we sometimes call it a ‘Bug’. Your name in English is the name of a bug we have here called a bumblebee. It fits you really well, considering you had no idea!”

“Well isn’t that interesting.” Bumblebee chuckled.

“Like Goldilocks – a perfect fit.” Mack smiled.

“What is a ‘Goldilocks’?”

“Oh, you mechs have so much still to learn about Earth.”

“I don’t like them.”

“What do ya mean?”

“The fleshies.”

“The humans?”

“Yes. Them. I don’t like them.”

“Bro, lame. They’re so fun.”

“Says the idiot.”

“Okay, whatever. Let’s take a vote then.”

“A vote?”

“Yeah a vote. Get every mech together and see what they think.”

“That is stupid.”

“No, it’s not.”

“I am not the only one to not like them.”

“Oh, like who? Tracks? Mirage?”

Sunstreaker narrowed his optics at his brother. “Yes. And others.”

“Oh yeah? Give me names.” Sideswipe eyed his brother back tapping a stylus against his data pad.

“We don’t have to agree on liking the organics.” Sunstreaker huffed.

“It’s only because they like me better.” The red mech grinned.

“What all two of them?”

Sideswipe vented air, “That’s two more than like you.” He retorted. He got up, taking his data pad with him, “So you coming or not?”

“Coming where?”

“Rec Room, or you can choose to wallow in here by yourself.” Sideswipe shrugged as he walked out of their room. He took two steps, before leaning against the walls outside, ped up on the wall and arms crossed. Waiting for what he knew what was exactly going to happen.

The doors to the room opened again and Sunstreaker walked out glaring at his brother. Sideswipe threw an arm around, guiding him to the Rec Room grinning, “Knew you’d change your mind.”

            -

The pair walked into the Rec Room, it wasn’t full of bots, but enough to make a point. Many mechs, if not on patrol, recharging, or just wanted a moment of piece in their rooms, would reside in the Rec Room for as long as possible.

Still being Earth’s newest kept secret, and not going out, meant a whole lot of grumbling from the Autobots.

Sure, they were adjusting, getting new alt-modes, learning about the humans. But it wasn’t the same as their normal routine from back on Cybertron.  

“My fellow mechs!” Sideswipe announced getting everyone’s attention.

“Primus.” Sunstreaker groaned, slinking into a seat.

“I am here to ask you, whether or not,” he paused for dramatic effect, “if you like the humans.”

He was met with silence from the other mechs.

“You realize they have only have been around for about two nanoclicks.” Wheeljack pointed out.

“I don’t think I have even talked to one yet.” Inferno pondered out loud.

“My mechs, all that doesn’t mean anything.” Sideswipe argued, “You can still make a decision on if you likethem or not.”

“Well I for sure don’t.” Cliffjumper grumbled.

“See, one vote for no.” Sideswipe made a tally on the ‘no’ side of his chart. But he also made a tally on the ‘yes’ side.

“Who likes them?” Gears asked.

“I do.” The red mech grinned.

“Mark another for no.” Sunstreaker spoke up.

“Why are you doing this again?” Wheeljack asked.

“Because, he wants to be right.” The yellow twin complained.

“Sunny…” Sideswipe hissed.

“I for one like them, learning about their planet from them is interesting.” Wheeljack added.

“Thank you ‘Jack.” Sideswipe marked another one for ‘yes’.

“I like them.” Gears added to the conversation

Cliffjumper scoffed, “You haven’t even talked to them either!”

“So. I can still like them.” Gears countered.

“I’m confused. Why are you doing this again?” Bluestreak asked.

Sideswipe pinched his nose bridge and vented air from his systems. “It’s easy. Humans. Like. Yes. Or. No.”

The Autobots in the Rec Room looked at each other. “Okay, okay. Let’s start again. Just raise your servo if you like them.” Bluestreak, Gears, Wheeljack, and Inferno hesitantly raised their servos. Cliffjumper and Sunstreaker did not. “See? Not hard.”

He grinned at his brother, “See I win!”

“Win what?” His twin asked.

“Just to be right.” He said giddy ask he swiftly left the room, leaving the bots just as confused as when he walked in.

Chapter Text

Mack did not want to waste any time away from the Ark if possible. Today, she was sitting on a table talking to Bluestreak, Hound, Bumblebee and Wheeljack. Surrounded by the sitting Autobots around the table, and her on top of the table, they didn’t look as big from the ground.

The main series of questions for today revolved around animals- with their ship now open to Earth’s elements, several small creatures have ended up inside the Ark. A lost and surprised bird was this morning’s interest as in its confusion ran into several unsuspecting Autobots, before making its final escape.

“So, some species that were once on this planet do not exist anymore?” Wheeljack confirmed, the fins on the side of his head flashing.

“Well, it takes time for something like that to happen.” Mack began, “Like dinosaurs, they once ‘ruled the Earth’ and now we only find fossils of them, they never evolved, well kinda, but they all got wiped out, kaput, extinct, millions of years ago.”

“Fascinating.” He mulled over her words.

“Like for example, with birds, there are so many different species of them, they evolve to fit their environment. If the environment changes too fast for them to change- over like thousands of years – they become extinct. There’s a lot of animals that are extinct now, just because of human involvement.”

“So – are there different species of humans?” Hound asked.

Mack giggled, “Yes and no. At one time there were different ‘species’ as we evolved, but now in present day – all humans are homo sapiens. We might look different, speak different languages, but we’re all human.”

“How many languages are there? Cybertron only has one. Cybertronian. There’re different dialects, but we all speak the same! It’s hard to show you since you humans don’t have a way to download a new language into your processor, but I guess that goes for all organic planets –“ Bluestreak started going on but was interrupted from a growl sound coming from the human.

“Are you malfunctioning?” Bumblebee asked concerned

Mack felt the hairs on her neck stand up as she grabbed her stomach.

“Your energy levels are low.” Wheeljack told the group.

Mack rolled her eyes, “I’m just hungry. Don’t worry!”

“What’s hungry?” Bumblebee asked

She looked at the mechs, “Well we need food to give us energy – uh food for us is like fuel. It keeps us going and moving and thinking properly. My stomach made that sound since it’s been a while since I’ve eaten,” she paused to check the time on her phone. “Um, eating is what we call consuming the food.”

Wheeljack put his face closer to her, “It is amazing that even with no self-system checks, that your body can produce a signal like that for you.” He said in awe.

“We don’t have fuel for you here, do we?” Hound asked.

“Definitely not,” the human laughed at their interest. “Let me ask my dad, he’ll probably want something too. I’ll have to drive to pick up something.”

Bluestreak twitched and jumped in, “Oh if you leave, I can take you! Only if that is okay with you, and probably Optimus and Prowl too. It would be so nice to see where you get your fuel!”

The other Autobots looked a bit defeated as he was the first to offer taking her, Prime’s order to not leave the ship still stood and they all wanted their own chance to explore the Earth more.

Kevin’s phone buzzed on his make-shift desk. It was a foldable plastic table, covered with papers and his laptop. It was a Saturday, he spent all week working, and keeping the Autobot activity hidden, while trying to secure resources to help repair their ship and get it fully functioning as a base.

:are you hungry? i can get us something:

He thought about it for a moment, realizing, he also had not eaten anything and his coffee was now cold from the morning.

:Yeah that would be great. Not picky.:

:You got the keys?:

:well... Bluestreak offered to take me J :

He looked up at the Autobot command around him, they were all discussing still, but Jazz locked visor to eyes with him and gave him a smile, as in a ‘go ahead’ smile. He was not used to anyone being able to just ‘pick up’ messages from being close by.

:Fine. But he needs to ask Optimus Prime.:

“Dad said you can take me Bluestreak, but… you gotta ask Optimus Prime.”

Bluestreak grinned as he opened up his comm link.

\Prime? Sorry to interrupt but-\

\Yes Bluestreak?\

\Mack needs fuel and she was going to leave to go get it on her own, and I offered to take her. So, she asked Kevin and he said he would want something too, and he said it was okay for me to take her, but I had to ask you as well for permission to leave ship. So, I am asking for permission to leave to help the humans refuel.\

Optimus looked over at Kevin who was desperately trying to keep up with the Autobots. Kevin just shrugged and said “At least she asked first.”

The other Autobots around the conference room, looked from the human to Optimus confused.

“Asked for what?” Prowl pried one brow ridge raised.

Optimus vented air, like a sigh, as he spoke and commed back at the same time. “Yes Bluestreak, you have permission to help the humans refuel. No other stops.”

Bluestreak transformed at the entrance of the ship into his vehicle mode, and opened the driver door for her. Mack was still amazed every time they transformed, it was almost unbelievable that they could do that, and how they could look like such a normal car. And how big they were standing tall compared to their smaller car modes. Bluestreak had transformed into a Dodge Charger. He matched Prowl’s alt-mode, while Prowl had the paint job and sirens to match a police car, Bluestreak kept it simple with a grey paintjob.

She slid into the seat and the door shut on its own and they took off together. She instinctively put her hands on the wheel and feet over the pedals as he drove, but as he made their way up the dirt trail to the road she realized she didn’t need to do anything and put her hands in her lap. It was such a strange feeling to not actually drive a car while being in the driver’s seat. She watched the steering wheel turn on its own.

Mack had given them a crash course in driving. She also showed them where to download what she called, ‘Drivers Ed.’ Classes. It didn’t make a ton of sense until he saw all the lines on the asphalt, signs along the road and the lights that changed color.

“So where too? To get your human fuel?” he asked as his voice seemed to come from all around.

“Sorry Bluestreak, I didn’t think that far. There’s a lot of options we can go to.”

“You can call me Blue if you like! It’s my nickname.”

Mack looked up from her phone as she was trying to pick a close fast food place. “I didn’t think you guys used nicknames.”

“Sure, we do, I use Blue, you know Bumblebee goes by ‘Bee, Sideswipe uses Sides, sometimes, even Ironhide and Wheeljack have nicknames.”

“Alright then Blue,” she laughed, “Do you have a working GPS? We’ll just get burgers – that’ll be fast, we can do the drive thru.”

“You bet! Tell me where and I’ll find it. Also- what’s a drive thru?”

Mack had told them to always ask when an Earth English phrase didn’t make sense, but sometimes it was hard to explain certain concepts, that she just knew and had never had to explain before. “Some restaurants – fuel places – have an option where you can order while in your car, so you don’t have to go inside. You pay and get your food all while in your car. It’s supposed to be fast, that’s why we call them ‘fast food’.”

Blue thought about the concept. “You humans are so strange.” He finally said.

“Oh, you have no idea Blue.” She laughed.

They pulled up in the line to order, “Roll down your window, I’ll do the talking.” She assured him as it was their turn to order. She ordered her and her father plenty to eat and drink, then they rolled up to the next window to pay, and then finally the last window to receive their food. “Is it okay if I put it in the seat?” She asked the car.

“Oh sure!”

She put the warm food in the seat and the drinks in the center cupholder. Bluestreak realized why some aspects to his new Earth alt-mode were included in this form when she did that. He’d have to ask her about some other features he’s noticed that didn’t quite make sense to him.

“Alright that’s it! We can go back now.” She said.

“Oh, that was fast.” Blue said sadly.

“Don’t worry, I’ll find another reason for us to get out. I promise!” She said cheerly “I know Optimus Prime means well to ground yall basically – but you can’t be cooped up forever.”

Kevin had also helped to teach them traffic laws, in-between everything else that he had to take care of with them – and he may have skipped over the part of his fast paced driving school, on the concept of speed bumps. So unknown to the Autobot who had no idea what these specific stripes meant on the road, Bluestreak, going well above the slower speed limit, accidently launched himself and his human companion over it. Landing back on the asphalt hard, his shocks absorbed more than an average cars’ landing blow, but not enough to stop his passenger and some of the human fuel to go sliding.

“Primus! Are you alright! What are you humans thinking for putting that in the middle of your roads!”

“It’s okay Blue! That was a speed bump, it’s meant to slow cars down from going too fast. It’s not a – shit.”

Bluestreak didn’t notice right away, but there was a liquid pooling on his floorboards. He immediately pulled over and stopped.

“Are you okay!? I know Ratchet said you all are fragile but I didn’t think that something like that –“

“Blue. Blue. It’s okay! It’s just the drinks, the lid must not have been on tight. I’m so sorry, I should have checked. Let me clean it up.” Mack interjected digging through the bag for napkins to clean up the spill.

“Oh, it’s okay, don’t worry about it! As long as you’re not hurt, between Ratchet, Prowl and Prime they might offline me, if something happened.”

She was leaning over and trying to soak up the spill with the pathetic restaurant napkins, “I’m fine, it’s just, this is sticky – I don’t want to just leave it. Ugh, these are useless!” Then a thought crossed her mind. “We could, take a couple extra minutes, and go to the car wash!”

“Car – wash?” He asked puzzled.

“Yeah to get clean! There should be one nearby, let’s go!”

Usually the Autobots always took care in their appearance, but since re-awakening on Earth, that hasn’t been a high priority for them. They usually had small doses of water, cleaners and waxes on hand, but now they didn’t currently have running water on the Ark, and their cleaners had disintegrated over time. All the Autobots were dusty, dirty, scratched, and there were so many things to navigate on Earth lately, so most of them hadn’t thought twice about it, but the chance to be clean sounded incredible.

“Okay, this is one of those automatic car washes.” She directed him to pull over to watch another human and their car go through the wash cycle. Water sprayed, all over the vehicle, soap followed and then the giant spinners with cloth on them whipped around the exterior taking the grime off. “That won’t hurt you right?” The human asked concerned.

Bluestreak was in awe, “What? Oh no, not at all!”

They pulled up next in line and following the prompts on the screen Mackenzie payed for the full cycle wash, wax, the works. “Okay Blue, follow the lights and the instructions. You’ll have to put it into neutral. Uh the thing – it locks around your wheels so you don’t have to move. It’ll move you.” She directed.

He was surprised as to ‘put it in neutral’ but he did so anyway, letting the automatic car wash belt roll his body into the tunnel. Bluestreak was abnormally quiet as the water and colorful soap doused all over him.

Mack goes on, “After this, I can clean up the spill inside and vacuum some too.” Noticing the dust and her soggy napkins. She couldn’t see anything but the colorful soap and now the cloth spinners coming down to clean the Autobot. She realized that she had been talking with no answer from Blue for a while. 

“... Blue you good?”  She knew the car wash made her own car shake a little, but this time, sitting inside an alien car, it felt slightly different, she almost didn’t notice the change but it sounded like his engine was purring.

“…Ohhh yeahhh…”

After leaving the automatic car wash, they pulled over to the vacuum station and she got out to inspect his vehicle mode. He was once covered in dirt, but now he looked so clean, and the Autobot insignia on his hood looked regal and bright red in contrast to his grey paintjob. “You look great Blue!” She exclaimed giving his hood a hug, putting her check on the warm metal.

“Really?!” he said surprised revving his engine a little.

“Oh 100%, car show material.” She got up finishing the last of the detail cleaning inside, wiping up her spilled drink mess and vacuuming his floorboards.

The drive back to the base went by fast too, as they chatted the whole way back. He drove straight into the base continuing until they stopped at the conference room and let the human get out with all of the fuel she had brought back. Bluestreak transformed and lowered a hand down to her.

Mack was still getting used to just getting in Autobot hands for a lift, but it beat getting picked up around the middle. She balanced the food in her arms while she braced herself against one of his fingers. The door automatically opened to the conference room as Blue walked in.

“Hey guys!” She greeted, as she was also lowered to the table where her father was, “Dinner is served.”

“Thank ya kiddo.” He immediately started digging in the bag getting any loose French fries from the bottom.

The Autobots were silent as they stared at the shiny, clean form of Bluestreak in front of them. “We’ll be in the Rec Room if you need anything!” she called out and Blue let her jump back into his hand and they left before the commanders could say a word.

“Oh, Tracks and Sunstreaker are going to kill him.” Jazz laughed breaking the silence

Kevin chocked on a bite of his lukewarm burger “What?!”

Prowl gave a disapproving frown, “They did not just get fuel.” He stated.

“What come on, you don’t think-“

Ironhide glared interrupting the human “’An how the scrap do ya think he got so clean?”

They walked into the Rec Room on their return, “Took you guys long enough!” Bumblebee said turning around, “Where did-“, ‘Bee stopped talking, as all the Autobots in the room stared again at Bluestreak. He lowered his hand to the table again, as all optics were on the pair.

Mack puzzled said “What? What’s wrong?!”

Sunstreaker shoved Trailbreaker out of the way, followed by Tracks with folded arms and disgusted grimaces on their face plates. Sunstreaker shoved his finger into the sniper’s chest plate. “You’re clean.” He growled. “How!” he demanded.

Blues’ optics grew wide and couldn’t get any words out, before Mack interrupted. “We went to a car wash, what’s the big deal?” Sunstreaker and Tracks all but whipped their heads around and glared at the human. Both of the mechs hardly talked to her when she was there, but Sunstreakers’ twin Sideswipe did enjoy learning about Earth, so he did most of the talking when they interacted since they were always together.

Mack noticed then that Sunstreaker and Tracks were definitely cleaner than the other Autobots, but not as sparkling clean and freshly waxed like Blue had become.

Bluestreak tried to explain quickly and poorly, rambling on about the speed bump and the spill, and that it cost human currency, and that the human knew all about it; but all his talking just made Sunstreaker angrier.

Tracks and Sunstreaker must have had a silent comm conversation, as Sunstreaker shoved Bluestreak into the wall, making him loose his balance. He turned towards the human, picking her up by the middle, Mack letting out a squeak, clutched his fingers, and bringing her up to his own eyeline. “You are going to take us. Now.” He growled.

This action proceeded to erupt the Rec Room into chaos. Autobots arguing with each other, Hound helping Bluestreak back up, Wheeljack and Sideswipe telling Sunstreaker to put the human down. Some Autobot had the right idea to comm Prime and Prowl, as all the commanders that were once with Kevin in the conference room, also burst into the Rec Room to help figure out the commotion. They were not shocked at the altercation, but surprised to see all the Autobots arguing with each other.

Kevin was left in the conference room by himself as he slammed his head down on his sad, paper filled desk, as Prime, Prowl, Jazz, Ironhide and Ratchet raced out of the room. “Fuck me.”

 Prowl saw that Sunstreaker was still holding onto their human ambassadors’ creation, by her midsection, and swiftly went over and twisted the mechs wrist, making him drop the human girl into his own hand. He glared at Sunstreaker, before asking, “Are you injured?”

This question made the room fall into silence, as Mack sat up in Prowl’s open hand. “No, I’m okay.” She felt the hairs rise on her neck again, she didn’t know why it kept happening, but it sent a chill down her spine every time.

Prowl quickly turned and left the Rec Room, human still in hand followed by Ratchet, the three continued in silence as they headed back to the conference room.

Kevin looked up as the doors slid open, revealing the two Autobots. He didn’t say anything either as Prowl lowered his hand letting Mack stand up finally.

“We will be right back.” Ratchet grunted offering the two humans no other explanation, as they left as quick as they came, leaving them alone.

Kevin narrowed his eyes at his daughter, “What did you do?”

She lifted her hands up innocently, “Nothing! I swear!” The accusatory silence was cut by her stomach growling once more, now combined with the added ache of a squished midsection. Again. She sighed, “I didn’t even get to eat my burger.”

Optimus Prime was the only one to return to the humans shortly after. Even behind his face mask, the humans could tell he gave a weak smile with his eyes. “I apologize for the crews’ behavior. That was unacceptable and inappropriate.” As he sat down to be closer to them.

Kevin coughed and nudged his daughter with an elbow.

“No, it’s my fault Optimus, I didn’t listen when you said to not make any other stops.” The young human apologized.

“Do not worry about faults,” Prime began, “maybe I am being overly cautious, requesting that they remain here on the Ark. We still do not fully understand your world, and – there are a lot of factors what are currently out of our control.”

“Optimus Prime, I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like to understand your situation.” Kevin locked eyes with the Autobot, “But I will say this – yall are doing a great job at adapting so fast, you’re a good leader, no matter the bumps in the road. So, to speak.” He said throwing a glance at his daughter at the end.

Optimus looked at the two humans in front of him, weighing his options of letting them into their world and a deeper look inside what they are experiencing.

“The others are stressed, we have not provided them with the knowledge yet of how long we have been in stasis here, and still with no way to contact Cybertron,” he paused, “we do not know of its fate. Anything could have happened while we have been here, and – it is hard not knowing.” He admitted.

A thought crossed Mack’s mind, looking up at Prime. “You’re homesick.”

Optimus now looked at her, “Yes, I suppose we are.” He leaned in a bit closer to her, “Now – please explain what this ‘car-wash’ is.”

Kevin Donovin never thought he would ever in his life spend so much money for car washes than he was right now. At the request of Optimus Prime, and the sanity of the crew under his care, he asked for the human ambassador to help make arrangements that all Autobots, if they so choose, could have a one of their human car washes.

Since it was mostly Mack’s fault, she was tasked with escorting groups of Autobots to the car wash. So, this is how she spent the next entire day being driven to and from the Ark, taking and explaining to each mech how to go through.

It was pretty uneventful, Sunstreaker refused to let her sit inside, while Tracks insisted on going through twice. Others protested that Bluestreak got to go through again. Hound had explained that they can usually take care of themselves, but explained their water and cleansers situation to the girl, on how aboard the Ark, they were basically destroyed. On their trip back, before gathering the last group to go, she told him to stop at an auto parts store and bought out their entire stock of cleaners and waxes to take back. Though human sized, Hound appreciated the gesture.

Prime was the last one to go through the car wash – after all the Autobots had gone. Mack sat in the driver’s seat of the 18-wheeler truck vehicle Freightliner form of the Autobot leader as he made his way inside.

“Everyone needs a break and some TLC, you know, that includes you Autobots.” She commented.

Prime hesitated before asking, “TLC?” Still trying to familiarize himself with human phrases.

 “Yeah, TLC, it stands for ‘tender, love and care’, to take care of your mind, body and soul.” She explained.

Prime chuckled, “I will remember that.” For the time being, that is what it seemed like all his Autobots needed at the moment, and he could understand that. He had been worried once about allowing the humans to spend as much time as they have been, in proximity to the Autobots. However, it seems that their presence has become a good distraction for those who need it.

Chapter Text

Mackenzie wasn’t in her normally cheery, helpful, answer questioning mood today. She was just content to watch the Rec Room, Med Bay, or tag along with any bot that thought she should join them on their daily tasks.

Her normal long explained answers about Earth and humanity were short and to the point. “Didn’t you say you connected to the internet, thanks to Sky-Spy? Why can’t you just, I don’t know, look up- or download the answers?”

Ratchet had the wonderful task of explaining that, yes, they could download all human knowledge from the internet, but it would fry their processor circuits.

“Do you know everything about human existence?” He asked.

“No.” She admitted.

“Exactly. If you care to know it, you will learn it and retain it.” Ratchet answered, “It’s the same with Cybertronians, there can be so much data out there, that there’s no way you can possibly know it all. No processor can keep all that information. If it’s not relevant, why retain it, taking up precious space?”

The human girl blinked, processing his words.

“So, if I said ‘Google it’. Unless a mech cared,” she pondered, “they wouldn’t actually do it.”

Ratchet narrowed his optics. “What’s ‘Google’?”

“Google it.”

“Donovin. Donovin. ‘Ey Kev!”

Kevin felt his shoulder being grabbed and shaken, startling him awake. In an instant he grabbed the wrist connected to the hand, jumped up and twisted. Ensuring the persons’ face met the table where he was once asleep, and their arm twisted back in the air. The strength in his palms keeping the surprised intruder down, as he breathed heavily from his nose.

“Hey man!” Kevin’s’ pupils were pinpoint and glassy until he blinked it away with the realization of who he attacked. He slowly let go of Sterling, his friend and previous comrade and backed away.

Sterling turned, hands up facing him. “Hey. It’s okay, it’s just me. That was my bad, I’m sorry.”

Kevin’s chest finally slowed down as Sterling calmed him down. He grabbed his head as he groaned. Trying to separate his nightmares from reality.

“Spencer. Fucking hell.”

“You good?” Sterling asked concerned.

“I’ll be fine.” He grumbled, Kevin’s face had red lines and small indents where it showed he was in a dead sleep on top of papers on his desk.

His friend crossed his arms, “I thought you said those night terrors were getting better.”

Kev rolled his eyes and sat back down. “They are.”

“Doesn’t look like it to me.”

“Is this an interrogation?”

“No. It’s just 7 pm and you’ve been knocked the fuck out for three hours.”

Kevin stared at the tiny clock on his computer and hung his head. Sterling was right. He had been out cold for a good amount of time. “Just tired.” Was all he could come up with as an excuse.

“Bullshit.” Sterling pulled up a chair. “Now, it’s interrogation time. Are you going to tell me what’s up, or am I going to have to do some digging behind your back?”

Kevin stared at his friend. Oh gee, Spencer. Let me tell you all about the giant alien robots I’ve been keeping secret in the forest. They’re the reason I’m dead tired. I don’t sleep, because they don’t sleep. Crazy right? He thought to say. But the only words that came out were, “This case is driving me insane.” As he flipped the smallest manila file folder open, revealing about 10 papers inside it total.

“You’re still on that satellite business?” Sterling raised a brow. “I don’t buy it.”

“Well then you can’t return it.”

Sterling was about to say another snarky remark back, when Kevin’s phone rang interrupting the makeshift interrogation. Kevin looked at it and couldn’t stop the groan that escaped his throat.

“You know it hasn’t stopped ringing, even while you were dead to the world.” He pointed out, “Who is it?”

Kevin had no choice but to lie again, seeing the contact appear as ‘Prowl’. Getting up to walk out of the building to take the call. “My mother-in-law.”

Human Behavioral Science & Anthropology Report

Update 1

Autobot Chief Medical Officer/Ratchet/

Earth/2019/ 

-

Humans are |

Ratchet stared at the screen in front of him, he never thought as the CMO of the Autobots, he would be bored. Since they woke up on this planet, there had been no news or activity from the Deception, which left the doctor with almost nothing to do.

He and Wheeljack had begun the process of not only try to create the valuable energon this planet was so rich in, but at the same time, impossible to find. Between that, and continually repairing the crashed ship into a functioning base, he was not truly doing any medical work.

Wheeljack was close to converting one of Earth’s natural resources into energon. So, Ratchet deemed today was his break from the science. Thankfully, Wheeljack hadn’t had any mishaps, which he is so well known for, yet.

So, his next best investment and use of his time, was now devoted to learning about the humans that inhabited the planet they were now on. He had seen first-hand the surprising damage energon had on their bodies. Not to mention when he first discovered the off-color banding on their skin when damaged, the humans called ‘bruising’. He had watched bruises develop and heal over time quietly as after their first encounter with humans left them partially ‘squished’ in the middle.

Though their ‘internet’, as they called it and his own scans provided more than enough information on their biological processes, as all doctors learn best, was from hands on learning, which where he was falling short. Kevin and his creation Mackenzie, being the two humans, they saw the most, provided some answers for the doctor, but it did not stop his quest of more knowledge.

“…Ratch?”

Ratchet turned around realizing finally someone else was in the Med Bay, snapping him out of his train of thought.

He sighed, “Sorry ‘Jack, I didn’t hear you come in.”

Wheeljack had his arms full of scrap metal and wires, which Ratchet eyed warily, but said nothing about, as his headfins flashed brightly as he laughed, “It’s okay. I asked how your report was coming?”

Ratchet looked at the report he had started writing with barely any content. “It’s a process.”

“I’m sure. The humans are so fascinating. I like them.”

Now it was Ratchet’s turn to chuckle, “You’re one of the few right now who do.” He looked Wheeljack up and down, as he stood there expectantly, “What do you need ‘Jack?”

Wheeljack’s optics went wide. “Well, I was just wondering, and I know we’re all on short supply, and we need to monitor what we use-“

“Primus Wheeljack.” Ratchet interrupted, “You’ve been spending too much time with Bluestreak.”

“I was looking to borrow a laser scalpel.” Lifting his arms, a bit gesturing to the mess of scrap metal and wires he had scavenged.

Ratchet pondered his ask, raising a brow ridge, they were very short on supplies. Between the time they were in stasis and the lack of technological advancements of this planet, not to mention size, everyone was conscious of their lack of resources. He got up and went over to his own tool cart, not everything he had stored on board the Ark had fully survived the crash. He pulled out a worse for wear laser scalpel and held it in his hand before walking over to Wheeljack and placing it on top of the pile. “This one needs to be fixed up, but if you can get it working order, it’s yours.”

Wheeljack’s optics lit up brightly, “Thanks Ratchet!”

“If that scalpel ends up –“

“No promises.” Wheeljack rang out before backing up through the med bay doors and almost running back to his own makeshift lab, before Ratchet could lecture him about laser scalpel safety.

Ratchet stood in his once again empty Med Bay and pinched his nose bridge. This time they were spending on Earth was, something.

-

Luckily, before turning back to his uninteresting report, his com link opened.

/Prime to Ratchet./

Thank Primus. He thought.

/This is Ratchet./

/I am requesting your presence, in the conference room./ The tone of Optimus’ voice was uncertain, but not panicked.

/Affirmative, be there shortly./ He hesitated, /Do I need to bring anything?/ he asked.

Now it was Optimus’ turn to hesitate. /I am… uncertain./

This peaked Ratchets’ interest. There wasn’t a lot that would make Prime hesitate like that. He didn’t rush out of the Med Bay, but he certainly made haste.

“Ahm deeling you, ahm fine.” Kevin said gruffly, his words jumbled by the fact he was holding his nose. He was in going over how he could help the Autobots, it was the same type of meeting they had been having. Not that progress was being made fast. Keeping them hidden away from other humans was certainly a challenge. Thankfully some tweaks by Wheeljack, and Hound’s hologram projector hid the entrance of the Ark from any wandering humans near-by. Two humans knowing of their existence, was more than enough for now. As a whole it was certainly stressful, but since the Autobots did not sleep like humans did, it seemed he was on call 24/7. He couldn’t complain, it was the best things he’s ever had but it sure took devotion, and a surprising amount of phone calls.

He had been currently talking to Optimus Prime and Prowl before he felt a familiar tickle in the back of his nose. It had been a few months since he felt a nosebleed come on, but for the amount of coffee, energy drinks, poor diet and lack of sleep he had been having, it wasn’t surprising. However, it more embarrassing than anything that it would start now, of all times, in front of the Autobots. And to think he was hiding his exhaustion from both human and Autobots alike, and somehow failing at both spectacularly. 

He had slapped his hand to his face, pinching his nose tightly, and scooted his chair back so he leaned slightly forward.

Mid evaluation, Prowl noticed the unusual movement the human had made, and paused. “Kevin, is everything alright?”

Kevin looked up at now both Prowl and Optimus Prime looking at him, confusion written all over their faces.

“Eeah, U’m fine. Don’n wurry.” He said as he shuffled through the papers on his table to find his phone. Luckily on days like this, Mack wasn’t too far inside of the base, probably with some other Autobots. He sent her a quick text.

:Need tissues. Afrin in car, can you get?:

 “Is there something the matter?” This time Optimus Prime was the one to ask, true concern in his voice.

“Nah yus an ‘ose bleeb.”

“A what?” Prowl asked brow raised.

Kevin let out a sigh before un-pinching his nose as a test of the flow, but he didn’t dare breathe.

“It’s a nose bleed, I’m fine.” Just as he finished talking his own body betrayed him as he did breathe out of his nose, and red blood dripped from his nose and down his face. Once again, he immediately slapped his face trying to hide the blood that was now getting absolutely everywhere.

Both Optimus and Prowl jerked in their seats, visually uncomfortable at the red human fluid. As they watch the human fumble and grumble under his breath with one hand through his bag, but clearly showing no concern for its current situation. They both looked at each other before Prime raised a finger to contact Ratchet.

-

They had never seen a liquid like that come from the human, let alone an organic. The bright red color clashed against his skin, making the Autobots uneasy.

A knock at the door, made all three of them pause, before Prime spoke up, “Come in.”

The red and white medical officer walked in to two very shocked looking Autobots, and one bent over human, elbows on his knees.

“What is-“ Ratchet began looking for an answer from his fellow Autobots, before looking down at the human, who finally made eye contact with him. The human rolled his eyes as Ratchet realized his face and hand, and now his white clothing, were now a bright red color.

Ratchet immediately bent down to be eye level with the human, starting a full scan, before he said, “Move your hand this instant.” He ordered.

“Aatched, U’m fine, Ah ‘old em noh oou wurry.” Hand still pinching his nose, hand covering his face.

“Now.” Ratchet narrowed his optics, as he continued to scan.

Kevin sighed before giving into the much larger being, and removing his hand, allowing the blood from his nose to flow freely down his face. He tried wiping the blood away with the backside of his hand which just caused it to smear more along his face.

Ratchet’s scan concluded nothing too out of the ordinary compared to his own knowledge of human biology. Which just frustrated him even more.

Ratchet looked over at Prime and Prowl looking for any other explanation on what they might have done to aggravate the human’s condition. They did not let anything on but a slight shrug. He returned his attention to the human, “What is it?” he asked directed at the red fluid.

“It’s just a nose bleed Ratch, I get them from time to time.” Kevin said has the blood dripped. He returned to pinch his nose. “Ii’ll stap soon. Fahve ta ten minuahs.”

“Nose bleed?” Ratchet repeated even more confused. “What is this fluid?”

Just then the conference room door opened and interrupted Ratchet’s own interrogation of the human. Jazz with Mack in hand stood in the doorway.

 “Are we late to the party?” Jazz asked with a smile, before looking around at the seriousness of the other bots in the room.

“Tough crowd Jazz.” Mack offered grin on her own face.

“Oook ya long unough.” Kevin said flatly from his chair.

Jazz took one look at the not so fine human and also hesitated, shocked at his condition. Mack looked from her father to Jazz with her own puzzled look, as she wasn’t immediately put down. Realizing his hesitation, Jazz reluctantly put the girl down.

“Jeeze dad, I thought you said you hadn't been having them as bad anymore.” She scolded.

Kevin glared snatching the supplies out of her hands, as he ripped more than enough tissues one by one out of the box.

Kevin un-pinched his nose to wipe away the blood which was almost dry on his face. “You sound like Ratchet.”

 “Your creator was just explaining the substance dripping from his face plate.” Ratchet glowered.

Mackenzie looked at Ratchet confused, “You mean blood?”

“If that is what that red liquid is. Then yes. What is it’s purpose.”

The Autobots had always given her the hard questions, she tried to always answer as best as she could trying to match the things she had learned about them to give them a point of reference. This time however it was easy to explain.

“Blood is like energon.” She said.

“Energon.” Ratchet spat back surprised, “How in the All-Spark is it like energon?”

“Well- you said it’s your lifeforce right? Blood is ours. It gets pumped through our bodies from our heart,” she placed her hand over the center of her chest, “and keeps us alive.”

The Autobots looked shocked at her analogy. It was when the similarities between Cybertronians and Humans crossed that took them by surprise the most.

“What’s cool is our bodies can make more of it. We all get hurt every now and then and loose some. But we can replenish what we lose, there’s like what – a gallon or so of blood in your body at all times.” She continued on.

“However, you bleed, that’s what we call losing blood. You bleed too much or too fast and you die.”

Now Cybertronians could perish the same way, by losing too much energon from their systems. But if that happened, just casually leaking energon and to not be worried about it, like the human was now, were two very different reactions. So, to see his calmness, moreover, just frustration of losing blood, was a surprise to them.

“This one looks bad this time.” She replied with hands on her hips.

Optimus Prime spoke up, taking the whole situation in. “This time?” he questioned. All Autobots looked at the human as he put something up his nose and sprayed it, distorting his face.

“Yeah, he gets them every couple of months. It’s nothing.”

“Nothing!?” Ratchet repeated shocked leaning back.

Mack turned around at Ratchet’s outburst, and shrugged. “Yeah, there’s not really anything you can do about it.”

Ratchet brought his face close to the girl. “What do you mean, ‘there’s nothing you can do about it’. You just said if humans bleed too much that could cause serious harm or death to your systems.” He questioned angrily.

The human girl blinked, realizing that Ratchet’s harshness was him genuinely concerned. “Oh Ratch, it’s not always like that.”

“Yeah,” Kevin interjected, “See look, it’s better now.” He shoved his chin forward smiling, hand away from his face, with no blood continuously dripping anymore, but the stained smear of where the blood had been on his face was still visible.

“Missed a spot.” Mack said directed at her father as she pointed to her face, as her father panicked grabbing more tissues and tried rubbing the remaining blood off. She returned her attention to the Autobot, “Yes, loosing blood is never a good thing, but in some cases, it just happens. Nose bleeds can be caused by a bunch of different things. Dry air, weak vessels and stress are three of the big reasons.” She said listing the reasons off on her fingers. “You can’t really control those.” She concluded with a shrug.

Ratchet was silent as he processed her words, he scanned the human male once again to confirm the diagnosis.

“Capillaries in your nose have broken. Your heart rate is slightly elevated. No other indications of any other issues.” He said flatly.

“It seems the humans are aware of their own systems, Ratchet.” Prowl spoke up. “I do not want to rush this, but if Kevin is fine, I’m afraid there is more data we need to go over.”

The human hid a small grimace, before changing attitude. “Right as rain.” Kevin said giving a thumbs up.

“If you believe you are fine to continue.” Optimus said, looking at Ratchet for the ultimate decision.

Ratchet stood up giving now both humans a once over scan again. Kevin appeared fine now, but as he scanned Mack he paused. He quickly turned and slapped Jazz on the back of the helm.

“Ow! Ratch! What’s that for?” Jazz called out rubbing his helm where Ratchet gave it a whack.

“That, is for not noticing that she, is bleeding as well.” He grumbled.

All optics and one set of human eyes all turned on the human girl, who was quickly turning getting flush as her eyes went wide.

“What?!” Jazz called out.

“Mackenzie, are you alright?” Optimus Prime asked leaning forward.

The human girl stood still, hands in fists at her side, as Kevin sputtered in surprise. “That is none of any your businesses!” She cried out.

The confused Autobots were taken aback but her outburst. Ratchet looked at the human girl, “My scans say your systems are bleeding. In a location called your uterus –“

“NOPE.” She interrupted waving her arms, not making eye contact.

“My research says, the lining of that organ is,” he paused quickly understanding the word, “shedding. Which causes you to bleed internally and externally.”

Mack stood there in absolute shock and embarrassment, “I – I. You – I.” The words wouldn’t come out she was so flustered by the situation.

“Oh Ratchet. There’s just some things you don’t ask a lady about.” Kevin threw out in the conversation, trying to hide the awkwardness with his daughter.

“What I shouldn’t ask about?” Ratchet retorted frustrated.

“Not specifically you, just -any man.” The human replied looking at his daughter who was staring at the table top, frozen.

“Ask about what?” Jazz asked, wanting to know the reason he got whacked.

“Your human data base calls it; ‘menstruation’.” Ratchet replied flatly.

Mack finally looked up at the giant alien robot doctor. “Ratchet.” She seethed. “You do not need to bring up that I am on my period.”

Now it was Ratchet’s turn to be confused, “You have a name for it?”

She groaned. “Yes. My period. I am very familiar with it.”

“So, you knew this was happening to you.”

Now it was her turn to glare, “Yeah it’s real fun. Best time of the month.”

“Month?” Jazz asked innocently.

Mack glared at the mech, shooting daggers with her eyes. While she was deciding what to say, Ratchet offered more of his ‘research’. “A menstrual cycle, every 28 to 35 days, happens to biological females of your species. The body prepares for a – a pregnancy, and when no pregnancy occurs, the uterine lining sheds, blood, mucus, and tissue. Preparing for the next cycle. It is regulated by hormones, specifically estrogen.”

Mackenzie covered her face in embarrassment as Ratchet spoke about her own ‘biological processes’.

“Very, uh, eloquently put Ratch, but you might wanna stop while you’re ahead.” Kevin offered weakly.

“This is utterly embarrassing.” Mack whimpered from behind her hands.

“Mackenzie, I apologize for Ratchets, bluntness, if this has caused you distress.” Optimus Prime apologized, “We meant no discomfort on your behalf, our concern comes from our lack of knowledge of your species.” He said looking at the medic.

Mack sighed, hearing the sincere apology in the Prime’s words. “It’s fine Prime, I – I was just caught off guard, we – humans, don’t really talk about it like that unless –“ she stopped mid-sentence looking at Ratchet.

Ratchet smirked, raising a brow at the human girl. “Prime, I think the humans are fully operational to continue their duties.”

Prime nodded, “Very well. Thank you Ratchet. Prowl, Kevin, where were we?” Wanting very much to continue where they had left off, and move past all this blood business. He did not enjoy hearing about ways that the humans could perish.

Jazz offered a hand down to the human girl to catch a ride, Mack looked at his black hand and then back up at Ratchet. “Hey Jazz, I think, if it’s okay with you Ratchet, I’m gonna go with you.”

Ratchet paused, not thinking the human would want to leave with him. “Very well.” He said as he put his own hand down for the girl to climb into.

“No worries little lady.” Jazz said smiling, “Come find me before you take off!” He nodded, “Prime. Prowler.” Before spinning on his heel headed back to the Rec Room where he was before.

Ratchet and Mack followed leaving the room, headed in the opposite direction to the Med Bay. Once inside he put his hand down on the data console, and she jumped off, looking at the Cybertronian type keyboard and display.

“So…” She began.

“So?”

She sighed looking up at his warm blue optics. “So, I know you can look it all up. Which honestly at this point I’d prefer. But I can tell you some things – not all - in my own words. If that’s okay?”

Ratchet’s face softened, before settling into his seat at his monitor. “Alright.”

“On one condition.”

Ratchet gave a quick frown, he wasn’t used to dealing with ultimatums from his patients. “And that is?”

“We never talk about my period. Ever again.”

The medic nodded.

“Okay. What do you want to know?”

He paused thinking of his first question.

“What is a pregnancy?”

Chapter Text

Mack slumped into the backseat of the car, staring out the window, she knew this was coming, it had been all planned out, but she really wasn’t thinking about how soon it really was.

It’s not like she could tell her friends, Hey! I can’t go to the concert we have had planned for months, because I want to hangout with alien robots from outer space!

That would probably seem a little insensitive.

Also considering she had blown them off more than a few times to hang out with the Autobots instead.

The least she could do was have fun like she always knew she’d have. It was actually a music festival in San Fransisco, and they had planned to spend a week in the city exploring. They were already halfway into their 10 hour drive. 

“Oi. Chica.” Raoul tapped her head. “Earth to Mack. You in there? You’re zoomin’ out.”

She laughed and swatted his had away. “I’m fine Raoul! Don’t worry.”

“Say the girl that disappeared for 6 hours.”

Mack quickly dropped her smile. “I told yall, I got lost. My bad.”

“Riiiigghttt.” Raoul dragged out the word like he really believed her.

“We were so worried about you.” Carly spoke up, “We’re just all glad you're okay. Right boys?” She punched the two guys in the front seat.

“Hey!” Spike whined. “I didn’t say anything!”

“Uh huh. Eyes on the road.” Carly ordered as she rolled her eyes.

-

An hour into their trip later Mack’s phone silently began to vibrate with an incoming call.

There was no number that popped up on screen, so she clicked the screen closed. She barely declined the call when it rang again but with a caller id this time: SS.

SS? She thought looking at the screen, Who the hell is S- before it clicked that it was more than likely Sideswipe. He was the only one who would risk calling her.  

She stared at the options on the screen – answer, decline or message.

Mack looked at her friends, Carly, headphones in, nose deep in her newest novel. Raoul passed out in the front passenger seat, and Spike focused on the road, singing along to the 80’s rock playlist he had carefully curated.

She definitely couldn’t the the call in the car, but, could Autobots text?

: Hey!! Stop calling me, I’m busy

She stared at her screen hoping the message to Sideswipe worked. It didn’t take long before a message bubble gave her an answer.

: How’d you do that? Came the response, she smiled at the message.

: Do what?

: THAT

: You mean texting?

: Yeah! This is cool, but I can still call you right? We got a question for you.

: Yeah later tho

: What’s tho.

: Though

: Oh. Why’d you spell it like that.

: Idk its shorthand text

: What’s idk

: I don’t know

: Well why’d you type it if you don’t know.

: No, it means ‘I don’t know’ idk is an acronym

For the first time in the conversation, Sideswipe paused before replying back.

: That makes no sense. Another message came up. : When are you going to be back?

: Next Friday  😢

: What. Is. That.

: An emoji

: That’s not a real word.

: Google it

She could only picture Sideswipe the alien Autobot googling ‘what is an emoji’, as she smiled to herself.

: I like these. 😂

: 🏎

: ☀️

: 👽

Her phone blew up with different emojis as Sideswipe seemingly went through all his favorite ones that existed.

: I’ve created a monster omg

: 😈

“Primus.”

“What’s wrong ‘Jack?”

Wheeljack rolled out from under Teletraan-1. He was covered in dust, oil, and a variety of fluids. “It’s just every time I think I get close to getting her fixed, it seems something else breaks.”

“Well isn’t that surprising.” Ratchet grumbled, as he helped sort through a scavenged, but usable pile of wiring.

 Jazz was stationed at the monitor, trying to active the downed systems. “Well, you were doin’ something right ‘Jack. You got a couple more sensors up.”

“If I could-“ Wheeljack began.

“Absolutely not.” Ratchet interrupted.

“Ratch, you have no idea what I was going to say.”

“No, I know exactly what you were thinking. And no.”

Jazz looked between the medic and the scientist, “’Aight Doc, you got me invested. What did you think he was gonna say?”

Ratchet looked between Wheeljack and Jazz and rolled his optics. “He was going to ask if he could ‘fix it’ by taking apart a different part of the ship.”

Wheeljack’s silence was the only answer they needed to know that the medic was correct in his assessment. He grumbled, as he slid back under the console.

Jazz chuckled, “It’s alright ‘Jackie, I think you’re doin’ a fine job with what you got.”

The glow from Wheeljack’s vocal indicators emanated underneath, “If the humans had more advanced technology, this process would be so much faster.” His hand poked out, gesturing to being handed more wiring.

Now it was Ratchets’ turn to laugh and scoff at the advancement of humanity. “Their technology is primitive.” As he handed over more wires. “They still rely on wheels as a mode of transportation.” He looked over his shoulder at the new wheels attached to his frame.

“Besides, it would unethical to make advancements on their current technology, for them. Who knows what sort of process it would speed up.”

Ratchet pulled Wheeljack out from the console, “Hey!”

“What do you mean?” Ratchet glared at the scientist.

Wheeljack looked between Jazz and Ratchet. “The humans have evolved this far with no outside acknowledgement. When was the last time you’ve heard of a planet that has had zero contact from any other planetary species? They’ve been in their own little universe since existing. It’s amazing to see how far they’ve gotten on their own. Percy would love to analyze them.” He sat up, brushing the dust off his hands.

 Jazz and Ratchet shared a look, thinking of the Autobot scientist on Cybertron.

“The sooner we fix this,” Ratchet gestured to the console, “the sooner we can get back to Cybertron.”

“Even with Sky-Spy up in the air, we aint getting’ any long-range signal out. Not as far as Cybertron that is anyway.” Jazz explained.

-

The doors to the command bay opened, Optimus Prime and Prowl entered, followed quickly by Kevin, making sure the automatic doors didn’t slam close on him.

“Hey Prime, Prowler, Kev! My man.” Jazz greeted them cheerfully.

Optimus and Prowl nodded, acknowledging the work they had been doing, “How are the repairs going?”

“Great!” Wheeljack exclaimed.

“Slow.” Ratchet grumbled at the same time.

“We’re gettin’ parts up, we can track signals anywhere across this planet,” Jazz started, “But so far no good anywhere else.” He pointed up to the ceiling.

Optimus pondered, as he walked over to the console, “Do not worry Teletraan-1 we will get you in working order shortly.” He reassured the computer.

“So, nothing yet on gettin’ word out to your guys on Cybertron?” The human asked.

“Not yet.” Wheeljack answered as he held up his tools.

“I thought you guys, you know, launched a satellite. Didn’t that help?”

“Sky-Spy?” Prowl asked, “If that is what you’re referring to, it’s signal would not be able to reach Cybertron.”

“Yall can’t just fly back there?”

Ratchet laughed at the humans’ lack of knowledge. “That would require a spaceship. Which as you can see,” he gestured to the rocks coming from all sides of the orange metal, “cannot fly. Besides, we bridged here, and would not have enough energy to complete a jump even with a working ship.”

“Bridged?” Kevin became stuck on that use of the word in context.

Optimus interjected before the medic blew a gasket explaining, “A space bridge, yes, we could fly to Cybertron from Earth, but that would take several cycles. A space bridge, allows you to jump from one point in space to another, almost in an instant.”

Kevin paused to think over the explanation, “That’s pretty cool. Once yall get in workin’ order, yall better promise to take me to the moon. I need to see if NASA put a man there, or if it was a hoax.”

“A man where?” Jazz asked.

“You know, on the moon.”

“Humans have been to your moon?” Prowl asked puzzled.

All optics looked to the ground where the human was, waiting for his answer.

“Yes?” Kevin responded hesitantly.

“And when,” Ratchet got down to his level. “were you going to share this with us?”

“I thought,” the human pinched his fingers over his eyes. “I thought, you knew.”

“What’s a NASA?” Wheeljack broke the tension in the room, from several angry commanders.

Kevin, quickly grateful for the change in topic, answered quickly. “NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.” He spoke over Ratchets’ grumbles, “Yeah, we’ve been to ‘space’”, he used his fingers like air quotes, “but only to the moon. Well and the International Space Station. Nowhere near as far as – however far Cybertron is. Our spaceships, are more like giant rockets. Does Teletraan show you guys pictures?”

Jazz bent down and outstretched his hand, allowing the human to catch a ride to the top of the console. Optimus stood ready at the monitor, fingers above the alien keyboard.

“Look up, NASA spaceship.”

A homepage of the Earth’s internet showed up first, revealing ‘Google’. Optimus did as he was instructed, typing in those words.

“Now select images.”

On the screen now, the Autobots looked at the humans’ form of space travel. A small white and black shuttle, surrounded by several large booster rockets. To be surprised was an understatement.

“How primitive.” Ratchet groaned out loud.

“That’s it?” Prowl asked.

“Yeah that’s it. It’s pretty bad ass though. But no way in hell she’d make a trip to Cybertron.”

Optimus looked at the small space shuttle the humans had engineered. Yes, it was small, and primitive to their own technology, but it must be a feat for the humans. Advancements like this did not come as easy to organic beings. “It seems our best course of action is still getting a message to Cybertron.”

“Sorry Prime.” The human apologized.

“Do not apologize, we are working on getting a stronger signal. Besides the repairs that Teletraan-1 need are essential.”

“Your tech is getting there though,” Wheejack stood up finally. “Not bad for several vorns.”

Kevin laughed, “Yeah not bad for the ‘space race’.”

“Space Race?” Jazz repeated.

“Yeah back in the 50’s- 60’s -ish, basically it was between the US and the Soviets. Whoever could get in the sky first, one big arms race.”

“Wait. How old is this tech then?” Wheeljack asked pointing at the screen.

“That? I mean that’s new tech, but the first space ships were made in like the 50’s, so about 60 years ago.”

Both the Cybertronians and the humans were still trying to process their own scales of time compared to each other. Wheeljack had picked up the time difference much easier than the rest of the Autobots.

“Primus. That’s impressive.”

“What’s impressive about that pile of scrap?” The medic shot at the compliment.

“Ratchet! 60 Earth years. Not vorns.”

Now it was Kevin’s turn to be confused, “What’s a vorn?”

“A vorn,” Prowl explained, “is essentially the equivalent of one year for Cybertronians.”

“Yeah Prowl, but it’s not one Earth year. One vorn,” He paused doing the math quickly, “is 83.3847 Earth years. They got to that point in under a vorn.”

“Your year is 83 of our years?!” The human balked in shock. His outburst to cause the Autobots to grow silent, unsure how to explain Cybertronian units of time to the human.

“Kevin, if I may ask, how old are you?” Optimus asked changing the topic of conversation.

“Me? I’m 48.”

“And your creation?”

“Mack? She’s 22.”

“22 Earth years.”

“Yeah. Prime why-“

Upon learning this information Optimus Prime did not hesitate, and quickly left the room. Leaving the Autobots surprised, Ratchet didn’t waste time and took off after the commander.

Kevin looked at the Autobots remaining. “I’m not that old.”

Optimus needed to leave, immediately. He walked to the front of the Ark, where the hard metal met the soft dirt of the Earth. He vented air, taking a look at the planet. His processor was on overdrive. He had not made the connection until now, being so concerned about how they were to get home. Still not having shared the true amount of time they had been in stasis for with the crew only added to his drive to return to Cybertron sooner than later. If he had told them it would only take a vorn to get back to Cybertron, none of his crew would think the worst of that. But now, Primus, he thought, they are so young.

Prime sat on the rocks, just off to the side, where Ratchet quickly spotted him. “Prime.”

Optimus looked up, before quickly dropping his head back down.

“Our lifetimes do not align Ratchet.”

Ratchet looked out to the green forest. “No. No they don’t.”

“I didn’t realize how young the humans are.”

“The girl explained to me once that the average lifespan of their kind was 77 years.”

Optimus looked at the medic and furrowed his brow, “That’s not helpful.”

“It’s the truth.” Ratchet vented air too, the heat from his systems causing steam in the cool Earth air. “I suppose I did not make the connection until now either.”

“Ratchet, even if it only takes one vorn to leave this planet. These humans, will not be here.”

“There is nothing you can do that can change that Prime.”

“Nine thousand vorns, we have sat in stasis while this planet evolved around us.” He looked up at the setting sun. “They move that much quicker.”

“In all of our vorns, there have not been many others beings that outlives us. That is why we avoid other planets Prime. We out live them, never knew by this much. By the pit, we think the twins are still basically sparklings.”

 Prime squinted his optics at the medic, “I am not as old as you.”

“Keep talking like that and you won’t see how long I actually live to.” Ratchet shot back.

Optimus chuckled, before falling silent. Listening to the ambient noise of the planet.

“We need to tell the crew now, don’t we?”

Ratchet eyed the Prime. “Yes. You should.”

The CMO adjusted to the silence, following the birds that flew across the sky.

“You ever figure out that feeling in the Matrix?”

Optimus closed his optics, and sighed, “No.”

“Is Optimus okay?” Kevin looked at the door that the Autobot leader quickly left out of.

“Don’t worry about the Boss bot, just got a lot on the processor.” Jazz smiled.

The human looked at the door one last time with a ‘hm’. As soon as Optimus left it seemed they all wanted to drop the conversation of ‘time comparison’. He would have to ask how old the Autobots were. Or he could make his daughter ask, and just have her tell him the answer. Just to avoid another surprise conversation.

Wheeljack was back under the console, digging into the components.

“Jazz you said Sky-Spy’s signal isn’t strong enough to send out an SOS?”

 Jazz looked confused, “What’s an SOS?”

Kevin was about to start explaining, when Prowl cut him off, without looking up from his data pad. “An SOS, is an acronym that humans use for ‘save our souls’.”

The human rolled his eyes. “It’s a help message. Look at you Prowl, knowing more human things.” He added under his breath, “Maybe you can relax on all the phone calls.”

“I heard that.” Prowl responded.

Jazz smiled, thankful he wasn’t the only now giving Prowl grief. “But nah, to answer your question. We’d need,” he paused to think, “like another hundred satellites just like Sky-Spy to get even a weak signal out, especially with Teletraan out for the intergalactic count.”

Kevin watched as Jazz tried to reprogram Teletraan-1 and work out the bugs in the system, while Prowl analyzed his data pad and Wheeljack’s laser scalpel made a soft buzz every now and then.

“What about 3,000 satellites?”

All three Autobots paused, “And where do you suppose you have access to that many satellites?” Prowl questioned.

Wheeljack pulled himself from under the console, headfins flashing, “3,000, now that could get a message somewhere.”

“Back in the 70’s, after the space race, humanity wanted to know if we were alone in the universe. We basically sent a radio broadcast into space, to tell the galaxy ‘We’re Here!”

The scientist rested his arms on the top of the console in front of the human. “Radio is a little outdated. Primus knows how far that message actually ended up.” He pointed out to the human.

“No, no that’s not the point. We took a whole bunch of radio, satellite disks on Earth before satellites in orbit and used their combined signal strength-“

“But if we use the combined power of Sky-Spy and the satellites in the planetary orbit. We could use their combined strength to amplify off Sky-Spy to get all the way to Cybertron!” Wheeljack continued.

“You think that would work ‘Jack?”

“We could give it a shot. We got signal across the planet. If we just align the orbiting satellites in the correct position, we could probably, most definitely get a message out.”

“Probably, or most definitely?” Prowl accused.

“No scientific endeavor is made without trial and error Prowl!” He shook the stoic lieutenant, making his door wings wiggle.

“How’d we do that?” Jazz asked the human. “And why 3,000?”

“3 grand is how many the US has floating up there in orbit. Some are new, some are older, and there’s the International Space Station. One massive livable satellite.” Kevin turned to grin at the Spec-Ops leader, “How good are you at hacking?”

 Jazz grinned and cracked his finger joints in front of him. “You humans would have no idea.”

/Prime?/

Optimus looked around, Ratchet had left him to sit and figure out the best possible way to alert his crew to the amount of time spent in stasis. No one else was around him as he tried to come up with his next move.

/Yes Prowl?/

/I would suggest returning to the command deck. I believe we have made advancements to send a message./

Optimus was surprised, it had not been long since he had left there previously. He got up to return from his spot outside.

/On my way./

-

Optimus entered the room to see Jazz seated and clicking away, Prowl watching his every move, while Wheeljack directed them both. The human watched patiently as the Autobots were in the moment.

“Prime.” Prowl greeted, not breaking eye contact.

“You mentioned you can get a message out. How?” the Prime walked over curious.

Jazz broke his continuous typing, “It was Kev’s idea. Humans got satellites in orbit, like a lot of them.”

“And if we use them all to bounce Sky-Spys signal and amplify it.” Wheeljack continued.

“You can get a message out to Cybertron.” Kevin concluded their analysis.

Jazz shook out his digits with a big grin on his faceplate, “Just a couple more to redirect.”

“We cannot send out just any message Prime.” Prowl looked at him, “It needs to come from you.” He gestured over to another monitor and chair set up to record.

Optimus nodded, agreeing that if the Autobots on Cybertron were to receive a message, it needed to come from him to be believable. The Prime looked at his reflection of the video recording, he did not even have to think of what he needed to say, like the words bubbled up from the Matrix. Optimus pressed record.

“This message is for any Autobots, in the galaxy or on Cybertron. I am Optimus Prime. My crew and I were shot down and crashed on the same planet as our original destination was. We all have survived, but we cannot travel, the Ark is too badly damaged to fly. We are stranded. If this message finds you, we are here, alive, and working to return to Cybertron. I repeat…”

-

Kevin watched as Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots sat down to relay his SOS message to the stars. It was strange to hear him speak in Cybertronian. It made sense, why send out an SOS message in an alien language that your people back home would have no clue what you were saying? Cybertronian sounded like clicks and whirs and long drawn out syllables. He only caught Sideswipe and Sunstreaker speaking in Cybertronian in front of him to hide what they were saying, but it looked like their mouths moved almost exactly the same as when they did in English. The clicking made more sense as to why metal beings, who don’t eat, have metal tongues in their mouths.

“A’ight, encrypting the message, getting the last satellite in position. Teletraan-1, how we lookin’ on signal strength?” Jazz spoke in tandeum with his actions.

[SIGNAL STRENGTH: 92%]

“Not bad.” Prowl noted.

“You mechs ready?”

The Autobots nodded, “Send it Jazz.” Optimus told him.

Jazz nodded and pushed one final button, all optics watching the upload on the screen. Hoping that this hack job combining the strengths of Cybertroninan and Earth technologies would work.

[UPLOAD: COMPLETE] Was Teletraans’ response after a few seconds.

The Autobots relaxed in the silent room.

“Did it work?” Kevin asked quietly.

“We will only know once we get a response.” Optimus assured the human.

A small beeping began coming from the dark purple console.

It was programmed to pick up any Autobot frequency. This one was heavily encrypted. Being so heavily encrypted, the computer system worked hard to boot up and reactivate itself. It surged power to every available working corner of trying to give itself a kickstart. Thankfully the energon reserves it held had not been damaged. The main areas had been protected in an air pocket, while certain areas looked like the hot metal that had been melting, rapidly cooled by water before being cemented into place.

The ship sat on the ocean floor, surrounded by water. As it surged power, it scanned its interior for energy signatures. Several onboard were in deep cryo-stasis. It seems that even in its crash from the skies, not a single spark was extinguished. Still awakening from its slumber as well, it pulled out two arms directed at the closest energy signature in its command deck.

A quick patch job later, and reversing the stasis codes, two red optics flicked open. A growl escaped his vocal processor. “Prime. I still live.” Followed by gruff laughter echoing down the empty halls of The Nemesis.

Chapter Text

“Hi Gunny.”

Kevin looked up from his desk, surprised by the nickname he heard.

“Well I’ll be damned. If it aint Mikey Mitch. How you doin’ kid?”

The man laughed, “I don’t think we’re kids anymore.”

“Lance Corporal Mitchell, is that humor I detect?” Kevin prodded as he got up and hugged his old platoon mate.

“I haven’t heard anyone call me Mikey Mitch in a long time.” The marine smiled.

Kevin gestured to the chair in his office, “Come, sit! I should go get Spencer, he’d love to-“

Mike waved his hands interrupting, “Nah it’s okay Gunny. I really just wanted to stop by and give you somethin’.” He pulled a thumb drive out of his pocket and held it out.

Kevin looked puzzled at the usb stick being offered to him.

Mike continued, “You remember that stinkin’ camera I took with me everywhere? I’m sure you do.” He paused to chuckle looking up at his old friend.

“Yeah,” Kevin answered, “I don’t think you ever took the damn thing off of ya.”

“No, no I didn’t.” He smiled softly. “Well, I finally got it fixed. I wanted to give you a copy of everything that I took. Don’t know why. Or why now. But, it felt like it was time.” He dropped the drive in Kevin’s hand.

Kev looked at it with a distant look. “Like a whole other lifetime ago.”

“I – I couldn’t look at everything on there.” The younger solider admitted. “After –“ he began to explain.

“No. I get it.” The old Gunnery Sergeant smiled back. He knew the Lance Corporal didn’t want to linger too long on the old memories if he didn’t have too. “Take care of yourself kid.”

“Thanks Gunny.” As he gave the man another quick hug before he turned to leave. “Semper Fi.”

“Semper Fi Mikey.” Kevin offered back to him as he watched him take off down the hall.

Mike turned around real quick before making the final turn out of view. “Monkey suit looks good on you!” He called back before disappearing.

“Son of a bitch!” Kev chuckled, smile fading as he opened his hand to reveal the thumbdrive again. “Son of a bitch.” He repeated softly.

The human pair arrived at the Ark together, Mack back after finally returning from her trip. Sideswipe had not stopped calling her asking a million questions. Teaching him how to text, however made it bearable. She shared some videos with him of the music festival and the performers that she’d like, along with anything that she thought would interest the Cybertronian.

That bought the girl some time from the craziness of becoming the next best teacher of ‘Earth Studies’ to them all.

However, as soon as news quickly spread that she was in the Ark, she was bombarded by more questions than she had ever received before. She had only been gone a week. They acted like she was gone a year. She shot a look to her father who grinned, gave her two thumbs and quickly walked away.

While her father disappeared into the Ark, Hound, Bumblebee, Bluestreak, Brawn and Wheeljack were at the entrance blocking her entrance. They all had been originally tasked with helping Wheeljack scavenge for supplies to help with his creation of a device to process energon from the Earth. Which so far was still a major work in progress.

“So, Mack, what do you have there?” Bumblebee asked optics eyeing the bags she brought along with her.

“That is a surprise for later.”

Ironhide was not in a particularly good mood, but that was changing quickly. He was the weapons specialist and the mech in charge of keeping all the Autobots sharp. If he could use one word to describe how they were all acting at the moment it would be ‘lazy’.

So, he took it upon himself to turn one of the hangars into a training room and shooting range. He had spent the last several cycles alone, cleaning and preparing the space for optimal functionality.

The mech knew that regardless of how relaxed everybot was being waiting on Earth, with the humans, anything could change in a nanoclick.

Ironhide admired his work; clean walls, no Earth rocks, weapons stations, hand to hand combat area, and to top it off a shooting range. Complete with Wheeljack’s holographic training simulation device that he brought from Cybertron that survived the crash.

He pressed a button on the top, displaying options in Cybertronian, he scrolled through until he found a simulation he wanted. Quickly it activated, becoming a general shape and size of a Cybertronian. As the simulation began he subspaced his weapon in his hand, and smoothly began firing at the hologram.

“Not bad.”

After Ironhide had finished the run, he looked around for the source of the voice before looking down to seeing the human on the ground.

He scowled, “Not bad?”

“You got good grouping.” Pointing out the damage report on the hologram. “Just weird that you don’t have to police your brass.” The human said looking down at the ground, not seeing any shell casings.

“Brass? Primus, it’s a laser rifle.” Ironhide laughed.

Kevin looked surprised, “Laser? That’s- that’s pretty badass.”

Ironhide furrowed his brow ridge, unsure what to make of the word.

“I mean, that’s super intimidating, and really fuckin’ cool. Laser guns.” The human made the point to show his awe. “If we had weaponry like that,” he shook his head, “it would change the game.”

Now it was Ironhide’s turn to be surprised. Not that he chose to talk to the human much about anything really, it peaked his interest. When he first met this human, he had a weapon, a gun that looked very similar to the Autobot’s own weapons. But since then, not much was spoken on the matter. “An’ what in the pit do ya mean by that?”

Kevin quickly snapped to attention. Clicking his feet together, arm stiff at his side, other hand up to his forehead in a salute. His voice changed, “Retired Gunnery Sergeant Donovin at your service sir!” Before breaking his forward eye contact to look up at the red mech with a smirk.

“You were a solider?” Ironhide quickly realized.

“Yes sir, a pretty damn good one myself.” Kevin answered crossing his arms.

“But not anymore.”

“Nah, got blown up one too many times.”

Ironhide stared at the human. He was having a hard time correlating how this small fragile organic could be a fighter.

In his silence, the human took his leave, headed back down the halls of the Ark.

Ratchet was adamantly against it, “Do you realize the damage it could cause their systems, if they fell?” he protested angrily. He glared at Hound.

Hound and Mackenzie were in the Med Bay that Ratchet had redirected them too, after catching both of them doing something incredibly stupid.

“Ratchet. It’s okay. I’m not going anywhere.” Mack wiggled around to show that she really wasn’t going to fall.

The human was currently sat on Hounds’ chasis, between his large head and his shoulder. Not in his hand like they had been normally transporting the humans around. Hound’s hands this time were full, with data pad, a few of her human bags, and other materials they were going to drop off at Wheeljack’s lab, before they were caught by the medic.

“It was a good idea.” Hound admitted.

“A stupid idea.” Ratchet shot back. The CMO was taller than the scout, and he made sure to tower over the both of them on purpose this time. “I take it this was your doing?” He looked at the human.

Her jaw dropped before she could say anything, Hound jumped in, “Actually it was mine.” He started to shrug, which made the human slightly jump, before he slowly lowered his shoulder back. “What if we have things to carry? I couldn’t fit her, and this.” He showed off his full hands.

“She has two perfectly working legs. She can walk herself. We do not need to – to coddle the humans.” Ratchet scolded.

“But Ratchet-“ Mackenzie began to protest.

“Oh no. Do not start with me. Hound. Turn your head.”

The scout was surprised, he began to turn his head to the right to look over his shoulder, opposite the side Mack was sitting.

“No. The other way.” Ratchet swirled his finger in the air, showing him what direction to turn.

Hound slowly turned the opposite direction, barely making it to the left, before he could feel the human careful try to avoid being moved by his own head.  He finally fully was able to look at the girl, who was now pushed up against the tire on his shoulder joint. As she took up most of his field of vision. She offered him a small wave and smile.

Mack turned to look at the doctor, “See? All good.” She said proudly.

Ratchet’s disapproving scowl deepened as he remained in his opinion on the matter, “I am not going to patch you up.”

“And you won’t have too!”

“We will be careful Ratchet.” Hound added, reassuring the medic.

They both turned to leave the Med Bay and head back to the Rec Room where their original intended destination was. Before the doors shut, a carefully aimed bolt bounced off the back of Hounds’ helm.

-

Hound couldn’t do anything but accept the small dent now in the back of his helm.

“Is he always like that with you guys?” Mack asked him.

“Like what?”

“Angry? Loud? Defensive?” The human giggled.

“Oh sure. He does it because he cares.” Hound explained.

Mack thought for a minute, “That’s definitely one way to show he cares.”

Now it was Hound’s turn to chuckle, the human could feel it as she still sat on his shoulder. “He doesn’t want us to do anything,” he paused looking for the right word, “stupid.”

“Accidents happen right, everyone is careful up until a point right?”

“Of course. But if he can drill it into our processors to not do something that can damage us, and he’d have to repair us, that’s his job. He just shows it differently than other medics Ive met.” Hound went on.

“Mmm, tough love.”

“Tough love?” Hound repeated.

“It’s a human phrase, it kinda means: you can be stern, straightforward or not always kind, but you’re doing it because you care. Being overly nice didn’t cut it to help change someone or someone’s way, and how you now just lay it out for them, and it doesn’t come off as ‘nice’, but you’re doing it because you care about them.”

“That’s exactly it. I think that’s why he gets on Sideswipe and Sunstreaker so much, they’re young but the best fighters we got. We’re at war, we can’t go around doing stupid things that get ourselves hurt outside of the fight, then we’d be down a solider.”

Mackenzie became very quiet listening to Hound, lost in her own thoughts as she realized, they’re soldiers, still soldiers no matter what is happening around them. They crashed here on Earth during a fight, so no amount of time she or her father is with them, they’re still preparing for the next fight in their war.

Ironhide didn’t care where the human went, but he took off headed right to Optimus’ new make-shift office. It was once a supply closest, but they had managed to empty it to make enough room for a desk, and two chairs. It was a tight fit for Optimus, let alone two other mechs in there if the time called for it.

The weapons specialist didn’t hesitate to barge in, not at all surprising to see Red Alert with several data pads in his hands and across Optimus’ desk.

Optimus looked up in surprise, but also a look of exhaustion from however Primus long Red had been talking to him.

“Prahm. Ah need ah word.”

“Red Alert if you could excuse us.” Optimus motioned to the door.

Red Alert furrowed his brow, but picked up his data pads. “Optimus, I’d like to continue this conversation at another time.”

“Of course. I will let you know when.”

Red pursed his lips together. “Very well.” As he made his exit, nodding to Ironhide who let him past.

Ironhide sat down and waited for the door to fully close, he eyed the door, listening to the footsteps of the security officer disappear.

“Ah see ya’ got stuck with Red.”

Optimus gave him a look. “He is worried.”

“Ah ain’t surprised. Ah don’t blame him either. Jus’ the mech can talk ya audio receptors off. Worse than Blue.”

Prime softened, he knew all his crew meant well for themselves. He raised his brow ridge, “And what did you want to talk about Ironhide?”

“Th’ human.”

“Mackenzie has only re-“

“Not th’ girl. Th’ other one.”

“Kevin? What about him?”

“He fought. He was a solider.” Ironhide leaned forward. “Jus’ like you an’ me.”

Optimus looked surprised, he had learned the human had worked for their government, in the country they had found themselves crashed on, but he had never spoken of a past military history with them. “Are you sure?” he asked.

“Positive.” Ironhide leaned forward. “Cant’ we jus’ look it up, like they keep tellin’ us ta do?”

Optimus paused briefly, trusting his lieutenant, before raising a finger to open a comm link. /Prowl. Can you join me in my office?/

-

“Can’t ya look any faster?” Ironhide peered over to the data pad on the desk while Prowl typed.

“Do you want me to alert the humans that we are hacking into their secure sources?” The tactician shot back, not looking up.

Optimus stayed silent as we watched the two bicker. It would be much easier if they had access and didn’t have to go around the humans in secret. Especially hiding this research from a human, they had begun to trust.

“Kevin Richard Donovin. I am looking up his records now.”

“An’ what do they say?”

Prowl shot him a look, before returning to the data pad. “You are correct Ironhide, he was a solider, in the United States military.” He continued to scroll through the data. “The Navy, specifically a unit called The Marine Corps. What did you say he told you?”

“Somethin’ about bein’ a sergeant.”

Prowl read more, “A Gunnery Sergeant. A seventh enlisted rank out of nine. Enlisted year, 1990, at age 19. Several, they call them ‘tours’ or when they go into combat. Honorably discharged, several accolades. Including something called a Purple Heart.”

“What is at award?” Optimus asked.

“The Purple Heart is a distinguished military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.” Prowl read.

The three mechs looked at each other in silence considering the human’s combat history. “Well he aint dead.” Ironhide grumbled crossed his arms and leaned back. “Only said he got ‘blown up’.”

“Why are we not just asking him his service history?” Prowl asked Prime.

“I supposed we should. With his knowledge of our war, I am just surprised he did not bring his own history up himself.” Optimus admitted.

Ironhide, Prowl and Optimus had entered the room looking for the humans inside the Ark.

It seemed almost every mech was in the Rec Room today. Those that cared for the humans continually chattering, were nearby her table, filled with more and more human things. Teletraan-1 had been instructed by Sideswipe to fill every screen with Earth television. The monitors in the Rec Room played several different channels, all on mute, as the mechs all chatted with each other.

Jazz was not far behind them as he arrived to the newly chatty group of Autobots human in hand.

Seeing her father, the girl stopped mid-sentence with a squeal and ran over to her pile of bags, pulling out a very odd shaped one.

Mack looked around the larger forms of the mechs around her she smiled. “Hey! About time! Remember that surprise I told you about earlier ‘Bee?” As she started unzipping the bag she had. She pulled out a strange object, as Jazz placed his hand down on the table allowing Kevin to join his creation.

“Oh jeeze, you brought that?” Kevin asked surprised.

“What is it?” Jazz asked for the group.

“It’s a guitar!” Mack answered excitedly, sitting down crossed legged and placing the guitar in her lap. “It makes music.” As she ran her fingers over the chords, making it produce a strumming tune for the Autobots as an example.

“Mack, I-“ holding his hands up in protest.

“Come on, just one teeny tiny song.”

He sighed, “I don’t think-“

“Pretty pleaseee.” She whined.

He looked around at the Autobots who were waiting for something to happen. “Okay fine you win.” Her father grumbled.

Inferno leaned over to Jazz, “What’s happening?” he whispered. Jazz could only shrug.

“Look I aint the best singer out there.” He did a deep cough, clearing his throat. “But I’ll do it just for yall.” Kevin looked over at Mack, “What do you got in mind?”

She began to pick at a few cords of the guitar before stopping to see if her father knew what song she picked.

Kevin’s eyes locked onto the guitar, mind for a moment far away. He shook away his thoughts. “Alright, go again.” He said with a soft smile, as he sat down next to his daughter.

Mack began to strum the guitar again, as Kevin closed his eyes, with his deep voice began to sing.

Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you?

Like a river flows

Surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be

Take my hand

Take my whole life, too

For I can't help falling in love with you

Like a river flows

Surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be

Take my hand

Take my whole life, too

For I can't help falling in love with you

For I can't help falling in love with you

All the Autobots went silent as the human began to sing to the music. Taking in every word of the lyrics. None of them said a word as the song finished. The human opened his eyes to see all of them looking at him.

“Alright. Tough crowd, I get it.” Kevin chuckled nervously pulling at his shirt collar.

“I love that song. You can’t go wrong with Elvis.” Mack added.

Kevin unclasped the guitar case, ready to put it away, from the silent crowd of Cybertronians. “We’d used to play it for you as a baby all the time.” He sighed.

Jazz broke the silence, “Come on Kev, that was great. You should play another one.”

“Oh no Jazz, that’s all I got.”

“Ah think you should go again.” Ironhide spoke up, drawing a few looks from the other Autobots.

“Yeah dad again!”

Kevin looked up at Ironhide, who nodded with a smirk. “Fine. Fine! Last one. Here let me see that.” He motioned to have his daughter hand him the guitar. He strummed a few notes to get the hang of it before he started a new song.

I hear the train a-comin', it's rolling 'round the bend

And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when

I'm stuck in Folsom prison, and time keeps draggin' on

But that train keeps a-rollin' on down to San Antone

When I was just a baby, my mama told me, "Son

Always be a good boy, don't ever play with guns"

But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die

When I hear that whistle blowin', I hang my head and cry

I bet there's rich folks eatin' in a fancy dining car

They're probably drinkin' coffee and smoking big cigars

Well, I know I had it coming, I know I can't be free

But those people keep a-movin', and that's what tortures me

Well, if they freed me from this prison, if that railroad train was mine

I bet I'd move it on a little farther down the line

Far from Folsom prison, that's where I want to stay

And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away

Once again, the Autobots shared a silent moment, taking in the ‘live’ music Mack had so excitedly shared with them about. Never expecting it to come from Kevin.

 “Can you preform that one again?” the voice of Optimus Prime broke the silence.

Kevin blinked at the request from the commander, he nodded silently before starting again.

I hear the train a-comin', it's rolling 'round the bend

And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when

Optimus hung on every word of the song. He also realized that even through learning much about humans and Earth, he still knew very little about the actual humans in front of them, who were helping his crew on this new journey.

Earth was a strange place, but the more he realized the more it did not seem so different than Cybertron. While vastly different on the exterior and those who inhabit it, the people of Earth; they were not so different than Cybertronians. Galaxies apart, through time, and still so similar. No matter their short lifespans compared to their own, the experiences shared were strangely similar.

While Kevin had been helping them their secrecy from the other humans on Earth; Mackenize, when she visited, or even from a far, as Prime had found out. His crew had been in contact with her, had become their ‘unofficial’ guide, going over more of the cultural and societal aspects of human life.

Several Autobots protested the youngling’s involvement, especially after learning how young she truly was to them, like Prowl and Ratchet to name a few, but Optimus allowed it. For the most part, especially while they waited for something, anything to happen waiting to hear from Cybertron, as he too was curious about learning more human culture.

But these last few days, the feeling he had in the Matrix about their situation, made Optimus feel entirely uneasy.

Once the commotion over the performance and the music had died down, Optimus requested a moment with Kevin before they left for the evening.

“Sure Prime. What can I do for ya?”

“I had heard something about when you were a solider.”

Kevin smiled, “I figured Ironhide said somethin’.” He spoke up a little louder, “Right Ironhide? Could’ve just asked me!”

Ironhide appeared from the shadows made by the rocks at the entrance to the Ark. He furrowed his brow with a scowl, “An ah thought you humans didnt have scanners.” He commented.

“Nope. Still no scanners, just call it intuition.”

Ironhide grumbled at his poor attempt of hiding from the human, even though now his interest was piqued at this humans’ battle history.

“You had never mentioned it before previously.” Optimus pressed.

“Which would’ve been nice ta know we got a fighter in our mix.” Ironhide crossed his arms. “Now ah’ll feel bad if ya get squished.” He stomped his foot a little to prove a point.

Kevin chuckled. “Nah. Yall have bigger things to worry about. I get it. I’m just here to help when the time comes.”

Optimus looked puzzled, “Your help is being appreciated now.”

Kevin looked up at the commander of the Autobots, “Well, thanks Prime. Happy to.”

The three shared a moment of silence looking out to the nighttime sky. Kevin spoke, “You know I get war, no matter how long ago,” he said quietly, “it never leaves you.”

Optimus Prime and Ironhide shared a look. They knew that feeling, they had been fighting in a war for a long time now. Ironhide looked at the human who was staring up into the sky. Fully understanding what he was speaking of.

“I -I got something from a buddy of mine yesterday.” Kevin admitted. “Let me dig up some old pictures. I haven’t thought about them in, well, years.”

“Only if you are willing to share.” Optimus told him

“Yeah yeah of course, my therapist says it’ll be good for me. Besides, I’m sure yall got plenty more war stories than I do.” Kev winked at Ironhide, “We’ll trade.”

“Ah can handle that.” Ironhide smiled at the human.

“Soundwave. Report.”

“All Decepticons: Functioning. Nemesis: 60% Energon Reserved. Damage Sustained: Unable to Fly. Message Decryption: In Process. Location: Unknown. Autobot Location: Unknown.”

“ENOUGH.” Megatron growled. “I do not like all of these unknowns.” He turned around to look at his Decepticons.

Ravage, Laserbeak, Frenzy and Rumble waited by Soundwave. Astrotrain and Blitwing, the triple changers stood off to the side. And finally, his seeker trine, Thundercracker, Skywarp and Starscream.

Megatron remembered getting pushed out of the Autobot ship, no matter by accident or intention, he had Optimus in his sights and he lost the opportunity to kill the Autobot leader. He grabbed Starscream by the throat and hauled him off the ground, “You ruined my victory.” He snapped, optics glowing bright.

“We were all going – going to offline if we crashed in that, wretched excuse for a ship.” Starscream struggled to speak as he grabbed at Megatron’s hand and arm.

Thundercracker nudged Skywarp, who shot back a look. They didn’t want to receive Megatron’s fury next. Thundercracker nudged him again, but Skywarp ignored him.

“Skywarp rescued you.” Thundercracker spoke up.

Skywrap was going to say something before he realized Megatron was staring at him, with a snarl that could cut a mech in half.

“What?” Megatron asked, dropping the seeker commander, who crumbled to his knees grasping his throat.

“Those Autoscum, their ship was crumbling, the boarding chute broke off, you and ‘Scream got knocked out of the ship. ‘Warp grabbed both of you before we crashed. So, you didn’t burn up on entry.” Thundercracker explained, looking from Megatron to Skywarp. “Right ‘Warp?” The seeker nudged the mech who could teleport.

Megatron moved quickly in front of Skywarp. Who in response took a step back, not wanting to end up like Starscream.

“Is this true Skywarp?” the Deception leader asked.

“Uh, yeah. Right. I had to save you Lord Megatron. Got you both back on the Nemesis.”

Megatron pondered the words and actions of the seeker. “That was much appreciated Skywarp. I will remember this.” He reacted out to the seeker, and instead of offering a hand in true appreciation, he slapped the mech across the face. “No more running or saving.” He turned to face the rest of the Decepticons. “Now, we will kill all Autobots and anyone that stands in our way.”

Chapter Text

“And Tracks.”

“Present.” Tracks lazily raised his hand when his name was called in roll.

Prowl finally looked up from his data pad and around the room, finishing his attendance. Checking the last Autobot off and accounted for. “Thank you all for attending.” He began.

“You marked his meeting as ‘mandatory’.” Sideswipe called out.

The second in command ignored the outburst by the young mech, and continued on. “I appreciate your time –“

“It’s not like we can leave.” Sunstreaker grumbled interjecting, like his twin had.

Prowl gripped his stylus a little tighter but once again, carried on. “-in making a commitment to be here. However, first, we have a task that will require extra support. We need to remove debris from the very front of the Ark and the surrounding area just in front of the nose of the ship. I will be sending out the mechs to complete this assignment shortly.” Several mechs groaned at another rock hauling chore.

“Optimus called this meeting, and I will now turn the floor over to him.” The tactician side stepped allowing Prime to take over.

“Thank you Prowl.” He nodded, turning his attention to the room filled with his Autobots. “As you may or may have not heard, we sent a distress signal to Cyberton. As of now, we will have no timeline in when we will hear back.”

Optimus paused looking in the optics of all the mechs watching, waiting and following him. “However, we have come across some other,” thinking his wording carefully, “news.”

Optimus Prime vented air through his systems, “It seems, when we crashed on Earth, we had been in stasis, for longer than initially thought.”

“How much longer is ‘longer’?” Brawn called out.

“My internal time said we were only in stasis for a couple of vorns.” Powerglide commented. Several other mechs in unison agreed with his statement.

Optimus looked quickly over at Ratchet, who nodded quickly. “The bad news, is, that it has been significantly longer than just a few vorns. Our estimate has been closer to 9,000 vorns.” He informed his crew.

The stranded Autobot crew immediately went silent. Not a sound emerged as their processors took in this new information.

“9,000 vorns?” Bumblebee squeaked repeating the Prime.

“Well, apparently closer to 9,500.” This time as Optimus answered, the room erupted into chaos. Autobots yelling in a variety of emotions.

“What. The. Frag!”

“Thousands of vorns?!”

“Primus, please tell me you’re joking!”

“I cant be that old!”

“I hate this mudball planet!”

Optimus waited until their outbursts settled down, until it was just their grumbling amongst themselves. Just as he was about to speak again to reassure his crew, Sideswipe spoke up again.

“What’s the good news?”

Prime paused surprised, not expecting that question throwing him off. “There is currently no ‘good news’.”

Several mechs gave up on the rest, if any more, information Prime had and left the room, Mirage was the first one to bolt out the door. Optimus looked around the now primarily empty room, save for Ironhide, Wheeljack, Jazz and Prowl, and rolled his head to look at Ratchet, who just shrugged.

“They will get over it.” Prowl reassured.

Optimus sighed again. “If you say so.” He had thought back to when he explained the situation of this discussion to Kevin that he had to make to his crew. The human suggested to “Rip the Band-Aid off”. When Optimus asked what that phrase meant, Kevin said ‘because one way or another, now or later, it’s gonna hurt’. Prime couldn’t believe how right he was.

“How long is this going to take?” Sideswipe whined. Again.

This time no mech answered the whiny Autobot. They were just as annoyed, but Sideswipe had done more than enough complaining for them all. Sideswipe, Brawn, Gears, Cliffjumper, Trailbreaker, Grapple, Hoist, Wheeljack and Ironhide.

This cycles’ chore, that Prowl, oh so gratefully bestowed on them, was to clear out the rocks at the very front of the Ark. The part that was deeply imbedded in the mountainous volcano. They had barely made a dent in determining what was mainly just mountain, and what had broken through to be inside the ship. The task of hauling the loose rock out was almost complete, not began the tedious task of breaking down the rest of it, following the orange metal veins.

They had all needed a distraction from Prime’s earlier announcement, but this assignment was not a happy distraction. It was silently causing even more tension between the Autobots.

“Well if you start doin’ more pile drivin’ and stop complain’ we can get through it faster.” Brawn said as he lifted a large rock twice his size and loaded it on the back of Trailbreakers’ trailer.

“Pile drivers?” Mack asked. The human girl had joined them on her chore, not truly able to help, but interested in what they were doing.

Sideswipe smiled one of his iconic goofy grins. “Oh yeah baby. Check these out.” He posed as if he was a human body builder flexing his biceps, but instantly his hands disappeared into his forearms and they transformed to be larger and wider. Two distinct pile driver tools replaced both of his hands.

“Holy shit. That’s awesome!” The human said in awe.

“Don’t compliment him, you’re just going to make his ego even bigger.” Cliffjumper grumbled.

Mack laughed, “Oh okay. I’m pretty sure its big enough.”

Sideswipe sighed, “Yeah it’s a pretty awesome mod. Picked it out myself. That and my jet pack.” He said smugly, still ‘flexing’ showing off his pile drivers.

The human raised an eyebrow, “You have a jet pack?” she questioned.

“Yep. Pretty cool if you ask me. It’s the best. I can fly and take down a seeker any cycle.”

She sat for a second, “So why don’t you have an alt mode that flies? Like Powerglide? Why a jet pack?”

The Autobots digging up rocks started to laugh quietly. Their chuckles echoed off the walls.

Sideswipe balked, “Because,” he started to explain, “wheels are such a better alt mode, than one that flies.”

Mack tilted her head in thought. “Then why not one like Tracks? He’s a flying car.”

The red mech finally lowered his piledriver hands. “That’s – That’s not that same. A jet pack is not an alt mode - that’s his internal mod.” He tried to back pedal.

“Then why don’t you have an ‘internal flying mod’?” She spoke, bending two fingers in each hand around the words ‘internal flying mod’. Mack had taught them this was called ‘air quotes’ for sarcasm in their language.

The laughter from the other Autobots started to ring out louder. “Looks like she got you good ‘Sides!” “Oh, poor the mech.” “Human 1 – Sideswipe 0.”

“Oh yeah! Well can those mechs do this?” He slammed his pile drivers into the wall of rock with such force, breaking it down into the smallest of pieces piling up in front of him. The whole room shook, Sideswipes’ pile drivers drowning out the laughter and any other noise around him. He stopped with a smile, “Awesome right?”

The room was still shaking from the force of how fast the rock was broken down.

“Sideswipe you’re going to being this whole room down on us!” Wheeljack looked around, vocal indicators flashing.

“Ahw ‘Sides you slagging idjit. What the frag did ya do?” Ironhide barked trying to keep his balance. First it was little pieces of rubble and slate that fell from the celling, but the stalagmites wiggled ominously above them, as larger and larger pieces of rock came down. 

The rumbling subsided, as quickly as it started.

The human had her knees and head tucked to her chest, and hands over the back of her neck. She looked up cautiously at the rocky surroundings. “Is it over?”

“See look that wasn’t so bad.” Sideswipe offered trying to excuse himself from showing off.  

Cliffjumper looked around, walked and patted the walls. “Looks fine to me.” He shrugged.

“Looks can be deceiving.” Hoist pointed out.

Wheeljack crouched getting a closer look at where the rock below them met the wall, “I gotta admit it, somethin’ doesn’t add up here.”

Grapple examined the walls closer than the other mechs, his keen optics for infrastructure set him apart from the other Autobots. “Hoist and Wheeljack are right,” he started as he picked up the shards and took a closer look. “This cave is highly unstable.”

“We crashed into his fraggin’ rock! Of course, it’s unstable.” Cliffjumper complained loudly.

“I’m just saying. This might be a fool’s errand.” Grapple pointed out, “We might be digging up all this rock, just for it to resettle and collapse in on itself.”

The hotheaded mini bot didn’t miss a beat. “Who you callin’ a fool?!” he yelled at the architect. He slammed his foot down and waved his fist in the air.

“’Aight! That’s enough outta the all of youse!” Ironhide grabbed the shoulder of the mini bot expecting him to calm down. Which Cliffjumper did not. He kicked a large rock aiming directly for Grapples’ head. Which made perfect contact, bouncing off and crumbling as it fell of the larger mech.

“Woah woah woah.” Sideswipe transformed his pile drivers back into his hands and laid them out trying to calm this growing situation.

Brawn huffed, “You started this, you know.”

The young mech gasped, “I did no such thing. I sim-” Sideswipes long excuse was cut short by another rock bouncing off his helm. Leaving a nice Earth rock shaped dent just above his brow ridge. His blue optics turned bright as he stared at the red minibot who tossed it.

“Did. Too.” Cliffjumper growled.

The Autobots in the back of the cave all began yelling at each other, unaware that their larger bodies mere making much more movement than they anticipated already in the highly unstable Earth cave. Ironhide tried desperately to calm the mechs down. But his leadership style was just to grab mechs to keep them still and yell louder to get his voice heard above the chaos. Which ultimately was not helping the situation.

Mack watched as the Autobots grew increasingly more hostile and argumentative. This was the definition of ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’. She would have to explain that one to them someday, but not today as their tussles were literally bringing the roof down. She went from staring at them to staring at the ceiling watching the room begin to shake once again.

“Uh guys?” She spoke timidly, eyes not breaking from the largest stalagmite that wobbled above them all. No Autobot listened to her, while their vent up frustrations about anything and everything were boiling over in the cave, listening to the human was their lowest priority.

“UH GUYS?” The human yelled a little louder to no avail.

-

Trailbreaker transformed well in advance down the path to where his comrades were digging. He could hear their insatiable yelling before he laid optics on them. He looked around and saw the mechs fighting and arguing with each other and the human girl, eyes not locked on the commotion around her, but directly upwards. He arrived just in time to watch the largest pointed rock break free from its hanging position above them and made its quick fall to the ground. He threw up his forcefield encompassing the room.

This normally wouldn’t be a problem, however the rocks bounced off his forcefield and settled around the dome in such a fast speed. More and more rock tumbled and bounced off the force field as the room began to shake once more.

“’Breaker!” Ironhide yelled rushing over.

“Don’t- ah – don’t know how long I can hold it.” Trailbreaker winced, trying with all his power to keep the rocks at bay and from crushing the crew.

“Everyone out!” Ironhide ordered the Autobots pointing to the exit of the cave.

Now began that not only the rocks from above were the problem, the rocks beneath their feet were starting to pop and crack under the immense pressure of their own weight and now the weight of the ever-growing massive pile up on top of the forcefield.

“The girl!” Trailbreaker grunted as he tried to keep his own balance. Ironhide turned quickly to see the girl struggling to stand on her own against the force of the shaking ground.

In a flash he saw a white blur run over to her grabbing her up, and then both figures disappearing into the sinking ground. Before he could react, Trailbreaker tackled him back with his own weight bringing both of them to the ground in the passage as the earth caved in.

-

“Oh, we are so scrapped.” Sideswipe tried to wave away the dust from his intake, as the Autobots who made it out mostly unscathed were covered in it.

Ironhide quickly sat up, looking at the wall of rubble that now closed off their passage. “Jack!” he called out, as he began to dig at the rocks.

Brawn looked around noticing they were one Autobot short. “What? Where’s ‘Jackie?”

Hoist uncomfortably shifted, “And the human?”

Trailbreaker was slower to get up, one hand on his helm and the other pointed at the new wall. He sighed, “In there.”

Mack couldn’t stop coughing.

It was dark. Very dark. But she managed to get up on her knees as she almost hacked a lung up.

“Thank Primus you’re okay.” A blue light illuminated the room with every word. She looked up to briefly catch a glimpse of the outline of Wheeljack positioned above her. Mack could make out his blue optics in the dark otherwise but that was about it. “I think Ratchet would rebuild me as, a uh, what do you call them? A toaster, if you joined the Matrix.”

Mack looked around trying to figure out where they were as Wheeljack spoke, when he stopped talking she could barely see her own hand in front of her face.

“I’m okay Wheeljack. Really.”

“You’re injured.” He said quietly.

She looked down and couldn’t even tell, but when she touched her knees, pain shot through her body and she winced. “Don’t worry, it’s just a scrape. I just can’t see anything in here. How can you?” She asked.

“Night vision, works wonders back on Cybertron!”

She nodded, understanding, “Night vision, that’s pretty cool.” Mack looked around still unable to get her bearings, sighing frustrated. “I can’t see anything unless, you know.” She gestured at the mech.

Wheeljack looked at the human confused, “Unless what?”

“Unless you talk.” She said, holding back a snort of a laugh.

The scientist smiled behind his mask, before his optics went wide, “Oh! I have an idea!” He exclaimed, as he turned on his headlights from his alt mode on his chassis. Illuminating the cave they found themselves in. “Better?”

The human blinked, eyes adjusting to the light. “Yeah much.”

Both mech and girl finally got a good look around to see where they had ended up. She brushed the dirt and the dust off her knees as she stood up, looking at Wheeljack. The hole in the ground where they were in wasn’t large. Because of Wheeljacks larger body, he had to sit in an awkward position, with his own knees up and head slightly crouched just to fit into the space. 

“How do we get out of here?” Mack inquired unable to tell where they fell from.

Wheeljack pointed to his audio receptors, “Already comm'd. They’re workin’ on it. We just gotta sit tight!”

/Prime./

/Yes Ironhide?/

/We uh got a bit of an issue./

Optimus hesitated on the line, unsure as to what he was about to be told. /Yes?/ he asked.

/You uh, might wanna come by an see with ya own optics./

The Prime hesitated, before pinching his bridge. /On my way./ He sighed a deep sigh.

“What’s wrong?” Kevin asked.

“It seems something else has not worked out in our favor. I’m being asked to advise.”

The human chuckled, “Sounds like you’re running a day-care, not a base. I get that.”

“A day-care?” Prime asked again.

“It’s a place that takes care of kids, babies that sort of thing. A bunch of really big babies. I’ve heard you use a word, ‘starling’ or somethin’ like that.”

“Sparkling.”

“Yeah. You’re taking care of a bunch of sparkling’s, no matter how old they actually get you’re gonna be the one that looks out for them no matter what.

Optimus softened, the more he learned and spoke with the humans, the more he learned that just in different words, they shared similar thoughts and experiences.

He stood up and offered a hand to the human, “Care to join me in seeing what kind of trouble they’re in for now?”

“Oh shit, I’m down.” Kevin laughed as he climbed into Optimus’ hand.

-

Optimus and Kevin could hear Ratchet’s yelling before they could see the mechs who were standing outside the newly collapsed tunnel.

Ratchet was yelling at all of them, anger consistently floating back to being directed at Sideswipe, who just looked bored. Which didn’t at all help ease the medic.

“How in the All-Spark could you be so slagging careless! And you – for letting this even remotely ha-“

“Ratchet? What is the matter?”

The medic scoffed, “The matter? I’ll fragging tell you what’s the matter. In there,” he pointed to the rock wall, “is Wheeljack and the girl.”

Optimus and Kevin stared at the wall of collapsed rocks and the Autobots covered in dust and debris with fresh dents. Mainly from the rocks, and thankfully not from Ratchet. Yet.

“My daughter is where?” Kevin spat out, directing all optics on him.

Sitting tight was taking ages. The human was over talking, she and Wheeljack had been talking about everything and nothing. His questions leaned more scientific, and that wasn’t her strong suit. Periodic tables and elements went straight over her head in science class.

Mack ended up picking up pebbles and throwing them, as she gave in to being disgustingly dirty and laid down on the cool rock floor. She staring at the ceiling, letting her eyes go out of focus and was half listening to Wheeljack’s inquires when as she went to grab another stone, her finger tips ran over something different than what she had felt before.

Curious, she rolled over on to her stomach, brushing away the dust away before coming across something imbedded into the rock. It wasn’t a natural rock shape, it was long and cylindrical. She scrambled up to her knees following the shape, tracing it out as it led to another one.

Wheeljack had stopped talking when he realized the human began acting strange. “Mack?”

“’Jack can you shine your lights over here?” She asked not looking up.

In his low mobility, he managed to twist ever so slightly enough that he could. He watched the human continue to brush dust away, not knowing what she was doing. She stopped after a while and stared at the ground, tilting her head like she was trying to figure out what she was looking at. Wheeljack continued to watch her odd movements, giving himself a reminder to let Ratchet examine her after all this, before he takes me offline first, he thought.

Suddenly the girl dropped her nose almost to the ground, stuck out her tongue and licked it.

“What in the All-Spark are you doing!” Wheeljack cried out in horror, seeing the humans’ tongue adhere to the rock.

Mack tilted her head, tongue still attached and mumbled roughly, “Mhut?”

Wheeljack’s optics went wide, “How am I going to explain to Ratchet you stuck yourself to a rock?” he complained.

The human leaned back and released her tongue and placed it, where it belonged, inside her mouth. “What are you talking about?”

“Why did you do that?”

She smirked, “For science!”

A frenzy of emotions went through the Autobot scientist. Fear, excitement, disbelief, curiosity, confusion, excitement. For the first time since being on Earth he was speechless at humanity. “But – why?”

Mack kept brushing dust off the ground, “I had to make sure. I read about it once. Fun fact; a human’s tongue, it sticks to fossils.” She grinned a goofy smile at him. “These,” she held her arms out, “are dinosaur bones!”

-

“You remember I said dinosaurs lived on Earth and got wiped out, extinct? Like 60 million years ago. Boom! Gone. This is what happened to some of them. They’re preserved remains.” She ran around one of them breathing heavy.

“That’s –“

“Fascinating! Right? This is so cool to find real dinosaur bones! I’ve only ever seen them in museums you know. I mean you guys must have landed right on top of them.” Mack looked at the Autobot excitedly.

“They are incredible.” Wheeljack looked at the fossils in awe, every time he thought this planet wouldn’t ever throw a surprise at him, he realized how wrong he was.

“They were massive! Taller than even you guys! Taller than Prime! Dinosaurs were powerhouse creatures, remind me to show you Jurassic Park. It’s a movie, it’s the best. But I mean 60 million years. That’s so long ago ‘Jack. No one was alive then. Just dinosaurs, plants, and well I guess you guys.”  

Wheeljack watched as she raced along through her rant, picturing what these dinosaurs would have been like if they had landed on Earth then. Before sentience was an issue they faced now.

“We didn’t crash that long ago.” Wheeljack pointed out. “Only,” he paused running the calculation, “802,485 Earth years ago.”

The humans’ eyes went wide. “That’s still a long time ‘Jack. Like humans like you know us now, weren’t even a thing.”

The scientist chuckled, “I know, we came here not expecting to find any sentient beings. Yet, here you are.”

Mack plopped down next to Wheeljack and leaned back against his leg, “Woo. This is all so cool. It’s so so cool, and I am so,” she paused to breathe deep, “so tired.”

Wheeljack noticed the change in her demeanor, going from erratic to exhausted and back again. The leaning against him was new, but he didn’t mind it. He watched as her chest rose and fell in big breaths. “Mack are you alright?”

She opened her eyes briefly before shutting them again. “Yeah, ‘Jack, for like the millionth time I’m okay. Air’s heavy that’s all.”

He looked puzzled, “Oxygen is not that heavy.”

“Oh, it’s heavy alright. Just hard to breathe.” She tapped her chest and took some more large breaths. Wheeljack didn’t need to breathe, no Cybertronian did, so the concept of needing to breathe and being aware of it was foreign to him. Wheeljack scanned the room, trying to find the cause to her change in behavior. The oxygen level in the cavity was at 15% significantly lower than the 20% he normally evaluated outside.

“Is 15% oxygen in the atmosphere bad?” Wheeljack asked.

“Dunno – Google it.” Was the humans’ tired reply.

So he did.

Quickly Wheeljack realized 15% oxygen was bad. Very bad.

-

/Ironhide you might want to pick up the pace!/ Wheeljack comm’d quickly

/’Jack ah told ya. We’re th’ ones doin’ the precise science now, one wrong move and we ain’t ever gonna get ya out./

/Well if you don’t hurry the oxygen levels in this cavity will continue to decrease causing symptoms that are irreversible! 5% less oxygen is already causing-/

/Primus hold on./ Ironhide added Ratchet to the comm link conversation.

/Translate for me Doc./

/Say again Wheeljack./

/The oxygen in the cavity is at a critical point, the human needs oxygen to be maintained at 20.9% and we’re down to 15! 15 Ratchet!/

Ratchet looked at Ironhide. “Dig faster.”

Wheeljack’s growing concern for the girl quickly faded as he began to hear voices and movement above them. He covered Mack, who was still leaning against his leg, from anymore falling dust.

“Down here!” He called out.

More rocks wiggled, before one was removed fully, as two black hands appeared, then the head of Sideswipe made an appearance upside down.

He disappeared for a moment, before Wheeljack could hear, “I got optics on them!” And Sideswipe and his stupid grin returned.

Mack’s eyes fluttered open, “I’m awake!” She called out jerking up in response. She saw Sideswipe peering at them upside down and was more confused than she was before. “You’re upside down. What’d I miss?” she asked.

Sides laughed, “Almost missed your rescue! You comin’ ‘Jack?”

Wheeljack finally relaxed, “Take her first. I gotta maneuver out.”

The red mech’s head disappeared, but was replaced by a large yellow hook that swung down into the hole. “Whatcha waiting for?” He called down.

Mack got up and walked over to the hook, eyeing it, but took a glance back down at the ground where the fossils laid peacefully in the ground, hesitating.

“I’ll remember.” Wheeljack said promising. He was not going to forget about these dinosaurs.

The girl smiled, before climbing on to the hook, and was hoisted upwards to safety.

Wheeljack wiggled closer to the opening, careful to avoid the fossils below him. He looked up to see several Autobots above him. Sideswipes large head blocking most of them. “Hold on ‘Jack I think there’s a problem.”

“Sides…” the scientist began.

The red mech held up both hands to the side of his faceplate, imitating Wheeljack, “I don’t think you’re going to fit.”

It’s not like just anyone would be able to give the strong-willed human girl a run for her money. But as she was pulled up from the Earth, clinging onto the giant hook, the optics all watching her wasn’t a problem, it was the one specific set of eyes watching.

Kevin didn’t move right away, he stood stoic with his arms crossed. Glaring at his daughter. His silence was scarier than if we would be yelling at her. For anything or everything she shouldn’t be doing. Instead he gave her one hard look, “We’re going home.” As he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, guiding her down the hall without any hesitation.

She shot a sympathetic look to the Autobots around her, and mouthed the words ‘Thank you’ before she disappeared from view.

“What was that all about?” Ratchet turned up next to Optimus, curious at the lack of commotion from the humans.

“Day-care.” Optimus said before turning to leave.

Mack stood up and clapped her hands to gain the Autobots attention. They had all positioned themselves in the Rec Room, it was almost a full house. It seemed that after yesterday’s events, they all wanted to turn their processors off and watch what the girl called a ‘movie’.

“Okay, remember, this is a movie. This is no way in any shape or form real. This is a visual story of fiction. Now. Any questions before we begin?”

“What if we don’t want to watch anymore?”

“It’s only two hours, but if you want to leave, you can.”

“So it’s fake.”

“Yep. Not real, the people are actors. Nothing you’re about to see happened in real life.”

“Why are we in the dark?”

“So, we can see better.”

The Autobots paused their questions. “Any more?” The human asked. Silence and several head shakes told her no.

“So, for our first installment of Thursday night movie club, very much sponsored by Wheeljack, issss,” she stretched out the word, “Jurassic Park!”

Mack turned around landed in the bean bag chair she brought with her. “Hit it Teletraan!” The screens in the room all connected into one large screen, as the Earth appeared and the words ‘Universal’ rotated around it. The Autobots settled in to watch their very first Earth movie.

-

Two hours later and the movie Jurassic Park ended. The Autobots sat in silence taking in what they had witnessed.

“What?” was Cliffjumpers confused response.

“She said it wasn’t real.” Blue reminded him.

“Oh, dinosaurs were very real.”

“What?” Cliffjumper asked again

“Those are on Earth?” Sidewipe asked in awe.

"They were terrifying." Hound shivered.

“I said were, Sides.

 “I think you broke ‘Jack.”

Everyone turned to look at Wheeljack, who stared at the blank screens, optics wide and processor racing.

“You better have not given him any ideas.” Ratchet groaned.

Chapter Text

Kevin stared at his daughter. The words she was saying muddled together and became high pitched, evolving into an ever-increasing ringing in his ears.

“-ad? Dad? Are you even listening to me?”

He refocused, debating on how to react to her ideas. They sat at their dining room table, casually eating breakfast together when she carefully presented her idea. It was halfway through summer break, in a month, she would have to return back to the University of California in Berkley. She had studied hard, tested well, did so many extra circulars, and his military service and GI Bill to help pay for the out of state tuition all helped to get her into the University of her choice.

It wasn’t easy for him, to let his daughter go so far away for several months out of the year, but he respected her choice, and the work that she did to get there.

Now, she was suggesting to transfer to a college here, in their home state of Oregon. University of Oregon, in Eugene but close, or even Oregon State University which had a campus in Portland. She had done her research.

Kevin shook his head, “No. Absolutely not. You are not transferring.” He finally said, as she waited for his answer.

“But Dad!”

“No. And I know why, you cannot give up your education for the Autobots. Just to hang out with them all day.”

“Dad, I’m poli-sci. I can do that anywhere. I don’t even know what I want to do with my life yet!” Mackenzie argued back.

She’s good, he thought, she avoided the true reason why she wanted to transfer, and wouldn’t agree out loud with him. “We can play this game kiddo, but you can’t just switch schools because you feel like it. The Autobots can take care of themselves. Besides they’re like a million years older than you. They can handle life on Earth.”

Now, he was getting angry, letting his emotions led his argument. “This isn’t some cartoon, where the kids get to lead the story. You have a life. Not to mention the amount of times you’ve already gotten hurt with them. And I know about the time you stuck your hand in energon. So don’t even act like that didn’t happen.”

He slammed his fist on the table, “I won’t allow you to get hurt around them, no matter what. They are at war. War. That ain’t some shit you can just play with. Even if this Megatron isn’t around now, God even knows if he’ll show up. But I sure as shit ain’t letting you near that mess.”

Now it was Mackenzie’s turn to express an array of emotions on her face as he went through his argument. “Dad, you’re not listening!”

“Like hell I’m listening!”

“I’m not not going to go to college!”

“You want to change for the wrong reasons!”

“The Autobots are important!”

“Not important enough for your safety!”

“I can handle myself!”

“We took you to the emergency room the other day! We lied to the doctors about how you got your scrapes and bruises, and your low oxygen levels!”

“I’m fine!”

“Now you are. But there’s gonna come a time where you won’t be! As your father, that’s my job to make sure that it doesn’t even come close to happening!”

The father and daughter stared at each other at the table. Mack didn’t budge. She was too set on this change and wanted it to happen too badly. Kevin wouldn’t move an inch either. He wanted the best for her, and her being so strong willed didn’t help. She’d do what she wanted eventually, and he trusted she’d make good choices. But the Autobots, they were the unknown explosive variable among them now, who knows what would happen around them.

Mack scooched her chair back, loudly on purpose, and left the table. She headed for her room where she slammed the door shut.

Kevin sighed as he dug into his now cold plate of pancakes. “Happy Fourth of July Kev.”

-

: We still on for tonight?: Carly texted the group chat of her closest friends.

: I’m down: Spike replied quickly.

: Hells yea sista count me in: Raoul responded.

Carly waited for the message from Mackenzie. She frowned when her friend didn’t immediately reply confirming their Fourth of July plans. Normally they shared everything however lately, Mack had been secretive, blowing off plans, on the phone constantly when they did hangout. Ever since she went missing for those hours early in the summer, she just came back, different. This time Carly was going to get to the bottom of it.

Sideswipe lounged on his berth, he threw a ball of scrap metal up in the air and caught it. He vented air, and repeated the motion. Tink. Tink. The small sound of every time the ball met his hand.

“Primus. Do you have to sulk like that?” His twin complained. On Sunstreakers’ berth also sat Tracks and Mirage. The four mechs in the small room already filled it very quickly, and Sideswipe made sure no bot could squeeze in next to him.

Sideswipe didn’t answer him, and continued to throw the ball up.

“What’s gotten into his gears?” Tracks asked out loud.

Sunstreaker shrugged, “The human was supposed to have a surprise for him. And it won’t answer him, and now is late.”

Sideswipe sat up quickly, “That was supposed to be a secret!” he groaned.

“What secret? You, hanging out with the fleshy? That’s no surprise.” Mirage looked at him.

The red twin furrowed his brow, “It’s not like you even want to do anything with her. So why do you care anyway?”

Now Mirage glowered at him, “I don’t, just curious.”

-

His comm link popped up, revealing an incoming transmission from the human. Finally! He thought excitedly. “Hey!”

/Hey Sides!/

“You’re late.”

/I know I’m sorry, I’ll be there in a bit. We have a slight change of plan./

“Oh yeah? I mean you could tell me what you wanted to do today and…”

/No, no. Everything changed. Tell me Sides. Are you afraid of getting in a little trouble?/

Sideswipe stifled a chuckle. “Nope. Not at all.”

/Well we won’t get into any trouble if all goes to plan. Grab anyone you think would want to go, and won’t mind breaking a few rules./

“Want to go… want to go where?”

He heard the human laugh on the other end of the call, /That’s the surprise./

The call ended and all three mechs across from him were staring. “What?” he asked.

“What was that all about?” Tracks inquired.

Sideswipe grinned, “You mechs wanna get out of here for a little while?”

-

Mack rolled up in her car to the Ark, she parked in her usual spot off to the side where it wouldn’t be seen immediately by any passersby. She walked through the hologram where she knew the entrance of the Ark was. Sideswipe was waiting at the front for her. It was early in the evening; the sun had just begun to set.

Sideswipe had gathered several mechs together to ‘go out’. Sideswipe himself, Sunstreaker, Tracks, Mirage, Bluestreak, Bumblebee, and Hound.

The human lifted up several bags up that she carried with her. “You guys ready?”

“Ready for what?” a voice behind them asked.

The mechs about to break the command of their Prime, jumped and turned quickly to see Jazz with his hands on his hips looking at the group.

“Uh nothing, Mack here was just going to need a lift to the Rec Room.” Sideswipe lied to the lieutenant.

“You got a big welcomin’ party just to go to the Rec Room lil’ lady.” Jazz questioned.

The human laughed, watching the mechs become uncomfortable in how to proceed. “Jazz! Don’t do that to them.”

The mech smirked, “Couldn’t help myself.” He put a hand on Sideswipes taller shoulder. “Where we goin’?”

Sideswipes’ mouth dropped. “You know?!”

Mack rolled her eyes, “Of course he knows Sides. How else do you think we’re getting past Red on monitor duty right now?”

The Autobots looked at Jazz. “Ah, it was nothin’ just looped the feed for a bit. Meanin’ we better get a roll on ‘for it ends.” With that, he transformed into his Porsche alt mode and opened the door, allowing the human to get in.

The rest of the Autobots followed suit and transformed. Bluestreak rolled up next to Jazz, “Where are we going?” Jazz rolled down his window so that the human could answer.

“It’s a surprise. It’s a good one, promise!” She answered. Mack quickly sent the location to Jazz. “Okay we’re going here.”

“A’ight lil’ lady, lead the way.” Jazz chuckled and took off, through the hologram and onto the dirt roads that surrounded the Ark and left the safety of the surrounding area, directly disobeying the order of Optimus Prime.

“Soundwave.” Megatron eyed the quiet mech from his command chair, as he silently walked in. “What do you have for me this cycle?” Soundwave handed the leader a data pad. Megatron accepted it and lazily scrolled through it.

“Research: Planetary activity shows an unknown sentient species. Data Concludes: Non-energon power sources. Can be convertible to energon. Scouting: Required.”

Megatron pondered the report. “An unknown species?” He asked aloud.

“Species: Full organic. Analysis: Weak to Decepticon cause.”

“They would be no match to our combined Decepticon strengths. You say scouting is required? Very well Soundwave.”

/Starscream! Skywarp! Thundercracker!/ He hailed his seeker trine over the comms.

/Yes sir?/

/Yeah boss?/

/Lord Megatron, how best can we serve you?/ Starscream sneered back.

/I have a job for all of you, come to me at once./ Megatron growled.

-

The three seekers entered the Nemesis command bay, Skywarp and Thundercracker a step behind Starscream. “Lord Megatron.” Starscream bowed slightly, hand across his chassis, “What services can we provide for you?”

The Decepticon leader scowled, “Enough theatrics Starscream. I need you three to scout.”

“Scouting? But that’s for-“ Skywarp started but received an elbow joint to his midsection from Thundercracker to shut him up.

“That’s for figuring out more about this mudball we’re on? Right Megatron?” Thundercracker continued.

Megatron watched the interaction, Skywarp could at times be, an idiot, the other two made up for the purple jets’ lack of processing power.

“Precisely. Go. Find out more and report back. You have until the end of this cycle.” As he waved them off.

“Of course, dear leader.” Starscream replied as walked out, leading the seekers out with him.

The drive to the location that the human provided wasn’t too far. They drove on dirt roads, asphalt roads, over train tracks. The Autobots were in awe as they got closer and closer to the large city that they could see from the surrounding area of the Ark crash site. Bluestreak was the only one so far that had made it even close enough to the human city. But Tracks, Sideswipe, Sunstreak, Mirage, Bumblebee and even Jazz hadn’t ventured this far. They drove through the human settlements, taking in everything from the small homes, to the large skyscraper buildings, much taller than all of them.

“This reminds me of Iacon.” Bumblebee said in awe.

Sideswipe huffed, “Iacon has taller buildings.”

“Still. This is remarkable. For beings so small, they’ve built so much.” Hound replied.

-

Just on the other side of the city was their destination. The group transformed as they were far enough away from wandering eyes. The human assured them that no one would be looking at them tonight. It was at a higher elevation and the ridge left a beautiful view of the cityscape below them. They could see the form of Mt. St. Helens in the distance, where their temporary home was located. The sky was quickly changing colors, vibrant pinks and oranges filled the sky as the sun continued to set, wrapping the Earth in a beautiful hue. The Cybertronians took in the sunset, wondering if it would ever get old watching them each day.

“It’s gorgeous.” Hound commented watching the sky.

“Does Cyberton have sunsets?” Mack asked.

“No. We don’t have a sun.”

Mack surprised looked at the Cybertronians. “No sun? At all?”

Jazz chuckled, “Long time ago we did, in the Golden Age, but our planet ain’t tethered to one like yours is. Not many mechs now know what Cybertron looks like with a star watchin’ over it.”

Mack watched the sunset with a new-found appreciation. She couldn’t imagine a place that had no sun, no warm during the day on her skin, missing it when it rained for days on end.

“Soooo, what are we here for?” Sideswipe asked. “You said we came here for a reason.”

The human grinned, “Oh just you wait. You’ll know when you see it.”

“See it? What does that mean? What do we have to look for? I just don’t want to miss it, especially since we’re out here. Against Prime’s orders. I mean if he finds out, Primus, Prowl is gonna have all our afts welded to the brig.”

“That won’t happen.” Sunstreaker grumbled, tweaking one of Bluestreaks’ door wings.

“Why is today so special anyway?” Mirage complained.

“It’s the Fourth of July!” The girl answered.

Mirage glared down at the human. “And that means what to me?”

Mack rolled her eyes and flicked her hand out, “It’s a holiday. In 1776, the United States of America announced it separation from the British, becoming our own country. We call it ‘Independence Day’.”

“You humans fought for separation to be your own independent nation?” Bumblebee asked surprised.

“Yep.”

“What’s a holiday?”

“A holiday is a day or several days every year to celebrate a certain thing or person. Holidays repeat every year. Like now, for example, the Fourth of July, we’ve celebrated his day every year since then! I think it had a lot more meaning then, but now it’s a day off to celebrate your country and eat hot dogs, and go see a parade, and – other things.”

“I want a holiday! A whole cycle just to celebrate me.”

“Shut up.” Sunstreaker glared at his twin.

“Sideswipe Day.” Sideswipe stared off to the horizon separating his hands for emphasis.

“Primus.”

“Do you not have holidays?” Mack asked the group of rule breakers.

“Time on Cybertron is different. You said you celebrate every Earth year? We keep track of time differently, it’s linear. It doesn’t, repeat so to say.”

“Oh.” The human thought about linear time and not a repeating calendar, as she kept checking the time on her phone, it was getting darker and closer to 7pm.

The seeker trine had excited the boarding chute that stuck out of the Nemesis in the same position as when they crashed. Luckily with the force of their thrusters, they only had to make it several hundred feet underneath the water before they exploded from the surface.

Once out in the open atmosphere, they transformed into their Cybertronian alt modes before taking over the skies.

The horizon was filled with color and light, unlike the darkness that had engulfed Cybertron for many vorns. It was a startling realization that they weren’t home, especially leaving the Nemesis for the first time since their awakening.

Thundercracker flew close next to Starscream. /Where should we go first?/

Starscream scanned their surroundings, there was plenty of this water everywhere, and it seemed there was grounded land ahead. He himself had to contain his curiosity at the planet they were on. They didn’t have long to scout. The seeker readied himself with a plan, before he could announce it, Skywarp interrupted his train of thought.

/Ey uh Screamer, I think we’ve been made./

/Autobots?/ He sneered.

/Nah- not unless they became fliers over the last cycle./

Just below them, was a set of F-15 Eagles, flying close.

Thundercracker scanned them and became startled, /Primus, those organic things Soundwave was talkin’ about are in there. I think they’re flyin’ them./

/How wonderful./ Starscream spat back. /Quickly. Take their form so we may remain hidden, with no interruptions./

The trine scanned the appearance for their alt-mode, taking it on for their own bodies. Mid-flight their appearance changed from their Cybertronian alt-modes to these new ones from this planet. The only difference between the ones for the organics below now and themselves, was their paint jobs and their insignias.

/I could get used to this. It’s sleek./ Skywarp spun in circles, transforming back and forth.

Thundercracker transformed once to get the feeling of his new alt-mode before transforming back. /It really isn’t that bad./ He mused surprised.

Starscream did not transform, he stayed silent as he examined the water. They kept flying, for a little while longer maintaining their distance to keep off radar as the flew closer and closer to land.

/Skywarp. Take them out./

However, with the possibility of more radars to notice them closer to shore. And no longer needing to follow the organic operated jets, Starscream ordered for their destruction.

Skywarp laughed as he powered up his warp drive, quickly disappearing from next to the two Decepticons, as they watched him reappear below.

The mech appeared next to the one on the right, with a crackle of powerful electricity. As he transformed grabbing the one jet with both hands, and pushing it into the other jet on the left. With such strength from the Decepticon, both jets exploded on contact with each other, it only took but a few seconds for this all to happen. Skywarp popped away before the fiery blast reached him, as he rejoined his trine.

/That. Was fun. I would love to do that again./ He rejoiced excitedly, watching the burning debris fall.

/In due time Skywarp./

The Autobots noticed a change in pace in the city below just around that time. Traffic areas were closed off, and more and more humans bustled around to the same spots.

In the silence surrounding them, they could faintly hear an announcer and thousands of humans speak in union, loud enough to be heard from the distance. “Five, four, three, two, one!” In an instant the loud sound of firing echoed off the city and the landscape.

They looked around quickly for the source of were the blast came from, not pretending to be on edge, before another boom was heard and the nighttime sky lit up in a dazzling display of colors and lights. More booms followed as the night exploded, different sizzling shapes illuminated the sky, reflecting off their metallic bodies. The colors and explosions left them surprised, not only was there a main display, but they saw as across the city smaller ones were going off as well. The whole city was filled with colorful explosions of light in impressive shapes and colors.

The Cybertronians’ watched in awe.

“This! This is the surprise!” Mack yelled over the booming display.

Bumblebee leaned down next to her, “What is this?” Not taking his optics off the sky.

The human smiled and patted his arm, “These are fireworks. Happy Fourth of July ‘Bee.”

The Seekers however, were not in awe once the fireworks began. They had been flying around, taking in the lay of the land and several cities along the coastline, and any potential areas of interest for Megatron.

Thundercracker rolled past the first of many explosions with a grunt. /What the frag?!/

/Are they firing back cause I blew up those fragging things earlier?/ Skywarp complained avoiding more colorful explosions. 

The Decepticons didn’t even know what they were, let alone why so many explosions were aimed at the skies, at them.

Starscream transformed and hovered in place. “It can’t be.” He scanned the areas below, red optics wide.

“’Scream!” Thundercracker transformed tackling the Trine leader, as another explosion blew up where Starscream was hovering, examining the ground below.

“Get off of me!” He screeched as Thundercracker released him and Skywarp appeared next to them both.

“I say we get out of here. Now. Come back and scout when the star illuminates this side of the planet again.” The blue jet recommended.

“Skywarp. Take us back immediately!” Starscream ordered, putting his thoughts together again, and away from the planet.

More explosions around them justified his direction. The purple seeker vented smoky air through his systems. “Primus, hang on.” He grabbed both of their shoulders, and they did the same to him. He closed his optics, drawing more power to his warp drive to take all three mechs back to the safety of the Nemesis.

“This is dumb.”

“What’s dumb, is that Mack has blown us off one too many times. I’m getting to the bottom of this.” Carly pulled out her phone to track the location of her friend.

“Chica. We’re missing the party for this?” Raoul complained slumped in the driver’s seat.

Spike leaned forward from the backseat, “Why does it matter? We have booze, let her do her own thing.”

Carly stared at the two boys, “You’re telling me you really haven’t noticed anything off with her lately? Ever since she went missing, it’s like she still hasn’t come back.”

She tapped her phone a few more times pulling up the location where Mack was, it showed that she was again, in a forest on the other side of the city. Carly threw a look at Spike, and raised an eyebrow at Raoul.

He sighed and started the car. “Vamanos I guess.”

The drive avoiding the traffic during the fireworks show didn’t take long, Raoul knew all the backroads to get there faster. By the time they arrived, it was dark and the fireworks show had begun. They parked as far as they could before they would have to get out and walk.

-

“I have something else for you guys!” Mack called out as she ran to where she dropped her bags off, she had bought Roman candles for them to fire into the sky. It was a small gesture but she want the Autobots to participate as much as they could.

They paid her no mind as she left, still enamored with the fireworks display. She reached her bags and began digging around, when she heard movement in front of her.

“Mackenzie Lauren Donovin.”

Her head snapped up as she saw Carly, hands on her hips staring at her, using her full name. Raoul and Spike were just behind her, softly illuminated by the colors in the sky.

Carly started up her rant she had been saving, “If you don’t want to hang out with us fine. If you’re in trouble,”

“Uh Carls?” Spike interrupted quietly, voice shaking.

“that’s what friends are for, if you’re hiding from someone, we can help. If you have a creepy new boyfriend,”

“Carloca.” Raoul also whispered.

“cool, great, we’ll meet him and tell you how wrong he is for you but –“

The girl’s eyes wandered to look just behind her friend. Outlined by the fireworks display and the city below were the forms of giants. One turned to look their direction revealing it’s glowing blue eyes looking directly at them.

The three humans froze. Mack was the only one to move, turning her head back looking to and from the situation she had found herself in. More eyes turned their way until 7 sets of blue eyes and 1 large band of blue looked their way.

Raoul and Spike didn’t waste time and took off running back the way they came first. Tripping and fumbling through the woods. Carly grabbed Mackenzie’s arm and tried pulling her with them, but Mack didn’t budge, resisting the pull into the trees. “What is wrong with you?” She whispered angrily.

One of the things started to move closer, making Carly freeze, Mack still hadn’t said a single word in this whole thing. Carly did the only reasonable thing she could think of, to stop those things from getting closer, she began to scream.

Mackenzie quickly clamped her friends mouth shut, attempting to muffle the screaming. “Carly! Carly! Calm down!” She begged.

Carly locked eyes with her, before looking back to where the things were, and to her surprise they were gone. No outlines, no silhouettes, no sound. Just gone.

Mack breathed heavily, “I’m gonna let go, I- I can explain, just don’t – scream.” She let go of the grasp she had on her mouth.

“What – what was that?” Carly asked shakily, looking around for an explanation to the scene in front of her.

“A cool show, right?” Out of the woods appeared a park ranger, dressed in a full uniform. It was the middle of the night. Mack and Carly stared at the man, confusion washing over both of their faces.

“Who the hell are you?” Carly snapped. “What were those things?”

The man looked confused, “I’m Ho- Ranger Harvey.” He explained slowly, “And what things? I didn’t see anything.”

Carly looked back again from Mack to this Ranger showing up in the middle of the night. “You’re joking.” Things just kept getting stranger.

“I’m sure you two have just been doing too many things. Seeing too much. Why not go home?” He offered, gesturing back to where they came from.

“Uh – sure officer. We can go now.” Mack replied, picking up on what was happening.

Carly stared at her, “No. Absolutely not. You –“ she pointed a finger and poked her in the chest, “Are acting weird as shit, where have you been? My friend, would not do this. And you,” she pointed a finger and tried to push it into the chest of the park ranger to make a point. But instantly her finger and hand went through the man’s chest causing his body to glitch around the entry point of Carly’s hand.

“Scrap.” The main said defeated, while Carly stared at her hand inside the man.

This time Carly didn’t wait for Mack to follow, but after watching her hand slide into a random guy, she booked it back down the trail. She couldn’t comprehend what happened, it was too much of an absolute shit show.

-

 “Great idea, Hound.” Tracks voice echoed still unseen, chastising the choice of pulling up a human hologram.

“I don’t have enough energon for a holomatter.” Hound’s voice spoke up for his actions.

“It’s not like you had any ideas Tracks.” Bumblebee voice supported the scout.

Once the other humans had left, Mirage dropped the invisibility cloak he had pulled around the group of Autobots.

“Great. Just. Great.” Mackenzie complained, head in her hands.

“They’ve seen us.” Jazz pointed out, his head shot to the right, scanning, “They haven’t left jus’ yet.”

“Raoul probably dropped his keys.” The human commented.

“You know those other humans? Who are they? How did they find you?” Bluestreak asked.

Mack sighed, “They’re my friends, that was Raoul, Spike and Carly. I don’t, I don’t know how to fix this.”

“They won’t tell about us, right? Just Hound’s creepy human hologram.” Sideswipe shivered remembering of one humans’ hand going through the hologram.

The human grimaced, looking at the Autobots. Shaking her palm in a ‘so so’ type of way.

Jazz vented air, taking over what to do next, “A’ight lil’ lady, let’s go fix this.”

-

“Raoul!”

“Look harder cabrón!”

“Raoul!” Spike yelled again, this time jingling keys with his hand.

“Raoul!” This time it was Carly’s voice yelling through the woods. “Start the car!”

“Don’t you see that’s what I’m tryin’ to do here?”

“Start the car now!” She came flying out of the brush, grabbing the door handle and repeatedly trying to pull it open. “Now!”

“We’re going, we’re going!” He yelled back as Spike scrambled into the front seat, and Carly launched herself into the back.

“Go go go!” Carly smacked the seats for emphasis.

“What were those things?” Spike asked the group as Raoul started the car and began to peel away from the crazy.

“Hell if I know, but –“ Carly looked at her phone, to call anyone, someone, but she didn’t have any service. “I don’t have any bars.” She gasped.

Spike looked at his in surprise, “Me either.”

“Oh shit!” Raoul slammed on the brakes as a yellow Volkswagen Beetle blocked the road, he would have crashed into the car if he wasn’t paying attention.

Raoul leaned out the window, waving at the car. “Hey! Pendejo! Move!”

The car began to change shape into the form of a giant robot, and it leaned down next to the passenger window, still blocking most of the road. The humans in the car froze watching. “Hey wait! If you just wait a nanoclick-“ It spoke to Spike.

Raoul wasted no time speeding off, driving half on the shoulder, half on the the road and not allowing the robot to finish talking.

As they sped away, two cars appeared in their rearview mirror. Carly turned around and looked out the back window. “Guys.” She smacked both of them wildly in the front, not taking her eyes off the two cars. “Guys.”

“What?!” Raoul looked at her in his rear-view mirror.

“There’s no one driving those cars.” She said quietly in realization. The red one, now they could tell it was a Lamborghini, moved quickly next to them blocking them from turning right. So, Raoul made a hard left, flinging his passengers around in his car.

He tried to make another hard left, but now the yellow Lamborghini sped up and blocked his turn, forcing him to go right, which the red sports car backed off allowing him to make the turn.

They were herded into an old industrial complex, Raoul knew where they were, but the ins and outs of this place were confusing, especially this late at night. Every turn he wanted to make, or no matter how fast or slow he went, it seemed like the cars wanted him to go a certain way.

He tried to brake fast, but a white Porsche appeared behind him as the two sports cars flanked either side. Finally, all he could do was drive directly into a warehouse loading bay, where after they entered, the cars blocked his exit.

Six cars entered the warehouse, and two were already inside.

“What do we do?” Carly whispered.

“Is this the mob? This feels like the mob.” Spike looked around.

“Nah man if this is anythin’, this is government bs.” Raoul said quietly as he shot a look to Carly.

“What?! This is definitely not government.”

“That’s what the government would say.” Raoul hissed back.

The door opened to the Porsche and Mack got out, they watched her talk to the car, and then make her way over to them. She knocked on Raoul’s window and pointed down to illustrate to roll the window down.

Raoul gave her a look, but did what she asked, “Hi.” She gave a small wave.

“What the actual fuck Mack?” Carly let her anger and confusion take over. “What’s going on?”

Mack raised her hands innocently as her friends got out of the car. “I said I was going to explain! I didn’t think Hound was gonna do anything.”

“Who do what?” Spike asked confused.

“I stuck my hand through a guy!” Carly shouted eyes wide.

“It was a hologram.” Mack explained, “Not a real guy.”

“Que diablos? Chica, what are you talkin’ about.”

Mack gestured to the cars that surrounded them. “I’m talking about them. Please,” she begged, “It has to stay a secret.”

Raoul looked around at the cars, some were classic models, some were high end, “Them who?”

Mack nodded to the cars, and they all began to change, just like the yellow one did before. Quickly eight robots stood in front of the four humans. Mackenzie smiled softly as their jaws dropped in shock and their eyes went wide looking around the room.

“I want you to meet my new friends. These are the Autobots, and they’re aliens.”

Mack began pointing at each one, “That’s Tracks, Mirage, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Jazz, Hound, Bluestreak and Bumblebee.” The three new humans looked up stared in awe as each one, acknowledged their designation.

“Guys, this is Raoul, Spike and Carly.” She introduced the humans to the Autobots; however, they didn’t move or react to their names.

“Remember our pact?” Mackenzie asked as they turned to stare at her. She spit in the palm of her hand and held it out in the middle of them. “Secrets stay secret? Till the day we die? If one goes down we all go? This, this is definitely one of those times.”

Spike looked around at the giant alien robots. The yellow one waved at him, that tried to talk to him earlier. He looked back at Mack and spit in his hand squishing their palms together. “I’m in.”

Raoul didn’t hesitate. “Shit, me too.” He spit in his hand and smacked it on top of Spikes’.

The three humans eagerly looked at Carly, she was the last one. Her brain was screaming at her to not join, that this was absolutely too wild to do, but her heart wanted her to take that leap of adventure.

“If you think you’re going to deal with aliens alone, without me? You’ve lost your mind.” Carly spit in her hand and added her hand to the top of the stack.

Sunstreaker commented on the humans spitting fluids into their hands and squishing them together. “That’s disgusting.”

Chapter Text

Kevin walked into work as there was a buzz in the air, he didn’t even sit down before Sterling came in almost bouncing out of his shoes.

Kev silently unpacked his bags, not matching his friend’s eager enthusiasm.

“Aren’t you gonna ask?”

“Aren’t I gonna ask what?”

“Why everyone is up in arms today?”

Kevin shot him a look, raising an eyebrow.

“Okay, it’s not great news, let alone good news, its - well actually kinda bad news. Buttt something’s got the Air Force in a pickle.”

Kevin couldn’t care less, his uninterest just made Sterling babble more. “What the hell do you mean Ster? Those cushy fly boys got into some shit?”

Sterling leaned in, “No. Well yes, maybe.”

“For fucks sake Sterling. Spit it out.”

Sterling sat in the chair next to Kev, pulling at his chair and rolling him close. “Picture this: two F-15’s flying the coastline of the Pacific. No distress call, no bad weather, nothin’ on radar, yet, boom! They crash into each other. They got nothin’ to work with, except how the hell would two experienced pilots just crash into each other. It was like they were flying straight one second and then the next, gone. It’s gonna be one of those mysteries the conspiracy guys are gonna eat up on YouTube.”

Kevin stared at the man. His mind reeling in possibility. “Jets don’t just blow up for no reason.”

“I know. They’re headed out to find the black box now. Hopefully they find out the reason.”

Something inside Kev’s mind made a connection that clicked and made him sick to his stomach. He scrambled to pack up his belongings on his desk, shoving everything into his bag as fast as he could. Sterling watched as Kevin essentially ran out without saying a word, but a look of disgust stuck on his face.

The doors locked.

“Tracks!” The human cried out. “You can’t do this! This is called kidnapping!”

Tracks’ mused, ignoring the girl, as he sat idle in the parking lot of the car wash. Mack tried the door handles, pulling on them repeatedly, but the doors would not open. She tried the locks again. Nothing she did tempted the vain Autobot from letting her out.

“Tracks! Let me out!”

His dashboard came to life, lighting up, his voice all around her. “I don’t think I can hear you.” Then immediately proceeded to shut down any unnecessary systems, causing the car to fall silent.

Mack stifled a laugh in shock, as she stared at the steering wheel, where his Autobot insignia was branded. “You’re joking.”

The car stayed silent.

“Are you giving me the silent treatment?!” She gasped, “All because I said I couldn’t give you another detailing?!”

From anyone watching outside, it looked like the girl might have been having an argument over the phone, with her yelling inside the vehicle. But in reality, she was dealing with a giant robot alien who was having a temper-tantrum.

“The only reason Sunstreaker got an extra detailing is he threatened to step on me!” She yelled at the car.

Track’s voice popped back briefly, “Maybe I should threaten your well-being.”

She smashed her hand down on the horn. The loud blaring sound surprised him, making him jump in his wheels before he shut down that feature of his alt-mode.

The human kept smashing the steering wheel where the horn would be, but it stopped making any noise.

“Will you stop that?” He complained lazily.

“You.” She pointed her finger in the steering wheel, “Are NOT, going to blackmail me.”

Tracks didn’t reply, but was growing tired of the human wiggling and smashing around inside his chassis. He took the seatbelt that was a new feature to his alt-mode and wrapped it around the human. Locking her tightly in place in the seat.

“Tracks!” She managed to squeak out.

Mack squirmed against the restraints, attempting to break free, before she finally gave up and sat in silence.

The Autobot and the human sat for a while, neither one refusing to speak first for the time being. After several minutes had passed, he finally spoke up. “Well?”

She sighed heavily and leaned her head against the back of the seat. “I surrender.”

Tracks chuckled in victory, “About time.”

-

Mack gave him directions to a different place than they would usually go for their ‘extended detailing’. It was new to Tracks, so he loosened his restraints on her in the seat slightly, but did not fully let her go.

The name on the building was ‘Bobby’s Care Auto: ABC’s Front to Back Vehicle Maintenance’.

Tracks read the sign. “That makes no sense.”

“No one gets it.” The human sighed, “Go around back.” She tilted her chin in the direction he should drive.

On the backside of the building were several large garages. Three had their doors open, and one was shut. He rolled to a stop in front of the one that was closed. “I need to actually get out now.” She reminded the Autobot, trying to move against her restraints.

Tracks pondered for a moment, before releasing her from his makeshift seatbelt bonds. He watched her exit, and knock on the garage, tapping her knuckles on the door.

The door lifted up, revealing another human. The Autobot was surprised to see that Mack took her the human that he was introduced to the other day. It was Ray, Raos, Raoul – something he was sure of it.

The two humans talked for a minute, the surprise leaving the humans’ face as she motioned for him to drive in.

Tracks drove in, the human shut the door behind them, safe from wandering eyes.

“This guy is one of your weird robot friends, right?” Raoul asked Mackenzie, as his eyes scanned over the royal blue Corvette Stingray.

The Autobot showed off and transformed, the space just large enough for him to do so, but he had to remained crouched while inside. Raoul finally got a good look at him, he had a red face, and glowing blue eyes, the top of his head was white, while the rest of his body was royal blue.

“Che, okay then.” Raoul breathlessly answered. “Is it that cool every time they do that?” He leaned over and whispered to Mack.

“No.” She squinted her eyes at Tracks who had essentially took her hostage in exchange for a cleaning.

“Papi that’s one gorgeous car you come from.” Raoul commented on his alt-mode.

“I am stunning in every capacity.” Tracks responded flatly.

The girl stifled a laugh, while the Autobot shot her a look, Raoul looking between them confused. Mack groaned, “Tracks needs ‘extensive detailing’ and I can’t afford another round of it from that shop downtown. So here we are.” She looked at Raoul, “You up for a little alien body work?”

Raoul blinked the surprise out of his face, giving a whistle in reply, “Venga amigo,” he put his hands on his hips, “whacha lookin’ for?”

Tracks looked around at the garage, he saw projects of varying degrees. Custom paint jobs, airbrushing, vinyl wraps and pinstriping. If it was custom, Raoul did it all. His optics settled on a large piece that had golden flames.

“You want somethin’ custom?” Raoul flung back in his paint covered work chair, spinning around.

“Everything I enjoy is custom, my paintjob included, it needs to be pristine. And on this mudball planet of yours, it seems to never stay that way.”

“Aight hombre, I’m pickin’ up what youre puttin’ down.” Raoul laughed as he pulled out a sketchbook. He looked the Autobot up and down, “Normally I just work on – you know cars.” He mentioned carefully.

“That should not be a problem.” Tracks transformed back into his alt-mode.

Raoul stared again at the car in front of him, which was also the alien, but also the car. “Uf! Papi chulo.” He clicked his teeth, taking in the car again, and looked at Mack, “That aint ever gonna get old.” To which the girl just rolled her eyes.

-

Raoul sketched out a design, as he played music in the background. It was a combination of rap, latin, house and edm music. He tapped along to the beat as he drew up the plan to give Tracks his custom detailing. He chatted to the car as he worked. Mackenzie took up residency on the small couch that he had set up, switching between being on her phone, joining in the conversation and eventually falling asleep.

The human began mixing colors and masking out the Autobot emblem on the Cybertronians’ hood. A golden and dark red flame design was given the stamp of approval by Tracks and Raoul was going to make it his best work yet.

“What were you saying earlier?” Tracks asked as Raoul worked on his hood.

“Que?”

“Yes that – what are you saying? I do not understand you.”

Raoul chuckled, “It’s Spanish muchacho. Youse don’t understand it?”

“No, I only have one Earth language downloaded.”

Raoul thought a moment, “Well, on Earth you gotta get more cultured my man. I rock my heritage. Puerto Rican and Cuban.” As he patted his chest over his heart. “But what were you askin’ about?”

Tracks played back his earlier comment “Uf! Papi chulo.”

Raoul laughed, “Ah man, you got style, substance. This car you picked out is muy guapo, I can appreciate a guy who knows how to take care of their car and keep it nice. Which I mean – I guess that’s just you Papi.”

“I still don’t understand, but I always have style.”

Raoul snickered, before turning around and throwing a paintbrush as his passed out human friend. “¿Cómo se dice papi chulo in English?”

Mack half asleep rolled turning away, “It’s a compliment Tracks.”

For once Tracks stayed silent as the human continued worked over his chassis.

-

Several hours later Mack woke to Raoul in her face, covered in sweat, grease and paint. “Good mornin’.”

She rubbed the tired from her eyes, as she looked at Tracks in his bot mode looking over his chassis, against the shiny metal garage door. Mack had never seen Tracks smile, but here he was grinning, just looking at his reflection.

“I will be coming to visit much more often!” He exclaimed, as he transformed again, showing off his sleek exterior, with a freshly painted flame decal around his Autobot badge, and golden accents around the rest of his body. He was waxed and buffed and extremely shiny, you could almost say he was ‘glowing’.

She rested her check on the back of the couch. “Okay fine I admit, you look good Tracks.” She said.

“Good?! I look absolutely exquisite.” He gasped.

Mack rolled her eyes as Raoul smiled, wiping paint off his hands with some dirty rags. Proud that the alien liked his work, and a hellofa good job he did, he was even happy with the outcome. He looked over at his friend, “You owe me 500 bucks.”

 “Excuse me?!”

“Thanks for coming to get me.”

“No problem. Sorry about your car though. That sucks.”

Spike slouched in the passenger seat pushing his eyes in, letting out a big sigh. “I just really hope it can get fixed before school starts. I can’t’ go back to school without a car.”

Mackenzie had picked up her friend from his internship at an engineering firm in downtown. He had left for the day, and his poor beatup car wouldn’t turn over. “Don’t worry I know more than enough guys that could give you a ride now.” She laughed.

Spike laughed, then proceeded to freeze in his seat. Panic creeping across his face as he looked around the interior.

“This isn’t one of them?” He whispered.

Mack shot him a look, “Oh jeez no. None of them would want to turn into a Subaru. Apparently, that’s above them.”

Spike chuckled nervously, “Yeah rightttt.” He still looked around again just in case to see if he could tell the difference.

“You know meeting aliens wasn’t on my bingo card for this year.” He commented.

Mack smiled, “Wasn’t on mine either.”

“My dad is a mechanic too on the side. My grandfather owned an auto shop, it was passed down to my dad. He likes working there when he’s not out in the middle of the ocean.” The boy commented looking out the window.

“’Sparkplug’s’ right?” Mack asked.

Spike smiled softly, “Yeah. It’s been my dad’s nickname forever, even when he was off in Panama.”

The girl looked at her friend, “It’s a good one. I can’t remember my dad’s old war nickname, I know he’s told me before.”

“I’m just saying – I know your dad knows, but if you need anyone else to help, my dad, he’s a great go to. He pushed me to go to college, because even though he didn’t, he’s done so much and knows so much too. He says college will open more doors for me, but I don’t know how to thank him.” Spike went on, “So maybe meeting aliens, I don’t know – would be a way to say thank you.” He sighed again.

Mackenzie thought for a moment. She had already been pushing the rules with her own father and the Autobots. What was one more human to know? Before she could answer Spike, her phone began to ring. She looked at the caller ID, Bumblebee.

She grinned at Spike, who sat there confused, as she answered the call on speaker.

“Hi Bee.”

“Uh- Hi Mackenzie!” The Autobots voice came from the call.

“What’s up?”

“Oh, there’s nothing above me.” Bumblebee replied.

“No – I mean, why’d you call?”

“Oh! Well,” he paused on the other end of the line, “ever since we saw the fireworks, I may have wanted to see the city we drove through. And so, I left the Ark, and I was driving around. It was so nice out, I ended up taking just a really really quick stasis nap. Now, though. I’m stuck.” He went on explaining at a pace that would make Bluestreak proud.

Mackenzie and Spike paused, taking in the stream of conscious thought. “You’re stuck?” Mack finally asked.

“Yes. Very.”

Spike spoke up, “How are you stuck?”

“Who’s that?” Now it was Bumblebee’s turn to be surprised at the additional human voice.

“It’s Spike from the other night. Say ‘Hi Spike’.”

“Hi Spike.” The boy repeated.

Bumblebee’s laugh came through the line, “I’m gonna remember that one.”

“Both of you! Be serious! ‘Bee, what’s wrong, where are you?” Mack asked trying not to laugh, returning to the topic.

“I’m downtown. I’ll send you my coordinates. There’s something on my wheel. And something stuck to my window.”

“Stuck to your wheel?” Spike asked looking to the girl, Mack shrugged.

“I can’t transform! Or go anywhere! It would mess up my undercarriage, not to mention whatever else even if there were no humans around, so I could transform.”

Spike gasped in realization, “You have a BOOT!”

“You’re joking.” Mack groaned.

“What’s a boot?” The Cybertronian asked.

“A boot! They put it on cars who park illegally or don’t pay to park. Which I’m pretty sure you did both.”

Mackenzie laughed at the poor Cybertronians’ misfortune, as she put the location Bumblebee sent. “Okay ‘Bee we’ll be there soon. Don’t worry.”

Now Bumblebee groaned over the call, “Primus this is embarrassing. Please don’t tell Prime. NO. Please for the love of the Allspark – don’t tell Sideswipe.”

-

The two humans found a spot near the yellow Volkswagen Beetle that was stranded on the side of the road. He had not only parked himself in a self-pay parking spot, he was parked in a service truck loading zone.

Mack got out and sympathized with the Autobot, “Hi ‘Bee how you doing?”

The little yellow car sunk on his tires. “Been better.”

Spike was still surprised that the car talked back. Getting used to this alien car business was gonna take some time. “Hi Bumblebee.” He also greeted.

‘Bee perked up a little, acknowledging the new human he met the other day. “Hi Spike! Sorry you have to see me in such a sad state now.”

Spike laughed as he pulled a few tools out of the truck of Mack’s car. “No worries, it happens to the best of us. Plus, I’ve gotten plenty of parking tickets out here. They’re ruthless.”

“You’re in the best of hands with Spike.” Mack reassured the Autobot, as the boy got down on the ground and began to slowly trick the boot clamped to his tire open.

“I appreciate you guys coming to get me.” Bumblebee admitted. “I don’t even know how I’d explain this to Prime, let alone Ratchet.” The car shivered, “I think Ratchet would keep it on me for cycles just to prove a point. These are awful.”

“I can imagine. It’s like a shackle.” Spike grunted as he flicked a bolt off, releasing the boot as it fell off in two pieces around the tire. The human pulled the pieces out of the way from underneath the Autobot.

Bumblebee wiggled his tire left right and rolled forward and back to test his freedom. “Thank you so much! Both of you.”

Spike patted the roof of the car, “Not a problem Bumblebee.”

Mack eyed her friend, who seemed more than comfortable around the minibot. Maybe it was just because he had only met them once previously, that he still treated them like cars – and not the Cybertronians that they were.

She leaned down to peel the ticket that was stuck on his driver side windshield. It came off poorly, leaving adhesive residue on the mechs window. Mack let them talk as she went back to her car to get something to clean it off, she read the ticket.

The human girl gasped in surprise at the cost of the ticket, stopping her in her tracks.

“Mack what’s wrong?” Bumblebee asked worried.

Spike was curious enough that he left the Autobot’s side and leaned over the girl’s shoulder, plucking the ticket out of her hands for him to read. He let out a long whistle in surprise as well.

“What’s wrong!?” The Autobot asked again with more urgency.

“Yeah ‘Bee, that’s one expensive parking ticket.” Spike sucked air through his teeth.

“500 dollars!” Mack squeaked, turning to glare at the Autobot.

“Is that a lot?” Bumblebee whispered to Spike.

Spike leaned against the Cybertronian, patting the hood of his alt-mode. “Oh yeah buddy.”

Mack ripped the ticket out of Spikes’ hands, triple checking it, and she groaned again. “How are all of you so expensive?” She complained.

“If you took Cybertronian credits I could help pay for it.” Bumblebee spoke up.

Mack waved him off, “No, no ‘Bee, it’s fine. Just I wasn’t expecting it to be so expensive.” She rolled her eyes, “You can blame Tracks for my insufficient funds.”

Spike and Bumblebee laughed together at their shared understanding for both their friends’ attitudes.

“Oh! So that was who was Raoul’s special client.” Spike commented. “Hey, maybe ‘Bee can stop by and get this goop off his window.” He added looking at the residue.

“That sounds good to me!” Bumblebee agreed innocently. “Besides you should have seen the mechs when Tracks walked in, talk about a mech who goes above and beyond.”

Mack glared at the two bantering against her. “Oh no, you’ve both lost privileges. ‘Bee you can take him home, and maybe he can pay for your car wash.” She said smiling as she waved goodbye and hopped in her own car.

 “Hey!” Spike called after her as the human drove off. He looked at the car disappearing in the distance and the yellow beetle.

Bumblebee popped open his drivers’ side door. “Where to?” He asked the human.

“Are you sure we’re allowed to be here? That I’m allowed to be here?” Carly asked nervously as the two human girls drove up to the Ark.

Mack shrugged, “It’s gonna be one of those ‘Ask forgiveness not permission’ kinda things.”

“But I thought you said their leader didn’t know that they had been breaking the rules by leaving their base.” Carly questioned her friend.

“I’m pretty sure word got around once Tracks showed up with a shiny new paint job. He’s kinda hard to miss.”

Carly laughed, “No thanks to Raoul, I’m guessing?”

“Sideswipe said I should have seen Sunstreaker’s face when Tracks got back to the Ark. I’m pretty sure he would have actually kidnapped Raoul to do his paint job next. But Tracks is keeping his mouth shut about where he got it done.”

The two girls looked at each other, before bursting into giggles at the thought of Raoul being kidnapped by aliens, just to do custom paint jobs.

Mack pointed out the window as the asphalt road turned into a dirt one. “We’re almost there.”

Carly looked around to see an open area around the base of the mountain, but nothing stood out to her. “It’s here?” She commented surprised, “Not much to see.”

Mackenzie just laughed at her confusion, “Oh you’ll see.” She finished driving up to her usual spot. From the outside the only way you could tell something was different, were the countless tire treads and oversized oval footprints made by the Cybertronians made in the grass and dirt that had trampled the area.

Mack got out and walked over to the boundary line, walking backwards as Carly watched confused. As she took another step back, the mountain glitched around her and then she disappeared from view.

Carly gasped in surprise, unsure of what to make of what she just saw. “Mackenzie?” she asked, as she reached out watching her own hand glitch and disappear. Just like it had done earlier the night she met the Cybertronians and the weird park ranger the Mack explained was one of Hound’s holograms.

Only her friends’ head reappeared back through the hologram, “Neat right?”

“That’s – unsettling.” She commented before she was grabbed by the wrist and pulled into the ship.

Carly looked around at the entrance to the Ark. Orange metal as far as her eye could see. Mack began to lead her through the halls, as she was pulled blindly through the alien spaceship.

“Where are we going?” Carly whispered.

“Wheeljack’s lab. He said he had something to show me!”

Everything was new to Carly, and Mackenzie acted like she didn’t need to explain anything in depth to her friend. So, she was blind-sided when they stopped at a massive doorway, that automatically slid open.

Mack smiled, “Thank you Teletraan.” As she dragged the still shocked friend of hers into Wheeljack’s lab.

“Hiya Wheeljack!”

Carly looked around the other girl and was surprised to see a new Cybertronian she didn’t meet the other night. He was tall, but was leaning down welding parts together as sparks flew. He had a mask over his face, and blue eyes, which were covered with something that looked similar to goggles. Wheeljack stopped welding at the sound of the humans’ voice, only expecting one human, a look of surprise came over his face as he saw instead two.

“Mack! And who is this?” He asked, as his vocal indicators flickered with light with each word.

Mackenzie pushed her friend forward, “This is Carly!”

Carly squeaked looking at the Cybertronian, she was still in awe at just how big and how different they were from humans.

Wheeljack placed the goggles on the top of his helm, “Hello Carly, nice to meet you!” He stuck out his hand, like Mack had instructed was the normal human greeting custom.

The new human looked at Wheeljack’s outstretched hand, touching one of his finger tips and shaking it as best she could. “Hi Wheeljack.” She responded cautiously.

“How’s it going?” The familiar human asked, peering over at the scientists’ work.

The Cybertronian scientist chuckled, “It’s going well. Well – well enough. I’m almost done, I just need to figure out the input and output levels.”

Carly examined the device, “What is that?”

“It’s an energon converter!” Wheeljack announced, happy to explain and share his work with the interested humans.

“Energon?” Carly repeated the unfamiliar word.

“It’s the stuff that keeps them alive.” Mackenzie explained.

“We crashed here on your planet in search of energon. Mackenzie explained it’s like blood to you humans, but we use it everywhere. Powers our ship, our cities and even our weapons! Our data told us that Earth was rich in it. We’re still on the hunt for other forms, but this will do the trick for now. Once I get it up and running that is.” The inventor continued. “I’m just about to put in the math to do the final conversions, we’re using the basis of solar wavelengths as a start to convert it.”

“Solar energy?” The new humans brain started spinning.

“Precisely!”

“Wheeljack says our sun makes a ton of power that he can covert.” Mack told her what he had planned to do to provide the Autobots with energon.

“Energon is pure raw energy, if I can officially convert the wattage from your star, we should be able to create it ourselves consistently.” Wheeljack had begun to explain to the human.

“I read once, that in one hour, the sun could produce enough energy to meet all our energy needs for a year. For the whole planet.” Carly thoughtfully recalled from an article that she read before.

“I wouldn’t be surprised, your star – sun- is so close to your planet. It’s powerful.”

“How much wattage do you need to convert it to energon?” Fully interested, the new human inquired.

“That’s the fun part. I have no idea.” Vocal indicators lighting up brightly in excitement.

-

Wheeljack escorted the humans outside while he carried the massive device out into the sunlight, positioning it out of the way, but in a spot that had the most direct sunlight. The two humans watched as he set up an array of wiring, panels and tubing.

“This is just a prototype. Once I get this working I can make a larger one!” The scientist said giddy as he put the final pieces together. “Besides I have a backup already started.”

“Why do you need a backup?”

Wheeljack looked hesitant, “Uh- Just in case.”

The two girls looked at each other confused.

“You may want to take a step back.” He admitted.

Both humans took a very large step back.

Wheeljack placed an empty cube down on one side of the device and quickly turned on the machine, taking a few steps back himself.

The three of them watched as the device hummed, patiently waiting for something to happen. After a minute of silence and watching, a glowing pink liquid slowly dribbled into the almost invisible cube.

“Don’t touch the stuff.” Mack whispered in Carly’s ear, as her friend watched with amazed eyes.

“Why?” She breathed back.

“It burns.” Mackenzie hissed, “Like a black widow, it’s gorgeous, but it isn’t good for you.”

After several minutes the cube was more than halfway full, and Wheeljack finally gave into his growing excitement. “This is fantastic!” He exclaimed almost jumping out of his armor as he watched the engeron continue to flow.

Just then in the clear blue sky arrived some clouds, not menacing, or large, but big enough to cast a shadow on the ground as they flew by in the sky. As the shade approached the device, shrouding it from the direct sunlight, the device began to hum even louder. The two humans and the Cybertronian watched as the device began to rattle and shake with the change in solar waves.

“Oh no.”

The machine couldn’t handle the change in solar input levels while trying to keep up the powerful output levels needed to create energon. Wheeljack ran over to the device trying to update the settings as quickly as he could to prevent any damage. Or the inevitable he was known for when it came to his experiments, which the humans would learn first-hand about.

The device exploded.

A fiery boom shook the ground, as the blast knocked the humans off their feet, as orange smoke flowed around them and consuming the Autobot.

Mack and Carly both groaned from getting the air knocked out of their lungs temporarily. Picking themselves up, adjusting to the unexpected change and explosion. “I think Wheeljack needs to make a modification to account for the change in wattage input when it’s overcast.” Carly complained loudly, as her ears were ringing. “His radiant flux equation is off.”

“Uh huh – totally agree that flux capacitor needs some work.” Mack groaned as she coughed through the orange smoke.

Mackenzie tried looking through the smoke to find Wheeljack, but as she opened her mouth to call his name, another voice replaced her own.

“WHEELJACK!”

The yelling was unmistakably the resident medic, Ratchet.

He must have ran as soon as he heard the explosion, stomping his way to the entrance of the Ark to see the commotion.

“If you aren’t one of Primus’ favorites by now, I don’t know what is keeping your spark in your chamber.” The medic commented, pulling the scientist up from the ground. Wheeljack was covered in dirt, oil, soot and any other component that literally blew up in his faceplate.

Wheeljack’s optics and audio receptors adjusted to the dramatic change. He gasped in realization, “The humans!” As he took a few steps forward as the smoke began to slowly clear with the wind.

Ratchet looked surprised. “The humans?” He repeated, as he scanned the surrounding area for the organic lifeforms.

As the smoke drifted away, two humans sat in the grass, very much also dazed. Ratchet immediately realized it was not Mackenzie and her creator. But, however, Mackenzie and a human he did not recognize.

It took the medic a moment to realize what or who he should be the most upset with first. “Do you have any ideawhat this smoke could do to them?!” He settled on yelling at Wheeljack first. He grabbed Wheeljack spinning him around to face him.

“Primus only knows what concoction of chemicals and irritants you have stirring in there!” He continued as Wheeljack looked at him, but quickly looked past him, optics locked on something else.

“They could be killed, if not immediately from being in the slagging blast radius but maybe even in just cycles due to the contam-“ He stopped as Wheeljack walked away from his verbal assault.

Confused, Ratchet stopped, looking over at the humans. A quick scan revealed that they were unharmed. “Oh and don’t think for one nanoclick you’re not next.” He snapped at them, which caused them to shrink back. He turned back to gain Wheeljack’s attention, but was met with the Autobot in his own faceplate, standing just a bit too close.

Ratchet jumped in surprise at the mech in his face. “’Jack?” The medic asked more concerned.

The inventor still said nothing, but pulled something from behind his back to show him. In his hand was an almost fully filled energon cube.

Ratchet stared at the cube, as Wheeljack placed it into his hands.

“Is that –“ he began to say.

Wheeljack, faceplate and mask dented, scratched and full of debris, didn’t need a visible mouth to show his happiness and awe.

“The first energon created on Earth.” He finished the medic’s sentence.

He leaned around Ratchet who was frozen in place, optics locked on the energon. “And that’s why I always have a backup.” As he threw a digit back at the exploded, now piece of scrap machine. “Ready to see test number 2?”

“You idiots!” Megatron yelled at his Seekers, his red optics ablaze with anger. “You couldn’t even manage to scoutproperly!”

The warlord raised his fusion cannon attached to his arm and fired at the duo. The jets had to jump out of the way, scrambling to the floor to avoid being blasted by the powerful weapon.

Soundwave had discovered them first when Skywarp activated his warp drive from so far away. As soon as they were inside the Nemesis, Skywarp collapsed from how much energon he had used, versus how little he had in his systems.

Still recovering, Starscream and Thundercracker were the ones to face Megatron’s wrath.

Starscream grumbled quietly, “If Soundwave hadn’t-“

“Hadn’t what?!” Rumble got in the mechs faceplate.

“Hadn’t had you tag a long, you glitch mouse.” Starscream helped himself off the ground by using Rumble to balance, throwing the smaller mech to the ground.

Frenzy stood up for the other minicon, pulling him up and getting ready to take on the seeker.

The Decepticons, pent up on misplaced energy and anger all began yelling at each other. Pushing and throwing punches were they all deemed necessary. Megatron watched his Decpeticons fight amongst themselves, a growl of his engine in distaste began to grow in his chassis. Soundwave silently watched next to their leader, standing still, before he turned to look at Megatron, as the fights escalated to laser fire, and the minicons rumbling shook the walls.

 “ENOUGH.” Megatron yelled, voice reverberating off the walls, silencing the hot headed Decepticons. “I will handle this scouting mission myself.”

Chapter Text

The Autobots had gathered in the Rec Room, Wheeljack apparently had an announcement for them. They all had milled about waiting for the inventor to arrive, not surprisingly, late to his own announcement. What made this stand out compared to other times, was that everyone was in attendance, including Prime and Ratchet. 

Wheeljack finally made his grand entrance, followed by Bluestreak. Who seemingly got caught and roped into the task of helping the scientist carry multiple trays of some mystery hiding under cleaning cloth. 

He beamed from every ounce of his framework, as he proudly stood at the front of the room, Blue stopping just to his left. 

“Mechs, I have something very exciting for you in this breem.” He announced, carefully moving the tray to be supported by one hand and not two, as he grabbed the cloth covering the surprise. “After many failed attempts, and several upgrades, I have finally come through with the most exciting advancement on Earth this vorn!”

“Get on with it already! I aint takin’ up any more of my precious recharge cycle with this nonsense.” Cliffjumper heckled. 

Wheeljack nodded, unphased by the outburst. “I present to you,” He paused for dramatic flair, pulling off the cloth revealing a tray full of small energon cubes. “Energon! The first energon to be made on Earth that is.” Bluestreak followed, revealing even more small cubes of energon. 

The crew looked at the trays in surprise, they all knew that their reserves were dwindling fast, and their recharge cycles were growing longer to make up for the difference in lack of energon. 

Wheeljack and Bluestreak proceeded to hand out one cube to every single mech. The crew was excited of course, but you could sense their hesitation. Red Alert picked up his cube and examined it from all sides, swirling the pink glowing liquid around. Brawn picked at the corner of his cube, letting the smell hit his olfactory sensors. 

“Well?” Wheeljack asked expectantly, as he slid back his mask, quickly downing his small cube. “Bon appetit!” 

“Bon what?” Sideswipe asked, not attempting to repeat the Earth word.

‘Jack’s mask slid back quickly, “Oh, the humans use it. I believe they call it France. It means ‘Eat up!’ or ‘Drink up’.”

Sideswipe and the group of Autobots turned to look at Ratchet, who was not remotely paying attention, but his hand was on his own cube. He only reacted when he felt all the optics in the room on him. 

“It’s fine.” The medic grumbled.

Not a single mech moved.

Ratchet vented air, “I tested it myself. It’s safe energon.”

Still no movement. 

He pulled the film off the top and also took a large sip of the energon. “Are you happy now?!” He addressed the room. “What a bunch of sparklings.” Ratchet complained to Optimus, who gave him a strange look. Ratchet raised a brow ridge, before a groan escaped his vocalizer, “Primus, not you too.” 

Optimus just smiled softly, “You truly can never be too careful.” he commented before removing his own mask to take a quick sip.

Satisfied that it had gotten Ratchet’s stamp of safety approval, and that by consuming this energon created by Wheeljack, nothing would happen to their systems. The Autobots began to sample the Earth Energon. 

Inferno took a large sip, letting the energon fill his systems. “It’s actually- not bad.” He commented looking at the cube.

“Could taste better.” Mirage complained, “Rust flakes on top, that would be nice.”

Tracks scoffed rolling his optics, “Primus, flavored energon? That was a luxury even before the war.”

“What I wouldn't do for some high grade.” Sideswipe threw in. Many mechs agreed with him. 

Brawn commented, “I’ve had worse tastin’ energon at an oil house before.” Chuckling at the distant memory he recalled. 

“It’s very good ‘Jack, well done.” Hoist complimented.

Ironhide chimed in, “Taste don’t matter, as long as we got it flowin’.”

“This Earth day cycle might be a little less, since the energon converter is powered by solar radiation converting the energy into energon. Right now this cycle looks like there won't be much of it unfortunately.” Wheeljack admitted. 

“Imagine once we find crystalized energon. We wouldn't have to wait on the sun to produce energon, we could just have our reserves filled plus more. It would truly be flowing.” Bluestreak thought out loud. 

Prime spoke up after listening to the conversations around him. “Bluestreak is correct, if we can find crystalized energon, we would have more than enough to keep us all going. I will work on a plan to move forward with scouting missions to find it. But in the meantime, Wheeljack - thank you, this is a big moment for all of us. While still being cautious, replenishing our reserves, and knowing we have access to energon, makes the future brighter. Well done.”

Wheeljack beamed with pride from the compliment from the Prime. “Of course Prime. I’ll work on tracking down the energon crystal mines!”

“I’ll help ya ‘Jack.” Trailbreaker offered happily.

Bumblebee got up, “Same here, tell me where to go and I’ll find it!”

Optimus nodded to his Autobots as he left the Rec Room, leaving his crew to chat amongst themselves. He would need to speak to the humans about going out and doing scouting missions. Still, he did not want his crew to be discovered. He tried hailing Kevin on his mobile contact, but was left with a beep before hearing an automatic message, ‘This is Kev, leave a message.’

Prime tried calling again, again he was left with the same message. He tried calling the young girl Mackenzie, it went to another automatic message, ‘This is Mack! Please leave a message after the beep or text me!’ 

Worried the humans did not answer he opened a com to Jazz.

/ Jazz? / 

/ Jazz ta Prime. What’s up? /

/ Can you go check on the humans at their home and bring them here? I cannot get ahold of either one. /

/ Gotcha. Will do. /

Optimus stared at the dark grey skies, not unusual as his chronometer said it was still night for the humans. The sky flashed with light, revealing the shape of the clouds. It was a nighttime sky he had not seen before.

“Prime?” Jazz caught Optimus staring at the sky. Optimus didn't look away from the light, but stayed silent.

Jazz smiled, “You know we’re movin’ in the right direction. Ain’t nothin’ about this is easy.”

“Thank you Jazz.” Prime said, as he watched Jazz transform and speed off to return the humans to the Ark. Optimus agreed, they were moving in the right direction, but what was the right direction? Waiting and biding their time until rescue? Just like the sky however, Prime sensed through the Matrix that something was brewing.

Jazz drove quickly through the roads, however, within reason. He did not want to be caught by the humans or stand out from them, he drove the speed limit and not any faster. The few cars on the road with their human drivers had their headlights on, and while he didn't need them to see, he turned his own on to not be suspicious. 

He knew where the humans lived, but he had never been there himself. Jazz paid attention as the roads turned from industrial highways, to smaller and smaller roads. The city reminded him of Iacon, with the large highrises and the living quarters like he was used to. It was amazing that the small humans could build so high, some of the buildings were even taller than the ones on Cybertron. 

What stood out to him as he drove through were the smaller neighborhoods, each little home was on its own, but connected to the main road. Cars were placed in front of homes, with little roads leading up to the fronts of them. While they all looked slightly different, he could tell that they were all similar in build. 

Jazz finally made it to the location of the Donovin’s home. It was still dark out, and the whole street was dark, unlike many of the other roads and streets he took to get here. There were no lights on at all, no slight hum of power. 

He tried calling the humans like Prime had done earlier, but was left with no answer.

/ Jazz? /

/ Jus’ got here Prime. /

/ Have you made contact with them? /

Jazz paused, scanning the home for heat signatures. There were two of them alright. But still no movement, as he tried calling again.

/ Nah, not yet workin’ on it. /

/ Please let me know when you are on your way back. /

/ 10-4. You got it. /

Optimus paused on the other end of the line, / 10-4? / he asked hesitantly.

/ It’s human military code, means ‘understood’. Just you wait until Prowl finds out about all of ‘em. / Jazz chuckled.

/ I can’t wait. / Optimus’ flat reply came through before the link went dead. 

Jazz looked around scanning the area, the whole street was out of power, and the humans were not moving. He could only think of one way to wake up the humans without revealing himself.

Kevin poured over files, researching all he could with what little information he had. That seemed to be happening a lot lately. Dealing with aliens and what not. But hearing about the two jets that crashed into each other, didn't sit well with him. Through his digging he realized up until the Fourth of July, there were not one, but three and sometimes two F-15 flying around the coast. Many of the reports were at night, so information and visual confirmation was not great, but he was making damn sure he had all the facts straight. 

The more he looked into it the more stressed he got, until finally he passed out on the dining room table. 

Kevin woke to a car alarm. A loud one.

His head jolted up, a stuck piece of paper fell from his oily forehead as his eyes adjusted to being open. Red lines covered his face, where he slept face first into the papers that littered the table top. 

Realizing where the sound was coming from, his thoughts finally came together. 

“Oh, no no no no NO !” He cried out as the human scrambled out of his chair, throwing it to the ground, as he slid on the hardwood floors as he tried to run in his socks, but was losing traction with each step.

He grabbed an aluminum baseball bat that lived in the umbrella holder by the front door, throwing it open and running outside to his driveway, stumbling more along the way, bat raised above his head. “You stupid kids better wa-” Kev stopped abruptly, before he could continue to yell out, as he stared at the white Porsche in his driveway. That was definitely not his car.

The alarms on the car stopped. “What did you think you were gonna do with that?” The car spoke, questioning his choice of weaponry. 

Jazz, still in his alt mode, examined the human. Kevin looked disheveled and not like he normally presented himself. His hair was oily and it was going in every which direction on the top of his head. His eyes were puffy, but also sunken in somehow at the same time. He was only wearing small thin shorts that were patterned with small green earth creatures - frogs Jazz remembered, and tall white socks that had a hole in one of them.

“ Jazz .” He hissed, as he lowered the bat and looked around, crouching down, hiding behind the Porsche. “Are you trying to wake up the whole goddamn neighborhood ?”

“You didn't answer your phone. Prime’s been tryin’ to get ahold of ya.”

Kevin pulled his face down and rubbed his eyes. “ What ?” Came out as more of a groan than he intended.

The Porsche sunk into its tires, “Only way I could get ya movin’.”

“What’s- ah, what’s going on?” 

Mackenzie stood on the sidewalk to the driveway, talking through a yawn as she rubbed her eyes.

Jazz now took in the girl, her hair was not as intense as her father’s but it was not put together like usual. One side was flat, while the other was very much above her head, making her look lopsided. She was wearing an oversize sweater, where the sleeves came down past her fingers and the bottom of it hit her knees. It said NAVY on the front in big letters. She was barefoot.

“Hey lil’ lady.”

She finally opened her eyes fully to see Jazz as the white Porsche in front of her, “Oh Jazz. Good mornin’.” Mack walked over to the front and gave his hood a hug, closing her eyes and putting her cheek on the warm metal.

“Good mornin’ to you too. You alright? You both look- not great.”

“Hm, nothin’s wrong, jus’ tired.” Came her mumbled reply.

Kevin sat on the driveway, he turned to look at his wrist but his watch was taken off the night before. “What time is it anyway?” He sighed.

“6:17.”

Both humans groaned, “ AM ?” Kevin asked. “Prime doesn't know about sleepin’ in does he?”

Jazz chuckled, his engine revving as he did. “Unfortunately not. When duty calls you gotta answer. Besides, I think the power to your home is out.”

Kevin rolled over and got up, walking over to the side of the big rolling door in front of Jazz. He tried pressing a few buttons on the keypad, waiting for something to happen. Which nothing did.

“ Damn it. ” Kevin cursed, “You're right Jazz, powers’ out.”

Mackenzie yawned again, “Makes sense, powers out means my phone didn't charge. Probably dead.”

Kevin copied her yawn. Jazz’s voice came through again, “Prime still needs ta see ya. ‘Sepcially you Kev.”

“I gotta call the city about this, can ya give me like,” he looked at his empty wrist by habit again, “an hour?”

Jazz contemplated, but Mack spoke up, “I’ll go with ya Jazz, sign of good faith and what not.”

“I think I can work with that.” Jazz revved his engines again.

Mack pulled herself up to her elbows and put her face in her hands, looking through the windshield of the Porsche, “10 minutes, let me get put together.” 

“Deal.” 

-

True to her word, 10 minutes later, Jazz and Mack were headed to the Ark. Kevin waved goodbye to them, as they left, he ran back inside to get everything together. It was true he needed to call the city about the power outage, but he also needed to get all his information together to talk to Prime. It was a white lie, but he was relieved that Optimus needed to speak to him as well.

-

“It’s a gross day out today.” Mack commented looking up at the grey skies as they neared the Ark. It was still a strange feeling, not actually driving the car she was sitting in, but she was slowly getting used to it. 

“Where’s that star of yours? I already miss it.” Jazz’s voice came through the radio, interrupting the music as he flicked through the stations. 

Mack laughed as he couldn't sit still and listen to one song in its entirety. “Jazz, man, I’m gonna have to give you my login for premium, no ads.”

Jazz stopped at the entrance, allowing her to step out before transforming, “I don't know what tha’ is, but I’m down.. You humans like ta hear yourself talk over th’ radio waves.”

The human tossed her bag over her shoulder, pausing to look up at the sky. The clouds were getting darker off in the distance, even though it had gotten brighter overall. She took a deep breath in.

“Smells like it’s gonna rain.”

Jazz froze in place. His normal cheerful banter with the girl stopped abruptly. He turned to look at the girl. “What did you say?”

Mack looked back into his glowing visor, which grew to a lighter blue. “I - I said it’s gonna rain.”

Before she could continue asking Jazz why all of a sudden he was acting so strange, he scooped her up in his hand, and ran into the Ark. A squeak escaped her throat in surprise. Jazz hurried down the hall, finger up to his comm, speaking to allow the human to hear. “Prime.”

/ Jazz are you- /

“Who is on patrol? Now, Prime.”

/ Jazz wha- /

“ Now .”

A nano-click later, / Bumblebee and Mirage. /

Jazz stopped a ways down inside the Ark, looking back at the opening that was their entrance. He opened a comm to both Bumblebee and Mirage.

/ Jaz- / Primes’ voice began but he cut off the connection.

“Jazz ta ‘Bee and ‘Raj.”

/ Mirage. /

/ ’Bee - What’s up Jazz? /

“Get back to the Ark now.”

/ But we aren’t- /

“That’s an order .”

/ You don't have to tell me twice. /

/ Jazz we’re headed back. What’s wrong? /

Jazz vented air, as he heard multiple footsteps coming up behind him, he double checked the human in his hand. He turned to see Optimus and Prowl coming up behind him, also probably curious why he had a brash reaction.

He held his finger up to his comm and spoke out loud, hoping he can explain his worry all at once to everyone. 

“It’s about to rain .”

-

Optimus Prime and Prowl stopped abruptly hearing Jazz say it was going to rain. It was not at all what they were expecting to hear. 

“Ratchet to the front of the Ark.” Prowl quickly commed the medic. 

“Rain?” Optimus wanted confirmation. 

Jazz nodded, gesturing to the human in his hands. “She said it was gonna rain.”

Prime looked at the human expectantly, “You are sure about this?”

Mack stared at the Autobots, not understanding their concern, “Yeah, I mean- it’s Portland.” She shrugged.

Optimus looked to Prowl and Jazz, as Ratchet followed by a few mechs who were on-lookers to the medics' hail.

“What in the Pit are you all looking so worried about?” Ratchet asked. “Decepticons?”

Prowl was quick to answer, “Rain. Mirage and Bumblebee are out on patrol.”

Ratchet’s face dropped, like rain was worse off than Decepticons. “ Primus .”

Jazz bent down, letting the human girl out of his hand, “Stay back ‘kay.”

“Uh - Jazz, wait what - what’s so wrong -” She wanted to ask but struggled to get it out. Everything moved so quickly, as soon as she said it was going to rain, it was like all the Autobots were scared of it. Not even scared, more like absolutely terrified of it. Mack couldn't understand for the life of her why. 

The sky continued to darken as the clouds rolled by faster and faster. “Mirage! You go. You’re faster than I am!”

Mirage rolled side by side with the yellow minibot, purposefully not going any faster than his wheels could take him. “No.”

“‘Raj. Go! It’ll be okay. Better one of us gets stuck in it, than the both of us!” Bumblebee argued. His logic was sound, it was true, he knew that Mirage was faster and could get back to the Ark before the rain. 

Mirage revved his engines in protest, but he couldn't argue with Bumblebee, he was too headstrong to lose an argument, in however nice a way he could, he’d never give in. 

“ Fine . You get back in time.” Mirage said as he pushed his engines to go faster. 

Bumblebee laughed hesitantly, “You know I will.” As Mirage overtook his speed and was creating a gap between the two.

-

Several Autobots now were at the entrance of the Ark, waiting in anticipation. Prime, Prowl, Jazz, Ratchet, Cliffjumper, Wheeljack, Trailbreaker. 

“Trailbreaker, how long can your shields hold?” Optimus asked.

The mech thought for a click, “It should hold, but the acid rain, it’ll get through it eventually.”

Ratchet nodded, “As long as it can buy them more time.” Just as Ratchet spoke, small droplets began to hit the dust on the ground, leaving marks of where they landed. Simultaneously all the Autobots took a step back, away from the entrance. 

“There’s Mirage!” Cliffjumper called out pointing to the blue mech, as dust was kicked up behind him. “Can’t see ‘Bee yet.”

Trailbreaker threw up his forcefield, creating a tunnel to inside the Ark, as Mirage drove straight in, momentum sending him flying and skidding down the hall, as he transformed to help slow his speed.

He was venting air through his systems heavily, trying to cool himself down as he ran his engines hot to beat the rain.

Ratchet ran over, and bent down to check on the mech. “Mirage, how are you? Your circuits?”

“Fine. Made it back in time.”

Wheeljack also helped run a scan for the medic, “Where’s ‘Bee?” 

Mirage looked out the entrance, “He should be right-”

The small droplets of rain erupted into a full downpour, as the sky seemingly opened up and began dumping rain on the Autobots. The sound of the rain hitting the ground echoed through the Ark, as several mechs poked their heads to see what was happening with this new sound. 

“- behind me.” Mirage trailed off as he and the others watched the wall of rain. 

In the wall of rain, just outside, there was the little yellow form of Bumblebee who had transformed and used his hands to cover his helm as the rain pelted his frame. 

The Autobots who watched began yelling to Bumblebee, he was so close to safety, and Trailbreakers shields wouldn't work at the distance he was at. Not without Trailbreaker also going into the rain. The human girl watched in surprise, as she kept hearing them call it ‘acid rain’. ‘Acid rain this’ and ‘acid rain that’, but she knew it wasn't acid. It was just regular  rain.

“Guys!” Mack tried to speak over the Autobots' commotion as well as the noise of the downpour of rain, trying to get their attention. “It’s just rain. Not acid rain. Water !” She tried yelling over and over. 

Mack decided that her words were not getting the point across, she’d just have show them it wasn't an issue. 

So, she ran out into the rain. 

The Autobots didn't notice at first, until Ratchet snapped his head, seeing her form take off out of the corner of his optic. He quickly got up and yelled, “ What the frag are you doing?” The other mechs fell silent watching the human run to Bumblebee. 

“Bee! Bee !” She called out, running over to where he was bent over. She fell to her knees, grabbing the sides of his head. “Bee! It’s just water! It’s not acid.”

Bumblebee slowly released his hands, and looked up at the human in utter shock. “What are you-”

“It’s just rain! Regular rain!”

He looked at his hands, opening and closing them realizing, his circuits were not melting or his armour wasn't on fire. He realized he very much wasn't in pain at all.

The human held out her hands to the rain, cupping the water in her palms creating a puddle. She lifted it to her lips and swallowed it. Bumblebee watched her movements in surprise.

“It’s just regular rain water.” She laughed as she wiped away water from her eyes. 

Bumblebee stared at her before he stood up, looking to the sky, allowing the rain water to fall on him. He had never felt any rain fall from the sky that touched his plating that didn't hurt him. Bumblebee began to laugh, he laughed hard, as he looked over his frame, the sound of the rain hitting his plating, dripping off of him. 

He looked at the human who was now thoroughly soaked, her hair slick and surrounding  her face. Her outer clothing was heavy and stuck to her body. They both began laughing hard. 

“You know.” Bee began to say over the rain, “This would have been nice to know beforehand!”

The human smiled, “How was I supposed to know! You never said you had acid rain on Cybertron!”

Thunder interrupted their conversation and it roared through the sky. 

-

The Autobots inside the Ark watched the human run out to Bumblebee and then proceed to watch Bumblebee not get hurt by the rain. 

Wheeljack stuck his hand out cautiously, expecting to feel pain, but getting no such sensation. He collected a small sample and analyzed it. “Primus.”

“ Well . What is it?” Ratchet snapped, ready to disassemble both human and Autobot who were standing in the downpour. 

“It’s water. Just hydrogen and oxygen. That’s it.”

“That’s it?” Ratchet repeated.

“Yep.”

“ That’s IT? ”

Wheeljack stepped out into the rain water, not acid rain like they had all thought. He tensed at the droplets, but realized they had no negative effects on him. The scientist turned around and grabbed Ratchet's wrist and pulled the medic out in the rain as well. 

“This is fantastic!” Wheeljack commented looking up at the sky. 

Jazz was the next mech to take the steps out into the rain, followed by Prime, Cliffjumper and Trailbreaker. Even Hound had appeared to experience the rain. They all stepped into the rainshower, feeling the water fall from the sky and drip down their frames. A luxury they were not used to. Prowl and Mirage were reluctant to join in the rain experience, more than content to watch from the safety of the inside. 

Optimus held out his hand catching the rain, before looking up to see the rain fall from the sky.

Acid rain on Cybertron melted circuitry, making their armor feel like it was on fire. Any mech caught in an acid rainstorm, didn't last long if they didn't find cover soon. Clouds on Cybertron were not like the ones on earth, the acid rain clouds would build up more and more from their war torn planet before taking in all the acid and mixed contents to the sky before slowly dumping it as acid rain on the planet’s surface.

It seemed Earth had rain similarly to Cybertron, but it was all just water. It made sense, their planet was 70% covered in it. Water in several different forms, it was just such a strange experience - alien to the Cybertronians. 

Thunder kept booming in the distance, shaking the sky. The hairs on Mackenzies arm stood up, as a gigantic bolt of lightning hit the top of Mt. St. Helens, causing everyone to jump in surprise at the sound of the loud boom it created. 

The Autobots looked to see where the lightning hit, as rocks tumbled down the side of the mountain. 

“Does that happen often?!” Hound in awe, asked the human girl.

She pushed her wet hair out of her face, “That’s lightning! Comes with storms like this.” She kicked at a puddle, sending water flying toward Hound. Mack giggled before stretching out her arms and spinning fully embracing the rain. 

Another bolt of lightning descended from the sky, this time aimed at Cliffjumper. Jazz jumped back away from the red mini bot, as he sparked from the boost of electricity.

Cliffjumpers optics glowed brightly, as he wobbled, “You - you mechs have got to try that.” He said almost drunkenly as the lightning over energized his systems. 

“You good Cliff?” Jazz reached out and touched his shoulder, pulling back in surprise as he was shocked with energy coming off of Cliffjumper.

“A-okay Jazzy.” Cliff gave him a thumbs up and a lopsided smile.

Jazz looked to Ratchet for help, who gave the mini bot a quick scan. “He’s fine.”

Kevin drove through the rain, straight into the Ark. He was not going to get wet. Hoping out of his car, he saw the puddles the Autobots and his daughter were leaving at the entrance. He didn't even want to ask why she was soaked through. It was cool inside the metal ship, and she was shivering slightly but the Autobots hadn't noticed it yet. 

He dug through his truck and threw an old towel at her. “Dry off.”

“What, you don't want a hug?” She grabbed the towel off her face, holding it off to the side, as she walked closer arms wide.

“Absolutely not!” Kevin held his hand out to protect him from his creation. “You look like a wet dog.”

Mack smiled wildly, as a thought crossed her mind. She flipped her hair over and shook her body wildly, sending water droplets flying at her father.

He held up his briefcase to protect his face, “Ak! I surrender!”

When the onslaught of wetness subsided, he slowly lowered the briefcase, peeking out to see the form of Optimus Prime kneeling down looking at him. “Kevin, I’m glad you made it.” 

The human looked at the commander. “We need to talk Prime.”

-

Optimus and Kevin entered the Prime’s office. The mech allowing the human to jump off his hand. “Kevin, I was hoping to speak to you about the crew beginning to scout for energon in its crystal form here on Earth.”

Prime watched as Kevin dug through his bag, pulling a computer and papers out and laying them out in a specific order. 

“Wheeljack has done an excellent job creating energon from your sun,” Optimus continued on, “but crystalized energon is significantly -” 

“Yeah yeah, approved.” Kevin waved the Prime off. 

Optimus looked at the human in confusion, watching his movements, laying out and organizing the research. He furrowed his brow ridge and squinted his optics. “Kevin, are your audio receptors working?”

“What? No.” The human said not looking up.

Optimus blinked in surprise. He was about to berate the human for not paying attention to their important conversation when Kevin stood up admiring his work. He clicked a few buttons on his laptop in his hand before turning to face Prime.

“Okay, we need to talk.”

Optimus vented air, “I thought that was what we were doing.”

“Were we?” Kevin asked, confused. “I mean, check your data pad. Prowl showed me how to send you secure files to your data pads.”

Prime reluctantly pulled his data pad from subspace, obtaining the file Kevin spoke of. It wasn't much, but it was full of pictures, redacted reports and files. 

Kevin held up his hands, showing the ground. “Look, I know how it looks. But this ,” he waved his hands around the files, “ This shows that we may have a very very big problem.”

Optimus flipped through the file before pausing on a very blurry picture that caught his attention. It was a red and blue fighter jet.

“Where did you get this?” the Autobot asked. Turning the data pad around to show the human. 

“There's been reports in the last few days.” He pointed to the picture, “F-15 jets, unidentified, all flying over the west coast. Not just that one, but three .” He ran his hands through his hair, pulling it back up from its original presentable combed situation. “The Air Force confirmed two of their jets blew up a few days ago, no one knows why. But if you connect the reports, there were jets flying all around on the Fourth. Sometimes two, sometimes three. I’ll tell ya right now Prime, I dont know of any human fighter pilot that paints their jets those colors.”

Kevin sighed and looked up at the Autobot commander. “I’m gonna say it, but I hope I’m wrong. Are these Decepticons?”

Optimus didn't want to say it either, but here, just by looking at the photos of the jets, yes, they were human modes of flight. But flight was the alt-mode of choice for most Decepticons. The connection was making his spark drop with unease. 

“You may be correct.”

Prime quickly pulled up the registrar that Prowl put together of the Decepticons that were confirmed onboard the Nemesis when they attacked the Ark. He quickly skipped over to three almost identical photos and schematics of what was labeled as ‘Seekers’. 

“This is the Decepticon Elite Air Command.” Optimus pointed to his data pad. “This is Skywarp,” he showed a purple and black mech, “he has the ability to teleport as he pleases.”

He swiped again, “Thundercracker,” showing a blue, grey and black mech, “and finally their leader, and second in command to Megatron himself, Starscream.” He finally landed on an image of Starscream, a red, blue and grey mech. All three had shining red optics that sent a chill through the humans’ spine looking into them. 

Kevin sank as he was shown the Decepticons. “So bad news.”

Optimus looked at the human, “Very.” Prime leaned back, “If this is true and the Decepticons are alive, here on Earth as well…” he trailed off, not wanting to think just yet of the consequences that the Decepticons might have on the planet or the humans that inhabit it. 

“So what can we do?” Kevin asked sternly.

Prime thought about the humans’ immediate eagerness to help. Help for the Autobots, help the Cybertronians, help for his own kind. He did not expect the human to jump to action at all against the Decepticons, after all this was not their fight. 

“For today, let us hope that if the Decepticons are alive, they also believe that this rain is acid rain.” 

“ Acid rain?” Kevin shook his head in surprise. 

Megatron stood at the entrance of the shoot of the Nemesis. Rain was falling from the sky. The red glow in his optics, cut through the grey fog over the open ocean. His Decepticons were just steps behind him. 

He watched it carefully, watching the rain fall all around them. 

“Megatron, we cannot scout in this. Our circuitry!” Starscream whined behind him, “If Acid Storm was here, he could help control this, but without him, we must let it pass.”

Megatron unclenched his fists and raised a hand into the falling rain, more than ready to let the pain of acid rain hit his systems. 

Instead a small puddle of rain accumulated into his hand, the Decepticons watched as he did not react in the slightest. With his back to them, they could not see a small smirk grow on his face. 

The Decepticon leader quickly spun on his heel, throwing the accumulated rain directly on Starscream. Who immediately screamed in horror, at the potential acid landing on his armor. All the Decepeticons, except for Soundwave, took a step back, watching as Starscream cried out, quickly trying to brush the rain off his body. “ Megatron ! AH! Get it off, get it off me !”

Soundwave walked over silently, touching a digit to one of the droplets on Starscream. 

“What are you doing , Soundwave! Help me !” Starscream yelled at the mech.

Soundwave instead held up his finger to his optics, and scanned it. “Analysis: Hydrogen, Oxygen. End of components.”

“It is just water , Starscream.” Megatron chuckled, grabbing the Air Commander by the arm and throwing the mech out the door and into the rain.

Starscream covered his helm from the rain, panicked that it was all just a trick still. Megatron walked confidently into it, followed by Soundwave. 

Megatron looked up to the sky watching the rain fall. 

He turned to his Decepticons, “This cycle, we take what is rightfully ours . This planet. The energon it holds. It will all fall under Decepticon rule! Once we take this planet and its resources, then we will take the fight back to Cybertron more powerful than ever and end the Autobots once and for all! ”

The Decepticons cheered as their leader rallied them. Megatron turned and ran for the edge of the ship, jumping off and transforming mid-air. He engaged his thrusters of his Cybertornian alt-mode blowing the Decepticons back, before speeding off into the grey horizon. 

Chapter Text

The Autobots chatted away in the Rec Room with the human girl. Still cautious of the whole ‘rain is fine’ business. Each time the two humans visited, more and more Autobots joined in, wanting to be in the know and in the continual surprise of experiences of the company they were keeping. 

It seemed this time, the entire crew was involved. Most were laughing at Cliffjumper’s expense, as he was coming down from being over energized from the stray lightning bolt that fell from the sky.

Jazz couldn't help but laugh at their situation. He had experienced every aspect of the strange morning. “She said she could smell it!”

Wheeljack locked optics with Mack. “Smell? You can smell rain ?”

The girl was still towel drying out her hair, “Well kinda. Not, smelling the actual rain. But you can smell it as it gets closer.”

“Where were you humans while we had to deal with the acid rain storms on Cybertron? Coulda used you all the time then!” Inferno joked.

Mack smiled, “I’ll let you know the next time I smell it.” She laughed back.

“Next time?!” Bumblebee’s optics grew wide, as he threw a glance to Mirage, who looked equally as shocked.

“You said tha’-” Jazz leaned down to be optic level with the human, “somethin’ ‘bout the city.”

“Portland. The big city? I mean this whole area, it's the rainy season now. It’s gonna rain a lot. Portland is kinda known for how much rain it gets.” 

Ironhide scoffed, “Ah jus’ great. Morea reason ta call this place a mudball.”

The human shot up an eyebrow at the red mech. “Wait until rainy season changes.”

“Yea? Ta what?” Ironhide sniped back.

The human put a grin on her face. “Snow season. Frozen rain.” She paused, counting off different types of frozen rain on her fingers, “Snow, sleet, hail, slush, powder.”

The look on Ironhides’ faceplate was not one of excitement for the incoming seasons, but before he could vocalize his displeasure, his head tilted to the side slightly. 

This movement Mack had come to realize was when they were getting an internal message on their comm links.

/Prowl, Jazz, Ironhide, Ratchet. Please join us./

The four mechs called upon quickly reacted to the voice of Prime, as they got up to leave the Rec Room.

Jazz quickly turned back as he was the last to leave. “Back in a click. Don’t take my seat.” He threatened, as Bluestreak was quickly trying to move in on the empty seating around the human.

Red Alert watched the Autobot lieutenants leave. “Something’s not right.” He grumbled silently to himself, as he pulled his personal data pad from subspace.

“So let me get this straight. You think that the Decepticons are alive . And not only are they functioning , but that, they are responsible for attacking your human military planes?” Ratchet repeated, looking at the human. 

Prime had called in Prowl, Jazz, Ironhide as well as Ratchet to continue this working theory that the human had presented him. They quickly began discussing the different aspects of this concept.

“It’s not impossible.” Prowl commented, not looking up from the array of data and information that was collected. “ If I had more access to your systems…”

“Which I will work on.” Kevin interjected.

“We could truly determine if these acts were performed by Decepticon hands.” Prowl finished. 

“If tha’ means th’ ‘Cons are up an’ kickin’...” Ironhide trailed off in thought.

Prowl looked up from his data pad. “I am not saying that this was not a Decepticon attack. We know far too little about the humans' own turmoils and enemies internally, to alone say outright it was the Decepticons.” 

“If Kev is sayin’ it’s ‘Cons, we gotta think it is.” Jazz stood up for the human. “He’s gonna know what doesn’t look right.”

Prowl narrowed his optics, “I am not saying I do not believe him. I would just like to explore all potential possibilities.” He swiped back to the blurry images of the two jets, “Are we certain that these are Decepticon alt-modes?”

“Sure in the pit looks like Starscream.” Ironhide grabbed the data pad out of Prowls’ hand, much to Prowls' displeasure, examining the photo closer. “An’ ‘Cracker.”

“Why now ? Of all the time we’ve been in stasis on your planet. That they would just so happen to make an appearance now?” Ratchet grumbled. 

The room went quiet.

Kevin looked up at the Autobot leadership. “Do you have a reason as to why it was now that you all woke up?” He looked around. 

“This mountain has been here for thousands- millions of years. It’s been active all this time. You could have woken up long before we became what we are today, hell, you could have woken up thousands, hundreds or even decades ago. But here you are, now, today, alive and kickin’. There’s gotta be a reason for it all, and a reason you guys woke up first and not them.” He paused to look at the Autobots, before settling on the optics of Optimus.

 “I’ve got a gut feeling about this Prime. It’s not the work of humans, this ,” he pointed to his research. “This is Decpeticon work.” 

Optimus Prime looked at the human. Kevin had been honest with them, helping them navigate their planet, while keeping them hidden as best he could. If his ‘gut feeling’, which he would have to ask about later, was anything like what he felt in the Matrix, he also felt that it was the Decepticons, and that Megatron was alive .

“They would need energon.” 

Prime looked at Ratchet, his solemn comment brought him back from his thoughts. 

“Would they know we are online?” Prowl asked.

“I can check for anythin’ from Soundwave, but I’d be careful, don’ wanna slip up and let ‘em know we’re lookin’ for ‘em.” Jazz worked out loud, “Times like this, I’m missin’ ol’ Blaster.”

Optimus considered all their questions, “Megatron would not hide. He is too proud for that. If the Seekers were truly scouting, it could be just a matter of time before he makes himself known. Megatron, he would not begin relations with humans by talking.”

Ironhide scoffed, “Shoot first, ask questions later.”

Kevin watched the Autobot’s reactions, realization setting in. “He’d devastate wherever he appears.”

Megatron flew. Fast and with intent. He could fly faster, but even he was taken off guard as they exited the storm. With dark skies behind them, the planet seemed to open up in vibrant bouts of color and allowed him a glimpse of where it was that they had crashed landed upon. 

The vast amounts of water below shimmered, as he flew low, the ocean reflected his own likeness in its wake. Taking in his surroundings, it was miles upon miles of water. The star that illuminated the planet warmed his frame, drying off any remaining droplets. 

All things so far were very much unlike Cybertron. 

A structure was coming up quickly in front of them. They were not far from where the water met land, he made a decision to take in his surroundings once more. Megatron transformed, still at his speeds somehow making the landing on the metal platform in the middle of the water seem effortless. The tall spires of metal creaked and groaned as he and his Decepticons all landed on the oil rig. 

Megaton’s optics locked on the settlement in front of him. Still not saying a word. 

The other Decepticons looked at each other as they waited on their leader to make his next move. Soundwave was the only one that spoke up.

“Intercepted: Radio transmissions and radar.”

He raised an optic ridge, “Autobots?”, he questioned.

“Negative. Organic lifeform chatter.”

Megatron turned to glare at his Seekers. All but Starscream flinched under his gaze. Starscream was looking off in the distance at this planet, a grimace etched onto his faceplate. Starscream’s disinterest and lack of commentary was surprising. Normally even if he alone protested his actions, he would always speak up, no matter how infuriatingly wrong or correct he might be. Megatron would have to watch out for this new version of Starscream. A silent Starscream was never a good thing. At least when he spoke, he spoke of his intentions that he could shut down or keep an optic on. The Decepticon leader then examined their new alt-modes from the technology from this world with profound interest, but also chose to spoke of none of it. 

With an endless supply of options to choose from, he thought carefully. He turned his attention to the structure they were on. It was the closest thing to something he could recognize, pipes, pumps, cranes. He pulled on a pipe, ripping it from its brackets as he sent it flying into the water. Thick black sludge flew from it and began to pool on the deck, dripping into the water below. In the light, it changed colors as it was refracted off. 

“Oil.” He said aloud, stepping away from the substance and turning back to look at the shoreline. Knowing that the Autobots themselves were not even following their own rules or tactics, and taking the risk to travel to an inhabited planet just for energon, made the Decepticon leader surprised. If he wasn't so angry at their current inability to leave this world, he would applaud Prime for taking extraordinary measures to win the war. 

“Energon: faint but detectable.” Soundwave announced.

Megatron examined the pooling oil as it dripped into the ocean. He furrowed his brow ridge, casting his optics on the vast new world. “If Prime believed this place was so important to their cause, we will beat him to it.” He threw his arm out, servo extended. “Take it all.” He ordered.

“Masking signa-” Soundwave began in preparation for their attack.

“ No .” Megatron turned to his Decepticons. “I want them to know we’re coming.” He nodded his head, “Go.” He ordered.

Astrotrain and Blitwing took off first, transforming into their new flight based planetary alt-modes. Soundwave quickly followed, while the Seekers hesitated. Skywarp hovered off the platform ready to go but turned to check on his trine, Thundercracker had made it a few steps before turning to see if Starscream was ready.

“Primus, are your audios broken?” Thundercracker asked, grabbing the Seekers’ wing. Starscream snapped his head to look at him, optics glowing brightly. 

“Get off me .” Starscream took a step forward, shaking the hand off his wing, before quickly transforming and taking off to the skies, leaving scorched metal behind him. 

“What’s his problem?” Skywarp asked, confused.

“No idea ‘Warp.” Thundercracker answered before the two followed suit.

Megatron watched them all take off before finally taking to the skies. 

-

“Frag, they're tiny. How many do you think I can squash at once?” Astrotrain commented, scanning the ground below.

“With your big peds? I think plenty.” Blitwing chuckled, as he was also curious about the creatures. “What do ya think boss? Here?” He asked Megatron.

“Not here.”

/Where then?!/ A comm erupted through them all. /We’ve been flyin’ forever!/

“Shut your vocal processor Frenzy.”

/Says you! I wanna see!/ Rumble comm’d joining in. 

“Unnecessary.” Soundwave’s cold demeanor told his ‘Cons off. 

As they flew, there were small settlements on the ground, but ahead was the prize Megatron was waiting for. A large bustling city, from a distance it almost looked no different than the city spires on Cybertron. But he knew the difference, this place was no Cybertron. If he was going to draw the Autobots out he’d have to make the largest impact he could.

“There, ahead. We destroy this city , then the Autobot base, take the energon they’ve acquired for themselves as our own. For Cybertron !” He bellowed, engaging his thrusters as he made headway to the largest building structure. 

Megatron transformed landing on the roof. This time the metal below, did not whine under his weight. He surveyed the area around him, the creatures bustling about below unaware of his existence. The other Decepticons flew past, ready to circle around at his command. 

The corner of Megatron’s mouth turned up in a smirk, as he raised his arm with his fusion cannon attached. A whir was all that was heard as he charged his weapon, and began firing below. 

“Blue!” Mack laughed, catching her breath in between chuckles. “You want to watch a Rom-Com with me?”

“It’s movie night isn't it?” Bluestreak asked, confused. 

“Love Actually is hands down the best Rom-Com in existence.” Mack backed her defense up, on her choice of movie.

Sideswipe drew in closer to the human, “What’s a Rom-Com?”

“It’s a-” Mack was interrupted by Teletraan-1 blaring an alarm.

Instantly the room changed. The alarm that blared was not one the human girl had heard before. It was so loud that it echoed through the halls, as it was the only noise to be heard. The friendly banter between Cybertronians had stopped. 

Mack looked around to the Autobots, who seemed frozen in place, if only for a split second. The look on their faces was one that she had never seen. Her new friends turned into centuries old soldiers, as without a word, together as one, they all scrambled out of the Rec Room leaving her alone on the table. 

Her stomach churned and dread filled within her as she watched them race out. 

“Teletraan! Hey Teletraan! What’s with the alarm?” Mack yelled to the room. 

[Decepticon signatures detected]

Mack stopped, her heartbeat in her chest growing faster. “ What? ” She choked out.

-

Prime, and his lieutenants also froze. Not that they had never heard this alarm before, but they were hardly expecting it to happen now . Now of all times. Prowl, Jazz, Ironhide all took their immediate leave, not waiting for an order. Leaving Prime with Ratchet and the human. 

It took Kevin a moment to get his thoughts in order, mouth opening and closing before finally getting the words out. “Is that?” He knew of raging alarms like that, words didn't matter, where you had to react first, figuring out the situation second. 

Optimus held out his hand to the human. “Yes.”

Kev hopped up, “It looks like I might need to call in a few favors sooner than later.”

Optimus nodded, “If you can, alert whoever you need to get more humans to safety.” He paused looking at Ratchet, “But please, stay here.”

The Prime deposited Kevin in the hands of Ratchet. “I’ll prep what I can in the Med Bay.” Ratchet said softly before walking out, nodding to Prime. 

Optimus alone in the conference room straightened. His optics flickered over the human’s minimal research in trying to identify Decepticons. He knew their wrath, their fight, but the humans of this planet were so vastly unprepared for Megatron. 

Prime turned to leave, picking up speed as he fully ran to the entrance of the Ark where metal met earth. Optimus was not going to allow Megatron to ruin this planet like he had done on their home, that he was sure of. 

-

“Doc, you gotta put me down.” Kevin ordered from the hands of Ratchet.

The CMO scoffed, “Absolutely not.”

Kev looked over the fingers keeping him aloft, it was still a good drop to the ground. “Ratchet, I’m warnin’ you. I gotta get down.”

Ratchet ignored the human as he made his way to the Med Bay. Kevin rolled his eyes, checking the ground one last time. He sighed under his breath, “Fuck it.” As he proceeded to jump from the Medics hands, landing hard, but rolling to help break his fall.

Ratchet hardly expected the human to jump from his hands, so he wasn't quick enough to react and catch him. He stopped mid step, spinning around, optics locked on the human who was struggling to get up.

“Are you absolutely insa-” Ratchet began to yell, as Kevin started to jog backwards to shake off his fall. 

Kev waved, “ Go ! Set up the Med Bay, I have to help.”

Ratchet wanted to start yelling obscenities in more language than one, but even Ratchet knew that setting up the Med Bay for the potential injuries would be more important than chasing around an idiotic human. 

“If you get damaged-” Ratchet began to scold.

Kev threw two finger guns at him, “No promises Doc.” He swore as he took off running back to the entrance of the Ark.

Ratchet squinted his optics as the human took off. “Primus,” he cursed under his breath, “Humans are worse than my slagging idiots.”

-

Mack looked around, she was left on the table with no easy means of getting down to the ground. Walking the edge of the table, she saw a chair that was the closest to being pushed in. She crawled down on the edge of the table, allowing herself to hang off the edge as she tried to catch the lower level by feeling around with only her foot to get on the chair below.

With a groan she landed, not very gracefully. But one step closer to the ground. “We need to invest in ladders.” She complained out loud to no one. 

Mack looked at the legs of the chairs, a straight shot down to the ground. She crawled down, wrapping her legs around the chair leg, hugging it tight. As she slowly scooted, not very gracefully down the leg to the ground, not before losing her grip the last few feet and landing awkwardly she avoided falling flat on the ground. 

The girl however, also wasted no time, as she got up, and ran for the entrance of the Ark, following behind the Autobots. 

[Live feed detected.]

Teletraan announced to the empty Rec Room. It was a view of downtown Portland shown from a news studio. A news helicopter flew around the city, camera taking in the devastation around, smoke and fire billowing from below and sides of buildings. 

A news reporter in an office sat trying to make sense of the situation unfolding before her, “Jamie, what else are you seeing? I’ve been hearing reports of no cell signals out there.”

Another reporter in the helicopter glitched as he spoke, garbled with static. “Mandy -you - barely - make it out - but this -plosion -it’s…” he trailed off as the camera captured a jet flying across the screen. Suddenly the jet moved, moving in a way no jet should, as it turned into a figure. The camera man and the reporter stared in shock, as it just transformed in front of them. 

“Jaime, what - I mean, what is that?” The woman called out, trying to process what she had just seen also. 

The helicopter and the camera panned over, as it zoomed in on another larger figure standing on a rooftop. The camera focused on a face, red eyes glowing as it smiled at the destruction before them. It noticed the helicopter and locked eyes with the camera from the distance it was at, before raising its arm energizing its weapon with a purple haze. 

The camera feed went dark. 

Mandy gasped and cried out, covering her face with her hands as she watched the black screen, unable to react to what she was watching live, and trying to report.

Another feed came up quickly, this time from a further distance, as this one focused on a fiery helicopter falling from the sky.

-

Kev ran. He knew he couldn't just sit idle and do nothing but warn people. He ran to his car. He wasn't a survivalist, but he sure as hell packed more than necessary to even go to the grocery store. Alien waring robot factions? He was sure as hell was going to be prepared for anything. 

As the human slowed to where Optimus was rallying his crew, he watched in awe as Optimus took command. The optics of several mechs glowed brightly, turning their normal blue eyes almost white. 

Hoist, Grapple, Windcharger, Red Alert and Gears suddenly took a step to the side, and rushed past him back inside. As Optimus’ voice ran loud and clear. “Autobots! Transform and roll out!”

The Autobots followed the order, taking off following Optimus Prime to the city.

-

It didn't take long for Kevin’s phone to begin to blow up with phone calls, messages and however else anyone was trying to communicate with him. He threw his phone in his car as he scrambled, pulling items out of bags, finding anything useful. As he was digging around in the trunk, as his phone continuously rang. Frustrated, he retrieved his phone from the front seat and finally decided to try and answer a call. 

Mack quickly made her way to the entrance of the Ark, watching her frazzled father yell into his phone. Not wanting to waste an opportunity, she quietly dove through the trunk, climbing into the backseat, hiding under a worn pile of jackets that littered the backseat. 

Kevin slammed the trunk shut, as he continued arguing on the phone. Turning the engine over and taking off following the Autobots. 

“Ster! For Christ sake - will you. I know! Hey! Listen to me! Hey shut the fuck up! Listen Ster! Yeah. I’m fucking serious! We got friendlies coming. Don’t engage, tell ‘em to back off! Let me call - Yeah I’m gonna call him. Look you gotta trust me, I know - Just. Fuck dont make me say it. Yes I’m sure! ‘Kay I’ll call you back.” 

Mack listened to the one-sided end of the phone call. She waited patiently, as he kept calling people and yelling into the phone. Until she felt his hand trying to feel around the backseat looking for something. A jacket was ripped off of her, and she yelled out.

Her father yelled if not in fear, but surprise and anger. He looked at her blinking rapidly.

“Road!” She yelled.

Kevin looked back at the road realizing he was swerving through lanes, and quickly adjusted over correcting the vehicle, throwing both of them around. 

“What the fuck Mack? You - you can’t be here!”

His daughter just grinned, and climbed over the passenger seat, causing the car to wobble as his focus was on her. “What?” She said innocently as she sat down in the seat, a soft smile on her face. 

Kev kept shooting glances and glares, back and forth from the road to her. Deciding whether or not to kick her out on the side of the road, yell at her some more, or ground her for the rest of her life. 

With his phone still buzzing constantly still, he looked at her. “Buckle up.”

“ Right . Safety first.” She mocked back as she buckled her seatbelt. 

They drove the rest of the way in silence. The road into the city only had minimal traffic, while the road leaving was packed. Car after car stuck in traffic moving at a snail's pace to escape while they could. 

Mack looked at the long line of cars. “It’s bad, isn't it?” She asked softly. 

Kevin didn't answer. He knew he was driving into a warzone.

“By the All-Spark.” The Autobots drove up on the city, now visible to them. Smoke billowing from the tallest buildings, fires on the ground. 

“Megatron.” Optimus all but growled. He finally saw the Decepticon leader firing below. /We need to draw them away from the city!/  

/Copy. Break off into your teams. Stay alert./ Prowl followed through on Prime’s order. 

Optimus braked hard, leaving burnt rubber on the road. Three teams of Autobots continued into the city, breaking off from their main group. He paused, then transformed to his full height, as he took in the scene around him. Humans running for their lives, past the traffic and vehicles stuck in traffic, covered in debris, smoke and their distinct red blood. Not a single one noticed him standing in the middle of the highway.

“Megatron!” He yelled. “Megatron!” He yelled again in Cybertronian.

It didn't take much to make Megatron pause, but hearing his name called was a start. He looked around and from a distance saw what he wanted. Optimus Prime, alive and well, for however little that may last. 

“PRIME!” He growled back, with laughter in his voice. /Now, Soundwave./ He commanded as he jumped off transforming, aiming directly for Optimus Prime.

Soundwave stood on another building, silently watching and waiting. On Megatron’s order he cut all communications, blocking the Autobots communications.  He opened his chest cavity, releasing his ‘Cons from his body. “Tasks acquired.” Laserbeak, Ravage, Frenzy and Rumble all transformed. 

“You got it boss.” Rumbled grinned.

“Come on bird brain.” Frenzy scolded as the two minicons grabbed onto Laserbeak as they hung on as they began their descending flight to the ground. 

“Ravage.” Soundwave spoke, before Ravage made her climb down. “New task.” 

-

The first group of Autobots that split off consisted of Jazz, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Powerglide and Trailbreaker. 

They transformed on the ground looking up at the Decepticons flying overhead, while the humans screamed and ran about. 

“Scrap. Didn’t miss Soundwave blockin’ comms.” Jazz commented, getting a good look at the Decepticon in what only felt like cycles, since last laying optics on him. 

Soundwave however immediately noticed the small group of Autobots and began firing at them from his position. Making the Autobots dive out of the way. Jazz and the twins dove together underneath an overhang on one of the buildings, Powerglide and Trailbreaker went the opposite direction. 

“Think you could take him down if you got close enough?” Sideswipe asked, grinning through the dust. 

Jazz just looked at him surprised, understanding what he was implying. “Oh frag no.”

“I got you covered.” Sunstreaker added, pointing at Powerglide and Trailbreaker, then pointing up. 

Trailbreaker nodded, understanding, as he pulled Powerglide around the back of the building they were hiding under. Sunstreaker held up a hand, watching the skies, while the other two waited patiently, blasters aimed high at Soundwave.

Sideswipe pulled Jazz up, walking behind him and holding onto him tight. “Alrighty Jazz, please keep all servos and peds inside the vehicle at all times.”

“Sides…” Jazz trailed off, holding onto the red warrior as best he could. Sunstreaker flicked his hand quickly, signalling to begin firing. Trailbreaker watched as he and Powerglide fired away, pulling Soundwave's attention, as Sideswipe engaged the thrusters on his jetpack.

Soundwave was focused on firing at the Autobots on the ground, normally he’d be faster at picking up the Autobot’s movements, but like the other Decepticons he was also significantly low on energon. Waking up from deep stasis kept their reserves for now, but an attack this large, with no energon to replenish themselves, they were pushing them as far as they could physically go.

Sideswipe and Jazz flew quickly past the top of the building, where Sideswipe promptly let Jazz go, well above where he should have. In Jazz’s fall, Sideswipe pulled his own blaster from subspace, flying around to pull the rest of Soundwaves’ attention. The Decepticon didn't even notice Jazz gaining speed and crashing directly into him, letting Soundwave take the impact of his fall. 

“Long time no see Soundy.” Jazz joked as his fist smashed into his faceplate. Soundwave said nothing as his larger body quickly reacted, pushing the Autobot off of him. Sideswipe still continued his fire fight from the skies as he aimed for Soundwave, hitting his shoulder joint. Making the silent bot wince and grab his now energon leaking shoulder.

/Assistance Required./ Soundwave comm’d to the other Decepticons. 

/On it./ Thundercracker growled, as he quickly changed direction from attacking the city to focus his attention on Soundwave’s ambush. 

Thundercracker aimed directly for the Autobot in the air, thrusters blaring. “Heh, a jetpack? Pathetic .”

“Sides!” Jazz called out, trying to warn the red mech, whose focus was directly on Soundwave and not the Seeker hurling at him. 

Thundercracker rammed straight into Sideswipe, but Sideswipe in his reflexes did not just fall from the sky, he instead latched onto the Seeker and had no intention of letting go. “ What? Get off me Auto-scrap!” The Seeker yelled, as he spun wildly trying to dislodge the Autobot from his undercarriage.

“No way!” Sideswipe hollered, Thundercrackers attempts to make him let go, only resulted in him slipping for a moment, but still hanging on to his wing, now upside down. He dug his digits deep into Thundercrackers joints, causing the Decepticon to curse him. 

“ Frag you! You wanna ride? I’ll show you a ride!” Thundercracker yelled, taking tight turns close to the steel buildings, and higher and higher in the sky.

“Ha! Missed me!” Sideswipe taunted.

“Did I?” Thundercracker chuckled.

Sideswipe’s head snapped back to look where they were going. The tall buildings all upside down in his own vision as Thundercracker was aimed dangerously directly at a corner of a building. He dug into Thundercracker’s joints, causing him to roar again, as he clipped the corner, using Sideswipes’ body to take out the side of the building. The crash sent metal and glass flying to the ground as Sideswipe's back became ravaged with shards of all of it. 

Sideswipe could feel his grip loosen, after becoming a living battering ram. But it wasn't until Thundercracker abruptly stopped, was when he became worried. The Decepticon began to transform, leaving Sideswipe unable to hold onto anything tangible as he changed. 

Sideswipe slipped down, hugging Thundercrackers’ leg, well above the ground. “Scrap.” He muttered, as his legs kicked freely in the air. 

“What was that little Autobot?” Thundercracker teased, trying to kick the Autobot attached to his leg off, to no avail. “The skies belong to Decepticons. Know your place.” He growled, as he grabbed the red Autobot’s arm, hoisting him up in the air. 

“Yeah, you see, about that. My place ,” Sideswipe joked, “Is far far away from you.” He struggled against the Seekers’ grip, wiggling himself free. Thundercracker didn’t fight against the Autobot who struggled to get away in the air, knowing his demise would be final when he met with the ground. 

Sideswipe slipped free and fell back, giving Thundercracker a mischievous grin and a wave as he fell. Thundercracker watched, as his other hand came up in a fist, then a thumbs up, as he pressed a button with his thumb. 

Thundercracker didn't think anything of it, until he heard a soft beeping coming from his frame. He frantically looked for the source, turning around until he saw a red flashing grenade on the back of his leg, he screamed as he watched it hit zero. 

-

Sideswipe would have been proud of himself, save for the fact that he was still falling. It also didn't help that his jetpack isn't working. “Our first causality.” He commented as he smacked the jetpack. His other main concern was that the ground was getting dangerously closer, he felt a shiver run through his spark as he watched. 

“Sideswipe!” A voice called out.

He turned mid air, as a red plane was diving at him, trying to catch up to the speeds he was falling at. 

“Oh sweet Primus, Powerglide!” Sideswiped called out reaching for the plane, extending his struts as far as they could.

Powerglide kicked in the next gear, swooping down allowing Sideswipe to grab onto anything he could, taking on his weight before their fall led them to crash into the ground. Sideswipe hugged the plane, “Never in my life have I been so happy to see you, you minibot, you!” 

“Uh. Yeah no problem, Sideswipe.” Powerglide replied cautiously, as the much larger red mech clung onto his frame for dear life. 

As they neared the ground, and under safer circumstances, Sideswipe hopped off the minibot, jumping to the ground. “Sweet, sweet ground!” Sideswipe praised. Sunstreaker and Trailbreaker ran over to the red duo. Seeing Powerglide awkwardly watch Sideswipe as he was on his knees with his helm to the ground. “I will never take you for granted again, I swear !”

Trailbreaker looked over at his twin, expecting an explanation. Sunstreaker just groaned, watching his brother overreact, “I hate Seekers.”

-

“Get out of the car now!” Kevin ordered his daughter out, as he drove as far as he could, ahead of them Optimus had drawn Megatron away from the city, as they continued to fight on the interstate. Other Decepticon jets circled the city, cutting between the buildings at a terrifying close distance. 

He ran to the back, throwing anything he could think he needed into his army duffle. Kev looked up in time to get a glimpse of an Air Force fighter drone surveying the brawl in the city. 

His phone kept buzzing, Sterling was calling him non stop. Every time he let it ring through, it rang again. The sixth time was when he had enough and gave into the phone call. 

“Ster! I’m a little bit fucking busy at the moment!”

/The black box!/ Sterling yelled through the other end of the line. 

“I really don't have time for your black box conspiracy-”

/No. No! Listen, the black boxes, Air Force recovered them. We fucking found them no bs./

“ Congratulations .”

/No man. Listen. It was them. Those jets flying around? The robo-jets! Those sons of bitches took ‘em out!/

Kevin paused, taking in the reality of the situation a pit welling in his chest.

/…Kev?/

“Hm?” He mumbled weakly.

/What do you need?/

Kevin looked around, he looked at his daughter as she was witnessing her first ever firefight unfolding in front of her.

/What do you need man?/

“Air strike. They have these badges, emblems. On their chests, I’ll send you pictures. Purple are targets. Reds are friendlies. Ster, I swear on my life, Reds- the Autobots, are friendlies.”

/I got you. Reds friendlies./

“No you listen to me Ster.” He walked around the car. “Swear to me- swear on Mel’s grave . Autobots are friendlies.”

/Jesus, Kev man, I swear./

“Good. Give me a count when you're close.”

/10-4. You really trust these guys?/

“I do.”

/’Kay just, Kev, be careful./

Kevin hung up the phone looking at Mackenzie, it was like he could see her heartbeat pulsing, as she stood there. “Mack?”

His voice broke her from her distant stare. She looked at him, with an unreadable expression, until she broke out of her own thoughts and furrowed her brows. “What can we do?”

If times were not so dire, he’d applaud her for her initiative, but there was no time for that now. Kevin slung his bag over his shoulder, “We go in.”

-

Jazz could no longer see Sideswipe anymore as Thundercracker rammed into him. However he had his own problems to deal with. No more back up and he was left one on one with a very pissed off Soundwave. 

Not that he could tell that Soundwave was pissed off, even being shot in the shoulder Soundwave barely reacted. But if it was Jazz in that position, he would definitely be pissed off. 

Jazz also wasn’t in a great position, stuck on a rooftop with Soundwave, not ideal positioning. He’d easily recruit Prowl to help him have words with Sideswipe about his so-called battle plans. 

Before he could think more about how he was going to yell at Sideswipe, Soundwave made his move closer, firing his weapon at the Autobot. Jazz dove out of the way on the defensive now, dangerously running out of room to maneuver. Soundwave inched closer and closer, energon now dripping onto the rooftop. 

Jazz let him get closer, not that Soundwave knew that. If Jazz was going to take him out, he’d have to get close. However silent the Decpeticon stayed, he moved scarily fast. One final step closer to Jazz, and instead of dodging fire left or right, Jazz tackled the mech at his legs. Sending both of them into a brawl on the middle of the roof, safer from the edge of the building. 

“Still the strong silent type, I see?” Jazz smirked as he slammed his ped into Soundwaves bad shoulder joint, causing the mech to squirm in pain yet not say a word. 

Soundwave however still had enough in him to raise his fist from his bad arm and punch Jazz square in his faceplate, cracking his visor. Jazz stumbled back, as energon leaked from his helm. “ Not cool mech.” He growled as got up.

Soundwave still got up quicker, on one knee, staring at Jazz. Before Jazz could react a piercing sound reverberated in his helm. Causing him to fall back on his knees, as he cried out in pain. The onslaught of static noise was overwhelming on top of his already damaged helm. Jazz grabbed his helm, as the namesake of the sonic blast directed all at Jazz. 

Soundwave stood up and took a step closer, increasing the power, as he closed the gap between him and the Autobot. Jazz winced and writhed under Soundwaves onslaught, when it suddenly stopped with a bang. 

A blast hit Soundwave square in the chest, knocking him back and stopping the sound. The Decepticon looked around frantically for the source. Another blast hit his leg, burning the paint and metal as it did so. He turned his head just in time as another blast, shot past his helm into the building behind him. 

Jazz slowly lifted himself off the ground as the blasts continued, pushing Soundwave further and further back. Even in pain, a smile crept across his faceplate. He looked back at where the shots were coming from, and all he saw was a small light reflecting from a rifle. “Nice shot Blue.” He said softly with pride and gratitude. 

Soundwave wasted no time, retreating and transforming, taking off from the building. Jazz slowly got up on his feet, looking around, on how the frag he was supposed to get down now. 

It seemed however, Soundwave took a play from the Seekers book, turning around and flying up the building, shattering glass windows with the force from his thrusters, as he flew upwards back to where Jazz was. Clipping Jazz with his wing, and twisting, sending the non-flight based Autobot off the side of the building, before taking off, not staying to see if the saboteur was to live or die with his free fall.  

“ Frag !” Jazz cursed as he fell. He needed to slow his descent, he did the only thing he could think of, he tried grabbing the side of the building. Using the structure to slow his fall, glass and metal shaking as he tried to grab anything, scraping his body down as he was getting lower and the ground was getting closer. 

Maybe not so thankfully, it somewhat worked. As he still landed hard on his back on the ground. Jazz’s frame dented and the glass from his alt-mode absolutely shattered. He took a moment to look up at the sky before the pain in his servo brought him back. His servo was bleeding, glass and metal all caught up in his digits. Wincing he opened and closed it, thankfully it still did. 

He slowly got up, hearing other Autobot voices yell in the distance.

-

“I got optics on two Seekers!” Hound called out.

“Where the frag is the third one?” Cliffjumper yelled, spinning in circles with optics up to the sky. 

Bumblebee looked to the sky, watching the Seekers weave in and out of the buildings. “Skywarp and Starcream confirmed.” He reported to the group.

Tracks who was facing the other direction, “I have optics on, ugh , those Decepticon minicons.”

Mirage groaned loudly, “They are so annoying.”

“Soundwave must be nearby then.” Hound commented, looking at the minicons. “Unless he sent them off to do his dirty work for them.”

“Probably the latter.” Inferno offered up. 

Starscream transformed landing on top of a rooftop, lazily looking at the Autobots below him. The air crackled next to him as Skywarp appeared just behind him. 

Starscream rolled his optics, “You are going to exhaust yourself too quickly using your warp drive that much.”

“Come on ‘Screamer, I’m great! Even better now that I can pound the scrap out of some itty bitty Autobots.”

Starscream however wasn't looking at the ground where the Autobots were, his optics were off in the horizon. Something pulled at his spark, but he had not been able to place the feeling. 

“You out of it ‘Screamer? Did that cryo-stasis do something’ to your processor?” Skywarp waved his servo in front of Starscreams’ faceplate. 

The Decepticon second in command smacked the servo out of his field of vision. “I am fine.” Was the only response that he gave. 

“Well. I’m going to have some Auto-scrap fun.” Skywarp shrugged off Starscreams’ coldness and dove into the sky before taking off again. Starscream stayed still, watching his fellow Seeker begin to dive and fire at the Autobots below. 

Skywarp transformed as he landed on the ground. “Come out come out little Autobots.” He teased as he kicked away rubble. “No one wants to play with Skywarp?” He asked as he peered around buildings, arrogance growing.

A blast hit his wing from behind him. Skywarp groaned in pain, quickly turning around, still not seeing a single Autobot. “ Oh so that's how it’s gonna be huh?” He spat.

The Seeker took off to the skies, not before taking a large burnt pile of scrap that was once a human vehicle with him, as he crushed it in his servos. He hovered as he watched the ground carefully, watching Rumble and Frenzy slink around also looking for the Autobots. 

/Rumble./ 

/Yeah ‘Warp?/

A grin grew across his faceplate. /Bring this place down./

/My pleasure./

Rumble transformed his servos into the largest pile drivers, as he alternated smashing the ground below. Causing the entire block to shake from the fast paced quake that ensued. 

Skywarp watched carefully as he waited, noticing a slight shimmer down one of the alleyways. “Gotcha.” He threw the scrap metal hard and fast directly at the spot. 

The scrap metal exploded. It actually exploded well before it hit the ground. Instead of one large projectile it landed in several smaller less dangerous pieces. 

Jazz’s visor glowed brightly, blaster in hand. “Now!” He yelled, as the Autobots lunged out from their hiding spots, all taking aim at the four Decepticons. 

“What?!” Skywarp yelled, growing angry and twisting to avoid blaster fire. He turned to look at Starscream who was still just watching. “A little help ‘Screamer?” He asked forcefully while another blast clipped his backside.

Starscream just looked down, he pointed his servo out, charging his null ray and fired below, still just as stationary as before. 

Skywarp gave up on trying to force Starscream closer into the fight, as he warped down to fight back better. That fragging invisible Autobot always got on his processor. 

He began to fire wildly on the defensive, not able to get the upper hand like he once had. Rumble continued to shake the ground, as Frenzy fired off shots in a variety of directions, also unable to get a clear shot at any Autobot. He would see one run, fire at it, only for it to glitch through the fire as it was only a hologram. 

Each of these tricks made the Decepticons angry that they would even keep falling for it.

Skywarps’ head tilted to the side, picking up a comm transaction, he groaned not entirely wanting too. Somehow the Autobots had gotten the upperhand, and Starscream wasn't being any help at all. 

/Screamer?/ He comm’d.

When he didnt get an answer he yelled, “Frag it!”, and warped away. Leaving Starscream the lone Decepticon Seeker against the Autobots. If Starscream agreed with the Autobots about anything, he’d agree that the minicons were the most annoying mechs around. And that was who he was all left with, to finish this fight out. 

Starscream looked around, and his own self-preservation instincts kicked in. He finally also took off, leaving those idiotic minicons to fend for themselves.  

Frenzy noticed the Seeker take off, dumbfounded he asked aloud, “Did those fraggers just leave us? ” 

Rumble stopped his assault on the ground, looking around. “Did who, what?”

“Starscream and Skywarp! Leave. They left us!” He yelled back.

Rumble looked around at the empty area, where they once had Seeker backup, now it was just them versus the Autobots. 

They both looked at each other, the Autobots and then back again, nodding once, before taking off running in the opposite direction. 

-

“Fraggin’ ‘Cons!” Ironhide yelled as he took cover from heavy fire. Unlucky for them, Astrotrain and Blitwing- the two Decepticon triple changers teamed up and combined their firing power against the pinned down Autobots.

“We need to separate them.” Prowl fired back quickly before ducking from return fire.

Brawn peeked over some broken concrete. “Gonna have a hard time doing that Prowl.”

Wheeljack looked around at their surroundings, his optics rested on several abandoned human vehicles. “I could make a bomb.” He offered to the group. 

All pairs of Autobot optics landed on the inventor. 

“Jackie,” Ironhide vented, “Ya can’t just make ah bomb , everytime we fight th’ ‘Cons.”

“I totally could.” Wheeljack said defeated, glancing at the vehicles.

Prowl looked back over at the two Decepticons leading their portion of the attack. He was putting together a plan to take them out, with just the four of them, Ironhide as their own heavy hitter, Brawn just behind him, and then Wheeljack and himself. However his plans had to change as four more Autobots rounded the corner, running to join in the fight again. 

Trailbreaker dove next to Prowl, “Thundercracker is down, thanks to Sideswipe. Jazz is taking on Soundwave.” He reported.

Prowl looked surprised, “Alone?” He asked.

“Nah,” Sideswipe joined in the conversation, “Blue’s his backup.”

Prowl stayed silent, analyzing Jazz’s odds out of habit. 

“What do we got?” Sunstreaker’s question pulled him out of his analysis. 

Prowl peered over the concrete again, “Blitzwing and Astrotrain.”

“An angry Blitzwing and Astrotrain.” Powerglide repeated taking in the fight before them. 

While Prowl was updating the others that joined in, Wheeljack quickly snuck away to a large pickup truck that was left on the side of the road.

Brawn watched as the inventor crawled over. “Jack!” He hissed, following after him. “Jack! What the scrap do you think you’re doing? ‘Hide said-”

“I know what Ironhide said.” Wheeljack started by pushing open the gas cap cover with a digit. “Tell me, could you throw this?”

Brawn stared at the mech, normally he would be more considerate, but anytime it came to testing his strength, it was his weakness. He scooted over and easily lifted half the truck off the ground with minimal effort. “Oh yeah.”

“Far?” Wheeljack asked curious.

Brawn smirked, “Do sparks glow?”

The look in Wheeljack’s optics grew brighter, as he dug into the vehicle, pulling wires and components off with ease. 

-

Prowl began giving orders, assigning out battle strategy. They were going to rush and overpower the two Decepticons. It would be a carefully planned attack, Ironhide and Trailbreaker taking the front, while Sideswipe, Sunstreaker and Brawn would be the second line. Leaving Prowl, Powerglide and Wheeljack in the rear, blindsiding them with one final blow. 

“And Wheeljack you -” Prowl looked around, noticing finally the inventor was missing from the debrief. “Wheeljack?” He asked again, before laying optics on him off to the side, torch in hand, as Brawn had the human pickup truck over his head. 

“Wheeljack!” Prowl called out, as Wheeljack lit the makeshift fuse, and Brawn launched the pickup expertly. Sending the truck flying in the air, landing perfectly between Astrotrain and Blitzwing. 

Nothing happened. 

They all stared at the truck that fell from the sky. If any of them needed to breathe, you could imagine that they were holding their breath. 

“Ha!” Astrotrain laughed, “You thought that -” The Decepticon couldn't finish his sentence and the truck exploded, blowing them back and knocking them off their own peds. Covering them in fire and ash. 

The Autobots feeling the reverb and shock wave from the blast all looked at Wheeljack, optics smiling proudly. 

“That was -” Ironhide began.

“ Fragging awesome!” Sideswipe finished, excited. 

“I told you I could make a bomb!” Wheeljack called back to the group, giving Brawn a fist bump. 

“Uh mechs?” Powerglide smacked at Trailbreaker.

“What?” Prowl looked up, as he watched the two Decepticons slowly get up.

“I think you just made them even angrier.”

-

Kevin ran around the outskirts of the city, one hand pulling his daughter around, the other listening close to the radio next to his ear. 

Other people ran from the city, as the battlefield grew and expanded down the blocks. Blaster fire and explosions were loud as it rang in his ears, crashing sounds of glass and yelling back and forth between the Autobots overlapped and easily could overwhelm the senses. 

They almost ran another block when he suddenly stopped watching from the backside of a stand off in the middle of the street. The Autobots were pinned down taking heavy fire from two very large Decepticons. Kevin balked at their size, being even larger than the Autobots that he had grown accustomed to. 

Kevin wiped the dust off his phone, taking a picture of the two Decepticons, sending it to Sterling. He spoke into the radio, “This is Kevin Donovin. Where’s my air strike?”

Static crackled through the radio. 

/Kilo Delta. This is Yankee Papa Two. I’m reading you./

“Yankee Papa, how far out are you? I got eyes on enemy tangos. Did Sierra Sierra relay orders?”

/Sierra Sierra relay, Romeo friendlys, Papa enemy tangos. T-minus 2 mikes to strike./

“Copy.” Kevin pushed the radio into his forehead, closing his eyes tight, sighing. “This is going to be the longest 2 minutes of my life.”

They turned to watch from the sidelines as Astrotrain and Blitzwing continuously fired upon the pinned down Autobots. 

“Shit.” Kevin smacked his phone. “I can't get through to any of ‘em. Even Prowl isn't answering.”

Mack looked puzzled, “What do you mean, they're right there!” She gestured to the fight in front of them. “How are you gonna let them know you ordered an airstrike ? Huh?”

The radio buzzed again as if on cue, /Kilo Delta, one mike to strike./

Kevin froze, as the countdown began, then immediately dove into his bag. Mumbling as he ripped it apart, dumping out the contents. “Where the hell are they? ” He finally pulled out a large smoke flare. “Yes!” He rejoiced. 

He flicked open a lighter from his pocket, igniting the flare. Once lit, he threw it into the middle of the street just behind the Decepticons. 

“Yankee Papa, aim south of red smoke. Two tangos.” He spoke into the radio.

/Confirmed, south of red smoke. Two tangos./

The flare sparked and emitted a slight burst of red smoke, but it was blown away with the wind, the flare laid there. Not emitting any more red smoke. 

“Is it supposed to do that?” Mack asked, not taking her eyes off the flare.

“No.” Kevin scrambled through the dispersed contents of his bag trying to locate the other flare. 

Mack grabbed the lighter from the ground and ran into the middle of the street, sliding as she landing next to the flare. She grabbed the flare with one hand and flicked the lighter with the other hand. The ground shook beneath her as the fight continued in front of her, as the Autobots hardly noticed her in their crossfire. “Come on, come on, come on!” She willed the flare to relight, as her hands shook. 

Red smoke continued to pour out of the flare, whipping around with the wind, engulfing the block in its red haze. 

“Mack!” Kevin yelled as he noticed her daughter was no longer next to him. “You-!” He ran across the street tackling his daughter and dragging her across the way to the other alley. 

You could hear the planes before you could see them, the Air Force airstrike was upon them. Unexpected firepower from the sky made all the Autobots dive out of the way, as the Decepticons were left confused. That was until the firepower landed upon them.

/Shack. Shack. Tango down! Returning to base./ The lead jet relayed over the radio, left at the other alley as they flew past. 

Astrotrain cried out, taking the brunt of the airstrike. “ What the FRAG?! ” He looked up at the skies to see who hit him. All that was left of the air raid were contrials in the sky. 

The large Decepticon fell to his hands and knees as his armored body had become peppered with bullets and black explosion residue. Energon leaked from his joints and spots where the damage was worse. 

/Skywarp!/ He comm’d, /Get me the frag out of here!/

/Little busy ‘Train./

/I don’t care!/

/Primus, why do I always have to pick up every mech’s pieces?/

/Skywarp! You fragger!/ Astrotrain growled through his comm.

Skywarp vented air, /Fine./

In a flash of static and purple energy, Skywarp appeared next to Astrotrain. “Hurry up!” He yelled as he grabbed the mech by the arm, giving no time for him to prepare to go, as Skywarp reenagged his warp drive, taking the both of them out of the deadly fire of the street.

The Autobots peeked from around their hiding spots, as the airstrike completely missed them in the crossfire. 

“At least the humans are good for something.” Sunstreaker commented, as he watched Skywarp wisk the damaged Astrotrain away.

“Talk ‘bout fire power.” Ironhide added in surprise. 

-

“Holy shit !” Mack yelled, removing her hands from her ears. 

“What the hell was that!?” Her father yelled at her as he unwrapped his arms from around her body.

Blood dripped from her eyebrow, “What?! Those guys said they couldn't tell the Autobots apart! Look at what they fucking did to those Decepticon fucks!”

“Language!”

“ Seriously? And I couldn't let them just shoot at them blindly!” Mack argued back.

Kev looked at her eyes, “You don't just run across a battlefield with a flare in tow.”

Their argument was interrupted by a loud soaring sound that popped the humans’ ears, as the next thing they knew the ground shook as dust flew around them. Kevin turned to see a red glow through the dust, without hesitation he pushed Mack into the alley filled with garbage and debris. 

Mack was about to yell at him, but she froze when she saw the red glow turn into a visor and the dust dissipated revealing the broken, but very large shape of the Decepticon Soundwave.

The airstrike did its job, taking out one of the Decepticons but it would be a moment before they would return with more firepower. During the passing seconds, all it incurred now was an even angrier Blitzwing. 

Soundwave paused, examining the human before him, that did not move or scatter when it saw him like the other creatures had. He focused on the satellite radio in his hand, static filling the silence between them. Soundwave looked at the human, and instantly a sound came from his body that sounded like a camera shutter. 

The sound made the human move finally, but not to run, but aim the weapon he had strapped across his chest directly at the Decepticon. 

Prowl looked up from where he took cover, Blitzwing was still enraged and firing wildly from the cannon on his back. Instead of focusing on the commotion in front of him, he noticed Soundwave looming over a human. Kevin. 

His tactical computer kicked in, analyzing the situation, no other mech was close enough to perform the precise movements to put an end to the rampage of not only Blitzwing, but hopefully Soundwave too. So he got up and ran. Running straight for the anger blinded Blitzwing. 

Prowl slid on the ground, avoiding blasts. As he got closer the triple changer. He grabbed onto the cannon, and using all his strength pulled the Decepticon backward, holding the cannon. 

Blitwing roared, “GET OFF!” As he tried to grab wildly backward, trying to pull Prowl off of him. Blitzwing didn't stop his cannon blasts, taking only mere seconds of recharge to fire again. Prowl pulled with all his strength, physically moving Blitzwing to have his canon blasts aim directly for Soundwave in the distance. 

It did the trick, the blasts hit all around Soundwave, who was already injured, the blasts sent him scurrying away. Prowl didn't have time to check if the human was alright, before he was grabbed by the chassis, flipped and pummeled into the ground. Blitzwing lifted his leg to stomp on Prowl aimed for the middle of his chest, but Prowl quickly rolled out of the way, not before getting his leg clipped by the much larger ped of the Decepticon. 

Prowl cried out in pain as his knee joint sparked and leaked energon. Blitzwing haunting laughter reverberated off the city streets. “Let’s finish this then!” As he neatly aimed his cannon at Prowl, overcharging the weapon. 

“ HEY! ” A voice called out as the form of two Autobots shimmered and appeared in front of him. A very angry looking Sideswipe, with a ball of scrap metal in both hands behind his head, and a very tired looking Mirage, guarding Prowl. 

Sideswipe quickly shoved the scrap metal into the charging cannon, before jumping back. 

“YOU!” Blitzwing screamed at him, trying to grab at the red Autobot.

“Now Bluestreak!” Mirage yelled, as he covered the three Autobots with his invisibility cloak. 

A well aimed snipers shot ran through the streets, right to the weapon that was overloading from too much blocked power due to the scrap metal. The explosion sent Blitzwing flying back, exploding in flames and dust, as his cannon exploded on his body. It was strong enough of an explosion to send the three Autobots directly into the building behind them as well.

Mirage sat up first. "Why is there so much glass everywhere?" He groaned, "What is their obsession with it?"

-

Megatron threw his fists at Optimus, yelling at the Prime. “I’m impressed Optimus! You’ve led us right to an energon haven, these pitiful organics must worship you.” 

Prime glared, “We are their allies.” He dodged another fist.

Megatron's vents raced. “Allies.” He scoffed, “These creatures? Even I know they could no harm even to turborats.” He raised his fusion cannon aimed for Optimus, to secure his point. 

Optimus pulled his energon axe from subspace, blocking the blast and returning taking swipes at the Decepticon leader. 

 “Enough Megatron!” Optimus yelled in English. Causing a moment of pause from Megatron. 

“What?” He growled back in Cybertronian. 

“Leave now.” Prime ordered again in English. “I will not allow our fight to spill over to this world.” He switched back to Cybertronian.

Megatron was no fool, but the realization set in for him. “You dare speak to me in their language ? You're a traitor to your own kind ! Why fight, why protect them? This planet, you know it, is too rich in energon, and these creatures- they’re worthless organics. Take the energon and leave this planet for good!” He all but screamed at the Prime, aiming wildly firing towards him. 

Optimus dodged most of the blasts, one stray one clipped his leg. As he stumbled, Megatron roared, punches flying at his chassis, sending Prime skidding back on the road. Optimus hoisted himself up using a human vehicle as leverage, as the tires popped, he examined the inside to ensure no human was inside. 

“I will ravage this planet of its energon and take it to Cybertron.” Megatron laughed as his plan was formulated through their battle. 

Prime paused, surprised, “You’ve spoken to those on Cybertron?”

Megatron smirked, “No. I know all is well in the hands of Shockwave.”

Optimus clenched the vehicle, and easily picked it up and threw it at Megatron. Megatron stumbled back, as Prime followed the counter attack with another vehicle crashing down on him, throwing him back into the pavement. 

“It has been vorns, Megatron. Thousands of vorns since we left Cybertron.” Optimus admitted.

Megatron's optics flickered, Prime could trick, but not like this. “That is impossible.” He shot back. 

Optimus stood there, unmoving. “It is true.”

Anger built up in the Decepticon, “No. NO !” He cried out, but his anger turned to laughter. His laughter gruff and cynical. “A fool’s errand Prime. Leaving Cybertron.”

Optimus starred in surprise, at the laughter from Megatron. “It was not foolish to leave Cybertron.” He countered. 

“Running away from your responsibility as Prime, seems foolish enough to me. Besides, with Shockwave in control of Cybertron, no matter the time , the Autobots will be no more.” Megatron laughed again, laughed at the Prime, at the situation unfolding before him. “You are the last standing Autobots!” His laughter subsided, as he turned to face Optimus, chaotic glee written all over his faceplate. “I will be glad to be the one to watch them all offline , one. By. One .”

Optimus didn't hesitate and lunged at Megatron, the two locking hands trying to overpower the other.

They took turns releasing and throwing punches. Megatron grew tired of the fist fight, transforming his hand into his spiked energon ball and chain flail. It used so much of his energy, and Optimus knew that, he knew that it was Megatrons’ last stand before the Decepticon leader had to make a choice. 

Prime stepped back, allowing the space between them to grow. Megatron lunged, throwing the flail wildly around, smashing everything in sight. Optimus countered with his axe, energon powered weapons crackling as they met with such force. It was taking longer and longer for his fusion cannon to power as Megatron tried to fire and use the flail at the same time. 

Optimus spun around, avoiding both, spinning his axe, swiping at the most vulnerable spot on the war lord, his legs. 

Megatron stepped, his leg wobbled from where Optimus managed to get an injury in. His vents cycled cool air hard and fast as his sneer etched into his face. He slowly stood to match Optimus again.

Energon had begun to drip from Megatron's wounds.  He was critically low on energon. He sneered at Optimus. He held a finger to his audio, “Decepticons. Retreat .”

“Megatron -” Optimus began.

Megatron held his hand up, energon dripping from it as he held his wound. “This planet , those you have now claimed to protect. It will all be mine . The more you fight for them, care for them, Prime, the more I cannot wait to crush them.” 

“Why rule just one planet, when you can rule two? ” Megatron threatened, as he took off to the skies. Leaving Prime the lone victor, this time.

-

“Is everyone alright?” Optimus asked as he limped his way to his group of Autobots that had gathered together. 

They all looked like scrap. The Decepticons did not hold back this time, it could have been ultimately worse, if Prime had not realized mid fight that the Decepticons were just short on energon and had only reawoken on this planet as well. And his own crew for taking the care they needed for themselves throughout their still short time here, in preparation for anything, including a Decepticon attack.

“All mechs accounted for.” Ironhide reported.

“Prowl and ‘Sides look like they got the worst of it.” Jazz reported, holding up Prowls arm around his shoulder, as the SIC could barely keep weight on his blasted leg. 

“And you?” Optimus pointed out Jazz's damage, and bleeding servo. 

“I’m good Prime.” Jazz acknowledged but waved off the concern. 

Sideswipe sluggishly but happily waved to Prime and then to the humans in helicopters as they flew around the group of victorious Autobots. 

Smoke, dust and debris littered the street where they stood together. Tv’s that still worked replayed their image on their screens, showing countless doubles of themselves. He looked over at his fellow Autobots, with a grin that would make you think he wasn't bleeding energon heavily. “I think we’re famous now.”

-

Kevin ran up to the group, his face dirtied with sweat, dust and blood. “You guys good?!” He yelled. 

Optimus looked surprised at the two humans in tow, that were nowhere near supposed to be this close to their fight. “I thought I asked you to  stay at the Ark. I did say please.” He looked at Mack who was also just as dirty, Prime not even realizing she was amongst those who came along. Her face had stopped bleeding but the dried blood was still there. Which made Primes' spark ache for the both of them. 

“WHAT?” The human yelled back.

“Primus, could ya be any louder?” Ironhide complained. 

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?” Kev asked again, looking around.

Mack rolled her eyes, “He can't hear anything.”

“I CAN'T HEAR ANYTHING. JUST ALL RINGING UP HERE.” He pointed to his head as he continued to yell. 

Mack turned to grab her father and shake him slightly, yelling loud enough to hear. “YOU'RE YELLING. AND WE’RE IN TROUBLE.”

“OH SH- I mean, oh shit.”

The Autobots, in their battered and beat up state mustered enough energy to laugh at their humans.

Optimus bent down to get closer to them, “Thank you.” He looked around, seeing the extensive damage they helped create. “We will help fix this.” 

Kevin formally saluted the Autobot commander in gratitude, on behalf of so many other humans who would not fully understand what they just did for Earth. 

Chapter Text

Safe to say Ratchet was pissed. 

He waited at the entrance to the Ark, servos crossed with a scowl etched into his faceplate. He did not like waiting. 

Hoist, Grapple, Gears and Windcharger all hovered behind him silently. Red Alert stayed in the command room, optics not leaving the screens that provided him comfort on what was going on outside of the Ark. 

Ratchet knew of the fight, he watched it play on from different angles from the human cameras, until they lost their ability to transmit a signal as well. He waited and waited, knowing Soundwave was there didn't ease his patience, but assumed that the reason they were unable to communicate was due to the Decepticon. 

The dust cloud that formed around the Autobots returning was his first indication of their return. 

Optimus turned around, trailer in tow. He unhooked it, allowing the roof and the sides to slide down, revealing the worst injured of the Autobots. Prowl was laid down on the bottom of the trailer, as Jazz sat at the back. Both were covered in energon, looking worse for wear.

Ratchet furrowed his brow. “Grapple, Hoist!” He called out, as the two mechs ran forward to help their injured comrades. 

Hoist tried to help Jazz up, with Jazz swatting back at him, “I can still walk!” He fought back weakly, looking at Prowl’s more extensive injuries. 

“Don't let yourself be Ratchet's first target.” Hoist offered back, smiling faintly. Jazz gave in and allowed himself to be helped. 

Grapple picked up Prowl, as Ratchet yelled, “Med Bay now!” Pointing back down the orange halls. 

Ratchet stomped over to Optimus, “Report?” As his optics flicked over the Primes’ own injuries. 

“Prowl is the worst, then Jazz. Sideswipe, Mirage, next. Ironhide, Wheeljack, Brawn, Trailbreaker, Sunstreaker, Powerglide all also took more significant damage.” Optimus reported to the medic. 

“And you.” Ratchet’s cold voice spoke. 

“I will be alright.” Optimus reassured, “But-”

“ But what? ” Ratchet seethed, ready to hear the Prime’s excuse for not including himself in the injury rank. 

Optimus took a step to the side, revealing the two very beat up and damaged humans. Mack waved at the Medic, while Kevin grinned an awkward smile, both trying to off set how they truly looked. 

Ratchet’s optics narrowed at the pair. He knelt down to get a better look. “Report?”

“NOT DEAD.” Kevin spoke up loudly. 

Ratchet said nothing as his icy blue optics showed every once of anger he was holding back. 

“Dad’s hearing is a bit messed up, but it’ll come back. Other than that, just scrapes and bruises for the both of us, Ratchet. Nothing major, swear.” Mack quickly jumped in, not wanting to infuriate the medic any more than necessary. 

Feeling satisfied with their answer, Ratchet stood back up. Turning, he began ordering the Autobots around, before running back into the Med Bay to deal with the most damaged of them all. In times after battle, as the Chief Medical Officer, his word was Prime. 

Mackenzie sank down on the rocks outside the Ark, she picked at her fingernails. The Autobots were hurt badly, and there was nothing else she could do for them, except wait. 

She sat in silence, letting the warm air brush past her, as her sweat and dust mixed dripping down her face, stinging her eyes. She wiped her face off as best as she could, leaving stains on her t-shirt.

The world had just changed. She looked over at her father pacing outside the Ark. One phone call after another engulfed his next move. Apparently his salute to Prime was captured and was going to be plastered on every news front page, and everyone wanted a piece of the incredible story of what was going on. 

Kevin hung up his latest phone call with a groan. He only had a brief few seconds of relief before it began to ring again, he looked at the phone in his hand and threw it forcefully on the ground, stomping on the screen until it was cracked in a million pieces. 

Mack raised an eyebrow, “Dramatic much?”

Her father defeated, slunk over to her and slid down on the rock sitting next to her. He closed his eyes, taking in the sun's warmth. “I have to go talk to my boss .” He complained.

“Who? Prime?” She asked surprised.

Kevin looked at her, “What no, uh my human, real life, real money paying job, boss.”

“Mm.” Mack looked up to the sky, copying her father’s movements, by taking in the sun. “We’re in a lot of trouble aren't we?”

“ We ?” He chuckled, “More like just me. Hiding aliens from the government is starting to sound like it wasn't such a good idea.”

His daughter's head quickly spun around to look at him, she grabbed his arm. “You’re not going to turn them in? Are you?”

Kevin looked her in the eyes, her warm caring brown eyes. “Mack.”

She squeezed his arm tighter, tears welling up in her eyes, but anger and sternness in her voice. “You can’t.” Mack shoved her face into his chest, as he pulled her into a close embrace. “Promise me.” She sputtered out. 

Kevin sighed, putting a hand on her head. From the beginning he wanted to protect her from all the bad, raising her to be good. Her willingness to prove that, turned into him also going along trying to protect the naive Autobots from the bad in the world. He didn't realize that their naivety was just about humans and Earth, and that he was vastly unprepared for their advancements, not to mention their war torn baggage they brought with them to Earth. “I- I can’t promise that kiddo.”

His daughter grabbed his shirt even harder, unable to get the words out to even try to argue back. 

“Besides,” he began again, “I can’t believe no one has found us yet.”

Mack’s muffled voice came from his chest, Kevin pulled her back, “Huh?”

“Jazz.” She repeated. 

“What about Jazz ?” 

“He may or may not have made our phones untraceable.” She smiled proudly.

Kevin looked at her in surprise. “ What? ”

Mack blinked innocently, “And also, definitely , more than likely, probably , Carly, Raoul, and Spikes’ phones too.”

Her father groaned and rubbed his face. “Seriously Mack?”

She pulled back, “What?! They caught us! Well me. With them.”

Kevin rolled over, getting up. “We - I will deal with that later, right now young lady you go- just don’t -” He struggled to find the words to parent his daughter.

Mack raised an eyebrow, she reiterated, “Young lady?”

“I’ll be back shortly, just don’t do anything else. Please .”

She gave him a thumbs up, as he walked backward to his now also very beat up car. “You got it boss man.”

He leaned out the car, peering past the open door. “I don't like it when you call me that.” He said with a frown. “Boss man. Yes sir boss man sir. Father, Papa, Dad, not boss man.” He grumbled mocked, as he threw the car in reverse. 

Mackenzie waited until he was out of sight before heading into the Ark to check on the Autobots.

Ratchet dove firstly into Prowl’s body. Putting the mech into a medical stasis, to treat the worst of his injuries. He cursed under his breath, as he controlled the bleeding from his wounds. Once Prowl was stable, he jumped straight into Jazz, putting a neural patch blocker into his processor to help with the pain in his servo. 

He was silent as he worked, his normally quiet Med Bay now littered with damaged Autobots. 

“What did you do?” He finally asked quietly, examining Jazz’s servo, turning it around to get a better look. 

“Fell off a building.” Jazz said offering no other explanation, or to give Ratchet any other reason to be mad at him. 

Ratchet vented air, tapping the top of his servo, “I’ll be able to work faster if it comes off.”

Jazz stretched his arm out, barely able to wiggle his digits. “Do what ya must Doc.”

-

Once Jazz was taken care of for the time being, and shooed away,  Ratchet pointed at the Prime. “You. Now.” Gesturing to another empty berth.

“Ratchet please take care of the others-”

The medic turned and he gave a smack to the back of Prime’s helm. “Sit.” He ordered.

Optimus obeyed, he had already tried a number of times to not put himself as a priority, but there was no arguing with Ratchet, as he gave in to being helped.

The two were silent as Ratchet plugged in numerous cables to get a complete diagnostic, and as he pulled open panels on Optimus’ armor to get a better look at the damage. 

“I thought I left Kevin in your hands.” Optimus spoke up first, “Physically.” He quickly added. “He joined us in the city.”

Ratchet didn’t pause his work, “The little scraplet jumped.”

“Jumped?” Optimus repeated, surprised.

“Jumped out of my hands and ran for it.” Ratchet vented air through his systems. “I didn't have the time to stop him.”

Optimus pondered the situation that occurred, trying to imagine the human jumping from the hands of Ratchet and sprinting down the halls of the Ark to assist the Autobots. “I asked him to stay here.” He said defeated.

“Well, if you havent noticed by now Prime, they aren't too good at listening.” Ratchet stated, “Sometimes I dont think their audios work at all.”

The Prime looked around at his crew, and then back to the medic. “I did not want to involve them in our fight.”

Ratchet scoffed at his comment, but said nothing.

Prime raised a brow ridge, “What?”

“Too bad Prime, I can already tell they’re a stubborn race. They’re gonna involve themselves whether or not you like it.” Ratchet sat back, examining his quick patch job, on Optimus’ damages from his fight with Megatron.

Optimus stayed silent, processing what Ratchet said.

Ratchet also looked around his Med Bay, venting more air. He eyed Sideswipe as his next patient. 

“Thank you Ratchet.”

“Don’t thank me just yet.” Ratchet not taking his optics off the room, “If we- if the Decepticons keep up like this,” he paused, “I don't have enough supplies to continue repairs at this scale.” He admitted solemnly, shaking his head.

Mack walked down the halls of the Ark, aimed at the Med Bay. She knew most of the mechs would be there. By now the similar orange hallways weren’t as confusing, she could make her way around the main passage ways. 

She made her way to the Med Bay, where she spotted several mechs waiting outside.

“Hey Mack!” Bumblebee waved, but also winced at the movement. “Glad that you’re alright.”

Mackenzie looked at the Autobots waiting outside the Med Bay, it was Bumblebee, Hound, Bluestreak and Cliffjumper who all were sitting on the ground, while Tracks and Inferno stood leaning against the walls. “I’m good! How are y’all holding up?”

“Kicked those ‘Cons afts, so I'm feeling great.” Cliffjumper chimed in. “Ain't nothing but burnt paint and some dents to pound out.”

“I think there's a few dents to your processor we can pound out.” Tracks groaned.

“ Oh did the ‘Cons ruin your nice, shiny new paint job?” Cliff threw back at him in a mocking tone.

The other mechs chuckled at the banter. The laughter made Bumblebee wince again.

“You okay ‘Bee?” The human asked concerned. 

Bumblebee shrugged, gesturing to his side, “Glass in my joints, Ratch or ‘Jack will get it out eventually.”

Mack looked, tilting her head to get a better look, there was glass in his joints, not small pieces, but large chucks. “Want me to get it?” She asked.

The mechs all looked at each other hesitantly, “No, it’s okay-” Bumblebee began to decline her offer.

“Please?” She pressed, “It’s the least I can do.” The human wiggled her small fingers, “I can totally pull them out.”

Bumblebee looked at Hound for backup on trying to get out of it, but he stayed quiet. ‘Bee vented air through his systems, “Alright. Just be careful. Don’t want Hatchet to come down on me.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful!” Mack replied, excited to help.

She began on his right side, looking at his joints, where there was less armor. She could see pieces of glass, and began to reach for them. Slowly pulling out piece by piece.

A pile of broken glass formed on the ground as she delicately, with her small fingers grabbed shards and pulled them out of Bumblebee’s body. It didn't take her long until Mack couldn't see any more pieces. Proud of her work, she took a step back.

“How’s that? Better?” 

Bumblebee rotated his shoulder joint, moving his arm around. His optics brightened, “Much better!” he exclaimed. “Thank you!”

“Welcome ‘Bee!” She looked at the doors to the Med Bay, she tapped her feet and swayed on the balls of her heels. “Do you,” she hesitated, “think I can go in there and help?” she added quickly.

“I don't think that’s a good idea.” Bluestreak spoke up nervously.

“Why not?” The human asked innocently.

The mechs looked at each other, explaining how Ratchet was in his domain, while he was working, was hard to put into words. It was just something you had to experience to understand.

“It’s just how it is.” Bumblebee tried to explain.

“Pleaseeeee.” She turned to ‘Bee and pleaded, giving her best impression of innocence and puppy dog eyes.

Bumblebee looked around, for any other mech to help him, trapped by the human's pleas, confusion mixed with terror and helplessness written all over his faceplate. He vented more air through his systems, “Alright.” as he gave in.

“It’s your funeral.” Inferno stated, watching ‘Bee give into the human.

Bumblebee rolled his optics, as he helped the human up and opened the doors.

-

“Thank you ‘Bee.”

Ratchet spun around so quickly at the humans’ voice, the other mechs thought he would snap right in half.

“Get her out of here now !” Ratchet yelled and pointed at the bay doors. He walked up to Bumblebee, who had the human sitting on his arm, “Do you have any idea what any of these fluids could do to her? We all saw what energon does!”

Mack looked up at the Medic, and looked around at the mechs waiting to get looked at. She even saw Wheeljack helping, after a quick scan revealed that he was fine enough to assist Ratchet. 

“Ratchet, I just want to help.”

“I was waiting out in the hall, and she helped me pull a bunch of glass out of my joints. I feel a lot better.” Bumblebee offered up an explanation. 

“I figured I could do the same in here.” Mack looked around as Autobots looked away, pretending not to be listening to the dramatics and the gossip. 

Ratchet listened to her sincerity, he knew she was truly just trying to assist. But even he couldn't look past her organic body, on how fragile and delicate it was. He vented air, and pinched his nose bridge, before looking around. His optics settled on Mirage. 

“Oh no.” The mech waved his hands in the air trying to back away from the medic, but Ratchet’s mind was already made up. 

“Lay down.” He ordered.

“Ratchet - I am not going to have the human climbing all over me.”

“I don't care. Lay down.”

“Ratc-” Mirage tried to protest once more, before Ratchet shoved his hand on his chest, forcing the mech down, and placing a mobility blocker on him. Mirages’ engines revved in protest.

Ratchet pointed at Jazz and Bumblebee. “You two. Don’t take your optics off her.” He ordered as he went back to working on Sideswipe. 

“This is absolutely not fair.” Mirage said as he laid motionless on the berth, his face twisting in anger. 

Bumblebee walked over, giving the human a boost onto the berth, as he hopped up on a chair next to the berth. Jazz scooched over next to them also. “Don’t worry ‘Raj. Probably th’ fastest way you’re gonna get outta here.” 

Mack looked around at the damaged Autobots, before looking at Jazz. His helm had a large dent, and his visor was cracked, she felt guilty, until she froze looking over the rest of him. “Jazz.” She said hesitantly. 

“Yeah lil’ lady?” 

“Where- Where’s your hand?” 

Jazz shrugged, pointing over to a table with his good hand, “Over there. Ratch is gonna work on it once he gets to everyone.”

He watched the human stared at the empty place where his servo was, shock registering in her eyes. “Uh huh.”

Bumblebee nudged her, “What would happen if your servo got injured?”

“Not that .” She squeaked out, eyes not wandering from Jazz’s missing hand. “Everything normally has to stay… attached .”

Wheeljack stopped by the berth, bringing a small tray and a cleaning cloth. “Figured you’d need this for the glass.” He said optics squinting in a smile. He leaned down to get closer to the human, “Ratchet would never say it, but I’m pretty sure he’s grateful for your help on glass duty.”

“Which would be wonderful if we got started.” Mirage commented from his still position.

“Right.” Mackenzie walked the edge of the berth, up to Mirages’ shoulder joint, pulling herself onto his frame. Right where she could look at him in the optics, but she avoided making eye contact as she could feel his optics staring at her. She spotted a large piece of glass, thankfully with no fluids on it, and began to pull the pieces out.

She was making her way around Mirages’ frame, Bumblebee or Jazz would take turns bringing the tray close to her, so she could deposit the glass in it. Every now and then, other Autobots came to chat with them, as they all waited for Ratchet, or one of his temporary helping hands to assist them with their repairs. 

It was a different system than the one on Earth than she was accustomed to, for the Cybertronians, the worst of the injuries were dealt with first, a medic stabilizing the worst of their injuries. Once they were stabilized, they were bumped back to the bottom of the list to be evaluated in detail later, as the other damages were taken care of next. So that Ratchet could take the time to repair them thoroughly.

The girl explained that for the human medics and doctors, that was the complete opposite. Severe cases of injuries were always moved to the front of the line, no matter how long you had been waiting for something less severe. Any human injury that was life threatening was dealt with first from start to finish in a hospital, not stopping until it was all resolved. 

Mack could tell that Ratchet was listening to her speak, even while working on Sideswipe, so she explained even further in detail. “There was one time,” She began, “I fell off my bike. I was learning to ride it, and I ended up flying down a hill. I lost control, and I only stopped because I crash landed into a tree.” The human smacked her hands together for emphasis.

“I didn’t feel bad, probably too much adrenaline, masking the pain. But I had this nasty cut on my arm where it got caught on a branch.” She showed off a patch of skin on the inside of her arm, that was healed, but a slightly lighter and rougher color than the rest of her skin. “Scar’s still there, see? Dad rushed me to the ER, the emergency room, which is basically, I guess, like this,” She gestured to the Autobots waiting to be repaired, “your Med Bay.”

“Because it was just a cut, I got passed up again and again. There was some big car crash on the highway, and the hospital was the closest thing to it. So I kept getting bumped to the back of the line. But as time went on, my cut started to hurt more and more, the adrenaline had definitely worn off by then.”

“What’s adrenaline?” Bumblebee asked politely, waiting for a pause in her story.

“It’s uh, a chemical in our bodies we make, we can make more of it at different times really, it just depends. For instance when we get hurt, it keeps you alert, gets your heart pumping, and definitely masks the pain.”

Bumblebee nodded like he understood what she was talking about, but she could tell in his face he still was just as confused before he asked.

“Anyway, turns out I ended up waiting about five hours, which is a crazy long time to just get stitched up-”
“Stitched?” Wheeljack asked interrupting, now also hovering for her story.

“‘Ey mech, let her finish!” Jazz scolded, then paused, “But what do ya mean by ‘stitched’?”

Mackenzie laughed, “It’s okay. The cut was large enough that it would heal really poorly on its own, so the doctors literally took a needle, with surgical thread, and stitched,” She imitated on her arm, the stitching movement, “The two pieces of skin together.” 

The Autobots squirmed, “That’s - gross.” Bumblebee admitted. 

“Seven stitches in total.” She beamed with pride, like some kind of right of passage.

“Doesn’t sound any different than when we weld armor back together.” Wheeljack commented thinking of the comparison.

“Is seven a lot? Of stitches I mean.” Hound asked, joining in the conversation, seated at Mirages’ head.

The human shrugged, “Not really, the more stitches you get, the more badass you are. Or we would like to think.” She laughed, as she dropped another piece of glass into the tray.

“Anyway, they checked me out some more, and low and behold, I didn't just have a nasty cut. I had a broken arm. Which was why it was so painful. Dad was pissed, just for the fact that I sat there for five whole hours with a broken arm.”

“You broke your arm?” Jazz asked, looking at it on her body. “Looks ‘aight to me.”

“The bone broke. Inside.” Mack flexed her arm and twisted it. “It’s all healed now!”

“You humans are disgusting.” Mirage chimed in, unable to escape the conversation.

Wheeljack bent down, peering at her arm. “How do you fix it? You can’t take your outer skin covering off, can you?”

She grimaced, “Well, that’s a little more complicated.” 

Ratchet loomed over the group now. “I’d like to hear the explanation.”

Mack looked up at him with a smile, brightness in her eyes. “Okay so well, for mine. It wasn't a super bad break, the bones just needed to heal. So the doctors just set it, and setting it means, they give you pain meds, and move your arm in the best position to heal, before wrapping a cast on it. A cast is firstly, a layer of cotton, so it doesn't irritate the skin, but then it’s wrapped in plaster. The plaster dries hard so you can’t move the part of you that needs to heal. Six weeks later, you're fixed! The cast can come off.” She imitated on her arm the whole process as an example.

“Six weeks?” Optimus chimed in, standing next to Ratchet now. 

Ratchet quickly did the math, “42 Earth cycles?”

The two looked at each other. Cybertronians had self-repairing systems, just like the humans, but that amount of time to heal something seemed incredibly long. They had barely been awake on Earth for longer than that amount of time.

“Some things just take longer to heal than others.” She shrugged as she continued on, “But sometimes, if it’s a really bad break, the doctors have to cut you open, set the bone with metal pins so it really won't move at all. Or even screw metal plates into your bones to stabilize it. Then they sew you back closed. With stitches. Then, a cast.” Mack explained with a wicked grin on her face. They all shifted uncomfortably as she continued to speak, the Autobots looking more and more disgusted with each explanation.

“Can we please end this?” Mirage groaned again. “I’m going to purge my tanks.”

The Autobots who gathered around the human picking out glass from Mirage laughed at his displeasure.

Hound teased, “Can’t handle a little lesson on humans, Mirage?” As he tapped his helm playfully.

“ No . Absolutely not.” The mech growled back.

Mack laughed as she grabbed another large piece of glass, she was almost done, there weren't many pieces left. This one however was stuck and wedged in his framing really tightly. She bent down, adjusting her grip and tugged on the piece. This time however her grip slipped, causing her to fall back, landing hard on her ass, on top of Mirage’s chassis. 

“ Shit .” Mack immediately could tell what was wrong as she slapped her hand quickly onto her jeans. She sat frozen, as she pushed the palm of her hand into her leg. Her mind raced on how to explain what she just did.

None of the Autobots registered her panic immediately, however Hound was the first to notice. “Need a break already?” He joked with her playfully.

Mack turned to look at him, “Uh, yeah sure Hound.” But she didn’t make any moves to get up.

Hound tilted his helm slightly, “What’s wrong?”

This question he asked put all optics back on her. If she could shrink into her skin she would be more than happy too. Ratchet immediately returned to the berth side looking at her. A shiver went up her spine, as she got goosebumps.

“Scans ind-”

“Scans?!” She yelled out, interrupting the medic.

Ratchet raised a brow ridge at her, “Yes, scans .”

Mack stared at him, connections clicking in her mind. “Do it again.”

“Do not-”

“ Scan me again.”

Ratchet usually wasn't speechless very often, but being around these humans, seemed to always get the best of him. Instead of arguing back, he did as she requested, scanning her again.

A shiver went up her spine again. “ That’s what's causing that !” Mack yelled, standing up excited. “You scan me and I can feel it!” She pointed at Ratchet, forgetting for a moment the reason why she kept her hand plastered to her leg.

The Autobots froze, as Ratchet furrowed his brow, optics intense. Not for the fact that they human just said she could feel their scans, but for the reason that her hand was bright red. A large wet red-brownish patch was on her pants, and bright red blood was smeared all over her hand. Mack’s wound continued to bleed, with a few large droplets landing on Mirage.

“Shit. Shit. Shit .” The human cursed as she clenched her hand shut, and raised it high above her head. The blood continued to drip, now down her arm.

Ratchet quickly pushed both Bumblebee and Jazz out of the way, moving close to the human girl. He carefully grabbed her arm with two of his digits, bringing it down and closer to him. “Open.” He ordered. Mack obeyed, opening her hand back up to reveal her bleeding palm.

“Sorry Ratchet.” She said softly.

He pulled a cleaning cloth from subspace with his free servo, and gently with one digit cleaned the blood off her arm and hand. Mack winced at the movement, but did not move away. Her blood stained the cloth, as he cleaned the excess, revealing a cut from the glass across her palm. It wasn't deep, but the small veins in her hand caused the excess amount of blood.

Ratchet pressed on the injury, causing her to wince slightly again, as he pulled the cloth away, the bleeding stopped momentarily. “Pressure helps, yes?” He asked.

“Yes.” Mack said defeated.

He released her arm, taking the cloth and ripping a small piece off, before taking her arm again, “Hold.” Ratchet ordered again, as she did with her free hand, as he wrapped the cloth around it. Satisfied with what he could do, he let her go and looked at her, until Mack looked up at him, feeling his optics going straight through her.

“ Now, get out of my Med Bay.” He ordered and pointed to the doors.

“What’s happening?” Mirage tried to look down at his chassis. 

Jazz turned to look at the mech, “Better if you didn't know ‘Raj.” 

Mirage looked at Hound, whose faceplate was not better at hiding his displeasure. “What- is.” He stopped again, catching a glimpse of bright red. “Is- is it LEAKING ON ME?” 

“I was only gone for like two hours.”

Silence.

“How bad is it?”

More silence.

“ Kiddo .”

Mack groaned in response as they drove to urgent care. 

“You know Ratchet’s pissed when he calls me to haul your ass away.”

“It’s fine .” She replied, holding her wrist.

Kevin laughed, “You know he wants a full report.”

Mack groaned again, hanging her head low.

“It’s been a day. I get it.” 

“Has it?” She sarcastically shot back, in a grumpy mood.

Kevin shrugged, “At least you didn't have to explain to several hundred people about giant alien robots from another planet, who just so happened to, thousands of years ago, mind you, crash land, and now have just woken up, and have reignited their war they started millions of years ago, here , on our planet. Not to mention, they need our resources to survive, and one half of them will work with humans, while the other wants to squash us like pancakes.”

Mack stared at her father. “You don't have to say it like that .”

Kev blinked, acting baffled, “What?! It’s true!”

Chapter Text

A lot can change in just a short amount of time. It was a whirlwind of constant communication and change. A few weeks ago Kevin was at his cushy desk chair as an Governmental Intel Ambassador in the Portland field office, and now he and several Autobots were ready to get down and dirty, tracking down Decepticon activity. Mack started school again, she got her way and transferred to the local college in town to be ‘closer to him’, which was just her code for being near the Autobots. Surprisingly her friends did the same, all staying in town.

The Autobots made headlines everywhere they went. The aliens could make front page news with just one transformation. Thankfully their secret of their location was still kept under wraps, but many people tried to locate them. The Decepticons would pop up here and there, but never as bad as the attack on Portland.

It seemed all had returned to normal, normal as it was for managing the Autobots. Kevin had become the ‘point man’ for communication between the human race and the Autobots.

He sat however, staring at the official paperwork in front of him. He wasn't positive, maybe Prowl had something to do with the paperwork that somehow always appeared on his desk, but he hasn't officially signed his life away to the Autobots. To officially become their right hand human. 

Not that Kev minded, he dealt with them for months before their big Portland battle, announcing their existence to the world. But in doing so- became a logistical nightmare. Optimus was gracious enough to speak to whomever he needed to, to explain or ease tensions or any other political corporate bullshit he needed to. But governments still did not trust the Autobots alone. 

It was actually Mack who brought up the whole ‘ambassador liaison’ deal. She had done her research. How the hell did he make a smart kid- he had no idea, he always assumed she got her mothers brains. Every country had ambassadors or liaisons in other countries. Sure, why not manage a whole other fucking planetary race. One man, one human, could totally handle that.  

The thing that worried him wasn't the fact he was essentially working for aliens, it was that he was being pulled into another war, another battle. And this time, their enemy was far from easy to calculate or analyze, the Decepticons were easy. It was other humans, other people that scared him the most.

He sighed looking at the stupid paperwork. Who ever thought ink on paper would carry so much weight to it?

“And they said we dont do Men in Black shit.” As he pulled on his suit jacket and ran out of his office door.

Currently, he and several Autobots had made their way to the middle of nowhere Oklahoma to follow up on these reports. Thankfully, for all those involved they were in the middle of nowhere, it reassured the Autobots that far less humans would be impacted. 

This time however, it had not stopped raining since the moment they left.

Portland was rainy, so the Earth stranded Autobots learned about it recently, which did not go over well with the first rain storm they had. Lighting came next, which made everyone curious, save for Cliffjumper. Electricity in the sky, that when met with something else on the ground could blow things up? To quote Wheeljack was ‘utterly fascinating’.

The Decepticon activity they were following, was reported near a wind energy farm. No doubt their attempt to use the wind renewal turbines to make their own energon. The Decepticons were trying their own crude methods of extracting energon from Earth's renewable resources. Even as fast as the reports came in, it would take them days to drive to get there. It wasn’t an easy drive, and the continued downpour of rain was relentless. 

Even through the rain, the Autobots took in much of the new Earth’s landscapes for the first time. The tall mountains, with paths for the human vehicles carved right through them, low flat terrain filled with farmland for miles, and many little suburbs and ranches, nothing like the larger city of Portland that was their new home. 

Kevin was safe from the rain, inside the cab of Optimus Prime’s vehicle mode. Not all the Autobots were chosen to make the journey with them this time. Still it was a larger convoy than normal, that stuck out on these back roads. The convoy consisted of Optimus Prime, Jazz, Prowl, Ratchet, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Tracks, Inferno, Bumblebee and Cliffjumper. However it seemed the weather had scared most other humans drivers away except for a few brave souls. 

The human riffled through papers,  having two phones open pouring over information. It was primitive compared to how all the Autobots could download information. But he tried to keep up with it all nonetheless. He had to stay on top of all the reports and Autobots data that he had access to.

“Kevin, I am still not picking up any Decepticon signals, even at this range.” Optimus Prime reported.

“You’re probably right, Prime. There’s been nothing in the reports on any activity in the last couple hours either.” He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “I just can’t picture them just taking off so quietly.”

“Megatron’s moves are erratic and unknowable. It would not come as a surprise, if he and the Decepticons abandoned this new attack if they could not gain anything from it.” 

As they drove toward the dark skies, the wind turbines started to come into view, moving significantly faster than normal. They saw smoke which started to pillow from a few of them even further in the distance.

/Prime?/

/Yes Prowl?/

/No Decepticon signals in the area. Unless we are walking into a trap…/

/We will still proceed with caution./

/Very well Prime./

No human emergency services were there at the smoking wind turbines. Just a few small old beat up trucks that had pulled off on the side of the road, humans drenched from the rain as they watched the smoke.

“Prime.” Kevin tapped the steering wheel that moved on its own, “Pull over. Something ain't right.”

Optimus Prime did as the human asked, as Kev hopped out of the cab tugging on his jacket. The rest of the Autobot convoy followed their leader and pulled over as well, all staying in their vehicle alt modes. 

Kevin patted Optimus’ side door. “Stay here, I’ll be right back!” He yelled over the rain and the wind, as he walked over to the group of humans gathered on the roadside.

/ This is all we came out here for? Unbelievable. I am filthy !/ Tracks began to complain.

/Hey man – cool your jets, you’re getting a free car wash!/ Jazz answered.

/A car wash is relaxing . Detailing is relaxing . This is – like getting pummeled by the underside of a Sharkticon./ 

/That. Is amazing./ Sideswipe started laughing over the comm.

/What? You’re enjoying this?/ Sunstreaker asked, also irritated. 

/Hey! We are miles from the base! This is the farthest we’ve gone on this planet!/ His twin answered giddy. 

/Knock it off. All of you. Sit tight and keep your sensors peeled./ Ratchet snapped at them all.

-

“Y’all doing alright?” Kevin asked as he ran up to the group.

One of the guys spit his dip on the ground, “Fire’s out, but she’s still smoking. Can’t do nothing ‘bout it now.” He shoved his chin to the sky, “He’s looking like he’s about to give us hell anyway.”

An older man turned to join the conversation, “Why’s it matter to you?” he asked, taking in the suit wearing Kevin, who stood out like a sore thumb on the countryside, compared to their work worn and faded outfits.

“Don’t mind the monkey suit.” He joked, loosening his tie. “My name is Kevin Donovin, I- I work with the Autobots.” He turned and gestured to the convoy of cars pulled over on the side of the road, still getting used to explaining his role. All the farmers leaned around him to get a look at the cars lined up on the side of the interstate.

“Those space robots?” One man asked.

Kevin chuckled, “Huh yeah- them. We think the Decepticons might have had a hand in this,” he said gesturing to the smoke, “Got any ideas?”

The older farmer stuck out his hand and offered a solid handshake to Kevin, “Names’ Tom, Tom Willford, I ain’t seen no robots running amuck, but this here farm is mine. It outta make sense something strange was goin’ on, these turbines don’t just end up like this over a little storm.”

“Little storm?” Kevin laughed, “I didn’t think it was monsoon season yet!”

“Nah, but it is t-“

-

/Hey. Y’all hear that?/ Jazz spoke up after a few minutes.

/Hear what?/ Bumblebee asked.

Loud sirens grew louder and louder sounding menacing over the wind and the rain. 

/Something’s wrong./ Optimus Prime warned his crew, watching the humans carefully as they froze at the sound of the sirens.

-

Kevin stared at Tom and the other farmers in a brief bout of silence, before Kev whipped his head around to look at the large convoy of Autobots waiting patiently. His mouth opened and shut as he had no idea how to form a sentence, or how the hell to explain, very quickly, what the hell a tornado was.

Tom took over, he reached into his truck and pulled out an old radio and a cell phone. “You boys get to a bunker. I’m going with robot man here and getting those cars to the big bunker under Hillshire.” He ordered.

“Sir, what about Miss Jeanie and the boys?”

“You tell Jeanie, I’ll be alright. I’ll call her when it’s over. Now get!” He ordered as he slapped the side of the older truck as the farmers jumped in their vehicles, whipping up mud and spinning around, heading just east of the dark skies, as the clouds moved in faster and faster. 

The Autobots who could see, watched as the humans’ vehicles left in a hurry and at a high rate of speed. They didn’t understand the commotion or the sense of urgency in the humans’ actions. Kevin and the other older human ran over to Optimus Prime, as he opened the doors before they could even reach for the handle. 

“Prime! We gotta go!” Kevin yelled into the empty cab as the two humans climbed in.

“Kevin, what is the matter? Is there a threat?” The Peterbilt truck spoke back.

Tom’s eyes went wide as the truck talked, hearing the voice of Optimus all around him.

“Those were tornado sirens! I’ll explain, but you gotta drive! Now!” Kevin ordered, pointing in the direction that the other humans took off in.

Optimus Prime wasted no time as he took off leading the Autobots away. Tom held on for dear life as he watched that Kevin had not a single hand on the steering wheel and that the gearshift moved on its own. “Lord almighty.” He gasped under his breath, eyes still wide.

Kevin looked over at the new human experiencing the Cybertronians for the first time and smiled, “You get used to it. Where we goin’ boss?”

Tom snapped out of his stare of the steering wheel, but never letting it out of his sight. “I have an old underground hangar from the Cold War – it could fit all you folks but, we’re gonna cut it close.”

“If I may ask,” Prime interjected, “what exactly are we cutting close?”

“A tornado. Bugger’s deadly.” He turned on the close range radio, and dialed over the static. 

“There is a tornado formed folks this is not a drill – please get someplace safe now – its winds are picking up- yep we have confirmed an F2 tornado headed in the direction of Hemlock Road….”

“Tornadoes are natural disasters Prime, F2 got – what – over 100 mile per hour winds? They take out everything in their path, fuck, they’ll throw even y’all around too. They bring destruction and death wherever they go.”

Optimus Prime did not hesitate at Kevin’s description of the unknowing storm to the Cybertronians. He opened a comm to all the Autobots who were following the humans blindly into the storm, as he pushed his own speedometer to over 100 miles an hour.

/Prime, what’s going on?/ Ratchet asked.

/The humans call it a tornado, it’s dangerous and we’re getting somewhere safe./ Optimus replied, as if it was just another day, hoping his Autobots still continued to trust in him, for how he was trusting the humans.

Tom fumbled with his cell phone, as he made a call, Prime and Kevin could hear yelling over the phone, before Tom answered back, “You shut those doors in 10 minutes son, regardless of if we get there or not do you understand me boy? Yes- we , lord willing, you ain't gonna believe it but I got a whole crew with me.” He hung up, and stared at the road ahead. 

The radio static broke through for a broken update, “… I .. repeat… this is now… F4 tor… 4…ado…”

“I am assuming this F4 is worse.” Prime spoke through the humans’ silence. 

Kevin rubbed his face thoughtfully, “ Oh we’re screwed.”

Prime opened his comm of the Autobots chatting over the shared line so the humans could hear. The wind that was picking up was continuously shaking their frames, and the water from the constant rain was slick on their tires. It was making some mechs slide along on the road. They sped on the open asphalt and dirt, not worrying about other human drivers, as no one had dared to be on the roads, except the Autobots.

\Primus!\

\Keep your traction bots.\

The wind ripped across their bodies as they pushed excessive speeds.

\This is a tornado? This is awful.\

“No… that’s a tornado.” Kevin said weakly as he looked out the window as they were parallel to a giant, miles wide tornado, which was headed towards a small farming town. 

\What the frag ...\

The Autobots were shocked at the enormity of the storm. A giant tunnel of wind, connecting the angry skies all the way to the dirt earth. They watched as the black twister of rain and wind, headed toward a barn and watched it completely obliterate the structure. It seemed as if the pieces were just sucked away, until moments later, it sent wood, rock, metal and all other debris hurling at them at frightening speeds. They didn’t dare slow down as they watched in horror. The small rocks and debris originally flung their way that didn’t hurt them, but it was now turning into larger pieces, denting and scratching their frames, as they took turns swerving wildly to avoid impacts. 

\Ahhhhh!!\ Bumblebee cried out as he slid, getting pushed off the road as the wind was so strong opposed to the minibot, others who had smaller frames and weights started struggling against the strength of the storm.

\Bumblebee. Next to me, take up both roadsides!\ Prime ordered, using his larger truck frame and trailer to help block the raging wind.

Several bots filed in next to Optimus as they raced down the road. The humans in his cab felt their ears pop as the atmosphere changed rapidly. They had no clue where they were being led, until Tom called out barely loud enough to hear, “Next road, sharp right!”

The turn came up fast, as they skidded on gravel on wet asphalt. “Straight ahead! The bunker’s underground!” The farmer yelled over the roaring winds. “Gun it fellas, but there's a sharp turn at the bottom, keep your eyes peeled.”

/Autobots. Those who are faster make a break for it, now! Prowl –/

/On it Prime./

Sideswipe and Sunstreaker took off, leading the faster group, followed by Prowl and Jazz. Prowl’s own police sirens flashing and lighting up the dark skies.

/Sideswipe. Don’t slow down./ Prowl ordered.

/What?!/ Sideswipe yelled back.

Jazz replied in shock, /Prowler- your processor broken?/ 

/If you’re trying to get us to crash out, this is one fragging way to do it./ Sunstreaker complained.

/You won't, if you break and turn when I tell you./ 

Sideswipe didn’t hesitate to not trust their tactician, Prowl could be one pain in the aft, but the twin never doubted him. He and his brother lead the charge and gunned it down the now all gravel road, throwing rocks behind them from under their low frames.

A human was braving the wind at the entrance to the bunker, soaking wet and yelling but no sound could be heard, as their headlights showed through the darkness. The Autobots raced through the bunker door, past the younger human.

/Now Sideswipe!/ Prowl yelled out, as Sideswipe raced and braked so hard he left burnt rubber skid marks on the ground. He transformed mid turn, rolling out of the way so the other Autobots could follow behind. Sunstreaker followed suit, as he and Jazz almost crashed into each other. Prowl skidded and turned around as he stayed near the entrance, lights still flashing, guiding the way for the others. 

The last of the Autobots rolled through the bunker doors breaking fast to avoid crashing into each other. The young human stared in awe at the Autobot crew, as Tom and Kevin jumped out of Optimus Prime’s cab. “Matty, get that door shut now !” Tom yelled.

The wind was strong enough that the open door was even pulling the Autobots forward. Inferno and Cliffjumper jumped at the bunker doors and started pushing them shut, Prime and Ratchet also transformed and joined in helping shut the bunker doors for good.

Cliffjumper slid down against the shut doors, “Primus.” When he noticed the young wet human staring at him, “What are you lookin’ at?” Which shook him out of his awe and prompted him to run off to his father and Kevin.

Dripping wet and their engines still hot, the Autobots were all steaming in the cool underground bunker. The silence between them was uncommon as they took in the gravity of their situation as the howling wind ripped through above them.

Ratchet was the first one to break. “ How , in the name of Primus , have you humans lasted this long with fragging scrap like that around!”

Tom and his son jumped back at Ratchets’ outburst, now standing in the full presence of the Autobots, never thinking that they would be involved with them at all.

Kevin started to chuckle, looking at the farmers’ reactions, “You get used to it Ratch.”

The Autobots and the three humans sat quietly listening to the storm blow overhead in the underground bunker. Soaking wet but relieved to be out of the terrifying weather. They were all listening to the satellite radio in-between the static as updates came through.

The bunker was filled with old machinery, tools, supplies and canned goods. Even sitting some Autobots heads hit the hanging lights inside, making them flicker. 

“Why did you need a place like this?” Inferno spoke up, after looking around, asking the farmer.

Tom chuckled, “My daddy built it during The Cold War. He thought those damned Russians were gonna nuke every piece of land on God’s green Earth. So he built this place with his bare hands makin’ sure he could keep us safe.”

“What’s ‘The Cold War’?” Jazz asked.

Kevin shrugged, “Long story short, the US and Russia were on the brink of war, for a long time. The politics of the two countries were just so – different , so they called it ‘Cold War’ because no war was actually fought. As in no military action happened, but a lot- a lot of people thought we were gonna destroy each other one day.”

Several of the Autobots nodded in agreement. They were still at war, even now on Earth. They all came to know that feeling. 

“Yeah, but now-”, Tom sent a glaring look over to his son, “My son here- likes to have ‘Bunker Parties’.” He explained, gesturing his chin over to a large trash can filled to the brim with beer cans. The young human turned bright red and hid his face in his hands.

“Hey, I like the sound of that!” Sideswipe called out, “Better than ‘Stuck Inside the Base All Day Parties’.” He added grumbling quietly.

Optimus Prime watched as the other Autobots laughed at Sideswipe's comment, except of course for Prowl, who looked like he was about to say something, when the radio went off again.

“Alright folks, I… ave confirmation that the winds and the tornado have disper…, I repeat the torn… as officially dispersed.”

“That’s it!?” Ratchet spat out in shock.

“’Fraid so.” Tom replied quietly.

Prowl looked up, trying to listen for more howling wind, “That was not long at all.”

“What’s next, a giant water storm?!” Ratchet asked, baffled, throwing his hands up in defeat.

“Yeah, what kind, with wind like this or just a wall of water?” Kevin replied nonchalant- shaking more water from his coat before putting it back on.

Ratchet and the other Autobots stared at him, before he noticed all blue glowing optics on him.

“Oh. Shit, we’re going to have to go over the weather again. Maybe not just local weather.”

“You think!?” Tracks cried out breaking the silence, “My poor paint job is not going to hold up!” 

Kevin chuckled as he walked past Tracks’ leg and gave it a pat. “You’ll hold up just fine.”

-

The humans and the Autobots walked outside to a breeze, sun and absolute silence. If there had been any bad weather it would not have looked like it. If they did not witness the giant twister themselves, they would never have known that it happened just moments ago.

Tom smacked the cell phone in his hand. “Damn it. I got nothin’, I can’t call your mother.” He said to his son.

“I don’t have any bars either.” Matty replied.

Jazz bent down on one knee and tapped the human on the shoulder with his digit, “Mind if I give it a whirl?”

Surprised, Tom held out his phone to the alien, with a glance to Kevin, who shot back a thumbs up in approval. Jazz gently put the tip of his digit on the cell phone, as they sat in silence for a minute. Nothing spectacular happened until Jazz said with a smirk, “Give it try.”

He dialed out again and instead of the same out of service messaging, the call went straight through to his wife. A weight of relief was lifted off the man’s shoulders as he covered the receiver, and mouthed a ‘Thank You’ to the Autobot before he and his son stepped aside to speak to their family. 

-

Eventually, they all got back on the road headed in the direction to the small farming town, where Tom resided. Tom and his son sat within Optimus, and Kevin got in with Prowl. It was a quiet drive, the Autobots could tell where there once stood large buildings and structures, which were now flattened and torn apart. They all stopped just before town by firetrucks and medical vehicles blocking the road ahead. 

“Is there anything we can do?” Optimus asked the humans, as he took in the chaotic sight in front of him. 

“Not really – unless you can rebuild homes in a few hours. Then, it’s just a matter of time.” Tom replied.

Optimus answered a call from Kevin through his comm, “Prime, Prowl’s got something on the police radio he picked up.”

Instead of a comm link – Prowl’s voice came over the call. “There are apparently some humans who are alive but trapped under some of the building debris.”

“Very well thank you,” he said before turning the conversation back to the two new human allies they have made. “I can think of one way to help.” He said revving his engine.

“Charlie!” Tom yelled at the police chief, fist waving in the air, “You gotta move these trucks!”

“Tom! Glad you're alright, and no can do. We’re havin’ enough trouble as is. Got a call that the Mitchells are trapped.”

“I got help here. Either you can move ‘em or they’ll go around.”

“Go around?” Charlie looked around at the debris on the road, they could barely get the firetruck close enough to the collapsed home. “How the hell are you gonna ‘go ‘round’ ?” He looked past to see another police car, ambulance, firetruck, tractor trailer, and… several sports cars? All lined up behind the man.

Tom squinted his eyes at the chief as he yelled out, “You heard ‘em boys, watch your step!” The Autobots transformed from vehicle mode to standing upright, all eyes of the entire emergency crew stopped and were now on them. 

“Tom-“ Charlie let out a breath with shock, “Wh-what?”

Just then Kevin ran up again with an out shaken hand, taking hold of the limp hand of the local police chiefs. “Hey nice to meet you, Kevin Donovin, Autobot Human Ambassador. We’re here to help.”

“Autobot Human Ambassador, huh? So you finally accepted it?” Ratchet quietly asked as he bent down to Kevins level. 

“Shove it Doc.” Kevin groaned as he rolled his eyes.

-

The Autobots used their skills and combined strengths to help clear a path through the debris first. Between Jazz’s heat seeking, Prime’s strength, Bumblebee’s small frame, and not to mention Inferno’s extension ladder, they managed to rescue the human family that was trapped safely. With a quick scan after their rescue, Ratchet passed on any damages the humans had to the human medics and Prowl coordinated with the police on the fastest routes to the hospital, avoiding the more debris-filled roads and the most damaged homes. While the others, albeit begrudgingly, helped with cleanup duty on the roads to make them passable again.

The Autobots were just starting to be thanked profusely by all in attendance, when another call came over the police radio. 

The firefighters huddled in a group together before one was pushed forward to ask Kevin, “Y’all- I mean if you want to - if you don’t think they,” he gestured awkwardly to the Autobots, “Would mind helping us out on a few more calls? It’s looking like it’s gonna be a long day.”

Kevin in turn looked at Optimus who was wiping dust off his servos, “Hey Prime, you wouldn’t mind doing this a couple more times?”

Optimus optics smiled, “Not at all.” He kneeled down and looked to the human first responders around him, “Where to next?”

They spent the rest of the afternoon helping find trapped humans, moving debris and damaged items, and any other way they could help bring peace and normalcy to the small town devastated by the storm. But also helping those who also gave them protection in a world they were still growing accustomed to. They helped until there was nothing left to help with. The Autobots and Kevin were thanked viciously, with promises of home cooked meals and car washes anytime they came back. 

The last to say goodbye was Tom, Kevin smiled shaking his hand, “Thank you sir, for all your help. You have my number, and my number is for all of them too, if you need anything at all, you know who to call.”

Tom stood with his now reunited family of five smiling, “I appreciate it. No idea what I was getting myself into today, but I’m glad I did. I’ll take you up on that.”

Optimus Prime knelt down to offer his own digit in a handshake to the human, he stood strong as his family warily took a step back. “Thank you for taking us in, it has been much appreciated. We vastly underestimated this tornado threat and you have treated us kindly.”

“You’re very welcome, and pleasure is mine. I look forward to seeing youse all again.”

They shared agreement in silence before Optimus stood up and said “Autobots; let us return back to-”, he paused looking at his crew, mingling with the humans they had helped, as they looked up at him waiting to finish his command. “Let us return home .” He said confidently.

“So, any other crazy weather things we should know about?” Sideswipe asked as they reconvened in the Med Bay after returning back to base. 

Mid yawn Kevin asked, “Whatcha mean?”

“You should let Hatchet know before he blows a gasket.” Was Sunstreakers’ reply as he sat waiting his turn to get his dents pounded out.

“Mm, well the two I brought up before, they are called hurricanes and tsunamis. Hurricanes are like those tornados, but they move super slow and over the water. We can track them better but they're still super destructive with the winds and rain, not to mention the flooding.” Kevin explained and elaborated on with his lecture. “Tsunamis, on the other hand, are after an earthquake happens in the ocean and the forces from that create giant waves, hundreds of feet high, just fucking massive walls of water. They just flood and rip through everything in their path. Luckily though here in Portland, we don’t get either. Those are pretty coastal.” He ended in a shrug. 

As he explained these super weather forces, Kev looked up video evidence of aftermaths to show the bots as visual reference, playing them with the help of Teletraan-1. 

“Not to mention the things we will get here, like blizzards, hail, we get some flooding in the spring but not bad, and we do feel earthquakes from time to time.” He continued on.

All the Autobots in the Med Bay, waiting to get their recent tornado dents, pounded out and buffed, stared in disbelief at the devastation of just the weather on this planet, and the calmness that the human had about it all. 

Ratchet was the first and only one to speak up. “Your planet is trying to kill you.”

“I heard you signed it.” Optimus’ optics flicked over the human, who had turned his temporary table in the conference room to a full blown working desk.

Kevin smiled, “Yeah yeah.” Waving away the Prime. The now human ambassador chuckled, “I think Mack would have killed me, if I didn't take it.”

Prime’s optics warmed, glowing a deep blue. “I think we are all grateful that you would choose to work with us. Even after all you’ve seen of us, and the Decepticons.”

Kevin sighed, “You know what's funny Prime? This all feels, feels like the same thing I used to do, just now, I’m old.” He chuckled, as he patted his belly, “I think you - or Ratchet, will be even more grateful, once I get everything on his Christmas list. Just you wait.” He clicked his pen shut with a grin.

Optimus tilted his helm, “Christmas?” He repeated the unfamiliar word.

Kevin broke out in a hearty laugh, “Oh there are so so many things I still have to teach you guys about Earth.”

Prime smiled behind his mask, it showing through his optics, “I’m happy to learn.”