A/N

Experimental story. I understand humanized stories are mostly frowned upon or poorly written. I hope I can accomplish the vision I have for this story. Wish me luck, read and review.

Chapter 1

There was nothing like sitting on the train, watching the colors of the outside world swirl together and roll by. It almost was enough to forget about the three hour long journey from Iacon to Kaon. Orion looked down at his paper. He was supposed to arrive at the Kaon station at exactly seven in the morning. He was to be greeted at the station by a Mr. Richard Tools. Orion turned back out the window. This was the first time he'd been out of Iacon in his life. It was a strange feeling.

"Mr. Pax, the next stop is yours."

The train attendant offered him a small bag and then continued down her path. Kaon was rumored to be second only to Iacon and one of the most prosperous cities on Cybertron. It was also the base of all military actions on the entire planet. Orion remembered several history lessons on Kaon, and its evolution into such a military base. Most of it was common knowledge though, stuff about attempted coups and power-hungry people.

The train began to slow. The outside world was slowly as well, revealing the tall buildings and landscape. It did look an awfully lot like Iacon, thought Orion, though it was said that the atmosphere was worse here than anywhere else. He could see some people wearing gasmasks. Some of those sitting around him were pulling theirs out. Orion didn't have any, but luckily the attendant offered him one before leaving. She also offered that if he was heading for a meeting to check his appearance.

After a quick fix up of his hair and tucking in his shirt, Orion left the train and entered the station. The air was definitely thick but breathable. Orion barely used his mask, allowing it to hang around his neck. The station wasn't much, mostly metal walls thrown up around the tracks. Several people scattered around, running off to their own meetings. Orion sighed, looking for the escort that was supposed to be leading him to the base.

"Mr. Pax!"

Over the throng of people, Orion just managed to see a rather short man maneuvering his way toward him. Medium in height, dark hair that looked like it hadn't been combed in a while, bright eyes and a small board that read "Pax", the gentlemen eventually managed to make it to Pax and offered a hand to shake. Orion took it gladly.

"Sorry for the delay. The captain held me back a bit longer than was intended. I'm Richard Tools, call me Richard, though most call me Ratchet," the man introduced. "I'll be your representative during your stay at the Kaon Mission's base."

"Thank you," whispered Orion. He wasn't much for talking more than he ought to.

"We best be going. The lieutenant and colonel aren't much for waiting. The captain even more so," chuckled Richard, leading the way through the crowd.

"Alright."

The two left the station, revealing the rest of the city. Orion smiled. This was very much like Iacon. The buildings stretched up tall, reaching for the falling sky. It offered an enclosed feeling with buildings of every side and a torn red sky about. Glancing up, Orion saw some dark clouds. Hopefully, it wouldn't rain anytime soon. It was dangerous to be out in the rain.

"Kaon is something isn't it," offered Richard, looking back at Orion. "Only been here a few years myself, lived in Tagon Heights until then. How about you?"

"Born and raised in Iacon," answered Orion.

"Nice."

"Are we walking the entire way?

"Yeah. The base isn't far. Soon, actually, the station with be a part of the base. The colonel and captain are working to get that approved by the city council."

"Colonel Trion is in charge here, is that right?"

Richard glanced back, slightly puzzled by the inquiry. He nodded, however, and continued leading the way. Sure enough the base wasn't that long of a walk. The base was surrounded by a moat with rain water in it, had a bridge leading from land to the base, and looked as regal as castle in folktales. Richard scanned a card at the door, and the two large entryway doors creaked open. Within, the base was bustling much like the city was outside.

"I need to check in with the captain, but you can look around if you'd like," nodded Richard. "I'm sure the lieutenant or even the colonel is walking about. You could always talk to them."

Orion watched Richard fade into the crowd of people. The doors shut loudly behind him, though no one seemed to notice. He let out a sigh, looking around. The first floor looked more exciting than the second, where there were more people in lab coats and goggles. The floors above could not be seen. Several people stopped to look at him, but no one talked to him. Orion sighed.

"What are you doing?"

Orion froze, perking slightly, and looking around. A man was marching too him. He wore a tight suit, clicking shoes and the most aggressive expression Orion had seen yet. The crowd of people avoided him at all cost, merging around him and continuing on their way. Obviously this was someone of importance. Either way, the man stopped in front of Orion with hands behind his back.

"Who are you?" he snapped.

"Orion Pax. I'm the archeologist that was hired."

"Archeologist? Oh my…Come here!"

The man took Orion by the arm, dragging him through the base. It was one way to see the base. On the first floor, Orion could see an abundances of offices, a medical bay, a mechanical bay, planning room, rec room, and several housing rooms. Eventually, they began to see the higher officers' offices. One room was the captain Richard had kept mentioning. At the end of the hall, was a metal door, barely a jarred, with the label "Colonel Trion" beside the door.

"Colonel!" shouted the man, throwing open the door.

The office was small, quaint, and looked like that of a pencil-pushing worker with white walls, a couple of frames hanging, and one open window. An older gentleman sat behind a small desk, looking up slowly upon the man and Orion's entry. Orion smiled, though the man didn't notice. Colonel Trion nodded, standing up.

"Lieutenant Sentinel, I would prefer it if you knocked before entry," hummed the colonel.

"Who is this!?" snapped Sentinel.

"That is Orion Pax, our new resident archeologist and historian," nodded Trion. "Welcome, my boy."

"I was not informed of this," grumbled Sentinel, finally releasing Orion.

"I did not feel that it was important. My apologizes."

"I'd prefer to be notified before we add any new personal!"

With that, the lieutenant left, slamming the door behind him. Trion chuckled, coming around the desk and offering to shake Orion's hand. Once that was done, both took their seats.

"I didn't hear of your arrival, Orion. I'm glad to see you again. I haven't seen you since I visited Iacon a few years back," Trion offered.

"It has been a while since last we met, hasn't it," nodded Orion.

"As talkative as ever," hummed Trion, shaking his head. "It will be good to have you work outside your comfort zone. Richard is a good assistance as well. I'm sure you should be on well terms with everyone, though the lieutenant and the captain might give you some trouble."

"I will keep that in mind."

"This base is rather low when it comes to excitement. I'm sure your arrival won't do anything to upset that balance."