Well ladies and gentlemen, with the ending of one story…we move on to a new one. Presenting; "Technical Difficulties". I hope it is to all you reader's liking. Enjoy~
Chapter 1: Practice Makes Perfect
Life really hadn't been the same for them. With everything the war has caused…the life they now lived was anything but simple…
Ever since the battle with Sentinel Prime and the Decepticons in Chicago …things on Earth simply haven't been the same. ..and in all probability would never be the same.
However, even after the incident in Chicago where the Decepticons almost succeeded in bringing to this world their conquering army; keeping the Autobot cause a secret had not since been over.
As it had become well known to them, human political figures in the United States of America were very good at keeping secrets and or hiding them once announced. Unknown to the Autobots, the use of 'mind-wiping' was used more in the city of Chicago over the years after the Decepticon attack than in the past fifty years before the Decepticons were discovered on Earth.
The general public had been told that the news reports broadcasted during the supposed "alien-invasion" was in all actuality a prank pulled by a rebels' group in the USA. The same group had been the ones behind the massive world wide "hacker-prank" with a mysterious robot's face showing up on screens around the globe demanding a "Sam Witwicky" to be brought forward. Seven news reporters in Chicago apparently had been involved in the plot and were with this "rebels' group" and had agreed to broadcast that the world was being invaded as a grand hoax to cause the United States of America and perhaps the world to fall into a state of planet wide panic.
Though there were still speculations as well as accusations about the government's statements to these events; The Government could still rest assured that the Autobots were still to some control, a secret.
Regardless of this reassurance, the Autobots still couldn't help but feel off about the whole situation; and no one knew this better than Optimus Prime himself.
As Jolt had explained one night after a patrol of the City, he said that it felt as though "every human eye was on him no matter which way he turned."
Though Optimus knew this not to be true, he still understood the feeling. Since coming to this planet, the human populations concerns and fears of the unknown had indeed risen. Not so much to cause any wide scale destruction on a planetary level; nonetheless the feeling was still there.
Even now as Optimus stood watching the human soldiers busy at work on the catwalks in front of him, he still wondered just how many humans on this planet other than those permitted to know, knew the truth about their existence?
"Optimus."
Turning to meet the gaze of a certain medic, Optimus' gaze softened slightly. "Ratchet. How did everything go?"
Shrugging Ratchet sighed looking away as he rolled his shoulder. "It's been almost two years Optimus. But now I think he's finally ready to be reactivated…"
Looking at Ratchet slowly, Optimus watched with the same amount of curiosity as well as concern. "You are certain that this will work?"
Shrugging, Ratchet sighed. "In truth Optimus, I have no idea as to whether or not this is going to work. But we wont know unless we try."
Nodding slowly, Optimus sighed gravly. "Very well. Proceed Ratchet."
Nodding, Ratchet slowly turned away to leave the room in haste, obviously on his way back to the medical hanger.
Looking away, Optimus sighed gravely. "Soon Ironhide. Soon you will be back with us once again if all goes well."
As it turned out, two years ago when Sentinel Prime turned against the Autobots and took IronHide's life. He actually had failed to succeed…
Moments after Sentinel had left to retrieve the pillars from the base, Ratchet had moved in to aid IronHide.
Unable to stop the cosmic rust emitted from Sentinel's blaster, Ratchet did the only thing that he could have done, and would not have been able to do had it not been for the arrival of the Xanthium and its fully stocked medical bay and equipment.
Ratchet had done the only thing he could of for Ironhide in the moments he had before the cosmic rust reached his spark chamber…he removed it all together.
Placing his spark in an incubator that was specially designed for such a task, IronHide's spark had literally over the following years; been laying dormant. Waiting for a physical body to be rebuilt…
Over the following years after the victory in Chicago, Ratchet devoted the majority of his time and efforts to completely rebuilding a protoform frame for IronHide's awaiting spark.
Now…after two years, nine months ans eleven days…the new frame was finally finished.
Now…all it needed was a spark to bring it to life.
Standing outside the medical bay now, Optimus stood and waited.
Everyone had to agree that the ATEMPTED murder of IronHide was hard to take. But now, after much waiting and hoping…they prayed that their beloved, smart-ass weapons specialist would be back and ready as if nothing had ever changed.
Almost four hours had passed since Ratchet entered the medical bay, and there hadn't been so much a peep since the door was shut and magnetically sealed to prevent unwanted intrusion during such a fragile operation. Any break in concentration or if even the slightest thing should go wrong, Ratchet DID NOT want anyone getting in his way.
Sighing heavy through his intakes, Optimus waited and watched as all the other Autobots sat and waited outside the medical bay.
Even with all of IronHide's short-comings, he was still a vital asset to the Autobot cause, and he was above all, a highly valued friend. He was wanted back.
"Optimus."
Looking up with almost all the other Autobots joining him, Optimus watched as Ratchet exited the room, his optics looking strained and exhausted.
Straightening his stature, Optimus was slow to respond. "How is he Ratchet?"
There was a long lapse in silence as Ratchet stood looking over the crowd of Autobots watching…waiting. Sighing, Ratchet looked down.
The sudden feeling of loss and grief started to emanate through the sparks of every Autobot standing there. After everything they had been through, after everything ratchet did, IronHide was now officially dead?
Watching ratchet closely, Optimus watched as Ratchet looked up and slowly started to smile.
"He's…going to be just fine…"
A sudden feeling of relief swept through the room as the bots looked at one another realized what had just happened and some even spoke up to celebrate. IronHide was ALIVE.
Stepping forward, Roadbuster huffed. "So when's the big lug going to be getting back into the action?"
Sighing heavily, Ratchet shook his head. "Not for a while. He still has some recuperation he needs to do. And he is not fully operational just yet; and will not be for some time."
"Ya' know I can hear you Ratchet. And I aint likin' what I'm hearin'."
Appearing in the doorway of the medical bay, a large black male Autobot stood; his bright blue optics and heavy metallic smile looking out at everyone watching.
Almost every Autobot present let out hollers of improvement and sheer joy. It was Ironhide…and he was back, ready to roll out as if nothing had changed at all.
Watching, Optimus couldn't help but feel some ounce of relief at seeing IronHide welcomed back so graciously by all of his Autobot brethren. It was a good sight to see.
Looking at the medic who was deeply discouraged, IronHide huffed. "What's your problem you old rust bucket? You don't look like you're very happy to see me."
Huffing Ratchet approached, trying to usher IronHide back into the medical bay. "You haven't even been online for a full hour! You need to rest and take it easy! Recovery takes time!"
Rolling his optics, IronHide stretched the new muscle cables, completely identical to the ones he had before. "I may have been out of commission for a while Doc, but I'm better now, and I want back in on the action!"
Literally forcing IronHide back into the med bay, Ratchet growled. "And you will have your chance at that, rest assured…but right now THAT is what you need, REST."
Groaning, IronHide waved off the adoring Autobot who watched with laughs and smirks. "Well I guess I have to follow the doctor's orders…"
"IronHide."
Stopping, both Ratchet and IronHide looked over to meet Optimus gaze which was that of happiness and relief. "It is good to have you back old friend."
Bowing his head respectively, IronHide smiled. "Good to be back, Prime."
Watching IronHide and Ratchet leave as well as the other Autobots, Optimus couldn't help but feel the relief linger in his chest.
Many things at N.E.S.T. had changed over the course of the years that they had been in Washington D.C., and though some changes were good, it was nice to know that some things would always be the same.
…
…
…
Skipping along in the puddles, on their way home from school, a young girl stopped staring with simple intent at the reflection staring back at her. Her dirty blond hair tangled in a scraggly mess and her bright blue eyes glossy and exhausted, but her smile still evident with bright optimism.
Turning on his heel, a boy no more than ten years old scoffed heavily, grabbing the young girl's wrist guiding her along down the cracked, weed driven sidewalk. "Ava, stop messing around. We need to go home."
Staring up at the boy, the small girl sighed, knowing full well she couldn't argue with her brother.
"Trey, can we go play at the park today?"
Looking down to meet the young girl's gaze, their eyes meeting for but a moment, the boy sighed and smiled. "No Ava, we need to go home and clean up before mom comes back from work."
Staring down to the cement passing beneath their feet, the girl sighed with disappointment evident in her breath. "Oh, okay."
The neighborhood was quiet that day. Usually on their way home from the bus stop, it was normal for both young Trey and Ava Parker to see people out and about. But today with the heavy fall of rain, the streets were quiet. This was extremely unusual for their neighborhood, which they only knew as being called Trinidad.
Most people in Washington DC know better than to come anywhere near Trinidad, which lies in the fifth ward of the city. Even though it's mostly residential, it's anything but friendly. As it was preached so compellingly to both young Ava and Trey, Trinidad was nothing more but a smelting pot of "gang-bangers", drug dealers and thugs waiting to rob you blind. Ava didn't understand what any of these titles meant, but Trey did. He understood the risks of this rough neighborhood and did well to keep himself and his younger sister away from potential trouble.
Walking up the sidewalk in front of several brick houses, all side by side, Cole stopped and turned looking at the place they called home.
Skipping up the cracked sidewalk up to the house, Ava stopped on the front porch to look at her brother. "Trey, when will mommy be coming home?"
Shrugging casually as he pulled the spare key from his pocket, Trey sighed shaking his head. "I don't know. When she gets off work I suppose."
Shoving the old wooden door open with some force, Trey took in the sight of the familiar surroundings, only to then turn to lock the door again and then hang both his and Ava's coats up on the make shift coat rack on the wall which was only a board and some nails sticking out of it.
Immediately upon getting home, the two youngsters immediately got to work on cleaning the house which wasn't all that dirty to begin with. However that aspect could have been easily overlooked when glancing at the peeling paint on the walls, the yellow stained ceilings or the kitchen and bathroom which were in sore need of repair.
None of these things seemed to bother the children however, because this was what they had grown up with.
Later that evening, after having a meal of bread and ramen noodles, Trey sat with his younger sister in a room they shared helping her to do her homework as he did his.
Just then a very pronounced series of hard bangs rang through the house.
Getting up, Trey slowly moved down the hallway through the living room.
Again, the door rattled loudly as someone's fist pounded against it.
Opening the door only enough as the chain lock would allow, Trey looked out. "Yes?"
Smacking the door, a woman in her late twenties growled. "God damn it Trey, open the god damned door!"
Closing the door again, Trey scrambled onto the tips of his toes to slide the chain over to unlock the door. As soon as Trey had done so, the door flew open, and the woman stumbled inside with a small group of people following behind.
Flying out of the bed room, Ava squealed for joy. "Mommy! Mommy you're home!"
Holding a hand to her head, the woman groaned and snapped at the child. "Oh my God, will you not fucking scream?! Jesus Christ I have a headache from this fucking hang-over."
Looking to Trey, the woman lowered her glance and snarled. "Trey, take Ava and go to your room. I have company over. You know what that means…"
Looking away Trey nodded. "Yes mom."
Taking Ava's hand, Trey lead the confused toddler way from the living room where a bunch of rowdy, young men and women were sure to do things that Trey wasn't allowed to talk about.
He knew the rules, and he knew what it meant when his mom had company over. It meant that he was to take Ava to their room and stay in there until morning. It meant that he was to stay there and listen to the music, laughing and profanity that would more than likely ensue. It meant that he would have to wait until everyone left or fell asleep so that he could sleep only to be woken up again by the sound of his mother and a stranger's moans; among other noises, to come from the next room late in the night.
As Trey shut the bedroom door, and locked it like he had done so many times in the past, he closed his eyes and remembered.
It had happened several months ago when Trey had disobeyed his mother and paid the ultimate price.
He had left the bedroom one night to see what was going on.
He entered the living room and saw his mother and other people laughing and drinking alcohol. For some reason they were also snorting white powder that had been pushed into lines on the coffee table up their noses. There were also people kissing and touching each other inappropriately making weird moaning and breathing noises.
Needless to say, before Trey could ask any questions he was given a black eye by his own mother and told to go back to his room and not come out until she told him to.
Trey learned his lesson, and he did everything in his power to make sure Ava didn't make the same mistake. He didn't understand why this always had to happen…but it was the way life was…it's the way it had always been.
…
…
…
The next morning was yet another normal occurrence.
After getting his younger sister up, out of bed, dressed, teeth brushed, hair done and given a breakfast of a toasted slice of bread; Trey was carefully helping Ava get her book bag on when a man stumbled out of their mother's bedroom with nothing more but his boxers on.
Both Trey and Ava watched as the man staggered over to the fridge, opening it to grab a can of pop from the fridge's shelf; a beverage that both Trey and Ava were banned from having. Watching the man break the tab with a loud pop, and suck the sweet, bubbly beverage down, they froze as their eyes met.
The man for the longest time simply stood there, his bare feet on the cold linoleum tiling, watching the two as they in turn watched him. The large Hispanic man laughed, the tattoo on his chest moving with the laughs that rumbled up from him. "Shit, I didn't realize Renae had a couple a' brats. Damn she's a busy broad."
Looking at Ava, Trey whispered softly, leading her to the front door. "Come on Ava, we got to go to school now."
Moving out the door, Trey watched out of the corner of his eye as the man followed to watch them leave, only to eventually return to their mother's bedroom with his can of soda pop still in his hand.
…
…
Staring out the window of a school bus full of noisy kids, Ava turned to her brother looking at him with serious intent. "Trey, what's a 'broad'?"
Looking down at his sister who was against the window, Trey was quiet but eventually smiled, trying to hide the fact that he was openly lying. "It's nothing Ava. It's just a word some people use."
Looking down at her feet swinging back and forth Ava nodded. "Oh…okay."
With a deep sigh, Trey watched as Ava's attention again drifted to the window. He hated lying to Ava, but he didn't want to burden her with everything that was wrong. If anything, she deserved to believe that everyone in this world was good and that there was no evil. It wasn't fair for her to have to know already that there were bad people in this world that did really bad things, and she definitely didn't need to know that their mom was one of those people.
Upon pulling up to the school, Trey did as he had always done from the very first day Ava went to school. As they got off the bus, trey held her hand and kept her close as the walked up the sidewalk into the school.
To say the least, Ava was a very quiet and shy person. She didn't easily warm up to people and Trey knew that. It was because of this that she was often a target for older kid's tormenting, and it was Trey's responsibility to take the heat for her.
That's just how it was. They were all each other had, Ava had no one except Trey. Even at school they were inseparable.
To the both of them, school was the same old thing. They came, they sat, they learned and then they left.
But today, something would change.
Upon walking home again from the bus stop, both Ava and Trey stopped seeing their mother's old, beat up, green Cavalier parked in front of the house.
Squealing in delight, Ava giggled running to the door. "Mommy's home! Mommy's home!"
Grabbing and holding onto Ava's hand tightly Trey stopped.
Something wasn't right. Their mom was never at home during this time of the day she was always working or at a friend's house or something. She usually didn't like being at home and would find any excuse to be away…so why is her car here?
Walking up to the house slowly, Trey stopped seeing the door was already open ajar.
Pushing the door open further, Trey stopped seeing his mother slouching on the couch watching them as they walked inside.
The mascara around her eyes was smeared and faded as though she had been crying. But now she looked more angry than anything else.
Continuing to hold Ava's hand, Trey stopped in front of the coffee table, looking at his mom with concern. "Mom, are you okay?"
Turning her head away slightly, she sighed deeply almost growling. Letting go of Ava's hand, Trey slowly approached, watching his mother. "Mom, what's the matter?"
As he moved closer, he saw the haze in his mother's eyes and the smell of alcohol was heavy on her breath.
She stared up at Trey with a shadow over her eyes, her words being slurred slightly as she spoke. "Do you want to know …what I hate most…about my life?"
Moving away slightly, Trey shook his head, not wanting to know the answer. "Mom, do you want me to get you your pillow and blanket? I know how you like to sleep when you're feeling like this."
Slowly, she moved off of the couch and grabbed her keys off of the coffee table. Standing up she staggered to the door and stared at both Ava and Trey with what almost could have been consider to some degree a look of disgust. "Come on you two. We're going …for a drive."
…
…
…
Sitting in the back seat of the car, Trey and Ava sat quietly, watching…waiting.
Having somewhat recovered now, Trey and Ava's mother was watching the dimly lit streets as she drove down what was surprisingly a quiet street in what was normally thought as being a fairly busy city.
She looked as though she was looking for something.
Trey had tried to watch as to where they had been going, but his mother had taken so many turns and had gotten off on so many streets that he now had no idea where they were. He knew they were still in DC, but that was about the extent of his knowledge. As far as he knew, they were lost.
Trey tried to fight the feeling of sleep trying to pull his eyes shut, and for a split moment he surrendered letting himself fall asleep until he felt the car pull to an abrupt stop. Waking, Trey sat up rubbing his eyes looking around. They had pulled into an alley off one of the main streets and were idling quietly.
Getting out of the driver's seat, Trey and Ava's mother opened the back door just behind the driver's side door.
With her voice low, and gravely from lack of sleep, she huffed. "Get out you two."
Staring up at his mother for but a moment, Trey gently shook Ava awake.
Groggy, Ava slowly followed Trey out of the vehicle.
Shutting the door behind them, their mother stood and watched them for a moment, then looked away.
Getting back into the car, she shut the door and put the car into reverse.
As she backed out of the alley, Trey finally realized what was happening and called out. "Mom?"
She didn't even flinch as she turned the car around and drove away.
Suddenly, Trey burst into a full sprint after the quickly disappearing green cavalier. "MOM! MOM WAIT! PLEASE MOM WAIT!"
Slowing down, Trey watched as the tail lights disappeared into the night.
It happened.
It really happened.
"Trey?"
Turning around trying to hide the tears starting to swell in his eyes, Cole jogged back to Ava, holding her shoulders.
Looking up Ava stared at Trey with tired confusion. "Trey, what happened? Where's mommy?"
Glancing around at the open quiet street, Trey knew exactly what had happened. One of his worst fears had actually become reality. The one thing that he had heard of happening to some kids actually happened to him and his sister…again.
But Trey couldn't bring himself to tell Ava the reality of the situation…it would break her heart.
But he couldn't go back to the house either.
For starters, he had no idea where they were. Grant it, he knew they were still in DC, but DC was a big city and the sheer number of residential neighborhoods was mind boggling and this time they had been taken much farther away from the house then they ever had before. And second, if their mother had gone through the trouble of taking them so far away from home just so that they couldn't easily find their way back, then she OBVIOUSLY didn't want them coming back.
Trey knew that she didn't want them anymore. Actually he had known she didn't for quite a long time, but never did he think she'd actually do something like…this.
Suddenly without warning a loud rumble of thunder emanated through the air followed by a sudden flash of lightning.
Grabbing Trey's hand suddenly, Ava cowered close to Trey, whimpering at the sound of thunder approaching. Clutching Ava's hand tightly with a heavy sigh, Trey started to lead Ava down the road. If rain was coming, then they needed to find shelter.
…
…
…
"Primus Ironhide, you just HAD to drag ME into this didn't you?!"
Staring at Ironhide with both a scowl and a smirk, Sideswipe huffed. "You know Prime is just going to LOVE you when he finds out that you destroyed yet ANOTHER testing module."
With an evident and playful shrug, the massive black mech's face plates shifted into what a human could have guessed would have been a smile.
It had been almost two weeks since IronHide had been brought back online, and the Autobots were doing well in adjusting to having him around again. However, even with IronHide back, and Decepticon activity being almost nonexistent, things have seem rather quiet, and this alone was putting some Autobots on edge, forcing them to simply conduct activities JUST to keep themselves occupied.
Turning away from Sideswipe, with some playful intent, the weapons specialist smirked. "Oh I think Prime 'll be alright. Those blasted modules aren't all THAT hard to replace. Besides, it just goes to show the power behind THESE monsters." Holding up his arm mounted cannons, Iron basked with is ego dripping. "As far as I'm concerned, that disaster is a masterpiece of sheer power."
Walking into the room, a soft, but pronounced growl emanated from a certain medic. "Tell that to the bot that has to CLEAN UP after your little 'mishap' Ironhide! I swear I should just detach those confounded things and make you go without them for a month!"
Growling at the medic, who stopped to his right, Ironhide huffed. "You even attempt to do such a thing and I'll beat you into a pile of scrap metal!"
"Don't you two ever stop bickering?"
Looking up, all three mechs stopped and watched as the heavy steps of Optimus Prime came to a steady halt.
Looking down at the three mechs, Optimus' voice was gentle and inquisitive. "Might I ask what all this is about; although I highly doubt I really need to ask?"
Looking at Ironhide, Ratchet huffed. "Prime, how can I be expected to keep N.E.S.T. equipment in optimal running condition if THIS mech keeps doing EVERYTHING in his power to break whatever I fix?!"
Waving a dismissive hand, Ironhide huffed, trying to replicate the tone Ratchet was using. "Well it's not my fault that everything you fix falls into my line of fire."
Wheeling around, Ratchet growled holding a fist to Ironhide. "Listen here you old fragger! Stop purposely breaking everything I fix just for your own entertainment! I have enough to repair without you aiding me!"
Resting his hands on his hip joints, Ironhide smirked playfully. "Oh yeah? Like what?"
Crossing his arms over his massive chest, Ratchet growled. "That is none of your concern! I have plenty to do to keep me busy unlike SOME bots I know, who would be perfectly content lounging about all day doing nothing but powering down and drinking high-grade."
Openly scowling at Ratchet, Ironhide snarled lowering his gaze. "Are you calling me lazy?!"
Raising his hands up Ratchet sighed loudly. "Praise Primus, he actually understands sarcasm!"
Moving up abruptly to brush his chest plates against Ratchet's, Ironhide growled. "You lookin' to pick a fight medic?"
Raising his own chest to match the black mech's stance, Ratchet huffed with an evident grin on his face plates. "What do you think?"
As the bickering continued to ensue, Sideswipe and Optimus both stood off to the side merely watching. Chuckling Sideswipe looked to Optimus and shrugged. "It's a good thing we can always count on arguments between those two always staying just words, isn't it?"
Nodding, Optimus smiled gently. "Indeed."
Turning to look up at his acting commander, Sideswipe smiled sheepishly. "Heading out on patrol already?"
Nodding Optimus turned away casually in the direction of the base exit with Sideswipe following close behind.
Chuckling softly, Sideswipe shrugged stopping at the hanger door. "Well, just don't get into any fights with the 'Cons without calling for backup; you know how bored we're getting here."
With a soft chuckle of his own, Optimus nodded. "If the situation should arise, I will contact base immediately."
Turning away and transforming in mid-stride, Optimus rolled off of base perimeter in what for the last few months had become somewhat of a normal occurrence.
…
…
…
As Optimus drove down the quiet roads of the back streets, he couldn't help but feel that the atmosphere was a little bit off.
Usually, he would drive past a number of cars in this section of the city, but tonight the streets seemed eerily empty.
Stopping at an intersection which was stuck on red lights, Optimus was a bit surprised to hear a clap of thunder roll through the sky. Obviously a thunderstorm was rolling into the city.
Pulling out as the light turned green, Optimus mind was forced to wander due to the lack of action this patrol was proving to have. The past few months had indeed seemed to be rather fruitless in their attempts to find rouge Decepticons that could ultimately lead to Megatron and his current location, and assisting the humans in their conflicts has only yielded so much content in the real battle waiting to ensue. The long range sensors watching the sky and countless energon detectors could only do so much.
It was only a matter of time before the Decepticons would strike again.
Turning off one of the main roads onto a back street, Optimus slowed his speed watching with only half intended perception. His mind more on his thoughts than on what was about to happen to him.
"Wait! Wait come back!"
"Ava STOP!"
Suddenly, out of nowhere a small child ran out into the street running after what appeared to be a small sheet of paper blowing in the wind.
Freezing like a deer in headlights, the child stopped staring with wide eyes as a pair of massive headlights screeched to a halt mere inches away from her body.
"Ava!"
Sprinting out of a back alley, a young boy about the age of ten years old ran into the street, quickly pulling the girl back out of the way of a large semi.
"Ava! What were you thinking?! You could have been hit!"
Pointing the young girl whimpered. "B-But Trey, I was trying to get the money that blew out of my hand!"
Grabbing her shoulders and shaking her, the boy almost screamed. "Ava you know better than to run out into the street! That truck could have hit you! You could have died!"
Watching the entire thing take place, Optimus' intakes released air, almost shaking. If it had not been for his quick reflexes, he would have surly hit that small child head on, more than likely killing her on impact.
Activating his holoform within his cab, Optimus slowly opened the door and stepped out. "Excuse me?"
Looking up suddenly the boy breathed slowly. A tall man, dressed in a red flannel shirt, wearing blue jeans, cowboy boots and a black and white cowboy hat started to approach, he was tall, Caucasian and had dark blackish hair, a thick mustache and bright, almost glowing blue eyes. He was pretty tall and pretty buff, and to a child in the night, was very intimidating. Backing up, the boy stuttered and tried to look away. "O-Oh, I-I'm SO sorry sir, my sister was chasing a ten dollar bill and wasn't watching where she was going! We're REALLY sorry! P-Please don't call the police…w-we—."
Chuckling softly, Optimus' holoform rounded the front of the truck and reached out to the children who were slowly trying to retreat. "No hold on a moment—."
Stopping, both the boy and the small girl stopped and looked at the man cautiously.
Kneeling, Optimus holoform smiled gently. "Come closer,"
Looking at one another for a brief moment and then back at the man, the two children remained where they were. Chuckling, Optimus' holoform rested a knee on the ground motioning them over. "It's all right, I won't harm you. Come closer."
Slowly, the two moved over toward the man, saying nothing.
Looking the two over, Optimus cocked his head watching them. "What are you two doing out in the streets at this time of the night? Shouldn't you two be at home resting by now?"
Looking at one another, they both fell quiet. Sighing, the boy smiled sheepishly. "W-We were just on our way home now."
Watching, Optimus analyzed the boy closely. He had spent enough time around humans to know that certain body gestures were signals and much of this boy was doing were signals for lying. He was failing to make eye contact. He was playing with his hands, stuttering and saying very little.
Also because of advancements in his own technology, Optimus could sense internal changes that also pointed to signals of lying; rise in adrenaline, as well as rise in heart rate, sudden perpetration spike. All of which pointed to him lying.
However, in no way, shape or form did Optimus at all want the boy to feel threatened, after all his sister had almost been hit by his vehicular form.
Looking at the boy with a gentle nonthreatening way, Optimus blinked slowly. "And where is home exactly?"
Much to the boy's surprise, the little girl suddenly piped up. "We live in Trina—."
Clamping his hand over the little girl's mouth quickly, the boy looked to Optimus and smiled. "It isn't far from here. It's within walking distance."
Looking up at the sky, Optimus nodded with a shrug. "Maybe so, but by the looks of the sky it appears that it is going to rain soon. Perhaps I could give you and your sister a ride home?"
Looking at one another, the boy then looked back at Optimus and nodded respectfully. "That's very nice of you sir, but we were always taught to never get in a vehicle or take rides from strangers."
There was but a moment of silence for a short period of time, before Optimus sighed and looked at the two. "What are your names?"
With a cheeky grin, the little girl spoke up, rocking back and forth on her feet, watching the man. "My name is Ava. And this is my big brother Trey."
Looking at the girl with wide eyes, the boy, Trey as he was now so titled, watched the girl, Ava, in astonishment.
Trey didn't understand it. Ava was always so shy and quiet towards most people she didn't know, so why was she being so open and friendly towards this man who almost hit her?!
Smiling warmly, Optimus placed a hand on his chest and looked straight at Ava. "My name is Optimus." Holding his hand out to Ava, Optimus held his steady friendly smile, not blinking once.
Watching the girl offer her hand, which Optimus engulfed with his own palm, he chuckled gently. "So I guess this means we are no longer strangers."
Smiling, the girl, Ava, giggled softly. "No, I guess not."
Grabbing Ava gently, Trey slowly started to pull her away. "Thank you sir for not hitting my sister, and thank you for offering to give us a ride home, but we really need to get going."
Watching the two move back toward the alley, Optimus watched as young Ava looked over her shoulder and waved goodbye. Returning the gesture, Optimus watched as the disappeared into the dark alley.
Looking away with a deep sigh, Optimus shook his head. What business do children of that young of age have doing on the streets at this hour of the night? Shaking his head, Optimus' holoform returned to the truck and disintegrated as soon as it was out of sight. With the engine roaring to life, Optimus slowly started to roll away, watching the alley with his rearview mirrors. He then reasoned with himself that after he was finished with his patrol, he'd purposely come back around this way to make sure the children made it home safely. It was the least he could do after almost hitting one of them.
…
…
The rest of the patrol was fairly quiet considering it was nearly midnight.
The city was secure and there was no questionable and or possible criminal activity taking place within his range of sight. It had started raining though and the wind had come up making the rain beat heavily against his armor. It didn't bother Optimus in the least, however he did prefer the warm dry air of the base rather than the cool, wet atmosphere that he was currently in.
It had been almost four hours since Optimus' little run in with the two children on the street, yet Optimus found it extremely difficult to take his mind off of the encounter.
There was just something about the way that little boy stared up at him. The hurt, betrayal and neglect hidden behind the sheepish, smiling, apologetic mask who so compellingly argued that nothing was wrong. Optimus couldn't help but wonder…dwell and the curiosity behind the reason as to why such young children would be out at such a late hour of the night. There just was something not right about the whole matter that made Optimus feel rather uneasy.
Listening intently to the sound of his windshield wipers reeling against the glass, Optimus watched as he slowly rounded the corner onto the street he had stopped on earlier that night. The rain was coming down heavy now. And the rain water flooded down the street into the storm sewers taking with their tides the trash littering the street.
As he pulled up to the alley that the children had disappeared into earlier that night, Optimus stopped and idled.
At first glance, there was no one in the alley. It was completely vacant with no signs of life, the only evidence of human inhabitance was the scattered dumpsters and large appliance boxes scattered in various places.
His first thought was to simply continue forward in the direction of the base and forget about the whole night's event's but as he was about to pull away a soft noise rang out into the night over the rain.
Backing up slightly, Optimus made the decision to pull into the alley and use the light from his headlights to investigate further. The noise he heard was not that of a stray animal or of an object falling against the night's harsh stormy winds. Upon pulling in he shut off his engine and sat still, waiting.
Just then the sound of heavy coughing rang out against the sound of the storm's harsh, howling winds.
Manifesting his holoform within the truck's cab, he slowly opened the door and was struck by the sensation of the rain striking his synthetic skin. Walking in the alley slowly, Optimus watched and listened for any more sounds or signs of life.
Just then he heard coughing come from a box just in front of him.
Walking up beside the box, Optimus knocked on it feeling the cardboard slightly collapse under his touch as it was staring to partially disintegrated from the rain.
Kneeling, Optimus lifted one of the flaps only to see two pairs of familiar eyes staring back.
"Trey? Ava? Why are you in this box? I thought you two were going home?"
Both looked at one another and remained silent.
Sighing heavily against the sound of the rain, Optimus shook his head. "You two cannot stay here. You will both undoubtedly become ill."
Neither one of them said a word.
Moving his head slightly into the box, Optimus looked at the two. "Do you have any friends or family within the city whose home I can take you to?"
Looking at one another, neither one of them still said a word.
Sighing heavily, Optimus shook feeling the cold water of the rain seeping through his synthesized clothing to the very base of his holoform. There was no way he could simply leave this two small human sparklings here to fend for themselves against the cold night air. Like he had said earlier, there was no doubt that they would become ill.
Looking at the two, Optimus shook his head, watching them. "If you two do not tell me where I can take you so that you can stay warm and dry, then I will have no other choice but to take you with me."
Looking at one another and then back at Optimus, trey whined tiredly. "You don't have to worry about us sir. We'll be alright…this isn't the first time we've had to sit outside in a storm."
Watching the two in astonishment, Optimus remained silent.
What did they mean by; "not the first time?"
Regardless, Optimus wasn't about to leave them here.
Shaking his head, Optimus reasoned that he was not about to take no for an answer. "Now you two listen to me. Either you two come with me and get out of this rain or I will call the authorities and they can take you into their custody. What is it going to be?"
Looking at one another for a moment, Trey slowly looked at Optimus and sighed. Grabbing Ava's hand, Trey lead her out of the box into the cold rain.
Leading the two to the truck, Optimus quickly opened the driver's side door and ushered the two to get in before letting his holoform get in behind him. Closing the door, Optimus turned and motioned to the small sleeping area in the back of his cab. "There is a blanket back on the bed in which you can use to warm up."
Grabbing the blanket and then climbing back over into the front seat, trey immediately wrapped the blanket around his sister, rubbing her to get her to warm up.
Brushing the dark, wet locks out of her eyes, Ava watched as Trey shivered. Pushing some of the blanket toward him, Ava smiled. "Here Trey, you get warm too."
Smiling Trey pushed the blanket away and rewrapped it around his sister. "It's okay Ava, I'll be alright. You just get warm, okay?"
Watching the two of them, Optimus sighed reaching over the seat grabbing a spare blanket that was wedged under the seat. Handing it to Trey with a smile, Optimus spoke softly. "Here Trey, you wrap yourself up too."
Taking it slowly, trey watched Optimus and then slowly nodded in thanks.
Smiling, Optimus slowly simulated the holoform turning the key in the ignition. Letting his own engine roar to life, Optimus slowly backed out of the alley onto the main street. Shifting gears he then rolled forward down the empty street.
Periodically looking to the children in his front seat, Optimus couldn't help but feel as though like he was a small sparkling knowingly doing something wrong. As of this moment he was planning on breaking one of the highest, most important rules that N.E.S.T. currently had in place; under no circumstances were civilians allowed with N.E.S.T. confines, and he was knowingly bringing them there.
Activating his comm. link frequency, which only he and his soldiers would be able to hear.
"Optimus Prime to Ratchet;"
Within a few short seconds, Ratchet's voice rang out from the opposite end of the link. "What is it Prime."
Looking at the two children, who were slowly starting to fall asleep and then back at the road, Optimus sighed. "When I return to base I need all Autobot's to be in the recreational room in their holoforms."
With an obvious amount of annoyance present in his voice, Ratchet huffed. "May I inquire as to WHY?"
Looking again to the children who were now quickly surrendering to a much needed rest, Optimus smiled sheepishly. "Let us just say we may have a little bit of a problem? Or more or less TWO little problems…"