Hi guys, this is The Past Always Returns, the sequel to A Change In Plans. It would probably be best if you read that first, and it's only six chapters long so it isn't too long or time-consuming. :P
Thanks a bunch to DemontaDark for helping me with ideas!
- Until All Are One -
Summary: The Autobots and Cons have to learn to live with the humans now. Sage has to deal with issues from her past, and how her newfound family reacts to those issues. Set between the 1st and 2nd movies. Sequel to A Change In Plans.
Disclaimer: Obviously, I don't own Transformers, else I'd have the kiddie version, and the adult version. LOL Plus I'd not be broke right now. XD
I will have my normal notes, from A Change In Plans, at the bottom, instead of at the top. So Cybertronian terms are on the bottom. ^.^
- Until All Are One -
Title: The Past Always Returns
Chapter One: Hilariously Terrifying, and a Saboteur's Secret Wanderings
- Until All Are One -
Previously from A Change In Plans:
"Permission to speak freely sirs and ma'am?" a familiar voice called out.
"Permission granted," Will acknowledged.
"Sage, what the hell are you doing here?" the disbelieving familiar voice asked. Sage, blinking, looked at him properly, shocked.
"Jake?"
"You know each other?" Will asked, looking surprised. The soldier, a tall graceful man, stepped forward, his dark brown eyes locked on her frozen form. He was good-looking, cropped sandy-brown hair, rugged looks and a slight tan on his pale skin.
"I would hope so," he drawled, looking at her. The look he gave her wasn't lost on the Cons, who bristled. "She's my fiancée."
And all hell broke loose.
- Until All Are One -
It was dead silent for approximately 0.05 seconds, Sage noted, as she stared at the soldier in disbelief. After that precious fraction of a second, she heard the angry revving; the clamoring of several Cybertronian voices; as well as felt her heart stop. The angriest, she recognized the tones and sounds though she couldn't understand them, were the voices of her brother and Guardian. She heard the familiar tones, from the ear that didn't have her communicator, and couldn't move as the soldiers in front of her scrambled back in shock and fear. One clawed servo slammed down to her right, two feet from Jake's frozen form, as one terrifying pede slammed down on her left side, both appendages easily crackling the pavement below them. She felt more than saw, the familiar form of her Guardian crouching over her protectively, his shadow falling over her and Jake.
"Is that so, fleshling?" the Arctic tone was one she'd never heard from her Guardian before now, not even when he'd argued with Ironhide on her safety. She felt a chill run up her spine, the waves of menace and killing intent perfectly clear and unobstructed. To Jake's credit, despite staring up into the menacing features of her Guardian, he only let out a tiny whimper before straightening defiantly. His eyes showed his terror, but his voice was semi-coherent.
"Y-yes, si-sir,"
"We shall see about that," dark ruby optics stared down at the male, pondering several ways to be rid of him, permanently. His intentions were easily read by his victim, who swallowed audibly.
"Cade, please stop scaring them," The soft calm voice wasn't at all expected, and sufficiently broke the tension as all eyes and optics shifted. Sage, watching Jake, didn't appear to be at all worried at the menacing warrior perched precariously above her petite form. The soldiers realized with awe, that she actually seemed more relaxed than previously. Surprisingly, she was. She felt comforted at the barrier he made, the fact that he would defend her so quickly, made her chest warm pleasantly. Noting the attention of everyone, she calmly reached out, patting his pede gently, not even looking. "This is Barricade, he was a Decepticon, so this is what you will be going up against. Most Cons are not as friendly-looking as the Autobots, so that's one distinguishingly aspect. Currently, we have five Cons working with us, with hopefully more joining us." Her eyes trailed from face to face.
"Barricade is a front-liner, a warrior, but he is also a Hunter. He has highly advanced sensors to allow him to both track down his prey, and hide from his enemies." She smirked wryly, feeling his pride and pleasure at her acknowledgement of his skills. "We also have Frenzy, who is a much smaller Con, maybe two feet taller than me, but is certainly just as lethal. He's a hacker and espionage agent, in fact," she grinned, "He's the one who single-handedly hacked into Air Force One, uploaded the crippling virus, as well as copied top-secret classified information in under ten seconds." The look of awe and disbelief on their faces made her Guardian chuckle darkly.
"Blackout is the Black Hawk helicopter behind us; he was the main aggressor against the Qatar base. He is both a front-liner as well as a communications technician. His symbiote, Scorponok, is a scout, front-liner, and geological surveyor." She continued with her lecture, watching them cautiously. "Last, though certainly not least, is Bonecrusher." She saw the shivers at his designation alone. "Fear him," she said simply, "His temper is worse than anything you've ever come across. He is a fully mature front-liner, who enjoys destroying his enemies above all else. He is also part of a combiner unit, meaning he, and five others who haven't arrived yet, can actually combine their frames to form a larger, more devastating warrior." She paused, watching as they edged slightly away from the Buffalo.
"Those are the Cons who are allied with us for their own reasons," she looked pointedly, "they are NOT Autobots, they have no compunctions about stepping on anyone who annoys them. Respect them, because they don't care much for organic life." She saw the impact on them, as they watched warily. She needed them to understand though, she didn't want anyone to get hurt because they were stupid.
"We currently have five Autobots on planet though. We have Optimus Prime, who is the Autobot Commander. His title also signifies that he is the leader of their planet as well. Respect him, because he deserves our respect. His alternative mode, or alt mode for short, is the Peterbilt behind us." She waited, spotting the recognition. If Barricade was over sixteen feet tall, and he was simply the police cruiser, how large would the Prime be?
"The Topkick is Ironhide, he's the Weapon Specialist of the entire Autobot army, as well as the right hand of Prime. All of you will be running training courses with him, he has powerful plasma cannons. Don't. Piss. Him. Off.
"The Rescue Hummer is the CMO of the entire Autobot army, his designation is Ratchet. He can take a mech apart and put him back together again easily, he also has a temper and will not accept stupidity. If you find yourself in his medical care, you'll most likely survive. If you find yourself in his medical care, due to your own stupidity, you'll survive and leave with a migraine and long lecture. He's the medic. Don't. Piss. Him. Off.
"The Solstice is Jazz, he is Prime's first lieutenant and third in command. He is in charge of the Spec Ops of the Autobot army. Few things piss him off, if you somehow manage, which is most likely unlikely, you better find some remote location and hide in a deep dark hole. He'll find you anyway, but it'll give you a chance.
"Bumblebee is the main scout, as well as one of Jazz's Special Operatives. He is one of the sweetest mechs you'll ever meet. His alt is a yellow Camaro with black stripes." She paused, looking around. "Are there any questions so far?" They looked at her, their faces conveying several different emotions. "The Autobots and Cons have been fighting for millennia, they are seasoned veterans. They are willing to work alongside you. They are great comrades if you prove to them that you know what you're doing, and even better friends if you can move past that they are alien autonomous life forms. They are just as alive as you or I, they love and hate, experience joy and sorrow, feel pain and pleasure. Do not EVER think of them as mindless robots, because they aren't." she finished, looking completely serious. She felt her Links pulse, the gratitude and pleasure, as well as the glee and amusement radiating throughout her.
"Sage is right," Epps stepped forward, looking stern. "We've shed blood, sweat, and metal together. Give them the respect they deserve, because ya'll ain't gonna meet anyone more honorable, more protective, than the Autobots. Nor will you meet anyone more fierce and unrelenting than the Cons." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Feel lucky that these guys are on our side."
"Dismissed," Will mirrored Epps, smirking.
- Until All Are One -
"Was that really necessary, Cade?" Sage grumbled. She was perched on his shoulder, as he made his way to a secluded area of the base. After the soldiers had been dismissed, Will and Epps actually forcing Jake away, she had been scooped up by the irate Hunter and placed on her favorite spot, his shoulder. She had noted the others looked ready to follow, but only her brother actually did. Her stomach sank as she spotted the darkened optics of both of them. She hadn't wanted to tell them about Jake, had thought she'd have time to let him down from his proposal…her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. They had both agreed not to tell anyone that they'd been thinking of getting engaged, but he spoke about it so easily in front of those soldiers. She was definitely going to have words with him once she'd calmed the two down.
"Necessary? No. Invigorating, pleasurable, and hilarious? Slag yes," he replied, his pleasure of terrifying them still potent in his voice. Having decided this area was secluded enough, the Hunter plucked her off his shoulder, settling her on a crate stacked up to his chassis-level. Sitting down, cross-legged, she watched as Cade took his favorite "thinking pose" which was also his "trying to restrain himself from inflicting bodily harm" pose. He stood straight, with his claws crossed, tapping his elbow joint hydraulics while seemingly innocently, hooking his wrists to his forearms so as not to lash out like his Con protocols urged him. Her brother was pacing behind the Hunter, his optics troubled. Sitting quietly, patiently, she internally braced herself for the scolding she could sense arising. Shoving back memories of her grandmother, she focused on remaining in the present.
"Fiancé? Why didn't you tell us?" she cringed, her brother's disappointed tone making her feel like scum.
"He's not my fiancé," she sighed, pulling out her engagement ring. She studied it intently, not looking at the two watching her. "We had, it was, it's complicated," she groaned. Twirling the ring in her fingers, knowing they were staring at the piece of metal and gems, she tried to figure out how to explain to them. "We were friends, and he, liked me more than that, I guess," she started. "Well, I have a bad record in relationships, I always seem to find the creeps, and well, Jake was the first guy who didn't seem to be one. It was, a shock, that he'd proposed. We didn't even date properly..."
"Wait, you're saying he didn't perform the correct courting rituals?" it wasn't her brother, but her Guardian's shocked voice that interrupted her. The Con's armor was bristling, while her brother looked down-right incredulous.
"Well, no…"
"Then why did you accept! If he can't perform the correct courting requirements then he obviously doesn't think you're worth it!" her Guardian began ranting, backing up and taking up the pacing her brother had stopped at her admittance. She watched, befuddled, as her Guardian began insulting everything about Jake, his parentage, his lifestyle, even his scent. Looking at her brother, who was also watching the Hunter, but with an amused glee in his optics, she pondered to herself.
"What's so important about his scent?" she whispered, knowing her Guardian could still hear her. Her brother leaned down, smirking, also whispering.
"Scents are a good indicator of compatibility…"
"I can hear you!"
"We know," they chorused. The Hunter returned to his list of reasons she shouldn't even think about him as a possibility of even a friend, let alone a mate.
"Funny, you've only known about him for maybe ten minutes,"
"Funny, you should have mentioned you had an unworthy male attempting to court you, in his own worthless pitiful way. How distasteful, he wouldn't even follow basic courting rituals, instead…" Cade continued on obliviously.
"In case you hadn't noticed…"
"Traditions are important to you guys?"
"Very much, at least, most are."
"Ah…"
"I've decided," he stormed back to them, crossing his arms, and glaring down at her.
"Oh?"
"You are not allowed anywhere near that fleshling; he is not to come within ten meters of your person, he is not to be in the same room as you without myself or your brother present, and if he insists on being a Potential, he will either perform the correct courting rituals with us present, or I'm kicking him off this base and making slagging certain he flies at least five miles before landing."
Silence.
"You're aware that would kill him right?"
"I'm a Con, I don't care,"
"I would never talk to you again,"
"Yes you will,"
"Oh?"
"I'm slagging annoying when I want to be, you'll speak to me if only to scream and rant at my shining personality."
Silence.
Pleading eyes turn.
"Big brother Orion?"
"I have to agree with the Con on this one,"
Silence.
Two pairs of optics/eyes stare.
"What? You're my Sparkling sister," shrugs.
"Even the kicking him five miles away from base?"
Silence.
"Well, I'd rather drop him from a plane…"
"Deal!"
"Barricade! Don't record that!"
"Muahahahaha! I got Prime admitting to wanting to kill a human!"
"Come back here Con!"
"Never!"
"Um, can you guys get me down?" Silence. "Hello? Cade? Orion?" Silence. "Aw shit,"
- Until All Are One -
"We are very sorry,"
"Um, yeah, what he said, ow!"
"Little Spark, we didn't mean to leave you there for three hours," Silence. "Please talk to me," Silence. "What can we do to make it up to you?" Thoughtful silence.
The others watched, hiding their laughter. To see Prime crouched on his servos and knee hydraulics, trying to peer into the human sized room, which his sister had promptly entered and refused to come out, was priceless. Cade stood beside him, shifting slightly as he tried to look anywhere but the doorway, occasionally glaring venomously at the other sniggering Cons. Three hours, she'd been stuck on the crate, unable to climb down without severely harming herself. She'd finally managed to get Jazz to locate her and help her down, while her brother chased her Guardian all over the base. She had given them a completely blank look when they'd stumbled on her being carried by Jazz, and proceeded to ignore them for two more hours, stepping into her room to get away from them. Even Barricade couldn't block the emotions she'd been sending them through their Links. Hurt, abandonment, anger, thoughtlessness, etc.
- Until All Are One -
In the end, she'd finally come out simply to take care of the Younglings. Ratchet had, after several tests, revealed they were midway through Youngling stage, instead of being newborn Sparklings. No doubt, due to their Creation during a battle, the Allspark wanted to give them the best chance to survive. They had memories of older Cybertronians, along with their experiences, so at least they weren't going to be completely helpless. They were still adamant about being near their Creator though.
- Until All Are One -
Sage remained as still as possible, obeying Ratchet's every little nudge and request. She stood in a secluded room on top of a chassis-level box-car for the medic. She had managed to swear the CMO to secrecy about what the Cube had informed her, so he wouldn't tell her brother or Guardian. Her frame was developing again, becoming stronger and heavier. Currently, she only felt a slight pain, like growing pains, as well as a heavy itch over her entire body. She was required to see him every day, where he would give her metal supplements, and test her slow forming programming protocols. It was incredibly slow going, Ratchet confirmed. Unless she decided to mess around with any other Cybertronian artifacts, it would take five years before any noticeable effect became apparent. She would start becoming stronger, and would keep her organic appearance until the last of the changes. The protocols he was examining, indicated she'd grow to become a mid-sized bot, between his and Bumblebee's height.
He also began going over schematics for frame designs with her. She'd always retain a humanoid look, and would have more compacted systems than the others, making her seem slimmer and not as bulky. He went over different model frames, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as their main functions. She was leaning more to an intelligence officer frame or an engineering/scientist frame; she didn't like fighting, and was too afraid to be a medi-bot like him. She frightened and panicked too easily when in difficult situations, he had noted, and entirely approved of her choices to remain out of the way of more able mechs.
Nonetheless, she was required to have weaponry incorporated in her frame. After several debates, she and Ratchet settled on her weaponry. Energon blades, similar to her brother's but smaller and detachable, were incorporated in her forearms, hips, and calves. For a long-range weapon, she accepted a sniper plasma rifle. She hated guns, but found that sniping was far easier on her nerves than a mid-range assault cannon.
- Until All Are One -
Blackout peered out of the hangar suspiciously, then closed and locked the door; turning, his ruby optics scanned the room. Satisfied that there weren't any spying organics present in the room, he noted where the others were. He had decided to call the meeting between the on-base Cons, but had also included Ironhide in the meeting. The Autobot was obviously very tense, but wasn't arming his cannons thankfully. Barricade was reclining beside the black Autobot, Blackout would settle on his other side. Bonecrusher was waiting surprisingly patiently across from Barricade, Frenzy and Scorponak making themselves comfortable on a boxcar between the Buffalo transformer and the copter.
"Alright, we're all here," Barricade stretched, eying his friend strangely.
"Ah know, Ah'm not da only one ta see dat look dat organic male gave ta our Sage," Blackout growled, tapping his claws on the boxcar. At this, they all straightened, though Ironhide was the only one to not start growling.
"That slaggar, who does he think he is, looking at ANY femme like that," Bonecrusher leaned forward, a malicious grin on his face-plates. "I may be a Con, but my brothers and I don't tolerate ANY mistreating of femmes! Torture an Autobot warrior, slag yeah, but nobot is allowed to lay a claw on a femme, or else,"
"That's one of few things I agree with you, Slagger," Barricade shifted, examining his claws with a wicked gleam in his optics. "Now, how do we express this to that disgusting organic, without Sage knowing?" They were silent as they pondered this, knowing Sage wouldn't want anyone getting hurt, especially if the Cybetronians were blamed and forced to leave. They, even the Cons, were to be on their best behavior so to not upset the human government.
"I know the little femme was planning on talkin' to this male," Ironhide reluctantly added, crossing his arms over his chassis. He grunted at the looks he got.
"I told her, she wasn't allowed near him without Prime or myself present," the Hunter growled, starting to pace slightly.
"Prime's keeping her busy with him, so you don't need to worry 'bout that,"
"Speakin' of dat, how's dem lessons?" Blackout asked, grinning.
"Hmph, she's a good student," Barricade admitted, looking away.
"What'cha teachin' her exactly?" his friend prodded.
"What she needs to know,"
"Yeah, but what exactly?"
"Nothing YOU need to know,"
"Don't tell me you're…" CLANG. Barricade scowled heavily at the front-liner, who rubbed the dent in his shoulder with a grin.
"She's my Charge! I wouldn't expect you to know about that!" he snarled. Bonecrusher guffawed, beyond pleased to have gained such a volatile reaction out of the normally composed mech.
"That, and she's still a Sparkling," Ironhide grunted, optics narrowing, "AND she's Prime's sister. Have you ever actually seen him when he loses his temper? You'd wish you'd be going up against Megatron on your own."
"Yeah, saw da Prime once like dat," Blackout rubbed his helm, shivering, "Saw even Megatron look reluctant ta approach 'im. Old Megs, neva did try dat stunt ag'in," They were quiet, all remembering the few times he'd released his formidable temper.
=Prime's scary,= Scorpanok chirped.
"Slaggin' right ya are, Con," Ironhide agreed.
- Until All Are One -
Jazz grumbled softly, but immediately flashed a bright grin at the humans walking past. Waving to them, grinning as they did the same, his grin dropped slightly. He was unbelievably bored! Sure he had some minor things he could work on, but still, so long as Prime was teaching his sister, he was technically off-duty. Scuffing the ground slightly, his optics blinked brighter, a grin appearing again. Practicing his skills it was! Moving into stealth mode, he crept from room to room, watching and observing the humans without letting them know he was, he was nearly caught but ducked to the side as Bumblebee moved the Younglings to another hangar. Contemplating, he decided to continue his game instead of being with the Younglings. He wanted to explore the base properly.
Continuing his surveillance, he slipped outside, shifting smoothly and drove around absently. Listening in to the new recruits, he noted some good workers, but ultimately continued. Pausing by a building, his sensors caught the conversation between Major Lennox and Master Chief Epps. Listening in, his spark brightened at their loyalty to them, then crept off again. Nearly driving into a cargo plane, and barely avoiding the humans who wanted to examine him more closely, he decided to continue back down. He'd already mapped out the above ground levels anyway.
Wandering the halls, he spotted Ironhide doing his normal rounds. Following him briefly, he turned, becoming bored again. Wandering into a random hangar, he spotted Ratchet digging around in the crates. Almost turning around, knowing he'd be involuntarily dragged in if seen; he almost left before he noted something odd. Ratchet kept looking at his datapad with a strange look. Seemingly to give up his inventory, he watched Ratchet settle down and open a file. Curious, he edged around the proximity alarms Ratchet had placed, which alerted the saboteur to more interesting information. Managing to place himself, he magnified his visual scale, able to glimpse a few images and words. The few things he saw, made his frame tense, his processor blanking. It took a few moments to reboot, but he edged away, nodding to Ironhide when he used his larger frame to escape unseen.
Moving through the halls, he contemplated the information he'd come across. He had no doubt that no one knew about it, except for Ratchet, Sage, and now himself. Spotting Prime sitting quietly with his sister, he observed them silently, realizing that Prime couldn't know, not yet at least. Contemplating the different scenarios, he realized; after thinking how Sage would view it, that she was trying to protect her brother and Guardian. Smiling faintly he left them, deciding to go bug the Cons for a while.
- Until All Are One -
Bumblebee couldn't believe his good luck. He'd managed to gain Youngling duty every time he visited base, which was once a week on the weekends. Sam and Mikaela were happy to come along too, but usually ended up spending time with Sage or the Younglings. He seemed to connect on a different level to them, most likely because he was much younger than the other bots. Even most of the Cons were twice as old as him. Scorponak was with him, he was surprisingly helpful with the smaller Younglings, giving them rides and chattering in whistles, clicks, warbles, and high and low tone pitches. The two easily kept the younger ones from being too bored, especially since the Bots and Cons had managed to create a sort of learning/playpen area in three different hangars. Whistling softly, he summoned them over, checking his chronometer. Ushering them into the next learning area, where they would focus on fine motor skills, he chirped happily as Lift and Nightshade cuddled with him. Laughing at Scorponak who was contently carrying Terabyte and SureShot on his back. The twins skated around the larger framed Younglings, chattering in their own unique speech. Life was good.
- Until All Are One -
Will and Epps reclined in the Major's new office. They'd managed to go through all the paperwork and personnel files of the new recruits and were currently resting their aching heads and eyes. The Cons had compiled a list of soldiers they were suspicious of, so the two had also gone through that list as well.
"What ya think?" Will groaned, trying to stretch his back out.
"I think, we're gonna have our hands full, that's what I think," Epps put his head on the desk, rubbing his neck.
"Well, the Cons agreed to try not to cause too much trouble, if only for Sage's sake."
"That girl's unbelievable, she seems perfectly normal, IS perfectly normal if a bit weird to us, but to them, she's like, like, I don't know man,"
"Hmm, she gives them hope," Will leaned back, crossing his ankles on his desk, thoughtful. "What is it Prime calls her? Little Spark? It's obviously a term of endearment. Anyway, I've noticed how all of them look at her; even the Cons look at her sometimes like she's a small light of hope."
"You're right, what was it Barricade said? Voices of the Allspark thing?"
"What're you getting at?"
"Maybe, she's one of those. Voices are supposed to be important right? Even the Cons here are respectful to her, mostly."
"If only so Barricade doesn't turn them into scrap metal."
"Nah, Blackout and her are pretty close, almost like good friends. Plus she and Scorponak act like, I dunno, he acts like a dog sometimes, playing with her all the time. Frenzy treats her like she's a new toy, and Bonecrusher, he, well."
"He's scared of her, at least if he lets his language slip around the Sparklings. Other than that, he seems to view her as a tolerable pest."
"Nah! Didja see the other morning though? He's a big softie, letting her cuddle with him. I'd trust the Bots like that, maybe Blackout and Barricade, but definitely not Bonecrusher." Both chuckled softly as they thought about that morning a few days ago.
"What about her supposed fiancée, Jake Wells?"
"Something's not right there," Epps admitted, looking up. "I dunno, something ain't right. Sage didn't seem at all pleased when he said that, in fact, she seemed pissed. I'd seen that ring she used to wear around her neck, but, she never seemed to look like she was thinking 'bout some guy she loved."
"The Cons are pissed. Apparently he didn't follow traditions in courting her, I heard Barricade ranting about it to Ironhide of all mechs. Scary thing is, Ironhide agreed with him. Barricade and Prime have also talked to me about it. It's against their traditions to allow somebot such close access to Younglings, especially Younglings as young as her."
"Wait, ya mean, they think of her as…"
"Yeah, apparently she's the younger sister of Prime, not only that, she's considered a Sparkling, or a baby, to them. All of them are pissed, not just the Cons. Apparently, a bot's family has a tradition, anybot trying to court a Youngling is required to be approved of all members of the family before they're even allowed to properly court the Youngling and see if they're a good match."
"Holy shit, man. Ya serious?"
"Apparently it's only for Younglings, it's sort of a protection thing, so Younglings aren't abused or something like that. Once one's considered an adult, only the parents and a Guardian, if they have a Guardian, are required to give their approval."
"Damn, they protective or what?"
"Guess so, I'm glad, Ironhide's admitted to loving Annabelle, so I've got no worries there. Hide'll protect her and Sarah to the death if necessary."
"Still man, I don't understand though, how can she be Prime's sister?"
"I don't know; I'm lucky they gave me that much info. Let me tell ya, they're being very careful about revealing info about themselves. Not that I blame them, the few things they've told us about are strange to us, but we accept them, since we've fought with them, you know, seen what they could do?"
"I agree, man. Besides, if one of them is older than our race put together, one of their cultures have to be millennia old at least."
"Yeah, I can't believe it myself, but," Will leaned in, grinning. "I swear to protect our new comrades as best I can,"
"Me too," the two bumped fists, grinning at each other. Neither noticed the silver Solstice creep silently away, heading back to the hangar.
- Until All Are One -
Ironhide huffed, walking around in the underground part of the base. All the new recruits were restricted to the ground level; most of the humans down here were soldiers they'd fought with at Mission, and were aware to not get under his pedes. Some were technicians, computer analysts, and government hackers though, and they all stared as he moved easily through. He'd found that wandering the halls and observing the way humans interacted gave him a deeper understanding of how their processors worked. He was incorporating this newfound knowledge into his planned training sessions, even as he made different routes throughout the base. He was also studying the structural integrity of the base, and would report weak areas and strong fortifications once he returned to the main hangar. Turning, he found himself in front of the hangar Ratchet had claimed to sort out the different parts that were scavenged from Hoover Dam as well as things the government had given them in repayment. Ironhide had no doubt the politicians were hoping to continue reverse-engineering from their frames, and he wasn't obliged to allow them to do so. Stepping into the room, he noted Ratchet slip a datapad away, then turned to return to his inventorying. His optics caught on Jazz, who was slipping out, a strange look on his face. Knowing Ratchet was working on a secret project, and knowing Jazz had stumbled on it, he wisely decided to stay out of it. He trusted Ratchet to do his thing, while he knew Ratchet trusted him to do his own.
- Until All Are One -
Ratchet grumbled softly to himself, looking through several crates of mechanics. Pulling a few parts that had potential, he absently picked up his datapad. Adding the parts to his inventory, his optics strayed to the small encrypted icon in the corner of the screen. Contemplating, he glanced at the crates, then at the icon again. A few more moments, then he growled loudly and settled his frame against a wall, opening the file. Inputting several passwords and codes, he scrutinized the scans and information he'd gathered about one very unique patient of his. Using the tips of his servos, he enlarged some areas, shifted other areas, and added a few more notes and observations.
A smirk raised his lip-plates, remembering when he'd finally cornered the shy Sparkling, and accidentally found out about her situation. He'd made her come up with several arguments about why he shouldn't tell her brother about the development, but it wasn't difficult for him to understand. He swore to keep it quiet, so long that she did inform her brother and Guardian. He could tell that right now, the fact that a human girl was slowly transforming into an alien autonomous life-form, no matter how well-liked they were, the human government would promptly "freak out" as the Sparkling would say. The information would be best kept quiet, with the fewer knowing, the better. He did find it fascinating, hence why he was studying her files instead of doing his inventory. He'd also kept quiet about other files he'd nicked, about Prime's sister. He might not be one of the better ones, but he could hack into the humans' systems easily. Seeing several inconsistencies in her files, he'd hacked her medical files, which in turn, lead to him hacking into her custody files, and then into her family's files. Samuel's family was a relief for him to read; her mother's, her father's, and her grandmother's, not so much. Pondering the information, he closed her files, encrypted it once more, and tucked the datapad into his subspace just as Ironhide entered. Continuing his inventory, he didn't see Jazz slip out of the room, let alone see the frown on his lip-plates.
- Until All Are One -
The Prime of Cybertron relaxed contently in an out-of-the-way hangar. Perched on his lap, his Spark-sister contently hummed along to a song. They were simply basking in the emotions they were sending along their Links. Optimus was also teaching her how to control the Links she found herself with. Sending emotions was relatively easy, sending words or thoughts or even images was much more difficult. He had her practicing on how to open the Links wider, by bugging her Guardian, as well as shutting them down, or blocking the connection. She really didn't like doing it, but it would be necessary; if Barricade or himself were hurt, no doubt she'd feel the same pain if they were unable to shut down their own side of the Links. When he explained that though, he was unprepared for her reply.
"Look up the song Pain by Three Days Grace," she asked softly, looking down. Stroking her back with one servo, his optics dimmed as he did so. He vented softly, looking at her compassionately.
"Little Spark," he sighed, bringing her closer to his chassis.
"Pain, without love; Pain, I can't get enough; Pain, I like it rough; 'Cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all," She sang quietly, pressing her cheek against the warm armor. Closing her eyes, she felt the soft pulsing of her brother's Spark, as he tried to comfort her. Sighing at the peaceful moment, she felt a slight tickle from her other Link. That was the only warning she got before the base shook and chaos descended on them yet again. "BARRICADE!"
- Until All Are One -
Names of the Younglings:
Terabyte = the x-bot from Mission (only femme). She's very shy, but curious and sweet. She's white and gray, about the size of a two year old, looks similar to Frenzy but her face looks more humanoid. She has similar weapons as Frenzy, shuriken stars, and a small machine gun in her right arm. Looks to Mikaela as a Creator.
SureShot = the Mountain Dew machine from Mission. He's energetic, loves pranks, and is very active. He gets bored very easily, and constantly pokes around where he shouldn't. He's easily offended and is constantly watched by at least one larger Cybertronian, so he doesn't hurt any humans. He has his twin guns, though he loves to shoot cans of Mountain Dew instead of real ammo. Looks to Mikaela as a Creator.
Nightshade = the dark gray and black Escalade from Mission. He's very patient, mature, and calm. He'll only attack if he feels anyone is in danger, but will do so viciously. His frame is a mix between Ironhide and Barricade, his face, like other Terra-born, looks more humanoid though. He has one plasma cannon and wicked saw-blades on his wrists, like Barricade and Ratchet. Looks to Sage as a Creator/Big Sister.
HeavyLifter, or Lift for short = the tow truck from Mission. He's rather passive, curious, and friendly despite his large size, and will only defend. He's tall and lanky, two feet taller than Ironhide, but shaped like Optimus. His face is humanoid and has a visor over his optics like Jazz. He's mainly white and blue with gray internals. He has a plasma rifle, as well as a two-piece disruptor-hammer. Looks to Sage as a Creator/Big Sister.
ElectroSurge = the twin who went with them to Mission. He's more aggressive and protective than his twin. He shifted his alt to a 2006 Yamaha FZ6 motorcycle, his colors are white with a dark midnight blue. His wheels, when in bipedal mode, are set behind his ankles and can shift so he can skate around or simply walk. He still has his winglets, and has twin plasma cannons, as well as electro-knuckle disrupters on his wrists. Like other Terra-born, his face is more humanoid looking, but he has four sensor horns on his helm, two on each side, above his auditory sensors, which are rounded like Optimus's. He follows Ironhide around, because he likes weaponry. Looks to Sage as a Creator.
Rewire= the twin who stayed at Mission. He's more level-headed, but just as protective, as his twin. He also changed his alt to a 2006 Yamaha FZ6 motorcycles, but his colors are a light sky blue and white. Also like his twin, his pedes are modified to either walk or skate around. He also has his winglets, as well as the electro-disrupters on his wrists, but he also has a sniper plasma rifle. Like other Terra-born, his face is more humanoid, and he also has four sensor horns on his head, like his twin. He also has a mask that slides over his face though, to protect his optics. He follows Ratchet around, because he wants to be a medic. Looks to Sage as a Creator.
Chapter Terms:
Klik – roughly 1 Earth minute.
Breem – roughly 8 Earth minutes.
Joor - roughly 7 Earth hours.
Orn - roughly 13 Earth days.
Vorn - roughly 83 Earth years.
Little Spark: term of endearment that portrays deep affection. Usually only used from a Creator to their own Sparklings and Younglings. However, can also be used between extremely close siblings, example: an older sibling to a younger sibling.
Potential: term for anybot attempting to show their possibilities of being accepted as a potential mate. Consider it, a pre-dating screen. Potentials are not date-able, but are being screened by Guardian or Family members to either be worthy or not to even think about being potential mates.
Other Terms:
Bud Spark – an influx of energy formed during the action of Spark Interface, not necessarily during regular interface. This bud is highly sensitive to various conditions, dissipating if not properly contained or formed. Should all conditions be met, the bud will attach itself to the stronger Spark and form into a Semi Spark.
Semi Spark – a half-formed spark still in the stage of development. It is still sensitive but stronger than a Bud. Unless the Bearer Spark is weakened, or outright rejects the Young Spark, it will fully mature into a Sparkling after 10 orns.
Sparkling – Newborn. Refers to Unborn Sparks to Young Sparks roughly a single Vorn old.
Youngling – Child. Refers to Young Sparks roughly from 1 vorn to 10 vorns old. Also can be used by older Cybertronians when referring to those younger than them.
Mech Spark – a normal spark designed to power a frame. A mech spark has a 20% chance of forming a bud spark when paired with another mech spark. Should enough energy be stored and such a bud spark be formed, the bud spark will pick the Mech Spark more efficient or stronger to be its Bearer. Mech Sparks are either blue or red.
Femme Spark- a rarely produced, stronger and more potent spark that utilizes energy more efficiently than a Mech Spark. A Femme Spark has a 40% chance of forming a bud spark when paired with another spark, mech or femme. Femme Sparks are white, or very rarely, gold.
Creator – a single Cybertronian who decides to apply for a sparkling from the Allspark OR had created a Sparkling via Budding with another Cybertronian.
Bearer – a single Cybertronian who underwent the Budding process and was chosen to carry the Semi Spark. Only if the Semi Spark fully forms into a Sparkling can the Mature Spark be considered a Bearer Spark.
Bearer Sparks – sparks that had undergone the Budding Process and produced living Sparklings. After the birthing of a Sparkling, the Mature Spark is considered a Bearer Spark. Bearer Sparks become highly receptive to Spark Energies, the percentage of becoming a Bearer again increases. Mech Sparks range from- 20% to 40%. Femme Sparks range from- 40% to 80%.
Spark Shields – equivalent of birth control, normally only used during unsettled times of war or, in Bearer cases, to prevent Spark Exhaustion.
Caretakers – Cybertronians who have undergone training and received Creator programming to look after another's Sparklings and Younglings OR Cybertronians who have activated programming due to being Creators themselves, either through the Allspark or Budding.
Cybertronian Culture Notes:
Mech and Femme frames do not mean male frames and female frames. All frames are built with an Interfacing Array, including ports and cables. Interface without Sparks will not cause Budding, but will store energy influxes to increase chances of Budding when Spark Interface is initiated.
It is perfectly normal for mechs to pair together, as well as femmes to pair together. They do not believe in homosexuality or heterosexuality defining whether a mech or femme is good or not. Because of the ratio of mechs to femmes, it is perfectly normal for mechs to be with each other. In most cases, mechs actually are normal regular interface partners.
They also are not against polygamy. Regular Interface, depending on how far they go, range from showing deep friendship, to showing strong trust, as well as showing intimate connections. Spark Interface is the most intimate form of affection, it also synchronizes the Spark patterns, to allow them to connect deeper. If Sparks are compatible, if the Cybertronians so choose, they can establish a stronger link with one or two others. Linking with compatible Sparks, is as close yet deeper than human marriage customs. Due to different frames needing certain needs, it is entirely possible that two who are Linked, still have other regular interface partners that are not their Linked. Being Linked simply means that they are closer than any others, and would be the preferred partner in Spark Interfacing.
Mech Bearers are also often times referred to as Femmes, due to the higher Budding percentage, depending on a Mech's perception this may be taken as a compliment or insult. They are not true Femmes however, since their Sparks are not as energy efficient nor as strong as True Femme Sparks.
THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IN MECH AND FEMME FRAMES IS THEIR SPARKS! THEY HAVE NO GENDERS!
Spark coloration is varied. Mech Sparks are usually Blue or Red, whereas Femme Sparks are normally White, or very rarely Gold. Scientists have argued since the beginning of records as to why the Sparks are varied. Only the Allspark CORE Guardians know the answer but have refused to answer or ask the Allspark for its reasons.
- Until All Are One -
Author's Notes:
A reviewer pointed out something for A Change In Plans, so I'll only have my Cybertronian Notes in this chapter. Every Chapter will have the Time translators, and other Chapter Terms otherwise on the bottom, thanks for reading!