A/N: Due to the overwhelming requests for a sequel (honestly, aren't there other stories?) I have decided to skip waiting and write one. Man, a girl can't even get 24 hours to relax, I swear...

Disclaimer: Hasbro, Dreamwave, and Marvel own ALL the characters in this story. Thems the breaks.

Fire in the Sky

Big Choices

Ratchet, Optimus, Bumblebee, Bulkhead, June, and Raf couldn't believe what Miko had just told them. If anything, had she not had the reputation of being honest (if not brutally, sometimes) the group of them would have claimed that she was making the whole thing up, just to get attention.

"You saw them doing what?" Ratchet asked the young girl, after she had finished her story.

Miko rolled her eyes. "I just told you. Arcee and Jack were kissing in the med-bay."

"Uh, what's 'kissing'?" Bulkhead asked, scratching the side of his head. "That some sort of communicating?"

Bumblebee squeaked and beeped as though he was trying to explain what it actually was.

"What?" Raf balked, looking up at his partner. Bumblebee looked down at him with a confused expression. "Bee, kissing is not when two organisms fuse their auditory communication ports together."

The yellow bot shrugged and beeped a question.

Raf sighed. "I already told you Bee. A kiss is the act of pressing one's lips against the lips or other body parts of another person, or object. Cultural connotations of kissing vary widely. Depending on the culture and context, a kiss can express sentiments of love, affection, respect, greeting, friendship, and good luck, among many others."

"Yeah. To put it lamely." Miko stated sarcastically. "Way to suck the romance out the situation, Scrub."

Optimus, surprisingly, was silent. He had his arms crossed, and he appeared to be deep in thought. In fact, didn't say anything, until Ratchet addressed him directly.

"Optimus, what do you think of all this?" The medic asked, sounding slightly put out.

Optimus moved one of his hands to his chin and rubbed it in thought. "It is not my opinion that you should be worrying about, Ratchet."

"I beg your pardon?" Ratchet asked. "Your Commander, and first officer, was just caught fraternizing with the youngest, and most junior member in your command, and you don't have an opinion?"

With a heavy sigh, the red titan answered. "I understand your concern, Old friend. However, since Jack has yet to decide what he wants to do, he is not yet under my command. Further more, since Arcee, and the rest of you, are all free to do as you wish, she is free to choose any sparkmate she wishes. And lastly, you should be more concerned with Mrs, Darby's opinion."

Every set of eyes and optics focused on June. Like Optimus, she was surprisingly silent about learning that her recently "changed" son, was not only kissing a girl, but a girl that happened to be a 15 foot alien robot.

"Hey, Mrs. D?" Miko asked, snapping June out of her revere. "You okay?"

"Hm?" June hummed, still trying to wrap her head around the news. "I'm sorry Sweetie, what did you say?"

Miko frowned at the older female. "Uh... I asked if you're okay."

"Oh. Yes. Well... I-I'm not really sure." June answered honestly. "I always wanted Jack to have be in a relationship, after all, what mother doesn't want grand-kids? But, I never would have expected him to fall in love with his... motorcycle."

"I'm sorry?" Ratchet asked indignantly, "His motorcycle? I'll have you know, Madame, that the commander is more than just-"

"That's enough, Ratchet." Optimus ordered. "Mrs. Darby is free to express her opinion, as she is still, and always be, Jack's mother."

"Thank you, Optimus." June said, "And I do apologize, Ratchet. I just, well, have no clue as how do deal with this."

Two sets of metal foot steps where heard, as the couple in question entered the Ops area. One look at the group gathered, and both Jack and Arcee had the distinct feeling that they had some explaining to do.

"Jack. Arcee." Optimus greeted them with a head nod to both. "I am glad to see you both have fully recharged -"

"yeah, in more ways than one..." Miko whispered. Bulkhead shook his head in silent pleading. "sorry."

"-and are both moving around without difficulty." the Autobot leader continued, choosing to ignore Miko. "Though I am puzzled as to your appearance, Arcee."

For a micro-second, Arcee had forgotten that she was now, primarily, pink, and not blue. "Oh. Yeah. Uh, well... Jack wanted to thank me for helping him. So, he changed my appearance to match Elita One's. You know, to honor her, and me."

"Well, I think it looks wicked awesome." Miko exclaimed. "Dark pink has always been my fav."

Bumblebee beeped and approval, and Raf agreed. "You got a point there Bee. Those colors really do suit her."

"Yeah." Bulkhead chimed in. "Never pictured you going with those colors, but dang, they sure to fit ya."

Everyone looked at Ratchet suddenly.

"What?" He grumbled. "It doesn't matter what color she is. She's still Arcee."

"A worthy gift, Jack." Optimus commented. "It is good to see that you're putting your talents to worthwhile uses."

"Thanks, Optimus." Jack responded, blushing a little.

"Now, I do believe that your mother wishes to speak to you." Optimus said, looking towards Mrs. Darby.

Jack and Arcee looked at one another, then at Miko, who simply shrugged and mouthed 'sorry', and then at June as she approached the to guilty looking 'bots. They both knelt down so she wouldn't have to strain her neck too much.

"Look, Mom I-" Jack began to explain, but was silenced by a raised hand. He might have been a 20 foot robot, but he was still scared of his mother.

June crossed her arms and locked eyes with Arcee. "Do you, or do you not, have feelings for my son?"

Arcee was shocked at the forwardness of the question, but answered anyways. "Yes. I do."

June turned her gaze to Jack. "Do you, or do you not, have feelings for Arcee?"

"I, uh..." he began, but with a quirked eyebrow from June, he finished. "Yes. I do."

"To what extent?" was all she asked next. Jack and Arcee, again, looked at one another.

"What do you want me to say, Mom?" Jack asked in response, "That I love her? Or that I'm just a 16 year old kid, who by a series of random events, got changed into a giant robot, and in some way is trying to get a grip on the whole situation by reaching out to the first female he's ever had some kind of relationship with, and doesn't really know what he wants?"

To say the silence that followed in the Autobot bunker was deafening, would be an understatement. A mouse could have been heard scurrying a mile away.

June's expression softened. She uncrossed her arms, and placed her right hand on Jack's foot. "No, Jack. That isn't what I want you to say. At all. I want what's best for you sweetie. And even though you're a giant robot, you'll always be my little boy. I can't help that."

"And I wouldn't have it any-other way, Mom." Jack admitted. "But I'm happy with Arcee. We get each-other. She's sweet, kind, beautiful, and has had my back ever since we met. I couldn't have asked for anyone better."

"Jeez. And I thought only Hallmark could come up with lines like that..." Miko quipped as she crossed her arms, and blew her bangs out of her face.

"Miko..." Bulkhead/ Raf pleaded at the same time. Even Bumblebee placed his index finger over his "mouth".

Miko sighed. "Yeah, yeah... being quiet."

"To be fair, Mrs. Darby," Arcee said, "I kissed Jack. Not the other way around."

June looked back at her, and asked kindly "May I ask why?"

Arcee hesitated before answering. "Well, in all honesty, Jack's new form is quite pleasing for a Cybertronian. But, even before he changed, I guess it was just the way he's always treated me." she paused for a second, "Despite my appearance, or that fact that I'm an alien, Jack never thought as me like one. When we talked, he always used Earth terms and assumed that I knew what he was referring to. And I always took him for surprise when I had to stop him to explain things for me."

"If I may intervene." Optimus spoke suddenly. Jack, Arcee, and June looked at him. "Arcee. Jack. If you will stand please?" They stood. He continued. "Arcee, what I am about to ask you, I do not do so lightly. However, it is of utmost importance that you answer without any doubt." Arcee nodded her head. "Do you honestly care for Jack?"

Arcee took Jack's hand in hers, and with a determined look, answered. "Yes. I do. I thought that was obvious when I gave him half o fmy Spark."

The Autobot leader nodded his approval, and then looked at Jack. "Jack. Since I have know you, you have shown courage and strength equal to your new form, even before you changed. You have always been loyal and honest, and despite not being under my direct command, you have always followed my orders." Jack hung his head in embarrassment. "So, I must ask you, and do not feel obligated, or let your relationships sway your response, do you care for Arcee?"

Jack set his jaw, and with pride said, "Yes. I do. And I guess, on some level, I've always have. Ever since she became my Guardian. Well, former guardian now."

Optimus gazed at June. "Mrs. Darby. Does that put your concerns to rest?"

June looked over shoulder at her son, and his former guardian. They looked so happy together, and even if she wished to, she could find no fault with the way the felt for one-another. Turning her attention back to Prime she said, "If they are happy with being together, then I am happy for them. Yes, I was concerned at first, but now, well I can see I had no reason to be."

Optimus nodded hid head in approval, then turned to his other troops. "And do you others think?"

Bumblebee looked at Jack and Arcee. Crossing his arms, the young bot let out a long string of beeps, squeaks, and honks.

"Of course I'll respect her, Bee." Jack laughed. "You don't have to worry about that."

"Jack?" Jack looked over at Bulkhead. "You're a lucky Scrub. But Arcee is like a sister to me. You hurt her, and I snap your leg servos. You copy that?"

"Loud and clear, Bigbot." Jack answered. "But, I think you'd have to get Ratchet to piece me back together, after she dismantled me first."

"Watch it, Hot shot." Arcee warned.

"Yes Ma'am." Jack winked.

Miko looked at the pair. "Man, you sure are lucky Jack. Outta all the guys in the Universe, and Arcee picked you. All I gotta say, is don't be a jerk and mess it up."

Jack pulled a face. "Miko..."

"Don't worry, Miko." Raf came to Jack's defense. "Jack is one of the most loyal guys, we know. I don't think he'll mess things up. Besides, it's Arcee. I know she won't let him."

"Got that right." Arcee quipped. Jack looked uncomfortable, and let out a nervous laugh.

Ratchet rubbed his chin before saying anything. "As long as their relationship doesn't get in the way of Jack's training, or my research, then I'll be happy."

"Then it is settled." Optimus stated. "Now, we must discuss another matter." he turned around and looked at Jack. "Jack and Arcee -"

"Actually, Optimus? Arcee and I were talking, and we picked a new codename name for me." Jack interrupted, and hating to do so. "You know, so the con's don't realize who I am."

"I see." he said, looking between the two. "And what new name do you wish to be know as?"

Jack looked at Arcee, who, in turn, looked at him, smiled and nodded her head. They then looked at Optimus and answered at the same time.

"Silverbolt."

"Hm. A noble sounding name." Optimus stated. "And well suited for one who readily displays that trait."

"I like it too." Raf said with a smile. "Very descriptive." Bumblebee beeped his approval.

"Not bad at all, Rookie." Bulkhead rumbled. "Coulda picked a lot worse."

"I see no fault with a name like that." Ratchet said, "Very basic, if not entirely simplistic."

"Aw Man," Miko scoffed. "Silverbolt? Really? Why not Prowl, or Hot Rod, or I dunno, something cool like Blur, or even Springer?"

Jack facepalmed. "Miko..."

"I'm just saying." She defended, throwing her arms up in protest.

"I like it." June said with a chuckle. "But, do I have to call you that?"

"Nah." Jack quipped, removing his hand from his face, and looking at her. "Jack is fine."

Ratchet spoke up. "Well, since that's settled, might I suggest you pick an alternate mode, so that we can get you trained?"

"Oh. Yeah. That." Jack said. "Guess I'm gonna go with... that Lamborghini Concept."

The medical bot huffed. "Then bring it up on your arm display, and download it into your mega-structure." he then grumbled, "... do I have to do everything myself?"

Arcee stepped back a bit to give him some room. As did June. Jack, or rather, Silverbolt, activated his arm display, and brought up the picture of the Ankonian Lamborghini. Hesitating a little, he glanced at Arcee. She winked at him, and with wink back, he began the download of the design.

With a flash of light, Silverbolt's body changed to incorporate aspects of the car. His forearms became wider, as they took on the appearance of the doors. His chest broadened, and headlights appeared on it, as it became a folded down hood. His lower legs thickened ,and became angled. Obviously, they became, his "back-end". At set of wheels appeared on his ankles, and folded under his chest as well.

"Whoa." Miko whistled. "Way cool."

"A fine choice, Silverbolt." Optimus approved, "Now-" He stopped talking, as Silverbolt's arm display reactivated.

Please select secondary form. His on-board computer beeped.

"Wait, wait?" Silverbolt asked in shock. "Uh... is this normal?"

"No." Optimus said. "For a Cybertronian to have two alternate modes is rare indeed. But not unheard of."

"Is this wise, Optimus?" Ratchet asked in concern. "He's not even used to having one mode, let alone two. The effects could be devastating."

Optimus thought for a second. "Silverbolt. Run a diagnosis of your memory core. Is it full?"

Silverbolt's visor flickered as he did as he was told. After a few seconds, he shook his head. "No, it isn't. I'm only at 49.58 percent of my designated space for mode conversion."

"Then there should be no risk to his safety." Optimus said, looking at Ratchet, "Correct?"

"No. There shouldn't." Ratchet agreed, though begrudgingly. "But he should pick one of his flight modes to avoid any potential problems."

Optimus returned his attention to Silverbolt. "Good advice. Silverbolt, when you are ready."

Silverbolt quickly scanned through his selection of fighter jets, until he came to the model of the F/A 37 Talon. With a deep breath, he downloaded the model of the jet into his memory. And, as with the first download, there was a flash of light as his body changed. Again. Two sets of wings appeared on his back, angling down at 45 degrees. His legs widened more, as two sets of jet thrusters formed on them.

"Wow, Jack..." Raf breathed out. "Er, I mean Silverbolt... that's awesome."

"I feel... big." Silverbolt commented, "And weird."

"Feelings that will pass in time, my young friend." Optimus assured him. "With training and practice, you shall master your transformations."

"I volunteer to help him with that." Arcee offered, taking a step forward.

Optimus chuckled lightly. "I had little doubt that you would, Arcee. Very well." he turned his attention back to Jack, "Silverbolt. Do you wish to serve as an autobot under my command, and follower orders, until your spark is extinguished?"

Silverbolt saluted. "Yes, Sir."

Optimus returned the salute. "Very well. Your training begins immediately. Arcee, as your commander, shall teach you all that there is to know. However. There are two rules you must obey until such time as I deem you are ready. One. You will not use your weapons outside this base. And two. You will restrict yourself to your ground mode until such time that I can arrange training sessions with Agent Fowler. Am I understood?"

Silverbolt saluted again. "Yes, Optimus."

"Good." Optimus looked at Arcee. "Arcee, Silverbolt. You have my leave."

Arcee smirked at Silverbolt. "Let's go, Hot shot. We got work to do."

"Yes Ma'am."

TBC.

A/N: ta-daa! Leave your comments/complaints as you wish.