A/N: I'm back!
Anyways, thanks to those who read the last chapter and thank you so much to those who reviewed!
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers Prime. I only own Xenia.
*On the Decepticon Warship*
The screen showed a replay of the explosion of the space bridge.
"Such a shame. But I applaud you, Megatron. You certainly made a grand exit!" Starscream crowed. It was the first time he was in such a good mood since he got to Earth. It's been one Earth week since Megatron's demise. Since then, Starscream had claim his place as the leader of Decepticons with Soundwave as his SIC.
Speaking of Soundwave, he just walked onto the bridge, silent as ever.
"Ah, Soundwave. Cue the audio/visual. I wish to address the troops."
Soundwave did so and Starscream stood in front of the screen. His face showed up on every screen on the warship, which came as a rather unpleasant surprise to the Vehicons at the consoles.
"The loss of Megatron, Leader of the Great Decepticon Uprising, is certainly a blow to our cause." He said, his voice full of fake sadness. "Yet, we mustn't despair over his...tragic demise. Instead, embrace...his ultimate sacrifice and build upon the foundation he laid, with an even mightier hand."
"With all due respect, Commander Star- uh, Lord Starscream?" One of the Vehicons cut in.
Normally, Starscream would punish any who dare interrupt him, but since he was in a good mood today, he decided to let it slide. "Yes, yes. What is it?"
"If we failed to conquer Earth under Lord Megatron's command," The Vehicon decided to re-word his question at the last minute. "What hope do we have now when the Autobots still defend it?"
Starscream's good mood vanished like air and he scowled deeply at the Vehicon. "Allow me to be crystal clear. I studied for millennia under our former master. Thus, I am...equipped, to lead you. I, Megatron's true heir, Lord Starscream! EMPEROR OF DESTRUCTION!"
Silence...
"Argh! What use are troops who can't rise to the task of inflicting unspeakable destruction in my name?!" Starscream stormed off the bridge, but stop suddenly.
"But wait. Legend tells of one capable warrior. One who can be student to my master!"
*Xenia's POV*
It's been about a week since Megatron's defeat. This left me and Arcee a lot of time to talk about her losses, for her to comfort me about the loss of my family, and for us to get to know each other better. I've found that she's actually a bit of a softie under all that armor.
I also spent a lot of time with Bulkhead, so we could re-establish our bond from before he went to Team Prime. He had became really good friends with Bumblebee when he joined. They play that ridiculous ball game that the Wreckers used to play all the time and it drives Ratchet crazy.
Bumblebee is the youngest of the team, which means he is able to get away with more with Ratchet. I'm not sure if it's because he's the "baby" or because of some mysterious backstory that I must unlock via higher friendship level.
Optimus often went out on patrol on his own, but he always tried to make an effort to go on patrol with each and every one of his team members. He tries to get to know his teammates on a personal level. For example, he asked me how the visit on Velocitron was. He's really trying to make me feel welcome, which makes my integration into Team Prime even more smooth.
Ratchet...doesn't like noise and Bulkhead's tendency to destroy his tools. He also doesn't like Bumblebee's sad face. He didn't like my habit of breaking protocol and making Energon treats without Optimus' knowledge. I thought he was going to make me stop, but he said that Optimus would approve and that it would boost morale. So I told Optimus about it and he asked for the blue and purple ones when I make them. I was really surprised, but then everyone else asked me to make some and so I get a tenth of the Energon that was in the stock-hold to make Energon treats and high-grade, my special blend. *wink, wink*
Arcee and I had made a small burial for Cliffjumper on the top of our base, where the helicopter pad was.
As for the kids, they're been rather busy with their school work, just like I was at the beginning of my Academy days. They were working on a "science fair" project that was worth a lot of points for their grades, so Arcee, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, and I decided to help them. Raf was working on a thing called a volcano. Miko was working on a model our this planet's solar system. Jack was trying to build a motorcycle, Arcee's vehicle mode. So far, Raf's volcano looked like a pile of paper and Jack's motorcycle looked like two wheels and a bunch of miscellaneous motorcycle parts. Miko was the only one that looked anything like what it's supposed to look like. It had the Sun, it's eight planets, and it's one dwarf planet.
I was taking a break from helping them and helping Ratchet with his stuff. However, Optimus was standing off to the side, by the big hole Bulkhead recently made in the wall to look out at the hallway (don't ask), brooding.
"Optimus, why so glum?" Ratchet asked.
"I agree. What's there to be so down about?" I added. "The weather's nice, the computers aren't acting up, the children are safe, and-"
"This planet is free of Megatron's tyranny," Ratchet finished.
"...I do not disagree. However, there was... a small part of me that wished to change his mind, not extinguish his spark." Optimus explained, his voice rather heavy.
"Optimus!" Ratchet exclaimed. "His vileness was not slain by your hand, but by his own twisted arrogance!"
Optimus turned away to stare out the hole again.
"I'm sorry. I know you two had quite a history." Ratchet apologized.
"Really?" I asked, surprised. Since when did Optimus know Megatron for so long?
"Indeed. But the Megatron I once fought besides perished eons ago," Optimus assured me. "The day he chose to become a Decepticon."
"Oh."
"The Decepticons may be in disarray, but they aren't without leadership." Optimus said. "And though Starscream is no Megatron, he is far from predictable."
BOOOOM!
"Decepticons!" Ratchet yelled. "We're under attack!"
Optimus and Ratchet ran over to where a big cloud of white smoke was billowing out of nowhere.
I sighed and walked over to where Raf's volcano was slowly melting and Raf was coughing like crazy.
"It's no attack, Ratchet-cough cough- It's my volcano."
"Hold still, Bulkhead!" Miko shouted from the other side of the room. "Jupiter needs it's red spot."
We all looked over to see Bulkhead holding up Miko's solar system, with Miko painting a red spot on the biggest planet, but she dropped a few drops of paint. "Oopsie!"
"What in the Allspark is going on here?" Ratchet pretty much thundered.
"Our projects are due tomorrow." Jack said, as if that explained everything.
"Maybe it needs one off these doohickeys." Arcee held out a exhaust pipe.
"You're a motorcycle, Arcee. Shouldn't you know how to build a motorcycle engine?" Jack asked.
"You're a human, Jack. Can you build me a small intestine?" Arcee shot back.
"Well, you can't work on these projects in here! You're...making a mess!" Ratchet yelled.
"But...the science project is a big part of our grade!" Raf protested.
"Yeah! And if Bulkhead doesn't help me finish this model of our solar system-" Miko added.
"Oh? And what does Bulkhead know of your solar system? Or Bumblebee of your volcanoes? Or..." Ratchet trailed off.
"Arcee of our motorcycles?" How ironic.
"Precisely! We're not Earthlings! And they're not scientists." Ratchet shook his head.
"But I'm a medic, Ratchet. I think I know a thing or two about something." I said.
"And the Autobots are their guardians, Ratchet." Optimus added. "Would it hurt to learn more of Earth by helping our young friends with their schoolwork?"
"Well, maybe our young friends should learn more about Cybertron." Ratchet grumbled.
*Somewhere in the Grand Canyon*
"During the great War, so much Energon was hidden on this forsaken rock, that Megatron sent Cybertron's best to guard it. True warriors, now lying in stasis." Starscream said to Soundwave, who was scanning the area. "Such folly that, late in life, Megatron searched distant space for warriors, rather than here, beneath his feet."
Soundwave sent a short data burst to Starscream and he scowled. "What do you mean you can't pinpoint his signal?! I know we are close! Boost the power to your sensors!"
Soundwave did so and on his visor, appeared the sleeping warrior's signal.
"Yes... There..."
They both transformed and headed towards the signal.
*The Autobot base*Xenia's POV*
"And if you do, you can get all these cool new upgrades!" Bumblebee said to Raf. "But it's really hard to get to be warrior class."
"Really Bumblebee? Then how do you make warrior class?" Raf asked.
"Well, you need to have at least 10 vorns of experience." I said to Raf.
"But I've seen you in action. You're awesome!"
"Yeah, but-" A hand on his shoulder stopped him from talking. Bumblebee looked up to see Optimus smiling down on him.
"I second your opinion, Raf. But Autobot life cycles are much longer than humans. And though it may be hard to believe, our young scout still has much to experience." Optimus said.
"It's okay, Bee. One day, you will make warrior class, just like us!" I said to him.
The console started beeping.
"Exposed Energon." Ratchet reported. "And it's on the move."
"And since we ain't moving it, guess who must be?" Bulkhead said.
"Decepticons." Arcee answered.
"Without Megatron?" Miko asked.
"Unfortunately, Megatron's legacy will live on, as others rise to take his place." Optimus said. "Autobots, you have projects to complete. Ratchet, Xenia, I may require aid."
"Yes! Finally!" I 'fist-pumped.'
Ratchet was less enthusiastic. "Science fair is a big part of their grade... Perhaps I'm better suited to remain behind and... advise."
"Very well. Xenia, roll out."
And rolled we did.
A/N: I had to italicize a lot in this chapter! it was fun!
Suggestions welcome! Remember the 'Cons!
Thanks for reading and please review!
