Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers (though I wish I did - I would love all of them), I only own my OC's and the plot!
Chapter 1
To say that Jazz didn't find his current situation awkward would have been a lie. It was terribly awkward.
Pretending to be a vehicle that was nothing but a machine for transportation wasn't awkward, he found blasting music through his speakers and raising the bass very enjoyable on the road. Getting a car wash from the Soldier and sibling wasn't awkward, it was like being basked in Primus' presence himself. Sitting in a drive way for hours on end wasn't awkward, highly boring? Yes, why he was never more thankful for the com-links.
Now sitting in the drive way with Mark's said sibling...
Awkward.
The femme has been crouched in front of him for three minutes now. Her eyes narrowed in a scrutinized way. It was unnerving, more so then having been torn in half by Megatron.
Mark had told Jazz about his sister's hearing loss when they had all been detained. Their new human comrades having voiced their eagerness to get home to see their family units, which lead to each of them sharing humorous stories. It wasn't until Epps had asked Mark about how a 'Lil Mouse' was doing that the soldier talked about his younger sibling. The Autobots, including himself, had been confused on how a small rodent was his sibling, but the humans explained it was nothing but a caring nickname full of endearment - which had lead to Ironhide saying, "See Ratchet - reason why everyone calls you 'Hatchet'."
The weapons specialist found himself sporting a new dent, along with Jazz because he couldn't help himself about voicing a certain set of twin terrors. That had lead to the 'bots sharing their own humorous stories about the two pranksters.
Mark didn't tell him how highly, and scary observant his sister was however. There was one time when they had come back from a drive in theater, both of the humans having exited him, that he lowered himself on his shocks and Erica had apparently caught the movement out of her peripheral vision cause she had stopped, staring long an hard at him. Another time had been when he had gotten a wash, he had shuddered at the cold water and she had frowned at him, once again causing her to frown and keep a watchful eye on him throughout the car wash. The third had been when he had believed she wouldn't notice due to her exiting the car, he had popped open the driver's door for Mark - she had seen.
Jazz has been overly careful around her since, always waiting till her back was fully turned or till she was in the house. The femme had keen, sharp eyesight, specially out of the corner of her eyes; her peripheral vision seeming to be enhanced due to her deafness.
Erica's eyes narrowed further as she tilted forward slightly, car keys swinging around her finger. Jazz almost sagged on his shocks in relief when she had let out a huff of air and stood with a frown as she patted the hood twice before turning on her heel, heading into the house with the bag of Mc Donalds she had driven him to get. He inwardly chuckled, if Ratchet was in his place the old medic would have been throwing a fit and more then likely rant on the com-link about how the food was unhealthy for human consumption.
His comm pinged.
Speaking of said medic. :: What's up Ratch'? ::
Inside the house, Mark crossed his arms leaning against the island in the kitchen as he watched Erica crouching in front of Jazz. The corner of his lip twitching up, if the Solstice wasn't a sentient being he would have believed his sister had gone bonkers with the stare down she was currently giving to the vehicle. He sighed, eyes turning away from the window. The guilt crept up again, Erica was more then likely thinking she was going crazy, but he would rather have her believe that then involve her in the new world he was now living in.
For the past few days Mark has been waging a war inside himself. To tell Erica, or not tell her. The sole reason their brother/sister relationship was so strong compared to others was due to the fact that they spoke, not talking on a daily basis but actually speaking, confiding in one other; relying on the other to be their pillar during a time of need, or just being there for the other. If one was pissed at the other they wouldn't stew in quiet anger, they would blatantly tell the other that they were royally pissed off. If one was emotionally hurt, or struggling internally they would seek out the other for quiet comfort of the other's presence. If one wanted to talk about a situation, they would talk; decisions were never made by just one, it was made by both.
He glanced at the window. A decision was currently being made by one of them while the other was completely unaware. He lowered his eyes - neither kept secrets from the other. Closing his eyes he breathed through his nose. He was hiding a large secret, a Cybertronian disguised as the car sitting in his drive way to be exact.
Mark opened his eyes at the sound of the front door closing. The new world he had been exposed to terrified him, and Mark wasn't one to be easily scared. The Cybertronians were far more advanced than anything man kind has seen, their capabilities beyond what was truly thought possible. The relic's power he had bare witness to was truly incredible. Their biomechanics of weaponry was purely incredible, the raw power they could inflict with such items; he as a human had every right to be wary, for they were beings to fear.
A flash back suddenly surged forward. Burning heat, tiredness, air crackling with a tense uncertainty. His boots sinking into the sand, finger twitching on the trigger. Sand exploding, metal glinting, Donnelly a few feet from him, sound of gunfire. Donnelly in the air. Donnelly's blood flecking half his face. A metal spike protruding from his brother in arms chest.
A soft hand jolted him from the haunting memory. Erica stared at him in concern, her hand squeezing his bicep.
'I'm okay. Just a flashback.' He signed with a sad smile.
Dropping her hand she gave a nod of understanding before signing, 'Hungry? Got chicken nuggets.'
He rose a brow. 'Honey mustard?'
Erica's face scrunched in disgust. 'How can you dip them in that? Got ranch.'
He smiled, shrugging. 'Hey, its good.'
She rolled her eyes, turning to take the food out of the bag.
Mark turned to the window once again. His flashback having brought the fear back, fear that if he exposed his sister to the secret she could possibly become hurt, or worse, killed. The boy Sam Witwicky, Mark knew his life had altered drastically, he could never go back to being normal - none of them could, not with the lurking threat of Decpticons still looming over their heads. Erica was only a year older than Sam and Mikaela, for those two teens to have been part of the battle of Mission City - it had to of have its traumatizing effects on them. They now have to constantly look over their shoulder, be wary of any passing vehicle and airplane for any Decepticons that could kill Sam out of spite for their leader's offlining.
Mark couldn't expose his sister to that, yet, he already was risking it with Jazz sitting in the drive way. He clenched his jaw, it was only temporary. Once Jazz was gone his sister wouldn't be in the proximity of danger, she could live a normal life without the knowledge of an extraterrestrial race living among them.
He gave a small minute nod, his inner war had finally ceased, he'd come to a decision. His sister's well being came first, he would keep her in the dark. Pushing himself off the island he walked past his sister, snatching a chicken nugget. He laughed at the soft smack to the back of his head giving her a wide innocent smile.
A car horn blared.
Mark's head turned sharply towards the window, his face turning into confusion.
Erica watched as her brother walked out of the house with a frown. He had signed that he was going to see if he left his phone in the car, and she had signed back saying she didn't see it in there. He wanted to double-check, she could have overlooked it.
She plopped herself down on the couch flipping the tv on. The screen came to life with the ruins of Mission City, the news was discussing the terrorist attack once again. She read the captioned words for a few seconds before deciding it was boring, moving her finger to change the channel she paused, the screen had changed. She narrowed her eyes on the blurry image of an odd shape. It almost looked like a...soda machine?
She blinked, why would they show a blurry image of a soda machine? Leaning closer she attempted to make out the rest of the image but the screen switched back to the news caster and she immediately lost interest. Changing the channel she smiled at the sight of Plankton attempting to steal the Crabby Patty formula once again.
A soft push to the back of her head caused her turn around. Mark was grasping his keys, one jacket sleeve on his arm with a chicken nugget in his mouth.
Soon as his eyes landed on her she signed, 'Hot date you forgot about?'
Mark narrowed his eyes playfully. 'That was one time.' Pulling the other sleeve over his arm he grasped a handful of fries. 'I'll be back later. Txt me if you need anything.'
Nodding her head she stifled her laughter at her brother walking out, shoving the handful of fries in his mouth.
Her smile slowly fell, her eyes turning to stare at the wall. Three more days. Three more days and he would be leaving for the base. She bit her lip, not exactly ready for the somber loneliness to return. Least the base wasn't exactly far, only a state away.
Letting out a soft sigh she turned her eyes back towards the TV. This month had surely passed quickly, to quickly for her liking.
Bumblebee honked for the fifth time.
"Hold on!" Sam shouted from inside his house.
The young Autobot scout bounced on his wheels, honking once more. The door slammed open revealing a very irritated Judy Witwicky. Bumblebee cringed at the scorching gaze, lowering himself on his shocks he gave a warbled apology.
Ron and Judy Witwicky had taken the information of their son housing an alien being in their garage considerably well. Of course Judy had fainted at the sight of Bumblebee transforming into his bi-pedal mode, Ron on the other hand had just nodded his head with quiet mutterings of 'aliens are real', 'my son owns an alien car', and 'we bought an alien for four thousand dollars'.
Judy adjusted to the change immediately, falling in love with the adorable young scout and his gentle nature towards them. She officially considered Bumblebee as a part of the family, so scolding the Camaro along with Sam became second nature. She even went as far as to ground him - Sam wasn't allowed to give him a car wash during that time.
Ron had been distant in the beginning, but soon he to found the yellow Cybertronian grow on him. If Bumblebee could save him gas money by taking him to the necessary stores, Ron found him good in his books. Sam had complained about using him, but truthfully Ron enjoyed the 'bots company. They made conversation easily, and Bee was his eyes, always watching out for the well being of his son.
"Honk that horn one more time Bee an I swear," Judy pointed a spatula in his direction. "I'll convert you into a damn blender!"
Bee slunk back, another warbled apology leaving his radio. Sam bounded out of his house and Bee cringed, knowing what was about to happen.
"Hey Mom-"
A rather hard hit from a spatula met his chest.
"Oww! Mom what - that's child abuse!" Another hit from said spatula got his shoulder. "Ow~wuh! Seriously Mom what's your problem!"
Judy crossed her arms. "That's for making Bee honk for you."
"Sorry," Sam grumbled.
"It's to late to apologize."
"Shut it tin can!"
Smack!
"Oww, Mom!"
"Be nice!" She scolded. "I want you back by ten tonight."
"Wha-"
"Bee, if you even think of sneaking in past midnight again..." Judy let the threat linger in the air.
"Dead meat! Don't worry captain-heard you loud an clear."
"Yeah Mom, we'll be home on time!" Sam said over his shoulder as he slipped in the driver's seat.
Judy gave them another scorching glare before they pulled out. Sam shuddered, his mom could get scary with that look. He leaned back, his hands gripping the bottom of the steering wheel lazily to give the illusion he was actually driving.
"Hey buddy, where exactly are we going?" Sam asked. "You were kinda rushing me to get out."
Bumblebee's voice streamed through the radio instead of the sound bytes. "Optimus wishes to speak with us at the over look."
Sam quirked a brow. "About what? Should we get 'Kaela?"
"Ratchet has already gotten her. I'm not exactly sure but it seems important, given that Ironhide and Jazz will be bringing along Will and Mark. You know how far they live." Bee replied.
Sam nodded his head, his brow furrowing in worry. "Hey Bee...do you think it has anything to do with Decepticons?"
Bee was silent, mulling the thought over in his processor. "It could be a possibility, but I highly doubt it. There hasn't been any Decepticon activity since Mission City."
"Yeah," Sam rubbed the tip of his nose. "But Dorito and psycho cop still haven't been found, have they?"
Amusement filled Bee's spark at the nickname his charge had given the Decepticons SIC. Sam had been lounging on his hood, bag of Doritos in hand, when he loudly stated that Starscream was shaped like said chip. Hence the nickname Sam continues to use.
"No, Starscream's whereabouts are still unknown," the amusement in Bee's voice didn't go unnoticed, neither did the short pause or melancholy tone that replaced it. "As for Barricade - he should be offlined somewhere. Optimus said the damage he had sustained was fatal."
Sam's eyes turned to the radio curiously. "Do you really still find the Dorito thing funny?"
The seat underneath him vibrated in a laugh. He grinned. "Good, then that means the guys should find it hilarious."
"Not as much as Screaming Dorito of Doom," Bee voiced.
It was silent in the Camaro. Sam made a struggling noise, a snort of a laughter escaping him. "That's even better!"
"I know." Bee said sounding smug.
The laughter slowly died down, settling into a comfortable silence. Sam stared out the driver's window watching as the suburban scenery turned into open terrain. "Hey, Bee?"
A warble acknowledged him.
"Did you know Barricade?"
Silence stretched on till a quiet but firm 'no' filtered through the speakers, music quickly flicking on afterwards signaling the young scout did not wish to speak further of the topic his charge had innocently asked out of curiosity.
Eyes turned to the rearview mirror with a nervous glance once again, Will breathing out of his nose and running a hand through his hair for the umpteenth time.
"She'll be fine Will," Ironhide's gruff voice streamed from the radio. "I did a thorough search. She'll more then likely stay in her recharging state till we get back."
"If Sarah finds out..."
Ironhide almost found himself rolling his eyes inwardly, a sign he has been in the presence of Will's sparkmate far to many times to count for him to be using her trademark eye roll. "She won't, now calm yourself. Ratchet will believe I had threatened you in some way."
Will let out a sigh relaxing his tense body into the seat. "We'll get our asses put on a platter if she realizes where we've gone."
"Your aft will be the only one."
Will blinked - was that amusement in the weapon specialist's voice? Will had come to know that Ironhide had a rough exterior, the true embodiment of a Soldier who had his share of war. Perhaps it was because Will shared the same exterior, a little less then the Cybertronian, that they had gotten along so easily, but even then they had never shared more then serious conversations. For Ironhide to have even a slight smidge of humor in his body was not exactly a surprise for Will, more of an unexpected emotion he didn't believe the black behemoth was able to carry. Yet the more time he found himself in Ironhide's company the more he realized that it was ignorant for him to believe the Cybertronians were nothing but a husk of computer wires, for Optimus had said they are sentient beings.
"An you don't think Sarah will key the hell outta you?" Will said with a raised brow, small grin on his face. "You never get in between a mama bear and her cub."
Ironhide shuddered slightly after he looked up what Will had meant about 'keying', but he failed to see how a bear and its cub was remotely relevant to what they were speaking of. "I don't see your sparkmate committing such an act. She is still weary of my presence."
Will frowned, apparently he would have to explain the Human connotations for the Autobot to understand. "Even if she is, she'll do it. Women tend to have a protective trait around children that's theirs. Why I said if she found out - she's ganno be extremely pissed. You already know how she dislikes the fact of Annie even being anywhere near strangers, including you - never mind sitting in you."
"It proves she is a good..." Ironhide paused, searching for the word. "Mother. You have a very good and dedicated sparkmate Will."
A fond smile formed on his lips. "Yeah," he breathed out. "I got the best damn fish outta the whole sea, that's for sure."
Again Ironhide became confused. Humans were extremely strange, continually jumping off a topic with a strange tangent before suddenly continuing with what they had been discussing. He voiced this to Will and got a soft chuckle as a response.
"Remind me to teach you Human connotations."
Once they reached the overlook they found Bumblebee, Ratchet and Jazz in their bi-pedal mode. The young scout sat a few feet away, two teens laying back on their elbows in front of him with a young man standing close by. Jazz was laying on his back with Ratchet kneeling next to him, a red light scanning over the saboteur's frame. As Will hopped out of Ironhide he heard Sam and Mikaela laughing at Bumblebee mimicking Ratchet as he told them a story.
"Watch it youngling," Ratchet growled out. "You still have a check up that needs to be done."
The scouts optics widened, a sheepish form of a smile crossing over his features.
Jazz snickered. "Yeah Bee, I'd watch out. Don' want ol' Ratch' ta wrench ya ta death."
Ironhide snorted, his voice streaming from his radio through the still open door. "As if."
His earlier musing was proven correct, he was ignorant - clearly watching the scene before him the Cybertronians were much like themselves, emotions and all. Will's lips twitched into a smile as they were greeted warmly before the bantering continued, Mark having moved to stand next to him as he to observed them with a slighty upturned lip. "Did Mouse kill you for not calling?"
Mark chuckled next to him, his arms folding across his chest. "Nah, she was just happy I was home."
He turned his eyes to Will, a sad smile on his face. "The one damn time she actually watches the news - Qatar was being reported."
Will gave him an understanding nod. "Sarah had seen it too. She chewed my ass out for not calling to tell her I was alright."
Mark grinned at him, his eyes turning to watch the two teens and young 'bot. Will eyed him, seeing the flicker of guilt passing through his eyes. "She doesn't know, does she?"
Mark sighed, eyes gazing out at the view. "No."
Will followed his gaze, watching the beauty of the setting sun as its colors seemed to dance across the hills like flames from a fire. "Sarah figured it out."
"How?" Mark asked softly.
Will smirked. "She's my wife, she's know if I'm keeping something hidden...and she followed me into the old barn - caught Ironhide transforming."
"His sparkmate glitched," Ironhide grumbled.
"Fainted." Will clarified.
He glanced back at his youngest squad member, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know you have your reasons, but Mouse is ganno find out. Kid's smart."
Mark huffed a laugh, a fond smile on his face. "Yeah, lil' shit is."
"Yo 'Hide!" Jazz turned his head to the truck. "Why're ya still - ow Ratch' ah I felt that - in yer alt-mode."
"Quit your squirming then," Ratchet muttered. "Or else im going to put you into stasis!"
Mikaela glanced over taking notice that Ironhide hadn't cut off his ignition.
A loud rumbling engine caught their attention. A familiar red and blue flamed decaled Peterbilt rolled in, its brakes hissing to a stop. It broke apart, transforming and revealing the leader of the Autobots.
"'Bout time you got here big guy!" Sam exclaimed.
Optimus glanced down. "I apologize. I was discussing a few important matters with General Morshower and Secretary Keller. The Secretary also sends his greetings to everyone and wishes you all well."
The Humans smiled warmly.
:: Political matters I presume? :: Ratchet voiced through the comm link, standing up to face his Prime while pulling Jazz to his peds.
"How's the base looking?" Will asked with a tilt of his head. "Is N.E.S.T. fully up an operational?"
Optimus' optics turned to his CMO. :: They are highly persistent. ::
"It is looking promising. Its functionality should be up to par for the temporary stay. As for N.E.S.T., no, it is not operational as of yet. General Morshower has issued for you to deem who will be eligible and allowed in since your now known title is Captain." Optimus rumbled.
"Wait," Sam turned confused eyes to Will. "What's N.E.S.T.? And why is the base temporary? Are you guys building a new one or something?"
:: They still goin' on 'bout the weapons? :: Jazz asked, shifting his own optics away from the Humans to meet his Prime's.
Mark turned his eyes on Will, his brow furrowing. "When the hell did you get promoted!?"
:: Yes, and they will never cease to insist on them I'm afraid. :: Optimus glanced in Ironhide's direction, his optics whirring. :: Ironhide, are you well old friend? ::
:: I'm fine. :: Ironhide shifted on his wheels, moving forward then back again in what would seem to be a rocking motion.
"Hey, 'Hide," Mikaela's voice sounded concerned, interrupting Will's explanation's to Mark and Sam. "Are you okay?"
All eyes turned to the weapons specialist. Rubbing a hand down his face Will groaned. "She woke up."
Bumblebee whirred curiously, his optics brightening once he understood who Will was speaking of. "Were havin' a baby! A baby!"
Mikaela perked up at the sound byte. "You brought the baby?"
The other three Autobots looked on curiously as Will clambered into the back seat. Slowly he came back out, a small bundle in his arms. Bumblebee leaned down, his blue optics meeting sky blue eyes. He smiled excitedly and waved a servo down at the small organic.
"Mark," Will glanced over his shoulder. "Mind getting the car seat out and her diaper bag. Pretty sure 'Hide wants to stretch out."
"Fellas, and gal, this is Annabelle." Will smiled down affectionately at his baby girl as her eyes stared up owlishly at the strange being crouching over her father.
Ironhide transformed, crossing his arms over his chest. "Will's sparkling."
"She's so cute!" Mikaela squealed. "Can I hold her?"
Will nodded his head and gently passed her to the teenage girl's arms.
"Sarah is ganno skin your ass alive if she finds out, huh?" Mark said in amusement.
"Yep," Will replied popping the 'p'. "Hey Ratchet, think you could swing by my place sometime and explain to my wife that Annie won't get sick by being exposed to you guys."
Ratchet gave a slight nod, looking over the scan he had just done on the small femme. "She is in good condition and healthy. Though she has just defecated."
Ironhide took a step back causing his fellow Autobots to look at him in mild confusion. He scowled, grumbling, "It's disgusting."
"It's natural." Ratchet stated.
Will chuckled as he laid out a blanket, motioning Mikaela to set her down. "'Hide had a bad experience."
Jazz grinned, his visor brightening in amusement. "Awhh what's wrong 'Hide, can't handle a lil' organic's feces?"
Sam wrinkled his nose. "It isn't exactly a pretty sight..."
A small boy's voice came from Bumblebee's speakers. "Ahh can't be all bad!"
Mark shared a look with Sam, his lip upturning into a smirk.
Jazz and Bumblebee reared back, Ratchet's facial plates scrunched up in slight disgust, Optimus watched them with an amused expression as Ironhide huffed a laugh.
The Autobots and Humans settled into companionable conversations, the air surrounding them lax and pleasantly calm. Optimus optics studied his fellow comrades, it seemed that even with the grief of the Allspark being gone his fellow Autobots had found slight joy on this planet, ways to cope. He watched the grin upon his young scout and saboteur's facial plates, the small smile on his CMO, and the soft expression of his weapon specialist - all of this directed to the human sparkling that cooed happily in Will's arms, her eyes always watching and shifting between each of the 'bots. Perhaps in the near future all of them would be able to call this place home, and it was with that thought that he strode away and stood at the edge of the overlook, his optics turned to the darkening sky, opening up a transmission for those among the stars.
It was during that time that Mark failed to notice his phone going off beside him, to engrossed listening to Bumblebee play the transmission through his speakers. The caller ID would have been a cause for alarm, but the voicemail that had been left would leave him numb.
And theres the end of Chap. 1! I apologize for the late update. Updates will more then likely be sporadic. Until next time my fellow readers!