Chapter 4
"So this is where you found the ship?"
Ratchet points out a set of coordinates on the GroundBridge's console screen.
"Yeah, that looks like it," affirms Zero.
"Oh, we took care of those Decepticons a long time ago," speaks up Bulkhead as he approaches them. "Guess we should've vaporized the ship as well."
"Well, it wasn't too bad of a decision to leave it there…" utters Zero, scratching the back of her head. "I mean, it gave Midnight the body he always wanted."
Just then, Midnight comes walking by and narrows his eyes at the two Autobots.
"Zero, we need to talk," he turns his attention to the young woman.
"Sure thing," responds Zero, walking down to join the bot.
Ratchet and Bulkhead look on as the two of them walk out of sight.
"So what do you make of 'em, doc?" wonders Bulkhead as he crosses his arms.
"I am most curious as to how Zero managed to bring Midnight into existence as an Earth-born Cybertronian," responds Ratchet. "Decepticons may have cloning tech, but they most certainly can't just build brand new bots out of nowhere."
"And Zero said she created Midnight from a simple AI program," reiterates Bulkhead. "Just weird all around."
"Well, I don't foresee Midnight being any different from us in terms of biology," notes Ratchet. "His only difference is being born on Earth instead of Cybertron. I suppose it gives us a unique insight in that regard."
"Which is what I'm worried about."
Ratchet and Bulkhead turn to see Arcee approaching them.
"Since he was born on Earth, Midnight has no connection to Cybertron as a home," continues the female Autobot. "And that could jeopardize our mission."
"He's not going out of his way to sabotage us either," adds Bulkhead. "You heard what the guy said. He has no allegiance to either us or the Decepticons."
"But that doesn't mean he won't change his mind later on," counters Arcee.
"All the more reason we should do all we can to not antagonize him," speaks up Ratchet. "He seems to be very protective of Zero, so as long as we don't do anything to trigger him, he won't think much of going against us."
"Mid, is everything okay?"
Zero looks on her formerly car-only companion as they sat together alone in another part of the Autobots' base.
"Investigating that ship was a mistake," utters Midnight. "We should've just stayed on the road."
"Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't," replies Zero. "I couldn't even program you to control the car itself. But now you can do so much more. Not only can you drive the car, but you have an alternative body to use."
"At least back then, we weren't nearly as in much danger as we are now," responds the bot.
"What's done is done, Mid," says Zero, standing up to face Midnight. "I think we should help the Autobots."
"Out of the question," counters Midnight. "Did you not see the perilous situation we were in earlier today? I'm not going to allow you to be put at risk just because I've got this new body."
"Mid… you've changed," says Zero, a hint of sadness in her voice. "You weren't nearly this protective of me back when you were just my car."
"I was limited by circumstance," responds Midnight. "You were in control back then since I was only an AI. But now…"
Midnight stands up straight and looks down at the young woman. "Now… I can do so much more. As you said."
"Then join the Autobots," pleads Zero. "They're trying to protect the planet, so you should help them. Earth is our home."
"My only concern is your safety," asserts the bot. "We can make our home wherever we want. We'll find a way to survive even if we lose Earth."
"What's that supposed to mean?" asks Zero.
They suddenly hear the sound of footsteps and end their conversation right then and there. Smokescreen cracks a smile as he enters the room.
"So…" he begins. "Ready for your training?"
