alewar8: Miluion is pronounced (mil-wee-on. -on like On a bike), Locien is (Lock-ee-en, Like Lock, -ee as in steel and -en as in Lauren), Imara is EE-mar-a, -EE like eel, -mar like Mara, and -a like Mara) We forgot to mention this before, sorry!
Chapter 4
"How is Asher-8's progress old friend?" Ratchet paused in his reading and gave his attention to Optimus.
"He has progressed well enough in the human time of four weeks though I must tell you Optimus, his true calling is in engineering. With what scrap we could find and give him he has managed to repair the device that allows him to soften his landing, his vehicle is now faster than before and he has told me that he may be able to replicate the invisibility device he showed the children to cloak larger beings like us." Was that pride in Ratchet's tone? Optimus noted the Medic's attitude of Asher was much more than tolerance now.
"Do you deem him stable enough to send into the field if needed?" At that the Medic sighed and gave a reluctant nod.
"He has confessed though that facing four Decepticons at once without his team made him panic but I believe he should be fine as long as he is not alone while facing a squadron." Asher came into the room with Hunter hovering over his shoulder, both were staring at a data-pad.
"Ratchet I think I might of figured this out." Asher paused when he spotted Optimus before continuing forward, dismissing the Prime's presence for now. "The problem is that I'll need more energon to try it but I know you're reserves are not as large as they once were so I'll need to find an alternate source."
"And where do you think you'll find that source?" Asher gave a low hum in thought, he had been asking himself that question ever since he realized that energon would be needed to power the device.
"To be honest Ratchet?" he sighed. "I'm not too sure, I mean I could test it with my light energy but then the problem of an alternative power source is still there."
"Would you be able to produce enough of you Light in order to test it?" Asher looked to Hunter at Optimus' question. He had hope that the mech would keep out of the discussion but it was asking too much it seems. Damn the giant with his bothersome concern.
"We would be able to but the cost would be much, due to the fact that we need it to shroud a large mech like, let's say, you Optimus it would deplete our energy and cause Asher to fall unconscious and force me to-" Asher grabbed Hunter causing the Ghost to quiet.
"It will be fine, I'm not trying anything until I have all the numbers figured out and seeing as I am not as great at math as I'd like to be, even though I really like building; it will take a while." Optimus gave that disapproving look to Asher who squirmed under it before tapping at the data pad to escape it. "Anyway! There were some humans here a while ago...they asked if I knew where the barracks were?" Ratchet sighed which caused Asher to look back up from his data pad with Hunter still smushed in the crook of his arm.
"They were supposed to enter through this door here not the alternate entrance, it is much too close to the berthroom you chose." Asher tilted his head, confusion bleeding into Hunter. "They are not aware of the children or of you being here, I'm surprised they didn't detain and question you."
"So wait, you're saying that your liaison (he was not calling that nosy, sarcastic stick by his name) hasn't told the government that there are three children involved now in your war?" Asher pulled Hunter up to eye level. "Nah they know right? I mean they introduced himself as Will and Epps, they greeted us as if I knew who they were. I simply contacted Arcee and she told me the information I needed to know, they looked tired."
"They saw you as one of their own that arrived early or perhaps as our liaison between both teams." Asher shrugged at Optimus who hummed. "Nevertheless, Major Lennox was to find me as soon as he touched down outside the base; where are they now Asher?"
"Follow me Swordfish and I'll show ya!" Hunter disappeared and Optimus knelt down, a servo blocking Asher's way. The Exo gave a childish groan as he looked up at the Prime. This is why he had been avoiding direct contact with the mech, the Prime liked to keep him from danger that Asher saw as fun. "I already met them! It wouldn't matter anymore right?"
"They do not know what you are Asher-8, are you sure you are ready to reveal your past to our allies?" and at that Asher slumped forward onto Prime's servo, his arms hanging over his digit.
"You have a point there," a sigh. "What do you think I should do? I mean I'm gonna eventually be let out into the field, if they get hurt I can help out in medi. aid, shouldn't they at least know me?"
"I cannot decide for you Asher-8, as you have stated your help would be invaluable but how much of you they should know is yours and your partner's decision." Asher pushed off the mech's servo and started talking with Hunter in silence. He was rocking on the heels of his feet, Optimus stayed kneeling but Ratchet returned to his work. Asher's optics dimmed for a moment before they brightened and the Exo looked at Optimus with a renewed bout of energy. Optimus turned his servo over, the palm facing up so that Asher could climb on. "You have decided?" a nod as Optimus started walking down the hall, following Asher's directions when he pointed left or right even though he knew exactly where the humans were. "Will you tell them everything?" a shake of the head. "Just that you are a robotic life form?" a nod and so Optimus hummed. "I suppose then we can merely say you arrived some time ago with your carrier in hopes of refuge, your landing was compromised." Asher slowly lowered his hand and looked up at the Prime.
"Or we can just say I was created by cybertronians I don't remember and was somehow left behind in an Energon mine where my partner activated me and I felt obligated to help you because said partner informed me of who you are?" Optimus nodded once to the Exo who had his helmet on again as he pointed left and they came to a door. It opened and there were the group of NEST Rangers moving things around while loading back up their bedding. "Hey guys, I'm back and I brought Swordfish with me!" Everyone stopped and stared up at the Autobot leader.
"I extend you my greetings and welcome." Optimus moved forward so Asher put a hand to one of the Prime's digits that curled towards him. "Where is Major Lennox?"
"Optimus!" Fig called as soon as he got free from the mass he was loading. "Jefe (Boss) is outside with Ironhide, Epps is with him and...well Sammy is here too." Asher felt the change in Optimus, like electricity in the air and so with one look to the leader he jumped from his perch. The Rangers shouted in alarm but Asher only used his double jump to land safely, he happily got that fixed first. As soon as he was grounded Optimus went outside to find the group. Asher sighed and looked back at the gaping Marines.
"Heya there," he waved once. "Who is Sammy?" Fig let out a loud laugh and so Asher joined in, they finished together and when they calmed down Asher asked again. "No seriously who's Sammy?" Fig looked at him as if he was an idiot or something so Asher crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently.
"You really don't know?" Asher shrugged. "Aren't you the liaison por este equipo (for this team) and the government?"
"No, you guys just assumed I was the liaison and a human at that which...ya know it was actually kind of nice, the feeling I mean." Asher uncrossed his arms and all at once his helmet and hood fell away and Fig stood staring with a few other Rangers. "That's the reaction I'm usually used to but anyway, the name's Asher-8; call me Asher or 8...whatever you prefer?" Asher looked at the staring men and women, every time he turned his optics on one their eyes would widen and Asher started wondering if they opened enough would their eyeballs pop out like the Fallen's when he head shot them. Hunter sent him a mix of disgust, amusement, and disappointment and Asher had to pick which one to go with. "So...who is Sammy? Is he a part of your group? Also what do you call yourselves?"
"Sammy is actually named Sam Witwicky, sound familiar at all?" Asher gave a huh in answer and then it all clicked.
"Sam Witwicky, helped save Mission City and Optimus Prime, meaning you are the team of Marines that helped the Autobots fight against the Decepticons." Fig nodded, his face undoubtedly serious. "I did not know about your arrival, I do not get to go outside of the base not unless a Medic is needed on the field but even then I've only been cleared recently for duty or so Hunter tells me. That means Will is formerlu Lt. Colonel Lennox and Epps is his second; Robert, right?"
"Sí, sólo lo llaman Epps. No le gusta cuando le llaman Robert, no sabemos por qué. (Yes, they are but just call him Epps. He doesn't like it when they call him Robert, we don't know why.)" the small team was looking at Fig in confusion but Asher nodded along. "¿Crees que no hay razón para que a un hombre no le guste el nombre que le dio su madre? Está loco si no hay una razón, déjame decirte. (You think there isn't a reason that a man doesn't like the name his mother gave him? He's crazy if there isn't a reason, let me tell you.)" Asher barked out a laugh and Fig was grinning like an idiot.
"Tiene que tener una razón (he has to have a reason), if he doesn't then he's just an asshole." Fig started laughing like crazy and when the group came in with another Autobot who the Exo assumed was Ironhide, Asher turned to the towering Autobot leader. "Swordfish, who's who and who exactly do I gotta mind my temper around?" now it was Will, Epps, Sam and Ironhide staring at the Exo who, while asking, had walked up to Optimus and tapped on the Prime's shin plates.
"These are good men and women, they are our allies here on Earth. You may recall now, they are the team that helped us push back the Decepticons." Asher looked from Ironhide to Sam who shifted under the stare. Asher went over to the human male, Sam took a step back but Asher stopped just a few feet between them.
"My name is Asher-8, I was found in an Energon mine two weeks ago. You are the human who was exposed for a long while to the radiation of the Allspark right?" Sam nodded and Optimus quickly, and gently, snatched up the Exo who yelped in response. "I wasn't gonna say anything over the top Swordfish honest!" Sam was staring now at the Exo in wonder instead of slight anxiousness and fear. "Can we be friends? Because it seems like you need more of em that aren't' ya know fffff-I mean tall, yeah tall is what I meant." Sam gave a weak smile at the joke.
"Yeah I'd like that," Asher gave a whoop. "Hey uh...is there any room for me to stay?" he directed at Optimus. Asher's head snapped up at the Prime who gave a slight resigned sigh at what he knew was going through the Exo's head.
"Asher has recently moved into a berthroom and has found there is too much space for him alone." Asher was vibrating with excitement as he looked down at Sam, "If you wish, you may stay with him unless you would rather we find you another room." but Sam shook his head, the smile curling up on his face as he noticed Asher's eyes glow even brighter when he refused a room to himself.
"No I think I'll be good staying with Asher-8, he seems like an okay guy." Asher gave a whoop of victory before squirming in the Prime's hold, he wanted out so he could officially meet everyone but Optimus would not let him down. Asher tried for another ten seconds before he huffed and crossed his arms. "Hey uh Optimus? Can you let him down? I think everyone wants to know his story." Optimus sighed but did so, Asher held out a fist to Sam as he passed by him and the young man bumped him in return causing some short laughs from some of the Rangers.
"Hey everyone," Asher began as he stood in front of the entire group. "My name is Asher-8, I'm what is called an Exo. I'm the first and only one of my kind in existence on this planet, two weeks ago I woke up in an Energon mine; Hunter, my partner, activated me after years of looking. In the few moments I got my bearings he informed me of why exactly he woke me instead of loading memories into me first. The Decepticons were inside the mine with explosives set to kill Optimus and the small chance he had of saving his team. I followed Hunter's instruction and managed to disarm the explosives in time. Overall, Optimus found me and we managed to save his team and so here we are after four weeks of catching up and loading me up with info on Earth and the history of the Autobot-Decepticon war." A Ranger raised his hand and Asher was amused; he looked like a kid in school so he pointed to him.
"Do you remember why you were asleep? You also mentioned a partner, Hunter right? Why was he looking and where exactly is he?" Asher felt Hunter on edge, he knew the Ghost wanted to slap him upside the head for mentioning him.
"I was supposed to be dead but turns out I can come back if I have this little guy," he stretched his hand out and Hunter appeared floating over it. "He's the one that woke me, he had my memories but since he was supposed to load them before I came online again, I couldn't get all of them in one piece. So no I don't remember why or how I died here on Earth but it happened, I know there was a war but I don't remember if I took part." Asher looked up to Optimus, "Swordfish tells me they have no record of my existence. Hunter tells me I was more of a stealth op rather than a guns blazing op but anyway! I'm working with the Autobots now so you'll be seeing me around working on stuff, mostly fixing and exploring; we had a run in with Decepticons and now they think I'm dead so I'm not allowed off base unless it's an emergency." Asher shrugged as if he didn't really care but he did, he was really itching to get out of the base and explore this Earth. With Ratchet's help he was better in mind, he could deal with dying outside of war a little better than before. It was difficult, usually he wouldn't even outright say what was wrong. James always had to coax it out of him but even then they rarely had time to rest; the stress of it all must be getting to him. After Ethan happened, fighting just became a lot harder yet easier with all the anger he held and at one point it scared him how much he had changed during that month. There are things he regrets during the time he went off on his own. Fingers snapped in front of his face and Asher blinked once before tilting his head a bit, his red optics focused on Sam standing in front of him.
"Asher, hey; we've been calling your name for a while now." Asher shook his head before stretching up high then coming down to sling an arm around Sam's shoulder.
"Swordfish here can answer your questions, come on Sammy let's grab your gear and blow this cake stand!" Asher dragged the young man out of the area and off to where their room was. Asher started telling him about some of the stuff he learned and in that trek he learned that Sam was studying to be an engineer but was kicked out of the university because he was focusing more on the classes that interested him while he was failing the others. He told him how he started travelling because he didn't have anything or anyone waiting for him back home and somehow he ended up with the group of NEST Rangers. He came with them, helping along the way with what he could and that included paving a way for the two teams to work together. "Eh, I've never been to a school but I kinda want to see it ya'know? Just once I wanna see this place, I don't remember much but what I do...there were no cities, no schools, heck I don't think there was much. Still, I've read a lot on Earthly culture, your wars, your victories and your failures but most of all I've seen pictures of what this Earth looks like. I've never seen any body of water surrounded with so much green and I want to see that, with my own optics!" Hunter appeared and floated up to the pad and opened the door for them as Asher left out a static filled sigh. "I bet it'd be quite a sight." Sam looked at him then glanced to Hunter who's shell twirled when the dark feelings of the Exo turned to longing and slight joy instead.
"Maybe one day I can convince Optimus to let you come with the me and guys on a mission." Asher let out a laugh as he grew chipper again.
"Thanks but until I get my bearings I'll be lucky if I'll ever get out on the field alone with the big 'bots. Still it would be a helluva miracle if you could, would be pretty awesome but until such a miracle happens I'm good sticking indoors and making blueprints." Hunter projected the prints they were working on. Sam took them in with sharp eyes and Asher was watching him look them over in silence.
"What is this thing supposed to do?" the young man asked as he pointed to a particular print.
"What do you think it's supposed to do?" Sam glanced at the Exo before turning forward again.
"Cloaking, where the retro panels are supposed to be you have this small device." Hunter felt the joy going through his partner. "This one," he pointed at another. "It looks like you're trying to create new bullets, grenades I think or something having to do with munitions." Asher walked up to stand beside the human.
"I have certain types of weapons that need very specific ammunition; I'm good right now, have enough since I'm being let out into the field but it's best I find ways to recreate what I need." A data pad appeared in Asher's hands so Hunter shut off the holograms. "This is what the chemical compound of one of my guns looks like." He pulled up the file and gave it to Sam who looked it over, a furrow in his brow. "The original make up is something only Hunter understands; I have tried but have not succeeded in fully understanding. With Hunter here he tells me what we can use as a substitute. We'll need to get our hands on it first to do some trials but he's found a few materials that are promising."
"What's the first on the list?" Asher looked to his partner who hovered over to be between the two.
"Well after carefully examining the makeup of an Autobot I have confirmed that the Energon they use not only as their life source but to power their weapons and ships is the best option, however our allies' reserves are low as it is and so the second thing we can use would be found in what Ratchet informed us is called their CNA. The metal they are made from is both living and yet not." Sam was confused and Asher just went back to his data pad. "It is alive in the sense that, if given the proper application, it can be morphed into a weapon. Perhaps another sentient being can be created."
"So you're saying you want to figure out what makes their...metal so special so that you can re-create it?" Asher sighed and Sam was still amazed at how human-ish the 'bot acted.
"What they are created from we cannot re-create, even if we were to try it would backfire. I have gone through enough of your entertainment to see the multiple possibilities of creating an Artificial Intelligence, can you imagine the scenarios of trying to create a sentient being with a certain type of metal substitute?" Hunter's shell twisted again. "If something were to go wrong, if there are any small miscalculations, this being or just trying to copy the genetic makeup could be disastrous. That's not something we want to risk, what Hunter is saying is...different." Sam looked between the two mechanized beings with narrowed eyes. Asher knew he understood and he regretted telling Hunter to keep that option open, the human's face was both angry and disapproving so Asher could only imagine what Optimus' would look like.
"It was an option but not one of the first ones like Hunter suggested, there are metals here we can experiment with; different chemical compounds Ratchet can help us make, the medic had suggested the synthetic Energon he had created a while back since I won't be consuming it." a knock came from the door and it swished open. Bumblebee paused in his step when he saw Sam standing beside Asher. The mech beeped in excitement at seeing his old friend and partner. With his appearance Sam's demeanor did a complete 180 and a large grin appeared on the human's face.
"Hey Bumblebee!" Bumblebee knelt down and started sifting through the radio, different phrases coming through so that he could talk to Sam like he used to. "We actually just got here, Ironhide said you would be waiting for us here but guess he was wrong if you just got back. Where've you been? How have you been?" and just like that they started talking and Asher, being the good Samaritan, left them in privacy. Once the door closed Raf appeared around the corner so Asher jogged over to him.
"Hi Asher it's been a while," Asher gave a wave as he jogged. "Have you seen Bumblebee? He just ran off after he made it through the bridge."
"He's with Sam back in my room," Raf grew confused and Asher realized the NEST Rangers weren't the only ones kept in the dark. "Oh boy, well Bee is catching up with an old friend so let's leave them be for a while alright? I think it's time to tell you three a story." Raf looked over to Asher's door but followed the Exo anyway. Ironhide was standing in front of Miko and Jack, staring down at them with a frown. Miko was glaring and Jack had a frown of his own that matched the Autobot's. Optimus and Ratchet were not in the room and Asher had to think what in the hell was going through those mech's giant mechanical heads at leaving a new Autobot with two kids that he didn't know about.
"Asher who's that?" Ironhide turned his gaze to the duo, Raf hid behind the Exo and Asher crossed his arms over his chest.
"That's Ironhide, he's part of Optimus' team. He was with another team, Rangers I think and just recently got back from wherever." Asher didn't take his eyes off the 'bot, Autobot or not he didn't know the mech and the safety of these three are his priority. "Ironhide this is Jack, Miko and Raf; they have been involved for a long while now. As far as Optimus has told me they're a part of this team just like Sam was apparently. Pretty awesome right? These squishy guys are actually pretty lovable." the three took comfort in seeing Asher after so long and in the fact that he was still using his playful tone.
"Why did he involve children again?" His tone did not help Asher put points into the like/ally section and certainly didn't help Raf come out to greet the mech.
"Jack, Miko can you take Raf to Bumblebee's room?" and the playfulness was gone.
"No way! If you're gonna knock some sense into this guy then I wanna watch!" Miko was fuming and Asher realized that not only was Arcee not present but Bulkhead was not either.
"Miko come on," Jack said as he grabbed the girl's arm and started dragging her down the stairs.
"No, this guy deserved to get his face pummeled in!" Asher sighed and dropped his head into one of his hands. Ironhide's face was blank but that electricity was in the air again. "The moment he saw Bulkhead and Arcee he started mouthing off! No one disses my partner and his friend and gets away with it!" she was straining against Jack, calling to Asher to tell him to let her stay. Jack was repeatedly telling he to be quiet but she wouldn't listen and just as Irondhide went to finally answer the human's accusations Asher cut in.
"Miko," Miko stopped. Asher's voice was calm and sharp and she had not yet been at the receiving end of his seriousness. "Go with Jack, take Raf to Bee's room and wait for me there got it?" Asher looked over his shoulder, the light in his red optics was dimmed. The teenage girl grumbled but did as she was told. Once they were far enough Hunter appeared and tried talking to the Exo but Asher simply pushed the Ghost away and looked up to Ironhide.
"You got something to say punk?" Hunter disappeared as the irritation in Asher grew, his Arc energy spiking a bit.
"Don't be an asshole caboose," the 'bot's optics narrowed, was that electricity coming from the smaller 'bot?. "They saw them fighting the Decepticons, they made them swear to secrecy but that didn't mean the Decepticons were going to leave them alone. They saw them together, saw the reaction Bee and the others had when they were caught in the crossfire; you honestly think they would have left them alone after discovering that?" Ironhide growled but he didn't say a thing, the mech knew Asher was right. "Unlike with Sam it was pure accident so don't go blaming and pointing fingers like a child."
"It was a rookie mistake, Bulkhead was a part of the Wreckers and Arcee was part of the Elite guard. They should not have allowed it to happen in the first place." Asher sighed but nodded anyway.
"I get it alright? There are times that even I cannot be prepared for the unexpected but things happen and let me tell you, if it weren't for them these guys would be dead a hundred times over." Ironhide knelt down a rumbling coming from him. "You work with humans as well, you know they're a factor that's good for you and the others."
"Yes but they are children, Raf looks like a sparkling in its adolescent stage, Miko and Jack seem to be entering the stages Bumblebee has only just left...Sparklings are rare for us now and they would not be in the middle of fighting but inside, kept safe and away from harm."
"And they are being kept safe," Hunter said, finally deciding to jump into the conversation. He made a mech sized data pad appeared beside Irondhide. "Everything you need to know is on that data pad, about Asher and about me." Ironhide nodded and took the datapad, his mind again asking how it appeared out of nowhere just like the Ghost. "What we told your human comrades is a cover, what you will read is the truth. We will do everything we can to protect them and the humans of this Earth, that you can be assured of."
"Are we good here?" the Exo added in after his partner. Ironhide rumbled again and Asher realized that was his version of a hum, it was vastly different from Optimus' static filled one.
"I suppose we are Steelfrost." Ironhide stood and without another word left the Exo alone wondering about the name Steelfrost. It would have to wait though, he needed to speak to the kids. He had to tell them, the Marines were going to be coming in and out of the base. Optimus will be angry but even he has to know that they won't be able to hide the three for long with them coming in unannounced every time. Hunter agreed with him, the liaison that often appeared in the reports they read knew but just didn't say; since the incident with Sam they thought it was a good idea he didn't report it directly. His head was so full of his thoughts that he walked passed both Sam and Bumblebee without a second glance even when Sam called his name and Bumblebee beeped in question. They stared after the Exo as he turned the corner, Bumblebee had done his best to explain to Sam what and who Asher really was. It helped understand the Exo's way of thinking at least a little bit, especially with the bit of history he managed to understand from his ex-partner. They left the Exo to his own devices and went off to find the rest of the Autobots Sam didn't know. Asher knew his decisions was the correct one and so he made it to Bee's room without delay. When he opened the door there were the kids waiting for him just as he asked.
He rose a hand, everything they were gonna say stopped before it could leave their mouths. "You weren't the first humans to interact with the Autobots or the Decepticons." he began, his voice still calm but the sharpness from it was gone. "When the Autobots first came to Earth, it was because they were searching for something call the AllSpark, a cube that would have made it easier for Cybertron to be reborn. Megatron came to Earth before them, he held coordinates on the cube's whereabouts but he crash landed and went into stasis, you with me so far?" the three nodded, Asher noted that Miko was not only still fuming but she was uncharacteristically silent. "That's where Sam comes in, his grandfather, Archibald Witwicky, found Megatron on an exploration. He unknowingly triggered Megatron's distress beacon and when the wave went out so did the coordinates to the cube but they didn't make it passed the explorers. They implanted themselves into the man's glasses. Sam still had those glasses, Bumblebee found him and reported back to Optimus. He hid as Sam's new car, kept an eye on him and it was a good thing too. The Decepticons found him as well, it took them twenty-seconds to hack into the government's highly secured firewall. Bee protected him and another he was with, Mikaela; Optimus, Ratchet, Ironhide, and Jazz made it to Earth that same night."
"Does that have something to do with the attack in Mission City?" Asher nodded to Jack. "So it wasn't a terrorist attack?" the Exo shook his head.
"There was human interference, your government had a secret branch called Sector 7, they knew about the Cybertronians, they took Sam and Mikaela into custody. They took Bumblebee as well, they started freezing him alive." Raf sucked in a breath. "By then the Secretary of Defense knew the truth, the formerly known Lt. Lennox and his team went face to face with a Decepticon in the desert. With their help they freed Bee and he took the cube into his custody. They smuggled it into Mission City but Megatron was waking up and they didn't have time. Optimus and the others caught up to them, Sam was tasked with taking the cube across the city to a pick up zone. The men there were killed by Megatron and Sam almost died but Optimus managed to save him. Megatron would not let the cube go, he wanted to rebuild Cybertron but here on Earth. Optimus was still not strong enough then, felled in combat Megatron went for Sam but the Prime managed a shot at the Decepticon leader. Megatron went to finish Optimus but Sam was quicker, he shoved the cube into Megatron's chest and the radiation was enough to kill the Decepticon. He saved Prime's life just as Prime saved his, that's how Bee knows the young human and that's why Ironhide was mouthing off to the others. Bulkhead was a part of the Wreckers and Arcee was part of the Elite Guard, in his eyes he saw no reason you should have accidentally gotten involved but you did."
"Still doesn't give him a reason to insult our partners!" ah, there was the Miko he had met. "Everyone makes mistakes, right? I'm pretty sure he has too!" Asher's optics grew brighter.
"He knows that now so don't worry Miko," he was his chipper self again. "He's just attached is all, to him you guys are like Sparklings which I think means children in their own way. He doesn't want ya hurt but with me around it'll be hard for anything to get ya right Hunt?"
"Affirmative!" the three jumped as Hunter spoke from behind them, they were waiting for Ghost to appear beside the Exo. Asher let out a loud laugh, that had tickled his sensors in the right way. "It is getting late though, perhaps the children should go home now? I'm sure it will give those two time to cool off."
"That's not a bad idea right Miko?" Miko made a face and Asher gave a cooing sound, his voice more of a chirp. Asher cleared his throat the moment it left his mouth, his red optics glowing brighter in in embarrassment. Miko cracked a grin at what she recognized as his embarrassment. "Oh yeah, hey Asher can you let Optimus know we're not gonna be here a week and a half? We have our midterm tests then it's a field trip our teachers organized." Miko let out a groan, she hated studying but she needed to keep her grades up if not it's back to Tokyo for her.
"A field trip?" Hunter was now hovering over his Guardian's shoulder. "That sounds like fun! Anyway, I'll let the big boss know, you guys stay safe and study hard!" As they waved their goodbyes Asher managed to hear Raf asking Miko for a ride as they went to find their friends. Asher's optics narrowed in confusion, "Hey ya think Bumblebee having an ex-partner bothers Raf?" Hunter's body shook and Asher recognized it as a shrug. "Come on, I want to start looking over those materials. I want the most promising on a list so that we can get it to Ratchet." They exit the room and there was Sam and Bumblebee. "Hey guys! How'd the talking go?"
"You didn't say there were other humans already here." was the first thing out of Sam's mouth. Bumblebee beeped in apology to the Exo who was rubbing the back of his head with a nervous laugh. "I'm supposed to be bridging these teams together and you didn't think telling me was one of the first things you should have done?"
"It was Optimus' call not to say anything yet alright? Besides you were pissed enough as it was when we tried explaining our work to you, don't get mad at Bee or anyone. How they got onboard was an accident and well they needed to be looked after in case the Decepticons went after 'em which they have before by the way." Asher took a deep breath, the actions static filled. Hunter set himself on his partner's head, "Your balance is on point Hunt!"
Sam's serious frown dropped and he gave an amused furrow of his brow, "Bee already explained how it happened so I suppose I'm not as mad as before. I actually wanted to meet them, we saw you walking over here and since we didn't see them in the living area Bee figured Raf came here." Asher started balancing on one foot, dramatically tilting left and then right; he was trying to see if he could dislodge Hunter.
"You just missed them actually," Asher tilted to a low left. "Hunter suggested they go home early so Bluebell and Big Green could calm down a bit on the drive. Raf asked Miko for a ride since you were busy talking to your old friend." He tilted a low right but Hunter was still on his head. "Dammit Hunter I swear if you've magnetized yourself I'm calling you a cheater!" Bumblebee beeped in question and Asher shrugged in response. "He didn't say why, he asked her on the way out and I just happened to hear him." Asher then realized he was still in the yellow 'bot's room and he snapped up straight. Hunter gave a whoa and dislodged from his perch. "I was just talking to them in your room, I wasn't doing anything weird and I swear I wasn't snooping! Honest!"
"Wait what?" Sam was confused, Bee was confused and now Asher was confused too.
"I don't know? Hey Hunt, send Swordfish a message tell him about the tests and field trip the squishies are doing." He casually went by the confused duo. "See you later Roomie! I got some lists to make!"
"Is he alway so...?" Bumblebee beeped in response and Sam turned his confused look to his old partner, he didn't speak Bumblebee.
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Locien stood before Variks and Petra, both voicing their concern on his and James' wellbeing. The Rogue only sighed, he'd gone over this many times in that day alone and even more so the day before. Locien was silently cursing his brother. James scurried off the moment they touched down on the Reef and had yet to appear. He's had enough and so cleared his throat as a courtesy to the two. They stopped talking at least Petra did, Variks gave a clicking answer in the Fallen tongue. "Asher-8 cannot be left alone wherever he has landed. I understand your concerns but there are more Guardians spawning practically every day since Zavala broke through the Cabal's tight security on Mars."
"You are last of them, Reef cannot lose you as well. What of your remaining family?" Variks growled. "There is possibility you will not return, who will lead then?"
"You and Petra," he answered without a thought. "Eris is there to help as well until he is ready to lead." Locien put a hand on his hip with a sigh. "Look, Asher-8 has taken great care of my brother since the incident with Ethan and we all know how badly James got without that team."
"Asher-8 went rogue for a few months or have you forgotten that little fact my Prince?" Petra's face was calm and Locien found it a bit unnerving. She's never pulled it on him, he's always avoided having to make them go through what they did when Mara and Uldren died.
"And James brought him back to himself when he started wavering, he returned to us because James needed him. He may be at a breaking point out there alone, he may be fighting or running from enemies and beings he may not understand and I refuse to simply leave it as is. We are better than the Vanguard Petra, Lord Saladin has expressed his approval; I will not leave another brother behind." At the mention of the Iron Lord they stilled. He knew the next words to come from Petra would hurt them both, afterall she constantly reminded him that James had yet to completely forgive Asher. Locien knew mentioning the Iron Lord was a low blow but he needed them to come to terms with his departure, he needed them focused on their duties. "Laia is on standby, she will communicate with the Reef and the Tower. Use this to your advantage, the Taken King has not been found so you will focus on finding him if we are to return."
"Very well my Prince," Petra answered stiffly. "Is there anything else you need of us?"
"A multitude of Special, Primary and Heavy ammunition for one. High level Hunter Armor, and material...a lot of material. We may need modifications and we won't be able to do it without them." Miluion, Locien's Ghost, appeared over his shoulder.
"Provide service to the others, their equipment is at its highest Tier so give them the option of improvement or a change." Variks gave a gurgled laugh, he always loved a challenge. "Locien I have taken the liberty of moving all of your items from the vault; I've dismantled what was no longer needed and so you have room to take other items. You're lucky I factored in the Last Battle." Locien grinned at his Ghost, that was his favorite ship and it was fast too.
"Make sure to stock them up as well, Eris is only awaiting us to begin the rift opening." Locien nodded once to them. "It's been an honor serving among you again and as a Guardian, dismissed." the two bowed to their last Prince then left the throne room to prepare the supplies. They would put everything on their ships, Variks went to the Guardians that were with Rafiq, he would do what he could for their equipment and weapons in such short time. Locien watched them go, silence fell over him as he took in the throne where Mara once sat and Uldren stood beside her. Moira once stood beside them both, just a little behind from where he stood, before she perished in the fight against the Wolves. That seemed like eons ago, and yet it felt as if she left him so suddenly. His hand travelled up to where both of their rings sat around his neck on a chain.
"Locien?" said Awoken shook the thoughts from his head. "Are you well? You're frowning and it suddenly felt..." He hadn't known he was frowning, with all that has been going on he hardly had time to rest, let alone think.
"I am well Miluion, it has just been a while since I last thought of her." Miluion settled on the Hunter's shoulder in hopes of providing comfort. "I miss her...I miss her so, so much that at times it hurts to the point that the pain is a numbness." a warmth flared inside him and the frown turned into a small smile. "Are you angry at all Mil, that I am abandoning the City?"
"No, you plan to return and I know it's the truth. If we do not return then that's another story but I would not be angry. You are my Guardian, I will support you through everything. If you ever wished to leave this fight willingly I would still be right beside you." Locien's grin grew before he turned, his hood and helmet coming back on as his Ghost disappeared. He exit the throne room without looking back. He needed to speak with Rafiq, there was a growing wariness on his mind, a shadow that perhaps he would be able to alleviate. When he found the Awoken man he was speaking with a boy no older than sixteen. Locien felt his heart stutter at the devastated look on the teen's face at what Rafiq was telling him. He knew what he had to do. The moment he got close enough the teen rounded on him with a look full of anger but before he could say anything, Locien pulled him into a hug. The teen sucked in a breath and hugged the man back tightly.
"Why are you leaving us?" Locien only hugged him tighter before he pulled him back to arms length.
"It is something I must do, a debt I must pay." he answered and unclipped the chain from his neck. He grabbed the teen's hand and laid one of the rings in his palm before he returned Moira's to its rightful place. "Keep this safe for me," he said lightly as the teen decidedly put the ring on a chain he had with Uktra's memory. "Keep it close to your heart Cody."
"And that's what? Is it supposed to help me feel better that you're leaving because of some debt you need to pay off?" Locien felt his heart constrict even more. Moira's beautiful but pale face entered his mind before he shook it off.
"I need you to believe that I will come back chère (dear one), if you don't then what motivation do I have to come back here?" Cody hated when Locien wore his helmet around the Reef. It made it harder to see what exactly the Rogue was thinking and why.
"I do believe in you père (father), I just..." Locien looked around the Vestian Outpost, when he saw no sign of the others he allowed Miluion to remove his helmet. Cody saw then just how stricken his père was about leaving him behind. "We lost maman (mama)," Locien's brow furrowed in pain. "The Reine (Queen), and le corbeau (the crow)...I lost Dad. I don't think I can take losing you too." Locien put a hand on Cody's head before he forced a smile on his face, knowing his son would see through it. He forced away the tears threatening to fall.
"You and everyone here are all I have left to protect, aside from James that is, so don't think I'll be staying away anytime soon." he ruffled the short hair and Cody gave a watery laugh. "Ne t'inquiète pas, je reviens vers toi. C'est quelque chose que vous n'avez pas à craindre (Don't worry sparrow, I will return to you. That's something you don't need to fear)." Cody crushed the man in a hug that Locien gladly returned. Rafique nodded once so Miluion stood ready to return the helmet, it was enough time for Locien to kiss Cody's head before he returned it to its place. "Je me soucie profondément de votre moineau (I care deeply for you sparrow)."
"And I you père...you know that I will always believe in you." Locien got ready to depart with a bigger shadow over his heart.
It was late in the night when everything was prepared and the six Guardians were ready to go. Locien saw no smiles on the team's faces, Varriks' upgrades usually put some on there but not today. The entirety of the Reef went to see them off; their Prince was leaving and there was a chance he would not return. Some could not fathom why he was going for a Guardian that once showed him a large amount of disrespect. No words were said but the message was clear, they boarded and followed Locien out into the debris. Eris began to chant into their coms; she had Petra place relics on three of their ships. Those relics began to Awaken and a rift began to form.
"Everyone assemble your Taken Armor, Ghosts use the Essence Miluion gave you to cloak the ship." it was done, "No matter what happens try and stay together; our priority is finding Asher...alive."
"It is a risk, Prince. Eris will open new rift when Oryx scum is found and destroyed." Locien took a deep breath. "May take a long while."
"Good luck Guardians and...take care my Prince." Locien smiled at Petra being herself again. The Chanting finished and the rift was now fully opened. "Now!" The six went full thrust, five seconds and both the rift and the team were gone. Petra and Variks stood beside each other, the Reef watching where the ships were seen last. "Guards return to the docks, we need to find that Taken King." She turned away as the three ships returned to the Reef and the people returned to their duties. Things needed to be done, that beast needs to die if the Fireteam is to have any hope in returning.
