Note: Sorry I took so long. I had a storyline in mind but lost it when I got sick. One good thing was I got to watch my DVDs again and got another idea (insert evil grin…forces evil grin from face) Also, I would like to ask for anyone's forgiveness ahead of time. There is a scene of a type that I normally wouldn't write, but for some reason I just couldn't resist. And no…it's not a lemon. There will be no lemons/limes/etc in this story since most of the main characters are robots and in case you haven't noticed there is little or no romance in this story either.

Chapter Six: A Strange Pet

A large red and white jet flew out of the rain cloud laden sky and landed surprisingly gently on the grassy field not far from a medieval looking castle. Its forward facing cargo door opened and out walked three Autobots: Wheeljack, Blaster and Tracks. Tracks loudly complained, "I can't believe we're here to baby-sit some…."

"Enough already, "said Wheeljack reaching the end of his patience, "The Decepticons have already showed they have an interest in these robots…that should be enough of a reason to accept Dr. Winhurst's request for help."

"Besides, Tracks," said Blaster, "So far these human-made robots have proven quite effective. After all it was the Nightbird who…"

"Only after the Decepitcons had a chance to upgrade her, "interrupted Tracks.

The laughing voice of Skyfire could be heard coming from the jet as he said, "Don't you think you're being a little closed minded? Besides what harm can it be to let them develop there own defenses? If nothing else it should help us in the…."

An explosion in the distance interrupted the jet who then transformed to better see into the distance. A column of smoke rose from castle ramparts as a siren started to go off in the distance.

(Castle Courtyard)

Chip Chase rolled out from the smoking testing lab coughing loudly as gray clad techs wearing white hard hats race by. Next to him strolled the silent Stormlark with what appears to be a hint of amusement in her amber eyes. "My apologies Mr. Chase, "said the one tech wearing a blue hard hat indicating his higher rank, "We had no idea that the Stormlark's energy field…"

"I tried to warn you, "Chip then coughed, "would you listen…noooooo."

At that moment, Wheeljack and Tracks drove up and screeched to a halt. Wheeljack transformed as Blaster 'jumped' out of Track's window. The boom box and sports car then both transformed as Wheeljack asked, "What the heck happened? For a moment there we thought it was another Decepticon attack."

"Hey, Chip, "greeted Blaster in his own unique way, "Why brings you to merry old England?"

"Well, I was asked by Pendrake Industries to keep an eye on Stormlark as she goes through some tests, "answered Chip, "Pendrake has an agreement with Winhurst Corp to allow them run a few tests to see if what has worked for Stormlark might be used for their part of the project."

Wheeljack chuckled and said to Stormlark, "So Drake still can't find anyone else willing or able to work with you." The Autobot then noticed a few chances to the female robot since the last time he saw her a few weeks previously at the Magess woman's funeral, namely a silver engraving of a stylized bird in flight over a circle located on her upper right arm and a small glass like oval at the base of her throat. 'Hmmm…, 'he thought, 'It seems she might have had a few upgrades…wonder what they are.'

Stormlark nodded once and then turned to watch a gray haired woman walk over to them with the aid of a heavy cane. "What the bloody 'ell is going on here?" demanded the woman.

Chip rubbed the back of his head as if embarrassed as he said, "Well remember when I said that voltage and amp meters in that room wouldn't be strong enough to measure Stormlark's energy field safely…."

The tech with the blue hat then said, "The sensors and computers were overloaded and well…blew up."

"I can see that, "the woman growled, "Why are you grousing with these Autobots when there work to be done."

The tech paled and said, "Yes, Ma'am!" He then ran off to leave the others to face the dragon lady know as Dr. Sarah Winhurst.

Sarah hmphed and then focused her attention on her 'guests' and said, "So you be the Autobot that Optimus Prime sent to help protect our little bird?"

It was Wheeljack that answered, "Yes 'em. I'm Wheeljack and this is Blaster and Tracks…" Sounds of heavy footsteps then could be heard in the now silent courtyard and Wheeljack then added, "And this is Skyfire."

"It's an honor to meet with a scientist such as yourself, Dr. Winhurst, "bowed Skyfire, "You're theory of dimensional travel was a true eye opener."

The woman nodded and said, "Well follow me, there's no point standing out here where those Decepticons can see and hear everything we do or say." She started to walk off but then stop and said, "You come along as well boy, no doubt you'll be going as well seeing as you're the one in charge of Stormlark."

As the woman walked off, Tracks mumbled, "How rude…"

Stormlark just stood there silently as the others walked off, she then turned to walk in a different direction. The robot headed towards a set of large stairs leading downward.

(Large 'War Room')

"Hey, "said Blaster looking around as they stood around a circular table, "Where the lovely lady go?"

"Who knows, "said Chip with a shrug, "She wonders off by herself on occasion. She'll turn up later, she always does."

"Now if you fellows don't mind, "said Dr. Winhurst sarcastically, "We need to discuss why we are all actually here…namely transporting the Snow Owl to our Antarctic facilities for safe keeping.

"Do I detect a hint of hostility, "whispered Blaster just loud enough to be heard throughout the room.

Winhurst slammed her cane on the table loudly and said, "Yes you do! If there was any other way to ensure the continuation of this project I would take it, but at the moment Autobots are the only ones who can reliably go against the Decepticon as a whole. Stormlark can take them on one on one and perhaps in small groups, but if they strike in full force…" Winhurst sighed angrily and looked away, "As you can see the Antarctic base is completely self-sufficient despite its location…"

(Somewhere in the Skies Above England)

As he flew back to Autobot headquarters, Skyfire sighed. It would have been nice to have gotten the chance to speak with Dr. Winhurst for at least a few moments but duty calls. It's been a while since he's been able to talk about something other than weapons development.

A sudden stabbing pain in his thrusters shattered his thoughts as he lost lift. He tried his best to glide his way down but his jet mode was meant for speed and strength not graceful flight. A deep groove was made in a mucky field as he crashed landed. With a groan Skyfire transformed and stood up shakily only to find a dark colored pair of feet in his vision just before they landed heavily, forcing the giant to the ground. Nightbird flipped backwards and gracefully landed in the mud, her sword still in hand.

Skyfire got up again and after seeing the 'small' female form said, "You have got to be kidding me."

Nightbird reached down to her hip and a small door opened. She pulled out a small round object and then threw it at the Autobot jet. Skyfire dodged it and was about to attack when he heard from where the sphere landed a loud, high pitched,"Kreemzeeek!"

The next thing he knew, Skyfire could no longer control himself as he fell to ground shaking crazily, sparks flying up from inside him and then darkness came.

Nightbird sheathed her sword and calmly walked over to her fallen prey. She then knelt down and held out her palm. Her eyes glowed brightly for a second. "Kreemzek?" could be heard coming from the fallen Autobot, "Kreemzek!" A small yellow creature made of electricity rose out of a small hole in Skyfire's chest and jumped onto the waiting palm. "Kreemzeeeee" the creature said happily as it rubbed its head up against Nightbird's thumb. As she stood, Nightbird stroked her new pet for a job well done.

"Well done, my dear, "said Megatron as he landed on the grassy field away from the mud. Nightbird turned to walk towards her leader, with what appeared pride and humor in her eyes. Megatron placed one of his hands on her shoulder, away from the yellow creature and said with a 'loving' smile, "You have proven again that you are truly among the best and smartest of all my warriors."

Not far away, Starscream hid behind a pile of fallen megaliths watching and listening. Trying his best to go undetected….

"Were you learning as you watched, Starscream?" chuckled Megatron not bothering to look in the jet's direction, he had a much better view to look at. Yes, a team of Nightbirds is just what the Decepitcons need. Too long he had surrounded himself with idiots and fools since that was all that was there. Very few Decepitcons could match up to his dear Nightbird and only one he trusted more than her, Soundwave.

"I will admit she's good at back stabbing, "grumbled Starscream as he walked out from behind the stones.

From her palm a growling "Zeeeeee" could be heard. Starscream smirked and continued, "And taking in worthless strays."

Next thing Starscream knew, he was once again face down only this time in the mud with an angry Nightbird painfully pulling back his arms, just short of ripping them out. A smirking Megatron stood on the grass as Kremzek did a little dance, looking almost like a cheerleader, on the ground in front of his right foot, "Zek… Zek… Zek! Zek! Zek!"

(Few Hours later, At Autobot Headquarters)

Optimus Prime paced in front of Teletran One obviously worried. Skyfire was overdue and it was not like him to at least call in. Teletran's voice rang out, "Possible former conflict area located." On the large computer screen an image of a tore up field with a deep gouge could be seen; the same field that Skyfire crashed into some time ago.

After seeing the coordinates, Prime pressed a few button on Teletran's console and then said, "Wheeljack come in."

(Area of Skyfire's Kidnapping)

"What the heck is she doing here?" asked Tracks as drove up, parked and transformed next to the muddy field.

Stormlark energy wings faded as their metal frames folded back over her shoulders and across her upper chest. Ignoring the Autobots, she looked around as if studying the area.

"You want to tell her she can't stay?" asked Wheeljack as he also transformed.

Tracks walked over the female and said, "Excuse me, Miss or whatever. This is an official Autobot investigation. There is no reason for you to be here and I must….Are you listening to me?"

Stormlark walked off and into the muddy field and knelt down next to a distinctive imprint in the mud. In the distance a roaring sound of what sounded like a rocket could be heard. As she looked around the imprint, the sound could be heard again fading away.

"Look here, we don't need some…some primitive, "said Tracks as he stepped right into the imprint with a disgusted look as his foot sunk into the mud, "wrecking whatever clues there might be."

"Hmmm…Tracks…"said Wheeljack, "You know you're standing right in…"

"If you don't mind, Wheeljack, "answered Tracks with a smirk, "I can't handle this little Autobot wanna-be myself."

Stormlark's eyes narrowed as she glared at the smirking Autobot. Next thing he knew, he was flat on his back, seeing stars and Optimus Prime holding on to Stormlark's arm to keep her from attacking again.

"Just what is going on here, "demanded Prime releasing Stormlark before she decided to try to throw him.

"This…thing, "started Tracks.

"She's not a thing!" yelled Wheeljack.

Behind one of the same monoliths that Starscream hid before, Ravage watched the argument between the pair with interest. As Prime tried to stop the discussion between Tracks and Wheeljack, the panther noticed that Stormlark once again started looking over the scene. She then seemed to pick something up. After looking it over she then returned to others. Tapping Prime on his shoulder, handed whatever she was holding to him. For some reason, the item in question seem to anger the Autobot leader and he then told the other two Autobots in a angry tone to shut up and head back to the castle. Once the Autobots drove off and Stormlark far enough away in the sky, Ravage ran off with a growl.

A few moments later he caught up with Soundwave. Soundwave turned and open his chest saying in his monotone voice, "Report."

Ravage jumped, transformed into his cassette form and slid into Soundwave's chest. The chest closed and Soundwave's eyes flashed for a few seconds. "What's his report?" demanded Megatron walking over to Soundwave.

Soundwave replied, "Optimus Prime has arrived and the Stormlark is proving more intelligent than expected. They are now heading to where the Snow Owl is presently located."

"Excellent, "said Megatron, then he turned to Nightbird that was standing not far behind him, "You know what to do."

Nightbird nodded as her wings slid out of her back pack. She then flew off into the sky.

Megatron turned his attention back to Soundwave, "Continue with your surveillance and see to it that the Autobot survives. He may yet prove useful."

"Yes, Megatron, "

(Cliff Overlooking an Angry Sea)

"Stupid Nightbird….Stupid Megatron…"grumbled Starscream as he tried to work the stiffness out of his arms, "What the hell does everyone see in that….that…"

A sound like a clearing throat interrupted his thoughts. Starscream quickly turned and raise his weapon to the source and saw….Stormlark.

"I have a proposition for you, "she said in Rachael's voice, with a light at the base of her throat flashing in time to her words.

The End…

Next Time on Flight of the Stormlark

"You mean to tell me that all of your…flyers are out of commission?" said Winhurst in a monotone voice then more heatedly, "I can't believe this…I asked you to protect Snow Owl…you can't even defend yourselves."