Author: oh hey. I update! Obviously there is no pattern, so I promise no set time when I update. It will simply...happen. Thank you to those who review, who read, and who favorite.
Disclaimer: lololol
Chapter 6
After the initial visceral shock of seeing Sunstreaker in his Cybertronian form had faded, a strong sense of wonder colored with a pang of longing had washed through Optimus, almost as strong as the wave of bitterness and envy he felt from Megatron.
"Thank you for saving my life," Sunstreaker had said and knelt down so that he was more on-level with Optimus.
Optimus had to blink a few times before he gave the Autobot a hesitant smile. "You're welcome?"
Optimus felt a hand place itself on his shoulder and Dan gave him a wry smile before saying, "Orion, meet Sunstreaker. You know that car you were working on? The one you made the government pay good money for?"
Optimus frowned for a moment before his eyes widened in feigned alarm. "Wait, what? That's, but…" Optimus ran a hand over his hair before he sighed and said, "Well, of course. I knew it was something special, normal fuel don't leave scars." Optimus sighed and stood a little straighter, looking Sunstreaker in the optics. "Hi, Sunstreaker. You know my name already, I guess, from my boss yelling it any number of times?"
There was a hint of a smirk on the bot's face before he leaned back and folded into his alt form, a shiny yellow corvette gleaming in the sunlight, not a scratch or dent anywhere on the surface. Optimus' eyebrows shot up as the passenger-side door opened for him and a voice came from the vehicle saying, "Climb on in, Orion. Might as well get you to the rest of the base in style and then I can introduce you to Sides."
Optimus hesitated for only a breath before walking to Sunstreaker and stepping into the cab. The door closed behind him and he was allowed to find a comfortable seat for himself before Sunstreaker took off, the tires not even screeching.
Optimus recovered his stomach and after a moment said, "So."
"I owe you my life, Orion. Without you I would be just another pile of scrap, and I'm far too attractive for that."
"Ah. Well, you're welcome."
A slightly awkward silence fell before Sunstreaker said, "Look, I don't like being indebted to people. I owe you a favor—and a huge one at that. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Optimus shifted uncomfortably, cleared his throat, and said, "Nothing that I can think of right now."
A slightly sullen silence filled the cabin before Sunstreaker sighed dramatically and said, "Fine. But, I have a question for you, human: how did you know how to repair a Cybertronian?"
Optimus shrugged, the cloth of his shirt whispering against the leather seats. "I didn't know what you were—I treated you like any other car, albeit one that had a few very strange things wedged in very strange places."
"Slagging 'cons," Sunstreaker muttered darkly.
"What?"
"Oh, well. I was that way cause I got into a tangle with one of our enemies—the Decepticons."
Optimus shifted in his seat. "There are more of you?"
He could hear the smirk in Sunstreaker's voice when he said, "Yup. There're us—the Autobots, the good guys—and the Decepticons, who are more-or-less evil incarnate and need to be wiped off the face of the universe."
"Oh," Optimus said and leaned back slightly, and the oddest feeling wormed its way up his spine.
'Is this how they felt, when someone rode with me? As if every part of their body was somehow violating the Autobot, touching the 'insides', even if they really aren't.'
"Hey, you doing okay?"
"Just feel weird riding in a sentient car. I mean, how does it feel to have me in you?"
Which is perhaps one of the more awkward sentences you've uttered, Prime.
Shut up.
"I guess it's like when a fly lands on you humans. You're not really in me—all that the car's cabin is is empty space, places and joints for things to fold and maneuver when I return to my true form. It's convenient, but otherwise unimportant."
"Aha," Optimus replied. "So, Autobots?" he prompted.
"They probably didn't tell you anything on the ride, did they?"
"No," Optimus replied and felt Megatron paying keen attention through their link.
"Well, we Autobots are from the planet Cybertron, which, unfortunately, was torn apart in a war started by the then High Protector, Megatron."
The venom in his voice provoked a spike of amusement from Megatron and an inward sigh from Optimus.
"The war eventually drove everyone off-planet, since there really wasn't much left there. A lot of people sought refuge on other planets, some people looked for the All Spark—"
"The what?"
"All Spark? Oh, it was only the thing that gave us the ability to continue our people. With it gone…well, we don't procreate like you squishies and without the All Spark there's no hope for any further sparks. Apparently it was found here, but since Megaturd was a douche bag, it was destroyed and even the shards stolen and used by the Decepticraps."
"I'm sorry…"
"Pfft, not your fault that the other 'bots are inept. Now, you see, if Sides and I had been here together, well things would've turned out differently."
Modest one, isn't he?
You're one to talk.
"You've mentioned 'Sides' twice now."
"Oh, he's my brother, my twin, and the only other competent Autobot planet-side."
Optimus hummed. "And I'm going to meet him?"
"Well, you and your friend will meet everyone eventually. They're planning on introducing you to the Hatchet and we'll see what your stuff is made of then, and Primus only knows what'll happen to the other guy."
Optimus hesitated, then sighed inwardly and asked, "Well, I'm more of a casual mechanic than anyone trained. I won't be of any use, really. Military machines are a breed apart from civilian ones."
Sunstreaker made a derisive sound. "They are nothing compared to Cybertronian and yet you managed to maneuver your way around me."
Optimus shifted in his seat and sighed again. "Just gonna be weird being back on a military base and not—" Optimus abruptly cut off, and could feel Sunstreaker's curiosity.
"You've been on a military base before?"
"So, who else is here along with you and Sides?" Optimus asked instead. He was taking a gamble, but knowing Sunstreaker as he did and based off of the mech's offer, Optimus was mostly sure that he and Megatron would be able to get in as soldiers and not just civilian-attaché.
He could almost feel Sunstreaker's curiosity, but the 'bot took the change in topic well—probably because he would circle back to it sometime.
"Well, there are quite a few of us anymore. Lots of people got Prime's…got Optimus' summons. If only the natives of this planet weren't so damn annoying…yourself excluded, of course."
"Of course," Optimus replied.
"We got a CMO, CSO, Recon, Intel, Soldiers…all sorts of 'bots, kinda like how the squishy military works."
"Bet it has all the kinks and snares of it, too," Optimus grumbled deliberately.
"I'm in combat—I'm the best there is out there, but you're probably no slouch in a fight, either, given your build and constitution."
"I can hold my own, this is true," Optimus replied idly. "As can my…friend."
Oh, don't sound so reluctant Prime!
I bet that you weren't nearly as kind.
"Sounds more like he's more of a—hm, what did they call it?—a frienemy."
Optimus bit back a laugh and said, "You might call him that."
"Why do you stick together, then?"
Optimus' good humor fell and he simply shook his head.
"So, do these people have names?"
"Autobots or 'bots, please—we're not human, so I don't want to be called a 'person'."
Optimus frowned slightly. "Very well."
I didn't mind being called that, Optimus observed.
You were very lenient, Optimus. I would have had problems being called a person.
You have problems with everything.
Yes, well.
Optimus turned to listening to Sunstreaker again, who was happily rattling off those who had made it to the base—and there were more than a few.
Unicron, we'll soon be overrun by you maggots.
Quiet you. "And the…Decepticons? Are there more of them, too?"
Optimus could feel the scowl that would be on the mech's face as he growled, "Unfortunately. Still, that means there's simply more of them to kill, and therefore more glory to be had."
Sunstreaker would make a great Decepticon. He's egotistic and violent enough.
Optimus sighed inwardly.
The hangar doors opened slowly until there was room enough for Sunstreaker to comfortably pass through.
Optimus looked through the window with a critical eye, noting all the details that had been in planning last he had checked. It was a new base—literally; probably one of those that had been in discussion before he had vanished. While it was obvious that it had always been a military base, it had only recently been converted to NEST use, as was evidenced by the more spacious build. Cybertronians weren't exactly compact. Everything inside was gleaming and state-of-the-art. People were hustling about, walking smartly to one place or another—even those with a more leisurely gait had intent behind the movement.
"You said you've been on a military base before," Sunstreaker said in as best an off-handed manner that a mech with his temperament could manage.
"But not one this new," Optimus replied. "And certainly not one with all these inhabitants."
They wove around humans, supplies, and machinery until they came to a separate building behind the main hangar—a building that was obviously serving as the Autobot's 'barracks', so to speak.
"Sides should've just come back from a mission," Sunstreaker commented as they pulled into the spacious building.
Optimus stepped out of the cabin and looked around critically—he hoped it was interpreted as awe. Sunstreaker wasn't one of the more observant 'bots—at least, unless it had something to do with him specifically.
Optimus heard the odd pinging white noise in his ears and rubbed them in annoyance—only to wonder, as Sideswipe came roaring around the corner, that it might be the last vestiges of being able to hear Autobot communication, which was unsettling and gave him a small headache.
Sideswipe transformed as smoothly as his brother had, and the two of them loomed over Optimus, making him feel very small, which conversely made him stand up all the straighter. He understood that Sideswipe meant to be intimidating, but Optimus had faced down worse things than a protective sibling.
"Are you the one who saved Sunny?" Sideswipe asked in a quiet, wary tone.
Optimus nodded. "I repaired what I could, yes."
Sideswipe shifted on his tires, sighed, then said: "Thank you. If there is anything at all I can do…"
Optimus smiled faintly. "Sunstreaker also offered me his help. Right now I can't think of anything…" Optimus trailed off as he caught a few other Autobots trying to covertly observe him.
"Don't mind them," Sunstreaker said and waved a hand dismissively. "They'll eventually talk to you if they muster up the courage to do so," he sneered loud enough to be heard throughout the hangar. "You're just not from this planet's military, and most interaction that they have with non-military personnel is when they're running screaming from Decepticraps."
Optimus shrugged, although a small, rueful smile flitted across his face.
Optimus winced at a buzzing, metallic sound that came from another mech who unfolded from his alt form—
'Oh Primus,' he moaned inwardly as the Mudflap and Skids took offense to Sunstreaker's implication, who merely regarded them with a haughty sneer.
Optimus edged away from the two pairs towards where might be slightly safer, out of the direct line of fire.
Tension and the argument began to escalate—thankfully past the threshold of his dwindling audio perception—and Optimus feared for damage to everything and everyone nearby.
Mudflap lunged towards Sunstreaker as Sideswipe whipped out his weaponry—only to have the younger twin pulled back by a mech that Optimus almost recognized and Sideswipe was forced to power down by Ironhide's more substantial weaponry placed point-blank against Sideswipe's face.
"Would you calm down?" the familiar-not-familiar Autobot snapped, his tone bropoking no argument.
An argument flew over Optimus' head as they spoke Cybertronian very quickly, giving Optimus time to figure out who the newest Autobot was. He knew him, knew the voice he used, but could only guess at his natural form.
'Still…'
The confrontation came to a simmering conclusion and the new Autobot looked around cautiously and meticulously until he spotted Optimus.
It was only when optics met eyes that Optimus realized who he was looking at.
It took a great deal of his self-control to keep himself from gaping at Prowl.
'Yes, Sunstreaker told me he was on Earth, but, still…'
"Are you the cause of this?" he half-demanded, and Optimus crossed his arms over his chest to hide his nervous surprise.
"Unintentionally, I believe," he answered evenly. "I helped repair what I could of Sunstreaker when he came to me, and Sunstreaker wanted me to meet his twin, Sideswipe, so I am here. I believe that Sunstreaker said something that annoyed the other two," he said and gestured to Skids and Mudflap, who were sulking in a corner.
Prowl sighed and rubbed his optics and said, "Of course he did. I assume, then, that you are Orion?"
Optimus nodded and walked out of where he had half-hidden so he could get a better look at Prowl as much a Prowl could get a better handle on him.
"I assume you are the compatriot to the other human who arrived," Prowl said evenly, although there was the smallest hint of annoyance.
Optimus nodded. "I'm here because I fixed something I wasn't supposed to know about and 'tron is here because he got into somewhere he wasn't supposed to be able to."
Tron?
Technically it's your last name. I can't call you Megs anymore, and Mike or Michael seems…strange.
Hm. Tron it is, then.
Annoyance manifested more fully on Prowl's features and he nodded stiffly. "I was told to bring you to meet Prime and Captain Lennox and Samuel Witwicky—the fastest way to get you there would be for you to ride with me." Prowl looked away from Optimus and said something to Ironhide, who smirked as there was the sound of one of his weapons charging.
Both sets of twins looked at him warily.
Prowl quickly reached Optimus and folded into a local police vehicle before opening the driver-side door.
Optimus sighed inwardly and walked over to Prowl before slipping into the seat, the door closing for him. Silence reigned in the cabin as the barracks turned into tamed wilderness became the main hangar. Prowl stopped a few yards away from where Megatron was standing, his face utterly unreadable, and let Optimus out to join the Decepticon-turned-human.
Who did they spring on you? Optimus asked.
Megatron's eyes didn't even dart over to him when he replied, Your CMO, CSO, weapons specialist—until he was called away—and the one whose code I broke. You'd be surprised how flustered an intelligence expert can be when a seemingly unbreakable code is demolished.
Optimus contained a sigh and said, Who are we waiting for?
You, and now the Witwicky brat. Although I don't know why the latter. It's not like he is anything but dumb lucky.
You do Sam a disservice, Optimus replied. He's quite the young man.
Right, Prime, Megatron replied dryly. You put far too much faith in humans.
Which you happen to be.
Don't remind me.
"You know, you're taking this with much more grace than a lot of the soldiers," a NEST soldier said, unable to fully conceal his subtle approval at their lack of reaction when Prowl, Red Alert, Ratchet, and the new Prime unfolded into their Cybertronian form.
Optimus was sent reeling, however, at the unlucky Autobot who had taken up the burden of leadership and became a Prime.
'Primus preserve us all, Hot Rod? Of course, I had always known that he was Prime material—I was tutoring him before the war broke out and brought all peacetime pursuits to an end, but it's still…'
"Orion, I'd like you to meet Red Alert—our chief security officer—Ratchet, our chief medical officer, and our chief officer-in-general Rodimus Prime. You have already met Prowl, the Autobot SIC," a NEST officer said—who Optimus knew to be Captain Lennox, who introduced himself shortly thereafter.
"Do you treat everyone who is new to the base like this, or are we just special?" Megatron drawled as he buffed his nails against his shirt.
Captain Lennox gave them a wolfish grin. "Oh, this is what all the new recruits are treated to. I've seen more than one Marine go weak with fright, but you two either have really good poker faces or spines of steel."
Megatron smirked as Optimus shook his head.
"I've seen a lot of strange things," Optimus said. "I can just add 'alien robots' to the list."
Lennox snickered as Ratchet 'cleared his throat' to get their attention.
Megatron lifted an eyebrow as Optimus looked at the CMO expectantly.
"All the new…people on base have to undergo a physical examination. As an important friend was attacked by a Decepticon posing as a human before, we feel that there is no need to take unnecessary risks when the problem can be remedied easily enough."
"There was, of course, a background check run—which came up with nothing," Red Alert said flatly, obviously highly suspicious. "You're not citizens of this country."
"You're not going to do any anal probes, are you?" Megatron asked dryly, ignoring Red Alert completely.
His statement provoked the smallest of chuckles from Ratchet, who shook his head after a moment. "No, a simple physical is all—nothing will be done to you like you see in movies."
"Right," Megatron drawled, which caused Captain Lennox to cough to hide a laugh.
"But we really must ask," Prowl said, voice and countenance grim and serious. "If you are not citizens of this country, to which do you belong?"
Optimus' shoulders slumped, and he sighed heavily as he ran a hand over his hair. "It's…complicated. Coming to America changed…everything. Remade me," Optimus said even as his mind raced to piece together something. "The same is true for 'tron. We hate each other, but we're nearly brothers, from how much we've lived through together. We've been to so many places that…well, countless locations, countless people, countless conflicts, everything becomes uniform in violence."
Silence briefly fell before Rodimus Prime said, "Your primary professions aren't a mechanic or a hacker, are they?"
I believe I have underestimated you, Prime, Megatron said as he gave Optimus a covert look. Everything you've said is true without giving away any details at all. You haven't lied, but you haven't told the whole story.
Optimus looked away and focused on the floor as his hands clenched in anxiety and shame. One does what one must.
"You're soldiers," Rodimus Prime stated.
Red Alert's anxiety levels were obviously skyrocketing, so Optimus sighed and looked up at his successor. "And?"
Rodimus frowned slightly.
"Soldiers and spies," Red Alert accused, and Megatron had the grace to look insulted.
"Spies? Spying is too roundabout, too inelegant," Megatron sneered. "Better to settle everything cleanly and permanently than draw out the blood of a conflict through a steady trickle of conflicting information and ulterior motivations. Too much can go wrong when being or using a spy."
An uneasy, vast silence fell and Optimus felt his whole body humming in anticipation of something.
"Sunstreaker and Sideswipe have both claimed a debt to me," Optimus said, cutting into the thick air. "I am collecting the debt."
All the Autobots tensed, and Lennox looked no happier.
"What would you claim from them?" Rodimus asked carefully.
"From Sunstreaker—clemency. From Sideswipe—well, 'tron and I are better at fighting than anything else; allow us to become soldiers for your program."
"You won't regret it," Megatron said with a smirk. "I am very good at what I do."
"Hey, what did I miss?"
Optimus turned slightly to face the breathless youth that stopped between the 'bots and they as Megatron's face smoothed out into a placid mask—although Optimus could feel the unadulterated hate the Decepticon felt for the boy swirling through their link, barraging his mind.
Lennox smiled in bemusement and said, "Sam, I'd like you to meet our newest recruits—Orion Pedersen and Michael Tron."
Sam frowned. "They don't look military."
"Looks can be deceiving," Megatron said, his voice carefully controlled to betray none of his emotions.
There's something wrong about the boy.
Not wrong—just strange.
You actually agree with me?
No, you ass. There's something different about him. Something that speaks of…
Power. Something that speaks of power. It feels almost like the…
"Don't I know it," Sam said, a wry note to his voice that spoke of barely understood secrets. "You're definitely treating them to the gauntlet, though, having the higher-ups meet them first."
"Untrue! Orion met Sunstreaker and Sideswipe first."
Sam gave a laughing groan. "I think that may be worse!"
Orion shrugged, but the tension he felt didn't leave him, even though the air seemed to have lightened.
"Well, boys, this kid Sam Witwicky, the savior of the human race."
Sam squawked a protest and said, "No I didn't! Well, maybe a little. But it was mostly Optimus who—"
A sad silence fell at the mention of Optimus' name and part of Optimus wanted to reach out and say: 'I'm here! I am Optimus Prime!'
'But who would believe me?' Optimus thought bitterly.
"Well, you two can talk later," Lennox said as he leaned against Rodimus' leg. "Let's get you checked up and then I'm running you through a regiment that would leave a Marine exhausted."
Megatron grinned savagely. "I look forward to this test of yours."
Optimus sighed at Megatron before nodding solemnly. "You won't regret your decision."
"We'll see," Lennox said before he pushed off of Rodimus, saluted, and then said to Ratchet, "They're yours. You take 'em to the med center to get them looked at. I think that Mudflap, Skids, Sides or Sunny—perhaps all of them—might need your services. Ironhide hasn't been in the best of moods recently."
Ratchet muttered something about trigger-happy old men and folded into his emergency vehicle before opening the back doors. "Get in now."
Optimus pushed a seething Megatron forward and had him nearly stumble into Ratchet's cabin.
Once he and Megatron were in the medic's cabin, the door shut firmly behind them and Ratchet said: "So, Orion, you are the one responsible for keeping Sunstreaker among the living?"
Optimus shifted in his seat and crossed his arms.
"I'll admit, I didn't know that I was—"
"—helping a sentient being stay alive," Ratchet finished for him, a small smile in his voice.
Optimus shrugged uncertainly. "He was a…challenge."
Ratchet snorted. "And that was without him talking your ear off."
Seems like they don't need you, Megatron commented.
Optimus winced and looked at Megatron, whose face was impassive, but his body was obviously tense.
There's no use to insulting me just because you're nervous about walking calmly through the base of your enemies.
I'm not scared, Megatron snapped.
Sure you aren't, Optimus replied.
It bothers you, though, Megatron pressed. Here they are, the people you led for eons, and after a few months they seem to have forgotten you.
Optimus' eyes narrowed and he fought down a spike of anger as he covertly glared at Megatron.
"Not many people trust mercenaries," Ratchet said, his voice neutral. "So perhaps declaring yourselves to be such was a poor choice on your part."
Optimus shrugged slightly as Megatron said: "It beats having to do stupid programming and intel all day long. I'd much rather be where there is action. Fighting is in my blood, is what I was made to do. They'll find out soon enough just how much they've gained."
Ratchet made a noncommittal sound. "Perhaps."
Ratchet turned a corner and opened the door for the two Cybertronians-turned-human. "We're here. Get out so I can get back to my work. Why they got all worked up over just two people…"
"Nice to see you again. Orion, right?" Optimus heard someone say after he had stepped out of Ratchet's cabin and he turned to see Mikaela standing not too far away, tight jeans hugging her legs as a white tank-top stuck to her torso, damp from sweat.
Optimus nodded. "And you're Miss Mikaela?"
Mikaela laughed. "No need to be so formal," she said with a smile. "From the ruckus that Sunstreaker was making over you, you'd have thought you were Primus-incarnate."
Optimus smiled hesitantly. "I'm flattered, considering how little I was able to do."
Mikaela wiped her forehead with her arm and gave him a disbelieving look. "You did more than you'd think, especially with a Cybertronian. Looks like you were right when you said the car you were repairing was something special."
Optimus sighed. "I suppose."
Mikaela's attention shifted to Megatron and she treated him to a critical once-over. "Who's your friend?"
"Mikaela, meet 'tron. 'tron, Mikaela. She's the one that I sold the car—Sunstreaker—to."
Megatron regarded her coolly and gave her a slight tilt of his head in greeting. "Hello, Mikaela."
She frowned and Optimus gave Megatron a mental jab. Behave!
"Mikaela!"
Mikaeala yelled, "Coming!" She looked back to Optimus and said, "The boss-man calls. Human medics are next door, I'm sure that Ratchet downloaded everything he wanted to be done, if there was any extra tests he wants run on you—and he probably will, because your presence was annoying."
Megatron glowered as Mikaela walked away, and Optimus maneuvered the former-Decepticon towards the field hospital.
"Interesting place, huh?" a doctor said as they entered, catching Optimus' attention. "Used to be Air Force, but this place became less strategic, so they moved. Lucky us."
"I suppose," Optimus murmured. "Does anyone else know about…" Optimus gestured vaguely around them.
"All of the US military branches know of the 'bot's existence," the doctor replied. "And we've told the UK, although having Prowl crash there helped solidify that we weren't insane."
Optimus' lips twitched as Megatron sighed inwardly.
"Now, if you would mind, I need to draw some blood—just to check for pathogens, illegal drugs, and so forth. You can never be too careful anymore."
You done anything illegal? Optimus asked.
Megatron rolled his eyes as he rolled up his sleeve. Please, Prime. I'm not stupid enough to try any of those things—mostly because I didn't want to know if our former heritage would affect my body's reaction.
Optimus let himself be examined, mind elsewhere as the doctor's professional, impersonal hands and commands guided him.
'Sam…' Even after the very short interaction they had, Optimus could tell that Sam was more-and-less than human since he had last seen him. 'Perhaps it is as we feared,' Optimus thought dourly. 'No being, human or Cybertronian, can get away with handling and using both the All-Spark and Matrix without there being lasting effects.'
Hey, Prime.
Yes?
Who is Rodimus Prime? Last I checked you were the only Prime in existence.
The Matrix of Leadership has certain special properties, as I'm sure you noticed. One of them is that it can be used to induct new Primes.
Megatron gave him a covert puzzled look. I thought Primes were just…Primes.
Optimus gave Megatron the briefest flicker of a smile. For a long time, yes. But, Primes can die and there is no real lineage. I was a no-one before I was made a Prime.
Before you were made the leader of an entire people.
Now, with me gone, there are no Primes. So, obviously, a new one—a new Cybertronian one—needed to be recruited.
And one of your underlings have had that dubious distinction thrust on them?
Optimus smiled tersely, glad no-one was watching. His former name was Hot Rod—although I suppose he is now Rodimus Prime.
Well, damn. They really are desperate to fill the gap that you left. Megatron gave him a considering look. Isn't Prowl your SIC? Shouldn't he have been the one to take over leadership?
Prowl is a very capable leader, but he isn't flexible enough to be a Prime, I fear, Optimus admitted. To his surprise and shame, Optimus felt a keen pang of loss and displacement just speaking of being—or not-being—a Prime.
Steady, Prime.
Optimus looked quickly over to Megatron, whose face was impassive and posture completely relaxed.
You're not one of them anymore.
Optimus fixed his gaze on the ground before him as he struggled down the feeling of alienation.
'He's right. I'm not one of them—not now.'
"Alright, boys, you can go. You're fit enough for service, and I have no doubt that you're smart enough for it."
"Will we ever know the results of the bloodwork?" Megatron asked.
"Only if there's a problem," the doctor replied cheerfully. "Now, go away. I think Lennox was cackling over something with 'Hide regarding you two. Good luck—I have a feeling you'll need it."
Megatron sneered as he replaced his clothing and brushed non-existent dirt off him before exiting, Optimus one step behind.
How long until one of us slips up and says or does something that betrays we might be more than we claim? Optimus asked, and Megatron rubbed the back of his neck.
A week. If not less. Now that we're around Cybertronians and the military—both of whom are trained to be observant—it'll be easier to pick out abnormalities in our behavior.
"Pedersen. Tron."
Both turned to the speaker and walked over to where the speaker was—not Lennox, but another familiar face; Epps. Epps nodded to them, the typical smile absent from his face. The man was all business and obviously incredibly wary of two supposedly untrained, untried, strange men.
"Me an' Red Alert are going to be putting you through your paces, see what you're made of. If you're really cut out for what NEST demands."
Optimus nodded as Megatron crossed his arms to hide his agitation at being talked-down to.
Why Red Alert? Wouldn't your insane weapons specialist be better? Megatron asked.
Ironhide might be otherwise occupied, and why bother wasting his time if we don't measure up?
Hmph.
"Well, at least you're not complaining," Epps sighed.
Red Alert drove up behind them and transformed so that he loomed over them, tense—always tense.
"Well, now that he's here, we begin. You boys know how to shoot?"
Optimus nodded as Megatron crossed his arms and sneered.
"Can you shoot well?"
Optimus hesitated. "I don't know. I haven't held a weapon since—" he began before he promptly shut up.
"Name your target," Megatron said calmly, although there was a malicious twist to his lips.
Behave, Optimus cautioned.
"Come on, then," Epps said cheerfully and turned, walking off to where Optimus assumed the target range would be.
Are you really a good hand with a weapon still?
Did you really just ask that question?
Optimus stifled a sigh.
Optimus felt Megatron looking around critically without seeming to pay any attention at all, which made Optimus sigh inwardly.
Each familiar face, both human and Cybertronian, sent a spike of pain through Optimus' heart, while the knowledge of the tie that kept him quiet ate at him.
'They're here—I'm here—and I can't say anything because…' Optimus shook himself inwardly. 'The truth will come out eventually—probably sooner rather than later, since Megs and I aren't used to calling each other by our human names and we're still not truly human.'
Epps brought them to the range and said, "Pick your weapon and show me what you can do with it."
Megatron went unhesitantingly over to the weapons rack, but Optimus followed a little slower.
'I have to correct for kick-back and I've never…' Optimus sighed quietly as his picked through the weaponry, choosing a basic handgun.
You're not going to use that in the field.
I know, but I haven't used a weapon since I became human.
Optimus was ashamed at how natural it felt to hold the weapon, how it was an odd sort of…comfort. It symbolized control, of no longer being helpless.
He walked up to the edge of the range and raised the gun, falling into what felt like a comfortable, familiar stance, regardless of whether or not it was typical of human posture.
He hit his mark every time, and Megatron's success rate was the same, the bullets going through the same hole every time, never deviating.
Once Optimus was out of bullets, he lowered the gun and looked at it in his hand—his human hand—and sighed quietly.
See, that wasn't so bad, Prime.
Optimus barely kept himself from wincing before he looked over to Megatron, who was obviously pleased with himself.
"That was some fancy shooting," Epps said, arms crossed over his chest. "If I hadn't had Red to confirm it for me, I would have thought you had missed every other shot save the first."
Optimus shrugged slightly as he put his borrowed weapon down and caught the superior smirk Megatron was wearing.
"Exam says you're in good physical shape," Epps commented. "Let's see if that's true."
Megatron quirked an eyebrow as Optimus sighed inwardly.
Prime, this is annoying.
I know, I know, but we're unknowns. Who knows what kind of trai—
Optimus dodged as Mudflap and Skids roared through where Optimus and Megatron had previously occupied before the younger twins drove frenzied circles around them andwent bolting off on whatever course plotted itself in their insane minds.
Optimus heard Megatron muttering uncomplimentary things about the two 'bots who had interrupted them.
Optimus caught both Epps and Red Alert giving them weighing looks before Red Alert said, "I think I have a way of testing your skills that will leave your martial prowess without question."
Megatron looked quickly to Optimus, who shrugged nearly imperceptibly.
"The two who just passed us were Skids and Mudflap," Red Alert said calmly. "We have a training course and special weapons that allow humans to train against us Autobots in preparation for battle with our…less benign counterparts. I want you to enter into mock combat with them. That will show us, more than anything else, if you're prepared for what you will have to face."
How long do you think that'd last? Megatron asked.
With their aim and ours, probably a while.
"We'll provide weapons and armor," Red Alert continued. "You simply have to fight against Skids and Mudflap."
"You make it sound easy," Megatron drawled, although there was contained excitement in his voice.
Optimus looked over to him before he sighed and returned his gaze to Epps and Red Alert. "Lead the way."
Red Alert folded into his alt form and Epps gestured for them to enter—which they did with less hesitation than before. While it was odd, knowing that one was riding with another sentient being, as Optimus knew what it was like from the other side, it was something that could be adapted to.
Epps seemed to notice that, but refrained from commenting.
"Well, here we are, boys," Epps said cheerfully as they arrived in a large field covered with a variety of terrain—rocks, trees, sand pits, ditches, water, anything a demented mind could dream up smacked in the middle of a field in South Carolina. "We'll go get all your equipment, you take a moment to familiarize yourself with the area—gonna give you that much an allowance."
Optimus took a slow look around, turning around in a circle to get a full view—as much as he could.
Prime, tell me more about these two. I want to know what to anticipate so I can plan ways to slag them while making it seem perfectly reasonable.
Optimus sighed. You know, it's bad when I hope that you succeed.
Megatron obviously suppressed a cackle. So…?
They are unpredictable. It's equally likely that they will hit each other as hit us. If we get lucky, we'll win from them fighting each other. If we're not—
We'll win anyway, Megatron asserted with a small smirk. You and I can still think like Cybertronians, know how they will fight, but they can't fathom how two humans alone would fight, hm?
We just have to make sure that their insanity doesn't win for them.
"Merry Christmas!" Epps said and dumped equipment at their feet. "Want help putting that on?"
Megatron simply picked it up and began to strap it on, which made Optimus give Epps a small, wry smile before beginning to suit up himself.
Epps said nothing.
This isn't too bad—bulky, but not terribly heavy. From the way that some of the soldiers move, you'd think this'd way a ton, Megatron commented as he adjusted the gear on him.
Optimus gave a mental shrug. We're not normal soldiers.
True.
"Go take the positions you want; we'll let Skids and Mudflap after you once you're set."
Both former-Cybertronians nodded and moved into the field, finding cover that made each of them comfortable.
Ready?
Always, Prime.
Optimus gave a signal and Mudflap and Skids came out, transforming once they came to a stop.
"Ya ready to be pwned?" Skids yelled, and Optimus felt Megatron roll his eyes.
Neither man responded, however, which started Mudflap and Skids scanning for them.
Optimus found he was distinctly aware of where Megatron was, could almost feel the Decepticon's heartbeat speed up. It was disconcerting, but considering the nature of what they had, he wasn't entirely surprised.
Optimus smiled faintly. 'This is what Megatron is meant to do, made for.'
'But he's not the only one trained in warfare,' he thought and took careful aim as the twins half-battled each other, hitting each other and pulling at looser pieces of their frames. 'This isn't going to be easy, but we're going to win.'
Optimus pulled the trigger and sent off a round of bullets that arced across one of Skid's breastplates, more a distraction than anything that could harm him. It gave away his position, though, so he had to move quickly, dodging the larger shots from the two robots.
The dirt that the mock-Cybertronian weaponry sent up forced Optimus to close his eyes—although that didn't mean he couldn't see, a strange half-sight from Megatron allowing him to move to safety before one of the twins got a lock on him.
Optimus wiped the grit from his mouth as a strong rush of smug glee washed through him—the emotion was obviously not his own, so Optimus looked to where Megatron was, only to hear Mudflap cry out in surprise a moment later.
Optimus wasn't sure how he knew, but he simply did—Megatron had managed to score a direct hit on one of Mudflap's optics, effectively blinding him with paint, and was unable to fully suppress his approval—afterall, it was a hard shot to make, as Cybertronian optics weren't all that large, considering the rest of their frame.
However, that didn't seem to deter Mudflap from being obnoxious and unpredictable—if anything, it made him even more effective due to that unpredictability. Mudflap and Skids had the strength of being erratic. It was nearly impossible to predict where they would strike next, but they gave enough warning through their constant bickering that Megatron and Optimus could avoid their attacks.
What Optimus found disturbing, though, was how in-sync he and Megatron were. It felt as natural as breathing, warning Megatron as Megatron pointed out weaknesses and openings.
Looking left gun right will fire in 3 I see that but watch out for I know I know Mudflap out of large ammunition that's not good smaller bullets are harder to dodge not like he has very good aim yes well there's move watch southeast unplanned bomb planted what the hell are these things it's complicated careful careful you're worried about me no just god damnit that stings be more careful splinters can get dig in thanks for the warning shut up Mudflap nearly out of all effective ammunition but not out of stupid and inane quips it's all smokescreen I swear his opponents underestimate him it's not like he's skilled move right move right YOUR OTHER RIGHT I know what I'm doing think you can make the shot if I set it up for you I can make it even if you don't Skids is distracted he'll turn right in maybe not I'm learning to hate these two and you get to live with them Unicron preserve me do you see the opening let me get Skids' attention damn they're good at demolition why do you think we use them as advance team you mean you meaningfully cause confusion you'd be surprised how often that has won us against your peons watch out clear shot once Skids got it ha see that Prime very lucky Megs don't get cocky not a terrible shot yourself Prime maybe you have some skills shut up
Optimus managed to blind Mudflap in the other eye as Megatron hit delicate wiring around his knee, which would have made it impossible for him to move and unable to further fight—although being blinded in general made it hard to maneuver, so he had to sit out, or else he'd be as much a danger to himself as to his brother, Megatron, and Optimus (not that he wasn't always that way).
he's inventive with his swears isn't he now it's just Skids but maybe that'll make things harder as there are no longer any distractions I think shiny things distract him watch out I see him I see him Unicron doesn't he get tired of talking not from my experience focus Megatron you worry about yourself careful careful to your left don't trip on that branch his back is to us don't have a good shot the glare off his armor is annoying why is it so hot
Optimus found he was drenched in sweat, his undershirt sticking to him uncomfortably. He was beginning to tire, but it was nothing compared to the exhaustion that was dragging at Megatron. His muscles and skin were burning—what time is it again?—he was dehydrated, and his breathing was labored. His aim was getting farther and farther off mark, and Optimus was sure that a lucky shot from Skids would take him out of the game.
You need a moment's rest? Optimus asked as he felt Megatron leaning against a 'rock'.
I'm fine, Prime, Megatron snapped, although the weariness was unmistakable. Worry about yourself.
However, Prime's concern proved true, as Megatron tripped over himself, which allowed Skids to get a solid hit on him, removing him from the field.
'Just you and me now,' Optimus thought as he licked his dry lips.
What time is it anyway?
I don't give a fuck, Megatron answered, his voice full of irritation and exhaustion.
Optimus felt blind, deaf, and clumsy without Megatron nearby, but refused to lose.
"Come out, come out wherever y'are," Skids crooned in a sing-song, but Optimus could hear the frustration in his voice.
'Impatient,' Optimus thought before he simply settled down, quieted his harsh breathing, and waited.
Skids eventually grew tired of the silence and just started shooting at things randomly, yelling challenges and curses at Optimus, who simply smiled, closing his eyes against the sun in an attempt to alleviate a small headache.
What the hell are you doing, Prime?
Letting him tire himself out. I'm low on ammunition, but so is he. If I know him, he'll just—
The click-click-click of spent ammunition made Optimus smile faintly.
See?
Sneaky, Prime. Very sneaky. You sure there isn't some Decepticon in you?
I share half your soul, Optimus drawled, and Megatron's laugh resounded in his mind as Optimus took careful aim and fired off a single shot.
It pinged right against what would lead to the delicate spark-casing in the 'bot.
Skids jumped in surprise and placed his hand where the fatal wound would have been, astonished.
Optimus appeared out of his hiding spot and said, "I think that means I win."
Skids stared, then snorted. "Jus' this time, squishy. 'll get y' back laeta."
Optimus walked out of the practice area, exhaustion beginning to weigh on him. Megatron was waiting for him in the cooler compound and handed him a bottle of water.
I'm impressed, Prime. I didn't think you had the ability to take that particular shot.
Optimus smiled faintly before he barely kept himself from chugging the water.
You'll be glad to know that our only audience was the NEST person and your CSO. It seems like there's either too much to do to attract a crowd or people were explicitly told to stay away.
A blessing. Don't need more than two people knowing that we're already slightly more-than-human.
"Where did you learn to shoot like that?" Epps asked.
Megatron quirked an eyebrow and said, "In my previous profession."
Optimus shrugged and said, "My life has rarely been peaceful."
"Gotta wonder how you got those auto-repair skills, then," Epps quipped, and Optimus simply smiled tightly.
A surprisingly comfortable silence fell before Epps said, "Y'know, I think we've got something in you guys. The stamina, ingenuity, smarts, and teamwork you two exhibited are top-notch. You already proved yourself in combat, to an extent." Epp's lips pulled back in a wolfish smile. "I'd like to see how you'd do against more skilled opponents."
Optimus felt Megatron tense in anticipation, a hum of pleasure winding through the bond.
"Bring it," Megatron said, enthusiasm in his voice regardless of how exhausted his body was.
Epps clapped Megatron on the shoulder and said, "Maybe when you're not about to fall over. I'll discuss it with the others, but I'm pretty sure that they'll believe me, Red, Skids and Mudflap. Rest up, boys. Tomorrow promises to be interesting for you."
Megatron looked over to Optimus and gave him a tired grin. Maybe I won't kill him when I return to my true form.
Optimus simply shook his head in chagrin. You really are about to fall over. Let's get some water in you and then I'll drag you to wherever they're going to put us for a nap.
I don't need a nap!
Yes, you do. I do, too. That wasn't easy. How long were we out there for?
Hours, Megatron said with a shrug.
Optimus hated it, but working with Megatron had somehow…secured the bond between them. The thoughts and ideas had simply flowed—Optimus would have been hard-pressed to discern where his thoughts ended and Megatron's began. It hadn't been conscious, and Optimus was sure that they wouldn't have done so willingly, but it was nevertheless true that it had been the edge that had secured their victory.
'He probably feels it, too,' Optimus thought with dismay. 'How it's harder to care about how he's bound to me. It's not resignation, it just feels…right.'
Sam seemed to spontaneously appear before them, and Megatron was exhausted enough that his initial reaction to be surprised faltered and he simply jumped in place.
Sam gave them both a small, unsure smile. "Well, I'm to take you to your bunk in the barracks, which means that you guys passed whatever tests Epps set for you. I suppose congratulations are in order."
"Just take me to somewhere I can lie down," Megatron growled.
Sam was unphased by Megatron's bad mood and took them to a shared space in the barracks, which they would share with two other soldiers—which led to Optimus unpacking their belongings as MEgatron drifted off to a deep, exhausted sleep.
Prime? Megatron half-asked sleepily.
Yes?
How the hell did we manage this?
Optimus smiled faintly and shrugged as he folded a pair of jeans. Your guess is as good as mine, Megs.
Optimus stood still, his jeans still held over his arm, a thought slowly rolling over him.
'Perhaps this won't be bad. Perhaps they'll grow to see Orion and 'tron so that when Optimus and Megatron are finally revealed, Bad Things won't immediately happen.'
It was a heartening thought, and got Optimus through unpacking the rest of their clothes before passing out himself.