Well, got the next chapter up and ready. Sorry if this is too quick, going to Vegas shortly and I have to update one of my stories quick. And since my Season 3 chapter is still in the work, this was is about to finish. So I had to get this out of the way. Don't worry, I'll continue with my stories as soon as I get back. Now to see the reviews. It's not four to five reviews and 96 hits. Pretty fair on my occasion. One reviewer stated that Jack reactions to his father returning was a little lax and he would've been pissed. Don't worry about that, you'll get the pissed off look on the next few chapters. Trust me, it would be something Jack won't expect coming. Let's get a look at chapter seven for Transformers Prime: John and Elsa. With John back, the family is together. But it would seem that they all have secrets they are keeping to themselves. Both John with Elsa and the agency and June and Jack on the Autobots. What's bound to happen? Let's take a quick read through.
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Prime or Gunslinger Girl
Chapter Seven: Keeping Secrets
In Autobot Outpost Omega One, the base was eerily quiet. Something Ratchet liked the most. Bulkhead and Bumblebee had already left to take Raf and Miko back to their homes since curfew has started. That gives him some time to actually get some work done. But then something didn't feel right. Arcee and Jack left early because Jack's mother finished her shift at the hospital earlier then before. Yet for some strange reason, the femme didn't return. She didn't even call him to bridge her back to base. It was really strange. But he knows that she's with Jack at home and not in any danger. As long as she was there, she is safe. As he was thinking about that, he heard the sound of a long horn from the entrance of the tunnel. Turning back, he saw a semi truck coming into the command center. The truck then collapsed and grew, transforming into Optimus himself. Looking around the place, the leader turned to the medic and asked him.
Optimus Prime: "Ratchet, do you know where the others are."
Ratch turned to him and explained about it.
Ratchet: "Bulkhead and Bumblebee already left with the kids. Arcee however left early to take Jack home."
Optimus looked at him oddly and asked about that.
Optimus Prime: "Why?"
Ratchet: "Because June called Jack saying that she left work early and told him to come home immediately. The strangest part is that she didn't return to base, not even calling me to bridge her here. But I'm pretty sure it's nothing. She must've brought him home safely and is staying for the night. She'll call when she's ready."
Optimus nodded as he left Ratchet to do his work.
Optimus Prime: "I see…"
As he headed to his quarter, Ratchet looked back at the screen and feels worried about the two-wheeler.
Ratchet: "What is going on out there? What is she doing?"
Back in the Darby residence, Arcee was in the garage, kneeling like she always does in her robot mode. Placing her audio receptor to the wall, he heard voices, two are that of June and Jack and two different ones that belonged to a man and a little girl. Ever since taking Jack to the house, he had been acting weird since they saw the Harley in the very same garage she was in. Since then, she started to hear voices and pressed her helm at the wall to overhear this strange conversation.
Arcee: "What is going on out there? Impossible to hear through the wall."
So she kept her helm to the wall and listened in further, wondering who's in the Darby's house and what are they doing there.
Meanwhile, The Darby's and Elsa were at the dinner table having a wonderful dinner of spaghetti and meatballs along with some sodas for the kids, water for June, and a beer for John. The dinner was quiet though as Jack starred at the strange girl his father brought over. Jack was confused at first, but that confusion turned into curiosity as he asked his father about her.
Jack: "So dad, who is this girl really?"
John looked right at his son and said it again.
John Darby: "I told you, her name is Elsa de Sica and she's my fratello.
Jack starred at the girl as she silently ate her pasta on the plate. June saw the interaction between her son and the girl and decided to join in.
June: "You know that's the same type of reaction I had when I first met her Jack. I little surprised and confused about her. But I remained calm and welcomed her into the family."
Jack turned to her mother and argued back.
Jack: "Mom, you can't just welcome complete strangers, even if dad brings them in. I mean we don't know where she came from what's her story. For example, what does the word fratello mean?"
John overheard that and answered his son's question.
John Darby: "The word fratello came from Italy. It means sibling in English."
The two turned to John and was a little shocked by that part, being that the only sibling he had was his twin brother.
Jack: "Wow dad! I never thought you had a little sister."
June: "Me neither. Is there something your hiding from us John?"
John chuckled and explained it further.
John Darby: "No you two, I'm not keeping anything from either of you. Elsa isn't really my sister, just a little word I use from my job. Nothing more, nothing less."
The two looked at each other and was a little unsure about that until Jack asked about that job.
Jack: "And what is this job you're talking about dad?"
John peeked his eyes to his son and explained what he said in a little lie.
John Darby: "It's a place called the Social Welfare Agency, somewhat of a medical facility for people who lost their limbs during accidents and what not."
June blinked her eyes and remembered about that place.
June: "The Social Welfare Agency? I heard of that place. It's one of the top pharmaceutical companies in Italy and specializes in prosthetic limbs for those in need. The hospital's been trying to get those for the patients but those things are so expensive. I never thought you would get a job there. What is your position in the agency?"
John turned to his wife and answered her with another excuse.
John Darby: "Caretaker. The agency has a building that involved taking care of patients a little younger then others."
June raised an eyebrow and slowly realized what he meant.
June: "Younger patients? You mean children."
John Darby: "You could say that. Children are the most fragile in the world. Most of which suffer from disease and bones that aren't strong enough to survive a car crash. We usually give them prosthetics to help them live normal lives. The most fragile are girls since they aren't as strong as the boys."
He then turned to Elsa and explained about her.
John Darby: "Poor Elsa here is one of those girls. Been through a horrific accident and was almost on the verge of death. If it hadn't been for the agency, she would've been a goner. Been taking care of her for a while now and she's been getting really comfortable around me.
The two then looked at Elsa and couldn't believe that she had been on an accident before.
June: "You mean Elsa here almost had a near death experience? But she still looks okay to me."
John smirked and told June about it.
John Darby: "Well let's just say the procedure for these prosthetics is under a need to know basis. As you can see Elsa is just an ordinary girl but underneath the skin is some robotic prosthetics that help keep her moving. Not only that, but there are no scars of any indications that she had any prosthetics what so ever. Almost like she is good as new."
John's wife was completely amazed as she talked to Elsa about it.
June: "That's amazing Elsa! You must've been one lucky girl. It's almost like a guardian angel was by your side the whole time.
All Elsa did was just shrug it off as she took a bite out of her pasta and responded to the woman's words.
Elsa de Sica: "Actually, it isn't luck Ms. Darby. I've always have John by my side. That's what matters the most."
John sighed and rolled his eyes around as he told his girl a few rules.
John Darby: "Now Elsa, you're among family. If you want to address them, just say their actual names and not their affiliates."
Elsa nodded by her handler's order.
Elsa de Sica: "Yes John."
Jack looked at Elsa and still finds her presence a bit off. Sure having his father back is awesome and all, but this mysterious girl is with him and suddenly it's all too normal. But since she's here, he will try to make her as comfortable as possible and he talked to her for the very first time.
Jack: "Well Elsa, it's nice to have you as part of the family. If you ever need anything, feel free to ask me okay?"
Elsa's response was a quick peek to Jack's side of the table while swallowing her pasta and a quick threat.
Elsa de Sica: "Very well, but let me give you a little warning. If John gets hurt in anyway, then I won't hesitate in hurting you."
Both Jack and June were completely silent and couldn't believe that she was very threatening. John noticed it too and realized that she was slowly going to reveal the truth about the agency. Clearing his throat, he decided to intervene and apologized about Elsa's behavior.
John Darby: "You should forgive Elsa. She's a little over protected with me and doesn't work well with others she doesn't know about. Hell, the agency usually calls her the residential Ice Queen being how icy she reacts around others."
June turned to her husband and asked about that.
June: "And what type of protection are you talking about."
The husband sighed and did a little lie.
John Darby: "Well you know, one of those sibling type of protection. We have the tendency of looking out for each other."
He quickly turned back to Jack and immediately changed the subject.
John Darby: "So Jack, I heard that you've been busy since I was away."
Jack turned to his father and nodded in approval.
Jack: "Why yes, I was a little busy. Since you left Jasper mom here been pulling late night shifts at the hospital, trying to make ends meet. I know that we had army benefits since your discharge to keep our rent in check but we need some money to keep the food on the table and the lights working. When I grew older I applied for a job at K.O. Burger in town. You know K.O. Burger right dad? Where every combo is a knockout?"
Jack went to drinking his soda while John laughed about it.
John Darby: "How could I forget about that place. It's where your mom and I had our first date. Remember that June?"
He turned to June as where was a light chuckle from his wife.
June: "How could I forget? Worst date ever, but the most memorable."
Jack rolled his eyes around and went back to drinking his soda. His father then turned to his son and said something else.
John Darby: "I also heard that you took part of some kind of club here. The Science Fiction club was it?"
Jack immediately choked on his drink and coughed a little, knowing that what he means was the Autobot base. He looked at him and had a worried look on his face.
Jack: "Dad, how do you know that?"
John Darby: "Remember your old babysitter, Stacy? Well she told me about you taking apart of that club. In fact, your mother told her about it."
Jack slowly turned to his mother and had that disgusted look on his face.
Jack: "Really now… Never thought my mom would tell anyone about it."
June just shrugged her shoulders as John continued to ask his son about that club.
John Darby: "So, what's this about the club. Is it one of those after school things or something?"
June looked to him and explained it a little bit.
June: "Actually, it's a private club he and a couple of friends put together months ago. They actually go to a secluded place and discuss about anything sci-fi related. I even visit time to time just to see how he's doing."
John turned to his wife and nodded in interest before turning back to his son for more information.
John Darby: "Really? So what do you and your friends do at this club? I want to know."
Jack sighed, knowing that mom didn't tell the actual truth, and explained the 'activities' in his club.
Jack: "Oh, you know… We talk about sci-fi stuff, watch sci-fi movies, do some sci-fi role-playing. Nothing out of the ordinary."
John Darby: "I see…"
But as they were talking, Elsa looked back and forth between Jack and June and found something odd about their reaction. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it sounded like that they were lying to John. The signs were clear due to Jack's nervousness and June's calmness. She seen plenty of this when the agency question some RF thugs and they're always keeping something really important from them. So what is it that John's family is hiding? As she was thinking about it, John decided to change the subject again and asked his son about something else.
John Darby: "I've also heard that you got yourself a motorcycle of your own. Following the footsteps of your old man eh?"
Jack's head rose to him and he knew he was talking about Arcee. Placing an elbow on the table, he smiled and answered his question.
Jack: "Yeah, you could say that. I got that bike a couple of months ago and she's really one of a kind. A little abused, but she runs really well."
John laughed a little as he heard his son telling that his bike is a she.
John Darby: "Ah yes, claiming their vehicle as a she. The proof that a boy is lonely in the world."
Jack was caught off guard on that and argued about it.
Jack: "Dad! Don't say that!"
It was then that John laughed the loudest and joked with his son.
John Darby: "Easy there Jack, I was only joking around. I'm sure you have a girlfriend in your life."
Jack just shrugged a little bit and had a little trouble responding to that.
Jack: "Actually, it's a little complicated then that."
John looked at him seriously and could tell that his son was having a hard time in finding a girlfriend. He looked down at his pasta and started to eat.
John Darby: "I see… Not that easy trying to find a girl in this town anyways. You would've been lucky finding one in Vegas if you had a chance."
As soon as he finished eating, he looked towards his son and asked for a favor.
John Darby: "So anyways, I was thinking that maybe after dinner that you would show me your bike. See how it looks and runs and all that."
Jack starred at his father and was a little unsure about that, hesitating as he responded back.
Jack: "Um… Yeah… Sure… I'll go ahead and show you my bike. But I got to warn you, she's a little intimidating."
The father laughed it off and responded with a happy gesture.
John Darby: "Well I just hope I don't get myself into too much trouble with your bike now huh?"
Elsa continues to stare at Jack and could tell that he was still lying. First on the club and then on the bike. She only met the boy for almost an hour and he now was acting suspicious. Her first thought is what was Jack is hiding and the second thought is why he's lying to his father?
Soon after dinner is over, Jack and June were in the kitchen. June was washing the dishes while Jack was a little irate of what his father said about knowing the club.
Jack: "You told someone about the club, and Stacy of all people?! What were you thinking?"
June remained calm as she told her son as polite as she could.
June: "Relax Jack. Stacy was your old babysitter back when you were young. She wanted to know what you've been doing for a while so I have to tell her. And besides, I only said it's just a club you and some friends created, nothing more."
Jack crossed his arms and still didn't like it.
Jack: "Really? Why don't you go ahead and tell her that my friends are actually huge robots that transform into vehicles and are in a middle of an intergalactic war that lasted for eons. I'm pretty sure she would share that with others."
Just then, he heard the sound of dad's voice coming out of the door.
John Darby: "Jack? Are you in the kitchen? I need to see your bike you know."
Jack sighed and could tell that this was going to be an interesting night. Good thing he and his mom didn't speak loudly because if they did, John would hear it and started to get suspicious. Turning back to the doorway, he answered his father still waiting for him.
Jack: "Sure thing dad! Just give me a second!"
He went back to his mother and talked to her as quietly as he could.
Jack: "See what I mean? Now my dad knows of this 'club' and worse yet Arcee. Which I believe you told Stacy about that as well."
June kept washing on the dishes and she reminded him about that.
June: "Actually Jack, you showed Stacy your bike a while ago while she was visiting us. Remember?"
Jack blinked his eyes and remembered about that. He showed Stacy Arcee in his bike form when she visits the house and she was impressed by it. His face turned red and realized he made that mistake and not his mother. June saw him turn red and decided to calm him down.
June: "Relax Jack, as long as he doesn't know the truth about your club or Arcee we'll be in the clear."
Jack shook off the embarrassment and sighed to himself, knowing that he has to keep the existence of the Autobots a secret in front of his dad. June then decided to give him an ultimatum.
June: "Oh and speaking of Arcee, she needs to remain in the garage for an entire week."
The got Jack breaking his concentration after hearing those words from his own mother.
Jack: "What? But mom!"
June turned to him and spat back to him softly.
June: "No buts mister. Since your father and Elsa are going to be living with us, Arcee has to stay put in the garage. She can't leave the house until they leave, not even for a ground bridge. The last thing I want is to hear my husband asking why the garage is glowing green. Is that clear?"
Jack was taken aback by this and couldn't believe what he was hearing. Arcee has to stay in the garage for a full week without leaving or bridging to the base? That's ludicrous! But his father and Elsa are in the house and they will stay in the house for a week. They would find it wary that his bike left the house and he's still around. More so if the inside of the garage is glowing green. Groaning in defeat, he looked at his mother with sadden eyes and responded the best way he could.
Jack: "Fine… You win mom. Though I don't think Arcee is going to be too thrilled that she would be under house arrest."
June smiled, knowing that Jack would keep his promise as she went back to washing dishes.
June: "Just go and talk to her about that. I'm sure she'll understand."
Jack looked down on the floor and sighed to himself, wondering if he would be prepared for what his partner would say.
Arcee: "Two words, forget it!"
In the garage, Jack already talk to Arcee about what his mom said and, to Jack's surprise, wasn't happy about it at all. Jack could tell that look of her face and tried to reason with her.
Jack: "Oh come on Arcee…"
Arcee: "No Jack! You're telling me that I have to sit on my tires for a full week without leaving the garage, let alone bridging back to base? Do you have any idea how uncomfortable it is to be in tight spaces, let alone in vehicle form?"
Jack shoosh her, knowing that his father could be waiting outside for him.
Jack: "Listen, I don't like this as much as you do. But I have no choice. The reason why mom wanted to keep you here is because-"
Arcee immediately interrupted him and knew what he's going to say.
Arcee: "Because your father is here and he would be staying in the house for a week. Yeah, I got it."
Jack's eyes are as wide as saucers and couldn't believe what he was hearing. Arcee, his friend and partner, knows of his father. He was a little shocked for words as he begins to speak up.
Jack: "Arcee? How do you know about that?"
Arcee: "I have advance hearing Jack. I overheard everything through that door. Your father is back with some strange girl named Elsa and has a job in Italy called the Social Welfare Agency."
Jack's jaw dropped and was surprised that he she heard all of that. Clearing his throat, he looked to her and remained calm.
Jack: "Wow Arcee! You heard all of that? Guess I don't really have to explain all of it now do I?"
Still, Arcee wasn't buying it and told Jack she's not going to do it.
Arcee: "Jack, even if your father is back I can't stay in this place for that long. I mean do you find that strange that after you told the team about what happened to your father hours ago, he came back unexpectedly? It's just plain weird."
Jack: "Hey I didn't know he was coming back either Arcee. I'm pretty much in a big state of shock. But hear me out for a second. Dad doesn't know about you or the Autobots. If you leave the base while I'm still here, he would question me as to why. Even if you bridge back, he will notice the green glow every time he passes through those halls. Which is why you need to wait here until dad leaves. I've made my sacrifice for Team Prime right? Perhaps you should make some sacrifices of your own."
Just then, there was a knock at the door as his father's voice came out of it.
John Darby: "Jack! Are you ready in there?"
Jack sighed as he turned to the door where his father was waiting and answered him back.
Jack: "Uh… Sure dad, just give me a sec all right. Last minute polish."
He then turned back to Arcee with pleading eyes and asked her quietly.
Jack: "Please partner, for me?"
Arcee was a little quiet most of the time and didn't know what to do. The fact that Jack's father returned unexpectedly is one thing, but having to stay in the garage for a full week until he leaves is another. She can't remain in there for that long or she would loose her processor. But this is her partner talking and he seems desperate in keeping the secret of the Autobot/Decepticon war from his father. Knowing she has no choice, she sighed to herself and answered the boy's favor quietly as well.
Arcee: "All right fine… I'll do it… But you'll owe me, big time."
Jack had a wide smile on his face as he felt a little please about this.
Jack: "Thanks Arcee, you won't regret this."
He heard the knock again, only this time a little harder.
John Darby: "Jack? What's going on in there?"
Outside of the garage door in the hallway…
John Darby: "Come on Jack. Don't let us wait here all night."
John knocked again and was wondering what's taking his son too long. Elsa de Sica stood next to her fratello and waited as well. But with her advance hearing, she could hear something within the garage. She did hear Jack but she heard another voice, a feminine voice, a metallic voice. She continued to get curiouser and curiouser as she could tell that something was very off. Deciding now is a good time to intervene; she turned to her handler and asked about what she gathered.
Elsa de Sica: "John, do you notice your son was acting strangely?"
John turned to her and wondered what she meant by that.
John Darby: "What do you mean Elsa? Jack's just a little nervous since I came back. You can't blame him in seeing me after my absence. But I'll give him a moment to let it all sink in."
But Elsa shook her head and told him that that wasn't what she was talking about.
Elsa de Sica: "That's not what I meant John. I think that your son is lying to you."
That raised John's eyebrow and was a little confused by what she said.
John Darby: "What do you mean by that?"
Elsa de Sica: "Well, he was a little hesitant with his answers about his club. And he did seem a little nervous about you wanting to see his bike. It seems that he's been keeping something from you that is important."
John listened to what she said and couldn't help but to laugh about it.
John Darby: "That's nonsense Elsa. My son will never keep a secret from me. He's an honest kid!"
Elsa de Sica: "Maybe… But I think I overheard your son talking to someone in the garage. Sounds like a female if I'm not mistaken."
John smirked and could tell where this was going.
John Darby: "Maybe it's a girlfriend he's calling on the phone telling her that I'm here and wanted to make a first impression. Jack certainly has most of my genes in the family."
Elsa de Sica: "I don't know about that John. I also heard a few things that are a little off."
John Darby: "Really? Like what?"
Elsa de Sica: "Well…"
Before she could explain herself, the door to the garage opened and Jack saw the two talking to each other. The two turned to the boy and told them he's ready.
Jack: "All right, all set. You guys can come in when you're ready."
John looked to Jack and nodded in response.
John Darby: "Sure thing son, just give us a second."
Jack nodded as he closed the door. John then turned to Elsa and told her to hold her thoughts.
John Darby: "We'll discuss about this another time Elsa. Right now, we're on vacation."
Elsa sighed, knowing that she won't give her handler an explanation. But she'll be patient and wait until they would continue. Maybe she will get some clues into Jack's little lies.
Elsa de Sica: "Yes John."
Once that settled, John opened the door and the two got in the garage. The moment they got in, John's eyes were wide and couldn't believe what he was seeing. Next to his vintage Harley is a supped up blue motorcycle with pink trims. He didn't even know that the bike was Arcee in vehicle form. He starred at her in awe and walked close to her, whistling along the way.
John Darby: "Wow Jack. Is this your bike?"
Jack smiled and nodded for an answer.
Jack: "Yep."
John walked around the bike and was impressed by her.
John Darby: "Got to admit kiddo, I never seen a bike like this in my life. What type of model is it? European? Japanese?"
Jack was a little quiet about this until he came up with a good enough excuse.
Jack: "Actually, this bike came from foreign lands."
John bent down to get a closer looked at the bike and noticed the Autobot insignia on the side.
John Darby: "Foreign lands indeed. Haven't seen a car logo like that. Does this bike have a name?"
Jack wasn't prepared for that and didn't know how to respond to that. So he took a deep breath and said a little truth to it.
Jack: "Her name is… Arcee."
John got up and was a little confused by that name.
John Darby: "RC? You mean like an RC car?"
Jack sighed and explained it in spelling.
Jack: "No, it's Arcee. Spelled A-r-c-e-e."
John Darby: "Oh, Arcee… Now I get it."
Arcee heard that and if she was in robot mode, she would've given Jack the 'Really' expression.
John Darby: "Strange name for a bike. Though I got to admit, the name suits her. With the exception of the pink highlights, it does look a little badass. Start her up."
Jack nodded and headed towards his bike to start the engine. The moment he pushed the button, the bike came to life in vehicle form and step back to let his father inspect it. He then approached the bike and turns the handles to give it a little more power.
John Darby: "Interesting… The engine sounds very similar to the Triumph Daytona 675, only it's highly advance. A total of six pistons, a 12-valve three-cylinder motor, 123 hbps of horsepower, and a sleek aerodynamic thrust, this beauty can go from 0 and 120 in a matter of seconds. Do you tinker with this bike Jack?"
He looked up to his son wanting an answer as Jack didn't know what to say next. He then said with a coy grin.
Jack: "Sadly no. But I know a mechanic not far from town that give her a little tune up."
Of course, he was referring to Ratchet and the base that was close to Jasper. John nodded and believes in Jack's excuse.
John Darby: "I see…"
He then looked at the gauges and noticed that they are different as well. They all appeared to be digital with the center being the main menu with the same Autobot insignia in the center.
John Darby: "I got to admit, the bike is state of the art. The gauges looks digital and the center console is state of the art. I mean look at this! Navigation, satellite radio, wi-fi, bluetooth? How can you afford something like this with the checks your getting at K.O. Burger?"
Now Jack had to think about this since that's suspicious for someone to purchase a bike as good as Arcee. Thinking of a good enough excuse, he came up with a good enough answer.
Jack: "Oh… I just found it online at a reasonable price. It was in good condition and had some strong mileage. As you can see, it was a little used."
John stepped away from the bike and noticed the paint that looked a little faded and scratched.
John Darby: "I could see that. The poor girl looks like she'd been through Hell. Whoever the precious owner was certainly gave her some serious street cred."
Once he finished with Arcee, he turned to his son and liked what he sees.
John Darby: "Got to admit, this bike certainly is one of a kind. But it's not as good as my vintage Harley. You can't beat the old school. Though I take it you bought that bike just for the thrills is that correct?"
Jack rolled his eyes around and responded to that remark from his experience with Arcee.
Jack: "Yeah… You could say that."
John chuckled as he came up with a good idea.
John Darby: "I'll tell you what son. Why not tomorrow you and I would take a drive through the Nevada desert in our bikes for a little father and son bonding. What do ya say?"
Jack rubbed the back of his head and explained that that would be a problem.
Jack: "Don't know dad, I have to work tomorrow for the lunch shift. But I'm out of there until three and my schedule is wide from here on out."
John Darby: "Well then, that settles it. I'll come by K.O. around three and wait for you there."
As the two were talking, Elsa was looking at the bike strangely and listened in to Jack's words. She could tell that he was still lying and is keeping more secrets then before. Looking at Arcee, she wondered if that's connected to all of it. Upon closer examination, she heard something from within the very same bike. Sure she heard the motor running, but it also sounds like a faint pulse coming from the center. Curious, she placed her ear to the side of the bike and could actually hear a normal heart beat from within and is sounded like nothing she heard before. She wondered why Jack's bike has a heartbeat when it was just a machine. But then she heard her fratello's voice.
John Darby: "Elsa!"
She snapped out of it as she turned to John and Jack with a look of concern on their faces.
John Darby: "What exactly are you doing?"
Elsa looked back at Arcee and could tell that she doesn't want to get into trouble. So she cleared her throat and lied as well.
Elsa de Sica: "Nothing John. Just hearing the sound of the engine."
John looked at his girl strangely and wondered if she's telling the truth or not. She always good at hiding her lies during missions and it's hard to tell if she really is telling the truth. He decided to let it slide and told Jack to get some sleep.
John Darby: "Get some rest tomorrow Jack. It's going to be a big day on Saturday."
Jack nodded and he headed to his bike to turn off the engine.
Jack: "Sure thing dad. Wish you a good night as well."
Soon enough, the three left the garage and prepare for a goon night's sleep. But when Elsa was at the border of the door, she looked at the bike and had a scornful look before closing the door. Arcee, kept looking at the girl with her review mirrors and was a little concerned about this Elsa. A lot of questions still swirled in her head such as why she was listening to the beating of her spark, let alone hear it with her human ears. Something was off with the girl and she can't put her digits on it.
A few hours later, the Darby's were sleeping peacefully in the house. June and John were sleeping in the master bedroom, June especially since she's now sleeping with her husband for the first time in a long time. Jack was in his bedroom sleeping the night away after witnessing his father's return. But Elsa, she was resting on the sofa in the living room with her nightgown and her blonde hair down, yet her eyes were opened. Ever since meeting up with John's family, she was suspicious about them, including his son. Jack, by the sound of it, was lying to his father the whole night, keeping secrets like this club and the motorcycle he has. What was he hiding that it so important. As she was thinking about it, her ears perked up and she heard the same feminine voice again. Getting up from the sofa, she looked towards the hall were the entrance to the garage is located and wondered who's this voice and why it's coming from the garage. So she got up and slowly walked to the door leading to the garage, wanting to see for herself.
In the garage, Arcee was in her bipedal mode and contacted the base giving Ratchet the news of what happened. Thankfully, Ratchet was working late so he can wait for Arcee to come back. But when he heard what the femme was saying through her comm. he didn't like it at all.
Ratchet: "What?! What do you mean you won't be able to return to base?"
The two-wheeler sighed to herself and explained it in detail.
Arcee: "You heard me Ratchet. Jack's mom has put me in the sidelines for a full Earth week, meaning I won't be returning to base anytime soon."
Ratchet: "Of all the ridiculous nonsense. Why would that woman want to keep you under the Earthly customs of a house arrest?"
Arcee: "Remember when Jack talked about his father and uncle at the base today? Well turns out his father returned unexpectedly."
There was a brief silence until the medic spoke in a loud voice.
Ratchet: "Are you slagging kidding me?! You're telling me Jack's father, Jack's own flesh and blood, arrived in Jasper unexpectedly, unannounced, and unwhatever."
Arcee: "You could say that. He came to Jasper just to visit his family for a week. And being that he's here, June wants to make sure that he doesn't know about us. So until he leaves, I'm temporarily out of Team Prime."
Ratchet remained quiet on the other end and thought this through. After much thinking, he came to a conclusion.
Ratchet: "All right. I'll let Optimus and the others know of this first thing in the morning. Just don't act to suspicious or reveal yourself in front of Jack's father. Is there anything else you want to discuss about?"
Arcee thought about this and remembered the girl names Elsa de Sica. The moment she came into the garage, she was looking at her strangely. She even heard her spark beating while the motor was on. Almost like she was trying to find out about Arcee. Curious herself, she asked Ratchet for a quick favor.
Arcee: "Just one. Jack's father works for a company in Italy called the Social Welfare Agency. Think you can look into it when you have the chance?"
Ratchet: "And why would you be interested in that?"
Arcee: "Because Jack's dad brought a girl from the agency called Elsa de Sica and she's getting a little suspicious about me. Don't know why, but I think she knows something."
Ratchet: "Really? Like what?"
Arcee: "Can't tell…"
Just as she said that, she heard the door opening and turned to see that someone was there. Quickly, she ended her talk with the medic.
Arcee: "Sorry Ratch, but someone is coming in. Gotta go!"
Ratchet: "Wait Arcee! What's going on out-"
She quickly turned off the comm. channel and transformed back to her bike mode. And just in time too, for when the door opened, Elsa stepped in to see who's in the garage. When she saw just Arcee in vehicle mode, she sighed didn't see anyone.
Elsa de Sica: "Strange… I thought I heard someone in this garage."
She was about to close the door only to stop midway to see the bike still standing there as always. Feeling a little interested in this bike, she entered the garage and turned on the light to get a clearer view. Walking around Arcee, she started to ask questions to her like an actual person, though that's close to the truth.
Elsa de Sica: "What are you? Where did you come from? What makes you so different that Jack was lying to his father? Hmm… Looks like I have to see for myself."
Arcee kept a close optic on the mysterious Elsa as she used her review mirrors to watch her every move. Elsa went back to listening to the side of the bike and realized that without the motor on, she could still hear an actual heart beat, like the bike is almost alive. She then took a waif in the air and smelled something coming from within the bike, like a smell she never smelt before. Finding that to be a bit odd, she traced the smell to the fuel tank and slowly opened the cap. Sniffing it deeper, she could tell that this smell of gas was different. She then took a small metal stick from the table and dipped it into the fuel tank while Arcee looked at her intently through the review mirror. When Elsa got the stick out, she was surprised at what she saw. The substance inside the fuel tank was a blue like substance that was both gooey and glow a low light. Inspecting it deeper, she could tell that it wasn't no ordinary gas.
Elsa de Sica: "How odd… I have never seen gas like this before. Wonder what is it."
As she was looking at the substance, she didn't know that the door to the hall opened and someone else stepped in. That is until she heard a young voice.
Jack: "Elsa? What are you doing in the garage?"
The young girl got startled as she looked up to see Jack approaching her wearing his pajamas. Elsa got nervous and tried to make up a good enough excuse.
Elsa de Sica: "I… Couldn't sleep. You?"
Jack shrugged his shoulders and answered the same way.
Jack: "Couldn't sleep either. The thought of my dad back home made me feel a little excited when I'm asleep. So why are you looking at my bike?"
Elsa looked down at the stick filled with the strange liquid and answered with her own question.
Elsa de Sica: "Just curious is all. For example, what is this?"
Elsa then showed Jack the metal stick that has the glowy blue substance and wanted an answer. Jack notices it too and realized that it was Energon from Arcee's fuel tank. Thinking of a way to get out of that, he too deep breather and told her what she would think.
Jack: "Why, that is a new fuel source the company that made this bike used. It's meant to stabilize the vehicles and it's eco friendly. Plus it last longer then any ordinary fuel."
Elsa looked on in curiosity and could tell that Jack is still lying through his teeth. But she did play along with it as Jack got back to Arcee and closed the cap for the fuel tank.
Elsa de Sica: "I see. So what your saying is that this bike is very special to you is it?"
Jack: "Yep, you could say that. Before I had this bike I use to ride around in a ten-speed over there. Not my favorite type of ride if you know what I mean. I just wish that I had a motorcycle of my own that way I can feel the wind in my face and journey around the states. But then a few months ago, my wish came true. Though I got to admit this bike isn't what I was expecting, I think it's one of a kind. I always treat this bike like it's a part of the family. Just like my dad treats you."
Elsa had a faint blush on her cheeks and turned her head away to hide it.
Elsa de Sica: "Oh, it's nothing of the sort. He's just my fratello and that's it."
Jack then turned to see Elsa and explained it clearly.
Jack: "No, that's not what he thinks. He treats you special too just like I do to my bike. He makes you a part of the family and treats you like a daughter he never had. And to be honest, I always wanted a young sister to look up to me. Even if you're not related to the family, you're still part of it. That's all that matters."
He walked towards the girl and placed his hand on her shoulder, assuring her that she is part of the Darby's.
Jack: "Now you go ahead and say to you two are siblings even if you're not related. But that doesn't change the fact that you're a Darby now. I think that's what dad wants in you, to be with us and follow in his footsteps. Don't ever forget about that."
Elsa looked back at Jack with his promising eyes and could tell he was right. Both she and John are both siblings in the agency, but John did treat her like part of the family. She could tell since both Jack and June acted like a family and now she's part of it. Jack smiled and ruffled the girl's hair, telling her to return to the sofa.
Jack: "Now go get some sleep. Wouldn't want dad to ask why you're tired in the morning."
Elsa looked at him intently and wanted to know more on Jack's lies, but he seemed caring to her. So she nodded and left the garage to go back to sleep. As soon as the door close, Jack looked at Arcee to see how she's holding up.
Jack: "Arcee, are you okay?"
The handles turned to his side and answered truthfully.
Arcee: "To be honest Jack, I never felt violated. But I'll be all right."
Jack chuckled as he thought that was a little funny.
Jack: "Good to know. Just be lucky it's not a Decepticon attacking you. You better get some rest too partner. Don't want you to feel woozy as well."
Before Jack could leave, Arcee told him something important.
Arcee: "Jack, I think Elsa is getting suspicious about me."
Jack stopped where he was and turned to her for an explanation.
Jack: "What do you meant Cee?"
The two-wheeler was silent until she explained herself.
Arcee: "Well, she's been hearing the pulse in my spark chamber and was looking into my energon. It would seem that Elsa is trying to find you the truth about me and the Autobots."
Jack looked on and was a little confused by what she said. He just simply nudge it off and told her that it was nothing.
Jack: "I'm pretty sure it's nothing Arcee. She's just interested in you is all. Just don't get too worried about it."
He then turns off the light and close the door. As soon as the door closed, Arcee changed into her bot mode and has a weary look on her face.
Arcee: "I should be worried."
That's all for chapter seven. Wow that was a tough one to get through along with the conversation here and there. But at least it was worth the wait. Wait until you see what I can do for the next chapter. It would be about John and his son going out in their bikes with Elsa tagging along. But that moment would soon be cut off by a certain Con. See if you can guess who it is. Please Review.
