Edit: Should have checked the chapter a couple more times before releasing it, so made some changes and typo errors. I am using UK English for my writing.

Oh man, I have postponned this for a bit long, lots of real life hiatus, mmo and single players gaming taken over much of my existence and rekindling my own youtube channel that is going slow, but any fans of my fan fiction you can enjoy my other stuff on said youtube channel if you wish so. Be advised I am still learning so with out further ado, here is the latest rewamping chapter of my ongoing fan fic. The other one I have a bit of a writers block, but hopefully that will end sooner or later. Oh and apologies for any typo mistakes I have missed while going over this chapter least 100 times (not literately)


Chapter 8 More then Meets The Eye

"So Son, now you are home, what are you doing?" Father asked, "Or you planning on a fourth tour?" His steel gaze swept over the dinner table. Lars, close friend of Jannick sat beside me shifted nervously in his seat. We had glanced at each-other a couple of times during the evening and had mostly small talk exchanged.

Mum insisted doing these dinners once a week and last one was close being a disaster I could not get out of there fast enough. Funny now it was the only normality I had for the moment, but I felt more like a stranger.

"Playing soldier with Hope, but other then that not going back again. I am better off ruining new recruits" Jannick chuckled. Dad raised his bushy eyebrow and hummed like a bear. Not malicious cause there was a smile under the mustache. Mum sighed a relief. Either she wants to admit or not, she married soldier her self when Dad was still part of the RAF. Retired now tending to horses and PTSD cases of either army or civilian. The old war horse has seen his shit during active duty as he have said, but never specified what kind.

"What I like to know more about is this guy. I mean...heard you hooked up with some guy. Why haven't we meet him yet?" Lars leaned back crossing his arms.

"His worked called, over in the states," I nipped at my wine. Lars's eyes never left me. I tried to ignore it and focused on the very rehearsed lined Fowler and I have nee through many times. "And I will be joining him soon, you think I would stay as a HR in model agency rest of my life, to much drama. Ever since I graduated I have been all to busy working. I need a change."

"Dear God Hope, you just can't run off" Mum interjected.

"Mum please, I am not running anywhere." I sighed deeply. "I got some job offerings on the table, I said I was headhunted for a specific counselling job not many get just by handing in a resume. No need to worry. I will be fine. Least I be free from that arsehole prick of a so called ex boss."

That sounded better in my head. I can't get it out of my head when I walked into a near empty office and found them. With no word I just left the papers on the table and left.

Murmurs around the table. If mum could complain why she is not a grandmother yet, then by god I can bitch to of my womanising boss. Jannick did not tell me who his ex girl friend cheated on, but I do understand how I too wanted to punch my now ex boss in the face.

"The job offering is well paid?" Father asked diplomatic.

"If they want me after my walk about" I smiled adding the last word is my best Australian impression that sounded out load not that good to say the least.

"And what about a place to live?"

"Wheeljack" I stopped my self, cursing internally I slipped that one up.

"Wheeljack?"

"Jackie is his name, but Wheeljack is more of a nickname, it grew on me soo..." please let them believe that one.

"How so?" Dad asked. He was getting suspicions.

"He tinkers with a lot of different mechanics that is not only cars, fixes stuff, pays well and always find work fixing." not to mention tinkers with bombs and weapons. "His shop is also is place to live, its not that bad at all so he lets me stay there."

"That is good to hear, what about your house, any buyers yet?"

Phew, that got him of my trail. I should be better at this misleading information as Fowler instructed me too.

"I have a couple coming by tomorrow to have a look, I see what they offer then others have. Even got an open house lined up the next weekend. Mum, you need any help?"

"No, I can handle it" mum had started carrying the plates towards the kitchen. She pretends she is a high class society woman, but in the end have not liked the idea of servants.

"Ok, thought you might did need help, and if you excuse me I need a bi of air." for better or worse I just needed to get out. And knew just where to go.

Heels tapping against the stone gravel and skipped over a mud poodle towards the enclosure with a small herd of horses grazing in the field. Late spring and still had to wear a warm coat over my shoulders as it was a bit chilly. Cursing at my self to wear high heels and should have thought of wearing some more sensible shoes. I could quick go back and grab my old stable boots, yet I felt more drawn to the equine creatures. One raised its head, ears perked on my directions and rest of the large head followed.

Horses are very smart and I smiled my felt my heart giddy how this large one trotted towards the edge of the pen.

"Hey, you still remember me?" reaching out with my arm to touch the soft muzzle of the large animal. I held my breath as it stood there, caressing it soft muzzle and warm ear sprouted from the nostrils.

All that Wheeljack had said over and over again to me, I am still the same at this moment I again had my doubts. Tears escaped my eyes as I laughed as the muzzle of the pure breed draft horse started to nip at my hand. Horses where the first love in my life and still is cause Angus here had helped me through a lot when I was most sad and lonely.

"Sorry old boy, I forgot treats for you. Stupid me forgetting them. Or did you just miss me, sorry I've been to busy lately. I see Dad is keeping you in good shape" I had at this point crawled into the pen patting the neck of the beast. The smell of Angus and general the way horses smelled felt 10 times stronger it nearly overpowered me. Another side effect that I had live with it. Ratchet said I could learn to filter it out as he can filter out his hearing or mute to concentrate on his own projects.

Being least 22 years and past his prime, yet still had lot of life in him. He patiently let me climb on to his back, no need for any steer ups, saddle or bridle when he let me ride him.

"If I had more time we could have taken a longer ride," patting the massive neck and combed my fingers through his grey mane. I always loved to groom the horses, they loved the attention. She smiled at the a horse once after grooming it went outside and rolled in the dirt just get groomed more, but was after not allowed outside to the same stunt again.

I could not take Angus with me. A base is no place for a horse and the ranches I've looked into is far in between. It is for the better he lived out his days here and give would be better and I decided he should live out his days here. Bittersweet is it may I know he will be good hands.

"Thought I might find your here with old Angus,"

"Dad?" I wiped an escaped tear with my blouse. A bit mascara got smeared on the fabric.

"Your old dad knows where to find you." Dad leaned on his cane.

"Yeah you caught me guilty as the sun is bright old man that should not be moving?"

He have recently gone though hip replacement surgery and through painful physiotherapy. Stubborn old man I thought to my self, he never could sit still for long and always had some sort of work that needed doing. Even cleaning the stalls that took longer time even as he had hired help.

"Hah, this be nothing, I had worse. Going under the knife soon if that blasted health system can decide or else I do it me self with" he padded the hip in question. Typical Dad.

Angus moved over towards him as Dad fished a carrot out his pocket and the horse greedily munches on the treat while Dad hummed to himself.

"I remember the day he was born. You must have been least what 5 years old when I brought him home. Those little eyes looked up at Angus and since that day you rarely spent a day a part."

Childhood is fickle, I barely remember anything prior to 3 or 4 year old when I was more human, I am getting these dreams I am still a wee child. Mum and Dad speaking to each other over my crib. Not talking, arguing until the little me started to cry.

Am I starting to remember to far back after my transformation? I can't remember what they where talking about, but I remember feeling scared as a child is when their parents argued.

Dad chuckled nuzzling Angus's muzzle "That's a good boy Angus. Barry didn't knew what to do with you." he mumbled something else I didn't get and zoned out. Guess who I got that from.

"Dad?"

"What?"

"You are rambling again old man," mocking him with a smile.

"Don't you start now little missy, I still got some fighting left in me" he shot me a cheeky smile and light padded my leg with his cane.

I wonder what have shaped Dad those many years ago, he never freely spoke of them. Not to mention the outings least a year he had with old military-buddies. He nearly always came home bruised and battered, but had such a big smile on his face when he returned. Mum never liked it, when she was away. She hid the fact she was afraid he was never gonna return. It was very unspoken, but I picked up the signs during the years. Since his last outing a couple of years ago he had to stop cause of surgery in hips that took longer then expected.

"I know Mum is not gonna like it, but…."

"She will understand, you are a grown woman. Live your life as you want it," Dad intervened.

"Have you ever…?"

"No regrets, if you don't risk something, what do you have to loose? That how I risked asking your mother out in that pub." He chuckled fondly while petting Angus on neck. The big horse snorted liking the attention leaning his big neck against father who nearly fell over if not for the cane in the other as counter weight"

"Wasn't there something about a hedgehog in the story?" I smirked.

"That is a story for another time, now come inside, your mother have made another attempt at Grans Grans pudding." grinning widely coaxing me off the horse. Angus neighed which to me sounded he was annoyed, the way he wanted me to stay longer knowingly deep within I might never gonna see him again.

"Just 10 more minuets please?"

"Oh alright little lass, I'll give you 20" he smiled watching me and Angus having a little trod around his own enclosure. I still got it, holding on to to the mane as Angus showed off he still could gallop. The hooves pounded into the ground, and for an instance. I think I saw glint of a white car near the tree line. Angus whinnied as he came close to the fence and turned as much the big horse could do an 180 with me on his back. I've done this countless of times and every-time I felt I was going to get thrown of, yet instinct had me move with the horse as it moved.

I've done this countless of times and can't count the many times I been thrown off to the fear of my peers or parents.

His enclosure is pretty big that is shared by a couple younger geldings who picked up the pace and wanted in on the action galloping beside us around the pen. The sound their whinnying made me happy, they had a good life her and well cared for. Angus heavy hoofs pounded on the ground like drums of a heavy bass and the wind in my hair made me feel free.

Out of nowhere Angus reared on his hind legs and whinnied in fear. I had to hold to dear life not to get thrown off and trampled under hoofs.

"Woah, easy boy, what is it? Easy, easy..." I cooed the horse.

"Wheeljack" I gasped. "Dad…?" I frantic looked around"

"Your dad huh? He went inside, he didn't see me" confident as ever standing there there as metal statue. He does know how to make ever lasting impressions.

Angus ears where flat and his muscles was tense. "Easy big boy" one hand caressed neck as I slides off, still keeping my hands on the horse to reassure that the new comer is not dangerous. The scent of the horse striked how strong the odour had become to my nostrils. Even the feel of his heart beat and lungs had a big impact on me. Then it hit me, right, another side effect that I am still coping with how to read. Like going through puberty again.

The horse calmed down, the other horses in the pen have fled to the far side and nervously looked our way. Angus scraped one hoof on the ground. He was still anxious. Every horse was different how to be calmed down and I've done this many times not only did it calm Angus, but me too when I felt sad. I hummed a soft tune I've picked up somewhere, but couldn't remember the song. It calmed most horses as it worked wonders with Angus.

Wheeljack cleared his throats. "Kinda feel I am not that important right now?"

Smiling to my self, the bond of course. All my attention have been on Angus.

"Angus is very dear to me," I stroked its big neck and fingers combed the coarse mane.

Wheeljack kneeled down. "Hey Angus, how are you doing,"

"As he can answer that back as we two are talking like its nothing...and why are you here?"

"Was in the neighbourhood."

"Weren't you out somewhere with Ratchet?"

"False lead"

"Aha"

So the hunt continued. The intel was wrong. Way to trust satellite imagery, but better then nothing. I might have to talk to that Colonel O'Neil next time he visits. He seemed all to genuine interested in things and that made me tad uneasy so I had my suspicions he could be a spy. No Hope, now you are being to paranoid and read to many spy novels.

Least Harlow and his goons are no more as I have in my own right pressed charges and have to confess to a military court jury in the near future. Not something I wanted to do.

"Ain't you awaited back at base?"

"I had time to spare sweetspark, old sunshine don't like having you to far from any bot, he was very clear on that." that smirk made me smile.

"Not the naughty kind I hope," knowing him I could be right.

"Thought I say hi to those people you call mum and dad," he said and carefully presented a metal finger towards the muzzle of the horse. Angus have calmed down and sniffed, getting to know his scent. Have I told him about horses? I must have, cause he was doing it right. Slowly I let go of the animal, but still had a palm placed on the neck.

"So barging in like THAT and go all out go like 'hey I am sentient robotic organism and I am dating your daughter. Yeah like that is going to flip Mum into a heart attack"

He sent me a devious smile. "Don't worry your little aft about that, you're not the only one that have brewed up a tall tale. Family is important ya know? Like Bulk is family."

"I am honoured I guess? So why you eager when I had to convenience them you can't meet them"

"Darby"

"Jack?

"His mother" Wheeljack corrected.

The kids too must have talked him into it I could imagine.

"Well once you are here...but kinda not like that" I pointed at him. The wrecker chuckled with a rumble and back of onto the small gravel road and transformed. His holoform flickered blue to life an arms length from me.

"Little Lady" he extended his arm towards me.

"What are you wearing?" I laughed.

"Er...a tuxedo?"

"Who's idea what that? No please...don't answer that, can you? We are having an informal formal dinner." I gestured my hand at the a bit last century style. I'd gave it a B+ for effort. I can't say all men would like great in a tux.

The black wearing tuxedo Wheeljack shimmered and now stood a Wheeljack holoform I better knew. Dark jeans, long sleeved grey shirt under a white racer jacket with green and red strips, no Autobot signature this time. I squeaked as this Wheeljack had wrapped an arm around me and drew me into him and I could not deny those sweet electrifying lips as they grew closer to mine.

"Do I need to get a crowbar and pry you two off…. again"

I hid my flustered face against Wheeljack chest. "Whats up?" casual as ever Jackie, good going.

"I was to get my sister, cause she had time playing with Angus,"

"Oh right…." I muttered against that….deep breath Hope, broad chest and arms holding me as I was the most preciouses thing in the world.

"Now get your arses in, Mum is not serving that pudding once we all been seated."

Taking more deep breaths and I calmed down cause I was really nervous now. Wheeljack brushed hair away from my forehead and kissed. My god what is he doing to me? I felt I was shimmering from the inside.

"We can have fun later" that sly smile on his lips.

Angus whinnied and scraped his hoofs thinking he had been forgotten. I had to wrestle out of Wheeljack arms. "Take care Angus" the horse riled on his hind legs. He may be old, but could still some tricks wanting to treats. "I come by and give you something special boy later, or can have Dad bring you some treats"

Waving goodbuy to a dear friend we went inside my childhome house. Eyes plastered on Wheeljack who had draped his arm over my shoulder stepping to the dining room. Mum dropped her plate it shattered on the floor wide eye staring at this stranger.

Things did not went as planned or was there even a plan Lars was kick to kick the chair out from underneath of him and rushed past us. The tension have been brewing all evening and now it blew in my face. I have not thought this could happen.

"Lars" I went after him out the drive way. I cought him fondling after his car key.

"Don't touch me," he warned with a death glare.

"Lars, please listen…."

"What should I listen to, you clearly moved on. And you rub in my face as if..." I never seen Lars this pissed off, he used to be the mellow light hearted jokester.

"I.." my words got stuck in my throat.

"What's the matter with you?" Jannick called out.

"Well tell you what, your precious little sisters does goes around a lot, sure I know that as she was mighty fine doing bed gymnastics,"

"Shut up Lars, fuck sake you knew it was just.." I shouted.

"You didn't complain….", the words hang in the air, a fist hit him square in the face. He tumbled back up against his car parked in the driveway. Jannick was not done and raised his fist for another jab.

I did what I had to do to stop it as quick as Lars got hit, I was in between the two.

"Jannick stop it, please." I stood my ground, arms raised to my side. He knew it I could take him head on having taught me self defence techniques long before I was altered. Clenching his jaw shut square eyed stared at me, muscles still tense and backed off.

"Yes, Lars and I slept together.. Jannick I am sorry to have lied to you about. Please let me explain..."

I took a deep mental breath, my own hands clenches into fists dropping my arms to my side. The driveway lot of my childhood home was not so empty more with humans and Wheeljack. How am I going to explain it to Wheeljack?

"And you know what if you really want to hear this" I stared back at one very pissed of brother. "Yes we dated for a while, but we both where in lack of better words, miserable you lied in the hospital with a bunch load of shrapnel and broken bones,"

Lars's hand pushed me away, I could barely not watch how the two sized each other up. I've been afraid this day might come.

"I do owe you my life, but I felt bad we dated behind your back, you took a grenade for me man."

"And now I regret that" Jannick growled, hands where still curled into a fist. The look of betrayal all over him. I couldn't fault him and this was also my fault. Lars turned and took my hand.

"I regret letting you go. It hurts me so badly I could kill my self,"

Wheeljack is in for a long story now that that cat is out the bag I've hid away in the darkness.

"We agreed it was never going to be,"

"Hope. I had wanted to to tell you since I got back I am still in love with you, but when that bastard" he pointed at Jannick. "told me about Jackie boy. I kept my mouth shut. I said yes getting invited here cause you treat me as family. And now this. Fuck it I could just..."

Wheeljack is in for a long story now that that cat is out the bag I've hid away in the darkness.

"Hey easy now" Wheeljack warned. "Want to take a crack? Go ahead give your worst"

"For the love all that his holy!" an authoritarian voice crackled as thunder over us. "I may be old, but I ain't blind children." Oh fuck Dad is on warpath "Lars I have always liked you, and I knew you two had something going. And you my only son, you have to respect that your sister is a full grown woman, a young woman that has to deal with her mistakes. And for you Miss Dunbar"

I stared down onto the ground.

"I have been in the army long enough to spot difference between a white lie and one BIG one that raises all flags. You where gone without a word for 3 months and came back half the little girl I knew you where, and gave us no explanation. Amnesia?"

"Ahem, could I"

"I will get to you in a minuet boy" Dad pointed his cane at Wheeljack stopping in his tracks. "By the holy mighty, my wife have slaved all day in the kitchen preparing a nice meal you know she loves to do cause it makes her happy. Miss Dunbar, hiding this behind my back and your mother. I could see you have not been happy for a while, until" his steel gaze swept at Wheeljack. The same gaze Dad sent a none to happy look at people he felt none to gracious about. "I know you where the cause of it and I damn it if I still could beat you a bloody pulp."

I sucked in a breath of air. Dad is on the warpath.

"Can I explain old timer, I spent those 3 months looking for her. I even filed a missing persons report. Went to every hospital I couldn't find and I found her. I never gave up to find her. How can I not, cause I am a man who takes matters in my own hands." Wheeljack slowly explained.

"Is that true?" my mum spoke.

"Yes ma'mn. Found her of all places with no I.D. at a US military hospital. They held her there cause they found her inside one of their bases,"

"Why didn't you tell us this before?"

"I...thought you where not ready know, and I was not allowed to say anything"

Well the story is true Wheeljack spent every waking hour to find me and I barely remember what happened to me during the whole incident and recovery process, only fragments.

"Its true," I said trying to salvage this mess, "I don't remember how I ended up there. I didn't even knew who I was. I only remembered I was going somewhere and that was Vegas, but they never found my rented car. I still had amnesia if Jackie her was bold to get past guards. When I saw him, I started to remember who I was"

A story that is both plausible to explain my disappearance and part true getting past guards to rescue me from the grasps of the Decepticons. Wheeljack never stopped looking for me when the Decepticons took me. I had been in a state of shock according to the human doctors at the base when I was rescued and the months hereafter.

Dad hummed under his breath leaning on his cane.

"I think thanks are in order lad. But we are not done here, if you three roasters wants to duke it out then go ahead. I ain't stopping you. Get it out of your system and get inside have some dessert."

"Gladly" Lars wiped the blood dripping from his noose. I looked to Wheeljack standing there. He seems very un-phased about the situation. Mum pulled me by the arm.

"Does he like pudding?" she is shaken I could hear, her way to cope with stress.

"I'd never asked him," do Autobots even eat in holoform?

If I haven't looked down while Dad scolded me, I wouldn't have noticed the popping veins resembling microchip circuitry on my lower arm. I thanked my self for choosing a long sleeved blouse and tugged it more over praying no more will show. It was something I was still getting use too, but can be controlled at least in the right conditions. In theory that is.


Miko laughed so hard she fell of the couch. Jack and Raf laughed too, and I swear I think think little Raf have grown a bit.

"3 man fist fight, I would have given anything to record that, 2 man against machine,"

"Aww shucks should have known Miko" Wheeljack grinned widely. That girl looked up to that wrecker as she have did with Bulkhead. Can't deny it and it was cute. I'd become more of an aunt then a substitute mother, that was June's job. And between me and June, we did joke Ratchet shared the same maternal instincts for the children.

The nurse had steady over the time I've spent with the autobot become a close friend I can talk to in confidence. She openly was happy to have another woman to talk to and proud talk about Jack how he has grown.

"How did you made it so convincing with you being all holomatter? Can't you feel pain?" Jack asked

"Yeah, I modified the pain receptors being connected to other tactile receptors. Your brother does have a mean punch. Even that Lars fella did get a few swings that stung."

"I am surprised you are even standing? I bet Jannick would go pro football, he is huge"

"Don't know what that is, yet he did give him is all I tell ya' " Wheeljack boasted and I did not wanted to hear who came on top on that.

"And mum was NOT happy you three dragging mud into the house wrestling in the dirt." I laughed.

Fowler have asked me to be on stand by due to a meeting with a board who is arriving on base during the day. I didn't like the sound of it. So I took the time to hang out here then anywhere else.

Yet my mind wandered and thought of Lars, we both been miserable and sought each other for comfort. It was sex, good sex numbing out the mental pain. I always seen Jannick as a hero even as he can be an annoying older brother.

The news broke my heart when I heard; Third degree burn, broken bones and shrapnel in the back. If not for his protective gear he would be bead. His group got ambushed on a routine patrol. Lars had taken point. If not Jannick's quick actions he would have been dead. Lars had been shocked and felt guilt. It just happened between. We sought both comfort.

Jannick made recovery, it took about a year. Mum had begged Jannick not to go back, but he had too, it was his duty he said. The doctors cleared him for fit active duty and before we knew of it and Lars being by his side, they where in training for their next tour.

Now I stood cleaning out the blood from his face and compress to the eye. I didnt care who of the other two gave Lars a nasty black eye. Geez it was like an after match of Fight Club.

"Does he makes you happy?" he asked. Part of me was happy to have him alone so we could talk. I can deal with Wheeljack later, that thing about bots being very protective. Its why Wheeljack acted jealous of me speaking with Epps is very out of his character.

"He can be as ass, but he cares deeply for me" I'd replied with a wry smile hoping not to upset him further.

"Lucky bastard"

"Lucky girl who gets you. There that should stop it I think." I made a good nurse I thought to my self. Its easy to clean a wound and patch it up with a few bandages.

It felt right to just talk, no more bad blood.

"If he messes it up, I sure Jannick will give him hell." there was his carefree chuckle I could help to smile.

"Well you can try, and again sorry he just came unannounced. I was swept off my feet."

"Ahh man he stole my girl AND my idea,"

He slumped down rested his head on my shoulder.

"Lars?" did he pass out?

He had his arms around me. It stung me how bittersweet it was and returned the hug. He was crying. I said nothing and let him cry. This was the only way I could help to free him from his torment.

"Hope, do you have a moment?" Ratchet called ripping me out of my thoughts. Once again I was zoned out, yet still oddly aware of my surroundings.

"Is it important?" I asked.

"In manner of fact, yes it is important."

"As long it doesn't involve cutting me open"

"I had heated debates with Knockout about that." Ratchet cleared his voice box. I peered over the railing and there was something he was tinkering with. There was a short stair case down to have a closer look. He waved me closer as I could not see it from the catwalk.

"What is that?" it looked like a digital watch.

"I need you to wear it for a week. It is a monitor so I can remotely watch over every circuitry that courses through you how it works with your human biology. And another thing.….No interfacing for a week."

"Come again?"

"Intercourse" he said low voice and peered over at the kids loudly laughing and talking with Wheeljack.

"Aww so sad I have to shut of the cold water,"

"I don't have time for your nonsense Hope. Just take it on or have you forgotten how to?"

"Figure of speech Ratchet." picked up the thing looking like a watch. "It looks more as an exercise monitor then a watch."

"That is a base concept that is best suited for you. Another thing. And this is important you do as I say. I need you to digest these." Under the table he drew out a box and handed too me. Curiosity got the best of me and opened it. Counting 14 chocolate bar shaped semi glowing sticks. "Eat one at precise 8 A.M and one 8 P.M. They are made from energon and human protein supplementary."

"I thought energon is poison to humans?"

"Well yes, but your nanites need the energon. And they are barely keeping them self alive due to Wheeljack's own energy signature is rubbing all over you. The energon should naturally dissolve within your human digestive system distributing the energon evenly. Plus powering the dormant systems we have discussed what could be. So when you take them. Take note, what you see, feel and hear."

I took one of the bars in my hand to take a sniff expecting it to smell foul. "Do I smell chocolate and hazelnut?"

"Nurse Darby have been very helpful to explain to me what kind is to your human taste receptors. She have been more then helpful in that manner." That smile of self confidence that I am in good hands.

"So this is regular energon, not synthen?,"

"Synthen en is devastating against any organic life. You really think I've lost processor function to even be used on humans let alone you. You know well enough the changes Shockwave somehow have altered your DNA with CNA. Primus only knows why in the first place" Ratchet pinched his fingers right under the ridge of the helmet.

"Thanks I guess" I closed the lid on the box. So this is my life now. I still have question that is yet not answered. We have been over them, but the doctors who took care of me after my rescue is no where to be found. June remembers their names, yet could have been fake names. Fowler is looking into it. It can't be misplaced files and he hates it when he doesn't know things he is supposed to know. But I can't rely on Fowler all the time. I had to trust my gut feeling on this.

"Ratchet" Raf voice called out. "I got something and there is energon residue readings according to the satellite."

"Good job Raphael, where is it?"

The young boy have become Ratchet second hand and expert hacker. So why not hire a hacker who can help fight cybercrime, and finding Decepticons around the globe. I got to admit, the kid is smart, and the US Government wants to make good friends with Cybertron. Ratchet had meetings with some suits from the Pentagon who wants all details of the last fight against Megatron. They are trying to get the credits for helping the Bots. Bureaucracy my fat arse.

Least Ratchet have access to making his own satellite that is made from his specification and own hands. The bots had to relay on human satellites for years that is more prone to hacking even from human hands.

There had been some days he had been gone to god know where and came back with a closed trailer and hauled it off where we humans are not allowed to go, aka his private work area at another hangar at base where he was building said satellite. I heard staff commenting about Ratchet's privacy project that it may not be a satellite.

It is one risk Ratchet got this huge of a leash that questioned even me. Did the medic know they know something? Darn those paranoid gens again. Or have I read to many spy novels.

Well I ain't a spy, nor soldier or agent so I have no idea where I fit in this circus. Be the moral support that is Miko, or reserved and quiet as Jack? Hacker, nope.

"Seems I am up," Wheeljack grasping me from behind and I nearly dropped the box with a yelp.

"Where is that over grown lizard anyway?" Jack Darpy asked.

"Oh for Primus sake, Wheeljack take Knockout with you," Ratchet muttered under his breath. Knockout loudly protested it will ruin his paint job the gazillon times we heard. Officially or somewhat he have been granted asylum for his wicked ways and sworn not to harm any humans or else he would be promptly kicked off planet. As for Predaking, he had a knack to go out alone god know where we can can't keep track of the it all the time. This was getting on Fowler's nerves cause we need to know: When, who and where is going at all times in and out of base. The Autobots where not an exceptions so for now the metal dragon is MIA. Heck, I', the one brave enough to strike up a conversation with the thing don't even know where it might be if asked.

"And you are still on probation, now chop chop."

"Well seems I got no choice. Don't worry sunshine I'll keep an eye on him"

I got spun around with no warning what so ever that I dropped the box. Hands cupped my buttocks got squeezed, a mouth possessive sought mine I only gladly opened up too. My legs could barely hold me up it took me oh I don't know and don't care how long to support hen on my own. Lips parted, eyes meet and those ice blue eyes.

"See you later Little Lady" he whispered in my ear. I swear my panties crashed right down to China. I sucked in a good breath of air that should have come out as a whimper got replaced by a very undignified shriek as he got a good slap on my butt cheeks. Wheeljack's cheeky smile vanished as well rest of him. The ground bridge was already open and the white sports car speeded out. My knees buckled and I feel to the ground panting for air.

"Is there..." Fowler held a hand against his mouth, he was chuckling "Something wrong with your computer Ratchet?"

"Nothing is wrong, it is all working as it should," Ratchet quick said and eyes on me. "Now I will know when you are not following doctors orders"

I shot the medic an angry glance "Did you put Wheeljack up to that?"

"No, but I knew he would pull a stunt like that."

"He is gonna pay for that" I could still feel the hand print firmly on my butt-cheek. Yeah, no coitus his little lady for over a week is a cruel punishment.


In a day like this, I should have worn boots instead of high heels. I love my heels, but we where late already I had to jump over cracks in the concrete yet not patched up caused by Predakings not to subtle landings as of late causing uprisings of distrusts towards our alien guests. All I had time was a quick shower after daily training sessions in both mentally and psychical changes consulted by a human doctor. A women, Fraiser. I see why Ratchet requested a human doctor and whom is very up to date about my situation and the Autobots.

"Miss Dunbar"

"Colonel O'Neill, I did not knew you where at this meeting." I greet the man with a smile and handshake.

"More formal, I am here to defend you." he said.

"I thought Fowler had that job?"

"Last minute changes cause Fowler is in question on the brink of being court marshelled," a woman's very condensing tone. Fowler muttered something that I did not need to hear a second time. This woman. Charlotte Mearing was one mean bitch, and she is the head of the US National Intelligence, not first time I've run to into her against my wishes.

"I am afraid Agent Fowler you have a lot to explain. You would have been court marshalled by now of not for your status." Mearing brisk said. 4 more faces where present I did not know cause I did not have the auterazition to any logs on base so only know a handful by name I personally talked to. The last face I least knew was General Bryce. His face did not give my any clue what he could be thinking or what I had to expect.

Darnit I should have payed more attention in class when we had the subject about psychology, but that was only a small fragment we learned as I took the mandatory course for work. Those tools where more used to see past lies and hints of models mental health and if I did suspect any self harm and a like I had to report it.

"Shall we begin" one the men spoke, I had a gut feeling I am not gonna like this guy. I was right, O'Neil sent the same man a disgusted look.

"Can I have a word with Miss Dunbar," one that has not spoken yet and who clearly had that Danish English accent. It is the Danish Defence Chief. He stood up, formal I had to shake hands and spoke crystal clear Danish to me.

"Miss, you really have gotten your self into a lot of diplomatic trouble. I've read your file. I am here with my British collogue to determine if you are fit to continue your work here in best interest of nations and friendship. You are both of Danish And British citizen" he hinted towards a British high ranking officer with stars on his shoulders. Big guns. I would not call my self half Brit, rather half Scottish as half my family is from Scotland.

"I hope you will come to the right decision sir" I said with confidence in my voice, but I feared what we where going to discuss when the subject matter gets to it. I had to be ready to answer. Fowler have drilled me over and over again on them.

"This is gonna be a long meeting," Fowler groaned sitting down. I sat wedged between him and O'Neill.

"Why are you defending us?"

"I have my reasons Miss Dunbar, and Fowler is an old friend." the Colonel said. "And its not the first time I was called in on short notice in a similar case that lets say had our world at stake,"

I could barely get my self to believe him. What was he hinting about, and was he even allowed too hint me? The way Dad the other day have told he knew something had me thinking in overdrive. Maybe there was an inherent Dunbar trait we where good at reading between lines. A trait my Great Grandfather and the stories about him how he was a spy in both world wars and one damn good at it. Or could just tall tales no one really knows, but I loved hearing them as I was little girl that should have heard stories about fairy princesses.

"Miss Dunbar, you are here by called having filed for special agent consultant status filed by Agent William Fowler. If I solely have to decide you would be promptly kicked off base and country."

The way he spoke with disdain sent shivers down my spine.

"Well I ain't here to agree with you Simmons"

"Colonel O'Neil, I do not need that attitude from you,"

"What attitude, just saying I just don't agree with you" there was that sly smile again.

I am beginning to like this guy.

The hours ticked by and we had been over what felt a thousand times on the same question I was getting really annoyed. Colonel Simmons and Mearing both had equal ferocity. Simmons asked same questions 100 times over, he was fishing after some dirt he could use against me, The meeting opened my eyes that O'Neill and Simmons had some to say it in a nice way; disagreements how things are done. Hours ticked by and a break was needed. Coffee and other refreshments where brought to General Bryce's office there the meeting held place.

"You are doing fine," Fowler reassured handing me a cup of coffee.

"I rather want to punch that guys face in," accepting the coffee.

"He's only doing what his jobs mandates to, but tell you what Dunbar, he has a hidden agenda, I can practically smell it on him," O'Neill said.

"All I can smell is that awful cologne on him"

O'Neill chuckled.

The meeting went back on track, still harassing me with the same question as soon I sat down.

"What do you remember before the adduction?" the Danish representative asked. He have been quit up until now.

"Not much, I was on my way to the destination for ground-bridge pick up then my car was tossed over so many times. I was in panic and instict told me to run, but then the Predacon caught me. I was taken to the ship, after that I can't remember much, only pieces."

"What was the reason the Decepticons wanted you for?"

"I do not know, I thought they wanted information out of me, yet..." I clenched my fists. I was getting real tired at Simmons being a pain more then Mearing is. He was baiting me to say things that could get me kicked out of base is as clear as the sky is blue.

"According to the statement from Optimus Prime had a theory they would have used her as form of leverage." O'Neil said.

I nodded. "Yes, my afterthought of that I was interrogated, but I never gave anything away." even mere thought of my feelings for Wheeljack I would never reveal. I knew if the Cons had the whiff of it they would use it against the bots.

"The Autobots that found you tells they located you inside a set of artificial caverns carved out by Decepticon mining drills," Simmons looked at the stack of papers he had gone through like a comp. Taking notes at every page.

"I have not read the report cause I am not allowed. Why don't you ask Wheeljack about that?" I said.

"We called you here to hear your story Miss Dunbar" Mearing eyed me. "We have quite enough info to go on..."

"Ask them again, ask the kids who is allowed here, but me oh no...I am a special case,"

"We have concerns you might suffer from a severe case of PTSD. We can't grant you special agent status, neither you have any form of special training until you submit to a psychological examinations. You have spent a good far amount of time with the Autobots it might hinder your assessments to take action that dangers homeland security. You know more then the average civilian we can't just let you and do what ever you like."

"Look here, I will if it comes down to it submit my self to training, but I will not be used as a puppet to your means like fighting a war you can't win" I shot glance at the woman. "The kids are smart too and under the guidance of an alien robot you have granted by a whim to stay at base so you of all people can spy on us. Don't think me as just a pretty face that may or not have a hand in sabotaging Silas computer while Fowler distracting Silas into a fist fight," I slammed my palms against the table and stare right at Simmons. He was the main enemy here in this room.

"Kinda hand it to this bright woman, was a good idea. Silas is dead and gone and for what good it is worth it. We need Miss Dunbar who thinks outside the box," Fowler cracked a smile. "She is a valuable assets that she have proved time and time again with aid of the children. I could say she is a great agent spotting Decepticons in the middle of Rome. and kept a close eye on them knowing fully she could loose her life."

"So yeah thank me that the Colosseum is still standing today" I cracked a smile that seemed to unease Simmons in his chair. I could see the small change in his face. Well some good have come on reading faces on that crash course to detect models abusing them selfs.

With no warning, my vision went black. Images bombarded me I could not decipher hit me to the point my vision came back.

I was gasping for air and looked down. I wanted to scream as the horror set in half of my midsection was gone. Energon spilled down and vital warning flashed against me eyes. The thing is already dead pulling out the swords scrambled back and went dropped to knees. Warning signs of immediate shutdown blared across my vision till it shut out.

Where was I….I am back in the room, hunched over the table. I feel to my knees shivering and gasping my air. I looked down, I am in my own body. Voices crawled around.

"What is wrong with her?"

"Dunbar…..what the hell is going...oh god, what's wrong with her eyes?"

"Wheeljack" I stammered. I was shaking all over. It was not a dream. It was real.

"We need Ratchet for this."

"Why would an alien know anything about human medical treatment"

"You know very well Simmons, don't try to cover it up," one of the male voices barked.

Partly getting back to my senses, Fowler had my over his shoulder and dragged me out. This is where I don't know where I got the energy from, kicking off my heels and bolted for the door. The pain in my mid region still lingered as just ran, crashing into people, fumbling my way over obstacles leaving a mess of angry yelling people. I heard gunshots, but I just ran. The base felt endlessly big till I finally arrived at the hangar. Soaked in my own sweat sprinting all the way barging into the side entrance. My heart dropped at the sight.

"What happened" I cried out.

"Sweet love of Primus what are you doing here, Knockout get the pressure gauge and something to seal the leak"

"Ambush….I got it" Knockout handed something to Ratchet. I don't know what is, but it stopped the flow on energon. June was not far away and tugged me away from the bloody scene. To me it looked red, but I knew all to well energon, the liquid that course through any cybertronian is a neon teal colour.

"He is gonna be alright" June pushed me away from the carnage, I was still in chock at the sight. I saw him...I saw through his eyed what happened.

June's voice reached out to me. "Hope your shaking, its gonna be alright dear."

I looked to her, she held me hand and one other places on my lower back. Taking me to a seperate area where she had her work station. "I need you to take deep breath honey, that's it. I am going to give you a sedative." she said while preparing a needle.

"I'm giving you dozes of morphin, for your nerves. And some of Ratchet's concoction" she winked. "He said it should dull out the bond that should work as a barrier."

Right at the moment, a jeep came blazing through the open hangar doors. Ratchet tell tale angry yelling echoed all over for someone to close it.

"By Lincolns beard what happeneed?!" Fowler yelled.

"Geez Louise you can run fast. You should run in the Olympics or something." O'Neill expressed with arms out wide.

"Have you been sleeping during Ratchet's lectures Mr Fowler" Nurse Darby scolded.

"Er….no Miss I mean Nurse Darby…"

"The bond." I mustered to say. The pain in my chest was still there.

"Right of course that..." Fowler groaned and took a deep breath.

My muscled eased up when I started to feel the painkiller concoctions. My chest still felt soar yet I was still in shock shaking. June had me focus more on my breathing then the world around me till I felt more coherent.

"Miss Dunbar?"

"Pardon what?" I looked up. O'Neill with crossed arms and a slight tilted head looked at me.

"Is that going to happen often? Can't have you storm out of the meeting with no reason at all, and what's the eyes?"

"A side effect thank the Con Shockwave for that," Fowler said.

"I get it some people are much in their cars, but I have a good feeling your lover bot is gonna recover." O'Neil said.

All stared at O'Neill, he looked like a big kid who played a prank having his hands in his pockets.

"Fowler?" June glared at the agent.

"I didn't tell him. I am surprised as you are"

"You two gotta be a bit more aware with surveillance outside the hangers" O'Neill stated as it was nothing.

A massive head belonging to Predaking in his beast mode appeared behind O'Neill who jumped in surprise. A warm went of air eminated from its its mouth. What was amazing its head blocked any escape.

"This is why I need a separate room," June said.

"Any wanna put bell on that thing?" O'Neill stated.

"Warning next time lizard" Fowler waved a warning finger at the metal beast.

Predaking snout turned slowly straight at Fowler and blew a gust of warm air sending him on his backside. I tried not to laugh, but my amusement stopped very quickly feeling at unease how Predakings eyes me particularly. Last time I was this close was when...

"Is that normal how that thing acts?" O'Neil asked.

"I don't know, but it has never been a fan of me either" Fowler dusted him self off.

Predaking head moved up only to its shoulders and down again to ground level, optics still fixed on me.

"I think he got something that is stuck, can't transform either." I said.

"How can you tell?"

"I know my way around horses so know how to read their body language, also I can hear something is grinding against the metal that doesn't sound right"

"How can you hear that, and last time I checked, that thing has claws, not hooves"

"I have spent my time getting to know him, and also.." I pointed to my ears.

"I get it," Fowler nodded.

Predaking stared at me. Ratchet and Knockout where still at work on Wheeljack….I should be happy he is in good hands. But I couldn't get my self to relax entirely. It hurt me to see Wheeljack like that.

"Can you wait little till we can ask Ratchet?" I looked up at the giant dragon. A few moments later it backed away, returning to its corner in the hanger curled up like a dog. The same corner laid trash scattered around the predacon. Ratchet annoyed by the mess I suggested giving Predaking a container to store it. It seems to occupy the predacon and guarded its treasure like a fantasy dragon. No one wanted to ask what it brought. No one has dared to ask.

"So now what we do?" O'Neill pondered.

"I ain't a giant robots dragons chiropractor. Our best bet is ask Ratchet, and looks him and pretentious hothead have got everything under control" Fowler said.

That is good to hear. But I needed something to distract for the time being. That sedative helped calm my nerves, but not mentally. June accompanied me on a walk and didn't object to me smoking half a dozen cigarettes. Filthy habit I am still juggling to quit.


Half dozed by another sedative did not find rest despite the chemical working to dull my muscles I found no sleep. A sudden knock on the door to load I practically sprang up from the couch. A voice outside called my name. Opening the door, it was Knockout.

There are 2 entrances, one lead outside to a private parking spot for Fowler personal car going down a step of stairs to get too. The other lead out to the hanger elevated up to a conveniently to bot level and one could step out to a cat walk system for humans to use.

"Good news, your lover bot is gonna be al good and new" Knockout proclaimed."But gonna take a few earth weeks to make sure all his systems are back on track." he looked very smug of him self.

"Wheeljack is under strict supervision the next days." Ratchet looked tired for a bot.

"Well don't thank me yet. You know how many vehicons you sent to my med-bay I know how to close a fuel line with my servos tied. Ugh need a good clean up" Knockout nonchalant said and then looked down on him self and started to stroll out.

"In your vehicle mode Knockout!" Ratchet called.

"Yeah yeah I know. Hey fleshy where can I get cleaned up around this dirty place"

Ratchet sighed and transformed for him to enable his holoform. I have grown use by now how common by now. O'Neill had left with Fowler to inform the comity it will be postponed. I could only imagine how Fowler is going to explain this.

"Hmm yes yes, I thought so." Ratchet said as examining me.

"Tell me something I like to hear," I blinked once he was done checking my eyes.

"Other then we already know, your nanites are to dependent and feeds of Wheeljack's energy for them to function."

"So what do you suggest?"

"You ingest the energon bars I gave you that you forgot," he handed me one.

I didn't have much of an appetite, but my stomach made the call as it started to growl. Reluctant I took a bit. The taste was not that bad as I thought, I knew how chocolate tasted, energon, not really.

"Feel better?"

I nodded. "Oh er...can you...take a look at Predaking?"

"What?"

"I think he got something stuck in his neck coils or what ever you call it"

"How, Primus never mind, I won't go near that thing,"

"Ratchet please, he won't hurt you"

"I've dealt with unwilling patient in my time, but a predacon?" he huffed.

"Thank you," placing my hand on his arm, then the other. He looked surprised at me.

"He won't harm you, I am sure"

"And you too have to rest. You look pale."

"Ratchet,"

"What?"

The holoform human Ratchet looked tired. Inner debates if I should even mention this. My heart said I shouldn't. But I had to set my emotion aside for this one.

"This may be nothing, but when I blacked out. I saw...I think I saw Soundwave. I am not sure, but somehow I think I did"

"Are you sure?"

I nodded. It was merely a glimpse, but still imprinted in my mind and real as Ratchet in front of me.

"If we only could tap into your brain, no no, its to dangerouns I won't do it."

"What are..."

"Forgot I said it. Now, you go rest. Shall I send any staff to take you to the ship?"

His tone rock solid. If I asked again he would not even answer. As if the bot had enough on his plate lately.

"No I want to be here, I want to be here when he wakes up, and I am not tired,"

"Ofcourse ofcourse,"

I hugged him. It surprised him, gently padding my back and returned the hug.

"Thank you Ratchet"

Hhe chuckled. "But you need your rest after you eat rest of that bar. Doctors orders,"

that felt better eating the rest of the bar. But I feared the most to fall asleep. The nightmares where getting worse. I have relied to much on Wheeljack as a comfort blanket to be there when I woke up screaming in terror in the middle of the night. Some nights he cuddled me back to sleep, other nights we made love when the nightmares had been very vivid.

I am truly afraid, only now it hit me so hard I rather want to drown my self, but that is not the answer. How can I accept what had been done to me.

But I do know, I do not want to be used as a tool.