Okay, next chapter up. Again, forgive me any mistakes that are hereā¦I really just don't have time to check it right now and don't wanna make everyone wait for me to get the time. Two kids getting ready to start school is a very VERY hectic time --;
Please Review? Please? And as ImJesseTR said about the whole StarTrek hologram thing? I haven't seen the holograms on Star Trek, but I'm trying to think extremely hi-tech and it's what I figured they'd have. No copying of Star Trek was intended. Enjoy!
Chapter eight:
Dawn stretched as she sat up from her bed, she felt like she'd been sleeping for forever. She squinted her eyes and looked at the clock. It was only 6:45am. She sighed and fell backwards in her bed. Optimus wouldn't be coming to get her for quite a few hours, so she'd either have to go back to sleep, or get up and entertain herself. She pursed her lips and snorted a soft breathy laugh. "Might as well get up." She muttered as she threw back her bedcovers and climbed out of bed. She walked over to her dresser and quickly picked out her clothes for the day. It only took her a few minutes to throw them on, than she went into her small kitchenette and fixed herself some cereal for breakfast.
After she finished eating and rinsed her bowl off and set it in the sink and looked back at the clock. 7:35am. She felt her heart drop. Than she perked up, looking around. She could always clean. Her little apartment did need to be picked up a little. So smiled and hummed to herself as she started to clean her apartment. By the time she had it completely clean she was wide awake and full of energy, ready to take on any task that Optimus or Ironhide could throw at her today! She looked excitedly at the clock. 9:07am. Her face fell for a moment, and then she brightened. "I'll just go meet Optimus at his office; I'll save him the walk today!" She thought happily as she threw on her socks and shoes and looked around her apartment once more before opening the door, stepping out and closing it behind her, walking in the direction of Optimus' office.
As she started her long trek she thought back to the past twelve days. Sure, it'd been tough, but she'd managed to get through it all reasonably unscathed. Optimus and Ironhide had her start to use her ability of giving machinery life to test her abilities. Her first few attempts were disastrous, she'd been grateful for the two huge mechs to protect her from the insane creations she'd made.
She had then discovered why they were so insane and dangerous. "When you give them life, envision it kind of like creating something like yourself. Your creations don't have a sense of purpose, they don't have intellect, and that drives them insane. Remember to give them that when you give them life. Purpose and intelligence." He had told her. She had kept that in mind, and the next day, when they tried again, she had attempted it. It had taken nearly twenty attempts and two more days, but she finally managed to do it! She'd been so excited when it didn't attack anyone that she'd actually jumped up and down and squealed in joy.
Optimus had smiled and they'd all talked with the creation to explain how things worked around the base. She has been shocked when she'd discovered she'd created a femme. She had been honestly surprised that the 'transformer' race even had femmes. She had never envisioned them as anything other than what she'd seen, but she supposed that it made sense, after all, how would they reproduce if not with a male and a female, or well, in their case, a mech and a femme.
Eight days ago. . .
Dawn looked at Optimus than at Ironhide, doubt in her eyes as she looked back to the large CD player sitting on the table in front of her. "I can't do it. It's gonna go insane and try to kill me. You'll have to kill it. I don't want you to have to kill another one of my creations." She said as she looked dubiously at the CD player.
"You'll be fine. Just remember what you've been practicing. Purpose and intelligence, remember?" Optimus asked her as he smiled encouragingly at her.
"That's easy for you to say. All you have to do is say it. I'm the one that has to create it . . ." Dawn muttered as she cautiously touched her power and slowly built it up within her as she kept her eyes on the CD player, as if expecting it to jump to life and grab her before she ever unleashed her powers on it.
She spared Ironhide a glance; he smiled at her, in awe of the beautiful, yet startling blue eyes that locked with his optics. He'd had a lot of time spent with Dawn, and felt the attachment towards her getting stronger with every passing day. What at first had been an assignment that he'd been reluctant to take on, had evolved into something he willingly wanted to do and spent all his free time dedicating himself to Dawn, unless she wanted time to herself. "Just give it a try. I know you can do it!" Ironhide encouraged her, she smiled back at him and he could tell she suddenly engulfed herself in her power, those beautiful blue eyes suddenly swirled silver as she looked back at the CD player.
Ironhide and Optimus looked at each other and readied their cannons, ready on a moments notice to attack the creation if it turned out to be like the others. Dawn took a deep breath and reached out with a finger and touched the surface of the CD player. She released her power and pulled her hand back as the small boom box started to tremble and vibrate as its changes took place within it.
Dawn closed her eyes tightly and flinched as she heard it transform. Ironhide and Optimus looked at each other as the small mechanoid stood there, blinking at Dawn, who was still in a flinching position with her eyes squeezed shut. It reached out with a finger and gently stroked the side of her left cheek. "It's okay . . . don't be afraid!" It told her as Dawn slowly opened her eyes and looked at her creation.
Soft blue optics looked at her and a smile crept onto Dawn's face. She looked back at Ironhide and Optimus and her smile widened. Suddenly she jumped up in the air and let out a loud squeal of delight, startling the new, small 'transformer'. She turned back to it, smiling. "I'm sorry if I scared you! I'm just really excited!" She apologized as she tried to contain her excitement.
The newest 'transformer' looked at the two much larger mechs and than back to Dawn. Ironhide looked at Optimus in mild surprise. "How do you suppose it knew her language?" He asked Optimus in their native language.
Optimus spared a glance at Ironhide and stared at the little 'transformer', transfixed. "I have no idea. Maybe it has something to do with her power when she gives them intellect and purpose." Optimus suggested as he watched the little mech closely.
Ironhide gave a small grunt as he thought it over. They didn't know anything of Dawn's powers, and while it did seem like a long stretch . . . look at what the Allspark was capable of! There was no real way of knowing what exactly took place when Dawn used her 'Allspark' ability.
The little 'transformer' looked at Dawn, cocking its head to the side. "Why were you afraid of me? I wouldn't have harmed you. You're my creator." It told her in a kind, soft voice.
Dawn beamed up at Optimus and Ironhide. "I did it! I really did it!" She could barely contain her excitement, she wanted to dance around the room to express her happiness, but felt that it wouldn't be appropriate in front of the Autobot leader, and didn't want to embarrass herself in front of Ironhide. Than she looked at her little creation, or well, maybe it wasn't so little, it stood nearly the same height she did after all. "You are the first thing I have created that didn't try to kill me. In fact, you're the first thing I've created that has even spoken to me! You're smart, you can think on your own, and you didn't try to kill me! I'm just so excited about that!" She said as she struggled to remain still, the urge to dance around was very strong.
Dawn's creation smiled at her, or at least Dawn took its expression as a smile. "I am happy for you then. That must have been quite an achievement. It couldn't have been an easy task."
Optimus made a sound that reminded Dawn of someone clearing their throat and gently interrupted them. "I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, and this is my weapon's specialist, Ironhide." He said, gesturing to Ironhide. "What is your designation?" He asked the little mech.
Dawn's creation straightened. "I am called Metalstar, sir." The little mech said with small bow to Optimus.
"What are your thoughts, Metalstar, what is your desire?" Optimus asked him, sparing a glance at Ironhide.
Metalstar looked at Dawn with a smile. "I wish to stay with my creator, if that is okay with you, sir?" Metalstar asked looking back at Optimus with all four of her optics.
It was at that moment that Ironhide really looked at the little mech. "She looks so much like Frenzy, don't you think?" He asked Optimus.
"Indeed she does." Optimus said as he looked at Dawn. "Well, she does need a protector . . . what do you think Dawn? Would you like Metalstar to be your protector? She's small enough to fit in your room comfortably and would be able to instantly tell any of us if something were to happen to you." Because she probably couldn't protect you herself, Optimus added to himself as he watched Dawn as she seemed to think it over.
After only a few seconds pause, Dawn nodded, still smiling. "Yeah, I think I'd like that." She said as she looked over at Metalstar. Metalstar gave what Dawn thought was a smile. Dawn took a moment to really sink in how her creation looked. If she had seen Frenzy, she would have thought she was nearly identical to the maniacal 'Con. She had the same basic look, the only difference was she showed more maturity and could talk much better than the 'Con, that and she was blue and silver, where as Frenzy was solely silver. Metalstar's personality was completely different from the little 'Con as well, she was kind and Dawn was almost certain she'd prove to be compassionate.
Dawn watched in fascination as Optimus and Ironhide explained everything to the little mech. author note: Dawn still doesn't know it's a femme, so she will continue to think of it as a mech until she's told otherwise She was in full awe of her first successful creation, it seemed so perfect! She felt her smile widen as she gazed at him in amazement.
Finally, Optimus looked at Dawn and spoke to her. "Everything has been arranged, from now on, you will have this little femme as your protector."
Dawn blinked in confusion. Femme? "Femme? As in female? As in a female of your species?" Dawn asked as it sunk in what Optimus had just said.
Optimus smiled slightly and nodded. "Yes, as in a female. You have created a femme. Congratulations are in order. From all of your other failures, this is the only femme you have created. Do you remember what you did to make her?" Optimus asked, Dawn tilted her head as she thought about it then frowned and shook her head. "It doesn't matter." He reassured her softly with a smile. "Just as long as you can repeat the process to give them life like this one here, you never know when you will need an ally when none are available." Optimus told her as he glanced at Ironhide at what she said next.
"I don't think I'm ever going to need to use my powers like that. I mean, I'll be with you guys, right? You'll protect me!" Dawn said with a smile, but saw the glance Optimus gave Ironhide and felt a cold pit form in her stomach.
"We aren't always going to be able to watch your back. When the Decepticons get enough courage to attack, which they will! There's gonna be so much chaos that we might not be able to keep a track of you." Ironhide explained casting glances occasionally at Optimus.
Dawn felt as though she'd been hit by a brick. "But . . . what if they capture me? What do I do then? I can't fight you guys, your too big and too strong!" She felt her heartbeat quicken and felt the panic start to set in.
Metalstar put a hand on her arm, trying to comfort her. "I won't let them get you! I'll fight them until the death of me, if that's what it takes!"
Dawn looked at the little femme with wide eyes. "I don't want you to die . . . not for me!"
"Your powers are growing every day, Dawn. Soon you will be on par with your sister . . ." Optimus was telling her when Dawn suddenly stood up and backed away from them all swiftly, shaking her head.
"I'm not a fighter! I can't fight! I'm a peaceful person! It's not in me to fight!" Dawn exclaimed as she looked at the two mechs in disbelief.
Optimus took a deep breath, but stayed where he was, he didn't want to make Dawn feel any more threatened. "Dawn. We are peaceful people too. We don't want to fight either. But we don't have a choice. This is war. There are sacrifices to be made, and I don't want your life to be one of them. If you want to survive in more than just the fight with your sister, you have to become a fighter. You may one day have to face an opponent that is like us. He will outmatch you in every way but in your strength through your power. That power will be the only thing that saves you!" Optimus told her gently, yet firmly enough for her to see his point.
She swallowed hard and looked at Ironhide. "Optimus is right. I know you don't want to fight. And maybe some day you won't have too. That is the hope and dream in all of us Autobots, but while there are still Decepticons around, the war will still be raging and battles will still have to be won." Ironhide told her softly, his blue optics imploring her to see reason.
Dawn shook her head. "No . . . I can't fight . . . I'm not strong enough!" She said so softly it was almost a whisper.
Metalstar slowly walked over to Dawn and put a hand on either of her shoulders, looking her straight in the eyes with all four of her optics. "Listen to me. Do you want to stay alive?" Dawn nodded. "Do you want to survive in a fight against your sister?" Again, Dawn nodded. "Do you want to avoid becoming a prisoner or dying by the hands of a Decepticon?" Dawn nodded again. "Then you have to adapt. You have to become a fighter." Metalstar was telling her when Ironhide knelt down in front of them and looked at Dawn with bright blue optics.
"Dawn. You are already a fighter. Look at what you survived back on your home world? Look at what you went through to get to us? You tried to fight your sister, even though you knew you were no match for her, you still tried. And that's all that matters. Being a fighter doesn't mean you care less about things! It doesn't change who you are on the inside, it shows you stand up for what you believe in! There is no greater honor than fighting for your cause!" Ironhide told Dawn softly, Metalstar stepped aside so Ironhide could put a finger to the side of Dawn's face, touching her gently.
Dawn took a shaky breath and closed her eyes, leaning her face slightly against his finger. She took in the strength that seemed to radiate off of him. That was the one thing she could always count on him and Optimus, they always seemed to have the supporting strength for her to take in. She nodded against his finger, smiling slightly. "I guess you're right . . ." She took a shaky breath, and felt her panic start to subside. "I know you're right." She sighed softly as Ironhide withdrew his finger, looking at her with a loving smile. "I guess I'm just scared. That's all." She admitted so softly that Ironhide was sure that Optimus probably didn't hear it as he barely caught it himself.
"We're helping to teach you how to handle your power, after you have learned sufficiently, I will begin to teach you how to use it in a combat situation." Ironhide told her as he straightened and gestured her back to the sofa she had left in a hurry.
Dawn nodded that she understood and slowly made her way back to the sofa, Metalstar following her. She gave Optimus a sheepish look as she sat back down on the sofa, than stared at her hands for a while before she finally spoke. "I'm sorry I acted that way." She apologized as she looked up at Optimus, her cheeks flushed with shame at her actions.
Optimus smiled kindly. "No need to apologize. I understand. But you must understand that there may come a time when we won't be able to protect you. The Decepticons do not fight fair and I do not expect your sister too either." Optimus told her softly.
Dawn shook her head. "I can't imagine my sister fighting like them, you said the Decepticons have no honor, fight as dirty as they can, and cheat at ever given opportunity. I can't see Lyn doing that." Dawn said with a frown, her eyes looking from Optimus to Ironhide, who was back in his original position close to Dawn.
Optimus sighed. "Did you sister not try to invade your mind, to take you over to discover the whereabouts of the Allspark? That was a low and very Decepticon thing for her to do. To use your twin bond in such a way . . ." Optimus trailed off, thinking to his own brother and his treachery, but never, never had his brother abused their brother bond in such a way, even Megatron had enough respect for the bond to not abuse it.
Dawn looked down at her hands again; she felt a lump swell up in her throat and swallowed hard past it. She blinked back the tears that threatened to slip from her eyes. It was true. To have used their sacred link with one another in such a way . . . it was beyond treachery . . . beyond betrayal . . . Dawn shook herself mentally to get her mind off of it. Optimus is right. She thought, looking up at Ironhide for support, he smiled reassuringly to her, putting a finger gently on her leg. "You're always right." She said to Optimus, forcing herself to look away from Ironhide.
Optimus had long ago logged the attachment that Dawn had with his old friend and smiled inwardly. It was sweet to see his old friend acting as he had before the war had ever broken out. He gave himself a small mental shake and sighed as he looked at Dawn sadly. "I do not want to be right all the time. But in this, I know I am. Your sister is already playing by their rules. When the time comes for you to face her, she might not be alone. Just as you have grown attached to Ironhide, there is a chance, slight as it might be that a Decepticon has grown attached to Lyn. Fighting her is not going to be an easy task, and it will be much, much harder if she has a protector with her and Ironhide is unable to defend you at the time." Optimus cautioned Dawn, he hated bringing her down to reality like this, but it was a harsh lesson to learn, and he'd rather she learn it like this, in the safety of this room, than on the battlefield where her life could be forfeit.
Ironhide kept his eyes on Dawn, but sent to Optimus: She's afraid, Optimus. She's terrified of what is coming, she knows something is up. I think we should tell her. I think she deserves to know. The Decepticons will find out soon about Ashalyn, I think it would be better if we're the ones to tell Dawn about it . . . Ironhide was saying when Optimus cut him off.
No. We'll wait. I don't want to burden her with this information right now. She's not ready to hear it. I won't do anything to jeopardize our situation. Optimus stated with finality that Ironhide knew all too well. Ironhide sighed, there was no point in pushing the issue with his leader, and it would get him no where.
Metalstar, who had been listening to the two larger mechs talking, had turned her attention to her creator and new charge. "I will assist you in whatever you need assistance with. If you ever need me, just give me a call. I'll come running!" The little femme said with a smile.
Dawn forced herself to smile back, even though she didn't feel it on the inside. She was terrified. Terrified beyond what mere words could describe. And being reminded yet again that there would come a time when she would have to face her sister, didn't help to settle the uneasiness that had fermented deep in her stomach. "I will remember that." Dawn said as she looked away from Metalstar and back at her two 'teachers'.
"So what do we do now? I've actually succeeded in doing what you wanted me too. I have managed to create a femme that didn't try to kill me. So . . . where do we go from here?" Dawn asked, tilting her head to one side, looking from Ironhide to Optimus.
Ironhide looked at Optimus; they hadn't gotten that far ahead for the day. They honestly hadn't expected her to succeed this soon. Optimus smiled at Dawn. "Than you are free for the rest of the day, I suppose."
Dawn's face split into a genuine grin and she made a gesture of triumph and leapt to her feet. "Yes! Freedom!" She cried in victory.
"Metalstar, you will remain with us, there is much for us to discuss and you need to be examined by our resident medic, just to make sure everything is in optimal condition." Optimus told the little femme. She nodded and watched as Dawn said her quick goodbyes to the three of them and took off through the door like Megatron himself was chasing her.
Present time . . .
Dawn was nearly to Optimus' office when she heard voices coming from the med bay; she slowly crept up around the corner and looked. Standing on either side of the bay were two mechs, weapons drawn, standing guard. Dawn swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and drew in on her power, letting it envelop her, than concentrated on her surroundings. Slowly, Dawn faded from view, becoming just another part of her surroundings. Once she was positive that her cloaking had worked, she walked quietly between the two guards and into the med bay. Immediately she picked up the voices of Optimus, Ironhide and Jazz, but she was unfamiliar with the final voice.
"Alright, tell me once more what happened." Optimus' voice was strained.
The mystery mech spoke again. "We got to the planet like we planned, had our talks, and everything was going along perfectly. Then, as we were gathering our resources up for the trip home, they detected a ship on the far side of their satellite. We used our scanners and discovered it was a Decepticon warship, later I discovered it was the Nemesis . . . but we told everyone to gather what military they could and be ready to face then, that we would assist them.
"When they made landfall we knew there was trouble. It was Megatron and some of his best warriors. But the real problems came a while into the battle. He brought a little fleshling to the battlefield. She was doing something and caused the machinery around her to come to life, like us! We did our best to destroy the 'Cons . . . and Nicolei did his best to try and capture the fleshling . . . but . . . she captured him . . . there was nothing I could do . . . the others . . . they were killed . . . and . . ." The mystery mech fell silent. Dawn's eyes were wide. My sister was in a battle?! But she wouldn't do that! Bringing all those machines to life, it would have hurt a lot of people! Dawn thought in horror as she continued to listen.
"So, Megatron has begun to remake his army with the assistance of Ashalyn, Dawn's sister." Ironhide said in a gruff, angry voice. "Slaggin sparkling of a glitch! He might as well have the fraggin' Allspark!" He spat viciously.
"Maybe . . . but look at it this way, they don't got both girls. We've still got the other. As long as we have at least one of 'em, they ain't gettin' very far." Jazz said as he looked up at Optimus.
"Maybe so Jazz but remember, having Ashalyn is dangerous enough. We don't know her limits, and as far as we know, she may be near limitless in her ability to use her powers. We all know that Dawn is improving dramatically, but I fear it may not be enough to save her in a fight with her sister. We all know that she's going to cheat, as will the Decepticons. Megatron is probably right now preparing young Ashalyn for the final face off between her and her twin. By the time Ashalyn faces her twin, she will be hardened, and most likely a complete puppet to Megatron's whims." Optimus took a deep breath, shaking his head as he looked over at Ironhide.
"We all know what needs to happen if Dawn should fail to make her sister see the truth." Ironhide said softly, the mystery mech made a sound that was close to a grunt. "I know you don't relish the thought of destroying fleshlings anymore than Optimus does, but we can't let her continue to stay with the 'Cons! The longer she stays there, the more they gain in strength. We can't have them regaining the power they once had. This war is finally under hand! We've finally got the upper hand! We can't let it slip away! Even if it means destroying the young Ashalyn!"
Dawn gasped, her power flickered away and suddenly her presence was felt by all the mechs gathered around the berth the mystery mech lay upon. Optimus looked down at her with an open mouth for a moment, than quickly knelt down to her. "Dawn! How did you get in here?" He asked, the surprise in his voice evident.
"You're going to kill my sister? You're planning on destroying my twin!" Dawn's eyes were wide, her heart was pumping so fast that Ratchet thought that it would fail.
"Calm down . . . no one is going to kill anyone just yet, we are only talking." Ratchet said softly, kneeling down on the other side of Dawn.
"But . . . I don't want her to die!" Dawn said, her eyes swiftly filling up with tears.
Ironhide looked over at Optimus, who moved so that his friend could kneel down in front of Dawn. "Dawn . . . I was saying that if you should fail to make her see the truth, that she's going to have to be dealt with. She'll kill you if she gets the chance. Megatron will make sure of it, if she fails to get you to join with her. We won't let that happen. We won't let her kill you, and we can't let her continue to stay with the Decepticons." Ironhide took a deep breath, glancing at Ratchet. "Dawn . . . you know I wouldn't kill a fleshling unless I had no other choice. You know none of us would do that. I was simply preparing everyone for the possibility." He reassured her softly, his blue optics imploring Dawn not to cry.
Her lower lip quivered, but she nodded and took a shaky breath. "I'll do my best to make sure she doesn't stay with the Decepticons. I'll get her back! Even if I have to die to do it!" She said with a small, shaky smile.
Ironhide shook his head. "We're not going to let you kill yourself just to save your sister. That's not a sacrifice I want you to make. Without you, Ashalyn will likely go back to the 'Cons. Killing yourself would accomplish nothing." Ratchet said softly to her, scanning her as she tried desperately to compose herself in front of them.
"We don't want you to die, Dawn. That's why we're going to do everything to make sure you're fully capable of handling your powers before you have to face Ashalyn." Ironhide told her as he released a rush of air through his vents slowly and as quietly as possible as to not scare Dawn.
Dawn smiled shakily at them. "I don't wanna die either . . . but I was just saying, if that's what it takes, than so be it, that's what I'll do." She answered with a slight lift of her head to show her determination.
"Your strength is admirable, little one." Optimus said softly. "I hope everything works out for the best, but we must plan for every possible outcome. Every possible outcome, even if that means one of us must destroy Ashalyn. You have to understand that. We will do everything in our power to keep both of you alive and safe, but the situation might not allow for that. It may not be that simple." Optimus told her gently, looking over at the mystery mech lying on the berth.
The mystery mech forced himself into an upright position and looked at Dawn with gentle blue optics. "Dawn . . . Your sister . . . she's powerful. I saw her single handedly transform more machines and vehicles than I could count. The power blast went more than eighteen hundred miles in every direction."
Dawn blinked in confusion for a moment, than it dawned on her who she was looking at. "Stormchaser? But . . . where's Nicolei? I haven't seen him around. Was he not with you and the others?" She asked as her brow furrowed in deeper confusion. Than she remembered what she had heard: Nicolei had been captured, the others were dead. Lyn had captured Nicolei and now he was in the hands of the Decepticons. Her mouth opened and her eyes went wide.
Stormchaser nodded slowly as he watched the realization take its place across her face. Ironhide put a gentle finger on Dawn's shoulder. "He's gone. There's no way we can rescue him. He is probably even dead by now." Ironhide told her quietly, she looked from Stormchaser to Ironhide, her eyes so wide with shock.
"But . . . but it was for peace talks . . . there weren't supposed to be Decepticons there . . ." Dawn stammered as she shook her head in disbelief. "How . . . why did he try to capture Lyn . . . surely he should have known from hearing about her that she was powerful?" Dawn asked, looking back to Stormchaser.
But it was Optimus who answered. "Dearest Dawn, he tried to capture her because it would have been the only way for him to stop her."
Although he would have been better off just shooting her and trying to kill her, would save us a load of trouble. Ironhide sent to the others as he gently touched Dawn's shoulder, giving her what little comfort he could.
Optimus gave Ironhide a look, but said nothing to give away what he had just told the others. But Dawn picked it up. She looked at Ironhide than Optimus. "What did he just say?" She asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Ironhide.
"You need to understand, any of us would have tried to capture Ashalyn. It is important that we get her away from the Decepticons before they decide that they no longer need her, or worse, discover that her powers will continue to work without her being free. They could make her a slave or worse, someone's pet." Ratchet said, distracting Dawn from Ironhide and the possibly bad confrontation.
Dawn looked over at Ratchet. "Do you really think they'd do something like that to Lyn? I mean, she's their powerhouse. She's got the same powers as the Allspark, and if what Storm says is true . . . and she did, indeed, bring every mechanical device to life within eighteen hundred miles, than she's a true force to be reckoned with. Why would the Decepticons imprison or enslave her? Especially if she's doing everything they ask willingly?" Dawn looked genuinely confused as she tried to figure it all out.
"Easy. They're Decepticons. They have their name for a reason. They want Ashalyn to feel comfortable and relaxed, then, right when she least expects it?" Ironhide slammed his fist into his other open hand. "They'll enslave her faster than she can realize what has happened. She'll become someone's pet before she even can acknowledge that she's been betrayed." Ironhide told Dawn simply as he sat back and looked up at the others. "Am I not correct?"
Optimus nodded. "He's right, Dawn. That's exactly how the Decepticons work. Ashalyn doesn't even realize that her freedom is ticking with every passing day. Or, it might have happened already. She might already be broken and enslaved." Dawn shook her head.
"No. I can still feel Lyn through our bond. She reaches out for me in her sleep, I keep it sealed off from her just to be safe, but she's still pretty happy and content. I can't imagine she'd be like that if she was a slave to them. Or a toy." Dawn stated as she looked up at Optimus.
Optimus nodded. "Very well, all the same, it is only a matter of time. I know Megatron very well. Ashalyn doesn't realize the time bomb she is now living with. He could deal her serious damage in one of his rages if she fails him. We know she has already failed him at least once. One mistake is usually all he allows his Decepticons, than there are serious repercussions. I'd hate to see Ashalyn fall to those punishments." Optimus said, knowing full well which mechs would likely gain the prize should she fail Megatron too many times.
Dawn swallowed hard, but held her tongue, so Stormchaser broke the brief silence. "Your sister is extremely strong. I suggest to you that you train extra hard to make up the ground you have lost in not using your powers as she has over the years. You shouldn't be afraid of your powers; they are a part of you."
Dawn looked at him with a sad, but serious expression. "I could train for the rest of my life, and still probably not be a strong as Lyn." She said quietly, another silence fell over the group.
Ratchet broke the silence this time by reminding everyone of his patient's needs. "Alright, if there is nothing else required of Stormchaser, you all need to go so he can get some much needed rest."
Optimus nodded and waved everyone off. "Let's go." He looked back at Stormchaser, his face trying to appear reassuring. "You did well. Do not be hard on yourself; you did the best you could. Rest well." He told Stormchaser as he walked out with the rest of them.
Dawn followed them, slightly behind because she didn't feel like running to keep up. The mood in the room was too depressing for her liking, and she had a lot to think about. Once she was out of the med bay, she stopped as she noticed Optimus standing just outside, looking down at her. She was about to speak when he spoke first.
"Would you like to visit the Allspark again?" His question took her completely by surprise. She knew he visited it often, but had only let her see it a few sparse times. To be invited was a special occasion.
Dawn smiled up and nodded. "I would be honored." She stated, he bent down and lowered his hand for her to climb into. She hopped on it and settled herself down for the long walk. She nearly had the walk memorized from her apartment from the three times he'd taken her from there, but from the med bay, she would be lost in minutes after they left her 'safety zone'.
After a few minutes of silence, Dawn looked up at Optimus curiously. "So . . . what of Metalstar? Has Ratchet gotten the chance to do all of his scans and evaluations? When am I going to see her again?"
Optimus looked down at her with a small smile. "Soon. I know, it's been so long already, but these things take time, and with the skirmishes we've been having with the scattered remains of the Decepticons, Ratchet's services have been hard pressed to repair all the damages." He explained to Dawn as they continued on their way to the Allspark.
The rest of their walk was done in silence, Dawn took the time to meditate, clearing her mind and gathering her powers within her, getting familiar with the feel of it coursing through her. When Optimus spoke, it startled her, she had gotten so relaxed with the silence that sound startled her. "I have added something extra for you. I have put a lot of thought into it, and have decided that you should be able to see the Allspark whenever you want too, that Ironhide or Jazz can take you to see it." Dawn looked up at Optimus in shock. This, she hadn't expected!
"What. . .?!" She managed to get out past her shock.
Optimus stopped in front of the door and set her down on the ground. "There is a lock here, just for you. It opens only for your handprint. Try it." He told her, gesturing to the place on the wall that was even with her chest. Dawn placed her hand on the flat space and a little light scanned her hand, the doors opened for her. "See? That is how you will gain entrance."
Dawn looked at the two Autobot guards and smiled, they smiled back at her. Only a select few knew about her powers, and those two guards just happened to be among them. She walked through the door, Optimus close behind her. She walked up to the Allspark and let her mind reach out to touch it as she had done the previous times she had come.
The Allspark glowed, emphasizing each of the symbols adorning it. Dawn felt the warmth seep into her as it wrapped its presence around her, sheltering her in its embrace. Dawn closed her eyes and leaned into the sensation. It was almost better than having Lyn's mind wrapped around her when she was sad or scared. She imagined that if she had a mother, this would have been what it would have felt like, she was sure.
Optimus watched in silence. Observing with a smile, he truly enjoyed seeing Dawn this happy. He had worried deeply about her wellbeing after watching how she acted when confronted with Zandaros and his wife, Elena and Nicolei and his wife, Okelani. She always smiled and laughed with them, but when they left, he could almost feel the sorrow come off of her in waves that she was alone. It was times like that that he was grateful for Ironhide's insistence that she not be left alone. He was always really good about popping up when she was really sad. Optimus admired that in his old friend.
Dawn felt the Allspark probing at the edges of her carefully constructed barriers. She hesitated. Than she cast her worries to the wind and lowered her barrier, immediately her mind filled with several different emotions. Sadness, joy, bitterness, anger, and regret . . . Dawn was a little overwhelmed, but reached out with her mind to comfort and send love and comfort to the Allspark.
I have waited for you. A feminine voice whispered softly in her mind, Dawn pulled back a little in surprise. Do not be afraid. The voice reassured her as the Allspark glowed brighter in response.
Are you the Allspark? Dawn asked it, making the link between them firm again so she could talk.
There was joy and happiness surging through her now. Yes! The answer seemed excited as though for anxious for someone to finally speak to it after years of silence.
Why are you so sad, angry and bitter? Dawn asked, continuing to send feelings of comfort to the Allspark.
There was a hesitation before the answer came, and for a moment, Dawn thought she might have overstepped her boundaries. Would you not be sad, bitter and angry if so many lives had been lost over a fight on who would control you? My children have fought over me for longer than you could ever imagine, so many lives have been lost . . . and I had been thrown into the black void to keep me away from the hands of Megatron. The Allspark paused, Dawn thought for a moment she was finished, but before she could speak up, the Allspark began speaking again.
For millennia I floated through space, sending out a signal so that my children might find me again, but no reply was ever sent. Finally, I crash landed on a small primitive planet. It was a few millennia later that Megatron came to that same planet, however, something happened to him, and he was unable to obtain me. Humans found me and built a great building around me, keeping my signal from reaching the outside, effectively trapping me with them in a prison. They forced me to bring their machinery to live, over and over again. I watched my newest creations die at the hands of those monsters . . . it was bitterly hard to take . . . The Allspark paused again, Dawn listened intently, she'd never heard this story before, she'd gotten pieces of it from Ironhide, and Bumblebee, but not the whole story and certainly not from this perspective as images of what the Allspark was telling flooded through her mind. Than, one day, I felt my son, Megatron, he was close, but he wasn't moving. I could tell he was still alive, but he made no movements to get to my location. I could only assume that the humans had done something to him as well.
Then, just when I thought my torture would never end, my rescue came. I felt another of my children, he too was being held captive, and just when I thought all hope was lost, that these humans would be the death of us . . . a small symbiont, or a minicon as he is sometimes known as, found me and managed to get a signal out somehow that he had found my location.
It was then that the Pit broke loose. Children that I could not identify, but had a good guess were Decepticon, began bombing the building, I knew this because I recognized the way the building shuttered and vibrated along with the sounds accompanying the blasts. Then suddenly, the child I felt that had recently been brought into the building was suddenly in front of me, asking me to transform to my smaller size, the one before you now, I was happy to oblige. As I did so, I released a small surge of my powers into him, healing him . . . Dawn took the pause to let her mind play catch up. When she had asked why the Allspark felt those emotions she didn't expect it to go into a long story about why it felt that way, or the memories that accompanied it. But she wasn't upset, she had always wanted to hear this story, and now she got to hear it and see it from the best source.
Finally, after a minute of silence, Dawn gave the Allspark a mental nudge, silently asking it to continue. Then we were safe at last. My rescuer got me safely away from the humans and back with my children. We were soon off the planet and headed back for the open space. And here we are . . . this isn't home, but at least there is no more fighting over me for now . . . The Allspark broke off, pulling away from Dawn a little bit.
I'm sorry you've had so much fuss over you. Dawn murmured to the Allspark.
There is nothing for you to be sorry for. None of this was your fault. The Allspark reassured Dawn, sending her warm feelings, Dawn could feel the psychic arms around her.
Why do I feel such a strong connection to you? Dawn asked, her eyes still closed, her hands warm, feeling slight tingling from them.
Because you are my daughter. Dawn's eyes flew open and she realize that she was touching the Allspark, her body was shrouded in a blue light, the Allspark was sending small surges across her hands and up her arms. Her power was interlocked with the Allspark's.
Dawn staggered back away from the cube. What did that mean? Because I am her daughter? Dawn thought as she blinked in confusion. She looked over at Optimus who looked at her sadly. "I . . . I'm sorry, I didn't mean to touch it . . ." She stammered, unable to think of anything else to say.
"There is nothing wrong in touching it, Dawn." Optimus reassured her, giving her a weak, but sad smile.
Dawn swallowed hard and looked back at the Allspark. "She told me something. Something I don't understand . . ." Dawn paused, looking back at Optimus. "She called me her daughter . . ."
Optimus closed his shutters and off lined his optics. Think fast, what do I say? Do I tell her the truth? Or do I say something neutral, something that could mean anything? Optimus thought to himself as he ran over the possibilities in his head. To Dawn the pause was small, but to Optimus, it seemed to drag on for an eternity. He on lined his optics and looked at her with a gentle smile. "The Allspark created many lives on many different planets before settling on Cybertron, and after we launched it into space, there is the possibility of it creating more life or changing the lives of those who crossed its path. It is possible that you were the by-product of such a thing. That you were created because of some event that brought your mother into contact with the Allspark." That's a neutral answer, right? He asked himself as he watched Dawn closely for her reaction.
Dawn seemed to settle down a little and smiled. "Yeah, that's probably it. It's probably nothing more than something like that."
Optimus released a sigh through his vents in relief. His smile was a little more genuine this time. "Are you ready to go back? Or do you wish to stay with the Allspark for a while longer?"
Dawn looked back at the Allspark. It was still glowing slightly; she walked back over to it and reached her mind out to it, sending her love and comfort to it. I will be going now, if you don't mind. I have much to practice and learn. I can't dilly dally with my powers any longer; I must get as strong as my sister! She said as she clenched her fist involuntarily.
A loving, warmth filled her as the Allspark reached out to embrace her. Do not be afraid of your powers, embrace them, they are my gift to you. Learn them well, as you would learn your own body. They are a part of you, much as your heartbeat is a part of you, essential and necessary. Do not refuse yourself what is rightfully yours by birth. The Allspark told her as it pulled itself away, the glow around the cube died down, the cube seemed to go into a sleep state.
Dawn hoped she hadn't exhausted it with all questions and it giving her explanations. But she let it slip from her mind as she turned to face Optimus again. "I'm ready." She said, giving a smart nod.
Optimus lowered his hand down, and she walked over and climbed into it. As he straightened he gave the Allspark one last look before heading out.
Once they were past the guards and back on track for whatever their destination, Dawn decided it was time to tell Optimus her decision. "Hey, Optimus?"
He looked down at her. "Hmm?"
"I've been thinking about what I heard in the med bay, I've been thinking about what Stormchaser said. That if I want to beat my sister, I can't be afraid of my powers any more, that I am going to need to train extra hard to catch up with her in strength. So I've decided that I'm no longer going to avoid using my powers, I'm going to use them to their maximum ability." Dawn said as she looked away and back at the scenery they were passing.
"And what exactly does that mean, little one?" Optimus asked, glancing at her occasionally.
"It means . . . I'm going to start experimenting with my powers. See what they do." It means I'm going to begin using my full potential, something I've always dreamed of but never dared to do. Dawn said to herself as she looked up at Optimus.
"Good. I'm glad to hear it. You can start today; I have set up a new room for you to practice in. Others who wish to remain anonymous and I have set up a holo-room for you. It will give you objects to interact with, targets to practice your aim and a safe place to experiment." Optimus told her as they took a turn around a corner and he stopped suddenly.
"You have all that set up? How did you know I was going to use it?" Dawn was asking when Jazz and Bumblebee walked quickly up to Optimus. Dawn noticed them and frowned, they had very serious expressions on their faces.
"Optimus, sir! We need you to come with us! It's urgent!" Bumblebee said with a smart salute to his commander.
Optimus looked to his youngest soldier, than over at Jazz, and finally to Dawn. "Can I take Dawn to the holo-room first?" He asked, but he feared he already knew the answer.
Dawn looked at Optimus with wide, eager eyes. "I wanna come! Please!" Dawn begged, looking up at Optimus with her best puppy face.
"There's no danger to little Dawn, so ya can take her wi' ya." Jazz said with a reassuring smile to Dawn. "Don't worry little lady, we'll all make sure everythin's safe for ya!" Jazz said to Dawn, who smiled back to show she wasn't afraid.
"What exactly is going on?" Optimus asked as he followed his two soldiers down the hall, and immediately got suspicious when they turned down in the direction of the brig.
"We've captured a 'Con." Jazz said with smugness to his voice.
Optimus looked at Dawn with a stern expression. "You may absolutely not come! It isn't safe for you!"
Dawn frowned up at him, her face getting very serious. "I'm coming! Even if I have to follow you myself! He might know something about my sister!" She said, her eyes shining with the rebellion that told him he'd lost this fight.
Optimus sighed and looked at his first lieutenant and scout. "What is his status? And do we know who it is?"
Jazz waved him reassuringly. "No worries, Optimus! He's been handled already, weapons offlined repaired, everything! He's sittin' in the brig right now, just waitin' for you to come and give him a warm Autobot welcome!"
Optimus raised his brow in question. "And do we know this Decepticon?"
Jazz gave a wicked smile. "Thundercracker."
Optimus seemed to perk up slightly, becoming a little more alert. He looked down at Dawn with a serious expression. "Thundercracker is dangerous, even though he is unarmed, I want you to use caution around him."
Dawn's face lit up. "I'm coming then?!" Optimus nodded and she let out a small squeal of joy, then sobered quickly and nodded. "I won't get close or do anything that might give him an opportunity to hurt me or use me as a hostage." Dawn said seriously, looking up at Optimus.
Optimus nodded and looked back at his two soldiers. "Lead the way." With that, they were off to the brig, to investigate their newest acquisition.
