Transformers

Trouble Through Time

Disclaimer. I don't own Transformers. They are owned by Hasbro and Takara. I am merely taking them for a quick spin around the block.

Summary: - To save the future they must change the past. But in doing so could things be changing for the better or could they be changing for the worst. Who Knows? AU elements from G1 and movies

"Speaking"

'thought'

* Private Comm. Between two Autobots *

*Comm. Between officers* e.g. Optimus-Prowl

**Group/Multiple Link Comm.**

Autobot Measures of time

Astrosecond - 0.273 seconds

Breem - 8.3 minutes

Cycle - 2 hours

Decacycle - 2 years

Joor - 1 hour

Klik - 1.2 minutes

Megacycle - 93 hours

Meta Cycle - 13 months

Millicycle - 1000 years

Nano-second - 1 second

Orbital Cycle - 1 day

Quartex - 20.75 years

Solar cycle - 1 year

Stellar Cycle - 1400 days/ 17.5 months

Trimara - 300 years

Vorn - 83 years

Mega-Vorn - 8.3 Million years

Light years - A very long length of time.

Quick note : - Hey mechs and femmes Just a quick note to say sorry as its been a while since I've recently been in and out of hospital. A slight reworking of a component from TF Revenge of the Fallen.

Chapter 8.

Hot Rod stared down unmoving form, lying upon the makeshift berth. Sunny still wasn't looking very well. Hot Rod looked on guilt riddled about what had happened to the older and silently wishing that it had been himself in the injured mechs place. He knew Sunstreaker was as quick to jump into battle as he and the red twin . Primus knew that together the two were by far a couple of the most deadliest of the Autobot frontline warriors ever to have been sparked, so it was no surprise that they were quick into battle. Oftentimes being the last to leave the battlefield as well as often being one of the most injured mechs which never boded well for Ratchet. The poor CMO was always repairing them.

The young once commander shook his head releasing air from his intake valves in the Autobot version of a human sigh as he prayed to the powers that be, that Sunstreaker would be okay, for he still felt responsible Sunny as well as the others. Sideswipe wasn't fairing very well either, his brothers condition was hitting him hard. The oftentimes outspoken and cheerful twin was seldom seen. He was often times hidden away from the other around the old base. When he was seen out and about, he spoke to no one just drove out into the desert to be alone. Hot Rod wasn't sure how much more the nano-klik younger twin could take. He pivoted on his foot turned and headed towards the hanger that had become the main gathering for all the Autobots excluding Sunny and Side.

Sam and Mikaela had seen how depressed Sideswipe was acting as well as how sullen Hot Rod was appearing. The two kids often spent their time recently trying to cheer the two bots up but their attempts were failing miserably. Sideswipe would sometimes humour them, fake smiles crossing his face plates at their tries but more often than not he would just sit their gazing at them until they stopped. Whilst at the other end of the spectrum Hot Rod never really made much of their attempts but really having no choice bot to accept their endeavours to cheer him. This long suffering acceptance was integrated into his core programming, even more so since he borne the matrix. The kids had been trying so hard, the young ex-leader had a lot of respect for them. The injuries of Sunstreaker was taking a big toll on both the young Autobots. Even Bumblebee was bothered by Sunny's stasis lock. He hadn't even known him that well, when the bots had gotten away from Cybertron, as he was even younger than the other younglings but he still felt grief for the fallen bot.

Back in the main hanger, Mikaela had heard a bit from Hot Rod about the future he and the others had come from and how things had been. One thing she had noticed during these times of information exchanges was how he avoided saying anything about his own leadership, because no matter how it seemed he never felt as if he had done him best, even though he had been well respected because of his bravery. He also did not mention more than he had to about the circumstances that surrounding Optimus's downfall.

"Hot Rod, can you tell me more about what the future was like that you came form? I mean can you tell us some more about the events that happened in your time?" Mikaela asked sitting with Sam both perched upon the young bots foot. It was one of their favourite places to sit whilst with the Autobots. Hot Rods gaze focused upon them having been pulled from his thoughts, 'why would she want to know about where we've come from? Oh well'

"Are you sure you want to know? It wasn't a very happy time, a lot of our friends lost their lives fighting against Galvatron." the young mech said with a grim undertone, remembering those who had lain down their lives in the pursuit of freedom from the tyranny of Galvatron and his Decepticon army.

" Errh….yeah…maybe …possibly…it's just to see what you five came back from to save."

'Hmmm' he thought in a way she was right. Maybe he could tell her more about the alt. future they had come from, before he could process his thoughts any further Mikaela interrupted his train of thought, "I….I…I…know ..you and your 'bots have told us a lot already…I…I'm just glad that you got the chance to change things for the better. I … just wish to further understand…that's all"

"What would you like to know" Hot Rod asked repositioning himself slightly to more easily see both Mikaela and Sam who had been sitting quietly listening to the conversation.

"Well for a start, what was Optimus like?"

"He never changed he has always been the same no matter what time period. Always fighting for honour, justice and freedom of all. He has always said, 'freedom is the right of all sentient beings' and I have always agreed with his teachings."

Mikaela face palmed. "That's not what I meant." she said indignantly, Sam tittering quietly in the background.

Hot Rod smiled down at the duo, "Well…" he started after a moment, "I will tell you one thing in our original timeline Optimus didn't survive the fight with Megatron (the decepticon leader before he somehow became Galvatron) in Mission City."

"HUH!" "WHAT!" came the simultaneous cries of disbelief from the two teens.

"Mikaela… Sam…" his gaze matching the frowns of displeasure, grief and disbelief on their faces, "what you have to understand is originally Springer and myself did not arrive on earth until well after the fight in Mission City. I know Jazz was here already he was badly injured. Ironhide, Bee and Ratchet grabbed Jazz and retreated underground once Optimus fell in our timeline. Afterwards the twins were the first of our group to arrive. Afterwards Springer and myself arrived and I had no choice to take over Optimus' role of leadership." Discussing this made him think back to those times, when for some reason he was chosen by the Matrix of Leadership to be it's bearer (at least temporarily) until one day Hot Rod/ Rodimus was compelled by some strange urge to revive Optimus using the Matrix to jump start his spark, well after all of the battle damage to his protoform had been repaired. Which had taken well over 2 nearly 3 earth years to complete due to the excess amount of damage that occurred during the fight. Also for replacement parts that had, had to be manufactured by Wheeljack and then implemented by Ratchet. Before he could continue with his thought processes Hot Rod deliberately changed the subject, "You know Sam, Mikaela both you and Lennox all helped to save a lot of people during that time."

Both Sam and Mikaela could see right through his attempts but both chose to say nothing upon see the looks upon his faceplates, "Really?", enquired Sam, "like some kind of heroes or freedom fighters?"

"Yes Sam. Exactly like that. You three were infamous to the 'cons."

"Infamous to the 'cons? For what?" asked Sam now taking the lead in the questioning of the young 'bot.

"Well Sam. Not only had you three saved thousands of people over the years you also helped to save a lot of Autobots as well. Even when things were at their worst the three of you never gave up. You were Primus sent all of you but more 'specially you Mikaela, with your gift for mechanics. Which really came in handy with the injured bots and neutrals; you saved a lot of cybertronians."

Sam and Mikaela sat there for a moment absorbing all that they had been told. Infamous? Freedom fighters. Huh who would have thought.

"Rodimus?…." a restrained voice called out in search of the young ex-leader. Hot Rod immediately recognised the voice. Sam and Mikaela attention had also been caught by the voice of the unknown (to them) mech.

Turning first this way and then that way trying to find the owner of the voice. It was Mikaela who spotted the mysterious mech who turned out to be the younger twin not too far off to the side of the entrance to the makeshift rec. room standing in the shadows cast by the hangar doors.

"Why do you insist upon calling me that? Even if it is only jokingly. It is not my name."

"Rodimus?…" echoed Mikaela in confusion, before she could expand further Sam imputed his query, "Why is Sideswipe calling you by that name?"

"Errr….because…" here Hot Rod seemed hesitant to answer, "that ….was my name when I was in command of the Autobots." he was not bemused about having to reveal such information after Sides slip up.

"Easier to say" piped in an amused Sideswipe before falling silent, "Any news on Sunny?"

At this question Hot Rod suddenly felt overcome by a feeling of immense dread at having to tell the red twin that so far nothing had changed in Sunny's situation so far. Telling Sides this, the young mech felt even worse as the red twin sank further into yet another bout of depression.

"Oh…Sides…"Hot Rod said sadly, "You've got get out of this funk….we both do." Upon finishing his statement the young mech changed his position; leaning up more taking his servos off the floor were he had been using them to support his upper weight causing Sam and Mikaela to start flailing about on his ankle and foot joint both almost falling, before managing to regain their balance by hot Rod quickly lending a servo.

It's not that easy Roddy. I feel so lost and alone. Incomplete. I don't like…I don't …I…I..HATE IT! I HATE THIS I JUST WANT MY BROTHER BACK TO NORMAL."

"Ratchet is doing all he can. You know he is the best medic on all of Cybertron. He will fix Sunny good as new just you wait." Hot Rod said trying to jeer him up.

But Sideswipe wasn't listening anymore, "I wish we hadn't ended up here, I'd still have my brother whole and not with one pede in the Well of Sparks…"

"You don't mean that." interrupted Hot Rod.

"YOU DON'T KNOW HOT ROD! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO LOOSE SOMEONE! TO FEEL LIKE YOUR SPARK IS BEING RIPPED OUT FROM YOU CHEST PLATES AND LAID OUT BARE FOR DEVASTOR TO STOMP ON! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT IS LIKE!"

"You think so huh?" Hot Rod spoke in a deadly quiet tone cold as the bitter and harshest winters deep within the stones of the Alaskan mountains. Optics flashing a dark blue almost black in dark andger. Fire lighting angrily deep within their depths. Hot Rod spoke his voice never raising from it's deadly quiet tone to a screaming one at any point letting all know just how furious he was at the very thought of Sideswipe daring to say something like that. "You think! You think…I …that I don't know what it is like! You think I didn't feel anything when others under my command died? You think I didn't think feel anything when I had to watch their sparks extinguish and they ceased to exist and I could do nothing but stand by and watch!" he stressed through his words to make his point, "so Sideswipe you see. I do in fact know exactly what it is like to lose others. Don't you dare ever think that I don't."

"I…I … I'm sorry Hot Rod." offered Sideswipe meekly his head hang against his chest plates in shame and defeat. Body sagging as the fighting anger left him. He knew that he had been wrong to say what he had, but…by Primus it was hard. He hardly knew how to function usually he and his elder twin were always together either whole or in need of repair together in the med bay. Right now he felt as though he was barely existing he wasn't living. Not without his brother. The other half of his spark.

At Side's apology Hot Rod deemed the matter dealt with, deciding not to press the issue of his outburst, because he in fact did know what it was like to feel lost, alone and incomplete. He could even now somewhat feel how Sideswipe was feeling. He knew not whether it was remnants of the Matrix or what. He grieved for yet held immense faith that with Ratchet working on Sunstreaker, he would soon awaken. Mikaela and Sam watched the interaction between the two young mechs, both teens choosing to remain silent. It was not their right to interrupt the two of them. Neither teen could say that they had any knowledge of how Sides truly felt as neither had lost or nearly lost a sibling of the heart or blood. But ….both could empathise with him.

After a breem Hot Rod broke the awkward silence that had fallen, "Right Sides. I have a lot to think about. I still don't know what is going to happen when the Ark gets here…"

"I am sorry Roddy." Sideswipe reiterated, "I didn't mean it I am just worried about Sunny."

"I know Sides." 'sigh' … Hot Rod was glad that, that was the only thing that the twin had to worry about . As for himself he felt more of a sense of pressure of worry upon his shoulder 'strutes as he had no sure idea of what was going to happen with the Ark. He knew the twins had been stationed on the ship but judging by the change in the crew that arrived on Earth by the death of their Jazz before they could depart causing Prowl to take the TIC place in making landfall on Earth leaving no doubts as to the change in the timeline their presence caused, meaning bad news for themselves of the original time flow. Having once been leader he felt the weight (of the possible future and )of the world on his shoulder 'strutes, even though it was really no longer his place anymore. It was Optimus' but he couldn't help it carrying the Matrix even for that short length of time had fundamentally changed him.

Meanwhile outside in their alt. modes Optimus, Prowl, Ironhide and an exhausted Ratchet; who had finally managed to finish all of the repairs the golden twin would need to live, were discussing said young mech alongside the others of the group, Jazz, Sideswipe, Springer and Hot Rod. As well as the fate of the Allspark and the information about the Autobots that Optimus had been told by Hot Rod. Suddenly a voice crackled over the Autobot leaders comm. Link frequency.

*….Pri...me….Come…in…. Prime …Do…you…read me…This is the Ark…I repeat this is the Ark Wheeljack here….*

The crackled sound of the comm. Had also caught the attention of Hot Rod who also received the call through the echoes of the link he store bore from the Matrix. He instantly felt a sense of dread creep upon him. His mind had flashed back to the conversation he'd had with Prime earlier and the information he had parted with about the Ark. He knew the ship was bound to crash and that there wasn't anything he could do about it.

"Kids! Get up quickly! Move! I gotta talk to Optimus! Right Now!" he spoke hurriedly to the two teens who as quick as they could vacated their positions on his foot pedes, as Hot Rod jumped to up stand on his pedes and not even pausing rushed past a stunned and perplexed Sideswipe. The three could only stand there in confusion and wondering at what had just happened to cause this sort of reaction before coming to their senses and quickly as they could rushed after the mech to find out.

They ran outside to discover Hot Rod in an urgent conversation with Optimus looking up towards the sky.

"Optimus did you hear that?"

"Yes. I heard the communication. How did you?"

The only thing that Hot Rod 'dained to do was to give Prime a look that seemed to say 'Why on Earth did you ask me something so stupid', then glanced back up towards the heavens, "You need to warn them Optimus. You need to warn them about their crash and you need to wards them Now!"

Optimus winced at the younger mechs tone, but unfortunately Prime knew he was right so baring this in mind he opened his comm. to Earth bound ship, *Prime here…Wheeljack it's good to hear your voice old friend…but I have some grave news…* here Prime trailed off unsure of how to relay the news before he could continue anyway Wheeljack chimed in sadly over the comm. *Yeah us too Prime we here on the Ark have some grave news…* Prime stopped 'Jack before he could continue *Is the news you bare anything to do with the twins Sunstreaker and Sideswipe?* pause for a klik before an incredulous voice was heard by Prime *..eess h..how did you sir?* *Because Wheeljack they are already here on Earth alive.* silence presented itself once again over the comm. But for a long period of time as Wheeljack's Primary Processors set into overdrive trying to work out how that was possible? He knew Tracks was down in the med bay with they lifeless, colourless shells.

*I…I…h..how…how…eh?* was his babbling reply to the Autobot leader.

*I will explain everything when you arrive 'jack…tell what is your position?*

*We have just past, a large fascinating planet with rings surrounding it's circumference. I believe it is the planet that the humans call Saturn. I was terribly tempted to make a pit stop but I felt that haste might have been required.*

*Wise choice Wheeljack*…*Jack…* he said after a klik *I need for you to prepare for a crash landing …do you hear me Wheeljack?*

*…A crash landing? Why Prime? There is nothing wrong with the ship?….*

*I know Jack. But just prepare for it…* before he could say anymore he was interrupted

*Wheeljack. When the Ark enters Earths atmosphere here something happens to the cause the ships engines to ignite. You need to cut power to the engines before you enter the earths atmosphere and then once within it's confines ignite them and burn them.* Hot Rod broke in speaking with the tone of a leader instead of the youngster that he certainly was. Silence followed in the wake of his statement, Optimus' head having spun to look, at the young mech in question, who was suddenly looking very sheepish at the sudden scrutiny he was under, looking down at the ground he spoke softly saying, "It's the only thing I could think of that might prevent the crash from occurring or being so severe…."his vocal unit not reaching above a whisper.

*Wha….who was that?…. Prime… how?…how…. did he get on this line?… Who was that?* stuttered a flustered and panicking Wheeljack who knew no one but the leader and officers or the ships should be able to converse on this comm. Line. He started again trying to find out information. *Optimus! Who is that? Was it a Decepticon? Is this line compromised?…* Jack said in a panicked rush, headlights flashing with worry and dread.

*Easy Wheeljack it's alright he's with me. It was not a decepticon. Nothing to worry about.* Optimus interrupted before Jack could continue on his rambling, *I will send you the co-ordinates of our position. I suggest you take Hot Rods advice into as much consideration as possible…*

*Hot Rod! How is that possible? He was on one of the other ships to escape Cybertron but heading in the other direction away from Earths direction. No one has heard from that ship in vorns.* Wheeljack exclaimed processor now working even harder to work out the logics of how both Hot Rod came to be on Earth and how the twins were even alive on Earth even though their grey dead shells were in the med bay…ooh the madness of it all.. He could feel a processor ache coming on (Cybertronian equivalent of a human headache).

*Again I will explain everything upon your arrival to Earth Jack*

*Okay Optimus. We have downloaded all information of Earth from their World Wide Web a most fascinating piece of engineering if I do say so. We will arrive in just under 3 Earth days. Ark over and out*

*We will be waiting* replied Optimus as the line fizzled out.