Chapter 9
Miko's host mother walked up the stairs towards her room, wondering where the young girl was at this time. Before, she would often sleep in because school was "boring" but that changed once she befriended Jackson and Rafael. So while it was no surprise to find Miko still in bed, she still couldn't help but wonder why. Crossing the distance to her bed, she noticed Miko was shifting around in her bed, her face showing clear discomfort. Placing a hand on her shoulder, she gently shook the girl, "Miko."
She sprang up like a rocket, "Flying Monkey!" Her eyes were wide in what one could assume was terror despite the unusual statement. It took a moment before he eyes became focused and she turned to find host parent staring at her curiously. She managed a sheepish grin, "Morning!"
"Good morning," she greeted, still somewhat shocked. "Sleep well?"
"Yup! Like a baby. Anyhting happen while I was out?"
"Not really. Did you call Jack and Raf before you went to sleep?"
"Huh, I forgot. I was so beat, but I'm sure they'll be here soon, which reminds me; I got get in the shower." She slipped out of bed and exited the room. Her host mother was simply left in a state of confusion. Once she'd finished and changed into her usual outfit of the day, she left the house, Jackson and Rafael waiting for her by an Urbana 500. She got in the car with them and left.
She called into the hall, "Honey, perhaps we should schedule Miko for another drug test!"
Darksider: The Prime Judgment
Once she'd gotten in 'Bee, she was met with questioning looks from Jack and Raf but tried to play them off until they'd gotten back to base. She decided to distract them, "So, anything interesting happen while I was gone?"
"Nothing, much," Jack shrugged. "Me and Raf were deleting pictures of the 'Bots from internet conspiracy sites, Bulkhead's been making progress with his recovery,… oh, and a new Autobot showed up." He couldn't help but smirk at her shock. Her eyes widened with the same child-like amazement expected of her.
"What the frag!" she glared at the two boys. "Why didn't you say something sooner? And you!" She turned her attention towards Bumblebee's dashboard. The scout merely beeped and whirred in response. She sank into her seat and crossed her arms, "So who is this new guy anyway?"
"His name is Smokescreen," Jack explained. "Apparently, he was Alpha Trion's bodyguard before Iacon fell to the 'Cons." Miko looked as if she was trying to remember something and Jack sighed. "Alpha Trion was the Prime with the beard. He's the Chronicler of the Thirteen. He was also the one who commissioned the High Council to make Optimus a Prime."
"So he's like some big shot, then?"
"No," Raf interjected. "He's still in-training. Because of the war, he'd only been able to go through the basics. He's pretty green."
"Like Bulkhead?" she tilted her head.
"'Green' as in he's still got years of training to do before he's considered for warrior class, according to Arcee." Jack took his eyes off the road as they left Jasper behind. "She's a little suspicious of him, which isn't surprising."
"What do you think about him?"
"He's a pretty nice guy, I guess." he shrugged. "There's something different about him."
"Good different or bad different?"
"Just different."
Darksider: The Prime Judgment
Once they arrived in base, Miko practically jumped out of 'Bee, looking for any sign of the new Autobot. Everyone was pretty doing their things, Ratchet at his consoles, Optimus being off somewhere, and Bulkhead in med bay, looking a little down. She postponed her search for the new 'Bot to check on her friend. He looked miserable. "Bulk, what's wrong?"
He looked startled for a moment before he looked down at Miko, managing a small (but fake) smile. "Miko, where were you yesterday? You missed all the action. You shoulda seen the new guy, he was… pretty good."
"Bulkhead?"
"I'm fine, really," she wasn't convinced but was interrupted when she tried to press further. She turned to find the object her current intrigue walking out of the corridor, Sunny on his shoulder. Both of them seemed enthralled in an argument
"Nu-uh!"
"Uh-huh!"
Even she could tell whatever was happening was a pointless argument and she didn't even know what it was about. Glancing worriedly at Bulk one more time, she walked over to the two. The new 'Bot took notice of her, heeding the others' instructions about foot placement when the humans were around. She beamed at him, "Hi, I'm Miko!"
"Hey, I'm Smokescreen," he greeted, somewhat surprised. He turned back to Sunny, "Nu-uh!"
"Uh-huh!" the girl crossed her arms over her chest defiantly.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"This little organic keeps on saying that Jack is stronger than an Autobot, but's absurd. I mean, he's a cool guy and all but I know of more than a few 'Bots who could take him on."
"Jack would beat them up!" the little girl huffed.
"Please. I like him and all, but he's still an organic." Miko listened to their argument with little interest, turning back towards Bulkehad, who was looking even more miserable than before. She ran back over to him and realization hit her. Bulk was still hurt and this new guy shows looking ready to jump into action at a moment's notice. Was Bulkhead jealous?
"Are you jealous of this guy, Bulk?"
The Wrecker looked insulted, "Me? Jealous? Like I'd be jealous of this rookie! He's got no combat experience other than fighting Starscream and any bot can kick his aft. But everyone's so busy swooning over him like he's Primus's gift. It's just…"
"Don't overexert yourself, Bulkhead," Ratchet entered med bay. "And would you please stop acting like we've abandoned you. We've been in need for a new Autobot for ages now. And Smokescreen may be… I'm sure it's nothing a little training can't fix."
"Yeah, and then I'm another giant waste of space," he grumbled. Ratchet rolled his optics and began to treat the Wrecker. Miko looked back to Smokescreen, his argument with Sunny apparently forgotten as the girl was in his servo. He was using his free servo to gently rub her belly, tickling her. There was a child-like wonder that rivaled her own in his optics. Aside from a little arrogance on his part, he seemed like genuinely nice guy.
She noticed the glances Ratchet was giving her, and took that as her cue to leave so he could work. She walked into the deeper parts of the base and scowled when she heard a familiar chuckling. She crossed her arms, "Wow, two days in a row. At least you didn't make me wait too long." The darkness swallowed her up and she shifted into her new form.
"I don't make it a habit to keep maiden's waiting too long," the Bargainer chuckled. "Besides, this particular task will require the utmost stealth."
"Where are you sending me this time?" she growled.
"You needn't travel far. This latest venture shall take to that fortress in the sky, led by the one you know as 'Megatron'. There is something on his ship that I desire. Retrieve it for me." It wasn't long before she found herself in a dark and bleary hallway. Instinctively, she threw herself against the wall. Stupid Bargainer, sending her here without even a warning. She was getting tired of his spontaneous actions.
She ran where her suits senses guided her, still trying to figure out how the fragging thing worked. Rounding the corner, she found herself in front of large door. She sent a silent prayer that it wasn't Megatron's room and entered. 'Soundwave must be on break,' she thought but didn't complain. She found herself inside the energon storage room.
Part of her wondered why it wasn't under surveillance like it normally was, and then she wondered how she knew that. This suit was doing things to her, and she wasn't sure she liked it. There were giant metal boxes containing energon, that metal claw ready to deposit the cubes when needed. She glanced around before she continued further, "Why am I here?"
"I require the power source known as 'Dark Energon' for my needs," he stated.
"What happened to 'I'm only interested in stuff no one else is?'"
"He has not made use of it for some time," he chuckled. "That counts. Now get moving, the guards should be back soon to check on the progress." Huffing in annoyance, Miko got to work looking for the bad stuff. It didn't take long considering the purple glow coming from the corner. Once she was there, she paused.
"This crap is dangerous to human, it nearly killed one of my best friends!"
"The suit provides ample protection," the Bargainer sounded annoyed. "Now stop you prattle and get to work."
"How am I supposed to even carry this stuff?" Before she could wait for his answer, she noticed something behind the cubes of energon. Inching closer, a hand reached out for her. Jumping back just in time, she was met by the sight of that ninja she'd met months ago, the one who called Jack his "brother". He tilted his head at the sight of her.
"What manner of being are you?" he asked, hand ready to grab his blade. "And give me ample reason not to reduce you to cubes of flesh."
Darksider: The Prime Judgment
A/N: I hope you enjoyed. Next time: Miko must escape the wrath of Oni-Kage.
