Yay! I've decided to branch off into other art forms besides writing! I can sew sorta….XD
Anyway my new venture is a Ratchet Transformer's costume! That really Transformers! XD My cousin will be helping me and we're going to base it off of the G1 Ratchet V
Blood shifter: Yeah they didn't put up much of a fight XD they knew it was coming, figured the less they fought the easier Ratchet would go on them. They'll be their typical selves by next chapter! They need a good stasis through this chapter.
Elita One: Hehe yesh Coke and Josh! And to an extent Ironhide too.
HotShot14: You're exactly right! There's a cute pic of that on deviant art that is just like that, im me for the link if you want. Yay you didn't hate the chapter like I did XD
R o X i a n: Yeah I modeled Josh after a few of my coworkers, granted the guys are a few years older than me but they all still act like little boy's at heart . Thanks for the input about who would match up with who though poor Josh, I doubt anyone will let him drive again XD.
Beesting08: Thanks for the review, hope to keep you interested!
Narnian Sprite: More Optimus as ordered XD. Yeah I know I left him out a lot, I'm afraid I'll get his personality wrong all.
Dragowolf: Thanks for the tip! I tried to throw an explainer into this chapter about Wheeljack+inventionexplosion XD As for Prowl and the other's it is possible that they will show up.
Flamingmarsh: XD I know, I find several times I've written something that comes across provocative when I didn't mean it to, simply because, well when your car is sentient you cant say certain phrases without it coming across all wrong.
Truth of Barricade: Ta-da! More Optimus. cowers please don't beat me if I portray him wrong. I've worried over his personality so I will admit I downplayed his character throughout most of the first half of the story. And I have to agree, it was by far my shortest chapter (I think) and yet now I find it once again easier to write! XD It was a filler chapter and I hate fillers…probably why it was hard to write XD.
CaelanBell: By all means! Besides work and school I make costumes, watch only two tv shows (which my friend records for me because after realizing no one in our house watches tv we got rid of cable) I read, I need more reading material!
CheshireMax: Um…if you don't know, you might not want to know XD Let's just say it's a very er…uncomfortable exam that men have to undergo once they reach a certain age.
Sithicus: runs off to read story Yeah I doubt Sunstreaker will let Josh near him once he realizes who trashed all those ATVs XD. And the twins will be acting more like themselves soon enough, pranks galore are about to befall the Autobots.
Sinead Rivka: Thanks for the support, I just didn't like it because it was a total filler and explainer chapter and those annoy me so I had trouble focusing on writing it. XD Don't feel too bad for them, just think of all the pranks they'll soon be pulling!
Niteskye: OMFG WRITE! LINK! I! MUST! READ! That sounds so cool!!!! And since I can't/won't steal ideas the only way to get my fix is for you to write! XD pressures you Just kidding, about the pressuring part, I still would love to read a story like that!
Dragon260: zomg yesh.
38SouthernAngel89: Ha-ha! I'll give you a straight answer but you're not going to like it. Honestly, I'm not sure, I'd love to bring in Prowl and Hound but I'm worried I'll overload myself with characters or mess up their personalities XD But I'm not against the idea.
Gloria Stone: ZOMG! Someone who knows what I was talking about! XD I remember seeing a documentary on the system and my dad drives a truck on occasion and he mentioned it to me once but I couldn't remember the name for the life of me XD.
-----------------------------------
Ironhide narrowed his optics, "I don't need some damaged human girl to protect me." He stated, having completely stopped his work, apparently her comment had caught his full attention.
Nick blinked once but couldn't say she was that surprised, she'd grown up around tough, stubborn old men. Although it did take her a second to realize that 'damaged' meant injured. "Look, I'm not protecting you, I'm not complimenting you. I just think…" She trailed off, not sure how to express the fact that she thought he'd not necessarily done the right thing, but in the process of doing the wrong thing had aided in a good thing occurring. Well now it was easy to see why she was having a problem, "Just let me do the talking."
Ironhide shifted to stand at his full height, looking down at her, "Who says I have to let you do anything?" he questioned in response, ego a bit bruised by her offer to help.
"Apparently? The big guy." She stated without fear, pointing a fear in the direction of Optimus for a moment.
Speaking of their leader Optimus was, at the moment looking over the twins' prone forms with Ratchet, the medical officer shook his head as he spoke up, "I cannot believe they let Wheeljack upgrade their systems without the new cloaking systems passing my safety approval!"
Optimus rested a hand on the other's shoulder briefly, though Ratchet continued, "They are lucky they even made it to Earth."
It was then that Optimus spoke up, "Many of Wheeljack's inventions have saved Autobots in battle." He pointed out, mentioning the well known scientist.
"Of course they do, because more often than not they explode and take a Decepticon with them." Ratchet added, it seemed, Wheeljack had a knack for exploding inventions. Or at least the things he created exploded at least three times before being perfected, or rather, before becoming safe to use.
"Either way, your diagnostic scans will warn us of any potential problems with the upgrades, though they do appear to be effective, Bumblebee and Ironhide where both fooled briefly by them." Optimus pointed out, mentioning the one bot that had yet to see, and somewhat deserved, Ratchet's wrath.
The medic nodded in response before fixing his gaze on the weapons specialist. Seeming to sense doom approaching Ironhide scanned the room before his optics fell on Ratchet and his form straightened. For all the world acting like a man sentenced to death row, even Nick, a woman, thought he was being a little overdramatic.
Ironhide, for all it was worth was taking it like a man, as the saying went anyway, stepping around Nick to approach the yellow and red bot, rather than vainly attempt to flee like the twins. It was then that Nick made a motion with her hands, "Okay wait, time out." She stated, likewise following Ironhide to approach the three active Autobots. Shifting a little when she had the gaze of all four Autobots, Bumblebee was wisely off to the side, an angered Ratchet just might lash out-er repair, any troublesome bot. "You, ah, you're doing this because of what Ironhide did earlier right?"
"Nonsense, we Autobots require routine diagnostics to ensure we are-" the look she fixed him with had the Autobot pausing briefly.
"Look, I know that tone," she began, when the last time her father was in the hospital she'd heard that tone far too often the, 'we're going to do something, however it really won't make a big difference' tone. "And maybe you did things like this on your home world but you're on Earth now, specifically in America. We've got laws for stuff like this."
"We are not Americans." Ratchet pointed out.
"No but like any person who enters a foreign country you are obligated to know and abide by the rules." She responded, just because a Canadian wasn't American it didn't mean they could speed and get away with it, people were, and always had been, subject to the rules and laws of the land.
"Ironhide damaged you." The medic furthered his argument, a verbal game between them of point and counterpoint. Optimus and Bumblebee watched on in interest, while Ironhide watched his fate decided.
"It was an accident, unintentional." Was Nick's retort.
"Unintentional death is labeled as manslaughter, punishment is given." Ratchet pointed out; with the internet at his disposal things didn't look to good for Nick.
"I wasn't killed, only injured. If I choose not to press charges no punishment can be given." At that point she figured she'd won the battle though Ratchet was able to derive more of an argument based on his quick research.
"Then we will have to see if Josh wishes to press charges for assault and attempted battery." Ratchet seemed pleased with himself at that point and turned back to the twins as if signaling the conversation was over, at least until Jazz and Josh returned.
Optimus gave Nick a smile while Bumblebee clapped lightly, "Very few people, Autobot, human or otherwise, have ever stood up to Ratchet." The larger bot commented.
"I think it's the concussion talking." She commented truthfully, though his words didn't make her feel very certain of her actions, "Should I be worried?"
Optimus wasn't given a chance to respond as Jazz and Josh returned, Bumblebee shutting the hanger door behind them. The second he was out of the car Josh was approached by the medic, Ratchet momentarily acting as Barricade had with Sam. "Do you wish to press charges against Ironhide for assault and attempted battery?"
Hands full of pillows and blankets Josh blinked lightly, Jazz transforming behind him, "Chill Doc, its cool right Josh?" Jazz questioned to which the teen nodded lightly.
"Ah…yeah, I'm sure Ironhide was just going to scare me…that's all, no harm done." Josh added glancing to Nick then to Ratchet and back again.
Optimus on the other had seemed to beam, "Then it is decided, Ironhide will not undergo a diagnostics check."
Jazz shifted slightly watching the medic, "Doc? You alright? Ya know that 'urge to kill rising' look doesn't really suit ya."
Ratchet indeed, was not happy at having lost the disagreement, though noticing Josh creating makeshift beds with the pillows and blankets he turned to Nick, "You are damaged and in need of stasis." His tone conveyed his message loud and clear, if Nick didn't agree to get some sleep Ratchet would simply force her has he had before, not that they'd realized it yet.
She held her hands up in mock defeat, "Alright, you win." She commented, not really against the idea of sleep anyway, she'd barely gotten an hour's worth earlier and her head was beginning to pound a bit despite the medication.
Soon enough she'd crawled beneath a blanket and settled for bed. One might think it was odd to be so relaxed with the information she'd learned in the past hour, however in truth Nick was still under the impression that she was most likely in a coma somewhere, that and the concussion had her acting somewhat out of the ordinary.
Josh on the other hand was a bit more difficult, wanting to know more, and Jazz for the most part was willing to tell and share information, getting to show off his weapons and abilities and such. It was only after a stern look from the medic that they calmed down a bit. Optimus warning both Autobot and human that it would be best to not draw attention to themselves considering Ratchet was almost through with the twins and might be in search of a new patient.
Ironhide and Bumblebee had effectively gone silent, both had reverted to their vehicle forms and gone into stasis, hoping remain in stasis until Ratchet calmed down.
After exactly a half hour of sleep Nick frowned lightly as she was nudged awake, making the usual sounds of protest and rolling over to avoid further bothering.
"Nick, what state and country do you live in?" Ratchet questioned, the edge from his vocal tones was gone.
"Hmm? What?" She questioned tiredly with a soft sigh, finding it somewhat difficult to drag her mind from sleep, well more difficult than normal.
"What state and country do you live in?" The medic asked yet there was no sound of annoyance in his voice at having to repeat the question.
"Colorado, America." She mumbled in response, attempting to glare up at the medic though considering the lights in the hanger had been shut off she could only judge the medic's location by the dim moonlight coming through the windows. After receiving the answer Ratchet fell silent and within seconds Nick had drifted off to sleep.
The routine continued for several hours, every half hour she was woken up, questioned and allowed to slip back into sleep. Of course there was reasoning behind the medic's actions, concerned about the concussion the best course of action was the frequently wake her up. Just to make sure her brain became active enough to avoid slipping into a real coma he would question her; requiring Nick to think and answer before being allowed to sleep again.
Sometime during the early morning her tormentor switched from Ratchet to Optimus, the first time she'd woken with a frown to hear the change in voice, clearly noticing the expression Optimus had explained that Ratchet was currently in stasis.
This continued until the sun was well into the sky and Josh was the one to finally wake her, "Come on Nick." He commented, sounding a little apologetic for having to wake her. "It's almost noon, your dad will probably be released within the next few hours and I doubt he'll want to wait around for a ride…"
Nick blinked but nodded slowly, Ratchet was close by, his scans already told him everything he needed to know about her condition but regardless questioned, "How are you feeling?" Waking to the Autobots around and real hadn't been that much of a shock, sure she'd hit her head but she'd been continuously woken up by one of them all night.
She sighed a bit in response, "Better. Tired, but better." She answered as she sat up and kicked the blanket off, having slept in her clothing from the previous day. Glancing over to the Autobot turned Hummer she stood and moved over to place her hand on the yellow hood, "What about you? You over your Jekyll Hyde syndrome?" She questioned, though the tone of his voice had already let her know his anger was mostly if not completely gone.
Before the medic could answer though she frowned, "Hey…can you feel this?" She questioned, hand still resting on his hood.
"Of course, this vehicle is a part of my form, I can feel what touches both the exterior and interior of this form." Ratchet was happy to explain.
She removed her hand at that point, "So…after we got you covered in dirt and washed you…" She trailed off, however Josh appeared to have caught onto the conversation.
"Awkward…" He commented and she shot him a brief glare.
"You helped wash Ratchet too you know." She stated, then for a jab added, "And you're a guy, and he's a guy; that makes it so much worse."
He blinked at that point, "Yeah but…"
Optimus spoke up at that point, despite being in vehicle form the grin could be heard in his tone, "I'd advise against engaging in a verbal argument with her, she has proven to be skilled at it."
Josh sighed, "Welcome to my own personal hell. In sixth grade Nick beat up a high school senior, it was a guy too."
Ironhide was the first to respond, "Must have been a sad excuse for a human male."
Ratchet furthered, "It is doubtful that Nick at that age would be able to overpower a male of your age…" After all, Josh was around a senior's age, having graduated in the spring.
Josh shrugged a little, "Okay so maybe it had a little to do with that taser her dad gave her but-"
Nick frowned at them, "Back to the topic guys-"
Bumblebee's speakers cut her off.
"Down at the carwash,
We'll be havin' some fun."
"You guys liked it?" Nick questioned with a blink.
Sunsteaker was the first to speak up, though it seemed there was in fact a slight hesitation in his voice, "From what I understand, they liked it, but the rest of us are still dirty." His comment and complaint rolled into one. Clearly the twin wasn't feeling completely himself yet after Ratchet's overhaul, hence the hesitation.
"Is that supposed to be a hint?" Josh commented with a light smirk, Nick nodded her agreement that it most likely was, "Well sorry, have to go get cleaned up and pick up Nick's dad and then we can see to cleaning you guys up. Just a few hours." With the promise made he glanced over the cars, "So…?"
Optimus started his engine in response to the unasked question, "I will provide your transportation today."
Nick blinked a little, "You…will?" She and Josh shared a brief glance, "Aren't you busy doing…leader stuff?"
He chuckled in response, "Even a leader needs a break every now and then. Besides, my Autobots are more than capable of taking charge in my absence, should the need arise."
She frowned in response, "Yeah but…don't take this the wrong way," the last thing she wanted was for the giant Autobot turned semi to take anything the wrong way, "But I think my dad might freak when he sees you. And I don't mean you, just like…truck you."
Optimus seemed well aware of her worries, "If we are to remain on this property for any extended length of time," He paused but took her silence as a gesture that she wasn't going to kick them out after learning of their true nature, "Then your father will see my truck form eventually. At least this way should he 'freak' and be in need of medical care he will still but relatively close to the hospital."
She frowned in response though Josh shrugged as he spoke up, "He's got a point Nick. Besides your dad's always been pretty laid back about crazy stuff."
Nick sighed in response, "Alright alright you win. Let's just…I so need a shower first." She commented moving to climb into the semi who had his doors open and waiting.
Josh followed her in with a chuckle, "I'd second that, you stink." Nearly half way into the cab he had to jump back to the ground quickly when she struck out with a kick in his direction, though he chuckled at the attempted attack, "Yeesh, mess with you before a shower and you're like the devil himself." He commented before moving to climb in once more. Nick had taken a seat in the Semi's bed while Josh occupied the passenger seat, they seemed to have the same reaction as Sam and Mikaela. Even Lennox had sat in the passenger seat when Ironhide drove him to meet his wife. Ratchet found this information interesting to say the least, humans really were odd creatures.
"Hey Optimus…I just thought of something." Nick commented as they made the short trip between the hanger and her house, though she didn't bother waiting for a response, "Neither one of us have a commercial license, legally we can't drive semi trucks." She avoided the phrase 'drive you' it just sounded far too odd.
"Optimus did a quick search for the requirements of this commercial license she'd mentioned before speaking up, "Nick, you are of legal age so you can drive." She frowned in response not seeming very happy with that, then again if Optimus stated it was okay she figured he couldn't be too bothered, "We will not be breaking any vehicular laws so the law enforcement will have no need to pull us over and learn of your lack of certification." She wasn't entirely convinced, "Besides, should the need arise I am perfectly capable of jamming the radar and radio of any law enforcement vehicles."
Having reached the house Nick briefly gave up the fight in exchange for a hot shower, climbing out the drivers side door while Josh lingered for a moment, "Ya know if she doesn't want to I co-"
Optimus didn't bother to speak up, the teen's offer to drive was met by his passenger side door opening for Josh to exit and a slight revving of his engines. "Okay okay, god, will any of you let me drive again? Look I never crashed 'bee!" He complained even as he climbed out and headed inside.
Waiting for Nick to finish showering Josh quickly made up a few sandwiches from what he found in the fridge, wolfing down one himself as he made his way to the bathroom. Sure there were two bathrooms in the house but for one, the second bathroom was usually on the fritz for one reason or another. Leaking spout, flickering lights, flooding tub, Josh was positive it was possessed. Besides that, considering their remote location if both showers ran at the same time it usually meant cold water for both people, not a great way to start off the day.
When Nick finished with a quick shower Josh stole the bathroom while she moved to her room to dress, afterwards moving to the kitchen where Josh had left a sandwich for her as well. Thankfully for Josh, with the amount of time he spent at the Akers home, he had several changes of clothes available in the guest room, so he too changed rather than wear the clothes from the previous day.
Using his scanners to monitor their progress while he waited outside, Optimus did find their complimentary activities interesting. He relayed the information to Ratchet who was increasingly interested in humans, mentally as well as physically. When the pair ventured outside once more Nick moved to climb into the driver's seat while Josh grudgingly took the passenger's seat. "So…" Despite having driven Ironhide and Ratchet it seemed weird now that she knew what they actually were.
Optimus brought his engine to life and backed away from the house, once he was parked, facing in the right direction he did nothing, Nick and Josh shared a silent look before the latter spoke up, "You…need directions?" He ventured, it was a good guess at why the truck was sitting still.
"Considering you both know the best route to our destination, and the fact that Nick will be driving no, I do not require directions." Came the informative response, the sound seemed to come from the speakers, though at the same time throughout the cab itself.
"I'll be what?" Nick questioned with a blink, "Wouldn't you like to-"
"You are perfectly capable of driving; your hesitation is shared by many humans who know of our existence." He pointed out, it was just another puzzling feature to humans that Ratchet had long ago added to his list. "Whatever uneasiness you have, we Autobots do not share."
She frowned a little in response, "Well, you're the boss. If you're alright with it..." She gave a slight shrug before releasing a sigh.
"I assure you I will not be bothered in the least."
With that and a brief glance to Josh they were off. Sure both occupants of the truck had worked on semis for many years, however driving them at speeds that exceeded a short trip around the parking lot, wasn't in their job description. More than once the engine groaned in protest when Nick, hesitating, shifted to late. Several minutes spent apologizing was only met by a deep chuckle from the Autobot that a little wear and tear wasn't going to injure him any time soon. Half way to the hospital Nick seemed to have calmed down a bit and gotten the hang of driving the Autobot. Simply enjoying the ride Josh smirked, "Hey Nick…" He commented, gaining her attention quickly he motioned for he to pull the horn, much as kids in passing vehicles were prone to doing.
Nick merely rolled her eyes at him though nearly leapt from her seat when the horn sounded loudly, her grip on the steering wheel causing the semi to jerk to the side for only a fraction of a second before Optimus took control and righted them again on the road. Josh as well had been a bit startled but had recovered quickly seeing Nick's shocked expression, "Oh God, good one Optimus!" He laughed, patting the dash once as if to high five the truck.
"Nick it is customary for a driver to sound the horn when that gesture is made." Optimus pointed out in explanation of his actions, letting her take back control of the rig once she'd calmed a bit.
"I am never getting used to this…"
Some distance away in the hanger several bots came to life suddenly, Bumblebee had left shortly after Optimus. As the scout he was once again checking over the surroundings and investigating a few locations that seemed perfectly suited for their needs, as well as finding the particular pieces of scrap from the junkyard that Ratchet required for repairs. When his scanners picked up a Decepticon signature passing by at the edge of his sensors reach he relayed the information back. Receiving the okay from Jazz, Bumblebee tracked the signature while being certain to keep himself out of range of his target; they were under specific instructions to avoid confrontation at all costs, which had been why Bumblebee had felt from twin's trick before.
Once he had a lock on his target Bumblebee confirmed it was in fact the real Barricade and he appeared to have Frenzy with him, both having managed to survive the last great battle. Considering his recent resurrection Jazz was under hanger arrest on Ratchet's orders so Ironhide was sent out to monitor the Decepticon movements. For the time being the Camaro and Topkick would simply trail the Decepticon police car, if and only Barricade attempted something, damaging humans, or property or attacking, were they allowed to take him out.
Ironhide begged Primus that Barricade would try something.