Ascendent

Part 10-Constraints

Disclaimer: I don't own the Transformers. They officially belong to Hasbro and Takara. I'm taking them for a short spin.

Mitchell walked with Hot Rod toward ops. Neither had talked about McKay's question the night before, mainly because Mitchell didn't want to piss off the 25-foot-tall alien robot walking beside him, and from the young bot's reaction, he definitely did not want to have to explain. Mitchell respected that, no matter Hot Rod's reasons. They were getting along, for which Mitchell was grateful, given what he was told about the hair-trigger Autobot before they met. However, despite his cockiness, bravado and everything else, they were kindred spirits, which Jackson had pegged.

Jackson. His reaction to seeing the two together had been a mixture of horror and apprehension, like the room was going to implode or something. Mitchell had finally squeezed the reason for Jackson's behaviour out of Gen. Landry because his own reaction was similar. Two beings with such a similar personality, of completely divergent origin, evolved on two separate planets was a little unnerving. But to Mitchell, it was funny. Sort of. He and Hot Rod did share many similarities--hot-headedness and a certain disregard for certain types of authority, but they were indeed kindred spirits.

Mitchell brushed it from his thoughts as they entered the command center. Prowl was talking with Prime, and from the look on his face, the Autobot second in command was not happy. Hot Rod glanced down at Mitchell, then back at Prime and Prowl.

"Wonder what's going on?" Mitchell asked.

"Don't know," Hot Rod said. "But I'm sure we'll find out."

-----

They were right. By mid-morning, they knew what was going on. The V-22 Osprey carrying Secretary of Defense

Keller and Gen. Jack O'Neill was the tip-off it was something big. And before long, the former commander of the SGC and a member of SG-1 found themselves behind closed doors with the visiting dignitaries from Washington, D.C.

Jackson had the journal McKay had brought, along with the translations he had, ready to explain the significance of the book and its connection to Earth and Cybertron.

Keller listened, clearly interested in what the archaeologist had to say, but Jack was much more reserved than usual.

"Now, I'm not done with the translation, but I finally have this worked out--I think this satus lux is an artifact of some kind, given to the Ancients to protect, and it has something to do with the avatar, the oracle and the chosen of Primus. And from what I understand, Primus was some kind of deity, although I haven't asked. . ." Daniel said.

"You've done fine job so far," Keller said. "I'm impressed. Keep up the good work."

"So does this mean we can let them know about the connection between Cybertron and Earth?" Daniel asked.

Before Keller could answer, Jack spoke.

"Daniel, I'm afraid not," Jack said.

"Why?" Daniel said.

"Not for a while. We need to find out more about this. . .satus lux, or whatever it is, before we tell them. It could be a weapon of some sort," Jack said.

"No offense, Secretary Keller, but why is Jack telling me this and not you?" Daniel said.

"Because I had nothing to do with this decision," Keller said. "I'm sorry."

--

Landry watched Daniel pace. It was an uncharacteristic reaction for the archaeologist, who was clearly angry over the decision. And he was even angrier at Jack, who was supposed to be his friend, for not giving him a decent explanation why.

"Jackson, it's all right," Landry said. "Look, son, you're creative. . .I'm sure you can find a way around this. . ."

Daniel stopped.

"Sir?"

"You're creative. And I'm sure you're not going to let a little thing like orders keep you from investigating something that you're dying to know more about. I know you too well. And I can tell you the decision to not tell them came down from the president, so don't be mad at Gen. O'Neill. He was just the messenger," Landry said.

"Thank you sir," Daniel said.

-----

McKay walked into the med bay, ready to ask Ratchet his question. He was curious, and wanted an answer. Except the medic ignored him when he walked in.

"You can't ignore me forever," McKay said.

"I can ignore you if I want," Ratchet said. "I have work to do."

"Answering scientific questions is my work," McKay said. "And I have one. And you seem to be the most logical choice for this one, considering you're the medic."

Ratchet paused, looking up from cleaning some of his tools.

"What do you want to ask?" Ratchet said.

"How does your species reproduce? I know about the Allspark and frankly I'm not at all shocked to find existence of another all-male race that reproduces using external means like the Asgard and I know the cube basically gives life to anything mechanical but how does it work when you're trying to make another Autobot? Do you build a body then apply the cube and poof you have another robot running around or what?" McKay said.

"We most certainly are not an all-male race," Ratchet said. "At least we didn't use to be."

"What?" McKay said.

"There were females once. But there is a good possibility they're all gone now," Ratchet said. "They were hunted down during the war."

"And what was their role in. . ." McKay said.

"Come back tomorrow," Ratchet said. "And I'll answer your question. Can't you see I have work to do?"

-----

Daniel found Prime in his office. The Autobot leader looked up when he heard Daniel clearing his throat.

"What can I do for you Dr. Jackson?" Optimus asked.

"I was hoping you could answer some questions. . ." Daniel said.

"What would you like to know?" Optimus said.

"What or where is the Pax Orionis?" Daniel said.

Prime snapped back. "What?"

"What is the Pax Orionis?"

"Dr. Jackson, I'm going to have to ask you to leave," Prime said.