The Message

…10…

Alexis wasn't a morning person, it showed by the way she dragged her toes against the dirt with each heavy step. She promised Starscream she'd stop by before school. Her father was upset at her Decepticon language and tried to imprison her to the house, until he realized she had school. Finally, he gave up as he pouted and stubbornly assigned her clean up. He wasn't pleased when she announced she had to stay late to work on projects.

God, he's so emotional…

"Alexis don't say this, Alexis don't give me that look, my baby's growing up," Alexis muttered in a high pitch whine. Bluestreak hadn't been pleased, but there wasn't much he could do when Prowl decided to assign him to patrol with Sunstreaker. They needed to understand she had things to do, and sometimes it wouldn't be with them.

Alexis sighed; helping an injured amnesiac mech recover was one such thing. Earth was naturally rich in Energon, though unprocessed, and still in the early development stages of mining. Humans and Autobots worked together to formulate Energon Capsules for supplication purposes until Energon could safely be mined. The capsules were meant to replenish the Energon in their systems, not be a primary fuel source. Alexis clutched the bottle in her hand, not able to fit her hand around the plastic container. This would be her peace offering, a way to show the mech she didn't mean any harm. She really wished she would've come after school, she hadn't walked to school in forever and it was too far to keep doing constantly. She was ready to reveal Starscream on the basis that she didn't feel like walking miles to school.

Don't be lazy.

"You came."

His voice echoed through hazy forest reminding her that the sun had yet to rise. His crimson optics were beacons in the darkness guiding her toward him. Alexis yawned, uncaring that it was loud and large. She was still cautious and kept her distance as she finished yawning and looked to him with tired eyes.

"I figured you could use these," Alexis said as she held up the bottle. Starscream didn't know what to make of the bottle. Alexis popped the top off and removed an object the size of a baseball. "This is a BRAS—Basic Replenishing Artificial-Energon Substitute." Alexis snapped her wrist and sent the object flying toward Starscream. He caught the small item between his claws. "It's meant to stabilize Energon levels and coax your systems natural response of recycling and replenishing."

"Who created such a thing?" Starscream questioned as he studied the object.

"Josie Beller, of Blackstone Industries!" Alexis said as she brightened at the name. Starscream watched her heat levels rise at the mention of the name and company. "Josie is the best and only developer in America that interrogates Cybertronian technology with our own."

"She was able to create something like this," Starscream said as he studied the round object. The capsule was heavy, and it felt like thick gel to his fingertips. The inside was cloudy, milky blue and made him wonder about its elements.

"I have to head out now, but I'll stop by on the way home," Alexis said as his optics looked to her. He nodded and she began her trek through the forest toward the road.

Scanning the object for the harmful substances, he waited until the girl's signature was gone. He hadn't been expecting her arrival, let alone herself alone. Her talk of factions made him assume she'd report him to her side. When his scans returned negative for harmful substances he idled the object in his hand. Slowly, he let the object slip into his mouth and let it rest upon his glossa. When nothing acidic or bitter attacked his senses, he waited as it slowly dissolved and leaked into his system. It was such a small dosage; if it was harmful he wouldn't be affected too badly.

"Hey Whit-icky, where's your strange car?"

Alexis didn't need this. It was too early, and school had yet to start. Mr. Licht was opening the classroom early so she and Kevin could work on their project. It had to be coincidence, Crystal being here. Alexis wasn't one for coincidences especially with Kevin involved. The lockers vibrated as she slammed her door shut and turned to face the girl.

Could they be onto Bluestreak?

It would make sense, Kevin's sudden change of heart that had him trying to be civil. They were curious about Bluestreak and Kevin would be the slow, unsuspecting simpleton to gather information. Glaring at Crystal, she hoped the girl would walk away.

"Or are your parents too poor to afford it anymore?"

Her bag hit the floor with a thud as she reached out and gripped Crystal's jacket. The girl gasped, her eyes going wide, before Alexis spun her around. The doors rattled as she slammed her against the lockers.

"Stop wasting my time with your petty attacks." She tightened her hold pressing closer. "If you don't stop…"

"Alexis?" Kevin's voice startled her. Alexis looked over, glaring at Kevin while wondering what would happen next. She wouldn't give them a chance to harm her or her family. "What did you do Crystal?"

Crystal gaped before she shouted. "She's attacking me!"

Alexis let go of the girl, stepping back and grabbing her bag. Crystal glared at them both, focusing on Kevin before she rushed off. The weight of her bag was lifted causing her to grip her strap tight.

"Relax, I want to help," Kevin said.

"Listen." Alexis pulled away as she watched him. "I don't know what your involvement…"

"I'm not involved in anything," Kevin said, interrupting her. She must've looked unconvinced, because he sighed. "I know you don't trust me, with good reason, but I promise that I wasn't involved with whatever happened."

Running a hand through her hair, she tried to relax. It was still early and now she felt rudely awakened. She was going to brush this off as coincidence and leave it at that. Crystal wouldn't ruin the day, especially when it was just beginning. With a small smile, she offered her bag to Kevin. The boy smiled in relief as he took her bag.

"Thanks, for giving me a chance."

Alexis chuckled before she said, "Thanks for putting up with my temper."

Kevin smirked. "You're welcome."

A part of her would've been disappointed to discover Kevin in on some scheme. He was proving to be a valuable person. It didn't take long to reach the art room and spread out their things on the table. Kevin scratched behind his neck as he eyed her drawings.

"More jet drawings," Kevin said.

"Oh! I didn't mean to bring those out." Alexis snatched the drawing off the table. She carefully tucked them back into a folder, which went back into her bag. "Here are the right ones."

Alexis hadn't spent much time on the idea, but she knew what she envisioned. She'd spent her life with the Autobots, growing and watching them. Ever since she discovered Starscream, something within her had changed. Originally, she wanted only to repair Starscream, but helping people would be a plus.

"I believe the key to creating an Exosuit rests in..." Alexis pulled out her design. She didn't want to create bulky outer attachments. "…an outer spinal attachment that will reconnect any damaged neural pathways. By placing internal attachments within injured sites, the spinal attachment would sync with the internal implants."

"What's the energy source…and how would someone control this?"

Alexis grinned as she shifted some papers and pointed to what she was looking for. On paper, sketched in pencil, was a band, constructed of various metallic knots and circles.

"This crown…" Kevin chuckled earning a brief scowl "…would wirelessly sync all the implants and be powered by perpetual motion."

"That's an interesting theory…but what would we build it out of?"

Alexis shrugged as she said, "I'm not sure."

Kevin sighed earning her gaze. He looked wistful and she couldn't help wondering. She didn't know much about him and it suddenly bothered her. He was trying to get to know her and she hadn't paid the same courtesy.

"You kids are going to be alright while I make a coffee run." Mr. Licht's words were a statement.

"We'll be fine," Alexis assured.

Kevin clapped his hands and said, "Let me see what new damage is on your jet."

Alexis rolled her eyes as she replied, "My imaginary jet."

"But it's still your jet."

"Kevin…"

It is illogical to deny yourself...

Alexis reached up and rubbed her ear as she stopped talking. Kevin's lips hadn't moved, and yet she heard a voice. Deciding it was nothing; she smiled and continued.

"…I guess it is my jet to a degree, but…"

It doesn't matter!

Alexis grimaced as she pressed her palm to her temple. The voice it was too loud. It repeated in her head, bouncing around, causing her vision to blur.

It doesn't matter!

Alexis bit her lower lip as the pressure in her head increased. The designs on the table were blurring together, vibrating and buzzing, she slammed her eyes shut. Vertigo washed over her, and then she felt a hand touch her.

"Alexis! You're bleeding!"

She screamed, blindly pushing away. Her back hit something solid before she fell to her knees and her world went dark.

It was happening again.

She was in a room with a metallic bed, berth, with little to no room. The lights were dim, but her eyes, optics she realized, could see the smaller figure hunched over a desk with rigid wings.

"You can't just let this happen!" The words escaped her mouth, vibrating with a vocalizer to produce a sound not her own. "It's illogical to deny yourself credit!"

"It doesn't matter."

The voice of the crashed mech came back to her; it matched perfectly with what she was hearing now. His wings rose higher as his back straightened. Thoughts not her own invaded her awareness letting her know what situation she was in, and why she was so outraged. Before he had a chance to turn in his work, someone had turned it in before him. Everything he worked hard on was stolen.

"Starscream you can't…"

Red warnings flashed in her optics telling her there was danger, the strike jerked her head to the left. Another impact was imminent. When it hit her, she felt herself pushed from whatever form she'd inhabited. She floated, unseen, in the room.

Alexis saw Skyfire holding his face, his optics determined despite the Energon leaking from his mouth. Starscream's hands were shaking; the rage was clear in his features. Finally, he screamed as he turned and smashed his fists on the desk. The metal crunched beneath his hands.

"This is what they expect of a war build!" Starscream shouted as he attacked the desk.

She covered her mouth watching as he kept pounding, even after the desk was long ruined. With a final huff, he stumbled backwards, turned, and sat on his berth. Skyfire watched Starscream silently until he finally sighed.

"Is your tantrum over?" Starscream bristled at Skyfire's words. "You may not be able to win this round, but you're losing future battles by giving up now."

Skyfire turned ready to leave the room. His motions slowed before everything froze in the room. The moment was over, yet she gazed at Starscream.

"Alexis."

Startled, she turned to face Skyfire. His optics were focused on her burning with an energy that felt familiar.

"How…are you aware?"

"Alexis." When his mouth moved, hundreds of voices spoke through him. "It is within you."

"I don't understand."

"You must not access…"

"I can't hear you."

"…don't…listen…within…"

Raoul glared at the factory as he pulled into the Grease Pit's lot. The music was causing the aluminum walls to shake as the tones of deep bass vibrated through the ground. If it weren't for the junk, smell of oil, and the fact he had his eyes opens, he would've thought himself at a club. His lips twisted downward as he slammed the door shut and hurried to the factory. It was stunts like this that would get them caught, and he didn't feel like explaining this to the cops.

He peeled back the door with the intent to yell only to stumble backwards and cover his ears. Whatever radio they'd bought, he'd melt. When his eyes landed on the workers he found them huddled behind the vat of lava. They'd motion to him to run, but it was too late. The sound waves blasted him out the door and onto to his back. He groaned, blinking and gazing up at the sky.

Wha' the…

Pushing to his feet, he figured the main entrance wasn't an option. Walking around the side of the building, he found the side door. Jiggling the handle a bit to weaken the lock, it came undone after a few rough shakes. Figured, Marcio was cheap. He opened the door and peered inside. Spotting the vat of lava and main entrance, he searched the area for what attacked him.

Got'cha.

The mech was metallic red with yellow splashed on the horns of his helm. Despite being bound and gagged, the speakers lining his arms and legs were thrumming with life. When a worker tried to sneak around, Raoul saw the attack, the speakers paused and then released a blast of sound. If he didn't deal with this soon, someone would call the authorities for all the noise. Raoul glanced at the discard metal pipe lying in the dirt. He picked it up and moved into the building.

The Autobot was concerned with what was in front of him, and failed to watch his back. Truthfully, he could probably roll over and crush him, a thought Raoul didn't like. When he was behind the mech, he placed the pipe against the mech's neck and softly pushed.

"You gonna let my guys walk out safe, or else this pipe is cutting through your neck." The speakers went dead and Raoul glanced at the huddled men. "Get out'ta 'ere now!"

Autobots, they were way to trusting, and diplomatic. It was no wonder the Decepticons were starting to get ahead. Raoul's hands tightened on the pipe, knuckles going white. He didn't want to do this. Licking his lips he tried to steady his nerves; it wasn't working.

Marcio 'ill kill me.

Muttering curses under his breathe, he tossed the pipe to the ground. Cautiously, he undid the gag noting the course texture of the material. When it fell, he heard the Autobot spit and cough.

"That tasted nasty! Where was that thing before, up Megatron's aft?"

Raoul smirked, still behind the Autobot and ready to sprint.

"Ya' listen good, this is life or death." The Autobot snorted. "I'm sick of working for the Decepticons, I want out."

"You have my attention."

"I don't know what to do…but I want out." His father would kill him; there was no doubt. He undid the locks holding the Autobot and sighed. "An act of good faith."

The Autobot lifted himself off the ground turning around. Raoul caught sight of a dark golden face. He smirked despite being scuffed with dirt. As he pushed himself into a kneeling position, Raoul noted the bright yellow concave area in his chest. It looked like a small satellite dish. On the side of his head rested speakers that led up to the yellow horns.

"Now you know firsthand that crime doesn't pay." The mech looked him over. "You look stressed."

Raoul scowled. "And ya' got no nose, ya' know? I'm not here to discuss looks."

The mech chuckled, his optics scanning the area, before he looked to Raoul. "Well, I guess you saved my life." He reached up and tapped the speaker at the side of his head. "Whatever's here is scrambling my frequencies."

"I don't want this!" Raoul stressed as he motioned to factory. "This is my dad's legacy, not mine!"

The mech held up metallic red hands with yellow tipped fingers trying to tell Raoul to calm. "I got no altmode, so once I get a hold of an Autobot base, I'll help you."

"I can take you to an Autobot base," Raoul said. "And I can get you an altmode."

"Really?"

"I keep my word, you?" Raoul asked. The mech nodded and Raoul asked, "What's your name?"

"Blaster."

His reactions weren't fast enough. When the bleep appeared on the monitor, it drew Megatron's predatory gaze. Soundwave reported the strange energy signature and the area it was radiating from.

"What can this be Soundwave?"

His claws tapped against the controls as he thought over the best, most logical, course of action. After pulling up the exact coordinates, he decided.

"The signature resembles the AllSpark."

The throne, Megatron sat upon, groaned. His footsteps were heavy as he came behind Soundwave.

"This is a most interesting turn of events." Soundwave waited for Megatron's orders knowing that he would dictate the situation.

"Who is closest to the source?"

"Swindle and Skywarp are in the same vicinity."

"Swindle!" Megatron scowled at the name. "I want you to send Skywarp to retrieve the source, or destroy it."

Soudwave remained silent as he communicated what he wanted to Rumble, and sent the order to Skywarp.

...TBC...

Author's Note (6/14):

This chapter has been Beta'd by the wonderful Starfire201

So, after a year of not updating, I'm taking on this story again with the goal to finish. I already have two more chapters finished!

I've been working on an original work, which I finished! And decided this story needed to get finished as well ^^.

So, if notice character inconsistencies or anything, please point them out. I'm always looking for constructive criticism.

Please leave any questions, comments, or concerns!