Author's Note
Okay, so I lied. The battle didn't turn out extremely long, but the aftermath did. I decided to keep it all together since I couldn't find any place to stop that I liked. And I wanted to stop at a certain point. You are probably going to hate me for it, but oh well. *evil smile*
Now I shall do reviews:
Neon: Yes, it was a Furby truck. Death to the Furbys!
velociraptor4659: Aw, thank you that makes me so happy. And I'm glad you like the AllSpark stuff. I'm trying to keep it original. Emphasis on trying.
Dragon of Yin and Yang: You honor me by reading. :) And there's not going to be an official sequel, I'm just keeping everything together as one big long story.
FourHorses: Yes, I liked Sunny's line too.
Whitelily Prime: Okay, I was literary practically in tears when I read your review. It made me so happy and means so much to me that you think that. You have no idea. Thank you a million times over.
SunnySides: Yes, Jazz lives. You are welcome.
Renee Swan: No, she is not going to turn into an Autobot, I'm going somewhere else with it.
Bee4ever: Thanks!
vikehi: Lol you are welcome. :)
swimfeared: I'm already kind of planning on that, though for more than just that reason. You'll just have to wait and see. ;)
KeepingThemAtBay: Well, I didn't do is speech because, technically, it hasn't happened yet. This chapter picks up right where the last one left off but none of this is in the movie so I consider last chapter the end of the movie.
dbzfan1234: Thanks!
The Warrior of Hope: Lol. Just...lol.
ChemicalEquinox: Thanks!
Allseer: Thank you! :)
Stormin' Hudson: Yeah, I always thought is speech really proper, too.
Eleyond: Indeed they are.
Okay, that's everyone. Onward you go!
Aftermath
Not long after the end of the battle a bunch of Sector Seven agents in white vans show up. The clean-up crew. They make sure to gather any evidence suggesting an alien presence, including the corpses of all of the fallen Decepticons, and they sweep through the city looking for any and all witnesses. How they're going to cover everything up, exactly, Ari isn't sure. But she's glad she doesn't have anything to do with it.
While the agents get to work Ari, the soldiers, and the Autobots all get herded back to Hoover Dam for a debriefing. Banachek and Simmons insist on knowing exactly what went down, so as soon as they enter the hanger the humans get hauled off into separate rooms to await questioning while the Autobots are kept in the hanger where some agents are setting up a camera and several monitors.
The Autobots are to meet with the world leaders.
Ari is worried what the rest of the humans of the world will say to the Autobots coming to live on Earth. Will they be as openhearted and understanding as Ari? Not likely. Not after all the things she's seen Sector Seven do. But there is always a chance that S7 is just a bad penny. Besides, it's not like humans will really be able to make the Autobots do anything they don't want to do, although she knows that Optimus does plan on being compliant with the world's leaders as much as possible. The last thing he wants is to cause a war between all Cybertronians and humans. Then it would be like everything they have been working for since arriving on Earth was for nothing.
But she doesn't get to think on if for long because she then gets shoved into her own room, looking a lot like an interrogation room with a table, a chair on either side, and a security camera looking down on her in the corner. Ari is left in there alone for a little while. When it will be her turn for questioning, she has no idea. She just hopes it won't be Banachek or Simmons to question her. She debates on taking a nap while she waits but the chair she is forced to sit in is uncomfortable, like the plastic chairs they have in school. Still, she lays her head down on her folded arms on the table to at least attempt it. How long has it been since she last slept? She hardly remembers now. Ari wracks her brain. The last time she remembers sleeping was more of a forced sleep, when S7 drugged her. She woke up that morning on the helicopter at around sunrise. The sun had just been beginning to set by the time they made it back to the dam. So that would make it, what, twelve to fifteen hours? And most of that was running for her life. Never has she felt more exhausted than now. She sniffs her arm. And she could really use a shower. Lifting her head back up she realizes she never really did get a good look at herself. What she sees doesn't really surprise her considering all of the explosions and falling and rolling around on the ground: she's absolutely covered in dirt, barely being able to recognize her once red shirt. And she's covered in fresh cuts. Those are going to need cleaning soon. Maybe once all of this questioning business is over with she can go see Ratchet. Maybe he has some aspirin for the headache that is starting up in her temple too.
The door to her little room opens and in steps an suite-clad agent with short-cropped brown hair.
"Hi," Ari says, trying for polite, but she gets no response. All he does is sit down in the chair across from her and sets a recorder on the table.
He frowns at her, though he's been frowning since he entered the room, and his eyes look bored. Even his voice sounds bored when he speaks, "Tell me everything that happened since you left base."
"Will I be able to go see the Autobots when we're done?" she asks.
He says nothing.
She sighs. Might as well get this over with.
A very long time later, Ari isn't really sure how long since sometime during this grand adventure she lost her phone, Ari finally finishes telling her side of things. Though she left out the part about some of the AllSpark stuff with the light and seeing those figures and hearing that voice. No need to sound crazy like her grandfather. But everything else she was truthful with.
"So, can I go see the Autobots now?" she asks again.
The agent says nothing, just turns off his recorder, gets up, and leaves. Ari tries to follow after him but when she tries the door handle she finds it locked.
Oh, great, now I'm a prisoner again.
With nothing else she can do she sits back down to play the waiting game again. It's starting to feel a little on the warm side in her little room making her tempted to roll up her sleeves but with one glance at the security camera she decides not to. The last thing she wants is for whoever is watching her, and she's sure someone is, to see her scars. It's probably that creepy Simmons, too.
What feels like an hour later her door opens again, this time Banachek walking in. And he does not look happy.
"So," he says tersely, standing over her without bothering to sit down, "one of our greatest discoveries breaks out of our facility, we hand over our crown jewel to you, and then you go and destroy them both. That about sums it up, right?"
She pretends to think it over for a minute and then nods. "Yeah, that sounds about right."
He narrows his eyes at her. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"
"Yeah, I saved all our afts. What would you rather me have done? Just hand the Cube over to Megatron?"
"I would rather you not have destroyed something irreplaceable. We made so many important discoveries and technologies by studying NBE-1 and the Cube."
She rolls her eyes. "So you're mad that I destroyed your toys and your money magnets instead of just being happy that, by destroying them both, I saved the world? There was no way around it, Banachek. It was either the Cube and Megatron, or the Earth. I chose Earth. Slag, even Optimus chose Earth and he and the Cybertronians had a lot more to lose than a little money. They lost the chance to continue their race. And, news flash, the Cube was never yours to keep." He opens his mouth to speak but she cuts him off. "And don't even think about giving me that finders-keepers crap. Sure, that works for a while, but when the real owner of an object comes around wanting it back most nice, decent people would hand it over."
Banachek lets out a frustrated sigh and closes his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. He then points at the door. "Just get out. The agent in the hall will show you where to go."
Ari happily does as she's told, hoping she's going to be led to the Autobots, but instead she's taken to where the soldiers, Maggie, and Glen are all gathered, in a large room with a long table with several chairs around it, looking like some sort of conference room.
Before her escort leaves she asks him, "Where are the Autobots?"
"They are still talking to the world leaders along with Defense Secretary Keller, going over the creation of a treaty that will contain the terms of their being able to stay on Earth," he says stoically.
She brightens at that. They're going to let the Autobots stay! "When will I be able to see them?"
He says nothing and leaves.
She groans and goes to sit down in the empty plush leather seat next to Lennox. She's tired and cranky and just wants to go curl up in Sideswipe's interior and sleep for a week. Is that too much to ask?
"Hey, Ari," Lennox says with a smile but his eyes show he's just as tire as she is. Everyone at the table is. "How you holding up?"
"Could be better," she grumbles tiredly. "They won't let me go see Sideswipe and the others."
"I'm sure they'll let you go soon. Here," he hands her a paper plate and a sandwich from the platter on the table. "You should probably eat something after all that energy you burned." He pushes over a bottled water as well.
Her stomach growls loudly in response. "Guess I really am hungry. Thanks." She then chows down on her ham and cheese.
As she eats she starts tuning in to the conversations going on around her and they are strangely…normal. Ari doesn't know what she was expecting after having gone through an alien war together, but she didn't expect everyone to just start talking about their lives. She finds out that Glen lives with his grandmother, which doesn't surprise her except for the fact she half expected it to be his mother's basement. Maggie is an analyst who was hired to work for NSA right out of college. Epps is married with no kids so far but they're trying. Epps didn't seem to Ari like the kind of guy who would settle down. Lennox is also married and he has his first little girl waiting to see him for the first time at home. He had been overseas during the birth.
"What about you?" Epps asks, staring at Ari.
A slight blush dusts her cheeks at suddenly being the center of attention to so many eyes. "What about me?"
"What's your home life like? You know, parents, annoying siblings, the works.
Ari shifts in her seat uncomfortably, eyes darting around the room looking for a way out. She had been sort of contemplating telling Lennox about her situation at home, but to tell all of these people? She doesn't think she can do it. So, what, should she lie and tell Lennox the truth later in private? Should she just not tell the truth all together?
She opens her mouth, not really knowing what her decision is yet, when the door opens to reveal Banachek. Ari sighs in relief. That had been close. And maybe now she can get them to take her to the Autobots.
"You will all be allowed to go home soon," Banachek says, taking a few steps into the room.
"It's about time," Epps mutters.
"We're just making a few final preparations to help make your trips home a little easier." He then looks a Ari. "Speaking of which, your father is here. We had taken him in when we first came to…collect you. He has been informed of everything so there will be no need for you to keep secrets from him. I'll have an agent send him in in a few moments." Banachek then leaves again.
Ari sits in her seat in shock, her eyes still trained wide-eyed on the now closed door, mouth slightly open. Her father. He's here. He's here. And they're going to send him in. Meaning she's going to have to see him again. She's going to have to face him on her own. And they're planning on her going home with him.
She was so glad when Mission City was over but now she would happily go back.
"I have to get to Sideswipe," she whispers. She gets up and goes to the door. Turning the handle she finds that it's locked. Of course. "Let me out!" she yells while banging on the door with the palm of her hand. "Please, you have to take me to the Autobots!"
"Ari," Lennox says but she doesn't pay any attention. "Ari!" he tries again but she just keeps banging on the door and shouting to be taken to the Autobots. He gets up and grabs her shoulders. "Ari, calm down." As soon as he touches her she lets out a small scream and yanks herself away from him. She backs away until her back hits the wall. Lennox raises his hands, palms out, and speaks in a soothing voice, "It's okay, Ari. It's okay. I'm not gonna hurt you."
She wraps her arms around herself. She's begun to shiver and she can't seem to get it to stop. "J-just d-don't touch me."
Epps gets up to stand next to Lennox, ready to help. "We won't. We'll just stand right here. That alright with you?" Ari nods and Lennox lowers his arms. Epps gives her a friendly smile. "Now, you mind telling us what's going on?"
Just shut your emotions down and tell him, Ari. Don't think about it and just let the words out. It was so easy before with Sideswipe. Why is it so fragging difficult now? I thought the first time was supposed to be the hardest. Her eyes dart to the other people in the room behind Lennox, all of them staring at her like she's gone nuts, waiting to see why.
Lennox follows her gaze and then looks back at her. "What, you don't want to say with all of them here?"
Ari shakes her head no. No, she can't do it. She can't tell everyone. She can't let everyone know how weak she is.
"Alright, then we'll-" Lennox's words are cut off by the door opening again.
A man is let in and then the door is closed shut.
It's her father.
"Arianna," Ron says, his face and voice full of concern. "Arianna, I was so worried about you." He wraps her in a constricting hug and she just stands there without returning the embrace.
It's all an act, she knows, one he has played many times before and can do so very well. But she can always tell just by looking into his dull brown eyes. There is no love and concern there.
"The agents told me everything," he says, still holding her. "That your car was actually an alien robot. How awful. I hope those monsters didn't hurt you, did they?"
Bile rises in Ari's mouth but she forces it down. Sideswipe, a monster? No, Sideswipe wouldn't hurt her in a million years. The real monster is holding her right now and he's just waiting for the chance to hurt her again. She can tell by the way his hand comes up to her messy hair and tugs painfully at the long locks. He wants her to say something, to keep the act going herself.
But she just can't do that. Not anymore.
Ari shifts her head discretely so that she can look around Ron's shoulder at Lennox. He's looking at the father and daughter with observing eyes. Hope flutters in Ari's chest. He can sense something is off. Then he'll be able to understand Ari's pleading stare.
Lennox returns her gaze, still with those critical eyes, for only a few seconds when they widen in understanding. He looks at Epps and there is understanding in his eyes as well. And then their entire demeanors harden. Lennox clears his throat loudly to get Ron's attention. "Sir?"
Ron finally lets her go, gives her a cold glare, and then turns to the captain with seeming friendliness. "Yes?"
"There's a few more things we still need to go over with your daughter about what happened today," Lennox says, his soldier training allowing him to act professional without letting his anger get the best of him.
"Alright, what is it?" Ron refuses to take the hint, instead placing an arm around Ari's shoulders. Her entire body tenses under his touch.
Lennox's jaw clenches. "We need to speak to her alone, sir."
Ron looks the two soldiers over, assessing just how serious they are, and gives a strained smile. "Very well." He places a kiss on Ari's head and then puts his mouth next to her ear to whisper, "Tell them anything and you're dead." He then goes over to talk politely to some of the other soldiers.
Lennox motions Ari over and she follows him and Epps to the far corner of the room as far away from her father as they can get. She places her back to the wall again, the sturdy structure comforting, and Lennox and Epps stand in front of her completely blocking her view of Ron.
"Can you see him?" Epps asks quietly.
"No," she whispers.
"Then he can't see you," Lennox says just as quietly. "If you can't see his face, he can't see yours. We talk quietly enough and he won't hear what we say. He won't have any idea what we're talking about or what you tell us."
Ari's eyes dart back and forth between Lennox and Epps, settling longer on Epps as she bites her lip.
Epps scoffs in exaggerated hurt. "What, you'll tell my man, Will, here but you won't tell Uncle Rob? That's harsh, Ari. Real harsh." His antics bring a small smile to her lips and he grins back at her. "You can trust me, Ari. Promise."
She thinks it over for a second and then nods. She'll tell Lennox and Epps, but no one else that isn't absolutely necessary.
"Now tell me truthfully, Ari," Lennox looks her directly in the eye. "Is what's going on what I think it is?"
Ari slowly nods.
Lennox and Epps exchange glances, proud to have guessed it right but hating the answer.
"For how long?" Epps asks.
"N-not with him here," Ari pleads. "Get me to the Autobots and I'll tell you everything. They said they would take care of me, help me. They have some of the evidence, too."
"Now how are we supposed to do that? We're in a locked, guarded room. We don't even get to go out to use the bathroom since there's one connected to this room already."
"We'll just have to think of something," Lennox says. "Ari's right, it's too dangerous to do this here with him in the same room. We need a plan."
A loud explosion echoes throughout the building. Seconds later sirens go off.
"These guys just don't quit, do they?" Epps says and all of the soldiers head towards the door, Ari not far behind.
"What was that?" Ron asks and starts to follow them.
"I don't think so," Lennox stops him with a hand on his shoulder. "You, you, and you," he points at Maggie, Glen, and Ron, "stay here. If this is the Decepticons back for a rematch I don't need civilians getting in the way."
"And you're going to let my daughter go?" Ron asks, his anger starting to show.
Epps steps closer to Ari but is careful not to touch her. "Could be that they're just here for round two in general. But it's more likely that they're here for a reason. Ari took out their leader, Megatron. I don't know about you, but if someone took out the President of the United States, America would send out the troops to bring the rain in a heartbeat."
"Then shouldn't she stay here where it's safe?"
"Safe would be with the Autobots," Lennox replies, though Ari can tell there is so much more he wants to say with that.
The door opens and they turn to leave, thinking it's just Banachek who's come to get their help.
Instead they see Sideswipe's and Sunstreaker's holoforms standing there with triumphant grins on their faces. Though Ari is the only one to actually recognize them.
She also recognizes those grins, whether they be holoform or bot.
"Sides, Sunny, what's going on here?" she asks suspiciously.
Lennox looks at her in surprise. "You know them?"
"You all do. It's Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. Their holoforms, if you want to get technical."
"Yep," Sides says cheerily. "It's just us. Easier to get around small spaces like human-sized hallways this way."
The soldiers look at them, a little in shock, but slowly nod in acceptance.
"So what are you doing here?" Ari asks. "Let me guess. There is no actual attack, is there?"
Their twin grins widen. "Nope," Sides answers. "Just a little diversion we whipped up is all. We finished discussions with the leaders of Earth and wanted to see you but the S7 goons wouldn't let us. So, we came to bust you out."
Ari laughs. "Oh, Primus, what did you two do?"
Sunny shrugs. "Nothing much. Just a paint bomb."
"Where did you get a paint bomb?" Epps asks.
"We made it from some parts we got from one of the vehicles in the hanger we're being kept in. The paint we found in a supply closet."
Ari shakes her head. "You two are ridiculous. But you do have good timing. I've been trying to convince Sector Seven to let me visit you guys for hours."
"You! You are not taking my daughter anywhere."
Oops. Ari forgot her father would recognize them as well.
Sideswipe catches sight of her father standing near the table at the back of the group and grins. "I was hoping we would run into you." He pulls some kind of rubber ball out of his pocket and steps protectively in front of Ari. Ron starts to stalk towards them, the act gone and full furry unmasked on his face.
"You guys might want to back up," Sunny tells the others.
Oh, slag.
Ari quickly motions for the soldiers to back up as far as they can away from the two holoforms. Her father pays no attention and just goes right up to them, pulling his fist back to make a punch.
He doesn't get a chance to. Sideswipe tosses the ball at him and it explodes right in his face, coating the entire front of his body in pink paint and knocking him to the ground.
Epps goes over to check on him. "Looks like he's out cold. How much explosives did you use? And where did you get pink paint?"
Sides rubs the back of his head. "Probably too much for when throwing it in his face but at least now we don't have to deal with him anymore. And we didn't find any pink, but there was a lot of white and a little bit of red. We just mixed them together. Thought they needed some brighter colors in this place. Now how about we get out of here?"
"Right, you guys stay here," Lennox says to the other soldiers. "If he wakes up do not let him go anywhere. Understood?" They all nod.
"Alright, guys," Ari says to Sides and Sunny. "Lead the way."
The prank works wonders, not a soul is in sight as they make their way through the hallways towards the Autobot hanger. Still, they keep at a brisk jog and check around corners just to be sure. Though Ari has a hard time going so slow. With each step she takes the stress of the day catches up to her, the kidnapping, thinking the worst had happened to Sideswipe, the battle, almost getting killed several times, the strangeness with the AllSpark, having to face her father. Especially having to face her father. Any minute now he could wake up and be after her. If he's really determined a couple of soldiers aren't going to stop him, not since he already has Sector Seven convinced he's a good guy. He'll demand to have her back and they'll hand her over without question.
She's practically at a run by the time they make it to the tunnel leading to the right hanger, Sideswipe keeping pace with her. When she makes it into the open space the holoform blinks out and Sideswipe's alt mode instantly stands up.
He knows what she wants without her having to do anything. Sides picks her up and wraps her securely in his arms. It's the only place she feels safe anymore.
"Are you alright?" Sideswipe whispers.
"Not really," she says. "It's just, after everything that's happened today and then Ron showing up and S7 saying I was going to be going home with him soon." She looks up at him, panic clear in her pale blue eyes. "Don't let him take me, Sideswipe. Don't let them make me leave with him."
Sideswipe tightens his grip on her. "That's not going to happen. I promise."
"As do we," Optimus says, walking up to them. "We made you a promise, Ari, to keep you safe from your father, and we intend to keep it."
Ari sighs with relief and closes her eyes tiredly, leaning her head against Sideswipe's chassis. "Thanks."
"You do not look to be at optimal functioning capacity," Ratchet says. "My sensors indicate you are running at a temperature hotter than what is deemed healthy to your species. I should run more thorough scans to distinguish a cause."
She shakes her head. "Don't bother, Ratchet. It's probably just stress. Nothing a little sleep won't cure."
"But the soldiers seem to be fine."
"That's because they're used to this sort of thing."
"Excuse me," Epps says, "but I'm not used to giant alien robots shooting at me."
Ari chuckles softly. "Okay, well, you're better at handling it than me, how's that?"
"Still not so sure about that. You did good out there today, kid, including facing your old man."
"Speaking of which," Lennox says. "You going to tell us the whole story now?"
Sideswipe looks down at Ari. "You've decided to tell them? Both Lennox and Epps?"
Ari nods. "Yeah. Considering everything, I don't have a choice anymore. It's now or never."
Everyone gathers around her, including the Autobots. They know what's going on but have never seen the extent of the damage it has left on her skin, except for Ratchet with his scans that is.
The first step is always the hardest. Whoever said that, Ari doesn't know, but it's so very true. One step, that's all it takes and everything will be out in the open. But it's just so hard. It's hard to admit her weakness. It's hard to admit that she's broken. Especially when this isn't something anyone can just fix. But it's a step she has to take is she's ever going to get away from Ron. If she's ever going to move on.
If she's ever going to get the chance to heal.
So, she gets Sideswipe to set her down, she stands on her own two feet, and rolls up her sleeves. She can't look at them as she does it, can't see their reactions, but she does hear Epps let out a string of curses. Ironhide does the same, at least she thinks he does since he speaks in Cybertronian.
Lennox steps up next to her, as close as he dares without making her uncomfortable. She can see his boots as she continues to stare at the ground. "Ari," he says. "Ari, look at me." She does. "You see this scar?" He points to a jagged line of light pink tissue just above his right eyebrow. "I got it when I was seventeen. My dad decided to throw a beer bottle at me and I wasn't fast enough."
She lowers her arms, staring at him wide-eyed. "You…your father abused you, too?"
He nods. "Started when I was fifteen after my mom died of cancer. My dad never recovered. Turned to the bottle instead. Lasted until I was eighteen when I enlisted in the army. He died while I was in training. He was driving drunk and drifted into oncoming traffic." He lowers his head so his eyes are level with hers. "I'm telling you all this so you believe me when I say I understand how you feel. You're scared and confused. Don't understand why you're dad would do this to you. There's nothing you can do to stop it, although you feel like there should be, so your inability to say or do the right thing makes you feel useless and weak." She flinches. "But let me tell you something. You are not any of those things."
Her brow furrows. "How can you say that?"
"Because what you're doing right now, showing me and Epps, making the decision to get away from your dad, it shows how strong you are. You're a lot stronger than I was. I just endured it until I was old enough to run away. I never told anyone, not until my wife, Sarah, came along. So don't let anyone, not even yourself, say that you are weak. Because you're not, Ari. You really aren't. What happened isn't your fault. It's his. And there was nothing you could have done to stop it except what you are doing right now."
Ari stares at him in shock, uncertain what to say. She hasn't even known Lennox for twenty-four hours and he's already one of the strongest people she knows. He's fought in wars, human and now alien. Not many people would be able to fight against giant alien robots and live. Not many people would stand up for a girl they hardly know either. Or save a complete stranger who's also an alien.
So when he says he's the weak one compared to her, that he wasn't strong enough to stop his father's abuse, it's…incomprehensible.
Tears form in Ari's eyes. One leaks out, slowly falling down her face leaving a warm trail that quickly turns cold. Another soon follows on the opposite cheek. And then another and another. Uncontrollable sobs begin to escape from her chest. She tries to hold it all in, but there is no stopping it. It's just too much emotion all at once. All she can do is cover her face with her hands and let it all out.
"It's okay," she hears Lennox say. "Everything is gonna be okay."
Once she calms down Ari tells the whole story from the beginning. Things get…interesting a few times. Like when she shows them the scars on her stomach. Optimus has to basically order Ironhide not to go hunt down the "fragging human" and terminate him. Then there's when she has to explain the events that led to her finally deciding to get out. She has to tell them about her father almost…raping her. It's almost harder than first showing them her scars. Lennox and Epps understood right away and use every ounce of their military training to not go after her father themselves. The Autobots, of course, don't understand, so Sideswipe and Sunstreaker explain it to them quietly over the Comm Link.
Then Ironhide transforms and starts to speed down the tunnel. It takes Optimus, Jazz, and Ratchet together to drag him back. Ari laughs harder than she ever has before. She can understand why Sideswipe and Sunstreaker like to pull pranks on Ironhide. He can be hilarious when he's mad. So long as it's not directed at them.
When Ironhide is back in the hanger, under Optimus's watchful optic, Epps keeps the laughter going and topics switch over to the more jovial. It's like back in the conference room all over again except now the Autobots are with them. They talk about their lives, both before and during the war, although avoiding the topic of the war itself. There's a lot of Sideswipe and Sunstreaker talking about their pranks, which Lennox and Epps find amusing. Ironhide, not so much, but he tolerates it.
They're trying to keep Ari happy, she can tell, and just the thought of that makes her happy. It's like…they're a family. They actually care about her like family is supposed to.
But the happy atmosphere is shattered when a group of people come from out of the tunnel. Secretary Keller, Banachek, Simmons, and Ron. Ron is still covered in paint, looking about ready to wring someone's neck because of it, but when he sees the Autobots for what they really are his face pales and he stops several feet behind the others. Ari can't help but smirk but his presence still makes her feel uneasy, making her stick close to Sideswipe's leg.
Lennox and Epps solute to the Defense Secretary. "Sir," they say together.
Keller dismisses them with a tired wave of his hand, looking worn out from the day's events and the long discussions between the Autobots and world leaders after.
"What are you three doing in here?" Banachek demands angrily. "You shouldn't be in here. You should be in the conference room with the others."
"We were discussing some important information with the Autobots," Lennox replies evenly.
"You do not have authorization to be in here!"
"Stand down, Banachek," Keller says. "I believe after today these three have earned a little leniency." Banachek shuts his mouth and Keller smiles before continuing. "Now, Captain Lennox, I have something I would like to discuss with you."
"Yes, sir?" Lennox says.
"As you know, earlier today the Autobots and the leaders of the world created a treaty outlining the terms and conditions to their being allowed to stay on our planet. This included the creation of a special task force made up of Autobots and human soldiers from around the globe that will be in charge of neutralizing any existing and forthcoming Decepticon threats. This task force will be funded by a number of countries, but the United States is going to be a majority contributer, meaning we will be put in direct responsibility for its running. General Morshower has already agreed to the job but we still need someone to directly oversee its operation. I have nominated you, Lennox. Morshower agreed that you are our best option considering your experience in the past but also especially today. So what do you say, soldier? Are you up for the job?"
Lennox stands in slight shock at such an offer. He looks up at Optimus in thought and then he looks at Ari. She's not sure why he would look to her for advice on what to do in a situation like this, but she gives him a small smile and a nod. Ari knows it will be a lot of responsibility thrust upon his shoulders but she agrees with Keller, he's perfect for it.
He looks back to the Secretary. "I accept, sir."
Keller smiles. "Very well. I shall see to the particulars of your reassignment. Exactly where the base for the new task force will be has yet to be decided, but when it is it will be several months before everything is operational. Until everything is ready you have been taken off of active duty and may spend the time with your family. You will be notified when you will start your new position."
Lennox fights the smile threatening to grace his face but it is hard. He solutes. "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."
"Speaking of going home," Simmons says, "you all should be able to start heading that way soon. Just need to fill out a nondisclosure agreement then you can get out of our hair. Good riddance if you ask me. If I ever find out who did the paint bomb," he eyes everyone suspiciously, especially Ari since she's having a hard time not laughing, and apparently Sides and Sunny are good at bluffing, "you are going to be mincemeat when I'm through with you."
Keller, Simmons, and Banachek turn to leave, but Ron does not, instead walking forward with purpose towards Ari.
"Come along, Arianna," he says, keeping his eyes on her and away from the Autobots. "You heard him, it's time to go home." He reaches for her arm but Sideswipe is faster, reaching down for her and lifting her up to sit on his forearm.
"She's not going anywhere with you," Sideswipe growls.
Ron looks up at him in shock and no little amount of fear, but then anger quickly takes the foreground. "She is my daughter and she is coming with me. You cannot hold her captive."
"It's not captivity if I want to stay," Ari calls down nervously. She's not sure how well this is going to go, but if she's going to get away from him, the time would be now.
The two agents and Secretary turn back to look at Ari curiously. Simmons sighs and walks back to stand next to her father. "Look, I know you're all chummy with the aliens and whatnot," he says, "but you can't stay here. It's time for you to go, little lady."
"She can't leave with him," Lennox says. "Her father has been abusing her."
The three of them stand there in silent shock.
Keller looks between the father and daughter. "Is this true?"
Ari nods. "I-it is."
Ron looks at her in cold fury. "This is ridiculous! I would never abuse my own daughter. This is some kind of corruption caused by those monsters!"
Ari's own anger flashes in her pale blue eyes. "I'm not lying. It's the truth. We have proof."
"And what would that be?" Banachek says, unconvinced.
Ratchet steps forward. "I have taken in-depth scans of Ari's body that dictate she has been severely injured multiple times during the past ten years." A hologram shines down from his optics to appear in front of the men showing a summary of his results.
Ron crosses his arms in front of his chest. "And we're just supposed to take the word of a bunch of aliens?"
"I'm sure if your own doctors conduct their own examinations they will find the same results."
"Her being hurt still does not mean that I am the cause."
"Maybe not," Sideswipe says, "but this does." He turns on his own hologram while quickly covering Ari's eyes to keep her from seeing. The quick glance she gets of the footage of her father's bedroom taken through the window with her father on top of her on the bed is all she needs to know as to why. She turns her face towards his chassis. Sideswipe is showing them what he saw the day Ron almost raped her. Nothing can be heard, but it is clear to everyone what was going on.
When it is finished Sideswipe lowers his hand again. Ari can see the sickened faces of Keller, Simmons, and Banachek.
Then all Pit breaks loose.
Ron punches Simmons, the closest target, instantly sending him down, and runs towards the exit. But before he's even a tenth of the way there Epps is tackling him to the ground with Lennox right behind, a pair of handcuffs given to him by Banachek in hand and quickly placed around Ron's wrists.
"You're not going anywhere," Epps says as he hauls Ron to his feet. "So, where do you want him?"
Simmons gets to his feet, shifting his aching jaw back and forth to make sure it still works. "We have a nice little detention center for scum like him." He then takes Ron by the arm and begins to drag him away with Ron kicking and screaming all the way.
"I am truly sorry for what has been done to you," Keller says to her. "How long was it going on for?"
Ari sighs, wondering how many times yet she's going to have to go through all of it, but figuring it necessary. "About ten years."
He nods sadly. "I'll contact Child Protective Services and alert them to the situation. Is there any other family you would like me to call that can take care of you?"
"No," she says sadly. "My mother left a long time ago and I have no other living relatives."
"You don't want me to call your mother?"
"No. She's no better than him."
He nods again. "Very well. You'll have to be placed in a foster home then."
Ari gulps and leans into Sideswipe further. "Can't I just stay with the Autobots?"
"We would be more than happy to take care of her," Optimus agrees.
"Not in a million years," Banachek says. "No court would ever agree to that. What would a bunch of aliens know about taking care of a human girl?"
Optimus sighs but nods, knowing it has to be the humans' decision. "Then at least allow Sideswipe to accompany her. He has already expressed his wishes to become her permanent Guardian and Ari has accepted."
"That can probably be arranged," Keller says. "So long as Sideswipe does not reveal himself to anyone, understood?"
"Of course," Sideswipe says eagerly.
"No."
Everyone looks at Lennox in surprise, shifting from foot to foot in agitation.
"Lennox it's okay," Ari says, trying to sound cheerful. She doesn't like the idea of a foster home either. "I have nowhere else to go. This was inevitable, you know that."
"No, it's not." He looks at Keller with determination etched into every muscle, ready for a fight if necessary. "I'll take her in."
Ari gasps. "What?"
Lennox looks up at her. "You can stay with me. I have a big farmhouse only a few hours drive from here and I already know my wife won't mind."
Banachek raises an eyebrow in disbelief. "Really?"
"You don't know my wife," Lennox says with a smirk.
Ari stares down at him, hoping beyond hope. She has to ask again, just to be sure. "Are you sure? I mean, I won't be any trouble or anything?"
"Of course it's no trouble, Ari. After today you're practically family anyway."
Ari grins at him brightly in gratitude.
But before she can say anything her headache she's had for the past several hours suddenly spikes. She cries out in pain, clutching her head with both hands. It feels like someone is driving a hot poker through her skull and then the heat of it is slowly spreading throughout her body. The heat gets really intense on the inside of her left arm right below her elbow.
Several people call out her name, asking what's wrong. She knows one of them is Sideswipe but she can hardly make reality out anymore. There is only the pain.
And a voice.
"Power such as this can never be destroyed, only transformed."
And then everything goes black.
Author's Note
*runs behind Optimus* Just remember, if you kill me, you don't get anymore story!
Anyway, lots of good stuff. People know about the abuse now. Ari is going to be getting away finally. I'm going to try to do stuff with the actual trial but as I was looking up the specifics of what exactly goes on in order for Ari to be fully taken out of Ron's custody, well, let's just say that I don't understand lawyer speak. But I'll do the best I can.
But be warned, this won't be the last we see of him! MWAHAHAHAHAHA!
Also got Ari going to stay with Lennox. Looking forward to that. But, what I'm most looking forward to, is dealing with the stuff in the cliffhanger. You'll finally see where I'm going to be going with all of this.
But enough said. Hope you enjoyed, PLEASE REVIEW, and see you all next time!