Chapter 9

Ratchet stepped out of the door way and into the room, waiting patiently for someone to speak up. All you could hear was the ticking of a clock over the television. I could tell that someone had fidgeted and that Ratchet had already known the fiend. But still, he waited. Silently, and dangerously; spinning his mech-sized wrenches. I think he was purposely trying to make people feel nervous. You could practically see sweat rolling off some soldiers' necks.

There was a slight movement in the room and Ratchet's first wrench went flying. We all held our breath as it sailed through the air and hit Sideswipe in the head. He cried out and stumbled to the ground, taking Sunstreaker with him.

"Hey!" He cried, "How do you even know it's us?!" He slowly got up, being careful of the soldiers around him and then pulled up Sunstreaker, who was checking himself over. For whatever reason, I don't know.

"There was a line of yellow paint on the corner desk in my office," Ratchet said smugly while Sunstreaker was gaping like a fish without water at his elbow. A wide scratch started at the tip of his 'elbow' and ended half way up the top of his arm.

"You scratched my paint!" He roared then pounced. At first I was suspecting he was going to tackle Sideswipe. But instead, he tackled Mudflap who had extremely wide eyes and was muttering. "Hey bro, don' get mad. Ah'm sorry- gah!" Then both of then went to the ground. If you've never seen Sunstreaker fight, then let me describe it like this. He was definitely the most terrifying person I had ever seen, other than Ironhide.

They rolled along the floor of the rec room and there were over a hundred spectators, cheering each bot on. The Autobots just watched in amusement. Weren't they going to do anything? I leaned over towards Mikaela and asked her the same question. She smirked in amusement. "I guess they haven't told you about their comm systems. They can communicate through their minds with other Autobots at different frequencies, almost like a radio, I guess. By now, one of the Autobots has commed Optimus about this mess." I felt slightly less concerned by her words, and continued to watch the fight. People were moving all around, trying to avoid were Sunstreaker's and Mudflap's bodies were falling.

Everything was one large commotion, which wasn't good for my oncoming headache. There were several shouts as a group of soldiers got pushed out-of-the-way from the path of the fight. Seconds later, Mudflap's foot slammed down right in the exact place they had stood. Looking over at the men, they seemed pretty pale. They must have thought about how it would feel like being under that foot at this moment.

Ratchet didn't interfere one bit, he just hung out in the corner and watched with a satisfied look in his eyes. But they didn't seem satisfied enough. He'll give them each his own special treatment.

They continued fighting until the door of the rec room slammed open and Optimus stood, in all his glory. Sunstreaker stopped in mid-tackle and Mudflap just froze with a terrified expression on his face.

"That is enough," Optimus rumbled and walked towards Ratchet and placed his hand on his shoulder. "I see they have surprised you once more?" I gave a slight snort and Optimus' eyes flicked over at me. I put my head down, embarrassed.

"They did more than surprise me, Optimus. They ruined two of my best wrenches! Now I'll have to order another two…" He grumbled incoherent noises and pounded his hands together. Then, he went over and picked up the wrench that he had thrown. Sideswipe just remained like a statue, in some kind of shock. Ratchet looked around hastily, before stalking out of the room. Everyone sighed in relief, except Sunstreaker, who was still looking at Mudflap with full-blown anger.

"W-wha is you lookin' at Sunstreaker? I helped ya, didn't ah? You should be thankin' meh!" Looking at him with his face plates turned up in disgust, Sunstreaker pushed him.

The ground rumbled as Mudflap tried to regain his balance, toppling right into us, we didn't even get time to run. He just fell. 'I wonder what it's like to be squat by a fat and pudgy Autobot.' I closed my eyes, feeling the air shift as he fell.

BANG!

My ears vibrated and it was frantic all around. I looked up and saw that we didn't get squished. In fact, we were practically squished between Mudflap's side and his arm. Sighing, I relaxed. Mikaela got up on to her feet, looking as pale as a ghost. "Are you alright?" She asked faintly, I found that I couldn't form any words at the moment, so I just shut my mouth and nodded. The yelling became louder.

"Get up! Get up!" Sam was yelling and there was an hysteric edge to his voice. "Mikaela and Lena are under you! move your fat ass!"

Then there was Skids. "Come on dude, stand up! I'm gonna pull you up if you don't, you might 'ave squished two humans in yo chassis!" Mudflap still hadn't moved, and I was starting to get a little claustrophobic. Why don't they check and see if he actually didn't fall on us? They were too entertained with the thought of Mudflap squashing us. That was why.

Optimus decided to step in and said quickly, "Lift him up, he may have glitched from everything that has happened. We must get Lena and Mikaela out." Then suddenly, the pressure got greater, was his arm going to crush us? But as soon as it came, it left and Mudflap was lifted away from us. It was complete silence in the room when it happened. Then all eyes were on us, everyone staring at us with haunted looking expressions.

Then Sam came running over and took Mikaela up in his arms, kissing her in the process. I guess he though we were grinded up meat for the wolves. It was a touching moment, I must say.

While this was happening, I saw that everyone was just walking around, never even stopping to see if I was alright. I guess that since I was just a stranger, and a guest.

Speaking of that, I should be going home soon, shouldn't I? They can't force me to stay after a month, or two. That's kidnapping and harassment. The floor rumbled as I saw Optimus beginning to kneel beside me, looking worried. I suppose I looked a little wacky after what just happened.

"Maylene, are you well?" He looked a little more than concerned. Scratch what I said; I must look like a total lunatic. It took me a couple of seconds to get my voice back.

"I've n-never been better!" I forced out shakily. Optimus' eyes turned a shade darker, as if he was thinking. Looking away, I didn't notice the way he had looked at me. But now I know that he had given me an expression of such familiarity that it would have shaken me to the core.

"Maylene, I know you are not doing as well as we hoped you would be by this time. I understand that taking you away from your family has brought you grief, but it was all for a reason." I tried to speak but he continued giving a mini lecture. "For whatever reason Barricade had tried to invade your home, it must have been valid enough for Megatron to give the orders. Never, is it a good thing when Megatron gives an order to his troops to offline a human. In doing so, he also targets the victims' families. We do not want anymore danger to come to you or your family."

He turned his head to see Skids slapping Mudflap across the face to try and get him to wake up somehow. Amused, Optimus chuckled. It was an odd sight, seeing such a powerful leader laughing like that. I suppose not even the greatest leaders can stay emotionless, they only do so for the public's eye.

Turning back to me, his eyes gazed into mine, holding century's worth of sadness and forgotten regrets. I wondered then: how long can one carry such a burden of death before they cave into the shadows?

I thought he was going to give me an explanation of why they had decided to keep me here against my will, but instead I got what I didn't expect, an apology.

"Maylene, I have to apologize for acting so rashly to your questions the other day. I had no proper excuse for that outbreak. I hope that you will forgive me."

So this is what the sadness was all about? I laughed a full out, pure, honest laugh. Optimus looked at me, bewildered by my reaction.

"Sorry," I couldn't stop laughing. "It's just that I didn't expect an apology, it was my entire fault anyways. I should be the one apologizing. I'm sorry." I was amazed at how it didn't matter that Optimus was a large metal giant. His smile was as soft as a father's at his baby. It intrigued me to see all the gears in his face move. I had to remind myself to ask Ratchet to give me a proper class on the anatomy of a Cybertronian. Though I think having a discussion about the reproduction of their species would be extremely awkward, so I'll have to cross that off the list.

"I presume that we both then owe an apology to one another." Smirking, I looked up at him and nodded. But he didn't see me at all. He was looking towards Ironhide, who I didn't know could properly smile, was belting out a long, hard laugh.

"You know," Optimus mused, "you've brought great joy to some of my old friends. And we are all shocked to say that you have also improved the behavior of Ratchet." I snickered and watched the scene in front of me unfold. Bumblebee and Ironhide was wrestling lightly. Of course, all the humans were taken up off the floor and on to Autobot-sized tables and chairs to watch. The pair steered clear of where Optimus and I stood. The rest of the Autobots remained on opposite sides, cheering one or the other on.

Optimus looked away and sighed. "For so many millennia's we have fought this war, they deserve happiness when then can get it." I stared at my shoes, which weren't actually mine.

"You know, Optimus, one day everything will go back to normal. You can't give up hope yet. The stars are still shining." Tilting his head, he once again looked down at me, this time it was humorous.

"You humans have such strange philosophy." There was a huge crash and I jumped. Optimus didn't seem too startled and we both turned at the same time to see Ironhide having Bee in a headlock position. I had to smile at that. They were like close family. When I told this to Optimus, he nodded quietly.

"When you have been in years of war, troops, such as mine, tend to get close as a family." He noticed me watching Bumblebee's and Ironhide's interactions. "Bumblebee was just a sparkling when we found him in the rubble of the Youth Sectors. A day care is the closest I can explain to you in your language. I suppose it's also like an infancy unit in one of your health centers. He was the only survivor. Ironhide and I helped care for him. Everybot did. He is now what you would call a little brother to us all. If he was ever lost, we would not be able to live with ourselves."

"I know where you're coming from. I have a little brother named Jay and he practically means the world to me, even though I don't show it. I don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to him. I wouldn't be able to live. I would be eaten with guilt."

So we just stood there, wallowing in each other's depression. Lennox, his surname calling was beginning to rub off on me, saw this and hopped over on the side table next to us.

"Come on guys, don't be such party poopers! At least try to have some fun!"

We looked at each other. "Does this mean that we're good once more?" I asked hesitantly and Optimus smiled. "I don't see why not."

We both walked over to the decorations and Optimus popped up his holoform. Together, we randomly picked out decorations and hung them around the base.

By the time we were finished, the base looked more like a sparkly fairy ballet house than a rugged military base hiding alien robots. Some of the soldier's weren't pleased because they said it made them look like 'softies.' Ratchet wasn't too impressed either. Someone had glued tinsel to his med bay door. Both groups of twins got a kick out of it though. Especially when Ratchet got them in the aft, their terminology for ass…I think, with his medical laser.

The base was starting to get happier than from what I've seen it and Mudflap and Skids have stopped frightening the crap out of me, thankfully. I also heard that the people who stay on base get a turkey dinner. That's the only thing I'm looking forward to this holiday.

Apparently the Autobots also get to leave the base. What a surprise! Extraterrestrials can leave their place on the earth and could destroy anything in a heart beat. And here they have an eighteen year old girl who can't step foot outside without permission? What is wrong with this Galloway guy? A lot from what I've heard.

It was now officially a week before Christmas and soldiers were starting to go back to their families. Lennox and Epps stayed behind to accompany the Autobots during this week before the holidays. I feel bad for them because all around them is sparkly decorations of a fat man with presents and they have no idea what it means. For all we know they might think that we're posting pictures from E-Harmony all over the base! I actually wouldn't be surprised if one of them thought that. Leave it to Ratchet to come up with crazy assumptions.

My mind wandered back to my mother. Did she know about what happened? What will she say when she sees the shrubs and trees tore up with me missing? Has she called the cops? Or has the government paid her not to say anything? Was she glad I was gone?

"Maylene!" I turned my head over the back of my wheel chair as soon as I heard the thumping of huge feet. It was Ratchet.

"Oh, hey Ratchet. What's up?" Ratchet rolled his eyes.

"You humans and your sayings. The logical answer would be the sky, but at the moment…I'm coming to retrieve you for Optimus. Galloway would like to speak to you. Or, he demanded you speak with him."

I snorted and crossed my arms, but agreed with Ratchet to meet up with this 'Galloway.' What did he want with me? Ratchet bent down and held out to his hand, much to my surprise.I lifted myself out of my chair and on to his hand. He didn't say anything about getting out of the wheelchair, he narrowed his eyes.

"Careful," he warned me and started walking.

It was a much smoother ride than with Optimus. I guess it was because his legs were so long and had more of an impact than Ratchet's stubbier legs.

Ratchet then made a turn down a hallway I haven't seen in my week at this base, and the lighting got brighter. So bright in fact I had to cover my eyes for a few moments.

Once my pupils adjusted, I took a look around. We were in a large fancy office, Autobot size.

The office was surprisingly welcoming and was really warm. There was a mahogany desk in the center and on it was a huge stack of papers and a couple of photos. I didn't want to get too rude and stare at them, though.

A throat cleared in the corner, and I jumped back in shock. I hadn't even noticed Optimus had been there! And was there a man in the desk earlier? I felt myself blush a deep shade of red.

"S-sorry," I stuttered. Optimus smiled at me while Galloway just stared at me. I swear to god he looked constipated.

"You must be Maylene Vaughn, step forward." Ratchet let me down and I stepped forward with my head bowed, my hands clasped behind my back. I brought myself together and willed some words to spill from my mouth.

"Yes, I am. Hello sir." He looked surprised and his glare dropped off a little.

"Much better behaved than that Witwicky boy. Tell me, do you know why I've brought you here?" He demanded and began to stand and stalk towards me. He had a stack of paper and photos with him. Suddenly I began to sweat. I shook my head.

He smirked slightly and it didn't look too friendly. Goose bumps began to rise on my arms despite the warmth of the room. No one noticed.

"You had an attack located near your home last week. Care to explain?" I creased my eyebrows. What was he talking about?

"I…don't know," I began slowly. "Two Decepticons snuck up to my house and attacked?" Galloway's eyes narrowed and he leaned forward. Behind, Optimus' eyes darkened at his actions. I had no idea what was happening.

"Are you absolutely sure there is nothing else you know about this event?" He leaned even closer to me and my palms became moist with perspiration. Optimus' face contorted into an expression of concern, I think.

I shook my head slowly. "No, sir. I just arrived home with Lennox and his and then they attacked." Galloway's face became clouded and before I could comprehend anything that was going on-"

BANG!

Galloway banged his fist against the wall. He turned towards me, his cheeks flushed red.

"I know you are behind something bigger, girl. Why would we have found this?" His hand flashed out in front of me and it was holding a piece of paper. I took it cautiously and peeked at it. What I saw almost made me drop my paper. Galloway seemed to have some satisfaction from my reaction.

"I-it can't be!"

Optimus kneeled down behind Galloway and stared into my eyes. His eyes seeming awfully sad once again.

"Are you saying, Maylene, that you know of this?"

I turned my head to look at the picture, and then back at him. I repeated this three times. I now had absolutely no idea what was going on.

"Of course I know of this, it's the chain my father gave me before he went away for the last time! I lost it when I was twelve…" Galloway didn't look too pleased. When did he ever look really pleased?

Optimus tilted his head in confusion. "Maylene, this is a shard of the Allspark. The origin of Cybertron and its people."

I felt a tingling in my side but I just shook it off. It was probably just pins and needles, after all. While this happened I couldn't help but be a little shocked.

"I don't understand. My father said it was a souvenir from one of his trips with his friends. He wanted me to guard it as well as I could…" I trailed off, realizing that there was a strange coincidence behind what I was saying. Could my father have been allied with the Decepticons?

"What your father has told you is only a part of the truth. A shard of the Allspark was connected to this chain to seem like a simple souvenir. But in reality, it has the ability to create new life." I wasn't able to do anything but nod.

We both noticed that Galloway was being oddly quiet, which wasn't like him. I could infer that by spending two minutes with him. His eyes were narrowed and it seemed like he was thinking too hard for his brain to handle.

Then he burst.

"I am putting you under twenty-four seven surveillance and there's nothing you can say for me to change my mind! This girl should be put down for treason! Just give her back to the Decepticons and Megatron can end her!"

Optimus' eyes narrow once more. "I must advise you to lower your voice, Galloway; you will soon attract unneeded attention. Also, I highly disagree with your previous statement. There is no need to put Maylene under such extreme circumstances. My troops and I will carry out anything if it is needed. Not twenty-four hours, but during the day." He flashed an apologetic look in my direction. "I will take Maylene back to her quarters now. Thank you for your time, Theodore." I'm not joking when I say Galloway turn a shade of purple. Optimus became concerned.

"Galloway, are you suffering from air deprivation?"

The shade of purple just turned darker. He pointed a shaking finger to the door.

"Go. Now." He demanded and Optimus, Ratchet, who I didn't notice was still there and I didn't waste anytime bolting from the room. No one wants Theodore Galloway up their asses.

Ratchet gave me a lift to my room, which was attached to the Med Bay, and left me there with a stack of books me must have scoured up for me. They looked pretty interesting though. I thanked him and went straight to the books. That's when I remember I left my wheel chair in the Rec Room. Oh well, I shrugged and went on reading what ever I picked up. Looking at the cover, I noticed that it was The Outsiders. It was pretty small so I guess I could read it today.

When I said I thought I could read it today, I meant twelve hours. I was so enthralled in reading this book that it only took four hours to completely finish it. Will came in to talk to me, but I pushed him out and locked the door. No one interrupts Maylene from her reading time. No one.

When I finished, I just stared up at the ceiling, summarizing the whole book in my head. I didn't want to reach for another book because I would probably forget half of what happened in this one. That's how I am after I read. I'm too scared, or too obsessed with a book I read that I can't stop thinking about it and won't read another thing with words on it until the phase passes. My teachers use to throw fits because of that tendency.

An abrupt flash in my vision caused me to sit up, I looked around and out through the window to see if there was any mirrors or lights, but there was nothing. I growled when I noticed the pins a needles were still in my side. Was that even natural?

It felt like it was slowly spreading throughout my entire left side, which was extremely uncomfortable. I massage the skin softy, remembering my ribs, and it turned into more painful pokes and prods than the ticklish kind. It actually started to hurt so much that I sat down, clutching my side. I was unable to call for Ratchet because I somehow lost my voice.

Then, twenty seconds after it came, it left again. I sagged in relief up against the post to the bed, gasping for breath.

I lifted up my shirt, my mouth began opening and closing like a fish.

On lower left side was an intricate tattoo, it was a mix of Japanese, Chinese and Thai. I poked it and tingling traveled throughout my body. The symbol actually looked like it was glowing a bit, too.

I lowered my shirt and relaxed my head against the wall.

What's happening to me?

I'm back! Mid-terms were a pain, but I at least got the highest grades! I'm going to try to update as much as possible. It's a possibility that I'll get one up next week. Hopefully even earlier!

Also, I'm sorry for taking so long. Fanfiction has been giving me a hard time trying to log in. The page wouldn't load.

Thank you for everyone who reviewed, it means so much to me!

Review!

- Taylor

And also I keep forgetting to put this at the end of each chapter: I don't own Transformers...