Hello, spottedpath here. This was not the chapter I was originally going to post, but a shot of editor's block delayed the other chapter so I added this one in. Thanks to my two wonderful reviewers, Edges05 and aquarius89! Thank you!

Please enjoy! -And forgive google translate-

Chapter 11

Mission report.

Data gathering in progress.

Files included:

File A: Personal observations of autobot interactions with human leadership.

File B: Basic data regarding observed cybertronian frames. Physical weaknesses. Advised attack strategies.

File C: Information regarding energon-based swords.

File D: Analysis of materials used to refine energon.

Note: Gathered from various shipping records.

Analysis of Autobot Team: Ratchet

Medical Officer of Autobots. Twenty feet tall. Neon yellow. Hummer emergency vehicle form. Combat ability: minimal. Known weapons: Several medical tools within hands, medical scanners- may cause dizziness, wrench- throws with accuracy. Manipulation: highly unlikely. Recommendation: use as willing and unwitting information source.

Analysis of Autobot Team: Arcee

Stealth soldier. Nine feet tall. Pink. Aprilia RSV 1000 R vehicle form. Combat ability: hand to hand specialist. Known weapons: Energon cannon, formed from each hand, number of shots based on energon in system. Manipulation: unlikely. Recommendation: possible engagement. Currently MIA. Last known location: Alsace, France July 6.

Sleep was a precious gift, one Erin wholeheartedly enjoyed. Nothing disturbed her in the dreamless darkness. She didn't feel the soreness of old wounds or the stress of working towards ever evading perfection. And she certainly didn't face off terrifying giant robot monsters. Although, it seemed that one of said creatures did not care whether she had already escaped into the freedom of sleep.

An endless buzzing tore her from the comforting nirvana back into the starchy sheets that clung to her heat moistened skin. An ebb of light shone through her shutters, just enough to give an outline to the furniture in her small room. A sudden flash of light illuminated the space, giving color to the creamy-white sheets and walls before secluding Erin back into darkness. A tired hand reached for the offending data pad just as another shot of light further tore the woman from her ever peaceful sleep.

Sideswipe. His name flashed once again over the brightened screen, indicating a third message. Erin clicked on the strobing icon.

'Hey! Just wanted to say you were pretty kick-aft today!'

'Sorry about Sunstreaker trying to kill you'

'Not that he really wanted to squish or shoot you'

Another message flashed up, 'He's really not as bad as he seems'

Couldn't the 'bot just put all his thoughts into one message? Even better, couldn't he just wait till morning to sound patronizing. Erin glanced at the time. Thirty minutes had passed since she'd fallen asleep.

Another series of messages appeared, 'I think you're starting to grow on him'

'I just wouldn't recommend being alone with him for a while'

'By the way, we won't be able to train with you tomorrow' Couldn't he have led with that?

'Sunstreaker got into a scuffle with Ironhide so we're in the brig now.'

Before he could continue the string of one sentence messages, Erin typed a quick reply, 'Understood.' She then shut off the data pad and turned over in her bed to get back to sleep.

Unfortunately her thoughts were plagued by giant pissed robots. Erin constantly tried to avoid thinking too hard about her situation. Even though she worked regularly with Ironhide, she couldn't exactly say she liked any of the autobots. Sure, she respected them. But even as she held her own against the 'bots, she was terrified. If she avoided thinking about it, though, she could keep her mind clear from the pesky emotions. However, in the silence of her room, being fully conscious thanks to Sideswipe's antics, her mind dwelled on the predicament she found herself in.

It was difficult enough having them as allies; but Sunstreaker was a whole different monster. Regardless of Sideswipe's rather poor assurances- which seemed to Erin as attempts to humorized the situation, Sunstreaker undoubtedly hated her. On top of that, he genuinely tried to vaporize her with his cannon. In the heat of the moment, Erin could brush it off as intense training. However, reviewing her memories, she could clearly recall the disgust in his optics as he aimed the weapon at her. If she was killed by 'accident', he wouldn't have minded in the least. She couldn't entirely blame him. Erin could somewhat understand where he was coming from. To the autobots' humans were small, weak, and often mere pests. Unfortunately for the yellow front liner, they also needed the humans. Their aid was the only thing giving the 'bots an advantage over the decepticons. Once their usefulness ran out, though, Erin could only imagine what the seemingly diplomatic 'bots might do with their human partners. She was not one to put blind trust in other people, just like how Sunstreaker knew better than to trust humans. In his position, she would do the same thing. Well, not the exact same thing, but to each their own.

Even though she acted nonchalant around the 'bots, in the seclusion of her bed, she shook with fear from the day's events. How many times had she nearly been killed? Why did she want to further anger the yellow front liner? She'd been on the base for just over a week, how much longer could she last?

To formulate a possible answer to this question, she had used her data pad, which contained an impressive amount of information, to do some research. Erin had checked to see if there were any autobot-caused human deaths, accident or otherwise. While none were listed, her data pad shown a number of accidents. Apparently, an impressive number of soldiers had left the base due to psychological trauma. No names were given, only numbers. There were two events described where humans had been hospitalized after nearly being stepped on- accidently- by 'bots. There was a case where five humans were caught in a small explosion prior to Que's lab becoming off limits. There were a few cases of burns caused by leaking from cybertronian wounds. Nothing listed was fatal. Somehow, the men on the base had yet to suffer a casualty due to the autobots. If they could survive, Erin should be able to as well. Although, none of them had worked closely with Sunstreaker before.

Not getting anywhere with sleeping, Erin decided to take a shower. Luckily, only a few soldiers ever used the same wash racks as her, leaving them empty most of the time. At that late hour, no one would be by to intrude. The water in the showers never warmed to the scalding heat Erin enjoyed, but they were still decently warm. Not bothering with any soaps or hair products, this shower was just for relaxation after all, Erin climbed in and relished in the steaming warmth that enveloped her. She could stay there for hours, or at least until she was tired enough to fall asleep without constant visions of getting squished.

She let out a low hum that couldn't be placed with any particular tune. Singing in the shower, after all, didn't have to be perfect. Knowing she was alone, Erin whispered a few verses of various songs, letting the rushing water hide her voice. She wasn't bad at singing, far from it, but she didn't particularly like performing either. So, she opted to quietly let loose in the haven for any singer. That, was the magic of showers.

Diego Garcia was abuzz over the newly formed team. Erin was not sure what to expect when her name and face became well known by the other soldiers, but their apprehension was certainly unexpected. Admittingly, the twins had a certain aura of danger around them and it seemed that in the day since they formed the team, their state of being extended to her. That morning, Erin instantly noticed how the men would give her a wider berth. Franky and Adam still sat with her for breakfast, but the former had unending questions.

Even during training, the other men seemed apprehensive to spar with her. Ironhide, however, had no qualms taking Erin on, of course. In fact, during their evening rounds, he had no mercy for her. This may have been due to their new spectators.

Annabelle and Captain Lennox showed up to watch, and the little girl became absolutely enamored within moments. She watched in wonder as Erin dodged the black mech, slashing at his leg. The first bout she witnessed, the little girl was nearly in tears. Not because her guardian was, from the look of it, attacking a human, but because Erin managed to nick his servo and there was the smallest of brief dribbles of energon.

After Ironhide had assured the girl that he was fine and wanted the soldier to fight him, she became enamored with watching them spar. Her father, Captain Lennox, also watched in fascination as a small human girl took on his friend and guardian.

"Come on, Brook!" Don't let him get you that easily!" the Captain called after Erin was swept clean off her feet by the mech's servo.

Ironhide turned indignantly, "I thought you were on my side!" he grumbled.

"Yay, Iwonhide!" Annabelle cheered.

Laughing, Lennox called back, "You have Annabelle!"

Erin took the opportunity the distraction offered to jump onto her feet and dodge under the mech. She quickly pivoted and jumped to reach a strut behind his knee. Quickly, she climbed up, using the various exposed mechanisms and divets in his armor to aid her assent. The autobot clawed at his back for her, but his bulk limited his range. As a servo swung down to knock her off, she gripped his back with one hand and swiveled herself away. Ashe the arm swung back up, she gripped the back of his wrist. His upward motion swung her up to his helm where she latched on, legs crowded around his neck. Her e-blade pricking at a vital vein hear his spinal strut. The mech froze, knowing she got him.

Erin was not quite satisfied, it was her first win the entire day. The weapons specialist seemed especially motivated to impress when little Annabelle was around. As a result, he did not go quite as easily on Erin. The earlier distraction was exactly what she had been looking for.

"Alright," Ironhide grumbled, "how about we take a rest." The mech knowingly grabbed Erin by the waist and, very slowly, lowered her to the ground. It seemed that he had caught on to one of her 'imperfections'. The tough mech who was known for belittling trainees with odd alien insults, for some reason had decided not to point out her glaring weakness. For that, she was grateful. Although, most of the abuses he shouted had little emotional impact on the soldiers. He never called out race or gender stereotypes. And some of them would not really apply to a human, such as 'rust belted piston heap' or 'malfunctioning slag sucker'. That may have been his intention.

"Hey Brook!" Captain Lennox approached with Annabelle at his side. He patted Erin on the shoulder. "Way to represent!" he was simply beaming. Something about seeing Ironhide's aft kicked every once in a while seemed to make the man's day.

The black 'bot settled himself on the ground, his vents hissing with the release of built up heat. Annabelle quickly crawled into his offered hand and he deposited the little girl on his leg. Erin couldn't help but admire the child's trust.

The mech huffed, "I doubt that femme is much of a representation."

The man shook his head, "You sure? Hey Brook, what do you say? Think there are more like you?"

The soldier settled herself, tired from sparring and accepted a water bottle silently offered by Ironhide. "Well that depends on what you mean."

"What I mean is," he knelt down beside her, "do you know anyone with natural skill like yours. I've been training with the 'bots for years but I've never been able to take them on without back up. And you do it with a knife and hand-gun!"

"Well," Erin thought carefully about her answer, her training was top secret after all, "it's not like I've been issued any other energon-based weapons, so I have to work with what I've got. As for others who could take the 'bots on, I know a few. We underwent the same training."

"Then why aren't they here?" Ironhide questioned.

"There's pretty competitive recruitment of the graduates. They get spread around the world for various American military entities. Do you know who carried out Neptune Spear? 'Cause I know two of the men." She smiled at Lennox's wide eyes. Ironhide's optics dimmed slightly, most likely searching for the meaning. After a moment, he too, looked at least mildly impressed.

"So, how many of these other humans do you know of that could take on a 'con?" Ironhide asked, optic ridge raised.

"With the proper training, I personally know of four humans who would definitely surpass me."

"Four doesn't represent the planet." Ironhide stated.

"It's more than one." Lennox argued.

They could be focused on sobering thoughts, such as secret high risk battle training. Instead, they argue over minutia like statistics. It was oddly refreshing. In the end, they decided to call it a day, after seeing Annabelle's head bob with fought off sleepiness.

"Hey Brook," the Captain asked as he offered her a hand up, "why don't you come over to our place?"

Erin blinked dumbly at him. "For more training?"

He barked a laugh, "Nah, for dinner. Is that really all you think about?"

"Dinner?" She repeated.

"Yes, an evening meal, during which people tend to gather and engage in conversation. 'Hide has spoken highly of you so Sarah and I would like to have you over, get to know you."

"Oh, ok." Erin was not one to pass on an invitation from a superior officer. Nonetheless, she was surprised, usually, people only paid attention to her if it benefited them. The Captain seemed mainly interested in a friendly evening. At least she'd have a chance to observe the man. He was highly regarded by the 'bots, according to Ironhide. Perhaps she could better figure him out.

"Well, come on then." Ironhide called as he transformed down to his top kick form. As Erin saw Annabelle disappear under the mass of twisting metal, her heart dropped. However, the doors swung open to show a little Annabelle strapped inside the back. In a car seat, nonetheless. Since when did he have that?

Erin struggled not to giggle at the odd sight. Lennox, however, did not hesitate to climb into the driver's seat. Erin, though, stilled at the thought of riding inside the 'bot. Dealing with being in Sideswipe's alt was harrowing enough. The Captain caught her hesitation and beckoned to her, "Come on, 'Hide can't bite in this form." Ironhide's engine seemed to growl at the comment.

Erin let out a calming breath, steeling herself. She quietly climbed into the truck. It was warm, but not in the same way as metal that had been sitting in the sun. There was almost an electric heat to him that Erin never before had the time to notice. Or, perhaps it was just her imagination combined with nerves.

Annabelle squealed happily as the weapons specialist lurched forward, leaving a trail of dust behind him. The child helped prevent any awkward silences as she filled the cabin with her happy chatter. Erin wasn't exactly good with kids, but she could still find a quaint amusement with Annabelle's excitement and energy. Ironhide seemed to participate the most in their conversation. Erin couldn't exactly follow what she was talking about. Something to do with how tall things are compared to certain autobots, mainly the weapons specialist himself, or Optimus Prime.

The three story house Ironhide took them to was surrounded by a short, wooden fence. Beside the building was a rather impressive garden, considering Diego Garcia mostly sported palm trees and other bland greenery. The middle rows obviously had various vegetables neatly planted, some looked ready for harvest. Surrounding the practical plants were a rainbow of flowers and flowering bushes. The bright yellows, blues, and soft purples added a quaint quality to the older building.

Sarah Lennox walked out of the house as the trio of humans exited Ironhide's vehicle form so the bot could transform. "Private Brook," the woman greeted the soldier with a welcoming hand, "I'm glad to see you again. Will you be staying for dinner?"

"Yes ma'am." Erin responded, giving the woman's hand a firm shake.

"Wonderful!" she beamed and turned to her husband, "It's about time you invited her." Erin seemed to be the topic of their conversation on more than a single occasion. Just what had Ironhide said about her? "Will," she addressed the Captain, "let's eat outside today, it's finally cool enough." She turned back towards Erin. "Could you be a dear and help set the table? Dinner is just about ready."

"Yes, ma'am." Erin answered curtly.

The scene was oddly comfortable. Captain Lennox and Erin set up four places on a glass table on the porch while Annabelle helped her mother carry roasted chicken with green beans and mashed potatoes. The couple each had a beer, and Erin politely declined one in favor of water. Ironhide sat on the earth a few yards away, energon in servo, still close enough to engage in conversation. Erin had never lived with her parents, but she imagined this was what a family dinner was supposed to be like, minus the twenty two foot metal 'uncle'. Whilst they set up, the Captain explained how Team Prime Unit One, him included, along with Jazz would be going in search of the missing soldiers and autobot who disappeared days before. The search parties initially sent had recovered evidence of a struggle, but nothing definitive. Much to his daughter's disappointment, he'd be taking off the next morning to pick up the investigation.

Once they were seated, however, there seemed to be an unspoken rule not to discuss anything involving the decepticon autobot conflict or any other military minutia. The dark topic of missing soldiers was momentarily left in favor of lighter conversation. First and foremost, was the presence of salt in the food. Mrs. Lennox was amused by Erin's nearly ecstatic reaction. Lennox took the opportunity to explain how salt was actually banned on the base proper, which would explain why all the hot meals were so flavorless. Ironhide said it was Ratchet's order. Apparently, salt can be a part of Cybertronian diets. Only, while a small amount helps energy conversion and was like junk food, larger amounts cause a buildup and crystallization in a 'bot's veins between various mainframe systems- whatever that means. As a result, Ratchet banned all pure forms of salt. Luckily, Mrs. Lennox was spared from this ban, mostly because the medic couldn't boss the small woman around.

As interesting as salt-addictions were to Erin, Mrs. Lennox soon regaled Erin with the stories of her first encounters with each of the 'bots, with some added comment from Ironhide.

The black mech was the first one they met. He had brought Lennox home after the battle in Mission City and became their guardian. Mrs. Lennox admitted she was terrified at first, but learned to trust him. Annabelle was just a baby at the time so she basically grew up with the mech as a part of her family.

Second was Ratchet, who tracked Ironhide down after he avoided a medical checkup. Apparently, this was before the Lennox's move to Diego Garcia and the rest of the 'bots were staying on a small military base in Nevada. Ratchet came onto the property, uninvited at that, scanned Mrs. Lennox with no introduction, and practically scared the soul out of the poor woman. After Ironhide introduced the two, the woman apparently chastised the medic for his rudeness. She educated him on proper decorum… for over an hour. Ironhide seemed proud that she had put the old medic in his place. Erin, having experienced one of the mech's lectures the day prior, thought he had gotten his just deserts.

Optimus Prime was introduced third. He went to the property, with permission, for a friendly visit, wanting to meet the Lennox family. Erin herself had only spoken with the mech a handful of times. Most recently when she was inducted into Team Prime. After Sideswipe kidnapped her from the rec room, he stopped by Prime's office at the latter's behest. There, he spoke of the mission behind Team Prime, basically, elite N.E.S.T missions and explained why he wished to welcome her onto the fold. His explanation was long but insightful. Erin was able to sum that the twins were out of control and Sideswipe seemed to be willing to behave for Erin's sake, so the Prime wanted to see whether she could 'tame' them. Of course those weren't his exact words. From the meeting that night, Erin surmised the 'bot was like a gentle warrior, forced to fight but never losing sight of his goals of peace. That was something that Erin, admittingly, lacked.

Jazz was the next 'bot Mrs. Lennox met. He was also to next to learn just how tough the woman was. The easy going mech was practically put in time-out after cussing near Annabelle who was in the stage of repeating every word she heard. By the time Jazz had gotten to know the woman, she had become the main source of human knowledge for the 'bots, who before depended too heavily on the internet. That was also the start of the odd questions she often received, including, 'Why do humans self-harm when excited? (Clapping)', 'How are human sparklings manufactured?', and 'Why do male humans' interfacing equipment just hang out?'.

Bumblebee became a frequent visitor as he would travel with Michaela Barnes and Sam Witwickey virtually everywhere, including when they babysat Annabelle when she needed help obtaining food or changing diapers, things Ironhide could not do. The scout, whom Erin had yet to meet, adored Annabelle and watched her with fascination. Ironhide showed a video through some kind of holographic projection, he secretly took of the yellow 'bot playing peek-a-boo with the little girl.

The Lennox's moved to Diego Garcia before the other 'bots arrived nearly two years ago. Arcee and Mrs. Lennox got along well and the two-wheeler would become a consistent visitor. A slight sadness hung in the air as the family considered Arcee's disappearance. However, the unspoken rule pulled them away from the dark turn.

Wheeljack crashed on the island with his ship, The Jackhammer. The mech was not as sociable as the other 'bots. He got an audioful after calling Mrs. Lennox 'the Captain's femme'. Apparently, he never made that mistake again.

The girls both met Prowl when he accompanied Jazz for a visit. The mech had just landed on earth and had no idea how to react to the humans yet, so he was silent and observed whatever he could. Cold and calculated, that sounded right to Erin. It was odd how he seemed to be the polar opposite of Jazz, yet she almost always saw the two mechs together.

Mirage and Que arrived in quick succession. The former truly learned of Mrs. Lennox's reputation after he was criticized for ignoring her polite introduction. Ever the high caste gentlebot, he apologized and practically avoided the oddly terrifying organic ever since then. Erin could see a particular pattern with Mrs. Lennox's interactions with the 'bots. She could understand where their confusion was coming from. Ironhide had explained how, in their culture, femmes were considered the fiercest of their species, although they tended to be outnumbered ten to one by mechs. However, when the 'bots first land on earth, their main introduction to the human race is through their internet, which does not have a great track record for respecting women. Luckily, Mrs. Lennox was fully willing to set the record straight.

Que, unlike Mirage, was extremely friendly and asked constant questions. Most of which were about how to get along with humans. Apparently, the mech was excited to be friends with the local organics on earth. He would visit whenever a group of soldiers would come over for a beer and some peace. Then, the mech would regale them with stories of his most disastrous experiments, much to the amusement of the humans, and would listen intently as the soldiers told them about what a human's home life is like. Apparently, the mech's greatest wish was to experience a drive-in theater of all things. It was oddly endearing, listening to Mrs. Lennox describe Que like she would talk about a lively grandfather.

The twins were the most recent arrivals. Sideswipe was completely fascinated by Annabelle, but wouldn't get too close with Ironhide watching like a hawk. Sunstreaker was, expectedly, rude. The mech refused to speak with the 'femme meat-sac'. Before Mrs. Lennox could say anything, Ironhide stepped in. The two threw servos while Prowl escorted the girls to safety. That was also around the time the brig was installed.

"By the way, Ironhide," Erin addressed the mech, "what happened with Sunstreaker last night? Sideswipe said something about a fight."

"The mech needed to learn some respect, that's all." He huffed.

"If I remember correctly," Lenox interjected, "You only got one hit in. Way to show him who's boss." The man laughed at his friend's expense.

"Well I would have beaten the-uh" a quick glance between the Lennox girls occupied the 'bot's pause, "I would have done a better job, had Prowl and Jazz not intervened." Erin had an idea over what, or whom, the mechs had argued over. The way Ironhide seemed to check her over that morning for injuries had been a reasonable hint. The mech leaned in towards her, "Just let me know if he acts up in anyway, 'k?"

Erin nodded, "Yes, sir."

He faced to the side and muttered something in cybertronian. The electric whirring sounded dark and threatening.

Annabelle perked up and pointed a tiny finger at the mech. "Mom, Iwonhide said a bad word!"

"Did he really?" Mrs. Lennox smiled smugly at the mech, one hand brushing the snitch's hair. "Ironhide," she sung, "we talked about this."

The 'bot cats a betrayed glare down at the child.

Erin turned towards Captain Lennox who was snickering with a hand slapped over his mouth. "She can understand him?"

Ironhide answered for the man, who was busy with his giggling fit. "She has reasonable comprehension. The sparkling picked most of it up on her own." He seemed to welcome the distraction in conversation. "But I've started teaching her reading and writing as well. Unfortunately, she is incapable of speaking it."

"Is anyone on base learning Cybertronian?"

"No," Lennox answered, swallowing down the last bits of laughter, "Annabelle already knew quite a bit before we even realized, I guess it was from the exposure at a young age. It's a complicated language and with the 'bots being fluent in English, no one ever saw the point."

"In my experience, language creates mutual understanding. Expecting one side to handle full comprehension of the other, without sharing the burden, puts a strain on alliances." Erin reasoned.

He smiled back at her, "Jazz told me you spoke in Italian with Mirage, really caught him off guard and nearly shut him up. Are you really fluent?"

Erin nodded.

"Prowl said you speak multiple languages." Ironhide added.

"Well, aside from English and Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, French, Korean, and American Sign Language. I'm only partially fluent in Hindi, Arabic, Portuguese, Bengali, and Swahili."

"Seriously?" Lennox coughed after a tense pause. "How can you know so many?"

"Eight languages were spoken in the home I grew up in. Mastering each language is easier than the one before it. I only started learning Bengali two years ago but, amar maney hoy ami etter upar ecta handel peyechi।*."

Annabelle squeaked with laughter at her accent and the adults gushed over her. Ironhide just had a smug 'I was right all along' smile.

Mrs. Lennox was an impressive storyteller. Erin felt as if she knew each of the 'bots a bit better after the dinner. Something she didn't even know she would be interested in. Given her situation, though, it would be best if she at least tried to better understand them.

Erin helped clear the dishes and cleaned crumbs off the table. The Captain remained in the house to wash dishes while Ironhide entertained Annabelle in the lawn. The scene was so domestic, yet so odd. Erin could hardly believe it. Yet, she had experienced some odd things in her time since arriving on Diego Garcia. Earlier that week, she thought hearing Mirage condescendingly explain the intricacies of Cyber Fox hunting for two hours, in Italian of course, would be the weirdest thing she'd experienced. At least the Lennox's were far more entertaining. Honestly, had Jazz not distracted Mirage, she probably would have been forced to endure a few more hours. She didn't know what Jazz had said to the red 'bot, but from the look the saboteur gave her as she made her escape, it wasn't the reason for his interruption.

"Ironhide," Sarah Lennox appeared from around the corner of the house, carrying a black box in one arm and dragging a hose behind her, "How does a wash sound?"

The mech rumbled, "That would be greatly appreciated." He transformed into his top kick form as Annabelle happily squealed, 'bath time!', most likely to the embarrassment of the black mech.

It was one thing to wash a car, even a sentient one, but when that car was one's commanding officer, that was just weird.

Mrs. Lennox must have caught the bewildered look on Erin's face because she laughed as she started spraying the vehicle with the hose. Annabelle giggled and ran out of range. "I know it must seem strange to you, but bathing is a social thing for cybertronian."

"At least it was before the war." Ironhide added, a hint of sentimentality in his gravelly voice.

"Besides," the woman added, "humans are better at getting the hard to reach places."

The truck lowered on its tires, "And she's the best at it." Ironhide murmured, earning another shocked look from the soldier.

"Do you… uh" Erin tried to articulate a question, but it felt awkward in her mouth, "bathe the other 'bots as well?"

"A few," Mrs. Lennox hummed, "mostly Ironhide, though. But Jazz and Que come over often. Prowl sometimes joins Jazz."

So not the twins, Mirage, Wheeljack, or Prime. Erin suspected Arcee was on her list of visitors, by the way the woman paused mid-sentence. The rest was expected for Erin. She couldn't imagine them getting a wash from the human, social norm or not. Jazz probably had to coerce Prowl.

"Would you like to help?" the woman asked.

Erin considered the action. Giving her commanding officer a bath certainly was not how she thought she'd be spending the evening. But, if she was going to learn how to live with the 'bots, she might as well understand their social interactions. She nodded cautiously.

Mrs. Lennox smiled brightly, "Come, honey, I'll show you how it's done."

Erin received an in depth lesson on the art of washing a cybertronian. Apparently, it was more than just water, soap, water. She had to learn how to apply the soapy sponge, where to avoid and where to focus on, and even what soap to use on different parts of the frame. The woman had eight varieties! Annabelle also chipped in by scrubbing the rims. Erin felt awkward, but that feeling did not seem to transfer to the 'bot or woman with her. She just hoped she would be able to look Ironhide in the optic the next day. Overall, it was an interesting experience to say the least.

Translation:

* I think I've gotten a handle on it.

I know that many languages seems off, but I do know a girl who speaks six fluently!