Proving
A
Point
Under the duress of being found by one of my crazed fans – who shall remain nameless because they know who they are – I have decided to update.
Selena has Rafael's Cell Phone. Wondering what she plans to do? I don't think I should tell you. =^_^=. But because you guys love me so much and I love you, I will proceed with the fic. Okay let's see…
From the sky above the docked Decepticon ship, Starscream and Selena watched as the Autobots escaped from the Nemesis. Dashing through and out of the gorge, heading back to their base. All common sense told Starscream to pursue them. Monitor their movements, map out specific landmarks, and locate the whereabouts of their base. There was just one contingency preventing him from doing so.
"What are we waiting for?" Selena moaned. Her skin was losing its color with every sweat drop that beaded down her brow. The energy emitting Uranium Starscream had tucked in his glove compartment was sapping her strength. The lack of direct contact lessened the effects. But they still left her disoriented. "Let's get after them."
"Not before we dispose of the stone." He finalized. Starscream rotated and jetted off towards a mountainous region. Selena sneered her lip, growling in the back of her throat. "You are of no use to me or anyone in the state you're in." He explained the seriousness of her condition. "We must deal with the stone."
"Then deal with it!" Selena demanded, rising from the seat. "I have another engagement to attend to."
"I heard nothing of this." Starscream stated, feeling blindsided. "What does this engagement entail?"
"Proving a point." She said flatly. "Open up." She requested in a droning tone.
Starscream felt the temptation to argue. But something told him he would get anywhere. He came to a halt. "Contact me when you are finished." The cockpit popped open with a startling whoosh. Selena held her hat in place. "I'll have Soundwave send a ground bridge."
"Don't wait up." She stated flirtatiously, placing a foot on the ledge. Selena leaned forward, marveling at the 13,000 foot drop which teased her rushing adrenaline. "I plan to take in the afternoon breeze."
"Don't take in too much." Starscream chuckled mischievously. "Air isn't healthy for you adrenaline junkies."
"Yeah. Yeah." She waved off. With a quick salute, Selena pirouetted on the one foot and dove backwards, plummeting for the ground below. The roar of Starscream's engines reached her ears through the guts whistling past her ears. The veil the uranium cast left Selena. She flipped around, coming to a halt in dead air just in time to watch Starscream vanish beyond the clouds. "Hmph." She chuckled dryly. "I didn't know he cared."
Holding her palm to her forehead like a visor, Selena examined the quilted desert region. Miles of rocky cliffs, gorges, and the little town of Jasper were all displayed in a neat real life map. The city, its border, its landmarks – Selena felt like an all seeing deity. The young species of peons – human kind, half of which she out aged by several centuries – ignorant of her presence and unaware she was virtually watching them. How could she not feel like a god? Now to demonstrate her power.
Selena dug Rafael's phone from her cap. Looking through his contact list, she found the number labeled Home. Her thumb moved to OK and began the call. The thumb stopped, hovering an inch over the button. For a moment she stared dazedly to the number. All she would need to do was call the number, talk to whomever answered, and she would know where Rafael lived. Yet…for some reason…she couldn't bring herself to do it. To bring Rafael's parents into her mess…didn't seem right. Why let them know she was coming? Or involve them?
"I wonder…" Selena tapped her ear com, shedding the visor over her eyes. The mouth piece extended. "Scan." The visor displayed a global map to the command. She cocked an intrigued brow. "Location: United States - Jasper, Nevada." The globe tilted and rolled onto the US. A red ping dropped on Nevada and zoomed in. "Trace phone number: 1(775) ***-****." The number was entered. The scan zoomed in on homes in a residential sector of the city. It followed a numeric trail, weeding through the houses associated with the number. Location found. The Scouter texted. 24578 Rodeo CT. 100 miles from current location. A recollecting jolt shocked Selena. "I know that Neighborhood." She sat on the air, crossing her legs and scratching her chin pensively. "Quiet and serene. Perfect for Rafael." Selena scrolled through the rest of his contacts. Cousins, uncles, aunts…friends. "Hm?" A number of interest was found. Jack Darby. Selena smiled intriguingly. "What do you know?"
After a long day of fighting, battling, and struggling for survival, the Autobots were more than relieved to finally arrive safely back to the base. Fowler was laid on a hospital bed. His health was monitored by a heart monitor. The Energon that was inflicted upon him, the effects had subsided. However the lingering deliriousness would take a while to subside.
Ratchet's arm was trussed up in a metal sling. An injury he suffered from demolishing zombie Autobots Megatron resurrected with the Dark Energon. Bulkhead was scolded for allowing the children to tag along to a highly dangerous Decepticon war zone. The Wrecker apologized for his bungle, then Miko stated it was all her idea. They wanted to see Selena. Who, to the Autobots horror, the three children discovered was their sure-to-be former classmate. Optimus apologize for the lie. But it was necessary if it meant keeping them safe.
Jack was still having a panic attack. First Megatron, who is suppose to be MIA returns. Now Selena, who appears to be a normal teen but in reality is an alien from a far away planet, is out for blood against the Autobots and they were caught up in it.
"I gather it was Selena who injured you three severely." Optimus assumed.
"Yeah." Arcee answered dully. "She banged us up pretty good."
"What's worse is that she treats it like a game." Bulkhead stated in revulsion. "She's the only organic being I know who smiles while inflicting pain."
"It's called Sadism." Ratchet rumbled, self cursing himself. "Selena has been fighting, killing for so long…" he shook his head, dreading the images, "Her mentality has evolved to a point where it can only make her smile. Sadness isn't an emotion she can afford. Only anger."
"I still say she's one of those Villains with a heart." Miko partially disagreed. Optimus and Ratchet raised questioning brows. "Before this whole butt kicking battle began – totally awesome by the way," she fantasized, making Jack roll his eyes, "She opened a vent, wanting us to take cover."
^It's true!^ Bumblebee hooted. ^Selena even said she didn't want to involve them.^ Ratchet was taken aback by the news. ^Even when they showed up with the Uranium she didn't raise a hand to them.^
"Uranium?" Optimus questioned Miko, Jack, and Rafael. "How did you come across the material?"
"It was in the room we were locked in." Miko answered since she was the one who found it. "We found it and used it."
"And no the Cons aren't using it to control her." Jack added, disrupting Ratchet's chance to ask. "Selena made it more than clear she joined them of her own choice." He stated sadly. "And what was worse was if Raph hadn't been able to locate her, she would have killed Arcee, Bulkhead, and Bee."
"What became of the Uranium?" Optimus asked.
"Starscream persuaded me to hand it over." Arcee admitted shamefully. "Who knows what he's doing with it."
"How did you find Selena, anyway?" Bulkhead asked curiously.
"I tracked her with my phone and computer." He reached into his bag, recalling stuffing his computer and phone inside. "All I had to do was call her and…" his hand scrambled though the bag, "And…" fear rose in his voice. "Where is it?" He cringed.
^Where's what?^ Bumblebee asked.
"My phone!" He searched his pockets. "I can't find it!"
"Don't tell me you lost your phone." Miko whined exasperatedly.
Dread flowed over Jack. "Don't tell me you dropped it on the ship!" Rafael froze, confirming Jack's fear. Jack groaned miserably. "As if things weren't bad enough. Now we have to worry about Cons tracking you through caller ID!"
"Maybe we can make a run back for it." Bulkhead proposed. "I bet the Cons haven't relocated."
"You three are in no condition to make ANY sort of run." Ratchet reprimanded, seating Arcee on the sick bed. "Your wounds may be superficial but they are still severe."
^But we can't leave Raph's phone on the enemy ship.^ Bumblebee pleaded to Ratchet and Optimus. ^Who knows what they could learn?^
"I agree." Optimus spoke. Bumblebee could sense a but coming on. "But I'm afraid I must agree with Ratchet." Bumblebee dropped his head. "None of us are well enough to handle any further confrontation."
"Then what do we do about Raph's phone?" Miko stressed.
"I sincerely doubt the Decepticons have knowledge of human technology." Ratchet scoffed.
"But Selena does." Bulkhead informed him ominously. "And Cons are known to pick up on new tech fast." Rafael clawed his fingers through his hair. His stomach churned in sickly knots as he groaned glumly.
"Whoa! Whoa!" Miko halted the deliberation, already knowing where the subject was leading. "Now I can…agree," she air quoted sarcastically, "That Selena is a little off beat."
"A little?" Jack scoffed.
Miko shoved his face. "Not the point." She snarled. "Selena wouldn't rat us out to the Cons. She tried to help us." Rafael glanced to her solemnly. Not that he didn't agree…but…Selena…Selena just wasn't…the same.
Ring-ring-ring. Jack's phone rang. "We can receive calls?" He gasped.
"Security measures prevent calls from going out." Ratchet informed him. "Coming in is a different story."
"Who is it?" Arcee wondered.
"It's…Raph?" Bumblebee booped confusedly. Glancing to Rafael, he knelt down and poked the boy, making sure he was real."
"Cut it out. I'm real!" He snapped. "Someone's calling on my phone!" He panicked. Ratchet immediately jumped to the computer, scanning the area for Rafael's incoming call to Jack's cell phone.
^Must be the Cons!^ Bumblebee glared. ^Selena gave you up.^
"No." Raphael whimpered, unable to believe she would do something like that.
"I managed to isolate and locate the signal of your phone." Ratchet informed him, bringing up a map. "This is odd." He rumbled.
"What is?" Rafael asked. The ringing stopped.
"The call originated…from…" He narrowed down the search, "13,000 ft in the air…100 miles from Jasper?" From his tone, the bots and children could hear the astonishment he tried to suppress. "20 of those miles are west of the gorge where the Nemesis was located." Meaning the phone was no longer on the ship. Somewhat of a comfort. Now all that was left to determine was who had his phone. "From what I can gather the signal hasn't moved."
"If it was coming from the ship, wouldn't the signal be moving?" Bulkhead questioned factitiously.
^You would think. Yet the cell phone isn't moving.^
"Maybe it's not coming from the ship." Arcee assumed drearily. "I saw Starscream hovering around as we made our escape."
"Why would he waste his time calling us?" Ratchet rationalized. "He could have just followed you."
"Then what other explanation is there?" Arcee demanded he answered.
"Selena flies!" Miko cheered. "She zips all over the place."
"No way!" Bulkhead laughed. "An organic at that height!"
"She is no run of the mill organic, Bulkhead." Optimus reminded his tediously. "Magneetians can soar to amazing heights without complication."
^Then…that means…^ Bumblebee was interrupted by the phone ringing again.
Jack curled his fingers tightly around it, desperately wanting it to shut off. "What…what do I do?" He panicked.
"Come here." Ratchet scooped up Jack, placing him on the control panel. Ratchet quickly ran a program, receiving a green light. A phone hook emerged from a drawer in the panel. Jack walked along the panel, jumping to the metal platform. "Place the phone here." Ratchet instructed. Jack obliged. The phone immediately connected with Ratchet's server. "Go ahead and answer and put your phone on speaker. We'll be able to hear her. And if she's with a Con, they won't be able to ascertain our location."
Jack nodded. Taking in a deep, pressured breath, Jack swallowed a nervous lump and pressed the call button. His mouth opened, mind going blank, unable to think of a salutation. He looked to the bots for support. Arcee nodded to the apprehensive boy, giving him the go ahead to answer. Jack cleared his throat, making another attempt. "Heh…heh-heh-hello?" He face plamed himself, cursing himself for sounding so stupid.
A creepy maniacal giggle was heard on the monitor. The feed worked. "You sound as if you're answering a ransom call Jack." The voice mocked. Ratchet glared his eyes hatefully. It was Selena. "Or maybe you're more like that nerd eagerly awaiting the phone call from your cheerleader fantasy girl."
"You're not going to tell me you called in order to insult me!" Jack roared impatiently.
"I guess even aliens need a pointless quirk to fill their lives."
"We all have our quirks, Jack." She chortled cynically, sitting back in the imaginary airborne beach chair. "Sonic the Hedgehog eats chilly dogs, Mario and Luigi are mushroom and spaghetti fiends, and Daffy Duck is an obnoxious narcissist." She attempted to scan for Jack's cell. The search was incomplete. "Here's another one: My Scouter's unable to detect your Cell signal. Which leads me to believe Fowler when he said the bots were hiding in a Government Base." She heard Jack suck on his teeth nervously as he searched for a way to change the subject. Selena couldn't resist laughing. "One can only wonder how many bases are in Nevada." She narrowed her eyes, envisioning Jack's soon to be horrified expression. "But it must be close if you and the bots can drive instead of bridge."
"ENOUGH!" Jack roared. "WHY THE HELL DID YOU CALL ME?" He demanded. "With Raph's phone no less!"
"TSK, TSK Jack. No call for such language." Selena smirked charmingly, amused by his rage. She could hear the fear in his tone. He was still rattled by what transpired several deca minutes earlier. "Speaking of Raph, though, is he there?" She chimed. "He's actually the reason why I called."
"Why should we let you talk to him?" Arcee growled intensely. "What do you want from him?"
"Nothing." She answered simply. "I want nothing from him."
"Nothing?" Arcee scoffed bewilderedly. "What do you mean nothing?"
"For a highly advanced robot, Arcee, you're quite dense." Arcee bit her lip grudgingly. "I have the phone of a human of interest!" She stressed her point arrogantly. "If it were anyone else, this phone would be scanned and everyone on the list would be reduced to ash and the area around them!" Rafael gasped aloud, imagining his neighborhood noting but a pile of dust. Though it may have been a generalization of a harsh fact, Optimus and Ratchet could not help perceiving the statement as a threat. Bumblebee moved a protective foot in front of Rafael, edging it back as a sign for Rafael to stay back. The small spectacled boy touched a hand to him, wanting him to stop. By the look in his eyes, Rafael was considering talking to her. He wasn't going to deny his fear. But…she must have a legitimate reason for calling. "Now I'll ask again? Where…is…Rafael?"
Selena juggled her leg impatiently, tapping the phone as she waited for Rafael to come to the phone. Waiting for the boy to gain the courage to speak, Selena locked onto the Nemesis. The Energon in the ship's engine was at full capacity. They were ready to take off. I can catch up later.
Rapid warning blips alarmed from northeast. The target was 15,000 ft in the air, traveling at mach 2. It was registered as Cybertronian. Selena locked on to the incoming target. A wave of misery flushed through her. The incoming aircraft was a sickeningly familiar monstrous jet that she had the displeasure of flying in. Megatron! She snarled. His energy signature vanished beyond the gorge where the ship was located. She furrowed her brow suspiciously. I wonder where you've been all day.
"I'm here." Rafael's choppy voice came through, interrupting her train of thought. Selena's amusement faded. Rafael was shaken up too.
Distinctive whispers were heard clearly coming from the background. They had her on speaker. Selena licked her suddenly dry lips. "Hey there Raph," She greeted sincerely, "You should really learn to keep better track of your things."
"Yeah…uh…sorry about that."
"Don't be sorry." She waved off nonchalantly. "Trust me, I've lost my fair share of phones." She laughed, trying to lighten the mood. Obviously, by the lack of sniggers, she had failed.
"Selena uh…" Selena shifted uncomfortably. Rafael's unease was contagious.
Rafael fiddled with his fingers. Words jumbled in his brain like a game of scrabble. "Thanks uh…for finding my phone."
"No problem." Rafael exhaled heavily with relief."Just keep a better eye on it." She warned playfully. "Next time it may not be me that you speak with."
Ratchet slammed a fist into the wall, scaring the Rafael, Jack, and Miko. "Enough chatter!" He declared in a warmongering tone. "Why are you calling?"
Selena unleashed a shrill cackle. Chills ran down Ratchet's spine. She sounded like a psychopath. "Well, well Ratchet it's nice to here from you." She sang mockingly. "How's the scar? You and Agent Fowler share them in common." Optimus's eyes fell onto the bloodied Agent. "You should have heard him scream, Ratchet." She moaned climatically. "I get chills just from thinking about it. Reminds me of Vida when I pieced her apart." Blissful shudders sounded through the com.
Ratchet slammed his fist down again. "ANSWER ME, SELENA!"
Optimus slapped a hand to his shoulder, pulling the heated medic back. "Selena, what is the nature of your call?" He requested calmly.
"24578 Rodeo CT?" Rafael gasped aloud. Bumblebee glanced to him with a confused stare.
"Is that supposed to mean something to us?" Optimus rumbled defensively.
"It should. It's Rafael's house."
The entire base fell deafly silent. Miko and Jack brought their horrified attention to Rafael, fearing for him. Bumblebee had to kneel down and hold a hand behind the spectacled boy. His legs were about ready to give. "ALL LIES!" Ratchet broke up the silence. "My scanners show you are nowhere near the vicinity of Rafael's home!" He roared, stressing the issue as a means to calm the mood. "In fact you're about a hundred miles away."
"It would appear your old age has affected your processor Ratchet." Three consecutive taps were heard. "Starscream had my phone transformed into a Scouter." Ratchet's eyes widened fretfully.
"What's a Scouter?" Miko asked.
"It's similar to the scanners and com links we use." Optimus answered. "It's a unique headset which allows the user to communicate with others, detect oncoming signatures…"
"And apparently figure out where people live." Bulkhead finished heatedly.
"And all I had to do was follow a phone number." She bragged. Bumblebee revved ragingly. He stomped for the monitor, believing he could reach through and beat Selena senseless. Bulkhead held the young scout back, reminding him to remain calm. "I may not be able to locate you base, Prime, but I sure as Hell can locate the homes of Miko, Jack, and Rafael." And the two teens knew their numbers were on his phone. It may not have been their home numbers…but the idea she could find their homes scared them.
"YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY HOUSE!" Jack roared. Miko remained silent. Her host parents weren't her favorite people in the world. If they got a scare it would be the highlight of her life.
"Selena, why are you doing this?" Rafael begged to know. "Why did you scan my phone?"
"To prove a point." Rafael was dumbstruck silent. Before he could ask what she meant Selena hung up the phone, the signal disappearing.
Selena tucked the phone back under her beret. Moving strands of hair from her face she gazed to the small town, looking down upon it with amazement.
In just a couple of days, the lives of three human children - high school students - were so radically changed there were no hopes of normalcy ever playing a part. They could never live without shying away from a car or airplane fearing it was an Autobot or Decepticon. Their lives were irrefutably intertwined with a war…they weren't even aware was taking place. Just like me.
The biggest joke to Selena, though, was there were thousands upon hundreds of thousands more people unaware of what is truly transpiring around. Ignorant of the true world in which they live. A world where it is not only Selena, the Decepticons, and the Autobots who are in disguise.
To think just below her feet was an entire city, a state, ignorant of what was truly happening around them. Above them was a child of Magtora. With a flick of her wrist she could warp and mangle only building she chose, or implode any car she wished. Hiding among them were Autobots and Decepticons. Surreptitiously fighting a war on another planet with no significant ties to them. Besides Energon deposits. And around them – Jack, Miko, and Rafael included – were members of their own government committing yet another cover up for the sake of National Security. To think all it would take to unravel the strings of peace and sew in the threads of Chaos would be a sudden appearance from her or the Cybertronians.
"Ignorance is bliss." She recited judgmentally, holding a praying hand to her heart. "Thomas Gray, you couldn't possibly have the slightest inkling as to how right you were." A malevolent giggle chirped from blood hungry mouth. "Or how easy it would be to shatter it."
"Ratchet, can you locate Selena?" Optimus asked hopefully.
"No can do." The medic reported, running a series of tracking programs. "Unless she uses Rafael's Cell phone, she's in the wind."
"What about the Scouter?" Arcee proposed anxiously. "Can you track it?"
"I may be able to lock onto her Scouter's unique signal." He concurred with the anxious two-wheeler. "But because she has yet to utilize it to contact us directly, I'm basically committing a blind search."
"So then our next mission is to get her to call us." Bulkhead rumbled disappointedly. "PFT! That'll be easy."
^We could pretend she's won a cruise.^ Bumblebee joked.
"She's over 200 years old!" Ratchet exasperated derisively. "She knows that old trick!"
"Wait-wait a minute!" Jack sputtered in fright. "200! She's two hundred? I thought she was 18!"
"Magneetians age once every 15 years." Optimus explained calmly, wanting Jack to follow his lead. Jack, Miko, and Rafael's jaws dropped straight to the floor. "In human years she is 18. Magneetian wise she's exactly 270."
"Geeze." Miko scratched her head. "That's a lot of birthday candles."
"WHO CARES!" Jack boomed, startling the young girl. "I doubt that has anything to do about the point! " He referred to Selena's message. "What point was she talking about? What's she talking about?" He asked Optimus. "You know what! On second thought, I don't want to know what she meant! In fact…" He huffed scathingly, "I don't even want anything to do with ANY OF THIS!"
"What do you mean?" Miko scoffed. "This is like one of those old spy movies."
"Except it's not a movie, Miko! It's real life! And right now," he pointed to the monitor, "Selena, YOU VILLAIN WITH A HEART, just threatened Raph!" Miko's expression saddened. She looked to the distraught Rafael. "For all we know she could be heading to his house right now."
"OH MY GOD!" Rafael panicked. "I HAVE TO GET HOME!"
^I'LL TAKE YOU!^ Bumblebee volunteered excitedly.
"No." Optimus held the overly excited scout back. "Remain here until fully recovered, Bumblebee." He ordered, directing his command to Bulkhead and Arcee as well. "I shall accompany Rafael home." Rafael blinked in awe. Bumblebee was fast, and he loved riding in him. But something about riding with Optimus gave him a rush like a roller coaster at a fair. "Ratchet, open a bridge to the border of Jasper. We do not want civilians panicking." Ratchet nodded and proceeded to open a bridge. "Rafael…" The Spectacled boy snapped to attention, "Be prepared."
"For what?"
"Anything."
Evergreen, freshly mowed lawns adjoined to salmon and or beige colored homes lined the street in neat rows. Three foot hedges, each blossoming with their own category of flower, divided the homes. All cars were parked either in their garage or in the driveway. A couple had vehicles of guests parked out in the street. The street was somewhat closed in. To prevent oncoming cars from meeting in a collision, they were parked in the driveway. Over the doorways were name plaques of the families occupying the homes. Beware of dog signs were nailed to the backyard fence doors.
Optimus drove nonchalantly through the quiet streets. Rafael explained to the Prime he wouldn't stick out as badly as he may have believed. Trucks stopped and drove through his neighborhood all the time. Moving, delivery, owned – all types.
Stopping on Marmalade Rd, the street perpendicular to Rodeo CT, Optimus let Rafael off. They were three houses from Rafael's. If Selena was waiting for him, Optimus did not want to give her cause for alarm. He was not about to risk a battle in the middle of a residential area.
Rafael stood rooted to his spot next to Optimus. The mere thought of rounding the corner and discovering Selena waiting terrified him. "Do not fear." Optimus soothed him quietly. "The device imbedded in your vest will allow us to remain in constant contact." Rafael touched the pendant hiding beyond his vest. "If something is amiss I will attempt a rescue by any means possible."
"What about the others?" Rafael trembled.
"They are undergoing medical treatment. And the line is closed so they will not hear whatever happens." From what they could gather, Optimus and Ratchet were able to determine Selena's Scouter could not follow a line back to the base – phone or comlink, open or closed. But to be on the safe side Optimus kept the line closed. More for his team's sake than anything. He knew if they heard a battle they would leave the base and come for him. And they were in no shape to do so.
"Proceed." Optimus urged him. "I will be here."
Rafael nodded shakily. His legs mustered tiny half steps, the knees almost giving out. Then he managed to take normal strides. As he rounded the corner his house came into view. Rafael could not help looking up and down the streets, ensuring himself no one was going to sneak on him. So far nothing. He proceeded down the street, trying to keep his pace normal and not out of the ordinary. His neighbor's cars were absent from their driveways. Across the street, Mrs. Anderson's Chihuahua was digging at the window, barking at the air and anything that passed. He waved to passing by cars with friendly faces of which he knew. Slowly he began to relax.
"Ah Rafael, there you are." Rafael whipped around in fear. His fear quickly subsided. An old man with snow white hair and goatee hobbled to Rafael with a walking stick. He wore thick black sunglasses, protecting his sensitive eyes from the setting sun. It was Markel Johansson - his next door neighbor. "I was worried. You usually come home after school."
"Hello Mr. Johansson." Rafael greeted happily. "I was just…" he slapped his thighs, not knowing what to say, "Hanging out with some friends."
"Yes I met one of them." Johansson announced elatedly. "Lovely young lady. Nice too."
"Young Lady?" Optimus edged closer to the corner, bringing Johansson and Rafael into view.
"Yes." He reached into his pocket. Rafael's eyes widened when the old man produced his Cell Phone. "Asked me to return this to you."
"My phone!" He gasped. Rafael whipped around, his scared eyes roving over every inch of his block. Selena handed his neighbor his phone. How did she even know who Johansson was?
"Remain calm, Rafael." Optimus soothed him. "Though we cannot locate Selena via Scouter, my scanner can detect fluxes in the magnetic field." Rafael licked his dry lips. His nerves rattled. Optimus did not mention, however, Selena had to use her powers in order to find her. Regardless, that spike would be infinitesimal at best. He needed to stay focused.
"Is something wrong Lil' Rafael?" Johansson asked, getting to eye level.
"Yeah! Yeah!" Rafael shook his head, easing his tense mind. "Um…who…What young lady are you talking about?"
"The young Miss with the purple hair." Rafael's eyes flared fearfully. "Weird one she was." He pointed to Rafael's home. "She was just standing here, looking at your house as if she'd never seen one before." Rafael couldn't help glancing to and from Optimus, hoping the Prime heard what he did. "I asked her if I could help her with something. And in the sweetest and most polite manner she asked if I knew you."
"What…" Rafael swallowed an augmenting lump, "What'd you tell her?"
"I told her I've been your neighbor for years. That's when she gave me the phone."
"Do you know where she went?"
"Actually she's standing across the street there." Johansson pointed behind Rafael. "MISS SMITH!" Rafael twisted around. Optimus's headlights cocked to the left. Dread and self loathing flowed over him. Selena was standing only ten feet away and he didn't even notice her walk up. A malicious smile, a wolfish gaze – She was expecting Rafael to return home. What's worse, when she smirked to Optimus, she knew he would come with an Autobot. "Miss Smith I told you there was nothing to worry about." Johansson chortled lovingly, walking up with a restless Rafael. "Rafael would have come back."
"I couldn't help worrying." She responded with feigned sincerity, meeting them across the way. "When he dropped the phone I thought something happened."
"Well nothing did." He patted Rafael's on the back. "Now if you two will excuse me I have to return to my CSI." He tipped his fingers like a hat, "It's been a pleasure, Miss Smith."
Selena bowed her head. "Pleasure was all mine." With a farewell wave Johansson took his leave. Rafael and Selena waved goodbye, watching the old man vanish into his house. "You have some nice neighbors."
"Egh…I guess…" Rafael shrugged. "They have their moments, though."
"Everyone does." Rafael turned to face the bleak faced girl. "I confuse you, don't I?"
"No. You confuse Jack and Arcee. I'm only confused about what point you were trying to make."
"My point…Rafael…" the emotion left her tone, "Is the realization as to how deep in this situation you're truly in."
"Situation?"
"Do you know why I called you before I arrived to your house?" She quizzed him indifferently. "Or why I handed your phone to a neighbor and waited for you to arrive?" Rafael shrugged and shook his head no. Selena leaned down, coming to his level and making Rafael take a step back. "Because as of two days ago you have become part of a war. And in war," her attention fell onto Rafael's house and Mr. Johansson's, "those that you love tend to get involved one way or another."
"DON'T BRING THEM INTO THIS!" Rafael pleaded hoarsely. "Please Selena! I know you don't want to hurt innocent people!"
"You're right. I don't. But the Decepticons will."
"I don't-"
"I found your house in a matter of seconds, Raph! I arrived in minutes!" She blurted, stressing the severity of the situation. "Soundwave – the faceless eyes and ears of the Cons – could have done all that in seconds or milliseconds! And by the time you would have arrived this entire block would have been leveled into a parking lot!"
Rafael thought back to his first time seeing the Cons and Bots fight. From what he's also seen in the last two days, the Decepticons don't hesitate to destroy buildings around them. Whether or not humans are present, they destroy whatever they can touch. That's when he figured it out. "You called to get me away from the bots." He groaned gloomily.
Selena bobbed her head slowly. "I hoped I could dissuade you from returning to the bots. Just as you've tried with me and the Cons."
"Why?"
"Because 30 years ago I wasn't meant to be part of this war. And neither are you. But unlike me you still have a chance to get out." She glanced back to Optimus. "And the not-so-in-disguise Autobot there knows it."
Rafael lowered his gaze. Sadly he found truth in her words. This battle between Autobots, Decepticons, it didn't involve him in the slightest. After what happened on the ship, the canal where he raced his car, the gorge – Rafael felt he was ready to go into retirement and collect a pension for it. Jack made it clear he was ready to call it quits. Could anyone blame him? If today was an average day, one would scarcely imagine what hectic days were like. Of course Miko was going to stay. Any excuse to ditch school, she'd jump off a bridge with yarn as her bungee cord. But Rafael…Rafael felt…caught in the middle. He could leave and pretend like none of it happened. He could return to his normal life of school and family. Or he could continue associating with the Autobots, and spending time Bumblebee whom he has create a special bond.
"I'm staying." Selena cocked a brow. "With the Autobots – I'm staying." Rafael locked his hard brown eyes onto Selena. The Magneetian found herself intimidated. "I may be human…but I feel that I'm helping them by being their friend."
"Friends do help." Selena agreed diffidently.
"That's why I want to help you. We're friends."
"I know we are."
"Then why…" Rafael trailed off, shaking his head, not wanting Selena to answer. "Never mind. I know why. But…" He added before Selena could protest, "I hope that doesn't mean…you won't…I don't know…have a Sundae with me."
Selena laughed warmly. The gesture was cute. "I would like that actually." He smile faded. "But I'm afraid, as of right now, we'd have to take a rain check." She approached Rafael. The boy, feeling less intimidated, allowed Selena to come in close. She outstretched a loving hand and ruffled his hair. "Keep my number in your phone." She requested genuinely. "And tell Jack and Miko I said to stay out of trouble."
"I'll make sure to tell Miko." Rafael and Selena laughed heartily.
Selena's Scouter blipped four times. Touching her ear the visor expanded. With a picture, an emergency message from Starscream was begging to be put through. Answering, a warning message corresponded across her screen. "I'd better get back." She staggered back, feeling rushed. "Looks like I'm missed."
"Then…I'll see you…later?" He asked hopefully.
"Keep my number!" Selena called back, running down the sidewalk. "We'll talk later." Rafael smiled brightly. Miko was right. Selena was a villain with a heart of gold. As she rounded the corner, Selena stopped next to Optimus. A dull sparking glare was directed to him. His face may have been obscured, but Selena could feel his eyes meeting hers. "They are now your responsibility." She warned with a monotonous tone. "As such…" a malicious smile crept across her lips, "Any harm that befalls them is on your hands." She licked her lips. "I guess that's one way to make Ratchet sweat."
Optimus severed the ear wig link, preventing Rafael from hearing. "Your behavior may be enigmatic to some," The Prime stated beforehand, ignoring the threat, "But I see through your mask."
"Do you now?" Selena mused. "Then by all means, continue." She dared him to continue playing psychoanalyst.
"You truly care for the children. You may scare them as a point to assuage their involvement. But will not use them as a means to an end."
"True, I won't use them." She waved apathetically. "But I will get rough should they continue to test me." Optimus kept his cool as the Magneetian's hostility rose. "I'm lenient for the most part, Optimus. But my patience does wear thin." A quick threatening glow flickered in her eyes. "Magda forbid that ever happens."
"Are you insinuating that it will?"
"With the way events are playing out I'm more likely to be a child on Christmas." She cooed childishly. "But if I see those kids again, Prime," she slapped a hand to Optimus's door. The Prime grunted and snarled, trying to suppress his pain as Selena slowly created a hand indentation in his armor. "You'll experience first hand the full extent of my wrath." Her hand slid down the body, stretching the palm print. Energy gathered at her feet. Selena rocketed from the ground, jetting to the clouds.
Optimus waited until Selena vanished from eyesight, then drove around the corner to check on Rafael. Seeing as it was getting late, Optimus decided to leave Rafael home. He did, however, choose to linger around for an hour or two. He needed double insurance Selena nor the Decepticons were going to make a second appearance.
Megatron has returned from his self employed mission. He is quite peeved about our renegade operation involving the kidnap of Agent Fowler. We are near your position. Get airborne and await our arrival. ETA: 10 MINUTES!
Selena hovered above the clouds, resting upon them as she catnapped to pass the time. The cool mist of he clouds splashed gently onto her sweat worn face, easing the overwrought muscles contributing to the throbbing headache pounding on her skull. A goodnights sleep will be her one saving grace from the long day.
Roars from a monstrous engine stirred her from her sleep. Selena peeked through an eye. Rather than be greeted by the pleasantness of the setting sky, Selena was blinded by a giant dark purple colored airship. "And so my good time ends." She dreaded tetchily. An under hatch grazed opened, inviting her inside. "Time to face the music."
Megatron tossed and beat Starscream senseless into the bottom floor of the bridge, cursing his 2nd for disobeying his orders. Not only was he defiant, but he was also the cause for the severe damage to his ship. Not to mention allowing the Autobots to escape with his only remaining chunk of uranium – his only means of absolute control over Selena – unacceptable. He was ordered to await Megatron's command. To be on standby until Megatron said otherwise. No. Starscream went a-wall and acted on his own, and may have forever ruined his plans.
Starscream bagged for his forgiveness, swearing up and down he only had his Master's best interests at heart. He merely wished to do away with Optimus. Make the earth easier for him to conquer, and then soon after the entire universe.
Megatron slammed a foot into his rebellious Commander's face, crushing him into the floor. Optimus was his rival, his to offline. No one else may steal away his long awaited victory. Not Starscream. Not Selena. "NOT ANYONE!"
"Uhh…" Grinding the ball of his foot into Starscream, Megatron turned and lifted his attention to the upper platform. Selena was on her hands and knees, leaned over the ledge. Fear lighted her face as Megatron bore his rage filled eyes into her. "I see mom is being punished by dad." She laughed nervously. Starscream edged his face from beneath the crushing foot, displaying his glaring eye, offended by being referred to as mom. Selena pointed a thumb to the door, "I'll just be on my way…" she crawled for the exit, "And…"
"GET DOWN HERE THIS INSTANT!" Megatron boomed commandingly.
"DUH! YES SIR!" She scrambled down to him, hovering with her hands folded submissively. He still wore the uranium. "Yeees oh wise leader of ours." She brown nosed, batting her eyes. With a beastly roar, Megatron backhanded Selena into a wall beneath the platform. The wall caved in. The Eradicons cringed and groaned, feeling the impact. Selena collapsed to the ground with a painful thud. Megatron bared his teeth in a blood thirsty sneer. "Okay…" She coughed, pushing up on her elbows, "I can admit it…" She spat blood onto the floor, "I probably…deserved that."
"Probably?" Megatron hummed outrageously, taking his foot from Starscream. The Seeker heaved with relief. But an overwhelming sense of fear filled his spark. Selena was in Megatron's line of fury. "Try undoubtedly!" He growled, trudging for her. "You allow Autobots onto my ship, children to run rampant, allow yourself to be outmaneuvered and outsmarted by said children and Autobots!" Selena felt arrows of failure strike every inch of her ego. "And now you vanish without a trace, and minutes later your Scouter signal is detect near that of an Autobot? Not just any Autobot." Megatron pinched the back of her shirt, hoisting her up like a cat by its neck. "But…OPTIMUS!" His blustering breath knocked her beret to the floor. His breath reeked of rust and oil…and a hint of coolant.
"Yeah…" Selena whipped the fowl smell from her face, "I guess that looks pretty bad."
"YOU…GUESS?" Megatron whipped her around and back into the wall. "You're a Magneetian!" Selena fell back into the floor again. "A wielder of magnetism! They all should have been putty in your HAND!" He stomped his foot down unto her, grinding her into the floor. Starscream watched in horror, covering his eyes. "But instead you allow three small children to get the better of you AND YOU RETREAT!" He stomped again, burying Selena further into the floor. A shield of kinetic energy built on her back, reducing the pain. If only that piece of Uranium weren't in his hand. "I should crush you like the worthless, wretched insect that you are."
"If I…was so…worthless," Selena stiffly twisted her head, aiming her defiantly smirking gaze to the fuming Decepticon Leader. Blood fell down her brow. "You wouldn't…have asked…for my aide…LORD MEGADICK!" Megatron roared and stomped on her again.
"LORD MEGATRON! WAIT!" Starscream implored him. "SHE MAY STILL SERVE A PURPOSE!" Megatron lightened his foot, glaring to his 2nd. Selena glowered to the seeker through blood stained eyes. What is he doing? "What I mean, in the utmost respect My Lord, is that I have a secondary plan that will put your plans back on course." Megatron raised an intrigued brow, a half smile creeping to his lips. "But they will require Selena."
Megatron removed his foot from Selena as he trudged to Starscream. The crushed Magneetian coughed heavily, hacking up residual blood lingering in her mouth. Drying the remaining blood on her lip on her wrist, Selena glared vengefully to Megatron, and then gazed appreciatively to the Seeker.
Megatron grasped onto Starscream's neck, lifting him so he could see into the devilish eyes of his Master. "Explain Starscream…quickly."
That's all for now. I'm moving to one of my other fics. I will be back soon.